Is winning all that matters or must Lions deliver more in final Test?

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third Test match between Australia and the British and Irish Lions

Accor Stadium Date: Saturday, August 2nd, 2019 12:00 BST

Finn Russell put it in the first place. The fly-half insisted that the job was not yet done in Australia and would only be done if the Lions turned the 2-0 from Melbourne into the 3-0 in Sydney after the Lions secured the series against the Wallabies last Saturday in the passageway beneath the MCG.

They came here for a clean sweep, and they need a clean sweep to have their name remembered exactly how they want to be remembered. The Lions must bring up the final whistle. They are better than anyone else when they speak to them this past week.

One Lion after another has been robbing about the impact of a landslide, which has only grown since Melbourne.

Andy Farrell was questioned about his players’ bravado the day before. He said, “I never believe that you should avoid trying to shoot for the stars because you could end up on the moon.”

“I don’t think you should be afraid to challenge one another, and I’m hoping it’s somewhere near.” It reinforces what delivering means in my mind. What can a shy person do? Every team, every staff, players, Lions fans, want to win every game. That is not a fright for you.

So we’re standing. The Lions are the favorites to win their third Test in a row (probably not the case since they won 4-0 on their first appearance on a tour in 51 years) and if they do, it will be their first time winning three straight against a score of a pair.

According to their estimation, they haven’t required a flawless performance to advance this far. It has taken fifty minutes to complete this and fifty more to complete this.

They claimed that if they were to win the second Test, they would need to be significantly better if they were going to do so. They still won despite being much worse than the Wallabies in many areas.

Of course, to their credit, but you can’t be great Lions if you can’t defend your position against moderate foes.

The first two games were fantastic because we won two games, but there is still a sense that we haven’t put together the pieces in a way that we know we can, according to captain Maro Itoje. We want to bring down the performance we have been looking for, the company says.

The Irish top eight, Jack Conan, had his own unique perspective on the Lions, who continue to lack the things they believe they can do.

Ben Earl trains with the British Lions in AustraliaImages courtesy of Getty
These Lions have the potential to be a very fine team with a strong lineup of world-class players, as some have suggested. The Wallabies, who are shorn once more of the wonderful Rob Valetini in their back row, are reportedly going to the cleaners if they click.

A performance that knocks the door off is required by The Lions. In the event of a Wallaby shellacking, the issue is that even then, in the best case scenario, we will wonder how effective the Lions would have been if they had had better foes, such as the Springboks or the All Blacks, had they been on the opposite end of the spectrum.

That is a question that has no apparent response. Never will be certain. Ben Earl stated at some point in the journey that he wanted his team to be remembered as one of the best Lions teams ever.

Although Earl wasn’t present in either 1971, 1974, or 1997, these pantheon tours are legendary. The Lions haven’t had enough of the Lions’ desire to join them, which is exactly the right attitude. However, you need real competition to reach greatness. It is true for them, not to blame.

Joe Schmidt donned a boffin’s hat to present his version of events, which the Wallabies have been fuming about the past week. When Morgan hit him, his flanker Carlo Tizzano, who had almost 2200 rads of rotational force, went through his neck, which is enough to cause serious injury.

Schmidt is well-versed in rotational force and G-force, but he was unable to persuade his team to arrive on time for the Wallaby team bus to the MCG. Five days after the incident, he was still making up his rants about the Tizzano incident.

The Wallabies were ruined by Hugo Keenan’s late-try. Nobody knows how they can reunite themselves, but without Valetini, the job would be much harder.

The Springboks have two Tests against them scheduled for this month, and Schmidt is already mentioning those games as if the final Test were more about rugby championship preparation than Lions face-saving efforts. They are doomed if the Wallabies lose their focus.

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Making it 3-0 is important for the Lions’ players, the coaches, and especially Farrell. In his world, a game of tiddlywinks would be a big deal, to be honest. In a room full of journalists, Farrell’s full personality is not revealed, but his players, the Irish men who are familiar with him and the others who are not, speak in almost reverential language.

