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Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The expected Lions team now from all the pundits as Jac Morgan causes division
The expected Lions team now from all the pundits as Jac Morgan causes division It is touch and go whether the Wales star is selected for the first Lions Test Jac Morgan of the British & Irish Lions (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) There have been very few players on this British & Irish Lions tour who have made as positive a contribution as Jac Morgan, yet there are no guarantees the Wales star will be selected for the first Test against the Wallabies this weekend. Last Saturday's comprehensive victory over the invitational AUSNZ XV has given Andy Farrell a number of selection headaches ahead of the first Test against the Wallabies and the make-up of the backrow will be at the forefront of his thoughts. Morgan put in another industrious performance, dishing out a mountain of tackles, while his work at the attacking breakdown was mightily impressive, which allowed others to shine. But he faces stiff competition from the likes of Tom Curry, Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock, among others, for a place in the 23. Despite Morgan's fine form many former players and journalists are not tipping the 25-year-old for a place in the Test team. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Irish legend and La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara, who is working as a pundit on Sky Sports, did not include Morgan in his Test side, opting instead for van der Flier. Article continues below "I've gone with familiarity in the back-row [Ireland trio Beirne, Van der Flier, Conan], because I think the bench impact of Ben Earl and Henry Pollock just adds an awful lot to it, with probably the benefit of them covering as centres as well," he told Sky Sports. "I like what they do as hybrids." The Independent have not selected Morgan in its Test team, with Curry preferred but the Wales star was included in their squad. However, Morgan has won support in some quarters with former England openside and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Neil Back believes the Ospreys man should start but believes Farrell will go down a different path. "If it was solely my choice and he goes well then I would pick Morgan 100%," Back told talkSPORT. 'I would love Morgan to get in because I sort of feel it's wrong if there's not a Welsh player in the Lions XV. 'I think Ollie Chessum will be the six, Jack Conan at eight and that leaves the seven. "So does he stick with van der Flier, or does he go with Tom Curry or Jac Morgan, who's been particularly good at turning over the ball and sort of throws his body in there? "If I'm Andy I think he'll pick van der Flier because he will go with what he knows and he is an incredible player." Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Following the comprehensive victory over the AUNZ XV last weekend The Telegraph gave Morgan a six out of 10 rating for his performance but a four out of 10 chance of starting the first Test. MailOnline rated Morgan's performance as an eight out of 10, while Rugby Pass gave him a seven out of 10. But the Telegraph's senior rugby writer Charlie Morgan says he would select a backrow of Curry, Morgan and Jack Conan with Ben Earl on the bench. "This would require Farrell to take a leap of faith and overlook Beirne and van der Flier, a pair of loyal performers with intimate knowledge of his intricate systems, while holding back Pollock and trusting a Curry-Morgan double act to deliver on a month's worth of alchemy as opposed to years of familiarity," writes Morgan in The Telegraph. "Margins are terribly fine, but I like what these sevens offer as a collective and feel as though Earl has forced his way in." Lions legends Sir Ian McGeechan and Sam Warburton also selected Morgan in their starting Test side. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. The reality is it is touch and go whether Morgan makes the Test squad and Farrell could go with a player he trusts in Ireland star van der Flier. All will be revealed on Thursday. Below is the Lions team and players who are currently being picked the most by all the pundits. Pundits' most popular Lions XV: Blair Kinghorn; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe, Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (Captain), Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan. Article continues below Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Tadhg Beirne, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Mack Hansen.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Nigel Owens: The jewel in the crown that Welsh rugby simply has to get right
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info England have gone out to Argentina, one of the top sides in the world right now, and with a squad decimated by Lions inclusions and have gone to their back yard and beaten them quite comfortably. It shows the strength in depth England have, and it's sadly in stark contrast to what's going on here in Wales. We've gone to Japan, pretty much full strength really barring two Lions players. Obviously Tomos Williams is out for the Lions now, and was very unfortunate. Had he been fit, I think it was probably his position to lose, the way he started the tour out there. Then there's Jac Morgan, who was outstanding in his last game. If you're picking a Test side on the basis of that performance, he'd be the first name on the teamsheet. Given he's starting on Saturday, let's hope hope he puts in a top performance and nails himself down as a Lions starter. