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Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scotland's strength in depth has been exposed and it could have major rugby repercussions
Most important match of tour is lost and it's 'bitterly disappointing' Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Gregor Townsend spoke enthusiastically last week about the strength of Scotland's squad, even going as far as to suggest that 'in a number of positions it's definitely the best we've had in terms of depth'. What, then, are to make of the way things unfolded in Suva on Saturday? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With eight of Scotland's most lauded players across the Coral Sea with the Lions in Australia, Townsend's side were well beaten by Fiji at the HFC Bank Stadium. The coach acknowledged afterwards that it was a game their hosts deserved to win and that will be a source of concern for Townsend who had long earmarked the date with Fiji as the key match of this tour. Fiji's Jiuta Wainiqolo scored a memorable try in the win over Scotland at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. | AFP via Getty Images He knew it would have a significant bearing on world rankings and, by extension, the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup which will take place at the end of this year, and he selected accordingly. This was the strongest Scotland team available to him. But while Duhan van der Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu, Ben White and Scott Cummings were running in tries for the British and Irish Lions in their 48-0 win over a combined Australian-New Zealand Invitational XV in Adelaide, Scotland found themselves overpowered in the Fijian capital, losing 29-14 as their hosts outscored them by four tries to two. Ref needed little encouragement to go to his pocket It was a fair reflection of a game in which the Scots struggled to gain a foothold. They began each half brightly, scoring an early try through Kyle Rowe in the first and Tom Jordan in the second, but failed to build on it. Fiji were relentless and Scotland struggled to cope with their physical prowess. They conceded penalty after penalty - 15 in total - to test the patience of referee Ben O'Keeffe who didn't need much encouragement to flourish his yellow card. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ewan Ashman was first to go to the sin-bin, after only 11 minutes, and was followed by Darcy Graham before half-time. The winger was unfortunate, putting a tackle in on Sireli Maqala before the Fijian centre had gathered the ball properly. Worse was to follow for Graham who received a second yellow in the second half when he went offside as he intercepted a Fiji attack. Two yellows equals a 20-minute red card and the incident in the 66th minute ended his game. 'You can't be as ill-disciplined as we were,' acknowledged Grant Gilchrist, the most experienced player in the Scotland squad. 'We spent however long with 14 players and we gave away far too many penalties. They're too good a side for that. We knew that was going to be the case, so it's bitterly disappointing.' Rory Darge and Fergus Burke try to stop a Fiji attack. | AFP via Getty Images It's only eight months since Scotland blew Fiji away 57-17 at Murrayfield but the contrast between the two games could not be more stark. The Fijians arrived in Edinburgh without a clutch of their best players who, because the match took place outside the designated Test window, were not released by their clubs in France and England. It was certainly a happier occasion for Graham who scored four tries that autumn afternoon. Setback for top-six hopes On Saturday in Suva it was Scotland who were missing key personnel and the absence of players of the quality of Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn and Zander Fagerson was keenly felt. Fergus Burke, the Saracens stand-off, wore Russell's No 10 jersey and had a decent debut but Scotland were on the backfoot for the majority of the game in the face of the home side's relentless attacking power. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Townsend spoke pre-match about losing to Fiji in 2017 and Scotland's failure to stand up to the physical challenge. That is not an accusation that could be laid at the feet of the team that took to the field on Saturday. The tackle count reached three figures in the first half alone there were some bone-crunching collisions. The size and strength of the Fijians is daunting and at times the Scotland defenders were bouncing off them but the islanders are also among the game's most gifted ball players and in winger Jiuta Wainiqolo they have an elusive runner who is a joy to watch. He was a menace throughout and weaved his through for a wonderful try in the second half to add to the first-half scores by Tevita Ikanivere and Kalaveti Ravouvou. The penalty try awarded for Graham's offside intercept ended any hope Scotland had of retrieving the game and the loss is likely to have an impact on the new world rankings. Townsend's side were seventh going into the game and the coach was looking for a win to help push them into the all-important top six. New rankings will be released on Monday and Scotland are likely to have slipped. When the World Cup draw is made at the end of the year it is the half dozen sides at the summit of the rankings who will be awarded top seeding. Scotland's Fergus Burke is tackled during the defeat by Fiji. | AFP via Getty Images Scotland now have five games left to improve their position, starting with Friday's final match of the tour, against Samoa in Auckland, and continuing with their home autumn nations series against USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We're certainly not where we want to be,' said Townsend. 'We always knew this was going to be a difficult game. Fiji have beaten Wales and England and Australia in the last couple of years and we're playing them away from home and missing a number of players. 'It would have been a great win if we'd managed to pull it off, but we didn't. That now puts the focus on making sure that we win this Friday and we have a successful November, but it's certainly a setback in terms of pushing for that top six.' Teams and scorers Scorers: Fiji: Tries: Ikanivere, Ravouvou, Wainiqolo, penalty try. Cons: Muntz 2. Pens: Muntz. Scotland: Tries: Rowe, Jordan. Cons: Burke 2. Yellow cards: Ashman (Sco, 11min), Graham x 2 (Sco, 35min + 66min). 20-minute red card: Graham Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fiji: 15. Salesi Rayasi; 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Sireli Maqala, 12. Josua Tuisova, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo; 10. Caleb Muntz, 9. Simione Kuruvoli; 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata. Replacements: 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Sam Wye, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Vilimoni Botitu. Scotland: 15. Kyle Rowe; 14. Darcy Graham, 13. Cameron Redpath, 12. Tom Jordan, 11. Kyle Steyn; 10. Fergus Burke, 9. Jamie Dobie; 1. Rory Sutherland, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Elliot Millar Mills, 4. Marshall Sykes, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Jamie Ritchie, 7. Rory Darge, (capt), 8. Matt Fagerson. Replacements: 16. George Turner, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Max Williamson, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. George Horne, 22. Adam Hastings, 23. Ollie Smith. Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (NZ).
