Latest news with #GarryRingrose
BreakingNews.ie
4 hours ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
When he talks, everyone listens – Garry Ringrose hails Owen Farrell's leadership
Garry Ringrose has praised the leadership of Owen Farrell as the British and Irish maintained their winning momentum heading into Saturday's crucial second Test against Australia. The Lions emerged from Tuesday's bruising collision with the First Nations and Pasifika XV with their 100 per cent record Down Under intact, but only after being forced to dig deep in a 24-19 victory. Advertisement Farrell captained the Lions for the first time in the maiden start of his fourth tour and acquitted himself well, proving he is ready for the attempt to close out the series against the Wallabies at Melbourne Cricket Ground if needed. For 64 minutes he was part of a centre combination with Ringrose, who made a successful comeback from concussion to also put his hand up for the second Test. Tempers flare between Farrell and First Nations and Pasifika XV's Charlie Gamble (left) during the game in Melbourne (David Davies/PA) 'It was actually pretty cool to get a chance to play with Owen, who is someone I have admired for my whole career, especially in that kind of dogfight-type game,' Ringrose said. 'It was a challenging turnaround from the first Test with the travelling and then the captain's run. He didn't miss a beat in terms of leadership and bringing players with him. Advertisement 'When he talks, everyone listens. What he's saying is the right pitch and hits the spot every time. I could feel it out there as well. 'That's not even talking about the rugby side of things – he has that ability at the line and physicality at the line when it's needed.' Ringrose celebrates scoring the Lions' fourth try against the Brumbies on July 9 (Robbie Stephenson/PA) Ringrose suffered his head injury against the ACT Brumbies on July 9, but it was only in the hours after the game that he realised all was not as it should be. 'Something wasn't sitting right. I spoke with the doctor and he was really helpful and supportive over the next day,' Ringrose said. Advertisement 'I didn't quite feel right so we made a call to enter the protocol and do what the medics and Andy Farrell wanted. 'It's a tough decision to make, but they only want what's best for the player, so it is nice having that support.'
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
When he talks, everyone listens – Garry Ringrose hails Owen Farrell's leadership
Garry Ringrose has praised the leadership of Owen Farrell as the British and Irish maintained their winning momentum heading into Saturday's crucial second Test against Australia. The Lions emerged from Tuesday's bruising collision with the First Nations and Pasifika XV with their 100 per cent record Down Under intact, but only after being forced to dig deep in a 24-19 victory. Farrell captained the Lions for the first time in the maiden start of his fourth tour and acquitted himself well, proving he is ready for the attempt to close out the series against the Wallabies at Melbourne Cricket Ground if needed. For 64 minutes he was part of a centre combination with Ringrose, who made a successful comeback from concussion to also put his hand up for the second Test. 'It was actually pretty cool to get a chance to play with Owen, who is someone I have admired for my whole career, especially in that kind of dogfight-type game,' Ringrose said. 'It was a challenging turnaround from the first Test with the travelling and then the captain's run. He didn't miss a beat in terms of leadership and bringing players with him. 'When he talks, everyone listens. What he's saying is the right pitch and hits the spot every time. I could feel it out there as well. 'That's not even talking about the rugby side of things – he has that ability at the line and physicality at the line when it's needed.' Ringrose suffered his head injury against the ACT Brumbies on July 9, but it was only in the hours after the game that he realised all was not as it should be. 'Something wasn't sitting right. I spoke with the doctor and he was really helpful and supportive over the next day,' Ringrose said. 'I didn't quite feel right so we made a call to enter the protocol and do what the medics and Andy Farrell wanted. 'It's a tough decision to make, but they only want what's best for the player, so it is nice having that support.'
