Blues head coach Leon MacDonald was frustrated with his side’s performance in their 25-20 loss to the Brumbies in the Super Round but believes their issues are fixable.

The fixture against the Brumbies had extra motivation for the Australians, who fell short against the Blues in last season’s semi-final.

Two early yellows

However, it was a poor start from MacDonald’s side, who went down to 13 players within the first 10 minutes as Caleb Clarke and James Lay were sin-binned.

The coach thought his team fought well with two men down and played with more “bounce” in the second period but failed to capitalise.

“Discipline was always going to be a factor, and to give away penalties and end up with two in the bin wasn’t the start we wanted,” MacDonald told Stuff.

“We fought back pretty well, but playing with 13 men in the heat is taxing. In the second half we felt we had a bit more bounce around the park and were trying to keep playing, but critical turnovers at the breakdown or knock-ons at the wrong times kept stopping us from getting what we wanted.

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“It was a pretty frustrating performance overall really. I don’t think there were any areas we felt we were exceptional, which was a bit frustrating.”

Maul power

The Blues boss praised the Brumbies maul that cost his team twice and will look for his side to improve on that going forward.

“The Brumbies’ maul is a genuine weapon. They’ve used it against us and everybody else effectively. It was a big focus to nullify that, and we struggled with it. We’d be a bit disappointed in that area,” he said.

“But it is only round two. Although it hurts when you lose any game, we’re realistic that there’s a lot of games ahead and our job now is to bounce back quickly and focus on the areas of the game we need improve on to make sure we can apply more pressure when we’ve got ball in hand.”

MacDonald believes his side needs to find a way to be “more cohesive” after a disappointing start to the season.

“We’re right in the middle of a tough start and our focus now is to get a bit more cohesive, string some more phases together and build pressure with the ball,” he said.

“We weren’t able to do that. Very rarely did we get past 3-4 phases today. Defensively, when we didn’t give away penalties, we looked solid, and applied good pressure. But the pressure valve was released by not rolling away or getting offside. We were our own worst enemies.

“They’re things we can fix, but we’re disappointed we have to go and fix them.”

Fine margins

In Super Rugby Pacific, the margins are so fine, and MacDonald admits his team were not far off, but that is enough to be on the losing side at this level.

“The players have identified it already. They were frustrated with a lot of the [lack of] accuracy of certain plays. We were just a click off in certain areas and the way the Brumbies play, they’re a pressure team, they pressure you in the maul, they pressure you in the air, they pressure you at the breakdown hard and try to force errors, and did that well,” he added.

“We knew it was coming and at times we countered it and at times we didn’t. We just weren’t quite good enough.”

2017 has been an eventful year for Marco Verratti; it was one that began full of optimism in January but quickly turned sour infamously in the Camp Nou in March. The uncertainty surrounding his future this summer then made the situation complicated for the Italian thus affecting his form for PSG.

Like the majority of those that played a part in the debacle at Barcelona, Verratti arguably displayed his worst performance in a PSG shirt that night and in truth, still hasn’t recaptured his pre-Barcelona form.

Granted, the Italian international is still capable of his moments of magic and madness, whether that be a pin-point 20-yard assist or the most ludicrous but comical foul. But aren’t these the things we relish about Verratti and have become accustomed to?

After all, Verratti is the prince of Paris, a vital cog in the ambitious Parisian machine and a hugely influential figure in the team. In his homeland he is viewed as the future of the Azzurri midfield and hopes are pinned on him delivering his brilliance particularly with a World Cup in Russia looming.

Rewind back 12 months, PSG were in somewhat of a transitional phase post-Ibrahimovic. Goals and creativity were not as free flowing as the previous season and Verratti, along with Cavani were arguably the only stand-out performers in an underperforming side.

Verratti helped to carry a stuttering PSG and under-fire manager Unai Emery through a torrid spell of domestic form by PSG’s standards towards the end of 2016 but as the season transpired and when PSG needed his influence more than ever, particularly in Barcelona, he failed to deliver. As a senior player in the squad, although not entirely his responsibility, he failed to galvanise his team-mates when needed.

