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Post by bluetornados on Jan 22, 2024 20:48:33 GMT
Six Nations 2024: BBC TV, ITV, Radio & Online Coverage Times...ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/45E4/production/_129029871_microsoftteams-image-5.pngAll times GMT and subject to late changes. Coverage can be subject to late schedule changes, so details may differ from this page.
Friday, 2nd February
France 17 Ireland 38 Saturday, 3rd February
Italy 24 England 27 Wales 26 Scotland 27 Saturday, 10th February
Scotland v France - BBC One & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra - 2.15pm England v Wales - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live - 4.45pm Sunday, 11th February
Ireland v Italy - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 3pm Saturday, 24th February
Ireland v Wales - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra - 2.15pm Scotland v England - BBC One & BBC Radio 5 Live - 4.45pm Sunday, 25th February
France v Italy - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra - 3pm Saturday, 9th March
Italy v Scotland - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 2.15pm England v Ireland - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 4.15pm Sunday, 10 March
Wales v France - BBC One & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 3pm Saturday, 16 March
Wales v Italy - BBC One & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 2.15pm Ireland v Scotland - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 4.45pm France v England - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 8pm
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 22, 2024 20:52:18 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Warren Gatland insists young Wales can win title..By Matt Lloyd, BBC Sport Wales.
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Warren Gatland is preparing for his 17th Six Nations tournament - more than any other coachWarren Gatland has warned the rest of the Six Nations to write off Wales "at your peril" and believes his youngsters are good enough to win the title. Wales have finished fifth for the past two years having won just two of their last 11 games in the Championship. And head coach Gatland has been forced to pick one of the youngest squads of his career following retirements, transfers and injuries to key players. However he said: "We can absolutely win this tournament." Speaking at the competition launch in Dublin, Gatland added: "This is my 17th involvement in Six Nations, so I've been around for a while, and we've seen in the past how this tournament is all about momentum. "It's a great first game for us at home to Scotland. If we win that then we can go without fear to Twickenham, with England in a similar position to us by making changes. "The third game is against Ireland in Dublin with potentially a Triple Crown to play for and everything up for grabs." Gatland, 60, is the tournament's most experienced coach having started with Ireland before overseeing four titles - the last in 2019 - during his first spell with Wales. But while his return for a second stint could not lift Wales last season, he faces an arguably tougher task this season given the players unavailable. Of his World Cup squad, injuries have denied him Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau and Dewi Lake, the likes of Gareth Anscombe, Liam Williams and Louis Rees-Zammit are unavailable due to moves away from Welsh rugby, while Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny have retired. It means Dafydd Jenkins is set to become the youngest Wales captain since Gareth Edwards in 1968. But Gatland insists there are positives behind the new generation of players emerging at regional level as the domestic game comes to terms with drastic budget cuts. "Despite the doom and gloom, I'm excited about the youngsters we've got coming through and what we can potentially achieve" he told the Scrum V podcast. "We've got five new caps and eight who have never experienced the Six Nations, but I see this as a period of real opportunity, for the whole of Welsh rugby, to have a reset. "These youngsters have benefitted hugely from being exposed over the last few months and the national team is going to benefit from that. "It has always been the case with Wales that you write us off at your peril. Do that and you could get caught with your pants down. "We'll work hard and be organised for that first game and if you win that, then the confidence and self-belief that comes means you can do well in this tournament." Wales squad for 2024 Six Nations
Forwards: Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Leon Brown, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham, James Botham, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright. Backs: Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Sam Costelow, Cai Evans, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady, George North, Joe Roberts, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 22, 2024 20:56:06 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Ireland captaincy 'biggest honour of my career' - Peter O'Mahony..
