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Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Here's why the Wallabies can shock the Lions
Or at least run it. Let it out to Tom Lynagh at five-eighth making his own starting debut, a player of pure pedigree who has earned his spot through a judicious passing and kicking game that – just like his father, Michael, who was scrambling to Heathrow when I texted him on Thursday – can single-handedly turn games. When he passes, the ball is in the hands of the centres Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Against England, at Twickenham, those two were revelations, remember? Suaalii was like nothing we'd ever seen before from the kick-offs, leaping like an Aussie Rules player to tap the ball back, and turned the ball our way on no fewer than three occasions. And remember Flick-itau's no look pass to Max Jorgensen on the wing, to win the game? Right-hand fend, left-hand flick, he put Jorgensen in space to secure a fabulous win for the goodies – and of course Jorgensen is there again today. You get the drift. This team has the ingredients to win this. And of course the Lions will have their own arguments to stop us. At their best, they have been nothing less than formidable on this tour so far. But as even the Waratahs showed two weeks ago – the Waratahs! – they really are susceptible to controlled but aggressive play, and that is precisely what this Wallaby team is built around. Are you with me, chil'n?? Brothers! Sisters! BELIEVE, I tell you. We can do this. (And if they can't do it, we can at least count on them to bring some piece of them back to show their mothers.) Strawberries, cream and me So what it was like to attend Wimbledon last weekend, and report on it? I thought you'd never ask! It was, simply fabulous. I have been to tennis major finals before, including Roland Garros and the Australian Open. And I've been to the Wimbledon arena before, during the London Olympics, when I saw Serena Williams demolish someone or other. But to actually be there for two successive Wimbledon singles' finals is, I reckon, the peak sporting event I've ever been to. The atmosphere! The skill! The sense of occasion! Yes, it was a pity that the women's final was such a 6-0, 6-0 hammering – the first since 1911 – but still no-one walked away without an overwhelming sense of privilege just for being there. As to the men's Final on the Sunday, it was nothing less than extraordinary. Who thought that the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the fading Novak Djokovic could be replaced so quickly by the likes of the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have won the last seven major finals between them? I did not, and yet, here they were, pulling off unbelievable shots in point after point, as we sat just metres away, absolutely enthralled. There was only one person I felt sorry for in the whole arena, and that was the twelve-year-old Prince George, obliged to sit in the hot sun in the Royal Box, wearing a suit and tie. You Pommies! He's TWELVE! Loosen up! Lighten up. We know his blood is blue, so much better than all of you, and there are class expectations, but ... Sorry, I digress. As you know, winners are grinners and Sinner's win was a triumph, his first victory over Alcaraz in their past five encounters. But you sorta had to be there, to grasp – or at least gush over – just what an extraordinary thing it was to see them in action at such a venue, for such an occasion. Next thing on my bucket list, the final day of golf's Masters, with Jason Day running down Scottie Scheffler on the final hole! Croweater to crow about RIP, Barrie Robran. Though the death this week of 'the man in whom nature succeeded' attracted little attention, Warwick Hadfield pointed out to me he was to South Australian football what Bradman was to cricket in that State, and up there with Ken Catchpole and Reg Gasnier in this state. Despite his talents, Warwick advises, 'he refused to leave South Australia because his mother would have been furious with him for not playing with North Adelaide.' One of the good 'uns! An awkward Mitch sitch Bloody hell, Mitchell Pearce. His social media comments on Origin referee Ashley Klein, were nothing less than outrageous. Here is a quick burst: 'I'm going to say it again … it's corrupt … it's so obvious at times. We went hard about it after Origin II that it was corrupt and blown out of all proportion for Queensland. Clearly they have gone in and had meetings all week. Loz (Laurie Daley) has spoken to them. And we get the rub of the green in NSW. It's corrupt … it's so f---ing blatantly obvious. I'm just stating it now. It's f---ing corrupt … and it's so blatantly obvious at times. It's been going on for a long time … we've got every right