That calamitous night in Barcelona was the catalyst for what was to come and for what has still been occurring with Verratti. The interest from Barcelona this summer not only unsettled the Italian but seemingly uncovered a somewhat arrogant side of him that hadn’t been seen to date.

An arrogance that he can perform at whatever level he wants, despite the yearly contract renewals and to be able to dictate to a point, what calibre of player PSG should be signing for him to stay in Paris long-term and rebuff the overtures of the Catalan giants.

This understandably upset some of the PSG fan base who feel that Verratti has been handsomely rewarded financially during his time in the capital and has been given a platform to develop into the player he is today.

Although the move to Spain failed to materialise, Verratti’s early season form has been reflective of some of that arrogance.

What is slightly concerning is Verratti’s slow and drawn out transition back to finding his best form. It has so far been a below par start to the season after the off-field tribulations this summer and that began with a feeble display in the Trophée des Champions against AS Monaco in late July.

This transcended into his league form with some further uncharacteristic and nonchalant displays stemming from poor ball retention to overplaying and being carelessly dispossessed in dangerous areas. The Italian was also sent off against Toulouse in week 3 leading to a 3 game suspension.

Verratti hasn’t escaped criticism from the Italian press either after his below par performances with the Azzurri in September. Verratti was jeered when replaced by Riccardo Montolivo during Italy’s recent narrow 1-0 victory over Israel which followed the thrashing by Spain in Madrid a few days earlier.

In the days following, the PSG man was targeted by Italian Sports newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport who launched a scathing attack on Verratti’s international performances.

In France, World Cup winner, Christophe Dugarry tore into Verratti last week in an interview with RMC saying “I thought this lad could become a future (Andrés) Iniesta but now he’s very, very far away from that”.

Dugarry also went on to express concerns over Verratti’s mentality stating “I have doubts about this lad, even though I’d really like to be wrong. I’m worried he’s approaching his job in the wrong way. You don’t go to the next level just because you get a wage increase every six months.”

Verratti’s sub-par performances have been masked by the spotlight being placed firmly on Neymar and Kylian Mbappé and for that reason he has been fortunate as the criticism could and should have been much worse.

However, there are slow signs that the Italian is gradually finding some form and with some crucial games coming up in the Champions’ League and Ligue 1 this will be welcome news for a PSG midfield lead by 35-year-old Thiago Motta and lacking in squad depth.

There is no more room for Verratti to coast through games as he has done so far this season. Verratti has set a high bar for himself since moving to Paris in 2012 and with regular lucrative contract renewals during that time, he is undeserving of escape from the criticism aimed at him by the media.

But the sooner Verratti finds his best form, the better for this exciting PSG side who are fighting on four fronts for honours this season and for Italy who still haven’t secured qualification for the World Cup.

The ball is firmly in Verratti’s court, but now is the time to start delivering. Whilst Verratti’s place at PSG is unlikely to be under serious threat, the same cannot be said in the national team.

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L.D.

Check out the teams ahead of the third round of Super Rugby Pacific, where the Waratahs welcome back Ned Hanigan and Harry Johnson-Holmes for their Australian derby against the Rebels in Melbourne.

Friday

Chiefs v Highlanders
FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 John Ryan, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Daniel Rona

Highlanders: 15 Freddie Burns, 14 Martin Bogado, 13 Josh Timu, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Mosese Dawai, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 James Lentjes (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Rhys Marshall, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Saula Mau, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Sean Withy, 21 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Fetuli Paea, 23 Connor Garden-Bachop

Rebels v Waratahs
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Rebels: 15 Nick Jooste, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Stacey Ili, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Richard Hardwick, 7 Brad Wilkin (c), 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Matt Gibbon
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Cameron Orr,, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Lukas Ripley, 23 David Feliuai

Waratahs: 15 Ben Donaldson, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Langi Gleeson, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Hugh Sinclair, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Tom Lambert
Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Te Tera Faulkner, 18 Daniel Botha, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Ned Hanigan, 21 Charlie Gamble, 22 Teddy Wilson, 23 Ben Dowling

Saturday

Fijian Drua v Crusaders
Churchill Park, Lautoka

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Apisalome Vota, 11 Eroni Sau, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Jone Koroiduadua, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Meli Tuni
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20 Meli Derenalagi, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Kalaveti Ravouvou

