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Irish Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Royal Ascot Saturday tips and full race card - list of runners on day 5
Godolphin and William Buick have both been among the winners at Royal Ascot this week, but trainer Charlie Appleby has yet to get one on the board. The Newmarket trainer will be hoping to put that right on the final day of the meeting and has two strong chances in the opening two races. Treanmor, a €2million purchase, won by four lengths on debut at Newmarket next month and looks set to go off favourite in the Chesham Stakes. Meanwhile, Rebel's Romance looks the one to beat in the Hardwicke Stakes as Appleby aims to provide Godolphin and Buick with more success at the Royal meeting. The sole Group 1 on the final day is the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes as Inisherin aims to follow up his victory in the Commonwealth Cup last year. Kevin Ryan's horses have been running well this week and Buick takes the ride. Here's a full list of Saturday's runners and riders, as well as a tip for each race: 2.30pm: 7f Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo) 1 Brave Hunter Silvestre De Sousa2 Humidity James Doyle3 Tailgunner Joe (USA) Sean Levey4 Thesecretadversary (IRE) Seamie Heffernan5 Treanmor (IRE) William Buick6 Waterford Castle (IRE) Rossa Ryan7 Zooter D E Hogan8 Moments Of Joy (USA) Ryan Moore9 Venetian Lace (IRE) B Loughnane Newsboy's tip: Moments Of Joy 3.05pm: 1m4f (1m3f211y) Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+) 1 Al Aasy (IRE) Jim Crowley2 Al Riffa (FR) Dylan McMonagle3 Bellum Justum (IRE) P J McDonald4 Burdett Road S D Bowen5 Candleford (IRE) Tom Marquand6 Epic Poet (IRE) Daniel Tudhope7 Ghostwriter (IRE) David Egan8 Palladium (GER) Ryan Moore9 Rebel's Romance (IRE) William Buick10 Space Legend (IRE) James Doyle11 Sunway (FR) Oisin Murphy12 Tabletalk (IRE) Rossa Ryan Newsboy's tip: Al Aasy 3.40pm: 6f Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (4yo+) 1 Annaf (IRE) Rossa Ryan2 Elite Status Clifford Lee3 Grand Grey (IRE) Jamie Spencer4 Iberian (IRE) B Loughnane5 Inisherin William Buick6 James's Delight (IRE) Colin Keane7 Jasour Jim Crowley8 Lazzat (FR) James Doyle9 Run To Freedom Trevor Whelan10 Sajir (IRE) Oisin Murphy11 Satono Reve (JPN) J Moreira12 Storm Boy (AUS) Ryan Moore13 Topgear (FR) Stephane Pasquier14 Flora Of Bermuda (IRE) P J McDonald15 Great Generation (IRE) Marco Ghiani16 Nighteyes (IRE) Daniel Tudhope Newsboy's tip: Inisherin 4.20pm: 7f Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Benevento (IRE) Rossa Ryan2 Brian (IRE) B Loughnane3 Caburn (IRE) D E Hogan4 Comanche Brave (IRE) Ryan Moore5 Dhitjari A Starke6 Marvelman (IRE) Oisin Murphy7 Noble Champion (IRE) Kieran Shoemark8 One Smack Mac (IRE) Colin Keane9 Pellitory Silvestre De Sousa10 Remmooz Callum Rodriguez11 Saracen (FR) Dylan McMonagle12 Seagulls Eleven (IRE) Harry Davies13 Spy Chief Robert Havlin14 Yah Mo Be There Jamie Spencer15 California Dreamer David Egan Newsboy's tip: Saracen 5.00pm: 6f Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-110) 1 Apollo One Daniel Tudhope2 Valiant Force (USA) David Egan3 Zoum Zoum Rossa Ryan4 City House (IRE) Callum Shepherd5 Jarraaf B Loughnane6 Korker (IRE) Jack Nicholls (7)7 Purosangue Oisin Murphy8 Symbol Of Honour Non Runner9 Shartash (IRE) James Doyle10 Ten Pounds (IRE) Trevor Whelan11 Get It Seamie Heffernan12 Game Run (FR) M Grandin13 Twilight Calls Jamie Spencer14 Desert Cop Jim Crowley15 Orazio (IRE) Saffie Osborne16 Cover Up (IRE) Silvestre De Sousa17 Vadream Kieran Shoemark18 Aramram (IRE) Ryan Moore19 We Never Stop (IRE) Shane Gray20 Roman Dragon David Probert21 More Thunder (IRE) Tom Marquand22 Golden Mind (IRE) Warren Fentiman (5)23 Completely Random Callum Rodriguez24 Woodhay Wonder Sean Levey25 Noble Truth (FR) Luke Morris26 Germanic (IRE) R Sexton27 Saint Lawrence (IRE) Colin Keane28 Jumby (IRE) Charles Bishop29 Holkham Bay Brandon Wilkie (3) Newsboy's tip: Orazio 5.35pm: 1m2f (1m1f212y) Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1 Rock Of Cashel (IRE) Sean Levey2 Sallaal (IRE) Ray Dawson3 Tycoon David Egan4 Best Secret (FR) James Doyle5 Seraph Gabriel (IRE) Rossa Ryan6 El Burhan (IRE) Jim Crowley7 Basalt (IRE) Luke Morris8 Aurel (GER) Richard Kingscote9 Dakota Blue (FR) Ben Coen10 Quai De Bethune (FR) Oisin Murphy11 Ernst Blofeld (IRE) William Buick12 Roosevelt Ryan Moore13 Fantazy Man (IRE) Seamie Heffernan14 War Socks Silvestre De Sousa15 The King's Falcon Non Runner16 Glen To Glen (IRE) Dylan McMonagle17 Brindavan (IRE) Colin Keane Newsboy's tip: El Burhan 6.10pm: 2m5½f (2m5f143y) Queen Alexandra Stakes (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) 1 Sober (FR) Ryan Moore2 King Of The Road (IRE) David Probert3 Samui Colin Keane4 Scottish Anthem K S McHugh5 Tashkhan (IRE) Callum Shepherd6 Trooper Bisdee (IRE) Luke Morris7 Youthful King Jack Dace8 Dallas Star (FR) David Egan9 Paradoxical (IRE) Warren Fentiman10 Toby Tops George Wood11 Wild Waves (IRE) Oisin Murphy Newsboy's tip: Samui
