England ready to rectify last year’s defeat to Scotland in Six Nations finale March 13, 2019 It was just 13 months ago that Scotland brought England’s winning run to a shuddering halt in a Six Nations match at Murrayfield that saw Eddie Jones and his players harassed on and off the pitch. England lost 25-13 that day, but more significant was the manner in which they were beaten. Out-muscled, out-fought and [...]
England’s heavy hitters keep Six Nations hope alive ahead of finale against Scotland March 10, 2019 The tactics England intended to use against Italy on Saturday were clear from the starting XV, as Eddie Jones selected the heaviest backline in the team’s history. Manu Tuilagi and Joe Cokanasiga used their brute strength as the hosts brushed off defeat by Wales in the last match and out-muscled Italy to claim a resounding [...]
Ollie Phillips: England will go route one and try a new tactic against Italy with Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Te’o back March 7, 2019 Italy head coach Conor O’Shea would have always been expecting a tough challenge at Twickenham on Saturday, but England’s line-up means they’re in for a torrid time. The Italians’ game is based on heart and physicality and I think that’s part of the reason why Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV. [...]
England beware, Italy have grown in stature since their no-tackle tactics two years ago March 6, 2019 “Expect the unexpected” has been defence coach Jon Mitchell's advice to England this week ahead of their Six Nations game with Italy on Saturday, two years on from the no-tackle tactics which left Eddie Jones's side perplexed. Italy's game-plan on that day saw them refrain from competing at the ruck, meaning no offside line was [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s Grand Slam dream is gone but bittersweet Six Nations title still a real possibility February 28, 2019 England’s dream of a Grand Slam was ended by Wales last weekend but I still think they will win the Six Nations. So far Warren Gatland is looking like Mystic Meg because his prediction before the tournament looks to be coming true. The Wales coach said that if his side beat France in their opening [...]
Six Nations surprise stars: Who have emerged as the standout performers in the championship so far? February 26, 2019 After just three rounds of action the Six Nations has already thrown up a number of twists and turns, including England's win over favourites Ireland, before then losing to Wales last weekend. Here, City A.M. looks at five players who have emerged as surprising standout performers for their country. Liam Williams The Wales full-back has played exceptionally [...]
Wales 21-13 England: Eddie Jones’s side need to learn how reverse momentum after first Six Nations defeat February 24, 2019 England’s wins over Ireland and France had been defined by well-executed game-plans, taken from the training pitch and implemented effectively under the pressure the Six Nations provides. In Dublin the tactic to send high, hanging kicks down the flanks to test Robbie Henshaw, playing out of position at full-back, was performed to perfection. At Twickenham, [...]
Resurgent England have the edge on Wales in Six Nations Grand Slam decider February 21, 2019 The turnaround in England’s fortunes during the Six Nations has been unbelievable. Before the championship people wondered if they might finish third or fourth, but now they have a trip to Wales on Saturday for what I believe is a Grand Slam decider. It’s not just that England have beaten Ireland and France; it’s the [...]
Liam Williams will be in the spotlight if England continue to kick against Wales with Leigh Halfpenny absent February 21, 2019 England exploited Robbie Henshaw's inexperience at full-back in the win over Ireland and then capitalised on Yoann Huget's inability to lead the backline in the victory against France a week later. Liam Williams will not present such an obvious weakness in the Wales back three for Saturday's Six Nations showdown, but Eddie Jones's side have [...]
Frankenstein’s flanker: England’s Tom Curry has taken on aspects of all his idols but is keeping grounded after successful Six Nations start February 14, 2019 Tom Curry is quickly establishing himself as Eddie Jones's go-to man at openside flanker after an impressive start to the Six Nations. He may be only 20 years old but his ability and tireless work ethic has seen him improve England's performance at the breakdown markedly – even if he is modest about it. In [...]