The England scrum-half came on for his 115th cap against Wales at Twickenham and with the emergence of Harry Randall it may be a role he has to get used toIn the end, Ben Youngs’s big moment got a little lost in all the excitement. The match was an hour old, and just beginning to slip from England’s grip, when he finally came on for his 115th cap and beat the record set by Jason Leonard back in 2004.England had been 17-0 up not so very long ago, but Wales, who, for all their flaws, absolutely did not stop coming, had scored two tries, and 12 points, in the last seven minutes. Twickenham was rocking, and England were reeling. The...
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...
Defending Six Nations champions Wales had no answers on young Connacht wing’s explosive senior international debutYou can tell there’s a World Cup on next year: Ireland are hitting their peak. Still, this was an ominous statement of intent by Andy Farrell’s side at a blustery and bellicose Aviva Stadium: standards set, gauntlets thrown down.The trip to Paris already feels like the potential crux of this tournament, which feels like a faintly ridiculous statement to make after 80 minutes of play. But for Ireland and their long-agonising supporters, it may just be time to start believing the hype. It was a measure of Ireland’s dominance that a normally edgy crowd had begun to relax well before the end. Continue reading...
Andy Farrell and his Leinster-heavy side will start as favourites at home to an opponent without many of their star namesWe’ve been here before, haven’t we? A year out from a World Cup and on the eve of a Six Nations Championship, Ireland look capable of beating any side they face. Andy Farrell’s relentless commitment to keeping the ball in play saw them average more passes - 187.4 - and more rucks in possession – 113.1 – per game than any other team competing in the Six Nations or Rugby Championship last year. Commanding wins against England and New Zealand proved they can marry flair with fortitude.The 29-20 triumph over the All Blacks was particularly impressive, likely the best performance...