Month: September 2024

Ireland are optimistic that James Lowe, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey will be fit to face Scotland despite missing training on Thursday.

Ringrose was a late withdrawal from the team that beat Italy 34-20 in their most recent outing in the Six Nations and was replaced in the XV by McCloskey.

However, the latter and wing Lowe suffered injuries in that match at the Stadio Olimpico and are being treated during the fallow week of the Championship.

Cian Healy also missed training

Joining the Ireland trio on the sidelines at training on Thursday was vastly experienced loosehead prop Cian Healy, who is struggling with a hamstring issue.

There was good news though on Johnny Sexton, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park and Robbie Henshaw, who all took part in the session in a major boost.

Ireland will now hope the fly-half, prop, scrum-half and centre come through upcoming sessions unscathed and are able to play against the Scots next week.

Speaking about Lowe, Ringrose, McCloskey and Healy, Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell allayed fears over the quartet ahead of their Six Nations game.

“I don’t see any problem with those four guys who didn’t train today but we’re just trying to look after them,” O’Connell explained, according to the42.ie.

Sexton watched the Rome win from the stands due to a groin issue, while Furlong (calf), Gibson-Park (hamstring) and Henshaw (wrist) have yet to feature.

If they were to run out for their Test first action of 2023, O’Connell admits it would be a significant fillip as they look to press for the coveted Grand Slam.

Timely boost for in-form Irish

“They’re all very good players,” he said.

“They speak very well, they generally have a lot of logic to add whenever we have problems to solve.

“It’s been brilliant to go these three games unbeaten without some of those guys, and for them to come back in now hungry, with a bit of a different voice and a different perspective as well.”

After facing Scotland at Murrayfield next Sunday, Ireland will end their Six Nations campaign on home soil in Dublin, against England, on March 18.

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Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, Arsenal’s French international right-back Mathieu Debuchy discussed his future with the North London side.

“These are not easy times. I wanted to find an exit door, but sadly, it was not possible. There was a possibility with Nice, they came to me but it didn’t happen… The manager would have let me leave this summer for free. Brighton enquired in the final days of the window, but a deal did not come about… I train with the pros during the week and I play with the kids on the weekend. I am not the future of the club… I have proved my worth.”

Debuchy also admitted that converting into a central defender is a “possibility”.

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After completing their first training camp of the year with 14 players, the Springboks announced that they will continue to host alignment sessions in Cape Town with eight new players this weekend.

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi and other experienced internationals like Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe were part of the initial squad of players who got the Boks’ preparations for their 2023 Test campaign underway with a training camp in Cape Town from Sunday, February 19 to Friday, March 10.

Initial group of players to return to their franchises

Those players will now return to their franchises while the following players: Joseph Dweba (hooker), Deon Fourie (utility forward), Marco van Staden (flanker), Evan Roos (number eight), Herschel Jantjies and Grant Williams (scrum-halves), Manie Libbok (fly-half) and Sbu Nkosi (wing) – will be participate in off-field training sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

“We’ve planned to host alignment sessions – some in person such as at these two camps, and others online with the overseas-based players – to ensure that everyone is on the same page in terms of what is expected of them, where we are as a team and the areas of our game that we would like to improve,” said Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber.

“With the players we are actively tracking being scattered around the country and the world, it means we need to be innovative in the way we interact with them. But the most important factor is that we have regular communication with them as we work toward the Rugby World Cup.

“The players attending the sessions over the weekend have been participating in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, so we are pleased to get this opportunity to work with them face-to-face.”

Nienaber said he was satisfied that the Boks had achieved their goals at their training camp in Cape Town and Stellenbosch over the last three weeks.

“We were fortunate to have this camp,” he added. “It was crucial from a rest, rugby and development perspective for the players.

“The focus during this period was to develop their physical capabilities as well as their fundamental skills, and the players will now return to their franchises for the closing stages of the Vodacom URC and the Heineken Champions Cup.

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“It was excellent in the sense that we had on-field sessions and off-field alignment sessions, which allowed us to analyse where the game is at this point and what we have to work on, and we were pleased to see the collaboration between the coaches and players.

