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12-03-2025
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Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Day 2 tips and latest odds after major upset on first day of races
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival began with a bang on Tuesday's Champion Day and now Style Wednesday promises more drama as the UK's biggest week of racing continues. The Queen Mother Champion Chase headlines the action at 4pm, where Jonbon is much fancied with Nico De Boinville aboard, while the Coral Cup Hurdle (2.40pm) and Cross Country Steeple Chase (3.20pm) are among the other fascinating races on Day 2. The opening day of racing delivered a huge shock as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through, as did last year's winner State Man. It allowed Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph, with Burdett Road (66/1) taking second and 150/1 shot Winter Fog in third for an all-time Cheltenham shock. The 'greatest show on turf' will also include Friday's Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we'll be bringing you all the action as Day 2 Cheltenham Festival reaches Day 2: Full schedule and list of winners Best bets and horses to watch for Day 2 Snow flurry hits Cheltenham on Style Wednesday Day 1 saw Golden Ace shockingly win Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man fell 09:21 , Mike Jones We've listed all the horses Rachael Blackmore is riding on Wednesday of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival: Wednesday 12 March 2.40pm: Coral Cup Hurdle Ballyadam - Age: 10, Weight: 11-12, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead 4pm: Champion Chase Captain Guinness - Age: 10, Weight 11-10, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead 4.40pm: Grand Annual Chase Dancing On My Own - Age: 11, Weight 11-10, Trainer Henry de Bromhead 09:15 , Luke Baker The early pictures emerging of the snow on the ground at Prestbury Park are pretty spectacular 09:12 , Mike Jones The snow has almost stopped after a heavy burst earlier this morning. The course itself looks clear and much of the concourse should clear by the time racing begins this afternoon. That is providing the snow stays away. 09:04 , Luke Baker We've had snow in Cheltenham, which probably wasn't among many people's tips this week. But how will it affect racing today? Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast as shock snow flurry hits on Day 2 08:52 , Luke Baker And Sam Turner has also previewed today's action on Style Wednesday, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase as the headline act 08:39 , Luke Baker Fair to say it was a drama-filled opening day at Cheltenham and The Independent's racing correspondent Sam Turner has reviewed all the action 08:28 , Luke Baker Cheltenham Festival is back as the horse racing season gathers pace with the four-day spectacle one of the highlights of the sport's calendar. The Festival began with Champion Day before Style Wednesday and then St Patrick's Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday. Here is the full list of winners and scheduled race card: Cheltenham Festival: Full list of winners and runners for Day 2 08:20 , Luke Baker It's a clean sweep in the expert tips for today's big race - the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4pm Ruby Walsh's tip (for ): Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon, all day, every day. He comes here on an upward curve and I hope he wins. He's a brilliant horse and I hope he gets the credit he deserves. He's an absolute good thing. Sam Turner's tip: Jonbon 4/5 Jonbon's critics will point to the fact he has been beaten three times at Cheltenham, while handicappers will point to his best six career efforts taking place away from Prestbury Park. However, the nine-year-old has won all eight of his starts with Nico de Boinville on board and he looks sure to have a good pace to aim at here with the front-running Solness in opposition. Of his rivals, Marine Nationale should relish the drying ground and strong pace and looks the best placed to cause Jonbon most problems. Ed Chamberlin's tip (for ): Jonbon 5/6 The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the big race of the day, and one of the big horses of the week. I can't wait to see Jonbon – I love him. Sir Anthony McCoy would come back and ride him if he could. He's unbeatable, I think, under Nico de Boinville – and how pleased am I that Sky Bet are going to super boost Jonbon – fantastic! 08:11 , Luke Baker A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – at Cheltenham promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule. Nicky Henderson's Jonbon is back for glory in the Champion Chase, having withdrawn at the 11th hour last year. Henry de Bromhead's Captain Guinness triumphed in Jonbon's absence but the form book suggests defending his crown will be tough and betting sites make him a big outsider. Check out tips from the experts from this race and others on Day 2: Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day two 07:59 , Luke Baker Fashions change, betting stakes increase and the weather in late winter fluctuates - but at Cheltenham Festival, many things remain largely unchanged. Amid the sea of flat caps and tweed jackets in the Grand Stand, racing on Tuesday got off to the famous Cheltenham roar, sounding as exuberant and impassioned as ever. More than 55,000 racegoers piled into the terraces that line the course to excitedly cheer as the favourite Kopek Des Bordes came first amid the heavy thud of hoofs on the soft turf. Read a full report from Alex Ross at Cheltenham: £7.80 pints not enough to deter punters as Cheltenham Festival gets underway 07:58 , Luke Baker The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival provided thrills and excitement aplenty with the biggest twist coming in the headline Champion Hurdle race. Golden Ace took the trophy for jockey Lorcan Williams and trainer Jeremy Scott after the pre-race favourite, Constitution Hill, and last year's champion, State Man, both fell. Williams held his charge in the middle of the field, kept up the pace, and took advantage of great fortune to shock bookmakers and punters alike. Dramatic Champion Hurdle provides thrilling twist on opening day at Cheltenham
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09-03-2025
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England vs Italy LIVE: Score and updates from Six Nations as hosts lead high-scoring thriller
England will look to continue to build momentum as they seek a third successive win with Italy in town. Narrow victories over France and Scotland have been overdue tight successes for Steve Borthwick's side, though they themselves have conceded that they are yet to produce their best in this campaign. With a reasonably friendly finish to the Six Nations, the hope for Borthwick will be that his side can open up their attacking game and eradicate a few glaring defensive flaws. The England head coach leaves Marcus Smith on the bench and drops Henry Slade entirely for the visit of the Azzurri, who are looking to bounce back from a battering at the hands of France. The shipping of 11 tries in Rome punctured the optimism that had surrounded Gonzalo Quesada's squad but there is still a lot to like about an Italian team that will again seek a first ever victory over their host Italy in the Six Nations | Live on ITV Steve Borthwick's side must produce better attacking performance to keep title hopes alive Azzurri were bruised and well beaten by France last time out but pushed England close in 2024 47' - TRY! Curry picks and goes for the try (ENG 35-17 ITA) 44' - TRY! Curry offloads superbly to Marcus Smith to accelerate over (ENG 28-17 ITA) 35' - TRY! Sleightholme finishes neat move out wide (ENG 21-14 ITA) 32' - TRY! Great pace from Vintcent to surge over the line (ENG 14-14 ITA) 28' - TRY! Capuozzo caught napping as Freeman collects Daly's kick for the score (ENG 14-7 ITA) 15' - TRY! Capuozzo collects Ioane chip to level the scores (ENG 7-7 ITA) 5' - TRY! Willis barrels over to give England early lead (ENG 7-0 ITA) 16:10 , Luke Baker Ben Curry on for Willis as England start the replacement train. They've got momentum now and drive forward with a maul from a lineout on the 22. They heave up to five metres away - a couple of phases brings the ball infield. Tom Curry and George taking contact. Mitchell thren has a dart from the base before Tom Curry picks up, goes himself and powers over! Easy conversion for Fin Smith and it's a fifth England try. 16:07 , Luke Baker A couple of one-up carries in midfield for England before they finally make a few metres and Stuart shows off his dancing feet, stepping a defender, to get them on the front foot. And then it's try time! Curry takes contact with two Italian defenders, frees his hand for the offload and Marcus Smith is in support, he jinks past the final defender and accelerates to the line! Lovely try. Fin Smith adds the extras and England are rocking and rolling now. 16:05 , Luke Baker England give away an early penalty and Italy have a lineout on the 22. They fling the ball wide to the left where Gallagher looks like he may have a shot at the corner but tries to cut back and Marcus Smith makes a superb dump tackle. And England then get the turnover as Earl jackals well and wins the penalty off Nicotera. 