Month: September 2024

All Blacks coach Ian Foster is proud of how his team turned their fortunes around after a poor start to go on and claim the Rugby Championship.

For much of the competition, Foster’s role as coach was under fire after the All Blacks lost to the Springboks in the opening round off the back of a series loss to Ireland in July.

The All Blacks recovered with a lovely win against the same opposition a week later in Ellis Park before losing to Argentina in New Zealand for the first time adding further pressure on Foster.

Key changes to coaching staff

However, backing from New Zealand Rugby coupled with a coaching staff shuffle that saw Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan come in for Brad Mooar and John Plumtree respectively made a world of difference as the All Blacks won four of their six Rugby Championship clashes, including three wins on the bounce.

Foster said despite the tournament not going to plan, it was “special” to claim the title in this way, with his team showing massive character along the way.

“It’s very special,” he told Stuff. “It’s been a different journey to other Rugby Championships we’ve won. To do it from behind the 8-ball at the start … it’s not the way we wanted, but it’s very satisfying. I’m really proud of the effort the boys have put in.”

The coach has learnt the importance of staying together and close as a team when under pressure, both on and off the field.

“In life you don’t know what it’s going to chuck at you,” added Foster. “You can only deal with the situation you’re in and no one can walk in those shoes but yourself. What have we learnt? That under pressure we stay tight, under pressure we’ve sought solutions that have made us uncomfortable at times, but the goal is to get the performance right.”

Foster is happy with the foundation the All Blacks have laid during the Rugby Championship but knows there is still a lot to improve on going forward.

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“There is still quite a bit left in this tank. We saw that even last night. The building blocks are nice, but there are still a lot of finishing touches we’re not quite getting right. But what a great spot to be in.

“It’s up to us to make sure they’re areas we can now tidy up. Some of the conversion rates in our line-breaks, for example, and I was disappointed we let them back on the scorecard in that last 10 minutes … they’re small things but could be important things in 12 months’ time.”

The All Blacks performed well in patches but never strung a full game together, with their final round 40-14 win over the Wallabies the closest to an 80-minute performance.

“We’re still not an 80-minute team, and that requires a mental approach where we’re just a little more relentless,” he said. “But we’ve seen signs we’re going upwards in that area.”

Then came the prods for personal reflection. The man so many wanted to go, is not only still there, but thriving. Had he proved a point?

World Cup in mind

Foster believes the team have proved they can climb out of a difficult period with poor form and looks forward to the preparation the end-of-year tour will provide for next year’s World Cup that is rapidly approaching.

“Take the word ‘you’ and make it a ‘we’,” he said. “We’ve proven to ourselves we can climb through adversity – and there will be more to come. I’m just proud of the way the team dealt with the pressure of not performing to the level we wanted and haven’t sulked about it, and just got into work.

“As a coach you grow through experience. It’s hard to explain sometimes the journey a team is taking and changes they are making. Sometimes you’ve just got to go do it. It’s satisfying where we’re at but there are more ladders to climb.”

“We’ll go a little bit fresher than in the past, and that’s a deliberate strategy,” added Foster. “We want to get stuck into this tour and it’s important we finish in a position where we’ve got a really clear picture of what we want to do, because next year is pretty thin with just five tests before the World Cup.”

Outgoing PSG manager Unai Emery has won the UNFP Ligue 1 Manager of the Year Award.

He reacted to his prize during tonight’s ceremony:

“Tonight we are witnessing a lovely evening. I am happy to be here with you all. I want to thank BeIN Sports because I think that today TV is very important to watch football and to aid the spreading of football. I think all media do that and BeIN Sports, I watch a lot of the games here with it and also European games… I think this league has grown piece by piece and I think it has a big chance to grow much more. I want to say to all the coaches who respected me a lot here, when I worked here… To finish, I want to say I am here for PSG and my biggest thanks go to the president, Nasser and to all the people who work for PSG, who continue to help French football grow. To the staff, to all the people who work with me everyday… Also to the players, this trophy is for the work we have done. And thank you to you all for being here tonight together. Enjoy these moments together. Thank you.”

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The 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season continues this weekend including the highly anticipated clash between Leinster and the Sharks at the RDS Arena on Saturday.

