Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer drops back to pass during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The rookie signal-caller continued gaining valuable game experience while Minnesota evaluated its quarterback depth late in the 2025 season. Nov. 30, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings had some vivid “winners” this offseason, including center Blake Brandel, who is on tap to start at center after the club added no starting-caliber alternative, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who now has Kyler Murray to throw him the pigskin on Sundays.
But what about the losers? The Vikings, through their actions, caused some of those, too. Counted down to the biggest loser of the 2026 offseason, here’s the pecking order.
Vikings’ New Depth Chart Squeezes Several Young Players
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Walter Rouse (78) goes through warmups during training camp practice on Aug. 2, 2024, in Eagan, Minnesota. The rookie lineman worked through summer drills while trying to build momentum, earn trust from the coaching staff, and carve out a depth role on Minnesota’s offensive line this summer. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
5. Walter Rouse | OT
Rouse’s path to making the team is actually straightforward.
If the Vikings view him as a guard, he has a much clearer shot at securing a roster spot. If they still see him as a tackle, however, his prospects become challenging. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are entrenched starters. Ryan Van Demark was acquired for veteran depth in March, and Caleb Tiernan joined the team in Round 3 of April’s draft. None of these players suggests a need for a “fourth tackle.”
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That places Rouse in a difficult position.
He likely wasn’t pleased with Minnesota’s offseason moves unless a position switch is imminent. A move to guard could offer him more opportunities, but remaining at tackle could lead to a numbers game in August that he might not win amid roster cuts.
Adding Van Demark and Tiernan wasn’t ideal for Rouse — unless he’s a guard now.
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4. Levi Drake Rodriguez | DT
After Minnesota drafted Caleb Banks in Round 1, there was just no way it would pick another defensive tackle in the first three rounds, right? Wrong.
The Vikings chose “Big Citrus” Domoninque Orange from Iowa State, a run-stuffing nose tackle who profiles to play sooner rather than later. Without the Orange selection, all signs pointed to Rodriguez’s uptick in playing time because Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were dropped in March.
Instead, Rodriguez is back right where he was in 2025 — hoping to snag defensive snaps in a DT room that has three others (Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, and Domonique Orange) in front of him.
3. Tai Felton | WR
Felton’s situation has changed rapidly.
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For a time, he appeared to be one of the quiet beneficiaries of the offseason. Minnesota did not draft a wide receiver in April, seemingly clearing a path for him to advance on the depth chart. But Rob Brzezinski’s acquisition of Jauan Jennings suddenly provided the Vikings with their strongest WR3 option on paper since Jake Reed.
Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a contested catch as Giants cornerback Deonte Banks closes in on Dec. 21, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The young wideout showed route timing and reliable hands while Minnesota evaluated its receiver depth against starting-caliber defensive backs in live regular-season action that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images.
And that wasn’t the only development.
Dillon Bell has been impressive at minicamp. Myles Price is a strong candidate to stay due to his return game abilities. And, of course, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are not going anywhere. Considering all these factors, Felton may have to earn a job in August rather than simply inheriting it.
There’s another complication: the general manager who drafted him in Round 3 last year was canned in January. Ergo, it’s conceivable that Minnesota could retain Jefferson, Addison, Jennings, Price, and Bell, potentially ending the Felton era after just one season. While this outcome seems drastic, it’s not impossible.
Felton’s future now rests entirely on his performance. He must stand off the page to prove he’s not another failed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah draft pick.
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2. Max Brosmer | QB
This one is pretty elementary: the Vikings signed Murray as the QB1 solution in March and re-upped with Carson Wentz. Those moves drove Brosmer to the QB4 spot, which means he’ll either become a practice-squader or be cut in late August.
Without the Wentz re-signing, Brosmer could’ve been the QB3 for the 2026 Vikings. Not happening now.
1. J.J. McCarthy | QB
McCarthy’s 2026 season presents two starkly different possibilities.
By December or January, he could solidify his position as Minnesota’s long-term starting quarterback, fulfilling the Vikings’ original belief in him. On the other hand, he might find himself facing a trade by 2027, left to ponder how quickly his fortunes turned.
