Samoa to ‘target’ England star Smith as pundit calls for team to be axed

Care reflects on England's Rugby World Cup win over Chile

England booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup earlier this week when they watched Japan beat Samoa 28-22 to keep their hopes of victory in France alive. Scotland and Ireland are both in the frame to progress to the knockout stages as well, though only one of the two will make it through and next weekend’s match between the two nations will be decisive. Wales have also ensured that they will be in the next round of the competition before their final group game against Georgia.

With several nations now looking ahead to the latter stages of the competitions, managers must weigh up whether they keep up their momentum and try and win their final group stage matches, or if they rotate their ranks to avoid any key injuries.

Steve Borthwick is among those that must make that decision, and it could prove decisive given that England haven’t been at their best at the tournament to date. His side have remained unbeaten in their opening three matches in Pool D, but Samoa present a different, physical challenge.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s 84-0 thumping of Romania on Saturday night means that they have a live chance of making the knockouts. They face Pool C leaders Ireland next weekend, when everything will be on the line in a stellar clash.

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Pundit calls for Italy axing

Irish TV pundit Hugh Cahill has called for Italy to be axed from the Six Nations after their devastating loss at the hands of the All Blacks earlier this week.

Italy were beaten 96-17 in Lyon, and some felt that it evidenced claims that the nation were not at the standard required to compete in top-level rugby competitions.

Cahil tweeted: “Only a matter of time before South Africa replace Italy in 6N’s (Six Nations). Rugby calendar won’t allow seven teams. Love Italians and everything about the country, but professional rugby there has not evolved or progressed to a sufficient degree. Tonight is the proof.”

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