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Irish Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
All eyes on fly half battle as Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast lock horns
Andy Farrell will be at Aviva with his measuring tape and dividers this evening (5.30pm) trying to separate Sam Prendergast and England's Fin 22 year-old no10's, having started the season as Lions no-hopers, are very much in with a chance of being selected to travel when the squad is announced next Thursday - indeed, both may yet it makes for an astonishing one-on-one duel amid what's likely to be a highly-charged, fast paced Leinster-Northampton European Champions Cup season's coincidentally similar semi-final, albeit played at Croke Park, saw a James Lowe hat-trick have the Blues cruising after 43 minutes only for the side, inexplicably, to fall away and spend the last six minutes protecting a three-point lead."I think one of the learnings from us from that game is the need to continue to play and to attack the game," says Leinster skipper Caelan Doris."There was maybe a little bit of just trying to eke out the clock to a certain extent, even subconsciously, maybe. So having guys like Jack (Conan) and Jordie (Barrett) on the bench today to come on and add something will help with that."Doris notes Fin Smith has come on a ton in a year while Henry Pollock - who only turned 20 in January - has been a sensational Gallagher Premier breakthrough star."I think they've improved overall, Alex Mitchell (scrum-half) and Fin Smith (out-half) pull the strings for them very well."Pollock obviously has a nice highlight reel already through this season, scored plenty of tries, top turnovers in the EPCR, so he's playing very good rugby, still obviously only 20 but he's been impressive."They've threats throughout their team though, some consistent with last year, some new ones, so it's definitely gonna be a challenge.""There's definitely a feeling that it has improved and you've seen that with some of the results we've had obviously in the round of 16 and the quarter not not conceding anything, but tomorrow is going to be a much bigger challenge for our defence."That's the Jacques Nienaber defence that has kept Harlequins (a 62-0 win) and Glasgow Warriors (52-0) scoreless in the Last 16 and quarterfinal and one that is hopeful of adding to their reputation."There's definitely a feeling that our defence has improved and you've seen that with some of the results we've had obviously in the round of 16 and the quarter, not conceding anything."This is going to be a much bigger challenge for our defence - guys are aware of that and ready for it."Leinster have rolled out very much as expected with six Ireland Six Nations players in the backs and a further six in the translates as Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose in the centre, placing Jordie Barratt on the bench and with Tommy O'Brien - who played Ireland A last February - as the odd one out front, RG Snyman is a double-Rugby World Cup winning Springbok and while Max Deegan wasn't involved in the 2025 Six Nations, he captained Ireland A against England last abundance of riches that still allows for further Six Nations players Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan on the bench. It's a full compliment that contrasts with Saints having traveled without injured England winger Ollie Sleighthome (ankle), full-back George Furbank (arm) and winger George Hendy (shoulder) who scored a vital try in their ever-so near 'comeback' last is a reason Northampton are 13/1 in the betting to win a two-horse race. Meanwhile for Northampton Heineken Cup winner and Connacht coach Pat Lam s convinced that belief is the key to Northampton Saints chances of upsetting the odds against Leinster and winning in Dublin on Saturday night, in the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup. Lam has forensic knowledge of the secrets to Leinster's success, having coached Connacht and gone head-to-head with Leo Cullen's side with Bristol Bears, so is the perfect person to join the commentary team for the live coverage on Premier Sports 1, which starts at 4.30pm on Saturday. "The first thing you have to get right against a side as good as Leinster is mindset - you've got to believe that you can beat them," said Lam. "That's the first thing, and then the only way the players are going to get belief is from the plan and be convinced the plan will work. Can that plan be executed? That comes down to clarity of role and the ability of players to execute under the sort of pressure they will be under at the Aviva Stadium.' Lam can't wait to be at the Aviva Stadium as part of the Premier Sports punditry team on Saturday evening, with the broadcaster recently announcing a 24/7 rugby channel as part of its portfolio alongside every URC game, the pick of Top 14 fixtures every weekend and newly added Japan League One and MLR rugby rights. This semi-final is a repeat of last season's dramatic encounter, where Northampton clawed back a second-half deficit to almost overcome Leinster, and Lam added: "I'm fascinated by this match. If you look at what Leinster have done in their last two European games, beating Harlequins and Glasgow Warriors, it is clear to see the form they are in and the quality of their players. "Phil Dowson, Sam Vesty, and the coaching team will have been able to study those games and see how they can implement their plan for the game. "The kicking game will be crucial on Saturday night. When I talk about the kicking game, I'm not talking about just hacking the ball downfield. I'm talking about how they will use their kicking game in their attack, and if you look at the two guys driving that, Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell, these are two players who have had a massive 12 months of growth. 