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British and Irish Lions

Springboks Lead World Rugby’s 2025 Dream Team

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 25, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Springboks‌ claim Majority Spots on World Rugby’s 2025 Dream Team

DUBLIN – South Africa’s rugby prowess has been emphatically recognized with a dominant showing in World⁤ Rugby’s 2025 Dream‍ team, announced November 25,⁤ 2025. Six Springboks players were selected, marking a clear indication of their impact ⁤on the year’s performances and solidifying their position as a leading force in international rugby.

The selection, compiled from standout players across the⁢ global‍ game, highlights a Springbok contingent in key positions. Thomas du Toit (tighthead prop), Malcolm Marx (hooker), and Ox Nche – ‍the first⁤ prop ⁢ever nominated for‍ World Rugby Player of ‍the Year – form a formidable front row. ⁣Flanker‍ Pieter-Steph du⁢ Toit and center Cheslin Kolbe further bolster ⁣the South African representation, alongside fly-half ⁣Sacha ‌Feinberg-Mngomezulu. This overwhelming ‍presence underscores the Springboks’ ⁣consistent success and individual brilliance throughout the 2025 season.

The Dream Team also features talent from other nations. England’s Maro‌ Itoje and Tadhg Beirne lock the scrum, while Harry Wilson ‌of Australia captains the side from number eight.Tom Curry joins du Toit ⁢in the back row, and New Zealand’s Will Jordan ⁢and Louis Bielle-Biarrey are named‌ on the wings. ⁣Completing the lineup are Huw Jones (Scotland) at center,Len Ikitau (Australia) and Cam Roigard (New Zealand) in the half-back positions.

World Rugby Dream Team in full:

15 Will Jordan
14‌ Cheslin⁤ Kolbe
13 Huw ⁢Jones
12 Len Ikitau
11 Louis Bielle-biarrey
10 ‍Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9 Cam roigard
8 Harry Wilson
7 Tom Curry
6 Pieter-Steph du Toit
5 Tadhg Beirne
4 Maro⁢ itoje
3 Thomas du Toit
2‌ Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nche

November 25, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Sam Warburton claims ‘everyone is focusing on the wrong moment’

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 28, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Warburton Slams Tizzano’s ‘Meal’ of Breakdown Incident

Lions legend defends Jac Morgan’s clear-out amidst fiery debate

Two-time British and Irish Lions tour captain **Sam Warburton** has weighed into the controversial late-game clear-out involving **Jac Morgan** and **Carlo Tizzano** in Melbourne, stating the Wallabies player “made a real meal of it.” The incident, occurring in the lead-up to the match-winning try for the Lions’ 29-26 victory and series clincher, has ignited a fierce debate.

Debate Intensifies Over Breakdown Contention

Wallabies coach **Joe Schmidt** fuelled the controversy by referencing law 9:20, which prohibits contact above the shoulder line. This has led to a partisan split in opinions, heavily influenced by team allegiance.

Wayne Barnes wades into the heated debate over Jac Morgan’s Lions clear-out of Carlo Tizzano https://t.co/8n3hJ8Nxts

— Planet Rugby (@planetrugby) July 13, 2024

However, **Warburton**, drawing on his extensive experience as a former Lions back-rower and skipper, offered a starkly different perspective in his latest column for The Times.

Warburton Defends Morgan’s Action

The former Wales captain expressed his bemusement at the outcry, suggesting that the Australians’ desperation in losing a lead at the death might be influencing the reaction. He observed that contact to the head or neck is commonplace in rugby, often occurring in one in every two rucks.

“It is under the microscope because of when it happened, at the final ruck before the try was scored, and Tizzano made a real meal of it, something I really don’t like. I appreciate that the contact may have been on the shoulder/neckline, but additional simulation is something we don’t want in the game.”

—Sam Warburton, Former Lions Captain

**Warburton** highlighted that players in **Tizzano**’s position are aware of the risks involved when jackaling at a ruck. He noted that **Tom Curry** had experienced similar contact multiple times earlier in the match without complaint.

A “Perfect Clearout”

**Warburton** contended that the contact with **Tizzano** was likely on the back of the shoulders, a borderline call in the heat of the moment. He described **Morgan**’s subsequent action as a “perfect clearout,” praising the exceptional low body position and effective openside play.

