England 36, Italy 15: Eddie Jones hits out at Italy tactics before firing early shot across Scotland’s bow February 26, 2017 England head coach Eddie Jones slammed Italy’s tactics as his side suffered an almighty scare before maintaining their quest for a second successive Six Nations grand slam with victory over Italy at Twickenham. The hosts were baffled by the Azzurri’s game-plan of not committing men at the breakdown, meaning no ruck could be formed, which [...]
England have shown mental fortitude in defence, but if they want to be world No1 we need to see more attacking prowess February 23, 2017 England scaled new heights in many ways against Wales in Cardiff. They were up against it, on the ropes getting battered, but had the mental fortitude to answer those questions. What they need to show now is greater attacking prowess. That offensive flair, which was so apparent during the autumn with the number of free-flowing [...]
Betting: England to extend winning streak against an improved Italy February 23, 2017 A much-changed England side will be looking to make it 17 consecutive victories when they host Italy at Twickenham tomorrow. The Red Rose have been far from their best in this year’s Six Nations, but last-gasp victories over France and Wales have left them on course for their second successive Grand Slam. An easier test [...]
England v Italy Six Nations preview: How Owen Farrell’s attacking influence has increased ahead of 50th cap February 23, 2017 England may not have played their best rugby of the Eddie Jones era so far at this year's Six Nations, but for Owen Farrell it has been a tournament to remember. Farrell, tucked in alongside No10 George Ford at inside centre, has impressed Martin Johnson and Brian O'Driscoll to such an extent in England's wins [...]
Eddie Jones wields axe and drops centre Jonathan Joseph from England squad to face Italy February 22, 2017 England head coach Eddie Jones will field a new-look midfield against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday after axing Bath centre Jonathan Joseph from his training squad. The favourite to fill the void left by Joseph, who has played in all 15 Tests under Jones, is Wasps utility back Elliot Daly, having featured on the wing [...]
Rhys Webb heaps pressure on Scotland’s new Six Nations kicker after Greig Laidlaw’s injury February 22, 2017 Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb has heaped pressure on Scotland’s kicker prior to their Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield on Saturday following the tournament-ending injury to Greig Laidlaw. Gloucester No9 Laidlaw was ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations after suffering ankle ligament damage during Scotland’s 22-16 defeat to France in Paris earlier this [...]
Shane Williams interview: Legendary Wales wing on how long-distance running filled the gap left by his rugby retirement February 22, 2017 After a 17-year career spent flying past and sometimes crashing into men nearly twice his size, Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams could have been forgiven for taking a breather after finally calling it a day. It notoriously took the diminutive Welsh winger a number of attempts to quit the game before he hung up his [...]
Prop Joe Marler set to retain place and face Italy despite Mako Vunipola’s return to fitness February 21, 2017 Harlequins prop Joe Marler is set to start ahead of Mako Vunipola in England’s Six Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham on Sunday despite the Saracens loosehead’s return to fitness. British and Irish Lion Vunipola only made his return to action for the Allianz Park club on Friday night, having been sidelined since December with [...]
Marmite coaches, swelling crowds and now star signings: why Newcastle Falcons are soaring higher than their better-resourced rivals February 20, 2017 Light has been cast on the omnipresent shadow of relegation long lurking behind Newcastle’s Falcons, with the North East club well-installed at the mid-point of the Premiership table having staged a remarkable second half comeback to beat Northampton Saints 46-31 on Sunday afternoon. The club’s new artificial playing surface has produced multiple exciting performances and [...]
Wasps boss Dai Young denies complacency despite Sale Sharks setback February 19, 2017 Wasps director of rugby Dai Young denied suggestions of complacency after the Premiership leaders succumbed 34-28 at lowly Sale Sharks. Wing Denny Solomona scored a hat-trick for the north west outfit, taking his tally to seven tries in five matches since switching codes and joining Sale from Castleford Tigers. Sale led 31-9 at the break [...]