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News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
No winner but World Rugby still losesThe British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand came to an enthralling and painfully frustrating conclusion at Eden Park on Saturday night. The occasion may have failed to provide a winner but there was certainly a loser. Leading writer Graham Jenkins explores the sport’s shortcomings that can no longer be ignored by World Rugby.
How the All Blacks sidestepped the Lions rush defence in the first TestOne of the great questions in the build-up to the Test series between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions was: How will the All Blacks attack the Lions’ rush defence? – masterminded by Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell. In this week’s article, leading analyst Nick Bishop explains how it was achieved.
Lions racing against time to beat the All BlacksAs daunting the prospect of facing the world’s best side on their own patch, the most formidable challenge facing the British & Irish Lions this summer is arguably not the All Blacks but the precious little time they have to ready themselves for an eagerly-awaited Test series. Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at what Warren Gatland is doing to address the situation.
New learning and a way to unlock the Press defenceOne of the biggest challenges for both sides during the up-coming Lions tour to NZ will be how to find ways to break down the versions of Press defence which will be employed by both sides. Leading rugby analyst Nick Bishop examines merits of both sides likely approach.
Is the sport really putting players first?World Rugby and the rugby union’s key stakeholders announced the latest long-term calendar for the game with great fanfare last month highlighting the ‘harmony’ it had brought to the sport.
Leading writer Graham Jenkins looks at claims it appears to have promoted disharmony with many concerned that the international schedule and the changes it has subsequently triggered actually jeopardise player welfare.
Have England lost their majority vote on the Lions trip to New Zealand?Leading analyst Nick Bishop discusses what a difference one week makes. Had the British & Irish Lions squad to New Zealand been selected after the demolition of Scotland at Twickenham, as many as 19 or 20 English players might have made it. Read more here…
Should England get excited by a defeat?Such a high-profile failure to perform and complete a clean sweep may well be cause for muted celebration. Rugby writer Graham Jenkins assesses the potential effect of England’s loss to Ireland at the weekend.
There is no substitute for hard workEngland have successfully clinched the 6 nations and equalled the All Black’s 18 match winning streak. Graham Jenkins reflects on where Eddie Jones and the team are at.
How to attack ‘heads-up’ from scrumWhat is heads-up rugby in attack? Leading rugby analyst, Nick Bishop explains this in detail in his latest article.
England's growing belief will have All Blacks on high alertThis England side just refuses to accept defeat. Leading writer Graham Jenkins considers whether England’s growing unrelenting self belief will be causing the All Blacks any concern.