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Barry Sheehan: Parents shadow pride of lions Down Under
As this travelling circus pitches tents across various fields of dreams in Australia, the group of parents who shadow their sons has been forming. A good collective noun tends to describe something about its group. A murder of crows or a host of angels somehow gets under the skin of what brings them together. After the first few stops on tour, the shadow group remains undefined – but the feeling is that a Test week might change all that. There have been six stops so far, including a return visit to Brisbane. Each town has brought its own charms and the supporting cast grows at every turn. [ Garry Ringrose keeps his head level and his hand up for second Test selection Opens in new window ] The shadow show has been mirroring the tendencies of the main event. Cohesion was a challenge at the start, but rhythms and preferences are being learned, and suitable compromises have been found. To resolve some early-day difficulties at the breakdown, the shadows have made a few tactical adjustments – the beer selection for the Test weeks has been confirmed as schooners rather than pints. READ MORE Returning to Brisbane for the first Test without the need for a midweek matinee has afforded us some time to rest and retreat. Shadows abandoned their stars and ran for the beaches on the Gold and Sunshine coasts. Australia's penchant for literal placenames describes these treasures well. A few days of leisure and laundry among warm, bright skies offer respite to those who have been putting in the hard yards. Trading photographs of whales and dolphins, beaches and bars, restaurants and recommendations keeps the group connected. We have had tougher Tuesdays on this trip. An attentive Dan Sheehan in the dressingroom. Photograph: Inpho Brisbane is by far the biggest show yet. The city is magnificent. Its architecture and amenities are like an exhibition of modern art. The transport system works, and the big flow of the Brisbane river is absorbed into city life as it serves both as the backdrop for a collection of stunning buildings and as a main thoroughfare for quick and efficient water taxis. The blue ocean views from earlier in the week have been replaced by a sea of red. The numbers have swollen and are in great form. Every street and walkway is packed with jersey-wearing support for the four nations. This is a considered and tight coalition. Politics and preferences have been suspended. There is a programme in place to govern these weeks and the group is united. Normal rivalries will resume next season. Until then, we are one. On the Thursday before the circus went into Test match overdrive, the shadows were briefly wrestled from the darkness. It has always been that a Lions legend, think a Willie John McBride, Ian McGeechan, Jason Leonard or Ieuan Evans, has been invited to present caps and Test match jerseys – the historical symbols of summitting rugby's Everest. In a break with tradition, Andy Farrell , the ring master of the big circus, decided that the shadows should step into the light and be present for the capping ceremony. It was a simple yet significant gesture. In addition, the lucky 23 who were selected to represent the group in the first Test versus the Wallabies had their match jersey presented to them not by a member of the Lions club, but by a member of their family. In a brief but powerful exchange, few words were spoken. They were not needed. Language has not yet evolved enough to capture the emotions, gratitude, honour and respect that simple hugs, back pats and tear-filled eyes can communicate. The ring master retreated to the back of the room for the entire event. He knows what he is doing because he, too, is an experienced shadow. His smile gives away his thoughts about his squad. Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan arrive at the stadium in advance of the first Test against Australia. Photograph: Inpho The big show was on Saturday night and the crowds rolled up in their thousands. Yellow appears to outnumber red. The groups mix well and create an atmosphere of expectation. The entrance to the Suncorp stadium is via Caxton Street. Pre-match fortunes are being told as bars, food vendors and live music provide the perfect sideshows on the way into the big top. [ Lions Tour: Ryan, Ringrose and Van der Flier makes their cases for second Test and what else we learned Opens in new window ] Shadows like to be in their seats early to get a sense of the place and their team. The warm-up is watched with match intensity as reassurance is sought that your man is in good shape. Over time a tradition of a quick prematch connection has developed. It is nothing more than a wave or thumbs up from a distance. The performer locating his shadow before the show begins. For some reason it didn't happen this time and created a little sense of unease in me. I knew he was in good shape and ready to go, but I didn't want a change in our little routine, which has served us well over the years. I needn't have had any concerns. The Lions were not to be tamed in this show. Andy Farrell's Lions fire the first shot in Australia Listen | 46:27 They were ferocious in their opening act without converting pressure into a big lead. You could sense what was coming, and when, early in the second half, an overthrown lineout was gathered, the Lions roared forward. To a man, they saw their chance and went for the jugular. Speed with and off the ball produced the opportunity. In that moment, the Lions caught the evening's prize of a Test match win. Post-match, we retreated to the darkness of Brisbane. More connections were made. Enough experiences have now been shared to make us a cohesive group. Schooners and congratulations were served, and there was no trouble at the breakdown. Much like the Lions, we are now a Pride. Next stop Melbourne.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Our experts pick their Lions team for second Test against Australia
