Latest news with #AndyFarrell
Irish Examiner
21 minutes ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Australian media reaction: Praise for Lions' Pollock, Russell, kick restart will have Suaalii licking his lips
How much can you truly read into a British & Irish Lions tour opener? Was this the kind of performance level that the Lions will be capable of reaching further down the line? No. Did the 54-7 scoreline against the Western Force flatter Andy Farrell's men? Probably. What the Australian media have taken from the clash is a better idea of what Farrell's backline may be, come the first Test against the Wallabies. Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, columnist Paul Cully insists the Lions backline is more or less locked in. "Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose and Mack Hansen will start the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane, with only the fullback position looking particularly contestable between Elliot Daly, Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan," Cully writes. "It was clear in Perth that the Irish contingent are understandably more comfortable with coach Andy Farrell's style of play, with No 13 Ringrose the key man defensively with his line speed. "Schmidt won't mind that tactic, particularly with Len Ikitau or Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii good enough or strong enough to take the hit from Ringrose and get the ball wider or beat him with footwork... on the flipside, Russell's quick hands were a joy to watch in Perth - he really does belong among the elite in terms of the deception he can offer at the line." So where can the Lions be got at then? Kick restarts proved a bit of an issue for Farrell's men on opening night in Perth. Ball recoveries from those very scenarios have become a trademark of Suaalii's game since his switch to Union from League. Jamie Pandaram of the Daily Telegraph feels it is a part of the game where Joe Schmidt's Wallabies can get a lot of joy, especially with a weapon like Suaalii. "Suaalii looms as the greatest threat to the British & Irish Lions after the Western Force exposed a glaring weakness the Wallabies can exploit." Pandaram said. "The Lions, despite their 54-7 win in Perth, look vulnerable from kick restarts, and Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is sure to launch big-jumping Suaalii from kick-offs against the shaky tourists. "They lost four of eight kick restarts against the Force at Optus Stadium, as Nic White's pinpoint kick-offs found a flying Dylan Pietsch or caused Lions errors, after they'd been targeted in the same area the previous weekend when Argentina beat them 28-24." Cully of the SMH added, on the Lions' defensive weak spots: "The defensive issues that prevented Lowe from being an All Black also pop up sporadically, so there will be opportunities for the Wallabies if they are good enough." There was, of course, plenty praise for a Lions team early on their journey to the three Test matches. "The Lions showed they also have plenty to make the Wallabies concerned," Pandaram said. "Their transition from turnover to attack, particularly in the second half, was stunningly fast, leading to several long-range tries." And onto Henry Pollock. The dynamic youngster gets people up out of their seats, like him or loathe him. Does he feature from the start in a Test, or two, or three? Only time will tell, but the view from Down Under is that he will prove to be a thorn in their side for a long time. "Henry Pollock looks like a stereotypical English backpacker you want to dislike, but his performance against the Western Force on Saturday makes that impossible," Cully wrote. "His athleticism, ambition and offloads made international teammates such as Lions No 6 Tadhg Beirne, who is badly out of form, look like they were running in mud or playing a different version of the sport before a new software update kicked in. "Forget the off-the-ball stuff, it really is peripheral - Pollock's main contribution in Perth was to remind everyone that games of rugby can still be unlocked by the right type of athlete. "The bad news for the Wallabies is that Pollock looks like he can be a 10-year nemesis for the Wallabies - a rare talent."
