Adam Thomson charges clear for the Highlanders © Getty Images

Gregor Paul analyses the differing fates of Otago and the Highlanders following the opening round of Super Rugby in The New Zealand Herald.

"It's a touch ironic perhaps that old school values will be the making of the Highlanders but have been the killing of Otago.

"The Highlanders were in many ways the best thing about the opening weekend. They came to Hamilton amidst a serious injury crises that had already seen them raid the ranks of the Chiefs wider training squad and force 37-year-old scrum coach Kees Meeuws into the Auckland heat the previous week.

"Yet there was no negative talk from them in the build-up to their first game. There were a million excuses for them to reach for but never did."

David Kelly looks at the form of Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray and points the finger of blame at his forward pack in The Irish Independent.

"In order for Ireland to come close to achieving a historic success in Paris, they must start better than they have against Wales and Italy. That doesn't necessarily mean starting quickly. Just better.

"Hitting the ground running on Sunday with many of the same players that finished like an express train against Italy is the alluring prospect which many think might suffice against the French.

"Yet inviting such a simplistic premise into any reasonable analysis repudiates every shred of logic involved in the preparation of international teams for a Six Nations championship."

Stuart Lancaster may be left out in the cold by the RFU © Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph's Mick Cleary provides the case for the RFU sticking with English and going for Stuart Lancaster.

"Football has had its share of overseas managers, cricket too, but England rugby ought to think twice if it believes going outside its boundaries is the right thing to do when appointing the next head coach.

Nick Mallett is South African, Eddie O’Sullivan is Irish and Stuart Lancaster is English: when the recruitment panel comes to choose its man the nationality of the contenders ought to be part of the conundrum to be solved.

There is no need to be John Bullish about all this, blinkered and narrow-minded, a little Englander determined to keep Jonny Foreigner outside the Twickenham ramparts come what may. If English rugby really were bottom of the heap, bereft of ideas and denuded of resource, then the Rugby Football Union would owe it to its supporters to send a white charger out into the wider world to find a suitable character to come riding to the rescue. There is no need to make the policy of not seeking overseas aid definitive. But it isn’t broke and it isn’t without options within."

Greg Growden, writing for Sydney Morning Herald, writes that Robbie Deans will have a new coaching set-up behind him next season.

"Robbie Deans will be surrounded by different faces in the Wallabies coaching box this season, including at least three new assistant coaches.

Former Brumbies assistant coach, Edinburgh and Scotland A coach Nick Scrivener is in contention for one position, focusing on skills, and is expected to work alongside Deans. Former Test prop Andrew Blades and Munster coach Tony McGahan are also expected to be appointed as back-up coaches."

Chris Foy, of the Daily Mail, looks at the England coaching situation regarding whether the RFU goes for Nick Mallett or Stuart Lancaster.

"No sooner had Ian Ritchie, the new chief executive of the RFU, settled at his desk on his first day in charge at Twickenham than he received a reminder of the most pressing issue he faces.

The IRB confirmed on Monday that England’s 19-12 defeat by Wales in Saturday’s tumultuous RBS Six Nations encounter at HQ means they have dropped to sixth in the world rankings. For Ritchie, this was not a welcome development to kick-start his tenure.

Yet, it serves to focus his mind on the priority task in the coming weeks — the appointment of the next, long-term England head coach. While this is a matter of overwhelming importance, not to be rushed, there is an underlying urgency."

The New Zealand Herald talks to David Moffat about the situation at Otago.

"Former NZRU boss David Moffat has offered his services to the Otago Rugby Football Union after it said it would go into liquidation on Friday with debts of $2.2 million.

Moffat said he had contacted the southern union today offering his services. He said the situation could be turned around and said the focus should be on negotiating debt reduction and increasing revenue."

The New Zealand Herald asks whether the government should bail out stricken side Otago.

"The Otago Rugby Football Union will cease trading on Friday, saddled with debts of more than $2.2 million, with no ability to repay them.

The union's annual meeting last night heard the union had posted a loss last year of $862,000, and may not be able to field a team in this year's ITM Cup."

The Daily Telegraph's Steve James reflects on whether Wales were 'lucky' to beat England on Saturday.

"Luck need not be a dirty word in sport. The Wales rugby team were lucky in defeating England. There are moments in sport when even the greatest sportspeople’s powers are not enough, when a greater uncontrollable power, that often unutterable word beginning with L, takes over.

"Such a moment came on Saturday night at Twickenham as both sets of players stood powerless, awaiting the verdict of the television match official.

Did David Strettle score for England? He may well have done, but there was no conclusive evidence.

Wales had a smidgen of luck to go with their obvious class and outstanding physicality."

Wales captain Sam Warburton lifts the Triple Crown silverware at Twickenham © Getty Images

The Western Mail's Andy Howell believes another memorable Six Nations Grand Slam is within Wales' grasp.

"Wales have far too much firepower for bottom-of-the-table Italy, but the championship finale with the title-chasing French – both fixtures are at the Millennium Stadium – has all the ingredients to be a classic.

"Mind you, if it’s half as good as Saturday’s Test people won’t complain, because you can be assured the centre of Cardiff is going to be submerged under a sea of red on March 17.

"Such has been the success of Wales in the Six Nations with Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, coupled with reaching the semi-finals of this season’s World Cup before finishing fourth, that some will regard the country’s 20th Six Nations Triple Crown as a run-of-the-mill achievement.

"But those of that leaning need to put the whole thing into perspective. Between 1978 and 2005, Wales beat England, Scotland and Ireland just once in the same season, when Jonathan Davies and company did it in 1988 on the back of coming third at the inaugural World Cup the previous year. So it’s not to be taken for granted."

The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley was not convinced by Ireland's Six Nations victory over Italy in Dublin.

"At times you get the impression that television and the Six Nations would be as happy to have a cardboard cut-out of the crowd once the kick-off fitted in with TV schedules. Well, for much of the first half here, that was pretty much the case.

"Ireland were far from brilliant in the first half, repeating the errors of the previous outing against Wales by too often running slow ball inside their own half and often too laterally, all of which was compounded by errors and a lack of precision. But they rode out a mini crisis to ultimately win handsomely. Perception is everything but had this been a 5.30pm kick-off under lights, one ventures the impression of this game would have been considerably different.

"Take Ireland’s first try in the 16th minute when opting for the corner and patiently going through eight phases for Keith Earls to score his 12th try and his sixth try in his last four Tests. Libraries had been noisier at times up until the score, and though the lunchtime, sun-kissed crowd were briefly stirred they soon fell back into a torpor. Until the last throes of the half, when Ireland again opted for a kick to the corner and patiently worked the phases for Tommy Bowe to score his first try, the 5,000 or so Italian fans comfortably out-sang their 45,000 hosts."

The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports from Scotland's latest Six Nations defeat at the hands of France.

"Another stirring display by Scotland, more progress with two well-taken tries and real encouragement from dousing the fire of World Cup finalists France for much of this RBS Six Nations Championship match. But still defeat. Still not enough and Scotland’s losing run extends to five on the trot for the first time since 2004, and ever-nearer a sixth straight tournament in which Scotland will battle Italy to avoid the wooden spoon.

"There can be no disguising the improvement shown by Scotland as they raced into a 10-0 lead with a much tighter, composed and accurate attack. Stuart Hogg exploded concerns that too much expectation was being heaped on the teenager’s shoulders in his first Test start, lighting up Scotland’s attack in the first half and scoring the opening try – the first witnessed at Murrayfield since Italy were beaten here in the World Cup warm-up, with scores by Alasdair Dickinson and Mike Blair.

"The key lay with Scottish possession and when the hosts held the ball through phases and got it to their back three, France were scrambling to survive and Scotland soaring in this game. But having slipped off the pace in the final 15 minutes of the first phase and then again let the French back in after regaining the lead in the 55th minute, the Scots could not find a way back against a strong France side fighting hard to keep their championship hopes on track."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray reflects on the opening weekend of Super Rugby action.

"Class under fire. It is a precious commodity which the Reds and Crusaders showed as the Super 15 re-entered our sporting landscape.

"When sports coaches are quizzed about what separates the strong from mediocre teams, they invariably tap the top of their bonce and mention phrases about the top two inches.

"Little separates high-performance sides in their physical preparation, they are drilled to withstand the mixed challenges of speed, endurance and power which rugby demands.

"But when the general requests disperse and teams are asked to deliver, those who operate most calmly in blast furnace heat show their value."

The Guardian's Richard Williams is impressed by Wales' ability to roll with the punches.

"On Saturday they could say that they won because of, rather than despite, their bad habit of losing players to yellow cards. When Rhys Priestland, having perhaps his worst game in a Wales jersey, went to the sin bin for an illegal tackle on Alex Corbisiero in the 45th minute it enabled the remaining 14 to demonstrate their resilience, to themselves as much as to their opponents. And they had yardsticks by which to measure their progress.

Two years ago at Twickenham they lost Alun Wyn Jones with the score at 3-3, and by the time the lock returned they were 13-3 behind and on the way to a heavy defeat. Last year in Cardiff the prop Craig Mitchell was sent to the sin bin with the score at 9-13 and 10 minutes later it was 9-23, a margin from which they were unable to recover.

On Saturday Priestland departed with England leading 9-6, and Owen Farrell swiftly kicked the penalty to double the margin. But then Wales dug in. They made the most of the restart and, with the significant assistance of Mike Phillips, their forwards kept virtually unbroken possession until the fly-half's return."

The Guardian's Rob Kitson sees plenty of reason for hope in the wake of England's Six Nations defeat to Wales on Saturday.

"Not for more than a decade has an England-Wales game captured as many hearts and minds. The Welsh march on unbeaten, now two home wins from a third Six Nations grand slam in eight seasons, but this was a contest which encapsulated all the best qualities of a thrillingly perverse sport. As Scott Williams surged clear with five minutes left to score his decisive try, there were compelling echoes of the 32‑31 classic at Wembley in 1999 when another centre, by the name of Scott Gibbs, memorably ruined England's day.

"If the 21-year-old Williams enjoys a career half as effective as Gibbs's he will be doing pretty well. Even if he falls short, it seems possible we are witnessing the first stirrings of a high-class Anglo-Welsh rivalry destined to continue for a while. Two of Wales's most effective warriors were Sam Warburton and George North, aged 23 and 19 respectively. For England the 20-year-old Owen Farrell played with more than enough poise and assurance to confirm the suspicion that Jonny Wilkinson's heir apparent is already among us. It does not take a genius to foresee these two developing teams vying for supremacy on a regular basis in the coming years."

Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, former England hooker Brian Moore reflects on his former side's defeat to Wales on Saturday.

"A Twickenham on Saturday, a team four weeks in the making, drawn from a new squad and under a new management team, came close to beating one that has been fashioned over four years by an experienced and settled management group.

"That England did not at least draw with Wales was not a fair reflection of the game, but life, especially sport, is not fair and Stuart Lancaster and his charges will have to learn that at this level a moment’s inattention can undo the efforts of a whole game’.

"The assessment by Sam Warburton, the Wales captain and the man of the match, that they had not played well, was only partially accurate. What he did not say, but which is nevertheless the truth, is that England’s defensive effort did not allow them to flourish for long periods of the game."

Wales' Scott Williams crosses for the match-winnin try against England at Twickenham © Getty Images

The Sunday Times' David Walsh heaps praise on Wales' Scott Williams after his match-winning cameo against England. (via paywall)

"Sometimes you have to just smile at the wonder of it. So much expectation, so many heavyweights and so many heavy hitters but the game was won by a young man few outside of south Wales had ever heard of. Obscurity ended in the 75th minute of a magnificent Test match and now Scott Williams is a player, a name, a hero; the man who beat the English.

"Nine days ago he was in Dublin, playing for his regional team, Scarlets, against Leinster, and losing to a last-minute penalty goal. “Gutted” was the word he used to describe his mood that evening. That was then, this is now. He was asked about his heroic and match-winning try that decided this game and didn’t quite know how to explain it. “It is quite unbelievable,” he said. “I don’t know what to say.”

"What could he say? That he had seen all this coming; that he dreamt of it while growing up in Swansea; that he imagined while playing for the Welsh under-age teams and accepted a professional contract with the Scarlets he would learn to be a star against England? No, this was a dream beyond the imagination, a moment so close to fairytale you couldn’t have made it up."

A fuming Sir Graham Henry said he had called in his lawyer after his comments at a rugby club function were printed in the press. Edward Rooney reports for the Herald on Sunday.

"The former All Blacks coach was quoted from a fundraising dinner in Napier on Thursday night, stating he would have left the country if the All Blacks had lost the Rugby World Cup final to France.

"I would have been in the south of France smoking marijuana and drinking red wine," he apparently said. "I would still have the same woman ... nobody else would have me."

"Asked about his comments yesterday, Henry was furious: "It shouldn't be in the paper. It was done as a fundraiser for Hawke's Bay Rugby."

"An Evening with Sir Graham Henry was a $120 per head dinner at the East Pier on the Napier waterfront raising funds for the Hawke's Bay's rugby development programme.

"Henry said he'd had an arrangement with the event organisers that there would be no media coverage."

The Sunday Independent's Brendan Fanning reports as Ireland capitalise on below-par Italy.

