Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, February 13.
Frustrated England followers demand refund for Wales sport
Some England followers have demanded refunds from the RFU after they claimed to be unwittingly a part of an alcohol-free trial at Twickenham within the sport in opposition to Wales.
The Telegraph report that followers needed to throw away drinks and even drink a number of pints shortly as a way to go to their seats, owing to them not being allowed to take alcoholic drinks into their seating space. They say one man “downed” 4 pints consecutively after being instructed they may not be taken to inside view of the Twickenham pitch.
The anger seems to stem from supporters claiming they have been unaware they have been allotted tickets in an alcohol-free zone, with signage solely starting on the best way to the seats or on the seats themselves, when drinks — and costly drinks at that — had already been purchased.
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An article on the ‘debenture members’ part of the England Rugby web site, dated January 24, says that alcohol-free measures will even be in place for England’s match with Ireland.
An RFU spokesperson instructed The Telegraph: “We know the complete match day expertise is essential to followers, which is why we proceed to evolve the broader Twickenham occasion day experiences earlier than, throughout and after the sport.
“Twickenham Stadium launched alcohol-free areas for our two home Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixtures on a trial foundation primarily based on supporters’ suggestions.
“When choosing seats inside these areas ticket purchasers would have clearly seen that they’re shopping for inside an alcohol-free zone and have ticked a field confirming that they’ve been made conscious of the alcohol-free coverage.
“To understand the views of fans we conduct surveys after each game about their experience and encourage feedback from those sitting in these areas so that we can review ahead of the Ireland fixture. We will also be gaining feedback and insight from our own staff managing those areas on Saturday.”
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All Black Marshall slates commonplace of Six Nations
Former All Black Justin Marshall has slated the usual of the Six Nations, claiming Ireland and France are streets forward of the competitors.
Those two sides performed in opposition to one another within the first weekend, with Ireland working out 38-17 winners over the French. Of course, that match-up did not take place final weekend, however England’s sport with Wales was shut, with simply two factors in it. France beat Scotland by solely 4 factors, too.
But former Ospreys scrum-half Marshall believes the second spherical of fixtures was a let-down.
“I don’t mean this disrespectfully, let’s just keep this in check because I know what can happen – the referees get social media coming at them but so do former players – but France and Ireland are at a different level than Wales, England and Italy,” he instructed The Platform.
“I just feel that because that match-up didn’t happen this weekend, there was just a little bit of a drop-off in skill set, performance, tempo and physicality. That’s just me looking at it objectively and the way that the second round played out.”
Marshall was left unimpressed by the England-Wales sport, labelling it “a drag” regardless of the tight scoreline.
“The second weekend was a little off,” he added. “The first weekend was superb. France-Ireland was superb, Wales-Scotland, Italy put up a battle in opposition to England, however actually the England v Wales sport was a little bit of a drag.
“The only thing that kept it really interesting was the score. I certainly felt that the game in Scotland was a lot better but I did feel that there was a buttoning off of quality.”
Scotland let injustice relaxation
Scotland have determined to not escalate their frustrations over the last-minute attempt they have been denied in opposition to France. Most rugby pundits, coaches and followers imagine the Scots have been wronged when referee Nic Berry and TMO Brian MacNiece determined there was no clear proof Sam Skinner had grounded the ball after 5 minutes of deliberation.
TV replays appeared to counsel in any other case, with coach Gregor Townsend insisting they’d search readability from World Rugby following the sport. But stories within the Scottish Daily Mail say Scotland have now determined to go away the matter fairly than pursue an official grievance with World Rugby concerning the officers.
And scrum-half Ben White says disgruntled followers ought to lay off the referee.
“People are passionate, they care, it means lots to them. Some individuals within the warmth of the second might need booed, however I need individuals to indicate the ref respect,” he stated.
“He doesn’t have to get any abuse. He’s made his determination, he’s completed his course of and, look, that’s life. Things go incorrect on a regular basis. Whether he’s made the correct or incorrect name, it’s not for me to speak about and put stress on him.
“I didn’t actually hear the booing. I used to be caught up in my very own feelings however, hey, he’s made his name and that’s life.
“I hope he doesn’t obtain any backlash. We must be higher as a group in order that we don’t even deliver him into it. I haven’t heard the dialog that they had, however they’re very skilled officers and good at their jobs. They’ve gone backwards and forwards and you need to respect their name. We’ve all seen the ball on the ground however the query the ref’s requested, he stated he’s seen the ball held up, so then it needs to be actually clear and apparent for it to be overturned.”
New Ireland star impressed by NFL
By Ed Elliot, PA, Dublin
New Ireland star Joe McCarthy has been taking inspiration from American soccer however has no plans to observe former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit in chasing an NFL profession.
Leinster lock McCarthy has been one of many standout performers of the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations and was named man of the match on his championship debut in opposition to France.
The highly effective 22-year-old’s eye-catching show in a 38-17 win over Les Bleus got here simply over a fortnight after 23-year-old Rees-Zammit surprised rugby union by quitting to pursue a dream within the United States.
New York-born McCarthy, who tuned in with worldwide team-mates to observe Sunday’s Super Bowl because the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, stated: “I like the defensive facet of the sport, most likely prefer it greater than the attack generally.
“They say defence wins championships, so it’s good.
“I like getting off the road, I like pressuring groups, love getting them ‘man and ball,’ getting in at rucks. I like watching the defensive gamers in NFL, like seeing the stuff they do.
“At the second I like Maxx Crosby from the (Las Vegas) Raiders. I favored JJ Watt (former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive finish) when he performed. He is a beat, or was, he’s retired now.
“I do not suppose I’ll be altering over to the NFL any time quickly. I’ll keep on with the rugby.”