“We’ll now keep a close eye on how the players kick on from this and implement what they learned at franchise level.”

The Springboks will kick off a bumper 2023 season against Australia in Pretoria on Saturday, July 8, in the opening round of the shortened Rugby Championship, which will be followed by clashes against New Zealand at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland a week later, and Argentina in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 29, in their final match on home soil before the build-up to their Rugby World Cup defence starts.

In August, the Boks will travel to Buenos Aires to take on the Pumas before facing Wales and the All Blacks in Rugby World Cup warm-up matches in Cardiff and London in the final build-up to the global showpiece in France.

Boks’ World Cup squad to be named in August

Nienaber will announce his Rugby World Cup squad on Tuesday, August 8.

South Africa will launch their Rugby World Cup title defence on Sunday, September 10, against Scotland in Marseille, which will be followed by pool matches against Romania in Bordeaux (September 17), Ireland in Paris (September 23) and Tonga in Marseille (October 1).

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of October 14/15, with the semi-finals on October 20/21 and the final on Saturday, October 28.

The name Wagneau Eloi congers memories of a golden age amongst Lens fans. The unlikely club of Lens became champions of France and the young Wagneau Eloi who left Haiti at age nine had achieved his dream. The long time Ligue 1 striker’s career has taken him from Haiti to France and back again. Wagneau returned home as the head coach of the Haitian national team to prepare his country for attempted World Cup qualification in 2010. Since then, he has found himself working as the Director of the PSG Youth Academy in Miami, Florida.

Eloi’s story is one of beating the odds, hard-work, and winning. Speaking exclusively to GFFN, we caught up with Eloi for an interview in Miami, the town he now calls home.

As a former Monaco player, how was it to see your former team win the league last season? 

I am so happy for them. They have been waiting a very long time for that. They made it a very exciting league and have an amazing coach. He took young players and was able to do something with them. It was very important for the Principality. I think all of my friends who work over there who were also very happy.

Monaco seem to excel in scouting and having an excellent team behind the scenes. From a coaching and development standpoint, do you feel they just do things the “right” way and is that sustainable? 

The right way for young players is simple: let them play. When you give them an opportunity to play, as long as they are good, they get more experience, confidence, and they do well. It’s better to have young players. They listen, they want to learn and it’s easy to work with them and then all the young players know what you want.

Do you think it is possible for them to continue to compete with PSG? 

No, this year it is impossible (he said jokingly). Neymar is going to make the difference, but in football anything is possible.

Being a long time Lens man I am sure you were aware of the squad they put together last season. They nearly made it back to Ligue 1, but we have seen that as the quality in Ligue 1 improves it also becomes harder to compete in Ligue 2. Do you think Lens will find its way back to the top flight?

For this campaign everything is very difficult. The squad is not good. They lack the players that they need. I am so mad. I am not comfortable with the situation because I know it’s a good club. I know people there. They need to be able think and learn from their mistakes. This is a very important club for France so they need to come back.

Lens really had a good squad last year. What are your thoughts on their style of play now versus the 90’s and early 2000’s? 

Before, football was better; better skill and better players. But now, everything is fast paced. When they develop the players now, they are ready to play. Everything is about individual training now. Before, as you said, in the 90’s and 2000’s, you practiced and learned as a team, at the same training session for everybody. Individual training, as a coach, allows you to bring the individual to achieve a specific goal better. For example, a striker will not train the same way as a defender, so the training itself is better. But, a football player before was a smarter player.

I see, before they were better students of the game. Who was the best defender you played against? 

A lot (laughing)! I can’t say the best, so I will say I had some very big problems with players like Gallas and Desailly. When you played against those guys it was tough. They played like dogs, a bulldogs.

What is your most striking Ligue 1 memory? 

When we became champions with Lens. Champions of the league for us was amazing. Like you said with Monaco, a young team, but at Lens, everyone was together. We knew everyone, we were family. We faced very good opponents, but we did something amazing. It was a good memory because it was such a shock.

