The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
Here are your rugby morning headlines for Friday, July 11.
Wallabies star handed recall at 35
Veteran Australian playmaker James O’Connor has earned a stunning recall to the Wallabies squad for another Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
O’Connor was named by Australia coach Joe Schmidt in a live selection press conference in Brisbane on Friday, ahead of next Saturday’s first Test at Suncorp Stadium.
The 35-year-old was called into the squad to replace Noah Lolesio, who was ruled out after undergoing neck surgery earlier in the week.
O’Connor, who has been training in Brisbane following his Super Rugby triumph with the Crusaders, last played Test rugby in 2012.
He has been training at the Reds’ headquarters in Brisbane since winning the Super Rugby championship with the Crusaders last month.
Having been the starting fly-half for the Wallabies in 2013, O’Connor will now have the chance to emulate back-row George Smith – who faced the tourists in 2001 and 2013 – in playing the Lions in two different Test series.
Tom Lynagh has also been named in the squad, meaning that he will have the chance to become part of the first father-son duo to play Tests against the Lions, after his father Michael played in the 1989 series.
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Sherratt: Uncapped Morgan-Williams’ inclusion a ‘brave’ call
Wales scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams has been heralded as a “brave option” by head coach Matt Sherratt as he prepares to make his Test debut off the bench against Japan this Saturday.
The Ospreys scrum-half has been named as a replacement for the second Test in Kobe, coming in for Rhodri Williams after the Dragons scrum-half didn’t get on in Kitakyushu. Morgan-Williams is one of three uncapped players on the bench this weekend, with Dragons prop and Ospreys team-mate Keelan Giles also in line for their debuts.
And, as Wales look for a victory to end the 18-Test losing streak, interim head coach Sherratt believes that Morgan-Williams could offer something different to the side.
“Reuben’s got a point of difference,” said Sherratt. “If there’s a gap, he spots it.
“As I said to you from the start, I think club form is important. I was there at the Ospreys with him six or seven years ago when he was coming through as a 19-year-old.
“It’s probably a brave option for Reuben to come on and add something to the game.”
Owen Farrell backed ahead of Lions return
By PA Sport Staff
Owen Farrell is being backed to make an impact on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia despite the adversity he has faced this season.
Farrell is set to make the first appearance of his fourth Lions expedition after being named on the bench for Saturday’s clash with a high quality AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide – the final fixture before the Test series begins against the Wallabies.
The 33-year-old was called up as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly even though he endured a disappointing season at Racing 92 due to groin surgery that affected his form and he has since rejoined Saracens.
He has not played since being concussed against Lyon on May 4 and his most recent international exposure was at the 2023 World Cup.
But the Lions value his experience and leadership with his Saracens and England team-mate Ben Earl convinced he remains the force of old.
“He’s the Owen I know. He’s the same man, he’s still got the same quality – the way he’s trained, the way he’s been around the boys,” Earl said.
“He’s got that added experience of having been in a different environment, fruit-picking the bits he can take from that and the lessons he’s learned about himself during some of the difficulties he’s had this year.
“During the warm-up yesterday (against the Brumbies), I somehow found myself kicking back to him. He’s still one of the best, if not the best, player I’ve played with. Trust me, he’s gonna be fine.”
Earl is part of a back row that sees Henry Pollock presented with a final opportunity to prove he should be given a role against Australia in Brisbane.
The 20-year-old produced a lively cameo in Wednesday’s 36-24 victory over the ACT Brumbies and all tour has shown a unique ability to produce defence-splitting moments through his lines of running and timing.
“Henry is far more talented than I am, Henry is double the player I am and will continue to do great things in the game,” said Earl, who will pack down at number eight at Adelaide Oval.
“Honestly, the sky’s the limit for him. He can do things that not many people, players in any position, can do in the world.”
Ex-Cardiff Met student handed England debut
By PA Sport Staff
Luke Northmore is set to make his first start for England in the second and final Test against Argentina.
The 28-year-old Harlequins centre is the sole change to the starting line-up from the 35-12 win in the opening Test and will earn his maiden England cap on Saturday.
Northmore comes into the team in place of Henry Slade, who was ruled out on Monday due to a hand injury sustained during that victory over the Pumas, where he played the full 80 minutes.
The replacement bench is also unchanged with six forwards and two backs named as England aim to secure back-to-back wins against Argentina at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.
After the second Test against Argentina, England will travel for a meeting with the USA Eagles in Washington on July 19.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Saturday’s match in San Juan is another great challenge.
“The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area.
“We’re expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic Test match.”
England: Steward, Roebuck, Northmore, Atkinson, Muir, Ford, Spencer; Baxter, George, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, Curry, Underhill, Willis.
Replacements: Dan, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley.