The South African
7 hours ago
- Health
- The South African
Rassie Erasmus's 'frail' appearance sparks concern
Rassie Erasmus has sparked concern with what rugby fans believe is a 'frail appearance.' In recent pictures posted on social media, the Springbok coach looked visibly thinner. On social media, South African rugby fans have praised Rassie Erasmus' genius tactics when it comes to the Springboks. This followed the South African team's back-to-back victories against Italy on home soil. Others have shared their concern at the retired Bok-turned-coach's appearance. In recent weeks, Rassie has appeared visibly thinner and shrunken. 'Is Rassie okay?' asked one Instagram user in a post on the official Springboks Instagram account. Another added, 'Rassie was quite tall around 10 years ago. I hope he is doing okay.' A third shared his unfiltered opinion, claiming that the rugby icon 'looked terminal'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Springboks (@bokrugby) On Rassie's own Instagram account, followers are also concerned about their role model. Follower @madams3girls asked: 'Am I missing something or is he looking a bit fragile?' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) While some Springbok fans claim Rassie Erasmus is likely on a weight loss regime, others have pointed to his past health woes, which he hid from the national team and the public. Months before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the retired player was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, previously known as Wegener's disorder. The potentially life-threatening disorder can impact vital organs like the kidneys, lungs‚ sinuses, and trachea. Rassie Erasmus shared a look at his shoulder operation scar. Images via X: @rassierugby Deciding to keep his health woes private, Rassie later revealed that he was treated with chemotherapy. Fast forward to 2024, the Boks coach revealed he had undergone a painful shoulder operation to correct an old injury. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Red-carded Jasper Wiese to get full support
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said No 8 Jasper Wiese would be fully supported after being red carded in the 45-0 win over Italy which sealed a 2-0 Test series victory. Wiese was sent off by Irish referee Andrew Brace after 22 minutes for head-butting prop Danilo Fischetti. 'I am unable to say it was right or wrong or how bad it was. Jasper must now handle that with our full support,' Erasmus told reporters in Gqeberha with the back-rower at risk of being handed a heavy suspension. 'He is so committed and passionate about the team. It would have been wonderful for him to play in this game with his brother Cobus.' Lock Cobus Wiese won his first Springbok cap off the bench during the second half. 'It is sad because Jasper is not a guy that goes out there to do those kinds of things, but I do not want to say anything that can make it better or worse,' Erasmus said. Brace also showed three yellow cards – firstly to South Africa prop Wilco Louw, then Fischetti and fellow forward David Obiase. Erasmus said the dismissal of 29-year-old Wiese triggered an unusually early substitution with Ox Nche replacing fellow prop Thomas du Toit on 31 minutes. 'We had seven men against eight in the scrum and we felt we needed a specialist loose-head while Thomas is more of a tight-head these days, so it was a tactical change,' he said. When Wiese was sent off, record four-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa were leading 10-0 and they scored a further five tries while not conceding against a top-tier side for first time since 2013. Erasmus said the second Test performance was an improvement on the 42-24 victory in Pretoria last weekend when South Africa struggled in the second half. 'Last week we did not know a lot of the Italian players because we had not played against them. That made analyse tough. 'After that game our senior players could transfer a lot of knowledge to the younger guys who played this week, and they could also point out where we thought their weaknesses were.' A disappointment for Erasmus was an innovative move at the kick-off that failed as flyhalf Manie Libbok deliberately kicked short to concede a scrum, at which the Springboks were penalised. 'Sometimes those things work and sometimes they do not. We will not be able to do that again for a few games as people have seen it now,' added the coach. It was the 17th victory in 18 Tests for South Africa over Italy. The teams meet again on November 15 in Turin. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
20 hours ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Springboks overcome Wiese red card to crush Italy
