Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Scarlets ratings v Leinster as talisman takes fight to defending champions

Published

on

Wales Online

The Scarlets were far better than the 36-19 scoreline in Dublin would suggest

Advertisement

The Scarlets gave a good account of themselves against a strong Leinster side, going down 36-19 to the defending champions in Dublin.

The Irish province were rusty for much of the evening, but the final scoreline perhaps didn’t reflect just how many problems the Scarlets caused the home side in the first-half. Coming away from Ireland empty-handed seemed cruel on Nigel Davies’ side, with a bonus point agonisingly out of reach.

Having billed this one as an international Test in the week, the early exchanges suggested that Leinster’s international stars might win at a canter.

However, the Scarlets pack took umbrage to that – with captain Fletcher Anderson narrowly denied an opening try as they took the fight to the home side.

Advertisement

As the Irish province’s discipline faltered, the Scarlets were on top. However, it appeared they would have little to show for it.

Yet, towards the end of the first quarter, they finally got their reward.

On a penalty advantage, Johnny Williams somehow put delicately grubbered through for centre partner Joe Roberts to score.

It was a double-whammy for the Scarlets, with Leinster finally receiving a yellow card in the process – with Brian Deeny sent to the sin-bin.

Advertisement

With confidence growing, the Scarlets started to push the envelope – throwing offloads and keeping the ball alive.

In the end, they probably pushed the pace a little too much – with try-scorer Roberts yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on.

The Scarlets continued to shoot themselves in the foot, with Jarrod Taylor joining Roberts on the sideline after a daft yellow card for some cynical play at the breakdown.

With it now 15 against 13, Leinster took advantage immediately – with Garry Ringrose crossing.

Advertisement

With the Irish province having been played back into the match thanks to Scarlets’ indiscipline, the defending champions didn’t need a second invitation to move ahead.

Their next clearcut chance resulted in a second score – with wing Joshua Kenny diving over to hand Leinster the lead at the break.

All the effort of the first-half was wiped out within five minutes of the restart.

A relentless attacking set saw Tommy O’Brien cross out wide, before the wing went over for a second moments later after a lost Scarlets lineout.

Advertisement

The west Walians continued to plug away though, with a Leinster knock-on curtailing one particular attack..

While that ended with a scrum instead of a penalty, the Scarlets still capitalised. Fletcher Anderson carried well from the base, before the ball was spread out to Tom Rogers on the wing to score.

The comeback was short-lived, though. Max Deegan was deemed to have been held-up in the on-field decision, but the TMO overturned the call to award Leinster their fifth try.

The Scarlets continued to play – with Archie Hughes’ snipe finished off by second-row Max Douglas.

Advertisement

Leinster would score again, with Kenny grabbing his second out wide.

Centre Williams looked set to seal a four-try bonus point after a delightful offload by Anderson, but he was dragged down just short.

Here’s how the Scarlets players rated…

15. Blair Murray – 7

Advertisement

Always a running threat from deep. When the Scarlets pushed the pace, he looked electric. One particular carry in the second-half showed just elusive he can be.

Lovely long pass for the Scarlets’ second try.

14. Tom Rogers – 7

Dealt with a kick behind well early on, before winning a jackal penalty after Leinster tried to run it from deep. Try was a walk-in, but deserved.

Advertisement

One of his last acts, hobbling off after an hour.

13. Joe Roberts – 8

Scarlets used him as an option on the right wing for kick-passes early on and got some good change out of it. Deserved his early try. A willing and varied carrier.

Sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on as Leinster countered – a bit unlucky on that front, as Garry Ringrose looked to be offside in the build-up to the turnover. Even with the card, maybe the pick of the Scarlets’ backs.

Advertisement

12. Johnny Williams – 7

Nice chop tackle for Rogers’ jackal penalty. Crucial to the Scarlets’ early efforts with his distribution skills. Delightful kick for the Scarlets’ first. Offloads started to flow freely as the confidence grew.

Influence probably waned as Leinster took hold. Unlucky not to score at the end.

11. Ellis Mee – 6

Advertisement

Some strong takes in the air and some good touches. Replaced after 36 minutes.

10. Joe Hawkins – 7

Pulled the strings nicely when the Scarlets were on top, with his kicking finding space out wide. Decent outing at fly-half, given he hasn’t started there in two-and-a-half months.

9. Dane Blacker – 6

Advertisement

Few loose kicks and nervy moments. But, on the whole, got his forwards causing problems around the fringes with sharp delivery.

1. Kemsley Mathias – 7

Strong carrying performance from the loosehead. Got through a similar number of tackles. Scrum, by and large, was solid enough as he went over an hour.

