Of all the players and management, caught up in the elation of the last-gasp win for the All Blacks over the Springboks, Sam Cane was not one of them. Removed from the International match early, he would later find out that he had fractured a bone in his neck – thus ending his season early. […] READ MORE
Tag: November Internationals
Forgotten men of England Rugby still in selection frame
In August, England Rugby coach Eddie Jones made the bold prediction that he has in mind most of his squad to go to Japan next year. The reality must be that there are at least eight spots which are very much up for grabs, for the ‘forgotten men’ of the English rugby squad, to fight […] READ MORE
Guy Novès’ Future Uncertain After Dismal Autumn for Les Bleus
French rugby is close to rock bottom. Despite the highs of being announced as hosts for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, 2017 will still go down as a low point for Les Bleus. As a result, Guy Novès’ future as France head coach is looking bleak. Draw Against Japan the Tipping Point France’s final test […] READ MORE
“Nothing Better Than an Australia v England Contest” says Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones has labelled Australia as “the best team in the world at the moment,” ahead of a fascinating Australia v England contest at Twickenham on Saturday. Despite stumbling to a 21-8 victory over Argentina last week, the England head coach knows exactly what awaits his England players. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s clash, […] READ MORE
Luke Whitelock to Captain New Zealand in Midweek Tour Match
In news that has started many conversations in New Zealand, the naming of Luke Whitelock to Captain New Zealand in their midweek tour match against a French XV Selection has several key points. Firstly, the current leader of the Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup team seems more than qualified. He has successfully led New Zealand (NZ) previously […] READ MORE
New Zealand Work Extra Hard to Defeat French XV Selection in Lyon
While not a test match in name, the feeling on the ground was exactly the same intensity. As New Zealand ran on an All Blacks side with few experienced players, they had to face a nugget and hard French XV Selection in Lyon. The result was not assured, right up till the last minute, the French […] READ MORE
Mistakes from All Blacks Show Little Change, in Win Over France
The judgement is that ‘a win over France is hard enough to achieve’. Even a Les Bleus side with injury worries, can still upset any International side. So while basic mistakes from All Blacks do continue to plague this team, they continue to win when it is needed. A 18-38 victory is a signal that […] READ MORE
New Look French Rugby Squad out to Test All Blacks: 4 Players to Watch
Guy Noves’ announcement of the French rugby squad combines a blend of youth and experience. Ahead of the November Internationals, the head coach hasn’t shied away from including uncapped players in the match day squad. ?? Voici la compo des Bleus pour affronter les @AllBlacks samedi au @StadeFrance ! #soutiensleXV pic.twitter.com/NvRFmMSJRC — FF Rugby (@FFRugby) November […] READ MORE
Mercurial All Blacks Escape With First November Internationals Win
Three matches were played over this weekend, to open the November Internationals calendar. Not inside the ‘World Rugby window’ which particularly limited the availability of all players, but they were all entertaining games to signal that the Autumn Tours are about to invade the Northern Hemisphere. An important stage of the year, with the Southern […] READ MORE
World Rugby “Nations, Please Ready Your RWC 2023 Votes”
The leading rugby playing nations are selecting sides to prepare for the busy November International window. From Tonga to Australia, Wales to New Zealand, the teams and leading figures of the game are becoming ready. For their figure heads, World Rugby will soon call on them – “nations, please ready your RWC 2023 Votes.” This comes as […] READ MORE