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This Week In Rugby 🏉
🦷 A Toothy Problem? Kyle Sinckler’s citing for an alleged bite in the 2nd Lions Test has been dismissed by World Rugby. The decision leaves Sinckler free to play in the 3rd and final Test this Saturday.
⏱ Who Gives You Extra? Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland has backed calls for the introduction of extra time should the 3rd Test end in a draw. This would be to avoid a repeat of 2017 where the Lions had to share the honours with the All Blacks. The tour agreement does not currently allow for this eventuality though.
📱 Twitter Trouble? Springbok Director of Rugby will face a misconduct hearing from World Rugby, due to the “extensive and direct” nature of his hour long monologue posted on twitter criticising the performance of the match officials in the 1st Test.
📺 Where To Watch? The Bledisloe Cup between the All Blacks and Australia is kicking off on Saturday but at time of writing still has no confirmed UK broadcaster, it’s worth keeping an eye on Sky Sports and Rugbypass in case of a last minute solution.
🍺 More Than A Hangover? Winger Marika Koroibete, No.8 Isi Naisarani and Prop Pone Fa'amausili have all been dropped from the Wallabies squad for a breach of curfew. It is reported they stayed out drinking for an additional 2 hours following a team bonding session in Auckland.
Match of the Week 🔥
⚔️ South Africa vs British & Irish Lions - Sat 5pm, Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event, Lions Tour
It all comes down to this, a plucky victory for the Lions followed by an emotionally charged Springbok domination leaves the Test series to be decided this Saturday in Cape Town. It’s been a series without much flash and dash but it has been thrilling, a battle of attrition filled with enormous hits and plenty of niggle. The Boks have the momentum, can it carry them home or can the Lions turn the tide? The bragging rights for the next 12 years are on the line.
After a turgid 2nd Test display the Lions have made sweeping changes. The starting pack has 2 changes, Welsh duo Wyn Jones and Ken Owens come into the front row. In the backs Ali Price regains the starting 9 jersey he occupied in the 1st test and Bundee Aki is brought into the centre to provide some explosive power. The back 3 struggled under the high ball in the 2nd test so Josh Adams and Liam Williams have been drafted in to try and bring some calm. Significantly the bench has been injected with a sizzle of flair, pacy No.8 Sam Simmonds and playmaker Finn Russell could well be in line to make high octane cameos should the Lions find themselves chasing the game.
The Boks have made 2 changes, both inflicted by injuries to key pillars of their team. Former World Player of The Year Pieter-Steph Du Toit was forced off in the 2nd Test and hasn’t recovered, the pack has lost none of its size though as the towering Lood de Jager comes into the 2nd Row and Franco Mostert shifts out to the blindside flank. The other injured party is star 9, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinarch replaces him and is certainly a serious talent, however with only 5 test starts under his belt he is unlikely to match de Klerk’s presence on the field. An intriguing selection is the recall of 37 year old Fly Half Morne Steyn to the bench, the man who kicked the series-winning penalty against the Lions 12 years ago. Could he break British and Irish hearts all over again?
What’s On? 📺
Lions Tour
South Africa vs British & Irish Lions - Sat 5pm, Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event
Bledisloe Cup
New Zealand vs Australia - Sat 8:05am, TBC
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Have a Ruck & Roll Weekend 🏉