“Colossal” was the word used by Midi Olympique last week to describe the pressure on Guy Novès and his coaching team ahead of France’s three autumn Internationals. The paper is…
Rugby World
Ireland’s journey from despair to triumph against New Zealand
Did Ireland’s hammering in Hamilton in 2012 lead to the cheering in Chicago in 2016?
Five talking points from Ireland’s historic 40-29 win over New Zealand
By the Whiff of Cordite blog Despite having a team entirely composed of players from the unfairly maligned Pro12, Ireland managed to not only win a rugby match but beat…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints Conor Murray and Ireland Are there enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe Ireland’s 40-29 win over New Zealand? It was their first victory over the Kiwis in…
Analysis: Slick Australia attack makes Wales look sluggish
A strangely subdued atmosphere descended on the Principality Stadium this weekend. All verve seemed to have drifted up through the open roof and away into Cardiff’s crisp autumn air. The…
Warren Gatland lays out blueprint for future Lions tours
Head coach Warren Gatland explains what needs to happen when the new Lions deal is done and why preparation time is key
Wales 8-32 Australia: Five talking points
The slowest of slow starts Wales have become notoriously sluggish starters in the autumn internationals. However, Wales’ 32 – 8 loss to Australia was beyond sluggish. This was like watching…
Secret Player: “No one is laughing at the French these days”
I’VE BEEN around a bit in my career. I am, I’m not ashamed to say, what they call “a journeyman professional”. An honest plodder, unflashy, trusted to do a solid…
Herald return of the Anglo-Welsh Cup
Most of us were so wrapped up in the World Cup last autumn that the absence of the Anglo-Welsh Cup barely registered. Yet the decision not to play this long-running…
Can Australia replicate 1984’s Grand Slam heroes?
It was 1984. Australia were led into battle by the rugby equivalent of Donald Trump, a political speech-writer (and future radio chat-show host) named Alan Jones. With only one season…