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Match Report – Salford 22 – 20 Hull Super, League, Sky, Sports, Rugby, League, Bulls, Rhinos, Warriors, Harlequins, Wolves, Giants, Tigers, Dragons, Crusaders, Hull, Reds, Wildcats,

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Salford Red Devils profit from missed conversion from Hull FC’s Ben Reynolds late on to extend winning run to four matches; Marc Sneyd registers five goals on 300th Super League appearance as home side consolidate fifth spot in table – watch every Super League match live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 07/07/24 5:59pm

Salford held off Hull FC to earn their fourth straight win and consolidate fifth place in the Super League table

Ryan Brierley made a try-scoring comeback and Marc Sneyd celebrated his 300th Super League appearance with five vital goals as Salford edged Hull FC 22-20 to register a fourth successive win.

Hull half-back Ben Reynolds missed a 78th-minute conversion to Lewis Martin’s try to send the game to golden point as the Red Devils cemented fifth place in the table.

Full-back Brierley had sat out his team’s three previous victories with a rib injury but returned with a bang against a Hull side still without an away win in 2024 and who sit second bottom of the standings.

Hull led 6-4 in the first half and scored four tries to their hosts’ three in the game but Reynolds failed to improve his team’s final two touchdowns.

A minute’s applause to remember Rob Burrow took place before Super League’s only fixture of the day and there was further recognition of the Leeds Rhinos’ legend on seven minutes as all fans united to sing: ‘There’s only one Rob Burrow.’

The on-field action was less inspiring until Salford made a 27th-minute breakthrough as Deon Cross touched down.

Reynolds scythed through the home defence to register his first try for the Black and Whites and then booted Hull in front but it was all square at half-time as Sneyd kicked a penalty after the hooter.

Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance

Tom Briscoe’s off-the-ball challenge on Brierley earned him a yellow card and his temporary absence and a game-ending injury for hooker Danny Houghton was a double blow for Simon Grix’s side.

When Briscoe returned Salford were 18-6 in front thanks to Sneyd’s converted tries for Brierley and centre Chris Hankinson.

Young Hull forward Denive Balmforth provided an instant response with his third try in as many games but when Salford were gifted a cheap penalty on the hour Sneyd took the points on offer to move the Red Devils two scores in front again.

Final-quarter tries for Jordan Lane and Martin kept Hull in contention right until Reynolds’ costly late miss.

What’s next?

Hull FC host city rivals Hull KR on Saturday July 13 (2.55pm, Sky Sports Arena), with Salford visiting Catalans Dragons later the same day (5.25pm, Sky Sports Arena).

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Rob Burrow: Thousands pay final respects to Leeds Rhinos legend on funeral route | Rugby League News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to Leeds Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow as a private funeral service was held.

Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and a half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The service was attended by many of Burrow’s ex-team-mates and coaches, including Kevin Sinfield, with whom Burrow raised more than £15m for MND charities since his diagnosis.

Sinfield – who ran seven ultra-marathons in as many days last December to generate funds – flew back from New Zealand, where he has been part of the England rugby union side’s coaching staff.

The funeral procession passed by Featherstone Lions’ ground where Burrow played rugby as a young boy, and slowed again through Featherstone near to where he played junior rugby.

Cars arrived and slowed into Pontefract Crematorium, passing through family and friends for the final time before a haka was performed as Burrow was carried out of the hearse.

Burrow’s former Leeds colleagues Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Hall and Matt Diskin were among those also present.

‘Burrow a true inspiration, a giant of a person’

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington told the PA news agency of Burrow: “He was a true inspiration.

“The whole rugby league community has come together supported by Leeds Rhinos fans and so many others and his efforts over the last four and a half years with MND inspired the nation.

“With so much support from those such as Kevin Sinfield, politicians and other sports figures… it has been quite remarkable and he leaves a huge legacy. This is the final journey, it has been a remarkable chapter.

“We all knew what the outcome would eventually be and Rob has been remarkable with his fight and what he’s been able to do, not only Rob, but his family.

