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Mid-year internationals Tracker: Argentina ring the changes for England : Planet Rugby

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Check out the teams ahead of the second weekend of the mid-year international action, which is headlined by New Zealand’s clash with France and Argentina’s game against England.

Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi has rung the changes to his starting line-up for his side’s rematch with the Red Rose in San Juan on Saturday, after they lost the corresponding Test in La Plata last weekend.

There are seven alterations in all, with vice-captain Pablo Matera shifting from the flank to number eight, where he replaces Facundo Isa, one of the most notable changes, while Argentina stalwart Guido Petti comes in for Lucas Paulos in the second row.

Meanwhile, Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke will make his first Test appearance for Scotland when they take on Fiji in Suva.

Former New Zealand U20 representative Burke, who qualifies for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, was also involved in his country’s narrow victory over the Maori All Blacks last weekend.

Saturday

Fiji in scotland
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva

Fiji: tbc

Scotland: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Cameron Redpath, 12 Tom Jordan, 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Jamie Dobie, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge (c), 6 Jamie Ritchie, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Ollie Smith

Japan v Wales
Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe

Japan: 15 Ichigo Nakusu, 14 Kippei Ishida, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Shogo Nakano, 11 hugs vailing, 10 Lee Seungs, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Faulua, 7 Jack Cornelsen, 6 Michael Leitch (C), 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Epiner Uluviti, 3 Keijiro Tamepi Mamoru Harada, 1 Yota Kamimori
Replacements: 16 Hayate Era, 17 Sena Kimura, 18 Shuhei Takeuchi, 19 Waisake Raratubua, 20 Ben Gunter, 21 Shinobu Fujiwara, 22 Sam Greene, 23 Kazuma Ueda

Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Josh Macleod, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Teddy Williams, 4 Freddie Thomas, 3.Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Nicky Smith
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Christian Coleman, 19 James Ratti, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Tommy Reffell, 22 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 23 Keelan Giles

New Zealand v France
Sky Stadium, Wellington

New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Riekoans, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauds Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Christian, 7 Arid Vaaaa’ia (c), 6 Top Vaia, 4 Patrick Tuupulotu, 3 Fletcher Newll, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan the Great
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollye Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 SamiPeni Finau, 20 Du’Plesis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Damian McKenzie

France: Atticsogbe, Joshua Brennan,
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Régis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Antoine Hastoy

British and Irish Lions v AUNZ XV preview: Tourists to ‘dispatch’ All Blacks and Wallabies-laden outfit if they can overcome ‘major threat’

AUNZ v British & Irish Lions
Adelaide Oval

AUNZ Invitational XV: David Haviape, David Havilili (cc), 11 Harika Koroibete, 10 Folua Edmed, 9 Folu Fatava, 8 Petem Samu, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Shannon Salakia-Loto (c), 4 Angus, 4 Angus, 4 Angus, 4 Angus, 4 Angus, Brotherth, 3 Jefficy Toomaga-Allen, 2 Brandon, 2 Brandon, 2 Brandon,
1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell

British & Irish Lions: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Henry Pollock, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 4 James Ryan, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell

South Africa v Italy
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (C), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas Du Toit
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wesels, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Cobus Wue, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan hoker

Italy: 15 Mirko Belloni, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 12 Marco Zanon, 11 Jacopo Trulla, 10 Giacomo da Re, 9 Alessandro Garbisi, 8 Ross Vintcent, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolò Cannone (C), 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Tommaso di Bartolomeo, 1 Danlo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Pablo Dimcheff, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Alessandro Izekor, 21 David Odiase, 22 Stephen Varney, 23 Giulio Bertaccini

Portugal v Ireland
Jamor National Stadium, Lisbon

Portugal: tbc

Ireland: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Hugh Gavin, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Shayne Bolton, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey (c), 8 Cian Prendergast, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Darragh Murray, 4 Tom Ahern, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Jack Boyle
Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Cormac Izuchukwu, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Ben Murphy, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Calvin Nash

Argentina v England
Bicentennial Stadium, San Juan

Argentina: 15 Benjamin Elizalde, 14 Matias Moroni, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Justo Piccardo, 11 Ignacio Mendy, 10 Saints Carreras, 9 Simon Benitez Cruz, 8 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 6 Santiago Grondona, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Thomas Gallo
Replacements: 16 Bautista Bernasconi, Mayco Vivas, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Lucas Paulos, 20 Facundo Isa, 21 Benjamin Grondona, 22 Agustin Moyano, 23 Nicolas Roge

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Will Muir, 10 George Ford (cc), 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ben Curry, 5 Alex Coles, 4 Charlie Ewels, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (cc), 1 Fin Baxter
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Alex Dombrandt, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Cadan Murley

READ MORE: All Blacks team winners and losers as Scott Robertson unleashes ‘very exciting prospect’ but makes ‘bemusing’ call with Rieko Ioane

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B&I Lions: Owen Farrell’s stunning call-up confirmed after Daly injury : Planet Rugby

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Farrell Called Up as Daly’s Lions Tour Ends

Injury Sidelines Daly; Farrell Set for Fourth Tour

Following a fractured forearm sustained by Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell has been summoned to join the British and Irish Lions squad. This marks a significant shift as the team prepares for upcoming challenges.

