England drop Ben Youngs ahead of Italy Six Nations Test February 8, 2023 England Rugby’s most capped man Ben Youngs has been dropped from the national side’s squad ahead of this week’s round two Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham Stadium. The Leicester Tigers scrum-half made his 122nd appearance when he came off the bench in England’s Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland at the weekend. Youngs, 33, [...]
Six Nations: Forza Italy – Azzurri on the up but need another huge scalp February 6, 2023 “Forza Italia” was the phrase ringing around the Stadio Olimpico in Rome after Italy’s 29-24 loss to defending Six Nations champions France on Sunday. Why such jubilation after a defeat? Because 41,000 spectators saw an Italian side pumped with passion running the Grand Slam holders close in the greatest annual international rugby tournament in the [...]
Defending Six Nations champions France sneak past Italy in Rome thriller February 5, 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam holders France began their Championship defence with a nervy win over Italy in Rome on Sunday afternoon. Les Bleus picked up a try bonus point win in their 29-24 victory in the Italian capital but Italy had led 24-22 in the final quarter. France crossed the try line on three occasions [...]
England may have lost Calcutta Cup vs Scotland but Six Nations hope remains February 5, 2023 Steve Borthwick’s first game as head coach of England offered an intriguing comparison with the last match of predecessor Eddie Jones in the autumn. They both started Marcus Smith at fly-half and Owen Farrell at No12, they both picked a pack that, in the end, was outmuscled and they ultimately both lost. Here are four [...]
Six Nations: Resurgent Italy on a mission to earn respect from relegation backers February 5, 2023 They’re the traditional whipping boys of the Six Nations, with their highest finish coming 10 years ago when they concluded the Championship in fourth, but Italy have a new-found confidence and are going back to basics in 2023. Last year they beat Wales in Cardiff to end a 36-match Six Nations winless run before backing [...]
Six Nations: France are serial winners but bond means more, says Kayser February 4, 2023 France come into this Six Nations as defending Grand Slam champions, something they haven’t been able to do since 2011. Les Bleus are in scintillating form having gone through the entirety of last year without defeat. But the stakes are higher in 2023, which brings a World Cup in which they’ll play hosts, and the [...]
Six Nations: Ireland are favourites but selection needs adjusting, says Best February 4, 2023 The four provinces of Ireland strut into this year’s Championship as the best in the world: the top ranked team on the planet and firing on all cylinders. Ireland look like they’re peaking, but they have been guilty in the past of climaxing a year too early when it comes to getting the World Cup [...]
Six Nations: Wales can be unleashed by bruising back row and Owens may not be World Cup captain, says Warburton February 3, 2023 Wales are in a tricky patch ahead of the 2023 Six Nations. They’ve got a new coach in Warren Gatland who is also their ex-coach, a third captain in the space of 18 months, and some exciting youngsters to test out ahead of the World Cup. They won the tournament in 2021 but finished fifth [...]
Sports on TV this weekend: Big Bash, Six Nations and Premier League February 3, 2023 The Six Nations returns, cricket’s Big Bash reaches its climax Down Under, Great Britain are in Davis Cup action and there are big games in both the Premier League and LaLiga. Here’s your unmissable sports schedule for the weekend. Tennis: Davis Cup Finals qualifier, Friday It feels like the last Davis Cup has only just [...]
Six Nations: ‘Wales for the Wooden Spoon? I think it could happen’ February 3, 2023 This year’s Six Nations is arguably both the most predictable and the least predictable in a long time – but I do think there is a good chance of Wales finishing rock bottom. I am in agreement with most that it will be between Ireland and France for the title, but beyond that it is [...]