Pressure on England to beat Ireland as Eddie Jones names probable World Cup XV August 22, 2019 For England’s third World Cup warm-up match, against Ireland on Saturday, Eddie Jones has selected a team that almost looks like his first choice XV for the tournament. Only Mako Vunipola coming in for Joe Marler at loosehead prop could make this side stronger. But there is a concern over how reliant England have become [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s World Cup hopefuls face baptism of fire in Cardiff against Wales August 15, 2019 Eddie Jones is keen to have a good look at new recruits in the warm-ups ahead of the World Cup, and after missing out last weekend through injury, what a baptism of fire it will be for Ruaridh McConnochie in Cardiff on Saturday. Barring glaring omissions in Danny Cipriani and Alex Goode, Jones has committed [...]
Ollie Phillips: Eddie Jones is being decisive with England World Cup squad but his intensity could backfire August 8, 2019 Eddie Jones’s decision to name his World Cup squad almost four weeks before the official deadline is one typical of the England head coach. On one hand it’s unnecessary because he’ll almost certainly have to make changes to the 31 names he announces on Monday due to injuries sustained in the warm-up matches and training [...]
Ollie Phillips: Warren Gatland should groom Andy Farrell as his British and Irish Lions successor June 13, 2019 Warren Gatland’s unveiling as the British and Irish Lions coach on Wednesday was hardly surprising, but it was an appointment which makes a great deal of sense. Gatland is one of the best coaches in the world and has plenty of motivation on what will be his third Lions tour, to South Africa in 2021. [...]
Ollie Phillips: Why well-drilled Saracens will be too strong for Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership final May 30, 2019 The Premiership final is here and it’s no surprise to see Saracens and Exeter Chiefs facing off at Twickenham on Saturday. They’re simply head and shoulders above the rest at the moment. It will be the third final meeting between the two and one of them has been involved in each of the last five [...]
Ollie Phillips: Don’t expect a shock – Saracens and Exeter are streets ahead of their Premiership play-off rivals May 23, 2019 The Premiership semi-finals are upon us this weekend and it is very much a case of challengers taking on heavy favourites. Saracens and Exeter have been dominant over the past few seasons and it will take a mammoth effort from Gloucester or Northampton to reach the final. Saracens have won three of the last four [...]
Ollie Phillips: Premiership play-off place in Harlequins’ grasp ahead of trip to under-performing Wasps May 16, 2019 The final weekend of the Premiership season is upon us and there’s plenty to play for, with the last play-off spot still up for grabs. As it stands Northampton Saints are in pole position, occupying fourth, one point ahead of fifth-placed Harlequins. But despite their points advantage I’d rather be in Quins’ position – and [...]
Ollie Phillips: Johnny Sexton’s battle with Owen Farrell will decide heavyweight Champions Cup final May 9, 2019 The Champions Cup final is all set to be a momentous clash, with Europe’s two outstanding sides going head to head in an almost impossible-to-call showdown ob Saturday. It’s a most fitting decider. Defending champions Leinster are going for an unprecedented fifth title, while Saracens are aiming for a third in four years. Read more: [...]
Ollie Phillips: Champions Cup qualification would be fitting end to groundbreaking campaign for Bristol May 2, 2019 The Premiership’s top two sides, Exeter and Saracens, may be meeting this weekend but with just two games to go the drama lies elsewhere. The two outstanding teams are streets ahead and I think will meet in the final on 1 June but the other 10 sides still have lots to play for. Read more: [...]
Ollie Phillips: Pressure mounting on Eddie Jones ahead of autumn internationals as RFU publicly pursue his successor October 25, 2018 The Rugby Football Union are already preparing for life after Eddie Jones, it emerged this week. That in itself isn’t controversial. One day he will have to step aside – it just depends whether that will be at the end of his contract in 2021 or following the 2019 World Cup. Jones is well aware [...]
