The Springboks were unimpressive against Wales and will need their pack to be at its intimidating best against EnglandWho would have thought the biggest obstacle to England winning the Rugby World Cup would be a lucky white shirt? Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa head coach, has revealed he favours the same matchday clothing whenever his side win and, regardless of his team’s opposition this weekend, will be wearing his now-trademark baggy, long-sleeved white shirt for the final on Saturday.If his team go on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup it could become the most symbolic rugby garment since Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey for the 1995 final. For that left-field storyline to materialise, however, his players will need to...
There were sensational performances all through the England XV, topped off by the lock who had the game of his lifeThey say it used to take the great Japanese swordsmiths a year to forge their finest swords. Eddie Jones spent two and a half crafting the weapon he used to cut up the All Blacks. He had been working on it ever since they announced the draw for this World Cup back in May 2017, heating it, honing it till it had exactly the heft and sharpness it needed for this one specific job. This was the first time England had ever beaten New Zealand in a World Cup, yes, but also only eighth in over a century of Test...
England must dominate the aerial battle with Ford, Farrell and Youngs at the heart of their planTo start with, a couple of statistics which may go some way to explaining why England have recalled George Ford to face New Zealand on Saturday. Against Australia last weekend, England’s kicking metres were over 800, New Zealand just over 700. England kicked from hand on 20 occasions, reclaiming the ball nine times; the All Blacks kicked from hand on 29 occasions and won the ball back a staggering 19 times.Both sides thrive on territory because both have such good efficiency when they get into what we call the red zone – the opponents’ 22. They have the ability and the skill set to...
England will rely on Owen Farrell’s pragmatism to topple Beauden Barrett’s New Zealand while Wales flanker Justin Tipuric will be out to stop flying Bok wing Makazole MapimpiIt can all be cart before the horse in the days preceding such big games as we await the World Cup semi-finals in Japan. Coaches take to front and centre – some by choice, others by the path of convention and process. Perhaps it’s mindgames to distract their opponents or perhaps to allow players the shelter before the show. However, if those coaches have got their planning and peaking right then they will slowly step back into the shadows and it will be their players that step into the limelight. Related: South Africa’s...
Aside from debates about legacy and resources this team have spread happiness when their country needed it the mostThe shrine in Marunouchi is a little different to the 1500 or so others in Tokyo. It has the same trappings, an altar, a bell, paper lanterns and a coil of twisted rope, but it sits on a patch of bright green AstroTurf, and its torii, the distinctive red entry gate, is in the unmistakable shape of a set of goal posts. They even have a wrap of foam padding. There’s a bilingual sign outside inviting you to stop and “pray for the happiness of all people who love rugby”, and a little how‑to guide for all of us who don’t know...