Monday Round-Up
- 1631
Monday Round-Up
Lancaster talks France: Despite being frustrated by England’s lack of discipline and their decision-making at the breakdown, Stuart Lancaster was impressed by the work-rate of England’s replacements. Danny Cipriani and Jonathan Joseph scored two late tries as England tried to come back from 25-6 down only to fall short. The likes of Cipriani, Nick Easter and Jamie George are all on the bubble when it comes to making England’s final 31-man squad and they boosted their chances. "I thought Danny [Cipriani] did well. All the bench made a difference. David Wilson, Mako [Vunipola] carried well and we got some go forward. Nick Easter carried well and Jamie George played well. Danny Care brought zip to the game. We scored some good tries but it doesn't feel that way because we gave ourselves too much to do in the first 60.
Japan & Ireland qualify for 7s series: Japan and Ireland will compete on next season’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series after qualifying in Dublin this weekend. Progression to the final of the tournament in UCD Bowl was enough for both sides to ensure they will be core teams on the prestigious series when it kicks off at the end of this year. Japan beat the girls in green in a thrilling final with a last minute penalty to clinch the win, 13-12, however Irish eyes were still smiling in Dublin with qualification wrapped up at that stage. Earlier in the day Brazil won the Plate final after beating Hong Kong and Kenya beat Columbia to win the Bowl final in wet conditions in the Irish capital. Ireland and Japan will join defending champions New Zealand, Canada, Australia, England, USA, France, Russia, Fiji and Spain on the 2015-16 Series. The Irish were a core team on the series in 2013-14, but for Japan it is the first time they will play in every round. World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Congratulations to Japan and Ireland for ensuring their spots on next season’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.”
Dan H
