Action Tag Rugby

IT ALL STARTS ON FRIDAY
🏉 Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Preview
The tournament kicks off this Friday, August 22, in Sunderland, England, and runs until the final at Twickenham on September 27. With 16 nations competing across four pools, this edition promises high drama, fierce rivalries, and a showcase of the sport’s global growth.
🌍 Tournament Highlights
• Host Nation: England, playing on home soil and entering as overwhelming favourites.
• Contenders: New Zealand, Canada, and France are expected to challenge for the title.
• Format: Four pools of four teams. Top two from each pool advance to the knockout stages.
England’s Red Roses have won 87 of their last 91 matches, including seven consecutive Six Nations titles. Their dominance is built on a powerful set-piece, a lethal driving maul, and a more expansive backline game featuring stars like Ellie Kildunne and Abby Dow.

🏟️ Friday’s Opener: England vs USA
Kick-off: 20:30 BST
🔴 England (Red Roses)
• Form: Riding a 27-game winning streak
• Recent Results vs USA:
• 2024: England 61–21 USA
• 2022: England 52–14 USA
• Key Players:
• Zoe Aldcroft – Captain, tireless work-rate
• Maud Muir – Dominant tighthead prop
• Meg Jones & Tatyana Heard – Creative midfield duo
🇺🇸 USA (Eagles)
• Form: Mixed results in warm-ups—beat Fiji, lost to Canada
• Ranking: Currently 10th in the world
• Key Players:
• Rachel Johnson – Experienced back row
• Bulou Mataitoga – Versatile threat
• Hope Cooper – Emerging talent
⚔️ Match Narrative
England are expected to dominate, but the USA will aim to disrupt early and capitalize on any nerves from the hosts. Historically, the USA won the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991, but England have won the last 20 encounters. The Red Roses’ depth and cohesion make them formidable, but the pressure of a home opener could add intrigue.
If you are interested in catching the game, I will be in the 3 Carrots to watch the game.
Also let me know what matches you are interested in watching and we can arrange to catch the match :)

Saturday kick off at 12.00

🏉 Match Details & Stakes

The Lions currently lead the series 2–0, with wins in Brisbane and Melbourne.

They are aiming for a historic 3–0 series whitewash — their first on an all-Australian tour since 1904, and their first unbeaten Australian tour since 1927.

If successful, this would mark their first-ever series whitewash on Australian soil.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Selections & Lineup

Lions

Andy Farrell has made only two changes to the side that beat Australia in the second Test.

Blair Kinghorn replaces James Lowe on the wing for greater attacking and aerial impact in the expected wet conditions.

James Ryan comes into the second row in place of the injured Ollie Chessum.

Tadhg Furlong will make his ninth consecutive Lions Test appearance, equaling club legends like Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje.

Australia

Coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes, three of which are due to injury.

Nic White takes the scrum-half position in what will be his final international match, noted for his tactical kicking.

Other changes include Dylan Pietsch, Taniela Tupou, and Tom Hooper.

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⚽ The Narrative

After a tense 29–26 comeback win in Melbourne—sealed by a dramatic late try from Hugo Keenan—the Lions secured the series.

Despite the outcome being decided, the match remains emotionally charged. The Wallabies are playing for pride, while the Lions aim to cement a historic tour finale.

The 3 Carrots are showing the game, so take the opportunity to watch the Lions, will not be happening for another 4 years.

🏉 The wait is over, whether you have been waiting 4 or 12 years, Test rugby’s fiercest touring force is back in action!
This Saturday, the British & Irish Lions roar into Brisbane for the first Test against Australia, igniting a rivalry that we have been waiting 12 years to continue. After a dominant warm-up campaign, Andy Farrell’s squad arrives with momentum, flair, and a hunger to make history. The Lions have swept aside provincial sides and an Invitational XV, but now face the true test: the Wallabies, under Joe Schmidt, eager to reclaim pride on home soil.
Expect fireworks from the opening whistle. With Finn Russell pulling the strings at fly-half, James Lowe and Tommy Freeman ready to light up the wings, and Maro Itoje leading the charge up front, the Lions blend power with precision. Australia, meanwhile, will lean on rising stars like Tom Lynagh and the experience of James Slipper, hoping to disrupt the tourists’ rhythm.
The stage is set at Suncorp Stadium, where the Lions last triumphed in 2013. Can they repeat history—or will the Wallabies flip the script? Either way, this clash promises high drama, big hits, and world-class rugby.
Join me at the 3 Carrots, this will be the only test I am joining, as I am away for the other 2!!
Kick off is 12.00 so a great way to bring the fun and frivolity to your weekend.