“The whole family have come together and have been supported by sport in general. It’s brought people together and has moved the nation.

“He was full of life, full of ambition and full of enthusiasm.

“Rob was 5ft 4in but was a giant of a man, a giant of a rugby league player and a giant of a person.”

You can donate to the MND Association at www.mndassociation.org/skysports

Match Report – Canada 12 – 73 Scotland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Scotland begin their Americas tour by inflicting a heavy 73-12 defeat on Canada; Scotland rested a host of key players and had to come back from an early deficit but did so in style, scoring 11 tries in the process

Last Updated: 07/07/24 9:44am

Arron Reed races away to score for Scotland

Scotland overwhelmed Canada, winning 73-12 at the start of their Americas tour.

The Scots, resting a host of their key players, fell behind initially but soon took charge and debutants Arron Reed and Gus Warr, two of five uncapped players in the Scottish line-up, scored two tries apiece.

Canada’s Lucas Rumball scored an early try but any prospect of an upset was snuffed out from the moment Josh Bayliss went over for the first of Scotland’s 11 tries at TD Place Stadium, Ross Thompson adding five conversions and Ben Healy four.

Jamie Dobie looks to offload out of a tackle

Warr reinforced Scotland’s lead after the break, first dancing through the line and, while Canada briefly held out, the scrum-half collected the ball again and dived over the ruck for a debut try.

Kyle Baillie’s converted try gave Canada respite from the onslaught, but the impressive Paterson and Warr combined for the latter to shrug off a couple of challenges and touch down.

Scotland looked a threat every time they pushed forward and Reed grabbed his second of the match after barrelling down the left wing and barging past a couple of defenders before going over.

Scotland breached the 50-point barrier just after the hour mark when Paterson deservedly got on the scoreboard following some excellent interplay, while Dobie touched down underneath the posts after being teed up by Reed.

McDowall also went over underneath the posts following some deft footwork to evade several challenges, while Steyn gratefully accepted Healy’s offload to round off the scoring.

Match Report – South Africa 27 – 20 Ireland Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Ireland’s James Lowe had try ruled out, while South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe saw try stand after critical reviews from TMO Ben Whitehouse; Springboks hold on to beat Ireland in Pretoria; Watch southern hemisphere summer tour action live on Sky Sports

By Michael Cantillon

Last Updated: 06/07/24 11:33pm

Highlights of South Africa’s action-packed win over Ireland in their opening Test in Pretoria

Two crucial TMO decisions fell South Africa’s way as they defeated Ireland 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in the first of their two-Test series, live on Sky Sports.

Welsh TMO Ben Whitehouse ruled out a James Lowe try for Ireland due to a subjective breakdown call, and then fed back there was ‘inconclusive evidence’ to rule out a Cheslin Kolbe South Africa try, which ensured a two-score lead.

Lowe’s try would have levelled the contest at 13-13, and handed fly-half Jack Crowley a conversion for the lead, while Kolbe’s effort moments later came as a result of Lowe keeping a Handre Pollard penalty kick to touch in-field – though replays suggested he was in touch while playing the ball.

South Africa – Tries: Arendse (3), Kolbe (65), Penalty Try (78). Cons: Pollard (4, 67). Pens: Pollard (18, 29).

Ireland – Tries: Osborne (35), Murray (75), Baird (79). Cons: Crowley (76). Pens: Crowley (13).

A third TMO call then also went against Ireland as No 8 Caelan Doris was denied a try due to lack of evidence on replays.

Conor Murray raced in for a second Ireland try with five minutes to go, but a late South Africa penalty try via a ferocious scrum drive confirmed victory, with Ryan Baird striking a third for Ireland but with time all but up.

Less than three minutes in, South Africa struck the opening try as skipper Siya Kolisi set fleet-footed wing Kurt-Lee Arendse away quickly, who then scorched into space and past debutant Jamie Osborne to touch down.

