Stats, facts, quotes and photos from week two of the autumn Internationals
Countries
Week 2: Autumn Series talking points
Lancaster’s final challenge England’s clash with South Africa tomorrow afternoon offers more than a second shot at conquering one of the world’s top two sides this autumn. The Twickenham showdown…
Responding to the haka
One-on-one At its heart, the haka is a symbolic ritual representing the challenge laid down by one team to another. But the Kapa O Pango’s group mentality belies the more…
Ireland v Georgia: is Joe Schmidt the world’s best coach?
WE THINK in generalities but live in detail, wrote an English philosopher. It’s a creed that Joe Schmidt has taken to heart, the New Zealander’s latest triumph as Ireland coach…
Autumn International player analysis: Anthony Watson, England
STANDING IN front of the assembled press at Pennyhill Park last Thursday after being named in England’s match-day 23 to face New Zealand, Anthony Watson was asked what part of…
Scotland v Argentina: talking points
Confidence is everything Whatever Vern Cotter has instilled in his team since the summer seems to be working. The players had been given license to try things; to play heads-up…
Surviving the sin-bin: New Zealand’s 14-man masterclass
‘Game management’ is one of modern rugby’s buzz-phrases. It can often feel fluffy – as though the user has heard it in television commentary and fancies rolling out an intangible gem…
Teddy Thomas: France’s new star
Find out more about the Racing Métro winger who scored a hat-trick on his France debut
Wales v Australia: Talking points
Wales lose in the last few minutes…again When the Millennium Stadium next undergoes a refit, I am going to place a bid for the big screen/ digital clock, take it…
Ireland v South Africa talking points
Ireland are building strength in depth There was a lot of doom and gloom in the build up to this game with column inches devoted to Ireland’s long injury list…