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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and captain Peter O'Mahony pictured at the launch of the 2024 Six NationsPeter O'Mahony has described his appointment as Ireland captain for their Six Nations title defence as "the biggest honour of his career". The veteran Munster flanker succeeds Johnny Sexton, who retired from rugby after last year's World Cup in France. The 34-year-old has won 101 caps and has previously captained Ireland 10 times since making his debut in 2010. "I have been in the leadership group for a long time but to be captain is very, very special," said O'Mahony. "I've captained a few different teams I've played with and I've always enjoyed it. "The leadership group I'll have around me is very important. I'll be looking to them to help me along the way. "You have a group of guys and that group is getting bigger and bigger with the squad. We'll all be rowing in together." O'Mahony, who recently returned to action after a shoulder injury, captained the British and Irish Lions in their opening Test against New Zealand in 2017. The forward had said he was unsure about his Ireland future following their World Cup quarter-final exit to the All Blacks in October before stepping down as Munster captain in November after 10 years in the role. His contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union is set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season. "I got a phone call from Andy and was a little bit taken aback to be honest. There was a bit of a pause on the phone but a special phone call to get and a special feeling," O'Mahony said. "Not a lot of people have got to do the job and I was thrilled to be asked by Andy. I was a bit surprised. I kind of said, 'are you sure?', but we had a good chat. "It's an unbelievably exciting squad. I love driving up to camp and meeting up with the group again. It's a great group of people, that's top of the tree for me to have a great group of people you can get on with and trust. "Not just the players, the whole squad and the staff we have. It's a really great place to be, a really great environment. Every day you get the email to say you are selected is always a good day." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CD4F/production/_132395525_pomahony4.jpgO'Mahony celebrates Ireland's World Cup pool game win over South Africa in SeptemberThis week, Farrell's squad will gather for the first time since the World Cup and their bid to repeat the Grand Slam they achieved last season will commence with a testing trip to face the French in Marseille on 2 February. "I'm sure we'll have a look back, where we can improve on. Obviously we haven't been together since the All Blacks game. Andy will have his plan and we all know the game moves on and we need to get better," observed O'Mahony. "It's always been about looking forward for this team and we have a big, big test away in France so we need to get stuck into a bit of work. "It's an incredible venue Marseille, and I'd imagine it will be an incredible atmosphere too. What an occasion, what a Test match, to start the Six Nations. "The Six Nations is incredibly special. There's huge excitement. There has to be when it comes to international rugby and a competition like this. There are exciting squads and the talent is incredible."
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 22, 2024 22:12:04 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Steve Borthwick says England need a 'different mindset' in the competition..
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Marcus Smith (centre) started England's opening game of the 2023 Six Nations against ScotlandEngland need to approach the Six Nations with a "different mindset" to improve their results, says head coach Steve Borthwick. England, who finished fourth last campaign, have not won the tournament since 2020. However, Borthwick's side came third in the World Cup, only losing to South Africa by a point in the semi-finals. "The team is really well aware that we haven't performed in the Six Nations for a period of time," Borthwick said. "We want this to be a different mindset for England, a different way of approaching the game and the tournament. We will approach our camp in Girona differently. "We're taking a different approach because we need different results to previous tournaments." The World Cup semi-finalists have been slow starters in recent campaigns having not won their opening Six Nations fixture since victory over Ireland in 2019. England suffered a 29-23 defeat by Scotland at Twickenham last year, which was their third loss in a row against Gregor Townsend's side in the opening fixture. Their opener in next month's Six Nations is away against Italy on 3rd February. "What's happened in the past is that lots is talked about England prior to the tournament, but England haven't then achieved," added Borthwick. "Our intent is to hit the ground running in Rome the way we want with the intensity that we want to, which again is something that England have not done in recent years. "At times we have not jumped into this tournament and have been caught in that first game." England host Wales on 10th February in their second fixture, before a trip to Murrayfield follows on 24th February. They then play Ireland at Twickenham on 9th March and finally travel to France on 16th March on the final weekend of the competition. This means Borthwick's side avoid playing the Grand Slam champions Ireland and last season's runners-up France until the final two weekends. "Ireland and France have been the dominant teams and everybody is trying to compete with those two sides," he said. Hooker Jamie George was named England captain for the Six Nations in the absence of Saracens team-mate Owen Farrell. Farrell - who will leave Saracens to join Racing 92 in July, it was confirmed on Monday - has captained England since 2019 but ruled himself out of the tournament to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing. The fly-half, 32, missed his side's opening two World Cup games against Argentina and Japan after having his red card, which was initially overturned, reinstated - a process which his father, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, called "absolutely disgusting". The England hooker, who described himself as a "close friend" to Farrell, hopes "lessons" can be learned from the way he was treated. "When you're given the weekend to go and think about things, the obvious thing to do is to go and look at both sides of the coin," George said. "And for me, there are so many positives that come with this. This is the greatest achievement of my life. Stepping out on the field in Rome is going to be one of the best moments that I will ever experience. "And I felt like it was a decision that if I had turned down for other reasons I would have absolutely regretted because I'm at a good stage of my career to step up and take this on. "I have a good understanding of what might be out there to come, but at the same time I'm also hopeful that we've learned a lot of lessons from the Owen situation."
