Lift for Stuart Lancaster as France lose their captain Thierry Dusautoir for the Six Nations
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sunday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup was overshadowed for the French by a grievous blow to their Six Nations ambitions when Thierry Dusautoir, the national captain and one of the most formidable flankers in the sport, was ruled out of the forthcoming tournament after rupturing his biceps.
He sustained the injury while leading Toulouse to victory over Zebre in the final round of European pool games over the weekend and is news that will encourage Stuart Lancaster’s England as they prepare for their meeting with Les Blues in Paris on Saturday week.
In the Cup draw, Saracens, one of two English qualifiers for the quarter-finals in the first week of April, will play Ulster in Belfast with the incentive of having a home semi-final – or at least a tie at a major stadium in their own country – if they find a way through to the last four. If that is a tough ask, Leicester have it far worse. They must travel to Clermont Auvergne, who have not lost at home for more than 70 games.
Three more English teams – Northampton, Harlequins and Gloucester – did enough in their Heineken Cup pools to earn a drop-down place in the last eight of the second-tier Amlin Challenge Cup. Quins, who ended all Welsh interest in Europe by beating Scarlets in Llanelli yesterday, have an eye-catching tie against Stade Francais in Paris, while Gloucester, victors in Perpignan, will face Wasps at Adams Park.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments