Pyramids grab late equaliser in African Champions League final
Visitors provide late drama
Sundowns had eliminated record 12-time champions Al Ahly at the semi-final stage on away goals while Pyramids saw off Sundowns' provincial rivals Orlando Pirates 3-2 on aggregate.In an entertaining opening 45 minutes played out in beautiful weather, Sundowns had more possession but it was the visitors who carved out three clear-cut chances.However, Fiston Mayele, the competition's joint-top scorer this season, sent the first two off target and was flagged offside for the third as he again failed to test Williams.The composure of Pyramids eventually began to wane in the second half as they could be seen retreating, struggling to maintain sustained possession and barely causing issues for Sundowns.Ahmed Atef was awarded a yellow card for time-wasting as early as the 48th minute as Krunoslav Jurcic's side looked content to try and play for a draw.Ribeiro eventually broke the deadlock but Sundowns could not add to their lead and, despite playing in a sea of yellow with virtually none of their own fans in attendance, Pyramids front man El Karti provided a late twist.Sundowns are the dominant force in South African football, recently wrapping up a record-extending eighth consecutive domestic title, and will have to negotiate a potentially difficult second leg.Although Pyramids do not boast the level of support enjoyed by Cairo rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek, Juric's men will hope to capitalise upon hot evening conditions in North Africa and take a step towards establishing themselves as a giant of the continental game.
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Delivering an epic Lions speech has evolved, and so has Andy Farrell
What has become evident while covering this tour over the last six weeks is that the art of the Lions team talk has evolved since the spine-tingling orations of Jim Telfer, Sir Ian McGeechan... and a rookie Andy Farrell. Watching Telfer deliver his steely address sitting amidst his forward pack ahead of the Lions' first Test against South Africa in June 1997 is revered as iconic footage. 'This is your f---ing Everest, boys,' Telfer told Martin Johnson and co. 'Very few ever get a chance in rugby terms to get to the top of Everest. You have the chance today. 'Being picked is the easy bit. To win for the Lions in a Test match is the ultimate, but you'll not do it unless you put your bodies on the line.' Johnson and his forwards stare back with testosterone glares of such intensity that you almost expect them to erupt into a flurry of fists at any moment. McGeechan's team-talk ahead of the second Test in Durban on the same tour, ahead of the series clinching victory in Durban, has also been etched in Lions folklore. 'You'll meet each other in the street in 30 years' time, and there'll just be a look, and you'll know just how special some days in your life are,' he says. Farrell's speeches as defence coach on the 2013 and 2017 tours of Australia and New Zealand brought updated versions of the big set-piece address. His 'Hurt Arena' speech before the decisive third Test in Sydney 12 years ago and again ahead of the third Test in Auckland in 2017 are both YouTube hits. Yet now that he is Lions head coach Farrell has left his tub-thumbing days behind him, while the art of bringing the Test side to an emotional boil has become more complex, unconventional and piecemeal through the week. 'We build the week up, with chats along the way and not just collectively, but in our mini-groups and our unit groups and individually as well,' said Farrell. That fresh direction in the art of motivation stems from the fact that Farrell himself has matured as a coach to the point where his delivery of a message does not involve a 'performance' but has been replaced by a more thoughtful and authentic approach. It can involve a quiet word in the ear, as he did with the Lions back row ahead of the first Test, when many people had questioned the form of Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne. 'Andy had a quiet word with the back row,' recalled Beirne. 'He put a little bit of pressure on us without putting pressure on us as Andy does. But it gives you motivation and it gives you a little bit of realisation as to where his head's at and the opportunity that's being presented to us. So those words certainly sat with me for the 24 hours leading up to the game.' Farrell has also been pragmatic in turning to other voices of inspiration, including Katie Taylor, the Irish boxing legend, who delivered a video message to the team ahead of the eve of the second Test in Melbourne. Farrell's introduction is calm and measured. 'This will give us an understanding of what it takes to deliver under pressure,' he says. Pure class. Andy Farrell plays a video from Irish boxer & world lightweight champion Katie Taylor. Inspirational - no wonder the Lions won the second test and clinched the series. (Credit - The British & Irish Lions (YouTube)) — Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) July 30, 2025 The room may have lacked the testosterone-charged atmosphere of Telfer's speech, but the message left its mark. 