He elaborated on **Morgan**’s follow-through, stating: “Morgan and Tizzano went down together. That sort of stuff happens in a second. After the initial hit, you can see Morgan grabbing Tizzano’s leg, which is what you are coached to do. He just follows through…”

When scrutinizing law 9:20, **Warburton** concluded that only the shoulder-to-shoulder contact point was debatable, with numerous factors favouring **Morgan**.

Sam Warburton, providing punditry on the Lions tour.

Sheehan Try More Contentious, Says Warburton

Interestingly, **Warburton** suggested that the decision to award **Dan Sheehan**’s try was more contentious. He acknowledged the difficulty in distinguishing between a player diving to score and evading a tackle.

The debate continues to highlight the fine margins and interpretations in modern rugby’s contact areas. Rugby Australia reported that player safety incidents leading to yellow or red cards have increased by 25% in the last two years, according to World Rugby data (World Rugby, 2024).

July 28, 2025 0 comments

Sport

The ‘serious questions’ that Clive Woodward wants Australia to answer

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 27, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Woodward Slams Wallabies Despite Lions Test Thriller

Former Lions boss questions Australia’s readiness for future tours after narrow defeat.

Legendary coach **Clive Woodward** has delivered a scathing assessment of the Australian Rugby Union’s preparations for the British & Irish Lions tour, despite a vastly improved performance from the Wallabies in the second Test.

Touring Squads Face Scrutiny

While acknowledging the Wallabies’ spirited effort in Melbourne, which saw them narrowly beaten in the dying moments, **Woodward** expressed significant concerns about the standard of opposition presented to the Lions. He believes serious questions must be addressed before Australia is considered a viable host for future Lions tours, particularly with subsequent trips scheduled for New Zealand in 2029 and South Africa in 2033.

Writing in his newspaper column, **Woodward**, who led England to 2003 World Cup victory on Australian soil, stated his belief that the national team’s preparation was insufficient. “I do think Australia have serious questions to answer,” he wrote.

“Last autumn, they looked much more like their old selves. Their performance to beat England at Twickenham was excellent. But to me, they have looked badly underdone until Saturday’s game where they really gave us all a brilliant 80 minutes to watch.”

—Clive Woodward, Former British & Irish Lions Coach

The 2005 Lions coach highlighted the limited preparation matches played by the Wallabies, including a narrow win against Fiji. He questioned the decision-making regarding player availability for domestic fixtures when crucial warm-up games were needed.

The Lions’ 29-26 victory was secured by a last-minute try from **Hugo Keenan**. The match, played in front of a near sell-out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, underscored the enduring appeal of the Lions concept.

Australia’s overall performance during the tour was considered weak by **Woodward**, with only the second Test standing out. This lack of consistent high-level opposition raises concerns for the future of the Lions brand, especially with potential expansions to tours in Argentina or France being discussed.

Sir Clive Woodward, a former British & Irish Lions coach, has voiced his concerns about the Wallabies’ preparation.

Despite the criticisms, **Woodward** lauded the leadership of Lions captain **Maro Itoje**, who joins an elite group of successful Lions Test captains in the professional era, including **Martin Johnson** and **Sam Warburton**.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) recently announced an increase in funding for community rugby, aiming to bolster the grassroots talent pool which ultimately feeds into international competitions like the Lions tour. RFU Invests £300 Million in Grassroots Rugby.

Australia gave the Lions one hell of a game in the second Test.

A nail-biting finish that saw the Lions take the spoils thanks to a last-gasp try! What a series! #LionsRugby #AUSvLIO #Rugby pic.twitter.com/Y7K0F7v5dM

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 29, 2025

July 27, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Beale Urges Permanent Fixture for First Nations and Pasifika XV

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 23, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Toutai Kefu, a former Wallaby, has expressed his desire for the first Nations and Pasifika XV rugby team to become a recurring fixture in the sporting calendar.

Beale Urges Permanent Fixture for First Nations and Pasifika XV — Toutai Kefu wants the First Nations and Pasifika XV to continue in coming years. (AAP: James Ross)

Kefu highlighted that the establishment of the First Nations and Pasifika XV transcends the sport itself, emphasizing its role in fostering connections.

“For us, it’s probably the connection piece, just getting to know each othre,” Kefu stated. “The good thing about our cultures, and this is the Indigenous and the Pasifika, family comes first … connecting is very easy for us, so we build on that and reinforce that.”