2. Harry Thomas – 6

Advertisement

If you thought the young hooker would be overawed against this Leinster team in his second league start, you never heard him speak after Wales U20s toppled England last year.

Cares little for favourites tags and plays like it. However, while he’s a fearless young talent, the lineout did falter at times.

3. Henry Thomas – 6

Brought into the starting side at late notice. Scrum held up well until it was driven off its own feed just before half-time. But solid enough.

Advertisement

4. Sam Lousi – 7

Quietly effective throughout. Loved it early on when the Scarlets pushed the offload button. Denied a jackal turnover late on with an odd officiating call.

5. Max Douglas – 8

Good early hit to force a turnover in his own 22. Some strong hits and carries. Probably a bit too ambitious going for a strip on Dan Sheehan – with the hooker wriggling free to set up Tommy O’Brien’s score.

Advertisement

Deserved his score.

6. Jarrod Taylor – 7

A daft yellow that signalled the end of the Scarlets’ early dominance. Frustrating as he was pretty good beyond that silly moment, getting through a fair bit of work.

7. Dan Davis – 7

Advertisement

Big breakdown turnover in the Leinster 22. Industrious shift both sides of the ball.

8. Fletcher Anderson – 9

Just a relentless carrier. Makes three metres where most would make one. Then does it again and again. Over 20 carries on the night and double figures for tackles too.

Unreal interception on his own line when Leinster looked likely to score. Denied a try by the finest of margins.

Advertisement

Just playing a different game at times. Even in a losing cause, he was probably the best player on the pitch.

You wouldn’t be surprised to learn he was driving the team bus in Dublin as well.

Replacements:

16. George Roberts – 5

Advertisement

The Dragons hooker – having joined on loan this week – was denied a try soon after coming on, being held up over the line. Blotted his copybook by taking out Jamison Gibson-Park in the air after his lineout was picked off.

Improved as he went on, as you’d expect after being parachuted in.

17. Sam O’Connor – 5

Scrum coughed up a free-kick following his introduction.

Advertisement

18. Harri O’Connor – 5

Came into the squad at very late notice – hence the number ’39’ on his back. Held up the scrum long enough for the Scarlets to score their second.

19. Jake Ball – N/A

On for the final few minutes. No real chance to make an impression.

Advertisement

20. Tristan Davies – 6

On for the final 10 minutes. Got involved nicely in that time.

21. Archie Hughes – 6

Delivery was a little stilted at times. But eye for the gap created Douglas’ score.

Advertisement

22. Ioan Jones – 5

Brought on for Rogers. Little opportunity to do much.

23. Macs Page – 5

Brushed off early in the second-half at the start of the set that resulted in Leinster’s third try. Few opportunities with ball in hand.

Advertisement

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Life and legacy of Paul Bradley celebrated at his funeral

Published

on

Life and legacy of Paul Bradley celebrated at his funeral

Hundreds gathered at St Paul’s Church, in Holgate Road, shortly after 10.15am on Friday (March 27) for to remember Paul Bradley,

Moving tributes to Mr Bradley, who lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), aged just 35, were led by Rev Matthew Woodcock.


Recommended reading:

‘Everyone idolised him’ – friends fundraise for family of York man, 35, after death

Advertisement

‘You have our full support’ – rugby legend’s message to York man’s family after death

‘I just wanted to marry Emma’ – York couple rush wedding after heartbreak news


They included a beautiful poem from Paul’s family, a Bible passage read out by his step-daughters that had been read at Paul and his wife Emma’s wedding, and another reading from his family about the life he led and the legacy he leaves behind.

Mourners listened to Paul’s favourite music and heard stories from his full and vibrant life – captured in photos on screen.

Advertisement

Paul and Emma pushed forward their wedding in 2023, marrying at St Paul’s with a service led by Rev Woodcock (Image: Supplied)

Speaking during the service, Rev Woodcock said: “I know that this is not going to be easy for any of us.

“To lose such a treasured, life-giving person at such a young age is devastating, and it’s confusing and it’s traumatic.

“I know that the weight of grief has been so hard to bear for many of you.

“And my hope and my prayer is that this time together will be a healing time, a time to celebrate and give thanks for the man that Paul was, the joy that he brought and the generosity of spirit and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Advertisement

Emma and Paul with their family (Image: Submitted)

Paul had received his devastating diagnosis of MND in 2023.

He died on Thursday (March 5), leaving behind Emma, their son and his two step-daughters.