16:03 , Luke Baker Back underway as Garbisi kicks deep to begin the second half. Can England pick their moments better in this second half while still showing the ambition that they demonstrated in the first 40. 15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Wow. A real rollercoaster of a half, stomach thrown hither and thither as it twisted and turned. England have displayed the adventure they promised but been matched by the intrepid Italians, who have increasingly managed to trap the hosts playing from too deep to create opportunities for themselves. A half that would have quietened a few critics of England's style of play - though that may be playing into the visitors' hands. 15:54 , Luke Baker Five tries in a thrilling first half - here's a few of the highlights from it Instant Response 😤England find space out wide to retake the lead, again 😅#GuinnessM6N | #ENGvITA — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2025 🗣️ "It's a try that Italy will be talking about for a LONG time!"Ange Capuozzo and Ross Vintcent produce an absolute WORLDIE for Italy 🤯#GuinnessM6N | #ENGvITA — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2025 🗣️ "What on earth was Capuozzo thinking?!"Tommy Freeman capitalises on the open space as England retake the lead ☄️ #GuinnessM6N | #ENGvITA — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2025 Liquid rugby from the Italians 💧Almost all of the backs involved in that one, as Ange Capuozoo finishes off a STUNNER! 🚀#GuinnessM6N | #ENGvITA — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2025 15:49 , Luke Baker The Azzurri maul stalls, the ball is somewhere in the melee and it's not coming out. England turnover and that's half-time. What a brilliant half of rugby! Thrilling stuff in the sunshine and England narrowly lead. Italy are right in this though. 15:47 , Luke Baker England were actually pinged at that scrum - Will Stuart the man penalised and Italy have a lineout in the England 22 to end the half. Can they go into the break ahead? 15:46 , Luke Baker Menoncello is a demon at the breakdown and he spoils the ball for Mitchell who knocks on trying to get it way. Italy scrum in England's half which holds firm and gives them an attacking platform. 15:45 , Luke Baker Easy for Paolo Garbisi and no mistake this time as he slots the three points. 15:44 , Luke Baker England try to show their ambition by playing the ball from inside their own 22 but when Willis is tackled, Vintcent is able to get over the ball and win the penalty. This will be a simple shot at goal. 15:42 , Luke Baker What a game this is turning into! England hit straight back with a try themselves. They win a penalty in Italian territory and choose to tap and go. That's in the right corne and they work the ball all the way to the other side of the field in four passes! Dingwall just gets his off to Marcus Smith before being clobbered and Smith heaves a huge throw out to Ollie Sleightholme who is all alone on the right flank. Pace to the corner from the winger as he slides over. A tricky conversion for Fin Smith from the left touchline but he nails it! Superb kick 15:39 , Luke Baker Ross Vintcent that is serious pace! Unbelievable from the Italy and Exeter No 8! A stunning Italy score! Capuozzo returns a reasonably aimless kick as he weaves between defenders in his patented style and pops inside to the supporting Vintcent. He's got 30 metres to go and turns on the afterburners by slicing between two defenders, dummying Marcus Smith with a pass and outpacing Ellis Genge and Fin Smith to the line! Class! Garbisi adds the conversion and we're level again! 15:35 , Luke Baker It doesn't matter as England immediately score anyway! What on earth is Ange Capuozzo doing? He's caught sleeping as Daly threads a grubber kick through with the outside of his left boot. Capuozzo doesn't start turning to run back until Tommy Freeman is past him, the England winger collects the ball, steps inside the covering Garbisi and dives over for the score. A gift for England! Fin Smith, who is still goal-kicking even though namesake Marcus is now on the field, slots the tricky conversion from out wide and England lead 14-7. 15:33 , Luke Baker Celebrations from Italy! A very clever lineout by England, using Itoje as a dummy jumper and firing to Earl at the front. He's driven within a metre of the line but Itoje then picks up and dives over the top of the ruck. He's nowhere near grounding the ball - he basically dived on a pile of bodies. Not the smartest move by the England captain, held up over the line. Italy will have a goal-line dropout. Although we're going to the TMO to see if Earl's drive was stopped illegally. They deem not - 'a clear sack' says the referee, although a couple of Italian defenders may have come in at the side. Nevertheless, they survive. 15:30 , Luke Baker Good set from England, a couple of phases and Ruzza is pinged for a no-arms tackle on Marcus Smith. Lineout five metres from the Italy line... 15:29 , Luke Baker That's class by Fin Smith. A dangerous kick through from Capuozzo sees him hurtle across to collect, five metres from his own line, he sidesteps a tacklers and boots clear to halfway. Calm and composed from the England fly half. 15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham That's a really poor miss from Paolo Garbisi, assuming kicking duties with no Tommaso Allan in the Italian side today. The visitors have started to really find their flow in attack after a difficult opening to the game, buoyed no doubt by that Ange Capuozzo score. Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex are working some really funky shapes in midfield. Ange Capuozzooo 🇮🇹Monty Ioane et son arrière combinent dans le couloir pour le premier essai italien 👊📺 @FranceTV#ENGvITA | #SixNationsRugby — Six Nations (FR) (@SixNations_FR) March 9, 2025 15:28 , Luke Baker Let-off for England. The penalty is on the 22, to the right of the posts but a kick Paolo Garbisi would expect to make most, if not all, of the time. But it slips wide of the left posts and it's still 7-7. 15:26 , Luke Baker Mistakes creeping into England's game. Chessum is pinged for going in too soon. Italy have the lineout on the 22, they make a mess of it but England immediately knock on and give them the ball back. Capuozzo tries to dance through a half-gap and gorgeous offloading takes them up to the 22 where they win a penalty for no clear release in the tackle. They'll go for the posts. 15:24 , Luke Baker Italy will be delighted with this first quarter - they've weathered the England storm and come out level. Ioane competes with Marcus Smith for an up and under and spoils it well, forcing the ball backwards and giving Italy possession just outside the 22. But England win the turnover penalty and Fin Smith hammers clear to halfway. 15:22 , Luke Baker Mitchell dances left, then right before popping to Earl for the carry. England running out of space down the right but Freeman tries to get his hands free in the tackle to make the pass. Gallagher, who is facing backwards, deliberately knocks it down and Italy clear their lines out of the 22. Another chance gone begging for the hosts 15:20 , Luke Baker England respond well, win a penalty and kick to the corner. Great attacking opportunity. HEAVE is the cry from the crowd as they set up the maul. Five metres from the line now. 15:19 , Luke Baker Well, well, well! Italy strike with more or less their first attack! The lineout is good and they go all the way to the right wing where Ioane flicks a stunning chipped kick over the defensive line, Ange Capuozzo is at full tilt and the ball bounces up perfectly for the full back to collect and dive over for the try. Gorgeous score. Garbisi nails the conversion and we're level at the Allianz. England made to pay for not converting their dominance into more points. 15:17 , Luke Baker Italy prop Marco Riccioni receives treatment but he's good to continue. Italian lineout is solid and Varney puts up a box-kick that pins Sleightholme on the touchline and he does well to stay in play and flick a behind the back pass!n Very Dupont-esque... The attack breaks down when a kick-pass bounces into touch. 