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Rhys Priestland's comments suggest he didn't take kindly to Freddie Burns 'showboating'

By Online Editors
Rhys Priestland grabs Freddie Burns (Getty Images)

Bath outhalf Rhys Priestland says the team have to root out a culture of “showboating” after a Freddie Burns blunder cost his side dearly.

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Burns inexplicably cost Bath victory over Toulouse as he endured a European Champions Cup nightmare at The Rec on Saturday.

The full-back was excellent for much of a gripping Pool 1 contest, scoring a try and 10 points from the tee to put the Premiership side 20-12 up early in the second half.

Burns went from potential hero to zero in the closing stages, though, as Bath strived to snatch victory after Toulouse fought back to lead by two points, with Sofiane Guitoune scoring his second try of the game.

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The Top 14 side were given a let-off when Burns struck a post with a penalty from close range, but things went from bad to worse for the 28-year-old five minutes from time.

Burns burst through for what seemed to be a decisive try, but after blowing a kiss to the crowd and tapping his chest, a broad smile was wiped off his face when Maxime Medard flicked the ball out of his hand before he could touch down under the posts.

Freddie Burns is comforted by teammates (Getty Images)
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A distraught Burns was hauled off moments later and Toulouse held on for a 22-20 win, Medard named man of the match after also scoring a first-half try.

“It is probably something we need to speak about as a squad – celebrating before we score tries,” said Priestland. “As a squad, I just can’t believe we celebrate before we put the ball down.”

“I honestly don’t know what boys think they are going to gain by doing it. For me that is not negotiable. We can’t do that again this season.”

Burns tweeted an apology to his fans: “Today was an ultimate low and a mistake I’ll learn from. I’ll continue to give my best as I always do.

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“Lastly just apologies to the boys and the supporters for the mistake. I’ll bounce back… thanks for the support.”

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Bull Shark 1 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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