'Prepare to win by skill but be ready to win by will,' Taylor told Farrell's players. Jack Conan, the Lions No 8 who comes from Bray, the same town as Taylor, spoke after the victory last Saturday night about how her speech had resonated with him. 'She's gone on to achieve incredible feats in the boxing world and to be such a superstar and be just incredibly humble and driven and knock it out of herself is something that we kind of leant on because we knew that Australia are a hugely proud nation and they showed it in spades,' said Conan. Farrell's pragmatism ensures that nothing is set in stone during the week. He and his coaching team constantly assess the mood, and add light touches, such as a game of cricket on the MCG after the Taylor video. Sometimes meetings are cancelled if there is a sense the players are becoming overloaded by information or the intensity of the workload. On other occasions the heat is turned up when necessary. 'He's a brilliant orator, he holds the room and is a great motivator of men and he's quite thoughtful,' said Maro Itoje, the Lions captain, of Farrell. 'Probably what has surprised me is how hot on detail he is. Not that I thought he wasn't going to be, but he is very particular on detail and thoughtful on how the week flows which is very good from a players point of view. I've enjoyed the experience.' The role of Itoje has also been central to the more nuanced approach on this tour. Chest-thumping speeches do not come naturally to him, but he is self-assured enough in his leadership to draw on those for whom it does, such as Ellis Genge in the changing room ahead of the first Test (see below 19 mins in). 'My thing is it's about trying to get the best out of the group,' said Itoje. 'Ellis is very emotional, he knows how to get himself going and get people around him going. I want to use the talents of the group. 'It's never been about me, about me having the final word or sticking my chest out as captain. It's about us getting to where we need to be. For Ellis, that's a role he's quite familiar and comfortable with. I guess it's a judgment call from myself of who would be best placed to have the final message before we go out. It need not always be the captain from my point of view.' The use of a 'memory board,' is an example of ongoing and subliminal motivation tools that complement the talking. 'The whole idea being that it's a link to history,' said Itoje. 'When you wear this badge and represent the Lions, you have a responsibility because you're representing all four nations,' said Itoje. 'You're also representing all the amazing players who have played and worn the jersey and who've been successful in the jersey. The idea being that it's now our turn, it's our opportunity, and it's up to us to take it forward.' Before the build-up to the first Test in Melbourne, the Lions held a cap presentation involving the players' families, to remind the players of whom they were representing and why they had got here. It made for an emotional evening. Overarching the entire tour has been the central message that Farrell gave to the squad when they first gathered together in Dublin before their flight to Perth, challenging them to create history by winning the series 3-0 and becoming the best ever Lions squad (see below 45 secs in). That theme, and of being the best team-mate you can be, have coursed through this tour, refreshed by the sprinkling of motivational messaging along the way. Farrell wanted his players to take ownership of their team. With the series already won, and the chance to create history in Sydney on Saturday, the evidence of the tightness of the group is everywhere and underscores the sense that the messaging has delivered. The Lions have delivered performances that Telfer, McGeechan and the younger Farrell would have been proud of, in a different era when players are more knowledgeable and empowered. 'Gone are the days of a dictator who is telling everyone or dictating what to do,' added Farrell. 'It's so much more powerful when we all care to think about the team in such a manner that we believe that we're able to give our voice.' 9. Paul O'Connell: I'll play for you all day (2013) A veteran of three tours and a captain on two – one victorious, the other notorious – O'Connell knew how to press his team's buttons. It does not take long to find internet clips of his 'manic aggression' in the green changing rooms of Ireland but in the red of the Lions his most famous moment came in 2013. 