Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
The British and Irish Lions handed the Crusaders their first defeat for over 10 months, with a 3-12 success in Christchurch. The outstanding Owen Farrell kicked all 12 points in his first start for the British and Irish Lions on this tour. It was a welcome win for the Tourists after they had come in for some fierce criticism […] READ MORE
As expected the All Blacks fortress that is Eden Park delivered once again, as Steve Hansen’s side ran out 30-15 winners over the Lions. it proved true, with the All Blacks just too good for the Lions, who entered this match with high expectations. Ironically the Lions conducted themselves very well, and will be pleased with […] READ MORE
The British and Irish Lions have one out-and-out world class player and boy ‘did they need him on Saturday morning’. Owen Farrell was brought on in the second half, and rescued a failing Lions effort. The Lions laboured to a 13-7 win over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei thanks to Anthony Watson’s try. However […] READ MORE
Despite suggestions from many in the Twitter-verse that the only way Jamie Roberts could feature on the Lions tour to New Zealand this year is through a role as a team medic, it seems increasingly likely that he is to be named as one of the centres selected in the squad to be announced on […] READ MORE
At his best, Manu Tuilagi is a true game-breaker in the number 13 jersey. At just 27-years-old, the Leicester centre should be in his absolute prime. He is not, and that’s a problem for Eddie Jones, even though he’ll keep faith in Tuilagi nonetheless. The dejected look across Jones’ face as he revealed that the […] READ MORE
Eddie Jones faces a selection dilemma with the England Rugby inside center position. In his initial England squad as head coach, Eddie Jones searched for a physical inside center. With all this choice, Last Word on Rugby asks “who is the next player to wear the number 12 jersey?” Inside center is an area Jones […] READ MORE
Whilst it does allow England the 'extra dimension' of having two playmakers involved in their backs division, it comes with as many problems as it does solutions. Harsh it may be, but right now George Ford is hindering England’s development and his individual performances are not justifiable collateral. READ MORE
Personally, I therefore do not think it is time for England’s finishers to become starters. Rather, I think it is time that some of the England Rugby starters end up as finishers, and show Italy what they can really do. READ MORE
In one of the more anticipated rugby competitions of the year, the RBS Six Nations kicked off this weekend, with two of three matches played today. In one, a predicted outcome was evidence again that English rugby is near it’s peak. In the other, a Scotland win sets up a riveting Six Nations Championship. SCOTLAND 27 […] READ MORE
The 23-23 Worcester Gloucester draw at Sixways has thrown up a number of talking points in Aviva Premiership round two. The Warriors will be highly disappointed that victory wasn’t secured against their closest rivals after scoring three tries. Gloucester will be frustrated that they couldn’t capitalise fully against 14 men. However the visitors were lucky […] READ MORE
James is an Editor for Last Word on Rugby. He covers the Gallagher Premiership and in particular Gloucester Rugby, his hometown club. When not at Kingsholm James may also be found supporting Gloucestershire Cricket.