Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Picture New Zealand as a metaphorical ‘rugby terrain’ and consider Warren Gatland and his British and Irish Lions as the group charged with ‘negotiating it’. To do that Gatland must first experiment with his squad, and especially the Lions backline depth, to find the winning combination before June 24. Returning from Whangarei, after the tour […] READ MORE
The British and Irish Lions secured an important victory in dominant fashion against a Maori All Blacks squad that was never in contention. Ending 10-32, the Lions scored two tries to the Maori’s one at a packed out Rotorua International Stadium. The result can be put down to two things – a dominant scrum and […] READ MORE
Over the course of this British and Irish Lions 2017 tour, the one standard is being ‘rugby united’. That is, being welcoming of and an active member of the tour. Visitors, like the guest, all have an active interest–which is why it is referred to as ‘rugby united’. #rugbyunited – Shared Respect in Rugby It […] READ MORE
‘Here come the cavalry’ but it’s not who you’d expect. On the 19th of May this year, fans and players alike were watching and listening intently to their radios, phones, laptops and tv’s to find out who would have the honour of being chosen by Warren Gatland and his coaching team to represent the British and […] READ MORE
The British and Irish Lions warm-up for New Zealand ended in the best possible way, after a trouncing of the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise. A four try rout saw Jack Nowell (2), a penalty try, and Jared Payne all crossing against a Chiefs side, missing all of their All Blacks contingent. Nevertheless, the British and […] READ MORE
Warren Gatland might just need to stop and think about some of his selections ahead of the First Test in Auckland. The so-called ‘B Team’ put in a performance that the British and Irish Lions had been yearning for since the tour to New Zealand began a fortnight ago. The first big win on tour, […] READ MORE
Northern Hemisphere Rugby Closing The Gap With the British & Irish Lions having touched down following an enthralling drawn series in New Zealand, the analysis of the series for both the home and away sides, will continue long into the summer. One thing that is apparent, is the bridging of ‘a gap’ for Northern Hemisphere […] READ MORE
In the final midweek game of the 2017 tour, it was your typical ‘game of two halves’. A fired-up British and Irish Lions team taking the early lead, only for the barnstorming home side to come within a whisker of stealing a win. A thrilling 31-31 draw was a close-run-thing, as the Lions survive the […] READ MORE
The Lions secured one of the greatest wins in their illustrious rugby history, thanks to some immense character, a huge heart and Owen Farrell’s boot. A monumental fixture that will now see a crucial decider at Eden Park to decide the series. The three test DHL Lions Series will now go into a decider next […] READ MORE
The Second Test between the All Blacks v Lions was a ‘spicy affair’. Full of flashpoints and many talking points. Three key decisions of World Rugby referee Jérôme Garcès provided the bulk of the latter; the first-half red card to All Black Sonny Bill Williams, the yellow card to Lion Mako Vunipola, and the controversial […] READ MORE
Scott MacLean is an active rugby referee in Wellington (NZ), and writes for Last Word On Rugby predominantly from the ‘match officials’ viewpoint.