Telegraph
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Royal Ascot each-way and Lucky 15 tips: Day 5
Ron Wood has picked out a Lucky 15 for Royal Ascot day five on Saturday, as well as an each-way bet. Royal Ascot Day 5 Lucky 15 tips The first runner in this Lucky 15 bet is TREANMOR in the opening race on the card, the Listed Chesham Stakes (2.30). This horse won so easily in a 6f Newmarket novice on his debut. The form has been let down, but there is no doubt at all that he is a smart colt. He is fast and bred to stay. The second leg of the Lucky 15 is SARACEN in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes (4.20). Read more about him in the each-way bet below – he is a strong fancy. Next up is JARRAAF in the Wokingham (5.00). He won a couple of handicaps over course and distance on good and quick ground last year and there was nothing wrong with his reappearance fourth in a Salisbury Listed race. The final selection is SOBER in the closing Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.10). He was a dual Group 2-winning stayer on the Flat in France in 2023 and most recently won over hurdles – over 2m 4f – on his debut for Willie Mullins. He has never tried as far as this trip (2m 5½f), but he looks like having too much for his rivals. Treanmor (2.30, Ascot) @ 6/4 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 3 places) Saracen (4.20, Ascot) @ 5/1 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 5 places) Jarraaf (5.00, Ascot) @ 13/2 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 7 places) Sober (6.10, Ascot) @ 10/11 with Sky Bet (⅕ for first 3 places) A £0.10p each-way Lucky 15 – for a total stake of £3 – on these four horses offers a potential return of £83.32. Royal Ascot Day 5 each-way tip There is still better to come from SARACEN (4.20). He won a 6f Curragh maiden by four lengths on his sole juvenile start and was still raw when third in the 7f Greenham at Newbury on his reappearance. That race did not unfold to suit and he was beaten by two horses with Group 1 form. Saracen ran at Newbury so his connections could see whether he was one for the French 2,000 Guineas or the Jersey, and he turns up in the latter contest with strong-looking claims, especially of making the first five places, for which Sky Bet pays out. Odds provided by Sky Bet and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (maximum five). Check out the best Royal Ascot free bets and betting offers Lucky 15 explained There are 'multiple' bet options that can be a good way of still getting paid out even if certain runners let you down, and a Lucky 15 is one of the classics. This bet is made up of four selections, with single bets on each of them (four bets), six doubles (all the combinations of the four selections), as well as four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. Clue's in the name, that's 15 bets in total. That might seem like a lot of bets but you can stake accordingly and, as the odds build, these options can return substantial payouts even to a relatively small lay-out. What is an each-way bet? An each-way bet is a popular type of wager, particularly with horse racing fans. It is essentially two bets, both of which have the same size stake. An each-way bet features one bet on the selection to win and the other bet on the selection to place. So a £10 each-way bet will cost you a total of £20. There will be one £10 bet on the selection to win and another £10 on the selection to place. It's a popular bet because it offers punters the chance of a return, even if the horse in question fails to win. Bookmakers will pay out at a stated percentage of the odds for a place finish, for example one-fifth of the SP for finishing in the first three. The more runners there are in a horse race, the more places will be on offer. In races that feature lots of runners, the horses will be available at bigger odds, making an each-way bet a wise choice. Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L (up to and including Thursday June 19) Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Check out our list of the best casino bonuses in the UK
Ya Biladi
06-06-2025
- Ya Biladi
Fraxinet, a 10th-century Muslim trading post in Saint-Tropez