Crusaders: 15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Fergus Blake, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Ioane Moannu, 17 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Zach Gallagher, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Dallas McLeod

Hurricanes v Blues
Sky Stadium, Wellington

Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Cameron Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Caleb Delany, 20 TK Howden, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Aidan Morgan, 23 Riley Higgins

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Blues: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Cameron Suafoa, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 James Lay, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Joshua Fusitu’a
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 James Tucker, 20 Adrian Choat, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Bryce Heem, 23 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Brumbies v Reds
GIO Stadium, Canberra

Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Ollie Sapsford, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Rhys van Nek, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Ben O’Donnell

Reds: 15 Jordan Petaia, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Tate McDermott (cc), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (cc), 5 Seru Uru, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Dane Zander
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Connor Vest, 20 Jake Upfield, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Jock Campbell

Western Force v Moana Pasifika
HBF Park, Perth

Force: 15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Bayley Kuenzle, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, 7 Ollie Callan, 6 Tim Anstee, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Felix Kalapu, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Tom Horton, 17 Angus Wagner, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Jackson Pugh, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Nikilao Foliaki, 23 George Poolman

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Fine Inisi, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki, 10 Lincoln McClutchie, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Lotu Inisi, 7 Solomone Funaki (c), 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Mike McKee, 4 Alex McRobbie, 3 Suetena Asomua, 2 Samiuela Moli, 1 Abraham Pole
Replacements: 16 Luteru Tolai, 17 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 19 Potu Leavasa, 20 Jonah Mau’u, 21 Manu Paea, 22 Henry Taefu, 23 Levi Aumua

Nathan Staples, Adam White and Samuel Rooke discuss France qualifying for the World Cup in Russia next year and the upcoming round of Ligue 1 fixtures.

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The Lions are hoping that Saturday’s victory over Glasgow Warriors will be a turning point in their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign as they make a late challenge to reach this year’s play-offs.

That was the word from the Johannesburg-based outfit’s number eight Francke Horn after they sealed a deserved 35-24 win over the Warriors at Emirates Airline Park.

“I really hope so and believe so (that this could be a turning point),” he told the Citizen. “This result gives us a bit of belief back and most of our games are back at home. It is great to have all the fans here. Thank you for coming out.”

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The result ended a five-match losing streak in the URC for the Lions and Horn was one of their star performers against Glasgow. The 23-year-old made his return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury and hit the ground running as he walked off with the official man-of-the-match award.

“It’s awesome to be back. It was quite a tough few months watching the guys play and not getting the results,” he said after the match. “So being back on the park and being able to contribute again was amazing.

“I love this team. We work really hard. To have two yellow cards and a red card in the match and still pull it through, I am so proud of the guys and it was a great team effort.

“Most of the second half we played with 14 or 13 men and the guys just never gave up. We played our hearts out. Earlier this week we came together and decided that we were going to play for each other and I think we showed that on the field.”

Took their chances

Lions captain Marius Louw echoed Horn’s sentiments and expressed his delight at the way they converted their points-scoring opportunities after their inability to do that led to their downfall in their previous fixture against the Sharks.

“Last weekend was tough for us with the performance that we had and not executing,” he said. “With the opportunities we created last week we knew what we could do, we just had to believe and execute and this week we were a lot better at taking those opportunities instead of missing them.

“This was bound to happen for us. Over time the wheel has been turning and that’s how this team is, so a result like this is not unexpected and I believe we can build on what we have done today going forward.

“We just need to take it day by day. We work extremely hard behind the scenes. First thing now is recovery, celebrate the win and then start again on Monday.

“We have the Bulls next weekend. A tough game at Loftus, they have had some great turnouts in the crowd, so we have to be prepared for that.”

Nathan Staples, Samuel Rooke and Tom Scholes look back at the final international for Les Bleus in 2017 and ahead at the Ligue 1 festivities coming back at the weekend.

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England full-back Freddie Steward looks forward to experiencing the atmosphere at the Principality Stadium against Wales on Saturday and hopes to use inspiration from Elliot Daly’s famous try in 2017.

Daly scored a 75th-minute try in 2017 to steal a 21-16 win over Wales in Cardiff, and Steward, who was only 16 at the time, was in the stands with his family cheering on.

