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South Wales Guardian
10 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Borthwick backs George in co-captaincy role with Ford
However, with Itoje away on Lions duty where he will captain the touring side in Australia, Borthwick has gone back to the tried-and-tested with George set to lead the team for the game against a French XV on Saturday, working as a co-captain with Ford. Borthwick explained that the two dovetail nicely in their leadership styles and having both in the joint position was 'the right way to go'. 'He's (George) really clear from a tactical point of view. He's got a brilliant voice. He has a fantastic feel and manner with people,' said Borthwick. 'Both of them are phenomenal players and both are brilliant, experienced leaders, both at club and international level. 'Whether they've been captains or vice-captains or not, they are leaders and they are role models for the rest of the players. 'I decided that was the right way to go, to have two great figureheads for this team. 'This week training, they complement each other superbly well, as you'll know from their different styles and different positions they play. 'That then gives us a figurehead in the forwards, a figurehead in the backs, leading the team. 'I've been really pleased with how it's gone.' Ford and George come into the tour as two of the most experienced members of the squad, with a combined 200 England caps between them, having both missed out on selection for the Lions in May. George, whilst not making the 38-man squad, has clearly remained in Farrell Snr's thinking and was called up to train with the Lions out in Portugal last week due to the absence of Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, both of whom were on Leinster duty in the URC Final. Now back with England, the hooker reflected with pride on his third different Lions camp, despite the initial disappointment of missing out. 'I loved it,' he said. 'Me and George [Ford] are in the same boat. I was very disappointed not to be on the Tour in the first place, but to be given any opportunity to go in and show what you're about a little bit… It was a great opportunity for me to go out there. They're setting themselves up very nicely for a successful tour.' And with England set to fly out to Argentina, the opponents of the Lions on Friday evening in Dublin, George revealed he was keenly observing everything that was going on, partly to help when he was back with his national side. He added: 'There's a little bit more in it because they're playing Argentina tomorrow night and that's where our tour is going to be. As we were analysing in the Lions meetings, I was making sure I was making extra notes just to bring back about what I've seen. I think it's important.' There is scope for the England squad to change should the Lions come calling, with Jack van Poortvliet currently away as scrum-half cover for the side with Jamison Gibson-Park not fully fit. Borthwick remained tight-lipped about any potential return to the international fold for Owen Farrell, however, after he re-signed for Saracens this week following one season at Racing 92 in France, making him eligible for international duty once more. 'I think Owen has been very clear,' said Borthwick. 'He's happy to be home and he hasn't made any discussion around his future other than just wanting to get his family settled back in Hertfordshire. 'My focus is on these guys here.' On the timescale regarding Van Poortvliet's return, Borthwick said he is due to be back next week but admitted that date could be subject to change and that the Leicester scrum-half would be fully supported if that were to be the case. 'Jack might well be at the game on Saturday afternoon, but if that changes from a Lions perspective, then we fully support Jack,' he added. 'We've also spoken very publicly that we want as many England players in that Lions squad as possible. 'There might be situations were other England players join the squad in which case we'll be delighted for our players to do that.'