Kurt-Lee Arendse opened the scoring for the Springboks against Ireland

South Africa No 8 Kwagga Smith knocked on the restart into touch, handing Ireland a lineout attack in the 22. When awarded a penalty, the visitors turned down the chance to kick for points in favour of a five-metre tap attack, but it proved the wrong call and a big chance missed when lock Joe McCarthy knocked on a poor Peter O’Mahony pass by the try-line.

On 13 minutes, a strong Robbie Henshaw carry forced South Africa to infringe at the breakdown. This time, Crowley struck over from 40 metres to get Ireland onto the board.

Fly-half Jack Crowley kicked Ireland's first points of the contest with a penalty

Watch England, Wales and Ireland’s summer rugby union internationals exclusively live on Sky Sports. Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Marcus Smith: England fly-half backed by Nick Evans, Will Greenwood after missed goal kicks in New Zealand loss | Rugby Union News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Nick Evans has urged Marcus Smith not to dwell on his three missed kicks at goal in England’s 16-15 defeat to New Zealand in Dunedin.

Smith was handed the No 10 shirt ahead of his namesake Fin Smith after impressing in the 52-17 win over Japan in Tokyo, although an encouraging performance against the All Blacks was tempered by him landing just two of five attempts off the tee at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Former New Zealand fly-half Evans, who now serves as attack coach at Smith’s club Harlequins, knows the 25-year-old will be rightly frustrated by those misses in the one-point defeat, but wants to see him immediately switch focus to the second Test at Eden Park on July 13.

“How will he deal with those missed kicks? I’m sure I’ll get a text, asking me about the game,” Evans told Sky Sports.

“But that’s the sign of a great player, someone who wants to challenge himself and get better. He’s striving for that perfect game.

“He’ll be hurting with that, and it’s important he is, but immediately can you park that? What’s your schedule and kicking routine during the week? Make sure you look at the review and go from there.”

Despite some shakiness with the boot, Smith was solid with the ball in hand, beating five defenders and providing a superb pass for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s 47th-minute try. He also came up with 11 tackles in defence with a 100 per cent success rate.

Former England centre and Sky Sports rugby union expert Will Greenwood was effusive in his praise of how Smith marshalled the team and did not believe his kicking troubles should mar his overall display.

“That confidence maybe of being the No 1 choice at fly-half – he was outstanding against Japan and again today,” Greenwood said.

“People will talk about the missed kicks – that’s a separate part to his game. Like a golfer he can go away and work on his own.

“As a collective, he would have been a joy to play outside as a centre or full-back.”

Evans believes Smith’s ability to not let the missed conversion and two missed penalties throw him off his game is a sign of a cool temperament which is so vital in a fly-half if they are to succeed at the highest level.

He was full of praise for the way England’s pack laid the foundations for him to play off as well, and sees that as something to build on going into the second Test next Saturday, which is live on Sky Sports.

“It shows his temperament,” Evans said. “He missed those kicks, but it didn’t affect his attacking game or in defence, where he put some big shots in.

“The ability for him to play flat probably coincided with New Zealand being a little passive off the line, but that came from the ability of the England forward to pick good seams and tips at the line.

“That created lightning-quick ball which allowed Marcus to play flat.”

Watch the second Test between New Zealand and England at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday July 13 live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am (8.05am kick-off). Also stream contract-free with NOW.

Match Report – New Zealand 16 – 15 England Sky, Sports, Rugby, Union, News, Guinness, Premiership, Magners, League, Heineken, Cup, Six, Nations, Live, Tri Nations, Danny, Cipriani, London, Wasps, Irish, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Tigers, Newcastle, Northampton, Sale, Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Club, World, Cup, Munster, Leinster, Ospreys, Cardiff, Perpignan, Dragons, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ulster, Scarlets, Watch, video, fixtures, results, scores, aviva

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Highlights of New Zealand’s thrilling win over England in the opening Test in Dunedin.

Damian McKenzie’s three second-half penalties thwarted England’s hopes of a first win away to New Zealand since 2003 as they went down 16-15 in the opening Test in Dunedin.

