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Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
In Defence of Bath’s AttackThis week leading rugby writer, Murray Kinsella takes an in depth analysis of the changes Mike Ford as Head Coach has brought to Bath’s game. Transforming their attack from defence.
Farrell walks a fine line between and dynamism and disasterGraham Jenkins reviews the Premiership final Farrell/Ford match up and coaching questions posed for England’s Steve Lancaster after recent player incidents.
Part 2 of Graham Jenkins interview with USA rugby 7s coach Mike Friday as Mike considers USA 7s team chances of Olympic qualification.Mike Friday offers an insight into his side’s quest to qualify for the Olympics and his thoughts on how the game in the States can take the next step.
Read part 1 of Graham Jenkins interview with Mike Friday on the progress of USA rugby 7s.Mike Friday reflects on the challenges he has faced during his first season in charge of the rapidly improving Eagles – Part 1
Toulon underline 'Best club in Europe' statusToulon underlined their status as the best club side in the northern hemisphere with a 24-18 victory over Clermont Auvergne in the inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup final at Twickenham.
Eddie Jones Interview with Graham Jenkins on Japanese Rugby Part 2In the second part of our exclusive interview, Japan coach Eddie Jones shares his thoughts on the forthcoming Rugby World Cup and Super Rugby expansion with Graham Jenkins.
Eddie Jones Interview with Graham Jenkins on Japanese Rugby Part 1In the first part of an exclusive interview, Eddie Jones tells Graham Jenkins how he turned traditional rugby lightweights Japan into a Top 10-ranked team and the challenges he has faced on that journey.
Mauls are back in FashionThis week Murray takes look at the emergence of the maul as an attacking weapon for teams in general play.
The Chiefs - An innovative, unified rugby forceIn his latest piece Murray Kinsella leaps hemispheres and puts the spot light on Super XV side The Chiefs. A team that in the last few seasons has set the benchmark for innovation and performance by melding rugby intellect with team unity and culture. Read on and as always please do join the discussion.
Mind Games - Weight of ExpectationSimon Halliday previews this weekend’s RBS Six Nations Finale. Three teams alive and able to claim the title. Game on…
Rugby Injuries and Six NationsInjuries are now a common part of our game, and this year’s Six Nations has been no exception. So as we look forward to the weekend, take a moment to think of those on the side-lines, whose absence could have made all the difference.
Ireland's attack auditMurray Kinsella audits Joe Schmidt’s attack plans and structures to date in the RBS Six Nations. Identifying the strength and weakness that has defined their campaign to date.
There is a depth of analysis and game understanding that defines defines Murray’s writing. Read on and you will understand more, not only about strike moves and attacking strategy, but also gain a greater appreciation and respect for world class defence.
Enjoy this world class rugby scribe and as always, please do join the discussion.
IN SEARCH OF INSPIRATIONSimon Halliday talks RBS Six Nations. An interesting and as always brutally honest perspective from a passionate Englishman. Someone who understands the heat of battle and lives the game today as much as he ever has.
Enjoy and as always please do join the discussion…
The keys to Ireland’s victoryIn his latest piece, Murray Kinsella examines several of the key factors that went into ensuring Joe Schmidt’s side enjoyed a dominant victory over Stuart Lancaster’s men. Enjoy this unique depth of analysis and as always please do feel free to join the discussion…
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?
Match fixing and rugby – The fight to ensure the integrity of our gameAs the dust settles on another series of fiercely-fought inter-hemisphere clashes another intense battle continues, the one to preserve the integrity of the sport.
Match-fixing scandals have hit increasingly close to home in recent months with football, cricket and rugby league all tarnished by reports of alleged corruption. Until now, rugby union has escaped such ignominy but far from celebrating the fact, officials are stepping up their efforts to keep it that way.
England performance a timely mix of brute force and intellectGraham Jenkins dissects a very timely England performance against Australia. A victory not just built on brute force but their most intelligent performance of the autumn. Lancaster’s side saved the best until last with a dominant 26-17 victory over Australia.
Autumn Internationals, A Southern Hemisphere PerspectiveLiam Napier reviews the Autumn internationals and delivers a southern hemisphere perspective on the form contenders a year out from rugby’s biggest show.
The art of being smart - coaches everywhere under spotlight in RWC lead upSimon Halliday shares with us his thoughts around the Autumn Internationals to date and what they tell us about form and contenders for the 2015 RWC.
Murray Kinsella Ireland vs Australia OverviewMurray Kinsella dissects the Ireland vs Australia test match. Delivering a breakdown that has real relevance to coaches and players around the world. We know you are enjoying Murray’s perspective and game understanding. Enjoy.
Ford brings England's future into focusGraham Jenkins reviews England’s performance against Samoa over the weekend, identifying George Ford as the shining light the England team has been searching for.
Predictably fired up after a turbulent week off the pitch, Samoa went after the comparatively slight Ford, and some of his team-mates, but he reminded us he has the steel to complement the abundance of skill he can call on.