Check on the team news and see our predictions for the weekend, here.

Friday

Edinburgh v Lions

Prediction: Edinburgh by 3

The teams:

Edinburgh: 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Matt Currie, 12 James Lang, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Blair Kinghorn, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Luke Crosbie, 5 Grant Gilchrist (c), 4 Glen Young , 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Stuart McInally, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Dave Cherry, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 WP Nel, 19 Marshall Sykes, 20 Ben Muncaster, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 Charlie Savala, 23 Chris Dean

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Quan Horn, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (c), 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Emmanuel Tshituka, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Morne van dern Berg, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Zander du Plessis

Venue: Scotstoun
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ru Campbell (Scotland), Jonny Perriam (Scotland)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)

Connacht v Munster

Prediction: Connacht by 5

The teams:

Connacht: 15 Conor Fitzgerald, 14 John Porch, 13 Byron Ralston, 12 David Hawkshaw, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty (c), 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 5 Oisín Dowling, 4 Gavin Thornbury, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Denis Buckley
Replacements: 16 Grant Stewart, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Jack Aungier, 19 Niall Murray, 20 Josh Murphy, 21 Colm Reilly, 22 Tom Daly, 23 Paul Boyle

Munster: 15 Joey Carbery, 14 Conor Phillips, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Dan Goggin, 11 Patrick Campbell, 10 Ben Healy, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Peter O’Mahony (c), 6 Jack O’Donoghue, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Keynan Knox, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Replacements: 16 Scott Buckley, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Jack O’Sullivan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Rory Scannell, 23 Fionn Gibbons

Venue: The Sportsground
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Busby (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Frank Murphy (Ireland), Dan Carson (Ireland)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

Saturday

Zebre Parma v Stormers

Prediction: Stormers by 15

The teams:

Zebre: 15 Jacopo Trulla, 14 Latu Latunipulu, 13 Tommaso Boni, 12 Damiano Mazza, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Tiff Eden, 9 Chris Cook, 8 Taina Fox-Matamua, 7 Iacopo Bianchi, 6 Davide Ruggeri, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 David Sisi (c), 3 Ion Neculai, 2 Jacques Du Toit, 1 Juan Pitinar
Replacements: 16 Luca Bigi, 17 Luca Rizzoli, 18 Matteo Nocera, 19 Gabriele Venditti, 20 Luca Andreani, 21 Alessandro Fusco, 22 Joey Caputo, 23 Lorenzo Pani

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Alapati Leuia, 12 Sacha Mngomezulu, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Adre Smith, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak
Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Dan du Plessis

Venue: Stadio Lanfranchi
Kick-off: 16:00 local (15:00 BST 14:00 GMT)
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Dario Merli (Italy), Alberto Favaro (Italy)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)

Leinster v Sharks

Prediction: Leinster by 10

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The teams:

Leinster:15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Rob Russell, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Will Connors, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 John McKee, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Vakhtang Abdaladze, 19 James Ryan, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Cormac Foley, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Garry Ringrose

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Dylan Richardson, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Thomas du Toit (c), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Nevaldo Fleurs, 23 Marnus Potgieter

Venue: RDS Arena
Kick-off: 17:05 BST (16:05 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Peter Martin (Ireland), Keane Davison (Ireland)
TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)

Scarlets v Cardiff

Prediction: Cardiff by 5

The teams: 

Scarlets:15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Corey Baldwin, 12 Jonathan Davies (c), 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Blade Thomson, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Tom Price, 3 Javan Sebastian, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Steff Thomas
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Jac Price, 20 Shaun Evans, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Dan Jones, 23 Steff Evans

Cardiff: 15 Rhys Priestland, 14 Jason Harries, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Uilisi Halaholo, 11 Theo Cabango, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Thomas Young, 6 Josh Turnbull (c), 5 Seb Davies, 4 Lopeti Timani, 3 Dmitri Arhip, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Rhys Carré
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Will Davies-King, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Shane Lewis-Hughes, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Mason Grady, 23 Max Llewellyn

