Glasgow boss Rennie calls for Warriors onslaught at Scotstoun
DAVE RENNIE admits Glasgow failed to put Edinburgh under enough pressure last week and wants his players to respond with a Warriors onslaught. The Scotstoun head coach confessed his side failed to turn up as they slumped to a 23-7 Murrayfield defeat in the opening match of the 1872 Cup three-game series. Part two takes place this afternoon and Rennie - who has recalled Alex Dunbar, Ali Price, Niko Matawalu, Ryan Wilson, Tim Swinson and D’Arcy Rae to the starting line-up, with centre Sam Johnson back on the bench after injury - is looking for a much better display.
WILLIE John McBride says he is ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive a CBE in the New Year Honours. McBride - the most decorated player in British and Irish Lions history - has been recognised for services to rugby. The 78-year-old exLions and Ireland skipper was awarded an MBE 47 years ago. Former England captain Bill Beaumont is ‘honoured and humbled’ to have been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours. He joins fellow rugby knights such as England’s 2003 World Cup-winning mastermind Clive Woodward, Scotsman Ian McGeechan and former Wales scrumhalf Gareth Edwards.
÷PAT LAM’S Bristol have received a major boost with the news that former All Blacks flanker Steven Luatua has signed a new twoyear deal with the Premiership outfit. ‘Steve is a pivotal character for us, on and off the field,’ said former Connacht boss Lam. ‘He has been one of the most consistent performers across the Premiership.’
÷ENGLAND No8 Nathan Hughes will miss the Big Game against Harlequins today having flown back to Fiji following a family bereavement. Joe Launchbury was set for a return, having recovered from a knee injury that saw him miss England’s autumn Tests, but picked up a new neck problem in training this week. Billy Vunipola was also set to return for Saracens today but the No8 is not yet fit enough to play against Worcester, having recovered from a second broken arm.