15:15 , Luke Baker Mitchell sends up a high bomb to test Capuozzo and he's equal to it. Sleightholme is then equally effective under the return kick and sets up England in Italian territory. Genge with a carry in the tight before Dingwall dinks a kick through that bounces into touch and ensures a defensive Italian lineout. All the play is in Italy's half, and largely their 22, so far. A good start by Borthwick's men. 15:13 , Luke Baker The scrum is solid and England run three straight crash balls into the guts of the Italian defence. The Azzurri nab the turnover though when Fin Smith has the ball stripped in contact and they gleefully clear towards halfway 15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium A real blow, that, for England with Ollie Lawrence carted off. The hosts have begun with real fizz and purpose in attack, with the centre providing a focal point. On comes Marcus Smith to a huge roar, having also got the strongest reaction when his name was read out ahead of kick off - Elliot Daly has gone to outside centre, leaving England without the same carrying punch. Might we see more of Tommy Freeman roaming off his wing after a couple of good early moments down the touchline? 15:12 , Luke Baker An early blow for England though as Lawrence has gone down in a lot of pain. The cart comes on and he's taken off. After all the controversy around Marcus Smith being dropped, he's on after nine minutes! He'll go to full back and Daly comes into the centres alongside Dingwall. England with the five-metre scrum 15:10 , Luke Baker This is the rugby England want to play! From the lineout they go all the way across the field, a gorgeous looped pass over the top from Daly on the wraparound finds Freeman and he powers to within a couple of metres of the Italian line. The Azzurri defence holds firm and holds them up in the in-goal area. 15:07 , Luke Baker That England try all came from Daly running a loose ball in his own 22, rather than kicking. Exactly the sort of brave, ambitious rugby Borthwick has been urging his side to play. First scrum of the day in midfield. England put-in and it's solid. In fact, England get a push on and win the scrum penalty. Advantage played and Lawrence with a powerful carry to the 22 but we're back for the penalty. 15:05 , Luke Baker Good defensive set by England, they force the knock-on in contact from Varney and Daly then surges up to halfway. A barrelling carry by Earl makes more yards, they go right and Freeman charges down the wing before popping inside. Mitchell flings the ball to Tom Willis who splits two defenders and dives over for the try. Dare I say that was a bit too easy for England. Fin Smith adds the conversion. Ideal start for the hosts. 15:02 , Luke Baker England's first pass of the day hits the deck as Freeman's radar is off but it bounces backwards, so no harm done. England try to build from a lineout on halfway but give away the breakdown penalty and Italy move into English territory 15:01 , Luke Baker And we're off in southwest London! Fin Smith kicks the ball into the Twickenham air. It's short and contestable but Italy dive on it. 14:59 , Luke Baker Anthems done and we're ready for kick-off. Can England make it three wins on the spin at Twickenham? 14:59 , Luke Baker Before the rest of the teams emerge, Jamie George walks out on to the Allianz Stadium turf on his own to receive the rapturous applause for his 100th cap. I say on his own, he's the only player to come out but his young daughter Lydia is with him in his arms. A lovely moment for the George family and a well deserved accolade for one of rugby's genuine good guys. The rest of the players follow and we're only a few minutes away from kick-off. It's the anthems first, though. 14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire) Asisstant Referees: Craig Evans (Wal) & Luc Ramos (Fra) Television Match Official: Marius Jonker (SA) Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco) 14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham It is a simply glorious day at Twickenham, nary a cloud in the sky and the sun beating down to make it feel more like mid-July than early March. I must say it is rather welcome after a couple of chilly outings at the start of this tournament. Can England utilise the dry, dreamy conditions to open up their attacking game? 14:40 , Luke Baker This is well worth five minutes of your time before kick-off. Jamie George has received plenty of messages ahead of his 100th cap this afternoon. Some incredibly moving messages for Jamie George ❤️@EnglandRugby 🎥 — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2025 14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle There is a famous television interview that came to stand as a signature memory of Steve Borthwick's oft-maligned tenure as England captain. It was February 2010 at the Stadio Flaminio and England had endured a dreadful day, barely squeaking by a limited Italian side. Off the skipper came to face the BBC microphone, before uttering a short sentence that came to define his muddled, morose stint. 'I thought some of the stuff we did was outstanding,' was the misjudged reply to the questioning of Sonja McLaughlan, an opinion that the ever-forthright No 8 Nick Easter almost immediately disagreed with. 'My god, that was boring,' Easter remarked post-match – an assessment most felt rather more correct. Borthwick lasted just two more matches before a knee injury ended his Six Nations; that July, while the lock was on his honeymoon in Bali, a call from Martin Johnson ended his international career entirely. The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete performance 14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle Gonzalo Quesada was deeply disappointed with Italy's meek defensive surrender to France, a bright start fading dramatically as the visitors piled up the points a fortnight ago. It felt like the sort of performance that had been confined to the past under the Argentine coach, and he is expecting a reaction from his squad today. "In the second half we struggled to defend as we wanted to,' Quesada admitted of the 73-24 loss. "It was not just a technical or organisational problem, rather there was no respect for roles and principles. I had never seen the team lost, trying to solve things individually, without a collective organisation. 'Now we will have to assess whether it (France defeat) was an accident for a team that has been together for just over a year, and whether we will be able to resume a linear path and show who we really are.' 14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle It is a selection that has caused a stir, so why has Steve Borthwick left Marcus Smith on the bench? How England hope to unlock their attacking game — by dropping Marcus Smith 14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle Italy are able to bring back a fit-again Monty Ioane into a remodelled back three that also includes Sidcup-born Matt Gallagher, with the former England U20 international in line for a Six Nations debut on the wing. Stephen Varney is also brought in at scrum half as Martin Page-Relo and Tommaso Allan drops out of the starting backline, while Giacomo Nicotera and Marco Riccioni join Danilo Fischetti in the front row. Exeter's Ross Vintcent swaps in at No 8 for Lorenzo Cannone. Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Marco Riccioni; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 8 Ross Vintcent; 9 Stephen Varney, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Matt Gallagher, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Monty Ioane; 15 Ange Capuozzo. 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Riccardo Favretto, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Lorenzo Cannone; 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Tommaso Allan. 🇮🇹 The @Federugby side to take on England this weekend 🙌#GuinnessM6N — Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 7, 2025 14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle Steve Borthwick has made significant tweaks to the England backline, with Marcus Smith dropped to the bench and Henry Slade axed entirely. Elliot Daly is brought in at full-back, making his first start at the position in Test rugby for four years, while Fraser Dingwall partners Ollie Lawrence in the centres. On the occasion of his 100th cap, Jamie George is elevated to the starting side as Luke Cowan-Dickie fulfils the bench hooker role that the former captain has played well over the last two weeks. England XV: 1 Ellis Genge; 2 Jamie George, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Elliot Daly. 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith. 