England Rugby’s Top Five Players from 2014

England had the definition of a mixed 2014. Excellent in the Six Nations, where they were runners-up on points difference, a much-depleted side performed worthily in the first Test in New Zealand, before being undone in the other two. In the Autumn Internationals, they were nearly men again—losing to the All Blacks and South Africa, before rounding off with wins against Samoa and Australia. In... 

England Should Drop Dylan Hartley After Latest Red Card Against Leicester Tigers

Dylan Hartley is an excellent hooker. I’ve highlighted how important he is to Northampton Saints and England before, but after being sent off again, this time for elbowing Leicester Tigers center Matt Smith, the England coaching staff have a big decision to make. Can they trust Hartley in key matches when the opposition will try to wind him up? Regardless of their decision, this is one indiscretion... 

Dylan Hartley Rejects Montpellier: New Deal at Northampton Saints Boosts England

Dylan Hartley, the 61-cap hooker, has given England and coach Stuart Lancaster a boost by deciding to sign a new deal at Northampton Saints rather than cross the channel in a big-money move to Montpellier. As reported by Mike Cleary for The Telegraph in late November, Northampton captain Hartley had been weighing up a lucrative move to Montpellier, which would begin after England host the 2015 Rugby... 

2014 Varsity Match: Oxford University Thrash Cambridge 43-6 at Twickenham

The Varsity Rugby Match between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge has been a stage for many greats of the sport. But since the dawn of professionalism in 1995, fewer have gone on to represent their countries. Even so, the list of past players and coaches in this fixture is remarkable (see table below). It even features the first man to lift the William Webb Ellis Cup, New Zealander David Kirk,... 

England vs Australia: Top 4 Performances from Twickenham

England and Australia conjured up a thrilling test match to end the 2014 Autumn Internationals. The English pack were dominant throughout, whereas Australia looked very dangerous in the backs and secured quick ruck ball time and again. The top four performers this week reflect those realities, but one England back does merit inclusion. Begin Slideshow  Read More →

Analysing England’s Three Changes Ahead of Australia Autumn Test

England have made three changes to their starting XV from last week’s defeat of Samoa as they prepare to face Australia on Saturday. Dylan Hartley, Tom Wood and Billy Twelvetrees come in, with Rob Webber, James Haskell and Owen Farrell dropping to the bench. Here Bleacher Report analyses Stuart Lancaster’s thinking, and evaluates his decisions, his player pecking order and consistency of... 

Ireland vs. Australia: Key Battles to Watch at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland take on Australia on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, looking to continue their impressive form from this November and avenge their 32-15 loss last season. Ireland currently look the strongest of the northern hemisphere teams and Australia the weakest of the “big three” in the south. This week, Ireland leap-frogged Australia into third in the IRB world rankings, so this... 

Wales vs. Australia: Winners and Losers from Cardiff

The 2014 Autumn Internationals got off to a thrilling start under the roof at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, with Australia edging Wales 33-28. It was a familiar story for Wales, who were unable to break their Southern Hemisphere hoodoo that has seen them win just once against the big three in seven years. With Wales playing Australia in Pool A of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it was a deflating defeat... 

Joe Launchbury’s Injury Leaves England with Breakdown Problems for Autumn

England will be without influential second-rower Joe Launchbury for the 2014 Autumn Internationals, as the Wasps lock needs to recover from a neck injury, per the BBC. But it is the breakdown, not the scrum or line-out, where England will suffer. Securing turnovers has been England’s problem for years. In the 2014 Six Nations, Joe Launchbury’s turnover count (6) was exceptional, which... 

Bold Prediction for the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final a Year Away

The 2015 Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham is exactly a year away. My prediction is for an England–New Zealand final. This is based on how the draw will pan out and England’s home advantage. England, at home, should beat Wales and probably Australia in the tough Pool A. Being in the hardest group has distinct advantages for the team who tops it, with the reward of a favourable knockout... 

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