Rhyl Journal
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Borthwick backs George in co-captaincy role with Ford
However, with Itoje away on Lions duty where he will captain the touring side in Australia, Borthwick has gone back to the tried-and-tested with George set to lead the team for the game against a French XV on Saturday, working as a co-captain with Ford. Borthwick explained that the two dovetail nicely in their leadership styles and having both in the joint position was 'the right way to go'. 'He's (George) really clear from a tactical point of view. He's got a brilliant voice. He has a fantastic feel and manner with people,' said Borthwick. 'Both of them are phenomenal players and both are brilliant, experienced leaders, both at club and international level. 'Whether they've been captains or vice-captains or not, they are leaders and they are role models for the rest of the players. 'I decided that was the right way to go, to have two great figureheads for this team. 'This week training, they complement each other superbly well, as you'll know from their different styles and different positions they play. 'That then gives us a figurehead in the forwards, a figurehead in the backs, leading the team. 'I've been really pleased with how it's gone.' Ford and George come into the tour as two of the most experienced members of the squad, with a combined 200 England caps between them, having both missed out on selection for the Lions in May. George, whilst not making the 38-man squad, has clearly remained in Farrell Snr's thinking and was called up to train with the Lions out in Portugal last week due to the absence of Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, both of whom were on Leinster duty in the URC Final. Now back with England, the hooker reflected with pride on his third different Lions camp, despite the initial disappointment of missing out. 'I loved it,' he said. 'Me and George [Ford] are in the same boat. I was very disappointed not to be on the Tour in the first place, but to be given any opportunity to go in and show what you're about a little bit… It was a great opportunity for me to go out there. They're setting themselves up very nicely for a successful tour.' And with England set to fly out to Argentina, the opponents of the Lions on Friday evening in Dublin, George revealed he was keenly observing everything that was going on, partly to help when he was back with his national side. He added: 'There's a little bit more in it because they're playing Argentina tomorrow night and that's where our tour is going to be. As we were analysing in the Lions meetings, I was making sure I was making extra notes just to bring back about what I've seen. I think it's important.' There is scope for the England squad to change should the Lions come calling, with Jack van Poortvliet currently away as scrum-half cover for the side with Jamison Gibson-Park not fully fit. Borthwick remained tight-lipped about any potential return to the international fold for Owen Farrell, however, after he re-signed for Saracens this week following one season at Racing 92 in France, making him eligible for international duty once more. 'I think Owen has been very clear,' said Borthwick. 'He's happy to be home and he hasn't made any discussion around his future other than just wanting to get his family settled back in Hertfordshire. 'My focus is on these guys here.' On the timescale regarding Van Poortvliet's return, Borthwick said he is due to be back next week but admitted that date could be subject to change and that the Leicester scrum-half would be fully supported if that were to be the case. 'Jack might well be at the game on Saturday afternoon, but if that changes from a Lions perspective, then we fully support Jack,' he added. 'We've also spoken very publicly that we want as many England players in that Lions squad as possible. 'There might be situations were other England players join the squad in which case we'll be delighted for our players to do that.'
South Wales Argus
13 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Borthwick backs George in co-captaincy role with Ford
However, with Itoje away on Lions duty where he will captain the touring side in Australia, Borthwick has gone back to the tried-and-tested with George set to lead the team for the game against a French XV on Saturday, working as a co-captain with Ford. Borthwick explained that the two dovetail nicely in their leadership styles and having both in the joint position was 'the right way to go'. 'He's (George) really clear from a tactical point of view. He's got a brilliant voice. He has a fantastic feel and manner with people,' said Borthwick. 'Both of them are phenomenal players and both are brilliant, experienced leaders, both at club and international level. 'Whether they've been captains or vice-captains or not, they are leaders and they are role models for the rest of the players. 'I decided that was the right way to go, to have two great figureheads for this team. 'This week training, they complement each other superbly well, as you'll know from their different styles and different positions they play. 'That then gives us a figurehead in the forwards, a figurehead in the backs, leading the team. 