One-on-one At its heart, the haka is a symbolic ritual representing the challenge laid down by one team to another. But the Kapa O Pango’s group mentality belies the more…
Countries
Ireland v Georgia: is Joe Schmidt the world’s best coach?
WE THINK in generalities but live in detail, wrote an English philosopher. It’s a creed that Joe Schmidt has taken to heart, the New Zealander’s latest triumph as Ireland coach…
Autumn International player analysis: Anthony Watson, England
STANDING IN front of the assembled press at Pennyhill Park last Thursday after being named in England’s match-day 23 to face New Zealand, Anthony Watson was asked what part of…
Scotland v Argentina: talking points
Confidence is everything Whatever Vern Cotter has instilled in his team since the summer seems to be working. The players had been given license to try things; to play heads-up…
Surviving the sin-bin: New Zealand’s 14-man masterclass
‘Game management’ is one of modern rugby’s buzz-phrases. It can often feel fluffy – as though the user has heard it in television commentary and fancies rolling out an intangible gem…
Teddy Thomas: France’s new star
Find out more about the Racing Métro winger who scored a hat-trick on his France debut
Wales v Australia: Talking points
Wales lose in the last few minutes…again When the Millennium Stadium next undergoes a refit, I am going to place a bid for the big screen/ digital clock, take it…
Ireland v South Africa talking points
Ireland are building strength in depth There was a lot of doom and gloom in the build up to this game with column inches devoted to Ireland’s long injury list…
Saints and Sinners: the weekend’s talking points
The Saints May Day The doubters who thought Jonny May might never handle the transition from club to Test rugby were finally shown just what the Gloucester wing brings to…
Autumn Internationals: Week one report
All the details you need about the home nations' Tests this weekend – facts and stats, photos and quotes