Venue: Parc y Scarlets
Kick-off: 17:15 BST (16:15 GMT)
Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: Elgan Williams (WRU), Mark Butcher (WRU)
TMO: Ian Davies (Wales)

Ulster v Ospreys

Prediction: Ulster by 12

The teams: 

Ulster: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Rob Lyttle, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 John Cooney, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Jordi Murphy, 6 Nick Timoney, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 John Andrew, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Replacements: 16 Declan Moore, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, 20 Marcus Rea, 21 Dave Shanahan, 22 Billy Burns, 23 Aaron Sexton

Ospreys: 15 Max Nagy, 14 Luke Morgan, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Michael Collins, 11 Keelan Giles, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Reuben Morgan Williams, 8 Dan Lydiate (c), 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Will Griffiths, 5 Huw Sutton, 4 Rhys Davies, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Dewi Lake, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Rhys Henry, 19 Jack Regan, 20 Morgan Morris, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Jack Walsh, 23 Joe Hawkins

Venue: Kingspan Stadium
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: Ben Blain (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Paul Haycock (Ireland), Andrew Fogarty (Ireland)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Glasgow Warriors v Bulls

Prediction: Bulls by 5

The teams: 

Glasgow: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Sebastian Cancelliere, 13 Sione Tuipulotu (C), 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Cole Forbes, 10 Tom Jordan, 9 George Horne, 8 Matt Fagerson, 7 Thomas Gordon, 6 Gregor Brown, 5 Richie Gray, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Jamie Bhatti
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Lucio Sordoni, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Sintu Manjezi, 21 Ryan Wilson, 22 Ali Price, 23 Domingo Miotti

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 David Kriel, 11 Stedman Gans, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Marco van Staden, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Bismarck Du Plessis, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Reinhardt Ludwig, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Wandisile Simelane

Venue: Scotstoun
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: David Sutherland (Scotland), Ru Campbell (Scotland)
TMO: Mark Patton (Ireland)

Sunday

Benetton v Dragons

Prediction: Benetton by 7

The teams:

Benetton: 15 Edoardo Padovani, 14 Marcus Watson, 13 Ignacio Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Ignacio Mendy, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Michele Lamaro, 6 Manuel Zuliani, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Scott Scrafton, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Ivan Nemer
Replacements: 16 Manuel Arroyo, 17 Thomas Gallo , 18 Tiziano Pasquali, 19 Niccolò Cannone, 20 Toa Halafihi, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Marco Zanon, 23 Mattia Bellini

Dragons: 15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Max Clark, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Jared Rosser, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Lewis Jones, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Ben Fry, 6 Sean Lonsdale, 5 Ben Carter (c), 4 Joe Davies, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Rob Evans
Replacements: 16 Bradley Roberts, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Lloyd Fairbrother, 19 Ross Moriarty, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Steff Hughes

Venue: Stadio Monigo
Kick-off: 15:45 local (14:45 BST 13:45 GMT)
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Simone Boaretto (Italy)
TMO: Colin Stanley (Scotland)

Speaking to reporters following Lyon’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Nice which assured them Champions’ League football, club president Jean-Michel Aulas was asked about captain Nabil Fékir’s future.

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“For the moment we have not discussed it, we wanted to see in which competition we would be playing in next season. I am someone who respects my players’ wishes once they have brought what they have brought, like Tolisso, Lacazette. We will discuss to see what Nabil wants… We want to keep all our best players, because what we have achieved here, is magnificent. And I want to say a big thank you to Bruno (Génésio), who was able to galvanise this team and make the necessary tactical changes.”

L’Équipe report that Nabil Fékir will not be signing for a new club today before he is scheduled to return to the French national team’s training base at Clairefontaine tonight.

Talks with Liverpool have not advanced since the beginning of last week and recent interest from Bayern Munich could turn any potential deal on its head, according to the newspaper.

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Wales have been hit by a potential double blow after Josh Adams and Taine Basham suffered injuries during their United Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.

Playing against each other at the Arms Park, Cardiff wing Adams left the action with a wrist problem while Basham suffered an elbow injury in his side’s 31-14 loss.

Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan admitted Basham is set for a spell out of action, saying the flanker had gone to hospital to be assessed for a possible dislocation.

Concerning for the Wales back-row

“It’s an elbow injury so he has gone to hospital to check,” he told the region’s website.

“It’s a shame because he has been playing well. I’ve seen a lot of energy from Taine lately and a load of excitement.

“If Taine is out, we lose a lot of X-Factor, but also, he is growing week by week and day by day in this environment. He seems to be really enjoying his rugby.

“It will be a big loss for us and also for Taine. We will wait to see the severity of it.”

Flanagan added that the Dragons will also wait to see how centre Sio Tomkinson recovers after he left the field at half-time.

“Sio had a bit of a stinger in the shoulder,” said the coach.

“We’ll see how he recovers this week first. Hopefully not long-term, but it depends on the severity of it.”

Groin injury for Josh Adams

Meanwhile, Cardiff wing Adams had his try-scoring return from a groin injury soured by the wrist injury, which also throws his participation for Wales into doubt.

While the mood over Basham’s fate was downbeat, the view was that Adams’ injury is not as serious, which will give Wales head coach Wayne Pivac a glimmer of hope.

“The good news was that he didn’t feel any issues with his groin and he looked a real threat every time he touched the ball,” said Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young.

“But we will have to look at the wrist. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad, but we will know more on Sunday.”

Wales are scheduled to face New Zealand on Saturday, November 5 before they take on Argentina, Georgia and Australia over the following weekends.

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With the World Cup fast-approaching, we take a look at five central questions for the French national team.

1 | Hugo Lloris, a worry

While Hugo Lloris will undoubtedly remain Didier Deschamps’ number one, patting Mario Balotelli’s free-kick into the path of Leonardo Bonucci for Italy’s only goal on Friday became the latest in a string of moments which range from outright calamities to weak goalkeeping. Les Bleus’ captain has been criticised ever more frequently over recent months and his continued uncertain displays equate to uncertainty over his ability to remain mistake-free throughout the World Cup.

While the minor error that led Bonucci’s strike may have been inconsequential, as was Lloris’ flapping at cross which eventually found Alvaro Morata in Spurs’ 3-1 win at Chelsea, his skewed injury time clearance that fell to Sweden’s Ola Toivonen and lost France a crucial qualifier last year certainly was not. Should the 31-year-old be put under pressure during the latter stages in Russia, a similar error could become decisive.

2 | Defensive frailties and lack of cohesion

Full-back has long been France’s only true problem position. Injury issues for Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibé late in the season led to increased uncertainty, while their defensive abilities, Sidibé’s in particular, have also been a concern. Meanwhile, their competitors for a place in the eleven, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard (both 22), remain inexperienced in the international arena despite solid displays in the win over Italy. Despite undoubted quality, centre back, although apparently clear cut in selection terms, could also prove an issue position.

Samuel Umtiti has looked increasingly tired across the run-in at Barcelona while Raphaël Varane has had a long and exhausting season with Real Madrid. To compound the issue, aside from Hugo Lloris’ fluctuating form, is the fact that whichever back four Deschamps choses, they will have had little time to develop an understanding.

Umtiti and Varane have only started together on five occasions while Mendy still only has six caps. Although it is unlikely that they will be truly tested until the knockout stages, better sides in Russia might be able to pick holes in a tired, relatively unacquainted back-line.

3 | The shape of the team remains in flux

With the host of attacking talents at Deschamps disposal, distilling the perfect formula to eek the best out from his forward line has long proved a tricky act to balance. It seemed that Deschamps had narrowed his choices down to the 4-4-2 that proved effective in Euro 2016 or a 4-3-3. Nevertheless, Deschamps has taken steps to evolve his set up further in Les Bleus’ pair of friendlies.

In the 2-0 win over Ireland, Nabil Fékir assumed the number 10 role that has seen him produce his best season to date at Lyon at the tip of a diamond, although he also had licence to drift out to the left, while Antoine Griezmann was used in a very narrow 4-3-3 as something approaching a false 9 against Italy with Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé running beyond. “We can gain in efficiency, obviously.“ admitted Deschamps after the Italy game, “My attackers swap a lot and, with their speed of movement, it hurts the opponent.”

