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News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
Battle of the CoachesIn the strange world of European rugby two Irish coaches try to outwit each other in the first Heineken Cup semi, whilst two New Zealanders butt heads in the second semi.
Ulster and Clermont to meet in the Heineken finalForget the occasion, forget the opposition, clear heads are needed in the semi-final of a major cup competition says Brian Ashton.
Jimmy Cowan cashes in at England’s expenseJimmy Cowan will be a folk hero down Gloucester way but just what sort of value will he bring to English rugby.
100 is special and 10 is better than 12Dan Carter talks about his 100th game as a Crusader, reflects on the pros and cons of playing number 12 and picks his best New Zealand Super Rugby team.
Shane Williams on The Rugby SiteShane Williams talks about why he got involved in The Rugby Site and what skills and tips he wants to pass onto players and coaches about how he plays the game. " The Rugby Site is a perfect opportunity for me to give back to the game and to share what I have learned over the years. Some of it is self taught and some of it is from coaches handed down over the years, it might not be handbook stuff but its what I believe in"
Ireland needs Schmidt to come along for the tripIrish rugby has been transformed in recent years and credit should go to the IRFU for the structures they have put in place which have made this possible. The top players have by and large been retained by the Irish provinces, and the successes of Munster and Leinster in winning four of the last six Heineken Cups reflects this. At national level Ireland has won Triple Crowns, a Grand Slam and provided the captain for the last two Lions tours. However, there is still a sense that this golden generation have underperformed on the international stage.
Ulster hold together as a team by not using their benchLast weekend Ulster proved that too many coaches send on replacements as an exercise in self-justification.
The RFU gets it wrong againStuart Lancaster’s appointment as England coach is a sad example of the mob ruling the head.
Heineken CupThe business end of the Heineken Cup is upon us and as ever there are some mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to. It seems a life time since the final pool games were staged – in fact it’s 10 weeks. While this is a long hiatus, it may in fact add to the anticipation ahead of the weekend.
Sam Warburton on The Rugby SiteGrand Slam winning Welsh Captain Sam Warburton on why he has joined The Rugby Site to pass on the tips and techniques that make him one of the best openside flankers in the world.
England's fate should not be in Steve Walsh's handsThe new list of elite refs looks biased and could throw up some shockers in the summer tests between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Why France have become so dullFollowing his review of England’s Six Nations Wayne Smith now looks at the progress, or regress, of France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
Nick Mallett would keep England honestWhile all signs coming out of the RFU are pointing towards Lancaster being appointed as England manager, Martin Castrogiovanni says that Nick Mallett should not be discounted.
From Ecuador to London and the 2015 World CupDan Carter talks about his fears and dreams and the long road back to top level rugby.
The house of Lancaster has strong foundationsWayne Smith looks at the job that Stuart Lancaster has done for England and finds much to applaud.
Lions WatchIs this the XV that will wear the Lions shirt in the first test against Australia.
Does Ireland need a Kidney replacement?Ireland’s World Cup loss to Wales and poor Six Nations must raise doubts about Declan Kidney’s abilties to build a top Ireland team on top of a strong provincial base.
Whatever happened to Gallic flairBrian Ashton reflects on a Six Nations that failed to hit the heights and wonders if Wales and France have the imaginative will to develop their games.
Wales triumph is more Grind than Grand SlamWales will now find out if their pragmatic, physical, kicking style of rugby is enough to beat Australia in the southern hemisphere
Wales success built on their superb second half performancesThe most successful teams have made the fewest mistakes because they have risked little in what has been a poor quality Six Nations.
Wales can dominate northern hemisphere rugby for yearsYouth and stamina should carry Wales to a Grand Slam despite their poor recent record at home to France.
England flatter to deceiveThe reaction to England’s win in Paris was utterly hysterical and completely ignored the rugby reality.
Priestland key to Welsh SuccessRhys Priestland started playing at outside-half for Wales only last August, and then by accident. He had been picked at full-back against England at Twickenham in a pre-World Cup friendly, only to be told a few minutes for the start that he would be wearing the 10 jersey because Stephen Jones had suffered a calf injury in the warm-up.
Kidney’s love affair with Earls is hurting IrelandSelecting the right team can be one of the hardest jobs in the world and it may be a while since Ireland have got it right.
Italy must keep Wales behind the Gain LineMartin Castrogiovanni on why this weekend’s battle in Cardiff is going to be their toughest game of the Six Nations.
Wales keep on getting stronger, fitter and betterShane Williams explains why a Wales Grand Slam this year would mean far more than when they last triumphed in 2005 and 2008.
New England can be a big hit against FranceCourtney Lawes explains the value of the impact tackle and how it could help England beat France on Sunday.
Five new stars join the team....Former England coach Brian Ashton; English lock Courtney Lawes; Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni; Welsh capitain and Openside flanker Sam Warburton; and former Welsh winger Shane Williams are joining Graham Henry, Wayne Smith, Gregor Townsend, Richie McCaw & Dan Carter.
Four things that made us see red this weekThe RFU task force, scrum-halves who never move the ball out of the ruck, refs who turn a blind eye to violent play, replacements by rote – it’s driving us crazy and we’re not going to take it any more.
