Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, March 21.
Warburton sees 'dramatic' Wales development
Sam Warburton is encouraged by what he saw from Wales in Saturday's defeat by France, praising the "dramatic development" he believes can see them reach the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
He believes Taulupe Faletau will remain a key man going forward after the Rugby World Cup, despite suggestions from Warren Gatland up to eight players could have played their final Six Nations games.
Warburton told the BBC: "I think people actually thought I was going to be really negative but I'm actually really pleased with what I saw because Wales' attack, which I think is the hardest thing to develop, has developed dramatically. That's the harder thing to get in sync.
"Offloads, I couldn't believe this when I saw it. The reason Wales had 16 offloads was because they had 51% gainline success. Against Scotland and Italy they were down at 43%. Faletau on his 100th cap was brilliant. He is not one of those eight players Gatland is on about playing their last Six Nations games. I thought he was brilliant.
"[Aaron] Wainwright carried well, Bradley Roberts off the bench carried well, George North at 13 carried well and [Louis] Rees-Zammit got his hands on the ball at 15 and did some damage. Because Wales' gainline was so much better in attack and they were connected as well, they got really good speed of ball and offloaded with power as we saw with the tries. They got the ruck speed you need to be able to score tries."
As for the leaky defence, which saw Wales finish with the worst points difference in the competition, Warburton says there is no need to panic. "Defence is under Mike Forshaw's guidance. He did a brilliant job at Sale and I have confidence that will come with time."
He added: "I think Wales can make the semi-final of the World Cup after some of the progress I've seen. I actually believe Warren Gatland when he said people will be surprised how competitive Wales will be at a World Cup and I think particularly given the draw as well and how the top five teams in the world are on the other side of the draw, people might laugh at me for this, it's not beyond the possibility of England, Argentina, Australia - I don't think Wales will get to a final - but I think the first three teams could get to a World Cup final. Wales, given the draw, I don't think it's beyond the realms of possibility to get to a semi-final."
Robertson to take over All Blacks
Scott Robertson will take over as All Blacks boss after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand have announced.
The Crusaders head coach will start his new gig in 2024, taking over from current boss Ian Foster, in a deal that will run up until the 2027 World Cup.
Robertson, 48, was in the frame to take the reins last time before the All Blacks opted for Foster, but he will now get his shot at the job from next year.
“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks Head Coach,” Robertson told the All Blacks Official Website.
“It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey. To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”
Llewellyn hoping to improve at Gloucester
New Gloucester signing Max Llewellyn is hoping to improve in England's Gallagher Premiership when he joins the club from Cardiff.
Powerful centre Llewellyn, who had been tipped by some pundits as an outsider to make Wales' Guinness Six Nations squad, will move to the Gallagher Premiership in time for next season. The 24-year-old, who is qualified for Wales and England, has made almost 40 Cardiff appearances and is a former Wales Under-20 international. His father Gareth won 92 caps for Wales between 1989 and 2004.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Gloucester," he said. "It’s always been an ambition of mine to play in the Gallagher Premiership and to be able to do that for a club like Gloucester, I’m really looking forward to. I think the Premiership is one of the best rugby competitions in the world.
“There are so many good players at Gloucester, it’s unbelievable to see the quality they have in both the backs and forwards. I’m looking forward to playing with the pack. They’re a big pack and that makes my job easier as a centre.
“In the back line, I’m looking forward to playing with the likes of Adam Hastings. He’s a really classy ten and I think playing with him is just going to improve my game.”
At 6’5’’ and 105kg, Llewellyn thinks he has a lot to offer the Cherry & Whites, but that he’s just looking to get his head down and work hard for the team.
“I think I’ll be able to bring a lot to the team. Being a big man in the centre I’m able to get over the gain line but I’m also able to link up with the players out wide and get them on the ball and put them in the best opportunities to score.
“Ultimately, I’m willing to work hard for the team and do the dirty work. If that means running through brick walls and tackling buses, then that’s what I have to do. I think where I am as a player, the Premiership will improve me and hopefully I can bring those benefits into my new team at Gloucester.”
Price vows to bounce back from Scotland frustration
Ali Price has vowed to bounce back strongly from the "frustration" of losing his status as a first choice for Scotland. The 29-year-old scrum-half was a mainstay of Gregor Townsend's team until being dropped from the 23-man squad for the opening two Six Nations matches against England and Wales last month.
After a positive response to what was a hammer blow for Price - with London Irish's Ben White seizing the number nine jersey throughout the championship - the Glasgow man was restored to the replacements' bench for the closing three matches against France, Ireland and Italy.
The fans' Wales Six Nations verdict: Have your say
"I'm not going to give up, put it that way," he said, when asked about losing his place. "We all want to be starting, we all want to have a big impact within this team. It's been frustrating but I think personally, I've been pleased with how I've reacted and dealt with it. It's never easy but all I can do is work hard.
"I'd like to think my response to it has been positive. I'm doing all I can. But on the flip side, Ben has come in and had a brilliant tournament. He's played incredibly well and that's credit to him. If you've got depth and competition like that, it can only be good.
"We're all well aware that if you don't perform you'll be out the side because there are other guys playing well and pushing to play. It's frustrating but I believe I've responded positively and I'll take my opportunity if it comes again."
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