to say it.' No you don't Mitchell. Not only do you outrageously impugn the integrity of the referee, but also the top echelon of rugby league who would all need to be in on it, for it to work. Not only is such a theory a complete and utter nonsense, you'll be bloody lucky if you don't find out that it's a defamatory nonsense. Pull your head in, Mitchell. What they said Lions back-rower Henry Pollock, in the leadup to Saturday's first Test against the Wallabies: '3-0 is definitely on the table.' Jannik Sinner on winning Wimbledon: 'It is so special. I'm living my dream. I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how you win or lose – you just have to understand what you did wrong. We accepted the loss, kept working and that's why I'm holding this trophy.' Carlos Alcaraz after the final: 'If I'm honest, I don't see any player having the level that we are playing when we face each other. And this rivalry, it's becoming better and better. I think it's great for us, and it is great for tennis.' Amanda Anisimova after losing the Wimbledon final 6-0, 6-0: 'It was tough to digest, it's not how I would have wanted my first grand slam final to go, I think I was in shock afterwards. It's not an easy thing to go through, losing 0 and 0.' TFF was there, and was hugely impressed by her grace. Aussie golfer Grace Kim on winning the Evian Championship in surreal circumstances: 'I don't know how it happened, really. Yeah, just happened to have chipped it in. I don't know if I can do it again. That was great.' Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca after they won the Club World Cup, whatever that is: 'Of course I am very excited [about the future], but I'm more excited that we have three weeks off.' Laurie Daley still dazed and confused after Origin: 'I'm still none-the-wiser because I was so happy with the way we prepared and went about it. We have to find out what happened and why we weren't ready to go out at our best.' Michael Holding, aka 'Whispering Death': 'To be honest, I have moved on from cricket. The authorities are doing whatever they feel like irrespective of what anyone says, so I see no need to continue beating my head against a stone wall. I don't even watch the games any more, so I'm sorry, but I can't help you.' World #1 golfer Scottie Scheffler on winning golf: 'Why do I want to win the Open Championship so badly? I don't know. Because, if I win, it's going to be awesome for two minutes. Then we're going to get to the next week and it's: 'Hey, you won two majors this year; how important is it for you to win the FedExCup playoffs?' And we're back here again.' His theme was that it was only his relationship with his wife and son that gave truly deep satisfaction, while the thrill from golfing success is ephemeral. Iga Swiatek on winning Wimbledon: 'Honestly, I didn't even dream [of this], because for me, it was just, like, way too far, you know? I feel like I'm already an experienced player after winning the slams before, but I never really expected this one. I want to thank my team - they believed in me more than I did.' Novak Djokovic on his elimination from Wimbledon as time catches up with him: 'It's tough for me to accept because I feel like when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proven that this year. Playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets. I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with the tank half-empty.' Indian skipper Shubman Gill was less impressed with English batter Zak Crawley: 'Get some balls, grow some f---ing balls.' Charmed, I am sure. Team of the week Grace Kim. Became the fifth Australian woman to win a golf major after her incredible eagle-birdie-eagle finish! Lions and Wallabies. Lock horns – or 'claws', I guess? – tonight in Brisbane in the first Test. Gold Coast Suns. Even though they've been around since 2011, last Friday night's win against Collingwood was the moment the club was born. (I'm told. Was swanning about at Wimbledon, myself, did I mention?) NSW Swifts. Take on the West Coast Fever in Super Netball semi-finals on Sunday with a spot in the grand final on the line. Iga Swiatek. First player to win a Wimbledon final without dropping a game since 1911. Sam Konstas. Things are crook in Tallarook, as the young player's fall from Boxing Day glory – where he looked like a generational talent – has been profound. Since his debut 60 from 65 balls, he has managed 103 Test runs from nine innings at an average of 11.44. His overall Test average is 16.3. Fauja Singh. The Indian-born runner nicknamed the Turbaned Torpedo who was believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died after being hit by a car. He was – and this is not a misprint – 114 years old. Took up running seriously, at the age of 89. Vale, Mr Singh.