It seems PSG are one of the clubs who sees a bright future for football in the U.S. Have you noticed the level of talent increase here? If so, how does that shape the future of the PSG Academy here in Miami and scouting?

First, we need to make the best out of what we have here in America. America needs to develop “soccer” because for me, America does not develop soccer. When America says it develops soccer, it is impossible because if America did, it would not set a limit for some players.

It’s impossible for some parents to pay a lot of money (pay for play system). You can’t tell me you develop soccer. I know everything is about money. For me soccer here is not like in Europe. The main focus is to develop players, everyone plays (in Europe). I can’t say the same thing for here.

Right, it starts in the school playground. What is your vision for PSG in Miami?

Our vision is to produce the football we know and to give opportunities to the kids. For example, if you bring your children here, after 10 years when they have finished with us, they should good players. Players with skill, but that is not enough.

They need to be smart and be able to think and to have values. What we expect from our academy is simple, after 5 or 6 years to have some good players and give them an opportunity to play in Europe and MLS. The best for them is in Europe.

For European clubs who have the means, do you think they should follow PSG’s lead and start academies in the U.S.? 

We have had some people ask us about doing something like that. We are happy with PSG and we have another academy (newly opened PSG in West Palm Beach, Florida) but it is complicated. You can bring an academy and develop talent, but the competition here is not enough.

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The PSG Youth Cup is a really interesting Idea. For those who are unfamiliar with it, can you tell us a little about it?

In the beginning, it was just one competition between all of the PSG youth academies from around the world. PSG expect us to bring about good players who have potential. They prefer U11- U13 because at this age it is possible to do something with them. It’s not too late, but after that, it becomes complicated. If you do not have the skill and coordination by 14 or 15 it’s more difficult to play football. The main goal is to expose the kids to the best players in world.

PSG were recently in Miami, how was the overall experience for your staff and the kids in terms of interacting with them?

It was important for everyone. Everyone now knows this is a real academy. This is not just throwing on the PSG logo, but we are the real PSG partnership and academy. This year we will send some of our good players to learn and practice in Paris.

Haiti is a jewel of Caribbean football. Haiti has always had a love for football, but has not had any recent success. Do you think it’s youth development holding back the Haitian players?

(With pain in his voice) This is something I am so frustrated with. I know my country has some amazing players. When I was the Haitian head coach, I saw players who played better than me when I was a professional. I know some good players who could easily play Europe, but have no opportunity.

Do you see Haiti making its way back to Copa America and even the World Cup?

It is my dream. I know if my dream is to be reality, then Haiti needs to work and have the same ambitions. Right now, I don’t see Haiti and I having the same ambitions for Haiti. I don’t think the people who control football in Haiti have that same dream. Their dream is to have the power.

So, the love for the game is there, but the country is not giving the opportunity to the players? 

The people in charge. If you truly loved football then you would do things the right way. No one can say they love football and not do things right, they would be a liar.

What are your goals for the future? 

To see Haiti play in the World Cup. For me it is the only dream I have left for football.

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As a coach and director, Eloi has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to Miami. Combined with the system PSG has in place, these kids have an opportunity they wouldn’t find anywhere else in the U.S. The kids at the PSG Academy outperform the local talent and now, like their adult counterparts, they look for greater challenges. PSG bringing kids from all over the world to play against each other in the PSG Youth Cup not only lets them compete with the best, but opens their eyes to their greater potential and as the slogan goes: Dream Bigger.

Eloi’s only criticism of the younger generation was their lack of football IQ. Eloi is on a mission to bridge that gap. Within the next 5-10 years, I expect to hear that a player from PSG’s Miami Academy has made his way to Paris.

A.S.

Scotland scrum-half Ben White has thanked Gregor Townsend for the trust he has shown in him as he flourishes in this year’s Six Nations.

White, 24, has been in dazzling form in the opening three matches as Scotland sit in second position on 10 points, five behind pace-setters, Ireland.

The London Irish scrum-half was a surprise choice ahead of Ali Price for their opening clash with England and has continued to be backed thereafter.

Honoured to start for Scotland

White claimed a try in the away win over the English and also impressed against Wales and, most recently France, despite the result going against them.

