France Hugo Bonneval 5 Couldn’t repeat his thrilling form against Italy after departing for a head injury assessment. He didn’t return after the break. Benjamin Fall 6 Denied a try by Anthony Watson’s high tackle but the resulting penalty try turned the game France’s way just after the break. Mathieu Bastareaud 7 The biggest back…
Month: March 2019
Big six who have stamped their authority on the Six Nations so far
Aaron Shingler Age 30, Wales, flanker, caps 15 Much of the attention paid to Wales before the start of the tournament fixated on a long injury list that had claimed most of their Lions. It was expected to curse their tournament but, although the foot infection that forced Leigh Halfpenny out of the side who…
England’s Kyle Sinckler: ‘I don’t want to lose the fire in my belly’
Click:Canada nicotine Pouches Whenever Eddie Jones is asked about England’s strength in depth he has only to count to three before expressing his concerns. Tighthead prop has always been the position he feels is most problematic and when England board the plane to South Africa at the start of next month, nowhere will the inexperience…
Gregor Townsend calls on referee to ensure England defence stay onside
Gregor Townsend has suggested the match officials for the Calcutta Cup match this weekend have a particular responsibility for ensuring England’s defence stay onside. The Scotland head coach, who has named an unchanged team for the Six Nations game at Murrayfield on Saturday, took care not to directly accuse England of habitually offending but he…
Mark McCafferty: ‘The overall environment is one of careful confidence’
Last weekend Saracens won the Premiership for the third time in four seasons but in the tournament’s 20th anniversary a much-changed landscape has retained a feature that stood out in 1997. Most clubs are losing money and Nigel Wray, chairman of the champions, will be writing a cheque for a couple of million pounds this…
All Blacks cut loose against France after yellow card opens floodgates
A questionable yellow card to the France lock Paul Gabrillagues allowed New Zealand to score three quick tries and set up a thumping 52-11 victory in the first Test of their three-match series at Eden Park on Saturday. With the match locked at 11-11 early in the second half, Gabrillagues was sent to the sin-bin…
Robbie Henshaw injury mars rampant win for Ireland as Italy are laid to waste
Very rarely in Ireland’s Six Nations history has there been a bad time to play Italy. Their experiences in Rome in 2011 and 2013 went from uncomfortable to bizarre, but otherwise this fixture has been largely about banking points. When Italy come to Dublin the hosts’ record is unblemished. Meeting on a mild and dry…
Sale deny interest in signing trial pair Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding
Sale’s owners have dismissed talk of the club signing Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, the two Irish international players sacked by Ulster last month. The Sharks had reportedly been considering employing at least one of the pair but appear to have had a change of heart. Billy Vunipola’s hamstring adds to England’s injury worries In…
Stephen Jones expects ‘special night’ as Scarlets host La Rochelle
The Scarlets have always been a refuge for romantics. A side who spawned Barry John, Phil Bennett and Carwyn James have long been known for their adventure and skill but, in a town that has produced tinplate for the past 71 years, success was also built on steel. The Welsh region, who have followed last…
Australian rugby sevens captain James Stannard’s skull fractured in alleged one-punch attack
Australian rugby sevens captain James Stannard has fractured his skull after being allegedly punched by a British man outside a kebab shop early Friday morning. The 35-year-old was allegedly struck by a man in an unprovoked attack after reportedly having a “nice conversation” with him at around 3.10am. Stannard had earlier attended a farewell dinner…