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Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
Time rapidly running out for EnglandGraham Jenkins reviews the meeting of Europe’s best World Rugby ranked sides from the weekend, with Ireland claiming a tactical triumph and a fully deserved 19-9 victory thanks to an impressive display that kept them on course for back-to-back titles and also propelled them past England and back into third place in the world rankings.
Jonathan Joseph - The difference makerAs this weekends RBS 6 Nations match between Ireland and England draws ever closer, Murray Kinsella puts the spotlight on Jonathan Joseph. Profiling the Bath and English centre’s outstanding 6 Nations campaign so far. Joseph has added the crucial X-factor that England had largely been missing. He’s a talented player in top form, who will again this weekend be looking to make a game defining difference.
Patriot Games – A Critical 6 Nations WeekendRead Simon Halliday’s preview on this weekend’s critical 6 Nation’s matches as he considers key aspects that will define the weekend..
Mind GamesGraham Jenkins dissects the intriguing stand-off in the players tunnel prior to the England v Wales RBS 6 Nations opener in Cardiff at the weekend. Proposing that not only does Robshaw’s act of stoic defiance cement his captaincy role but that it will pay far greater dividends with their ability to deliver under pressure along with their refusal to be bullied sure to sow a seed of doubt in the heads of their World Cup rivals.
As always we welcome your comment and invite you to join the discussion…
THE SIX NATIONS - the greatest rugby championship in the world!In Murray’s latest article, he looks at some key technical, refereeing and tactical elements he’ll be keeping a close eye on during the 2015 Six Nations – the role of the Jackal, defending the maul, staying onside, evolving kicking game, and how to create tries!
The pressure to specialise in sport, is it really the path to a professional career?In his latest article Graham Jenkins explores the fascinating subject of the pressure to specialise in sport.
In this world of junior representative teams and academy programmes, at what age should our children get really serious about rugby at the expense of other sports? Read on, better still join the discussion and share your views and experiences.
An Englishman’s ViewSimon Halliday gives us an Englishman’s view of the challenges facing Stuart Lancaster and his team as they ready themselves for one of the most anticipated RBS Six Nations in recent memory.
Munster V Saracens Champions Cup previewMurray Kinsella profiles Munster’s crucial Champions Cup clash with Saracens this Saturday. Some of Munster’s biggest wins this season have been built on gameplans that featured a very narrow attacking focus – think Leinster home and away, as well as Saracens at Thomond Park. But it goes without saying that Munster’s emotional intensity will need to be at memorable levels if they are to win in Allianz Park.
Lancaster’s Hartley headacheGraham Jenkins dissect’s the Dylan Hartley discipline conundrum facing Stuart Lancaster. England’s most capped current player also has the most compromised discipline record in the international game. Hartley’s a world class rake and critical to England’s rugby’s 2015. He also knows there’s only so much a coach with the value set of Lancaster can take.
The world's best coaches – 2014Graham Jenkins identifies the five coaches who made the biggest difference to the global game. The world’s best coaches of 2014.
We welcome your comment and feedback, who are your top five globally?