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 22, 2024 22:16:31 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Russell & Darge share Scotland captaincy as Graham misses opening two Tests..
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Finn Russell and Rory Darge have 90 Scotland caps between themFinn Russell and Rory Darge will co-captain Scotland in the upcoming Six Nations. Jamie Ritchie had skippered Gregor Townsend's side in last year's championship and the recent World Cup. Meanwhile, Edinburgh back Darcy Graham has been ruled out for at least Scotland's opening two Tests against Wales and France with a quad injury. Great Britain sevens player Ross McCann has been called into the squad by Townsend as cover. "Rory and Finn captained Scotland last summer and bring different strengths and styles of leadership to the table," said Townsend. "Both are highly respected within our squad and have been part of our leadership group for some time. I'm sure they will thrive with this responsibility and lean on our other leaders to drive certain aspects of our preparation, mindset and performance. "Jamie has done an excellent job as our captain since October 2022 and he will continue to be one of the key leaders in our group. He now has the opportunity to focus more on his game and deliver his best rugby over the next few weeks." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F0E4/production/_132386616_bbc-sport-h2h-square--97d1bac6-b163-4d2a-a174-d0e04ed5cd5c.pngEdinburgh back-row Ritchie is still in Townsend's squad, along with Exeter Chiefs' former England prop Alec Hepburn. Scotland were third in last year's Six Nations with three wins but were knocked out at the pool stage of autumn's World Cup in France. Bath fly-half Russell, 31, has 75 caps and commented: "Playing for Scotland is a huge honour and to co-captain the side is a privilege and something I am proud of. "We have such a talented squad and to lead them alongside Rory represents a massive opportunity. I can't wait to get started with this year's championship. "Rory has been a key player for us since he made his debut and leads by example during matches and in training. We'll both have different leadership styles which will complement each other and ultimately benefit the team as we go into the tournament." And Glasgow Warriors back-row Darge, capped 15 times, added: "I enjoyed captaining the team last summer and immediately felt proud when Gregor told me the news. "To co-captain your country is a tremendous honour and to do it alongside a guy like Finn who is respected across the game and such a talented player will be great for me." Scotland squadForwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Andy Christie (Saracens), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Rory Darge (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), Will Hurd (Leicester Tigers), Johnny Matthews (Glasgow), WP Nel (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Sam Skinner (Edinburgh), George Turner (Glasgow), Glen Young (Edinburgh). Backs: Adam Hastings (Gloucester), Ben Healy (Edinburgh), George Horne (Glasgow), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Ross McCann (Great Britain sevens), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Harry Paterson (Edinburgh), Ali Price (Edinburgh), Cameron Redpath (Bath), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 25, 2024 20:01:55 GMT
Six Nations: Scotland's Grant Gilchrist to miss Wales game over Edinburgh red card..
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Gilchrist will miss Scotland's opening Six Nations game having been suspended for the last two matches in the 2023 championshipLock Grant Gilchrist has been banned from Scotland's Six Nations opener in Wales because of the red card he was shown while playing for Edinburgh. Gilchrist, who has 68 caps, received two yellow cards in the Challenge Cup win over Scarlets last weekend - both for head contact in the tackle. It means the ex-captain, 33, will sit out the game in Cardiff on 3rd February. He did not dispute the charge by the independent disciplinary hearing and was banned for the minimum one week. Gilchrist missed Scotland's final two games of last year's Six Nations through suspension. He was sent off just six minutes into the game against France in Paris for a high tackle and received a three-week ban. The second row was named in Gregor Townsend's Six Nations squad earlier this month alongside the experienced pair of Richie Gray and Scott Cummings. Sam Skinner, who returned from injury for Edinburgh two weeks ago, and his club-mate Glen Young - who was last capped against Argentina in 2022 - were also included.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 31, 2024 17:54:42 GMT
2024 Six Nations: England's Marcus Smith ruled out of opener against Italy in Rome..By Chris Jones, BBC rugby union correspondent.
