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Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
The Culture of SuccessThe marathon Super Rugby season is finally drawing to a close. It seems a long time since the Crusaders scraped home against the Blues in the first match of the competition at Eden Park in February. The Chiefs and Sharks both lost that first weekend, though are popular and worthy finalists, as they have consistently played enterprising rugby throughout the season.
Rugby soon to end it's Olympic exileRugby union will not feature in the Olympic Games, but the sport will end its long exile in 2016 after a long battle by the International Rugby Board to gain admission, first by the late Vernon Pugh and then by one of his successors as chairman, Bernard Lapasset.
Financial dark cloud looms over Welsh rugby.On the day that Gavin Henson signed for London Welsh, his fifth club in less than two years, the financial dark cloud looming over Welsh rugby grew darker.
Is rugby becoming another soccer?In the amateur era, rugby was known as a tough game where justice was frequently administered by the players on the field.
The price of Anglo-Saxon stoicismThe tours showed, yet again, that there the game in New Zealand and Australia is fundamentally different to that in Europe.
South Africa v EnglandHeyneke Meyer has outsmarted Stuart Lancaster in the first two tests between the Springboks and England.
Australia v WalesJG thinks that the afternoon test match in Sydney presents Wales with an opportunity to beat Australia in what will be their fifth encounter in nine months
All Blacks v IrelandWithout Dan Carter and five other changes to the starting lineup, have the All Blacks given Ireland a sniff of a historic first win in the final test of the series?
Take them out wide EnglandPlaying for the shirt in England Sport has become conventional wisdom after England’s problems in NZ.
A Great Weekend of RugbyWhile much attention will return to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa this weekend, there are other games which should not be ignored.
Let the Battles CommenceA feast of international rugby awaits this weekend. JG makes his predictions.
Scotland’s splash and grab teaches Australia a beautiful lessonScotland’s shock defeat of Australia has Mark Reason waxing lyrical about the skillful delight of wet weather rugby
Rugby means more to South AfricaGetting to know the South Africans was a huge part of the All Blacks World Cup success
Lions WatchThere appears to be an abundance of riches in some positions but a dearth of talent in others.
Brad Thorn – the man and the manaWayne Smith pays his tribute to Brad Thorn and looks back on a few of the stories that define the man.
Will they never learn?The abiding memory of the week leading up to last year’s world cup final was the almost unanimous belief in NZ that the All Blacks would win at a canter. It was a foregone conclusion. Game over before it started.
Irish eyes are dreamingIt will need a few more All Black injuries to justify Ireland’s increasing optimism about their chances against New Zealand this summer.
Consistent Leinster TriumphsDespite having a family interest in Ulster (my wife works for the company that provides their playing/leisure kit) it was fitting and important that the side who were consistently prepared to play the most varied and challenging rugby throughout the tournament triumphed.
We haven't won for a bit so can we change the rules pleaseThe bleating clubs of England and France demand a change to the qualification process as Ireland continues to dominate the Heineken Cup.
Thorn in Ulster’s sideCan there be a professional rugby player who has achieved as much as Brad Thorn? Representing Australia 8 times in rugby league and then winning 59 All Black caps is a unique achievement in itself. Despite his achievements the 37 year old still has a voracious appetite for the game. While some team mates from the successful All Blacks team of last year went off the boil, recuperated from injury or just wallowed in the glory of the victory, the oldest man in the side was soon back at work within days, playing in Japan.
What’s the (bonus) PointMark Reason hates the bonus point system and says it creates manifestly unjust outcomes at the end of the season which is why no other sport will have anything to do with it.
75% Dan is Still the Main ManGraham Henry looks at Steve Hansen’s first squad as All Blacks manager and expects Sonny Bill Williams to start the first test against Ireland.
Sonny Bill WilliamsAt times it’s difficult to be sure what Sonny Bill Williams wants from his career. At only 26 he has already done a lot but it’s not clear where his heart is. As soon as one contract is signed speculation starts about what’s next. Rugby league, union and boxing have benefitted from his involvement and all want more from the SBW brand. Everyone seems to have a view about Sonny and what he offers but why are people reluctant to acknowledge his extraordinary talent?
It is time to blow the whistle on BrycePlayers get dropped after a sequence of bad games, but Bryce Lawrence carries on like a man who would have to fail a drug test before losing his job as a top ref.
Rugby's core valuesRugby people have always prided themselves in how the game is played and its supporters behave. The modern game is different from the amateur era and it is time to question whether the behavior of rugby crowds has deteriorated and if supporters realise or even care.
England will never challenge the world without an attacking midfieldSimon Halliday hopes that England’s revival under Stuart Lancaster is not a massive illusion created by the poverty of the opposition, outrageous luck, a spot of nationalism and good PR.
Lancaster impressed but the Chiefs is where the heart isWayne Smith explains the reason why he chose the Chiefs over England.
Lancaster's short lived honeymoonStuart Lancaster’s honeymoon at Twickenham was short lived. Following his appointment on March 29th he has shown his inexperience and naivety in failing to secure the services of both Andy Farrell and Wayne Smith. Once might have been unlucky, twice raises some serious questions.
Win: Sam Warburton's Running Lines from Set PieceBe in to win an advanced copy of Sam Warburton’s new video Running Lines from Set Piece.
My best years are only just beginningRichie McCaw comes back from injury in Week Ten of the Super 15, more excited than ever and still in search of the perfect game.
