Tom Shanklin scored four of Wales' 10 tries and Stephen Jones collected 19 points as Mike Ruddock's team crushed Romania 66-7 in a rugby union international on Friday.
Fly half Jones was another of the try scorers in a one-sided game at Cardiff Arms Park and converted seven of the others. The Welsh were unable to produce a shutout, however, with Romanian winger Lucian Sirbu crossing for a try just before half time and Ionut Tofan converting.
PHOTO: AFP
Cardiff Blues center Shanklin went over the first try in the sixth minute and winger Rhys Williams, fly half Jones, prop Gethin Jenkins and then Shanklin again all went over for converted tries for a 35-0 lead before Sirbu replied.
The Welsh went into half time 35-7 ahead and continued the stream of try-scoring in the second half.
Today, Six Nations champion France hosts Australia, Ireland welcomes South Africa, World Cup holder England receives Canada, New Zealand goes to Italy and Scotland hosts Japan.
Italy coach John Kirwan hopes to surprise by throwing in new teenage winger Matteo Pratichetti against the All Blacks in their rugby union test at Flaminio Stadium on Saturday.
Pratichetti, a center who battles to even start for his senior club side at Calvisano, was drafted from the reserves when Kirwan was forced to make late changes after centers Andrea Masi and Gonzalo Canale failed to pass fitness tests on Friday.
Walter Pozzebon moved in from the left wing to inside center for Masi, and Matteo Barbini replaced Canale at center for his 11th cap.
Pratichetti will make his senior debut on the left wing.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely