Today on Sky Sports Racing: Worcester, Wolverhampton and Ripon feature on Monday | Racing News

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Worcester, Wolverhampton and Ripon feature on Monday | Racing News



The Sky Sports Racing cameras head to Worcester’s jumps meeting and the Flat fixtures at Ripon and Wolverhampton on Monday, with 21 live races across the three tracks.

3.45 Worcester – Lallygag, Mr Freedom and Bethpage clash

Lallygag, Mr Freedom and Bethpage clash in the AK Bets Meet Celebrant Dave On-Course Handicap Hurdle (3.45).

Sheena West saddles Mr Freedom, who was once fifth in the Fred Winter. He won last time out on the Flat but has been less than consistent before this. He needs to return to that Cheltenham Festival performance level to be in with a chance.

Lallygag’s form looked somewhat consistent before he ran out last time at Newton Abbot and, in an attempt to refocus the seven-year-old, Paul Nicholls reaches for the cheekpieces and re-instates champion jockey Harry Cobden for a steady set of hands.

The danger horse here is the four-timer seeking Bethpage. Joe Anderson takes off a valuable 3lb but this appears to be a deeper contest for him.

7.25 Ripon – Last-time-out winners Havana Prince and Makalu feature

In-form duo Havana Prince and Makalu feature in the Bishopton Equine Handicap (7.25).

Front-running Havana Prince is seeking a hat-trick of wins at Ripon following two consecutive course and distance victories. There could be more improvement at a track that clearly suits him.

Ruth Carr’s Makalu managed to defy a poor start last time out to notch a win at Beverley. He is only off 4lb higher and can be competitive.

Garden Oasis is also somewhat of a course specialist with five wins at Ripon to his name, he won off 85 back in 2021 and has a big chance.

8.00 Ripon – High Opinion bids for hat-trick

High Opinion bids for three on the bounce in the Download The At The Races App Handicap (8.00).

Bryan Smart’s five-year-old was always doing enough to win at Catterick last time out and that form has taken a boost as the second has won since. Despite being raised 5lb in the weights, Andrew Breslin on board will try to counteract this by taking off a handy 3lb.

Vadamiah seems to enjoy the trip around Ripon and could enter calculations in the hands of Luke Morris.

Paddy’s Day was only beaten a neck last time out at Newcastle but he did not seem fully comfortable over this course and distance earlier this season. He needs to bring his best here.

Monday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds

Watch every race from Worcester, Wolverhampton and Ripon – live on Sky Sports Racing on Monday July 8.

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

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


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

Canada’s Peter Nelson is tackled by scrum-half Gus Warr

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: In-form Skelton’s In This World seeking first chase success at Worcester | Racing News

Today on Sky Sports Racing: In-form Skelton’s In This World seeking first chase success at Worcester | Racing News



Wednesday racing has jumping action at Worcester with seven races, while the flat action takes over in the evening at Ffos Las, watch live on Sky Sports Racing.

3.23 Worcester – Captain Morgs and Hometown Boy contest in handicap

Captain Morgs and Hometown Boy contest in the strong FBC Manby Bowdler Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (3.23).

Nicky Henderson’s string have been in fine form of late with two winners in the past 14 days. He saddles the useful Captain Morgs who will be fancied to follow up on his easy Aintree success despite a 6lb higher mark.

Hometown Boy was a useful hurdler and he seeks a first success over fences having jumped with more fluency when third at Bangor last time out.

Kilta will be looking to get back to winning ways after a below-par effort at Uttoxeter. He could well bounce back for the in-form duo of Sam and Jonathan England.

2.23 Worcester – In This World seeks first chase success

Skelton’s In This World seeks maiden chase triumph in the Rory Daly Handicap Chase (2.23).

The Skelton team have been among the winners this month and looks to break his duck over fences. The six-year-old has finished runner-up in all three starts over fences and could prove hard to beat at this grade.

Jamie Snowden’s Donnie Azoff ran out a comfortable winner over hurdles at Stratford on his last start and rates a big danger as he switches to the larger obstacles.

Mix Of Clover debuts for Alastair Ralph and warrants a mention having finished a narrow third on his last start in a Hunter Chase.

