Month: March 2023

There might not be a more important 25 minutes period for the Wallabies in 2022 than Sunday's remarkable 39-34 comeback victory over Wales.The visitors' fate looked sealed when the rampaging Welsh scored their fourth try of the game to take a 34-13 lead after 50 minutes, exposing a brutally understrength side.CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD AND HOSPITALITY TICKETS FOR THE HSBC SYDNEY SEVENSWayne Pivac's men dominated possession and territory up to this point (62/38 in each stat), whilst recording nearly twice as many carries (75 v 45) and metres (276 v 159).However, the defining characteristic of the Wallabies under Dave Rennie has been their fight.They found themselves in almost the exact same situation against the All Blacks in Melbourne, getting themselves in front after trailing 31-13 before Jordie Barrett's last-minute try broke the hearts of fans and players alike.There are similarities between the two performances, largely the influence of Pete Samu as the backrower continues to cement his standing within the team.Samu had an instant impact from the bench, putting pressure on fullback Josh Adams, who was playing out of position, to force the mistake from Tom Wright's bomb in the 54th minute as Lachlan Lonergan dragged Rhys Priestland into his in-goal.12 minutes later, Samu reads the pass of Priestland perfectly as Wales struggled after the loss of Gareth Anscombe to a shoulder injury. This forced captain Justin Tipuric into a desperate act, tripping the Brumby, earning the yellow card and completely shifting the momentum of the game.Along with this, a new-found clinical edge proved the difference.In their past two defeats to Italy and Ireland, the Wallabies recorded points in just seven of their 24 entries inside the 22.The influence of Mark Nawaqanitawase is evident in improving this area.The Waratah has a unique ability to beat his man and showcases it in the 57th minute, catching the defender drifting in before a shimmer and step provides enough space to dive over in the corner.He then is used as a battering ram off the lineout in the 68th minute, breaking through some soft Wales defence to spark the comeback for the visitors.In the last 30 minutes, the Wallabies finish the game 4/4 from their 22 entries as they perfectly pick apart a fractured Welsh defence after two yellow cards.Whilst the attacking surge naturally takes centre stage, the roles of Fraser McReight and Tom Robertson go largely unnoticed in keeping the Wallabies in the game.McReight, as always, led the way for tackles with 16, five clear of centre duo Reece Hodge and Len Ikitau.However, it might be his work in the 64th minute in shutting down Wales' imposing rolling maul that might be his most crucial involvement in the game.The Welsh had battered the visitors via the maul throughout the contest, with Jac Morgan crossing for his second shortly after the break. The hosts then proceeded to collect the kick-off and rumble 20 metres with little resistance as the Wallabies struggled with Jake Gordon and Tom Robertson in the bin.With the Wallabies' comeback in its infancy, Wales had a chance to respond in the 64th minute after an Adams grubber left Wright no chance but to take it into touch 5 metres out from his line.They cleverly took several defenders out of play with a two-pod system, leaving McReight isolated with three attackers.This is where the 23-year-old's Rugby IQ shines, swimming past the first man to get to the ball carrier and force it down.The threat he possesses at breakdown time means Wales has to play it fast and this leads to the mistake (even if it takes the referee several plays to call it).Meanwhile, Robertson stepped up at scrum time after a tough night for the Wallabies.The Force front-rower was forced into action early after James Slipper's HIA, eventually coming on after the break permanently.It came at a difficult time for the visitors, conceding three straight before the break and on a warning from Matthew Carley.Robertson ends up being the man to go to the bin in the 43rd minute but makes up for it on his return as the Wallabies brutalise Wales on their goal line, nearly pushing their way over the line.He backs this up with five minutes remaining after Tom Wright's drop puts the hosts on the attack, getting the better of the tight-head to force him straight to ground and earn the clearing scrum penalty.As mentioned, there are distinct similarities between the Bledisloe heartbreaker, only this time the Wallabies found a way to close it out.Lachlan Lonergan is the leading man behind this.The hooker finds himself floating on the wing and in the perfect position to snatch up a loose ball after the visitors are forced to go for the intercept thanks to the three-on-one overlap created by opposite number Ryan Elias heading to the bin for collapsing the maul.It almost backfires when he was pinged for going off his feet as the Wallabies looked to close the game, just one phase away from sealing it.The young Brumby remains calm and his energy to make up for it is on display with a nice tackle to stop Wales on the attack, quickly scrambling onto his feet to re-join the line.The Wallabies found themselves short for numbers against the All Blacks but refuse to let it happen once again as they continue to hold strong and fan out.This allows Lonergan to step up and make a dominant one-on-one tackle, winning the collision battle that provides the chance to secure the vital steal to secure the victory.A win like that is crucial for any team, but the timing of it is near-perfect ahead of a huge 2023.After a winless 2021 Spring Tour, the victory is vital for building momentum heading into the Rugby World Cup against the team that will arguably be Australia's biggest test in Pool D.It also relieves the pressure on Rennie after a tough season, who will be praying they have better injury luck with the likes of Kerevi, Cooper, Bell, Rodda and Tupou set to return in time for September's hallmark event.Click Here: Colombia soccer tracksuit

