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Post by bluetornados on Oct 12, 2023 19:23:35 GMT
Rugby World Cup 2023: Levani Botia on Fiji's quarter-final against England..By Becky Grey, BBC Sport in Marseille.
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Levani Botia is competing at his third Rugby World CupWhen Fiji's Levani Botia was young, he would climb mountains to watch his country play rugby. That is not a metaphor. Growing up, Botia had a generator for electricity at home and would haul it to a high spot in search of reception for his television. Knowing that many Fijians would do the same and more to watch him take on England in a World Cup quarter-final on Sunday, Botia is not short of motivation. "Rugby is like something that goes through our blood, it does not matter your age," he says. "We just climbed the mountain." Now known as the 'Demolition Man', Botia's journey to becoming one of his team's star players has not always been straightforward. He was working as a prison officer and went from playing on the wardens' team to becoming part of Fiji's sevens squad. The now 34-year-old made the switch to 15-a-side at the end of 2013 and joined French club La Rochelle the following year, helping them to promotion and sticking around ever since. "I think that's what rugby gave to me, it took me somewhere I didn't expect to be," reflects Botia. "I didn't expect to be working in a prison. It's something that helps me on the rugby field. I know when things are hard, I think about when I started." Fiji forwards coach Graham Dewes - whose late try against Wales helped Fiji to their last World Cup quarter-final in 2007 - praised Botia's poaching ability. "The good thing about Levani is, it's very important but he picks and chooses," Dewes explains. "It's not like he attacks the ruck every time. When the opportunity arises, the Demolition Man will probably be there." Botia played down his talents, adding: "What I do in the field, people say it's hard, but nothing's hard. Anyone can do that. "If you play rugby you can do it, it's not difficult." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/EA92/production/_131405006_gettyimages-1661444716.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 12, 2023 19:26:45 GMT
Rugby World Cup 2023: New Zealand drop Mark Telea for Ireland game..
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Mark Telea scored two tries against Italy and once in the opening-night defeat against France at the World CupWinger Mark Telea has been dropped by New Zealand for Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland over a breach of team protocol. Leicester Fainga'anuku will take the 26-year-old's place on the wing. "He breached protocol, nothing major but it kept him out of selection," said head coach Ian Foster. When asked about the specifics of Telea's omission, Foster added: "It says volumes about what we stand for and speaks volumes for the team. "It happens, it is what it is. It was pretty clear cut and I do not want to talk about it any more."# ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/15C2/production/_131407550_inpho_02328163.jpgNew Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Fainga'anuku; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane, Savea. Replacements: Coles, Williams, Newell, Whitelock, Papali'i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 14, 2023 21:53:35 GMT
Wales 17-29 Argentina: Pumas seal World Cup semi-final spot with victory in Marseille..By Gareth Griffiths, BBC Sport Wales in Marseille.
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Argentina will face New Zealand in the semi-finalsArgentina ended Wales' World Cup journey following an enthralling quarter-final in Marseille. Wales started brightly with a 10-point lead before Argentina responded with four Emiliano Boffelli penalties. Tomos Williams restored Wales' lead with a brilliant effort before two late tries from Joel Sclavi and Nicolas Sanchez sealed the win. The Pumas face New Zealand in the semi-final in Stade de France in Paris next Friday. Wales' defeat swung on a controversial decision by English referee Karl Dickson who had replaced Jaco Peyper early on in the game after the South African official suffered a calf injury. Wales were leading 17-12 when Argentina lock Guido Petti's shoulder caught the head of Wales centre Nick Tompkins at a ruck. Dickson decided Petti's action was legal and gave no sanction and Pumas prop Sclavi went on to score to give Argentina a 19-17 lead. Tompkins was forced to go off to have a head injury assessment (HIA) which meant a limping Dan Biggar had to move to centre with fly-half Sam Costelow coming on. With Wales chasing the game, Sanchez intercepted a Costelow pass to sprint away to score and added a late penalty to rub salt in the wounds and send Warren Gatland's side home. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1439B/production/_131434828_cdf_141023_cf_wales_v_argentina_129-1.jpgKarl Dickson and Nick Tompkins Wales wing Josh Adams escaped without a yellow card in the first half for a shoulder charge. Wales had a late chance to clinch victory, but following a Rio Dyer break, Louis Rees-Zammit was denied in the corner by a brilliant Matias Moroni tackle. It was a chaotic game with the numbers of Wales' players peeling off their shirts in the first half and they have now fallen out of the tournament. The Pumas were ecstatic and deserved victory as they sealed a second World Cup semi-final in France to follow up their achievements in 2007. Line-ups
Wales: L Williams; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; G Thomas, Elias, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Morgan (capt), Reffell, Wainwright. Replacements: Lake, Domachowski, D Lewis, D Jenkins, Tshiunza, T Williams, Costelow, Dyer. Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Cubelli; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa. Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni. Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa) ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11C8B/production/_131434827_gettyimages-1735387205.jpgWarren Gatland has guided Wales to four successive World Cup quarter-finals
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 14, 2023 21:58:47 GMT
Ireland 24-28 New Zealand: All Blacks break Irish hearts and set up Argentina semi-final..By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI at Stade de France.