🏴 Here's how @EnglandRugby line-up to take on the Italians 🙌#GuinnessM6N — Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 5, 2025 13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle It was the very start of an England career that, on Sunday afternoon, will reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side. Honest Jamie George reflects on losing England captaincy: 'I had more to give' 13:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle Italy have never beaten England in 31 previous meetings and their 73-24 rout by France in round three suggests a seismic upset will be beyond them on this occasion. Head coach Gonzalo Quesada is looking for a reaction after the high of beating Wales in round two was immediately diffused by a rampant Les Bleus and has made six changes to shake things up, including Ange Capuozzo moving from wing to full-back and Stephen Varney's return at scrum-half. The quality centre pairing of Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex remains, however, and will continue to present Italy's greatest threat. 13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle England have been propelled into title contention by dispatching France and Scotland, finally discovering the ability to close out tight games after a year of near-misses, but they will be demanding more from themselves over the final two rounds. They have failed to convince in any of this year's outings and must show against the tournament's two weakest opponents over the next two weekends that they have more in the locker than graft and a willingness to fight until the final whistle. 13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle There will be few more popular Test centurions than Jamie George – and few more durable either. George becomes the seventh England player to win 100 caps and, apart from the statistic that matters most today, an array of other numbers illustrate his standing in the game. George is the most successful line-out thrower in Six Nations history with a 91.8 percent success rate and, since making his debut in 2015, he has been in action more than any other top-tier hooker, with his 4,817 minutes eclipsing his closest rival, Argentina's Julian Montoya, by 539 minutes. He is fourth in the try-scoring list for hookers, has made more tackles than any of his rivals and has gained the fourth highest amount of metres. It is a mighty contribution and he deserves his moment in the spotlight. 12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle Fraser Dingwall's return has lifted the number of Northampton players in England's backline to five – a total that might have risen further had George Furbank been fit. The under-performing Henry Slade has been removed from the midfield in the hope that the familiarity between Dingwall and half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, as well as wings Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, will provide the creative spark that was missing against France and Scotland. 12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle 'I'm looking forward to unleashing him when there's a bit of fatigue on the pitch' were the words head coach Steve Borthwick used to sugar coat Marcus Smith's removal from the starting XV, but there is no masking the Harlequins playmaker's fall from grace. From starting fly-half for eight successive Tests and linchpin of the team, then shunted to full-back and now on the bench, Smith's stock has fallen sharply. A place on the British and Irish Lions tour is in danger of slipping away and he must demonstrate against Italy why he would still be an asset against Australia this summer. Sub role for Smith and George joins 100 club – England v Italy talking points 12:20 , Ciara Fearn England captain Maro Itoje has pushed back against former skipper Will Carling's claims that Steve Borthwick's coaching team lacks the experience needed to take the national side to the next level. Carling recently questioned whether England had assembled the 'best' coaching set-up, suggesting that a lack of top-tier experience might be limiting the teams potential. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, the former centre said: "You look at the calibre of the England coaching team and you have got to question whether that's the best we can put out there. "Some of them are learning, some of them are very young and maybe lack the experience at Test level. Maybe that's what we're seeing impact on the players." However, Itoje firmly disagreed with Carling's statement, praising the work ethic and impact of Borthwick and his staff. Maro Itoje hits back at Will Carling over criticism of England coaches 12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle Back to today's proceedings. England, it seems, were rather unhappy with the tone of some of the reaction to their narrow Calcutta Cup win, with Ellis Genge voicing his displeasure at the criticism in strong terms during their fallow week camp in York... Ellis Genge hits back at England's 'out of touch' critics 12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle How does all of yesterday's action leave the Six Nations table and title race? Here are the permutations you need to know: Six Nations title permutations: What France, Ireland and England need to win trophy 11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle Finn Russell admitted Scotland need to sharpen up after their late drop-off took the shine off a five-try 35-29 Guinness Six Nations win over struggling Wales at Murrayfield. The Scots were well on top for an hour as they romped into a commanding 35-8 lead with doubles from Tom Jordan and Blair Kinghorn as well as a score from Darcy Graham. But Wales, who had countered through Blair Murray in the first half, were able to salvage two losing bonus points as they scored three further tries in the final quarter through Ben Thomas, Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn to deflate the hosts. Finn Russell warns Scotland not to switch off after Wales threaten late comeback 11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle Things weren't much less hectic in Edinburgh, with Scotland for a second year in succession extending a huge advantage against Wales before threatening to let it slip. The hosts, just about, clung on: Scotland survive furious fightback as long Welsh losing run goes on 11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle Victory came at a cost for France, though, with Antoine Dupont seemingly suffering a serious knee injury - and coach Fabien Galthie was not at all happy... Fabien Galthie demands answers after Antoine Dupont suffers 'serious' injury 10:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle And we begin in Dublin, where France produced a simply superb performance amid adversity to transform the Six Nations title picture France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist 10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle Right, plenty more build-up to come as we work towards this afternoon kick off. But let's take a look back at yesterday's action - and there's plenty to dig into... 10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle It was the very start of an England career that will this afternoon reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side. Honest Jamie George reflects on losing England captaincy: 'I had more to give' 10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle Ben Youngs knows what it is like to be stuck in the stocks, pilloried by the public for the problems of a ponderous England side. On his way to a record tally of 127 caps, the former scrum-half had plenty of rotten vegetables thrown in his direction; now, a year and a bit on from concluding his international career, it's Youngs tossing the tomatoes. The 35-year-old may still be charging around in a Leicester shirt but increasingly his input is being felt more keenly off the field; a shrewd scrum-half emerging as a considered, but often cutting, critic. Co-hosting the For the Love of Rugby podcast with close colleague Dan Cole offers the pair a platform to dig into the depth and detail of England's performances. And while Youngs is happy to see good chums winning again and is encouraged by the potential of the squad, he has a few concerns over the direction of Steve Borthwick's side. Ben Youngs pinpoints where 'disjointed' England must improve against Italy 10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle There is a famous television interview that came to stand as a signature memory of Steve Borthwick's oft-maligned tenure as England captain. It was February 2010 at the Stadio Flaminio and England had endured a dreadful day, barely squeaking by a limited Italian side. Off the skipper came to face the BBC microphone, before uttering a short sentence that came to define his muddled, morose stint. 'I thought some of the stuff we did was outstanding,' was the misjudged reply to the questioning of Sonja McLaughlan, an opinion that the ever-forthright No 8 Nick Easter almost immediately disagreed with. 'My god, that was boring,' Easter remarked post-match – an assessment most felt rather more correct. Borthwick lasted just two more matches before a knee injury ended his Six Nations; that July, while the lock was on his honeymoon in Bali, a call from Martin Johnson ended his international career entirely. The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete performance Saturday 8 March 2025 07:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle Good morning and welcome to The Independent's LIVE coverage of the final fixture of this penultimate Six Nations weekend. Italy are at Twickenham seeking a first ever win over the hosts, with England hoping to finally produce a complete performance after squeaking past both France and Scotland. Kick off at the Allianz Stadium is at 3pm.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham LIVE: Europa League score and updates as struggling Spurs trail