According to Foot Mercato, Qatari Stars League side Al Arabi SC are confident in securing the services of PSG midfielder Rafinha, who have been lobbying the player for several days. 

It was reported yesterday that Paris Saint-Germain could be set to part ways with another player on their transfer list for this summer, as Brazilian midfielder Rafinha has attracted interest from Qatari club Al Arabi SC.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season out on loan at Real Sociedad, making 17 appearances for the Basques and chipping in with one goal as they finished in sixth place.

The former Barcelona man has been with PSG for the last two years, having turned out 23 times in the league in his first campaign before seeing his playing time dramatically decrease the following year.

Reports earlier this month had indicated that the midfielder had been close to a move to the Middle East, with one year left on his contract in the capital, but had himself pulled out of the deal over personal reasons. It remains to be seen whether Rafinha will be open to this latest potential destination, as his time at PSG looks definitively up.

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Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen is relishing the upcoming battle in the midfield when his side faces the Sharks in the Champions Cup this weekend.

The Premiership side will be desperate to grab a win and qualify for the last 16, with the Sharks already having booked their spot in the knockouts.

Battle in the middle of the park

Esterhuizen, formerly of the Sharks, is expecting a massive match-up in the centres this weekend as Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lukhanyo Am are likely to start for the Durban side.

Although the towering centre has played more with Am, he has still faced Janse van Rensburg on several occasions in both South Africa and England. Esterhuizen is under no illusion of the challenge ahead of him.

“Obviously, two great players, I have played a lot more with Lukhanyo and a lot of times against Rohan. Obviously, Rohan is a hard, physical runner and is good in defence. He loves making spot tackles and stuff like that. So I know the challenge coming on that side,” Esterhuizen said to the media.

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“Then there is Lukhanyo who is also a magic player. He can also make something out of nothing is just one of those great players that has a lot of attributes and uses all of them in a game.

“So yeah, he has pace, hands and everything. So we’ll see what it brings this weekend. Hopefully I can climb in his head a little bit and talk him out of the game a bit,” laughed Esterhuizen

Faith in Marchant

When asked how Quins plan to deal with the danger of Am, Esterhuizen claimed the focus is on their team only.

The South African also threw his support behind his centre partner Joe Marchant and predicted an enthralling battle in the 13 channel.

“Obviously this weekend I think we’ve put the focus more on us. We want to get better as a team. We’re not really focusing on the other team,” he said.

“If we get ourselves as ready as possible, then we are on a good track. So yes, Joe (Marchant) will be defending Lukhanyo but in saying that, he is also international, and he has great defence.

“So I think it’s going to be a good battle in the 13 jersey.”