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Defeat marks a devastating end to Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's careerIreland's World Cup dream was ended by New Zealand for the second tournament in a row as the All Blacks deservedly beat their rivals in Paris to set up a semi-final against Argentina. As the world's top-ranked team, Ireland were fancied to at least reach the semi-finals for the first time but Andy Farrell's side failed to break their quarter-final curse on another heartbreaking night against the All Blacks in the World Cup. Defeat also brings the curtain down on the career of Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who cut a dejected figure at full-time as the agony of one last knockout defeat took over. New Zealand, however, remain on course for a fourth title as tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea and Will Jordan helped them set up a last-four meeting with the Pumas at Stade de France on Friday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/112D1/production/_131435307_gettyimages-1735788583.jpgIreland's tries came through New Zealand-born players Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park, and a penalty try, but there was to be no dramatic late comeback despite being roared on by the loud Irish contingent of the 78,845-strong crowd. New Zealand had two players - Aaron Smith and Codie Taylor - yellow carded but Ian Foster's side were able to withstand pressure and exact revenge after losing last year's Test series to the Irish on home soil. It was another absorbing entry into this great rivalry, and while Ireland pushed for a match-winning try right to the end, it was the New Zealand players with their arms in the air at full-time after a herculean defensive effort as those in green collapsed to the pitch in devastation. Defeat ends both Ireland's 17-match winning run and their hopes of emulating England's 2003 team by winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and World Cup double. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/7E61/production/_131435323_gettyimages-1735854892.jpgSavea celebrated his 30th birthday in style with a try and a superb performance
Line-ups
Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris. Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, McCarthy, Conan, Murray, Crowley, O'Brien. New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Fainga'anuku; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea. Replacements: Coles, Williams, Newell, Whitelock, Papali'i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown. Referee: Wayne Barnes (Eng)
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 14, 2023 22:07:28 GMT
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JeffNZ
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Post by JeffNZ on Oct 14, 2023 22:20:46 GMT
WOW! IRE v NZL... how intense was that? A classic game that will live long in the memory.
Now as for Stuart Barnes... what a merchant banker!
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 5:59:41 GMT
Ireland 24-28 New Zealand: 'That's life' - Johnny Sexton's dream World Cup ends in heartbreak..By Andy Gray, BBC Sport NI.
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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says Johnny Sexton is "probably the best ever player to play for Ireland"Captain Johnny Sexton says Ireland "fell short" as his rugby career came to an end in a heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat by New Zealand. The All Blacks edged an epic match 28-24 in Paris to set up a semi-final with Argentina. Sexton will now retire as Ireland's record points scorer but he could not lead his side to a first last-four tie. "You've got to work hard for fairytale endings and we didn't get it but that's life," said an emotional Sexton. Ireland went into the match as narrow favourites against New Zealand after a perfect record at their World Cup. However, the All Blacks, who lost their opener to France, opened up a 13-point lead at the Stade de France to put Ireland on the back foot. Ireland hit back to trail by one point at half-time, but Will Jordan's superb score and Jordie Barrett's penalty put the Kiwis in control and, although they came close, Andy Farrell's side could not break their quarter-final hoodoo. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/4FE5/production/_131435402_inpho_02351855.jpg"I'm very proud of the boys, the nation, we couldn't have done any more, it's just fine margins," added Sexton, who made his Ireland debut in 2009. "They sucker-punched us on a few tries and that's what champion teams do. We knew they were a great side and we fell just short unfortunately. "It's been amazing. This six weeks has been a dream - this group, these fans and I'm just gutted we couldn't do it for them. "We left no stone unturned, we ticked every box, trained the house down, and played pretty well tonight. "But fair play to the All Blacks." Ireland head coach Farrell says he was "unbelievably proud" of his team and he paid tribute to Sexton, adding he "can't do it justice quickly". "First and foremost he's an outstanding human being," Farrell said, adding that long-serving wing Keith Earls will also retire from the sport. "He's probably the best ever player to play for Ireland and when you're 38 and playing your best rugby, it says a lot about the man. "I'm unbelievably proud of the group, everyone that's been involved over the last couple of years. That was one hell of a game and somebody had to lose - unfortunately it was us tonight."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 12:28:36 GMT
Rugby World Cup: England have chance to right wrongs against Fiji..By Becky Grey, BBC Sport in Marseille,
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England lost 30-22 to Fiji at Twickenham in AugustJamie George's words during the week may well be ringing in the ears of England fans in Marseille this weekend. The England hooker was talking about the chance to make amends for a first defeat by Fiji in August during Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against the same opponents. That is not the only wrong England have the chance to put right in Marseille. They have a golden opportunity to steady an increasingly shaky ship. There are some who would say reaching a World Cup semi-final on the kinder side of one of the most unbalanced draws in the tournament's history would be papering over the cracks. Others would say a World Cup semi-final is a World Cup semi-final. One of the many things on the line on Sunday is head coach Steve Borthwick's team-selection credibility. Starting Marcus Smith at full-back for only the second time in his international career seems uncharacteristically risky in such a high-stakes game. Borthwick backed up his decision to start captain Owen Farrell at fly-half over George Ford, describing the Saracens skipper as "one of the best leaders I have ever met". "He's the kind of guy you'd want to go on the field with," Borthwick added. Whether he is the kind of guy who can orchestrate England's attack to score enough points to beat Fiji will be revealed on Sunday. Cramming fly-halves Smith and Farrell into the same starting backline is symptomatic of one of England's greatest challenges this World Cup cycle. It is a side with individual brilliance unable to work out how to convert that into collective success. For this weekend, World Cup winner Matt Dawson says the selection does not matter too much."There are a lot of players that could be in that England backline and I think England would still win the game," he said on the Rugby Union Daily podcast. "It might not be pretty, but I think they'd win the game. "My own view is that I think George Ford is owning the way that England play at the moment. It's a much bigger picture for me. If England were building anything, it was with Ford at 10." Dawson believes that loss was down to Fiji moving away from their usual exciting brand of rugby. "It really worried me that they didn't play how they should just naturally play against Portugal," he said. "I think they've got every chance against England by doing what they've done for the previous six weeks." Motivation abounds on both sides. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1772B/production/_131434069_gettyimages-1723913032.jpg'The last dance' has almost become a catchphrase for an England side bursting with players for whom this could be the last game for their country. Fiji are aiming to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time and carry the full weight of a nation's hopes on their backs. There has been heartbreak too. Josua Tuisova lost his seven-year-old son and weeks later Sam Matavesi returned to England following the death of his father. Both have been named in Sunday's matchday 23. Fiji's Botia has described it as "a lifetime game". England prop Joe Marler said: "We want to give this our all and finish on a high." Losing for England would be yet another hammer blow in a tumultuous few years for the Rugby Football Union, with poor results in the Six Nations and previous coach Eddie Jones sacked less than a year ago. Victory for Fiji would be history. "The players are embracing the challenge and they are going to rise it," said Borthwick. "These are big players who perform in the big games." Line-ups
England: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence. Fiji: Droasese; Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata. Replacements: Matavesi, Ravai, Doge, Derenalagi, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Masi, Maqala. Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 12:39:11 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 22:17:32 GMT
England 30-24 Fiji: Owen Farrell's boot seals Rugby World Cup semi-final spot..By Becky Grey, BBC Sport at Stade Velodrome, Marseille.
