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Five talking points from the Lions’ loss to Argentina

Inpho
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No British and Irish Lions had lost their first tour match since 1971 before losing 28-24 to Argentina in Dublin on Friday night.

Few, however, will have faced a songbird-like and strong opposition as the Pumas.

Scratch side is still establishing connections.

At the Lions media briefing on Wednesday, there was no contest for word of the day; “cohesion” was unquestionably the topic.

Given how clunky these affairs have been in recent years and that this was a brand-new side’s first hit, it was reasonable to assume clicking quickly would be difficult.

However, Tadhg Beirne, a two-time Lion, initially seemed a little perplexed by the idea, reminding us that we were talking about “world class” players.

The Lions attack felt like it should be evaluated in two different ways over the course of their first 80 minutes of play: ambition and execution.

Their shape was strong, and they provided plenty of opportunities through precise passages.

However, they were lacking when it came to the latter. One serious issue was with offloads that went straight to the ground or into Argentina’s hands, which were also difficult to handle.

While the bones of a positive display with ball in hand were intact, Farrell will undoubtedly demand that his side be sharper once they arrive on Australian soil.

Scrum-dominant, but line-outs falter

Ellis Genge carrying the ballInpho

When the Lions first team up, a natural tendency is to look at attacking combinations, but Friday’s defeat once more served as a reminder of the difficulties of quickly combining a group of outstanding players into a Test-ready unit at the set-piece.

The line-out was perhaps the most concerning aspect of the performance, despite the numerous errors made with the ball.

Given that the maul did make headway when they got it right, the Lions did 18 throws from touch and were turned over four times. This was disappointing.

“We were just finding our rhythm, and we’ll never get it as smooth as we wanted,” said skipper Maro Itoje.

“We’ll review, we’ll learn from it, and we’ll improve.”

I believe that will happen as we strengthen our relationships and as we spend more time together educating and understanding each other’s triggers.

A different story emerged from the scrum. The front row were able to win a number of penalties in what Farrell called an “aggressive” performance at the set-piece.

Schmidt’s attention will be drawn to Schmidt’s loss of aerial combat.

Tommy Freeman challenges for a ball in the airGetty Images

When Joe Schmidt was Ireland’s coach between 2013 and 2019, a large portion of his success was due to his ability to systematically exploit weaknesses of his opponents.

The Lions’ defensive struggles and their back-three struggles are certain to have caught the attention of the head coach of Australia, who has been watching events in Dublin.

Overuse of tackles did not stick, and Argentina definitely got the better of it when putting boot to ball, but there were times when those on the outside were left in unviable positions out wide.

Should the Lions not improve in that area before the Test series, some of Schmidt’s more athletic backs would undoubtedly enjoy their chances in an aerial battle.

Farrell expressed frustration with his team’s inability to win loose balls when things did start to get messy after spilled kicks.

He said, “What’s disappointing is scraps on the floor from that kind of battle always go to Argentina.”

We can’t tolerate some of their fighting and hunger.

In Australia, fresh faces can boost confidence.

Some people will be happy, while others will be sad, and they will be dying to get another chance, according to Farrell when it came to how those involved had affected their Test chances.

Anyone’s guess what will happen to those who didn’t succeed in impressing.

The Lions’ lack of involvement in the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals, as well as Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn, was hardly ideal given the tour’s schedule.

However, Farrell now has a chance to start things up against Western Force after coming off a defeat. A number of players are all set to take their first game of the trip.

Hugo Keenan and James Lowe, who are both expected to improve things especially under the high ball, would appear to be more suitable for the outside center role.

Irish film “Sea of Red” is on display in Dublin

Mack Hansen jumps in front of the crowdInpho

Although the occasion warranted it, it certainly felt like a Lions Test in terms of the name.

Maro Itoje’s summary read, “Spectacular.”

It was interesting to watch red jerseys flutter around the streets just before kick-off because a large portion of the crowd, estimated to be at Aviva Stadium in the morning, appeared to be there.

When you consider the South Africa trip from four years ago, which was played in virtually empty stadiums as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, Friday serves as a reminder of how significant a part the visiting supporters will play when this tour arrives in Australia.

Bundee Aki, a center who was on that South Africa tour four years ago, said, “I don’t think the fans fully understand how important it is to us.

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Princess Andre shows true colours over heartbreaking split from mystery boyfriend

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Princess Andre has kept her romantic life private, but in this exclusive conversation, she reveals her feelings following her recent breakup with her two-year boyfriend.

Princess Andre is about to turn 18 – and she can’t wait to hit the milestone later this month. It’s been a busy few months for the teenage daughter of popstar Peter Andre and former model Katie Price, with a newly-acquired driving license, a top-of-the-range first car, and her own new reality TV show.

But there’s been another big change for young woman too, as she’s recently become single after breaking up with the boyfriend she’s had for the last two years. When she sits down for an exclusive chat ahead of her birthday on June 29, Princess breaks her silence on her first big heartbreak.

