Latest news with #TheUltimateTest
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Preview: Expect a response from Lions in first Australian outing
If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth watching the first couple of episodes of 'The Ultimate Test', the in-house videos from the British and Irish Lions squad on their YouTube channel. Obviously not on the same level as the warts-and-all 'Living with the Lions' documentary from 1997, but there have been plenty of interesting nuggets across the opening two episodes; Andy Farrell's emotional words to the room about calling up Finlay Bealham to his squad and Mack Hansen's candid admissions about getting to know Marcus Smith were the highlights of episode one. The latest video followed their week in Dublin, with Ellis Genge's leadership skills and John Fogarty's coaching work both jumping out. Unfortunately, one thing we weren't privy to was the scene in the Aviva Stadium changing room after last Friday's defeat to Argentina. The Lions head coach was scathing in his public assessment of their performance against Los Pumas, so one can only imagine what was said behind closed doors. It was a change of tack for Farrell, who clearly wanted to send a message to his players about the standards expected of them over the next six weeks. In his five years coaching Ireland, you can count on one hand how often he's had a cut off his team's performances in post-match press conferences, with the scrappy wins against Georgia in 2020 and Fiji in 2022 the ones that jump out. When Ireland have lost games under Farrell (above), he's been more inclined to become protective of his team rather than challenge them. He was furious after the first Test defeat to South Africa last summer, but that anger didn't become apparent until the days after the game in Pretoria. In the immediate aftermath, he kept an even keel. It's impossible to tell whether last week's defeat has factored much into Farrell's selection for the opening game in Australia against the Western Force tomorrow. Prior to the Argentina clash, he suggested that he had a rough sketch in his head about his squads for the opening two or three games, as he looked to test out various combinations and allow everyone get a run. Twelve of last week's matchday squad go again this week, but only two players have been named to start for the second week in a row, with Tadhg Beirne and Sione Tuipulotu the pair retained in the starting team. The fact that both payers feature in different positions may point towards some of the lessons learned in Dublin. Beirne moves from the second row to blindside flanker, where he was primarily used by Warren Gatland on the 2021 tour. The back row was one area where the Lions failed to click against Argentina, and the addition of a hybrid lock/flanker in the side could be a nod towards Farrell's Test plans, with Beirne, Ollie Chessum or possibly even Maro Itoje the able to fill that role. Tuipulotu (below) also keeps his place in the starting team, and the Scotland captain will be keen to iron out some of the creases in his game, having been guilty of some poor ball protection a week ago. He moves from outside centre to the number 12 channel, as Garry Ringrose comes in for his first Lions appearance. Last week's team had a strong English flavour to it, but this selection is dominated by Ireland, with eight starters and three more on the bench. Leinster contribute seven of those starting team, which equals the record for players from one club in a Lions XV. "We'll see on Saturday how we respond," the head coach said as he named his team for Saturday's game in Perth. "The guys that are taking the field this week are a little bit fortunate in the sense they understand how we want to get better. "They've got to take responsibility for that, and grab hold of their chance of taking this team forward." With Itoje rested, Dan Sheehan takes the honour of captaining the Lions in his first ever game for the side. It caps a remarkable turnaround for the Leinster and Ireland hooker, whose chances of even making the Lions squad looked in real jeopardy when he suffered a torn ACL in Ireland's opening Test defeat to the Springboks in South Africa just under a year ago. He returned ahead ahead of schedule, just in time for the start of the 2025 Six Nations and instantly hit his best form, while he captained Ireland in the absence of Caelan Doris during the round three win against Wales in Cardiff. "It says a lot about him. You don't make these decisions lightly," Farrell said of making the 26-year-old captain in his first Lions outing. "To have the special honour of captaining the British and Irish Lions must be amazing for Dan and his family, they will be bursting with pride. "But it's well earned. He will 100% do the job justice by just being himself. I know for a fact, whatever he asks the players to do, there won't be empty words, it will be things he's willing to do himself. "I know the responsibility will make him a better player because that's the type of character he is, a calming influence who understands what pressure situations are like at this level. All those things put together are why he is sat beside me." The Force were beaten 69-17 when these sides met 12 years ago, and the western Australia side are the weakest of the four Super Rugby sides on paper, finishing ninth in the 2025 season, with four wins from their 14 games. They do boast several Wallabies in their squad, some of whom will be meeting the Lions next month in the Test series. Former Australia captain Nic White starts at scrum-half, while internationals Matt Proctor, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Tom Robertson are also in the starting team. Another current Wallaby, Ben Donaldson has also left Australia's squad late in the week to cover at full-back, after injury ruled veteran Kurtley Beale (below) out of the game. "To get the opportunity to play against the Lions is unreal," White said. "It's a real dream come true, words don't really do it justice." With Farrell's stinging criticism of their performance against Argentina still fresh in their minds, it's hard to see the Lions falling flat for the second week in a row. But even if an upset win for the Force looks unlikely, White is playing the long game. "If we can bash a couple of their blokes on the way in and bruise them and make them a bit sore by the time they get to the Wallabies then job done as far as the Super Rugby sides are concerned."
