Six Nations: Ireland’s Andy Farrell could learn something from France’s fresh approach under Fabien Galthie February 27, 2020 Watching last weekend’s Six Nations games I was struck by a huge contrast between two of the teams on display. Once again France provided the highlight of the weekend, beating Wales 27-23 in a thrilling contest in Cardiff which kept the youthful visitors’ Grand Slam hopes alive. On Sunday it was a different story, as [...]
England 24-12 Ireland: Johnny Sexton’s struggles help England record confidence-boosting win at Twickenham February 23, 2020 The build-up to England’s Six Nations clash against Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday was dominated by one storyline. England captain Owen Farrell coming up against his father, Ireland head coach Andy, was an understandable focus, given the importance of both figures. But before England’s 24-12 win was over it was clear that particular aspect had [...]
Home advantage will see England overcome Ireland in the Farrell family showdown at Twickenham February 20, 2020 The Six Nations returns this weekend after a break and Sunday brings a mouth-watering contest at Twickenham, where England host Ireland. As ever, it’s set to be a huge game between two of the world’s top five teams and there’s plenty at stake, too. Ireland are eyeing a Triple Crown and are still on course [...]
Ireland’s attack is evolving under English duo Andy Farrell and Mike Catt ahead of Twickenham showdown February 20, 2020 Ireland found out the hard way last year that standing still in rugby is tantamount to going backwards. The heroics of 2018’s Grand Slam and a win over New Zealand were quickly forgotten as their Six Nations crown slipped and Joe Schmidt’s side crashed out of the Rugby World Cup at the quarter-finals. It made [...]
Adding South Africa into the Six Nations is a controversial move but it makes commercial sense in the long run February 13, 2020 The Six Nations is in a rest week at the moment but there has been no shortage of things for fans to talk about after it emerged that South Africa could join the tournament. The potential introduction of the Springboks in 2024 is an emotive subject and I can certainly see both sides of the [...]
England weathered the storm in Scotland to keep Six Nations dreams alive February 9, 2020 It was a Six Nations match that will be remembered for everything but the dire spectacle on the pitch as England walked into the eye of the storm at Murrayfield on Saturday. A hostile reception was guaranteed for Eddie Jones and his team on their arrival, but not many would have foreseen a stray bottle [...]
Eddie Jones will be under the spotlight on his first return to Murrayfield since being ‘verbally and physically abused’ in 2018 February 7, 2020 There can be few places Eddie Jones would rather avoid more than Murrayfield this weekend as he leads England north of the border amid growing doubts about his team. Despite taking them to a Rugby World Cup final just three months ago, last weekend’s 24-17 defeat to France in the opening round of the Six [...]
Faltering England face a tough test of their mettle in feisty Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield February 6, 2020 England face Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday in a match which carries huge significance, both historically and for the tournament. Eddie Jones has opted to make five changes as England attempt to wrestle back momentum following their disappointing 24-17 defeat against France in the opening game. They were poor in Paris, but I [...]
Six Nations preview: England can heal World Cup scars while youthful France will spring a surprise January 30, 2020 The Six Nations kicks off on Saturday and, although there are some question marks around them, England are still red-hot favourites to win the tournament. On the face of it, they come into the competition facing a few issues. Sunday’s match in Paris is their first since losing the World Cup final in November. Can [...]
French revolution: Galthie’s radical overhaul gives France new aura of unpredictability January 30, 2020 It was the World Cup match that never was as Typhoon Hagibis ripped through Japan. But on Sunday France and England will face one another at the Stade de France on the opening weekend of a Six Nations that promises fresh faces and change — for no team more than Les Bleus. Former assistant Fabien [...]
