Warren Gatland has had his say on the Rugby World Cup in France in his recent UK Daily Telegraph article. Wales failed to progress beyond the last eight not because they were outfought and outthought. Rather that there is something wrong with the rules of the game, and how it is played at the highest […] READ MORE
Tag: 2023 Rugby World Cup
Rugby Heroes and Villains of 2023; Scotland, RWC, Eddie Jones and more
In a look back, Last Word on Rugby views the Rugby Heroes and Villains for 2023. Not focused entirely on one or the other – balanced in as how the sport of rugby union is a team-based game; as much as for individuals who can shine or be villainised for their contributions. Over the last […] READ MORE
Perfect possible RWC 2023 Cup final swansong for NZL/RSA stars
It is not often that you can write your own ‘swansong’ yet for some RWC 2023 Cup final NZL/RSA stars, it might be a picture perfect ending. Difficult enough to reach one RWC (Rugby World Cup) final, for a few this is going to be their second men’s Cup final. And for one individual, he […] READ MORE
‘Revenge of The Rugby Championship’ in 2023 RWC semi-finals contention
It certainly was contradictory to the common belief of your everyday rugby fan. And after the ‘revenge of The Rugby Championship’ nations to put themselves into 2023 RWC semi-finals contention, many Northern Hemisphere teams have found themselves left wondering how? Any Rugby World Cup (RWC) will throw-up the odd upset, a match maybe lost when […] READ MORE
Steve Borthwick has given England the tools to unleash
England’s management have made two huge selection calls for the quarter-final clash against Fiji on Saturday. The traditionally conservative Steve Borthwick has picked Marcus Smith over Freddie Steward at full-back. Secondly, the Ford/Farrell partnership has gone with Farrell being entrusted with the fly-half duties. Borthwick has given England the tools to unleash now the team […] READ MORE
Antoine Dupont: French ‘phantom’ of the Rugby World Cup returns
With a nod to the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage show, it is Frenchman Antoine Dupont who is the leading man who has returned to the main stage, weeks after succumbing to a nasty broken cheekbone. Now given permission to rejoin training, it is assumed he will play with a face protector; giving him the similar […] READ MORE
2003 RWC Anniversary: Joe van Niekerk
We caught up with former South Africa Back-Rower, Joe van Niekerk, to look back on his time at the 2003 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks. He also opened up about his predictions for the national side this 2023 RWC. 2003 Rugby World Cup Anniversary: Joe van Niekerk Using the touchline as an extra defender, […] READ MORE
Flying Fijians on the rise, as fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies fall flat
Grasping it with both hands is how the Flying Fijians must proceed in this Rugby World Cup. To grab every chance for their nation, to take the so-called ‘opportunity lost’ by a fumbling Eddie Jones’ Wallabies side, and go as far in this event as plausibly possible. Affectionately known as the ‘Flying Fijians’ the Fiji […] READ MORE
Henry Arundell and Marcus Smith boost Borthwick’s England attacking options
England’s 71-0 rout of Chile on Saturday was predictable but nonetheless a big confidence booster to the squad. Henry Arundell and Marcus Smith in particular made the most of their opportunities. With respect to Chile; who never stopped trying, they were never going to match England’s power. Sterner tests await for England but it would […] READ MORE
Johnny Sexton drives Irish hopes against strong Springboks 7-1 bench strategy
Saturday’s fixture Ireland v South Africa is a moc-Cup Final. It sees Johnny Sexton drive Irish hopes of a pinnacle World Title while defending title-holders the Springboks utilize their advanced 7-1 bench strategy. Ideally, fans could view this match-up later in the draw – your number one versus numbered teams two, three, or four should […] READ MORE