Huw Jones, one of the 11 players who will start their third Test series in a row on this tour, described his coach as “really good at bringing everyone closer” on Thursday. “I don’t know how he did it, but it worked,” he said. Although I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from the outside, he tends to be very quiet and composed frequently and is quite aggressive when he’s on.

He never skips a beat when we’re training. He comprehends everything. There is no place to hide. His standards are very high. He is not required to be intimidating. He is perfect. Not in a negative, positive way. He commands respect for it exactly. Some individuals simply possess that physical presence.

Would Farrell be able to do it again in 2029? Do you mind? Would you please give me a break? Let’s get to Saturday, please. Sincerely, it has been fantastic for me. I have absolutely loved every minute of it, and I already knew I would because I adore everything the Lions are all about. I don’t think much about the future until I get home and do a little reflection on it.

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England family took me under their wing – Agyemang

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Come to me and I’ll show you the ropes, no matter what.

According to England’s breakthrough Euro 2025 star Michelle Agyemang, the Lionesses are more than just a team.

The 19-year-old Arsenal striker was the youngest member of England’s winning team to defend their European title in Switzerland.

She said Alex Greenwood and players like her made sure they took Agyemang under their wing throughout the tournament, which presented a daunting challenge of integrating into a successful squad.

Greenwood, 31, was England’s youngest World Cup captain at the time, playing for Manchester City. She set the example ten years later.

With 105 caps, she was one of the squad’s most experienced players, making a beeline for the teenager to offer her comfort on camp’s opening day.

Agyemang told BBC Breakfast, “Many of them accepted me because I was the youngest member of the team.” Everyone was so kind and helpful, even though it can be difficult.

Everyone on this team is valued, according to the saying.

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Being a Lioness involves both the pitch-side players and the behind-the-scenes teams, who ensure the squad achieves their best potential.

Manager Sarina Wiegman, who won the young player of the tournament award, has received praise for her efforts to make sure the starting XI and the squad players felt just as important as the starting XI. Agyemang, who also received the award, said “everyone is valued.

Everyone is valued in this team, regardless of their roles, the backroom staff, or the staff behind them, according to Agyemang, who continued.

I’ve never been a part of something like that.

Michelle Agyemang celebratesGetty Images

After her happy and exasperating facial expressions were captured on camera during the Lionesses’ most difficult moments, England fans have ensured Agyemang has been the subject of humorous online memes.

Agyemang’s first encounter with a major tournament couldn’t have gone any better, with the outcome being filled with joy as a result.

Agyemang continued, “I am not really that expressive when it comes to emotions.” You can get the most out of me with my facial expressions at times. I’m feeling a lot of gratitude, especially in situations like the win.

“I did shed a little because it was so unbelievable how much everything changed from the opening game to the championship match.” We made it, even though it was challenging, and I was appreciative of God for it.

I was just in disbelief as soon as Chloe’s [Kelly] penalty came in. When Jess Carter gave me a hug, I thought, “What is this, what’s going on?” ‘. It was insane, really.

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Woakes out of final Test with shoulder injury

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Chris Woakes, an England pace bowler, was sidelined for the remainder of their crucial fifth Test against India because he injured his shoulder on the opening day of play at The Oval.

When Woakes landed awkwardly late on Thursday, he was tumbling to make a boundary stop. In a clear disorientation, he left the field while wearing a makeshift sling.

The 36-year-old was assessed overnight, and England gave the all-clear assurance that he would not play any more until the following day.

At the conclusion of the series, England stated that a “further assessment will be conducted.”

The home side must avoid defeat in the fifth Test to win the series, which places them in a precarious position.

After Ben Stokes’ shoulder injury caused him to miss the first game, England already had a new lineup.

With only Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue serving as frontline seamers, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root’s spin is now available, leaving England with only Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.

After England won the toss and chose to field first, India finished the first day with a score of 204-6.

Woakes, the only pace bowler from England to have played in each of the grueling five-match series, is suffering from a broken ankle.

