Despite some previous grumblings about the Champions Cup‘s convoluted format, the last sixteen provided some premium entertainment. With a healthy dosage of drama and some heartbreak, Europe’s elite (and South Africa) put on a show with several near-shocks. A rain-sodden Welford Road started the action on Friday night as Leicester hosted Edinburgh. Leicester dominated much …
The dust has settled on another epic Six Nations that saw Ireland emphatically seal a Grand Slam. It’s hard to bet against their premier province, Leinster, in Europe, but the likes of Toulouse, Saracens, and last year’s winners, La Rochelle, will be gunning for them. All of Europe’s leading contenders have home advantage this week, …
Newcastle Falcons 17 v 12 Gloucester Newcastle survived an early red card to beat Gloucester and all-but end the visitors’ play-off hopes. It was a hugely impressive, gutsy win from the Falcons after a week of turmoil instigated by the departure of director of rugby Dave Walder. Ahead of the game, much of the talk …
After another thrilling Six Nations that saw Ireland achieve a much-deserved Grand Slam, I have selected my team of the tournament. Unsurprisingly, it has a distinctly Irish and French favour! Front Row Embed from Getty Images Second Row Back Row Embed from Getty Images Half Backs Centres Embed from Getty Images Back Three
France 41 v 28 Wales France ended their Six Nations with a stylish win against an improving Wales, but Ireland’s victory dashed their hopes of retaining their title. Les Blues headed into the game knowing they needed an emphatic victory to put pressure on Ireland, and they duly delivered, running in five tries in an …
Scotland 26 v 14 Italy Scotland survived a late Italian onslaught to end their Six Nations on a high with a bonus point victory. Leading 19-6 early in the second half, Scotland appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win, but not for the first time in this tournament, Italy refused to lie down. Tommy …
Ireland 29 – 16 England Belfast in 1948, Cardiff in 2009, and Twickenham in 2018. Now you can add Dublin 2023 to the list, as Ireland finally sealed a Grand Slam in their capital, sparking scenes of delirious jubilation. They were made to work for it by a dogged English side who relished spoiling the …
Six weeks of blood, sweat, and drama has boiled down to one question. Can Ireland seal the Grand Slam? Considering their recent omnipotent form and England’s decimation at the hands of the French, the signs are overwhelmingly in their favour. But rugby’s a strange game, and the Six Nations is rarely straightforward. It has been …
Scotland 7 v 22 Ireland Ireland took another step towards the Grand Slam with a clinical victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. Ravaged by injuries that saw Cian Healy packing down at hooker and Josh van der Flier throwing into the line out in the second half, Ireland showed the mettle of champions to come through. …
England 10 v 53 France France ended their Twickenham hoodoo in thrilling fashion, thrashing England to keep their title hopes alive. It was a fabulous performance from a French side that had failed to find top gear coming into the game and a statement for anyone doubting them in lieu of recent results. France turned …