In the aftermath of England’s unconvincing victory over Japan, Eddie Jones’s thoughts turned to the last match of the autumn against Australia and his choice of words was telling. It will be “a good scrap”, said the coach, who will renew hostilities with Michael Cheika – a “street fighter” who will have his beleaguered Wallabies…
Author: THEJOHNANTONIOBLOG
Australia turmoil as Ashley-Cooper and Beale left out on disciplinary grounds
Australia have been plunged into chaos on the eve of Saturday’s encounter with England after it emerged Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were not available for selection for disciplinary reasons, just hours after David Pocock was ruled out through injury. Ian Robertson hangs up his mic: ‘You don’t gain anything from being an assassin’ |…
Andrew Conway’s hat-trick steers Ireland past USA to extend home record
Joe Schmidt has thanked his Ireland bosses for their “patience” while he finalises the decision on his long-term future. The Ireland head coach’s contract expires after next year’s World Cup in Japan, and next week he will announce his decision on his long-term movements. The 53-year-old is expected to return to his native New Zealand…
Andy Farrell to take over from Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach
Andy Farrell will succeed Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach after next year’s World Cup, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced. Schmidt will leave Irish rugby after the tournament in Japan having taken charge in 2013. “I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019,” the 53-year-old…
Eddie Jones says England have power game to shock Ireland in Dublin
England have flown into a wintry Dublin firmly believing they can kick off the Six Nations by overpowering Ireland on the opening weekend. With Manu Tuilagi set to start in the championship for the first time in six years, their head coach, Eddie Jones, insists the visitors can upset the defending champions and register a…
The end of an era: what next for All Blacks after Steve Hansen?
The impending departure of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen may mark the end of an era in more ways than one. Hansen, 59, announced his intention to step down as All Blacks coach after the World Cup in Japan next year, saying it was time the world champions had “a fresh pair of eyes.” He…
England run in nine tries in Women’s Six Nations drubbing of Wales
In the city where England’s men saw their grand slam hopes reduced to rubble, their women’s side continued to build an unstoppable momentum in their own bid for a Six Nations clean sweep. At a sun-drenched Cardiff Arms Park, England helped themselves to nine tries to overwhelm Wales. On the Arms Park’s plastic pitch England…
Luke McGrath shines as Leinster romp to runaway win over Wasps
Even by their usual high standards Leinster could not have launched their defence of the Champions Cup in more emphatic style. This runaway eight-try win over a depleted Wasps represented a major statement of intent and the Irish province have now equalled their best-ever run in Europe with 10 successive victories. By any standards this…
Owen Farrell is an England certainty. But where he plays is less clear
Eddie Jones smiles when he is asked if he is anxious as he approaches next month’s encounters with the southern hemisphere’s big three and the team he coached in the last World Cup, Japan, given England’s chronic injury list. The Australian is one of the few head coaches around who enjoys sparring with the media,…
Newcastle remain rock bottom after directionless defeat at Bath
Newcastle’s hold on the bottom position in the table is becoming that bit securer by the week, but there was little suggestion in their fourth consecutive league defeat that they were preoccupied by a fear of going down. Premiership Rugby wants an immediate end to relegation while allowing the Championship champions this season to be…