The Age
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Here's why the Wallabies can shock the Lions
Or at least run it. Let it out to Tom Lynagh at five-eighth making his own starting debut, a player of pure pedigree who has earned his spot through a judicious passing and kicking game that – just like his father, Michael, who was scrambling to Heathrow when I texted him on Thursday – can single-handedly turn games. When he passes, the ball is in the hands of the centres Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Against England, at Twickenham, those two were revelations, remember? Suaalii was like nothing we'd ever seen before from the kick-offs, leaping like an Aussie Rules player to tap the ball back, and turned the ball our way on no fewer than three occasions. And remember Flick-itau's no look pass to Max Jorgensen on the wing, to win the game? Right-hand fend, left-hand flick, he put Jorgensen in space to secure a fabulous win for the goodies – and of course Jorgensen is there again today. You get the drift. This team has the ingredients to win this. And of course the Lions will have their own arguments to stop us. At their best, they have been nothing less than formidable on this tour so far. But as even the Waratahs showed two weeks ago – the Waratahs! – they really are susceptible to controlled but aggressive play, and that is precisely what this Wallaby team is built around. Are you with me, chil'n?? Brothers! Sisters! BELIEVE, I tell you. We can do this. (And if they can't do it, we can at least count on them to bring some piece of them back to show their mothers.) Strawberries, cream and me So what it was like to attend Wimbledon last weekend, and report on it? I thought you'd never ask! It was, simply fabulous. I have been to tennis major finals before, including Roland Garros and the Australian Open. And I've been to the Wimbledon arena before, during the London Olympics, when I saw Serena Williams demolish someone or other. But to actually be there for two successive Wimbledon singles' finals is, I reckon, the peak sporting event I've ever been to. The atmosphere! The skill! The sense of occasion! Yes, it was a pity that the women's final was such a 6-0, 6-0 hammering – the first since 1911 – but still no-one walked away without an overwhelming sense of privilege just for being there. As to the men's Final on the Sunday, it was nothing less than extraordinary. Who thought that the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the fading Novak Djokovic could be replaced so quickly by the likes of the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have won the last seven major finals between them? I did not, and yet, here they were, pulling off unbelievable shots in point after point, as we sat just metres away, absolutely enthralled. There was only one person I felt sorry for in the whole arena, and that was the twelve-year-old Prince George, obliged to sit in the hot sun in the Royal Box, wearing a suit and tie. You Pommies! He's TWELVE! Loosen up! Lighten up. We know his blood is blue, so much better than all of you, and there are class expectations, but ... Sorry, I digress. As you know, winners are grinners and Sinner's win was a triumph, his first victory over Alcaraz in their past five encounters. But you sorta had to be there, to grasp – or at least gush over – just what an extraordinary thing it was to see them in action at such a venue, for such an occasion. Next thing on my bucket list, the final day of golf's Masters, with Jason Day running down Scottie Scheffler on the final hole! Croweater to crow about RIP, Barrie Robran. Though the death this week of 'the man in whom nature succeeded' attracted little attention, Warwick Hadfield pointed out to me he was to South Australian football what Bradman was to cricket in that State, and up there with Ken Catchpole and Reg Gasnier in this state. Despite his talents, Warwick advises, 'he refused to leave South Australia because his mother would have been furious with him for not playing with North Adelaide.' One of the good 'uns! An awkward Mitch sitch Bloody hell, Mitchell Pearce. His social media comments on Origin referee Ashley Klein, were nothing less than outrageous. Here is a quick burst: 'I'm going to say it again … it's corrupt … it's so obvious at times. We went hard about it after Origin II that it was corrupt and blown out of all proportion for Queensland. Clearly they have gone in and had meetings all week. Loz (Laurie Daley) has spoken to them. And we get the rub of the green in NSW. It's corrupt … it's so f---ing blatantly obvious. I'm just stating it now. It's f---ing corrupt … and it's so blatantly obvious at times. It's been going on for a long time … we've got every right to say it.' No you don't Mitchell. Not only do you outrageously impugn the