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Post by bluetornados on Sept 8, 2023 8:36:08 GMT
England v Argentina: Alex Mitchell and Jonny May to start Rugby World Cup opener..
Alex Mitchell and Jonny May will start for England in their World Cup opener against Argentina despite initially missing out on the 33-man squad. Scrum-half Mitchell and wing May were late additions to Steve Borthwick's squad after Jack van Poortvliet and Anthony Watson withdrew with injury. George Ford will start at fly-half with captain Owen Farrell banned for the first two pool games. Flanker Tom Curry starts his first game since the Premiership final in May. Open-side Curry, who started the 2019 World Cup final defeat by South Africa, is yet to feature for England this summer after recovering from an ankle injury. Ben Earl replaces Saracens team-mate Billy Vunipola, who is suspended for the opening game following his red card against Ireland in England's penultimate warm-up game, at number eight. Courtney Lawes completes the back row on the blind-side and continues as captain in the absence of Farrell. Wing Elliot Daly has recovered from a knee injury to join May and regular full-back Freddie Steward in the back three. Harlequins' Joe Marchant partners Manu Tuilagi in the midfield - as they did in the defeat by Ireland in Dublin. Replacement scrum-half Danny Care is given the nod over Leicester Tigers' Ben Youngs on the bench in what could be only his second World Cup appearance, having made his first against Uruguay in 2015. England, who are ranked eighth in the world, lost three of their four warm-up games heading into the World Cup. Borthwick's side also face Japan, Chile and Samoa in Pool D, with the top two sides progressing to the quarter-finals. Line-up
England team to face Argentina: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole; Itoje, Chessum; Lawes (capt), Curry, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Martin, Ludlam, Care, Smith, Lawrence. Difficult to get to revved up about England. They were boring, dull and clueless in the 6 nations. I enjoyed all the 6 nations games - apart from the England games. They were about 4-6 to win this game a month ago. Now an evens contest. Is it really bad to be supporting Argentina? Should be a great tournament with 4 realistic potential champions in France, Ireland, AB's and the Boks. France / AB's this evening should be a belter. It's one of those 'they have nothing to lose, but everything to gain' situations, a bit like Denmark in 1992, basking in the sun one minute and winning a trophy the next. Gut feelings are weird things, but with all the adversity the England team and staff have had to deal with of late, they might just cause a shock and do well.... Back's against the wall stuff, nothing to lose, i will reserve judgment until i see how they perform v Argentina on saturday night at 8pm.. |
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 8:49:35 GMT
France 27-13 New Zealand: Antoine Dupont and his team answer the call of a nation..By Mike Henson, BBC Sport at Stade de France.
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Damian Penaud's 55th-minute try moved France 14-13 ahead against New Zealand, a lead they never gave upThe All Blacks had opened up France after just 93 seconds when Mark Telea gathered a Beauden Barrett crossfield bomb and sauntered in. They threatened to wreak more havoc throughout the first half, without ever quite converting. After 40 minutes, the scoreline told one story. The stats though told the truth. New Zealand had carried for 378m, France had managed just 184m. New Zealand had crossed the gainline 37 times, France just 15. New Zealand had beaten 22 defenders, France only three. Only the reliable boot of Thomas Ramos and opportunities butchered by All Black hands had preserved a 9-8 lead for the hosts. Three minutes after the break, that fig leaf was gone too. A second try for Telea. New Zealand ahead and with the momentum. France apparently in danger of wilting under oppressive 30-degree heat and a high-pressure front of public expectation. But this team is acclimatised now. They have weathered storms before. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/64D6/production/_131041852_gettyimages-1668493724.jpgHead coach Fabien Galthie took charge of France in the wake of their quarter-final exit at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in JapanMan of the match Gregory Alldritt and tireless second row Thibaud Flament trucked the ball up round the fringes as France tightened up their game and squeezed New Zealand's space and supply of possession. The tide turned, the penalties came their way, and the points followed. New Zealand, who were not helped by wing Will Jordan's yellow card for a reckless clattering of Ramos in the air, faded out of the contest. "We won the arm-wrestle," said Galthie. "That enabled us to keep in touch with New Zealand, particularly in our weaker moments, and then we regained control of the second half." It wasn't all good news for Galthie. His first-choice hooker Julien Marchand limped off, and potentially out of the tournament after suffering a nasty-looking lower leg injury. However, he has a decent option in Peato Mauvaka to step up, Jonathan Danty to return and beef up the midfield and a slick performance from Mathieu Jalibert to review. The fly-half's swerve outside Ardie Savea to create an overlap and Damian Penaud's try was perhaps the match's most sublime moment of skill. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/10116/production/_131041856_dupont_getty.jpgDupont
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 8:52:02 GMT
Opening Weekend Fixtures for the 2023 Rugby World Cup......(ALL GAMES ARE LIVE ON ITV)
Saturday 9th September
Pool A: Italy v Namibia - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - 12pm
Pool B: IRELAND v Romania - Stade de Bordeaux - 2.30pm
Pool C: Australia v Georgia - Stade de France - 5pm
Pool D: ENGLAND v Argentina - Stade de Marseille - 8pm
Sunday 10th September
Pool D: Japan v Chile - Stade de Toulouse - 12pm
Pool B: South Africa v SCOTLAND - Stade de Marseille - 4.45pm
Pool C: WALES v Fiji - Stade de Bordeaux - 8pm
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 8:55:05 GMT
England v Argentina preview: Pressure mounting before crunch Rugby World Cup opener..By Chris Jones, BBC rugby union correspondent in Marseille.
