Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Thursday, March 10.
Pivac in row
Wayne Pivac is embroiled in a continued row over the selection of Tomas Francis after his head injury against England.
Pivac explained his stance on Wednesday, rejecting the claims of lobby group Progressive Rugby and their representative Professor John Fairclough, who described picking the prop for tomorrow's game against France as "a grave mistake".
However, Pivac responded by claiming that he would be following the experts in brain injuries - something he suggested Fairclough necessarily wasn't.
“No disrespect to the gentleman you’re alluding to, we’re going with experts in concussion," he said.
"I know he was a leading surgeon in another area of the body, I think. We’re doing everything in our power that we can do. The decision has not been taken lightly."
Progressive Rugby responded publicly, saying: "Wayne Pivac dismisses Prof John Fairclough as a leading surgeon ‘in another area of the body’. Well, he is, but he was also responsible for management of head injuries both pitch side & inpatient & continues to be involved in Sports Medical research nationally & internationally.
Alix Popham, the former Wales international diagnosed with early onset dementia after head injuries sustained playing rugby, told the i website “I just can’t understand that he [Francis] is playing. They are following the protocols but the protocols aren’t fit for purpose. It needs calling out and what is going on is shocking."
Pivac to make plans for 'world class' Dupont
Pivac says his side's hopes of victory against France on Friday night will likely depend on their ability to keep captain Antoine Dupont quiet.
The Toulouse scrum-half has been passed fit for the clash at the Principality Stadium, having previously given his side a scare in training this week, and is likely to be a key threat to the hosts' hopes of claiming what would be an impressive win.
France are favourites to turn over Pivac's side, and a win would set them up for the chance to claim their first Grand Slam since 2010 against England in Paris on the final weekend.
Dupont is likely to be a key part of their plans, and Pivac admits that this side will have to take special measures to stunt his powers on Friday night.
“We don’t tend to single out individual players, but in this case you can’t (help) but do that because he is world-class, isn’t he?” Pivac said.
“He is probably the form player in the world. Even when you are sitting in the opposition coaches’ box, some of the things he does on the field you find yourself just saying ‘well done’.
“He is just great to watch, but hopefully we will be able to contain him, because he is world-class.”
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Biggar not thinking about spoiling France's party
Meanwhile, Dan Biggar says Wales are focusing on themselves rather than the chance to spoil France's Grand Slam chase.
However, he admits Wales will need to match the visitors' physicality if they are to give a good account of themselves under the Friday night lights.
"Not this weekend! We haven’t once mentioned it,” Biggar said when asked if the chance to wreck French Grand Slam hopes was adding any extra motivation.
“We know it’s going to take a huge effort for us to retain the trophy, we know we’re really up against it.
“We’re really not bothered if us winning stops France win the Grand Slam or Championship. We really are just worried about making sure we finish on a high.
“A night kick-off, playing the form team in the world at the minute. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Biggar said.
“This French team is probably slightly different to the team we’ve played over the last few years in terms of the size of the pack and in-form players and coaching set-up.
“Physicality is a huge thing for us on Friday night. You look at the way they dismantled Scotland in the second half. It’s about making sure we’re physically ready.
“We’re going to have to earn what we get on Friday night.”
England sweating on Sinckler
England's preparations for this weekend's showdown with Ireland have been hampered by fears around Kyle Sinckler's fitness this week.
The 28-year-old is reportedly managing a back problem and didn't take part in training on Tuesday, but was put through his paces alone yesterday in a bid to get himself ready.
Eddie Jones is set to name his team later today, and it remains unclear whether Sinckler will be a part of his plans, with tighthead prop Will Stuart among those standing by for the number three jersey.
According to The Guardian, there is real optimism that Sinckler will prove his fitness, but his absence would certainly be considered something of a blow for Jones, as he bids to keep England's Six Nations title hopes alive.
Cheika tipped for Pumas
Former Australia head coach Michael Cheika is reportedly set to make a return to Test rugby by taking charge of Argentina.
A number of reports have linked Cheika to the Pumas job on the back of Mario Ledesma's resignation, which came after the Pumas failed to notch up a single win in the Rugby Championship.
Cheika himself resigned from his position at the Wallabies following their 2019 World quarter-final exit to eventual finalists England in Japan, and has since held a number of roles, including a consultancy position with Argentina, playing a part in masterminding a first win over the All Blacks back in 2021.
According to Argentinian newspaper La Nacion, Cheika’s appointment could be announced this week.
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