Whenever Eddie Jones is asked about England’s strength in depth he has only to count to three before expressing his concerns. Tighthead prop has always been the position he feels is most problematic and when England board the plane to South Africa at the start of next month, nowhere will the inexperience of the squad…
Gregor Townsend calls on referee to ensure England defence stay onside
Gregor Townsend has suggested the match officials for the Calcutta Cup match this weekend have a particular responsibility for ensuring England’s defence stay onside. The Scotland head coach, who has named an unchanged team for the Six Nations game at Murrayfield on Saturday, took care not to directly accuse England of habitually offending but he…
Mark McCafferty: ‘The overall environment is one of careful confidence’
Last weekend Saracens won the Premiership for the third time in four seasons but in the tournament’s 20th anniversary a much-changed landscape has retained a feature that stood out in 1997. Most clubs are losing money and Nigel Wray, chairman of the champions, will be writing a cheque for a couple of million pounds this…
All Blacks cut loose against France after yellow card opens floodgates
A questionable yellow card to the France lock Paul Gabrillagues allowed New Zealand to score three quick tries and set up a thumping 52-11 victory in the first Test of their three-match series at Eden Park on Saturday. With the match locked at 11-11 early in the second half, Gabrillagues was sent to the sin-bin…
Robbie Henshaw injury mars rampant win for Ireland as Italy are laid to waste
Very rarely in Ireland’s Six Nations history has there been a bad time to play Italy. Their experiences in Rome in 2011 and 2013 went from uncomfortable to bizarre, but otherwise this fixture has been largely about banking points. When Italy come to Dublin the hosts’ record is unblemished. Meeting on a mild and dry…
Sale deny interest in signing trial pair Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding
Sale’s owners have dismissed talk of the club signing Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, the two Irish international players sacked by Ulster last month. The Sharks had reportedly been considering employing at least one of the pair but appear to have had a change of heart. Billy Vunipola’s hamstring adds to England’s injury worries In…
Stephen Jones expects ‘special night’ as Scarlets host La Rochelle
The Scarlets have always been a refuge for romantics. A side who spawned Barry John, Phil Bennett and Carwyn James have long been known for their adventure and skill but, in a town that has produced tinplate for the past 71 years, success was also built on steel. The Welsh region, who have followed last…
Australian rugby sevens captain James Stannard’s skull fractured in alleged one-punch attack
Australian rugby sevens captain James Stannard has fractured his skull after being allegedly punched by a British man outside a kebab shop early Friday morning. The 35-year-old was allegedly struck by a man in an unprovoked attack after reportedly having a “nice conversation” with him at around 3.10am. Stannard had earlier attended a farewell dinner…
New Zealand hammer France with helping hand from referee
Click:cnc cutting machine wood Winger Rieko Ioane scored three tries while Damian McKenzie crossed twice in a full display of his attacking abilities as the All Blacks completed a 49-14 victory over France in Dunedin on Saturday that gave them a 3-0 series sweep. McKenzie’s second try early in the second half gave the world…
Uninspired England’s title hopes ended in scrappy defeat by France
England should seek sponsorship from the RAC. Their title challenge broke down in the French capital, their chariot not so much swinging low as missing a wheel and a couple of cylinders. They secured a bonus point, as they had needed to in order to at least delay Ireland’s coronation, but lacked the breakdown cover…