Over the years, Paul and Emma – who were married at St Paul’s by Rev Woodcock in December 2023 – raised thousands of pounds for the MND Association.

Their generosity touched many and was noted by Sir Kevin Sinfield, the former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob Burrow CBE who himself has raised over £11 million for the cause – who wrote to Emma after Paul’s death.

Advertisement

Jack (left) set up a fundraiser to help Emma and their family after they were left in a “difficult” financial situation (Image: Supplied)

As The Press reported, a fundraiser was set up for Emma and the family by Paul’s friend, Jack Pullen, after they were left in a difficult financial situation following his death.

It comes after Jack said Emma had to give up her job to become Paul’s primary carer following her husband’s diagnosis.

Things were made harder owing to Paul being unable to get life insurance due to his complex medical history.

‘Paul’s death is tragedy enough’

The funeral heard how Paul had received a kidney and a liver transplant at the age of seven, before a further two kidney transplants.

Advertisement

At the time, Jack said: “On top of grief, Emma and the family are left with a mortgage, bills, no transport and no income, adding: “Not everyone is lucky enough to have extra money to put aside just in case.

“It’s not a case of being responsible. It can be financially impossible.

“Like most people, Paul wanted nothing more than his family to feel safe, secure and loved,” Jack said.

Speaking to mourners, Rev Woodcock said: “Paul’s death is tragedy enough.

Advertisement

“We all need to make sure that the family have time to grieve without worrying about money because of an injustice.”

A minute silence was held for Paul at 11am.

Rev Woodcock said that the number eleven had been an important one to the 35-year-old, who had been born on November 11.

Songs played included some of Paul’s favourites: Sullivan by Beluga Lagoon, Elegy by Leif Vollebekk and Santiago by Einaudi – a song that was played on his wedding day.

Advertisement

You can contribute to the GoFundMe set up to provide his family with financial support by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/the-bradley-family-jmpmj?.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Pro-Iranian group claims it hacked FBI director’s personal account

Published

on

Pro-Iranian group claims it hacked FBI director's personal account

WASHINGTON (AP) — A pro-Iranian hacking group claimed Friday to have hacked an account of FBI Director Kash Patel and posted online what appear to be years-old photographs of him, along with a work resume and other personal documents dating back more than a decade.

“Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims,” said a message posted Friday from the group Handala.

The message was accompanied by a collection of photographs of Patel, including ones of him standing beside an antique sports car and another with a cigar in his mouth. The group also said that it was making available for download emails and other documents from Patel’s account. Many of the records appeared to relate to his personal travels and business from more than 10 years ago

“The FBI is aware of malicious actors targeting Director Patel’s personal email information, and we have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity,” the FBI said in a statement. “The information in question is historical in nature and involves no government information.”

Advertisement

The FBI statement did not identify the hackers believed responsible for the breach, but it noted that the Trump administration is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members of the Handala hacking group — an entity it said “has frequently targeted U.S. government officials.”

It was not clear when the hack claimed by Handala might have occurred. News reports from December 2024, before Patel was confirmed as director, said that Patel had been informed by FBI that he had been targeted as part of an Iranian hack.

Handala is a pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hacking group that earlier this month claimed credit for disrupting systems at Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology company. Handala said the attack was in retaliation for suspected U.S. strikes that killed Iranian schoolchildren. They’re a prominent example of the proxy groups that carry out cyber attacks on behalf of Iran.

___

Advertisement

Associated Press writer David Klepper in Washington contributed to this report.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Nostalgic period drama streaming for free is ‘like Downton Abbey but better’

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Some things simply can’t be beat

A classic period drama, one that popularised the genre globally, is still regarded as one of the finest to ever grace our screens. Period drama enthusiasts will be familiar with the show in question — Upstairs, Downstairs.

Upstairs, Downstairs laid the groundwork for Downton Abbey with a story that will be familiar with fans who have only seen the modern sensation. As the definitive period dramas of their era, the parallels between Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey are self-evident.

Advertisement

Both shows portray the personal struggles of an aristocratic family and their servants against a backdrop of social and political upheaval on an overlapping timeline.

Like Downton Abbey, it spans three decades, covering both World Wars and the roaring 20s through to the Great Depression. The classic show chronicled the turbulent lives of the aristocratic Bellamy family and their servants in the early 1900s.

They diverge in numerous ways, however, and one is immediately apparent.

The seventies programme is less high-end, a quality that can taken as nostalgic or a dealbreaker. Upstairs, Downstairs premiered in 1971 and ran for five years, predating Downton Abbey by a good 50 years.

