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Post by bluetornados on Oct 20, 2023 22:03:59 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 20, 2023 22:28:12 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 21, 2023 9:35:36 GMT
England v South Africa semi-final: Rugby World Cup 2023..
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Manu Tuilagi scored England's first try in their most recent win over South Africa, a November 2021 success at TwickenhamEngland will bid to make back-to-back Rugby World Cup finals when they face defending champions South Africa in the second semi-final in Paris on Saturday. The game is a repeat of the 2019 final when South Africa, who started as underdogs, triumphed 32-12 in Japan. The Springboks knocked out hosts France in a thrilling quarter-final and are ranked the world's number one team. Steve Borthwick's England overcame a spirited Fiji 30-24 to extend their winning run to five games in France. Three-time world champions South Africa finished runners-up in their pool - losing to Ireland - but produced an impressive performance against the hosts in an epic Test match. England, the only undefeated side left in the competition, have had a much smoother path to the semi-finals with pool wins over Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa. They had to dig deep to hold off Fiji's fightback to become the only northern hemisphere side to make the last four. England and South Africa both have eight players from the 2019 final starting on Saturday. The winner will play New Zealand in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday, 28 October after the three-time champions thrashed Argentina 44-6 on Friday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/14E9A/production/_131485658_aledwalters_getty.jpgEngland head coach Steve Borthwick: "There is always belief that is strong in this team. There are players that have performed at the very highest levels. They can't wait for this. "Through this tournament the team has progressed, with the players repeatedly finding a way to win, sometimes in challenging circumstances. We will once again need to be at our very best this weekend." Captain Owen Farrell on the occasion: "We've just talked about embracing it. About trying to get the best out of ourselves in these occasions. It's not necessarily anything new, anything out of the ordinary. There are a lot of players in this team who know how to win big games." South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber: "Someone asked me the other day, 'are the guys who are not selected unlucky?' No, they're not unlucky. The guys who got selected are not lucky. They got selected because they deserved it but I can tell you there wouldn't be a big difference if Andre Esterhuizen, or Jasper Wiese or Faf de Klerk starts." Captain Siya Kolisi on England: "The rivalry has been around long before my time. It's a big country, a big team, it's always special to play against them at Twickenham. They play hard. Even after the World Cup final, we lost the next game [27-26 at Twickenham in November 2021] so it's always tough to play against them." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6D53/production/_131478972_bbc-sport-h2h-square--bc38c837-2e66-47f8-adb9-dedf7d18c316.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1007A/production/_131485656_scrum_getty.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 21, 2023 9:40:17 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 21, 2023 18:46:41 GMT
Saturday 21st October 2023 - ICC Mens World Cup - ENGLAND v South Africa - 2nd Semi-Final - Venue: Stade de France - 8pm KO
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THE TEAMS
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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. Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/cb0b3822-fdf7-4d9b-ba5f-fa42960af031.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/51485d61-608c-41dd-bdf2-3713d6b724ae.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/dcc2a9f7-2a40-4e5e-9110-61d7f7764742.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/7dce744b-e70f-440e-b3f1-d97be869925f.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/41ea2edb-eb9b-4ecb-aeb8-64a239d056ff.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/41c3e758-22b4-41a1-8fff-d341a59545e4.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/901ecdce-9a6e-4398-a83d-75feab385379.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/9e224336-439a-4d8c-95a9-37bf8c22dce8.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/74f8f23a-02f2-4c78-a31b-d2950e3d274a.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/2eaebd3a-b86f-4846-8f89-7db872b1577c.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/22030e89-568a-43db-9eb5-fbbf7f36f0aa.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/b64b91b4-8e6f-4a41-8e0f-32d09d70dee0.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/aa87835a-d326-4231-873a-5862f8d5e099.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/cfbc3b59-8fa1-451d-94e6-6298ab01e571.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 21, 2023 22:32:28 GMT