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Fly-half Marcus Smith was played at full-back by England during the World CupFly-half Marcus Smith has been ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday with a calf injury. Smith, who had been expected to start against the Azzurri, was injured in training on Monday. His absence means Northampton's in-form Fin Smith, 21, is set to make his international debut in the Stadio Olimpico. England will confirm their starting XV and replacements on Thursday evening. "[Marcus] won't make this weekend, sadly," said England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield. "We got the scan report through but we are waiting to understand exactly what that means for us moving forward. He's not fit for this weekend." As well as Fin Smith, England can also call on the vastly experienced George Ford, but Marcus Smith's absence is another setback for head coach Steve Borthwick. England are already without the whole of the midfield axis that helped them to the World Cup semi-finals and an eventual third-placed finish, with Owen Farrell and Joe Marchant unavailable, and Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi injured. However, captain Jamie George says he has total confidence in whoever is selected, and is buoyed by the performances of the English club sides this season both domestically and in the Investec Champions Cup. "I've been so impressed with what I've seen from the boys," George told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast. "But I kind of knew that coming into camp because of the way the English teams have performed and the competition in the Premiership." "I'm sure the coaches have got some interesting selection headaches, but some players are playing really well for their club," added scrum-half Danny Care. "I'm excited to see what can happen. "Whoever gets picked, this is a really exciting time to be an England fan and an England player."
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 31, 2024 18:00:06 GMT
Six Nations 2024: France scrum-half Maxime Lucu starts against Ireland..
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Maxime Lucu has won 18 caps for FranceScrum-half Maxime Lucu will start for France in the absence of Antoine Dupont in the Six Nations opener against Ireland in Marseille on Friday. Dupont, 27, will miss the tournament to play in the World Rugby Sevens Series before the Paris Olympics this summer. Lucu started two pool games at last year's World Cup when Dupont was injured. Coach Fabien Galthie makes five changes to the side that lost the quarter-final to South Africa in October. Uncapped Racing 92 scrum-half Nolann le Garrec, 21, has been named on the bench. Ireland beat France in Dublin last year on their way to winning the Grand Slam. Number eight Gregory Alldritt, who takes over from Dupont as captain, is joined by Francois Cros on the flank after Anthony Jelonch's knee injury. Winger Yoram Moefana is selected ahead of 20-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey, while Paul Gabrillagues and Paul Willemse are named in the second row. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/5925/production/_132512822_mediaitem132512821.jpgMaxime Lucu will start at scrum-half for France in Antoine Dupont's absenceLine-ups
France: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, Y Moefana; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Atonio; P Gabrillagues, P Willemse; F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt (capt). Replacements: J Marchand, R Wardi, D Aldegheri, R Taofifenua, C Woki, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, L Bielle-Biarrey. Ireland: H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (capt), J van def Flier, C Doris. Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 31, 2024 18:04:00 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Robbie Henshaw and Joe McCarthy to start for Ireland against France..