Impressed with the Sharks

The Springbok admits the Sharks have impressed him in getting their high-powered squad to gel as they sit in second spot in Pool A with three wins in as many games in the Champions Cup.

Esterhuizen expects typical South African physicality this weekend in what is sure to be a fascinating game.

“I think they’ve shown everyone that they are playing well as a team. So yeah, they have surprised me a bit. But yeah, it’s going to be an honest, physical battle. We know South African rugby, they’re always up for it. So we need to be up for it as well.”

L’Équipe report that Rennes have enquired for Ivorian international midfielder Séko Fofana, who remains on the market in the final hours of this window, as he continues to put in phenomenal performances for RC Lens, who sit top of Ligue 1, ahead of tonight’s monster clash between PSG and AS Monaco.

The 27-year-old central midfielder was asked on Saturday night about his future, and affirmed that he had several clubs interested in him.

Rennes, who Lens beat on Saturday night, are seeking to add an additional midfielder before next week’s deadline, and view Fofana, contracted until 2024 with Lens, as very interesting options.

RCL have however told them, after Rennes enquired, that the player is not for sale. It is likely going to require a XXXL bid from SRFC or anyone for that matter to prise Fofana away with 5 days remaining in the window.

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Sporting history will be made this weekend when South African clubs enter European Rugby's Champions Cup for the first time, another sign of the country's push into the Northern Hemisphere market.The Durban-based Sharks will make South Africa's bow when they host English side Harlequins on Saturday afternoon (Sunday AEDT), while in the evening the Bulls from Pretoria welcome French club Lyon. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD AND HOSPITALITY TICKETS FOR THE HSBC SYDNEY SEVENSCape Town's Stormers will visit another French side, Clermont.It is not South African Rugby's first foray into the European market – their elite teams are participating in a second season of the United Rugby Championship (URC) that includes clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy – but this will be a step up in opposition and media glare."It has happened earlier than planned, but this has now become reality, which really is great news," SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said."I firmly believe we are on the right track by playing in the northern hemisphere, and we certainly can't wait to get involved in the (European) competitions as it will only further enhance the local game."The Stormers won the URC last season in an all-South African final against the Bulls, whose coach Jake White is under no illusions as to the task the trio face in the Champions Cup."We'll be coming up against teams packed with internationals. European teams don't just draw from the player pool of their country – they have stars from all the top rugby nations," said White, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 2007."I fear South Africans are a little naive about what lies ahead. Champions Cup teams are much stronger than those in the URC."They boast packs that weigh more than a thousand kilograms, they have brilliant backs. I think we are in for a bit of a wake-up call from this weekend." South Africa's Johannesburg-based Lions and the Cheetahs from Bloemfontein will play in the secondary European Rugby Challenge Cup competition that also kicks off this weekend.Click Here: Marco Reus Jersey Sale

All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo'unga is to join Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus from Super Rugby side the Crusaders after next year's Rugby World Cup.Toshiba announced the move, saying Mo'unga would be joined by Highlanders and All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell at the club, who are coached by ex-New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder.CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD AND HOSPITALITY TICKETS FOR THE HSBC SYDNEY SEVENSReports in New Zealand media said 28-year-old Mo'unga, who has 44 All Blacks caps, signed a three-year deal with Toshiba.Under New Zealand Rugby rules, Mo'unga and Frizell will not be eligible to play for the All Blacks while in Japan. The duo are set to join the club after the 2023 World Cup in France.Frizell, 28, has made 25 appearances for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2018.Mo'unga, who played 94 games for the Crusaders and scored more than 1000 points, said he was looking forward to experiencing rugby with an overseas team."I'm grateful for this opportunity and to be part of the Lupus family I plan on doing everything I can to make Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo the number one team in Japan," he said in the media release."It's a dream of mine to play rugby overseas and to experience a different culture and I know this will be an amazing experience for my family.“The Crusaders have been my life for ever, even before I joined the team it was my life, dreaming of being part of the family. “Looking back at my time with the team since 2015, it makes me so grateful to be part of such a franchise, part of some really awesome memories, some great achievements and great moments, and to just meet some really special people. “My energy going into this season is no different to any other, I’m here to give my everything. I still want to perform, to do the best for the Crusaders, our members and our fans. There’s still a heck of a job to do before I leave."I am excited to be joining Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo and the opportunity to play Rugby in Japan at the conclusion of 2023," Frizell added."I have heard great things about the Brave Lupus and its proud history through other New Zealanders playing for the Club now and previously. I look forward to immersing my family into the club and meeting all the fans.”Click Here: georgia rugby jersey