Saturday 21st October 2023 - ICC Mens World Cup - ENGLAND 15 South Africa 16 - 2nd Semi-Final - Venue: Stade de Franceichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/126E1/production/_131498457_gettyimages-1748933165.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/58003967-6a6c-41ed-af38-a3a178330bea.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/e6ac153a-66c2-49e1-9054-78d2afcf769a.jpgSpringbok fly-half Handre Pollard speaking after the game: "It's unbelievable, it's a lot of relief in this moment. Frustrated we weren't at our best tonight, especially in that first-half. "We knew we had so much more to give but fair play to England, I think they put us under pressure in exactly the right areas. "But jeez the fight we showed, never giving up, it is what we stand for as a team and as a nation." On coming on early: "We stuck to our plan we just had to execute a bit better here and there. We took it play-by-play, minute-by-minute, you can't look too far into the future in these kind of games. "It took us a long time but we got it done." On the winning penalty kick: "Firstly the scrum penalty, that is what got us the opportunity. It was just a credit to them, they were unbelievable. "It was a big moment but it is what you want as a player on this stage, to have moments like that as a fly-half is what you live for. It was fun." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/beee511c-d146-42c9-a3d2-78828e183937.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/d03d2e83-9a72-4d05-aaaf-2e87ff514661.jpgEngland captain Owen Farrell on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am unbelievably proud of this group and what they have done over this past few months together. "It has not all gone our way as everybody knows, we have had everything thrown at us - it has been a rollercoaster. "I'm glad where we have built to, but gutted we don't have a crack at the big one next week. I am massively proud of this group and I hope everyone back home is as well. We came up with a plan during the week and the weather conditions played a part in it as well. We started the game really well, we shocked them at times and they made a few changes to change what they were doing. "But credit to them fighting their way back into it and finding a way to win at the end." On playing for England: "I am massively proud of how we have built, the support has built over the World Cup and that performance shows how proud we are to be English and to wear this shirt. "I think we have made a start of going forward and there is a lot to come from this group." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/7eff1497-fe2f-4b3a-8c32-8ffbf72f1f29.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/60bab97b-8bb1-4ece-9e1a-65485299f761.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/21/f68a17a3-1235-471b-984b-0c583193c881.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 22, 2023 3:12:36 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 22, 2023 20:57:35 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 22, 2023 21:00:27 GMT
South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi accused of racial slur in World Cup win over England..
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Mbonambi (kneeling) tackles Curry during South Africa's 16-15 win on SaturdaySouth Africa's Bongi Mbonambi has been accused of using a racial slur towards England flanker Tom Curry during his side's Rugby World Cup semi-final win. Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe about half an hour into the match, reported the alleged comment and asked what he should do in response. "Nothing please," replied O'Keeffe. England have 36 hours after the final whistle to refer such incidents to the citing commissioner, who could then call a disciplinary hearing. With Saturday's match kicking off at 20:00 BST, the deadline for England to report back to World Rugby is on Monday morning. Curry was asked after the match whether something untoward had been said to him by Mbonambi. "Yeah," he replied, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about". It appeared that Mbonambi refused to shake Curry's hand at the end of the match as the acrimony between the two sides continued after the final whistle. SA Rugby - the South African rugby union - has started its own investigation into Curry's claim. "We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said. "We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim." There is little precedent for sanctions around on-field verbal abuse, although England prop Joe Marler was banned for two games for a comment made to Wales' Samson Lee in 2016 and South African Jacques Potgieter was fined for an on-field homophobic slur in a Super Rugby game in 2015. Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the South Africa squad after the Springbok management opted to replace the injured Malcolm Marx with fly-half Handre Pollard earlier in the tournament. Deon Fourie, a converted back row, has been covering the position off the replacements bench. The Springboks play New Zealand in next Saturday's Rugby World Cup final with both sides chasing a record fourth title.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 23, 2023 11:29:49 GMT
Courtney Lawes: England flanker to retire at end of World Cup..