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Garry Ringrose's absence because of a shoulder injury means that Robbie Henshaw will start at centreGarry Ringrose will miss Ireland's Six Nations opener against France on Friday because of a shoulder injury as Robbie Henshaw is drafted in at centre and Joe McCarthy starts at lock. Coach Andy Farrell said Ringrose picked up the shoulder problem in Leinster's win over Leicester on 20 January. McCarthy's inclusion means James Ryan is on the bench, with Ulster's Iain Henderson left out of the matchday 23. Mack Hansen's injury means wing Calvin Nash earns a first Ireland start. Nash won his only previous cap when he came on as a late replacement in the World Cup warm-up win over Italy in early August. The Munster wing was not named in Ireland's World Cup squad but with Hansen (dislocated shoulder) and Jimmy O'Brien (neck) both ruled out of the tournament by injury, Nash, as expected, will make his Six Nations debut in Marseille. Henderson's absence means there are no Ulster players in the Six Nations holders' squad, with Connacht represented by prop Finlay Bealham, who is named in the replacements. Jack Crowley takes over from retired Johnny Sexton at fly-half with Peter O'Mahony having been appointed as the new captain earlier this month. Farrell has opted for a 6-2 as opposed to 5-3 forwards and backs split on the bench given the power of the France pack. In addition to Crowley's inclusion, the starting side has three further changes from the World Cup quarter-final defeat by New Zealand with Nash, Henshaw and McCarthy taking over from Hansen, Ringrose and Henderson. Farrell said that Friday's game was coming "a little too soon" for Ringrose, who had appeared one of the candidates to succeed Sexton as skipper. "He's into rehab," said Farrell, who was speaking at Ireland's training base in Portugal before the team's departure for France. "Hopefully it's not too long of an injury and he's back for the next game." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CA09/production/_132512715_mediaitem132512714.jpgJoe McCarthy started in Ireland's opening World Cup pool win over Romania in SeptemberAsked about McCarthy's selection, Farrell described the Leinster second row as a "young fellow on a mission". "He's there to take his chance and his opportunity when he can. He tends to do that most days." McCarthy started in Ireland's opening World Cup win over Romania in September and also came on as a second-half replacement in the heart-breaking quarter-final defeat by New Zealand in France. Farrell described Nash's selection as reward for "going away and working" after learning what was required on his previous camp before the World Cup. "His work off the ball and with ball in hand and finding a way to make a difference, and be that extra link in attack, has really come on in leaps and bounds." Line-ups
Ireland: H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (capt), J van def Flier, C Doris. Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley. France: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, Y Moefana; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Atonio; P Gabrillagues, P Willemse; F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt (capt). Replacements: J Marchand, R Wardi, D Aldegheri, R Taofifenua, C Woki, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, L Bielle-Biarrey.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 2, 2024 16:08:16 GMT
France v Ireland - Friday 2nd February 2024 - Stade Velodrome, Marseille - 8pm - Live on ITV1
Six Nations 2024: Favourites France & Ireland renew rivalry in unmissable tournament opener..
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With Stade de France unavailable, Stade Velodrome in Marseille will stage the latest France-Ireland Six Nations blockbuster
Team news
France: The hosts make five changes to the side beaten by the Springboks. In addition to Lucu replacing Dupont, Yoram Moefana is preferred to Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the left wing, Paul Gabrillagues and Paul Willemse both start at lock, while Francois Cros comes in for the injured Anthony Jelonch in the back row. Ireland: The visitors make four changes following the defeat by the All Blacks, with 22-year-old Leinster lock Joe McCarthy preferred to Iain Henderson and James Ryan. Munster's Calvin Nash will make his Six Nations debut on the wing in the absence of the injured Mack Hansen, while Robbie Henshaw replaces centre Garry Ringrose, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. As mentioned, Crowley replaces Johnny Sexton while Leinster fly-half Ciaran Frawley could make his Six Nations debut from the bench. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6C8F/production/_132519772_gettyimages-1247021576.jpgIreland full-back Hugo Keenan was among the try-scorers when Ireland defeated France in the 2023 Six NationsFrance head coach Fabien Galthie: "In four years, there hasn't been a game without a requirement to win. We've always heard the music in the background of requiring a win. "There will be obstacles. The obstacles are the opponents. Before the World Cup, Ireland were world number one, now they're world number two. "We're conscious of the run of games we have, South Africa, now Ireland, who also lost in the quarter-finals. "Defeats are part of the journey, as are obstacles. We like it, pressure, requirements, it's not a problem for us, we're here for that. We're solid." Ireland head coach Andy Farrell: "It will be a great game to watch, there's no doubt about that and the stadium, the atmosphere, it being the first game of the Six Nations after a World Cup, if you can't get excited about that, you're in the wrong place. "For us, it's just living up to our own expectations, we expect to perform on the big stage and it doesn't really get any bigger than this one. "The exciting thing for me is are we brave enough, have we got enough courage to go and do what we said we're going to do and obviously we're playing against a world-class side. "But if you want to be successful, if you want to try to be the best, then you've got to beat the best in places like this and the occasion doesn't get much bigger." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1E6F/production/_132519770_bd790bcf-406b-493d-9950-fe36fc32f6dd.jpg
Line-ups
France: 15-Ramos, 14-Penaud, 13-Fickou, 12-Danty, 11-Moefana; 10-Jalibert, 9-Lucu; 1-Baille, 2-Mauvaka, 3-Atonio, 4-Gabrillagues, 5-Willemse, 6-Cros, 7-Ollivon, 8-Alldritt (capt) Replacements: 16-Marchand, 17-Wardi, 18-Aldegheri, 19-Woki, 20-Taofifenua, 21-Boudehent, 22-Le Garrec, 23-Bielle-Biarrey Ireland: 15-Keenan, 14-Nash, 13-Henshaw, 12-Aki, 11-Lowe; 10-Crowley, 9-Gibson-Park; 1-Porter, 2-Sheehan, 3-Furlong, 4-McCarthy, 5-Beirne, 6-O'Mahony (capt), 7-Van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris Replacements: 16-Kelleher, 17-Healy, 18-Bealham, 19-Ryan, 20-Baird, 21-Conan, 22-Murray, 23-Frawley
Match officialsReferee: Karl Dickson (England) Touch judges: Matthew Carley (England) & Jordan Way (Australia) TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 2, 2024 16:11:54 GMT
Six Nations 2024: Ireland not out to prove a point after World Cup, says Peter O'Mahony..By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI in Marseille.
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O'Mahony says Ireland are not in the business of "putting things right" as they embark on another Six Nations campaignPeter O'Mahony says Ireland are not out to prove a point in Friday's Six Nations opener against France. Ireland are playing for the first time since a disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit. But 34-year-old O'Mahony, who has taken over from retired Johnny Sexton as captain, says Ireland are fully focused on the road ahead. "Performance is paramount for every Test match," the Munster flanker said on the eve of the France match. Expanding on Ireland moving past another World Cup knockout defeat by New Zealand, O'Mahony added: "We're not trying to prove a point to ourselves about what happened. "We're trying to prove to ourselves in performance, where the scene is at, where we want to go, setting up momentum. "It's not about putting things right or whatever. It's about a Test match tomorrow night. That's what the occasion is, it's the most important thing for us. "And performance is absolutely paramount. That's what everyone is here to do, be the best version of themselves. That's what we're trying to do for Ireland." Many expect the winners of Friday's curtain-raiser in Marseille to go on to win the championship. And while O'Mahony was reluctant to attach that level of significance to Friday's encounter, he acknowledged every Six Nations game is "colossal" as Ireland go in search of back-to-back Grand Slams. "I don't know about that. It's the first one up for us, first one up for them," added O'Mahony, who will win his 102nd Ireland cap on Friday. "In this competition, every game is colossal and that's an understatement. "Both of us are out there tomorrow to win the game, set ourselves up with some momentum for the rest of the campaign." O'Mahony spoke to predecessor Sexton recently as he looks to maintain the standards the Leinster legend set during his four-year captaincy. "I had a good chat with him a few weeks ago and he's in good form, I can report," smiled the 2017 British and Irish Lions tourist. "I'd be shocked if you asked anybody in that dressing room who's played with Johnny if they hadn't picked up something from him. "It's kind of what the game's about, it's learning and being diligent and picking stuff up from guys who've figured it out and he was certainly one of them." O'Mahony's Munster team-mate Jack Crowley is set for a big night, having earned the starting fly-half spot following Sexton's retirement. While there is a great deal of pressure on the 24-year-old's shoulders, O'Mahony believes he can handle it. "He's obviously grown and learned a huge amount," he said. "What a way to start off your career under Johnny and guys like Joey [Carbery] and Ross [Byrne]. "He had a bit to learn and he's done that and has a bit to go as well. He knows that better than anyone and that's the sign of a good professional. "I'm delighted for him and I'm sure he'll put in a huge performance. We need big players and he's certainly one of them."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 2, 2024 19:58:08 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 3, 2024 0:14:31 GMT
Six Nations 2024: France 17-38 Ireland - Irish claim bonus-point win over 14-man hosts in Marseille..By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI at Stade Velodrome.
