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Scrums, Props and RefereesAs we look forward to the return fixtures in this weekends European Rugby Champions Cup, Murray Kinsella focusses his torch on the dark art of front row play.
Dissecting referee Wayne Barne’s interpretation last week of Munster tight head BJ Botha’s battle with Clermont loose head Thomas Domingo and profiling the challenge Nigel Owen will have this weekend to interpret and manage this most intense and influential aspect of play.
No pressure Nigel!
Match fixing and rugby – The fight to ensure the integrity of our gameAs the dust settles on another series of fiercely-fought inter-hemisphere clashes another intense battle continues, the one to preserve the integrity of the sport.
Match-fixing scandals have hit increasingly close to home in recent months with football, cricket and rugby league all tarnished by reports of alleged corruption. Until now, rugby union has escaped such ignominy but far from celebrating the fact, officials are stepping up their efforts to keep it that way.
A Rucking Revolution?FIJI SEVENS HEAD coach Ben Ryan published a number of intriguing tweets yesterday evening highlighting a technique which he believes has the game “in crisis”.
The former England Sevens boss has an issue with the rucking technique that, depending on where one is from, is referred to as a crocodile roll, tin opener, can opener, body roll, croc roll, alligator roll, gator roll, saddle roll or log roll.
England performance a timely mix of brute force and intellectGraham Jenkins dissects a very timely England performance against Australia. A victory not just built on brute force but their most intelligent performance of the autumn. Lancaster’s side saved the best until last with a dominant 26-17 victory over Australia.
Autumn Internationals, A Southern Hemisphere PerspectiveLiam Napier reviews the Autumn internationals and delivers a southern hemisphere perspective on the form contenders a year out from rugby’s biggest show.
The art of being smart - coaches everywhere under spotlight in RWC lead upSimon Halliday shares with us his thoughts around the Autumn Internationals to date and what they tell us about form and contenders for the 2015 RWC.
Murray Kinsella Ireland vs Australia OverviewMurray Kinsella dissects the Ireland vs Australia test match. Delivering a breakdown that has real relevance to coaches and players around the world. We know you are enjoying Murray’s perspective and game understanding. Enjoy.
Ford brings England's future into focusGraham Jenkins reviews England’s performance against Samoa over the weekend, identifying George Ford as the shining light the England team has been searching for.
Predictably fired up after a turbulent week off the pitch, Samoa went after the comparatively slight Ford, and some of his team-mates, but he reminded us he has the steel to complement the abundance of skill he can call on.
Dan Carter: coming back from adversity (part 2)One of the most gifted players of his or any generation, Carter insists hard graft has played a more significant part in his undoubted success. “Hard work is crucial,” he said. “You can have all the talent in the world but if you are not prepared to work at the highest level then that is a big part…"
Wayne Smith: Mindset of a champion Part 3 of 3The third and final part of this series, Wayne Smith shares his philosophy on the need for coaches and players to continue to innovate, and think outside the square, – coaching to continue to win. And what’s it’s like to coach the rugby team of a nation who finds it totally unacceptable to lose a game of rugby.
Maul resurgence as an attacking weaponTHE MAUL is enjoying a resurgence at the top levels of world rugby, to the point that it has become one of the key attacking weapons for teams who are increasingly focused on the maul as a means of amassing tries.
All Blacks' Scottish experiment almost backfiresThere is a fine line between arrogance and experimentation. The All Blacks almost crossed it in Edinburgh. They deserve credit for their composure and ability to grind out a win when not at their best, but for 75 minutes, the All Blacks were in serious strife.