In his previous four Test matches, he struggled to make an impact on flat surfaces, taking ten wickets. KL Rahul, the opener for India, was playing on his stumps at The Oval on day one before getting injured.

Woakes was already in a fight to make an appearance in England’s winter ashes tour due to his poor home record. He may be concerned that his future in international cricket will be harmed by this injury.

Woakes’ injury also has a significant impact on an England pace attack that has already been slowed due to injuries and exhaustion.

Mark Wood has a long-term absence from Stokes. Following a knee injury, Olly Stone is only just beginning to recover.

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England’s bowling unit already had a makeshift look even before the Woakes injury, with Matthew Potts, who was centrally contracted, being overlooked for the entire Test summer and Sam Cook missing after making his debut against Zimbabwe in May.

After being overlooked for the previous two Tests, Tongue returned to the team, and Atkinson is playing his first senior professional match in more than two months, and Overton is clinching his second Test cap after being injured for his first.

On the opening day of The Oval, it meant that England would frequently be erratic in favorable circumstances. An unbeaten 52 from Karun Nair kept India in a strong position despite the extras’ 30 runs conceded.

With a score of 2-31, Atkinson claimed that his enforced injury absence will help him recover from the Woakes’ absence.

Atkinson remarked, “I feel fresh and good.” To push the boundaries a little bit, I know I have just one game to play.

England came away with a poor ball play to defeat India to 153-6, but Nair and Washington Sundar’s unbroken stand of 51 earned the match.

According to Atkinson, “I think it should be easy for the bowlers to hit runs on the pitch and overheads,” but I don’t believe it should be so.

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Spurs teenager Moore joins Rangers on loan

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Mikey Moore has signed a season-long loan deal with Rangers.

The 17-year-old has 21 appearances for the London club and is regarded as one of English football’s brightest young talents.

The teenager said to RangersTV, “It was a huge opportunity for me once I learned that Rangers were interested and wanted me to come.”

“I think it’s a great place to be right now,” said the new boss and our play. I made the easy choice to come here.

In May 2024, Moore made his Premier League debut at the age of 16 years and 277 days. He is the youngest player to have played for Tottenham.

The England Under-19 international also became the club’s youngest player to start a Premier League game in October.

He broke Jimmy Greaves’ record as the youngest English scorer in a major European competition during the club’s Europa League-winning campaign last year, breaking the club’s record of Jimmy Greaves.

We were interested in adding him to the squad because of his brave, aggressive attacking skills, and he is undoubtedly a player who, despite his age, can impact the team right away, according to Rangers head coach Russell Martin.

Massive Ibrox endorsement from Defoe

Before making the temporary switch, Moore sought counsel from former Spurs and Rangers striker Jermain Defoe.

While coaching Moore for the Tottenham under-18 side at Ibrox, the former England international spent 32 goals between 2019 and 2022.

When I called him, he said, “You get an opportunity to go to Rangers,” the teenager said.

I spoke to him incredibly well and was very close to him. He only praised the club and its members.

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Tottenham close to loan move for Bayern’s Palhinha

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Munich, Bayern midfielder Joao Palhinha is on loan at Tottenham, and they are close to signing him.

The clubs are still in progress, and there is a fundamental agreement in place.

The 30-year-old has an option to make the transfer permanent, which is unlikely to be a problem with personal terms.

Prior to his £42.3 million move to Germany in July 2024, Palinha made 68 top-flight appearances at Fulham in two years. He also has significant Premier League experience.

The Portugal international is eager to return to England after only six Bundesliga starts since moving to Bavaria.

Since Thomas Frank’s arrival, Spurs have already made permanent use of Mathys Tel’s temporary loan, and West Ham have signed Mohammed Kudus in a £55 million deal.

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The Championship is back… where the soul of Scottish football lives

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The words of the great philosopher Homer J. Simpson immediately come to mind when I consider who will win the Championship this year.

“I never make predictions,” and I never will.

When it comes to contemplating the strange and splendid chaos that is Scotland’s second tier, this self-defeating maxim seems like a particularly appropriate code to follow.