The British and Irish Lions go into the second Test against Australia 1-0 up in the series, but Andy Farrell still has a number of selection calls to make. Joe McCarthy, who started the first Test, is a doubt as is wing Mack Hansen. Blair Kinghorn and Garry Ringrose are back available for selection while Owen Farrrell has impressed in his two matches on tour so far. So much of the selection will depend on the fitness of Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen. I have based this on neither being available. The return of Garry Ringrose to fitness means there will be a place for him in the 23. Farrell could yet start him with his Ireland partner Bundee Aki to ask fresh questions of the Wallabies, but Sione Tuipulotu was a star performer. Owen Farrell replaces Marcus Smith. Blair Kinghorn, who was not convincing enough on Tuesday to displace James Lowe, covers the back three. While the back three misfired badly in Brisbane, it is difficult to see where you make changes given how the final midweek match unfolded in Melbourne. Just as Blair Kinghorn has zero chance of replacing Hugo Keenan after throwing two ghastly interceptions, Darcy Graham's prospects of filling in for a painfully out-of-form James Lowe are over, with injury ending his Lions debut after only 17 minutes. As such, I am confining any tweaks to the pack: Ollie Chessum comes in for Joe McCarthy, whose foot seems unlikely to recover in time, while I defer to Andy Farrell's back-row choices in light of how emphatically Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry defied their doubters in the first Test. The conviction with which Owen Farrell seized his moment as captain against the First Nations and Pasifika XV means that he deserves a place on the bench, at Marcus Smith's expense. I am assuming that both Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy are out and thus this necessitates a couple of changes from my previous starting XV. Chessum for McCarthy is a straightforward swap but while it is an unenviable Sophie's Choice for who starts on the left wing. Kinghorn threw two intercepts against the First Nations XV while Lowe has been out of form all tour. In the end, Kinghorn is the classier player and can be forgiven for a couple of aberrations. Chessum's promotion also means I have reverted to a 5-3 split but the balance of the backline cover is tricky but Garry Ringrose is just about versatile enough to provide back three cover. After a flat finish in Brisbane, the bench is Andy Farrell's chief conundrum. Of course, he will not mind another disjointed second half if the Lions scrape over the line to take the series. Winning, by hook or by crook, is the bottom line. I have supposed that both McCarthy and Mack Hansen will not be fit, which brings one change to the starting line-up as Chessum partners Itoje in the engine room and the Lions retain the same back row. Lowe, Keenan and Freeman survive. Ronan Kelleher also holds off Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jamie George despite line-out wobbles last time out, while I have gone for both Morgan and Earl among the replacements. And then we come to backline cover, which is bound to be contentious. By bringing in Farrell junior and Ringrose, I feel like most bases are covered and there is sufficient experience to steer the Lions past whatever the Wallabies can muster. That said, for Andy Farrell to drop Bundee Aki from the 23 entirely would be a surprise. Two changes to the starting XV, one of which is enforced by the injury to Joe McCarthy (he has not been ruled out yet but it does not look positive). The other sees Ben Earl starting at No 8. The bench has had a bit of a reshuffle owing to Ollie Chessum's promotion to the starting XV, with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jac Morgan hopefully offering the pack a bit more dynamism and drive in the latter stages than what we saw in Brisbane. I had been tempted by Blair Kinghorn over Hugo Keenan but the former looked a little calamitous at times in the narrow, nervy victory over the First Nation and Pasifika XV, so he takes a spot on the bench alongside the man of the moment, Owen Farrell.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Garry Ringrose keeps his head level and his hand up for second Test selection
