Leicester and England have both been waiting a long time for a rejuvenated Manu Tuilagi and finally the big man is back. With his national coach, Eddie Jones, in attendance, the fit-again centre chose the perfect night to produce his most compelling display of the season and help the Tigers secure the bonus-point victory they…
Month: March 2019
Conor Murray seals bonus-point victory as Ireland survive Italy scare
This victory was far from routine but as disappointing as Ireland were, they nevertheless left Rome with the five points they had targeted. And thanks to Wales’s victory against England, Joe Schmidt’s grand slam winners of a year ago still have a chance of retaining the Six Nations title. England run in nine tries in…
Sam Underhill to miss England’s Six Nations campaign after ankle surgery
Sam Underhill will miss England’s Six Nations campaign after undergoing an ankle operation. Meet the Clealls: the Saracens twins forging a winning partnership The flanker will be out of action for up to three months as he recovers from surgery required after damaging ligaments during Bath’s victory against Leicester on 30 December. It was thought…
France turn screw with late fourth try as Scotland’s losing Paris run continues
France have remembered at last. Beautiful rugby is all very well but without the route to victory they have found it empty of late. On a sunny afternoon in Paris they played beautifully and with the bloody-mindedness to make sure that, this time, there would be no forgetting to win. Scotland arrived with a team…
Brutality, home wins and drop goals: what to expect from the Six Nations
1) Rare away victories Discounting matches against Italy, there were two away wins last year, both by Ireland. Twelve months before that just one, by England. On both occasions the side best equipped to win on their travels took the title so expect away victories to be at a premium again. Take the first round…
Eddie Jones’ England to prepare for World Cup in heat of Italy
England will break new ground in their bid to win the Rugby World Cup by heading to Italy next year for two training camps in intense summer heat. Eddie Jones’s squad are in Portugal for a prolonged warm-weather workout before the autumn Tests next month and those who do not like it hot can expect…
England will not curb Kyle Sinckler’s aggression, says coach Mitchell
England have no intention of curbing Kyle Sinckler’s competitive instincts after Wales sought to wind up the tighthead prop last Saturday, with the defence coach John Mitchell urging him to take such special treatment as a compliment. Sinckler excelled for the first 55 minutes against Wales, making a staggering 16 first-half tackles, winning the scrum…
Ledesma backs under fire Wallabies coach ahead of Pumas clash
Argentina coach Mario Ledesma reckons Rugby Australia would be foolish to punt Michael Cheika as Wallabies coach, even if they’re beaten again by his side in Salta. Cheika’s future is expected to come under review if Australia loses on Sunday morning and finishes up with their first ever Rugby Championship wooden spoon. Argentina Test looms…
Northampton show positive signs in comprehensive win at Worcester
Northampton showed evidence of how their game is evolving under their New Zealand director of rugby, Chris Boyd, more fluid and ambitious, but it was the result that mattered as they moved into the top half of the table to leave Worcester facing the prospect of slumping to the bottom of the table by the…
Sean Maitland scores only try as Scotland grind out win over Argentina
This was the Scotland of old, the one we have gladly learned to forget under Gregor Townsend: stodgy, unimaginative and unable to score many tries. The crucial difference between this game and years past, however, was that despite those defects, they still found a way to win, ending their autumn series with a record of…