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Henry Pollock threatened with immediate Lions fine as cameras capture panic in camp
Henry Pollock threatened with immediate Lions fine as cameras capture panic in camp The 20-year-old was quick to point the finger of blame at one of his team-mates Pollock was left baffled as he told his team-mates what had happened (Image: British Lions/YouTube ) British & Irish Lions star Henry Pollock risked being issued with a fine in his first week of training despite being given a stern warning by captain Maro Itoje. The 20-year-old England international is the youngest player to be named in Andy Farrell's squad for this summer's tour of Australia and, as is tradition with the Lions, was handed ownership duties of the tour mascot - a toy lion called BiL - during their warm-weather camp in Portugal last week. Pollock was handed the stuffed animal by Itoje - who himself looked after BiL during the 2017 tour to New Zealand - and the skipper had some stern advice to issue to his international team-mate, warning him what would happen if he were to lose his new companion. "Henry, you have to have this on you at all times," said Itoje. "You have to take it to every training session. When we're in camp at the hotel, it has to be by your side. "Every time BiL goes wandering or missing, it's going to be a fine yet to be determined by the fines committee. The only time you're not allowed to have it with you is when you're on social. "But apart from that, this is basically your new girlfriend." Article continues below However, while the rules had been made clear to Pollock, the one-cap England back rower did not heed his captain's advice as he brought BiL along to training and placed it down next to a cameraman before joining in with the session. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. As is shown in the newly released first episode of the Lions' YouTube series The Ultimate Test, while Pollock was busy training, Ireland star Bundee Aki then decided to pull a prank on the Englishman and hid BiL behind a pile of mats and gym equipment. A baffled Pollock is then seen walking back over to where he left the lion, alongside Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams. The Welshman is heard asking him: "You've lost it?" to which Pollock says "I don't know, I was running and I went back and it wasn't there." Content cannot be displayed without consent As Pollock began to panic, the cameras cut to him explaining what had happened to a group of his team-mates. "I was training, I left it somewhere," he said, with his England team-mate Alex Mitchell replying: "You're meant to know!" Pollock continued: "I'm training, I come back and it's not there," before he quickly turned his attention to Aki, pointing at the Irish centre and saying "you". Aki, who clearly has a reputation in camp as a bit of a prankster, pretended to be shocked and offended by Pollock laying the blame at his door, as he replied: "Woah, that's a big accusation!" Fortunately for Pollock, he was soon able to locate BIL and was later seen carrying the lion around with him during his gym session, having seemingly avoided being hit with a fine. The English sensation is the latest in a long line of players to be handed the mascot to look after during a Lions tour, with former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit holding that honour during the 2021 tour of South Africa. Before him, it was Itoje, while Scotland's Stuart Hogg admitted to struggling with the role on the 2013 tour of Australia, with BiL's long mane triggering his allergies and causing his eyes to "puff up". Article continues below BiL was introduced after his predecessor, Leo, was carried around for four summer tours, with Leigh Halfpenny, Matt Stevens and Jonny Wilkinson among those to be put in charge of him.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Shukri Conrad has always done it his way
REPAYING THE FAITH Lungi Ngidi repaid Proteas coach Shukri Conrad's faith on Day 2 at Lord's. Picture: BackpagePix I'll state my case, of which I'm certain My friend, I'll say it clear And so I face the final curtain And now, the end is near I traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this I did it my way Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all, and I stood tall And did it my way This may be the chorus of Frank Sinatra's legendary song, but it could easily be Shukri Conrad's mantra heading into the biggest day in South Africa's cricket history in more than a decade at Lord's on Friday. Conrad has made bold calls ever since he took charge of the Proteas Test team. From installing Temba Bavuma as captain to recalling Dane Paterson from the bowels of English County Cricket only to drop him after bagging consecutive five-fors, Conrad has 'done it my way'. Paterson's omission from the World Test Championship Final here at Lord's caused particular consternation, especially with the 36-year-old seamer having prepared for The Ultimate Test by playing at Lord's for Middlesex the past two months. Instead, Conrad placed his trust in Lungi Ngidi as the third seamer, which raised significant eyebrows due to Ngidi having pulled last on his Test whites in Port of Spain back in August 2024. Ngidi's rustiness showed in the Australian first innings with the 29-year-old sending down a pile of dross from the Pavillion End as he conceded 45 runs across two four-over spells.