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Don't know how funny that gag is – Sione Tuipulotu laughs off ‘Aussie' dig
Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off any provocation during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born contingent were attacked by the Tannoy announcer at Optus Stadium. Tuipulotu, one of eight players in Andy Farrell's squad who were born, raised and educated in the southern hemisphere, was among those caught in the crosshairs before Saturday's 54-7 rout of Western Force. Advertisement 'Another Aussie at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu,' was how the Scotland centre was introduced when the team was read out for the Lions' opening match on Australian soil. Sione Tuipulotu made his presence felt against Western Force (Trevor Collens/AP) Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Pierre Schoeman were also referenced by the nation of their birth rather than their adopted country, for whom they have qualified either through residency or family heritage. It continued a theme from the hosts that began when Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt described Tuipulotu and New Zealand-born Ireland international Bundee Aki as a 'southern-hemisphere centre partnership' in the build-up to the defeat by Argentina in Dublin. Advertisement Tuipulotu emphasised the words 'good humour' when brushing aside the jibes that he expected on his return Down Under. 'I knew there would be some 'good humour' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride,' he said. 'To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don't know how funny that gag is to everyone! Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu, left, and head coach Gregor Townsend celebrate after November's win over Australia (Andrew Milligan/PA) 'I'm loving my rugby playing for the Lions and I'm really passionate about it. Andy's brought the group together so well.' The victory in Perth exposed several shortcomings such as a high penalty count and creaking set-piece, but there was also much to admire in the attacking exuberance that produced eight classy tries. Advertisement Tougher tests than the Force await on tour but combined with the evidence gathered from the Aviva Stadium eight days earlier, Farrell's Lions are clearly keen to keep the ball alive – and on this occasion the passes stuck. Finn Russell was at the heart of onslaught in his first outing of the tour and the Scot's instinctive play drew approval from Farrell, who declared: 'He's ready to go. And that's good.' Tuipulotu, who expects to be firing by the Test series as he continues his comeback from a significant ankle injury, said: 'We're taking ideas from all the nations. 'Obviously, the coaching style is very Ireland dominant and there are a lot of ideas that we're getting from the Irish coaches, but then those ideas are being sprinkled on. Advertisement 'When Finn comes in, he plays his style. He plays to the structure of the team, but he's a very instinctive player and he wants to play what's directly in front of his face. 'There's a mixture there and that's what's going to make it hard to defend for opposition teams. 'They're not necessarily defending a structure of play, they're defending a structure of play with really supreme individuals conducting it like Finn. 'Finn's a world-class number 10 and he's been here, been there, done that. He's come off a really good season after winning the Premiership with Bath and I thought him and Tomos Williams controlled the game really well. 'We're still growing, there's a lot of growth left in us but the identity at least, you could see how we try to play the game out there.'
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Lions have to take Aussie teasing in their stride
Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off any prodding during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born player were called out by the Tannoy announcer at Optus one of eight players in Andy Farrell's squad who were born, raised and educated in the southern hemisphere, was among those caught in the crosshairs before Saturday's 54-7 rout of Western Force."Another Aussie at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu," was how the Scotland centre was introduced when the team was read out for the Lions' opening match on Australian Hansen, James Lowe and Pierre Schoeman were also referenced by the nation of their birth rather than their adopted country, for whom they have qualified either through residency or family continued a theme from the hosts that began when Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt described Tuipulotu and New Zealand-born Ireland international Bundee Aki as a "southern-hemisphere centre partnership" in the build-up to the defeat by Argentina in emphasised the words "good humour" when brushing aside the dig that he expected on his return to his homeland."I knew there would be some 'good humour' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride," he said."To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don't know how funny that gag is to everyone!"I'm loving my rugby playing for the Lions and I'm really passionate about it. Andy's brought the group together so well."
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Don't know how funny that gag is – Sione Tuipulotu laughs off ‘Aussie' dig
Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off any provocation during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born contingent were attacked by the Tannoy announcer at Optus Stadium. Tuipulotu, one of eight players in Andy Farrell's squad who were born, raised and educated in the southern hemisphere, was among those caught in the crosshairs before Saturday's 54-7 rout of Western Force. 'Another Aussie at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu,' was how the Scotland centre was introduced when the team was read out for the Lions' opening match on Australian soil. Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Pierre Schoeman were also referenced by the nation of their birth rather than their adopted country, for whom they have qualified either through residency or family heritage. It continued a theme from the hosts that began when Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt described Tuipulotu and New Zealand-born Ireland international Bundee Aki as a 'southern-hemisphere centre partnership' in the build-up to the defeat by Argentina in Dublin. Tuipulotu emphasised the words 'good humour' when brushing aside the jibes that he expected on his return Down Under. 'I knew there would be some 'good humour' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride,' he said. 'To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don't know how funny that gag is to everyone! 'I'm loving my rugby playing for the Lions and I'm really passionate about it. Andy's brought the group together so well.' The victory in Perth exposed several shortcomings such as a high penalty count and creaking set-piece, but there was also much to admire in the attacking exuberance that produced eight classy tries. Tougher tests than the Force await on tour but combined with the evidence gathered from the Aviva Stadium eight days earlier, Farrell's Lions are clearly keen to keep the ball alive – and on this occasion the passes stuck. Finn Russell was at the heart of onslaught in his first outing of the tour and the Scot's instinctive play drew approval from Farrell, who declared: 'He's ready to go. And that's good.' Tuipulotu, who expects to be firing by the Test series as he continues his comeback from a significant ankle injury, said: 'We're taking ideas from all the nations. 'Obviously, the coaching style is very Ireland dominant and there are a lot of ideas that we're getting from the Irish coaches, but then those ideas are being sprinkled on. 'When Finn comes in, he plays his style. He plays to the structure of the team, but he's a very instinctive player and he wants to play what's directly in front of his face. 'There's a mixture there and that's what's going to make it hard to defend for opposition teams. 'They're not necessarily defending a structure of play, they're defending a structure of play with really supreme individuals conducting it like Finn. 'Finn's a world-class number 10 and he's been here, been there, done that. He's come off a really good season after winning the Premiership with Bath and I thought him and Tomos Williams controlled the game really well. 'We're still growing, there's a lot of growth left in us but the identity at least, you could see how we try to play the game out there.'