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Lawes captained his country in his 100th international - a World Cup warm-up against Fiji in AugustVice-captain Courtney Lawes will retire from England duty at the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup. The 34-year-old has played in four World Cups and two British and Irish Lions tours and is one of only five Englishmen to be capped 100 times. His bid to finish on a high with coach Steve Borthwick's side ended against South Africa in Saturday's semi-final. "I think it's time. I've done four World Cups, so I'm pretty happy with that," he said. "I haven't told Steve yet! But I will let him know. "It's a bit of an end of an era, but it's been a real honour for me to represent England for so long. It flies by. "I'm proud of the journey I've been on. To be able to finish with this group, it's something I'll treasure forever." Lawes, who has made 105 international appearances across 15 years, could play his final game in Friday's bronze-medal match Argentina. He made his England debut against Australia in 2009 when Borthwick was team captain. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/0A46/production/_131503620_gettyimages-1737962178.jpgThe flanker was a beaten finalist against the Springboks in 2019 and also played in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments, in addition to representing the Lions in 2017 and 2021. He believes England have a bright future and is determined to sign off at international level, although he will continue to play at at club level for Northampton, by helping the team finish third. "We showed to everyone what it means to play for this team," he said. "Play for your country and the boys alongside you. "I think people can see now what a good coach he is - and where this team can really go. "We want to finish on a high. It's important for us to finish properly and send us all off on a good win."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 23, 2023 13:42:50 GMT
Bongi Mbonambi: World Rugby to review South Africa star's alleged use of racial slur..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0488/production/_131506110_20b390f1448713b43639e983400fc98cad331b9f.jpgWorld Rugby has confirmed it will formally review the alleged use of a racial slur by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi towards England's Tom Curry. Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe to report the comment half an hour into the Springboks' Rugby World Cup semi-final victory. If banned, Mbonambi could miss the final against New Zealand on Saturday. World Rugby said it will take the allegation "extremely seriously". The governing body confirmed it will make no further comment on the incident until the conclusion of its review process. England flanker Curry was asked after the match whether something untoward had been said to him by Mbonambi. "Yeah," he replied, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about". It appeared that Mbonambi refused to shake Curry's hand as the acrimony between the two sides continued following the final whistle. Teams are given up to 36 hours after the culmination of matches to refer incidents to the citing commissioner. Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the South Africa squad, with the team's management having opted to replace the injured Malcolm Marx with fly-half Handre Pollard earlier in the tournament. SA Rugby - the South African rugby union - had already started its own investigation into Curry's claim. "We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said. "We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 23, 2023 20:32:03 GMT
Rugby World Cup: Jonny May on 'genius' Steve Borthwick..
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Steve Borthwick succeeded Eddie Jones as England coach in December 2022Jonny May believes England are in good hands under coach Steve Borthwick, who the winger has described as a "genius". Borthwick, who took charge in December 2022, guided England to the brink of the Rugby World Cup final in France. They were knocked out by defending champions South Africa despite leading the Springboks for the majority of the semi-final in Paris on Saturday. "We're starting to see what a genius Steve is in terms of how he's starting to get this team going," May said. England entered the World Cup having lost three of their four warm-up games, following on from a disappointing Six Nations tournament in which they won only two of their five matches. But they have steadily improved during the World Cup, culminating in an outstanding display in the 16-15 loss against South Africa. May believes Borthwick's methods are like the scientist who cracked the Enigma code and saved millions of lives in World War Two. "You won't find a harder working man than Steve and his approach to the game is a little bit like Alan Turing," added the Gloucester winger. "If anybody is going to crack the code to rugby it will be Steve - he's getting ever closer each week and good luck to him. "He's got an analytical brain and an evidence-based, scientific, Spock-like approach to the game. "I've learned a lot from him. I've been very grateful for all the coaches I've had throughout my career and I've absorbed everything I possibly can, always trying to learn and be curious. "But Steve, with his ways, he's on to something. He's a young coach and has this unique and different way that he goes about the game. "Cracking it is not something I'm interested in doing as the game gets more complicated each week, but he's obsessed with it so hats off to him." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/FB9B/production/_131511446_may_pa.jpgJonny May has started five of England's six matches at the Rugby World CupMay was not included in Borthwick's initial 33-man squad for the tournament but was called up when Anthony Watson pulled out because of injury and has been a regular starter in France. However, at age 33, he is unsure if he will play for his country again after Friday's third-place play-off against Argentina. "Never say never, but very much in my head now I'm thinking, more than likely that I'll be done after this," said May, who is second on England's all-time list of leading try-scorers behind Rory Underwood. "For me no regrets, what a journey, I wasn't even going to be on the plane at one point. "But I stuck in there and that's the attitude across the team - we stick in there, we've had pretty much everything thrown at us, but we're starting to find ourselves. "I'm grateful to have been a part of it and although it probably won't continue after this World Cup, I feel like I'm connected to this team. "It's been everything to me, playing for England, just absolutely everything." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/5F5B/production/_131511442_borthwick_reu.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 23, 2023 20:34:05 GMT
Rugby World Cup 2023 final: Wayne Barnes to referee New Zealand v South Africa..
