Olly Cracknell has admitted being overlooked by Wales this summer has given him an extra edge as he looks to force his way back into the international picture. The Leicester back-rower was included in Steve Tandy's initial squad but missed out on selection for the tour of Argentina and South Africa, despite featuring for Wales during the Six Nations earlier this year.
The 32-year-old, who has won five caps, admits the decision was disappointing but has used it as motivation heading into the new campaign.
Cracknell's chip on the shoulder
“I was part of the initial squad but then I wasn’t selected for the tour, so that was obviously disappointing,” Cracknell said. “It gives me a bit of a chip on my shoulder for this year, a bit of fire inside me to work and try and get back in that squad.
“If I am honest my performances at the back-end of last season here fell off a little bit, so I just want to get back to my best. That’s how I got into the squad, by playing my best rugby. You’re always trying to find that form, or whatever it is, and that’s what I have got to do to get back in.”
Cracknell has made 87 appearances for Leicester since joining the club in 2022 and will be looking to put himself back in Tandy's thoughts through his performances this season.
Rees-Zammit stars on opening night
Louis Rees-Zammit made an emphatic statement on the opening weekend of the season as he scored twice from the wing to help Bristol Bears begin their Premiership campaign with a 34-24 victory over Sale Sharks. The Wales international, who returned from the NFL as a full-back last season but has switched back out to the wing, was one of the stars of the show at CorpAcq Stadium, crossing twice as Bristol ran in five tries to secure a bonus-point win.
Rees-Zammit's first came after a clever passage of play involving James Williams, who floated a pass into the Welshman's path for a straightforward finish. He then produced an acrobatic finish from Tom Jordan's perfectly weighted pass to bring Bristol level after Sale had made the brighter start.
Harry Randall added two more tries, either side of half-time, before replacement hooker Tomas Gwilliam's 73rd-minute score secured the bonus point. Sale had led through Luke Cowan-Dickie's early try and George Ford's boot, while Tom O'Flaherty scored twice after the break. But Bristol's attacking quality ultimately proved decisive as Pat Lam's side began the season in style.
Rees-Zammit has made no secret of his desire to return to a world-class level after a mediocre first season back following his first season in America. The 25-year-old has set a lofty target of scoring 13 Premiership tries this season - and is already two tries closer following his first league outing of the season for the Bears.
Lake shines for Gloucester
Wales captain Dewi Lake scored two tries on his Gallagher Premiership debut to help Gloucester to a record 45-24 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. Lake and Jac Morgan were extremely prominent throughout and the 26-year-old is hopeful the Cherry & Whites can build on their opening round victory.
“This group deserves that. The work they put in during pre-season,” Lake told TNT Sports. “There were some tough conversations and we've spoken about the mindset stuff. They deserve every bit of that. I think what is important is we carry it on. It's not good enough to lay a marker down in the league, do it once and then kind of hope that carries you through. That's our minimum standard now. We know what we are going after and it is important we keep that going.”
Lake revealed there had been a huge focus on changing the mindset within the Gloucester squad. “I think coaching and staff change and new boys brought in with fresh eyes on things and boys who have never experienced the Premiership,” he told TNT Sports. “I think the experience of bringing boys in from different leagues and different places kind of gives you a new feel. I think the lads had a great foundation here and it's just been about switching the mindset and what we want to get out of the group this year.
“My tries are a credit to the boys who do the hard work in the maul. I get to hang in the back and dot the ball down. I thought defensively we were incredible today. I think to keep a team with the attacking prowess of Exeter out for long periods of time just shows the trust this group is building. We've spoken about mentality a lot and I think today was our first opportunity to really put a marker down. There's still things to work on but I'm very proud of the boys today.”
Wales Women suffer narrow defeat
Wales Women co-captain Kate Williams says her side should have beaten the USA in the second round of the WXV. Sean Lynn's side thrashed South Africa last Friday night but slipped to a narrow 26-24 defeat to the USA this time around.
“Everyone in the squad is so disappointed that we lost today but that is a clear sign of our recent improvement,” Williams told the WRU website. “We were in the contest right up to the final moments, and we have to maintain our discipline until the very end to put ourselves in a position to win the game. We failed to do that today but next time we find ourselves in a similar situation, we will make the most of it.
“Thanks to everyone who came to support us. The atmosphere today was fantastic and a huge boost for the women. We must look forward to the trip to Japan now and we will do everything in our power to improve our performances further on that tour.”
