5 England Rugby Players with the Most to Prove Before the 2015 World Cup

With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, everyone will be desperate to impress their national coaches in the hopes of making the squad. As hosts, England are under pressure to perform well in a group that includes Wales and Australia. Here, I take a look at the English players who need to prove the most this season for their clubs before the World Cup kicks off next September. In coming up with this list, I have no scientific criteria for my rankings. It is merely personal opinion based on competition for places and the media scrutiny of the squad. The players who follow are the ones I... 

Why Wasps Could Surprise in the Aviva Premiership in 2014-15

It has been a depressing drought for Wasps fans the last few years, a far cry from the glory days under Dallaglio and Gatland. However, there are signs of encouragement that Wasps could return as a major force in both the Aviva Premiership and in Europe. A year after claiming seventh in the league, and defeating Stade Francais in a play-off for the 2014-15 European Champions Cup, a revival has taken place at Adams Park that could see Wasps break into the top six, or possibly the play-off spots. After years of watching star players like Danny Cipriani and Dom Waldouck leave for more lucrative offers... 

New Zealand vs. Argentina: Score and Report from 2014 Rugby Championship Clash

New Zealand did just enough to outlast Argentina in a defensive and mistake-ridden 2014 Rugby Championship clash. The All Blacks eventually won 28-9, although the game proved a lot closer than the 19-point difference would suggest. The All Blacks found it tough to break down a resolute Argentina defensive line, as well as dealing with treacherous conditions, marked by heavy rain in the first half. The opening period was defined by how the Pumas frustrated New Zealand. They stymied the All Blacks by consistently denying them the space to get out and play from deep. Argentina’s approach also... 

Mike Brown Says ‘Playing the Harlequins Brand of Rugby’ Is Key to Team’s Success

Harlequins have high hopes for premiership success as the 2014-15 Aviva Premiership season kicks off this weekend. Loaded with an abundance of talent, Quins boast no less than nine current and former internationals. England fullback Mike Brown is one of the club’s biggest assets. After last year’s trophy-less campaign—their first in four years, the classy fullback believes his side’s positive style of play can soon bring success back to the Stoop. “We need to stick to our brand of rugby—off loads, playing quick and counter attack. We also have to do the basics... 

New Zealand v Argentina: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape Rugby Championship Clash

Napier plays host to Argentina on Saturday as the Pumas’ quest for a first Rugby Championship win goes on. Daniel Hourcade’s team features five changes to the line-up that came so agonisingly close to turning the Springboks over in Salta. Changes, too, for the All Blacks, who have lost Aaron Cruden to injury and see further shuffling in the back line. After such an impressive display against Australia, the smart money is on the home side to win handsomely against the South Americans, but this generation of Pumas looks to be the real deal as they build toward the 2015 World Cup. It will... 

Australia v South Africa: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape Rugby Championship Clash

South Africa will look to extend their lead at the top of the Rugby Championship table with a pivotal matchup set to unfold in Perth on Saturday. The Wallabies host a Springboks side riding high on their back-to-back wins over Argentina, but Ewen McKenzie’s side should give the table-toppers a sterner test of their mettle, at least in theory. McKenzie’s men are hoping to bounce back from an embarrassing 51-20 defeat at the hands of New Zealand, and with changes being rung throughout both line-ups, we highlight the most essential head-to-head battles. Begin Slideshow  Read More →

New Zealand vs. Argentina: Date, Time, Live Stream and 2014 TRC Preview

Argentina travel to Napier in the hope that Saturday’s fixture against the All Blacks can bring about an almighty shock, having given South Africa a scare or two in their opening Rugby Championship fixtures. New Zealand’s 2014 title defence has gone largely to plan thus far. Despite the stumbling block of an opening-round draw in Sydney, their 51-20 win over Australia in Week 2 showed Steve Hansen’s men are very much still the outfit to beat. Daniel Hourcade’s visitors certainly wouldn’t be tipped as the most likely party to bring an end to that fine run of form, but... 

Australia vs. South Africa: Date, Time, Live Stream and 2014 TRC Preview

A must-win match for Australia sees Ewen McKenzie’s side play host to current Rugby Championship table leaders South Africa on Saturday, who come to Perth in good form following back-to-back wins over Argentina. Results against Argentina are annually viewed as morale boosters for the Southern Hemisphere’s “big three,” and the question now sits as to whether the Wallabies can get their first win of the tournament. A 12-12 draw against the All Blacks in Round 1 remains Australia’s only result of the 2014 competition, and they’ll need to capitalise upon home advantage... 

World Rugby’s Clown of the Month, August 2014

The term “Clown” can be deployed at several points along the derogatory scale in sporting terms. It can be used to describe an administrator who has overseen an almighty cock-up to do with the running of the game; it can be applied to a coach for some befuddling selections or comments following a game; it can suit a player for an on-field howler committed in full view of the cameras. And it is in this last category we can place August’s Clown of the Month. Step on up Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna. The big front-rower was busy positioning himself on his own try line to defend an attack... 

Willis Halaholo: World Rugby’s Player of the Month, August 2014

The Rugby Championship might have taken the majority of August’s rugby headlines, but the 2014 ITM Cup has taken centre stage in New Zealand, with Willis Halaholo so far taking a starring role. His recent form has been a product of rejection. Halaholo was benched for the competition opener against Bay of Plenty but surged back into Southland‘s starting XV for rounds two and three, and the province benefited greatly from his return. While there may have been more consistent candidates out there in August, the 24-year-old has operated on a model of efficiency, packing dazzling displays... 

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