All Blacks in an Irish stew as Super Saturday approaches
Whatever the unwelcome statistics for the Southern Hemisphere nations, losing all their matches in unison for the first time, their marketing departments will be secretly delighted that 4 series sit in the balance for this coming weekend. A real Super Saturday.
Ambition on show as a cold wind blows from North to South
This year of all years has been incredibly tough on professional rugby. All the touring teams from the Southern Hemisphere have been in ‘ bubbles ‘ for months and must be mentally and physically exhausted.
A Rugby World In Union In 2019?
It was easy to eulogise about the Irish last year – they have the best set up in World rugby and their results were no fluke at National and provincial level. Rarely can Twickenham have been silenced so easily on a big match day as when a chilly first half made Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam aspirations a reality and England disappeared into the March murkiness.
Eastern Promise From A Dramatic Rugby Fortnight
As if the drama of England’s near miss over the All Blacks two weekends ago wasn’t enough, the Springbok’s two tries (one disallowed) in overtime eventually killed off a valiant French challenge in Paris. But more was to come as Ireland finally lived up to a favourite’s billing by downing the men in Black last Saturday evening and installed themselves as the team to beat next year in Japan.
Money Starts To Talk As The Premiership Heats Up
It’s World Cup Year (almost), and rugby seemingly makes headlines on a daily basis. Journos are back to their editors with begging bowls for more space – they will get it too.
Rugby Wings Take Centre Stage As Beach Beckons
The bad news for England over the weekend comes from an unusual source and will not get any headlines. For the first time in recent memory France showed their true rugby colours and offered a glimpse of what my generation of rugby players experienced every time we saw them take the field.
Rugby Greens And Gold Paint A Picture Of Progress
Summer tours have sometimes appeared to be tiresome and meaningless. But not one year before a World Cup. We have in fact learnt a lot about aspiring hopes and that the All Blacks do not have the field to themselves.
