British and Irish Lions: Warren Gatland and Andy Farrell say autumn internationals prove New Zealand can be toppled on 2017 tour December 7, 2016 Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions coaching team for the 2017 New Zealand tour have been given renewed belief that the All Blacks can be toppled by the northern hemisphere teams' performances in the Autumn internationals. Gatland has reunited with interim Wales coach Rob Howley and Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell, veterans of the 2013 tour of Australia, and [...]
England’s forward dominance against Australia ensures last laugh for innocent Dan Cole December 5, 2016 It’s not often that attention is focused on the burly beasts of the front row, but in the run-up to Saturday’s match proppery was the talk of the town. Not only did Dan Cole find himself at the centre of accusations of alleged illegal technique by Australia coach Michael Cheika, but elsewhere guilty verdicts were [...]
I knew from our first team meeting that Eddie Jones would turn England into a force, says scrum-half Ben Youngs December 4, 2016 England scrum-half Ben Youngs has paid tribute to head coach Eddie Jones for the unstinting belief he has engendered within the squad which has translated into a perfect record of 13 victories during 2016. The 27-year-old has flourished under Jones, who has said that Youngs could become as inspirational for England as Fourie du Preez [...]
Maintain your standards or risk the axe, Eddie Jones tells his England players after perfect year December 4, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones has warned his record-equalling players that an unbeaten 2016 will not shield them from the axe should standards slip prior to next year’s Six Nations. Jones led England to their 14th consecutive victory – the 13th of his reign – with a 37-21 triumph over bitter foes Australia on Saturday, [...]
Betting: Australia to provide England with stern test at Twickenham December 2, 2016 A record-equalling 14th consecutive victory is the prize for England as they host Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. A win at the home of rugby will complete an unbeaten calendar year for Eddie Jones’ side and a fourth successive victory over The Wallabies. Australia will be seeking revenge after The Red Rose completed an unprecedented 3-0 [...]
Eddie Jones builds autumn climax against foes Australia as World Cup primer December 1, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones is refusing to obsess over his side’s record-breaking opportunities and insists he intends to use Saturday's autumn climax against Australia as a World Cup primer. Powerhouse Nathan Hughes is set for his first start for England, replacing the injured Billy Vunipola at No8, while Marland Yarde is to play on the [...]
England v Australia: Eddie Jones has put his team on the front foot in war of words with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, says ex international Martin Corry December 1, 2016 Eddie Jones’ public confidence has given England an advantage in clashes with Australia they’ve never enjoyed before according to Rugby World Cup winner Martin Corry. The ex-England international believes the Australian head coach has got under the skin of Wallabies boss Michael Cheika ahead of the two sides’ meeting at Twickenham this weekend. Earlier this week [...]
Six Nations introduces bonus points in 2017 competition to encourage attacking rugby November 30, 2016 Next year's Six Nations will feature a bonus point system the competition hopes will reward "try scoring and attacking play". From 2017 onwards the competition will double the points awarded for a win from two to four and will reward a bonus point to any team that scores four or more tries, replicating a scoring [...]
Jason Robinson interview: ‘England remind me of World Cup-winning class of 2003’ November 29, 2016 World Cup winner Jason Robinson is convinced that Eddie Jones’s victory-craving England are showcasing similar hallmarks to the record-setting trailblazers of his own era who went on to conquer the globe. Victory against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday would not only ensure England navigate 2016 with an unblemished record but also equal the milestone of [...]
Australia’s Michael Cheika stokes war of words with England head coach Eddie Jones and accuses him of tarnishing his reputation November 28, 2016 Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has fuelled the smouldering war of words with England counterpart Eddie Jones by accusing his fellow Australian of tarnishing his own legacy Down Under. Jones began his baiting of Australia in the immediate aftermath of his side’s victory over Argentina at the weekend, questioning their scrummaging technique as the two [...]