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Courtney Lawes will captain England in Marseille in the absence of banned Owen FarrellEngland's players started the week in the remote calm of Le Touquet, cocooned from the pressure that is mounting on the team. There is no respite in bustling Marseille, a place which exudes World Cup history. Anyone who was here in 2007 will never forget it, least of all the legions of England fans who watched their side upset the odds against Australia and improbably reach the semi-finals. These England players went out for a coffee in town on Friday. Surrounded by the yachts of the Vieux Port, they find themselves in a similar boat 16 years on. Both sides were written off before their showdowns in the Velodrome. However, the 2007 vintage had at least navigated the pool stage - albeit via a 36-0 loss in the process. The 2023 crop will need to arrest their slide to even manage that. Four wins in their last 13 matches. 50 points shipped at home to France. A first defeat by Fiji. And after a serene start to the week on the northern coast, the mood has shifted in the last 48 hours. The wagons have been circled. Siege mentality activated. But while the players and management are visibly tenser than at their Le Touquet training base, the messaging remains consistent. Confidence. Belief. An insistence it can all suddenly click. No-one is doubting the rugby CVs of these players. Even without the banned Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell, nine of the starting XV played in the last World Cup final. Flanker Tom Curry is back, a few months on from his outstanding performance for Sale in the Premiership final. But those individuals from 2019 are four years older; it is an "an ageing team", according to former head coach Eddie Jones. As always with Jones, there is an element of truth laced with the mischief. More importantly, and regardless of the "quality in the room" - as described by Maro Itoje - do England have the consistency and cohesion to get close to the best in the world? The evidence of the last month suggests not. Yet Borthwick has been adamant the team will be ready for when it matters the most: 9 September in Marseille. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/5959/production/_131037822_bbc-sport-h2h-square--c2452a4d-a52a-4b9a-a82f-5e64e855e687.pngLine-ups
England: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes (capt), Curry, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Martin, Ludlam, Care, Smith, Lawrence. Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Lavanini, Alemanno, Martin Gonzalez, Kremer, Matera. Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Petti Pagadizabal, Rubiolo, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Moroni. Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 21:18:06 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 21:25:55 GMT
Opening Weekend Results for the 2023 Rugby World Cup......(ALL GAMES WERE LIVE ON ITV)
Saturday 9th September
Pool A: Italy 52 Namibia 8
Pool B: IRELAND 82 Romania 8
Pool C: Australia 35 Georgia 15
Pool D: ENGLAND 27 Argentina 10
Sunday 10th September - All Games Are LIVE on ITV
Pool D: Japan v Chile - Stade de Toulouse - 12pm
Pool B: South Africa v SCOTLAND - Stade de Marseille - 4.45pm
Pool C: WALES v Fiji - Stade de Bordeaux - 8pm
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 21:34:36 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/9/1/51bb8fa5-37e6-4e1d-8e88-7296ea305d19.jpgGet Involved on: England 27 Argentina 10Ian: For goodness sake! What was he meant to do with his head? Are they rugby players or not? This sport is getting ridiculous. Tom: That is not a red card. The player travelled way too far in the air and Curry adjusted as well as he could. If that's a red then Santiago Carreras is definitely one because there was way more intent. Awful decision. Jez: I've watched rugby union all my adult life and simply don't understand it anymore? How is that a red card for an accidental clash of heads? Can someone explain what going on? Alex: A clear red. Those who think otherwise have their red rose tinted glasses on a little tight. Unfortunate, but definitely a red card with head