In the 10th century, Saint-Tropez was home to a Saracen trading post following a Muslim conquest around 890, likely led by sailors from Al-Andalus. This historic land, situated at the crossroads of maritime, commercial, and military routes in the Mediterranean, witnessed the evolution of civilizations due to its proximity to Sardinia and Sicily. Over the centuries, the French commune absorbed these influences. At the turn of the 9th century, the territory experienced Muslim raids and incursions in southern Europe, where Al-Andalus and the Italian islands endured centuries of caliphal rule. Fraxinet emerged amid numerous armed power struggles. Alongside the Three Sacks of Rome in 846, 849, and 876, raids targeted Provence, including attacks on Marseille in 838 and 846. Simultaneously, Muslim forces established bases in Camargue (France), Bari (Italy), and Crete (Greece) during the 9th century. More than a corsair outpost in Saint-Tropez, Fraxinet became a significant economic and political landmark, though historical records remain scarce. Some accounts link Saint-Tropez's Muslim past to these incursions, leaving a lasting mark on the commune. The 10th-century Muslim chronicler and geographer Mohammed Abul-Kassem ibn Hawqal mentioned Fraxinet in his travel writings. Known for his journeys between 943 and 969, the author of the famous Configuration of the Earth describes an island at the Rhône's mouth, near Al-Andalus, reminiscent of the Balearics. An Autonomous Muslim Stronghold Historian and chronicler Ibn Hayyan al-Qurtubi (987–1076) refers to an Umayyad «peace treaty» sent around 941 to affiliated territories, including Fraxinet's leader. According to this scholar from Córdoba, the border area primarily served a military function, acting as a fortress and launch point for offensives. Despite its distance from the caliphal center in Al-Andalus, the trading post was managed by leaders who maintained significant autonomy. This collection of historical clues suggests that Fraxinet's warriors founded their Saint-Tropez outpost for defensive purposes, reinforcing border Muslim raids. Political instability in the region facilitated the rapid conquest of southern European lands. Additionally, the fertile land fostered agricultural and economic prosperity, even as the Fatimids (909–1171) rose in Egypt, North Africa's Ifriqiya, and Sicily before the Norman conquest in the 11th century. In The Saracens of Fraxinetum in the 10th Century, published in Islamic Lands and the Latin World (Presses universitaires de Lyon, 2000), medieval historians Pierre Guichard and Denis Menjot confirm these insights. They note that «Provence suffered from Saracen raids since the mid-9th century, similar to southern Italy». However, these repeated attacks mainly affected the western region and did not quickly lead to lasting settlement. The second wave of invasions, however, brought about deeper changes «for nearly a century», as testified by Bishop Liutprand of Cremona (920–971/972), cited by the authors. «A familiar of Otto I, whom he served as ambassador to Byzantium, Liutprand lived for a long time at the court of Hugh of Arles and had good knowledge of Provence. In his main work, dedicated to Bishop Recemund of Elvira, the Antapodosis ('Reprisals' against Berengar II of Ivrea), he recounts the events in Provence from the Saracens' arrival to their final defeat», the researchers explain. They add that the Saracens' settlement «may have begun with a fortuitous event: the shipwreck of a marauding boat from Umayyad Spain». A Military Base for Northern Incursions Guichard and Menjot further explain that the new conquerors «were reinforced between the late 9th century and early 10th century» to «take over the forested scrubland of the Maures and fortify themselves on the Fraxinet peninsula, in the Gulf of Grimaud (Var)». From this base, «they devastated eastern Provence, raided deep into the Alps, and created a genuine climate of insecurity», the historians emphasize. The Saracens' raids intensified alongside escalating political struggles in the Kingdom of Arles. The authors note that «King Hugh secured the Byzantine emperor's support, whose troops blockaded Fraxinetum in 942, but Hugh's rival Berengar of Ivrea engaged the Saracens, angering Liutprand. Emperor Otto unsuccessfully negotiated with the Caliph of Córdoba to recall the Muslim bands. The capture of Abbot Mayeul of Cluny at the Great Saint Bernard Pass provoked a strong reaction, leading to military operations — primarily by Count Guillem of Provence against Fraxinetum — resulting in the Saracens' final expulsion in 972». In Fraxinetum: An Islamic Frontier State in Tenth-Century Provence, Mohammad Ballan describes the Andalusian colony of Fraxinet as an «Islamic frontier entity» developed into a significant economic and military center in Provence. Serving as an advanced post of Al-Andalus, Fraxinet had the dual purpose of defense and community enrichment, as