Fast forward to 2023, and Steward is likely to start against Wales in a game that almost did not go ahead due to a contract standoff between Welsh players and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Fortunately, the match will go ahead as planned, but the issues in Wales seem a long way from sorted at this stage.

“Incredible” atmosphere

The Englishman recalls the 2017 game and the loud atmosphere in the stadium, something he looks forward to experiencing as a player this time around.

“I was there when Elliot Daly scored that try in the 75th minute,” Steward said.

“I was actually in the corner with my dad and brothers, so that was a little snapshot for me of what the Welsh atmosphere is like. It’s incredible.

“When the try was scored a lot of beer was thrown around and there was a lot of rowdiness. There was also a bit of dismay, as you can imagine.

“The pictures of me that day are shocking. No, I was a proud Englishman that day. I remember it very well, it was a brilliant day.

“Hopefully when we return on Saturday it will the same again. It was an awesome memory. Nicking it the way we did at the death was pretty cool.

“The one thing that stands out is the Welsh anthem. I think the roof was off that day but even so, there is something special about the anthem.

“Even if you’re not Welsh, it’s something to admire and something special when they all get singing. I look forward to that on Saturday.”

Looking to harness the hostility

The Leicester Tigers star began his Test career during the pandemic, robbing him of hostile atmospheres until facing Scotland at Murrayfield last year.

Steward has been warned about how intense the experience can be, starting with the bus trip in, and he wants to embrace the energy and channel it to bring the best out of himself.

“Some of the players have mentioned going through Cardiff on the bus, which is apparently just a complete frenzy,” he said.

“I’ll try and keep my headphones in and stare down the bus rather than get distracted by that. But it’s all part of it.

“Scotland last year was my first Six Nations away experience. The way the bus drives in really slow, Scottish fans either side of you swearing at you, beer being thrown at the bus.

“It was the first time I have experienced that hostility in rugby but, intimidating as it is, it can get the best out of you, it makes you want to win even more.

“It’s nice to have that atmosphere – sometimes it can be healthy. Intimidation, two sets of fans going at it – it can bring more out of the players.

“England v Wales is the fixture where form goes out of the window and you get the best of both teams. We’re excited for that challenge.”

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Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad are reporting that Ligue 1 side Rennes have submitted a €7m offer for Ghanaian forward Richmond Boakye.

The 24-year-old currently plies his trade with Red Star Belgrade and has this season scored 14 league goals in 13 games.

Anderlecht are also interested in the player.

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England second-row Maro Itoje is looking forward to playing at a noisy Principality Stadium when his team faces Wales next weekend as the Six Nations returns.

It will be the first time England and Wales play in front of a stadium with fans in Cardiff for four years due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Loves the noise

Itoje is looking forward to the noise in the ground and does not mind if people are “baying for our blood”.

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“The noise! I remember the first time I played there. I was trying to get a message to one of my team-mates nearby and I had to literally scream at him. It’s a noisy, noisy stadium and the fans always give England a nice warm reception,” he said.

“But it’s exciting and makes the ground unique. It makes the occasion very interesting and adds a little more colour to the event.

“I love that noise even if it is 60,000 people or so baying for our blood! I’d prefer that than a quiet, empty stadium which we experienced during Covid.

“After Covid you appreciate the atmosphere the fans bring to the stadium. It creates a much better environment for everybody. So the louder the better.

“I’ve also seen a lot of grandmothers throw some choice fingers up at the bus as we’ve gone by them.

“You draw on those past experiences. You know it is not an easy place to go to and that they will definitely be up for it, no matter their recent results.”

There are doubts the game will not go ahead due to strikes from the Wales team due to contract concerns with the Welsh Rugby Union, but coach Warren Gatland is confident the match will be played.

Ligue 1 side Marseille are considering Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souaré as a possible January target, according to France Football.

The 27-year-old Senegalese international knows Rudi Garcia very well, and has had conversations with his former manager from the Lille days about wanting to get more first team football ahead of his country’s appearance in the Russia World Cup this summer.

Having been in a car accident last year, he appears to have totally recovered, even if he has played very little football since.

Marseille need to replace the recently departed Patrice Evra at left-back.

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