As well as being a seriously talented, committed and professional footballer, Garry Ringrose has always been a very even-tempered and level-headed team man, a trait which must have served him particularly well in the last couple of weeks. Ringrose had looked on course to be the starting outside centre for the Test series when he last spoke post-match in the media mixed zone a fortnight ago in Canberra after the Lions' win over the Brumbies. He'd scored his third try in three games, but later that night and the following day Ringrose felt not quite right and after concussion was diagnosed, he had to observe a 12-day return to play protocol. That ruled him out of the first Test and though named on the bench in Tuesday's win over the First Nations and Pasifika XV, the plan probably wasn't for him to play 63 minutes. But his performance will have given Andy Farrell every reason to pick Ringrose at outside centre against Australia in Saturday's second Test at the MCG. That extended shift, alas, was due to Darcy Graham's misfortune, which rather took the gloss off Ringrose's night. READ MORE 'It was gutting to see Darcy go off and you could see how much it meant to him, which I think hits home after the game because it's easy to think just about the game – 'ah, it's a close one and there's loads of stuff we can do better'. 'But then when you think about something like that, how tough it is on him, how much it means to him, how proud he should be to get his first Lions cap it kind of puts everything into perspective,' said Ringrose The Leinster and Ireland centre spoke about his own evident joy at playing in his fourth non-Test match as a pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming moment and, of course, his boyish enjoyment of being part of this Lions tour is all the more real after unluckily missing out on the last two. He also probably applied the same kind of balanced attitude when he missed out on the chance of playing in the first Test. Garry Ringrose in action for the Lions during the game against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho 'After that something wasn't sitting right,' he said in regards to the post-Brumbies mixed zone. 'Then I spoke with the doc and he was really helpful and supportive over the next day as well. I didn't quite feel right so we made a call to enter the protocol and do what the medics and Andy wants. It's a tough decision to make but they only want what's best for the player, so it is nice having that support.' As for dealing with the disappointment, he reasoned: 'I guess it's the nature of the beast. If you weren't dealing with that little battle there's some other little battle that one's dealing with. And everyone has their own story that they're trying to do themselves proud for their team-mates, and family, so we're all in the same boat in that regard.' Plenty of ball came Ringrose's way and he showed up well in what was an unexceptional Lions win against the composite side. 'It wasn't a pretty game but when it's a good win it's never as good a win as you think it is, and when maybe the performance isn't at the level you want it to be it's never as bad as you think it is. That's probably what I've learned. So, keen to review and see where we can better and still to get a win is the bottom line and we're happy with that.' His introduction meant Jamie Osborne shifted to the right wing, where he scored his second try on debut, and more than justified his call-up. 'It doesn't surprise me,' said Ringrose and recalled Osborne coming through the Leinster academy. 'You're training with him for a year or two and you could just see [he had] something. So absolutely delighted for him and his family as well. Called in late and then to fit in, from Irish camp to fit in. It just doesn't surprise me. The quality of person he is, the quality of player he is to deliver like that. It's cool.' But it meant Ringrose played alongside Owen Farrell , a player he has long admired. Listening to Ringrose discuss the team's captain for the night, the respect Farrell junior commands as a leader is palpable. Garry Ringrose chats to Owen Farrell during the Lions' game against the First Nations and Pasifika XV. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho 'It was a challenging turnaround from the first Test, then you're travelling, then your captain's run. He didn't miss a beat in that leadership and bringing players with him,' said Ringrose, becoming effusive by his standards. 'When he talks, everyone listens. What he's saying is the right pitch and hits the spot every time, and I could feel it out there as well. That's not even talking about the rugby side of things. 'His ability at the line because he's that kind of 10/12, similar to the [Scottish] lads, physicality at the line when it's needed. What else?' asks Ringrose aloud, and picks out more examples, before concluding: 'In big moments, he's someone who consistently delivers and he delivered today.' Ringrose's balanced attitude and contentment is helped by having so many family here in Melbourne. 'My wife Ellen, my young fella Freddy, my folks Niall and Ann, two brothers Karl and Jack, then I have some family in Melbourne as well. A good crew. It was cool seeing them after the game. My dad's sister and a couple of cousins.' That will keep him both happy and motivated, and will ease any pain if the ill-timed concussion ahead of the first Test and the 65-minute shift now counts against him. Ringrose was asked when the players will be told the team for the second Test, he seemed genuinely truthful when smiling and answering: 'I dunno. I really dunno.' Likewise, he laughed off any notion of sleepless nights. 'Not really, because everyone is there for the team and I've been lucky enough to work with Faz and a couple of coaches for so long that I've just complete trust in their decision-making and back whatever it is, and wherever my role fits in. Then, as I say, go all in on that.' Yep, Ringrose's equilibrium really does serve him well.
