Rugby Union Today: Analysis and shock All Black omissions

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Ngani Laumape of the All Blacks in action during the Bledisloe Cup match between between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Optus Stadium in Perth, Saturday, August 10, 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Another busy day in the rugby union game as analyst Sam Larner returned to Planet Rugby to discuss Scotland’s victory over France.

What’s on the site

Scotland produced a much improved display against France at the weekend, securing a 17-14 triumph, and analyst Sam Larner has delved into the reasons why they managed to gain the win.

Elsewhere, the All Blacks named their 31-man squad for the World Cup, but there was no place for powerhouse centre Ngani Laumape and 108-times capped prop Owen Franks.

Finally, check out this week’s edition of Loose Pass, which looks at the excellence of England and the dismal efforts of Ireland, who have plenty of work to do if they are to challenge for the World Cup.

What’s in the news

England have been boosted by the result of Mako Vunipola’s scans, which revealed that the loosehead will only be out for 10 days, meaning that he will be available for the World Cup.

It wasn’t such good news for Brodie Retallick, though, with the second-row set to miss the group stages due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in July. However, All Blacks boss Steve Hansen is hopeful that the lock will make the quarter-finals should they get there.

Meanwhile, the Springboks have made an interesting coaching appointment by bringing in former Munster attack guru Felix Jones, who departed the province earlier this year.

What’s on social media

Even if Rugby Australia alters their overseas player rule, the man it was named after still wants to be remembered!

What’s on TV

Wales take on Ireland in another World Cup warm-up and that clash between two giants of the northern hemisphere game will be broadcast on Channel 4.

On Premier Sports, they have Scotland’s visit to Georgia, while Sky Sports will show the Mitre 10 Cup, which continues on Thursday with Wellington’s encounter against Counties Manukau.

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