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Ireland omissions 'still kill you inside'
By Nick Timoney's own admission, his last Ireland cap was "a long time ago now".The most consistent performer in an inconsistent Ulster team, the 29-year-old has found the Test game a tougher nut to making his debut for Andy Farrell's side against the USA in July 2021, the back row was a late inclusion for that November's Test against Argentina - so late, in fact, that he was sat in his house in Belfast on the morning of the game - and then started a year later against being in various squads over recent years, including touring parties to New Zealand and South Africa, he has not featured since that game three Autumns has consistently selected three from Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan, Peter O'Mahony and Caelan Doris as his loose forward trio, with the odd man out providing impact off the with the former pair away with the British and Irish Lions, O'Mahony retired, and Doris injured, there are rare opportunities to impress for back row hopefuls in Test matches against Georgia on Saturday and Portugal a week later."I'd be lying if I said there weren't times where I was frustrated. I certainly have had times where I feel like I'm incredibly close to it, and I've felt like if I had a chance, I would've taken it and run with it," said Timoney. "I still feel that way, but at the same time, Irish Rugby's not in the business of just dishing out caps because you've had a good game. Like he [Farrell] is still picking the best four lads for the squad, and if those lads stay fit and are playing well the whole time, I mean that's just the way it goes." The likes of Cian Prendergast, Gavin Coombes and Max Deegan are other back row options in a summer squad that will be led by Paul O'Connell with usual head coach Farrell on Lions duty. All have had their own struggles earning selection ahead of Ireland's established options despite impressing for their respective provinces. "It can be tough because, being a realist, you come into a lot of camps and you know that you're not necessarily top of the pecking order," Timoney continued."All the other lads are desperate to play, and then the game against England is opening the Six Nations or something like that and it still kills you inside a little bit every time you're not announced and you're not in the team."Ultimately, if you really value playing for Ireland enough, then there's no choice but to put more emphasis on getting better and working harder so that's just what I try to do."Now 29-years-old, Timoney says he will still "come into every single camp thinking this will be the one" when he makes his true international breakthrough."There's examples of it all over. There's the Deon Fouries of the world who are uncapped until 35 and [play] in a World Cup final," he added, citing the South African hooker who played 76 minutes off the bench when the Springboks won the World Cup in 2023. While his only previous experience against Saturday's opponents came as a sevens international, Timoney is well familiar with at least one star of Georgia's a youngster, he would regularly turn to YouTube for clips of the best back rows of the era. The likes of Sebastien Chabal, Sean O'Brien, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris provided regular viewing, but the rampaging Mamuka Gorgodze was a particular favourite."I have hours of Mamuka Gorgodze footage watched from when I was a kid. I used to watch a highlight video of his pretty much every week," said Timoney of the former Montpellier back row nicknamed 'Gorgodzilla'."Back in the day when you're a kid, as you would with loads of different rugby players that were in your position and you kind of looked up to, you'd look up some of their clips, their highlights, but there was a 10-minute compilation video of Mamuka Gorgodze playing a lot of European countries for Georgia, loads of clips from them playing Poland and Russia and Spain and stuff. "So I used to watch that a bit when I was younger. He was a bit of a tank." 'We know what's coming' While the decidedly more nimble Davit Niniashvili is the current star of Georgian rugby, under former Leicester Tigers and Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill, Timoney expects a robust challenge in Tbilisi. "They're big, they're physical, they're passionate and you're not going to get an easy game against them," he said."We've seen that over the last number of years with lots of their performances, so we know what's coming."That sort of selfish desire to impress is going to be there a little bit with a lot of people, but channelling that into the battle that's going to come is key for us."