'I've been really pleased with how it's gone.' Ford and George come into the tour as two of the most experienced members of the squad, with a combined 200 England caps between them, having both missed out on selection for the Lions in May. George, whilst not making the 38-man squad, has clearly remained in Farrell Snr's thinking and was called up to train with the Lions out in Portugal last week due to the absence of Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, both of whom were on Leinster duty in the URC Final. Now back with England, the hooker reflected with pride on his third different Lions camp, despite the initial disappointment of missing out. 'I loved it,' he said. 'Me and George [Ford] are in the same boat. I was very disappointed not to be on the Tour in the first place, but to be given any opportunity to go in and show what you're about a little bit… It was a great opportunity for me to go out there. They're setting themselves up very nicely for a successful tour.' And with England set to fly out to Argentina, the opponents of the Lions on Friday evening in Dublin, George revealed he was keenly observing everything that was going on, partly to help when he was back with his national side. He added: 'There's a little bit more in it because they're playing Argentina tomorrow night and that's where our tour is going to be. As we were analysing in the Lions meetings, I was making sure I was making extra notes just to bring back about what I've seen. I think it's important.' There is scope for the England squad to change should the Lions come calling, with Jack van Poortvliet currently away as scrum-half cover for the side with Jamison Gibson-Park not fully fit. Borthwick remained tight-lipped about any potential return to the international fold for Owen Farrell, however, after he re-signed for Saracens this week following one season at Racing 92 in France, making him eligible for international duty once more. 'I think Owen has been very clear,' said Borthwick. 'He's happy to be home and he hasn't made any discussion around his future other than just wanting to get his family settled back in Hertfordshire. 'My focus is on these guys here.' On the timescale regarding Van Poortvliet's return, Borthwick said he is due to be back next week but admitted that date could be subject to change and that the Leicester scrum-half would be fully supported if that were to be the case. 'Jack might well be at the game on Saturday afternoon, but if that changes from a Lions perspective, then we fully support Jack,' he added. 'We've also spoken very publicly that we want as many England players in that Lions squad as possible.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Leinster play the South African way to claim URC title
A zinger of a sporting weekend, that. And Leinster ended it with a shiny trophy after seeing off the Bulls in the URC final at Croke Park . ' They'll still have a few regrets about the season – well one game anyway ,' writes Gerry Thornley, but 'this emphatic triumph was a mighty weight off their shoulders'. Gerry heard from coaches and players after the final, among them an elated Dan Sheehan , while John O'Sullivan picked out five things we learned from the game , Leinster's scrum driving them to victory. ' Leinster played the South African way and beat Bulls at their own game,' says Nathan Johns in his tactical analysis of the contest. There won't be much time for Leinster's batch of Lions to rest up, they have that trip to Australia to prepare for. Considering Australia have lost seven of their last 10 Test matches , Denis Walsh wonders 'how bad would the Lions need to be for the upcoming Test series to be competitive?' There was no end of drama in the football championship over the weekend, the peak of it taking place at Hyde Park where Mayo's season was ended by Donegal's Ciarán Moore in the dying seconds. They went out 'in maybe the most Mayo way possible,' writes Malachy Clerkin in his round-up of the group deciders; Mayo, Roscommon, Derry and Clare 'the counties who couldn't escape the guillotine's blade'. Seán Moran was in Hyde Park to see Mayo hearts left in smithereens , Malachy hearing from Jim McGuinness after the game, the Donegal manager none too pleased about the choice of venue for the game. READ MORE In the same group, Tyrone's win over Cavan put them safely through to the knockout phase, but Derry bowed out after their defeat by Dublin, Galway surviving thanks to their victory over Armagh . In Group Two, Meath and Kerry advance , the former beating the latter for the first time in the championship since 2001, Cork going through with them after seeing off Roscommon . And in Group Three, Leinster champions Louth's 2025 odyssey continues after their win over Clare, they're through along with Monaghan and Down . This morning's draw for the preliminary quarter-finals ? Muireann Duffy brings you all the pairings. In golf, Philip Reid was over at Oakmont to see JJ Spaun win the US Open , but Rory McIlroy still hasn't shaken off his Masters-winning hangover continues. ' I climbed my Everest in April , and I think after you do something like that, you've got to make your way back down, and you've got to look for another mountain to climb,' he said. He's hoping he can reach the summit again at the Open in Portrush. And in athletics, Ian O'Riordan reports on Sophie O'Sullivan having a happy time of it at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Oregon, the University of Washington student winning the 1,500m title. Like mother, like daughter. TV Watch : TG4 have the highlights from a stupendously eventful GAA weekend this evening (8pm) and RTÉ 2's Against the Head will look back at Leinster's URC final triumph (8pm).