"It's not easy to get excited about a fixture that has become so lopsided that Italy think of the trip to Dublin with even less enthusiasm than Ireland board a plane for Paris. And when the kick-off is at lunchtime then you have stadium announcers trying too hard to create something that isn't there.

"As ever in this new stadium, where Ireland still have lost more than they have won, pleasing the crowd is not easy either. With five minutes to the break it looked like they would be spending half-time complaining about the fact that the home team couldn't string together enough decent rugby to be in front. As it turned out, they went in ahead. And at the end the punters had five tries to chew on -- a bonus of sorts in a competition that doesn't do bonus points.

"The attraction of it all for Declan Kidney was that his team go to Paris with a win immediately behind them. You wonder what would it have been like yesterday had they faced Italy with back-to-back defeats in their rear-view mirror, for in truth the coach was delighted to get out of France two weeks ago without that baggage."

The Irish Times reports on Ireland's Six Nations victory over Italy in Dublin.

"While the scoreboard points to an easy afternoon, Ireland made heavy work of it and at times were guilty of over-elaborating. But coach Declan Kidney will otherwise be pleased with a comfortable victory that has provided some positive news in an otherwise ill-fated campaign.

"Since losing to Wales thanks to a penalty that a disciplinary hearing later admitted should not have been awarded, they have since seen their clash with France postponed at the last minute and lost their forwards coach Gert Smal for the rest of the championship due to an eye condition.

"Dispatching Italy — a result that concludes their sequence of three successive home defeats — at last provides them with a platform as they prepare for their return to Paris next Sunday."

The Wales on Sunday's Delme Parfitt insists central contracts ar enow a must for Welsh rugby.

"The issue of central contracts was once debated so regularly in Welsh rugby, with ultimately so little consequence, that the time came when the subject was almost taboo.

"With the financial bolstering of club – and later regional – benefactors so critical to the game’s survival, the handing over of control to the governing body was balked at by those who had invested so much, and who therefore wielded significant power.

"But where once central contracts were seen as some unreachable utopia that would transform the health of the Wales set-up, surely they are now more on the cards than they have ever been.

"What we are now witnessing is a climate where the regions appear to be trying to shed the bulk of their Welsh internationals because (a) they are too expensive to tie down and (b) Test commitments mean they just aren’t available for enough of the domestic programme."

Writing in his column for the Wales on Sunday, Barry John heaps praise on the Grand Slam-chasing Wales.

"It’s rarely a pretty game when the two nations meet at Twickenham, but it’s always a case of dog eat dog.

"Well, the Welsh bite was greater this time thanks to a moment of brilliance from half-time replacement Scott Williams.

"But what really struck me was how mentally strong Warren Gatland’s side is. No-one ever gives in. I love their character and way they go about things, they never throw the towel in.

"There were two periods of the game which stood out for me on this score.

"First when Wales were reduced to 14 men, though I still don’t understand how referee Steve Walsh gave Rhys Priestland 10 minutes in the sin bin. It was so innocuous with the English forward Alex Corbisiero losing the ball.

"...The second key part of the game was when Wales turned it up from the 60-minute mark. Ryan Jones played a big part here after replacing Alun Wyn Jones and his impact was just what Wales needed at 12-9 down."

Writingin the Independent on Sunday, James Corrigan reports from Wales' Triple Crown triumph.

"Do not underestimate what this added confidence could do for the red resurgence. As Gatland says, they have fresh looks but weathered boots. Wales had not won the Triple Crown in England before and if they had to pick anywhere, one would be forgiven for suspecting the Welsh would have chosen this venue – a place, which, for some reason, they have never felt comfortable in calling "HQ".

"So now a third Grand Slam in eight seasons beckons: Italy first, then France. England and Ireland might disagree but it is set up for the decider and, dare we whisper it, for revenge after that World Cup semi-final heartbreaker.

"Wales have built on the form from the World Cup, just as Gatland would have demanded . The Kiwi coach must believe that his adopted country's name is back on the Six Nations trophy after this enthralling contest."

The Sunday Times' Stephen Jones pens an open letter to new Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie ahead of his first day at work. (via paywall)

"For a start, he [Ritchie] must demolish instantaneously the excuse culture that exists in English rugby, which has attempted to spin its way into some kind of coherence, attempted to tell us that eight years of failure, eight years of abysmal England performances and eight years in which the production line of young English talent has spluttered horrendously, is actually some kind of success.

"The bar must be raised dramatically. Ritchie is joining the biggest and most prosperous union in the world. Give me one good reason why England should not expect to beat New Zealand every time the All Blacks come to Twickenham.

"But the excuse merchants, spinning away and protecting their backs, have even tried to tell us that a 50% record under Martin Johnson is somehow acceptable, and that the victories by England under [Stuart] Lancaster, over a toothless Scotland and a catastrophic Italy — and both games could have been lost — is some kind of progress.

"Even in the ludicrous job description compiled to try to attract a new coach, Lancaster ticks none of the boxes in terms of experience, worldliness and achievement."

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mike Catt refuses to be downbeat about England's Six Nations defeat to Wales.

"I refuse to be glum after that because yesterday evening I believe we saw the start of something special and I sense the England supporters feel much the same way.

"Poised to play a huge role in that future is undoubtedly Owen Farrell. I raised more than a few eyebrows last week when I suggested in this column that England might use this match of all games to throw the young man in at fly-half with Manu Tuilagi playing in his place at centre alongside Brad Barritt.

"The general consensus seemed that it was way too high-risk and that Tuilagi and Barritt were too similar ever to combine effectively at Test level, but they were duly selected and come the day all three enjoyed exceptional games.

"Hopefully that odd-looking injury to Farrell when he did something to his leg kicking for touch isn’t too serious, because I want to see that midfield trio go straight back in against France next up. They can only get better."

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Paul Hayward reflects on England gutsy display in defeat to Wales.

"The true measure of this defeat, though, was the ruin, rancour and self-regard of England’s World Cup campaign – and how far they have come since then under a bright new coaching team who have restored dignity to the national set-up.

"A downside of never mentioning that tour of doom to New Zealand is that it obscures the scale of the task faced by Lancaster, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree – or “Stuart, Faz and Wig”, as the Twickenham debutante Lee Dickson called them with perhaps a touch too much familiarity.

"It was only five months ago, remember, that England were complaining about having to go out without ex-SAS minders to keep them out of bother.

"Complaining about pretty much everything apart from their own inadequacies. For Lancaster to hose away that mess so quickly and find a new group of warriors who are committed to the shirt ranks as a managerial miracle."

Conor Murray takes on Jonathan Davies during Ireland's loss to Wales © Getty Images

David Kelly looks at the emergence of Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray, and points to the work of Munster boss Tony McGahan as a key factor, in The Irish Independent.

"In all the rush to praise the Irish management for being at the cutting edge of player evolution, Conor Murray reminded us this week that, in fact, his rapid progression owes more to his outgoing Munster coach.

"After all, Tony McGahan was far quicker than his erstwhile boss, Declan Kidney, in ascertaining that Tomas O'Leary's sudden decline in form was irreversible last year; hence Murray's rapid promotion from the Munster academy to World Cup starter with Ireland.

"This time last year, Kidney was still keeping the faith, despite the sadly visible struggles of O'Leary to recreate his Grand Slam form; his selection of the Corkman in Rome was one of the reasons Ireland very nearly succumbed to the battling Italians."

England wing David Strettle discusses the challenges of playing out of position and tackling Wales' George North in The Independent.

"A little over three weeks ago, just as they were about to head north to Edinburgh for the Six Nations game with Scotland, the England wings David Strettle and Chris Ashton found themselves discussing what, on the face of it, was a rather serious issue: namely, what precise roles they would end up playing.

"Chris is a right wing by preference, as am I," says Strettle. "We both knew one of us would have to shift to the left and I thought it might be me on the grounds that I'd just come back into the side. I was pretty relieved when Chris said: 'Actually, I quite fancy it for a change.' The trouble was, no one bothered to tell the kit man."

Paul Hayward previews England's clash with Wales, beginning with No.8 Ben Morgan's humble beginnings, in The Daily Telegraph.

"This morning, in the Gloucestershire market town of Dursley, a minibus will set off rammed with relatives and friends of a No 8 making his first start for England against Wales at Twickenham. Ben Morgan’s dad will drive.

"This throwback to more Corinthian days is in tune with the romantic rawness and inexperience of Stuart Lancaster’s third England starting XV. Morgan’s stepping stones to Twickenham have been Dursley, Cinderford, Merthyr (‘The Ironmen’) and the Scarlets of Llanelli. In his official biography we are told: “Before his elevation to the England Senior Squad, Ben’s top memory was beating Yorkshire in the U-20 final at Twickenham in May 2008.”

"The good news is that Morgan has scored a try on English rugby’s sacred turf. Less encouraging is that seven of England’s starters have never played at Twickenham. The No 8, scrum-half and fly-half are international virgins on home soil. You mooch around the England camp expecting to smell terror creeping across the ranks. You find none."

Robert Kitson - writing in The Guardian - looks at the links between Wigan and the Six Nations clash between England and Wales.

"The question is this: how did one northern town of around 81,000 people hijack one of international rugby union's biggest days? Clearly a degree of Anglo-Welsh rivalry will still swirl around Twickenham on Saturday but the whiff of Wigan is unmissable.

"Two rival coaches – Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards – were part of the same all-conquering Wigan side. So was Wales's head of rugby, Joe Lydon. England's two main scoring threats, Owen Farrell and Chris Ashton, were born there, as was England's fitness coach, Paul Stridgeon. Most of them even attended the same school, St John Fisher Catholic high school in Baytree Road. It cannot all be a coincidence. "I see Wiganers everywhere," Farrell Sr says. "You only have to do a bit of digging."

Legendary footballer George Best is related to Scotland's Stuart Hogg © Getty Images

Scotland's Stuart Hogg tells The Scotsman's David Ferguson that he is a distant relative of legendary footballer George Best.

"The 19-year-old was already spinning from making his debut for Scotland against Wales in Cardiff less than a fortnight ago and finding out at the start of the week that he was to make his first start in a Scotland jersey, against France this Sunday. And then Irish relatives informed his father of the link with Manchester United hero Best.

"It’s pretty amazing,” he said, sporting a wide grin. “A cousin of my dad’s in Hawick was in touch with Irish relatives and told them about me playing for Scotland, and there was a report in a paper across there.

"Then my dad got in touch with them and they told him that his great granny was a Best, and that we were related to George’s family. My dad was in tears hearing of the Irish links. It’s pretty distant, but it has been amazing to find that out.”

The Irish Independent's David Kelly reflects on Italy coach Jacques Brunel's efforts to take his side to the next level.

"Born in Courrensan in south-west France, Brunel's playing career was relatively undistinguished, featuring for Grenoble and Carcassonne before joining Auch, where he spent 19 years, finishing the last 12 years of his playing days there before assuming the head coach role.

"Much of his philosophy was honed here, before leaving to join Colomiers in 1995, the neat symmetry of that year's Paris Accord partitioning his amateur and professional rugby careers.

"Before replacing Nick Mallett as Italian head coach last year, Brunel had enjoyed notable success with the proud Perpignan club, leading them to a cherished Top 14 success in 2008 and a Heineken Cup semi-final last season, where they lost to Northampton Saints.

"Italy's status as perennial whipping boys wasn't going to be altered overnight, though, and two opening defeats in this year's championship indicates the magnitude of the task facing him.

"Minus both his starting front-row lynchpins -- Andrea lo Cicero and Martin Castrogiovanni -- not to mention the Bergamasco brothers, with swirling talk that he has fallen out with one or both of them, few are backing Italy to reverse the tide of this century and defeat Ireland tomorrow."

Writing in the Western Mail, Simon Thomas compares the current crop of Wales stars to the legendary players of the 1970s.

"For decades, Welsh rugby lived in the shadow of the great team of the 1970s, with successive sides abjectly failing to hold a candle to the achievements of that legendary outfit.

"But now the men of the modern-day era have a golden opportunity to match those heroics and instal themselves as new legends of the game.

"In the eight seasons between 1971 and 1978, Wales won three Grand Slams.

"If Warren Gatland’s men complete the clean sweep this year, that record will be matched, with a 2012 Slam added to those secured in 2005 and 2008.

"And the current crop of players would then deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as those greats of the decade of flares and power cuts.

"You know players are special when they are known just by their first names or their initials and that was the case with the likes of Gareth, Gerald, Barry, Phil, JPR and JJ.

"Well, now we are approaching the same situation with the modern generation, as we hail Shane, Gethin, Adam, Ryan, Jamie and George."

The Guardian's Rob Kitson reflects on England's bold selection for thei Six Nations showdown with Wales.

"The "Chiropractor" used to be the nickname given to Samoa's crash-tackling Brian Lima because of his unerring ability to rattle opponents' bones. Stuart Lancaster is a gentler character but he has given the spine of his England team an almighty wrench. It is hard to remember any England coach who has simultaneously handed first Six Nations starts to his main lineout caller, both half-backs and a 20-year-old centre. Stick or twist? Lancaster has plumped for the kill-or-cure option.