The All Blacks made their early dominance count with unconverted tries from Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea, with England responding through Maro Itoje forcing his way over from close range followed by Marcus Smith converting.

Fly-half Smith, who had missed an earlier penalty, brought England back level at 10-10 at the break with his boot and although he missed another after the restart, his pass led to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso finishing to put Steve Borthwick’s side ahead.

New Zealand: Tries – Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea; Penalties: – Damian McKenzie (2).

England: Tries – Maro Itoje, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Conversion – Marcus Smith; Penalty: – Marcus Smith.

McKenzie kicked two penalties to restore New Zealand’s lead, and they survived a late error after the shot clock expired while the No 10 was lining up a kick at goal to snatch a one-point victory.

Story of the game

New Zealand, playing their first game under new head coach Scott Robertson, showed their attacking intent as they probed down England’s wings in the opening minutes, but the strength of the visitors’ set-piece earned them the first penalty of the game.

Yet Smith was unable to knock over what was a relatively kickable attempt from 40 metres out and the early pressure from the hosts eventually told in the 16th minute. Utilising the penalty advantage, New Zealand fly-half McKenzie sent a pinpoint kick to the right wing which was collected by Reece followed by the winger racing away to finish.

New Zealand took an early lead against England through Sevu Reece grabbing Damian McKenzie’s kick to the corner

England’s cause was not helped by losing Joe Marler, replaced by debutant prop Fin Baxter, but they edged in front five minutes later on the back of Itoje’s pick and go from close range for a converted try shortly after Chandler Cunningham-South, born in Sidcup but raised in New Zealand, was denied.

It was not long before the All Blacks were back in front, though, and, with England’s defence at sixes and sevens following miscommunication between Ben Earl and George Furbank, full-back Stephen Perofeta picked the pass which sent rampaging No 8 Savea through for a second try.

But it was all square at the break after New Zealand came unstuck trying to run the ball from inside their own half on the final play, conceding a penalty which this time Smith slotted over to draw the tourists level.

Marcus Smith missed a straightforward kick to give England the lead against New Zealand

A knee injury suffered by TJ Perenara late in the first half forced a switch at scrum-half for the hosts too, with Finlay Christie replacing him, but they were given a let-off in the opening five minutes of the second half when Smith pulled another kickable penalty attempt wide.

The Harlequins No 10 played a key role in England taking the lead in the 47th minute, though, pulling the strings for Feyi-Waboso’s score. Tommy Freeman was initially tackled just short, with England then working the ball from right to left for Smith to pick out the Exeter Chiefs winger with a bullet pass to the wing.

Yet once again, Smith’s kicking let him down as he was unable to convert, and the lead was narrowed to two points in the 54th minute as opposite number McKenzie slotted over from a penalty for his first successful kick at goal in three attempts.

Smith sent Immanuel Feyi-Waboso free to go over in the corner and give England the lead

He landed a second 11 minutes later as England were pinged for a ruck infringement defending their 22, but then gifted the away side a chance with under two minutes to go as he took too long to take a kick at goal from a penalty which would have all but sealed victory.

Despite throwing caution to the wind, England were unable to fashion an opportunity for a score and when the referee blew for a ruck infringement against them with the clock in the red, it allowed the All Blacks to breathe a sigh of relief.

‘England so close to creating history’

Sky Sports rugby union expert and former England international Will Greenwood:

“You could tell it was New Zealand’s first time together. They’ve lost some key players through retirement and playing in Japan. Their lineout wobbles, they had to resort to kicking as they couldn’t get their attacking game going.

“On the flip side of that, I thought England at times were outstanding. Their defence kept them in the game for long periods and then they went after New Zealand in the second half.

“The frustrating thing about sport is you can’t go back and play the last 15 minutes again. The beauty is they get to have another crack at it next week.

“They were so close to creating some history today.”

Ahead of the first summer Test against New Zealand, England faced the iconic Haka!

