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It would be tragic not to tour Australia: Farrell

It would be tragic not to tour Australia: Farrell

The Advertiser3 days ago
Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting".
The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday.
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."
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."
Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting".
The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday.
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."
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."
Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting".
The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday.
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."
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."
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Popyrin pushed to limit to make Canada quarter-finals
Popyrin pushed to limit to make Canada quarter-finals

The Advertiser

time11 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

Popyrin pushed to limit to make Canada quarter-finals

Australia's Alexei Popyrin remains on track for back-to-back Canadian Open titles after fighting his way to a three-set win over fifth seed Holger Rune. For the second match in a row in Toronto, 18th-seeded Popyrin had to claw his way back after losing the first set, beating the talented Dane 4-6 6-2 6-3 on Saturday (local time). It was just the second career meeting between the pair and squared the ledger at one apiece, Rune having won their only previous encounter in a tough three-setter on clay at the 2023 Rome Masters. The Australian also recovered from the loss of the first set of his third-round match to score a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over former world No.1 and 2021 US Open and Canadian Open champ Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Popyrin has his sights set on back-to-back Canadian Open titles after thrashing Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in last year's final. On Saturday he took some time to immerse himself into the match against Rune. He was frustrated not to cash in on any of the 11 break points he had in the first set. However, he turned things around after that, converting both of his break points in the second set, then doing the same with his first opportunity in the final stanza. "I started this week not high on confidence, needing to get a grasp of the mental side,'' the Australian said. "After the first set I was pissed (about not breaking), but when I came back out to return again it felt like I was in control of the match. "I told myself to be aggressive with the next break point that I got, and from them on I felt quite comfortable.'' In the quarter-finals, Popyrin faces top-seeded Alexander Zverev, who advanced after the No.14 seed Francisco Cerundolo, of Argentina, was forced to retire with an abdominal injury with the German leading 6-4 1-0. Zverev, the 2017 Canadian Open champion who is ranked third in the world, ended up the top seed in Toronto after the world's two top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz skipped the event. Another Australian, ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur, plays his round-of-16 clash against American Frances Tiafoe on Sunday (Monday AEST). De Minaur came to Canada in impeccable form, having won last week's Washington Open, his 10th career title. De Minaur has twice reached the quarter-finals at the hard-court event at Flushing Meadows, firstly in 2021, then repeating that effort last year. In other results on Saturday, Alex Michelsen reached the quarter-finals after toppling fellow American Learner Tien 6-3 6-3. Michelsen next faces 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov, a 6-4 7-5 winner over eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud. - with AP Australia's Alexei Popyrin remains on track for back-to-back Canadian Open titles after fighting his way to a three-set win over fifth seed Holger Rune. For the second match in a row in Toronto, 18th-seeded Popyrin had to claw his way back after losing the first set, beating the talented Dane 4-6 6-2 6-3 on Saturday (local time). It was just the second career meeting between the pair and squared the ledger at one apiece, Rune having won their only previous encounter in a tough three-setter on clay at the 2023 Rome Masters. The Australian also recovered from the loss of the first set of his third-round match to score a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over former world No.1 and 2021 US Open and Canadian Open champ Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Popyrin has his sights set on back-to-back Canadian Open titles after thrashing Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in last year's final. On Saturday he took some time to immerse himself into the match against Rune. He was frustrated not to cash in on any of the 11 break points he had in the first set. However, he turned things around after that, converting both of his break points in the second set, then doing the same with his first opportunity in the final stanza. "I started this week not high on confidence, needing to get a grasp of the mental side,'' the Australian said. "After the first set I was pissed (about not breaking), but when I came back out to return again it felt like I was in control of the match. "I told myself to be aggressive with the next break point that I got, and from them on I felt quite comfortable.'' In the quarter-finals, Popyrin faces top-seeded Alexander Zverev, who advanced after the No.14 seed Francisco Cerundolo, of Argentina, was forced to retire with an abdominal injury with the German leading 6-4 1-0. Zverev, the 2017 Canadian Open champion who is ranked third in the world, ended up the top seed in Toronto after the world's two top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz skipped the event. Another Australian, ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur, plays his round-of-16 clash against American Frances