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Published 10:01 20 Jul 2022 BST
Updated 12:25 20 Jul 2022 BST
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Johnny Sexton and James Ryan of Ireland embrace after their side's victory over New Zealand, in Wellington. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]
'Quite simply he has earned the right to be there, even at the age of 37. I think Marcus Smith is something special but if I want to win a game next week, Johnny has to start. You can’t take away from the impact he has had over the last year. In South Africa I was concerned about his injury record and whether he could get through the tour, and I still probably ask myself now whether it was the right decision to leave him at home.'Back to his pre-2021 for, and with little reason to argue otherwise, Gatland has no Scots in his starting XV, but two on the bench. Josh Adams is the sole Welsh starter with Taulupe Faletau on the bench. England have four starters, and three more on the bench.
15. Freddie Steward (England) 14. Josh Adams (Wales) 13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) 12. Owen Farrell (England) 11. James Lowe (Ireland) 10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) 1. Ellis Genge (England) 2. Jamie George (England) 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) 4. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) 5. James Ryan (Ireland) 6. Courtney Lawes (England) 7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) REPLACEMENTS: Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Zander Fagerson, Maro Itoje, Taulupe Faletau, Ali Price, Marcus Smith, Jack Nowell.You can read that full article, and the reasonings of Warren Gatland here. Some form of vindication for the likes of Sexton and Ryan but one hopes the Irish lads are on a sandy beach somewhere, right now, and content enough with making history against the All Blacks.
Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
Not ideal. It’s worrying times for Munster rugby at the moment, with problems on and off the field. After being knocked out of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, controversy then surrounded the appointment of Roger Randle for next season, due to historic rape accusations. The New Zealander is coming in to replace senior […]
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Kerry legend slams players for reaction to Michael Murphy punch
Not under his watch! Although the dust has pretty much settled after the Michael Murphy incident during Donegal’s NFL Division 1 final win over Kerry last month, one Kingdom legend is still not pleased with what went on. Most of the criticism was levelled at Murphy for his clear-as-day punch on Dylan Casey, as well […]
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The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134
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