It says a great deal for the precocious potential of George Ford and his dazzling years in England‘s age-group ranks that a maiden international start at senior level seemed overdue.…
Countries
Autumn Internationals: Week three report
IN A NUTSHELL Scotland 37-12 Tonga A change of tactics at half-time allowed Scotland to take total control at Rugby Park and stretch away from 14-12 up to beat the…
Week 3: Autumn series talking points
Opportunity knocks for Ford With all the discussion of centred round George Ford – Owen Farrell reunion against Samoa, it’s been easy to overlook that the former is making his…
George Ford and Owen Farrell: The story so far
Regardless of five Test defeats in a row and whatever has appeared in this week’s newspapers, English rugby is in rude health. An exacting talent identification system and a cohesive,…
#SamoaUnited has to encourage change
I imagine it is pretty comforting to know All Black big men Jerome Kaino, Sonny Bill Williams, Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam have got your back. Then again, the Samoans preparing to represent…
IRPA Tries of the Year 2014
There have been some spellbinding tries in this international year but it was left to IRPA (International Rugby Players Association) to sift through the footage and nominate five outstanding tries.…
Have France sorted out their half-back issues?
UNLUCKY 13? Philippe Saint-Andre will be hoping not. Since he became coach of France after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Saint-Andre has gone through 12 half-back pairings in his quest…
Ireland v Georgia: Talking points
Pressure for places led to a patchy first forty With thirteen changes made from the side that beat South Africa, there were a lot of players coming into this game…
Scotland v New Zealand: Talking points
The All Blacks are still the best at closing out tight games Scotland came closer than they have in more than a decade to breaking their 109 year drought against…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
Saints Teddy Thomas: Remember the name The 21-year-old from Biarritz is the latest player to be anointed the ‘the prochaine grand chose’ in French rugby. It’s not hard to see…