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. He obviously didn't play on Wednesday, which is very sad as it's the first time in many years we've had a Lions matchday squad without a single Welshman. But that just highlights where we are I suppose. I went out to referee in Japan before the World Cup and they were a good side then. They'd obviously beaten South Africa in 2015 and then reached the quarter-finals in the World Cup in Japan itself. They were a good side. A lot of sides going to Japan would have found it difficult to beat them. But they're not the side they once were. This was probably a mediocre Japan team in comparison and it really puts into perspective just how profoundly we've fallen. There were probably quite a few reasons for the defeat itself. We haven't got a permanent coach yet, and aside from the Ospreys getting to the semi-final of the Challenge Cup and Scarlets doing reasonably well in the URC this year, losing to the eventual winners Leinster in the play-offs, our regions are involved in a URC that's been pretty poor overall for us. That's not just results, but also the occasions themselves. Crowds have been down and it just feels like even the derbies don't capture the imagination anymore. Not so long ago when I was still refereeing them, the derby matches would be full on, on and off the field. Judgement Day would reach more than 60,000 supporters in our iconic stadium. The number of huge players, big household names, who have left the Welsh game or retired too is another factor. If you look at the Welsh side now, apart from two or three players, you haven't really got any world-class players unfortunately, and there doesn't seem to be much more coming through. Our U20s have always been strong, but apart from a great win against England in this year's Six Nations it's been pretty poor for them for a while now. There are potentially a few reasons for that. We have to look at our structure and our academy set-ups. How many players we're losing to outside of Wales, how many players aren't playing the game. That all needs to be looked at and addressed. It's not as simple as getting a top-class coach in, there has to be a change in a lot of other things too really. You look at New Zealand, they haven't been the same side as they were about 10 years ago. They're rebuilding, but when they're rebuilding they still have a core of world-class players to pull them through. Wales have a couple of those players but there's not enough of them, and when confidence is low it has a knock-on effect. The structure needs to change and I think they really need to look at the pathways. Morgan, who you could arguably say could be one of the first names on the Lions teamsheet if he plays well again on Saturday, he's one who didn't come through that academy pathway. Played for Aberavon, and look at him now. The same for Leigh Halfpenny. He was let go by the academy at the Ospreys who decided he wasn't good enough and was picked up by Cardiff. If I wasn't refereeing in the URC or Pro 14 or whatever, I'd referee in the Welsh Premiership back in the day. Whether it be Aberavon v Neath or Pontypridd v Newport, they were good quality games with some big names playing for them. They were full-on occasions. I think the Premiership now could really be the jewel in the crown. Whether they have four, three or two regions, they have to make sure the Premiership below is a strong 12-club competition. That then creates a strong line of feeder clubs for the regions. That's where I think they've gone wrong over the years. They keep messing around with the Premiership. Taking it up to 16 teams, then down again. It feels like they don't really know what to do with it. But the Premiership could be like the Championship is in England. Top-quality rugby with traditional rivalries. Let's be honest, supporters of Pontypridd aren't going to go watch Cardiff, and supporters in Ebbw Vale aren't going to watch Newport. They're going to watch their club. But if they get a successful region above them where their players feed into it then maybe they would go along to support that too. This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more British & Irish Lions kit Get the British & Irish Lions kit The new British & Irish Lions kit has launched ahead of their latest tour with the range including shirts, hoodies and merch for all ages Various Fanatics Buy Now So we need to get that right. Get those strong clubs in a strong competition again with players who have perhaps not quite broken through yet or can't quite get a game for their regional sides involved like they used to. Regional rugby or reduction in clubs was needed, don't get me wrong. We couldn't carry on as things were because the money wasn't there for 10 pro clubs. We haven't got it now as evidenced by the fact we're still struggling with four. So something had to change. But we neglected those rugby strongholds with those changes. We need to get it right at that level. Then you'll get the supporters of those teams potentially taking an interest. If a supporter sees three or four of their players going off to play for the regions above packed full of top-quality players bringing success in results and feeling they are part of it, they might be more inclined to go and support them. But maybe I could be wrong. Maybe the tribalism is too deep for them to go and support a region or super club, whatever they may be called. But at the moment, there seems to be a complete disconnect between what is needed to make Welsh rugby strong and successful again. From the schools, to the community clubs, to the Premiership and the regions. It needs to be all part of one pyramid, with the national team at the top, but supported by good foundations below. You can't build a skyscraper on the foundations of a bungalow, remember.