"In the case of the injured Charlie Hodgson there was, in the end, no option. The management did wait until early morning to make absolutely sure but once Hodgson's breakfast-time fitness test ended in disappointment Lancaster did not flinch. While Owen Farrell may be only 20, he has spent longer on the training field lately than the more seasoned Toby Flood. Any temptation to reunite Flood with Lee Dickson, once a team-mate at Newcastle, was trumped by a desire to stay true to the "no fear" philosophy Lancaster has consistently preached since taking the caretaker reins.

"No fear. It sounds simple enough. Don't worry about making a prat of yourself in front of 80,000 people, just go out and play. The truth is that Geoff Parling, England's new king of the lineout jungle, and the equally unheralded No8 Ben Morgan are about to leap off a board high enough to make even Tom Daley think twice."

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, former France defence coach Dave Ellis believes the key to success against Wales is pressure on scrum-half Mike Phillips.

"Prop Adam Jones will attempt to wheel the scrum to keep the England back row tied in and far away from Phillips and fly-half Rhys Priestland.

"England must attempt to put them under pressure here leaving Phillips with less time and space, and fewer options in attack.

"Similarly, at the line-out Wales will be desperate for clean ball off the top at the back.

"Wales’s line-out is not their strong suit and England must contest every throw and either try to steal the ball or disrupt any tap-downs to Phillips so he is left trying to tidy up messy ball instead of launching a speedy attack.

"Even if England do manage to slow down and disrupt Wales’s possession they will still need to put in an almighty defensive shift.

"Whenever you play Wales the tackle count tends to break records and Saturday will be no different."

George North is ready to unleash his pace and power against England © Getty Images

Wales winger George North tells the Daily Mail's Luke Benedict how the cryotherapy chamber helped him regain full fitness ahead of the clash with England at Twickenham.

"Some of the boys compare it to death but I don't think it's that bad. It's constantly getting freezing cold air blowing at your body, from your neck down. It's a very strange feeling, difficult to describe, but you can see the results.

"I was doing it once if not twice a day last week just to keep up the recovery. You are in it for no more than three minutes maximum and within five minutes you feel fine again. It works."

Former England captain Lewis Moody outlines five things England must do in order to beat Wales on Saturday in the Independent.

"1. Feed off that Twickenham surge

"It is very likely that at least a third of Stuart Lancaster's XV won't have played for England at Twickenham before. The inspiration these lads will feel should not be underestimated. It'll carry them another 10 metres, make them run hard for another 10 minutes. And if they can take it to the Welsh early, get the crowd on their side, they won't have experienced an energy surge like it.

"The confidence they will have gained from their opening two wins will be magnified and that could be crucial to their attacking play, in particular. It's funny, but when a player is picked by his country he sometimes shrinks into his shell and forgets why he's there. I think there's been a bit of this going on in the first two games.

"These players should remember they were picked for the qualities they have shown for their clubs and therefore, within the system, go out to put these qualities on show. The Twickenham crowd will respond if they do and once on the front foot they will be hard to get off it."

Writing in the Guardian, Paul Rees ponders whether Wales are worth all the hype ahead of their Twickenham showdown.

"There is a perception that the plaudits Wales have received in the last five months, starting with their one-point defeat to South Africa in their opening World Cup match, are premature. What have they won and who have they beaten?

"They lost to South Africa, France and Australia in the World Cup and went down again to the Wallabies in Cardiff in December. Apart from Ireland, twice, who have they beaten of note in a run of eight victories in their last 12 matches?"

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie confronts questions of complacency ahead of his side's Super Rugby defence in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"So I am led to believe that we are going to be ''hunted" this year. The Queensland Reds are going to be targeted, while also being so riddled with complacency and the good life that they are incapable of mustering a whimper let alone a sweat.

"Going out there and playing rugby each week is just going to be just too hard for this group - it's a bridge too far - bring me another pina colada and get Big Kev a mojito from the wet bar.

"Contrary to popular opinion, our young charges, whose average age is just 24, have not had their feet up. I am not sure where it is written that just because you win a championship that it's automatic that you can no longer be motivated enough to win another."

Rattue argues that we should embrace the drop-goal © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue provides 10 ways to improve the game ahead of the new season of Southern Hemisphere rugby.

"The national obsession starts up again this week. Here's a few improvement ideas for rugby.

1. Encourage the TV commentators to be a little kinder on the referees.

Players contest the breakdown, and commentators contest breakdown decisions. Constantly. Continually analysing this highly subjective area of the game is pointless, unfair on referees and affects the legitimacy of the sport. A few of our commentators appear to believe they know the rules better than the whistlers, which I bet they don't. The main point here is that breakdowns can indeed be things of beauty if there is greater acceptance that interpretations of them are largely in the eye of the beholder. Rugby by nature is something of a lottery folks - and the game appears all the better when you accept that. As for coaches who keep demanding greater consistency at the breakdown, they are usually excuse-makers who should put more energy into doing their own jobs better."

John Eales, in his column for the Sydney Morning Herald, argues that the Reds are the favourites for the Super Rugby title despite being without Quade Cooper.

"For many, the shortest month of the year has popularly become the month for abstinence from alcohol.

Most call it FebFast. Some of my friends, however, call it "friendless February" because it's the month you lose your personality – and therefore your friends.

For others, February is the start of Super Rugby. This year's edition starts on Friday and, as always, it's a time where much of the inquiry speculates on the personality of the provinces and much of the pressure bears down on the teams to play both attractive and winning rugby.

One of the problems with such a challenge lies in the definition, as what is deemed attractive rugby is not always winning rugby and what is winning is not always attractive."

Hugh Farrelly, of the Irish Independent, believes it is only a matter of time until Richardt Strauss gets the call up to the Ireland side.

"Richardt Strauss' participation in Ireland training prior to the cancelled match with France garnered plenty of attention, with the South African due to qualify for Ireland this year after completing his three-year residency.

While Strauss' likely Ireland participation will stick in the craw of those who do not believe national identity can be acquired after a mere 36 months (not to mention the indigenous hookers whom he will leapfrog in the process), there is no doubt a player of his quality could strengthen Ireland."

Craig Chalmers, talking to the Scotsman, lauds youngster Stuart Hogg ahead of Sunday's match with France.

"As Stuart Hogg prepares to become the latest young talent handed a Scotland starting jersey, there is a sense that the team is on the cusp of something. It all hinges on the selection nous and timing of Andy Robinson and his coaching team.

In the pack, the improvement of Ross Ford, Jim Hamilton and Kelly Brown (albeit not available in this championship) into recognised Test-quality performers, alongside the emergence of Richie Gray and David Denton, roundly talented youngsters still with much time to develop and learn, and the return of Ross Rennie to fitness and the kind of form he promised before injury struck, provide the core of a strong pack for a few years to come.

The only change in today’s announcement of the team to face France is expected to come at blindside flanker, where Alasdair Strokosch has been ruled out by a broken hand. It is expected that Robinson will start John Barclay, a regular openside, there, which will help Scotland’s efforts to run the French pack about the field."

The Western Mail's Simon Thomas argues that Ryan Jones is the unlucky man following Tuesday's squad announcement.

"It says everything about the competition for places within the Welsh squad that Ryan Jones has failed to make the starting line-up for Saturday’s Triple Crown bid at Twickenham.

Jones has been Wales’ forward of the championship so far, having excelled in two different positions in the victories over Ireland and Scotland.

Yet he has to make do with a seat on the bench for this weekend’s Six Nations showdown against England, with the fit-again Alun Wyn Jones replacing him in the second-row."

Luke Benedict, of the Daily Mail, previews Wales and England's back-row ahead of Saturday's clash.

"Wales 6 - Dan Lydiate

Age: 24
Caps: 21
Height: 6ft 4in
Weight: 17st 10lb
Happy to go about his work in the shadow of his captain but a first-class flanker in his own right. Very rarely does his tackle count stay in single figures and he makes himself a complete nuisance at the breakdown.

England love to keep it tight and attack the blindside, but they might want to think again with Lydiate lurking. "

Will Warren Gatland be all smiles on the 2013 Lions tour? © Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph's Mick Cleary claims that a win at Twickenham is key for Warren Gatland's Lions aspirations.

"One of the significant achievements of the Lions coach designate, Warren Gatland, is that no one ever moans about him being a Kiwi.

He’s a coach, a fine coach, renowned for his hard edge, his bluntness, his empathy, and for the relentless drive to produce teams that do not wilt in the face of challenges.

On that count he is in credit when considering his experiences with Wasps, the most competitively ruthless and self-assured club side of their era.

With Wales, the case is not yet wholly proven, potent as the team have been on occasions. In the World Cup, they flunked the big challenges, Ireland excepted, for a variety of reasons.

Gatland’s side have played sumptuous Rugby Union over the past six months but the big test is right in front of him in the immediate shape of England.

If his side win the triple crown with victory at Twickenham on Saturday, so delivering on those expectations, then his coronation as Lions coach for the tour to Australia in 2013 will surely not be long in coming."

The New Zealand Herald carries an article which suggests that the bigger you are in international rugby - the more likely you are to be successful.

"Rugby fans who say the modern game is being dominated more and more by heftier iron pumping players can point to scientific evidence to back their case.

Teams with the tallest backs and heaviest forwards are the likeliest to win the Rugby World Cup, according to a study by French researchers published today.

Adrien Sedeaud of the Institute of Sports Biomedicine and Epidemiology in Paris collected data for the age, weight and height for 2,692 players who took part in World Cup matches between 1987 and 2007, and compared this with their team's performance."

The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Gowden talks to Wallabies prop Benn Robinson about his comeback from injury.

"It's easy to choose the most relieved player in the Australian Super Rugby ranks. Wallabies prop Benn Robinson wins comfortably after he convinced himself and state selectors that his long injury ordeal was finally over by playing in the Waratahs comfortable trial win over Tonga in Sydney on Friday night.

Robinson was Australian rugby's unluckiest player last season. He hurt his knee last July, in what appeared to be an innocuous moment, when he set off for a run during a Wallabies training session at Coogee Oval before the Test against Samoa in Sydney.

And that was the last time Robinson was sighted in 2011, having to withdraw from the World Cup squad due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and torn meniscus. If available, Robinson would have been among the first picked for the World Cup. Instead, he was a frustrated spectator, although he had some involvement as a tournament expert on television."

The Irish Independent's Ruaidhri O'Connor claims that Leinster are prepared to fight the IRFU over their new quota laws.

"Leinster are prepared to fight the IRFU on their player succession strategy in order to hold on to Isa Nacewa.

The in-form New Zealander expressed a desire to finish out his career with the European champions at the weekend, saying that he considers Ireland to be his home, as his daughters were born here.

His contract expires at the end of next season, but he may have to move on due to the strategy which is planned to be in place by then.

The plan states that non-Irish qualified players cannot be kept on at the end of their contracts and that they must be replaced by an Irish player."

The Independent's Chris Hewett asses the claims of both Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi for the England centre spot.

"Feverish talk about a possible change to England's midfield configuration for this weekend's highly-charged Six Nations meeting with Wales at Twickenham was enough to drive Brad Barritt, the Test newcomer from Saracens, into battle-cry mode yesterday. "The Welsh backs are big but they're still people with two legs, and as they can't run without their legs it's up to us to cut them down," pronounced the centre, referring to Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies and the rest of the red-shirted brick outhouses.

He might also have been talking of Manu Tuilagi, the Leicester centre who completed his return from injury by producing a match-winning performance at Saracens on Sunday – watched, funnily enough, by Barritt himself, who happens to be the man in possession of the shirt to which Tuilagi laid claim during last autumn's World Cup in New Zealand. The two of them will square up in training in Surrey today and if the South African-born contender succeeds in doing to his Samoan-born rival the things he would like to do to Roberts and company, he may yet hang on to his place in the starting line-up."

Will Stuart Lancaster's England throw caution to the wind against Wales? © Getty Images

England's interim coach has shown his bravery with his player selection, but the Wales game may be too soon for a spot of adventure according to The Observer's Eddie Butler.

"So, can England expand against Wales? The interception of Ben Foden's pass by Tommaso Benvenuti probably gave the answer. It's a bit too soon in the process to be passing the ball. So, can Charlie [Hodgson] be dropped then? It's a bit too soon to be dropping the talisman.

"England will need a bit of luck to beat Wales. A chargedown here and there, by Hodgson naturally, would be a start and England could then defend their lead. That is more comfortable territory, holding out, even against the towering Welsh backs.

"[Stuart] Lancaster was brave in his selection of players, but to select a new style now and order a game of adventure against Wales would be to take courage to the brink of … what? If it came off the job would have to be his full-time. If not, statistical certainty would see him airbrushed from the picture."

Can a team lose a wealth of stars and still be competitive in the toughest competition in world rugby? Supersport's Brendan Nell previews the Bulls' Super Rugby campaign.

"There seems a never-ending queue of people lining up to write off the Bulls' chances this year, and while those in Pretoria may feel aggrieved, there is some merit to the theory.

"After all, no team come through unscathed when they lose a pack, their general and the architect of their success. The Bulls have certainly felt the losses, having said goodbye on the playing field to Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp, Gary Botha, Danie Rossouw and their general Fourie du Preez.

"Add to that Heyneke Meyer’s departure to the Springbok job and the brains trust has been depleted somewhat at Loftus.

