Rugby is now cleaner but no safer and as New Zealand’s brutal, bruising clash with Ireland – and the citings that followed – showed, something must changePlaying rugby is always going to hurt. That is why some people play it, just as boxers, racing drivers and mountaineers take their own calculated risks. The tricky bit comes when it is not your misjudgment that causes serious injury but someone else’s. At that point people rightly start asking hard questions and the blurred lines of contact sport have to be re‑examined.New Zealand’s massively physical game against Ireland in Dublin has generated just such a debate. It was inevitably going to be intense, given the All Blacks’ reputation was on the line. As their...
England under Eddie Jones are nothing if not purposeful, New Zealand can’t be blamed for their physicality and Scotland could profit from Argentina’s travails Related: England hint at attacking riches to rival pomp of Woodward era in defeat of Fiji Related: Ireland nurse wounds after New Zealand prevail in bruising encounter Related: Japan serve up warning to Wales in advance of South Africa challenge Related: Wallabies question scrum tactics despite bruising win over France Continue reading...
The head coach’s left-field choices and maximum use of resources is allowing England to show off their versatility and highlight intensity levels that rival the All Blacks’ Related: England register record win against Fiji but defence is cause for concern Related: Malakai Fekitoa ensures All Blacks get their revenge against Ireland Continue reading...
Rokoduguni scores two tries and is named man of the match on his England recall – but the Nausori-born winger’s career is typical of Fiji’s talent drainAlways quick with a quip, Eddie Jones promised “fish and chip” rugby – traditionally English. “Stick it up your jumper, kick and clap,” Jones said, “I love fish and chips”. There was just a sprinkling of vinegar on the team too, to make things more interesting. Semesa Rokoduguni started on the wing, his first game since his one match against New Zealand back in 2014. Rokoduguni has scored 27 tries in 48 Premiership games in the last three years, and has gained more metres, made more clean breaks, and beaten more defenders than any...
Fijians are on display for and against England, Ireland are looking to make history (again), Scotland have a Six Nations point to prove and Emily Scarratt returnsWith Billy Vunipola declared fit to start against Fiji, it is little surprise that Eddie Jones delayed naming his starting XV by 24 hours. Leaving the Wales match – the day after the Premiership final – aside, Vunipola has started in every game under Jones and while he is not the only player to do so, he is the most important. A leaner, meaner Vunipola, making carries in areas that hurt the opposition, has been the bedrock of Jones’s side and without him England would have needed to find other means of breaking the...