The performances of several players from the First Nations and Pasifika XV are likely to have caught the attention of Wallabies coach joe Schmidt in the lead-up to the second Test against the British and Irish Lions, scheduled for Saturday evening at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

lukhan salakaia-Loto, who has Samoan heritage, made a notable impact with his physical presence in the game. Prior to Tuesday’s match, there had already been discussions about including the lock in schmidt’s squad for the second Test.

Kefu commented on Salakaia-Loto’s performance, stating that he believed the player had “thrown his hand up” for a potential Test recall after being omitted from the first Test. The Wallabies experienced a 27-19 defeat in Brisbane last weekend in that initial match against the Lions.

“His performance,I thought,was outstanding,” said Kefu,who was a key player for the Wallabies during their 2-1 series victory over the Lions in 2001.

July 23, 2025 0 comments

Sport

British and Irish Lions survive First Nations & Pasifika XV scare : Planet Rugby

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 22, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Lions Scrape Past Determined First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne Thriller

Tourists Secure Narrow 24-19 Victory After Hard-Fought Midweek Encounter

The British & Irish Lions narrowly avoided a significant upset in their final midweek fixture, battling to a 24-19 win against a spirited First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne. The invitational side displayed remarkable resilience, proving a formidable opponent for large periods of the match.

Osborne Stars as Lions Edge Ahead

The Lions ultimately secured the win through four tries to three, with **Jamie Osborne** proving to be the standout performer, crossing the whitewash twice. **Darcy Graham** and **Duhan van der Merwe** contributed the other tries, while **Fin Smith** added two crucial conversions. For the home team, **Triston Reilly**, **Seru Uru**, and **Rob Leota** touched down, with **Kurtley Beale** successfully converting two of their efforts.

The early stages saw the First Nations & Pasifika XV reduced to 14 men when Reilly received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Graham in just the fifth minute. The Lions capitalised quickly, with Osborne opening the scoring after latching onto a perfectly weighted chip kick from Owen Farrell within the opposition’s 22-metre line.

Things looked to be worsening for the home side when Smith delivered a long skip pass to Graham in the 11th minute, allowing the Scotland flyer an easy run to the try line. Smith converted both tries, extending the Lions’ advantage. However, the complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the 18th minute as Reilly intercepted a pass from Blair Kinghorn on the edge of the Lions’ territory and sprinted away to score.

FT | First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 British & Irish Lions.

A hard-fought win for the Lions in their final midweek match of the tour. Plenty to build on for both sides! #LionsRugby #NZTour #FNPPXV pic.twitter.com/WwA9g4T2F7

— Lions Rugby (@LionsRugby) September 30, 2023

The momentum continued to swing as the First Nations & Pasifika XV drew level five minutes later. Uru grounded the ball close to the line following strong carries from Kalani Thomas and Taniela Tupou, which had provided the team with valuable momentum. Adding to the Lions’ woes, James Ryan was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements leading up to the try. The remainder of the first half was a tight contest, with both teams unable to add to the score, resulting in a 14-14 deadlock at halftime.

Second-Half Tug-of-War

The Lions began the second half with renewed vigour. Just five minutes after the restart, **Osborne** completed his brace, running onto an offload from **Kinghorn** to score. The ensuing 15 minutes developed into a gruelling arm wrestle, with both sides showcasing impressive defensive efforts as they sought to gain the upper hand.

The Lions extended their lead in the 64th minute. Farrell displayed his experience by drawing in a defender before offloading to the towering winger Van der Merwe, who had a clear run to the try line. The home side, determined to salvage something from the match, responded in the 71st minute when Leota scored from close range after receiving a pass from Richie Asiata. The final moments were frantic as the invitational team pushed for a stunning victory, but the Lions managed to hold on, securing their tightest win of their Australian tour to date.

The physicality of international rugby can take a toll, with teams often averaging over 200 tackles per match in major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup. The Lions’ defensive efforts were tested throughout this encounter, highlighting the commitment required at this level.

Team Lineups

First Nations & Pasifika XV: 15 Muirhead, 14 Failing Daulte, 12 DALIDE PLAYE, 7 KARKE TEMAGA, 8 LARKER TEAMULE, AMANKA SENAGA, 6 GARDY GUELS, AMANKE MEMAGA, 8 LARKER TEAMULE OF MAILI!; Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Jarrah McLeod.