Tottenham Hotspur take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, with Ange Postecoglou's side looking to take a decisive advantage back to London. The Europa League is Spurs's last remaining chance of silverware this season and embattled boss Postecoglou could do with a boost as his side languish 13th in the Premier League table. Given their exits from other cup competitions, Spurs have not actually played since a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City on 26 February but that break has allowed some key players to return to fitness after injury spells. The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke have now returned to training while James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson are also back in action, leaving their boss confident of success against an AZ side lying sixth in the travel to Alkmaar to face AZ in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash | Live on TNT Sports The Europa League is Spurs's final chance of a trophy this season after exiting the other cup competitions Ange Postecoglou remains under pressure with Spurs languishing in 13th in the Premier League table 53' - SAVE! Vicario makes brilliant stop from Poku shot (AZ 1-0 TOT) 17' - GOAL! Bergvall slices into his own net (AZ 1-0 TOT) Alkmaar Zaanstreek 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur FC 19:11 , Luke Baker Spence surges down the right flank and Koopmeiners twice tries to hold him back from behind, succeeding the second time. Gets a yellow card for his troubles. AZ sub as Kasius, who came on himself when Lahdo got injured early on is now heading off with a knock. Kees Smit on. 19:08 , Luke Baker Penetra's long-range shot takes a slight deflection off Gray's knee, giving AZ a corner. Once again, they try a short corner routine but it breaks down fairly quickly. 19:08 , Luke Baker Bentancur clatters Parrott. He knows exactly what he's doing and rightly gets booked for it. He protests furiously but dare I say he has absolutely no leg to stand on. He'll miss the second leg through suspension now as well, in another blow for Spurs 19:02 , Luke Baker Spurs have returned to clinging on mode here! AZ piling all the pressure on, they win a corner that is only half-cleared before Koopmeiners drives on again and plays the ball back in but it's scrambled away. 19:01 , Luke Baker As much as Spurs have started better in this second half, they're still vulnerable and it takes another superb Vicario save to keep it at 1-0! AZ work the overload and the ball is played to Poku in the box, whose shot it headed for the bottom corner until Vicario springs low to his right to claw it out with one hand. Superb stop 18:58 , Luke Baker Good run by Son as he drives forward and he unleashes a shot at goal that flies wide. Again this is better from Postecoglou's side 18:55 , Luke Baker This is a good start to the second half by Spurs. Bergvall has a dart forward and fires a shot just a little wide of the goal. A cross into the box from Udogie then causes consternation for AZ who panic a little before slicing clear. 18:51 , Luke Baker Underway in the second half in Alkmaar and there's a half-time change for Spurs in attack as Wilson Odobert comes on for Tel, who has been invisibly quiet in this game. 18:35 , Luke Baker Spurs have a corner but they're penalised for a foul in the box and that's half-time. Ange Postecoglou will probably be relieved to get into the break just one goal down. AZ good value for their lead, which came when Lucas Bergvall sliced into his own net after 17 minutes. Tottenham will need to be much, much better in the second half 18:33 , Luke Baker Into two minutes of added time where AZ win a free-kick and cleverly work the ball into the box. Spurs hold firm and clear. They desperately need half-time. 18:32 , Luke Baker It's frantic, frantic stuff and somehow Spurs survive! An AZ corner is worked across the penalty area where home players are queuing up at the back post. From there, it's classic goalmouth scramble stuff. Moller Wolfe and Kasius see shots blocked as bodies fly everywhere before Bergvall brilliantly throws himself in front of Parrott's goalbound effort and it's eventually hacked away. Tottenham clinging on here 18:26 , Luke Baker Son gets down the outside for the first time and his ball in comes out to Johnson on the edge of the box. He tries a curler at goal but it's too high and flies over the top 18:24 , Luke Baker AZ are good value for their lead so far, you'd have to say. 18:22 , Luke Baker Koopmeiners has a couple of nibbles at Maddison and eventually does foul him a few yards outside of the box, just left of centre. Prime opportunity with the free-kick here. Maddison lines it up but oh dear, oh dear. They try to be too clever with Maddison attempting to pass to Son rather than just shooting and AZ crowd them out. Poor. 18:19 , Luke Baker A very good, and absolutely vital, save by Vicario. AZ slice through the middle of Spurs, whose midfield go missing. Parrott is through one on one but Vicario makes himself big and his leg deflects the ball wide. Superb stop. That would've been really trouble for Spurs if they'd gone 2-0 down. The corner comes to nothing 18:17 , Luke Baker Here's that slightly comical own goal that means Spurs trail in Alkmaar Lucas Bergvall won't want to see that again 🫣AZ take the lead, as Bergvall miscues his clearance, and can only watch as it loops into the far corner of his own goal...📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025 18:16 , Luke Baker Johnson wins Spurs their first corner of the evening, which twice gets delayed for the ref to have words with the players for some pushing and shoving in the box. When it's eventually delivered by Maddison to the near post, Bergvall's contested header goes harmlessly wide for a goal-kick 18:14 , Luke Baker Spurs have responded well to the goal and Spence sees his low cross well claimed by Owusu-Oduro. But AZ look dangerous in attack and the ball is worked to Parrott on the edge of the area, where his shot is well blocked by Gray. It deflects to Poku but his shot flashes well wide across the goal 18:08 , Luke Baker AZ had been the better side, so they probably deserved that goal, although it was mildly comical in how it came about. Spurs go forward in response but Udogie's cross is blocked and comes back off him for a goal kick 18:06 , Luke Baker Oh no! It's absolute disaster for Spurs and Lucas Bergvall in particular. AZ win a corner, which is whipped into the back post. Parrott knocks in back into the centre where Bergvall swipes at it to try and clear, it loops up off his foot and agonisingly into the corner of the net. It went over a helpless Vicario and Spence's desperate lunge to head it off the line couldn't stop the ball nestling in the net. Spurs trail Lucas Bergvall won't want to see that again 🫣AZ take the lead, as Bergvall miscues his clearance, and can only watch as it loops into the far corner of his own goal...📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025 17:59 , Luke Baker Danso gives the ball away as Kasius nips in and launches an AZ attack. The ball is worked to the other flank for Poku who dives to the byline and a dangerous cross runs all the way through with no touch on it. The Dutch side look the livelier so far. 17:56 , Luke Baker Nope, Lahdo can't continue. Gutting for the Sweden under-21 international as he hobbles off, to be replaced by Denso Kasius. Likely a positional switch with Poku coming out to the left now. 17:54 , Luke Baker A painful one for Lahdo as his shin catches a full swing of Bergvall's boot that was meant to be a crossfield pass only for the ball to be nipped away mid follow through. After some treatment, Lahdo is limping along the sidelines but he'll try to run it off. He's not moving hugely freely at the moment though. 