Lock Paul Willemse on Sunday said that France are “still in the mix” for the Six Nations title, despite a 28-17 loss in Scotland ending their hopes of a first Grand Slam since 2010.
South African-born Willemse’s side were unbeaten before the defeat at Murrayfield and host Ireland at the weekend.
Ireland have an extra game to play after their match against Italy, which should have been played on Saturday, was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Table-topping England’s trip to Rome at the weekend is also to rescheduled, with the fixtures yet to be given a date.
Photo: AFP
“Nothing changes for us. We’ll put in the same intensity, not only because we are still in the mix, but because we want to finish well, too,” Willemse said. “It’s our last game [against Ireland] and we have been really enjoying our time together in the team.”
Willemse’s teammate, Mohamed Haouas was shown a red card in the Scottish capital for punching flanker Jamie Ritchie.
“That didn’t help us at all. It is really hard at this level to win a game with 14 players. That is one of the things that went against us, but it is not the only thing,” Willemse said. “We will take it on the chin and just prepare as we have done over the last few weeks.”
Winger Gael Fickou echoed Willemse’s thoughts ahead of hosting Andy Farrell’s Ireland, but he could be without a host of teammates. Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont suffered a collar-bone injury, flyhalf Romain Ntamack left the field with concussion, replacement hooker Camille Chat hurt his ankle during the warm-up, while Haouas is suspended.
“It’s up to us to learn from this. Lift up our heads. We still have the title to play for, so we’ll fight until the end,” Fickou said.
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