A diamond shape, or some hybrid variant, does suit France as it buys into the ideas that Mbappé’s best position is centrally and that Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibé are at their best when providing width from full-back. Nevertheless, time seems short in which to hone in on a set-up used surprisingly little over the last few seasons and might leave the flanks exposed given the lack of coverage from Mbappé and Dembélé. Worryingly, with just one friendly to go, Deschamps still seems unsure on key tactical decisions.

4 | Giroud vs Dembélé

However Deschamps choses to deploy his strikers, it seems certain that both Griezmann and Mbappé will be amongst them and, with a burgeoning proclivity to plump for a trio of midfielders, Deschamps tactical choice might come down to ‘Giroud or Dembélé?’ Configurations favouring both have been used in the two friendlies so far. Giroud was used as part of a striking pair alongside Kylian Mbappé against Ireland, while Deschamps looked to utilise Dembélé’s pace against Italy in something of an inside forward role.

Both players scored goals that their skill-sets and Deschamps varying systems were expected to produce – Giroud’s physicality, instinct and heading ability proving effective from a corner, while Dembélé‘s sublime curling effort rounded off a lightning counter. Dembélé’s understanding with Mbappé, highlighted in training videos released by the FFF last week, could count in his favour. Nevertheless, given the success of both, it’s more than possible that the two will be used where needed rather than as a matter of course but this could prove a crucial decision for Deschamps deeper into the tournament.

5 | Pogba no longer untouchable

Paul Pogba’s season has been a tumultuous one. Struggling to fit into a deeper role at Old Trafford and some below par displays were compounded by being left out of both legs of United’s Champions League last 16 tie with Sevilla, slight injuries notwithstanding. Despite improving in the latter stages of the season in Manchester having been used more consistently in a more natural role as part of a midfield trio, a horribly sliced 35 yard shoot that came close to hitting the corner flag preceded further dissatisfied fan reaction as he was booed off in Nice on Friday night.

There is a growing sense in France that Pogba’s place, much as Adrien Rabiot’s was, in now under threat after a string of, by his standards, off colour displays. Corentin Tolisso’s eye-catching performances only adds to the speculation. “Paul did not succeed and he was less active in the offensive phase but he worked for the team.” explained Deschamps after the Italy win, “He did not do everything right, but he allowed the team to be defensive.”

His teammates however were keen to defend him. “Whatever he does, you’ll always say he has to do more. We must admire the player we have,” said Mbappé. Samuel Umtiti meanwhile bemoaned, “the whistles, it spoils a little the evening. We know Paul’s qualities and he has the right to be a little less good.” Deschamps meanwhile seemed to hint at a change. “I do not have a headache but I have a choice.”

A.W.

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England will take on Ireland in a warm-up fixture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in August 2023 as part of their preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Eddie Jones’ troops will head to Dublin to take on Andy Farrell’s side at the home of Irish rugby on Saturday, August 19.

That encounter follows back-to-back fixture against Wales, with the match first away in Cardiff on Saturday, August 5 and the second showdown is scheduled to take place at Twickenham on Saturday, August 12.

Last warm-up Test against Fiji

England’s final warm-up match, before they head to France for the Rugby World Cup, is against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday, August 26.

Jones said: “It’s a great chance to benchmark ourselves against the current number one team in the world.

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“We are looking forward to taking them on in front of a lively Irish crowd and work towards being at our best for when the Rugby World Cup starts.”

In a move sure to excite supporters, Huddersfield Town has announced the permanent capture of Dutch international Terence Kongolo. Kongolo joins from AS Monaco for an undisclosed fee, believed to be €20m, and inked a four-year contract with Huddersfield earlier today.

The Dutch defender impressed during his short stint with Huddersfield last season, having joined the Premier League side on loan during the January transfer window. During his time with the club, Kongolo made 17 appearances and helped ensure the Terriers’ safety in the Premier League.

A product of Feyenoord’s famed academy, Kongolo has made four appearances for the Dutch national team. The defender is known for his adaptability, which was on full display in England last season.

Sporting the blue and white of the West Yorkshire club, Kongolo played as both a central and left-sided defender, finding most of his success with the latter.