According to L’Équipe Spartak Moscow’s Belgian defender, Maximiliano Caufriez is set to sign for Ligue 1 side Clermont for an undisclosed fee.

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Clermont have been looking for a centre-back for several weeks and look to have found their man – who is currently on a deal that runs until 2025 at the Russian side. A former Anderlecht and Standard Liège youth product, the 25 year-old made the move east last summer for a fee of €2.5m.

Since then, he’s made 30 appearances for the Moscow-based side – which includes four appearances in the Europa League in which he faces Leicester, Napoli, and Legia Warsawa, and eventually were knocked out by German side RB Leipzig. 

Clermont were looking for other options at centre-back, including a return for former player Damien Da Silva (34) from Lyon – who has turned out for FC Rouen, Châteroux, Clermont, Caen, as well as Rennes in the past. 

 

 

“I’ve probably got one job to do and I want to do a job that makes a difference,” Eddie Jones told Gold Digger a few weeks agoBoy, what a job he has.HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS TICKET FINAL RELEASE: GET YOUR TICKETS TO RUGBY’S BIGGEST PARTY NOW!Jones steps into the role he held almost two decades ago in a wild series of events, just months after he engineered an 2-1 England series victory in Australia.The 62-year-old had always said ‘I didn’t divorce Australia. Australia divorced me’ Well the counselling has succeeded and the two are back trying to make it work again.Jones returns home on a long-term deal that will see him involved with the Wallabies and Wallaroos until 2027.The Wallabies were only just in camp under Dave Rennie days earlier before the announcement, lining up a dream World Cup thanks to a picture-perfect draw.Now it sets up as the Eddie Jones revenge tour, with the quarter-finals littered with ghosts of Jones’ past.There’s England, the team that only sacked Jones just weeks earlier as they prepare for their own bold venture under Steve Borthwick.Journalist Josh Gardner pondered: "Is Eddie Jones petty enough to intentionally finish second in his RWC pool so he can have a crack at putting England out in the quarters?” He may not that petty but he never forgets.Then there’s Japan, who were revolutionised under Jones’ tenure, headlined by 2015’s ‘Brighton Miracle’ when they upset South Africa at the World Cup.Finally, there’s Argentina, which would set up the latest chapter of Jones v Cheika.There are similarities between the two coaches and their appointment to the Wallabies job.Cheika was appointed head coach in 2014, less than a year before the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He managed to turn around the squad and get them to the Final for the first time since Jones had been in charge.The Wallabies will be hoping for a similar bump in form, which Jones has been renowned for. Think 2001 and the Tri-Nations.Jones departed Australia in 2007 and went straight to South Africa and helped them to the title as a technical advisor.The rise of Japan has been documented and this continued when he joined England, winning a world-record 17 straight.Jones will have less time than Cheika to help turn around the Wallabies in a shortened Rugby Championship.He’s expected to open his tenure with an away Test against South Africa before two matches on home soil against Argentina and New Zealand, followed by the second Bledisloe Test, likely in Dunedin.A warm-up against France in Paris is on the cards, leaving just five Tests for Jones to make his mark on the team.Sorting out an attacking coach remains one of the priorities following the departure of Scott Wisemantel earlier in the month.The policy surrounding the Wallabies’ overseas players will be another challenge Jones has to deal with.He has some dealings with the policy during his time as Suntory advisor, the home of Samu Kerevi, who he initially helped get back to Australian Rugby via the Sevens program.It currently sits at three but suggestions this may expand have failed to die down ever since it was introduced.The decision to appoint Eddie Jones is one of the most important in recent memories given the current period.The deal will see Jones oversee three World Cups, including the Women’s in 2025, to go with a Lions Tour as Australia enters a ‘Golden Decade’.Tim Horan’s assessment that Jones needs a Bledisloe Cup (within 2 years) and RWC Semi/Lions win to justify the decision seems apt.Regardless of what happened, all eyes will be on the Wallabies heading into what could be the most important year in recent history.Click Here: Karim Benzema jersey sale

