Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, January 3.
Sexton a major doubt for Wales opener
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton is a significant doubt for the Six Nations opener against Wales after it was revealed he has had to have a procedure on a cheekbone injury.
The two-time Lions tourist suffered the injury while tackling Connacht’s Jared Butler 64 minutes into what was his first start since the victory over South Africa on November 5. Since pulling out before the clash with Australia later in the autumn, he's played just 20 minutes of rugby in a Champions Cup clash with Gloucester in December.
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The news that he's undergone a procedure which will require assessment afterwards does make his involvement in the February 4 clash with Wales in Cardiff at doubtful, with some reports suggesting he could miss the entire tournament. Jack Crowley and Ross Byrne filled in for him against the Wallabies last year, were he to miss out in a month's time.
A statement read: “Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of Saturday’s away game against the Ospreys in the URC. Tadhg Furlong and Will Connors will again look to step up their rehabilitation programmes from respective ankle and bicep injuries.
“Unavailable for selection: Johnny Sexton suffered a cheekbone injury during the game against Connacht and will have a procedure today [Tuesday] and will be further assessed then. Luke McGrath will be unavailable for selection for the Ospreys game after picking up an ankle injury. Max Deegan will also be unavailable for selection for the Ospreys game after picking up an ankle injury.
“There are no further updates on Thomas Clarkson (arm), Ed Byrne (knee), Jason Jenkins (hamstring), Robbie Henshaw (wrist), Martin Moloney (knee), Ciarán Frawley (knee), Charlie Ryan (knee) and Tommy O’Brien (knee).”
Edwards: South Africa are best team in world
France defence coach Shaun Edwards has said defeating the Springboks last autumn was one of the highlight of 2022 because, despite Ireland sitting top of the rankings, he still sees world champions South Africa as the best team in rugby.
Former Wales assistant Edwards was speaking to World Rugby as he reflected on a incredible year for France that saw them win 10 from 10 – becoming only the third team to achieve this feat in the professional era after New Zealand in 2013 and England in 2016. Those victories included a first Grand Slam in 12 years as well as victories over Australia and South Africa.
And it was the latter that Edwards appeared most proud of.
“The World Rugby Rankings are brilliant for fans, to see how their team is doing, and I know Ireland are top,” Edwards said.
“But, for me, South Africa are the best team in the world because they are the reigning world champions and I think for a lot of the November Nations Series, they played like world champions.
“They were everything that people talk about – they were powerful and physical and probably the best in the world at mauls and scrums – but they are so much more than that.
“They have got so much speed on the edges and score a lot of tries from inside their own half, so to beat them was marvellous.”
Eddie and Hansen in tug of war for Fiji star
Eddie Jones and Steve Hansen are reportedly both trying to recruit Bristol star Semi Radradra ahead of May's clash between the Barbarians and the World XV.
Former England coach Jones will take charge of the Baa-Baas against ex-New Zealand boss Hansen's World XV at Twickenham later this year, with the two sides likely to consist of the best available players in the game. One such name is Fijian star Radradra, with both coaches apparently keen on naming him in their respective teams.
“There’s a bit of a tug of war between Steve and Eddie for Radradra,” a source told The Evening Standard.
“They both want him to play for them in the centre. I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s an unbelievable player, one of the best in the world.
“So it looks like Semi has some thinking to do; Baa-Baas with Eddie or World XV with Steve.
“It’s going to be a difficult decision for the Fijian.”
Bulls name strong touring party for Dragons clash
The Vodacom Bulls have named a strong touring squad packed full of Springbok stars for Friday night's clash with Dragons.
Director of Rugby Jake White has selected a 28-man travelling squad, with the standout name being Kurt-Lee Arendse, for the visit to Gwent.
“We have another three away games this January – this is the block that is toughest for us, playing six out of seven games on the road – so things aren’t getting any easier but we just have to make sure that we improve every week,” said White.
White concluded by saying: “This is a massive test of character for us as a group, both coaches and players but we have to make sure that we start the new year with good energy and look to get both our campaigns (BKT Rugby Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup) on track.”
Vodacom Bulls touring squad
Forwards: Simphiwe Matanzima, Johan Grobbelaar, Mornay Smith, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje(c), Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink, Elrigh Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Bismarck Du Plessis, Sebastian Lombard, Janko Swanepoel, Reinhardt Ludwig, WJ Steenkamp, Dylan Smith, Tiaan Lange, and Nizaam Carr.
Backs: Zak Burger, Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, Chris Smith, Bernard van der Linde, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Cornal Hendricks, Wandisile Simelane, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse
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