"But despite all of this there is optimism in the Bulls ranks. They will rightly point out that they won two Super Rugby titles without Meyer helping incumbent coach Frans Ludeke and that the structures are what are important in their quest for glory."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever believes New Zealand's Super Rugby sides need to buildo n the success of the Rugby World Cup.

"New Zealand was the most disappointing performer during the 2011 Super 15 season in terms of people through the gate and eyeballs harvested on television.

"There were extenuating circumstances - most notably the Crusaders' being forced away from AMI Stadium - but nothing that could totally account for the fan apathy.

"While there was a rejuvenation of the Highlanders under Jamie Joseph, which is expected to continue with the move to the Forsyth Barr Stadium, the crowds were patchy at the Blues and grim at the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

"The Chiefs were hampered by shocking weather, with home games having a knack of coinciding with miserable conditions (a run that continued in the pre-season match with the Hurricanes in Taupo on Friday). Poor form did not help either."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Michael Burgess looks at the Pumas' production line.

"If the Pumas spring some surprises over the next few years of the Rugby Championship, significant credit should go to Las Pampas.

"No, not the thousands of kilometres of grasslands in inland Argentina, where cattle ranches abound in the agricultural centre of the nation.

"Instead Las Pampas is the semi-professional, home-grown outfit that has played the last two seasons of the Vodacom Cup in South Africa, the second-tier competition to the Currie Cup and which is played for by that country's Super Rugby development teams.

"Last year, they went unbeaten, trumping the Bulls development team in the final in a display of verve and flair. They captured the imagination back home but their impact goes well beyond national pride."

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Richard Knowler previews the opportunity afforded Crusaders playmaker Tyler Bleyendaal.

"Tyler Bleyendaal's separation from the Crusaders' No. 10 jersey is finally over

"With All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter on extended leave and not likely to be sighted in Crusaders colours until late March, Bleyendaal is expected start at No.10 in Friday night's Super Rugby opener against the Blues.

"And when the 21-year-old runs on to Eden Park it will put an end to a year of frustration after not winning a Super cap last season.

"Following Saturday night's 19-14 win over the Rebels in their final pre-season outing in Melbourne, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder confirmed Bleyendaal will take the chief playmaker's responsibilities.

Writing in the Wales on Sunday, Delme Parfitt issues a warning to Wales ahead of their Six Nations showdown with England.

"I checked England’s record at their south west London home last night, and discovered that in 46 Five and Six Nations outings there in the last 20 years, the home side have failed to win just seven times.

"That’s a better record than France have in Paris over the same period, with Les Bleus being defeated 10 times in 47 outings on their own soil – three of those being at the hands of Wales in 1999, 2001 and 2005.

"As for Wales, any takers on how many times they’ve lost at the now demolished Arms Park national ground, the Millennium Stadium and, lest we forget, the three encounters they had at Wembley in 1998 and ‘99 in that time?

"Well, out of 46 clashes, they’ve been on the wrong end of the scoreline a staggering 22 times in their own backyard, and 14 of those have been at the Millennium since their first outing there against France in 2000 ended in a 36-3 thrashing."

Wales need to prove they can live with favourites tag by beating England comfortably - according to Daily Telegraph columnist Brian Moore.

"The Welsh team have entertained their own fans and a wider rugby public, so much so that there has been a virtual beatification of the Warren Gatland regime which is starting to obscure the reality of what has been achieved.

"Wales have indisputably played some of the best rugby of any northern hemisphere side in the past few years, but outside that it is still not much more than the promise of jam tomorrow.

"For all their undoubted talent and panache, if Wales do not win at Twickenham on Saturday it will be an unpalatable fact that in their last nine games they have not beaten a single team with a higher International Rugby Board ranking. The ineluctable conclusion would have to be they are not as good as they and many others think, or that they have a psychological block when it comes to the big occasion; neither of which justifies the plaudits garnered thus far."

Sean Lamont is swallowed up by the Welsh defence © Getty Images

Brendan Fanning runs the rule over Wales' aggressive blitz defence against Ireland and Scotland in The Sunday Independent.

"For the last three minutes in the first half of the Wales versus Scotland game last weekend, the away team laid siege to the home line like drowning men reaching for a life raft.

"A score at that point would have swept them into the lead, and into a mental state the Scots don't often enjoy in the Six Nations. For a team who rarely enjoy the thrill of touching down -- Greig Laidlaw's try that day would be their first in five Tests -- this was a critical period in their season.

"At the start of the sequence, the phenomenon that is George North had hobbled off the field, leaving his team down to 14 men and his wing position exposed. In a series of plays that must have terrified their defence coach Shaun Edwards, the station was left short-staffed until the break."

Four of Scotland's brightest rugby minds discuss the lack of tries for the national side in The Scotsman.

"Sadly, one thing everyone managed to predict correctly was that the Scottish backline would struggle to score tries and you don’t need a deerstalker and a magnifying glass to arrive at that genius deduction.

Wales are playing a brand of total rugby that Ajax fans circa 1970 would surely recognise as similar in ambition, albeit in wildly different disciplines. Sooner or later Scotland need to find a backline that can score tries so we asked four experts to select theirs, specifically primed to find their way to the line."

Hugh Godwin's Ruck and Maul evaluates the fallout from France's proposed meeting with Ireland in The Independent on Sunday.

"With fingers of blame pointing back and forth between Ireland and France after last weekend's last-minute postponement at a frozen Stade de France, figures obtained by Ruck and Maul show an estimated €14 million changed hands over the Six Nations match that never was.

"The French Rugby Federation (FFR) rent the Stade de France for €1.3m per match, in a contract that ends after next year's Six Nations (which concludes in March 2013 with the Championship's only 9pm kick-off, when France meet Scotland).

"Advertising space in the 80,000-seater stadium is worth €1.5m, a proportion of which the FFR buy on behalf of their commercial partners. In terms of revenue, the FFR make around €4m a match from ticket sales, and they sell around €510,000 worth of hospitality outside the ground (the Stade de France Consortium sell the hospitality inside)."

Former Wales wing Shane Williams talks to Graham Clutton about the expectation placed on George North in The Sunday Telegraph.

"“George has already proven himself to be a wonderfully gifted player and I have little doubt that he has a very, very big future in the game,” said Williams, who played on the opposite wing to the 6ft 4in teenager at last year’s Rugby World Cup.

“However, he is under increasing pressure to perform and it’s wholly unfair. I would like to see people getting off his back and allowing him to play his own game. We have arrived at a situation already, whereby we expect a 19-year-old lad to perform miracles every time he gets the ball. It’s impossible, so let’s be a little more realistic."

Stuart Lancaster has made a positive impression as England's interim head coach © Getty Images

“You’ve got to keep ahead of things and early morning is the best time to get peace and quiet,” said Lancaster, who routinely rises at 5am to work for two hours before breakfast.

“You’ve got to have a certain resilience to be England head coach in any sport. There are a lot of demands on you and you’ve got to have an inner strength to deal with it.

“One of the big challenges is to ensure that your family is happy with it all. You’re in your bubble with England so that takes care of itself. But you have responsibilities to your family to deal with, of course you do. You’re likely to be away 20 weeks of any given year. That’s a lot of time apart.

“That’s why it was important to get home last Sunday, even if only for a few hours, see everyone, take the kids [Daniel and 10-year-old Sophie] to school the next morning, and then leave again.

And the West Park kids? “Well, I’ll have to ask for dispensation.”

Time to raise the tempo

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/18/2012

Former England head coach Brian Ashton outlines how England can improve their attacking game against Wales at Twickenham next weekend in the Independent.

"At this point, we should remember the remarks of the flanker Tom Croft some weeks ago: those fine words about senior players being prepared to take more responsibility in helping determine style and strategy. Many of the squad, including a good number of the more experienced hands, come from club environments where the qualities under discussion are not first on the agenda. The heavy-duty, collision-bound approach of many Premiership sides does not translate effectively to the international game.

"One of the keys has to be a more enlightened approach to continuity. Contact drills in reduced space on the training field are not the answer: different ball-carrying options need to be explored. There are many ways to test defenders, an example being the use of the early-ball offload, but too often we see what I would describe as the defender's dream: the man in possession running straight into the tackler – frequently more than one tackler – before going to ground for the ensuing free-for-all.

"Establishing and maintaining width on the pitch is, I suspect, another work-on element in England's preparation for their next big game. The English forward mentality of wanting to be herded by the scrum-half into constant round-the-corner rumbles is just about acceptable as an occasional alternative, but entirely unacceptable as a default. Defenders can just as easily herd people into narrow areas of the pitch, from where there is no escape except through the box-kick. A framework is required in which players are encouraged to look up and make informed decisions as to where and how they can best serve the team. At the moment, England's attacking game resembles the Welsh version of a year ago, generally consisting of meandering lateral moves from one touchline to the other."

Half term report

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/18/2012

Former England centre Will Greenwood delivers his half-term report on England's Six Nations campaign in the Daily Telegraph.

"BREAKDOWN

Squeaky clean compared to recent years. England have decided against scrapping for every possession and now try to pick and choose. Discipline has been strong and yet I now feel that England may have gone too far the other way. On opposition ball England now fail to threaten enough turnovers; on England’s own ball, Ben Youngs has delivered slow ball, sometimes his own fault, sometimes down to players stopping on the ball and not cleaning out properly. England need quicker ball.

VERDICT

Can't argue with top of the table. Can't sniff at two away wins. But in 2004 as world champions England had the same fixture list and went on to lose two of their next three games. Stuart Lancaster and Graham Rowntree must maintain the work ethic to improve because getting better never stops. Changes to a winning team can maintain the edge and offer opportunity to push the squad on. This is the perfect time to find out just how good some players really are."

Over expectation

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/18/2012

As well as being a victim of Twitter abuse, Scotland centre Nick De Luca is the victim of over expectation, according Allan Massie in the Scotsman.

"It is depressing to read of the abuse Nick De Luca has suffered in the form of internet posts from people who would doubtless describe themselves as Scottish supporters.

"De Luca may not have achieved as much for Scotland as one would wish – not yet anyway – but anyone who has watched him play for Edinburgh knows that he is very talented. Unfortunately it is often the talented who find themselves objects of criticism. Scotland’s attack coach, Gregor Townsend, could tell De Luca something about that. So too could Marcus Di Rollo and, obviously, Dan Parks.

"In De Luca’s case one wonders how much his failure to be as effective for Scotland as he regularly is for Edinburgh is the result of playing most of his international career outside either Graeme Morrison or Sean Lamont whose many admirable qualities don’t include the ability regularly to pass the ball well. That said, De Luca’s own hands and passing too often let him down."

Discarded Peel focused on Sharks

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/18/2012

In the Independent Chris Hewett talks to Wales' unwanted scrum-half Dwayne Peel.

"There is, according to legend, a factory hidden deep in the Welsh valleys that manufactures brilliant young outside-halves almost as reliably as the pubs around the Millennium Stadium produce drunks after a glorious victory over the bloody English.

"Apparently, there is a second workshop next door specialising in No 9s. On each of the last three Lions tours the Test shirt has been worn by a man hailing from west of the Severn, and two of them – Rob Howley, who played in the captivating series against the Wallabies in 2001, and Mike Phillips, who memorably roughed up the Springboks three years ago – are still involved with the national team. The third? Now, there's an interesting question.

"Remember Dwayne Peel?"

Not a title defence

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/18/2012

In the New Zealand Herald Justin Chadwick reports from the Reds's preparations for their Super Rugby title defence.

"They're confident - but just don't call it a title defence. Ewen McKenzie's Reds are heading into the Super 15 in rich form.

His big-name stars - inspired by the likes of Digby Ioane and Will Genia - were at their clinical best in a warm-up match against the Force, with their ability to string phases together on a consistent basis proving the difference.

The 40-10 thrashing of the Force in a trial match in Perth brought more bright news for the defending champions, with outside centre Anthony Fainga'a making it through 40 minutes unscathed in his first game back since shoulder surgery."

February 17, 2012

Profiting from short ball

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/17/2012

Charlie Hodgson appears to have mastered the act of the charge down© Getty Images

Shaun Edwards, in his column for the Guardian, analyses the role of the turnover in the Six Nations thus far.

"A quick question: do you need to have the ball to win rugby Test matches? The answer seems to be no and that in certain conditions it can be a positive disadvantage.

Charlie Hodgson's charged-down tries against Scotland and Italy are perfect examples, but not the only ones. The Welsh analysts have provided figures that show 50% of France's tries have come from turnovers, as have Italy's. It's just that charge-downs – or interceptions – are the most obvious example of the turnover in its purest form. And it's not a fluke.

Hodgson and his club, Saracens, see the charge-down as a skill and train for it, so, when Dan Parks kicked a little too late and a little too low at Murrayfield, Hodgson got his reward, as he did when he was up quickly on Andrea Masi in Rome. Masi, one of the heroes when Italy beat France last season, was left trying to scramble to save face, but he's only the most recent victim."

Saracens standing up and standing out

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/17/2012

The Daily Mail's Joe Ridge looks at the success of Saracens.

"The focus shifts away from domestic rugby during the Six Nations, but the weeks during the tournament are crucial in determining the difference between success and failure at the end of the season for England's top clubs.

