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Ben James

Tonight's rugby news as Sam Warburton 'astonished' at controversial tackle and Wales star ready for new chapter

Here's your rugby evening headlines for Sunday, 28 August.

Warburton offers thoughts on controversial try-saving tackle

Ex-Wales captain Sam Warburton has offered his thoughts on the controversial try-saving tackle by Australia's Marika Koroibete against South Africa.

The Wallabies wing denied Makazole Mapimpi with a last-ditch tackle in their 25-17 victory in Adelaide. However, many have questioned the legality of the tackle and whether Koroibete adequately wrapped his arms while making the hit.

Read more : Shane Williams lauds returning Welsh start as 'one of world's greatest players' amid mother of all battles for his jersey

However, for Warburton, the sticking point was the fact that Koroibete had got his head on the wrong side while making the tackle.

"Whatever anyone thinks, head on the wrong side…again," tweeted the former Wales captain. "This happens almost every game.

"Astonished this still hasn’t been coached out of players. Plenty of time to assess tackle.

"Protect the head? Then we need to tackle correctly.

"Great player and commitment, but should be a pen."

Liam Williams ready for 'new chapter'

Wales full-back Liam Williams says that he's ready for a new chapter after joining Cardiff from the Scarlets.

It was announced in January that the two-time Lions tourist would be heading to the Welsh capital, with Williams having reported for duty at the Arms Park at the start of last week. And on his arrival at Cardiff, he admitted that after a couple of injury-hit years, he's excited for a new challenge.

"It’s been a good first week," he told Cardiff's website. "I’ve got some metres under the belt and it was good to meet the boys on Monday morning.

"They’re a good group of boys and I’m very excited for the year ahead. Having familiar faces around certainly helps, with some of the boys having played for Wales as well.

"It’s been good to come in, see those guys but also guys I’ve played against but don’t know personally. It’s good to get to know them.

"It’s a change of scenery to be honest. I got injured quite a lot over the last two years, so I thought to myself that I need a new chapter.

"I’m living up here on Cardiff so I thought it would be nice to make the move. I’m glad I did.

"The boys have been training well and they look sharp. I’m looking forward to the year ahead. I like playing here at the Arms Park. Everything is enclosed and the fans are close to the pitch. They make a lot of noise so looking forward to it.

"I spoke to a couple of boys before I made the decision to come to Cardiff. I spoke to Tomos (Williams), Jads (Josh Adams), Laney (Owen Lane) and a couple of those boys and they said it was a great place. They’ve got a good group of boys and hopefully we can compete this year."

Ireland set for South Africa tour in September

Ireland coach Andy Farrell is reportedly set to take around 30 Irish hopefuls on a tour of South Africa at the end of next month - meaning the four Irish provinces could start the URC season without a number of players.

Building depth remains crucial for Ireland and reports in the Irish Independent suggest that a 10-day tour of South Africa at the end of September and start of October. It is proposed they would play Currie Cup sides Griquas, Pumas and Cheetahs.

With fringe players, many of whom played for Ireland in their mid-week matches against the Maori All Blacks in New Zealand this summer, likely to form the bulk of the squad, the four provinces could be hindered at the start of the campaign.

“If you look at the lessons from the World Cup in England and Japan I think the depth was an issue in both,” an IRFU source told the Irish Independent. “Andy was happy with how much the players learned in New Zealand, so he wants to extend that to give us the required depth for the World Cup. That’s probably 45 when you take into account injuries before the tournament and then when it’s up and running.”

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