Ibn Hawqal described. Thus, the Saracens proclaimed their emirate of Fraxinet to invest in the territory and use it as a base for larger-scale northern military expeditions. Notably, they controlled western Alpine passes and dominated trade routes between France, Italy, and Switzerland, parts of which were under their control. Between 890 and 972, the Saint-Tropez peninsula was an Arab-Muslim colony known as Jabal al-Qilâl («Mountain of Peaks«) or Farakhshinit — the Arabized form of the Gallo-Roman fraxinetu. The region was governed by Nasr ibn Ahmad, appointed caïd around 940. The Saracens were definitively expelled in 976 by Guillaume I, Count of Provence (960–993) and Lord of Grimaud, who fortified the city by building a tower on the current site of the Suffren in 980.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Portofino's Hotel Splendido Has A Stunning Villa To Book This Summer
The Villa Beatrice, a short walk from the Splendido, was originally designed by Gino Coppedè, a renowned and prolific architect in early 20th-century Italy. Courtesy of Belmond Portofino has long been a gliterrati playground and its desirability shows no sign of diminishing after more than 60 years in the jet-set spotlight. Each season superyachts compete for one of the limited number of berths in its tiny harbor; reservations at dining hot spots Cracco, Chuflay and Da Puny are snapped up the moment temperatures begin to rise, and for decades the village's artisan and specialty boutiques have been sought after by visitors who could shop anywhere—style icon Gianni Agnelli liked to purchase loafers at Mingo Portofino. where you can do the same today. This summer there'll be another reason for deep-pocketed travelers to stop by when the Hotel Splendido Belmond debuts a new property, a private one-key villa, which will be a first for the luxury travel company. The seaside palazzo, called Villa Beatrice, is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and sits on a private spit overlooking the sea. The hills around Portofino are home to some of the most exclusive private homes in the world, including the estate owned by Dolce & Gabbana, the fashion designers. The Dowager Duchess of Westminster owns a vineyard here that produces the local white, vermentino. The Villa has three floors and an additional Torretta, or tower level. COURTESY OF BELMOND For decades the most famous place to stay in Portofino has been the aptly named Hotel Splendido, a Belmond property since 2014, and owned by LVMH since 2019. Winston Churchill, a connoisseur of many things and someone who knew how to pick his Riviera resorts, stayed here as did Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Vivien Leigh, Ava Gardner and more recently, George Clooney. British actress Vivien Leigh at the Hotel Splendido in 1954. Photo by Mario De Biasi/Mondadori via Getty Images Mondadori via Getty Images Centuries before Portofino became a requisite A-list stop, it was a coveted prize for power players on the Italian peninsula. The Romans were thought to use Portofino as a harbor; in the 1500s Saracen pirates, determined to wangle a foothold in the area, attacked a strategically placed Benedictine Abbey so often the beleaguered monks had to flee from their home with the heavenly panoramas. (The abbey eventually became a private residence, then in 1902 the site of the Splendido.) Napoleon stationed troops at Castello Brown, a medieval castle with Roman roots perched high above the village. Later European aristocrats came to holiday; in the 1920s, Elizabeth von Arnim's best-selling novel, Enchanted April, gave the burgeoning resort a widespread renown. The English actor Rex Harrison vacationed in Portofino and helped put it on the celebrity map during Italy's dolce vita heyday, where it has remained every since A view over the Gulf of Tigullio. Courtesy of Belmond The Hotel Splendido's Villa Beatrice, which will open this summer, overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Gulf of Tigullio, and offers exceptional views and private access to the sea. This former family home, built for a Ligurian shipbuilding magnate, Attilio Odero, spreads out over three levels (with a Torretta, or tower floor) and includes four suites, a rooftop terrace, and a separate cottage called La Casetta with an additional suite. The villa was originally designed by Gino Coppedè, a renowned and prolific architect in early 20th-century Italy, whose buildings in a Rome neighborhood blending Art Nouveau and other distinct architectural styles, turned it into one of the Eternal City's cultural attractions, subsequently called Quartiere Coppedè. A sitting area. Courtesy of Belmond A terrace overlooking the sea. Courtesy of Belmond. Martin