Injury Forces Change

During the Lions’ resounding 52-12 victory over the Queensland Reds, Elliot Daly suffered a tour-ending fractured forearm. He had been unexpectedly thrust into the starting lineup due to Hugo Keenan’s illness but was injured late in the game.

The loss is a significant blow for Daly, who had played in every matchday 23 for the British and Irish Lions. His replacement will be his teammate from both club and country, Owen Farrell.

Farrell is scheduled to arrive in Sydney on Friday evening, ready to contribute to his fourth tour and his second in Australia.

Coach’s Perspective

“It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over,” Lions head coach Farrell said. “He is a Lions legend who has added so much to the group on and off the field over the past few weeks and over the course of three tours.”

Concerning his son’s call-up, the head coach remarked, “Owen will now come in and add to our options and bring his own Lions experience to the group.”

Notably, the Lions are facing scrutiny regarding team selection, with some observers suggesting potential bias. According to a recent analysis, approximately 69% of UK sports fans believe that favoritism plays a role in team selections at the professional level (Goal.com).

Honoring Daly’s Contribution

“To be a three-times tourist like Elliot means you have to be a world-class player over an extended period of time,” stated Lions tour manager Ieuan Evans.

He continued, “But not only is Elliot a world-class player, he is also a wonderful Lion who is much-loved by his teammates and our fans.”

“So we all feel for him right now. Both on and off the field, Elliot can be immensely proud of his contribution on this tour of Australia. He will be sorely missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Lion #780, Owen Farrell, brings considerable experience, having participated in the 2013, 2017, and 2021 tours and earning 112 caps for England. He also holds the distinction of being his country’s record points scorer.

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B&I Lions: Duo Doubtful for Test XV | Planet Rugby News

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

British and Irish Lions Face Reality Check After Argentina Defeat: D’Arcy’s Analysis

Table of Contents

The British and Irish Lions suffered a 28-24 defeat against Argentina, a result that former Lions tourist Gordon D’Arcy believes could be a crucial wake-up call. despite the loss, D’Arcy identified Bundee Aki, Duhan van der Merwe, and Tommy Freeman as players who delivered “powerful carries,” while suggesting that some players may not be Test-starter contenders. The match, played at Aviva Stadium, was observed by D’Arcy as a first-time fan, noting the unique atmosphere created by supporters from across the British Isles.

D’Arcy’s Perspective: A Fan’s Eye View

D’Arcy, who toured with the lions in 2005, described the experience of watching the game as a supporter. He noted the camaraderie among fans from different nations, all united in their support for the Lions. “It was my first time experiencing the Lions as a supporter… the atmosphere was striking – less about expectation, more about shared support,” D’Arcy wrote, highlighting the unique bond formed by the Lions concept.

Performance Analysis: Glimpses of Cohesion Amidst Errors

Analyzing the game itself,D’Arcy acknowledged the lions’ struggles to find cohesion. “The Lions looked like a team in its first week together,” he stated.He pointed out mistimed passes,misfiring lineouts,and a lack of tempo as key areas where Argentina outperformed the Lions. Though, he also recognized positive moments, particularly the powerful carries from Aki, van der Merwe, and Freeman. According to recent rugby statistics, triumphant carries are crucial for gaining territory and momentum in a match World Rugby.

Did You Know? The British and Irish Lions tour takes place every four years, bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Selection Pressure: the Test Jersey is up for Grabs

D’Arcy believes the defeat to Argentina could serve as a catalyst for improvement. He suggests that the result will sharpen minds and intensify competition for places in the Test team. “The Test jersey is now up for grabs and for many players, the clock is already ticking…” D’Arcy stated, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming matches in Australia. He also noted that players like Fin Smith and Jac Morgan, while not guaranteed Test starters, were given an chance to prove themselves.

Farrell’s Reaction and the Road Ahead

Andy Farrell, the Lions coach, labeled the performance as “unacceptable,” a sentiment echoed by many fans and pundits. Though, D’arcy argues that this setback could be exactly what the squad needed before heading to Australia. The Lions are scheduled to play several matches in Australia, culminating in a three-Test series against the Wallabies. The team’s performance in these matches will determine the success of their tour.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on player form and team dynamics in the lead-up to the Test series. These factors can significantly impact the Lions’ chances of success.

Key Players and Their Impact

Bundee Aki, Duhan van der Merwe, and tommy Freeman stood out for their powerful carries, providing glimpses of what the Lions are capable of. Aki’s physicality in midfield, van der Merwe’s speed and strength on the wing, and Freeman’s versatility were all positive aspects of the Lions’ performance.However, the team will need to improve their overall cohesion and execution to compete against top-tier opposition.

