Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Steve Borthwick, the England coach would have greatly enjoyed the battle between Ben Earl and Tom Pearson last Sunday. Both came out in the ‘plus column’ yet of any of the possible World Cup bolters listed below, Ben Earl has surely booked himself a place in the World Cup after another inspirational performance for the […] READ MORE
Steve Borthwick has made four changes to his line-up as he takes his battered and bruised team to face the Ireland Grand Slam assault. Injuries to Ollie Chessum and Ollie Lawrence mean recalls for Dave Ribbans and Manu Tuilagi. As well, Henry Arundell is finally given his chance on the wing in place of Max […] READ MORE
France was brilliant. It was an awesome France masterclass exhibition from Fabien Galthie’s men and as for England…. they are truly at rock bottom. Or maybe not, as the old adage goes, ‘we did not realize that rock bottom had a basement’ – as they head to Dublin next week. England were awful in all […] READ MORE
All the headlines this week are around Marcus Smith taking Owen Farrell’s jersey. Rightly so, as it is a brave call made by England coach, Steve Borthwick. International coaches, particularly England’s, are paid the big bucks to make these selection decisions. For a traditionally risk-averse coach, this is a significant change in direction for Borthwick. […] READ MORE
England took a huge step forward by beating Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Steve Borthwick will know a whole lot more about his team, particularly his forwards, who are growing in confidence with every game. England’s back row was superb with Alex Dombrandt, Jack Willis, and Lewis Ludlam all having outstanding games. Wales was disappointing […] READ MORE
England’s record in Cardiff is not a pretty one as of late. A last-gasp Elliot Daly try in 2016 has been the only England victory in Wales since 2011. This coming Saturday England will face a fired-up Wales team desperate to get their Six Nations campaign up and running. Any notion that England will face […] READ MORE
England’s 31-14 win over Italy on Sunday had Steve Borthwick written all over it. England’s pack was dominant up front, granite-like in defense, and with high energy in the kick-chase. Borthwick’s forwards got the job done and there was a lot to be happier about a week on from the Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland. […] READ MORE
England was 20-12 up going into the final quarter of a pulsating Calcutta Cup clash. Ellis Genge had thundered over and Twickenham was rocking. It was a moment where really good teams get the job done. England then dropped the restart and a few minutes later Scottish scrum-half Ben White later cantered over. It was […] READ MORE
The 2023 Calcutta Cup is set for one of its most intriguing battles for many a year. England has a new coach, a seemingly new approach and they desperately need a win. Scotland have been the perennial underachiever with Gregor Townsend at the helm. So, who wins it? It is such a difficult one to […] READ MORE
England coach Steve Borthwick will soon pick his eagerly awaited first Six Nations squad. There may be an ‘understandable’ leaning toward his Leicester Tigers England representatives plus, the return of a couple of veterans. Anthony Watson and Dan Cole are among several veterans who might be considered. Charlie Inglefield looks to pick a possible first […] READ MORE
Charlie has been writing rugby features for the last 20 years and has covered World Cups, Six Nations, and Lions' tours. My aim has always been to provide opinion and analysis which hopefully adds to the conversations that we all enjoy over a pint or two in the pub.