GQEBERHA - Fired-up South Africa overcame a first-half red card for number 8 Jasper Wiese to beat Italy 45-0 in Gqeberha on Saturday and complete a 2-0 Test series victory. Wiese was sent off after 22 minutes for head-butting prop Danilo Fischetti in a penalty-riddled match that also saw one South African and two Italians yellow-carded. At one stage in the second half at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium it was 13 versus 15 after Springboks prop Wilco Louw was yellow-carded. Fischetti followed Louw to the sin bin three minutes later and replacement loose forward David Odiase was yellow-carded in the closing stages. "I am really pleased, and I am sure my teammates are also thrilled that we could deliver a performance like that," said Springboks captain and lock Salmaan Moerat. "We knew the threat the Italians posed. They are a quality side who made it really hard for us last week, and also this week, especially when we were down one man early in the game. "I thought we did really well to show character and pull through. The boys really played with heart tonight." - le Roux becomes centurion - Italy captain and lock Niccolo Cannone said: "It was a very tough game, we know the level of the Springboks. I am proud of my team, but we have to improve many things because this is a high level. "We fought until the end, but we fell too far behind in the fist half to have a realistic chance of victory and levelling the series." Amid the disciplinary mayhem, full-back Willie le Roux became the eighth Springbok to win 100 caps. He received rapturous applause when substituted midway through the second half. Back Ethan Hooker and forwards Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Cobus Wiese - a brother of Jasper -- made their Test debuts off the bench in a second half that became increasingly scrappy. A South African side showing 11 changes to the starting line-up after a mixed first Test performance last weekend scored seven tries to the delight of the capacity 44,282 crowd. Winger Edwill van der Merwe, recalled after a 13-month absence, scored twice in the first half and won the player of the match award. Scrum-half Grant Williams and centre Canan Moodie also crossed the tryline. After missing his first two conversions with kicks that veered left of the near post, fly-half Manie Libbok succeeded with the next two and South Africa led 24-0 at half-time. The record four-time Rugby World Cup winners added another three tries in the second half through hooker Malcolm Marx, winger Makazole Mapimpi and replacement hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Libbok converted them all to finish with a personal tally of 10 points, and his mix of kicking and running was impressive in an electric atmosphere. Italy, fielding only five of the starters in a narrow Six Nations Championship loss to Ireland last March, rarely threatened to score and conceded many penalties.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's hard-won spot in Rugby World Cup is a dream come true
Hong Kong is famous for rugby because of the enduring appeal of the iconic Sevens tournament , which attracted more than 110,000 fans this year. But excitement is now being generated by the city's performance in the more traditional 15-a-side game. Hong Kong has qualified for the men's Rugby World Cup for the first time . It is a big achievement. Advertisement Hong Kong produced an impressive display in the Asia Rugby Championship, winning all three matches comfortably. Qualification for the World Cup in 2027 was sealed this month with a 70-22 victory over South Korea. The team narrowly missed out on reaching the Rugby World Cup, the pinnacle of the sport, in 2018 and 2022 . This time, with the tournament expanded to 24 teams, the long-awaited objective has been reached. Hong Kong does not often feature in major global tournaments for team sports. The women's rugby team made the World Cup in 2017 and the men's cricket team has twice progressed to the T20 World Cup. Preparations must now begin for the Men's Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia in October and November 2027. Hong Kong's players, ranked 23rd globally, will need to be at their best. They will be performing on rugby's biggest stage. The last world cup in France in 2023 drew 2.5 million spectators and 1.3 billion viewing hours for broadcasts around the world. There were 425,000 international visitors. Hong Kong's presence among the elite at the world tournament should give a substantial lift to the game locally, encouraging more to take up the sport and attend matches. There is much potential to draw visitors to the city. It comes as the shorter – sevens – form of rugby has seen a disappointing reduction in the number of top teams competing in the elite global series, although it will feature in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The Hong Kong 15s team and all those involved in helping it qualify for the Men's Rugby World Cup deserve credit and congratulations. They have worked extremely hard to make the dream come true. Now, they should receive full support as they look to do the city proud in 2027. Advertisement
