Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Scotland team
Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass returned to Planet Rugby to provide its unique take on several topics in the sport.
What’s on the site
Loose Pass delved into a thrilling weekend of action, which saw Wales claim the number one ranking, while the column also discussed Kearnan Myall’s struggles with depression and how vital it is for players to speak out.
Elsewhere, we posted another excerpt from journalist Graeme Copas’ book. This section recounts France’s remarkable victory over New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup semi-final.
Finally, part seven of ‘Rising Sons’ was released, a series which details England’s preparations ahead of the global tournament in Japan, and this one looks at their second warm-up game against Wales.
What’s in the news
Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes to his Scotland side to play France at Murrayfield on Saturday, with full-back Stuart Hogg the only player retained in the XV.
Meanwhile, Wallaby great George Gregan does not rate Wales’ attack, suggesting that they lack the cutting edge to win the World Cup.
What’s on social media
World Rugby’s decision to make the titles of their sevens and XVs World Cups gender neutral has unsurprisingly caused plenty of debate online.
Would adding the world "Men's" to 2023 onwards have been easier?
— Dan Peate (@Dan_Peate) August 21, 2019
What’s on TV
There are two more World Cup warm-ups this weekend as England host Ireland at Twickenham on Sky Sports, while Scotland and France go head-to-head in the reverse fixture on Premier Sports.
Sky are also showing the Currie Cup and Mitre 10 Cup, which continues with Hawke’s Bay’s encounter against Otago on Thursday.