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Manu Tuilagi scored his first England try in nearly two years in the first halfOwen Farrell's boot took England to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a narrow victory against Fiji in Marseille. England led comfortably by 14 points with 15 minutes remaining, when Fiji's Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu both crossed in a frantic four minutes to level the score at 24-24. Farrell, whose name was booed when the team was announced in the stadium after he was chosen over George Ford to start at 10, vindicated his selection as his drop-goal made it 27-24 with eight minutes remaining. Another Farrell penalty in the 78th minute gave England slightly more breathing room. Nerves were high when Farrell's deliberate knock-on gave defiant Fiji a penalty with the clock in red, but England won the ball on the floor for a memorable victory. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/CD0D/production/_131439425_gettyimages-1737402856.jpgAfter Ireland and Wales lost, England are the last home nation in the tournament and will now face holders South Africa on Saturday in a repeat of the 2019 final. The Springboks will pose a significantly greater challenge for an England team who enjoyed their best performance of the tournament so far after a turbulent 2023. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11B2D/production/_131439427_gettyimages-1737443936.jpg
Thousands of fans crossed the Channel to support England in Marseille
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Vilimoni Botitu's try brought Fiji to within two points of England before Frank Lomani's conversion levelled the scoresEngland head coach Steve Borthwick on captain Owen Farrell: "He is a fantastic leader. He is the kind of leader I know I would want to follow on to the pitch. I think he is a brilliant player who thrives in the contest and especially in these big occasions he just gets even better. "We are very fortunate to have Owen as a player in this team and as our leader. He should feel very proud of his performance and the way he led the team." England captain Owen Farrell: "It was what we expected. Fiji are a tough, tough team that can turn it on in the blink of an eye. I thought we started the game really well but we always knew Fiji were going to have some good patches and they did. "To find a way to win and get through to the semi-finals is a big step forward but we know we have plenty of work to do." England flanker Ben Earl, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is one of the best days of my career, I've not had a feeling like that at the end of the game, just huge relief." "I am so pleased for the group and certain individuals. We owe it to them to keep playing another couple of weeks in the England shirt. I want to make the most of playing with Courtney Lawes, Owen Farrell and Dan Cole. These guys are greats of the game, never mind just English rugby." England's 2003 World Cup winner Matt Dawson on Radio 5 Live: "Fiji's players are heartbroken. They gave it their best shot without a question. "England were magnificent in that first half and all in all that was the best England performance in a number of months. "England were tight and committed. Fair play to them." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/181E9/production/_131439789_gettyimages-1737440167.jpgLine-ups
England: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence. Fiji: Droasese; Habosi, Nayacalevu (capt), Tuisova, Radradra; Botitu, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere, Tagi, Nasilasila, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Botia, Mata. Replacements: Matavesi, Ravai, Doge, Derenalagi, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Masi, Maqala. Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 22:34:01 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 15, 2023 22:39:18 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 16, 2023 13:53:13 GMT
Rugby World Cup 2023: Ireland 'gutted we couldn't do it for Johnny', says Jack Conan..By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI in Paris.