Newly appointed attack coach Alex King says Wales are determined to play an entertaining brand of rugby ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.

King joined Warren Gatland’s coaching staff ahead of the New Zealander’s second tenure in charge of Wales and says that they are eager to play the attacking brand which is rooted deep in the country’s DNA.

Hunger in the squad

The 47-year-old former England flyhalf has little time to get his messages and methods across to the players ahead of the opening Six Nations match against Ireland. Still, he is confident that he can do so to mark Gatland’s Wales return with a winning start.

“Gats got in touch with me a couple of weeks before Christmas, and it went from there,” said King.

“We’ve done a lot of preparation before coming into camp, and there’s a real hunger in the squad to put things right from the previous campaign.

“It’s about clear messaging because there’s some fantastic players in this squad and what we want is to be really positive what we do with the ball.

“We want to try and get everybody on the same page and use the players’ strengths.

“We want to play a brand of rugby that the (Principality) stadium will be proud of seeing – the DNA of Welsh rugby that I’ve grown up with and seen.

“Gats coming back into the fold brings a hard edge, a real work ethic, and that’s the bedrock of any successful team.

“You layer on your defence strategy and attack on top of that, but there has to be fundamentals we can hang our hat on going into the campaign.”

Experience with Wales and Gatland

Alex King is returning to the Wales set-up after serving as the attacking coach in 2017 under Rob Howley, who took control of the side while Galtand was on a 10-month sabbatical ahead of leading the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand.

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King commented on his previous experience with the side, saying: “I loved that time. You understand the passion of the game here and what it means to people.

“I’ve worked with Gats as a player at Wasps; I understand what his values are. It is a good fit.

“There is an opportunity to see the quality of the players here and the growth potential over the course of this two-month period, and then moving on later into the season.

“The team that plays against Ireland will be different to the team that plays against France. We’ll grow over the next two months; it’s exciting.”

Wales clash with Ireland in their opening Six Nations match of the year, and King has fond memories of the corresponding fixture back in 2017 when Howley’s side beat Ireland.

“It doesn’t get any better. I remember the Ireland game six years ago, the atmosphere was electric, and we got on the right side of the scoreboard,” King said.

“The Welsh public are crying out to be proud of a performance, and hopefully, we’ll deliver.”

Paris Saint-Germain have this evening announced the departure of midfielder Leandro Paredes on an initial loan deal to Juventus, in a deal that includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

With manager Christophe Galtier having confirmed in yesterday’s press conference that an agreement had been found between the two clubs, the Argentine now makes his return to Serie A, where he will play for his fourth Italian club after turning out for Chievo Verona, Empoli and Roma.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier that the permanent clause, which would become obligatory if certain conditions were to be met, has been set at €15m, with €5m in bonuses to be added to that fee.

Paredes had been one of a host of players deemed surplus to requirements by PSG at the start of the summer, with the incoming new management looking to streamline the squad. He leaves after a middling spell in the French capital, having failed to live up to the expectation of his lucrative move from Zenit in January 2019. He made 117 appearances in all competitions for the club.

 

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