Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Eddie Jones has picked an initial squad for the 2022 Six Nations which is full of young blood and promise. The controversial pick given how little rugby he has played is Owen Farrell coming back as captain. Marcus Smith’s electric form for club and country surely means he will keep hold of the number ten […] READ MORE
After a highly successful Autumn international campaign, England rugby fans will be full of expectations as we head into the 2022 Six Nations Championship. One of the big questions they will ask is who will win come out on top in the England number eight debate. England will start with a massive clash against Scotland […] READ MORE
There is never a dull moment under Eddie Jones whether you are an England rugby fan, a player or a coach. The usual stoushes and flirting with the media, lost in translation barbs over Great Britain’s most promising sports stars (think tennis) and selections that no one saw coming. But, Eddie Jones has got England’s […] READ MORE
England’s emphatic win over Tonga has given Eddie Jones a number of selection headaches ahead of England v Australia on Saturday. Every coach wants options but for Jones, he may have to make the biggest selection call of his England coaching tenure. Does he relegate Owen Farell now and promote Marcus Smith? The clamour to […] READ MORE
With respect to Tonga, this will be England’s easiest assignment of the winter. This England v Tonga is a match for the taking, though attacking talents like Alex Dombrandt and Marcus Smith being left on the bench will confuse many England fans in the side announced this Thursday. Owen Farrell comes back at fly-half with […] READ MORE
There is no getting away from the hard fact that Eddie Jones does not like change. On Sunday afternoon he finally fielded an experimental side. Ever since he took over England it has been Ford and Farrell as his generals. On Sunday we saw a new man running the ship – Marcus Smith. The result […] READ MORE
Retaining Eddie Jones as the England rugby coach is the right decision. The RFU were absolutely correct to do a full debrief on what was a disastrous 2021 Six Nations campaign. Many feel England rugby need an overhaul and to an extent this is true, but Jones is the right man to do the job still. […] READ MORE
Ireland strategically, emotionally and physically dominated England. Eddie Jones is now a man under pressure as are some of his lieutenants after a chastening afternoon in Dublin. The 32-18 scoreline flattered England and a distinctly mediocre 2021 Six Nations has mercifully come to an end. There were familiar failings, poor discipline, poor game management and […] READ MORE
This was a classic Le Crunch, one of the very best. Both teams contributed to a non-stop, end-to-end Six Nations match. England to their huge credit deservedly won 23-20 in the final minutes of the game, having dominated the final quarter. After mounting criticism for a disappointing Six Nations campaign to date, England came roaring […] READ MORE
With ‘Le Crunch’ fast approaching, all eyes will be on Eddie Jones squad selection on Thursday. After a deflating, penalty-strewn defeat to Wales, many are asking for Jones to swallow his pride and start picking from the Gallagher Premiership. Chief among the names is Sam Simmonds. The Exeter backrower has once again put in world-class […] READ MORE