Brudnizki, an architect famous for his sleekly glamorous interiors and luxury hospitality design, oversaw the the multi-year renovation of the villa. The palazzo's external Coppedè frescoes were restored, marble bathrooms revamped, and the decor styled with antiques, contemporary pieces and artwork with connections to the region. Brudnizki said in a statement that the goal for Villa Beatrice was to create a space that blends modern sophistication with the history of the Ligurian coast 'where guests feel as though they've been welcomed into a cherished family villa.' Amenities at the property include butler service, a plunge pool with sun deck, a pavillion for yoga or spa treatments, gym, and a terrace for outdoor dining. Guests can also arrange for a private chef. The hotel will introduce its renovations to the main buiding this summer. Courtesy of Belmond The Splendido itself, which has also been undergoing a multi-year update under the direction of the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, debuts its renovated main building this summer. In addition to new rooms and suites, the hotel will have restyled guest areas including cocktail, lounge and coffee bars, a refreshed breakfast space, and a permanent Dior Spa with a roof terrace. Splendido updates completed in 2023 include the stunning (saltwater) pool where you can swim and take in views of the Portofino coast, and the redesigned La Baronessa Suite, fashioned as if it were a sumptuous retreat in a Ligurian palazzo. It has its own garden and provides direct access to the pool.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad
Bolter: Noun, Australian informal - an outsider in a contest or race. Perhaps it was a term picked up on a previous tour down under. For whatever reason, in the northern hemisphere at least, the concept of a bolter has become synonymous with Lions squad selection. It refers to the inexperienced, overlooked and out of favour. Players propelled from leftfield to centre stage and on to the plane with the best of Britain and Ireland. Back row Sam Simmonds, who had not been chosen for England in three years, was that pick when the Lions toured South Africa in 2021. Some bolters have blossomed into Lions greats. Jeremy Guscott and Martin Johnson had each made just one appearance for England before playing for the Lions. Jason Robinson was still learning the game after switching from rugby league. Other gambles have not paid such dividends. Here are nine potential picks, all less than probable but the right side of impossible, to listen out for when Wales great Ieuan Evans announces the squad on Thursday. "I'd pick Owen Farrell. Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals." Back in October when he was asked by the Times who should start at fly-half for the first Test against the Wallabies, Johnny Sexton was retired from playing, working for a glass company and publicising his autobiography. Now, intriguingly, Sexton has been signed up as a coach for the tour. The fallout would be substantial, but head coach Andy Farrell might judge selecting his son worth it. With little Lions Test experience among other potential 10s, three-time tourist Farrell brings an accountability and intensity few can match. Even as a 21-year-old tour rookie in Australia in 2013, his communication and leadership were picked out as an example to the rest of the squad by captain Alun Wyn Jones. Farrell has endured a difficult, injury-interrupted season with French club Racing 92, though he and his team have come into some welcome form recently, winning five out of seven matches since the former Saracen's comeback from a groin problem in March. However, his final chance to press his case ended early when a head knock forced an early exit from Sunday's European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Lyon After a wretched run of 17 successive Test defeats and with no Welsh voice among Andy Farrell's support staff, representation from The Dragons could be at an all-time low. Wales have never supplied fewer than five players for a Lions squad. If they are to get up towards that figure again, then Blair Murray could be on the plane. The Lions do not have huge depth at full-back. Ireland's Hugo Keenan will likely tour, but Scotland's first-choice 15 Blair Kinghorn suffered a knee knock recently and would be a late arrival on tour with Toulouse destined for Top 14 play-offs. England have shuffled between George Furbank, Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith over the past year. Murray, all scampering pace and jagging sidesteps, would be a crowd-pleasing pick. The sort of player who might revel on midweek hard grounds against Australia's Super Rugby sides. Debuts do not come much more