With Premiership fixtures undisturbed by the international tournament, one side keenly aware of the importance of maintaining momentum while international stars are away - especially in a World Cup year - are reigning champions Saracens.

The London club have built arguably the strongest squad in the Premiership, and their strength in depth showed last weekend as they won at London Wasps despite having six players away with England - all of whom featured against Italy - and one with Wales."

Quitting Twitter

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/17/2012

The Scotsman's David Kelso reports on the reasons behind why Scottish international Nick de Luca has left Twitter.

"Disappointed Scotland rugby international Nick De Luca has been forced to cancel his Twitter account after becoming a target for abuse from a group of bitter fans.

A torrent of online abuse was aimed at the centre in the wake of the Six Nations defeat by Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

The postings included insults of a highly personal nature – prompting the player to abandon the social networking site.

At least one Scotland team colleague has aired his fury at the public treatment of De Luca."

Cueto on England

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/17/2012

Former England winger Mark Cueto provides his take on the red rose side's prospects in the Six Nations so far - in the Guardian.

"Played two, won two. England's start to the Six Nations is the same as it was a year ago, although they sat at the top of the table after the opening rounds rather than in second place behind their next opponents, Wales.

Has all the upheaval been worth it? The victories over Wales in Cardiff a year ago and against Italy at Twickenham were achieved with more flourish and panache than was evident at Murrayfield and Rome's Olympic Stadium this month, but England are starting over in 2012 having been well established in last year's Six Nations.

When Martin Johnson took over as team manager in 2008, his first campaign was the autumn Test series; Australia, South Africa and New Zealand lying in wait after the Pacific Islanders. England tried to move the ball against the Wallabies, but failed to create space and they went back to basics in the Six Nations."

The rise and rise of Dickson

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/17/2012

Chris Foy, of the Daily Mail, looks at the remarkable rise of Lee Dickson from potential Marine to England international.

"Eight years ago, Lee Dickson enrolled for a Royal Marines training course and was ready to follow in his Army father's footsteps. Then Newcastle intervened. They gave him a route into professional rugby.

And now, having served his apprenticeship at Kingston Park before moving to Northampton to hone his craft, the 26-year-old scrum-half has had his biggest break this month.

After being included in Stuart Lancaster's England squad for the RBS Six Nations, Dickson edged ahead of Joe Simpson to claim a replacement place."

February 16, 2012

A day of change at the Ospreys

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/16/2012

Sean Holley has left the Ospreys© Getty Images

Wales Online's Simon Thomas reflects on a day of change at the Ospreys.

"Less than two years ago, the Ospreys appeared to have it all.

They were Magners League champions and had a squad to compete with any side in Europe.

If you look at the team that beat Leinster in the inaugural Magners Grand Final in Dublin back in May 2010, it featured the likes of James Hook, Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah, Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams, while Gavin Henson was still on the books.

The Ospreys also had a multi-layered back-room set-up in place, with two members of the Wales 2005 Grand Slam management - Andrew Hore and Scott Johnson at the helm - while Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys were in place on the coaching front.

They also had a spanking new state-of-the-art home in the Liberty Stadium and a top-notch training facility at Llandarcy."

Wales setting the standard

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/16/2012

Gavin Mairs, of the Daily Telegraph, talks to Marco Wentzel, Clarke Dermody, Nick Evans and Schalk Brits about their thoughts on the Six Nations so far.

"Four southern hemisphere international players in the Premiership - Nick Evans, Clarke Dermody, Marco Wentzel and Schalk Brits - discuss with Gavin Mairs the state of the game and England’s chances under Stuart Lancaster."

Williams to take on new role?

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/16/2012

Wales Online's Simon Thomas claims that Shane Williams could take on a coaching role with the Ospreys after Wednesday's day of carnage at the region.

"Shane Williams could be in the frame to join the Ospreys coaching staff amid a dramatic backroom shake-up at the region.

The Liberty Stadium outfit are looking for a new backs coach following the immediate departure of Sean Holley and Scott Johnson, with Steve Tandy having taken over as head coach.

Record Wales try-scorer Williams will be hanging up his boots at the end of this season, but is staying on with the Ospreys in an ambassadorial role.

And the region have indicated they would be happy to talk to the wing wizard about a possible coaching role if he wanted to go down that route.

Chief operations officer Andrew Hore says Williams has already begun doing his bit to help out old playing pal Tandy, by passing on some words of wisdom to young wingers Eli Walker and Hanno Dirksen."

Come in Mr Meeuws

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/16/2012

The Highlanders' have such a bad injury crisis that former prop Kees Meeuws turned out for them in a pre-season friendly - writes the New Zealand Herald..

"The Highlanders' injury crisis is so severe they have been forced to call up their scrum coach and former All Black Kees Meeuws for their pre-season match against the Blues in Auckland tomorrow.

Meeuws, a 37-year-old who played 42 tests for the All Blacks, has been drafted on to the bench after tighthead props Ma'afia Fia (hamstring) and Chris King (groin) were ruled out with injury."

Red rose shoots of optimism

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/16/2012

Former England skipper Lewis Moody, in his column for the Independent, believes England can develop in the same manner as Wales.

"It might have made ominous viewing for any England fan watching Wales cut through Scotland on Sunday – but I looked at it differently. Where Wales happen to be now, I think England will be in a few years' time. So let's just call their magnificent form a snapshot of our own future.

Not that I subscribe to the view that winning the Triple Crown at Twickenham next week will be a formality for Warren Gatland's men. Anything but. I think it will be a tight, close game, which may come down to a single score. But it will be a massive challenge for England, because this is plainly a very good and very dangerous Wales team. To my mind, they are reaping the benefits of integrating the youngsters over the last few seasons.

Indeed, let's turn it around and say England are now where Wales were two or three years ago. Everyone is saying we need to see some attacking flair from Stuart Lancaster's team and, of course, we all want that. But I don't think the critics appreciate how long it can take to gel a side together. We are in the very early stages of the process."

February 15, 2012

The runners and riders...

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/15/2012

Nick Mallett is among the leading contenders to have applied for the England head coach role, according to reports © Getty Images

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Gavin Mairs runs through the contenders to become England's new head coach.

"The deadline for applications for the position closes on Wednesday, with former Italy and Japan coach John Kirwan and former Ireland and Lions coach Eddie O’Sullivan among the leading overseas candidates who have put themselves forward.

"The All Blacks World-Cup winning assistant coach Wayne Smith, who had been previously touted as a ‘dream ticket’ along with [Nick] Mallett, however is thought not to have applied, with one source suggesting he was concerned the job description was “too all-encompassing”. Jim Mallinder, the director of rugby at Northampton Saints, and London Irish’s Toby Booth are understood to be the leading English candidates, along with Lancaster, who lodged his application before the opening Six Nations victory over Scotland.

"Clermont Auvergne’s New Zealand coach, Vern Cotter, who was asked to apply for the All Blacks job by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union only to be pipped by Steve Hansen, is not thought to be in contention."

Lancaster to land England job?

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/15/2012

Writing for the Daily Mail, Chris Foy believes current interim coach Stuart Lancaster is in pole position to be appointed to the full-time role.

"After Martin Johnson’s post-World Cup, post-leaked reports resignation, Lancaster inherited tension and divisions, low morale and lost values. He has since transformed the mood with a tough stance on discipline, a youthful squad selection and the fostering of a strong spirit — as highlighted at Murrayfield and in Rome.

"His prospects of claiming the head coach job long-term — which had appeared a fanciful notion two months ago — have increased."

Smith out of running

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/15/2012

The Times' Mark Souster (writing from behind the paywall), agrees that Stuart Lancaster is favourite for the England head coach job after former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith ruled himself out of the running.

"Wayne Smith, who was considered to be one of the front-runners to take over as England head coach, has, The Times understands, ruled himself out of contention to become the permanent successor to Martin Johnson. Applications for the post, at present filled on an interim basis by Stuart Lancaster, close tonight.

Smith, 45, whose coaching pedigree is second to none, having been one of the the Three Wise Men, with Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, who led New Zealand to World Cup glory, rejected overtures to put his name forward.

"His decision, and indeed that of several other potential contenders, is thought to be based on concerns about the specifics of the job description outlined in a six-page document from the RFU and Odgers Berndtson, the headhunters retained by Twickenham.

“"It is neither really one thing nor the other and is pretty confusing,” a source closely associated with the process said. “I am not sure the RFU is clear about what it wants and that goes back to the structure of the elite department, which may soon come under [independent] review."

No love lost

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/15/2012

Georgina Robinson reports on the prolonged rift between former Australia fly-half Matt Giteau and current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Matt Giteau may have started a new life tens of thousands of kilometres away in France but it appears he can't let go of being left out of Australia's Rugby World Cup squad.

"The former Wallaby and Brumby, who now plays for French Top 14 side Toulon, made another reference to his strained - or non-existent - relationship with Australian coach Robbie Deans overnight.

"The 29-year-old posted on Twitter "I'm starting to lose the faith but after waiting all day I don't think I'm going to get a valentines card from Robbie Deans ha"."

Rugby's future in hands of fans

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/15/2012

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue calls on rugby fans to rally in support of the game in what could be difficult times.

"To all those rugby heads out there - your sport needs you. Badly.

Whether rugby is desperate enough in chasing attention and dollars is another matter, but it sure needs your help. And quick.

This is the year where the votes will count, following the sugary high of the World Cup extravaganza.

Rugby pinned a lot on winning the World Cup. Well roll up, roll up. Yes, the All Blacks remain a massive hit with the public, but it remains to be seen whether the World Cup flow-on effect actually arrives.

Here's the gloomy rugby picture so far."

February 14, 2012

Lions close in on Gatland

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/14/2012

Warren Gatland was assistant to Ian McGeechan back in 2009 © Getty Images

The Independent's James Corrigan claims that the British & Irish Lions coach is likely to be Warren Gatland.

"Warren Gatland does not yet have the Triple Crown, the Six Nations title or the Grand Slam this season. But just two games into this Championship and it already appears he has sewn up the Lions' head-coaching job.

Certainly the Welsh Rugby Union believes he has done enough to see off the challenge of the Ireland and Scotland coaches, Declan Kidney and Andy Robinson respectively. The WRU was recently approached by the Lions committee about how long they would be prepared to release the Kiwi for over the 2013 tour to Australia, and a board meeting last week approved a six-month absence, suggested by chief executive Roger Lewis."

White cards

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/14/2012

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray looks at the change in officiating in this year's Super Rugby

"Watch for the white card during the Super 15.

Referees who suspect foul play but cannot identify a culprit or pinpoint the incident will use a white card to alert a citing commissioner to scan the footage.

That "on report" move is one innovation being introduced when the Super 15 begins next week.

Administrators, officials, referees and coaches have also agreed to streamline the judicial process, with players cited to face charges initially offered leaner bans if they accept a guilty plea and suspension suggested by the duty judicial officer."

Townsend set for new deal

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/14/2012

The Scotsman's David Ferguson claims that Gregor Townsend will have his contract extended by the SRU, contrary to reports suggesting that the backs coach's days are numbered.

"Gregor Townsend is expected to remain part of the Scotland coaching set-up, at least for the foreseeable future, despite reports claiming yesterday that he is to be released from his duties.

The assistant coach, who has responsibility for attack, has been held responsible in some quarters for Scotland’s recent failure to score tries. Greig Laidlaw’s touchdown in the 27-13 defeat against Wales on Saturday was the national team’s first try in five games.

Robinson confirmed on Sunday that his defence coach Graham Steadman will leave the coaching team when his contract expires in May, and some commentators drew from his after-match ‘no comment’ on the future of Townsend that the attack coach was also in line to be released. That was, however, wide of the mark."

'You'll get smashed'

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/14/2012

Jonathan Davies, talking to the Daily Mail's Chris Foy, lights the blue touch paper ahead of Wales' trip to Twickenham.

"Jonathan Davies has ignited cross-border tensions with England ahead of Wales's visit to Twickenham on Saturday week by boldly declaring that the visitors can defy a long tradition and 'smash' their rivals up front.

The former Wales fly-half and BBC commentator - rather than his namesake, the current centre - has dismissed England's new-look pack as overwhelmingly inferior to the more experienced unit which Warren Gatland will unleash."

A quickly developing disgrace

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/14/2012

The Daily Telegraph's Brendan Gallagher looks at the growing farce surrounding the postponed Six Nations clash.

"The French Rugby Federation met on Monday night and will reconvene on Tuesday morning to decide if they are willing and able to compensate Ireland supporters who cannot attend the still-to-be-rearranged Six Nations fixture.

A rematch between France and Ireland this weekend has been ruled out and Saturday March 3 remains the most likely date, with an early evening kick-off the preferred option.

The Six Nations Council was forced to delay a final decision on Monday, however, while the French Federation not only pleaded for more time to finalise its ticketing policy but negotiated with angry clubs about player release on that date.

The French T14 clubs are already up in arms after being deprived of their international players for 10 Test weekends this season. Although their suggestion of an end-of-season rematch with Ireland is impractical – both teams have summer tours - the clubs are determined to negotiate some reward for themselves for what they see as their sacrifice."

February 13, 2012

Six talking points

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

Ground-staff struggle to clear the Stade de France turf © Getty Images

The Guardian's Kevin Mitchell singles out six talking points from the second weekend of action in the Six Nations.

