Western Force 7-54 British & Irish Lions PLAYER RATINGS: Who was imperious in Perth? Which star made a case to partner Maro Itoje and who had an ill-fated audtion?
The 2025 British & Irish Lions bounced back from their tour's false start against Argentina last week to claim a 54-7 over Western Force in Perth.
But given that warm-up matches are judged by performances rather than results, Andy Farrell still has much to ponder after a solid, if unimpressive, first-half display.
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BBC News
7 minutes ago
- 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."
Wales Online
14 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions put Williams replacement on standby and Warburton raves about emerging star
Today's rugby news as Lions put Williams replacement on standby and Warburton raves about emerging star The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Tomos Williams of the British & Irish Lions is assisted from the field during their match against the Western Force (Image: AP Photo/Trevor Collens ) These are your rugby headlines on Sunday, June 29. Lions put scrum-half replacement on standby The British and Irish Lions are on standby to call up a replacement scrum-half after Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury during the 40-22 win over the Western Force in Perth, according to the Mail. Williams, who scored two tries at Optus Stadium, was forced off in the second half clutching his hamstring and now faces an anxious wait for medical results. Head coach Andy Farrell said a decision on his availability will be made after further assessment. 'Tomos has come off holding his hamstring,' Farrell said post-match. 'We'll only know more in the morning. You've got to let these things settle down and give it some space. We need to assess it properly and make the right call for the group.' The Mail say Scotland's Ben White is the most likely candidate to be called up if Williams is ruled out. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. White is currently on tour with Scotland in New Zealand and could link up with the Lions squad in Brisbane by Sunday night if required. Article continues below There was some relief for Farrell, however, with fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park confirmed as fit to return for Wednesday's clash against the Queensland Reds. Warburton: Pollock can become 'complete player' Sam Warburton believes Henry Pollock is not far way from being a "complete player". Pollock was impressive from the off for the Lions against Western Force on Saturday, playing a key part in their eight-try win in Perth. The youngster's rise has been incredible, with the 20-year-old now playing at the elite level of rugby, despite only being on the international scene for a matter of months. His display against Force wasn't perfect, Warburton admitted, but the former Lions skipper says Pollock has all the raw materials and that he can be coached out of the mistakes. "Pollock showed everything he is brilliant at - that linebreak ability, his energy in attack and defence," two-time Lions captain Warburton told Sky Sports. "The longer the tour goes on, the specialty at playing back row - breakdown, physicality, collision dominance - comes into play more, that is where the likes of Tom Curry have got a little bit of an edge. "I still think the back-row selection is wide open. There isn't a set three, it's still all to play for, but Pollock brings something no one else does. "He has got some good moments, and there was even good news about the yellow card and penalty given against him, because that's easy to coach out. "You cannot give someone pace or the ability to beat a man, but you can coach some of the simple mistakes that every 20-year-old back-rower makes. "If you can get him more measured at breakdown defence then you've got a pretty complete player." Japan endure a hiding a week before Wales clash A Japan XV suffered a heavy 53-20 defeat to the Moari All Blacks in Tokyo. Wales face Japan in Kitakyushu next Saturday in the first of a two-Test series. Matt Sherratt's side will be hoping to end a record run of 17 Test defeats on the bounce against a Japan side coached by Eddie Jones. Japan led 17-15 at half-time but the Maori All Blacks ran in six tries in what was a ruthless second-half performance by Ross Filipo's men. "Let's not connect this game with next week," Japan coach Jones told Rugby "This was Japan XV. Next week is Japan. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. "If we need to give the ball back to Wales we need to do it in a difficult situation." Wales will be confident of coming out on top next week but Japan do have a habit of bouncing back from a heavy defeat. Last year Japan XV lost 36-10 to the Maori All Blacks before beating the same opponent 26-14 a week later. Wates appointed chair of RFU By PA Sport Staff Sir James Wates CBE has been appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union board. He takes over the role from Sir Bill Beaumont, who was named chair on an interim basis in December last year following the resignation of Tom Ilube. Wates is currently a board director of the Wates Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property service company in the UK and served as chairman between 2013 and 2023. A statement from the RFU said: 'Sir James has had a distinguished career in the construction and business sectors, marked by significant leadership roles and contributions to industry standards and charitable causes. 'He brings extensive leadership experience to the RFU alongside a deep love of the game of rugby, stretching back to his early playing days.' Speaking about his new role, Wates said: 'It is a true honour to be named chair of the board of the RFU, and I can't wait to get started. Article continues below 'English Rugby is steeped in legacy and history, and it is a history that the country should be proud of, while also being excited about what is to come. 'Later this year, we have the Women's Rugby World Cup hosted across England and I am looking forward to this happening so soon into my tenure. 'I will do my upmost to maximise the growth of the game, with the support of the RFU board and wider team in the years ahead and engaging as much as possible in the rugby community at all levels across England.'