Int'l Cricket Council
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Int'l Cricket Council
Broadcast details for ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 announced
A star-studded commentary panel will bring voice to The Ultimate Test at Lord's ICC TV will deliver world-class live coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, featuring best-in-class production specs and enhancements. The broadcast will include a fully produced live match day programme, with a 30-minute pre-match build-up, lunch and tea interval shows, and a post-match wrap-up, ensuring fans stay connected to every moment of the action between South Africa and Australia. A star-studded commentary panel has been assembled for the English world feed of The Ultimate Test at Lord's, bringing together legendary cricketers and some of the most respected voices in the game. The panel features former greats including Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, Stuart Broad, Shaun Pollock and Kevin Pietersen, alongside leading broadcasters Nasser Hussain, Ravi Shastri, Mel Jones, Ian Smith, Ian Bishop and Dinesh Karthik. Jiostar will be producing a Hindi feed from their production hub in Mumbai to be aired across the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. The commentary talent will feature Abhinav Mukund, Varun Aaron, Sanjay Banger, Aakash Chopra and Anant Tyagi. Deep Dasgupta will lead the coverage from the venue, anchoring the pre- and post-match presentations while also contributing to live match analysis and commentary. His presence on-ground brings viewers closer to the action on and off the field. Matthew Hayden: "The World Test Championship Final is the pinnacle of Test cricket, and there is no more iconic venue than Lord's to stage it. South Africa and Australia have both earned their place here with fierce, consistent cricket. I am thrilled to be part of the commentary team and cannot wait to witness this contest of skill, courage and endurance between two proud cricketing nations." Graeme Smith: "It is fantastic to see South Africa in the World Test Championship Final, a huge achievement for the players and the country. Facing an Australian side of this calibre at Lord's is what Test cricket is all about. The stage is set for a battle that will test every ounce of skill, discipline and temperament. I am looking forward to being part of the broadcast team for such a momentous occasion." Mel Jones: "Test cricket continues to deliver some of the most captivating stories in our sport, and this WTC Final at Lord's promises to be another. South Africa and Australia both bring rich traditions and exciting talent to the pitch. It is a privilege to call this match from the commentary box, and I am sure fans around the world are in for an unforgettable Test." Shaun Pollock: "The WTC Final brings the best of the best together, and Lord's is a fitting venue for such an occasion. South Africa and Australia have both played exceptional cricket to get here. It will be a real examination of both pace attacks and batting line-ups, and I am excited to see how it unfolds and to share those moments with fans around the world from the commentary box." Ravi Shastri: "Two outstanding teams, two rich cricketing cultures, and the grand setting of Lord's. This WTC Final has all the ingredients of a classic. South Africa have shown great resilience and character to reach this stage, and Australia are always a formidable force. It is The Ultimate Test, and it will take heart, discipline and skill to come out on top. I am looking forward to an enthralling contest." Nasser Hussain: "Lord's, the Home of Cricket, hosting the World Test Championship Final. It does not get any better for a lover of the game. Both South Africa and Australia have been outstanding across this cycle, and I am expecting a high-quality contest. There will be challenges for bat and ball, and the pressure of this occasion will reveal character. It is a pleasure to be calling what should be a memorable five days of Test cricket." ICC TV's production of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 will be supported by Sunset+Vine as production services partner and NEP as equipment services partner. Coverage of the match will feature a minimum of 48 cameras, complemented by an array of analytical tools and visual enhancements to elevate the broadcast experience. A range of specialty cameras will be deployed throughout the coverage. High-speed fixed cameras from BBG Sports will capture pivotal moments of play in exceptional detail, while Spidercam will deliver its signature dynamic perspectives with aerial coverage of the action. Batcam will provide sweeping aerial views via drone and immersive ground-level visuals with a roving buggy cam. The Decision Review System (DRS) will