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The stakes are exceptionally high — through the roof for the young passer. Unlike last year, when the Vikings essentially handed McCarthy the QB1 role without any competition whatsoever, this season promises an intense battle. Murray’s arrival in Minnesota signals his clear intention to play, not to sit behind a 23-year-old quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) delivers a pass during second-quarter preseason action against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The rookie passer showed poise and clean mechanics while giving fans an early glimpse of his long-term upside in Kevin O’Connell’s offense that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
McCarthy faces a true test. He could emerge as the hero of 2026 or become trade fodder in 2027. The coming months will begin to reveal which path his career will take.
The Vikings could’ve brushed aside the idea of signing Murray and rolled with McCarthy. Instead, they signed Murray and fired the guy who drafted McCarthy. Unless he prevails as the QB1 to start the regular season against all odds, the offseason was utterly terrible for McCarthy.
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The 74-hour search for the family of Argentine soccer star Lucas Trejo ended this weekend after rescue crews recovered the bodies of his wife and two children from the rubble of the apartment building that collapsed in Wednesday’s twin earthquakes.
Trejo, 38, a center back for Venezuelan club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira, was in Caracas with his team when earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country’s northern coast.
Soccer player Lucas Trejo lost his wife and two children after Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes. (Photo credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)((Photo credit should read FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images))
After learning his family’s apartment building had collapsed in Playa Grande, La Guaira, he immediately traveled to the disaster zone to join the search.
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“Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don’t know anything about my family,” Trejo wrote on Instagram during the early hours of the search. “Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren’t there.”
Trejo’s father and brother traveled from Argentina to assist firefighters, military personnel and volunteers searching through the debris.
Twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s northern coast, leaving widespread destruction as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. (Photo by Javier Campos/picture alliance via Getty Images)((Photo by Javier Campos/picture alliance via Getty Images))
The search ended after rescuers recovered the bodies of Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa.
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The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from across the South American soccer community.
Fellow Argentine footballer Edson Tortolero, a close friend of Trejo’s, mourned the family’s deaths.
“Today my heart breaks into a thousand pieces,” Tortolero wrote. “There are no words that can ease so much pain. I ask God to give Lucas strength to endure this unimaginable loss.”
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Club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira confirmed the deaths in a statement on Sunday.
A 74-hour search ended in heartbreak for defender Lucas Trejo after rescuers found his family. (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images)((Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images))
“We join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo for the passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo,” the club said. “Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”
Trejo’s family is among the victims of the earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela’s northern coast. Emergency crews remain in the region as recovery efforts continue.
Venue: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, UK
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Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Grass
Prize Money: £64,200,000
Live Telecast: USA – ESPN | UK – BBC | Canada – TSN, RDS | India – Star Sports, Hotstar
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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng preview
Cameron Norrie at the Queen’s Club Championships 2026. (Source: Getty)
26th seed Cameron Norrie will take on qualifier Michael Zheng in the first round of Wimbledon 2026.
Following a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Madrid Open, Norrie didn’t win a match for the remainder of the clay swing. He lost his opening-round matches in Rome, Geneva, and at the French Open. A change of surface didn’t help his cause.
Norrie commenced his grass season at the Queen’s Club Championships. He lost in the first round of both singles and doubles. He took part in an exhibition event last week, where he lost to Sinner in straight sets once again.
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Zheng’s grass swing was off to a rough start. He crashed out in the first round of the Ilkley and Nottingham Challengers. He kicked off his quest for a main draw spot at Wimbledon against Henri Squire. He snapped his losing skid to beat the German in straight sets.
Zheng beat Laslo Djere in straight sets as well to make the final qualifying round. Compatriot Colton Smith stood between him and a spot in the main draw. Zheng fought past him in four sets to qualify for Wimbledon on his very first attempt.
Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between the duo, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0- for now.
Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng odds
Player
Moneyline
Handicap Bets
Total Games
Cameron Norrie
-175
+1.5 (-350)
Over 38.5 (-125)
Michael Zheng
+135
-1.5 (+220)
Under 38.5 (-115)
(Odds via BetMGM)
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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng prediction
Michael Zheng at the French Open 2026. (Source: Getty)
Norrie’s form has nosedived over the past two months. He’s currently on a five-match losing streak. He has a 14-14 record this season, and a 0-1 record on grass. He made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon a year ago, and reached the semifinals in 2022. He has a 15-8 record at the tournament.
Zheng has qualified for the third consecutive Major. A breakout star on the college circuit, he has tasted modest success as a pro this year. He has a 10-7 record across all levels this year, and a 1-4 record on the main tour. His only win came against Sebastian Korda in the first round of the Australian Open.
Norrie’s current form offers Zheng an opportunity to score another upset at a Major. Similarly, Zheng’s lack of experience on grass gives the Brit a chance to end his losing skid. The young American’s three qualifying wins at this year’s Wimbledon are his only career wins on grass across all levels.
Aside from back-to-back first-round exits in 2017 and 2018, Norrie has always cleared the first hurdle at Wimbledon. While it could be difficult, he will be favored to one-up Zheng.
Pick: Cameron Norrie to win in four sets.
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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng betting tips
Tip 1: The match will have at least 40 games.
Tip 2: Norrie to win at least one set with a score of 6-4.
In Formula One, George Russell claimed victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, his second win of the season following his triumph in Australia at the opening race.
In MotoGP, Japan‘s Ai Ogura took his maiden victory at the Netherlands Grand Prix, crossing the line ahead of Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin.
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In cycling, Romain Grégoire was crowned French national road champion at the age of 23.
In tennis, Ugo Humbert was beaten by Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the Eastbourne final (3-6, 6-1, 6-4). The pair will meet again in the first round of Wimbledon, which begins on Monday with Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic all starting their campaigns.
Recent standouts Tatsuya Imai and Joey Cantillo also populate the list
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Streaming pitchers isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you find yourself without enough reliable options in a given scoring period, it may be what you need to stay afloat. Scott White has 10 recommendations for the upcoming scoring period, all rostered in no more than 80 percent of CBS Sports leagues. Generally, only the top two or three are full-throated endorsements, while the rest are more about making the best of a bad situation.
Serena Williams during a practice session. (AP Photo)
Serena Williams has launched a stinging criticism of tennis’ anti-doping system ahead of her long-awaited Wimbledon comeback, branding parts of the current testing protocol “unprofessional” and “unreasonable” while admitting the rules almost convinced her not to return to professional tennis.The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, who re-entered the anti-doping testing pool before confirming her comeback, said complying with the latest whereabouts requirements has been one of the toughest aspects of returning to the tour.“It’s grueling. They changed the rules now. I didn’t know some of the rules,” Williams said ahead of her first Wimbledon appearance since 2022.“Apparently if you miss a test outside of your window, it still counts as missed. I’m like, I guess I can’t go pick up my kids.”The 44-year-old, a mother of two, is set to face Maya Joint in the opening round on Tuesday after making her competitive return earlier this month in doubles at Queen’s Club.
‘I hate it… it’s unreasonable’
While acknowledging the importance of anti-doping measures, Williams questioned the way the current system affects players with busy lives away from the court.“It’s unprofessional. I hate it,” she said. “I think it’s necessary, but I think a lot of the stuff, if I want to go places outside of my window, I should be able to go without having it count as a missed test.”Williams went on to reveal that the strict testing procedures were one of the biggest reasons she delayed her return to tennis.“That was a big reason why I didn’t want to come back either, because it’s just so hard. I mean, my life is busy. I run a company, I run a VC company, I travel the world. I have children. It’s like I could be in so many different cities so many different times,” she said.Describing the system in one word, Williams added: “It’s unreasonable.”
