Writer Richard Beard believes killing off lazy stereotypes and emphasising huge possibilities within the game is way forwardPromoting rugby union should be the simplest of games in weeks like this. The Six Nations is in full flow, Wales are due at Twickenham and the passion and intensity is self evident. Who could possibly need persuading to watch on television or, having taken out the required mortgage, to buy a ticket?The answer is millions of people. There is no shortage of non-believers and latterly the big Cs – Covid and concussion – have not helped either. Adult male participation rates have fallen and rugby is not a priority in many inner-city schools. Which makes this a timely moment to ponder how...
England’s new No 10 displayed attacking flair and confidence over Italy to show head coach why he must be given total trustNot the knockout blow Eddie Jones was seeking when urging his side to channel Muhammad Ali but mercifully it is always a safe bet Marcus Smith will float like a butterfly when afforded this much time and space. Italy’s 34th consecutive Six Nations defeat will not live long in the memory but this could yet prove to be a seminal moment in Smith’s England career.The 22-year-old is destined for a long and prosperous run in the No 10 jersey and already you sense England’s World Cup hopes next year will largely hinge on Smith’s form. His performance here is...
A match of few highlights in Cardiff brought into doubt the raw strength of both teams a year out from the World CupFive minutes before the half-time break, Scotland had the put-in to a scrum inside Welsh territory. After three phases Wales turned the ball over and began a charge upfield through the relentless Taine Basham. Liam Williams soon had it and exchanged several innocuous kicks with Stuart Hogg. Wales kept possession but coughed it up a minute later as it was Scotland’s turn to win the breakdown battle and regain control. Not that they did much with it. Several phases down the road and very little had changed.This brief segment encapsulated so much of the contest. Neither group was...
A play-off final involving the winner of the Rugby Europe Championship could help to bring new fans to the sportLate on Saturday night in Edinburgh’s Old Town as we walked back to our hotel, the strains of a familiar tune floated past on the chill, gusty breeze. In the pub around the corner they were still having a grand old time and a loud rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was in full swing. Travelling revellers, fellowship, simple pleasures: if you were to bottle the essence of the Six Nations it was right there.The opening weekend of rugby was enjoyable, too, give or take the inclement weather. The grounds were sold out and the singing of the anthems was...
Gregor Townsend’s side continued their knack of winning close encounters in the Six Nations opener against EnglandIf a sign of a team’s progress is their ability to win close matches, Scotland are heading firmly in the right direction. This was hardly a conclusive statement of their Six Nations title credentials but it was not a bad start.It was a second successive victory over England for the first time since 1984 – they went on to win their second grand slam that year – and a third in five meetings with England. Continue reading...