17:51 , Luke Baker Son's clipped pass runs through to AZ goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro and he launches a counter attack. Moller Wolfe fizzes a dangerous low cross and Parrott slides in ahead of Vicario but the ball flies wide off his foot. An early warning for Spurs 17:49 , Luke Baker It's a decent atmosphere in Alkmaar, with the AZ fans in fine voice in the early going. Spurs's typically intense press pushes them back but ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott chases a ball in the channel, only for Gray and Spence to cover well for the visitors. 17:47 , Luke Baker Underway in Alkmaar 17:44 , Luke Baker The teams are out and we're only a couple of minutes from kick-off in Alkmaar 17:33 , Luke Baker Will Tottenham end their trophy drought and win the Europa League this season? TNT Sports pundits Les Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss: "I think they can easily win it" 👀Les Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss Tottenham's chance of WINNING the Europa League, as the current bookies favourites 🤑🎙️ @lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntaports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025 17:21 , Luke Baker Ange Postecoglou does not believe Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is set to 'slow down' any time soon. Son has double figures for assists this season, alongside 10 goals in all competitions, but had only found the net four times going into December to raise questions about his long-term future. However, he has been more prolific since and the club triggered a one-year extension in January to keep him contracted until the summer of 2026. 'His ability to beat players, even in tight areas, is elite. His finishing I think is elite,' Postecoglou said. 'You never want to try to predict with players like Sonny how long he will go for because those kind of players I think always defy whatever odds there are because of the way they look after themselves and conduct themselves, the levels. 'Even this year, as difficult as it has been for us, I think his numbers still stack up. You weigh him up against any winger in the league, he's still going to be top five.' 'Elite' Son Heung-min not slowing down – Ange Postecoglou 17:02 , Luke Baker Ange Postecoglou believes the Europa League presents Tottenham with a 'great opportunity' especially with the return of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke for tonight's tie at AZ Alkmaar. Spurs resume their European campaign with a last 16 first leg clash in the Netherlands with huge focus on the competition given the club's domestic struggles this season. The long-term absences of Van de Ven and Romero have contributed towards a difficult campaign as Tottenham sit 13th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions but Postecoglou will aim to guide his squad a step closer to a first trophy since 2008 in the Europa League. 'Yeah, I think it is fair to say the boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,' Postecoglou said. 'It's a competition we obviously want to do well in. We've got ourselves in a good position. We're in the round of 16, we've got two tough games against AZ and that's the first thing to overcome.' 16:43 , Luke Baker The Spurs bench is also worth looking at, with a number of their key cogs returning from injury. Central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both on there - will Spurs's defensive nightmare soon be over? Dominic Solanke is also fit to make the bench, while the likes of Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Wilson Odobert also offer options for Ange Postecoglou to change things 16:39 , Luke Baker Here's how the teams will line up today. Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Maddison, Bergvall, Sarr; Johnson, Tel, Son AZ Alkmaar XI: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott 16:28 , Luke Baker We're just a couple of minutes away from finding out how the teams will line up this evening. Which of Spurs's injured stars will be fit to return in Alkmaar this evening? 16:16 , Luke Baker This match may come just too soon for Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, though all three have returned to training so they could feature. Ben Davies and Richarlison are a few days behind that trio in terms of their recovery. That said, Spurs' injury crisis has eased in recent weeks, and the squad have had rest since the defeat to City on 26 February. James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson have all returned in the last few weeks, giving Ange Postecoglou plenty of midfield and attacking options ahead of this match. However, Dejan Kulusevski will be unavailable after picking up a knock. Predicted Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son 16:05 , Luke Baker The match is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage starting at 5pm. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for £30.99 per month. 15:53 , Chris Wilson Tottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, with Ange Postecoglou's side looking to take a decisive advantage back to London. Spurs have not played since a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City on 26 February, but that break has allowed Postecoglou to ease some key players back after long injury spells. And returning players will help the side push for the only remaining trophy they can win as they look to salvage a disappointing AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch 15:08 , Luke Baker Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham in the last 16 of the Europa League. This competition is Spurs, and embattled boss Ange Postecoglou's, last chance of lifting a trophy this season and they'll aim to at least retain parity in the Netherlands ahead of the second leg back in north London.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
France v Wales LIVE: Six Nations 2025 score and updates as Les Bleus dominating
France and Wales kick off the Six Nations under the Friday night lights in Paris as another thrilling edition of rugby's greatest annual championship begins. Warren Gatland's side are winless since the 2023 World Cup having gone the entirety of 2024 without Test success, and face a tough opening task in a tournament that their head coach begins under pressure. A callow squad has been bolstered somewhat by some veteran returnees but doubts remain if they have the pieces in place to challenge a French side targeting the title. The hosts welcome back captain Antoine Dupont after his absence was keenly felt last year as he chased, and eventually achieved, sevens gold at Paris 2024. With Romain Ntamack, Gregory Alldritt, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and the rest, Fabien Galthie again boasts a potent combination as his side seek just a second tournament triumph since Six Nations begins with France hosting Wales in Paris | Live on ITV Fabien Galthie's side are hotly-tipped to win the championship with Antoine Dupont returning Warren Gatland's visitors went the entirety of 2024 without a win 68' - TRY! Ntamack cross-kick gathered by Gailleton to touch down (FRA 38-0 WAL) 55' - TRY! Marchand touches down at the back of a driving maul (FRA 35-0 WAL) 40' - TRY! Dupont sets up another try as Bielle-Biarrey gets his second (FRA 28-0 WAL) 35 - TRY! Magic from Dupont to dance through the defence and pass to Attisogbe for his second try (FRA 21-0 WAL) 23' - TRY! Ramos chest passes to Bielle-Biarrey for the score (FRA 14-0 WAL) 18' - TRY! Dupont lofts perfect kick to Attisogbe for the opening try (FRA 7-0 WAL) 21:54 , Luke Baker There's the try. After the exhibition stuff in the 22, Ntamack dinks a crossfield kick out to the left where Emilien Gailleton, just on as a replacement catches it on the bounce and strolls over the whitewash. Le garrec is the kicker now but his touchline conversion attempt goes across the face of the posts. 21:52 , Luke Baker Wales turn the ball over and Josh Adams gets in the referee's face shouting about a high tackle. Paul Williams doesn't take kindly to that and marches France 10 metres further forward. Les Bleus playing champagne rugby now! Prop Baille with a pass out the back of the hand and scrum half Le Garrec then does likewise with a long pass. They're into the 22. 21:48 , Luke Baker Welsh maul defence holds this time. Baille with a great carry takes France within two metres but there's a knock-on in contact, so Wales survive. A scrum on their own five-metre line isn't hugely appetising but they exit well and young fly half Edwards produces a monster clearance kick towards halfway. Good stuff by the young debutant. 