integrity of the referee, but also the top echelon of rugby league who would all need to be in on it, for it to work. Not only is such a theory a complete and utter nonsense, you'll be bloody lucky if you don't find out that it's a defamatory nonsense. Pull your head in, Mitchell. What they said Lions back-rower Henry Pollock, in the leadup to Saturday's first Test against the Wallabies: '3-0 is definitely on the table.' Jannik Sinner on winning Wimbledon: 'It is so special. I'm living my dream. I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how you win or lose – you just have to understand what you did wrong. We accepted the loss, kept working and that's why I'm holding this trophy.' Carlos Alcaraz after the final: 'If I'm honest, I don't see any player having the level that we are playing when we face each other. And this rivalry, it's becoming better and better. I think it's great for us, and it is great for tennis.' Amanda Anisimova after losing the Wimbledon final 6-0, 6-0: 'It was tough to digest, it's not how I would have wanted my first grand slam final to go, I think I was in shock afterwards. It's not an easy thing to go through, losing 0 and 0.' TFF was there, and was hugely impressed by her grace. Aussie golfer Grace Kim on winning the Evian Championship in surreal circumstances: 'I don't know how it happened, really. Yeah, just happened to have chipped it in. I don't know if I can do it again. That was great.' Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca after they won the Club World Cup, whatever that is: 'Of course I am very excited [about the future], but I'm more excited that we have three weeks off.' Laurie Daley still dazed and confused after Origin: 'I'm still none-the-wiser because I was so happy with the way we prepared and went about it. We have to find out what happened and why we weren't ready to go out at our best.' Michael Holding, aka 'Whispering Death': 'To be honest, I have moved on from cricket. The authorities are doing whatever they feel like irrespective of what anyone says, so I see no need to continue beating my head against a stone wall. I don't even watch the games any more, so I'm sorry, but I can't help you.' World #1 golfer Scottie Scheffler on winning golf: 'Why do I want to win the Open Championship so badly? I don't know. Because, if I win, it's going to be awesome for two minutes. Then we're going to get to the next week and it's: 'Hey, you won two majors this year; how important is it for you to win the FedExCup playoffs?' And we're back here again.' His theme was that it was only his relationship with his wife and son that gave truly deep satisfaction, while the thrill from golfing success is ephemeral. Iga Swiatek on winning Wimbledon: 'Honestly, I didn't even dream [of this], because for me, it was just, like, way too far, you know? I feel like I'm already an experienced player after winning the slams before, but I never really expected this one. I want to thank my team - they believed in me more than I did.' Novak Djokovic on his elimination from Wimbledon as time catches up with him: 'It's tough for me to accept because I feel like when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proven that this year. Playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets. I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with the tank half-empty.' Indian skipper Shubman Gill was less impressed with English batter Zak Crawley: 'Get some balls, grow some f---ing balls.' Charmed, I am sure. Team of the week Grace Kim. Became the fifth Australian woman to win a golf major after her incredible eagle-birdie-eagle finish! Lions and Wallabies. Lock horns – or 'claws', I guess? – tonight in Brisbane in the first Test. Gold Coast Suns. Even though they've been around since 2011, last Friday night's win against Collingwood was the moment the club was born. (I'm told. Was swanning about at Wimbledon, myself, did I mention?) NSW Swifts. Take on the West Coast Fever in Super Netball semi-finals on Sunday with a spot in the grand final on the line. Iga Swiatek. First player to win a Wimbledon final without dropping a game since 1911. Sam Konstas. Things are crook in Tallarook, as the young player's fall from Boxing Day glory – where he looked like a generational talent – has been profound. Since his debut 60 from 65 balls, he has managed 103 Test runs from nine innings at an average of 11.44. His overall Test average is 16.3. Fauja Singh. The Indian-born runner nicknamed the Turbaned Torpedo who was believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died after being hit by a car. He was – and this is not a misprint – 114 years old. Took up running seriously, at the age of 89. Vale, Mr Singh.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can British and Irish Lions tour save rugby in Australia?