In fairness, Downton’s setting is inherently more luxurious. The Bellamy family inhabit a London townhouse, a far cry from the Crawley family’s lavish country estate that was a character in its own right.

And while Downton’s visuals proved a triumph, a frequent criticism from audiences is that the programme descended into melodrama. In contrast, Upstairs, Downstairs has been likened to a stage play for its more understated visuals and plotlines.

Fans of both period dramas shared their preferences. One viewer sparked a debate on Reddit, asking: “If you have seen both shows, which show do you think is better?”

Advertisement

Upstairs Downstairs without question,” replied one viewer decisively. Another agreed: “I like Downton Abbey better, but Upstairs, Downstairs is the better show.

“I have tried watching the Upstairs/Downstairs remake multiple times and I always end stopping after about two episodes,” commented a third. “It just doesn’t grab me like Downton.”

Upstairs, Downstairs is available to watch on ITVX.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Police seize 20 mopeds in south London immigration raid

Published

on

Police seize 20 mopeds in south London immigration raid

One Pakistani national was arrested as an overstayer during the operation, and one Indian national was arrested for breach of immigration bail, while the mopeds and electric scooters were seized for allegedly being stolen, with others said to have been used in the theft of other vehicles.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

New discoveries are showing how human anatomy is far from settled

Published

on

New discoveries are showing how human anatomy is far from settled

Leaf through a textbook, watch a wellness influencer or listen in at the gym, and it can feel as though the human body has already been mapped to exhaustion. Every muscle named, every nerve traced. Everything understood and readily available.

Most people recognise at least a few anatomical terms – “traps”, “glutes”, “biceps”. After centuries of dissection, microscopy and medical imaging, it seems reasonable to assume the work is done. Surely anatomy, as a discipline, must be complete?

It isn’t. Not even close.

Since the publication of De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Andreas Vesalius in 1543 – the first comprehensive anatomy book based on direct observation of human dissection – anatomy has carried an air of authority. Vesalius famously corrected centuries of inherited error, challenging the ancient physician Galen through direct observation of the human body. His work helped establish anatomy as an evidence-based science.

Advertisement

Three hundred years later, Gray’s Anatomy by Henry Gray reinforced the impression that the body had finally been catalogued, indexed and neatly organised – a system mapped and fully explained.

But textbooks create a misleading sense of certainty. They present the body as stable, universal and fully agreed upon. Real anatomy is messier than that.

The illusion of completeness

Much of early topographical anatomy – the careful mapping of structures in relation to one another – depended on cadavers obtained through grave robbery.

“Resurrectionists” – body snatchers – exhumed the recently buried, disproportionately targeting the poor, the institutionalised and those without family protection or the financial means to guard graves. These bodies were then sold to anatomists, who relied on them for dissection and teaching.

Advertisement

Working conditions for early anatomists were difficult, and the limitations considerable.

Lighting was poor. Bodies were often malnourished or diseased. Post-mortem change had already altered tissue planes. Sample sizes were small and opportunistic. Demographic information was largely absent, beyond what could be inferred from appearance. The bodies of women were sometimes dissected but rarely reported.

Yet it was under precisely these conditions that anatomists produced the observations that became the foundation of classical anatomical topography.

The anatomical “norm” that emerged from these studies was therefore constructed from a narrow and socially stratified sample.

Advertisement

None of this diminishes the extraordinary technical skill of early anatomists. Their observational ability was remarkable. But the conditions under which they worked inevitably shaped what they saw – and what they missed.

Complete? Far from it.
VintageMedStock/Alamy

So when we ask whether anatomy is finished, we might also ask a more uncomfortable question: was it ever truly complete in the first place? This question matters scientifically as well as ethically.

For much of the 20th century, anatomical investigation slowed dramatically. By the 1960s, relatively few cadaveric studies were being published worldwide. The assumption was simple: the human body had already been mapped.

Medical education continued, of course, but much of it focused on teaching established knowledge rather than generating new anatomical observations. That apparent stability masked a deeper problem: much of the knowledge had been inherited rather than tested.

Advertisement

Improved imaging techniques, renewed cadaveric research and a growing awareness of anatomical variation have triggered something of a renaissance in anatomical study. Structures once overlooked or poorly described are being re-examined.

Far from being finished, anatomy is rediscovering just how incomplete its map of the human body may be.

Beyond the ‘standard’ human body

One of the most important shifts in modern anatomy has been recognising that variation is the rule rather than the exception. Textbooks present a “typical” body for teaching, but real human anatomy sits along a spectrum.

Human anatomy varies across several dimensions at once. Differences exist between males and females, across the lifespan as the body develops and ages, and between populations shaped by genetics and environment.

