Eight games to go. Eight opportunities for Philippe Saint-Andre to finally settle on his starting XV for France’s opening World Cup game, against Italy at Twickenham on September 19. The…
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Five Things we learned in October
Australia v Barbarians. Take a bow I feel sorry for whichever producer was tasked with producing the highlights package for the Barbarians v Australia game. Cutting that down to 15…
Saints and Sinners: the weekend’s talking points
The Saints Tricky business Hats off to Barbarians coach John Kirwan and his team for pulling a few tricks out of the bag during their 36-40 loss to Australia at…
Autumn international player analysis: Sonny Bill Williams, New Zealand
You do not saunter back into a world champion team on the back of 70 minutes’ worth of on-field action in two years without being a very special player. To…
Brian O’Driscoll: The Test – book review
In The Test, Brian O’Driscoll takes the reader behind the scenes of his life from his childhood to his retirement from playing this year, dealing honestly with the most traumatic of…
John Kirwan on upholding the tradition of the Baa-Baas
John Kirwan: “Coaching the Barbarians again is an honour and I see it as my responsibility to uphold our prestigious name and make sure it continues to be a viable…
Should Stuart Lancaster pick Steffon Armitage?
Roger Uttley believes Stuart Lancaster is gambling by not selecting Steffon Armitage and will have to think again should England come a cropper in the QBE autumn series. “Is Stuart…
Badger’s Barbarians can make Australia a laughing stock
It was difficult not to feel sorry for Nick Phipps on Monday as the Wallaby scrum-half fielded questions on sexism and misogyny in sport. Understandably awkward and sheepish, he resembled…
Top 14: Time to knuckle down for Montpellier’s Fabien Galthie
There’s always been a touch of the Brendan Venter about Fabien Galthie. The pair have much in common. Very good players who have become very good coaches, harnessing their playing…
Laws and refereeing: 5 ways to improve the game
1. CHOKE TACKLE MADNESS The choke tackle, in which turnovers are effected by preventing the ball carrier from going to ground, was much admired when Ireland introduced it to union…