Ross Harries’ entertaining new book ‘Behind the Dragon’ delves into World Cup preparations and the role of team bondingIt is about now in a Rugby World Cup cycle, with just over 40 days and nights in the phoney war wilderness still to endure, that the truth starts to emerge. There is only so much iron you can pump in a gym: if anyone hoping to lift the Webb Ellis Cup is not fit by now they never will be. You cannot fake it at a World Cup and expect to have a realistic chance.With a slew of warm-up Tests shortly commencing for all the European nations, nevertheless, those seeking clues about the prospects of Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy...
Wales captain’s act of kindness on Saturday did not go unnoticed and there is plenty of evidence to suggest sometimes it’s still OK to meet your idolsAn image that will linger from the final round of the Six Nations was not a dazzling run or shuddering tackle, but a small act of kindness that almost went unnoticed.As Ireland had asked for the roof of the Principality Stadium to remain opened – in the hope that the elements might help them to beat their Welsh hosts – a vicious wind swept in from Tiger Bay and along the assembled ranks of players before the kick-off. Alun Wyn Jones, who will have had bigger things on his mind – like battering the...
England may have lost the plot at Twickenham but grand slam winners could write another happy endingHow quickly modern rugby’s wheel of fortune spins. A few weeks ago Ireland were an irresistible force, enjoying such critical acclaim that back-to-back Six Nations grand slams seemed possible. Early last month it was England who were basking in the light, to borrow Billy Bragg’s classic line, of the 15 fame-filled minutes of the fanzine writer. And now? The 2019 Six Nations music is stopping with Wales gloriously on top. Related: No doubting that Warren Gatland’s Wales deserve their grand slam | Robert Kitson Related: Eddie Jones puts pressure on ‘tired’ Wales in push for Six Nations title Related: Alun Wyn Jones the pain-defying...
High-class defence and rare stamina make Wales second in the world and leave their Six Nations rivals struggling in their wakeThere is no such thing as an accidental grand slam. Winning five games on the trot in testing conditions against reliably motivated opposition does not merely require skill and nerve but, crucially, rare stamina. Anyone questioning Wales’s status as true five-star champions underestimates the uniquely treacherous climb they have just completed.Yes, Six Nations slam dunks are more frequent than they used to be but this was widely predicted in advance to be the most dog-eat-dog championship of all time. A supposedly impregnable Ireland had just beaten the All Blacks, England began like a bullet train in Dublin and by half-time...
The lock forward injured his left knee early on against Ireland but soldiered on, showing how formidable a captain he isAt least all that rain will wash the streets clean. By the time everyone is done in Cardiff, they will surely need it. The fans there had two good reasons for drinking on Saturday evening, which is two more than they really needed. The Irish were at it because they had a day they wanted to forget, the Welsh because they had one they never will.It was as if the city was hosting a wake in one room and a wedding in another. In the end 25-7 was not quite a record score. Wales had won by more four times...