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…
New Zealand
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…
Malakai Fekitoa: New Zealand’s latest centre of attention
Malakai Fekitoa is a new face in the All Blacks squad and big things are expected of the Highlanders centre. Here's why…
Five reasons England can win in Auckland
England face a huge challenge against the All Blacks on Saturday – but there are a few reasons to be cheerful ahead of the first Test in Auckland…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Final flourish There are some people who still don’t like to see playoffs decide league titles, but without them we wouldn’t have dramatic occasions like Saturday’s Aviva Premiership…
Sam Warburton: Rugby’s best opensides
Best for game intelligence – Martyn Williams (Wales) “Martyn was my hero growing up. He was the first person I met at the Blues on my first day in the…
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,…
Mike Blair picks his top five No 9’s
He’s Scotland’s most capped scrum-half, has played at three World Cups and is a British and Irish Lion. Throw in domestic stints in Scotland, France and England and you’d expect Newcastle…
Christian Wade’s fastest men in rugby
It’s a question posed in every clubhouse, watering hole or playing field in the land. Who are the fastest men in world rugby? The players who leave others clasping…
Ian Frykberg: The man who changed the face of rugby
Ian Frykberg, a former political journalist and TV executive turned sports rights mogul and deal-maker, died in Sydney on Sunday at the age of 68. His legacy is the deal…