be in place, with Hawk-Eye's Smart Replay system enabling synchronized multi-angle replays to support accurate and efficient decision-making. Hawk-Eye will also provide Piero graphics, adding deeper tactical insights and analysis. On-air graphics will be delivered by AE Live, with in-depth cricket data and analytics from CricViz enhancing the broadcast storytelling with key statistics and insights. To further enrich the viewing experience, Quidich Innovation Labs will provide the Field Plot and Field 360° virtual field model, illustrating fielding positions and strategies in real time. Beyond live match coverage, ICC TV will also produce a wide range of non-live content including daily player profiles, team features, match day previews and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, giving fans an all-access look at the stories unfolding on and off the field. ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
04-06-2025
- General
- Int'l Cricket Council
Jansen plots Australian assault with legend in Proteas' corner
Taking nine wickets at an average of just 13.11 on his first Test tour of the UK back in 2022, Jansen was a thorn in England's side when the Proteas visited Lord's, claiming four scalps in the space of just 11.4 overs as the tourists stormed to an innings victory. Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23 Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23 Towering at over two metres tall, the left-armer found prodigous swing with the Dukes ball on the tour, and stands as one of Australia's biggest threats in their World Test Championship defence when the teams meet from June 11. Looking back on the match, where he also made runs down the order, Jansen carries a confidence for the upcoming Final knowing there is scope for improvement. "I remember from a bowling point of view, the ball was swinging a lot more than I was expecting. "Getting used to the Dukes ball, when it starts to swing, and just getting used to all the different angles or whatever goes with that (is important). "And then batting, I batted well. There's a few good things (South Africa took from the 2022 match). And then there's a lot of other things there where I think we and me in particular can do a lot better." Keshav Maharaj proud of South Africa's Test resurgence | WTC25 Final Keshav Maharaj hails South Africa's recent rise in Test cricket heading into the World Test Championship Final against Australia. The Proteas have an extra weapon of sorts for the Final, bringing in England fast bowling legend Stuart Broad as a consultant for the Final. Not only did the quick take 153 of his 604 Test wickets against Australia (the most by any player in red-ball history), Broad also boasts 113 wickets in the format at Lord's. Jansen is eager to soak up Broad's knowledge in a bid to help the Proteas lift the mace. "Obviously he's played a lot against Australia at Lord's. (I want to) maybe pick his brain on what they did back then or what they did when he was playing to get certain batters out. "You might get a guy out with a ball that you never even planned on bowling. So it's good to have the information. "Once you're on the pitch on that day though, you have to figure it out for yourself. And then whatever plan you have or plan you think could work, (you) just try and do that and hope it pays off and you hope you execute well." Most memorable moments of The Ultimate Test | WTC23 Final Two tons, classic catches and brilliant bowling - relive the most memorable moments of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India Jansen was also a strong performer when the Proteas last faced their Final combatants in the 2022/2023 Australian summer, though the tourists failed to land a punch in a 2-0 series defeat. The quick acknowledged his side weren't at their best against world-class opponents, though the variables around a neutral venue with a World Test Championship mace on the line mean the Final is destined to take a different. "They have good bowlers, good batters. So we know it's going to be tough. "The conditions are completely different. The way you're going to approach it will probably be different. And the thing that would probably stay the same is the analysis work and trying to see how you can get them (Australia's batters) out. "That'll probably stay the same. But going about it and playing in these conditions will be a lot different, in my opinion. "For me, it's just on the day, what can you do to get one particular batter out? And if you're batting, what can you do to not go out? And, yeah, I think they're probably going to think the same way as well." Ricky Ponting picks his Australia XI for the World Test Championship Final The former Australia captain names the squad he believes should take on South Africa in the WTC Final.