on head contact, force, and an upright body position. Joe: No need for England to fear being down to 14 men. They've been training for this moment for months. Jemma: Missing Farrell in squad? Not when we've got Fordy smashing the drop goals. Shaun: Wow, George Ford, take a bow! Anon: And another drop goal from Ford. Extraordinary stuff.. England 12-3 UP, playing with 14 men... Pumas not capitalising on that, in fact it seems that tthe Pumas are one man down. Anon: Excellent Lawes in that defence releasing the pressure... Ian: Does Courtney Lawes ever have a bad game? John: Got to give it to England here. So many times, they've been accused of being tactically naive in games. But they know they need to keep energy and build points, Ford slotting three every time we get over halfway is the clever way to play, even if not easy on the eye. Matt: Sport at its best this: individual flair no longer relevant, all about the collective focus and grit of a team to get themselves through adversity. Great stuff! Anon: George Ford showing us what a class act he is finally. Simon: George Ford vs Argentina Catie: I am in absolute awe of England right now and that man George Ford. I thought Jonny Wilkinson was the god of drop goals… he might have some competition for the first time since 2003! Anon: England learning the painful days Scotland once knew, barely a sniff of a try! Impressive performance grinding out the kicks, but I can’t see it getting any prettier. Stephen: This is wild. Hands down the most impressive performance by any team so far in the World Cup given the early red. Where has this come from? Some big hitters to come back in as well Oz: With the way Ford played, how does Owen Farrell get back into the starting XV? Or rather should he? Stuart: Can’t see how they can justify bringing Farrell in after his suspension. England playing unbelievably. And that’s coming from a Scotland fan. Anon: George Ford tremendous, it would be foolish to replace him with Farrell in later matches.
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Post by lostinspace on Sept 10, 2023 7:33:52 GMT
re "the red" i am no rugby buff,far from it.... but if there was any intent there then i cannot see it, that is..as far as i can see a purely accidental clash ,,, the crunch into Ford was far more reckless as far as i could see..
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 11, 2023 8:08:58 GMT
Opening Weekend Results for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Sunday 10th September
Pool D: Japan 42 Chile 12
Pool B: South Africa 18 SCOTLAND 3
Pool C: WALES 32 Fiji 26
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 11, 2023 8:16:11 GMT
France 2023: Rugby World Cup Fixtures.....ALL GAMES ARE LIVE ON ITV
Thursday 14th September
Pool A: France v Uruguay - Stade Pierre-Mauroy - 8pm
Friday, 15th September
Pool A: New Zealand v Namibia - Stadium de Toulouse - 8pm
Saturday, 16th September
Pool D: Samoa v Chile - Stade de Bordeaux - 2pm
Pool C: Wales v Portugal - Stade de Nice - 4.45pm
Pool D: Ireland v Tonga - Stade de la Beaujoire - 8pm
Sunday, 17th September
Pool B: South Africa v Romania - Stade de Bordeaux - 2pm
Pool C: Australia v Fiji - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - 4.45pm
Pool D: ENGLAND v Japan - Stade de Nice - 8pm
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 11, 2023 11:47:02 GMT
re "the red" i am no rugby buff,far from it.... but if there was any intent there then i cannot see it, that is..as far as i can see a purely accidental clash ,,, the crunch into Ford was far more reckless as far as i could see.. Looked harsh. No intent, but was dangerous. Yellow seems reasonable. In the Jocks / Bocks game there was a 100% dangerous head tackle with intent - didn't even get a review! Crazy. |
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Post by Nobbygas on Sept 11, 2023 13:52:59 GMT
Wales got away with it against Fiji. Time and again Wales conceded penalties right in front of their line. Three times the ref warned them that "this is the last time" but he didn't dish out any yellow cards nor award a penalty try. Wales break, and the first offense committed by Fiji and one of their players got a yellow card! Poor reffing.
