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THE NORTH are still playing catch-up – that’s the message from Stuart Barnes as Rugby World digests the lessons of the home nation summer tours in our August 2012 issue. We have exclusive interviews with Chris Robshaw and Sam Warburton , two back-rows growing into great national captains. Ireland star Cian Healy tells us about a change of approach while Joe Ansbro gives us the inside story of Scotland’s fabulous fightback – and that shocking clash of heads in Australia. Young England centre Jonathan Joseph heads our four Spotlight personalities.

Elsewhere, Will Greenwood, Toby Booth, Mike Friday and Tom Varndell discuss the explosion of sevens, Stephen Jones investigates the Heineken Cup row that’s dividing Europe, Gregor Townsend explains why Glasgow are destined for big things, and Saracens chairman Nigel Wray shows us his astonishing collection of sports memorabilia.

We also have plenty of stories from the southern hemisphere, including All Black Zak Guildford’s redemption and the Aussie rower who might have been competing in this month’s Olympics had he not chosen to pursue professional rugby. See who makes our World XV – and how much the best players are worth!

All this and lots more make our August issue one not to be missed.

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The Front Row…

30 minutes with Fergus Mcfadden

North v South divide – The great divide might be narrowing, but how can the North beat the South this autumn?

Junior World Cup – The JWC in South Africa produced the mother of all upsets

Gonzalo Camacho – The Argentine discusses the upcoming Rugby Championship

Hotshots – Sam Hill (England) and Luke Hamilton (Wales)

Gwyn Jones – What Wales must do next

Olly Barkley on running his own coaching camp

Heineken Cup rant

Paul Wallace – Why bigger’s better for Ireland

Spotlights…

Jonathan Joseph – England’s new centre has received a big billing but he’s living up to the hype, says Sarah Mockford

Darren Cave – The Ireland centre has put in the hard yards and now he’s living the dream. Sarah Mockford reports

Bradley Davies – It’s all change at Cardiff Blues right now. Their Wales lock tells Sarah Mockford why he’s so excited

Ryan Grant – After years in the wilderness, the new Scotland prop is getting his just deserts. By Richard Bath

The Centres…

Stuart Barnes – The former England fly-half gives a no-holds-barred review of last month’s summer tours

Chris Robshaw – We sit down with the flanker who has turned Quins’ and England’s fortunes around

Sam Warburton – The Wales captain on heroic defeats, his raised profile and how he’s learning on the job

Cian Healy – Will the Irish loosehead’s new regime earn him a spot on next summer’s Lions tour?

Joe Ansbro – The Scots put their heads together and won on tour – but this man went a bit far!

Tech Zone – Dan Cottrell’s top tips on how to be a better full-back

Mini Zone – Get your minis playing rugby Olympics. Plus, lineout skills

Fitness Zone – A strength-building workout and tips on how to sleep better

Sevens Rugby – Mike Friday, Tom Varndell, Will Greenwood and Toby Booth on all things sevens

World XV – The best players on the planet right now – will you agree?

Heineken Cup – Stephen Jones on the need for a European competition shake-up

Zac Guildford – The New Zealand wing on why he’s cut alcohol out of his life

Super Rugby – Enjoy our picture special from the southern hemisphere

Ian McGeechan – The Lion king says next year’s schedule must change to give the tourists a chance to succeed

Australia – Olympic hopeful to Wallaby contender – lock Cadeyrn Neville’s incredible journey

Memorabilia – Saracens chairman Nigel Wray exhibits some of his enviable collection of sporting relics

Exeter – Matt Jess talks us through the secrets of the Chiefs’ success

Glasgow – Gregor Townsend’s plan for success as the man at the helm

Alex King – How the former fly-half has made the transition from player to coach at Clermont Auvergne

Naked Truth – After leaving wet Wales for mild Melbourne, Gareth Delve talks birthdays, boarding school and body building

The Backs…

Armchair zone – The latest books and products

Naked Truth – Gareth Delve on his ‘superhero’ moment out in Melbourne

Tour Tale – Why this tighthead could have ended up in the doghouse

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