imposing than away and at altitude against the world champion Springboks. Add playing in a position you have not started a game in for nearly two years and you understand the extent of Jamie Osborne's Test baptism. However, the 23-year-old scored a try, kept his place and was part of a team that shared the series spoils in South Africa. Osborne is a slight but rangy runner, with deft hands, aerial ability, a kicking game and an understanding with the Leinster and Ireland team-mates who will make up a large touring contingent. The clincher though could be his versatility. Covering full-back, wing and centre is useful on a hectic tour and would potentially give Farrell more licence to load the bench with forwards. Another with the ability to fill a few backline vacancies. Jordan was playing semi-professional rugby with Ayrshire Bulls until 2021 and only made his Scotland debut in November. He has seized the chance opened up by an injury to Sione Tuipulotu though, and was integral to Scotland's sharp backline in the Six Nations, with clever support lines, a step and a good offloading game. With England's Ollie Lawrence out through injury - one of the favourites for a midfield role in Australia - Jordan could benefit from another's misfortune once again. Bound for Bristol next season, the New Zealand-born Glasgow star can also back up fly-half and full-back. Can a bolter come with 99 Test caps already to their name? George Ford has slipped down the England fly-half pecking order, with first Marcus Smith and then Fin Smith steering the ship. But Ford has been in dazzling club form for Sale, playing close to the line and easing open holes for himself or runners. His one cameo in the Six Nations - a 25-minute replacement appearance against Wales - featured more sublime touches. He has never toured with the Lions and, at 32, is unlikely to if he misses out this time. Ford's composure and experience could be an ideal counterfoil to the more extravagant 10s under consideration. Cummings' injury absence attracted fewer headlines than the loss of captain Tuipulotu, but arguably was just as damaging to Scotland's Six Nations campaign given his front-five heft and nous. The 28-year-old second row is only just back from his broken arm, making an appearance off the bench in Glasgow's loss to the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC). However, his excellent work alongside Grant Gilchrist in Scotland's engine room prior to his lay-off will stand him in good stead in a position likely to be dominated by English and Irish options. The mid-Six Nations bounce that stand-in coach Matt Sherratt coaxed out of Wales included drafting in an all-new front row. Nicky Smith was one of those promoted and his scrummaging provided a platform for a vastly improved showing against Ireland. Signed by Leicester last summer, he has also been key to Tigers' push towards the Premiership play-offs under Michael Cheika. With Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter expected to fill two of three loose-head spots, he would likely have to edge out Scotland's Pierre Schoeman to get a squad slot. Might Wales' final-round trouncing at the hands of England count against him in the final reckoning? Could the Northampton flanker's soaraway season finish on Lions duty? There has been no sign of opposition taming the 20-year-old's dynamism and energy in his breakthrough campaign. An Under-20 World Cup winner with England last summer, he has become a mainstay in Saints' back row, offering a turnover threat at the breakdown and massive metre-making in the loose. He scored two tries as he made his England debut off the bench in the Six Nations and another in a hugely impressive victory over Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final on Saturday. Back row is fiercely competitive as ever, with exiled Englishman Jack Willis, playing at French side Toulouse, also in contention. Pollock attempting to defend the team's stuffed-toy mascot from his team-mates - a traditional duty for the tour's youngest player - would provide plenty of morale-boosting amusement for the party however. Appointed Toulon co-captain after just a year in France, David Ribbans has acclimatised fast to life in the Top 14. There is even a banner at Stade Mayol, with his face, a St George's cross and the slogan 'God Save Ribbans'. The 29-year-old second row, who won 11 England caps before moving to France, has been in fantastic form, leading with physicality. The Top 14 play-offs, with semi-finals on the same weekend the Lions play Argentina in Dublin, pose a logistical problem, but perhaps not an insurmountable one. Listen: Sport's Strangest Crimes - Bloodgate Listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast
