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…
Author: THEJOHNANTONIOBLOG
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…
Three uncapped players called up for Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup finale
Australia coach Michael Cheika has included New South Wales Waratahs lock Jed Holloway among three uncapped players in a 31-man squad released on Thursday for the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Yokohama. Scrumhalf Jake Gordon and loose forward Angus Cottrell, an unused squad member for the final Rugby Championship matches…
Ireland v All Blacks is pick of autumn feast with strong World Cup flavour
New Zealand (World ranking: 1 Points: 92.96): New Zealand are like a machine, mowing down all who stand in their way, but their blades get tangled occasionally, as they did against South Africa. It was another day when they did not go through the gears but engaged top immediately; they tend to be more strategic…
Eddie Jones’ willingness to push the boundaries shows forward thinking
Eddie Jones was not thinking aloud when he said that he fancied trying out the Exeter wing Jack Nowell as an openside flanker. The England head coach has always looked to extend the boundaries of the game and at a time when set pieces have diminished in number and the number of rucks has exploded,…
Jacob Stockdale: ‘We went after the All Blacks with confidence’
Jacob Stockdale might be the deadliest finisher in European rugby but he reflects on his remarkable year with a light touch. The Ulster wing was the player of the tournament while setting a Six Nations record by scoring seven tries as Ireland sealed the grand slam. Stockdale also made the difference with the only try…