BELL TOLLING FOR HAYE
DAVID HAYE would sacrifice his world-title dream for a rematch with Tony Bellew.
The former heavyweight champ suffered a shock defeat by Bellew when a ruptured Achilles forced him to fight on one leg for five agonising rounds. His corner threw in the towel during the 11th and now he faces at least six months of rehab before he can return to the ring. Haye (below with Mirror man Domin) said: “If I could have only one more fight, I’d fight Tony Bellew. “Some fights are bigger than titles. People will WALES’ Six Nations flops have been given one last shot at redemption against Ireland.
Rob Howley (left) has selected the same squad that capitulated in Scotland.
But the interim head coach is hoping to see a reaction from his men, who have lost eight of their last 12 matches. “As coaches, we remember the fight, not the title. Me and Bellew have risen above belts, it’s two people who genuinely want to go to war with each other. No matter how many times we get in the ring together, you’re going to see drama and passion.
“I’ve always wanted a rematch with the people who beat me but I’ve never been able to do it.” discussed giving the side a chance to redeem themselves for the second-half performance against Scotland,” said Howley.
“There were too many unforced errors after a really dominant first half, on the back of one of the best games in the Six Nations against England.”
Justin Tipuric is set to win his 50th cap under the Friday night lights at the Principality Stadium. But Howley has resisted the temptation to play Taulupe Faletau, while Luke Charteris starts on the bench.
Howley has challenged his players to reward the fans with a long-awaited victory.
“You don’t become a bad team overnight,” he added. “We expect a reaction on Friday.”