"1. Shock snow in northern winter leaves officials flummoxed

Daft as it is to consider that snow in the northern hemisphere should come as a surprise to anyone, it caught fans, officials airlines (and at least one journalist) on the hop. Those Irish supporters who left Paris cold and angry after the match against France was called off so late on Saturday night – by an official who overruled the referee less than an hour before the scheduled 9pm kick-off – will have been reminded since why this modern stadium has no under-soil heating.

The place was built on a rubbish dump and electrical wires could be exposed to methane gas – and we couldn't be having that, a stinker in every way. Dithering by the suits did not quieten the mood of the angry punters, who will be reluctant to travel to Paris on a cold day again (of which there are quite a few in winter, as it happens)."

Areas requiring improvement

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

Former France defence coach Dave Ellis, writing for the Daily Telegraph, looks at areas where England need to improve

"1. England’s defence is vulnerable down the short side

England got caught out on the short side on numerous occasions and allowed Italy to make easy metres. This was a reversal of how they defended against Scotland when they were torn apart in midfield.

It’s almost as if they were so eager to not get exposed there for the second week in a row that they overcompensated by stacking the midfield with defenders. Instead of getting their full defensive line organised England were preoccupied with trying to shut down Italian attacks in the middle of the field.

But all it did was leave England vulnerable out wide and there were far too many situations where Italy had a two or three-man overlap."

A blessing in disguise?

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly argues that Ireland may benefit from the postponement in Paris.

"Yes, it was a farce, a shambles and a travesty. Yes, it is ridiculous that one of the finest stadiums in Europe cannot cater for a bit of ice and that the French Rugby Federation could not have seen this coming despite warnings all week.

Yes, it is unbelievably frustrating for supporters, Irish and French, who had expended significant amounts of time and money to get to Saint Denis and were suited and seated and ready for action, only to get the 'no mas' message with minutes to go.

However, accepting all of the above, there is one unassailable fact regarding Saturday night's 'no-show' at the Stade de France that deserves to be acknowledged -- this cancellation could actually suit Ireland very well."

Crucial cutting edge

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

Wales Online's Simon Thomas assesses where Wales are after two games in this year's Six Nations.

"Going into this game, the expectation was the big difference between the two sides would be an ability to score tries – and so it proved.

Put simply, Wales can do it and Scotland find it desperately, desperately hard.

Andy Robinson’s team arrived in Cardiff having gone four matches and more than five hours of rugby without crossing the whitewash.

They did eventually end their barren spell yesterday, with fly-half Greig Laidlaw dabbing down from a yard to claim Scotland’s first try for some six hours and 23 minutes.

But, by then, Wales had gone over three times themselves to end the game as a contest.

That takes their tally to six from their opening two matches, an attacking potency that makes them very genuine title contenders, with Twickenham their next destination in 12 days time.

While England have also won their first two games, they have only scored two tries and both of those have come via Charlie Hodgson charge-downs."

Ireland forced to wait

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

The Irish Independent reports that Ireland will have to wait for their clash with France.

"Ireland's postponed Six Nations clash with France will be played on either March 3 or 4 rather than next weekend as the French would prefer.

An announcement on the re-fixture was made late last night following Saturday's last-minute cancellation at the Stade de France with the French Rugby Federation confirming that the match will be played in three weeks' time.

It is felt that, following Saturday night's frozen pitch debacle, a Friday night kick-off will not be risked, ruling out March 2. The French were hoping for the game to be staged in Stade de France next weekend, despite the scheduled Top 14 match between Stade Francais and Toulon next Saturday afternoon."

Two from two but room for improvement

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/13/2012

The Daily Mail's Chris Foy gives his verdict on England's performance in the Six Nations so far.

"When the RFU start sifting through the applications for the England head coach job on Wednesday they will find Stuart Lancaster’s c.v. minus one detail - Test coaching record: played two, won two.

The man in temporary charge of the national team formally submitted his application before this RBS Six Nations began. ‘Hopefully they are watching,’ said Lancaster in the aftermath of his side’s second straight victory, on Saturday in the snow-swept Stadio Olimpico.

Of course they will be watching closely, but it might be better if they just checked the final score or flicked through the highlights. For the devil truly does lie in the detail."

February 12, 2012

Dickson and Morgan turn the tables

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/12/2012

Lee Dickson shone for England when he came off the bench against Italy © Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph's Mike Catt lauds the performances of both Ben Morgan and Lee Dickson.

"Another win on the road – two in a week now – and this time my top accolades undoubtedly go to second half-replacements Lee Dickson and Ben Morgan, who proved to be real game changers.

England's two emerging props Dan Cole and Alex Corbisiero were also outstanding against tough opponents and grew as international performers.

Dickson and Morgan picked up the pace and tempo exactly when England needed – that was brave and intelligent use of the bench by Stuart Lancaster to introduce two international novices at such a key juncture in key positions.

Stuart was justly rewarded for the faith he showed in them and both will now be favourites to start against Wales in two weeks’ time, that’s how well they performed.

To start with though it wasn’t so great from England and I was getting concerned."

Letting your feet doing the talking

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/12/2012

The Independent on Sunday's Hugh Godwin talks to Wales' No.8 Toby Faletau about why he lets his talking happen on the field rather than in the changing room.

"You will hear it said often that Toby Faletau is a man of few words. Some disagree; they say he is much less garrulous than that. So what? The tale of the Tongan lad turned Wales No 8 is one of towering rugby talent and splendid displacement. He is not being paid to wow the poetry punters at the national Eisteddfod.

"I hardly say anything," Faletau admitted, when asked about his contribution to any team talk before today's meeting with Scotland. And why is that? "I can't think of anything to say," he replied. Those well-considered and self-effacing syllables that do escape the Faletau lips come with a thoroughly Welsh accent. And the 21 years he has spent reaching his first Six Nations' Championship – his tournament debut was in last Sunday's two-point victory in Ireland – began with a grumble by the King of Tonga."

Cold starters

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/12/2012

Dean Ryan, writing for the Observer, provides his take on Saturday's clash between Italy and England.

"1 Under Lancaster, England are still cold starters

England's players could not have anticipated that Rome would look like Greenland and the first Six Nations game at the Stadio Olimpico was an ordeal for both sides. And again England were sterile for 40 minutes. England need to be precise, with a flat midfield and pace on the outside. But they did not have that in the first half. One problem was at the lineout. In the first half England only won two of nine balls off the top of the lineouts and they lost two lineouts in attacking positions. I feel for Tom Palmer, who calls the lineouts and for the second successive week was replaced by Geoff Parling after the break.

You are under pressure for the first 40 minutes when you are calling lineout rather like an opening batsman. After the break England won faster ball from there but before the interval the midfield was not precise enough and the front five forwards were not effectively coming around the corner from lineouts. England won a difficult match but they are still lacking that combination of pace and power."

All change at Scotland

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/12/2012

The Scotsman reports that the SRU may seek to shuffle the coaching pack at the national side come the end of the season.

"Scotland, a team with a chronic inability to score tries who have not crossed the whitewash in their past four games, are to part company with their defence coach. Scotland on Sunday understands that Graham Steadman’s contract with Scotland will expire at the end of this season and will not be renewed.

Steadman, who has been a part of the Murrayfield set-up for almost four years, will leave the Scotland coaching team as Australian Scott Johnson, who is currently the director of coaching of the Welsh side Ospreys, joins Andy Robinson’s management team ahead of the summer tour to Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Coming on the morning when Scotland play Wales at the Millennium Stadium after a deeply disappointing loss to England in their opening RBS Six Nations match last Saturday, the decision is sure to be a controversial one, especially given that Robinson has been under increasing pressure to discard attack coach Gregor Townsend."

A most-spectacular cock-up

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/12/2012

The French Federation and the Six Nations Committee must shoulder blame for late postponemenrt fiasco in Paris, writes the Irish Independent's Brendan Fanning.

"This is not being wise after the event, for many of us felt that what might start would surely not finish. Consider that the women's game between Ireland and Wales was abandoned halfway through in Ashbourne last weekend where the temperatures were a good deal higher that the -7C we had in Paris last night.

"It got worse. With the crowd left in the lurch, we gathered in the press conference room to see what had unfolded in the final minutes. We were told referee Dave Pearson would attend to run us through his decision-making process. Then we were told he wouldn't be coming.

"Next were the ground rules: there would be no questions, only statements read by a representative of the Six Nations, followed by one from the president of FFR. The first was translated into unusable English. The second was a rant from Pierre Camou laying the blame squarely at the door of Dave Pearson.

"Pearson may not be the most popular ref with Ireland fans after his handling of the Clermont versus Ulster Heineken Cup tie, and then his advice to Wayne Barnes on the Bradley Davies/Donnacha Ryan incident last weekend against Wales, but it wasn't his decision to schedule the game at 9.0pm, just about the last time you would want if you are trying to beat the weather."

Rabble no more

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/12/2012

Writing in The Observer Kevin Mitchell is impressed by what he has seen of the new-look England.

"Through a veil of gentle snow and a blizzard of cutting advice, Stuart Lancaster's England team grabbed another little foothold on the treacherous slopes of their rehabilitation. The man few had heard of until a couple of months ago can already lay claim to ownership of this version of the England team, however long he remains in the job, because, on the evidence of their 19-15 win over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, the players are clearly responding to him.

"They couldn't buy a friend not so long ago, this apparently loutish rabble, riven internally and sniping at each other like so many privileged brats. Yet one of the first propositions put to Lancaster on Saturday in what passes for media endorsement was that, surely, one more win and the job was his on a permanent basis. He was not having that. He has seen the Twickenham machinery at work from close quarters. Like the rest of us, he witnessed the slow but inevitable fall – from a considerable height – of Martin Johnson, and he is not fool enough to be dragged into premature declarations of intent or indulge in speculation that might return to haunt him."

I have never felt as low

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/12/2012

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, England's Ben Foden reflects on one of the low points of his career having gifted Italy two tries in their Six Nations clash in Rome.

"I haven’t thrown many intercepts in my career and to do it at international level at a key point in the game is pretty hard to live with.

"It was pretty daunting to be under the sticks, having gone from six points up to 12-6 down in the space of three minutes.

"At half time, everybody just said ‘forget about it, these things happen in rugby’ and I was determined to make amends.

"It was a gutting moment but you have to shake those things off and get on with your own game and get yourself back into the match and, thankfully, we did that in the second half.

"To come back from 15-6 down we showed a lot of character. Chris Robshaw called us under the posts when they kicked their penalty and said, ‘we don’t change anything, we just stick to what we are doing and we will break them down’."

February 11, 2012

Blonde bombshell Botha

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

Mouritz Botha made an impressive England starting debut against Scotland last weekend © Getty Images

The Independent's Chris Hewett talks to England lock Mouritz Botha ahead of his third cap for his adopted nation.

"The average rugby romantic does not, as a general rule, turn to South African lock forwards when he goes in search of his spirit-soaring fix.

"There was nothing alluring about Louis Moolman or Moaner van Heerden, an engine-room pairing from hell who reduced many a pack to its component parts during their time in the Springbok side, and if Johannes de Bruyn had a hearts-and-flowers side to him, it was not obvious to the late Gordon Brown of blessed Lions memory. Brown built an entire after-dinner routine around events in Pretoria in 1974, when he sent De Bruyn's glass eye flying from its socket and then watched, in a state of advanced petrification, as his opponent reinserted it, tufts of grass still attached, before heading back to the line-out for a continuation of the argument.

"Even in the professional age, with its all-seeing cameras and citing officials, Bakkies Botha has managed to win himself a permanent place in the Springbok bestiary, and judging by the way the World Cup-winning hard man's namesake performed on his first international start last weekend, there is no obvious reason to think that South African second-rowers have suddenly discovered pacifism. Mouritz Botha may have been playing for England, but he performed like every ultra-ruthless Bokke lock who ever took the field in a green shirt."

Farrell the future

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

In the Daily Telegraph, former England centre Will Greenwood believes Owen Farrell's ability to show assurance and leadership at such a tender age is a massive boost for England.

"You dream of a team of talkers and it is often the skill that is most underdeveloped. Sure they can lift weights and run and pass, but can they communicate when the pressure is on? Few can and that is what Farrell brought.

"There was urgent meaning to what he said, not just white noise. It had an impact.

"When the ball came out it was delivered to Allan Jacobsen, a not inconsiderable prop forward with good carrying skills, who was met low and hard by Farrell and dropped two yards behind the gain line.

"Good hit, great noise."

Loud and proud champions

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden reports on the atmosphere surrounding reigning Super Rugby champions the Reds ahead of the new season.

"Ewen McKenzie has been on a fitness drive, lost the bulk around his girth, and looks taut, trim and terrific. But that doesn't mean the successful Reds coach has suddenly become feeble. No, he is again pushing straight off the front foot, arguing his team won't be going into their shell and want to be proud, loud winners.

"McKenzie could easily head in another direction, as he has justifiable reasons to be cautious."

Consistency key for England

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

Wrtining in the Daily Telegraph, Toby Flood is optimistic England can build on their victory over Scotland when they face Italy today.

"Rome has previously been a happy hunting ground for England and the key is that they back up what they were doing at Murrayfield. They filled the midfield really well and made it difficult for Scotland to play.