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This was another painful World Cup experience for Conan, whose 2019 tournament in Japan was ended early by injuryIn the wake of such a devastating defeat, it can be hard for players to gather their thoughts. Conan had no such issue, however, as he reflected on Ireland's journey and Johnny Sexton's legacy barely an hour after New Zealand had consigned them to yet another quarter-final defeat. Conan made his Test debut in 2015. He has lost big games for Ireland and Tests with the British and Irish Lions. With Leinster he has lost European Cup finals, but nothing compares with this. "I've lost a lot of big games in my career to this date but this is definitely the toughest one to take," said the 31-year-old, who missed the first three games of Ireland's World Cup campaign through injury. "To just have not done right by the effort that has been put in the last few years by the coaching staff, the players and the travelling support. People have made the effort to come over here and it is incredible. "It's not lost on us, how much sacrifice people made to come and support us. Whether you were here or at home, it has meant the world to all of us and it's something we spoke about a lot." Conan also spoke well about his former Leinster team-mate Johnny Sexton after a devastating end to the Ireland captain's career. "We're genuinely just gutted that we couldn't do it for them and that we couldn't do it for Johnny, someone who deserves so much for the sacrifices he has made, for the player he is, the man he is and the leader he is, " said Conan. "He has been everything that has been good about Irish rugby for nearly two decades and to not give him the send-off that he deserves is probably the hardest thing to take. "He is how we measure ourselves, he is the standard-setter, he is the leader, he is an unbelievably good bloke on and off the pitch. It might be lost on people at times, but he cares more than any player I have ever met in any sport I have seen." To Conan, Sexton is the greatest to ever pull on an Ireland jersey. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/15E49/production/_131437698_gettyimages-1724450418.jpg"He cares so much and he sacrifices so much and it doesn't feel right that we couldn't do it for him," he said. "In my eyes, he is the greatest Irish player of all time for what he has done and it's been an incredible joy of mine to play with him for so many years and to have been in so many dressing rooms with him. "It's just not right that we couldn't do better for him." Reflecting on what Ireland have achieved over the last couple of years, Conan said: "You can't take away what this squad has done. "So many firsts. First Test match victory in New Zealand, first Test series win in New Zealand, first Grand Slam at home, there's been so many firsts, and it's been a joy to be a small part of it along the way. "I wouldn't trade anything for what we've been through as a squad. It's tough to say now but you'd have to think that we'll be better down the line. "There'll be new faces and new people coming in who will get opportunities to push us forward and I'm hoping I can be a part of it and go on to achieve more, because it's the greatest joy in my life to pull on this jersey and wear it for the people that helped me to get here to this stage. "There's just so much more in the squad and the people."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 16, 2023 13:57:52 GMT
Peter O'Mahony unsure if he will play on for Ireland after World Cup exit..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/7E4E/production/_131443323_mediaitem131443322.jpgVeteran flanker Peter O'Mahony says he is undecided over his international future after Ireland's latest quarter-final exit at a World Cup. Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls have already retired from Ireland duty after Saturday's heartbreaking 28-24 loss against New Zealand in Paris. O'Mahony acknowledged that the defeat had an "end of an era" feel. "Will I come back? We'll see," said the 34-year-old Munster man, who won his 101st cap against the All Blacks. "It's tough one to take, as a lot of my friends won't be back so I've a contract to the end of the year and we'll see how we go after that." O'Mahony was one of 17 members of his country's 33-man squad aged 30 or over but he insisted that Irish rugby still has a healthy future given the young talent available to coach Andy Farrell. "There's a great group of young players there," added the British and Irish Lions player. "Lots of players who aren't here but who were in our squad can step up to the plate as well. I've no doubt this team will have left Irish rugby in a better place. "We've achieved a huge amount - there's no other way of putting it. "There's disappointment, obviously, but I think we can be proud of where we've left the jersey." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F37E/production/_131443326_mediaitem131443325.jpgPeter O'Mahony (right) and Ireland team-mate Finlay Bealham after Ireland's defeat by New ZealandAn historic Test series victory in New Zealand last year had helped Ireland go into the tournament as the globe's top-ranked team but after hopes soared following a pool win over world champions South Africa, the Irish fell at the quarter-finals stage for the eighth time in 10 World Cups. Asked about the departures of skipper Sexton and his Munster colleague Earls, O'Mahony replied: "It's tough to lose these guys in these tough circumstances. I've spent a lot of time with himself [Earls] and Johnny obviously. "Probably every one of my caps had one or two of them in it, if not all of them. It's tough to lose fellas like that - big characters, big players for us. "It is the end of an era. You've a group of senior players who are moving on. There's no other way of putting it. "There's a group of guys who won't play for Ireland again who've had an incredible impact on Irish rugby."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 16, 2023 14:08:18 GMT
