Not all rugby is boring. It’s northern hemisphere rugby, as exemplified by the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, that has the issue. So what? Kiwis and Ozzies have been pointing that out for decades. But it’s objectively bad when English rugby royalty are complaining about the state of rugby after their team has just won both […] READ MORE
Tag: Autumn Nations Cup
England have to stop the Etzebeth juggernaut at Twickenham
England v South Africa is such an enticing prospect given what is at stake for both sides. A ‘new’ England side can finish off their encouraging autumn campaign with a dose of revenge. Banishing the horrors of the 2019 World Cup Final will be high on Eddie Jones’s priority list. For South Africa, finishing their […] READ MORE
Farrell’s Ireland peaking for 2023
Rugby works in cycles. You rise, you peak, and then you decline. Then it is followed by a rebuild and the cycle continues again. The greatest peak at a Rugby World Cup. Something Farrell’s Ireland are striving to emulate. On Saturday, Ireland arguably put together the greatest performance an Irish side has produced against the […] READ MORE
Springboks defeat Scotland after strong second half display: Opinion
A strong second-half display saw the Springboks defeat Scotland 30 points to 15 at a packed Murrayfield on Saturday. Scorers Scotland : 15 Tries: Stuart Hogg (2). Conversion: Finn Russell. Penalty: Russell. South Africa: 30 Makazole Mapimpi(2). Conversions: Elton Jantjies. Penalties: Janties (3), Handre Pollard (2), Frans Steyn. Springboks defeat Scotland Tight first half The […] READ MORE
Assessing Wales Autumn performance ahead of the upcoming Six Nations
Assessing Wales Autumn Performance. What went well, what went badly and what needs to improve for the upcoming Six Nations? In a slightly unusual Autumn period in the rugby calendar, which saw the conclusion of the Six Nations as well as the first Autumn Nations Cup, Wales’ performances were mixed. Some matches inspired a sense […] READ MORE
Who could win the 2023 Rugby World Cup: England edition
With the draw just announced for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the possible plotlines to the final are being assessed by teams, pundits, and fans alike. Wales’ chances have already been assessed, so it seems fitting to look at their nearest and dearest neighbour, England. The English team is currently ranked 2nd in the world […] READ MORE
Who could win the 2023 Rugby World Cup? Wales edition
You can’t predict much these days, but you can be sure, on any given weekend, an international-level coach will say, “we’re building a squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.” But does this hold much meaning? It’s catchy, it moves the interview on, but when the winners and the losers are saying it, it seems […] READ MORE
Leinster Rugby: Dublin giants continue to dominate in 2020/21 season
After half a dozen games in the 2020/21 Guinness PRO14 season, Leinster rugby is again flying high. Leo Cullen’s men are yet again the pacesetters in the Celtic league. Leinster; who have lost just five of their last 47 games in the Pro14 are again the frontrunners this season. That is despite being without a […] READ MORE
Unfit Fiji forfeit all remaining Autumn Nations Cup fixtures
All remaining Autumn Nations Cup fixtures for Fiji have been cancelled, as the unfit Fijian squad succumb to Covid-19 positive tests. And with those cancelled fixtures, all hope for Fijian rugby’s great rise to new heights has been unfairly cut short. With a majority of the group now showing positive Coronavirus results, head coach Vern […] READ MORE
Duncan Weir’s Scotland recall ‘testament to his character’, says Townsend
Duncan Weir ‘s return to the Scotland number 10 jersey in Florence on Saturday is ‘testament to his character’, according to national team boss Gregor Townsend. The Worcester Warriors stand-off will win his 29th cap against Italy and is one of four changes to the side that beat Wales on October 31, with Sam Johnson, […] READ MORE