CATEGORIES

This Wales Side Have Got Cheika Worried

I LIKE where Wales are at going into this morning’s game with Australia – not just for facing the Wallabies but for the rest of the Pool stages too.

Montoya Hat-Trick As Pumas Warn Eddie

ARGENTINA fired a warning shot at England ahead of Saturday’s crucial Pool C clash by securing their four-try bonus point against Tonga after just 26 minutes in front of a 21,000 crowd in Higashiosaka.

Italy's Hope Is In Speed Of The Back Row

Brendan Gallagher looks at the challenge facing Italy and fancies they have an outside chance

Brutal Training Sets Up Wales

SHAUN Edwards issued Wales with a World Cup battle cry and told Warren Gatland’s players they will remember it forever if they seal a crucial win over Australia in Tokyo.

Smart All Blacks Kick The Springboks Into Disarray

What struck me most as New Zealand beat South Africa 23-13 in their showdown yesterday was that planning your strategy behind-the-scenes is where coaches earn their corn, and it is where the Springboks fell short this time.

Japan Gets Its Sense Of Proportion Just Right

There is a strong appreciation of detail and proportion in Japanese culture, as well as a deep sense of tradition, and thankfully they were reflected in the 2019 World Cup opening ceremony in the Tokyo Stadium on Friday.

Expect A Reaction After Rob's Departure

This Welsh squad keep being put through the mill off the field. It really is far from ideal as they prepare for the biggest tournament of their lives.

Woodman: Mako Is Key To Success

Trevor Woodman says the fitness of powerhouse loosehead Mako Vunipola will be critical to England’s chance of success in Japan.

Come On Samoa, Let's Have One Big Upset!

Brendan Gallagher recalls the glory of Samoa and asks when will it return at the World Cup?

Let The Counties Reps Run Our Amateur Game

I was on the list of the people who received an email last week from serial correspondent Jeff Gage.

Wallabies Comeback Dodges Banana Skin

Michael Cheika agreed his side were given a huge wake up call as Australia survived a ferocious Fijian storm.

We'll Fight Tongan Fire With Fire Says Eddie

Eddie Jones wants to send a clear message to England’s World Cup rivals that they are more than a match for the most physical sides when they kick off their campaign against Tonga today.

Eddie Will Find Tonga Give Focus To His Men

England play their first match of the World Cup today against a Tongan team that will be strong, aggressive and direct but it should be the perfect game for Eddie Jones to start England’s campaign.

By George! A Late Show From Mills Is Just In Time

In a game that was a great advert for National 1 rugby, Plymouth Albion snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to record their first win of the season.

Alfie Will Be ‘Allright, Butt'

Surviving mankind’s longest test of endurance and living for 100 years requires more than a modicum of courage – in which event Gareth Thomas must have every chance of getting there.

Ace Segun Leads Way For Sarries Super Kids

Rampant Rotimi Segun showed just why Sarries believe he is a wing wizard in the making as the former England junior raced over for a try double at the Ricoh Arena.

All Blacks Give Proof They're Still The Boss

New Zealand posted notice that their bid for a third successive World Cup title is alive and well by ruthlessly seeing off a South African side predicted to be their main challengers.

From Exiles Junkyard To Test Starter

RENAISSANCE man Darryl Marfo is targeting a long and fruitful Test career with Scotland after climbing off rugby’s scrapheap to earn a surprise call-up.

Ireland Turn The Screw With Three-try Flourish

IRELAND, with a performance of growing authority and excellence, dismissed South Africa from their presence to get their autumn campaign off to a spectacular start.

Five-tries For Scots But Alarm Bells Still Ringing

SCOTLAND defeated Samoa to get their autumn Test campaign off to a winning start, but they know their defence will have to improve with the All Blacks coming to town next Saturday.

Time For Gatland To Change His Style

WARREN Gatland is being challenged to give Wales a new dimension and introduce the double play maker tactic used by the Lions.

Now Let Williams Off The Leash For Wales Says Byrne

LIAM Williams must start at full-back with Wales next season after a stand-out series in the position with the British & Irish Lions according to former Welsh lion Lee Byrne.

Let's Draw A Line Under This Extra Time Debate

WHAT’S wrong with a draw? Especially one that is as honourable as that played out between the Lions and New Zealand in the third Test at Eden Park last Saturday, which tied up the series after it finished 15-15 on the scoreboard.

Wales Must Start Planning For Life After Gatland Now

The Lions tour told us many things about Northern Hemisphere rugby.

Will President Spencer Fight To Save The Lions?

As predicted, the squabble as to the future of the Lions has started already with both sides firing their opening shots across the bows of the other.

Fiji Reap The Benefits Of Early RWC Qualification

Brendan Gallagher rounds up the recent international action that has seen early qualifiers for RWC2019

Sunwolves End Season On A High As Keino Binned

THE Sun wolves rounded off their second year in Super Rugby with a maiden win over New Zealand opposition, upsetting the Blues 48-21 in the final round of the season.

French Wide Boys Make Light of Travel Sickness

FRANCE have finally won away from home in the Six Nations and it came on the back of their best attacking performance under Guy Noves.

Immortality Beckons for England's History Men

JONATHAN Joseph scored a scintillating hat-trick of tries to spearhead an England win which left Scotland’s hopes of a Triple Crown spread-eagled as the home side hit the jackpot.

Is it Scotland's year to break the Millennium duck in Paris?

BRENDAN GALLAGHER talks to two of the heroes from Scotland’s last win over the French in Paris.