Dan Biggar: Wales' retiring fly-half predicts bright future after World Cup exit..By Gareth Griffiths, BBC Sport Wales.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1239D/production/_131435647_cdf_141023_cf_wales_v_argentina_133.jpgDan Bigger holds his head in a hand as dejected Wales leave the field in MarseilleRetiring fly-half Dan Biggar feels Wales' future is bright after his Test career ended following an agonising World Cup exit. Biggar bowed out in Marseille as hopes of reaching a third World Cup semi-final in the last four tournaments were ended by Argentina. Quarter-final qualification occurred after Wales won one Six Nations game. "If you had offered us this five months ago, we would have snapped your hand off," said Biggar. Argentina ensured no there was no fairy-tale finish for Biggar, posting a 29-17 victory that took them to Paris and a semi-final appointment with New Zealand on Friday. Biggar remains enthused by the squad he leaves behind, with head coach Warren Gatland having already started an impressive transformation process following last season's Six Nations misery. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A201/production/_131437414_cdf_141023_cf_wales_v_argentina_082.jpgFly-half Dan Biggar marked his final game in a Wales shirt with a try in the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final loss to ArgentinaIn contrast, Wales enjoyed an unbeaten march through their World Cup pool which included a record 40-6 win against Australia and 19 match points collected from a possible 20. Biggar admits there will also be regrets about losing to the Pumas in a last-eight encounter they could have won but insists it has been a positive tournament. "It shows how far we've come in that time we're all totally gutted at going out, especially as we had a great chance of making another semi-final," said Biggar, who turns 34 on Monday. "I think deep down we all feel we were a little bit better here than just quarter-finalists. "We'd all love to have the last 45 minutes of this game again, because I'm sure there would be a different outcome. "Looking at it from a broader perspective, from the point we were at after the Six Nations, we've stepped up. And I've got no doubt this squad is going to do good things in the future. "There's tons of energy and passion in this group, and they've got a great coaching team behind them. "They will flourish in the environment Warren Gatland has created, so the future is bright for Welsh rugby." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/171BD/production/_131435649_cdf_141023_cf_wales_v_argentina_061.jpgWarren Gatland has been head coach of the British and Irish Lions on 3 occasionsichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/604D/production/_131435642_gettyimages-1735532309.jpgJac Morgan consoles Sam Costelow (right) after Wales' World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina"I sat Sam down and told him to forget what just happened and to make this team his own going forward," said Biggar. "I told him my time is over - this is your time, so make it count. I'm sure he will because he's a huge talent, with a bit of genuine X factor about him. "He can develop into a real leader, and I'm excited about what the future holds for him. "I have got no doubt they will achieve some good things if they keep the squad together and allow boys like Sam some time in that 10 seat, and allow him to drive it and make it his team." The tournament also saw further progression for players such as squad co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, Exeter forwards Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza, and Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit. "This young group have driven standards and pushed us to keep going," said Biggar. "A strong core of players will have learned so much from this experience, and they will know that they have got the talent to rub shoulders with the best of the best." Gatland is in the early phase of a five-year contract during a second stint as Wales boss, although that will be assessed after this World Cup. Attention will soon turn to next year's Six Nations, while Wales also have a fixture against the Barbarians on 4 November. Japan-bound full-back Liam Williams is also unavailable for the Six Nations, and it remains to be seen if any players follow Biggar into international retirement. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13E41/production/_131437418_hi088691228.jpgWales fly-half Dan Biggar was joined by his children on the pitch after the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final loss to ArgentinaBiggar won 112 caps during a 15-year career at the top and will continue to play club rugby for Toulon in France. He also scored more than 600 points for Wales and was the team's tactical controller and spiritual heartbeat. "Hopefully people will remember me for being passionate and caring about every moment," said Biggar. "I didn't think I would be particularly emotional - I almost thought I would be relieved - but there is definitely a bit of sadness. "I am definitely going to miss it in the months and years to come. "I think it will be raw for a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, but when I reflect back on my career hopefully I will be fairly pleased with what I have done."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 16, 2023 14:15:52 GMT
England v South Africa: Owen Farrell criticism unfair, says Richard Wigglesworth..
