Rugby World Cup: Ribbans previews England v Chile
England are set to field a much-changed side when Owen Farrell returns from his ban in their next Rugby World Cup match against Chile. The Red Roses are currently top of Pool D with two wins from as many games and will be the heavy favourites to make it a hat-trick against their next opponents.
Farrell is reportedly set to skipper England at fly-half, with Marcus Smith being forced to drop into an unfamiliar role at full-back. The latter has never started a professional game in that position but will be trusted by Steve Borthwick to do a job against Chile on the weekend.
In other news, there have been reports of a training ground bust-up within the All Blacks camp over the last few days. Assistant coach Scott McLeod has revealed that some ‘pushing and shoving’ went on during a high-intensity drill as tensions boiled over between team-mates.
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KEY EVENTS
Pettinelli booed by own fans
Italy substitute Giovanni Pettinelli faced the fury of his own fans when he blocked his team from scoring against Uruguay last night.
Ange Capuozzo kicked a ball through for winger Monty Ioane to latch onto, only for Pettinelli to block the path as he was warming up in the goal area.
He was promptly booed by Italy fans in the stands, although the Azzurri managed to secure a 38-17 victory in spite of the embarrassing mishap.
Tensions flare in All Blacks camp
All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod has revealed that some feisty exchanges took place between team-mates during a high-intensity training drill earlier this week.
“There were a couple of pushes and shoves going on, which was good,” he said.
The three-time Rugby World Cup winners lost to France in their opening match before easing to a comfortable victory over Namibia last Friday.
England set for major gamble
England boss Steve Borthwick will start Marcus Smith at full-back against Chile on Saturday, according to The Telegraph.
The 24-year-old has never started a professional game in the position but will be trusted to do so following the return of Owen Farrell at fly-half.
The latter was banned for England’s opening two matches against Argentina and Japan but will be back in the squad to face Chile this weekend.
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There is just one game this evening, with hosts France set to face minnows Namibia in Marseille.
However, it will not be long until England return to action when they entertain Chile on Saturday afternoon.
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