The match had been billed as the battle of the fly-halves but in truth it was never really a contest. Owen Farrell comfortably outshone Danny Cipriani in their personal duel but, thanks to the performance of his dominant forwards – led by the relentless Maro Itoje – he had considerable help. Eddie Jones was not…
Month: March 2019
Whistleblower Wayne Barnes prepares to call time on refereeing career
The start of a new rugby union season is not just about players and coaches. Rarely have top-level referees been under more scrutiny, increasingly caught between a congested ruck and a hard place. Decisions in the modern game grow more hairline, the demands on its leading officials more intense. Without a capable whistle-blower to make…
Warren Gatland ‘bricking’ himself over attempts to go out on a high with Wales
Warren Gatland may be entering the final year of his contract with Wales but he is determined to go out at the very top and believes his side are contenders to win the World Cup next year. Gatland, a normally inscrutable New Zealander, became emotional when asked how much it would mean to him to…
Victory over France can propel Wales to Six Nations glory, says Gatland
Warren Gatland won his first Six Nations in charge of Wales in 2008 and believes he will have an excellent chance of repeating the feat in his final year with the men in red if they win in Paris on the opening night of the tournament next month. France lost at home to Fiji in…
Eighth defeat in a row all but ends Leicester’s Champions Cup hopes
Leicester’s season is not yet at the halfway point but some deeply uncomfortable statistics are already stacking up. This was the Tigers’ eighth straight defeat in all competitions, the club’s worst run since 1975, and their final two pool games in Europe are now all but academic following this latest four-try reverse in front of…
Lima Sopoaga snatches thrilling late win for Wasps over Newcastle
A late Lima Sopoaga penalty snatched a 23-22 victory for Wasps at Kingston Park. The Falcons led 15-13 at half time and then 22-13 when Johnny Williams grabbed his second try, but a scorching 60th-minute score from Juan de Jongh converted by Sopoaga made it 22-20 and the Wasps fly-half then landed a crucial 45-metre…
World must march in union to secure future of international rugby
The Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, Martyn Phillips, has backed calls by Agustín Pichot for action to be taken to secure the future of international rugby, saying the current formula does not have any long-term sustainability. The WRU has announced a bumper turnover of £97m for the last financial year, up £22m, thanks in part…
Harlequins’ Paul Gustard condemns Dave Ward’s trial by social media
Paul Gustard, the Harlequins head of rugby, has called for rugby fans and pundits to think twice before they rush to condemn players on social media following controversial incidents. The Quins hooker, Dave Ward, was widely accused of stamping and spitting in their win against Wasps last Saturday but, ultimately, neither allegation resulted in a…
Owen Farrell expects to be fit to face Ireland in England’s Six Nations opener
Owen Farrell has declared himself on course to lead England in their Six Nations opener in Ireland despite undergoing thumb surgery last weekend, handing Eddie Jones a major boost. Farrell had an operation on a thumb tendon Saturday, putting into question is participation against the defending champions in Dublin on 2 February. Over the weekend…
Northampton secure victory in breathless encounter at Bristol
Another weekend, another points fest. This one topped 80, the odd try in 11 earning Northampton their second win of the season. Under Chris Boyd, the improvement in their game has been obvious; here, it yielded the full five points. It meant Bristol’s first home loss of their return to the top flight fell at…