'I'll play for you all day,' he pleaded with his troops, proving his worth early on, ahead of the Lions' Hong Kong hammering of the Barbarians. And, whenever he wore red or green, that he did. Player. Leader. Inspiration. Happy birthday to Lion #738 Paul O'Connell! — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) October 20, 2018 8. Alun Wyn Jones: Nothing left to give (2013) The shortest, sharpest and, perhaps, least celebrated of the list, but the words from the titanic Welsh lock inspired his side to a third Test victory over Australia 12 years ago. Jones challenges his charges to play without separation from minute one to 80 and, crucially, to never give up on anything. 'The biggest mark of respect you can have is to be pulled off, blowing out your a---, with nothing left to give.' Incredible. This speech sums up Alun Wyn Jones. — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 19, 2023 7. Andy Farrell: Hurt arena (2013) The rug-from-beneath-the-feet early on in the piece is what saves this from mawkishness. It is still a touch corny, and Farrell himself may well cringe slightly when he watches it now, but the set-up – making his players believe they defended 'gallantly' before reminding them that 'gallant' is not good enough for the Lions – is golden. After that, he had the players in the palm of his hand; what came after is irrelevant. As it was, it was the slightly cheesy 'hurt arena' but Farrell could have said the potty of pain or the crippling cot and his players would have followed. "We are taking them boys to the hurt arena!" With tomorrow the six year anniversary of the third and decisive Test in 2013, what better way to get your #FridayFeeling than listening to the message Andy Farrell had for the team the night before the game in Sydney! — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 5, 2019 6. Sir Ian McGeechan breaks down (2009) With the series lost, the great McGeechan had to rally his troops again, for pride. McGeechan had conquered South Africa as a player with the Lions in 1974 and again as a coach in 1997 but at the third attempt, after one of the most destructive and distinguished touring Tests in history, he fell short. There was a sense, too, that after everything he had given to the Lions, it was time for the torch to be passed – and I dare anyone to not feel their heartstrings tugged when the legend breaks down in tears, consoled by Graham Rowntree. Chills, you guys. Chills. What a speech from Sir Ian McGeechan #LionsRugby — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) April 27, 2021 5. Martin Johnson: They all get it (1997) Not known as an orator or as a captain who inspired through speech – a doer not a talker – this came out of nowhere, in Johnson's international captaincy debut. It is not as eloquent, profound or sentimental as some of the others on this list, but if hearing that English general bark out the words of his opposing forwards ahead of the first Test – 'call out their names, think about them now – Kruger, Venter, Teichmann, they all get it' – does not sharpen you for a scrap, then nothing will. "Kruger, Venter Teichmann. They are all going to get it" Your #MondayMotivation coming via Keith Wood, Martin Johnson and the class of '97 👊 Tag someone who needs it this Monday morning 👇 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 20, 2022 4. Willie John McBride: Reach into the very depths of your soul (2009) What more could get you revved up for a first Test in South Africa, against the world champions, than a monologue from the man who led the Lions to a series whitewash of the Springboks in 1974? The man who invented the '99' call, the warrior summoning his troops for battle. 'There are times today when you're going to have to reach into the very depths of your soul.' Iconic, with a similar line delivered by McBride ahead of the first Test in 2001, which, on that occasion, worked a treat. When Willie John McBride speaks, you listen 🤫 Celebrate his birthday by revisiting his iconic speech on the 2009 #LionsRugby tour of South Africa... — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 6, 2021 3. Sir Ian McGeechan: You'll meet each other in the street in 30 years time (1997) Second Test, Kings Park, Durban. Total silence in the team meeting, save for the odd whisper and the soft patter of Lawrence Dallaglio's pre-match juggling. The Lions had won the first Test and were looking for a first series win in South Africa for 23 years. Proper, heart-on-the-sleeve stuff as McGeechan, in front of his squad, declares the love he has for his family before uttering the eternal lines: 'This is something special. You'll meet each other in the street in 30 years' time and there'll just be a look. You will know just how special some days in your life are... On that field sometimes today all it will be between you is a look – no words, just a look, which will say everything. And the biggest thing it will say is: 'You are special.' It has been a privilege... go and finish it off – and be special for the rest of your lives. Good luck – and go for it.' Prose befitting Oscar-winning writing. "Go out, enjoy it. Remember how you've got here and why. Finish it off, and be special for the rest of your lives." 