As a key part of David Wagner’s side, Kongolo quickly enamored himself to the Huddersfield supporters. After the final match of the 2017/18 campaign, the defender was quick to thank all the Terriers for their “massive support, love and affection” and acknowledged the supporters’ impact on the team, writing, “The fans were amazing. We did this all together!” 

Kongolo’s time in Monaco was short, having made just three appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit. However the defender has seemed to find more suitable surroundings in England.

His manager, David Wagner, clearly has full confidence in him, declaring, “We knew he was a top, top player when we brought him in on loan in January; you don’t play for the Netherlands in a World Cup and win the Dutch league with Feyenoord otherwise. However, his performances in our shirt exceeded our expectations,” in the club’s official signing announcement.

G.M.

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The league season has come and gone but peeking it’s head around the corner is the World Cup in Russia. The month-long football fiesta promises to be a feast both for fans and players alike as they all battle it out to see who will reign supreme.

However, one of the most enjoyable things about World Cup competitions is finding the unheralded players who shine. While it is much more difficult to have that sense of wonder in the modern era, it can still be fun to find out about an exciting footballer that you had not seen much of before.

Here’s a quick look at four players that ply their trade in Ligue 1 who could put their name on the map during this summer’s tournament:

Ismaila Sarr – Senegal and Rennes

While it’s not quite been the breakout campaign some had expected from the 20-year-old, Ismaila Sarr is exactly the kind of x-factor talent that less-fancied nations adore and Premier League clubs salivate over.

The former Metz wide man has had a strange season since joining Rennes in the summer, playing across the forward line and never really settling in one position. Christian Gourcuff was determined to make him a striker but he has been far more effective out wide, picking the ball up deep and driving at teams.

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If he can put an indifferent year behind him, where he notched just five goals and three assists, he could prove to be the perfect foil to superstar Sadio Mané. Another Ligue 1 star in Moussa Konaté may be pushing for a start, but Sarr’s ability to transform games with his pace and ability means he will likely get the nod.

Ellyes Skhiri – Tunisia and Montpellier

Having committed his international future to Tunisia earlier this season, Ellyes Skhiri is set to be a major part of the nation’s first World Cup since 2006.

The 23-year-old has been a lynchpin at Montpellier this season, having stayed away from the international set-up in order to focus on his club career. That investment has paid off in droves as Skhiri is the heartbeat of La Paillade, controlling games with his passing ability and his strong defensive instincts.

He also has a penchant for a strike from distance, with a style akin to stroking the ball into the back of the net like an artist gently brushing in the sky on a portrait. If he can show how he can be a real force in midfield, especially against a strong Belgium side, clubs may start ordering a queue for his services.

Naim Sliti – Tunisia and Dijon

The Carthage Eagles have another Ligue 1 starlet in their midst as they try to secure their first-ever World Cup win and Naim Sliti of Dijon will be one of their main goal-scoring threats.

Predominantly a left winger that also operates as a central attacking midfielder, the 25-year-old has great close-ball control and creativity in his feet that could help inspire his side to not be the pushovers some are expecting. Him linking with the wideman-turned-striker Whabi Khazri will be crucial for them, with the on-loan Rennes star benefitting from good service with the Brittany club.

With five assists this season and seven goals, Sliti is the ideal man to supply him but also to take some of the goal-scoring burden from him as well. With the underdog tag firmly on their backs in a group with Belgium and England, Tunisia will be hopeful that the Dijon man cuts the mustard this summer.

Giovani Lo Celso – Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain

Ever-present in the Paris Saint-Germain side to end the season, Giovani Lo Celso could be the Swiss Army knife that Argentina desperately need to boost their midfield in Russia.

The 22-year-old had to bide his time but was one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Parc des Princes at the end of Emery’s era. Best in the final third creating and scoring goals, he has contributed to seven goals in total, he has also added more dynamism to his game both in terms of keeping possession and putting in the defensive work as well.

That versatility added to manager Jorge Sampaoli’s penchant for playing him practically guarantees him a starting berth. With it likely to be Lionel Messi’s final chance at a World Cup, he will need all the support he can get and with the rest of the midfield out of form or aging rather ungracefully, it will be up to Lo Celso to pick up the slack.

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