It is a crying shame to see rugby union drop so far behind Aussie Rules, the NRL and football Down Under, even as the British and Irish Lions get set to take on the Wallabies in the first of three Tests this weekend. But I am not surprised, given the state of Australian rugby at the moment. Their 2024 financial year saw a near £18m deficit, more than double that in 2023, and Rugby Australia was forced to take out a £38m credit facility with Pacific Equity Partners in 2023. Some of that financial constraint has come from a need to integrate the Waratahs and Brumbies under the Rugby Australia umbrella, as well as the loss of the Melbourne Rebels. Commercial sponsorship hasn't rocketed as Rugby Australia would have hoped, and on-field performances have been sub-par; the Wallabies squeezed past Fiji last week, while 2024 was a mixed bag with six wins and seven losses. The lack of consistency has not helped to fuel confidence in a team that will soon be on its third coach in three years. So when the prospect of a British and Irish Lions series comes around, once every 12 years for Australia, the hosts really need to make the most of it. British and Irish Lions a financial gain It is hoped that the tour, which has seen the British and Irish Lions play a number of provincial teams before this Saturday's first Test in Brisbane, can clear Rugby Australia's losses and return them to profit; the commercial upside of the touring side can be a life-saver for unions. Some suggest the commercial deal struck between Rugby Australia and the Lions will see 60 per cent of the profits remain Down Under, with the rest returning – though some will be sent to players as part of a new payment deal. But with thousands of tickets remaining available for the second Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, and fans able to find last-minute seats for both the first Test and a potential decider in Sydney, one does wonder whether the Lions have lost their aura in Australia. If you were going to drop one of the three existing host countries – South Africa, Australia and New Zealand – to theoretically make room for the likes of Argentina or France, it does feel like Australia would be first on the chopping block. If the nation that produced the likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper, the Ella brothers, Michael Lynagh and George Gregan cannot get itself hyped for a (not) sold-out Test series against the British and Irish Lions, then what is the point in the touring side heading there? That's how important I think this series is to the future of rugby in Australia. The nation is set to host the men's Rugby World Cup in 2027, the women's equivalent in 2029 and rugby sevens is expected to be part of the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. This is the start of a green and gold decade for rugby Down Under and they simply must perform. Future relies on success? Do Australia need to win the series to secure the future of rugby in the nation? Potentially, but a competitive side for three Tests might just be enough. A 3-0 whitewash, on the other hand, with serious scorelines could be another big nail in the coffin for Australia as a Lions tour destination going forward. Hosting the British and Irish Lions is a privilege and Australia must ensure it keeps its place at the table, but with the global game changing and others raising the bar it may be too late to remain a long-term venue. This Test series is crucial for both teams, but it is by far the most important series Australia have hosted in decades.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions vs Wallabies head-to-heads: Fraser McReight v Tom Curry
Fraser McReight Position : Openside flanker Age : 26 Height : 6ft Weight : 102kgs (16st 1lb) READ MORE Caps : 25 Points : 50 Why he's so important: The first time Fraser McReight announced himself to a global audience was at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup, when he captained an Australia team that went to the final before losing 24-23 to France . In the pool phase, the Aussies beat Grand Slam champions Ireland 45-17, a game that was shaped by an early red card for Ryan Baird. McReight ruled the breakdown that day in Argentina, winning turnovers and penalties at ruck time, including one crucial ruck when the game was a contest in the first 21-minutes. Last November, McReight won four alone for the Wallabies in Ireland's narrow victory at the Aviva Stadium . He was superb in picking his moments to go after the ball. And the referee that night in Dublin ? Andrea Piardi, who presides over the second Test. McReight paints good pictures for the Italian. He'll be crucial again to the home side's chances of dirtying the breakdown, poaching or forcing penalties. The Waratahs' Charlie Gamble poached four in that match, underlining that the Lions are going to have to be so accurate in