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 11, 2023 14:10:44 GMT
‘Ruining this World Cup’: TV presenter slams ‘grotesque’ refereeing as Wales beat Fiji..by Luke Baker.The refereeing in the Rugby World Cup match between Wales and Fiji has been slammed as “grotesque” and “appalling” by TV presenter Nick Knowles who also claims that the officiating is “ruining the World Cup”. Perceived inconsistency from referees dominated the headlines across the first weekend of the tournament in France, with a number of controversial decisions – especially regarding head contact in the tackle – took centre stage. Tom Curry’s red card in the early stages of England’s 27-10 win over Argentina for a dangerous tackle on Pumas full back Juan Cruz Mallia as he landed after leaping for a high ball seemed to set a precedent of a low threshold for serious punishment of head contact, in the interest of player safety. Yet later in that same match, Santiago Carreras only received yellow despite his reckless leap in attempting to charge down a George Ford kick seeing his hip make contact with the England No 10’s head. During South Africa’s impressive 18-3 win over Scotland, Jesse Kriel’s tackle on Jack Dempsey in which his head clattered into that of his Scottish opponent wasn’t even reviewed by the TMO, while Chile captain Martin Sigren was only sin-binned despite a head-on-head collision while tackling a Japanese attacker. Away from head contact controversy, the inconsistency of referee Matthew Carley during Wales’s thrilling 32-26 win over Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday evening also came under intense scrutiny. In the second half, Wales were able to infringe regularly on their own line, receiving warning after warning, while conceding just one yellow card when it could easily have been three or four. i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article30909307.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1658842178.jpgMatthew Carley's performance during Wales' win over Fiji has been slammed Meanwhile, when Fiji’s Lekima Tagitagivalu was the first man carded, justifiably in his case, the outrage from the crowd was palpable. Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui was diplomatic after the game but also clearly a little frustrated at the inconsistency. He said: “It’s pretty tough to talk when you are hot after the match. I did think when we were down in the corner, we had multiple penalties and could have been multiple more and we didn’t get a yellow card [given against Wales]. The referees have got a tough job, I respect what they do. As a coach, you are looking for that consistency. There were a couple of occasions where we thought we didn’t get the rub of the green.” Social media was ablaze during the game, with TV presenter and big rugby fan Knowles livid at the way the Fijians were treated by Carley and the impact that officials are having on the tournament. “Absolutely appalling officiating in this game - Fiji should launch an official complaint,” wrote Knowles on X, formerly Twitter. “Try line no arms tackle first half wales ignored, multiple try line offences Wales ignored, one offence Fiji carded. Officiating ruining this World Cup.” He continued: “This is looking worse than bad officiating - I don’t even want to say it out loud. This officiating is an absolute disgrace and World Rugby owes Fiji an apology and this officiating team need censuring in some way This is supposed to be a showcase but it’s grotesque.” After the full-time whistle, he posted again: “ The officials won that game for Wales and something should be done about it. Nothing will of course but World Rugby you are absolutely making a mess of this showcase .” Knowles had also posted about the Kriel incident earlier in the day, writing: “ Can anyone explain why Jesse Kriel wasn’t even considered for a yellow for a tackle that was identical to the tackle that resulted in a red card for Curry last night. Do SA have a special pass? Will the TMO face sanction for such a glaring error. Will Kriel go on report?”
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Post by lostinspace on Sept 12, 2023 19:14:57 GMT
Following England player Tom Curry ' s disciplinary hearing after being red carded against Argentina," the panel" have now given him a further 2 match ban!! If he attends a " how to tackle safely seminar"! this will become a one match ban... bloody pathetic!!
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 12, 2023 21:16:59 GMT
Adding to the above post: Tom Curry: England back row to miss two games after Rugby World Cup red card..
