Helter-skelter Premiership action is wire brush for rusty stars as England grow in strength for Six Nations climax March 6, 2017 For a club’s fringe players, the Six Nations provides opportunities to accrue a run of games that can build coaches’ confidence in the consistency and repeatability of favourable performances. International stars will normally only appear at their clubs in order to receive treatment from physiotherapists who are most familiar with the imperfections of their physical [...]
Billy Vunipola included in England squad for Six Nations showdown with Scotland – but not before his fish and chips March 5, 2017 Powerhouse forward Billy Vunipola has been included in England’s training squad for Saturday’s Six Nations tussle with Scotland after making his return to action in Saracens’ victory at Newcastle. Vunipola, 24, played 72 minutes, his first appearance since November following a knee ligament injury, as Saracens defeated Newcastle 35-27 at Kingston Park to move within six [...]
Elliot Daly is a must for England, but also a big British and Irish Lions contender March 2, 2017 Amid all the “ruckgate” chaos of England’s Six Nations clash with Italy at the weekend, Elliot Daly underlined that he is a player who continues to grow. He’s excellent and fast becoming one of the first names on Eddie Jones’s teamsheet. More than that, the 24-year-old has firmly put himself in contention for this summer’s [...]
Former Saracens boss Brendan Venter could have set a precedent with remarkable Italy “ruckgate” tactic against England February 28, 2017 One can only speculate on what was said in the home dressing room deep beneath Twickenham’s West Stand on Sunday afternoon. After the first half’s bemusing events, themselves the result of a considered Italian strategy, England eventually hauled their way back into the match before recording a 36-15 victory. Brendan Venter, Italy’s defence coach, employed [...]
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 [...]