clearing at ruck time. Teams target the best pickpockets by running at them and then pinning them at the bottom of rucks. Trivia : McReight works with psychologist Hayley Cronin on a visualisation process. He explained: 'That visualisation, or mental awareness, it's a great way to get wins off the field. Joe Schmidt talks about it all the time; your neurological pathways can be triggered the same amount, without any physical stress. You can just be sitting here, testing your brain.' Tom Curry Tom Curry has been favoured by Lions coach Andy Farrell ahead of Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho Position : Openside flanker Age : 27 Height : 6ft 1in Weight : 110 kgs (17st 5lbs) Lions Tests : 3 Points : 0 Why he's so important : Andy Farrell had a tough choice to make in deciding to promote the English flanker ahead of Jac Morgan (Wales) and Ireland's Josh van der Flier. There's an argument that he has probably been the least impressive of the three candidates. Curry played in all three Tests four years ago in South Africa, so he has that proven pedigree, but form-wise Morgan and van der Flier have compiled the more impressive body of work on this tour. The Sale Shark is a very strong presence at the breakdown and is also comfortable in carrying and linking play, although he needs to bring a greater degree of accuracy in his offloading game. He offers a composite option as a player to the qualities that his two rivals possess – Morgan's jackalling and van der Flier's ball-carrying and passing game. There's no doubting Curry's talent, but he will be under pressure from the get-go to prove that he deserves the jersey, something that will require mental strength and a linear focus. Ben Earl's presence on the bench means that he's opted for a like-for-like replacement, with the Saracens player's pace and running ability sure to cause problems if Australia are flagging in the latter stages. Trivia : Sale Sharks fans have a combined nickname for Tom and his twin Ben, referring to them as Twindaloo. Anecdotally, Tom and Ben can be distinguished by their hairstyles, with Tom's styled to the right and Ben's to the left.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Lions stop Samu playing for First Nations & Pasifika
Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions are at loggerheads after Wallaby number eight Pete Samu was prevented from appearing for the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne on who won the Champions Cup with French club Bordeaux in May and has 33 Australia caps, was initially named in the squad of players with First Nations or Pacific Island in a strange twist, the back row forward has been withdrawn from the game as he does not meet the eligibility criteria."We had naturally hoped he would be playing in this fixture," said a Rugby Australia game against the First Nations and Pasifika XV, coached by former Australia number eight Toutai Kefu, was arranged after the Lions' initial opponents, the Melbourne Rebels, went out of to Lions sources, the tour agreement stated that all players representing the First Nations and Pasifika XV had to have played Super Rugby in 2025. Samu recently moved to the New South Wales Waratahs, after finishing the Top 14 season with Bordeaux."We are pleased with the First Nations and Pasifika XV's preparation for their inaugural match against the Lions at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday," the Rugby Australia spokesperson said."Pete Samu is a valued member of the Waratahs and has added greatly to the First Nations and Pasifika squad since entering camp."Meanwhile, Kefu told the Sydney Morning Herald he was bewildered by the Lions stance."I still can't believe that they would do it, complain about it. I suppose it is what it is, but it's extra motivation for our boys," said Kefu, who played 60 times for Australia."We're a team that's just been put together, we're facing a massive challenge as it is, so he [Samu] would have definitely strengthened us, there's no doubt about that."They must have been worried we were going to win. I don't know why they would do it."The Lions insist Samu has not been blocked, but is simply not eligible for the match."I think it's more the rules and regulations of what was agreed before the tour," assistant coach Johnny Sexton said on add to the confusion, Samu was allowed to play for the Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV last weekend, a match the Lions won the weekend the Lions will fly in the Scottish pair Ewan Ashman and Rory Sutherland to play against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in order to ensure none of the Test team have to play twice in five winger Darcy Graham has also been added to the squad, as has Leinster prop Thomas Clarkson, England hooker Jamie George and Leinster back Jamie Osborne, with the Lions squad swelling from 38 players to 44.
