The News Review:
- Euro success boosts Wales hopes
- Flannery appeals Six Nations ban
- Brian O’Driscoll still sore over World Cup
Euro success boosts Wales hopes
BBC News – Jan 30, 2008
The Ospreys beat Gloucester and the Blues overcame Bristol to make the European quarter-finals. “The regions’ success is a boost,” said Williams, one of 13 Ospreys in the Wales team to face England on Saturday. “We have beaten the top English sides so hopefully that will give us a psychological advantage for a change… But for the first time in Heineken Cup history two Welsh regions have qualified for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. “We’ve proven we’re capable of big things,” said 30-year-old wing Williams. “The Ospreys beat Gloucester, the best team in England, and the Blues have thoroughly deserved their success. “In the past we’ve struggled against the so-called bigger sides which may have affected Wales in the Six Nations. ”
Ospreys and Wales outside-half James Hook added: “Gloucester had a huge pack and the Ospreys took that away from them.
Flannery appeals Six Nations ban
Ireland Online – Jan 30, 2008
substring (2, 11);document. However, he will be available for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester at Kingsholm on April 5. Ulster’s Rory Best was yesterday handed the number two jersey for Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday with Bernard Jackman of Leinster named on the bench.
Brian O’Driscoll still sore over World Cup
Telegraph.co.uk – Jan 30, 2008
They replace Alessandro Troncon, who has retired, and the omitted Ramiro Pez. Mallett said the Masi had the ability to be a No 10 and would play at least the first three games in that position. Jerry Flannery, the Ireland hooker, has appealed against the eight-week ban imposed for stamping in the recent Heineken Cup pool match between Munster and Clermont Auvergne. Jordan Crane, the Leicester No 8, will lead England Saxons in the A-team international against Ireland at Welford Road tomorrow. IRELAND v ITALY Croke Park, Saturday Feb 2, 14. 00 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) Touch judges: Wayne Barnes (England), David Changleng (Scotland) Television match official: Tim Hayes (Wales).