Former New Zealand international Nick Evans, speaking on Sky Sports:

“Credit to the England defence, Felix [Jones, England defence coach] has done a brilliant job. Their line speed and post-tackle work especially caused New Zealand a lot of problems.

“The All Blacks stayed in the fight in the second half. The lineout capitulated but their scrum was excellent. They didn’t quite get the speed of ball they wanted but they ground out a victory, which is going to be really important leading into Eden Park next week.”

What they said

Jamie George hailed England’s attacking mentality after they came so close to defeating New Zealand in the opening Test.

England captain Jamie George, speaking to Sky Sports:

“I’m incredibly proud of the way we went out and attacked the game. Not a lot of teams come to New Zealand and do that. That shows the huge amount of growth in this team.

“There are definitely some areas [for improvement] – the scrum was one, the breakdown probably another. We’ll do a lot of honest work next week and make sure we go to Eden Park fully prepared.

“We wanted to make people at home very proud. I think we did that with our effort. A game of very fine margins.”

Steve Borthwick described England’s opening Test against New Zealand as a real arm-wrestle in the middle of the field as the visitors fell to a close defeat.

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports:

“We got into a hell of an arm wrestle, which we know Steve Borthwick’s teams are really good at. We didn’t get our kick game right, pushed straight after half-time and the second half was just a grind – and we got there.

“I keep thinking of the things that went wrong when I should think of the things that went right, like the score. It’s their sixth game of the year, it’s our first and we’re in a pretty steep learning curve.”

What’s next?

England now head to Auckland for the second and final Test of the series against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday July 13. That match is live on Sky Sports Action from 7.30am BST (kick-off 8am).

International rugby: New Zealand vs England and Australia vs Wales updates and highlights | Rugby Union News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Live

England face New Zealand in first of two Tests, followed by Australia vs Wales; Ireland are up against South Africa later today along with Argentina vs France; watch the summer rugby union internationals in the southern hemisphere live on Sky Sports

Will Greenwood: England have strength, guile and rock stars to take on All Blacks | Rugby Union News

On: July 5, 2024 By: admin

Former England international Will Greenwood says Steve Borthwick’s side have the “rock stars” to challenge New Zealand when they face them in the first of two Tests on Saturday.

England take on the All Blacks in Dunedin, live on Sky Sports, and are high on confidence after strong performances against Ireland and France in the Six Nations before scoring eight tries in a 52-17 victory over Japan last month.

World Cup finalists New Zealand are one of the toughest tests that Borthwick’s side has faced to date, with many believing that England will struggle to get a win over the three-time World Cup champions.

However, Greenwood believes England are a strong side that shouldn’t be underestimated, especially now that they have started to put the “sparkly bits on the cake”.

“England are building but it is harsh to say building now,” Greenwood told Sky Sports News.

“They have a really good team. They have a strong culture, strong dog, a little bit of subtlety and guile, they have got a couple of rock star players who can pull rabbits out of hats.

“It is going to be an absolute belter.

“Steve Borthwick is a five-year-plan kind of guy. He came in nine months before the World Cup, didn’t feel he had enough time, and yet made a semi-final.

“He is a nuts-and-bolts kind of coach, get the set-piece sorted, sure up the defence a bit, then slowly and surely put a couple of sparkly bits on the cake.

“That is what he is doing and he is backing youth. Fin Smith on the bench, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell. He is not afraid to give these guys a go and he has built a pretty powerful unit up front.

“It is a fascinating game because New Zealand are a fantastic rugby team but they have had a whole heap of change, a brand new coach, and they haven’t had a hit out.”

England’s summer fixtures

Saturday June 22 – Japan 17-52 England
Saturday July 6 – vs New Zealand (8.05am), live on Sky Sports
Saturday July 13 – vs New Zealand (8.05am), live on Sky Sports

‘Saturday full of mouth-watering matches’

England’s match against the All Blacks is the first of four huge matches taking place on Saturday and you can watch them all live on Sky Sports Action.

