Fears of a damp squib proved gloriously misplaced but such a dire collapse should worry Eddie Jones as Japan loomsDead rubbers have a funny way of coming to life. England were home and hosed by half-time, playing with a swagger that reinforced their feeling of superiority over a Scotland side that was depleted, deflated and downright desperate. Forty minutes and five Scotland tries later England needed a last-gasp converted try to avoid a first defeat here by their auld enemy since 1983. At the start of the week England’s defence coach John Mitchell had predicted “chaos” – that barely covers it.Quite how Scotland managed this turnaround, taking themselves to the verge of victory, will be pondered over for years to...
Eddie Jones has reverted to the back three who did so well against Ireland for a must-win match with added distractionsIt is a badly-kept secret that some players have made a point of being spotted at French clubs in an attempt to boost their wages. Brian O’Driscoll is on record as saying he made sure he was seen at a Biarritz match with the club president when he had no intention of joining, but it had the desired effect when it came to his next Leinster deal. For Manu Tuilagi though, the dilemma was genuine, he was really close to joining Racing so I’m just thrilled he is staying at Leicester.I was in a similar position nine years ago. I...
All of our coaching staff were involved in the 2012 grand slam and they will have the players believing their hard work will deliver what they deserve on SaturdayWales will need to save their best for last against an Ireland team who have yet to hit top form, but I cannot see them losing. They have been criticised for not showing much attacking flair, but it is defence that wins tournaments and the way they held on at Murrayfield last weekend showed the character of a resilient side. Related: Wales unchanged for crucial Six Nations finale against Ireland I would love to be involved on Saturday having been in the squads for years, but to be successful you have to...
The choice facing Europe’s unions at Dublin summit this week could not be starker but the options are not straightforwardIt is a cliche nowadays to say professional rugby union is at a crossroads. That implies there is still the option of chugging on serenely without changing direction when, in truth, the sport sits at a major T-junction. Turn left in search of massive wealth and prosperity for a chosen few or right for the salvation of the wider global game? The choice facing Europe’s leading unions in Dublin this week could not be starker.On the one hand they have the chance to solve all their financial headaches at a stroke, courtesy of a bid from the private equity firm CVC...
The giant winger has provoked plenty of hype but it is impossible to ignore the blindingly obvious – he is a rare talentPlenty of talented players have played for England but some are more gifted than others. Those of us lucky enough to have been around when Jeremy Guscott first played for Bath immediately knew we were witnessing a special talent; watching a Warwickshire teenager called Neil Back score an eye-catching hat-trick in a sparsely attended age-group final at Twickenham remains another vivid scouting memory.Then there was James Simpson-Daniel, so good he made even the late, great Jonah Lomu look ordinary during one memorable Barbarians game at Twickenham. Simpson-Daniel, cruelly dogged by injuries, won 10 caps but week-in week-out defenders...