England fall flat in dramatic Six Nations finale against Scotland March 17, 2019 When Sam Johnson crossed the line to give Scotland a 38-31 lead over England with just three minutes left on Saturday, it looked as though the visitors were about to claim their first win at Twickenham in 36 years with the biggest comeback in Six Nations history. England denied them with the final play of [...]
Ollie Phillips: Ireland will find their form and help England to Six Nations victory this weekend March 14, 2019 The Six Nations builds up to its crescendo this weekend and all the indications are that it will be an intriguing one. With three sides still able to win the tournament there’s no problem with dead rubbers, although Wales against Ireland is the match which will shape the outcome. England’s hopes of winning the trophy [...]
England ready to rectify last year’s defeat to Scotland in Six Nations finale March 13, 2019 It was just 13 months ago that Scotland brought England’s winning run to a shuddering halt in a Six Nations match at Murrayfield that saw Eddie Jones and his players harassed on and off the pitch. England lost 25-13 that day, but more significant was the manner in which they were beaten. Out-muscled, out-fought and [...]
England’s heavy hitters keep Six Nations hope alive ahead of finale against Scotland March 10, 2019 The tactics England intended to use against Italy on Saturday were clear from the starting XV, as Eddie Jones selected the heaviest backline in the team’s history. Manu Tuilagi and Joe Cokanasiga used their brute strength as the hosts brushed off defeat by Wales in the last match and out-muscled Italy to claim a resounding [...]
Ollie Phillips: England will go route one and try a new tactic against Italy with Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Te’o back March 7, 2019 Italy head coach Conor O’Shea would have always been expecting a tough challenge at Twickenham on Saturday, but England’s line-up means they’re in for a torrid time. The Italians’ game is based on heart and physicality and I think that’s part of the reason why Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV. [...]
England beware, Italy have grown in stature since their no-tackle tactics two years ago March 6, 2019 “Expect the unexpected” has been defence coach Jon Mitchell's advice to England this week ahead of their Six Nations game with Italy on Saturday, two years on from the no-tackle tactics which left Eddie Jones's side perplexed. Italy's game-plan on that day saw them refrain from competing at the ruck, meaning no offside line was [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s Grand Slam dream is gone but bittersweet Six Nations title still a real possibility February 28, 2019 England’s dream of a Grand Slam was ended by Wales last weekend but I still think they will win the Six Nations. So far Warren Gatland is looking like Mystic Meg because his prediction before the tournament looks to be coming true. The Wales coach said that if his side beat France in their opening [...]
Six Nations surprise stars: Who have emerged as the standout performers in the championship so far? February 26, 2019 After just three rounds of action the Six Nations has already thrown up a number of twists and turns, including England's win over favourites Ireland, before then losing to Wales last weekend. Here, City PM looks at five players who have emerged as surprising standout performers for their country. Liam Williams The Wales full-back has played exceptionally [...]
Wales 21-13 England: Eddie Jones’s side need to learn how reverse momentum after first Six Nations defeat February 24, 2019 England’s wins over Ireland and France had been defined by well-executed game-plans, taken from the training pitch and implemented effectively under the pressure the Six Nations provides. In Dublin the tactic to send high, hanging kicks down the flanks to test Robbie Henshaw, playing out of position at full-back, was performed to perfection. At Twickenham, [...]
Resurgent England have the edge on Wales in Six Nations Grand Slam decider February 21, 2019 The turnaround in England’s fortunes during the Six Nations has been unbelievable. Before the championship people wondered if they might finish third or fourth, but now they have a trip to Wales on Saturday for what I believe is a Grand Slam decider. It’s not just that England have beaten Ireland and France; it’s the [...]