21:46 , Luke Baker Perhaps understandably given the replacements and the scoreline, this match is in danger of petering out slightly as we enter the final 20 minutes. Dee pinged for a croc roll on Marchand and France kick to the corner for another five-metre lineout 21:41 , Luke Baker Wales run 11 phases and Tompkins wriggles over the gain-line to keep them going forward. But France then win the ball at the breakdown. A knock-on by Les Bleus though, so Welsh ball in the France half. 21:39 , Luke Baker Marchand with a good throw. The maul gets rolling, rumbles over the line and it is indeed Julien Marchand who dots down at the back. Simple game, rugby... Ramos misses for the first time from the tee and loses his perfect record. That was a straightforward kick by his standards, so he'll be frustrated. 21:37 , Luke Baker Penalty to Les Bleus as Wales don't release. The Welsh back on a final warning with the next offence being a yellow card. Ntamack kicks to the corner. Lineout five metres out... 21:36 , Luke Baker Good work by Bielle-Biarrey to deal with a kick over the top and sidestep the onrushing kick chase. Ntamack then wraps around and slices through a hole in the defensive line. Suddenly France in the Welsh 22. 21:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France A really strong defensive set from France there, switching on in their own 22 - where they haven't been that often tonight. Some really interesting tactical tweaks in Shaun Edwards's system, with Antoine Dupont being used as a shooter in the outside centre channel with real regularity. Without defensive captain Gael Fickou, France are perhaps having to find different ways to raise the ramparts, and Dupont is doing an excellent job. Ugo Mola, his coach at Toulouse, had hinted that Dupont might fancy a go at 13 at some point... Alas, that won't happen to day as he's subbed off on 50 minutes, with Nolann Le Garrec on to finish the game at No 9 Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France 21:33 , Luke Baker Atonio goes down at the scrum under pressure from Nicky Smith but France given the penalty. They clear their lines. Oh my word - here's a blue wave! Six France replacements come on at the same time and run on in unison. Quite the sight. Antoine Dupont one of the men coming off as Marchand, Baille, Colombe, Auradou, Guillard and Le Garrec all on 21:30 , Luke Baker No space at the fringes of the rucks for Wales. They're still probing, going through the phases but eventually the mistake comes. A knock-on in contact and the French celebrate a good defensive set. Fine margins at Test level and this young Wales team are learning that the hard way 21:29 , Luke Baker Couple of front-row changes for Wales as Nicky Smith and Keiron Assiratti enter the fray. It's lineout first, well claimed by Wales but the maul stalls. Forward carries but they can't breach the five-metre line yet. Ben Thomas has a go, Botham likewise - good French defence. 21:27 , Luke Baker This is lovely play by Wales - their best passage of attacking play. Adams carries well down the left flank and offloads well, a couple more offloads, including one from Morgan, takes them to the 22. Then they keep it tight in the forwards to try and power over but Bielle-Biarrey pinches it. However France are called back for being offside a penalty 10 metres out for Wales. 21:24 , Luke Baker Nice reverse pass from Moefana as France probe around the midfield area and then an Attisogbe dummy gets them further forward. A Dupont snipe makes a few more metres before Alldritt's offload moves Les Bleus to the 22. Good defence by Wales to push them back towards halfway though and Ramos knocks on. Nice by the visitors, kept their discipline well. 21:22 , Luke Baker Back underway at the Stade de France. Wales facing a 13th defeat in a row but can they gain some momentum in the second half to take into their crunch clash with Italy in Rome next week? 21:19 , Luke Baker Here are the tries from that first half. An Antoine Dupont creative masterclass Antoine Dupont at his brilliant best 😍Outrageous vision to set up Théo Attissogbé, who scores on debut!#GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025 France have their second in just over five minutes, and it's another BEAUTY 🔥Louis Bielle-Biarrey - still on fire. #GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025 Antoine Dupont has his THIRD try assist of the first half 🌟And France have the bonus-point wrapped up already!#GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025 21:09 , Luke Baker And that's half-time. What can you say. Antoine Dupont has been a little maestro, dictating play, producing moments of magic and directly setting up three of France's four tries. Winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attisogbe have helped themselves to two apiece and the bonus point is secure already for Les Bleus. Wales actually started ok for the first 10 minutes but it's been downhill from there. 21:06 , Luke Baker Back to the corner we go and into the red for the half. Lineout won, maul set, this time it's rolling, a splinter maul then takes them up to the line. Dupont fires the pass left and Louis Bielle-Biarrey steps inside a desperately covering Rogers and stretches out for the try in the corner. Too easy really and that's the bonus point. Ramos conversion is good - another superb kick - and it will be 28-0 at half-time. 21:04 , Luke Baker Mauvaka clean with the lineout, the driving maul starts but Wales drive them back so Dupont has a dart himself. Another penalty coming, France still five metres out. Alldritt with a barrelling carry to a metre out but Gros then drops the ball, so we go back for the penalty and Wales are warned that any more penalties will lead to a sin-bin. 21:02 , Luke Baker It's still a France scrum five metres out though. A test for the Wales pack, as replacement hooker Elliot Dee comes on for Reffell with Lloyd in the bin. Penalty advantage to France from the scrum, Ntamack cross kicks to try and give Attisogbe his hat-trick but the ball bounces forward and dead with the French winger waiting. Back for the penalty and to the corner. 21:00 , Luke Baker Some good news for Wales as the Evan Lloyd sin-bin will stay just a yellow card. Not much else if going right for them though - France are simply in a different league. Frantic scrambling again from the visitors as Rogers gets back and just about gets his hand on a loose ball after Dupont grubbers a gorgeous kick for Bielle-Biarrey to chase. He saved a try. 20:58 , Luke Baker Oh stop it Antonie Dupont! More magic from the incredible No 9 as he snipes, weaves between tacklers, skins Dafydds Jenkin and then loops the pass out for Theo Attisogbe to complete the try. The pass is checked, ruled not forward and it's sublime by France. Ramos adds the conversion. Les Bleus are rocking now 20:56 , Luke Baker France on the charge, Ntamack and Dupont combine and Les Bleus are five metres away. French penalty as the maul is collapsed - back to the corner for the lineout. But Wales turn it over! Poor from Mauvaka and Reffell gleefully claims it. Big turnover 20:54 , Luke Baker TMO review as Evan Lloyd goes into the tackle on Bielle-Biarrey, there's head contact, the crowd boo and it's a yellow card for the Wales hooker. That will be reviewed by the bunker and could be upgraded to a 20-minute red card which have been introduced for this Six Nations. Wales definitely down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes anyway. 20:52 , Luke Baker The move off the scrum sees Dupont wrap around, then try a grubber through, but it's blocked and the ball bounces backwards. Les Bleus reload but Wales hold strong and eventually get the ball back to hoof clear. Really good defensive set with Gareth Thomas leading the way. Top work by the loosehead 20:50 , Luke Baker Oh hello, Theo Attisogbe! The Pau winger thumps an absolute belter of a kick from his own 22 that keeps running all the way into touch at the Welsh 22. It's just outside, so no 50-22, but Wales make a mess of the play off the lineout and now it's a French scrum in golden attacking position. Try number three incoming? 20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France Bad to worse for Wales. After a decent opening 15, these last ten minutes have been tough to watch, and that nasty knee injury for Owen Watkin only compounds their issues. On comes Dan Edwards for a Test debut as Ben Thomas slides across to inside centre - good luck to the young Ospreys playmaker, who is a real talent but not arriving in ideal circumstances. Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France 20:48 , Luke Baker You don't like to see this. Owen Watkin in a lot of pain and the stretcher comes on. He eventually gets up but is helped off the pitch and looks in serious discomfort. The 21-year-old fly half Dan Edwards on for his debut. Welcome to the big leagues, kid... Ben Thomas moves out to his more natural position of 12 20:44 , Luke Baker Better from Wales, a couple of bruising carries and they're up towards the French 22. Tomos Williams thumped backwards though. Ben Thomas then goes for a chip over the top but it's aimless and easily claimed by Ramos. A waste from the 10 20:42 , Luke Baker France are hitting their straps now and it's their other winger, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, with the score this time. They surge forward with intent and Ramos creates it with a two-handed chest pass as he runs across the field, finding Bielle-Biarrey for the simple run-in. Ramos conversion and Les Bleus are in complete control. 20:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France Antoine Dupont is so good he now seems to be rehearsing his try-scoring plays. Minutes after a cross-kick landed on green grass with not a teammate in sight, the scrum half nails the skill again to land one in the hands of Theo Attisogbe, this time reading from the same script. A first try for Attisogbe, whose time in the side may be brief with hope that Damian Penaud might be back fit for England next week. Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France 20:39 , Luke Baker Damian who? France apparently not missing the injured Penaud as Attisogbe steps in perfectly, although that try was all about Dupont. Showing exactly wht he's the best player in the world. How will Wales respond? 20:37 , Luke Baker France go wide to Bielle-Biarrey but Wales scramble and hold for now. France still five meres out, penalty coming... A free play and they make it count in style! It's sumptuous by Dupont as he picks the ball at the base, runs backwards and lofts a perfect cross-field kick into the arms of a sprinting Theo Attisogbe who can dot down on the right wing. Sublime! Ramos adds the touchline conversion. France lead by seven Antoine Dupont at his brilliant best 😍Outrageous vision to set up Théo Attissogbé, who scores on debut!#GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL — ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025 20:35 , Luke Baker Wales in trouble in their own 22 as a French counter-ruck has them battling to retain the ball. The clearance barely makes it out of the 22 and this is a great foundation for France. Alldritt with a powerful carry into the 22, inch by inch they're getting closer. Atonio takes them five metres out and Barassi has a dart. They're nearly at the line... 20:34 , Luke Baker Wales proving themselves a right nuisance here and a dink over the top causes more issues as Rogers claims it. But France force them backwards and Dupont blitzes out of the defence, gets in Tompkins's eye-line and the ball hits the floor. Boudehent hacks on and the flanker looks to be winning the foot race for the ball near the line but as he tries to dive on it, he knocks forward. Wales survive. 20:31 , Luke Baker Wales win the scrum and this is a chance to get some points. Decent carry on a nice line by Rogers but eventually, France win the turnover at the ruck and can clear. Good defence by the home side. 20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France A Mexican wave inside ten minutes is perhaps more a reflection of an impatient crowd than a game that is livening up quite nicely. Wales have scrambled effectively on a couple of occasions defensively, and have painted some nice initial shapes in attack; France are clearly keen to play but just haven't quite got their accuracy right yet. Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France 20:29 , Luke Baker Wales won't mind this start at all - 10 minutes and they haven't conceded. Defensively, especially, they've looked decent Now they pinch the ball in the French half and Morgan makes another powerful carry to gain metres. Ben Thomas then tries a dinked cross-kick towards Rogers, he contests with Ramos and the ball hits the deck for a knock-on. Wales scrum in the French 22 20:26 , Luke Baker Frustrating knock-on for Wales as Watkin fumbles a low pass. First scrum of the day, just inside the Welsh half... Remember we've got a new law where the opposition scrum half has to stay further back and can't harry the No 9 putting in. Dupont doesn't need much time to create something anyway... But he won't get a chance as, after a couple of resets, France ar epinged for engaging early and it's a Welsh free-kick. They happily clear 20:24 , Luke Baker More good defence by Wales as Barassi, the new French centre gets smashed and the ball bounces into touch. French lineout though as it came off a Welsh hand. Lovely play by France down the right, Moefana releasing winger Theo Attisogbe - in for the injured Penaud - and he's into the 22. Good tackle by Reffell to stop the offload. And a phase later, it's great breakdown work by Reffell again to pinch the ball and win the penalty. Talk about making an impact as a blood substitute 20:20 , Luke Baker Aaron Wainwright has taken a knock to the face, blood everywhere so he exits and Tommy Reffell comes on in the Welsh back row as a blood substitution. Wales hoof clear from the goal-line drop out. They were nearly caught out by some Dupont magic but survive for now. 20:19 , Luke Baker The lineout is clean, France unchallenged at the tail. Time to work the phases in the Welsh 22. Couple of big carries from the forwards, then it's a French penalty as Atonio is illegally tackled. And Dupont taps and goes! Scythes through defenders, catching Wales off guard and gets over the line but he's held up. The scramble defence from the visitors holds 20:18 , Luke Baker First touch from the returning Antoine Dupont as he kicks long from his own 22. Nice carry by his opposite captain Jac Morgan then makes a few metres for Wales in midfield. Box kick comes back to Wales and they've got a decent position but spill the ball, Thomas Ramos boots into the backfield and nails a 50-22! Superb kick from the full back and this is a golden opportunity for France. 20:16 , Luke Baker The 2025 Six Nations is underway! Ben Thomas boots the ball into the Parisian night sky 20:14 , Luke Baker Stirring renditions of both anthems, with La Marseillaise almost taking the roof off the place. We're just about ready to go 20:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France Out go the house lights as the stadium announcer invites the crowd to roar the surnames of the French staff and squad. A mighty roar of 'Dupont', as one would expect - what a delight it is to have the little master back in this competition, however fun his sevens sojourn proved. The rain, pleasingly, has relented, which may create a slightly more open game. How long can Wales match France for? 20:03 , Luke Baker We've got about 15 minutes until kick-off in Paris. It's all starting to heat up despite the rain 19:50 , Luke Baker Liam Williams has his sights set on securing membership of Wales' 100-cap club as he prepares for another Six Nations campaign. Williams is senior statesman among the Wales backs, returning to Six Nations action after missing last year's tournament while he had a stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota Spears. And while he is enjoying mentoring some of Wales' young and inexperienced players, the 33-year-old also still has plenty to offer on the pitch. A 93rd cap comes tonight against France in Friday's Six Nations opener, and although Williams stresses it is 'one game and one thing at a time', ambition still burns brightly. Liam Williams admits reaching 100 caps for Wales would be 'icing on the cake' 19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle Ben Thomas gets first crack at fly half for Wales tonight, the versatile Cardiff man identified as a playmaker of the future by Warren Gatland even when many feeling his best position might be 12. Surely it might have made sense to have Gareth Anscombe in this Welsh squad? The strange selection that shows Wales' muddled thinking ahead of Six Nations 18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade de France A very good evening from Paris, where it is disappointingly cold and wet, which is rather putting the dampener on the Six Nations' return to the French capital. With Olympic preparations wiping out the Stade de France last year, Les Bleus went on a travelling roadshow, with Marseille and Lyon both lively destinations. This feels like a homecoming, though, and there was palpable excitement on the crowded tram in. The expectation is a big France win - but opening weekends of this competition tend to throw up a surprise or two...
