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Rugby World Cup – England suffer Corbisiero blow

October 28, 2013 - 19:46 | Rugby

England prop Alex Corbisiero has been ruled out of their Rugby World Cup clash with Australia on Saturday having failed to recover from a knee injury.

Rugby World Cup - England suffer Corbisiero blow

The front-rower, who impressed on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia over the summer, was a doubt for the encounter with the Wallabies at Twickenham this weekend and now head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed the Northampton Saints prop will miss the game.

There is hope that Corbisiero, who picked up the injury playing for Saints against Castres in the Heineken Cup earlier this month, will be fit for England’s encounter with Argentina on 9th November.

Lancaster has admitted it is a blow to lose the 25-year-old but feels he has good cover in the squad in the form of Saracens’ Mako Vunipola and Harlequins’ Joe Marler.

He told Sky Sports News: “He is making good progress and we’re hopeful another week’s recovery and rehab will see him up and running for the Argentina game.

“It’s a big blow but we’ve got two very good looseheads in Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler.

“Joe was one of the pick of our forwards in Argentina (during England’s summer tour) and Mako has been outstanding this season so it’s a good position for us.”

England are 4/9 to win, 20/1 to draw and 9/5 to lose to the Wallabies at Twickenham.

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Rugby World Cup – England fall short against favourites

October 26, 2013 - 17:40 | Rugby

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England showed plenty of promise as they suffered a 28-20 defeat at the hands of favourites Australia in the opening game of the World Cup.

Rugby World Cup - England fall short against favourites

The hosts got off to a flying start at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, as tries from Leeds Rhinos winger Ryan Hall and Huddersfield Giants’ star Leroy Cudjoe gave England at 10-0 lead with a conversion from skipper Kevin Sinfield.

After a rusty start the Kangaroos started to find their rhythm and tries from Johnathan Thurston, Greg Bird and Billy Slater ensured the visitors had a 18-10 lead at the break.

Brett Morris extended Australia’s lead after half-time before England were given some hope as forward George Burgess crashed over the line.

A try from Darius Boyd really put the result beyond doubt following a penalty from Thurston.

Wigan Warriors winger Josh Charnley did make the most of an Australian error to cross the line with a few minutes remaining but England could not get another score and will now look to their next encounter against Ireland next Saturday.

England are 13/2 to win the Rugby League World Cup, with Australia 4/11 and holders New Zealand 7/2.

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McNamara promises better from England

October 20, 2013 - 20:00 | Rugby

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England head coach Steve McNamara has warned his side to be a ‘whole lot better’ when they open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Australia.

McNamara was speaking after seeing his side fall to a stunning 15-14 loss to Italy in their final warm-up fixture, a result which sent out a major warning ahead of the clash with Kanagaroos.

I’m sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week.

Steve McNamara

“I’m really disappointed,” said a stunned McNamara. “We’ve certainly not played anywhere near what we are capable of. That’s quite clear to see.

“I just think our mentality was really wrong for this game. We were probably guilty of looking towards next week and we took our eye off this game. I don’t think we were fully focused.

“I’m glad it happened this week and not next, but this was unacceptable. I’m sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week.”

Hosts England open the World Cup against Australia in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff next Saturday.

England are 7/1 to win the World Cup, with Australia 1/3 and holders New Zealand 4/1.

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Tomkins targets Rugby World Cup glory

October 12, 2013 - 18:00 | Rugby

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England full-back Sam Tomkins believes the current squad is the strongest he’s ever been a part of as he prepares for the challenges of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Tomkins targets Rugby World Cup glory

England get their campaign underway on 26th October with a clash against Australia at the Millennium Stadium. The match is followed on 2nd November with a match against Ireland in Huddersfield, and on 9th November against Fiji in Hull.

“As far as I can remember this is the strongest England side we’ve ever had. People might say there are a few names missing, but who would you have them replace? It’s hard to make a case to leave any player out of the side,” said Tomkins, who is making his Rugby League World Cup debut, having broken into the Wigan side just before the last tournament.

Tomkins has featured alongside younger brother, Logan, for much of the 2013 season, and previously played alongside elder sibling Joel.

At the World Cup he could play alongside three Burgress brothers, and Tomkins think the trio, who all ply their trade in the NRL for Sydney Roosters, will make a huge impact for the co-hosts.

“Having three of the Burgess brothers in the side will be huge for us. I’m lucky enough to have won trophies with both of my brothers and I know how good it feels. Those three are very dangerous players and I’m glad we have them on board,” addec Tomkins, who also believes Wigan team-mate Sean O’Loughlin will play a key role for England.

“I think Lockers is our best player at Wigan and he’s the sort of guy who’s really difficult to replace. I don’t think anyone can do what he does, and we probably need him in the squad if we have any hope of winning the World Cup.”

Steve McNamara’s men are available to back at 6/1 in the tournament outright betting and Australia are priced in the same market at 4/9.

