After the Scarlets had beaten La Rochelle last month to reach their first European Cup semi-final for 11 years, Phil Bennett closed his eyes and was transported back to Stradey Park, the ramshackle, resonant ground where he had made his name as a fly-half from the end of the 1960s when Carwyn James coached Llanelli,…
Month: March 2019
Precedent is everything in the murky, confused world of TMO decisions
Warren Gatland decried a “terrible mistake” by the TMO after Wales’s defeat to England last weekend and prompted an admission from World Rugby that the law had not been properly applied when Gareth Anscombe beat Anthony Watson to the ball over England’s line at Twickenham. The television match official Glenn Newman ruled that Anscombe had…
England’s Billy Vunipola feeling fit for South Africa after Aussie Rules injury
If there was any doubt as to whether Billy Vunipola’s luck with injuries has been out for the past 18 months, his explanation of an aggravated hamstring injury should end all debate. Eddie Jones is not yet convinced Vunipola is ready for the first Test against South Africa on 9 June but the player is,…
Maro Itoje’s agent banned for 22 months after breach of betting regulations
Maro Itoje’s agent has been suspended for 22 months by the Rugby Football Union after being found guilty of breaching betting regulations. Matt Hart of the Stellar Group, which also represents Gareth Bale and Taulupe Faletau, was found guilty of two breaches – betting on rugby matches and receiving proceeds, as well as non-cooperation with…
Wallabies Folau and Pocock respectful despite differing social views
David Pocock and Israel Folau might disagree fundamentally on the issue of LGBTI rights but the Wallabies are united in believing their diametrically opposed views will not have an impact on the Australia team. Folau, a fundamentalist Christian, caused a stir earlier this year when he responded to a question on social media with the…
Rory Best: We won’t be distracted by Eddie Jones’s ‘scummy Irish’ remarks
Rory Best said he has no intention of using Eddie Jones’s “scummy Irish” comments in his pre-match team talk on Saturday and plans to focus instead on ensuring Ireland do not go into their shells at England’s “big fortress”. Best is one of only two members of his side to have won a grand slam – alongside Rob…
Danny Cipriani in talks for summer move from Wasps to Gloucester
Gloucester hope to win the race to sign Danny Cipriani when the fly‑half leaves Wasps this summer. The 30-year-old playmaker, having been recalled to England’s squad for the tour of South Africa next month, is looking for a new club and has had talks regarding a possible move to Kingsholm. Eddie Jones puts heat on…
Saracens move to top as Liam Williams scores only try in win at Sale
Sale Sharks 3-13 Saracens Premiership’s faltering form in Europe could spell trouble for England | Robert Kitson Saracens moved to the top of the Aviva Premiership table following a 13-3 triumph over Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium. Saracens controlled the majority of the first half and moved 10-3 ahead thanks to Liam Williams’…
Owen Farrell steers Saracens to Premiership final in blitz over Wasps
Normal service has been resumed. Saracens are back in the Premiership final. The mischievous had wondered whether they were a fading force, surrendering their Premiership title last season and suffering an unprecedented slump in the middle of this, but they have played their way back into form. Wasps were unable to cope. The visitors managed…
Super Rugby: ‘Very poor’ Tahs draw with Sharks while Rebels undefeated
NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has praised the fight in his side but slammed them for a poor performance after a 24-24 Super Rugby draw with the Sharks in Durban. A rib cartilage injury to star centre Kurtley Beale, which required a scan, was another concern for Gibson, though his side produced a barnstorming finish…