“Certainly our back three are going to be tested, but whatever combination we go with will be ready. We know it is going to come our way again.” Stuart Lancaster…
Charlie Morgan
Analysis: All-action Jack Nowell lays down England marker
Releasing 12 members of his wider squad into Aviva Premiership action, Stuart Lancaster earmarked this weekend as one for fringe England players to impress their credentials for more prominent involvement…
Scotland vs Wales analysis: Six big decisions from Glen Jackson
Passions run high during the Six Nations. Tribalism and tradition dictate as much, which is a big part of the tournament’s intoxicating appeal. Consequently though, opinions run fast – and…
Six Nations: Five things England learnt against Italy
Rewind two years. England have just clung on to beat Italy 18-11, surviving a late bombardment of their try-line thanks in no small part to Chris Robshaw’s superhuman defensive effort.…
Six Nations analysis: Scotland’s slick back-play
It may not come as consolation to Scotland fans – in fact, most fiercely nationalistic ones will probably refuse to entertain the notion – but Vern Cotter’s side can be…
Six Nations analysis: Five reasons England beat Wales
“If you look at the first ten minutes as we went 10-0 down, a lesser side would probably have crumbled. The crowd got pretty crazy at that point, but we…
Wales versus England key clash: Jonathan Davies against Jonathan Joseph
Deep down, Stuart Lancaster must be pretty excited about Saturday lunchtime. By then, England’s head coach will be back over the Severn Bridge, his mind already turned to hosting Italy.…
England Saxons player analysis: Maro Itoje
England Saxons player analysis: Maro Itoje “Joy and jubilation” – those were the words uttered by Maro Itoje when the England Under 20 skipper was asked to articulate his thoughts…
Six Nations player watch: Jamie Roberts, Racing Métro and Wales
Brace yourselves, because the beginning of the Six Nations will inevitably bring a torrent of clichés. And the majority of them always seem to concern France. According to well-worn maxims,…
Six Nations player watch: Jake Ball, Scarlets and Wales
Every now and then, amid the high-and-tight haircuts, base-layers and white boots, you come across a player who would look right at home on a 13th century battlefield. Very occasionally, they…