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Rugby Super League Shaun Wane ready for emotional tie

September 27, 2013 - 07:29 | Rugby

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Sam Tomkins will leave Wigan for the NRL when the current season ends.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane admits Sam Tomkins’ final home match will be an emotional affair, but he has urged the Warriors to concentrate on securing the win.

Rugby Super League Shaun Wane ready for emotional tie

The Warriors host defending champions Leeds Rhinos on Friday night and it will be the final home game for Tomkins, who will join New Zealand Warriors of the NRL for the 2014 season.

Pat Richards and Lee Mossop are also heading to the NRL, with Richards set to rejoin Wests Tigers and Mossop will move to Parramatta Eels.

Wane has now urged his side to give Tomkins and the other departing players “a good send-off” by securing a place in the Grand Final, where they will face either Warrington or Huddersfield.

“It’s going to be a huge game anyway with the chance of getting to the Grand Final, but the fact it’s going to be Sam’s last game will make it extra special,” he told BBC North West Tonight.

“I know all the players want to do well and make sure we get to a Grand Final to give him a good send-off. There are a few others leaving the club at the end of the year and it’s going to be quite an emotional occasion.

“I don’t want him [Tomkins] to go, but when he gave the reasons why he wanted to go, I understand it and I won’t stand in his way. From the business side of it, we’re getting really good money.

“I still think it’s a great shot in the arm for the British game that somebody like him is rated so highly in the NRL.”

Wigan can be backed at 8/15 to secure the win on Friday, while Leeds are 6/4 to come out on top.

The Warriors are 5/2 to win the Grand Final and the Rhinos are priced at 4/1.

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Gatland anticipates tight third Test for British & Irish Lions

July 5, 2013 - 07:17 | Rugby

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British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has urged his team to take control of the game when they face Australia in the decisive third and final Test.

Gatland anticipates tight third Test for British & Irish Lion

Warren Gatland has been criticised for dropping Brian O’Driscoll.

Having lost 16-15 to the Wallabies last weekend, the hosts will go into the final encounter with the momentum after Adam Ashley-Cooper’s late try levelled the series at 1-1.

And with the Lions struggling to dominate possession in the last 20 minutes, Gatland believes that they will need to step it up on Saturday.

“It’s just about game management isn’t it? It’s about us sitting down with the players, it’s what Test match rugby is about,” he said.

“It’s tight, there were a couple of crucial lineouts last week, a couple of crucial turnovers. Even when they’ve made mistakes and the referee’s said ‘advantage over,’ we haven’t looked after the ball well enough.

“We haven’t had the ability when we’ve had the ball on a few occasions to keep hold of it, to get in towards their 22, as we’ve turned it back over and allowed them to keep pressure on us. We need to be better at that.”

Despite the devastating nature of the defeat in the second Test, Gatland doesn’t believe the Lions will be psychologically affected by that loss.

He added: “We saw how close the game is. We were pleased with the way we started, we were really pleased with our physicality.

“I don’t think that it’s going to be tough at all, the guys realise how important it is and realise how close it is.”

Australia are 3/4 to win the third Test against the Lions, who are 6/5 to emerge victorious. The Wallabies are 4/5 to score first.

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Six Nations – Youngs demands final push

March 16, 2013 - 13:59 | Rugby

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Six Nations - Youngs demands final push

England scrum-half Ben Youngs says there will be no repeat of the performance against Italy in the final match of the 2013 RBS Six Nations against Wales.

While the Red Rose will go into Sunday’s Millennium Stadium showdown with the potential to win a first Grand Slam since 2003, they will concede the title should the Dragons emerge victorious by eight points. England are quoted 5/6 to win in 80 minutes and 3/10 to win the 2013 RBS 6 Nations outright.

After accomplished victories in the first two encounters, Stuart Lancaster’s men were tested by France and were unconvincing against the Italians.

The previous display has put Rob Howley’s side as favourites in some quarters, but Youngs is adamant they won’t be that disappointing again.

“I know this side, we turned up against New Zealand, we turned up against Scotland and many other teams, I’ve no doubts that we will get it right and it will be a great game of rugby,” he said.

“2015 is the ultimate goal, it’s always been the goal with the World Cup being here. To win that you have to go through highs and lows, but I’m hoping it will be a high today.”

Youngs also believes it will be different to the Ireland game in 2011 when, having won their opening four matches, England succumbed meekly to the Emerald Isle.

He added: “With both teams having to win, I think at least you’re going to have two teams trying to play and hopefully that will create more opportunities, rather than one team trying to stop the other.

“That’s what happened in 2011 with Ireland. They didn’t have anything to play for, it was more to stop us winning the Grand Slam and that’s what they did.”

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Six Nations Rugby – Twelvetrees aims to make an impact

February 1, 2013 - 19:04 | Rugby

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Centre Billy Twelvetrees hopes he can impose his game on the international scene after being handed a start for England’s Six Nations clash with Scotland.

Six Nations Rugby - Twelvetrees aims to make an impact

The Gloucester player received his first call-up to Stuart Lancaster’s Elite Player Squad three weeks ago and is in line to make his debut at Twickenham.

