Willie John McBride on his pride at being Lions skipper: ‘They were a remarkable bunch of men'
The Ballyclare man toured with the Lions five times, including as skipper of one of the most successful sides which returned undefeated from South Africa in 1974.
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The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Garry Ringrose out of third Test with concussion as Lions target series rout
Garry Ringrose will miss the third British & Irish Lions Test against Australia on Saturday because of concussion, but the coaching staff have vowed to pick 'the best team available' as they seek a first unbeaten series since 1974. Ringrose reported concussion symptoms just before Andy Farrell, the head coach, was due to name his side for the second Test and that triggered a 12‑day stand-down period for the Ireland centre, ruling him out of the final game in Sydney. In better news for Farrell, Joe McCarthy, Mack Hansen and Sione Tuipulotu all took a full part in training on Tuesday and are in contention. Farrell sought to blow off any lingering cobwebs from the second-Test celebrations with a Squid Game challenge at the start of training. It was a version of 'green light, red light', a survival game based on stealth and the Ireland tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson was the first to be eliminated, but the Lions were soon down to business. The head coach and his staff will meet on Wednesday night to finalise selection, but Farrell is not expected to make wholesale changes given the Lions' pursuit of history. Maro Itoje is likely to captain the side again even though he has surpassed the mandated 30-game limit dictated by the Rugby Football Union. 'For this time of tour it's amazing how many people we've got available,' the assistant coach Andrew Goodman said. 'Unfortunately Garry has been ruled out of this Test match, but we have Mack, Joe, Sione all out there running today. 'We had a Squid Game challenge, green light, red light, the whole field was covered in different things they could hide behind, and they had people in the top tier keeping an eye. It was a good craic. '[The motivation to win 3-0] is huge. It's everything for us as a group to get excited about. It was 1974 the last time a Lions team went through the Test series unbeaten, so there's huge motivation for the group. '[It will be] the best team available to win the series. That might look like some changes, that might look like consistency. We will see how the boys go through their recovery process over the next couple of days and whatever 23's picked will go out there and do the best for the team. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion 'You've got to reward form when guys have been playing well and are match-hardened in those Test matches. It is a balance and I'm sure we'll have some good discussions as we always have.' Ringrose has been widely praised for speaking up about his symptoms last week. 'He's disappointed as you can imagine,' Goodman said. 'Garry was playing some amazing rugby through this tour and someone who it's been a dream of his for so long to represent the Lions and he's managed to do that. But he wanted to be a Test-match Lion so it's been devastating for him. 'He's disappointed for himself, but he's getting around everyone and making sure he helps prepare everyone as much as he can.'
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘Everything perfect for Ryan Moore's mount' – Templegate's day two Glorious Goodwood NAP
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE takes on day two of Glorious Goodwood hellbent on smashing the bookies with a load of winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds - and check out this 35-1 double which can hit the layers where it hurts. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up TABITI (1.55 Goodwood, nap) She was a cracking third in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. She led past the furlong marker in that red-hot mile contest and dropping back in trip here looks perfect. LADY IMAN (2.30 Goodwood, nb) She looks much the best filly in this race and hopefully top Irish trainer Ger Lyons can land his first winner on British soil since way back in 2019. He won't have had many better chances than this talented Starman filly who took the Group 3 Blackbeard Stakes at Naas in May before going close in hot company at The Curragh last time. NATIVE WARRIOR (4.55 Goodwood, treble) He landed a smooth success on the sand at Newcastle last time and takes a drop in class here. A 3lb rise in the weights is more than fair and he can strike for Karl Burke with Christophe Soumillon doing the steering. Templegate's TV verdicts GOODWOOD 1.20 SING US A SONG can be forgiven one