22 years ago today. — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 28, 2019 2. Jim Telfer: Two types of rugby player (1997) The lesser known of Telfer's two from 1997, and while it might not have been quite as soul-stirring and impassioned as others, it would rank as high as any in terms of a tone-setter. Channelling Clint Eastwood's Blondie from the epic The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Telfer, in his unmistakable Borders burr, sets out his my-way-or-the-highway approach to training on tour. 'There are two kinds of rugby players, boys: honest ones and the rest. The honest player gets up in the morning and looks at himself in the f---ing mirror and sets his standard and says: 'I'm going to get better, I'm going to get better, and I'm going to get better.' He disnae complain about the food, the beds or the referees. That's what weak players are always complaining about; the dishonest player. If I tell a player he's too high or he's not tight enough – he's too f---ing high, he's not tight enough. That's it. I'm the judge, not the player; and we accept that, and do something about it.' 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 by Jim Telfer. #MondayMotivation — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) October 3, 2022 1. Jim Telfer: This is your Everest, boys (1997) How could there be any other? The most famous of all, a monologue so renowned that books were named after it. To hear its title is to be transported back to that room in Cape Town, with Telfer arranging the chairs and mumbling – rehearsing awaiting his pack's arrival. They were words that Telfer had never uttered before and never has since, channelling every frustration and all the anguish he had experienced with the Lions: four tours, two as a player, and zero series wins. With that record ringing in his ears and his forwards seated in a circle, he finally begins his catharsis: 'This is your Everest, boys...' You know the rest. Jim Telfer's Pre-match motivational speech to the lions — TheFootballCoach (@FootballCoachx) January 6, 2021
BBC News
17 hours ago
- BBC News
Speculation over Australia as Lions destination 'insulting'
Lions head coach Andy Farrell says debate over whether Australia should continue as a destination for the touring side is "insulting".The Lions have won all eight matches so far down under, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series before the third Test in Sydney on Africa and New Zealand, the other two nations the Lions visit on rotation, have offered a significantly stiffer challenge in recent years."It was never off the agenda, in my opinion," said Farrell."Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back."Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100%."It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way."Farrell also said he would only consider the possibility of leading the Lions in New Zealand in four years time once he had returned home."Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday," he said. "I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about."
The Independent
21 hours ago
- The Independent
Questioning Australia's future as Lions opponents is ‘insulting'
Andy Farrell insisted debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination was 'insulting'. The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday with Farrell making two changes to his starting XV, bringing in lock James Ryan and wing Blair Kinghorn. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: 'It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. 'Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia – the sporting nation that they are – are always going to come back. 'Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. 'It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way.' Ryan replaces Ollie Chessum amid praise from Farrell for the 'venom' he shows when taking on the unglamorous work up-front, while Kinghorn has been preferred ahead of James Lowe thanks to his 'unpredictability' and the strength of his aerial game in what should be wet and windy conditions at Accor Stadium. But Farrell's warmest words were reserved for those players who had not participated in the series yet, having fully embraced the task of preparing the Test team to face the Wallabies. 'It actually touches you. It touches you in the sense of how much it means to them,' said Farrell, who by Saturday night will have used 27 players in the three matches against Australia. 'The ones who were celebrating most on Saturday night were the ones who hadn't put the shirt on. That says it all. 'We all came together from day one and said 'the only thing that matters is the squad and that's it, full stop'. So we've all been in this together from day one.' Farrell's success as Lions head coach – as well as his obvious passion for the concept – makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. 'Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about,' he said. 'Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. 'I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon.'
