These are the rugby stories making evening headlines on Wednesday, July 23.
The Lions team is announced on Thursday(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
These are your evening headlines on Wednesday, July 23.
Wallabies hit back at ‘losing mentality’ claims
Australia winger Harry Potter has denied claims there is a ‘losing mentality’ within the Australia squad ahead of this weekend’s crucial second Test.
Former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward and Wallabies legend David Campese both criticised Australia captain Harry Wilson’s decision in the first Test to kick into touch with the clock in the red with his side on their own line at 27-19 down.
“Talk about a losing mentality,” Woodward wrote in the Daily Mail, adding that the hosts should have played on for pride if nothing else.
“Why would any player, especially the captain, want to end the game?”
Campese, who played against the Lions on their 1989 tour, called Wilson’s kick to touch “ridiculous”, but Potter has now hit back at the criticism aimed at his team.
The 27-year-old, who won his fourth cap in the match, said: “It’s pretty ridiculous to suggest that the 23 people who played on the weekend have a mentality of losing.
“We went out there to win the game, and we didn’t win the game.
“But it was our intention very much to and you could tell that from every player in the team.”
McCarthy likely to be out
By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Melbourne
Joe McCarthy is the chief injury concern as the British and Irish Lions finalise plans for their shot at completing a series victory over Australia on Saturday.
McCarthy limped off in the 27-19 triumph over the Wallabies in the first Test with the foot condition plantar fasciitis and has been unable to train since, making him a major doubt to be involved in the rematch at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With Thursday’s training session before Andy Farrell names his team being the final opportunity to prove his fitness, the Ireland enforcer looks likely to miss out.
Potentially signposting an adjustment to the pack to face Australia in the second Test, James Ryan and Jac Morgan were replaced early in the second half of Tuesday’s 24-19 victory over the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
If McCarthy is ruled out, Ollie Chessum could be drafted into the second row alongside captain Maro Itoje, creating a vacancy on the bench, while another option is to move Tadhg Beirne from flanker to lock.
Should repositioning Beirne be Farrell’s preferred choice, Morgan becomes a contender to make the matchday 23.
Given the Lions bullied the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium, unenforced changes to the pack are unlikely.
The Lions’ Joe McCarthy (with ball) (Image: Getty Images)
Farrell could shake up his back-three, however, after wings James Lowe and Tommy Freeman struggled to make an impact in the series opener. Lowe in particular struggled with the poor finishing which has been a feature of his tour apparent again.
Of the four possible options to step in, two are injured and one has been repeatedly exposed in defence, with only the fourth offering Farrell room for manoeuvre.
Mack Hansen missed the first Test because of a foot problem and has yet to train this week, placing his involvement on Saturday in grave doubt, while Darcy Graham is waiting for scan results after sustaining ankle ligament damage early in his Lions debut against FNP.
Duhan van der Merwe, who was fortunate to be selected ahead of Graham in the original touring party, has been targeted by kickers all tour and his defensively frailties would be exploited by the Wallabies.
The ace up Farrell’s sleeve is Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn, who made his comeback from a knee injury at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday and apart from throwing two intercept passes, proved himself ready for Test duty.
Nominally a full-back, he is also a high quality option on the wing, the position he has filled most recently for his club Toulouse this season.
Owen Farrell showed he is ready for a call-up to the bench in Melbourne if needed with a solid 80 minutes against FNP, Marcus Smith passed a head injury assessment and Garry Ringrose made a successful first appearance since being concussed against ACT Brumbies.
In the midst of a schedule of three games in eight days, players have been given Wednesday off, but Farrell and his coaching assistants are to meet to finalise selection.
“I let everyone have their say, I play devil’s advocate, we thrash it out and then we all agree,” Farrell said.
“There is all sorts that goes into it – performances, there’s no doubt about that – but there is also what’s right for this second game? Are a few changes going to freshen it up or do we go with the same guys?
“All that comes into the pot. It’s whatever is best for the team and what do we need for a game at the MCG with over 90,000 people. It should be challenging.”
Graham ‘gutted’
Darcy Graham says he is “gutted” his Lions journey ended the way it did following his injury on Tuesday.
The Scotland winger experienced a rollercoaster opening few minutes on his Lions bow, scoring a try against First Nations and Pasifika XV before leaving the field moments later in tears with an ankle injury.
He tried to shake off the knock initially but it quickly became apparent that his Lions tour would be over after just 16 short minutes.
The 28-year-old, who was comforted by team-mates on the bench after being withdrawn, says it is an experience he’ll remember forever.
He wrote on social media: “16 minutes I’ll never forget. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey but it was a dream come true to pull on the famous red jersey and make my Lions debut.
Darcy Graham of the British & Irish Lions is consoled by friends and family (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“Gutted it ended the way it did, but so proud to have been part of this special group.
“Thank you for all the support. We try again in 4 years time.”
Head coach Andy Farrell spoke to the Sky cameras post-match to reveal the Edinburgh man was left distraught
“It’s so upsetting, he was so upset,” said Farrell. “You could see how much it meant to him hobbling off.
“[But] he’s got a Lions cap, he’s played for the British and Irish Lions and scored a try, he’ll remember that forever.”
Arms Park to host women
Wales women will conduct an open training session at Cardiff Arms Park later this summer ahead of their participation in the World Cup.
The event, which takes place on Tuesday, August 12, is free to attend but tickets will need to be secured.
It starts at 1.30pm and will be a send-off for the team ahead of their competition opener against Scotland on Saturday, August 23, in Manchester.
Belinda Moore, WRU head of women’s rugby, said: “This is a pivotal year for women’s rugby and a pivotal year for women’s rugby in Wales.
“The energy around this squad is incredible and this open training session is a special moment for the team to connect with the fans who inspire them every day.
“We think seeing is believing. We want young girls across Wales to see what’s possible and feel they belong in this sport.
“Events like this create memories, but they also create ambition. If even one girl walks away believing she will one day wear the red jersey, then we’ve done something truly special.”
Mark Huckerby, Vodafone head of sponsorship, added: “Vodafone is incredibly proud to stand behind this women’s team. The growth and excitement surrounding women’s sport is palpable and events like this bring that message home.
“This event is a brilliant way to bring fans and players together in celebration of everything that women’s rugby stands for determination, unity, and inspiration. We’re excited to help create a day to remember.”