When Richie McCaw said his full-back Ben Smith was “a champion” post-match, just after beating England 28-27 in the second Test in Dunedin, he held a big grin. The full-back…
Alan Dymock
Rugby World editor
England v New Zealand: All Blacks stick, while England and Tuilagi twist
Shaking it up for the second Test against the All Blacks this Saturday, England head coach Stuart Lancaster has brought five new names into his starting lineup, while Manu Tuilagi…
England push All Blacks all the way at Eden Park
With the game finely poised at 15-all and only minutes remaining, Aaron Cruden shunned the straightforward shot at goal, following a penalty award, and took a tap. His decision to…
Aaron Cruden: The cheeky All Black
As the All Blacks announced their team for the first Test against England this Saturday, head coach Steve Hansen was all at once relaxed, droll and positive. Beside him sat…
England v New Zealand: Experience and mystery in the first Test
For the first Test in a colossal three-match series against the All Blacks, Stuart Lancaster has named what he feels is a “strong side”. Well-worn logistical issues and injuries have…
Dan Carter and Richie McCaw honour Jonny Wilkinson
Just before Jonny Wilkinson plays the last game of his career on Saturday for Toulon in the Top 14 final, two world-class performers open up about how inspirational he was…
Chris Robshaw hitting targets at the right time
The popular view on Chris Robshaw at the start of this season was that he needed to be involved in game-changing moments. Everyone knew his work-rate was phenomenal, but a…
Championship blog: Semi-finals first leg wrap
By Richard Grainger Bristol butterflies leaves tie in balance Bristol 17, Rotherham 14 Bristol have twice gone into the Championship play-offs only to fluff their lines and on Saturday’s evidence…
England’s squad uncertainty before New Zealand tour
Ah, May – a glorious month for rugby watchers in the northern hemisphere. The sun comes out, pitches harden and drama intensifies. Last weekend in the Aviva Premiership, for instance,…
Rugby Rant: Leave kids’ rugby alone!
Allyson Pollock, professor of public health research and policy at Queen Mary University of London, is meddling with our game. For the second time in four years she is openly…