The Rugby World Cup bronze final will be played out between Wales and New Zealand this Friday in what will be the fanfare goodbye for both Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen. However, the final is nothing but a money spinner and goes right against World Rugby’s player welfare needs. The final goodbye for two major […] READ MORE
Tag: Rugby World Cup
South Africa brutality had the better of Wales
Following their win over Wales in last weekend’s semi-final, Robert Rees takes a look at how South Africa used their physicality to overcome Warren Gatland’s men. Springbok power just a step too far for Wales Rassie Erasmus’ side have made a name for themselves as bruising, physical opponents; overhauling their opposition to claim their fourth […] READ MORE
England’s road to recovery: Five key moments to redemption
England have a chance for history. Four years ago, English rugby experienced its darkest day. Stuart Lancaster and his men dumped out of a home World Cup and a reshuffle was imminent. In came Eddie Jones fresh off the high of an infamous win over the Springboks with up and coming Japan side. Fast forward […] READ MORE
England’s breakdown work destroyed New Zealand’s game plan
England cruised to another Rugby World Cup final, shoving Steve Hansen’s men to one side as they went. Disruption was key to the victory and the back row led the charge. Robert Rees takes a look at just where England got it right. England set the tone with selection Eddie Jones could have been forgiven […] READ MORE
Springbok game plan will remain unchanged
The squad that Rassie Erasmus announced for their Rugby World Cup semifinal mach against Wales points to no changes to the Springbok game plan. The Springbok squad One change to the team One change has been made to to the team that defeated Japan in the quarter-final. One of the players of the tournament, Cheslin […] READ MORE
Wales won’t fear the power of the Springboks
Wales head into their semi-final against South Africa with a lot of positivity surrounding their hopes of victory. They have won the last five meetings between the sides. Robert Rees looks at why Wales won’t be fearing the Springboks. Wales can match the power game South Africa dominated the Japanese, as they have done with […] READ MORE
Wales’ poor kicking strategy allowed Fiji in the game
Wales are known for wanting to kick the ball in field, but against a counter attacking Fijian side it wasn’t always the right option or was badly executed. Robert Rees analyses why and where it went wrong and how they fixed it. Loose kicking allowed Fiji into game Wales opening ten minutes were amongst the […] READ MORE
What makes Semi Radradra such a quality player?
Fiji’s player of the tournament, Semi Radradra, is a world class attacker, but what makes him good at what he does? Robert Rees breaks down the key basics to understand what he does and why. Now, Radradra isn’t just a potent threat due to his magnificent speed and agility for a man as big and […] READ MORE
Rugby World Cup: Japan Vs Scotland
Japan are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and if that happens, expect unprecedented scenes of delight across this amazing country. They opened this tournament with a 30-10 win over Russia and last weekend’s thrilling 38-19 victory against Samoa, where a Kotaro Matsushima try in the […] READ MORE
Could there be an ‘Eight Nations’ including Fiji and Japan?
Following the recent successes of Fiji and more so Japan Robert Rees takes a look at how an ‘Eight Nations’ could help them develop further whilst adding a bridge between that tier one and two gap. Expansion to ‘Eight Nations’ Imagine having the regular Six Nations teams but then adding in the passion of the […] READ MORE