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star The Dragons have moved to strengthen their front row Robert Hunt while playing for the Bulls (Image: Getty Images ) The Dragons have confirmed the signing of South African tighthead Robert Hunt from the Cheetahs. Hunt – who stands 6ft 1in and weighs over 19 stone – moves to Rodney Parade this summer to add his scrummaging prowess to Dragons' squad. Despite interest from other clubs, the former Bulls, and Cheetahs prop - who hails from Hermanus in the Western Cape - has chosen to make Gwent his home, joining Dillon Lewis and Wyn Jones as new front rowers this coming season. The 28-year-old started his career with Leopards and made his BKT United Rugby Championship debut on Welsh soil against Cardiff Rugby in October 2021. He becomes the 13th new recruit ahead of next season. 'We're pleased to be able to officially confirm Rob Hunt's signing and to add him to our squad ahead of the new season," said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'He's impressed since day one of pre-season, working hard along with the rest of the squad. Article continues below "I'm excited to now work with him as we continue to build towards a new campaign for Dragons.' The Dragons are rebuilding after a bitterly disappointing 2024/25 season where they only won twice all season. But the club have recruited strongly ahead of the new campaign while a plethora of players have also left Rodney Parade. Former Wales props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis are among the new recruits, along with Seb Davies, MacKenzie Martin and Thomas Young. Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall has also signing, while Tongan internationals Fetuli Paea (centre) and Fine Inisi (wing) are also coming on board, along with Welsh-qualified lock Levi Douglas from Biarritz. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'Dragons are evidently working on something big to swing the momentum of the club around and that's something I eagerly want to part of," said Hunt. Article continues below 'I'm excited to get into pre-season with the boys, graft and build that excitement heading into next season. 'I look forward most to the set-piece. "There's some great experience in the pack, and I believe we have the firepower to do some positive things together.' Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales team verdict as Matt Sherratt roles dice one last time with big calls made
Wales team verdict as Matt Sherratt roles dice one last time with big calls made Wales have one final chance to prevent a winless season Interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Welsh rugby is on its knees. Eighteen straight Test defeats have plunged the national side into uncharted territory, and last week's gut-wrenching loss to Japan felt like rock bottom. In the blistering heat of Kitakyushu, Wales led at half-time and looked set to finally snap the streak — but familiar failings saw it all slip away. Now, with one game left in this dismal season, Saturday's rematch in Kobe is more than just another Test. It's a last-ditch chance to stop the bleeding. The pressure and scrutiny of such a horrible run of defeats must have the players dreaming of the beach but ending this campaign with a victory is of paramount importance. Sherratt has made four changes to his starting XV but the loss of Taulupe Faletau, who suffered "heat-related cramps" in the first Test is a huge blow. Faletau was arguably the best player on the field in Kitakyushu, making more carries than anyone else and consistently crossed the gain line. Article continues below Wales will need to be pragmatic again against Japan in Kobe which means their kicking game will have to be on the money, while they will also have to gain the upper hand physically. There is no point playing Japan at their own game because they will inevitably want to move the ball from side to side in attempt to tire Wales, with the conditions set to be just as tricky as last week. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Kieran Hardy came in for some heavy criticism last week and his kicking game will have to be on point, while his Ospreys half-back partner Dan Edwards will also have a big role to play. Edwards replaces Sam Costelow and he will have to get the balance right over when to put width on the ball and when to kick, while it goes without saying he must be accurate off the kicking tee. One area where Wales did really struggle in the second half last week was at the scrum. They started well enough but as the game wore on Japan applied serious pressure on the Wales scrum and this cannot be allowed to happen again. Clearly the heat played a part, with the Japanese front-row playing the full 80 minutes while Wales were really struggling on the hour mark. Keiron Assiratti has paid the price for Wales' struggles at the set-piece with Archie Griffin coming into the starting XV. In all honesty Griffin struggled badly at the scrum upon entering the fray and was even shoved skywards on one occasion. The Bath prop is a work in progress at the scrum with the 23-year-old having struggled in some games but thrived in others such as last autumn against Australia when he gave Angus Bell a torrid time. But this is likely to be the right call given Griffin's prowess around the park. Last summer in Australia Griffin put in a remarkable 26 tackles in the first Test defeat against the Wallabies and is a very dynamic carrier who is also a jackling threat. If he can just hold his own in the scrum the 23-year-old could be an asset to his country on Saturday. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free The selection of Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas is an interesting one because former coach Warren Gatland went on record earlier on this season to say his long-term position might well be at blindside flanker. Thomas is not the biggest lock in the world but he brings plenty of athleticism and enjoyed a fine season with Gloucester. The 23-year-old is an excellent lineout forward who is very effective in the wider channels with an excellent offloading game, although he doesn't shirk the nitty-gritty. Thomas is perfect for what Japan are likely to throw Wales' way on Saturday. Wainwright also has a big role to play at the back of the scrum and Wales will need him to get over the gain line to make significant post-contact metres. There's an argument to be had that Wales should have made some changes in midfield by employing the powerful Johnny Williams in his regular position of inside centre with either Joe Roberts or Macs Page outside of him. But Sherratt has stuck with Ben Thomas and Williams who struggled defensively last Saturday. There is unlikely to be too much change tactically. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Article continues below Wales need to be spot on at the set-piece, while their game kicking must also be accurate with the aim of building an early lead as they did last week - only this time they need to be far more clinical when in the ascendancy. On Saturday Wales have one final chance this season to end a horrible run of defeats but they must summon something they haven't shown in months: composure under pressure, clarity in execution and belief.