I’ve got to add something otherwise there’s no point me being in the squad.

Billy Twelvetrees

Having moved from Leicester Tigers to the West Country outfit for the start of the current season, the back has impressed throughout and Twelvetrees is looking to continue his progress.

He said: “From a personal point of view it’s been about getting my head down, but also imposing myself in training to make sure that I managed to stick my hand up.

“Also, it’s about getting the boys to have faith in me and trust me. I’ve got to add something otherwise there’s no point me being in the squad.”

Manu Tuilagi was ruled out of the Scotland game earlier in the week which has given Twelvetrees an opportunity to impress.

Once Tuilagi returns, the 24-year-old believes they will have several different options to call upon in midfield.

“I think what’s good here is that all the centres are different players and I think they all bring different attributes,” he added. “My skillset is slightly different than the next person. I’ve got my own ambitions and beliefs in my own ability.

“I really want to enforce them in the England team and that’s something I think I’ve been doing for Gloucester this year alongside Freddie (Burns) and the other boys.”

England are 1/14 to make a winning start against Scotland and are 11/4 to go on and secure the Triple Crown, while they are 9/2 to complete a Grand Slam.

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Rugby World Cup – England handed tough draw

December 3, 2012 - 23:00 | Rugby

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England coach Stuart Lancaster has admitted his side face a tough task after being drawn in the same pool as Australia and Wales for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup - England handed tough draw

Stuart Lancaster is excited by the prospect of hosting the 2015 World Cup.

The hosts’ group will be completed by two qualifiers, Oceania 1 and the play-off winner. World champions New Zealand, beaten by England at the weekend, have drawn Argentina, Tonga, Europe 1 and Africa 1.

Scotland are in Pool B with South Africa and Samoa, while Ireland will face France and Italy in Pool D.

“It is definitely a pretty tough pool. To win the World Cup you have to win big games and I have got a huge amount of respect for what Wales have done recently,” said Lancaster, whose side are 6/1 to win the tournament.

“We know their squad pretty well, it is a young side and a lot of them will still be around in 2015. Australia have just beaten us and if you look at the age and profile of their squad, they have got some young lads as well. We will look forward to it.”

It is definitely a pretty tough pool.

Stuart Lancaster

England have never drawn Wales in a World Cup group before, and last played them in the quarter-final of the 2003 tournament, which England went on to win. Wales are 14/1 to win in 2015, while Australia are at 8/1.

Lancaster added of the forthcoming tournament: “It is unbelievably exciting. Twelve months ago I went out to New Zealand for two weeks and got a little sample of what it is like and the impact on that country.

“We have seen what the Olympic Games did for our country and the next big sporting event is the 2015 Rugby World Cup. By that time everybody is going to be revved up and it’s going to be a big party.”

Draw:

Pool A: Australia, England, Wales, Oceania 1, play-off winner.
Pool B: South Africa, Samoa, Scotland, Asia 1, Americas 2.
Pool C: New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga, Europe 1, Africa 1.
Pool D: France, Ireland, Italy, Americas 1, Europe 2.

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Rugby Union – Farrell starts in place of Flood

November 29, 2012 - 18:59 | Rugby

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Saracens’ Owen Farrell will start at 10 for England Rugby Union match against New Zealand.

Rugby Union - Farrell starts in place of Flood

Owen Farrell has been given the responsibility of starting at fly-half for England when they take on world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

Farrell steps in for the injured Toby Flood in the only change made by England head coach Stuart Lancaster to the side who lost 16-15 to South Africa last weekend.

It is not a gamble, he is comfortable in the environment.

Andy Farrell

England are 6/1 to secure a shock victory over the All Blacks, with New Zealand 1/10 to inflict a third straight defeat on Lancaster’s men.

Farrell face a massive task in trying to mastermind a triumph over the World Cup holders, but his father Andy, an assistant to Lancaster, believes that his offspring is capable of stepping up to the mark.

He said: “I suppose it is a big ask for any 10 to play against the best in the world.

“It is not a gamble, he is comfortable in the environment. The lads are comfortable with him being there and he is in a good place.”

England team: A Goode (Saracens); C Ashton (Saracens), M Tuilagi (Leicester), B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins); O Farrell (Saracens), B Youngs (Leicester); A Corbisiero (London Irish), T Youngs (Leicester), D Cole (Leicester), J Launchbury (Wasps), G Parling (Leicester), T Wood (Northampton), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Morgan (Gloucester).

Replacements: D Paice (London Irish), D Wilson (Bath), M Vunipola (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton), J Haskell (Wasps), D Care (Harlequins), F Burns (Gloucester), J Joseph (London Irish).

Meanwhile, the All Blacks will have star fly-half Dan Carter back in their side after he recovered from a calf problem which saw him miss the win over Wales last weekend.

Head coach Steve Hansen has also made two other changes, with Keven Mealamu and Brodie Retallick in for the suspended Andrew Hore and Luke Romano.

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