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Owen Farrell was booed before the game - but was man of the match as England beat Fiji on Sunday
Owen Farrell is unfairly criticised and has nothing to prove after leading England to the World Cup semi-finals, says attack coach Richard Wigglesworth. Farrell's name was booed when the team was announced before England's 30-24 win over Fiji after he was chosen over George Ford to start at fly-half. But the England captain's selection was vindicated as he went on to produce a man-of-the-match display in Marseille. "He definitely doesn't have to prove anything," said Wigglesworth. "We are lucky to have Owen. As ever, the tallest trees catch the most wind and he seems to catch a fair bit." Farrell, 32, became England's all-time record points scorer in the win over Samoa in the final Pool D game before delivering an impressive all-round performance against Fiji. The Pacific Islanders levelled the scores late on in Marseille before Farrell kicked a drop-goal and a penalty as part of a 20-point haul to edge his side clear and into a semi-final with South Africa. Wigglesworth added: "He's proven time and time and time again and I don't understand why in England we feel the need to not celebrate that, not enjoy it, just because he's not sat in front of social media or the media lapping all that up. "He is incredibly serious about his career and he's an incredibly proud Englishman. He affects any team he is in and he was brilliant for us - as we knew he would be. "That was the maddening part of any noise. We knew what was coming from him." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/17024/production/_131444249_gettyimages-1738667495.jpgEngland lost five of their final six games before the tournament began last month but scrum-half Danny Care says it "clicked" for the under-fire players once they arrived in France. Veteran Care, 36, has played an important role off the bench in support of Alex Mitchell in England's run to the semi-finals in his second World Cup as a player. "It clicked when we got over here," said Care. "Training went up a notch, perhaps because of the severity of where we were and the realisation that we were at a World Cup - the last one for a few of us, the first for others. "That mixture came together and we gave it our all. We feel like we deserve to be here. We are going to give it our all next weekend and try and make everyone at home proud. "We have got a lot of lads who played in the World Cup final four years ago, a lot of lads who have won big trophies, won big games. We will use all of that next week to hopefully get another big win. "We are delighted to be in the semi-final of this World Cup - one step closer to the dream."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 19, 2023 19:24:34 GMT
Argentina v New Zealand: Mark Telea back for All Blacks in Rugby World Cup semi-final..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8AF2/production/_131407553_inpho_02328164.jpgWinger Mark Telea is back in the New Zealand side for the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The 26-year-old was dropped for the quarter-final victory over Ireland after a breach of team protocol. His return is one of two changes to Ian Foster's starting XV for Friday's semi-final, with Sam Whitelock coming in for Brodie Retallick in the second row. Argentina make one change for the game in Paris, with Gonzalo Bertranou replacing Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half. New Zealand's matchday squad contains 12 of the players that were involved in the 2019 semi-final defeat by England in Japan. Telea, who crossed twice in the opening-game loss to hosts France, takes the place of Leicester Fainga'anuku, scorer of one of New Zealand's three tries against Ireland. "That's the team we think best for this week," said Foster. "He [Telea] has done his time. He made a mistake and accepted what happened but you don't linger in that space. "We have got a faith in him and think he is in good place to play this game." Seven players remain in the Argentina squad from the side that reached the semi-finals in 2015, including captain Julian Montoya and replacement fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, who scored a late interception try in the Pumas' quarter-final win over Wales. The winner of the first semi-final will play either England or South Africa in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday, 28 October. Line-ups
Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa. Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni. New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea. Replacements: Taukei'aho, Williams, Newell, Retallick, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 19, 2023 19:27:41 GMT
Argentina vs New Zealand: Michael Cheika aims to guide Pumas to first Rugby World Cup final..By Alastair Telfer, BBC Sport.