New Zealand vs England is live from 7.30am, before Australia vs Wales from 10.30am, South Africa vs Ireland from 3.30pm and Argentina vs France at 8pm.

“It is a mouth-watering trio of games,” said Greenwood, who was part of the last England team to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2003.

“England vs New Zealand followed up by Australia vs Wales. Australia with Joe Schmidt in charge, then Warren Gatland for Wales with a huge amount of pressure.

“Gatland offered his resignation almost on the spot after the Six Nations, that was turned down, so he is back in the saddle and they are trying to build a squad that can go and perform in a World Cup in two or three years.

“Then we finish with South Africa vs Ireland. Rassie Erasmus has picked 12 World Cup finalists, Ireland have gone with a few new faces.

“They think they have been the best team in the world but failed at the quarter-final stage again. There are so many sub-plots.”

Watch England against New Zealand live on Saturday from 7.30am on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event (8.05am kick-off). Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Australia vs Wales: Josh Hathaway to make his debut and Aaron Wainwright earns 50th cap in Sydney opening Test | Rugby Union News

On: July 4, 2024 By: admin

Josh Hathaway will make his Test debut, Aaron Wainwright earns his 50th international cap and Ben Thomas has been handed the fly-half role for when Wales face Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

Aberystwyth-born Gloucester back Hathaway, who has represented Wales and England at under-20 level, starts on the wing.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland moved quickly to secure the 20-year-old’s services, which was brought into sharp focus after Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was in a similar position last season and chose England.

“We want to make sure we qualify him for Wales,” Gatland said, after naming his training squad in June.

“He is a young player with a lot of potential and we think there is a lot of improvement in his game, whether it is wing or full-back.”

A reshuffled back-three from the team beaten by world champions South Africa at Twickenham sees Liam Williams move from wing to full-back, with Cameron Winnett dropping out after starting Wales’ last six Tests.

Thomas, meanwhile, makes his first international appearance since 2021 after being preferred to Sam Costelow in the number 10 shirt.

He will have some familiar faces alongside him, though, with Cardiff colleagues Ellis Bevan and Mason Grady starting at scrum-half and inside centre, respectively.

Elsewhere, there is a first Test start for Sydney-born Bath prop Archie Griffin, while Exeter forwards Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins join forces in the second row and number eight Wainwright brings up his half-century of international appearances.

Williams, Wainwright and prop Gareth Thomas are the only starting line-up survivors from Wales’ record 40-6 victory over Australia at the 2023 World Cup.

Wales face a tough task against the Wallabies, having not beaten them Down Under since 1969, losing 11 successive games.

Gatland said: “We have had a good week of preparations here in Sydney, and are excited to get out on the field on Saturday.

“This first Test is going to be a great challenge for us.

“Test matches are all about fine margins and we know we need to be accurate, keep our discipline and stay in the fight for the full 80 minutes.

“There is a lot of talent within the Australia squad and we know they will want to come out firing and put in a performance against us.”

Wales: L Williams (Kubota Spears); J Hathaway (Gloucester), O Watkin (Ospreys), M Grady (Cardiff), R Dyer (Dragons); B Thomas (Cardiff), E Bevan (Cardiff); G Thomas (Ospreys), D Lake (Ospreys, capt), A Griffin (Bath), C Tshiunza (Exeter), D Jenkins (Exeter), T Plumtree (Scarlets), T Reffell (Leicester), A Wainwright (Dragons).

Replacements: E Lloyd (Cardiff), K Mathias (Scarlets), H O’Connor (Scarlets), C Hill (Secom Rugguts), J Botham (Cardiff), K Hardy (Ospreys), S Costelow (Scarlets), N Tompkins (Saracens).

Wright captains new-look Australia in Schmidt’s first Test in charge

Former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt takes charge of Australia for the first time after succeeding Eddie Jones as head coach and has named a new-look team for the opening Test against Wales.