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Paul Willemse was sent off in the first half following his hit on Caelan DorisIreland began their Six Nations title defence in momentous fashion as they claimed their biggest ever away win over 14-man France in Marseille. Irish tries by Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne combined with France's Paul Willemse's sending off had Ireland in a strong position after 30 minutes. Damian Penaud's try breathed new life into France just before half-time. But despite captain Peter O'Mahony's yellow card, Ireland overcame their hosts to record a statement win. Having controlled the majority of the first half before Penaud's try, Ireland stretched their lead to 14 points thanks to Calvin Nash's try. But France, the pre-tournament favourites, hit back with a Paul Gabrillagues try, with O'Mahony sin-binned for bringing down the French maul. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/21F5/production/_132539680_gettyimages-1973660275.jpgBut after Dan Sheehan sealed the Irish bonus point, the visitors regained control before Ronan Kelleher's late try capped a famous night for the men in green. For Ireland, a triumphant night in Marseille will provide the perfect tonic to banish any lingering hurt from their World Cup disappointment as they kicked off the post-Johnny Sexton era with their first away win over France since 2018. After France full-back Thomas Ramos missed an early second-half penalty, Munster wing Nash crossed to mark his Six Nations debut in style. France refused to lie down, however, and as O'Mahony was yellow carded for his part in trying to prevent Gabrillagues' try, it looked as though the home side could reel the Irish in. But having stared down their toughest period of the night, Ireland found a second wind and again pulled 14 points clear when Sheehan finished a wonderfully-worked attack that started with his own line-out for the bonus point. With depleted France already visibly wilting in the closing stages, Ireland finished them off as replacement hooker Kelleher crashed over before Joe McCarthy was named player of the match after an all-action Six Nations debut in the Irish second row. From there, The Fields of Athenry could be heard from the stands in the Velodrome as the Irish toasted a famous win and the perfect start to their Six Nations defence. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/2/2/a3d4bfc9-a2e8-46ce-a4ab-b3a4c5337dd0.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 3, 2024 0:19:16 GMT
Full-Time: France 17-38 Ireland
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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV Sport: "Any type of victory here, certainly on a Friday night to start the Six Nations off, is always going to be a hard task. To come away with a bonus-point win, yeah, it's special. "I was proud of the performance because we kept on playing for the full 80 minutes and we got what we deserved in the end. "When you are playing against 14 men sometimes you have a bit of a lead and the tenancy is to shut up shop a little bit. We kept on playing and got what we deserved in the end." Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV Sport: "These are guys who have been in and around the squad for the past number of years. We've no doubt that they are ready to play because they show that in training. Some of them have had to be patient and wait and some of them, their form guarantees that they are going to be in. "There were some immense performances but it is a 23-man game and those youngsters are able to be themselves, and be the best confident selves because of how they make each other feel. That's the whole squad. On Jack Crowley: "He had some nice touches but there will be some stuff that he will be looking at and reviewing, and getting better at as well. I thought he managed the game pretty well and he was nice and composed at the end." Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV Sport: "First and foremost, it's won up front and our line-out, in particular, was world-class today. It wasn't just the attacking line-out, it was the defensive line-out. If you have a platform like that you can be excited about your attack off the back of it. On back-to-back Grand Slams: "It's a good start. We have Italy next and getting off to a good start was always going to be a tough ask here. We've done that now so we need to grow off the back of it."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 3, 2024 23:31:37 GMT
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Post by lostinspace on Feb 4, 2024 14:51:39 GMT
did some work for some Italian friends,, although they never went this season for work reasons, they could have booked two airline[return] tickets ,hotel AND paid to watch the game[26 euro] for less than two tickets to watch the equivalent at Twickenham!! ...just how?
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2024 0:01:33 GMT
Guinness Six Nations 2024 - Fixtures:
Saturday, 10th February
Scotland v France - BBC One & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra - 2.15pm
England v Wales - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live - 4.45pm
Sunday, 11th February
Ireland v Italy - ITV 1 & BBC Radio 5 Live/Sports Extra tbc - 3pm
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2024 0:05:56 GMT
Six Nations 2024: England to support Immanuel Feyi-Waboso before his potential first game against Wales..