“It’s been a huge honour to get to pull on the nine jersey for Scotland in the first three games,” the scrum-half said. “I thank Gregor a lot for the trust he’s shown in me, and I hope I can repay that.

“I love being out there, I love every minute of it. It’s amazing, you have to pinch yourself sometimes when you’re out there on the pitch. I just want to keep improving my game and keep moving forward every week.”

White’s start over Price was one of the talking points of the Round One selection, with the Exiles man hailing the competition for places in the squad.

“There’s always competition,” he said. “We have three very good nines, and that’s what it is at this level.

“You always have good players around you pushing you on, and you have to be at the top of your game every week to keep the shirt.

“Having that competition is only going to drive us on to be better as individuals and then collectively as a team so it’s good having that competition in training, knowing you have to be on your game. I love the challenge, I love the competition.”

Scotland, like all their Six Nations rivals, are currently on a fallow week, with Townsend’s troops set to take on Ireland at BT Murrayfield in Round Four.

They will come into that fixture on the back of a defeat to Les Bleus, but White is encouraged by their performance, as their consistency is improving.

“I thought we showed a lot of courage to come back from being 19-0 down and give ourselves a chance to win at the end,” he said. “I’m really proud of the performance in terms of how we stayed together as a group after the early red card.

“It could have gone completely the other way, but we dug our heels in and grew back into the game. I thought we played some really good rugby. I felt France were there for the taking in the second half.

Positives in defeat for Scotland

“We had them on the ropes, but we just weren’t able to capitalise on that opportunity, which is frustrating, but it’s also good to know we missed chances to take the game against a side ranked number two in the world. It shows we’re there and thereabouts.”

Despite the loss in Paris, there’s still plenty on the line for Scotland, as a win over Ireland would seal the Triple Crown and keep their title hopes alive.

“We have a lot of belief that we can win the championship,” said White. “Being back at Murrayfield with our fans behind us is something we’re really excited about and the challenge of playing Ireland for the Triple Crown is awesome.

“We’re a good team and we’re confident in our ability so we’re really excited.”

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In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Monaco forward Keita Baldé Diao was pressed on the comparisons between he and Kylian Mbappé. The Senegalese, purchased for what then seemed an eye-watering €30m this summer, balked at the comparison, saying, “I was expecting it; we’re both young players. But I’ve come to write my story, to play my game, I don’t want to be compared with anyone. My goal is to play as many matches as possible, to score and provide.” On the basis of his recent performances, though, the former Lazio man may find those comparisons, lazy though they may be, harder to avoid, particularly if Monaco can sustain a challenge for Ligue 1 into the new year.

A well-taken goal to give Monaco the lead at Bordeaux on Saturday was his second in as many starts in Ligue 1, both Monaco wins after a loss to Lyon and a draw against Montpellier. In the two matches prior to those, Keita, who prefers to go solely by his given name, had recorded assists as well, against Besiktas and Lyon. Born in Spain to Senegalese parents, Keita had come up through Barcelona’s youth academy and was a highly-regarded prospect at La Masia. After playing a seemingly innocuous prank on a teammate, though, he was shipped out to fourth-division side Cornella, where he scored with aplomb. Lazio snapped up his rights in 2011, and he blossomed into a star in Rome, netting sixteen times last season, despite playing less than 2000 minutes through a combination of his national team duties and rarely playing the full ninety minutes.

That mark actually betters the amount of league goals scored by Mbappé at Monaco last season, and as Keita’s comfort with Monaco and the French language increases, he could very well set a new personal best this season, following in the footsteps of his fellow winger-come-striker. In Barcelona’s youth ranks, Keita was steeped in the Blaugrana‘s classic 4-3-3, a tactical approach also used by his country. Played on the left, rather than as an orthodox striker, he admits it is the system in which he feels most comfortable, as it gives him the freedom to cut inside while also relieving him of much in the way of defensive work.

