U20 Six Nations: One to watch from each of the competing nations February 10, 2023 While many are keeping their eyes out for the world class talent in the Six Nations, the Under-20 version is running adjacently. With the same teams involved, this is seen as a quality pathway for the sport’s next stars to shine on the semi-international stage. Here’s one player to watch from each of tonight’s matches, [...]
Marcus Smith DROPPED to bench for England’s Six Nations match vs Italy February 10, 2023 Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has been dropped to the bench ahead of England’s Six Nations fixture against Italy on Sunday. Smith had started at No10 in last week’s Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland inside Owen Farrell but the Saracens No10 will take Smith’s spot in Sunday’s clash at Twickenham. It’s a new centre partnership for [...]
Sport on television: Cricket World Cup, Super Bowl and Six Nations February 10, 2023 It’s a huge weekend in sport with another Cricket World Cup on top of the Premier League, Club World Cup, Six Nations and the Super Bowl. Here are five events you need to put into your sports calendar. Golf: Phoenix Open, Thursday – Sunday Rory McIlroy leads the field for this week’s Phoenix Open – [...]
Ireland duel in Dublin vs France could be the Six Nations decider February 10, 2023 I wouldn’t usually reveal my hand so early on in a Six Nations tournament, but I do think the winner of this match between Ireland and France will go on to claim the Championship this year. Many have had the same view prior to the tournament and I back it, though Scotland could be the [...]
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 [...]