6.20 Ffos Las – Private Bryan bids to follow up Kempton victory

Private Bryan headlines the trappy opener in the Secured Alarm Systems Handicap (6.20).

Ed de Giles’ Private Ryan got off the mark at the twentieth attempt when seeing off Ocean Ridge at Kempton in January and bids to follow up on this switch to the turf under George Rooke.

Caramay failed to back up his narrow Windsor success when beaten at Beverley last week but is expected to appreciate the return to this faster surface.

Jimmy Mark has finished third on his last two starts at Bath and must not be underestimated off the same mark today.

Wednesday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds

Watch every race from Worcester and Ffos Las – live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday June 26.

Match Report – South Africa 41 – 13 Wales 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

Match Report – South Africa 41 – 13 Wales 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


This summer on Sky Sports, watch England travel to take on the All Blacks in New Zealand, Wales face Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies in Australia and Ireland battle the World Cup-winning Springboks in South Africa in two-Test tours; Stream rugby in 2024 with a NOW Sports Month Membership

Last Updated: 22/06/24 4:38pm

Highlights from the summer international as South Africa eventually pulled away to beat Wales at Twickenham

Highlights from the summer international as South Africa eventually pulled away to beat Wales at Twickenham

South Africa picked up victory in their first Test match since October’s Rugby World Cup final, beating Wales 41-13 at Twickenham in the first weekend of the summer internationals.

The Springboks were on top for a large part of the first half, scoring early through a Jesse Kriel try and then a penalty try as Wales were reduced to 13 players with wing Rio Dyer (cynical offside) and No 8 Aaron Wainwright (maul collapse) sin-binned.

Wales dug in to keep the score at 14-3, however, and once Springbok full-back Aphelele Fassi was shown yellow for a high boot after claiming an aerial ball – an incident which was reviewed for a potential red card – Wales skipper Dewi Lake replied with a try.

Fly-half Sam Costelow kicked a further two penalties either side of that score to get Wales within a point, but a controversial try early into the second half through Makazole Mapimpi – the TMO failing to intervene despite a clear Kriel forward pass – put the Boks back in control.

Hooker Bongi Mbonami and wing Edwill van der Merwe then added further tries inside the final 11 minutes, after a period of some Welsh pressure which went without tries.

'That's a clear forward pass!' | Mapimpi scores after TMO fails to intervene

‘That’s a clear forward pass!’ | Mapimpi scores after TMO fails to intervene

‘That’s a clear forward pass!’ | Mapimpi scores after TMO fails to intervene

South Africa wing Edwill van der Merwe scored a try on his Test debut with five minutes to play

Bongi Mbonambi came on to score one of two late Springbok tries

What’s next?

Wales move on to Australia for a two-Test series against the Wallabies, live on Sky Sports. The first Test takes place on July 6 (10.45am kick-off) with the second Test on July 13 (10.45am kick-off).

South Africa host Ireland for a two-Test series, live on Sky Sports. The first Test takes place on July 6 (4pm kick-off) with the second Test on July 13 (4pm kick-off).

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Match Report – Bulls 16 – 21 Glasgow 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

Match Report – Bulls 16 – 21 Glasgow 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


Glasgow Warriors battled back from 13-0 down to beat the Bulls 21-16 in South Africa and win the United Rugby Championship for the first time since 2015; Stream rugby in 2024 with a NOW Sports Month Membership

Last Updated: 22/06/24 9:02pm


Glasgow Warriors players celebrate with the trophy after winning the United Rugby Championship final in South Africa

Glasgow Warriors landed the United Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2015 after a hard-fought 21-16 victory over the Bulls at a sold-out Loftus
Versfeld.

Having beaten the Stormers, the 2022 winners, and defending champions Munster to reach the Grand Final, the Warriors avoided a third loss in the showpiece with a fantastic performance in Pretoria.

A pair of Johan Goosen penalties separated the sides before Marco van Staden’s try, converted by Goosen, gave the Bulls – beaten by the Stormers in the 2022 final – a 13-0 lead.