He has already shown, however, like Mbappé, that he can prosper in a number of positions, driven by a fine shot, good pace, and an underrated physicality. Already for Monaco he has played on both flanks and on his own up top, allowing Leonardo Jardim to manage the fitness of Radamel Falcao and Thomas Lemar through rotation and tactical shifts, including playing the 4-2-3-1 that defeated both Caen and Bordeaux 2-0 in successive weeks.

Keita also enjoyed success playing alongside Ciro Immobile at Lazio, suggesting that when the Colombian is fit, Keita’s combination of pace, scoring threat and ability to pull defenders out of position can make him a perfect complement to Ligue 1’s leading scorer should Jardim opt for the 4-4-2 that was preferred last season. Adama Diakhaby had partnered Falcao at times earlier in the season in that very formation, but the former Rennes man, while rapid and a hard worker, simply doesn’t offer enough of a goal threat to be as effective as Keita if played in that role.

Obviously, it is too early to make a definitive statement on what Keita’s role will be within Monaco, but he now appears to be firmly a part of Jardim’s first-choice eleven, no matter the setup, with Lemar able to play as a number ten if Keita plays on the left. There are necessarily concerns about his defensive work ethic, a potentially serious issue given how Porto’s Moussa Marega dominated the attack-minded Jorge when the two clubs met a month ago in the Champions’ League, but one would have said the same about Lemar upon the Frenchman’s arrival from Caen.

Jardim has done sterling work in improving Lemar’s all-around play, and there is no reason that his hard-nosed approach cannot foster the same sort of refinement in Keita’s approach to the game. After all, it is not only Lemar who has improved under the Portuguese manager; similar progression from the likes of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva and Tiemoué Bakayoko have all seen them make moves away after dramatic improvements in their play at Monaco.

Keita’s touch can be erratic as well, but he has shown a willingness, again like Mbappé, to be constantly on the move, even when played as a lone striker. On Saturday, despite getting only a handful of touches (a team-low 25, to be precise), he was a consistent menace to the slow-footed Bordeaux back line of Jérémy Toulalan and Igor Lewczuk. Only one of his three shots found the target, but his touch and finish from João Moutinho’s cushioned header was top-drawer, and strong evidence for the general efficiency of his play. Keita may not be Mbappé, but he is already displaying the same predatory, instinctive style of play that made the teenager such a sensation across Europe last season.

Speaking again to L’Équipe, Keita remarked, “If you think too much, if you worry, you won’t reach your goals. I’m a player of instinct; if my body tells me to move right, I move right without thinking.” That instinct can sometimes be wrong or rash, as is the case with many young players, but brimming with the type of determination and confidence necessary to succeed at football’s top table, Keita appears poised to be a key part in reversing what had seemed a poor start to Monaco’s season.

1 | In 2010, Wesley Sneijder was one of the world’s best. 5 goals at the 2010 World Cup saw the Dutchman only beaten to the Ballon d’Or by Messi, Iniesta and Xavi. Since, the downward trajectory of the now 33-year old’s career has been steep. A decline mirrored by then club Inter Milan following their treble win with Sneijder eventually exiling himself with Galatasaray in 2013. Although a fan favourite in Turkey, his form never truly recovered. Nevertheless, as he arrived at the Allianz Riviera this summer, expectations remained high but his presence has posed more questions, tactically, for Lucien Favre then it has answered. Nice’s best display came in the 4-0 drubbing on Monaco when Favre deployed a 4-4-2, playing to his key players strengths.

Mario Balotelli is at his most effective when partnered by Alassane Pléa in attack while the pace of Allan Saint Maximin is utilised on the flanks. Sneijder does not fit into this setup; lacking in the pace to play on the opposite flank and no longer boasting the mobility to join Jean Seri in a two-man midfield. With Pléa benched and Barcelona loanee Marlon added to a 5 man defence, Sneijder was ineffective in his more natural attacking midfield role as PSG swatted away a weak Nice in a 3-0 Friday night win in Paris. Nice have now lost 7 of their 11 Ligue 1 games to date, underlining the fact that finding the right fit, for what is still a marquee signing for a club like Nice, could be the key to saving Les Aiglons already fading European hopes.

