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Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, July 7.
Wales ready to pull off shock in huge game
Richard Whiffin says Wales Under-20s are chasing a “statement win” as they prepare for a winner-takes-all showdown with reigning champions South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Both sides have won their opening two Pool A matches in Tbilisi, meaning Tuesday’s clash will decide who progresses to the semi-finals.
Whiffin has recalled the side that edged hosts Georgia 25-24 in their tournament opener and believes his players are ready for the biggest test of their young careers.
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“We want a statement win and we are prepped and prepared for it,” said Whiffin.
“This is the biggest game the boys will have played at this level given it’s a winner-takes-all occasion.
“The South Africans are big and physical, and they want it to be a collision-dominated game. We know we have to front up.
“They pride themselves on their physicality, but so do we. They’ll want to dominate at scrum and maul time. That is a weapon of theirs but something we are prepared for and we’re just excited to get the chance to take them on.”
Wales have already beaten Georgia and Uruguay in the tournament, and Whiffin believes previous performances against some of the world’s leading age-grade sides have prepared them for the challenge.
“We’ve stood up to the big packs of England and France already this year,” he added.
“This is my biggest game as the U20 head coach and if we can back up our first two performances it would be great to have something to take home with us in terms of silverware.”
A victory would secure Wales a first clean sweep of the pool stages since 2013.
Wales vs Japan VIP and hospitality tickets
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Pollock backed for England captaincy
Former England international Stuart Barnes believes Steve Borthwick should consider making Henry Pollock captain for the remainder of England’s summer campaign, arguing the youngster could provide the spark a struggling side desperately needs.
Following England’s defeat to Argentina on Saturday, Barnes said the current squad lacked inspiration and called on Borthwick to take a bold approach ahead of next weekend’s clash with Fiji.
“After Saturday’s brave but uninspiring effort, why not make Henry Pollock captain for the summer?” Barnes wrote in his Times column.
“England need a leader who has the confidence to shake up the system. Bringing him on to the field at the hour mark was a waste. Making him captain could be a disaster. But who knows, it could provide the inspiration that has ebbed away from this squad.
“Amid all the controversy, it has been forgotten what an inspiring leader he was of England in all the age groups. Despite what many may think, he is a leader.”
Barnes acknowledged Pollock’s lack of senior international experience but insisted England have little to lose by handing the 20-year-old a leadership role against Fiji.
He believes England must embrace a more adventurous approach, warning Borthwick’s position could come under serious scrutiny if the team fail to beat Fiji.
“Pollock is divisive, he’s a dream/nightmare depending on so many factors, but if not now, when is the time to gamble?
“If England do not dare to dream against Fiji — and win — next week, Borthwick must go.
“And at the very least, Pollock must start.”
Wrong player gets Man-of-the-match award
South Africa accidentally awarded the player of the match prize to the wrong player following their victory over England.
Full-back Damian Willemse produced a standout display in his 50th Test, impressing with his work under the high ball, a superb 50:22 kick and a series of influential attacking contributions. The Supersport commentary team named Willemse as their player of the match.
However, a communication mix-up meant team-mate Damian de Allende was called forward for the on-field presentation and post-match interviews instead.
The mistake did little to spoil the celebrations, with De Allende and Willemse later posing together to mark Willemse’s 50th Test cap.
Willemse is set to move to inside centre for South Africa’s clash with Scotland in Pretoria on Saturday, with the experienced De Allende being rested.
England call in re-enforcement
Tom Roebuck has been called up to replace the injured George Furbank for England’s remaining two Nations Championship fixtures against Fiji and Argentina.
Roebuck was a surprise omission from Steve Borthwick’s original 36-man squad after making three starts during the Six Nations, including in the final two matches against Italy and France.
The 25-year-old Sale wing impressed during the autumn only to suffer a broken toe and he made his comeback against Wales on February 14.
Furbank remains in Johannesburg after having his appendix removed on Friday, ruling him out off the 45-21 thumping by South Africa at Ellis Park that opened the July tour.
It is the latest setback to have struck the Harlequins-bound full-back after calf and concussion issues, as well as a fractured arm, prevented him from adding to his 14 caps since November 2024.
Furbank is due to leave hospital and return to the UK on Tuesday.
Full-back Freddie Steward is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash with Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium after missing the Springboks showdown because of a rolled ankle.
Cadan Murley’s shoulder injury remains under investigation, however, and he is a doubt to take on the Islanders, with head coach Steve Borthwick scheduled to name his team on Thursday.
Having overcome his hamstring issues, Alex Mitchell made his comeback as a second-half replacement for Jack van Poortvliet against the world champions and is contention to start.
The Liverpool showdown with Fiji will be the first time England have played in the north of the country since thumping Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in 2019 and for Mitchell it will be the chance to return to his roots having begun his career in Sale’s academy.
“Going to Liverpool will be pretty special – it’s a new stadium and new fans. To try get some new fans up there would be really nice,” Mitchell said.
