France name their team for their WC opener against Italy with three changes from the team that lost to England. Hard to overstate how much Bourdon-Sansus is missed, so a lot of pressure on a young half-back pairing. Have to hope one warm-up match was enough. #RWC2025

For those who are interested in sports media, this will be worth a read.

RT @TimPercival: I’m chuffed to share news of my first book: On the Record and On the Ball: How Elite Coaches Master the Media, which is ou….

Interesting disciplinary hearing coming as Marlie Packer receives a straight red card for a dangerous clearout on the lower limb against Spain in England's first RWC warm-up match. A shame for Packer as she had been playing really well. #RedRoses.

Through 200 minutes of this Lions series, these are the cumulative scores with and without Will Skelton:. ❎Skelton: Lions 39-22 Australia.✅Skelton: Australia 31-17 Lions. #LionsTour2025.

If you ever needed a reminder of just how tall basketball players are, here is Courtney Lawes looking like a child next to Victor Wembanyama. Not sure Wemby’s body would cope with any of the other tasks of a second row, but you’d never lose a lineout!.

Was lucky enough to be in the arena for all four Leon Marchand golds last summer. Not sure that atmosphere can be topped, but feels clear that with a slightly faster pool, he could have also broken at least two world records.

Hell of a second Test match but you'll feel sick if you're Australian. Lions were just so clinical when they got into the 22 though. Heck of a series victory given the position they were in during the first half.

Jake Gordon try makes it irrelevant but Australia had a walk-in try if they had taken the quick lineout from the 50:22. Only Keenan back with multiple Wallabies in the 22 ready to play it.

There will be a few regrets for France after that one, conceding just before half-time, the Savea turnover on the line. Overall though, New Zealand clearly much the stronger and deserved winners. Guillard great again, Bourgarit did well and was a perfect Villière game. #NZLFRA.

France make nine changes for the third Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton. Return of Guillard and Fischer is a boost to the pack, even if the front five is a worry. Four locks in the starting XV is a big call. Pleased to see Depoortere get another go in a good backline.

In terms of quality of landing, I think it’s an early 1-0 lead to Argentina . Although anyone sending in a parachute to a rugby stadium seems brave/foolish (delete as you wish) after the Toulouse debacle

Jamie George taking in the sights before he jets off to Brisbane tomorrow to join the Lions. #ARGvENG

BREAKING: Jamie George has been called up by the Lions and will now not feature against Argentina in San Juan. Theo Dan starts for England and Curtis Langdon onto the bench, while George will remain with the team before flying to Brisbane on Sunday.

England in good spirits ahead of the second Test against Argentina in San Juan. Similar weather expected tomorrow so we could be in for a cracker of a game

There are going to be some great midfield partnerships in action this weekend. Don’t think any of them top Tuisova-Maqala. That 11-14 might be the most dangerous attacking backline anywhere in the world. Going to be a huge test for Scotland

A total of just 63 caps across the entire France starting XV must make this one of their least experienced teams in the modern era. That backline looks incredibly exciting but going to take a lot for the pack to come close to parity. Expect the strongest lineup in the third Test

Want to know how England are gearing up for the second Test v Argentina? 🤔. A behind-the-scenes look at their high-intensity training session culminating in a close-up view of the scrum practice for @IndySport 🔎. Thanks to @EnglandRugby for the access.

Not sure what the confetti is for but thoroughly deserved for England after that performance . Remarkable defensive resolve in the first half and then clinical in the second. On to San Juan!

The bouncing has begun!. #ARGvENG