2 | Since 2008, Strasbourg have gone through liquidation, re-formed in the amateur 5th division and been promoted or relegated 6 times but one aspect of the club that’s remained constant throughout the uncertainty is their raucous support. Ligue 1 winners in 1979 and League Cup winners as recently as 2005, Strasbourg is a true footballing city and even as a third division club their average attendance surpassed a handful of top tier sides. A series of impressive home displays since their return to Ligue 1 at the start of the campaign has shown that their loyal, vociferous fan base could be key in dragging a side lacking in Ligue 1 quality to Ligue 1 safety.

A battling 2-2 draw with Angers, a game Strasbourg dominated for long stretches, followed another committed display in the cup win over St Étienne this week at Stade de la Meinau. A disappointing loss to Amiens, admittedly with 10 men aside, they’ve been impressive in beating Lille 3-0 and unlucky not to beat Marseille in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The intense, boisterous atmosphere created by Strasbourg fans is proving to be an asset to the league as home games become an under the radar gem in the Ligue 1 crown as Strasbourg supporters attempt to roar their team to safety.

3 | Despite the major overhaul of Lille’s squad in the 10 months since Gerard Lopez’s purchase of the Northern club, their true marquee signing has been managerial. Marcelo Bielsa’s combination of notoriously gung-ho footballing philosophy and eccentric persona is an attractive proposition for many, especially after the indelible mark he left on Marseille during his year in charge and for LOSC to persuade him to return to Ligue 1 felt like a genuine coup. However, Bielsa’s short reign now verges on disaster after another loss on Sunday night to his former club as Les Dogues sit second bottom with just 6 points after 10 games, already 4 points off safety and scoring just 3 times since the opening day. It may now be time for Lopez and Chief Executive Marc Ingla to make a very tough decision.

As the new owners rebranded Lille as a breeding ground for young talent centred around Bielsa’s ideas, they made what now seems to be a mistake in defining their project by Bielsa’s unique style. As a result, to sack the Argentine would seem like a rejection of those ideas and an admission of the ‘project’s’ failure in its current guise, making Lopez reluctant to part with the man he sees as personifying the club’s direction. The worrying thing is, Lille have been saved in recent seasons by a change of manager after similarly abject starts under Hervé Renard and Frédéric Antonetti.

Although they did (as they do now) seemingly have the talent to stay up, a delay might have seen those campaigns play out very differently. Bielsa said last month he would stay with LOSC even if they were involved in a relegation battle, it’s desperately disappointing, but if Lopez doesn’t wise up soon a relegation battle may be all the club is left with. As it stands, it’s a battle they don’t look like winning.

E.D. with A.W.

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Wales have brought back several experienced players for their Six Nations game against England in Cardiff on Saturday.

Much of the build-up has centred on the fraught relationship between the players and the Welsh Rugby Union, with the former threatening to strike.

That led to the initial team announcement, which was scheduled for Tuesday, being delayed.

Experienced line-up

However, with that feud resolved for the time being, Warren Gatland has selected an experienced outfit with Leigh Halfpenny, Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones returning to the XV.

Louis Rees-Zammit is also back after recovering from injury and he partners Halfpenny and Josh Adams in the back three.

There is a comparatively callow centre combination as Joe Hawkins is joined by Mason Grady, who is making his Test debut.

At half-back, Dan Biggar has been dropped to the bench, which means Owen Williams comes in and is alongside Tomos Williams.

Up front, Wales have gone for the front five which started their first Six Nations clash against Ireland as Ken Owens is partnered by Gareth Thomas and Tomas Francis in the front-row, while Adam Beard and Jones are at lock.

The loose trio sees Christ Tshiunza continue at blindside after impressing against Scotland, but there is no Jac Morgan, who is out of the 23.

Tipuric takes his place on the openside and Faletau is at number eight, while Tommy Reffell provides back-row cover on the bench.

Reffell is joined among the replacements by Bradley Roberts, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Kieran Hardy, Biggar and Nick Tompkins.

Drawing a line in the sand

Gatland said: “There’s some experience coming back into the side with Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Alun Wyn Jones and also Leigh Halfpenny.

