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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallabies throw 'psycho' bolter to Lions for debut
Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
No Will Skelton for Wallabies as Champion de Crespigny gets surprise debut
Nick Champion de Crespigny will make a surprise Wallabies debut in the British & Irish Lions opener, while Rob Valetini and Will Skelton were omitted with injuries. The 29-year-old flanker, who played for Castres Olympique in France in recent seasons, slots into the back row next to captain and No 8 Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight. Champion de Crespigny is one of just two uncapped players in Joe Schmidt's match-day squad, and had surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Schmidt has backed 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline backup on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No 10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Uncapped Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while Wilson has retained the captaincy. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice – former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture – he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He will make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No 10 against the Lions in 1989. 'The whole squad has worked hard as a group to prepare for what's going to be a massive challenge against an in-form Lions team,' Schmidt said. 'With the short runway leading up to such a big test match, we know we must adapt fast and improve quickly, from the performance we had against Fiji recently. We're very much aware of the occasion and conscious of earning the support from the public through the effort they see on the field.' The Lions will name their side later on Thursday, when it's expected coach Andy Farrell will confirm son and four-time tourist Owen will not be part of the match-day 23. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Agencies
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallabies call on a Champion for debut in Lions opener
Nick Champion de Crespigny has shot from the clouds to make a remarkable Wallabies debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, had surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Schmidt has also left out hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, and backed 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australia rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. The Lions will name their side later on Thursday, when it's expected coach Andy Farrell will confirm son and four-time tourist Owen will not be part of the match-day 23. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Nick Champion de Crespigny has shot from the clouds to make a remarkable Wallabies debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, had surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Schmidt has also left out hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, and backed 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australia rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. The Lions will name their side later on Thursday, when it's expected coach Andy Farrell will confirm son and four-time tourist Owen will not be part of the match-day 23. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Nick Champion de Crespigny has shot from the clouds to make a remarkable Wallabies debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, had surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Schmidt has also left out hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, and backed 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australia rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. The Lions will name their side later on Thursday, when it's expected coach Andy Farrell will confirm son and four-time tourist Owen will not be part of the match-day 23. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.
Khaleej Times
11-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Musiala emerges as key figure in Bayern's home Champions League dream
Bayern Munich face Celtic in Glasgow in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Wednesday knowing midfielder Jamal Musiala has added another string to his impressive bow — consistency. Long known as a promising talent with a unique set of skills, Germany midfielder Musiala is now delivering regularly for Bayern. Still just 21, Musiala has established himself alongside Harry Kane as Bayern Munich's two most productive and reliable attacking outlets. If Bayern, the hosts of this season's final, are to get past Celtic and continue their bid to become the first team to win the European Cup in their home stadium since Inter Milan in 1964-65, Musiala will be a key figure. Under Vincent Kompany, Musiala has paired creativity in the build-up with a knack for finding the back of the net. With 15 goals in 29 games in all competitions this campaign, Musiala is one shy of his best mark, set in 2022-23. Musiala's dependability this season has been crucial as several other Bayern attackers struggle for form. While the ever-reliable Kane has 28 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season, none of the experienced quartet of Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry or Thomas Mueller have broken double figures. The England-raised midfielder is not only scoring more than ever; his goals have come at crucial moments this season, turning games in his side's favour in Germany and in Europe. Musiala scored the only goal against Benfica in the Champions League and away at St Pauli in the league, turning potential banana skins into hard-fought wins. In Dortmund in November he scored an equaliser in the dying stages, while he came off the bench to hit a crucial brace against Heidenheim a week later. That Musiala has managed all of this against the backdrop of ongoing contract negotiations shows his ability to focus in big moments. Speaking with the Bundesliga website on Monday, Gnabry said the pressure of playing on the international stage for one of Europe's biggest clubs does not get to Musiala. "He's a fun guy. Likes to be in a good mood, to enjoy things, to laugh a bit," Gnabry said of Musiala, while revealing he "always watches his own highlights -- that I can confirm". - Away day woes - Bayern have struggled away from home in Europe this season, losing to Barcelona, Aston Villa and Feyenoord by a combined total of eight goals to one. Their only Champions League win away from the comforts of Munich came against Shakhtar Donetsk, who play in the German city of Gelsenkirchen due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Celtic Park, where the hosts have not lost since December 2023, will be a hum of intimidation in the first Champions League knockout tie since 2012-13. Musiala was only 14 the last time Bayern played in Glasgow, but some at the club know what to expect. Coach Kompany played there for Anderlecht aged just 17 and called it "one of the loudest away games I have had in my career". Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said Friday "Celtic is a force at home... we're going there with great respect and we know what this stadium can radiate. "It can lead to a special energy. We have to know what to expect -- a good team in a very enthusiastic environment." "It's true we haven't been too impressive away from home, that's something we can definitely improve."