Tiafoe on Sunday (Monday AEST). De Minaur came to Canada in impeccable form, having won last week's Washington Open, his 10th career title. De Minaur has twice reached the quarter-finals at the hard-court event at Flushing Meadows, firstly in 2021, then repeating that effort last year. In other results on Saturday, Alex Michelsen reached the quarter-finals after toppling fellow American Learner Tien 6-3 6-3. Michelsen next faces 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov, a 6-4 7-5 winner over eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud. - with AP Australia's Alexei Popyrin remains on track for back-to-back Canadian Open titles after fighting his way to a three-set win over fifth seed Holger Rune. For the second match in a row in Toronto, 18th-seeded Popyrin had to claw his way back after losing the first set, beating the talented Dane 4-6 6-2 6-3 on Saturday (local time). It was just the second career meeting between the pair and squared the ledger at one apiece, Rune having won their only previous encounter in a tough three-setter on clay at the 2023 Rome Masters. The Australian also recovered from the loss of the first set of his third-round match to score a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over former world No.1 and 2021 US Open and Canadian Open champ Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Popyrin has his sights set on back-to-back Canadian Open titles after thrashing Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in last year's final. On Saturday he took some time to immerse himself into the match against Rune. He was frustrated not to cash in on any of the 11 break points he had in the first set. However, he turned things around after that, converting both of his break points in the second set, then doing the same with his first opportunity in the final stanza. "I started this week not high on confidence, needing to get a grasp of the mental side,'' the Australian said. "After the first set I was pissed (about not breaking), but when I came back out to return again it felt like I was in control of the match. "I told myself to be aggressive with the next break point that I got, and from them on I felt quite comfortable.'' In the quarter-finals, Popyrin faces top-seeded Alexander Zverev, who advanced after the No.14 seed Francisco Cerundolo, of Argentina, was forced to retire with an abdominal injury with the German leading 6-4 1-0. Zverev, the 2017 Canadian Open champion who is ranked third in the world, ended up the top seed in Toronto after the world's two top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz skipped the event. Another Australian, ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur, plays his round-of-16 clash against American Frances Tiafoe on Sunday (Monday AEST). De Minaur came to Canada in impeccable form, having won last week's Washington Open, his 10th career title. De Minaur has twice reached the quarter-finals at the hard-court event at Flushing Meadows, firstly in 2021, then repeating that effort last year. In other results on Saturday, Alex Michelsen reached the quarter-finals after toppling fellow American Learner Tien 6-3 6-3. Michelsen next faces 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov, a 6-4 7-5 winner over eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud. - with AP Australia's Alexei Popyrin remains on track for back-to-back Canadian Open titles after fighting his way to a three-set win over fifth seed Holger Rune. For the second match in a row in Toronto, 18th-seeded Popyrin had to claw his way back after losing the first set, beating the talented Dane 4-6 6-2 6-3 on Saturday (local time). It was just the second career meeting between the pair and squared the ledger at one apiece, Rune having won their only previous encounter in a tough three-setter on clay at the 2023 Rome Masters. The Australian also recovered from the loss of the first set of his third-round match to score a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over former world No.1 and 2021 US Open and Canadian Open champ Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Popyrin has his sights set on back-to-back Canadian Open titles after thrashing Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in last year's final. On Saturday he took some time to immerse himself into the match against Rune. He was frustrated not to cash in on any of the 11 break points he had in the first set. However, he turned things around after that, converting both of his break points in the second set, then doing the same with his first opportunity in the final stanza. "I started this week not high on confidence, needing to get a grasp of the mental side,'' the Australian said. "After the first set I was pissed (about not breaking), but when I came back out to return again it felt like I was in control of the match. "I told myself to be aggressive with the next break point that I got, and from them on I felt quite comfortable.'' In the quarter-finals, Popyrin faces top-seeded Alexander Zverev, who advanced after the No.14 seed Francisco Cerundolo, of Argentina, was forced to retire with an abdominal injury with the German leading 6-4 1-0. Zverev, the 2017 Canadian Open champion who is ranked third in the world, ended up the top seed in Toronto after the world's two top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz skipped the event. Another Australian, ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur, plays his round-of-16 clash against American Frances Tiafoe on Sunday (Monday AEST). De Minaur came to Canada in impeccable form, having won last week's Washington Open, his 10th career title. De Minaur has twice reached the quarter-finals at the hard-court event at Flushing Meadows, firstly in 2021, then repeating that effort last year. In other results on Saturday, Alex Michelsen reached the quarter-finals after toppling fellow American Learner Tien 6-3 6-3. Michelsen next faces 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov, a 6-4 7-5 winner over eighth-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud. - with AP