🦁🏉 The British & Irish Lions are set to kick off their 2025 tour of Australia with a highly anticipated clash against the Western Force on Saturday, June 28, at Optus Stadium in Perth. This marks the Lions’ first match on Australian soil since their 2013 tour, and expectations are sky-high.
🔥 Match Preview
- Lions’ Form: The Lions are looking to bounce back after a narrow 28–24 defeat to Argentina in their send-off match in Dublin.
- Western Force: The Force, who finished ninth in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, are bolstered by several Wallabies, including Ben Donaldson and Nic White, making them a formidable opponent.
🦁 Lions Starting XV Highlights
- Captain: Dan Sheehan (Ireland) will lead the side on his Lions debut.
- Fly-half: Finn Russell (Scotland) gets the nod at No. 10, bringing flair and experience.
- Back Row: Rising star Henry Po***ck (England) starts at No. 8, flanked by Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Beirne.
- Backline Firepower: The wings are manned by James Lowe and Mack Hansen, with Elliot Daly at fullback.
💥 Western Force Line-up Highlights
- Playmaker: Ben Donaldson returns from Wallabies camp to start at fullback.
- Veteran Scrum-half: Nic White brings leadership and tempo at No. 9.
- Final Bow: Prop Ollie Hoskins plays his last professional match before retirement
📺 How to Watch
- Kick-off: 12:00 AM CET / 6:00 PM local time
- The 3 Carrots are showing all the Lions games, however if you know of anywhere else, please let us know.

This match is more than just a warm-up—it’s a tone-setter for the Lions’ entire tour. With both sides fielding strong line-ups, expect fireworks in Perth. Want a prediction or player to watch? I’ve got thoughts, better still come down and share them together

The British & Irish Lions are set to embark on their 2025 tour of Australia, marking their return to the country for the first time since their victorious 2013 series. Under the leadership of head coach Andy Farrell, the Lions will play a 10-match schedule, including a historic fixture in Dublin and a three-Test series against the Wallabies.
Tour Schedule
The tour kicks off on June 20, 2025, with a landmark match against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Lions' first-ever match on Irish soil. The team will then travel to Australia for a series of matches against regional sides before facing the Wallabies in a three-Test showdown.
Here’s a breakdown of the fixtures:
- June 20 – vs. Argentina (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
- June 28 – vs. Western Force (Optus Stadium, Perth)
- July 2 – vs. Queensland Reds (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
- July 5 – vs. NSW Waratahs (Allianz Stadium, Sydney)
- July 9 – vs. ACT Brumbies (GIO Stadium, Canberra)
- July 12 – vs. Invitational Australia & New Zealand XV (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)
- July 19 – First Test vs. Australia (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
- July 22 – vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV (Marvel Stadium, Melbourne)
- July 26 – Second Test vs. Australia (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
- August 2 – Third Test vs. Australia (Accor Stadium, Sydney)
Squad & Leadership
The Lions squad consists of 38 players from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, with Maro Itoje serving as captain. Notably, 26 players have received their first-ever call-ups, reflecting a fresh and dynamic approach under Farrell’s leadership.
Expectations & Significance
This tour is expected to be a highly competitive and historic event, with the Lions aiming to reclaim glory after the drawn test in New Zealand and the tour loss in South Africa. Australia are also on an upward trajectory with a fresh impetus of new players and an exciting backline that will be a test for the Lions, if their forwards can provide clean ball, then we really could be in for an exciting series

The warm match is on Friday at 21.00

All matches are being shown at the 3 Carrots.