'They are rightly very confident, and those two pose a real threat. Whatever plan the Saints have, they have two good operators in Smith and Mitchell. "Having said that, your nine and ten are only as good as what's up front, and that's the real challenge for anyone taking on Leinster. They have a very well-balanced back row, but the biggest challenge is can the forward pack of Northampton - and particularly the front five - can give them the go forward they need to execute the plan." There has been some good news for Saints as they welcome back tighthead prop Trevor Davison, who was a late withdrawal for the match last time out against Lam's Bears. Davison is joined in Saints' front row by loosehead prop Emmanuel Iyogun and hooker Curtis Langdon, who both got across the whitewash against Bristol as Saints sent six different scorers over the try line. Leinster have accumulated a staggering 142 unanswered points so far in the knockout stages, so are a force to be reckoned with this term, having also reached the Final in five of the last seven seasons, but have not claimed the title since 2018. Lam is a big fan of one of the discoveries of the season in Saints back rower Henry Pollock, a name on everyone's lips in this campaign. "Henry has had a fantastic season and at 20 has a massive future ahead of him," said Lam. "He loves the game and has the exuberance of youth on his side. I can't wait to see how he performs on the huge stage of an Investec Champions Cup semi-final. It is all set up for a great occasion." Leinster v Northampton Saints, The Aviva, 5.30pm, RTE, Premier, beIN SPORTS, FloRugby, SuperSport Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, RG Snyman, Joe McCarthy, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris capt. Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Rabah Slimani, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jordie BarrettNorthampton Saints: James Ramm; Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall capt, Rory Hutchinson, Tom Litchfield; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon, Trevor Davison, Temo Mayanavanua, Alex Coles, Josh Kemeny, Henry Pollock, Juarno Augustus. Replacements: Henry Walker, Tom West, Elliot Millar-Mills, Tom Lockett, Chunya Munga, Angus Scott-Young, Tom James, Tom SeabrookReferee: Pierre Brousset (Fra) Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Bristol in pictures: Springing into action
We're only just into March but the first signs of spring being on the way have been seen in and around Bristol with a few days of rare sunshine. The past week also included international rugby action at Ashton Gate, the vicar at one of the city's key churches stepping down, and a cancer breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. More than 1,000 people also went to an open day in Horfield. Sky on fire: Visitors to the harbourside on Saturday night were treated to a spectacular sunset enhanced by the lights from various bars and boats. Welcome back sunshine: Visitors have been enjoying the picturesque scenes at Tyntesfield, the ornate Gothic revival house close to Bristol, as clear sunny days returned. International action: England A took on Ireland A at Ashton Gate last weekend, with the red rose men winning the contest 28-12. Time to reflect: On Monday, the city marked three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Crowds marched through the streets and there was a poignant photo exhibition in Broadmead Shopping Centre, showing how once-thriving communities have been affected by the war. Moving forward: Doctors have made a breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary as they announced a new-start up firm that could revolutionise cancer scans. Astral Systems has developed technology that can now make radioisotopes - used to pinpoint the growth of cancer in patients - in hospitals on demand. Saying goodbye: After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England", Canon Dan Tyndall announced this week he will be leaving St Mary Redcliffe Church. Mr Tyndall, who will give his final service at Redcliffe on 13 July, said the role has been "a huge privilege, a real honour, and great fun". Fit to burst: Families enjoyed a fun-filled open day at Horfield Leisure Centre last weekend, as the facility celebrated its recent refurbishment by welcoming more than 1,000 people through its doors. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Bristol in Pictures: Emerging from the gloom Bristol in Pictures: Faces in the crowd Bristol in Pictures: Royals, Rovers and remembering Bristol in Pictures: Let there be light Bristol in pictures: Reasons to be cheerful Bristol in pictures: Lanterns light up the gloom Bristol in pictures: Scenes from across the city Bristol in pictures: Emotional moments of 2024 Bristol in pictures: Not long to go now... Bristol in Pictures: Just a few more lights... Bristol in pics: It's beginning to look a lot like... Bristol in pics: Wintry scenes, Gromit and elves Bristol in pictures: Mary Poppins and circus nights Bristol in pictures: Fireworks and chilly swimmers Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pics: Wildscreen and national football Bristol in pics: Northern Lights and scary sights Bristol in pictures: England cricket and the Bears Bristol in pictures: Bears' derby delight Bristol in pics: Round-up of images from the city Bristol in pictures: Crocodiles and cricket Bristol in pictures: Forwards, Dogfest and sunny skies Bristol in pictures: The proms and Massive Attack Bristol in pictures: It's home sweet home Bristol in pictures: Balloons, rallies and sunsets Bristol in pictures: A scorching week in the city Bristol in pictures: Balloons, bingo and boats Bristol in pics: Harbour Festival and graduations Bristol in pictures: Pride, politics and zombies Bristol in pictures: Riding the waves into summer Bristol in pictures: All you need is love Bristol in pictures: Marathons and music Bristol in pictures: A taste of summer in the city Bristol in pictures: Rising from the ashes Bristol in pictures: Paint, pirates and protest Bristol in pictures: Anyone for cricket? Bristol in pictures: Faith, foxes and Filwood Bristol in pictures: Big beasts are waking up Bristol in pictures: Parades, concerts and a Grinch Bristol in pictures: From park runs to pilots Bristol in pictures: Snow and the Severnside derby Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city
BBC News
02-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Bristol in pictures: Rugby at Ashton Gate and a retiring vicar
We're only just into March but the first signs of spring being on the way have been seen in and around Bristol with a few days of rare past week also included international rugby action at Ashton Gate, the vicar at one of the city's key churches stepping down, and a cancer breakthrough at the Bristol Royal than 1,000 people also went to an open day in Horfield. Sky on fire: Visitors to the harbourside on Saturday night were treated to a spectacular sunset enhanced by the lights from various bars and boats. Welcome back sunshine: Visitors have been enjoying the picturesque scenes at Tyntesfield, the ornate Gothic revival house close to Bristol, as clear sunny days returned. International action: England A took on Ireland A at Ashton Gate last weekend, with the red rose men winning the contest 28-12. Time to reflect: On Monday, the city marked three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Crowds marched through the streets and there was a poignant photo exhibition in Broadmead Shopping Centre, showing how once-thriving communities have been affected by the war. Moving forward: Doctors have made a breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary as they announced a new-start up firm that could revolutionise cancer scans. Astral Systems has developed technology that can now make radioisotopes - used to pinpoint the growth of cancer in patients - in hospitals on demand. Saying goodbye: After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England", Canon Dan Tyndall announced this week he will be leaving St Mary Redcliffe Church. Mr Tyndall, who will give his final service at Redcliffe on 13 July, said the role has been "a huge privilege, a real honour, and great fun". Fit to burst: Families enjoyed a fun-filled open day at Horfield Leisure Centre last weekend, as the facility celebrated its recent refurbishment by welcoming more than 1,000 people through its doors.
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Van Poortvliet stars as England A beat Ireland
England A: (14) 28Tries: Hassell-Collins, Van Poortvliet, Fisilau, penalty Cons: Atkinson 3Ireland A: (5) 12Tries: Bolton, Gavin Con: Doak Jack van Poortvliet scored an impressive solo try as England A beat Ireland A at a soggy Ashton Gate in hosts raced into the lead as Ollie Hassell-Collins latched on to a clever tip-on pass by Charlie Atkinson to dive over in the corner, before Ireland hit back through Shayne Bolton out Frawley's missed conversion meant England held a slender advantage before captain Van Poortvliet, who has 16 Test caps, sniped through a gap in the Irish defence and rounded the fly-half to were wasteful with opportunities after the interval but did eventually stretch their lead when Greg Fisilau came off the bench to exploit more Irish shortcomings at the breakdown before running clear for the hosts' third game was seemingly assured but the visitors remained resolute and claimed a late consolation try when Hugh Gavin powered over from close centre's try reduced the deficit to nine points in the final stages but England had the final say with a last-gasp penalty try after Irish captain Max Deegan was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on Jack Kenningham's pass to Hassell-Collins. Line-ups England A: Carpenter; Elliott, Ojomoh, Butt, Hassell-Collins; Atkinson, Van Poortvliet; Brantingham, Langdon, Kloska, Tizard, Lockett, Pearson, Kenningham, Oghre, Haffar, Green, Capstick, Fisilau, Porter, Shillcock, A: Daly; O'Brien, Postlethwaite, Gavin, Bolton; Frawley, Doak; O'Toole, Barron, Aungier, O'Connell, Murray, Deegan (capt), Kendellen, Smyth, McCarthy, Jager, O'Tighearnaigh, Soroka, Gunne, Byrne, Gleeson.
