Articles
News & Opinions articles
Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
England lack killer instinctEngland more than played their part in an epic Six Nations clash with France but crucially it ended in defeat.
No idea who will win the Six Nations but I like IrelandHallers can’t pick a winner in the year’s Six Nations but is
Five coaching calls that could decide the Six NationsAt the top level, big games are decided by fine margins, Graham Jenkins looks at where those margins may lie this year
Does the RFU have a case to answer?With players leaving the home nations with increasing regularity, Mark Reason questions whether the RFU’s response would stand up in the a European court room.
Should coaches help crown the world's best player?The process of awarding talent at the end of a competition is driven by opinion and is never perfect. Graham Jenkins argues that the best just of a player’s performance is the coach. Surely?
The cash or country conundrumToby Flood will miss out on this year’s 6 nations due to his decision to move to France. Graham Jenkins tackles the cash vs. country debate head-on.
Is longevity the secret to success?Should Warren Gatland see out his new contract, he would become the longest serving head coach of all time. Does this increase Wales’s chances of success?
End of year awardsGraham Jenkins selects the people and players of 2013 who deserve recognition
2013 Team of the YearNew Zealand swept all before them this year but how many All Blacks make Graham Jenkins’ Team of the Year?
Congratulations to Warren Gatland & Leigh HalfpennyWarren Gatland named ‘Coach of the Year’ and Leigh Halfpenny finished 2nd at the Sports Personality of the Year awards
Europe's loss will cause England painCould the English club’s desire to secure their long-term future have jeopardised long-term future of the game in England?
Hemispheres ApartHallers says that the Northern Hemisphere teams still lack the attacking skill to make the World Cup final
Five lessons from the autumn internationalsAs the dust settles on the end of year internationals, Graham Jenkins reflects on what the latest inter-hemisphere clashes have taught us
BegorrahA curious incident at the end of the Ireland v New Zealand match saw Aaron Cruden get two goes at his final kick. Was Nigel Owens’ involvement in this incident a decisive factor in determining the outcome of this match?
2013 - the year of the All BlacksIreland pushed the All Blacks as close as anyone has in 2013 but the ABs weren’t to be denied their piece of history.
TrustThe All Blacks trust each other implicitly, while the English showed that they still lack that instinct. Mark Reason writes that this was one of the key factors which determined the outcome on Saturday at Twickenham.
Congratulations to Dan CarterA tribute to the highest points scorer in test rugby history after his 100th cap.
The Rugby Site at Rugby Expo 2013The Rugby Site team joined some of the sport’s biggest names at the Rugby Expo at Twickenham this week
Blackprint for successNew Zealand made it 12 victories in-a-row and kept their hopes of a perfect season alive with a hard-fought 30-22 win against England at Twickenham.
Bring on the All BlacksHallers can’t be at Twickenham for the mouth matering encounter between England and the All Blacks but his belief and optimism remains as strong as ever, even if he is in unfamiliar surroundings.
TM Oh dearThe TMO is becoming increasing more influential in deciding the outcome of matches. Mark Reason asks whether all this referral is entirely necessary.
A tale of two halvesEngland’s opening 40 minutes ensured they beat the Pumas at Twickenham. Graham Jenkins looks at the where the English asserted their superiority.
6 talking points from England's win over The WallabiesEngland ran out 20-13 winners over Australia in a match that was low on quality but high on talking points.
Fireworks Missing From England WinEngland rode their luck in beating The Wallabies at Twickenham. 10 years on from England’s World Cup win over Australia, Graham Jenkins sees few comparisons to be drawn with the current crop.
England v Australia - not just another test matchSince 2003 England have enjoyed near total dominance over the Aussies in more than just rugby union. Is the era of English dominace over Australia about to face a serious challenge?
Ireland looks on the bright side of lifeMurray Kinsella assesses Ireland’s prospects in the forthcoming Autumn internationals
Game Notes - Premiership RugbyThere may have been some big names missing but there were still some big plays and big coaching calls in the latest round of Premiership action.
Game Notes - Bledisloe CupThe All Blacks continued the form they had shown in The Rugby Championship in beating The Wallabies to lift the Bledisloe Cup. Graham Jenkins files his games notes on what was, a brilliant display of attacking rugby.
Responses to; 'European rugby faces its own ‘Tea Party’ Crisis.'Resonses to ‘European rugby faces its own ‘Tea Party’ Crisis.’ by Simon Halliday