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England's Wayne Barnes (left) and Matthew Carley will be two of the officials in Saturday's Rugby World Cup finalEngland's Wayne Barnes will referee the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on Saturday. Barnes, 44, will become the second Englishman to officiate a final after Ed Morrison who took charge in 1995. Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley will be assistant referees, with Tom Foley named television match official. It is the first time in Rugby World Cup history that all the officials have been appointed from one union. "It speaks volumes for the quality of English officials and this group who work so brilliantly alongside one another," Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney said. "All of our officials who have played a part in this tournament can be very proud of the contribution they have made to its success, and we look forward to congratulating them in person on their return home." Barnes, who has taken charge of a record 110 Tests and is at his fifth World Cup, officiated New Zealand's victory over Ireland in the quarter-finals but did not referee either of the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Australia's Nic Berry will be the referee for the third-place play-off between England and Argentina on Friday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/CEF4/production/_131508925_barnes_getty.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 25, 2023 15:19:14 GMT
Tom Curry: Sale Sharks 'appalled' by abuse aimed at England flanker..
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England's Tom Curry tussles with South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi at the breakdownSale Sharks say they are "appalled" by the abuse aimed at Tom Curry after the alleged use of a racial slur towards him by South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi. The England flanker approached referee Ben O'Keeffe to report the comment half an hour into the Springboks' Rugby World Cup semi-final victory. World Rugby has confirmed it will formally review the incident. Curry's club Sale say the 25-year-old has their full support after receiving abuse following the incident. "Sale Sharks' owners, players, coaches and staff are absolutely appalled by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the England v South Africa World Cup semi-final," said the Premiership club. "Everyone at the club stands fully and proudly behind Tom and we look forward to welcoming him back to Carrington." England flanker Curry was asked after the match whether something untoward had been said to him by Mbonambi. "Yeah," he replied, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about". The South African rugby union has also started its own investigation into Curry's claim. "We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said. "We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim." Tom Curry: Owen Farrell says he cannot understand online abuse of team-mate..
England captain Owen Farrell says online abuse of team-mate Tom Curry after the flanker reported an alleged on-pitch slur is 'unacceptable'.ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/F8AE/production/_131526636_farrell_curry.jpg"What isn't understandable is the amount of abuse," said Farrell. "The effect the abuse has - not just on him - is what I and we really don't understand. "You are dealing with a human being, just because you are saying stuff on your phone or behind a screen doesn't make it acceptable," added Farrell. "I hope he knows that everyone close to him supports him and backs him all the way. I am sure he does. "The people close to him, I hope they know he is being supported really well."
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 25, 2023 15:25:12 GMT
Argentina v England: Ben Youngs to retire from Test rugby after World Cup third-place play-off..
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Youngs surpassed Jason Leonard's record of 114 caps in February 2022Ben Youngs, England's most capped men's player, will end his international career after the World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina on Friday. The 34-year-old scrum-half will win his 127th England cap against the Pumas in his first start of the tournament. Youngs is behind Alex Mitchell and Leicester team-mate Jack van Poortvliet in the England pecking order. He made his Test debut against Scotland in March 2010 when current coach Steve Borthwick was captain. Youngs' announcement follows the international retirement of lock Courtney Lawes, who made his 105th and final Test appearance in England's World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa. Speaking to BBC Rugby Union Daily, Youngs said his international career has been "a great ride". "I feel incredibly proud to have done it for this long," Youngs said. "It has taken a huge amount of effort to do it for 13 years. It's just fitting and it feels right, and I feel so privileged to be able to play and walk away on my terms. "You see some players have it finished for them. I'm ready to do it. I have always had this focus of getting to this World Cup and I never felt that after this World Cup I would need to carry on. "I look forward to playing club rugby and supporting this team from a distance, but it's been a great ride." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/169F6/production/_131526629_benyoungs_getty.jpgYoungs has played in four World Cups, toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and is one of only five Englishmen to be capped 100 times. He won four Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2016, and was a beaten finalist in the 2019 World Cup. Youngs' international career began on the wing as a replacement for the injured Ugo Monye during a Calcutta Cup draw with the Scots. A few months later, he marked his first Test start at scrum-half with a try in the 21-20 win over Australia in Sydney. Youngs surpassed World Cup-winning prop Jason Leonard to become England's most capped men's player on his 115th appearance in the Six Nations win over Wales in February 2022. He said small milestones between the 2019 World Cup final and the current tournament in France, such as beating Leonard's record, kept him going. "World Cups are so long away and four years is a long old time when it comes to form, injuries and different ways of playing," Youngs added. "After the 2019 final, I wanted to get to 100 caps. I was on 99 for a while and had to wait. "Then suddenly [Jason] Leonard's record came into sight and so I had these little milestones between 2019 and 2023 which definitely helped. If I didn't have them in between, I'm not sure I would've been able to do it. "It takes a lot and you are competing every week to play. It's also the time away from the family. I'm so content I'm finishing on Friday. It's a great feeling and hopefully there will be one more high, then I can walk away with Courtney [Lawes]." Youngs will finish 26 caps short of Sarah Hunter's England record, who made her 141st and final appearance for the Red Roses in March.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 26, 2023 8:19:49 GMT
Rugby World Cup final: Bongi Mbonambi named in South Africa team to face New Zealand..
