The News Review:
- Ashton faces selection poser for French rugby trip
- Rugby World Cup Sevens / News
- Hamish Champ: Rugby booze and good behaviour
Ashton faces selection poser for French rugby trip
Turkish Press – Aug 12, 2007
Ashton watched from the stands at Twickenham on Saturday as the French beat the world champions 21-15 scoring two tries to one in the process. The coach will reveal his 30-man squad to travel to the World Cup on Tuesday when he will also announce his side for the rematch against the French. He has several big decisions to make including whether to take veteran back rower Lawrence Dallaglio and rugby league convert Andy Farrell for the finals which begin on September 7. There are also question marks over the fitness of centre Mike Tindall and fly-half Charlie Hodgson who have not featured in either of England’s two warm-up matches so far.
Rugby World Cup Sevens / News
Scrum.com – Aug 12, 2007
Unheralded Newcastle centre Noon delivered a performance of stature just when he needed it as he emerged with a powerful run on the rails from England’s congested midfield pack. Noon has barely been talked about in World Cup terms this summer yet England boss Brian Ashton will surely find it difficult to ignore the 28-year-old’s claims when he finalises his squad to defend the Webb Ellis Trophy. The world champions’ penultimate World Cup warm-up game was all about seizing the moment at a baking Twickenham and no England player responded in more decisive fashion than Noon. He might not attract the attention of more celebrated midfield colleagues like Andy Farrell Mike Catt or Mike Tindall but his World Cup invitation could be signed sealed and delivered within 48 hours.
Hamish Champ: Rugby booze and good behaviour
The Publican – Aug 12, 2007
no really he played it NCE- -. asp” –> Main Page Content:Hamish Champ: Rugby booze and good behaviour12 August 2007By. Still England gave a reasonable account of themselves against a near full-strength ‘Bleus’ side and Twickenham likewise almost full looked glorious in the sunshine late on Saturday afternoon. Now I don’t go to see rugby often I’m more a fan of the round ball than the oval one but I came away from Saturday’s game reminded that physically-demanding sporting events featuring two national sides don’t have to descend into the nasty side of patriotic fervour. They can be full of spirit of endeavour and of fair play. Rugby fans can be as boisterous as football ones certainly but I never got the sense that things were going to quickly spiral out of control.