“And then we’re mixing that with giving players an opportunity. Owen Williams coming in at 10 – we need to find out about that 10 position so Owen gets a chance.

“We’ve given Mason Grady a first cap. He’s a big lad, he’s got some really lovely rugby skills and offloading ability. He’s quick, so he’s the kind of centre that I think is going to have it all going forward.

“He’s got a good rugby head on him. He’s still pretty inexperienced so the big message to him has been ‘what’s the biggest thing you need to work on?’ He said keep talking and keep communicating, so that’s been the focus for him and I’ve been really happy with him in training.

“The message to the players has been let’s draw a line in the sand in terms of what’s been going on and focus completely on the rugby.

“We know the history of Wales and England; what that means to everyone in Wales, so we’ve got to go out there and give a good performance.

“For both teams this is a massive game because we win on Saturday and we can get things on track a little bit more. For England it’s a huge game because if you look at their final two games that’s a challenge too, so it’s a huge moment in this competition.”

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Mason Grady, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Louis Rees-Zammit, 10 Owen Williams, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Christ Tshiunza, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens (c), 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Bradley Roberts, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Nick Tompkins

Date: Saturday, February 25
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

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Speaking to Ouest France following Angers’ final Ligue 1 game of 2017, striker Karl Toko Ekambi moved to quash speculation that he might depart the club next month.

“I have never had any discussions with the club’s representatives regarding this winter. There is only one thing that is important: that is to save the club. Tonight, I am not considering anything, just celebrating this victory.”

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England prop Mako Vunipola believes that England’s Six Nations visit to Cardiff will bring out the best in the Wales players.

Wales players have threatened strike action due to the ongoing contract freeze implemented by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Despite the turmoil, Vunipola believes that the Wales players will be galvanised for the match against the Red Rose.

Backs against the wall

Defeats to Ireland and Scotland in the opening two rounds of the Six Nations sees Wales ranked sixth on the overall Six Nations table. However, Vunipola believes that against England, they will be driven by their sense of grievance and the prospect of humbling their fiercest rivals.

“They’ll definitely be a galvanised team. When you have your backs against the wall, there is nothing else to do but to come out fighting,” Vunipola said.

“I have no idea what is going on off the field, but on the field, it can only help them make it simple and give it their all.

“We must expect the best out of them. The weeks before – round one and two – they mean nothing.

“You feel the history when you play Wales. The Welsh are not very keen on us. When we play them, we know that we’re always getting their best.

“We know that they’re a good side – and when things aren’t going their way, they’re even better.”

The Principality faifthful

Having worked under Warren Gatland on three British and Irish Lions tours, Vunipola describes the Wales head coach as a “serial winner” and says the crowd will play a big part in the match.

“When the crowd gets behind the Welsh, it obviously lifts them. I definitely feel like the game can very easily get away from you in Cardiff,” the Saracens prop said.

“Individuals are different in the way they react, and when one or two things start going their way, and they get a bit of energy from the crowd, they get behind them, and then we start getting on the back foot.

“What you’ve got to learn from that is to stick together and get even tighter and make sure that we’re not trying to solve it ourselves individually.

“Go back to the basics, the foundations of our game, and try and claw back the momentum.”

There has been a major focus on England’s set piece since Steve Borthwick took charge of the side in December. The side will aim to improve further after being rated the worst scrum out of the tier one nations in 2022.

“We knew the scrum wasn’t where we wanted it to be, but we didn’t realise how bad it was. There was a bit of a shock,” Vunipola said.

“As a group of front rows, we take pride in the scrum, so that was tough to hear. We’ve had to look at ourselves on a deeper level.”

England head to Cardiff in round three of the Six Nations, with the clash against Wales kicking off at 16:45 on Saturday, 25 February.

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Previously tracked by Leeds United, 26-year-old Montpellier central defender William Rémy is in contact with Legia Warsaw about a possible move, according to France Football.

The Polish giants have offered the player a provisional 3.5 year contract, with Rémy currently transfer listed by Montpellier. He is taking some time to decide, and potentially await to see if other suitors come in.

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