Japan achieved their winning start and the host nation is enthused even if Saturday’s heavyweight encounters are going to provide a somewhat different spectacleFor all the gallantry and surprising stamina of Russia, this was the most underwhelming of openings to a World Cup. There was an air of before the Lord Mayor’s show. It explained why this weekend contains two top group billings, starting with the holders, New Zealand, against South Africa, when the tournament will really start.Japan, used to lurking in the shadows of the game, struggled in the glare of the headlights, losing sight of their strengths to the point where they aimlessly kicked away turnover ball, but it was a night when only the result mattered to...
Films about Brave Blossoms and the story of Dan Carter plus a play about Bill McLaren make perfect curtain-raisersFor years it was widely assumed rugby would not translate easily to stage and screen. With the odd exception – Up ’n’ Under, Stand Up and Fight and Invictus, the Clint Eastwood‑directed film of South Africa’s extraordinary 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon – few have felt the need to apply theatrical war paint to help the game woo a wider audience.Suddenly all that is changing. Entering stage left are not just one or two but three intriguing rugby‑related productions, each hoping to capitalise on the extra interest set to be generated by the World Cup in...
Now that the autumn internationals have been completed we take a look at the prospects for the opening stage in JapanIreland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, Samoa Related: Jacob Stockdale scores only try as Ireland earn historic win over All Blacks Related: England denied by All Blacks and late decision in Twickenham thriller Related: England overwhelm careless Australia with Kyle Sinckler power game Related: Liam Williams leads Wales to South Africa win and first clean sweep Continue reading...
When Farrell came off the bench against a dangerous Japan Eddie Jones’s side were given directionEddie Jones recently explained that Owen Farrell is not the kind of player to be wrapped in cotton wool. He may want to think again. If this victory, ultimately comprehensive but anything but comfortable, told us anything it is that England’s reliance on Farrell remains almost total; going into next year’s World Cup without him is unthinkable.It would be harsh on the eye‑catching performances of Kyle Sinckler and Sam Underhill from the bench, perhaps on the endeavour of Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes, too, to say that Farrell swung the match in England’s favour single‑handed but the biggest factor was without doubt his introduction and...
A year from the World Cup, New Zealand look good for a hat-trick of titles but Ireland, South Africa and Wales are all on the rise with England and Australia heading in the other directionDefeat by South Africa in Wellington reminded the world that the All Blacks can be beaten – no bad thing with 12 months to go until the World Cup – but they are still the overwhelming favourites for a third straight win. They were not brilliant against France over the summer but then thrashed Australia twice, displaying an ability to find a gear their opponents cannot live with. It will be fascinating to see their response to defeat; do they add a dose of pragmatism to...