ITIA responds to Serena’s criticism
Williams’ comments come just days after 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova received a four-year suspension for refusing an anti-doping test, once again putting tennis’ testing system under the spotlight.The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), however, disputed Williams’ suggestion that the rules had recently changed.In a statement, the governing body said there had been “no changes to the whereabouts rules in the last few years.”The ITIA clarified that a missed test outside a player’s allocated one-hour testing window does not count as a strike, while three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period can lead to anti-doping charges even without a positive test.Despite her frustration, Williams insisted she has always supported clean sport and remains committed to complying with the rules.“I’ve always been very clear about what I do,” she said. “Just getting in that routine of, all right, first of all, learning the new rules, then just getting back and reporting every day. I guess now for 24 hours where I’m going to be is just different — at least for me. I don’t know if that works for everyone else.”
Golden State has reportedly been seeking to create one more solid title run for their star future Hall of Famer
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The Golden State Warriors have been among the more aggressive teams of the past several transaction cycles in search of star power to pair with the aging Stephen Curry. They were linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard at the trade deadline. They’ve held rumored interest in LeBron James as a free agent, and they tried to trade for him back in 2024. Now, according to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, they have their sights set beyond just James, but on his former teammate Anthony Davis as well.
The basic premise here would be that Golden State would execute some sort of trade centered around Jimmy Butler and perhaps draft capital going to the Washington Wizards for Davis. The Warriors would then attempt to sign James, bringing together the cores of both their own roster and the Los Angeles Lakers for most of the 2020s. Golden State would have one of the oldest starting lineups in the NBA, but one stuffed to the brim with Hall of Fame talent.
There are immediately several potential hurdles to a James-Davis reunion featuring Curry, so let’s run through them quickly:
While Davis has not exactly seemed eager to play for the Wizards next season, it is not clear if Washington is even willing to trade him. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins even hinted at a contract extension when he appeared on the broadcast of the second round of the NBA Draft. “We’ll have that conversation in the middle of August when we can officially have that,” he said.
Even if Washington is open to moving Davis, it is not clear if the Wizards would be interested in taking Butler back in a trade. He is recovering from a torn ACL, and while he is expected to return during the season, he probably won’t be ready early on, and there’s no telling how the 36-year-old will look when he makes it back. The Wizards just drafted AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall and have a number of other young forwards who need minutes, so Butler would be entering a logjam in Washington.
On the James front, Golden State’s ability to offer him a meaningful salary is dependent on a number of other moves. After re-signing Al Horford earlier this week, the Warriors are around $20 million below the first apron assuming Draymond Green picks up his $27.7 million player option. The mid-level exception creates a hard cap at that first apron figure, and it starts at around $15 million, but the Warriors currently only have 10 players under contract, so filling out the roster with James at that price would be difficult. The Warriors are also expected to retain Kristaps Porziņģis at center, which will further cut into their flexibility. They could clear extra money through a trade, or Green could decline his player option and re-sign at a lower figure, but for now, figuring out how the Warriors would afford everyone is tricky.
Put all of this together and the Warriors are fighting an uphill battle in uniting James, Davis and Curry. Still, we’re talking about the team that once won 73 games and convinced Kevin Durant to sign with them after beating the then Oklahoma City Thunder star in the Western Conference Finals. Golden State has worked roster-building miracles before, and with James and Davis both past their primes, both are probably about as gettable as they’ve ever been.
Best hitter matchups for this week include the Marlins, Giants and Cubs
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Whether you’re in need of an injury fill-in or just a hot-hand play, Scott White has you covered with 10 sleeper hitters for the upcoming scoring period, all rostered in less than 80 percent of CBS Sports leagues. They’re not must-starts by any estimation, but they’re often the best you’ll find off the waiver wire.
Manchester United are set to welcome back a number of first-team players next week for the start of pre-season
Manchester United will see some of their first-team players return next week as pre-season gets underway. Nine stars have continued their World Cup campaigns with their national sides and will be absent for the opening stages of Michael Carrick’s preparations.
For those not across in the United States, pre-season commences on Thursday, July 9. United are going on a European tour, representing a significant change during Carrick’s reign.
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The club have been heading to the United States over recent years but the World Cup has disrupted these arrangements. Instead, United will visit Finland, Norway, Ireland, Sweden and Poland to face Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds.