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Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (left) came on late in England's victory over Italy in their Six Nations openerEngland will support Immanuel Feyi-Waboso before a potential first match against his native Wales on Saturday, said head coach Steve Borthwick. The 21-year-old wing chose to represent England over Wales and made his debut against Italy in the first round. Wales head coach Warren Gatland said some comments "weren't that positive about him" from "a few Welsh coaches". When asked about Feyi-Waboso, Borthwick said: "We will give all the players all the support they need." He added: "Regarding Manny, three things: he trains really hard, he enjoys being with the players and in the remaining time he is studying for his medicine degree. He is pretty busy. "My experience right now is that he has his head focused on where it needs to be." The Cardiff-born winger represented Wales at age-grade level but is able to represent England because of family heritage and came on as late replacement in their opening Six Nations victory over Italy. He moved from Cardiff to Wasps in 2022 before switching to Exeter Chiefs later that year after Wasps' demise. Feyi-Waboso is also studying for a medical degree at Exeter University, which may have played a role in his decision to play for England. "Manny's a pretty quiet lad but it looks like not many things affect him. He gets on with it and gets on with his work as good as anyone I've seen," fly-half George Ford said. "He's an exciting player - so physical and fast. He's a game-breaker, so hopefully we can get the ball in his hands a bit more." Both fly-half Owen Farrell and flanker Tom Curry faced intense online criticism during the World Cup, which Borthwick wants to learn from to better protect his players. The former England captain received criticism for his tackle technique following a ban in the build-up to the World Cup, with Curry getting abuse for reporting an alleged on-pitch racial slur in their semi-final defeat by South Africa. "We are really cognizant of that and rightly so given the World Cup experience," Borthwick added. "There is a heightened awareness now of those external noises and external factors."
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 6, 2024 22:19:35 GMT
Six Nations 2024: England 'hopeful' Ellis Genge will return against Wales, says Richard Wigglesworth..
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Ellis Genge has not played since the start of DecemberEngland are "hopeful" vice-captain Ellis Genge will be fit to face Wales on Saturday, says attack coach Richard Wigglesworth. The 28-year-old was a late withdrawal from England's opening Six Nations victory over Italy last weekend. The prop was originally named in the matchday squad, but was forced out due to a foot injury. "Ellis trained on [Tuesday] in parts and he has got to get through Thursday," Wigglesworth told BBC Sport. Genge had been touch and go with a hamstring injury before the tournament, which he claimed to recover from 'like Wolverine'. Wigglesworth also confirmed Marcus Smith's calf injury will set him "further back in the tournament" after the fly-half missed the opener in Rome and was left out of the squad preparing to face Wales.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 6, 2024 22:23:54 GMT
Six Nations 2024: George Ford wants England to show attacking intent against Wales..
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George Ford scored 17 of England's 27 points from the kicking tee during their win over Italy
Fly-half George Ford has urged England to continue displaying their attacking intent when their Six Nations campaign continues against Wales. Steve Borthwick's side were criticised during last year's World Cup for kicking the ball away and not showing enough ambition with ball in hand. They played with more freedom in their Six Nations win in Italy despite being outscored three tries to two. "At the very front of our minds is the intent to play," said Ford, 30. "The intent to get behind the ball and attack the defence and go and try to break the line and scores tries. "Since coming into camp two weeks ago, that's been the biggest mindset shift from us as a team. This is the first game and we've been trying to implement that. "We could have made better decisions a couple of times but playing in it was pretty exciting and we want to build this. "I want to keep the intent to play, break the line and score tries and probably pick our execution up when we've got the ball." i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/09/22/75253625-12499995-image-a-40_1694293665365.jpgFord, who will win his 93rd cap if he retains his spot at fly-half against Wales on Saturday (16:45 GMT kick-off), added: "I know the scoreboard says it was very close, but that second half we were pretty comfortable. "The main positives for me were how we responded to them scoring tries, how it felt when we were trying to fire shots in attack and then how we controlled the game in the second half. "Our intent to play and move the ball was good and I'm really pleased about that. It's always a balance. You always want to make good decisions and do the right thing at the right time. "Winning the first game is huge. You always want to start this tournament with a win because it gives you a bit of momentum and confidence. "We understand it's going to be a tough day - it always is against Wales - but we're really excited to keep on getting better. "There has been a mindset shift in defence and attack that is really enjoyable to be a part of."
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