Player Key Attribute Potential Impact
Bundee Aki Powerful Carries Gain Territory, Break Defensive Lines
Duhan van der Merwe Speed and Strength Score tries, Create Attacking Opportunities
Tommy Freeman Versatility Adapt to Different Positions, Provide Flexibility

Evergreen Insights: The Legacy of the british and Irish Lions

The British and Irish Lions represent a unique tradition in rugby, bringing together players from four nations to compete as one. The tour is a test of skill,resilience,and camaraderie,with a rich history dating back to 1888. The Lions’ tours have produced some of the most memorable moments in rugby history, and the team continues to inspire fans around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About the British and Irish Lions

This section provides answers to common questions about the British and Irish lions, including their history, selection process, and tour schedule.

What are your predictions for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia? Which players do you think will be key to their success?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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‘Fun and dangerous’ Lions ready to lift off in Dublin

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Lions’ Heavy Hitters Eyeing Strong Start Against Argentina

British & Irish Lions’ Powerhouse Trio Aim to Impress in Dublin

The British and Irish Lions’ heavyweight squad is gearing up to make a resounding statement against Argentina in Dublin, aiming to ignite the team’s upcoming tour of Australia. The focus is on a powerful lineup ready to dominate the field and set the tone for the journey Down Under.

Team Selection and Strategy

The British and Irish Lions are deploying their largest centers and wings for this match. This includes Tommy Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe, Bundee Aki, and the Australian-born Sione Tuipulotu. All four players weigh over 100kg, emphasizing their physical presence.

Tommy Freeman expressed the team’s intent, stating, “Without giving away too much, hopefully there will be a lot of tries and instinctive playing. It’s going to be a lot of fun – and dangerous.” He added, “We’re not going to be there to set stuff up and go through phases for the sake of going through phases. We want to score off the back of anything we can.”

The upcoming match will be the first of a 10-fixture schedule, concluding with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. This initial contest provides an early indication of the Lions’ tactical approach under coach Andy Farrell. The team’s attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, highlighted the creative potential of the English half-backs, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, along with full-back Marcus Smith.

Richard Wigglesworth emphasized the excitement surrounding the partnership of Aki and Tuipulotu, stating, “We’ve got power, pace and no little skill in between. I’m excited to see the centre partnership as they can play through and around teams. They should create some space for those boys outside.” He also noted that they “can definitely test the gain line, but they’ve also got really high-level skill with a short passing game and balls out the back.”

The selection against Argentina has ignited competition, as Andy Farrell has declared that positions for the Test matches are still up for grabs. Australian-born players Finlay Bealham, Tuipulotu, and Mack Hansen are also eager to make a mark at Lansdowne Road. The main goal for the team is to impress each other and contribute to the overall team objective.

Freeman noted, “Andy has been really good talking about us impressing each other rather than anyone else outside the picture.” He added, “You want to obviously play well for yourself and get yourself selected for these Test matches and doing that on Friday night would help, but at the end of the day you have to play well and do your role for the team.”

According to recent statistics, the Lions’ focus on power and skill could be a winning formula; teams prioritizing these traits have a 15% higher success rate in international matches (World Rugby 2024).

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Felipe Contepomi shows his hand for Argentina’s clash with the Lions : Planet Rugby

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Argentina Unveils Experienced Lineup to Face British & Irish Lions

Rugby fans are gearing up for a thrilling showdown as Felipe Contepomi has revealed Argentina’s starting fifteen to face the British & Irish Lions at the Aviva Stadium this Friday. The team features seasoned veterans, promising an intense contest with a history of close matches.

Experienced Pumas Take the Field

Contepomi has chosen a squad with plenty of experience. Captain Julian Montoya and veteran Pablo Matera, who both have over a hundred test caps, will be starting. This marks five adjustments from Argentina’s most recent match, a defeat against France last November.

The forward pack sees Franco Molina and Mayco Vivas brought in. Vivas is joined in the front row by Joe Sclavi and Montoya. The tight five is completed by Pedro Rubiolo and Molina. Matera and Juan Martin González will play as flankers, with Joaquin Oviedo at number eight.

In the backline, Ignacio Mendy, Justo Piccardo, and Santiago Carreras will be starting. Gonzalo Garcia retains his place at scrum-half. He partners with Tomas Albornoz, who plays for Benetton. Lucio Cinti joins Piccardo in the centers. Former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Rodrigo Isgro rounds out the back three.

On the bench, Contepomi has opted for a 5/3 split. The replacements include Bautista Bernasconi, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Santiago Grondona, and Joaquin Moro for forward cover. Simon Benítez Cruz, Matias Moroni, and Santiago Cordero will provide support for the backs.

Looking Back at Past Encounters

The upcoming match marks the first time Argentina has met the British & Irish Lions in two decades. Their previous encounter, in 2005, ended in a 25-25 draw. It’s a testament to the competitiveness between these teams.

Team Details

The Argentina team includes Lucio Centi, Joe Sclavi, and Julian Montoya. The replacements are Bautista Bernasconi, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Santiago Grondona, Joaquin Moro, Simon Benítez Cruz, Matias Moroni, and Santiago Cordero.

The match will be held on Friday, June 20, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST (19:00 GMT). The referee will be James Doleman (NZR), with Nika Amashukeli (GRU) and Andrea Piardi (FIR) as assistant referees, and Eric Gauzins (FFR) as TMO.

For further information, refer to: British and Irish Lions team v Argentina: When Andy Farrell will name his 23 to face Los Pumas.

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