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First up on the schedule is the Red Dragons in Helsinki with several fringe players expected to feature, given that first-team regulars remain involved in the World Cup. Here, Manchester Evening News has all the latest emerging from Old Trafford.
Chido Obi’s shock Germany move
Chido Obi has reportedly begun discussions to join FC Koln on loan this summer. It is claimed that the move has materialised as United feel the striker would gain from a temporary switch to boost his progression.
Negotiations have got underway over an agreement that would see Obi join the Bundesliga club for the upcoming season. The 18-year-old featured eight times for the first-team during the 2024/25 campaign before being limited to youth football this term.
He scored 20 goals and assisted six times across the U18 and U20 sides. Obi has caught the eye since arriving at United from Arsenal in 2024 and will be keen to gain valuable senior experience in Germany.
Carrick could land ‘eight-figure’ payout
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has claimed that United have reached an agreement to allow Amazon Prime to document their 2026/27 season in its entirety. The ‘All or Nothing’ series has previously been filmed at several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham and City.
It is understood the documentary would likely hand United a substantial eight-figure sum, though it carries risks should the season fail to deliver. Speaking to Football Insider, Borson said: “It’s probably worth £10million-£15m, and obviously, it’s a pretty high-margin asset sale. There’s not a lot of cost there.
“You’re giving up, in terms of the cost, is the access, and it’s allowing cameras in places where you haven’t let them be before, recording stuff and losing editorial control.
“So look, if it’s a good season, then it’s great. If it’s a very bad season, with managerial issues and individual player issues, you enjoy the money, but you know that you’re going to take some impact from it on the other side.
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“It’s worked fine for [Manchester] City, and it worked fine for Arsenal. I’m sure it’ll be fine, but there is some risk.”
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
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Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
With both sides making their first-ever appearance in the knockout phase, the game appeared to be heading for extra time before Eustaquio broke South African hearts with a clinical strike from just outside the area.
Canada – playing in Los Angeles despite being co-hosts after failing to win their group – will now face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston in the last 16 on July 4, as South Africa’s World Cup adventure came to an end.
Before the game, coach Jesse Marsch had talked up the “X-factor” of Canada’s star Alphonso Davies, available again after a hamstring injury.
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But the Bayern Munich wing-back, who was yet to appear at this World Cup, remained glaringly absent from the starting line-up.
Still, Canada began on the front foot, creating chances against South Africa’s low block.
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In the 22nd minute, a pinpoint Eustaquio free-kick found Derek Cornelius wide open on the six-yard line. The Canada centre-back completely mistimed his header.
South Africa threatened sporadically on the counter. But in a frenetic spell just before half-time, Canada came agonisingly close.
From a corner, Moise Bombito’s header was cleared off the line before Tajon Buchanan’s follow-up shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Moments later, Khuliso Mudau crashed into the dangerous Richie Laryea, but his penalty appeals were waved away.
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That enraged a heavily Canadian crowd, and the jeers grew louder after half-time as South Africa were content to exchange deep passes under little pressure while the clock ticked down.
Just past the hour mark, Canada came close again.
Substitute Niko Sigur slid a through ball to Tani Oluwaseyi, whose shot was well saved by the goalkeeper and looped up towards Jonathan David – but defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi got there first and cleared brilliantly.
It was an uncapped warm-up game for the Nations Championship tournament which starts with the opening game against Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday before away trips against Argentina and South Africa.
Morgan took over the captaincy at half-time when Lake was taken off.
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“I love being back,” said Morgan. “It’s always an honour to be able to put the jersey on and I was chuffed to be back in the field with the boys.
“It was a tough game against a good Barbarians side and it was great to be able to get that win.”
Morgan says he has seen improvements under Tandy since his return.
“It’s been great to be able to watch because you can see how Steve and the coaches want to implement the game,” said Morgan.
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“You can see during the Six Nations we’re getting better every game. You could see the identity we were trying to bring through.
“You always want to be out in the field, but it was great to be able to watch the boys play and I thought they did a brilliant job.”
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