The fly-half was involved in all three tries after his second-half introduction, leaving Rob Howley with a dilemma over whether to start him against EnglandRob Howley’s dilemma before Saturday’s potentially tournament-defining encounter against England in Cardiff is whether to say Sam again, twice over. Related: Halfpenny impresses as Wales start Six Nations campaign with win over Italy Continue reading...
The competition could be on the cusp of a gripping new era but England will have their work cut out if they are to repeat the glory of last yearEven before a ball is passed or punted, the 2017 Six Nations Championship feels different. There is more potential intrigue than at any time since Italy’s entry made it a hexagonal ball game at the turn of the century and a fresh sense of purpose in almost every dressing room. Just as Europe is ripping itself asunder politically, the Six Nations could be on the cusp of a gripping new era.It may not feel that way to everyone on Monday morning but currently only the weather forecast is putting a dampener...
Absences will test Eddie Jones’ champions while Ireland need Jonathan Sexton fighting fit and Wales look to Dan Biggar to be more adventurous2016 record: P13 W13 L0 Related: Six Nations predictions: back Scotland if you’re brave but Ireland are in box seat Related: Johnny Sexton ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Scotland Related: Ben Youngs: When I met Eddie Jones I just thought ‘I want to play for this guy’ Continue reading...
Ireland are the favourites to win the 2017 tournament but face competition from England, with Scotland an outside betRobert Kitson Ireland. Hard to see them folding at home to England on the final weekend with a potential title and Lions tour berths up for grabs. Related: Eddie Jones has match fitness problems in England pack for France opener Related: Wales ask to play all Six Nations home games under closed Cardiff roof Continue reading...
Ireland’s latest bruising win shows they are the real deal, England’s set-piece strength will be key against Australia, and New Zealand are human after allWhen Ireland beat New Zealand on 5 November, and the All Blacks returned the favour two weeks later in Dublin, there was a sense that the two best teams in the world were slugging it out. But in that second game, Ireland were not just beaten, but beaten up, left bruised and bloodied by the brutal All Blacks. They were forced into three early changes, with Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw ruled out of the clash with Australia. Simon Zebo had a knock, and CJ Stander overcame a head injury. On matchday morn, Sean O’Brien joined...