"One win in Scotland doesn’t make you the best team in the world but what it does do is give you a little bit of confidence to grow your game as last week a lot of people were questioning the team.

"The fact that Stuart Lancaster has kept the same team and bench should see the side benefit from the continuity, which is so important given that we have had so little time together.

"Italy are a tremendously passionate side, but if England get off to a good start, I believe they will be able to build on their Murrayfield display and go out and play with a high tempo. "

'Barry John could fire Scotland's backline'

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

Gareth Griffiths says Wales must guard against complacency when they face Scotland on Sunday Walesonline.

“Barry John couldn’t even get this Scottish back-line firing.”

"The damning words of former Wales captain and respected pundit Gwyn Jones ahead of Scotland’s visit to the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

"Scotland’s inability to cross the opposition line under Andy Robinson has tormented them in recent times with no tries in their last four matches."

Scottish lambs to the slaughter?

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/11/2012

Writing for the Scotsman Allan Massie says Scotland's brief flirtation with the favourites tag has come to an end and they will once again go into Sunday's clash with Wales hoping for an upset.

"Well, at least Scotland will not be burdened with the tag of favourites tomorrow. Although Warren Gatland is cagey enough to dampen down expectations of a comfortable victory for Wales, you would be hard put to find any pundit prophesying a Scottish win.

"If we are not seen as lambs lining up for the slaughter, we are very much the underdogs.

"It’s all, or principally, because of the try famine. In other respects, this Scotland team is capable of matching any of our rivals in the Six Nations."

February 10, 2012

By George

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/10/2012

George North has earned rave reviews for his display against Ireland © Getty Images

Wales star George North reveals a mind beyond its teenage years in his column in the Daily Mail

"I remember games in detail because I go over them in the changing room. I sit by myself quietly for five minutes, thinking about what I did wrong and things I did right.

"I put the positive things away so that if you’re having a rough day in training you can call on them for strength. The bad things are what to work on.

"During the week Rob Howley will give us a list of positives and negatives. Obviously you want more plus signs than negatives on your sheet. Then you go through the footage."

Five things Ireland must fix

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/10/2012

Brendan Flanning pinpoints five aspects that he says Ireland must improve upon against France in the Guardain.

"Failure to transfer club form to Test arena

"The coach suggests the lesser competition is more forgiving. "The small things will be punished way more at international level than they will be at Heineken Cup level," Kidney said. "But that's the same then between Heineken Cup matches and league matches in any country. There's a step up all along the route. There's a substantial difference and any of the lads who have played the game have gone on record to say that." They've also gone on record to say something slightly different. Last week Jamie Heaslip said that in Leinster they refer to the knockout stages of Europe as their "Test matches," because they see them as being on a par with international rugby.

"Going into their grand slam campaign in 2009, Ireland had two teams – Munster and Leinster – as pool winners in Europe, and it was credited with helping them survive a brilliant running game by France in the first round of the championship. Now that they have the unique achievement of three provinces in the knockouts they slump to Wales on day one. Without a radical shift in performance those provinces will go back to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals with players who are hungover from a Six Nations slump."

Tipping over the top?

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/10/2012

Wales captain Sam Warburton, a well-place source, gives his verdict on tip-tackle debate in the Daily Telegraph.

"Is the reaction to them getting a little out of hand? I think it might be, if I’m honest.

"Obviously, I’m not advocating dangerous tackles in the game, but the problem is that everyone is looking for consistency, and I don’t think there is an answer that can be written in black and white.

"Every case is different. There should be more interpretation of individual circumstances.

"Let’s take a look at three tackles. Firstly, mine in the World Cup on Vincent Clerc. I had to make a decision in about half a second as to which man to take – either the scrum-half or the winger coming around from a line-out. I took the winger Clerc. It was a legitimate hit without malice. He went flying up in the air. I panicked and let him go. Result? A red card."

Holy grail goes walkabout

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/10/2012

Writing for the New Zealand Herald Michael Dickison reports on the travels of the Rugby World Cup.

"The Webb Ellis Cup is being toured around Auckland for the next week in a road trip to give thanks for the Rugby World Cup.

"We've got an ambition that the Webb Ellis Cup trophy spends as little time in our cabinet in Wellington as possible," said New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew.

"As nice as it is to walk into the building and see it there, it does more when it's out around the country."

February 9, 2012

The Dan Parks blame game

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/09/2012

Scotland's Dan Parks has called time on his international career © Getty Images

Scotland's Dan Parks will forever be associated with blame after giving critics what they want, according to The Daily Telegraph's Jim White.

"Parks is a sensitive soul, prickly to criticism, defensive about his eligibility. Yet in the past he had reacted well to adversity. Andy Robinson, the Scotland coach, reckoned he was as good as anyone he encountered at taking the flak.

"As indeed he demonstrated in 2010, when, after initially being dropped by Robinson, he returned to the side to have a stellar Six Nations and propel Scotland to their first ever series win in Argentina.

"That, though, was clearly not enough to satisfy the trolls. They seized on his Saturday mistake and once more engaged the vitriol.

"Even so, it came as a surprise that Parks terminated an international career spanning some eight years and including a Scottish record 17 dropped goals, with such dispatch. After just one game in the Six Nations, he announced his retirement from duty with immediate effect."

All Blacks reign at Halberg Awards

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/09/2012

The honours just keep on coming for the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks - the New Zealand Herald reports.

"It was a black victory at the 2011 Westpac Halberg Awards tonight - an All Black victory, as the Rugby World Cup winners took nearly all the top prizes at the annual sport honours.

"Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry won the Sky Sport Coach of the Year Award, while All Blacks captain Richie McCaw won Westpac Sportsman of the Year and the All Blacks Westpac Team of the Year. The All Blacks also won the top prize, the Halberg Award, and New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment.

"Winning the supreme award capped off the stellar night for the All Blacks. An overwhelmed skipper Richie McCaw said it showed the All Blacks huge effort during the world cup and throughout the build up to it, had touched everyone in New Zealand this year."

'One heck of a win'

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/09/2012

Western Mail columnist Gwyn Jones reflects on Wales' opening Six Nations victory over Ireland.

"Every time I meet the players in the flesh I am reminded just how big they are. The small screen does not do them justice.

"They are impressive specimens who have a huge physical presence and who carry themselves with quiet confidence.

"I don’t know if the few days of fitness work done in Poland provided the extra bit of stamina that sealed the win, but I think the players believed it was and ultimately it’s the identical thing.

"Ireland have some excellent regional players but this was a step up again, this was Test match rugby and it seems that the Welsh players are better able to not only make that leap, but to jump to a higher level again than their opponents.

"Whether it’s the honour of pulling on the red shirt or the inspiration of Gatland and co, Wales raised the quality, the intensity and the skill levels and were by some way the better side."

'Blame us not the coaches'

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/09/2012

Ireland's Rob Kearney insists that the players must shoulder much of the blame for the team's disappointing start to the Six Nations. The Irish Independent reports.

"Kearney is also keen to emphasise that, for all the aimless kicking, soft defence and poor ball retention evident in Sunday's performance, management didn't dispense all those 'tactics.'

"The players, we are now told, are entirely responsible for their on-field options. Whether the same players are seeking to take the pressure off the coach remains unclear.

"We did speak about this issue of player ownership on Tuesday," Kearney revealed. "Paul [O'Connell] said a few words about the players having to take a bit more ownership of the whole thing.

"But, in defence of that, I don't get the impression that the players didn't take any ownership last week. I wouldn't say that's a fair point to make. The players always have to run these things.

"The coaches are there to help us and give us game plans and shapes. But, ultimately, we're the guys who run them on the field and that's the most important aspect of the whole thing."

February 8, 2012

The best player in the world?

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/08/2012

Sergio Parisse has his eyes set on the prize © Getty Images

The Daily Mail's Chris Foy looks at what England can expect when they come up against Sergio Parisse.

"Sergio Parisse will lead Italy against England at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, saddled with a Test record which does nothing to reflect his status as one of the world’s greatest players.

The captain of the Azzurri has 84 caps but just 24 victories to his acclaimed name. The 28-year-old’s win percentage of 29 drops to a meagre 16 when it comes to the bread and butter of the RBS Six Nations. This will be the eighth time the Stade Francais No 8 has faced England, with all seven previous encounters ending in familiar defeat.

Yet, Parisse is lauded as one of the finest players of the era. In 2008, he became the first Italian to be short-listed for the IRB’s Player of the Year award."

Just the tonic

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/08/2012

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith, talking to the New Zealand Herald's Daniel Richardson, is in bullish form after being handed the Hurricanes' captaincy.

"New Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith believes having the "c" next to his name on the team sheet could be just the tonic to invigorate him ahead of this year's Super 15 campaign.

After the highs of last year's World Cup win with the All Blacks, the centre returned to Hurricanes training today after a three-month world trip.

Smith takes over the captaincy from Andrew Hore after the All Blacks rake was one of a host of players to leave the franchise over the past year.

"It's an exciting challenge and sometimes you need those things when you've played a while and you've been in the same teams," Smith said of the captaincy."

Referees in the spotlight

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/08/2012

Brendan Gallagher, writing for the Irish Independent, argues that referees should be in the spotlight alongside the players cited for the tip-tackling over the weekend.

"The International Rugby Board's disciplinary procedure and two of England's top referees could be under nearly as much scrutiny as Bradley Davies and Stephen Ferris in London this afternoon when a Six Nations committee deals with the controversial issue of tip-tackling.

While everybody anticipated that Davies would be cited, few expected Ferris to be joining him, although both received yellow cards in Sunday's encounter between Ireland and Wales.

According to the IRB's directives -- and indeed the verbal report from assistant referee Dave Pearson -- Davies' lifting and dumping head-first of Donnacha Ryan was even more culpable than a so-called tip-tackle and had to be an automatic red card."

Jumping before you're pushed

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/08/2012

The Independent's Chris Hewett provides his take on Dan Parks' shock retirement from international rugby.

"Just as England's latest contender for a long and productive run in the red-rose back row was revelling in his first taste of international rugby – "Something I'll remember and treasure for the rest of my life," said a star-struck Ben Morgan yesterday, reminiscing about the dozen minutes or so he spent on the pitch at Murrayfield last weekend – one of the Scots who started that game was putting his Test career firmly behind him. Dan Parks, never the most popular outside-half north of the border but occasionally the most effective, will not wear the blue shirt again.

The 31-year-old exiled Australian said in a prepared statement that he had considered retiring from the international game following last autumn's World Cup, but decided to declare himself available for Six Nations duty because England were the opening-round opponents and he felt there was an element of "unfinished business" following Scotland's bitterly frustrating defeat by the ancient enemy during the global gathering in New Zealand. However, his performance in Edinburgh four days ago was well below par and it seemed yesterday that he had been given an opportunity to bow out while the choice was still his to make."

February 7, 2012

Bowe ready to return

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/07/2012

The Ospreys' Tommy Bowe looks set to return to Ulster © Getty Images

The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly believes that Ulster are on the verge of announcing Tommy Bowe's signature.

"Ulster are close to winning the race to sign Tommy Bowe, with the Ireland winger poised to return to his native province next season.

Although no deal is believed to have been signed as yet, sources claim contract talks are at “an advanced stage” with Ulster set to recapture the player who played for them between 2003 and ’08.

Bowe scored a try in Ireland’s 23-21 Six Nations loss to Wales on Sunday last and is due back in the Ireland camp today ahead of this weekend’s trip to Paris to face France."

Cut all the gimmicks and gizmos

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/07/2012

The Independent's Chris Hewett provides his take on Dan Parks' shock retirement from international rugby.

"Just as England's latest contender for a long and productive run in the red-rose back row was revelling in his first taste of international rugby – "Something I'll remember and treasure for the rest of my life," said a star-struck Ben Morgan yesterday, reminiscing about the dozen minutes or so he spent on the pitch at Murrayfield last weekend – one of the Scots who started that game was putting his Test career firmly behind him. Dan Parks, never the most popular outside-half north of the border but occasionally the most effective, will not wear the blue shirt again.

The 31-year-old exiled Australian said in a prepared statement that he had considered retiring from the international game following last autumn's World Cup, but decided to declare himself available for Six Nations duty because England were the opening-round opponents and he felt there was an element of "unfinished business" following Scotland's bitterly frustrating defeat by the ancient enemy during the global gathering in New Zealand. However, his performance in Edinburgh four days ago was well below par and it seemed yesterday that he had been given an opportunity to bow out while the choice was still his to make."

Flood hands England boost

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/07/2012

Chris Hewett, of the Independent, looks at where Toby Flood will fit in at England.

"Should David Beckham stumble accidentally into what was once his very own football academy either side of lunchtime today, he might find himself in danger of wrecking his fragile metatarsal for good and causing terminal damage to his hairstyle. England's rugby players, in high good humour following their unexpected Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland at Murrayfield, will be training at the London Soccerdome next to the O2 Arena because of the wintry conditions at their base in Surrey. They will not be messing around, either. According to the coaching staff, they will be knocking seven bells out of each other.