British & Irish Lions: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Jamie Osborne, 12 Owen Farrell (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Jamie George, 1 Pierre Schoeman; Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tom Clarkson, 19 Gregor Brown, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Garry Ringrose.

The match officials included Referee Nika Amasshache (Georgia), Assistant Referees Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) and Andrea Piardi (Italy), TMO Marius Jonker (South Africa), and FPRO Richard Kelly (New Zealand).

July 22, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Wallabies name James O’Connor in squad for British and Irish Lions Test

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 11, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

O’Connor Eyes Unlikely Comeback for Wallabies

Veteran fly-half earns selection for British and Irish Lions series

**James O’Connor**, at 35, is in contention to complete a remarkable return to Test rugby, having been named in the 36-man squad preparing to face the British and Irish Lions.

Selection Rationale

Despite not having played a Test since 2022, **O’Connor** impressed in New Zealand, contributing to the Crusaders’ Super Rugby championship win. His selection follows an injury to fly-half **Noah Lolesio** during the **Wallabies’** recent victory over Fiji.

**Wallabies** coach **Joe Schmidt** emphasized the value of **O’Connor’s** experience within the squad. “Obviously, I had a few conversations with **James** during the year and he had a good Super season for the Crusaders,” said **Schmidt**.

**Schmidt** continued, “He stayed close. He stayed connected the whole way through, and his experience was something that helped **Tom Lynagh** last year with the Reds… So that experience can potentially help the players again, particularly our young 10s, as they continue to progress as well.”

Competition for Fly-Half Role

**O’Connor**, who has earned 64 caps for Australia, including three against the Lions in 2013, will compete for the starting fly-half position alongside **Tom Lynagh** of the Queensland Reds and **Ben Donaldson** from the Western Force.

Should **Lynagh** feature in the Test series, he and his father, **Michael**, would become the first father-son duo to represent Australia against the Lions.

**James O’Connor** started at fly-half for the **Wallabies** in all three Test matches against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. (AP: Mal Fairclough, File)

Veteran Presence

Prop **James Slipper**, also selected, played against the Lions in 2013. Only **George Smith** has played in consecutive Lions series since the 12-year cycle began.

Meanwhile, veteran scrumhalf **Nic White**, after missing the 2013 series due to injury, is now in line to potentially play against the Lions.

Newcomers and Team Balance

**Schmidt** has included two uncapped players: **Corey Toole**, a winger from the Brumbies, and **Nick Champion de Crespigny**, a backrower from the Western Force. Rugby Australia recently reported a participation increase of 11% among women and girls, reflecting a broader growth in the sport (Rugby Australia 2024).

“As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls,” **Schmidt** stated.

**Schmidt** added, “We’re conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they’ll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare… We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days.”

Lions’ Tour So Far

The Lions, however, are undefeated on their current tour of Australia, having won against all four Super Rugby teams in tour matches.

They did suffer a defeat against Argentina in Dublin, losing 28-24.

Upcoming Tests

The **Wallabies** are coming off a narrow 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. That was their only Test leading up to the three-match series against the Lions.

The first Test between the **Wallabies** and the British and Irish Lions is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Lang Park in Brisbane. The series continues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, concluding at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on August 2.

Wallabies Squad

The 36-player squad sees the return of four players who were sidelined due to injury for the Fiji Test: **Rob Valetini**, **Will Skelton**, **Lynagh**, and **Jake Gordon**.

Forwards

**Allan Alaalatoa**, **Angus Bell**, **Josh Canham**, **Nick Champion De Crespigny**, **Matt Faessler**, **Nick Frost**, **Langi Gleeson**, **Tom Hooper**, **Fraser McReight**, **Zane Nonggorr**, **Billy Pollard**, **David Porecki**, **Tom Robertson**, **Will Skelton**, **James Slipper**, **Carlo Tizzano**, **Taniela Tupou**, **Rob Valetini**, **Jeremy Williams**, **Harry Wilson**

Backs

**Filipos Daugunu**, **Ben Donaldson**, **Jake Gordon**, **Len Ikitau**, **Max Jorgensen**, **Andrew Kellaway**, **Tom Lynagh**, **Tate McDermott**, **James O’Connor**

July 11, 2025 0 comments

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