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England have had three players sent off in their past four matchesTom Curry will miss England's next two Rugby World Cup matches after his red card in Saturday's win over Argentina. Curry, 25, faced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and was ruled out of the Pool C matches against Japan this Sunday and Chile on 23rd September. The Sale back row was initially shown a yellow card after making head-to-head contact in a tackle with Juan Cruz Mallia inside the first three minutes. It was later upgraded to a red following a 'bunker' review. The independent disciplinary committee imposed a ban of three matches on the flanker - but that is reduced to two games if he completes the World Rugby coaching programme on tackling. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/119DC/production/_131065127_curry_reu.jpgIt means Curry will be free to return to action for England's final Pool C game against Samoa on 7th October. Captain Owen Farrell will miss the Japan match because of the suspension resulting from his red card against Wales in a warm-up game in August. However, number eight Billy Vunipola has completed his ban after his recent dismissal against Ireland and is available for selection against the Brave Blossoms. After those incidents, Curry became the third England player to be sent off in their past four matches. Before the outcome of Curry's disciplinary hearing was announced, England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth spoke to BBC Sport about the importance of avoiding such problems in future. "It would be a lot easier on ourselves if we had 15 men on the field," he said. "What I would say is it's an invasion sport and, let's be honest, it was an accident. "We want to make sure we're playing as safe a game as we can and I completely understand the rules, but that doesn't mean to say accidents won't happen that result in the decision [Curry's red card] that we got. "We showed that we're a disciplined team and we want to be incredibly disciplined."
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 12, 2023 21:20:34 GMT
Rugby World Cup: George Ford & Owen Farrell selection dilemma 'really nice problem' for England..By Chris Jones, BBC rugby union correspondent in Le Touquet.
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George Ford and Owen Farrell have been playing together for England since under-16 levelWorking out how best to deploy George Ford and Owen Farrell is a "really nice problem to have", according to England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth. Ford, 30, produced a performance for the ages to steer the side to a 27-10 win against Argentina. Matt Dawson, a World Cup winner in 2003, said Ford was "in complete control" with Farrell suspended. "We've got three top international quality 10s," Wigglesworth told BBC Sport. "And I know, and we know, that will always end up in a talking point because there is always going to be someone missing out who is definitely good enough to be playing international rugby, and playing it really well and running the team." Farrell will also miss England's second pool match, against Japan in Nice on Sunday, but will be available for the following game against Chile on 23 September. Wigglesworth says "all things will definitely be considered" when it comes to selecting England's playmaking axis, with Marcus Smith the third fly-half in the squad. England could opt to pick one of Ford or Farrell at number 10 when the latter returns from his ban, or play Ford and Farrell together in the midfield. "I understand the question, completely, but until we get there, until we are sat in the situation of going: 'What is best for the team and what is best for the opposition we are playing?'... then we will cross that bridge when we come to it," Wigglesworth added. "I don't think there is much point in us worrying about it before we've got those decisions about what is best for the team." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/07D7/production/_131070020_gettyimages-1670526529-2.jpgFord will wear 10 against Japan this weekend, with England needing to make at least one change to the starting XV with Tom Curry suspended for two games. The flanker was sent off after three minutes following a clash of heads with Argentina full-back Juan Cruz Mallia, and was sanctioned at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. However, England do have the option of bringing number eight Billy Vunipola into the back row following his two-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the warm-up game against Ireland. "Billy looks great, he trained today and is back and available," Wigglesworth confirmed. Former England lock George Kruis was part of the coaching team in Le Touquet on Tuesday, assisting head coach Steve Borthwick on line-outs. Wigglesworth says the players are "rightly proud" of their performance against the Pumas, but acknowledges they need to develop a sharper cutting edge in attack if they are to go deep into the tournament, having relied on Ford's boot to build a score in Marseille. "The lads are desperate to get it right. There were opportunities on the weekend that they identified, and they went for, but what you want to do is create the line breaks to create tries," he said. "We know we are going to have to convert some opportunities as games go on."
