Burns feels love after his French kiss
FREDDIE BURNS has been backed to come through the most embarrassing moment of his career.
The day after the nightmare before, Burns’ howler was still the talk of rugby having cost Bath a major European scalp.
The England international’s failure to touch down a late try – after blowing a kiss and touching the badge on his jersey – snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Toulouse.
Amid the anger of many on social media at the blunder, there was concern for Burns.
Jackson Willison, who slapped his team-mate on the back in frustration after seeing the try stolen by Maxime Medard’s never-say-die intervention, said: “It’s important we get behind Fred.
“It’s going to take a couple of days to get over that loss but he’s put his hand up, said sorry and we move on. No one’s going to be as disappointed as Fred. There won’t be an issue getting behind him.”
Rhys Priestland promised Bath would fully support Burns, who had missed a penalty from in front of the posts seconds earlier. “When Freddie is on form he’s fantastic for this team,” said the captain. “We need him to come into training with the swagger he always brings.”
Bath’s loss threw up another controversy
BATH TOULOUSE
with Jamie Roberts knocked unconscious by an upright tackle from Toulouse No8 Jerome Kaino, who received a yellow card.
European chiefs warned last week that players committing such high tackles would likely see red.
Bath boss Todd Blackadder said: “We lose a player for the rest of the game and they lose a player for 10 minutes. It’s exactly the scenario why they have sanctions – to protect the player.” Blackadder will raise the matter with authorities but knows it is too late to affect the result.
Ex-Sale centre Will Addison marked his European debut for Ulster with one of his side’s three second-half tries as Leicester crashed to a 24-10 defeat in Belfast.
Exeter were frustrated by a tenacious Munster, with CJ Stander’s 63rd-minute try cancelling out Luke Cowan-Dickie’s score in a 10-10 draw.
The Challenge Cup proved more fertile ground for English sides, with the pick of results wins for Sale and Worcester at Perpignan and Stade Francais respectively.
The Warriors’ 38-27 win was marred by a fractured left leg for centre Ashley Beck. BLACKADDER: Ire