Advertisement

Beyond these broad patterns lies enormous individual variation: blood vessels may follow different routes, muscles may be absent or duplicated, and even the folding patterns of the brain differ from person to person. The “standard” anatomy shown in textbooks is therefore best understood not as a universal blueprint, but as a simplified reference point within a wide biological range.

This variation matters far beyond the operating theatre. Differences in nerves, vessels and joints can alter how diseases reveal themselves, influence how scans are interpreted and shape patterns of movement and injury.

Subtle differences in joint alignment may affect the risk of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, while variations in vascular anatomy can influence susceptibility to stroke or aneurysm. Understanding anatomical diversity is therefore central not only to surgery, but also to diagnosis, medical imaging, biomechanics and the study of disease itself.

Even after centuries of study, the human body continues to yield new anatomical insights. Structures once overlooked – from previously unrecognised lymphatic vessels around the brain to overlooked ligaments in the knee – are being re-examined. Familiar tissues are being understood in new ways, and the map of the body is still being revised.

Advertisement

People should know more about their bodies. Greater understanding helps people advocate for their own health and engage more confidently with care. But it is worth remembering that the canonical anatomy presented in textbooks is best understood as a teaching model, not a perfect representation of biological reality. The more closely we study the human body, the more we realise there is still much to learn.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Austria vs Ghana LIVE: International friendly result, latest updates and fan reaction

Published

on

Austria vs Ghana LIVE: International friendly result, latest updates and fan reaction

Kevin Danso headed into Jonas Adjetey arms from close range, and Marcel Sabitzer converted from 12 yards after the referee pointed to the spot. That goal was the only difference come half-time, but Austria ran riot when they reemerged. Goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Stefan Posch put the result beyond doubt, before Jordan Ayew secured some consolation with a well-hit solo effort, but even that was matched as Nicolas Seiwald hit an even more impressive fifth from range for the hosts.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Pregnant women and cancer patients ‘at risk’ because of sonographer shortage

Published

on

Pregnant women and cancer patients ‘at risk’ because of sonographer shortage

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We recognise the pressures facing diagnostic services, including the sonography workforce, and we are taking action to ensure the NHS has the skilled staff it needs to meet rising demand and deliver timely care to patients.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Free Easter card – plus free delivery from Moonpig

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Brighten up someone’s day with a card full of you – for every reader

As Easter is getting closer, spread some smiles with this great offer. We have teamed up with Moonpig, to give every reader a FREE standard Easter card plus free delivery!

That’s not all – you can personalise your card with your favourite photos, fun Easter stickers, and a heartfelt message to make it extra special. Want to send it straight to their door or hand it over yourself? Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Advertisement

And Easter isn’t the only reason to reach out this month. With lighter evenings, bank holiday plans and more reasons to get together, it’s a great time to send a little something just because. A thinking-of-you for a friend, or a note to say “see you soon”, because sometimes the smallest gesture makes the biggest impact.

And if you’d like to make their surprise even sweeter, explore our huge range of gifts and tasty treats – perfect for turning a simple card into a moment they’ll remember.

How to claim: click here and use the code APRILJOY at the checkout to claim your free card and free delivery. It’s easy! The offer is valid from 12am March 28 until midnight on April 1, 2026.

Make this Easter extra sweet, one free card at a time.

Advertisement

Terms and conditions

  • The offer entitles the reader to a free standard Easter card plus free delivery.
  • The offer is valid from Saturday March 28 until Wednesday April 1, 2026.
  • The offer is subject to availability. Redemptions limited to 50,000 cards.
  • For full terms and conditions log on to reachforms.co.uk/moonpig

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Washington DC area airports face ground stops over odor at air traffic control tower

Published

on

Boy, 15, arrested for attempted murder after armed attack on school teacher

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued ground stops for several airports in the Washington, D.C., area over an apparent odor in an air traffic control tower, according to Reuters.

The impacted airports include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, according to the FAA’s website.

The odor prompted the evacuation of Potomac Consolidated ​Terminal RADAR Approach Control in Virginia, Reuters reports.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Hunt for man after Cambridge pub worker left with facial injury after attack

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

Police are looking to speak with this man in connection to the incident

Police are looking to speak with a man following an assault on pub door staff in Cambridge. Police say that the assault on a member of door staff took place outside The Cambridge Tap, St Andrews Street.

Advertisement

The incident happened just before 11.30pm on February 12. The victim was left with a facial injury.

It has also been reported that the attacker ran away. Police are now looking to speak with the man photographed in connection with the assault.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 35/11343/26 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025