Back in 2009, Jacques Brunel made a bet with his players at Perpignan. If they won the championship that season, Brunel would give a piggyback to their prop, Sebastian Bozzi. Brunel is a slight man, Bozzi is not. The latter came in at 19 stone. Brunel was 55 years old. Well, Perpignan beat Clermont in…
Author: THEJOHNANTONIOBLOG
Eddie Jones threatens England changes for likely Paris ‘slogathon’
Eddie Jones has warned that “no one is indispensable” as he mulls over his best options for the key Six Nations away game against France on Saturday. The probability of wet weather in Paris may influence England’s selection in certain areas, not least at half‑back, the back-row and in midfield. Eddie Jones’s recipe for England…
Greig Laidlaw’s nerveless kicking carries Scotland to cathartic win over France
This will hardly have Scotland dreaming of a first championship of the century but they are back on track at least. They were their usual selves, brilliant when the mood took them, all over the place when the mind wandered. But the relentless accuracy of Greig Laidlaw, restored to the team and a much-needed focus…
Andrew Conway’s late try sends Munster into Champions Cup semis
With the clock in the red and the home support on their feet, Toulon were doing their damnedest to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive. Phase after phase, knowing a successful penalty would be enough – but just when they were getting into shooting range they were penalised for holding on at the tackle. Chris…
Rugby Union: Signs good for a Wallabies side learning to coach itself
When Rod Macqueen coached the Wallabies during their last golden era his ultimate objective was to develop a team that was capable of coaching itself. With great leaders such as John Eales and George Gregan steering the team, the empowered Wallabies held the Bledisloe Cup for five years, won the 1999 World Cup and defeated…
Eddie Jones apologises for offensive comments about Ireland and Wales
Eddie Jones and the Rugby Football Union have both issued apologies after video footage emerged of the England head coach referring to “the scummy Irish” and Wales as a “little shit place” during a speech last year. Jones said he was “very sorry” for remarks he concedes were inexcusable. Jones made the comments during a…
Cipriani and Haskell keep World Cup hopes alive after joining new clubs
James Haskell and Danny Cipriani have forgone financial gain to keep alive their hopes of appearing at the World Cup next year. Moves to Northampton and Gloucester respectively were confirmed yesterday with both players opting against potentially lucrative moves abroad to stay in the Premiership and remain eligible for England. Wasps announced towards the start…
John Afoa aims for glorious Gloucester sign-off in Challenge Cup final
Gloucester have prioritised performance over results since Johan Ackermann took charge in August but their season will be defined by the outcome of their final match of the campaign. Green shoots of recovery have been clear under the South African head coach but a second consecutive Challenge Cup final defeat, when they face Cardiff Blues…
England and Scotland told to explain tunnel fracas involving Owen Farrell
England and Scotland must explain their roles in the tunnel bust-up involving Owen Farrell shortly before the Calcutta Cup match on Saturday, raising the possibility of disciplinary action against the England centre. It is understood Farrell was the subject of provocation and did not instigate the fracas, during which he and Scotland’s No 8 Ryan…
Eddie Jones’s England regain their self-respect, but doubts remain
Reasons to be cheerful 1) Finally, a win! Saturday’s third Test may have been a dead rubber but the 25-10 victory was a life-saver for England’s self-respect. Had they lost in Cape Town it would have been the team’s sixth straight international defeat, not including a salutary loss to a rampant Barbarians side at Twickenham….