British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan cited for hit on Tom Lynagh
British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan cited for hit on Tom Lynagh

Daily Telegraph

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Telegraph

British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan cited for hit on Tom Lynagh

Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News. British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan has been cited for foul play over an incident in Saturday's third Test against Australia that left Wallabies' flyhalf Tom Lynagh knocked out. The incident was briefly looked at by the match officials just before halftime but Sheehan initially escaped punishment even though replays showed he entered a ruck at speed and appeared to make dangerous contact with Lynagh's head. The Australian playmaker was taken from the field to undergo a head injury assessment, which he failed, preventing him from rejoining the match, which the Wallabies won 22-12. Sheehan's actions at the ruck were hotly debated on social media, with many incredulous that he was let off as Australian supporters argued he should have been given an instant red card. Tom Lynagh was substituted off after being hit in the head. Picture: Getty Images PREMIUM RUGBY CONTENT READ: Schmidt reveals secret weapon in Wallabies' win over Lions READ: Rugby can't allow Lions win to mask Wallabies' many issues READ: Every player rated: Skelton and Tupou star, Suaalii stuns An independent reviewer later looked back at the incident and World Rugby subsequently released a statement in the early hours of Sunday morning announcing Sheehan had been cited and would face an expedited hearing later that day. 'British & Irish Lions player Dan Sheehan will have a citing complaint reviewed by an independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) after being cited by the independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (a) (a player must not charge into a ruck or maul …) in the Australia v British & Irish Lions third test in Sydney on Saturday, 2 August,' World Rugby said in the statement. Asked about the incident after the match, Lions coach Andy Farrell said he couldn't comment because he hadn't looked at it yet. 'There are all sorts of rugby incidents that we can pull apart. I've seen quite a few more incidents as well,' he said. 'We'll always go through the right channels when that's concerned.' Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was also tight-lipped after launching a blistering attack on the way officials deal with head knocks from collisions at rucks after the Television Match Official failed to penalise the Lions over another contentious clean-out that would have ruled out their series-winning try in the second Test in Melbourne. But Schmidt was biting his tongue this time when asked about the hit on Lynagh, the talented young son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh. 'In live, we didn't see Tom's incident, and it was probably a little bit later that we got a glimpse of it, and that's all I've seen so far,' Schmidt said. Dan Sheehan has been cited for foul play. Picture: Getty Images 'So I'd rather not comment on it until I've seen it. But … You know, there's always a difficulty for a TMO, I guess. He's watching the main TV broadcast, and then if he doesn't pick it up there, then he doesn't' access the other angles because everything's happening so quickly.' Schmidt did say that he didn't think there was any malice from the Irish hooker and also that he had checked in on Lynagh's health to ensure he was OK 'I've got massive respect for Dan,' Schmidt said. 'There's a few things like that that will happen in a really physical contest. 'For us with Tom, he is still a young kid and we'll try to look after him and make sure that he's fully fit on the back of getting that knock. But I had a good chat to him after the game and he's pretty resilient.' Originally published as British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan cited for hit on Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh

'If they need me': Tupou reveals World Cup dream
'If they need me': Tupou reveals World Cup dream

Perth Now

time41 minutes ago

  • Perth Now

'If they need me': Tupou reveals World Cup dream

Taniela Tupou is pledging to play every Test like it's his last after reviving his Wallabies career with a performance for the ages. Three months after candidly claiming he didn't deserve to feature against the British and Irish Lions, Tupou repaid Joe Schmidt's faith in him with one of the mightiest displays in a gold jumper. While back-rower Tom Hooper was a deserving man of the match, the powerhouse prop was also immense in Australia's stirring 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night. Destructive at scrum time, a menace in the loose and generally inspirational during a game-changing 60-minute shift, Tupou conceded he feared during a turbulent Super Rugby Pacific season with the NSW Waratahs that he may never play for the Wallabies again. But an emotional Tupou, wrapping his big arms around a Sydney journalist and thanking the scribe for his support during the dark times was the most poignant moment inside the Accor Stadium walls post match. "It's always an honour to be named in the Wallabies, to represent Australia. I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem," the 29-year-old said. "And as you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you and you tend to think when you get older, 'Oh man, one of these games could be the last'. "So I was just soaking in the environment, the crowd and everything. It was it was pretty cool to be part of it. So delighted we won the game." Australian rugby's highest-paid forward is heading to Racing 92 in France this year but hasn't given up on featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, now that he's resurrected his international career. "I always make myself available for the Wallabies, whether I'm in France or wherever I am," Tupou said. "So if they need me, I'll 100 per cent put my hands up. "So hopefully this isn't the last time. Hopefully there's more to come." The gentle giant said the opportunity to play against the Lions, especially after his tumultuous season, was not lost on him. "I'm glad I'm part of this one and part of a win against the Lions. There's a lot of Wallabies legends who don't get a chance to play against the Lions," Tupou said. "We needed this win. We've been through a lot this week and the last few weeks and it's good to be out there playing footy because for me I only played the (one) game." "I need to keep playing footy so this helps me. Hopefully I keep playing and who knows what happened in TRC, so fingers crossed."

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