Latest news with #scrum
The Herald
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald
‘We saw where we need to work hard': Not picture perfect for Boks
There were times, too, when the Rugby World Cup holders failed to fully assert themselves in the set pieces. Amid personnel changes there were some wonky line-outs but perhaps more pressing was some of the inconsistencies that crept into their scrum. Without the injured Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff the Boks don't have the depth that made them such a compelling force a year or so ago. Ox Nché and Wilco Louw are rampaging scrummagers but the Bok supply line doesn't carry the same reputational weight. Ever seeking improvement the coach thrust a brand new front row into battle against Georgia. Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche emerged from their debut with credentials intact, but again not all the images were flattering. 'He made a few errors here and there,' said Erasmus of hooker Van der Merwe. 'Marnus is a future Springbok. He wasn't outstanding but he showed one only really settles after three, four matches before feeling comfortable in the environment. 'Boan did well. He really did well.'
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Bok captain Kolisi not concerned about inexperienced front row to take on Georgia
'Over and above that, a scrum is not only about the front row, it involves everyone in the pack doing their bit and everyone in the team knows what they have to do.' Apart from Venter, Fouche and Van der Merwe, focus will also be on Kolisi as he will be back in action for the first time this season and can't wait to run out in front of an expected packed house. 'It's always fantastic to play here,' said Kolisi who has special memories of Mbombela Stadium which is where he made his Test debut in June 2013 against Scotland. 'The vibe at the stadium is amazing and we know that it will be similar to last week in Gqeberha, where the crowd really got involved and inspired us. We are very grateful to the people coming to the stadium. They definitely lift us, so we are grateful for their support.' Having spent the past few weeks on the sidelines due to injury, Kolisi said it has been frustrating.
CNA
3 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
France coach tees off at refereeing in All Blacks series
France coach Fabien Galthie has complained about the refereeing in their series against New Zealand, airing grievances over the scrum while querying several decisions following defeats in Dunedin and Wellington. With the All Blacks looking to seal a series sweep in the third and final test in Hamilton on Saturday, Galthie told French media he expected neutrality from referees. "We need the scrum and the ball being carried to be properly refereed," he said. "I don't usually dwell on refereeing, but when I have expectations, I share them. "Clearly, we need to be officiated as if we were playing on neutral ground. Neutrality." Galthie highlighted two instances in the 43-17 loss in Wellington where he thought the French were short-changed. He said All Black Jordie Barrett had entered a ruck illegally in the second half as the French set up a maul and rumbled over the line, only for the ball to be held up. "Clearly, Barrett enters in an offside position, on the side. For me, that's a penalty try and a yellow card." He also took umbrage with an interception by All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane which stopped a French attack on the try-line near the right corner. "When he intercepts the ball on Leo Barre's last pass ... he is off-side the whole time. There is a penalty try and a yellow card. "I'm happy for there to be that difference in the score, but that's two tries and two yellow cards."
Reuters
3 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
France coach tees off at refereeing in All Blacks series
July 18 (Reuters) - France coach Fabien Galthie has complained about the refereeing in their series against New Zealand, airing grievances over the scrum while querying several decisions following defeats in Dunedin and Wellington. With the All Blacks looking to seal a series sweep in the third and final test in Hamilton on Saturday, Galthie told French media he expected neutrality from referees. "We need the scrum and the ball being carried to be properly refereed," he said. "I don't usually dwell on refereeing, but when I have expectations, I share them. "Clearly, we need to be officiated as if we were playing on neutral ground. Neutrality." Galthie highlighted two instances in the 43-17 loss in Wellington where he thought the French were short-changed. He said All Black Jordie Barrett had entered a ruck illegally in the second half as the French set up a maul and rumbled over the line, only for the ball to be held up. "Clearly, Barrett enters in an offside position, on the side. For me, that's a penalty try and a yellow card." He also took umbrage with an interception by All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane which stopped a French attack on the try-line near the right corner. "When he intercepts the ball on Leo Barre's last pass ... he is off-side the whole time. There is a penalty try and a yellow card. "I'm happy for there to be that difference in the score, but that's two tries and two yellow cards." Reuters has contacted global governing body World Rugby, which appoints test referees, for comment.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
From undercover cop to All Black scrum coach
Before he was in the dugout watching Richie McCaw lift the 2011 Rugby World Cup, forwards coach Mike Cron had spent years working as a police detective. The Cantabrian, who is now an assistant to Joe Schmidt with the Wallabies, has had an unusual path to the coach he is today. From player-coaching the New Zealand Colts team in the 1970s, to looking after an amateur team in Canada, and then a Japanese university side. He went on to be part of the All Blacks' backroom staff from 2004 to 2019, involved in two World Cup wins. He then went on to be part of the Black Ferns' staff when they won the 2021 World Cup. He has become renowned for his work on scrum safety - for which he was made Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015. He talks to Kathryn about his life and career and his new memoir Coach . Photo: Supplied / PHOTOSPORT
