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Cardiff become the sixth club to be awarded a 28-0 European win

By PA
(Photo by Chris Lishman/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

European rugby officials have been forced to decide yet another result in the boardroom after Sunday’s Cardiff versus Stade Francais Challenge Cup game in Newport was cancelled and five match points awarded to the Welsh region. 

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The Cardiff cancellation was the sixth game to be cancelled this weekend and the second in the Challenge Cup. 

Toulouse, Lyon, La Rochelle and Scarlets were all awarded 28-0 Champions Cup victories after their respective fixtures against Exeter, Glasgow, Bath and Toulon were all cancelled.

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Watch as a head coach goes through a player in a post-game review

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Watch as a head coach goes through a player in a post-game review

Similar results were decided in the Challenge Cup, Cardiff given the same 28-0 awarded earlier on Saturday to Agen after their game versus Benetton failed to go ahead.

An EPCR statement read: “EPCR have been informed by Stade Francais that due to the club’s concerns regarding the Covid-19 status of their players and staff, they believe it is unwise to fulfil their Challenge Cup preliminary stage fixture against Cardiff Blues scheduled for Sunday at Rodney Parade. EPCR have decided that the match should therefore be cancelled. 

“Stade Francais played against Benetton in round one of the tournament last weekend and Benetton have since recorded a number of positive tests for Covid-19 among their players and staff. Benetton’s match this weekend against Agen has also been cancelled.

“Although there is no evidence that any Stade Francais players or staff were exposed to the virus during the round one fixture, and they have all subsequently tested negative for the virus, there were doubts over the Covid-19 status of the travelling matchday and staff which prompted the club to report their concerns to EPCR. 

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“Although a medical risk assessment committee was satisfied that Sunday’s fixture at Rodney Parade could go ahead safely, Stade Francais were reluctant to travel to Wales. 

“Following the decision to cancel, a match result resolution committee was convened to determine the outcome of the fixture. The committee considered all the factors and Cardiff were deemed to be the winners and were awarded five match points on a scoreline of 28-0.

“EPCR would again like to emphasise that blame was not considered as a factor during the deliberations, and the committee’s decision was made with a view to facilitating the completion of this season’s Challenge Cup in unprecedented circumstances.” 

DECISION OF THE MATCH RESULT RESOLUTION COMMITTEE

Challenge Cup

Cardiff Blues 28 (4 converted tries) Stade Francais Paris 0

Match points – Cardiff Blues 5 Stade Francais Paris 0

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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