poor run at Royal Ascot where he was sleeping in the stalls. Ralph Beckett's Camelot colt is better judged on his blistering Sandown win that kicked off this season. He shapes like this trip will be ideal and has more to come off a fair mark. The yard has another chance with Cape Breton who won nicely from the front at Salisbury. This is tougher but there's more to come. Sudu deserves this hike in grade after winning by seven lengths at Epsom earlier this month. He's been hiked 11lb but has lots of talent. Omni Man was a solid fifth at Royal Ascot on a tough handicap debut. He likes this trip and Ryan Moore rides for Joseph O'Brien. They have every chance. Kurakka didn't enjoy dropping to 1m2f at Newmarket last time after a good Haydock win over this trip. 1.55 PICK up the Tab with Ralph Beckett's improver in the Oak Tree Stakes. TABITI was a cracking third in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. She led past the furlong marker in that red-hot mile contest and dropping back in trip here looks perfect. Romantic Style and Jabaara look the main threats. Here's my guide to the field, where I rate them one (worst) to five (best): BRIGHT THUNDER 3 THUNDER clap. In fine form with French Listed win last time. Handles good and won't mind dropping to 7f. Player. CHIC COLOMBINE 1 COL it off. Listed winner at best and has scored here before but been out of form for a long time. Lot to prove now. CLOUD COVER 3 COVER up. Two Listed wins on AW, stays 7f strongly and travels. Player if matching that level on rare turf run. FAIR ANGELLICA 2 JUST Fair. Solid G3 fourth at Newbury last time over 6f but stays. Goes on any ground but needs more for this. HAVANA PUSEY 1 HAVANA laugh. Reliable handicapper with two 7f wins here and at Windsor. Handles C&D but this is a tougher test all round. JABAARA 4 JAB landed. Solid Listed performer over this trip and yard in form. Likes quick ground and won't be far away. JASNA'S SECRET 3 SECRET hope. French raider with Listed win in April and a close-up Group 3 fourth last time over this trip. Best on easy ground but should handle conditions okay. ROMANTIC STYLE 4 SMART Style. Smart Meydan winner in January and unlucky in G3 Abernant at HQ on return. Solid 7f filly when right and can figure under Buick. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. She has gone close at Group 2 level this season over 6f but should relish this trip. Has class and won't be far away. BETTY CLOVER 2 BETTY oops. She's been placed here and in this grade but was pulled up on firm at Royal Ascot and may prefer a mile. FORMAL 3 FORMAL wary. Epsom Listed winner in June but well held since at York. Yet to truly convince at this level but has potential if back on song. SAQQARA SANDS 3 SHIFTING Sands. Carlisle Listed win last time after good runs at Epsom and Newbury. Respected but likes soft. SILVER GHOST 2 GHOST her. Two good 7f handicap wins in spring and shaped okay in big Royal Ascot field. Likes this track, but others stronger on form. TABITI 5 BITI has bite. Lightly raced filly who took a step forward when third in Sandringham at Royal Ascot. She travels well and finishes strongly. Big potential improver with drop to 7f fine. 2.30 LADY IMAN looks much the best filly in this race and hopefully top Irish trainer Ger Lyons can land his first winner on British soil since way back in 2019. He won't have had many better chances than this talented Starman filly who took the Group 3 Blackbeard Stakes at Naas in May before going close in hot company at The Curragh last time. This is only the second time Ryan Moore's ridden for the yard and the drop back to the minimum trip should help given how sweetly she travels. Military Code was just nabbed in a Sandown Listed race over this trip latest and may find it easier to get home here. Charlie Appleby is in fine form and his hope goes on good or rattling fast ground. Ameeq got clattered by a rival jockey's whip when finishing strongly behind superstar Charles Darwin in the Norfolk Stakes last time. That was a smart performance he relishes this trip. A repeat of that would take him close. Sands Of Spain showed lots of zip when third in the Super Sprint at Newbury and still looked green so there should be more to come. Argentine Tango is proven at Listed level over 6f and could nick a place if the pace isn't too hot. 3.05 FIELD OF GOLD looks on a different level to his elders and can follow in his sire Kingman's hoofprints by winning the Sussex Stakes. We all know he should have won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket before he demolished his rivals in the Irish version before a bloodless success in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot last time. There are no trip or ground worries and, while he hasn't tackled a