Drop in and catch a fantastic event, which only happens every 4 years.

Any questions, please let me know.

Happy Halloween and Happy Diwali, as well as a day of celebration and intrigue, it is the prequel to another day of intrigue and in my case celebration at the start of the Autumn Internationals.
As you can see from the picture, November is going to be a month full of rugby and with that comes the highs and lows, exasperation and exhilaration, endeavor and endurance on and off the field 😁
It has been a year since South Africa won the World Cup and they are back in the Northern Hemisphere again to see if they can continue their good results, but once again they come into November as second in the world to Ireland.
That particular question will be answered in a few weeks, but this Saturday we kick off with England VS New Zealand, in the last 4 meetings the average win has been by 3 points and the last time that New Zealand played at Twickers (I am not there yet with Allianz Stadium).. With a last gasp draw!!.

Saturday has everything you need for a celebration of rugby, with both teams blooding new players along with many exciting one on one battles in both the forwards and the backs.

I will be at the 3 Carrots pub to watch the match and I would say if you are looking for something to add pep to your Saturday then this is for you.
It doesn't matter if you have not seen a game before, there are a number of people who will happily let you know what is going on 😁, especially me 😂

Kick off is 16.05 but get there early and get the best seats in the house

Well the fun keeps coming!!! On Saturday after Wales vs Ireland we have the Calcutta Cup.
England vs Scotland brings with it the added incentive of winning the oldest rugby cup in existence.
Both sides have made changes but England have certainly made more than most, including their coach, out goes Eddie Jones (straight into the Australian job) and in comes Steve Borthwick who is inexperienced in 6 Nations rugby but has experience with Japan and Leicester. On the playing front he has made some bold decisions, Saturday will show if these players are ready.
Scotland have their own decisions, after the Autumn Internationals, Finn Russell has cemented his place at 10 but the relationship with Gregor Townsend is a rocky one and you cannot help but think that Gregor is looking to replace him, but right now the 2 people pushing are injured or recovering from injury.
I am very excited to see a couple of battles, at 9 and on the wing. Both 9’s are inexperienced but bring with them a fearless nature and an attacking one as well.
On the wing we have the opposite, in Van Der Merwe ,Scotland have a try scorer that is proven and in Hassell-Collins England have a winger making his international debut, he has pace to burn, which England have lacked in recent times, but he is completely untested and is being thrown in the deep end.. Saturday will show if he will sink or swim
Join me on Saturday to find out

The first game of this year's 6 Nations is Wales vs Ireland at 15.15
This is Wales first opportunity to banish a poor 2022, Many an English supporter is very thankful because it took the spotlight off them, if only a little!!
Wales have a new (old) manager in the returning Warren Gatland, who was a proven track record of getting the best out of the team and winning 6 Nations and Grand Slams. However he inherits a side low on confidence and direction. The returning Leigh Halfpenny at full back will bring experience and a big boot to the team, Dan Biggar control and Alun Wyn Jones (most capped player in Men's International Rugby) returns to the tight five, will all be looking to change that and give Warren a winning start.
Standing in their way is Ireland, World Number 1 ranked side. They are almost polar opposite to Wales, they have a settled side, with recognised strength in depth should a player need to be changed. This along with good coaches makes them joint favourites to win the 6 Nations. They are Big Favourites to win this game, since they have not released their team yet I cannot highlight any interesting battles but I can say that Johnny Sexton has a point to prove to Warren Gatland after being dropped by the Lions when he was coach
Either way, you cannot go wrong by joining us at the 3 Carrots to watch this battle and see if the Gatland effect can work again

See you there 😁

Springboks lost to Ireland last week but this weekend they can redeem themselves. South Africa is playing France on Saturday.

First game of the Autumn Nations tour.

Well, if you were lucky enough to catch the match last Saturday ( No I don't mean the SA vs BIL) then you saw a game of attacking rugby from both teams with Australia taking the positivity from a series win against France into the match, surprising a few people, including me... Well the second in the Trilogy is on Saturday at the 3 Carrots

Please join the early birds for the most exciting start to a weekend

Kick off is 09.00 Saturday Morning