Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, 9 August.
Eddie Jones rebuked by RFU
England coach Eddie Jones has been spoken to by the Rugby Football Union after criticising the English game’s reliance on the private schools system.
In an interview with the i newspaper, Jones said that “you are going to have to blow the whole thing up” because it produces “closeted” players who lacked resolve. The comments drew criticism from the likes of former England coach Sir Clive Woodward and John Olver, the uncle of England flanker Tom Curry - leading to the RFU to speak to Jones.
“RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney spoke to the England head coach Eddie Jones on Sunday and confirmed the RFU’s position on the valued role the independent sector plays in the player pathway,” read an RFU statement.
“The RFU is hugely appreciative and supportive of the role both the independent and state school sectors play in introducing boys and girls to our sport and in our player pathway. A collaborative approach and strong partnerships within the education sector ensure players are supported and offered opportunities to develop at all schools.
“The most recent England men’s squad contained players who have benefited from time within independent schools, including Maro Itoje and Henry Arundell, as well as many from the state sector including Jonny Hill and Courtney Lawes. As a union, we are always working to broaden the appeal and accessibility of rugby union to boys and girls from a wide range of backgrounds.”
New Cardiff signing arrives in Wales
Cardiff recruit Lopeti Timani has arrived in Wales following his move from Toulon.
The second-row has arrived in south Wales ahead of the new URC season, having been pictured by his new club at the Arms Park. The former Australia international, who now represents Tonga, will look to add significant bulk to Dai Young's pack as they bid to improve on a mixed season last year.
All Black fly-half says criticism is fair
New Zealand fly-half Richie Mo'unga has said criticism from fans is justified as the All Blacks dropped to an all-time low in the world rankings.
Five defeats in six matches have left New Zealand sitting in fifth in the world, with many calling for coach Ian Foster to go. The players haven't escaped criticism either, although Mo'unga says the fans are more than entitled to their views.
“It’s very fair,” said Mo’unga.
“They care about our team and care about our results, but it’s also fair of us to not [get carried away with] what they think because we have a role to do, a role to play, and hearing that isn’t going to help us at this moment. Completing a job will help us win games.
“I’m chomping at the bit to have another crack, but I’m also at the point where the outside noise doesn’t matter for me. It doesn’t affect me. I’m at a stage now if you’re not in our squad, I don’t really care what you think, with all respect.
“We’re trying our best, and we know it’s not good enough for All Blacks standards.”
Vermeulen switched on for All Blacks clash
South Africa No. 8 Duane Vermeulen says he is switched on for the challenge of a wounded All Black side.
The physical No. 8 is one of five changes for the Springboks' Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand this weekend. Jesse Kriel and Jaden Hendrikse replace the injured Kurt-Lee Arendse and Faf de Klerk - with the former also suspended - while Jacques Nienaber has made three changes in the pack as Vermeulen, hooker Bongi Mbonambi and loose-head prop Ox Nche replace Jasper Wiese, Malcolm Marx and Trevor Nyakane.
While the All Blacks' stock is at an all-time low, the experienced Vermeulen is aware that he will need to be switched on as he returns to the starting XV.
“It is international rugby, so mentally you always have to be switched on,” he said, adding: “You sit with the coaches and you get a lot of information every day.
“I was out for a bit and I spoke to the coaches and work through the line-outs [and set-pieces], so being mentally switched on is probably the easy part for me because I have been in the game for a number of years.
“But regarding the physical side, we just have to wait and see. I’ve been out of action for the last six to eight weeks, and we playing at altitude.
“But we have a strong group of guys and I’m going to give it my best and see how far I can push myself. Fortunately we have capable replacements.”
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