Telegraph
24 minutes ago
- Telegraph
How to master the unofficial dress code for Wimbledon
If you were about to step onto one of Wimbledon 's Championship courts – whether for a practice or a match – a strict dress code would apply. According to the official rules, competitors' tennis attire must be 'almost entirely white', which, to clarify, does not include 'off white or cream'. But for those heading to SW19 for the considerably less arduous task of spectating this year's tournament, no such restrictions apply. 'In general, there is no official dress code, but smart dress is encouraged – particularly for Centre Court and Court One,' Wimbledon tells The Telegraph. 'In the Royal Box and Clubhouse, men are asked to wear a suit and tie, and it's broadly equivalent for the Members's areas.' There are also a few 'forbidden items', including clothing that bears political or 'objectionable or offensive' statements, as well as oversized hats that could obstruct the view of fellow attendees. But while your best headpiece will have to remain in its box for next year's Royal Ascot, Wimbledon's otherwise relaxed rules leave plenty of room for summertime self-expression, whether you're heading to Centre Court, watching from Henman Hill, or embracing the mood in your everyday dress. Of course, an absence of guidelines can lead to sartorial crises – freedom can be perplexing, even intimidating. Luckily, something of an unofficial Wimbledon dress code has taken shape over the years, and the best course of action is to follow the example of chic guests who have aced the look in the past. Take Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer, Princess Diana's immaculately turned-out twin nieces, who are regulars at the tennis, as well as the other key events in the British social calendar. 'For Wimbledon, we like to adopt a classic style, and love smart tailoring in a lighter colour palette,' says Amelia. 'This feels weather-appropriate and comfortable, and also leaves a lot of room for your accessories.' As the Spencer sisters have just announced a six-month partnership with Aspinal, it's a safe bet that they'll pair their suits with a handbag from the British leather-goods brand this year (the contents, they say, will include sunglasses, a small fan, sun cream and lipstick). The twins were among many high-profile guests who opted for sharp tailoring in pale hues at Wimbledon last year. Glenn Close showed how keeping things simple can be the smartest option in a double-breasted ivory trouser suit by Ralph Lauren, while Kate Beckinsale looked court-ready in a bright white single-breasted blazer and subtly flared trousers. It's a strong option for men too, as last year's crop of suited and booted gents showed – see Richard E. Grant in a sunshine-yellow waistcoat under a crisp white suit, or David Beckham in a sandy linen suit and a knitted tie by Hugo Boss. When it comes to finding the perfect suit – for Wimbledon and beyond – few are better placed to advise than Daisy Knatchbull, the tailor behind the first women's-only shopfront on Savile Row. 'Pale colours, worn the right way, can be an incredibly chic choice for a suit, so long as you're aware of not being washed out by the shade,' she says. 'Balancing with neutrals or adding a texture to give depth to your look – tweed, rib, lace or silk – can be helpful. A high contrast is fun too – bold accessories such as a metallic shoe or bag can complement pale colours beautifully.' Perhaps Beckham had the texture trick in mind when he added his knitted scarf, an accessory that Zendaya also opted for last year, with a Ralph Lauren herringbone blazer, chambray shirt and jeans. This look embodies another – slightly more casual – school of Wimbledon-style thought, which takes stylish neutral separates and introduces an element of preppy informality. Other key reference points from last year include Alexa Chung in a structured midi skirt and casually buttoned cable-knit cardigan (also by Ralph Lauren), and Paul Mescal, who layered his custom Gucci suit over a striped T-shirt. Those looking to achieve a similar look without the luxury of being dressed by a top fashion house might look to Cos's elevated basics, Massimo Dutti's breezy linen separates and M&S's Wimbledon-ready flats. To add a touch of on-trend athleticism (it's been a year of Miu Miu-esque rugby shirts and high-fashion baseball caps, after all), there are plenty of tennis-inspired pieces to browse. Reformation's 'Courtside Collection', designed for 'off-court activities like drinking Pimm's', features varsity-style knits and an elegant white belted linen dress, perfect for nodding to Keira Knightley's elegant Chanel look at Wimbledon 2024. Of course, there's no need to stick either to sporty neutrals or immaculate whites. You could honour the official colours of Wimbledon – green and purple – à la the Princess of Wales, who's worn a regal Safiyaa London dress, a zesty lime Self Portrait number and a mint-green Balmain blazer in previous years. Helen Mirren, meanwhile, went for a forest-green midi and silver brogues last year. If you want to add a colourful spin but don't want to commit to full-on blocking, a bright and bold accessory can do the trick nicely; for an infinitely uplifting investment option, turn to the queen of playful bags, Lulu Guinness. The final category to consider when dressing for Wimbledon is prints. Pippa Middleton made the case for pretty florals last year in a Beulah London dress, proving that this will always be a fail-safe option. But this year, there's likely to be an influx of another pattern currently enjoying a moment in the spotlight: polka-dots. These have an enduring legacy at Wimbledon; the Princess of Wales wore them consecutively in 2017 and 2018, while two stars got the look spot on last year – Margot Robbie in head-to-toe Alaïa and Sienna Miller in a cropped shirt and pleated skirt set by Prada. For those looking to put their spin on the trend, there are a host of dotty options out there on the high street at the moment. Just add sunglasses, strawberries and – knowing the great British weather – a lightweight waterproof. Get the look…
