Here is your rugby news for Friday, April 15
New Zealand legend ready to batter YouTuber
Rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams wants to fight YouTube sensation Jake Paul and give him the first loss of his boxing career.
The dual code great, who twice won the World Cup with New Zealand, took up boxing during the off-season to stay fit and has won his first nine fights. And he next wants to step into the ring with YouTuber Paul, who is also unbeaten in his opening five contests after becoming a boxer.
Paul named Williams on a six-man hitlist of fighters he could face next, with boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya also on there.
READ MORE: WRU finally break silence on Six Nations flop under Pivac
Blockbusting centre Williams immediately responded on social media by saying: "Looks like I’m on the hit list.
"I’m not going to hate on this guy as I respect what he’s done. I also really respect his skillset as a boxer. But if he wants some he can get it Jake Paul. Yours respectfully - your first loss."
However, there are a number of issues that would need to be resolved for the fight to be made. Williams is the much heavier man, never weighing any less than 229lb during his career, whereas the lighter Paul fights at 190lb.
The two men, though, seem to want to get it on and know a fight between them would have huge appeal.
Kolbe set for shock switch to 10 versus Wales
Star South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe is set to play at fly-half against Wales this summer, his coach has revealed.
Springboks boss Jacque Nienaber admits he is considering the idea of moving the flying wide-man to No.10 with regulars Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies likely to miss the three Tests through injury. Others being considered for the role are veteran Frans Steyn, Johan Goosen and Damian Willemse, but Nienaber has sprung a surprise by throwing Kolbe's name into the mix.
The try-scoring ace has previous experience in the position with Toulouse, but being the playmaker at Test level is another thing entirely. Kolbe is the world's best winger and would clearly be a more potent threat to Wayne Pivac's team from his normal position.
However, Nienaber confirmed: "Cheslin put in some excellent performances for Toulouse last year, where he played fly-half, before he went to Toulon. So, there are options that we can use within the squad."
Young rips up Cardiff side again
Under pressure Cardiff boss David Young has shaken up his team again in a bid to return to winning ways against Saracens in Europe.
Young made 10 changes to the side against Welsh rivals Scarlets last weekend, but saw his Arms Park outfit on the wrong end of a thrashing. Cardiff then came under heavy fire from the Supporters' Trust who labelled recent performances 'appalling, shameful' and displays that are an 'insult'.
The Cardiff boss subsequently responded by saying there was no comfort zone within his squad as he seeks to address the problems and he rips things up again with 11 changes for the Challenge Cup knockout clash.
One of them is the return of Josh Navidi as captain, Young hoping his presence can inspire an better performance and inspire those around him. James Botham is another who returns, while Sarries have named Owen Farrell as skipper with Maro Itoje also on duty.
Young says his players are determined to restore pride to the jersey. “It’s a great opportunity to go somewhere, put our hand up and show we’re not as bad as some people suggest at the minute," he stated.
You can read the full team news details here
Scarlets v Dragons team news
Talented young centre Joe Roberts has been chosen to start for the Scarlets in their Welsh derby clash with the Dragons on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old is viewed as a star in the making, having performed strongly in his only other Scarlets league start against Zebre in March. He also made a significant impact off the bench in the thrashing of Cardiff last weekend.
“He’s one I’ve liked since I’ve been here,” said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. “Not only is he quick but he’s also aggressive. He’ll fit nicely in that 13 shirt, though he can play 12 as well and he can figure on the wing. He has that physicality about him that I quite like.”
Peel makes seven personnel changes from the side that won 49-14 against Cardiff, while the Dragons name six internationals in their pack for the trip west including Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands, Taine Basham and Aaron Wainwright.