READ MORE: Maura Higgins just shared which affordable cream bronzer she uses to get glowy makeup on holiday

Princess says becoming a legal adult is hitting her dad hard(Image: Reach PLC / James Rudland)

She claims, “I’m feeling good.” I’ve always kept my private life private, so I don’t talk about it a lot, but I should now concentrate on myself.

Princess has only ever shared a small number of photos of her now-ex, and has never publicly mentioned him, and is accurate about keeping her romantic life private.

Now that’s single though, it’s time for her “to get my career to exactly where I want it”, she says. A major first step is no doubt the “really exciting” new ITV reality show she’s filming with her dad Peter and his wife of 10 years, Emily MacDonagh.

Continue reading the article.

“I think it’s scary because even though I’m used to being in my parents’ shows and I’ve always been put out there, now it’s about me,” she reveals. “It’ll be weird not focusing on my dad. He and Emily will be on it, though, in the background. And Junior too.

He’ll play a significant role in our friendship because we’re great together and really get along well. I want people to know that I’m a good person, in general.

Princess Andre
The young star has big ambitions and plans to focus on herself now she’s single(Image: Reach PLC / James Rudland)
Princess Andre
Princess has a lot on at her plate at 18, but she can handle it(Image: Reach PLC / James Rudland)

As well as the TV show, Princess plans to continue channelling her inner Kylie Jenner, and wants to do “a lot more brand work”, as well as working on her music career.

My music will be completely different from my father’s. My dad is my adored but unknown. She claims that because I’m trying to be who I am, I’d probably want to collaborate with other artists more. He sang along with me when I did my GCSE music.

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He sang on the song I recorded for my exams, so I do respect him and think he’s still very successful. I appreciate my family so much, but I believe I’m at the point where I want to try to do things alone. That’s what I’m trying to accomplish.

Brooklyn Beckham given stern warning as he goes it alone amid family feud

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Brooklyn Beckham has received a word of warning as he continues to avoid his family and establishes a life in the state with his wife, Nicola Peltz-Beckham.

Brooklyn and Nicola(Image: Getty Images)

Brooklyn Beckham has been urged to make key moves as he bids to go it alone with his family. The eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham has recently bought a permanent home in Los Angeles with wife Nicola Peltz amid a fallout from his family.

He has been urged to avoid the silent treatment if he wants to build a positive brand, despite the widely reported reports about this since his father was first snubbed on his 50th birthday. The influencer was advised by Jane Owen, a PR to the stars, that staying silent is sometimes the best course of action.

“The problem with not saying anything is that it allows people to assume the worst,” she told the Mirror. “Silence is extremely damaging because silence in itself is a statement.

Beckhams
The Beckham family is divided(Image: Instagram/victoriabeckham)

It’s the same as saying “yes, that’s right” when people are having a field day and he’s not saying anything. The silence is compliance because people will simply assume that if something weren’t true, he would say something.

Jane continued, saying that being honest is the best policy and that people enjoy it when famous people show their humanity. Everyone can relate to fighting with your family, she said. Also, is bringing them to terms.

Continue reading the article.

Saying “this is private family matter, and we appreciate you letting us figure it out ourselves” is another phrase. Anything but silence and anything even slightly relatable would probably improve his situation and help him find supporters.

The US-based PR guru admitted that while he is well-known in the area, it is primarily because of his family ties when he talks about his newfound life there.

Jane said she would advise him to pick his lane and move on if he wants to avoid any family rifts.

Brooklyn and Nicola
Brooklyn and Nicola have bought a property in LA(Image: INSTAGRAM)

The stateside-based PR expert said, “He has a certain amount of name recognition, but honestly that’s mostly due to his famous parents and his last name. People in the US are familiar with him, but they wouldn’t be able to tell you much about him or his activities if they were just there.

“I would highly suggest that he choose a career and actually pursue it in a public capacity.” He has a sufficient brand recognition in his last name to attract a lot of press attention for whatever it is that he decides to do as a self, whether that means being a chef, restaurateur, or creator of content.

He needs to be open about it so that people start to recognize him as a person rather than just another person’s child.

The family dispute stems not from Brooklyn and Nicola’s purchase of their home, according to insiders. They contend that Brooklyn interprets LA as “where his home is” instead.

This house, according to the source, has no bearing on family dynamics. Brooklyn spent a portion of his childhood in Los Angeles while his father worked for the LA Galaxy, and both Nicola and Brooklyn’s careers were there.

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He lived in the city for a while there, where he spent a number of years completing his education. He has always felt at home in LA.

Prince William’s ‘awful’ gift to Kate Middleton that didn’t go down to well

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In the beginning of their relationship, Prince William recalled the peculiar gift he had given his now-wife and admitted that it “didn’t go down well.”

Prince William has shared that Princess Kate will “never let me forget” the year he bought her a very strange Christmas gift(Image: PA)

It’s no doubt that buying gifts for a princess would be hard work, knowing she has a wardrobe and jewellery box filled with the works of the world ’s best designers. The same can be said for Prince William, who has previously admitted that buying gifts for his wife hasn’t always been an easy task.

William has looked back on the “awful” gift he gave to his now wife Princess Kate in the early days of their relationship, as he even admitted he didn’t know why he bought it for his then girlfriend, who has “never let him forget” the very odd choice in gift .