And it all begins on Friday night when Arbroath hosts Ayr United in front of Sportscene cameras.

Enjoy the madness and hope the Gayfield wind machine is activated for even more flavor, instead of predictions and sane football chat.

Dick Campbell’s days are long gone, but the embers of that fiery, titanic title feud against Kilmarnock from season 2021 to season 2022 still sparkle admirably on the Angus coast.

Colin Hamilton and David Gold, two of his dependable lieutenants from those days, are now effectively combining for player-management. Before the game against Ayr, the club will display the League One flag in honor of a winning side.

Does the ayr have a promotion scent?

What does Ayr United’s future look like?

A clearly sceptical Scott Brown left the play-offs at the end of last season, casting doubt on his own future.

However, Brown led his team to four wins out of four in the Premier Sports Cup group stage, including a 4-0 victory over Arbroath at Somerset Park, with the dark clouds scurrying off into the distance.

Add in the addition of new signings like Dom Thomas, Kevin Holt, and Shaun Want, who all recently returned from overseas and were Larne team players who competed in Europe.

Off the field, the club is also making good progress. Could their year come to an end?

St Johnstone will host them for their final game of the season. After a 16-year absence from the top flight, the Perth side are among the favorites to win the division.

They have remained loyal to Simo Valakari, who is firmly committed to his attack-minded approach. It was a success for Falkirk last season and has clearly been for the Saints in the League Cup so far, with four victories coming together and Elgin City being wiped out 8-0.

There appears to be promise here when you add in a fascinating mashup of decent performers from the previous season, including Sam Stanton, Reece McAlear, and Adama Sidebeh, who have since proven themselves in the Championship, and a proven pairing of Adama Sidebeh. Stevie Mallan’s signing also appeals to observers.

Some bookmakers predict that Ross County, the other relegated Premiership side, will win.

Owner Roy McGregor has taken John Robertson off of Sportsound on the weekends to give his experience to manager Don Cowie, and it seems rigueur to appoint BBC Scotland pundits.

With Gary Mackay-Steven, Ross Docherty, Nicky Clark, and Declan Gallagher, the Staggies have also added experience and quality. They should immediately stamp some identity into the side because they are all familiar with this area from the beginning.

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Partick Thistle is traditionally a top four mix, but how will they fare without talismanic striker and captain Brian Graham, who left to join Falkirk?

Will Dunfermline’s box office produce the blockbuster season?

Could Dunfermline Athletic have a box office? Possible, with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon and poker-playing tycoon co-owner James Bord, who also has ties to a sports analytics company, in charge at East End Park.

Some claim to be the Pars’ Championship dark horses, three victories in the League Cup, and a defeat at Hearts, where they won praise and showed positive signs.

They travel to Greenock Morton, another club that has hired a veteran manager, to kick off their season. Billy Davies, a former Motherwell, Derby, and Nottingham Forest boss, has joined Dougie Imrie as their technical head coach.

Three wins in the League Cup’s group and a win over Aberdeen in the second round are positive.

The summer’s best piece of business for Raith Rovers was keeping star winger Dylan Easton. Before he can become one of the stars in this division, he has already demonstrated that if he can keep back spasm problems at bay.

In a League Cup campaign that Kirkcaldy won, he already has five goals in four games.

And who should Airdrieonians be, exactly? The Diamonds had a chance to win the play-offs due to Hamilton Academical’s points deduction, which saw them fall into League One.

Given that Rhys McCabe’s side won numerous awards in their first second-tier campaign, there is still room for improvement this time. Nothing will have improved since the League Cup victory over Premiership Dundee, which ended in 1-0.

And lastly Queen’s Park… This season seems to be all about transition, with Willie Haughey, a wealthy philanthropist, ending his financial support of the club next summer. It’s difficult to see them attempting to emulate the 2023 promotion push given the current circumstances.

Of course, football is only a small portion of the Championship’s story, with the allure of those rickety stands that evokes memories of a bygone era, and the passion and color that pour from those stands in frequently wondrous and wacky ways onto our television screens on Friday nights.

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