James O'Connor, the 23-year-old Australian utility back who joined London Irish this week and will make his debut for his new club against Northampton Saints at the Madejski Stadium on…
Countries
Is there an identity crisis for France?
The editorial in Monday’s edition of Midi Olympique pulled no punches. The national team is beset by a “gloomy lassitude”, declared the paper, brought on by a year in which…
Five things we’ve learnt in Welsh rugby: October
Lazarus Syndrome is a medical condition where the patient is pronounced dead – whilst being very much alive. Having found themselves in a Heineken Cup group with Clermont Auvergne, Harlequins…
Teams for England and Australia
The stage is set and the first test of the November campaign is almost here. Both Australia and England have named their starting line-ups for this Saturday at Twickenham. There…
Winning or losing, Wallabies a worry for England
A possibly happier Australia really does throw something unpredictable into the mix and that can damage England
Autumn Series: Richard Hill picks his England backrow
WITH STUART Lancaster is poised to announce the England squad to face Australia in a matter of hours and the most hotly contested area of selection is the backrow. We…
Mike Phillips and James O’Connor both make poor decisions
THERE IS a sitcom starring David Cross called ‘The increasingly poor decisions of Todd Margaret’ and wile the subject is somewhat different – the American protagonist spends his days trying…
Aviva Premiership One to Watch: Luther Burrell
Luther Burrell, the 25-year-old Northampton centre who is hoping to secure a place in England's matchday squad by playing the game of his life for his club against Saracens at…
Warren Gatland’s problem with James Hook
THE ISSUE with Wales we used to hear most about was that they had the depth of a sawn-off shot glass. However, while this is still true in some positions,…
Wales name squad for November Tests
Thirteen Lions and three uncapped players make up Warren Gatland’s 35-man squad