Click:cnc cutting machine wood Winger Rieko Ioane scored three tries while Damian McKenzie crossed twice in a full display of his attacking abilities as the All Blacks completed a 49-14 victory over France in Dunedin on Saturday that gave them a 3-0 series sweep. McKenzie’s second try early in the second half gave the world…
Month: March 2019
Uninspired England’s title hopes ended in scrappy defeat by France
England should seek sponsorship from the RAC. Their title challenge broke down in the French capital, their chariot not so much swinging low as missing a wheel and a couple of cylinders. They secured a bonus point, as they had needed to in order to at least delay Ireland’s coronation, but lacked the breakdown cover…
Andy Farrell signs extended Ireland deal to dampen England’s hopes
Andy Farrell’s chances of replacing Eddie Jones as England’s next head coach look slim after he signed a contract extension with Ireland until the summer of 2020. Farrell, who was announced as Joe Schmidt’s defence coach in January 2016 – a month after he was shown the door by the Rugby Football Union – has…
Wallabies stick with winning formula for second Test against Ireland
The Wallabies have retained their winning line-up as they look to secure the three-Test series against Ireland on Saturday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. Signs good for a Wallabies side learning to coach itself | Bret Harris Australian coach Michael Cheika has stuck with the same squad after their 18-9 victory in game one in…
Warren Gatland calculates risks as Wales look to absorb France blows
Points make prize money in the Six Nations. The title may have gone west but the cost to the Welsh Rugby Union of defeat against France in the final match of the Six Nations could be £2m, the difference between coming second and fifth. It may explain a contradictory selection by Wales who, alongside Scotland,…
Paul Gustard turned down England contract to take over at Harlequins
Paul Gustard has revealed he turned down a new England contract to become Harlequins’ head of rugby just 16 months before the World Cup – but has denied he was unhappy on Eddie Jones’s coaching staff. Gustard, England’s defence coach, also said he will go on next month’s tour of South Africa out of a…
Cian Healy urges Leinster young guns to rule Europe after Champions Cup win
Deep in the bowels of the wonderful Estadio San Mamés on Saturday night stood Cian Healy, reflecting on his fourth European Champions Cup triumph as a player after Leinster’s 15-12 victory over Racing 92. No team, let alone an individual, has ever won five but, according to Healy, this side have barely started. “The plan…
Rhys Patchell boots Wales to series win in Argentina
Wales secured their first Test series victory in Argentina since 1999 with a 30-12 victory over the Pumas in Santa Fe. Warren Gatland’s side scored two tries, courtesy of Josh Adams and Hallam Amos, while Rhys Patchell contributed 20 points from the kicking tee. Daniel Hourcade’s woeful outfit crossed for two tries through Bautista Delguy…
John Barclay plays down Scotland’s tunnel scuffle with England
John Barclay played down reports of a scuffle in the tunnel before his side’s first Calcutta Cup victory over England in a decade. As the sides left the field following the warm-up to return to the dressing room, the England centre Owen Farrell and the Scotland No 8 Ryan Wilson found themselves in the middle of…
England hoping Maro Itoje can unsettle New Zealand at Twickenham
Click: England have told Maro Itoje to get in the faces of the All Blacks on Saturday despite mounting concerns over his discipline. With the tough-tackling Sam Underhill also poised for a recall, Eddie Jones is set to name an England side on Thursday designed to rattle the world champions at Twickenham. Itoje conceded three…