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Michael Cheika was in charge of Australia when the Wallabies lost the 2015 World Cup final to New ZealandWhen George Ford scored 27 points in England's opening game against Argentina, not many had the Pumas being 80 minutes away from a first Rugby World Cup final. But Michael Cheika knows how to make sure a team peaks when it matters. In 2015, he guided Australia to Rugby Championship victory, knocked England out of their home World Cup and helped the Wallabies to their first World Cup final since 2003. Eight years on, he is at the helm of Argentina's run to the last four in France and next up is Friday's semi-final against New Zealand - who are coming off the back of one of the great All Black wins in their epic quarter-final against Ireland. "I don't think there has been some radical turnaround," said Cheika, after the Pumas reached their third semi-final in five World Cups. "I think we have built from what we have learned, and try to be a bit better at it the next game. "I have come to this tournament with different draws at different times. When I say the draw, I mean who you play first, second etc. "I felt like we had a light prep [before England] because we know what our squad looks like. In the build-up we didn't play a lot of games. "We knew the first game would be a bit rough from us. We learned a lot because there was a lot of first-time World Cuppers in there."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 19, 2023 19:30:52 GMT
England v South Africa: Freddie Steward, Joe Marler and George Martin to start in World Cup semi-final..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/ACD7/production/_131474244_bbc-sport-index-imagery-3-split-images-gradient-1e426850-4fcb-472e-8dcf-6c76d525a6d9.pngFreddie Steward's aerial ability and Joe Marler's scrummage power have won them starts in England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Steward replaces Marcus Smith, who failed the return-to-play protocols after a knock in the quarter-final win over Fiji. George Martin comes into the second row in place of Ollie Chessum. Vice-captain Ellis Genge drops to the bench alongside George Ford as Owen Farrell retains his fly-half role. Thirteen of England's squad played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa, who started as underdogs, triumphed 32-12. The two sides have met twice since with England taking a narrow win in 2021 and South Africa comfortably claiming victory a year later at Twickenham - a match that marked the end of Eddie Jones' reign as England coach. THE LINE-UP's
England: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Genge, Sinckler, Chessum, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence. South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, Reinach; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen. Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Koch, Snyman, Smith, De Klerk, Pollard, Le Roux.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 19, 2023 20:17:42 GMT
England v South Africa: Maro Itoje urges team-mates to seize day to upset Springboks..By Mike Henson, BBC Sport in Paris.
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Maro Itoje is one of 10 players named in England's starting XV who also played in the 2019 World Cup final defeat by South AfricaMaro Itoje has told his England team-mates to disregard the past and ignore the future to derail South Africa in Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final. England lost to the Springboks in the 2019 final and were well beaten when the teams last met in November 2022. "These occasions don't come by very often," Itoje told BBC Radio 5 Live. "We can't afford to be distracted about what happens next week, in two weeks' time or four years ago. It is all about what happens on Saturday night." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/D8C9/production/_131479455_itoje_getty.jpgTen of England's starting XV - including Itoje - played in the 32-12 defeat by South Africa four years ago in Yokohama and the 28-year-old says the atmosphere around the camp has ratcheted up as they attempt to avenge that loss and end the Springboks' title defence. "It is an incredible opportunity, an incredible privilege and honour to be here," he added. "These moments are special in your career. "You can definitely tell this is a big week, from the mood in camp, from the concentration of the boys, you can definitely tell there is a different energy about the place." England are distinct underdogs after South Africa produced a superb performance to eliminate hosts France last weekend. Itoje has played South Africa 10 times for either England or the British and Irish Lions, winning four of those encounters. "The DNA of South African rugby is more or less always consistent - strong set piece, strong kicking game, they have some very, very quick backs, good at the breakdown," he added. "They are a good team, a good all-round team." Itoje will start alongside Leicester's George Martin in the second row for only the second time, but says the 22-year-old will bring the edge required in a confrontation with South Africa's powerful front five. "George is a fantastic player," he said. "His attitude is great - he is a real, real workhorse, his energy, his impacts. "He is a physical, young Leicester forward and they normally make them a little gnarlier up there. "He is not the loudest, but he speaks through his actions." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0627/production/_131457510_gettyimages-1738641104.jpgBen Earl made a vital break late in the game against Fiji to help seal England's spot in the semi-finalNumber eight Ben Earl has been one of England's stand-out players so far at the tournament, making more metres and line breaks and beating more defenders than any other player in the squad. Earl's performances prompted defence coach Kevin Sinfield to claim earlier this week that the Saracen would be in contention for a World XV on current form. The 25-year-old back row says England's coaching staff have come up with a gameplan to defy the odds and take the side into a second successive World Cup final. "I am not going to tell you what it is but it is a really exciting plan for us, one that plays to our strengths in terms of the team we have selected," Earl told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Now it is up to the players to bring it to life. Each plan has little bits in it that resonate with you and you think 'I can do that'. It is about finding your niche in the gameplan and going after that. "We want to be big-game players, players for the big moments. If we are better and they are better, we will see where we end up."
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