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 12, 2023 21:21:34 GMT
France 2023: Rugby World Cup Fixtures.....ALL GAMES ARE LIVE ON ITV
Thursday 14th September
Pool A: France v Uruguay - Stade Pierre-Mauroy - 8pm
Friday, 15th September
Pool A: New Zealand v Namibia - Stadium de Toulouse - 8pm
Saturday, 16th September
Pool D: Samoa v Chile - Stade de Bordeaux - 2pm
Pool C: WALES v Portugal - Stade de Nice - 4.45pm
Pool D: IRELAND v Tonga - Stade de la Beaujoire - 8pm
Sunday, 17th September
Pool B: South Africa v Romania - Stade de Bordeaux - 2pm
Pool C: Australia v Fiji - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - 4.45pm
Pool D: ENGLAND v Japan - Stade de Nice - 8pm
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 12, 2023 21:24:00 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 14, 2023 15:32:45 GMT
France 2023: Rugby World Cup Fixture - LIVE ON ITV 4
Thursday 14th September
Pool A: France v Uruguay - Stade Pierre-Mauroy - 8pm
France v Uruguay preview: Anthony Jelonch had 'doubts' about Rugby World Cup spot after injury
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Anthony Jelonch injured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Six Nations match against Scotland in FebruaryAnthony Jelonch "had doubts" that he would appear at a home Rugby World Cup but says there is a "huge source of pride" at being named France captain against Uruguay in Lille on Thursday. The Toulouse back row has recovered from a serious knee injury sustained during the Six Nations in February. He will lead a side showing 12 changes from the team that beat New Zealand. "My knee is holding up well and I've got the green light from the surgeons and physiotherapists," said Jelonch. "Fabien [Galthie, France head coach] said to me: 'You choose the match you want to play.' I felt ready, and he told me I could play [against Uruguay]. I'm just looking forward to kick-off on Thursday." Jelonch, 27, will line up at number eight as part of a much-changed starting XV selected by Galthie, whose side overcame the All Blacks 27-13 in Paris in the tournament's opening match. "We had to switch from a match we had focused on for three years to this one against Uruguay in a short space of time," said Galthie. "We've put together a team that we feel is ready in terms of freshness, preparation and combinations. The challenge for us is to put together the best team in France right now." Uruguay, ranked 17th in the world, are making their fifth appearance at a Rugby World Cup and are playing for the first time at the 2023 event after sitting out the first round of pool matches. They have won only three of their 15 World Cup games and have never before made it further than the group phase - but they have caused upsets, most notably in 2019 when they beat Fiji in Japan. Uruguay president Luis Lacalle Pou is scheduled to attend the match in Lille and Nicolas Freitas, who will start on the wing against France, said: "As soon as we wear this jersey, we know we represent a lot of people: family, friends, clubs. "Of course, the presence of the president supporting us from the stands is a bonus. We will try to represent our country in the best possible way." The Teams
France: Jaminet; Bielle-Biarrey, Vincent, Moefana, Villiere; Hastoy, Lucu; Gros, Bourgarit, Aldegheri, Woki, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Macalou, Jelonch (capt). Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Chalureau, Flament, Cros, Couilloud, Ramos. Uruguay: Amaya; Basso, Inciarte, Vilaseca (capt), Freitas; Etcheverry, Arata; Sanguinetti, Pujadas, Peculo, Aliaga, Leindekar, Ardao, Civetta, Diana. Replacements: Gattas, Benitez, Piussi, Dotti, Bianchi, Deus, Ormaechea, Berchesi. Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 14, 2023 15:36:56 GMT
Rugby World Cup: England defence coach Kevin Sinfield not looking beyond Japan pool game..
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Kevin Sinfield captained England at a home Rugby League World Cup in 2013England are not looking beyond Sunday's Rugby World Cup pool game against Japan despite taking a first step towards the quarter-finals, says Kevin Sinfield. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last eight in October. Victory over Argentina in their opening pool D match came after England lost three of their four warm-up games. "Given the August we had, I think it's really easy for us to keep our feet on the ground. One good game doesn't make a World Cup," said the defence coach. Sinfield told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "It's all about Japan for us. We understand the threat Japan pose, we're respectful of them as a nation, the players they've got and their coaching team. "We'll understand, regardless of the scoreboard at the weekend, whether we've taken a step forward. We'll be able to see that and feel it. "The players have been magnificent since we've arrived in France and we hope that continues." After facing Japan in Nice, England's remaining pool fixtures will come against World Cup debutants Chile on 23rd September & 11th-ranked Samoa on 7th October. George Ford kicked all of England's points in the 27-10 victory over Argentina in Marseille last Saturday, the win being achieved despite Tom Curry's early red card that will see the Sale flanker suspended for England's next two matches. Sinfield, who played at three Rugby League World Cups for England, said he has noticed "a little bit of extra bounce" among the squad following the success against the Pumas. "Some of the stresses and strains that I suppose you saw in people's faces have gone, and that can only help us moving forward," added Sinfield. "It's been a pretty relaxed and calm group anyway, but this only helps with that and I think we'll get another great performance at the weekend. "The competition for places is really strong. Everyone wants to impress each week and ensure they put themselves in the best position to play the following week, so guys are doing everything they can in training. "There's a great spirit within the group and I think that was shown in how the guys worked so hard for each other at the weekend."
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