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Bongi Mbonambi played the full 80 minutes against England as the only specialist hooker left in South Africa's squadSouth Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi will start against New Zealand in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final after a ruling there was "insufficient evidence" he used a racial slur towards Tom Curry. The England flanker said he was abused during last Saturday's semi-final, which South Africa won 16-15. Governing body World Rugby said Curry had made the allegation in good faith. The Rugby Football Union says it is "deeply disappointed" by the decision not to charge Mbonambi. World Rugby's investigation had also taken into account an allegation that Curry had been abused by Mbonambi during England's match against South Africa last November. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/D7C1/production/_131533255_gettyimages-1739532043-1.jpg"Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges," World Rugby said. "Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light. "It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious." The Rugby Football Union (RFU) says World Rugby's decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel "denied the opportunity" to hear Curry's account. The flanker has suffered online abuse for reporting the incident which England captain Owen Farrell described as "unacceptable". An RFU statement read: "In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye. "Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby. It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 26, 2023 8:22:48 GMT
France 2023 Rugby World Cup: Argentina v England - The Line ups - Friday 27th October - 8pm KO
England: Smith; Steward, Marchant, Tuilagi, Arundell; Farrell (capt), Youngs; Genge, Dan, Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Curry, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Cole, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Ford, Lawrence.
Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, De la Fuente, M Carreras; S Carreras, Cubelli; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Kodela, Petti, Rubiolo, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa.
Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 26, 2023 20:30:05 GMT
Men's Rugby World Cup finals
1987 - New Zealand 29-9 France - Auckland
1991 - Australia 12-6 ENGLAND - London
1995 - South Africa 15-12 New Zealand (AET) - Johannesburg
1999 - Australia 35-12 France - Cardiff
2003 - ENGLAND 20-17 Australia (AET) - Sydney
2007 - South Africa 15-6 ENGLAND - Paris
2011 - New Zealand 8-7 France - Auckland
2015 - New Zealand 34-17 Australia - London
2019 - South Africa 32-12 ENGLAND - Yokohama
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 26, 2023 20:35:23 GMT
Rugby World Cup final 2023: Siya Kolisi says South Africa v New Zealand is biggest game of 'our lifetime'..By Alastair Telfer..BBC Sport.