Johan Goosen helped the Bulls get off to a fast start in the final, where they opened up a 13-0 advantage

Glasgow Warriors’ Scottish centre Huw Jones (R) celebrates with tighthead Zander Fagerson (R) after scoring a try against The Bulls (Pretoria)

Player of the match Matt Fagerson: “Words cannot describe how we’re feeling right now. It’s something we’ve been working towards all season and to do it in a place as historic as this in front of all these fans is, I can’t put it into words.

“I think in the last three or four games, we’ve really taken a liking to knock-out rugby in a sense of we’re not overplaying the ball and when you’ve got a kicker like George Horne, it makes things so much easier. We went the hard way but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Glasgow Warriors Head coach Franco Smith: “The boys have played well, bought in. The half-time chat was easy. We knew we had a good plan for the second half. We let them in through our own errors, like last week. They stuck to the script.

“There’s a lot to be said about the hard edge of the European teams and we brought it tonight, especially in the last 10-15 minutes. We defended our line well and applied a lot of pressure to the maul. The boys fronted up to a very strong South African team with 50,000 people behind them. They can be very proud.

“This team shouldn’t be done after tonight. We’ve got the building blocks to go further still.”

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Match Preview – South Africa vs Wales 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

Match Preview – South Africa vs Wales 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


Watch South Africa vs Wales live on Sky Sports Action at 2pm on Saturday; This summer on Sky, watch England travel to take on All Blacks in New Zealand, Wales face Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies in Australia and Ireland battle World Cup-winning Springboks in South Africa in two-Test tours

Last Updated: 21/06/24 11:19am


Wales and South Africa meet at Twickenham on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 1.30pm

Wales face South Africa in neutral venue Twickenham on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, as Warren Gatland desperately seeks improvements…

Ahead of travelling to face Australia in a two-Test tour, also live on Sky Sports, Wales enter into the home of English rugby to begin their summer of action, emerging from a first Six Nations Wooden Spoon since 2003.

South Africa – playing their first game since October’s victorious World Cup final vs New Zealand – are warming up ahead of welcoming Six Nations champions Ireland for their own two-Test tour, live on Sky Sports.

Sky Sports explains how Taylor Swift has forced Wales to move their match against South Africa to Twickenham...

Sky Sports explains how Taylor Swift has forced Wales to move their match against South Africa to Twickenham…

Sky Sports explains how Taylor Swift has forced Wales to move their match against South Africa to Twickenham…

Wales firm underdogs vs Springboks

Wales are rank outsiders, being billed as a 13-1 chance by some bookmakers, and it is not difficult to see why.

They will arrive at Twickenham without numerous front-line players, contributing to an eye-watering gulf in experience between the teams. South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, for instance, has almost won more caps than the entire Wales starting pack.

South Africa won five of their last six games against Wales, while Gatland’s team have posted a solitary victory – against the Barbarians – since October 2023.

Wales finished bottom of the 2024 Six Nations, after five losses from five - their first Wooden Spoon since 2003

Three of rugby’s new laws will be showcased as Wales and South Africa meet live on Sky Sports

Offside players must make an attempt to retreat, therefore creating space for the opposition team to play and potentially reducing so-called ‘kick tennis.’

It will also no longer be possible to choose a scrum from a free-kick, while the action of rolling/twisting/pulling a player on their feet in the tackle area and breakdown – the ‘crocodile roll’ – has been banned.

Watch South Africa vs Wales at Twickenham live on Sky Sports Action at 2pm on Saturday, with build-up from 1.30pm

England’s summer fixtures (UK and Irish time)

Saturday June 22 – vs Japan (6.50am)
Saturday July 6 – vs New Zealand (8.05am), live on Sky Sports
Saturday July 13 – vs New Zealand (8.05am), live on Sky Sports

Ireland’s summer fixtures (UK and Irish time) – live on Sky Sports

Saturday July 6 – South Africa vs Ireland (4pm), live on Sky Sports
Saturday July 13 – South Africa vs Ireland (4pm), live on Sky Sports

Wales’ summer fixtures (UK and Irish time) – live on Sky Sports

Saturday June 22 – vs South Africa (2pm), live on Sky Sports
Saturday July 6 – vs Australia (10.45am), live on Sky Sports
Saturday July 13 – vs Australia (10.45am), live on Sky Sports

Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

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