Articles
News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
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.