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Siya Kolisi only just recovered from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury to lead his team in France"I don't think in our lifetime we will get to experience this again, that is how big it is." New Zealand and South Africa have consistently reigned supreme at the very top of rugby for decades. Since 2007, either the All Blacks or South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup. And with three titles each, and the last four between them, no side has won more than these two powerhouses of world rugby. On Saturday, one of them will become the first nation to reach a coveted fourth title, with South Africa aiming to join their rivals in being the only sides to win it back-to-back. Added to the fact it is the top two sides in the world rankings going head-to-head, is it the Test match to settle the undisputed number one rugby nation? "That is why it makes this match so special with all the history behind it. All the battles behind the two teams and now we are both going to create history," Kolisi told the BBC's Rugby Union Daily. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/3074/production/_131540421_gettyimages-1737905579.jpg"I don't think in our lifetime we will get to experience this again, that is how big it is. That is why the people are getting behind us." Having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 with a 32-12 victory over England, Kolisi is aiming to emulate All Black legend Richie McCaw, who was the first player to lift the trophy twice after back-to-back wins in 2011 and 2015. The 32-year-old flanker paid respect to his fellow finalists, saying a lot of people in South Africa "look up to them" for inspiration. "They have been the best in the world for a very long time but we are also a successful country in rugby," the Springboks captain added. "In my eyes it is the biggest rivalry in rugby history and I am always fortunate and honoured to be part of a game like this. "Playing the All Blacks in a Rugby World Cup final - number one against two, it is huge." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/7849/production/_131539703_gettyimages-1185015816.jpgKolisi was the first black player to captain South AfricaDespite their recent domination, the sides have only met each other once in a final back in 1995, when Kolisi was four. South Africa won the game on home soil in Johannesburg, with a Joel Stransky drop-goal in extra-time securing an iconic win that helped unite the nation following the end of the apartheid era. Kolisi added: "1995 was huge, it changed a lot of lives for so many people. So many lost their lives for me to be free and lost their lives for me to be able to put on this jersey. "So many people fought to try and wear this jersey and they didn't get the opportunity to wear it. For me not to give my best and give everything would betray those people." Nelson Mandela, the former political prisoner turned unifying president of a nation, presented the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar - an image which went down in history because of the lives it changed. "The one that brings us together is the 62 million people from our country," the Kolisi said. "It is South Africa who goes through a lot of different challenges in a year and we are one of the people who can actually control how they feel with their mood. "We can put a smile on their face but it is not always winning most of the time, it is the effort we put out there. It is how we carry ourselves on and off the field." The power to once again inspire the nation, like in 2019, is at the forefront of his mind when he lifted the trophy as the first black captain of the Springboks. Kolisi's rise from someone who used to walk to school without any shoes, to sporting greatness, in his mind should not be idolised. "I don't see myself how other people see me," he said "I am a father and a husband to my wife and friends to my team-mates that I go to work with every single day. "It is my responsibility to use this opportunity and platform to give everything I can because many people would give everything to be where I am today. "I do love what I do but I don't see myself as an icon." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C669/production/_131539705_gettyimages-1749001176.jpgKolisi celebrated with fans after South Africa's semi-final win over England at the Stade de France
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 26, 2023 20:40:57 GMT
Johnny Sexton says retirement 'so tough' as he thanks those who guided his career..
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Johnny Sexton was applauded by the All Blacks players as the curtain came down on his 14-year international career after Ireland's latest World Cup quarter-final defeat.Johnny Sexton says retirement is already proving "so tough" after his career came to a close following Ireland's World Cup exit. Sexton said on Instagram his "sadness and frustration" at Ireland's failure again to go beyond the quarter-finals will remain "for a long time to come". "But the overarching feeling is the pride I felt playing with such a committed and talented group," he said. "Leaving these players and coaches is what is making retirement so tough." Sexton, 38, prolonged his career into a fourth World Cup and Ireland went into the tournament ranked as the world's top team, only to fail to progress beyond the last-eight stage as they were edged out 28-24 by New Zealand in a thrilling contest in Paris. "Retirement is never an easy next step for any professional athlete. It is especially hard after the rollercoaster of emotions from the last few weeks in France," added the former fly-half, who won his 119th cap for Ireland in the defeat by the All Blacks. "I've said it many times before but there's no feeling like playing in front of a home Irish crowd and that's what it felt like in Bordeaux, Nantes and in Paris on those three special Saturdays [during the World Cup]. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1084F/production/_131436676_gettyimages-1724432815.jpg"I want to thank my team-mates, both for Leinster and Ireland, for everything they have given to me. "The last season was one of the most enjoyable of my career and it makes it even more special to do so with people you care about, friends who will stay a part of my life in the future." Sexton listed those he felt have made a significant contribution to his life as a rugby player. "To all the teachers, coaches, support staff and all those who encouraged and supported my career starting out in Bective, St Mary's College, club and school, for over 30 years, thank you for everything," he wrote. "To the supporters of Leinster, Racing, the British & Irish Lions and Ireland - with whom I was proud to share my journey - thank you for your faith and unwavering support. "To my family, my parents, brothers and sister who nurtured my love of the game and instilled my drive, I couldn't have made this journey without you. "Finally to my wife Laura and our children, your unconditional love helped inspire me through the ups and downs of life and I am incredibly excited about our next chapter together. By far my proudest moments were getting to play with my kids watching on." Sexton finished his statement by saying how the Ireland players, in the wake of their World Cup quarter-final hammering by New Zealand in Japan four years ago, had "sat down as a squad" and resolved to "inspire the nation". "I think we achieved that," he added. "We lost but we won."
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