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Eddie Jones bristles over roof question as he brands topic 'quite ironic'
Eddie Jones bristles over roof question as he brands topic 'quite ironic' Wales are preparing for the familiar feeling of playing under a roof this Saturday, although it will feel quite different to the Principality Stadium Head coach Eddie Jones of Japan (Image: Masterpress/Getty Images ) Wales will be playing under the roof in their second Test against Japan, as Brave Blossoms coach Eddie Jones bristled at questions over the playing conditions - remarking it was "quite ironic" to be talking about roofs when playing the Welsh. Having dealt with the extreme heat in Kitakyushu, with much of the pitch at Mikuni World Stadium bathed in sunshine, this Saturday will be a little different at Noevir Stadium for Wales in terms of heat. While there won't be any direct sunlight on them, the roof could end up only serving to increase the temperature in the stadium - with another mid-afternoon kick-off time. Those in Wales camp are understood to have conflicting feelings when it comes to how much the roof affects the temperature within the ground. And they won't be able to see the stadium until Friday's captain's run to find out for themselves. There is a breadcrumb of familiarity, with Wales themselves often playing under a roof at the Principality Stadium. Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt noted that, just as will likely be the case on Saturday, the ball does tend to become more greasy when the roof is closed in Cardiff. But rarely do temperatures in Cardiff reach those of Kobe, with Wales training in 36°C heat on Thursday. Article continues below WalesOnline understands, having spoken to people who have been under the roof in Kobe, that the cooling methods within the ground are almost negligible once you're running about under the roof. So while the Welsh players might not have the sun on their backs, it's unlikely to get any easier in terms of the conditions. "I don't know yet," said Wales captain Dewi Lake when asked if he was happy to be playing under a closed roof. "There is probably going to be a different type of heat being inside a closed stadium. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. "I know in the Principality when the roof is closed it gets sticky and dewey so with the heat over here I am not sure if that will be good or bad. "I know there will be no sun and it will be in shade but sometimes the ball gets a bit wetter. We won't make any excuses for the weather or the surroundings, we will make sure we get our things right.' He added: "The heat is tough but it's the same for both teams. Last week we tried to find shade wherever possible and huddled in groups. "If we were behind the posts or had just scored groups were in shaded areas. We tried our best to stay out the heat and sun as much as possible. "I don't think there is getting any used to it, it's just about dealing with it. After two weeks we are probably better than we were at the start and we will be fine at the weekend." Former England coach Jones has already faced questions over the kick-off times of the Tests, with the 65-year-old having been adamant about playing them in the afternoon. Whether Jones had any say in the roof being closed this weekend is unclear, but he bristled when asked about the roof situation. "It's quite ironic talking about roofs when you're playing against Wales," said Jones. "I'll probably leave it there, mate. "Having known the the goings on when you go there with England, whether it's going to be open or closed, going to rain, is it not going to rain? All those machinations are the same in every country in the world. "When we go up and play in the northern hemisphere, no one turns the heating on. These are the conditions in Japan. It's the same for both teams. "That's one of the great things of rugby. We have these different conditions and you need to adapt to the conditions." Wales have continually said that the heat and humidity in Japan is not an excuse, although Sherratt did admit that it has affected them perhaps more than they have let on publicly. "The heat is tough," said Sherratt. "There is no getting away from that. It has not surprised me, it's just reinforced what I was told before I came out here. "We are not used to playing in it. Today was probably the hottest it's been about 35°C or 36°C. Article continues below "Without making excuses, this is a very new group. We have a new forwards coach who has to install lineouts and Gethin has come into the defence. "I have hade three weeks and there is so much work to put in. We are almost starting from scratch but we can't spend three hours in 36C heat so we actually cut today's session slightly short if the players do not have energy it doesn't matter how they know tactically or technically, they are not going to have the legs to deliver it."