tricky track like this before, there's no reason why he won't handle it. There are only two places thanks to the small field but I still fancy Docklands to make the frame. He survived his rider dropping the whip to take the Queen Anne ahead of Rosallion last time and there won't be a lot between them again. Rosallion already has a couple of Group 1s on his CV but it was a bit surprising that Docklands was able to hold off his challenge at Royal Ascot. Aidan O'Brien sends over his French 2,000 Guineas winner Henri Matisse who was a solid second to Field Of Gold in the St James's Palace without ever looking likely to win. He gets the three-year-old weight allowance off the older horses but needs a big step up to figure. Aussie raider Carl Spackler was a fair sixth in the Queen Anne and it will be a surprise if he turns that form around. 3.45 BINTJEDDAH finished like a train when second over a mile at Newmarket last time and this longer trip should be ideal. The handicapper has been fair with a 2lb rise and there's more to come for William Haggas. Quebella looks a threat having run well in a Listed contest here in June before going close in a decent handicap at Southwell. Her mark of 87 looks lenient and she's capable of figuring in this company. Model Yuko makes her handicap debut on the back of a bloodless maiden win at Wolverhampton. She looks all about stamina and should improve for this longer trip. Ashariba was just over a length off the pace at Newcastle latest and has solid turn form too. She's a contender in an open race along with Music Piece who travelled well over 1m4f at Ascot last time before his stamina gave way. Ralph Beckett has a good record in this so watch for any market move around his Power Of Destiny. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘Everything perfect for Ryan Moore's mount' – Templegate's day two Glorious Goodwood NAP
TEMPLEGATE takes on day two of Glorious Goodwood hellbent on smashing the bookies with a load of winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds - and check out this 35-1 double which can hit the layers where it hurts. TABITI (1.55 Goodwood, nap) She was a cracking third in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. She led past the furlong marker in that red-hot mile contest and dropping back in trip here looks perfect. LADY IMAN (2.30 Goodwood, nb) She looks much the best filly in this race and hopefully top Irish trainer Ger Lyons can land his first winner on British soil since way back in 2019. He won't have had many better chances than this talented Starman filly who took the Group 3 Blackbeard Stakes at Naas in May before going close in hot company at The Curragh last time. He landed a smooth success on the sand at Newcastle last time and takes a drop in class here. A 3lb rise in the weights is more than fair and he can strike for Karl Burke with Christophe Soumillon doing the steering. GOODWOOD 1.20 SING US A SONG can be forgiven one poor run at Royal Ascot where he was sleeping in the stalls. Ralph Beckett's Camelot colt is better judged on his blistering Sandown win that kicked off this season. He shapes like this trip will be ideal and has more to come off a fair mark. The yard has another chance with Cape Breton who won nicely from the front at Salisbury. This is tougher but there's more to come. Sudu deserves this hike in grade after winning by seven lengths at Epsom earlier this month. He's been hiked 11lb but has lots of talent. Omni Man was a solid fifth at Royal Ascot on a tough handicap debut. He likes this trip and Ryan Moore rides for Joseph O'Brien. They have every chance. Kurakka didn't enjoy dropping to 1m2f at Newmarket last time after a good Haydock win over this trip. 1.55 PICK up the Tab with Ralph Beckett's improver in the Oak Tree Stakes. TABITI was a cracking third in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. She led past the furlong marker in that red-hot mile contest and dropping back in trip here looks perfect. Romantic Style and Jabaara look the main threats. Here's my guide to the field, where I rate them one (worst) to five (best): BRIGHT THUNDER 3 THUNDER clap. In fine form with French Listed win last time. Handles good and won't mind dropping to 7f. Player. CHIC COLOMBINE 1 COL it off. Listed winner at best and has scored here before but been out of form for a long time. Lot to prove now. CLOUD COVER 3 COVER up. Two Listed wins on AW, stays 7f strongly and travels. Player if matching that level on rare turf run. FAIR ANGELLICA 2 JUST Fair. Solid G3 fourth at Newbury last time over 6f but stays. Goes on any ground but needs more for this. HAVANA PUSEY 1 HAVANA laugh. Reliable handicapper with two 7f wins here and at Windsor. Handles C&D but this is a tougher test all round. JABAARA 4 JAB landed. Solid Listed performer over this trip and yard in form. Likes quick ground and won't be far away. JASNA'S SECRET 3 SECRET hope. French raider with Listed win in April and a close-up Group 3 fourth last time over this trip. Best on easy ground but should handle conditions okay. ROMANTIC STYLE 4 SMART Style. Smart Meydan winner in January and unlucky in G3 Abernant at HQ on return. Solid 7f filly when right and can figure under Buick. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. She has gone close at Group 2 level this season over 6f but should relish this trip. Has class and won't be far away. BETTY CLOVER 2 BETTY oops. She's been placed here and in this grade but was pulled up on firm at Royal Ascot and may prefer a mile. FORMAL 3 FORMAL wary. Epsom Listed winner in June but well held since at York. Yet to truly convince at this level but has potential if back on song. SAQQARA SANDS 3 SHIFTING Sands. Carlisle Listed win last time after good runs at Epsom and Newbury. Respected but likes soft. SILVER GHOST 2 GHOST her. Two good 7f handicap wins in spring and shaped okay in big Royal Ascot field. Likes this track, but others stronger on form. TABITI 5 BITI has bite. Lightly raced filly who took a step forward when third in Sandringham at Royal Ascot. She travels well and finishes strongly. Big potential improver with drop to 7f fine. 2.30 LADY IMAN looks much the best filly in this race and hopefully top Irish trainer Ger Lyons can land his first winner on British soil since way back in 2019. He won't have had many better chances than this talented Starman filly who took the Group 3 Blackbeard Stakes at Naas in May before going close in hot company at The Curragh last time. This is only the second time Ryan Moore's ridden for the yard and the drop back to the minimum trip should help given how sweetly she travels. Military Code was just nabbed in a Sandown Listed race over this trip latest and may find it easier to get home here. Charlie Appleby is in fine form and his hope goes on good or rattling fast ground. Ameeq got clattered by a rival jockey's whip when finishing strongly behind superstar Charles Darwin in the Norfolk Stakes last time. That was a smart performance he relishes this trip. A repeat of that would take him close. Sands Of Spain showed lots of zip when third in the Super Sprint at Newbury and still looked green so there should be more to come. Argentine Tango is proven at Listed level over 6f and could nick a place if the pace isn't too hot. 3.05 FIELD OF GOLD looks on a different level to his elders and can follow in his sire Kingman's hoofprints by winning the Sussex Stakes. We all know he should have won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket before he demolished his rivals in the Irish version before a bloodless success in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot last time. There are no trip or ground worries and, while he hasn't tackled a tricky track like this before, there's no reason why he won't handle it. There are only two places thanks to the small field but I still fancy Docklands to make the frame. He survived his rider dropping the whip to take the Queen Anne ahead of Rosallion last time and there won't be a lot between them again. Rosallion already has a couple of Group 1s on his CV but it was a bit surprising that Docklands was able to hold off his challenge at Royal Ascot. Aidan O'Brien sends over his French 2,000 Guineas winner Henri Matisse who was a solid second to Field Of Gold in the St James's Palace without ever looking likely to win. He gets the three-year-old weight allowance off the older horses but needs a big step up to figure. Aussie raider Carl Spackler was a fair sixth in the Queen Anne and it will be a surprise if he turns that form around. 3.45 BINTJEDDAH finished like a train when second over a mile at Newmarket last time and this longer trip should be ideal. The handicapper has been fair with a 2lb rise and there's more to come for William Haggas. Quebella looks a threat having run well in a Listed contest here in June before going close in a decent handicap at Southwell. Her mark of 87 looks lenient and she's capable of figuring in this company. Model Yuko makes her handicap debut on the back of a bloodless maiden win at Wolverhampton. She looks all about stamina and should improve for this longer trip. Ashariba was just over a length off the pace at Newcastle latest and has solid turn form too. She's a contender in an open race along with Music Piece who travelled well over 1m4f at Ascot last time before his stamina gave way. Ralph Beckett has a good record in this so watch for any market move around his Power Of Destiny. Templegate's tips Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