Prince William and Kate Middleton
In the early days of their relationship, Prince William gifted Kate a very unusual present(Image: Clarence House via GettyImages)

The Prince of Wales revealed the bizarre present during an appearance on former England striker Peter Crouch’s podcast on BBC Radio Five Live in 2020, during which Crouch admitted that he had once bought his wife, model Abbey Clancy, a raincoat for her birthday three years in a row.

After his frank confession, William then admitted: “I did get my wife a pair of binoculars once for Christmas – she’s never let me forget that. I wrapped them. They were really nice. I was trying to convince myself about it. I was like, ‘But these are really amazing, look how far you can see!’ She was looking at me, going, ‘They’re binoculars. What’s going on?’”

“That was very early in the courtship, and I believe that sealed the deal.” It wasn’t successful. Since it seemed like a wise decision at the time, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars.

Continue reading the article.
Prince William and Princess Kate
William acknowledged that Kate has “never let me forget that,” saying that he had chosen to buy her binoculars for Christmas.

It’s a well-known fact that the royal family tend not to spoil each other with lavish gifts to celebrate birthdays and Christmases, instead opting for light-hearted and silly presents.

In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry revealed he once received a fish ballpoint pen from Princess Margaret, while also admitting he once gifted his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth a bath mat that read ‘Ain’t life a b*tch’.

After Harry spent many years in the spotlight as a potential bachelor before marrying Meghan, Kate has previously mentioned that she once gave him a grow-your-owngirlfriend kit.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William is celebrating his 43rd birthday today(Image: Getty Images)

The royal family abides by traditional German Christmas customs. Family members gather at 6 p.m. to begin the unwrapping of gifts on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, with family members placing them in particular piles in the afternoon.

The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on April 29, and are believed to have first become a couple sometime in early 2002. The pair first met during the autumn of 2001 at the University of St Andrew’s in Scotland.

Let’s hope that Princess Kate has something a little more unique than binoculars to surprise him with as Prince William celebrates his 43rd birthday today.

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Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year deal

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Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of Nottingham Forest, has agreed to a new three-year deal with the City Ground.

To make it for the first time since 1995-1996, the Portuguese led Forest to seventh place in the Premier League last year.

Nuno expressed his delight at being able to carry on our journey with this outstanding football team.

In December 2023, Nuno took Steve Cooper’s place, ensuring Forest’s survival on the final day of the 2023-2019 season.

They were given a four-point break from the sustainability and profit regulations, but they came in 17th overall.

Forest received the surprise package last season when they competed for the Champions League titles and spent the majority of the campaign in the top four.

After winning two of their final seven games, they were eliminated from contention and made it to the Europa Conference League play-off stage.

For the first time since 1991, former Wolves and Tottenham head coach Nuno defeated Manchester City 2-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us,” said Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

He has demonstrated that he maximizes player performance and is a master at developing players while also incorporating our young talent into the first team setup.

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Davis reaches PFL finals but Hadley loses

PFL

Alfie Davis of Great Britain defeated Brent Primus of the PFL lightweight competition to reach the final.

In a back-and-forth match, Davis, 33, won with a score of 29-28 on all three judges’ scorecards at the Intrust Bank Arena.

With Davis’ victory, he will compete for the title of first world champion and have a chance to win $ 355, 000 in prize money.

On August 15 at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, he will face Gadzhi Rabadanov from Russia in the PFL Finals.

However, fellow Briton Jake Hadley was disappointed as he was outclassed by Brazilian wrestler Marcirley Alves in the bantamweight semi-finals.

Davis edges amusing contest

In recent years, British citizens have benefited from the PFL, with Dakota Ditcheva winning the women’s flyweight title last year and Brendan Loughnane winning the featherweight title in 2022.

After delivering the more eye-catching moments in a fun contest with Primus, Davis will have the chance to win the lightweight title in the British PFL.

Primus, who was the previous year’s beaten finalist, dominated the first round, dominating the second round before coming out on top in the third.

Primus was hurt with knees to the body and the American was caught by a few spin-back kicks as a result of Davis’ eye-catching strikes.

As the round’s final seconds passed, Davis danced in the middle of the cage while the crowd applauded.

Hadley, who left the UFC last year after his contract expired, chose not to fight for Davis because Alves had taken his place.

Hadley used his jab in vain to thwart the momentum, but Alves made a strong start and never looked back. He eventually landed a number of body combinations, stopping Alves who had already lost his balance.

In the second round, the Brazilian gained more control, dropping Hadley with a straight right and cutting him below the left eye.

After the Brazilian stamped his dominance on the match by landing a takedown in the final moments, Hadley continued to struggle with Alves’ strength.

In the third round, Ireland’s Darragh Kelly submitted American lightweight Mike Hamel, extending his unbeaten start to his career to eight.

With two minutes left, Kelly secured a rear-naked choke with a score of 0-0 with the final call.

On June 27, 2018, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, British boxer Fabian Edwards will face American Josh Silveira in the middleweight semi-finals.

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  • Mixed Martial Arts