Flanker Liam Wright has been named captain, with uncapped centre Josh Flook and lock Jeremy Williams also selected.

Williams will partner in the second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who is returning from a stint in England with Northampton for his first Test since 2021.

Tom Wright, who missed selection for the World Cup squad last year, returns at full-back and Andrew Kellaway will move to the wing. Filipo Daugunu was recalled to start on the other wing.

There are also five newcomers among the replacements, including Tom Lynagh, who is the son of Wallabies World Cup winner Michael Lynagh and brother of Italy international Louis Lynagh.

Australia: 15) Tom Wright, 14) Andrew Kellaway, 13) Josh Flook, 12) Hunter Paisami, 11) Filipo Daugunu, 10) Noah Lolesio, 9) Jake Gordon; 1) James Slipper, 2) Matt Faessler, 3) Taniela Tupou, 4) Jeremy Williams, 5) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6) Liam Wright (c), 7) Fraser McReight, 8) Rob Valetini

Watch Wales against Australia live on Saturday from 10.30am on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event (10.45am kick-off). Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Jack Rowell: Steve Borthwick leads tributes as former England and Bath head coach dies aged 87 | Rugby Union News

On: July 3, 2024 By: admin

Steve Borthwick has led tributes to former England and Bath head coach Jack Rowell following his death at the age of 87.

Rowell coached England from 1994 to 1997, overseeing 21 victories in 29 Tests and a World Cup semi-final appearance against New Zealand in Cape Town, when Jonah Lomu scored four tries as the All Blacks ran riot.

Players like Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Rob Andrew all flourished under Rowell’s leadership, with England winning Five Nations titles in 1995 and 1996, including one Grand Slam.

Rowell was appointed by the Rugby Football Union following an outstanding 16-year coaching career with Bath.

He transformed the west country club into giants of the English domestic game, with Bath winning five league titles and the knockout cup eight times under his direction.

In a statement, Bath said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of former Bath Rugby head coach and club president Jack Rowell on Monday July 1.

“Jack Rowell, all 6ft 7in of him, was a towering figure in the history of Bath and English rugby, a unique character who will never be equalled for his extraordinary achievements as a visionary, astute strategist and inspirational coach.

“From his arrival in the summer of 1978 to his departure at the end of yet another trophy-laden season in 1994 to coach England, Jack had set about creating and sustaining an unstoppable force in domestic rugby.

“On behalf of everyone at Bath Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jack.”

Rowell returned to the Recreation Ground as director of rugby in 2002, where current England head coach and former Bath captain Borthwick worked with him.

“We are saddened to hear the passing of Jack Rowell and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” Borthwick told www.englandrugby.com. “As a player at Bath, I had the privilege of working with him when he was director of rugby.

“He left a huge impression on me, not only as someone with incredible rugby knowledge, but also a fantastic man. His contribution to English rugby was enormous, and he will be sorely missed.”

Bath said they were making plans for a book of condolence at the club on Friday and Saturday, while flags at the Recreation Ground and Bath’s Farleigh House training base will fly at half-mast in tribute to Rowell.

Former Bath captain and England flanker John Hall, who is the current club president, paid tribute to Rowell.

“Many of us played under Jack for more than a decade and he was not just a coach to us, he was a visionary leader whose influence on our club, its players and supporters left a legacy that will endure through the ages,” Hall said.

“His strategic thinking and passion for the game transformed the club and our team into champions, both on and off the field. The numerous titles and victories we celebrated together are a testament to his exceptional leadership and deep understanding of rugby.

“Jack was a mentor and a friend to many of us, and had a huge influence with our club and international careers. His ability to inspire and motivate was unparalleled, creating a tough environment where players and staff alike could thrive.

“Several former players, who were close to him, recently had the opportunity to visit and spent time by his bedside. Despite his health challenges, it was heartening to witness that his sharp wit remained intact until the very end.

“We grieve his passing, but also celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on Bath Rugby throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Jack Rowell was truly one of a kind, and his memory will always hold a place of honour at our club.”