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
URC final: How Leinster played the South African way and beat Bulls at their own game
Leinster started as they meant to go on. Early in Saturday's URC final , their first carry saw Josh van der Flier knocked backwards. One negative phase was enough. Luke McGrath went to the air, launching the first of nine box kicks. The next time Leinster had the ball, Jordie Barrett grubbered into Bulls territory. The kick in behind forced an error. Leinster won a scrum penalty and kicked into the 22. Jack Conan dotted down following a maul. Five minutes in, Leinster refused to play inside their own half, forced errors with a swarming kick chase, dominated the set-piece and scored off a maul. They beat the South Africans at their own game. READ MORE Back in January, this column pointed to a shift in Leinster's style. The question posed centred on how Leinster would look come knockout rugby. At that point, the stats suggested they combined a Springbok brutality with their innate desire to still play more with the ball than without. Would this mix hold when trophies were on the line? We got our answer on Saturday. The hallmark of South African teams, both at domestic and international level, is a willingness to play without the ball. They are happy to kick aplenty, win the territorial battle and wrest set-piece supremacy. When the time comes, they utilise their pace out wide to take the rare opportunities on offer. No high phase counts. Yet the Bulls finished Saturday with more carries than their hosts (106 vs 90). Leinster still made more clean breaks (10 vs 1) and post-contact metres (250 vs 222). Despite having less of the ball, the province entered the opposition 22 on 11 occasions. The Bulls did so just three times. Forty-two kicks out of hand were launched by men in blue, kicking once for every 2.8 passes. The Bulls kicked 33 times, once for every 3.2 passes. The set-piece? Leinster won all 12 of their lineouts. The Bulls lost three of their 18, with Ryan Baird pinching the first South African throw of the day. Leinster won the scrum penalty count 7-5. Leinster took a leaf out of their book on Saturday, with all four of their tries coming within three phases The surface level stats tell one story. Sometimes, digging deeper exposes the superficial numbers for exactly what they are. Not this time. In the build-up to this final, analyst Ross Hamilton pointed out that the Bulls scored over 70 per cent of their tries within three phases. That's the highest figure in the URC. Jake White's side don't need plenty of possession to do damage. Leinster took a leaf out of their book on Saturday, with all four of their tries coming within three phases. Conan struck one phase after a maul. Barrett's chip and chase from deep was a solitary phase after Jimmy O'Brien claimed a high ball. Van der Flier also scored off the back of a maul. Fintan Gunne's effort came on first phase. After that score, the TV cameras caught Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber high-fiving attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal in recognition of his efficient backline concoction. That should do it for A special moment for Fintan Gunne who all but secures a URC Grand Final victory 🙌 — Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) Leinster don't have the cattle to mimic South African rugby directly. The Springboks had speedsters such as Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse ready to strike with limited ball in years gone by. The Bulls had Canan Moodie and Seb de Klerk on Saturday. Irish rugby is desperate for Tommy O'Brien to develop into a similar devastating runner, but it was Barrett with the magic moment on Saturday. The All Black chased Luke McGrath's clever chip, expertly placed short of the deep backfield cover, before brilliantly kicking in behind once again to score. If Leinster continue down this road of working limited but gilt-edged opportunities for strike runners, Rieko Ioane will be a very interesting addition. What a moment for Jordie Barrett! 🇳🇿 The New Zealander scores on his final game for — Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) Defensively, Leinster's system under Nienaber has been discussed to the nth degree . But it was arguably as effective as it ever has been on Saturday. The Bulls, historically dangerous within three phases, were forced into long passages of play, runners being knocked back time and again. The visiting pack as a whole made just 66 metres (Leinster's made 155); their ploy of one-off runners thwarted by Leinster's two, and often three-man tackles. They flooded collisions and breakdowns with bodies, creating chaos and forcing errors. Devoid of a plan B, when the Bulls tried to go wide, their feckless cross-kicks and floated passes were easily picked off. That Leinster won a trophy (albeit not the one they wanted), in Nienaber's second season, and beating a South African side at their own game, is noteworthy. But it is also an overly simple narrative. Bath and Leicester, two kick-heavy teams, just contested the Premiership final. Bordeaux and France won a Champions Cup and Six Nations respectively by mixing power, astute territorial play and a devastating Louis Bielle-Biarrey/Damian Penaud tandem. Knockout rugby has long gone the way of teams who kick plenty, target the set-piece, defend ferociously and strike quickly with the ball. Perhaps we should stop labelling Leinster's new style as South African. It may be a stark contrast to the high phase count of yesteryear, but they're simply adapting to modern rugby's winning formula.
