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Tuesday 21 March 2023 Dublin: 11°C

# Defence

All time
# Les Bleus
Analysis: The risk-reward of Shaun Edwards' linespeed defence with France
The French have started the Six Nations strongly in defence but there are potential weaknesses to be exploited.
# Defence
Jordan Pickford unhappy with Gary Neville criticism
The Everton goalkeeper claims England internationals are unfairly targeted by the media.
# Defence
Everton boss Ferguson explains reason for substituting Kean just 19 minutes after he came on
The young striker received only a fleeting spell on the pitch at Old Trafford as he was subbed on and off.
# Defence
I'm no cheat, insists US golfer Reed
The former Masters champion was docked two strokes for improper swings during the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
# Chop Tackle
Leinster's Connors has made 48 tackles and missed zero in his last two games
The Kildare man has delivered a masterclass in effective low tackling.
# Breakdown
Analysis: Aki and Copeland shine as gritty Connacht dig in for crucial turnovers
Andy Friend’s side made some vital breakdown steals in their victory over Montpellier.
# Defence
Oxlade-Chamberlain on the double as Liverpool ease past Genk
The Champions ran out 4-1 winners in Belgium tonight.
# Halfbacks
Analysis: Diminutive de Klerk and Davies making decisive defensive plays
The South Africa and Wales scrum-halves are small players but often make a big impact without the ball.
# Defence
Guardiola insists Bernardo Silva not guilty of racism over tweet to Benjamin Mendy
‘Bernardo is one of the most lovely people I have ever met in my life’, said the Man City boss.
# in depth
Analysis: Ringrose shines as Ireland's strong defence shuts Scotland down
Ireland had a 94% tackle success rate and gave up only three linebreaks on Sunday.
# Defence Wins Titles
Andy Farrell's defence is pivotal if Ireland are to make history at the World Cup
The opening test will be a demanding one against Gregor Townsend’s ambitious Scotland team.
# Cheese
'Those sorts of things, they give the other players real confidence'
James Ryan delivered yet another outstanding performance in Ireland’s win over Wales.
# Defence
'Poor Jacob had to try and make reads that were really difficult'
The Ireland left wing faced criticism for his defensive decisions against England last weekend.
# Review
Analysis: England run rampant through Ireland's defensive horror show
Joe Schmidt’s team were extremely poor in defence as they were hammered in Twickenham.
# problems
Liverpool stand-in Adrian a doubt after fan 'slipped and kicked his ankle' during Super Cup celebrations
The Reds are already without regular number one Alisson, and may need to call upon Andy Lonergan or Ireland U21 stopper Caoimhin Kelleher.
# NATO
Turkey receives first batch of Russian missile defence system angering US
NATO said it’s “concerned about the potential consequences” of the purchase.
# Anger
'Disgraceful' - USA face backlash over 13-0 World Cup win
There has been a critical response to the Americans’ 13-0 thrashing of Thailand.
# Security
'Soldiers are living on the breadline': More than 3,000 quit Defence Forces in four years
Raco is calling for the introduction of an independent pay review body to help address the staff retention crisis.
# Munster
'The one thing that stood out was the stag... The stag stands its ground'
South African coach JP Ferreira has been in charge of stingy Munster defence this season.
# saga over
Defence coach Edwards confirms Wales exit after turning down new contract
The former English rugby league star is in high demand after helping Wales to four Six Nations Championships.
# Defence
'I wouldn't take Van Dijk over any of Man United's centre-backs,' says Vidic
The former Red Devils defender is delighted with the players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s back line.
# d
Analysis: How Ireland's defence adapted after harsh English lessons
Defence coach Andy Farrell would have been pleased to see his side concede only one try.
# Gavin Williamson
UK plans drone 'swarm squadrons' after Brexit, says defence secretary
Gavin Williamson said Britain must strengthen its global presence after Brexit.
# Review
'It was 100% my fault' - Earls keen to bounce back from England error
The Ireland wing is back in full training after a hip injury forced him off last weekend.
# Defence
'I really like the idea of my family having different experiences'
Former Munster assistant coach Ian Costello is enjoying his challenging task with Wasps.
# in depth
Analysis: Beirne's destruction, Earls' try-saver and Carbery's class
Johann van Graan’s Munster delivered their most compelling performance of the season on Friday night.
# understanding
Summer signing Mike Haley building trust in Munster's 15 shirt
The former Sale Sharks fullback has been first-choice for Johann van Graan this season.
# Support
Roberto Martinez baffled by Romelu Lukaku criticism
The Belgium boss thinks there is a lack of understanding about his main striker and the way he plays for Manchester United.
# Defence
Carvajal explains Isco's perceived snub of Real Madrid captain's armband
The Spain international playmaker passed up the chance to skipper the Blancos after seeing Marcelo replaced during a Champions League encounter.
# Defence
'Our catchphrase is, 'There's always a solution until someone stops working''
Connacht defence coach Peter Wilkins explains how the province have focused on behaviour.
# Shut out
Schmidt hails Farrell influence as All Blacks suffer rare try-less night
One try is not supposed to be enough to beat the All Blacks, but Ireland have an utterly ferocious defence.
# faz
Farrell faces up to the toughest test for a defence coach in rugby
The All Blacks have scored 68 tries in their 12 Tests so far this year.
# Support
'James is entitled to do what he wants... It's entirely his choice and I think we should respect it'
Martin O’Neill has backed the winger, who has been the subject of more controversy recently.
# Ringrose Review
'Stuart talks about taking a bit of pressure off the 10 when the opportunity comes up'
Garry Ringrose had a strong first outing of the season for Leinster but sees plenty of room for improvement.
# Analysis
'One of our principles defensively is not to get beaten on your inside shoulder'
Leinster were disappointed with how they gave up the game-clinching try to the Scarlets.
# Defence
'Ozil is one of the best players in the world' - Under-fire Germany star receives support
The Arsenal playmaker has been dropped by his country at World Cup 2018
# Reaction
'They're pretty angry, grumbly, walking around like bears with sore heads'
Andy Farrell is looking for improvements from Ireland’s defence this weekend in Melbourne.
# glue
Analysis: Munster man Rory Scannell's superb form keeps him in Ireland mix
The 24-year-old has been a key player for his province for the past three seasons.
# Defence
'They have no idea about football' - Klopp hits back at Alexander-Arnold critics
The 19-year-old defender was criticised for his display against Manchester United.
# Defence
Wenger responds to criticism after Neville calls Arsenal 'spineless' and a 'disgrace'
The Gunners boss believes the harsh words aimed at his team’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City are unfair.