"I place as much importance on how players conduct themselves in training during the week as on what they do at the weekend," said Stuart Lancaster, the caretaker coach, in confirming that the 32-man squad for Saturday's meeting with Italy in Rome, bolstered by the return of the World Cup midfielder Toby Flood, would be encouraged to engage in a full and frank exchange of views. "When we do a 15 v 15 session, I try to ensure that the people on the fringes of the team get a genuine opportunity, rather than just give them a bib and tell them to defend. Everyone has to train well. It's the way you develop a high-performance culture."

Places up for grabs

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/07/2012

The Daily Mail's Chris Foy previews the winner takes all clash between England and....England.

"When England escape the snow on Tuesday with a training trip to a former David Beckham football academy next to the O2 Arena, Ben Morgan will go head to head with Phil Dowson in a 15-a-side contest, with the No 8 shirt up for grabs.

Stuart Lancaster is taking his squad to the indoor facility at Greenwich, now known as the London Soccerdome, as the freezing conditions have played havoc with England’s preparations at their HQ in Surrey.

This will be the only full day of training prior to departure for Rome and the next instalment of the RBS Six Nations campaign, against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, and for Morgan in particular, the stakes have just been raised."

February 6, 2012

Ireland on dark side of the moon

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/06/2012

Ireland's Stephen Ferris trudges from the Aviva Stadium field having been yellow-carded © Getty Images

The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly picks through the pieces of Ireland's latest reverse at the hands of Wales.

"When you throw in last year's illegal winning score by Mike Phillips in Cardiff (not to mention Wales' voodoo-like depowering of Ireland in the Wellington quarter-final) you could justifiably claim that Wales' hex over the Irish has assumed Biddy Early proportions. But the bottom line is that Wales were allowed to score three tries that were all eminently preventable.

"There is no case for the defence. True, Wales had a leviathan backline on show that would have done justice to most packs, but missing front-up tackles at this level is unacceptable and, following on from the soft scores conceded in Wellington, it can be categorically concluded that Ireland's defensive game has regressed hugely from the miserly operation which underpinned their Grand Slam in 2009.

"When you are faced with a backline carrying as much power and menace as Wales', it is essential that you close down their time on the ball, but Ireland's line-speed was non-existent and there were no shooters to get in Welsh faces."

Paris trek just became more daunting

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/06/2012

The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley reports from Ireland's dramatic Six Nations loss to Wales in Dublin.

"The game ended in controversy, and there’s little doubt the officials wrongly adjudged two so-called tip tackles – the game’s two tipping points you could say. But despite the harsh call on Stephen Ferris for his tackle on Ian Evans, which resulted in Leigh Halfpenny’s 80th minute penalty steering Wales to a 23-21 win, there’s little doubt the better team won.

"It looked a hasty call by Wayne Barnes, and Ferris’s yellow card appeared like a justification for the decision. For at no point did Evans’ left foot leave the ground and he landed sideways-on before getting to his feet and smiling as he patted Ferris on the head.

"It wasn’t in the same universe as the Bradley Davies’ tip tackle on Donnacha Ryan, which had also been off the ball, in the 65th minute, for which touch judge Dave Pearson adjudicated a yellow card. Only Pearson, referee for the France-Ireland game next Saturday, will know how he came up with that one."

Infuriating lack of tries

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/06/2012

The Scotsman's David Ferguson rues Scotland's failure to find a finishing touch against England at Murrayfield.

"There is no escaping the tide of déjà vu that engulfed Scottish rugby at the weekend, but it is of no use to the sport, the players nor coaches to submit to it.

"There has to be improvement and, more precisely, tries when Scotland take on Wales in Cardiff if the game is to retain the optimism generated by the new SRU leadership, and Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup and Glasgow’s league drives are to signal a corner turned. Otherwise, with France to come to Murrayfield and then Ireland away Andy Robinson’s side could be heading to Italy for another wooden spoon decider and the peg holding his coat wobbling.

"So, after four tryless games in a row, where do Scottish five-pointers come from? Tactics and coaching help to hide weaknesses and improve strengths, but it cannot produce something that is not there. Players, ultimately, fashion tries, through rugby intelligence and skills."

Naughty boys can be good for the game?

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/06/2012

The Observer's Eddie Butler considers some of the talking points from the opening round of Six Nations action.

"Zero tolerance of the tip tackle is no obstacle to full-on entertainment. Bradley Davies had to look aggrieved – innocence is the default look of the penalised player – when he saw yellow for his off-the-ball tackle on Donnacha Ryan but he must have felt a tinge of relief it was not red. Wales conceded the try that might have cost them the game but then Stephen Ferris picked up Ian Evans by one leg, thumped him down and the tables were turned. Rugby remains a sport of physical contact where you have to tackle with care, not an easy combination to master. Still, it brought a cracking game to a rousing finale.

"Shane Williams was not the biggest wing in the world but he survived by avoiding tacklers and ducking under limbs. Now he has gone, Wales have Alex Cuthbert and George North, two players who duck out of nothing. The way North went through Fergus McFadden in the buildup to Jonathan Davies's second try was to underline the effect of power, although his backhanded pass to the centre was a nostalgic flash of subtler skills. North was immense but he dominates the rugby field in a different way, a monstrous 19-year-old who combines the size Williams never had with arts he did."

Wasteful Scotland

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/06/2012

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Brian Moore believes Scotland coach Andy Robinson will walk if his side continue to waste scoring opportunities.

"We are not talking about them beating the world; we are talking about being able to demonstrate essential skills on more than a casual basis.

"If these failures continue there is a good chance that Robinson will go of his own accord, frustrated at his inability to rectify Scotland’s chronic malaise.

"You have to sympathise with him because he is in the classically invidious position of the coach. He may be doing all he can and doing it well, but when 15 other people go out and stuff it up he is the one that is in line to get sacked. Short of running on to the field and making the passes and kicks for his team it is hard to see what more he can do."

February 5, 2012

Areas of concern

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

Greig Laidlaw came within a whisker of spoiling England's party © Getty Images

Dean Ryan, writing for the Observer, picks over some areas of concern following England's win over Scotland.

"1 - England have a short-term result but it was difficult to see what is the long‑term strategy

All week the talk was of long-term strategies. England's interim coach, Stuart Lancaster, would have slept soundly on Saturday night because this was a dogged victory in what was always going to be a difficult match. But he and England's supporters won't be under any illusions because there wasn't a lot to worry their Six Nations rivals. France were not at their best in Paris but they picked up the pace of the tournament.

It was cold at Murrayfield and England and Scotland both spluttered like an old banger on a winter morning for the first 40 minutes. When England did get opportunities we did see them attempt to play a wider game but in the cold light of day it has to be said that the two wings, Chris Ashton and David Strettle, hardly received a pass and Ben Foden only really counterattacked because Dan Parks kicked the ball down his throat.

We never truly saw Lancaster's vision of a second receiver bringing into play the back three. The only glimpses we did get were undermined by a lack of precision. It was a good result for England but I think if they had played like that under Martin Johnson then Johnson would have been castigated and we would still be at a loss to work out what they were trying to do."

Job done

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

England's Ben Foden, in his column for the Daily Telegraph , admits that although the performance was scrappy - it's the win that counts.

"Given the disappointment of the World Cup, it is great to get our Six Nations campaign off to a winning start to eradicate some of the memories of New Zealand.

We previously hadn’t won at Murrayfield since 2004, and while there is of course a lot for us to work on, I think we showed a lot of determination and grit from a group of guys who have only been together for a couple of weeks.

The mood in the dressing room afterwards was very upbeat. A lot of people had written us off but we had a massive belief that we could get the right result.

With the amount of new caps in the side, it was always going to be a tough assignment but as the coaching team have already said, we are here to win games."

Familiar feelings just the same

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

The Irish Independent's Brendan Fanning believes that an Ireland win will do little to dispel the memories of the 2011 World Cup.

"The day after the Wales win over Ireland in the World Cup we were back at the Cake Tin, as the Wellingtonians call their stadium, for the South Africa versus Australia match.

For some of us, it felt like a long trek across town, lengthened by the events of the day before. Up until kick-off we had been chasing flights and remortgaging to cover accommodation in Auckland for the semifinal.

Long before the final whistle we were in home mode. As we entered the media centre, there was a gaggle of Welsh hacks gathered around a table, deep in conversation about the previous afternoon and how they would cover what happened next. There were lots of angles to measure, and fields of quotes to be harvested. They looked well pleased."

Defending like bulldogs

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

Former England international Mike Catt, writing for the Daily Telegraph, provides his take on England's first game in the 2012 Six Nations.

"I will settle for that. No win over Scotland at Murrayfield is easy, let alone when you have a new coaching team, new captain and a raft of new players.

Perhaps it wasn’t pretty but I am delighted for all the new guys that coach Stuart Lancaster showed trust in.

Good defence and discipline at important stages of the game was the key, that and poor Scottish handling and decision making under pressure.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson must despair. They play with good intent, have one or two line-breakers but are completely unable to finish the job at this level. Glasgow and Edinburgh have been scoring tries for fun this season but those same players just can’t repeat it at international level."

Feeling the Lydiate absence

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

The Observer's Eddie Butler believes Wales will struggle without flanker Dan Lydidate.

"Ireland in the Six Nations will have to cope without their most visible player of the last decade, Brian O'Driscoll. Wales have to manage without their often unseen flanker, Danny Lydiate. Ireland are trying to replace a player everyone can see; Wales have to wrap somebody else up in Lydiate's cloak of invisibility.

Lydiate is not hard to see in the flesh. Not so long ago the tales of what Stephen Ferris was throwing around in the weights room seemed to confirm that once again Wales were going to yield on the strength front. The arrival of Sean O'Brien and his bursting runs through tackles underlined Ireland's advantage in raw power. But then Lydiate arrived.

Or rather he reappeared, without fanfare but with question marks over whether he should be playing at all after a serious neck injury playing for the Dragons in Perpignan in November 2007. It soon appeared he was more than back merely on his feet. To stand next to the son of sheep-farming stock from Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales was to be reassured that here were arms the size of Powys."

Ignoring the boo boys

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

The Guardian's Richard Williams focuses on Owen Farrell's performance following his debut for England.

"An outbreak of booing during a rugby match is always an ugly sound, the more so when it is directed at a young man, only a few months out of his teens and in the early stages of his international debut, doing nothing more discreditable than attempting a kick at goal.

Perhaps this sort of thing is only to be expected nowadays in the heat of Six Nations competition. It happens at the Stade de France, it happens in Cardiff, and it is occasionally the subject of stern warnings to the Twickenham crowd. Somehow, though, it is not what one expects from Murrayfield, even at a time when a desire to escape English rule is at the forefront of national debate.

So the Scottish crowd brought no honour on itself when Owen Farrell stepped up to take the first penalty kick of the match in the 12th minute. Ben Foden had run Dan Parks's poor kick back across the halfway line, prompting Richie Gray to enter a ruck by the side door. Farrell's attempt from 47 metres had the length, but drifted just wide of the right-hand post."

Four minutes of madness

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

Scottish flanker John Barclay, in his column for the Scotsman, reflects on a brief period of time in Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash which proved to be decisive.

"There were plenty of good things in our performance but ultimately we have lost the first game of the championship.

It is the same situation we have faced since I started playing in the Six Nations and clearly we will have to pick ourselves up before we face Wales next weekend.

We spoke afterwards about how it’s important that we don’t wait until our backs are really against the wall before we react – it certainly can’t be left to the last game and playing for the Wooden Spoon, the reaction has to come now. It was the first time in more than 30 caps that I’ve started on the bench, and maybe because I was a sub I had time to savour the atmosphere, which was brilliant – the fans were tremendous, and that’s what makes the result so frustrating."

Feel-good factor over?

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/05/2012

Wales great Barry John is feeling pessimistic ahead of their opening match of the Six Nations against Ireland - writing in Wales Online.

"A few weeks ago I was quite confident Wales would go to Dublin and win.

Wales would have been my favourites for this Six Nations opener against Ireland because everything seemed to be in place.

Warren Gatland’s side had come back from the World Cup full of confidence and everything was going for them.

But the events of last few weeks have changed my feelings.

I think Sunday will open Welsh eyes and the World Cup will soon be forgotten.

It was a lovely party in New Zealand that was enjoyed by the whole of the nation but it is back to the nitty gritty of the Six Nations."

February 4, 2012

Boy scouts in a boozer

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

Phil Dowson, Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell are all part of a fresh-faced England squad © Getty Images

The Daily Mail's Martin Samuel backs England's new youthful look ahead of their Six Nations opener against Scotland.

"Brad Barritt went round the room shaking hands before he sat down to speak. Phil Dowson used the word ‘sanguine’ to describe the mood of his coaches at Northampton. Owen Farrell insisted he would walk into the maelstrom of Murrayfield with a smile on his face.

And throughout there remained the impression that this reconfigured England side will be lucky to get out of Edinburgh Airport without having their cab money nicked, let alone return from Scotland’s fortress with a first win in eight years.

It was 2004 when England last won at Murrayfield. They haven’t even scored a try since. There is the counter-argument. England have travelled north since that day with teams that have been honoured by the Queen, experienced, storied groups of men peppered with OBEs, CBEs and MBEs, and all they have come back with is ABA. Absolutely bugger all. So why not go with youth?"

Expect the unexpected

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

Former England head coach Brian Ashton previews this year's Six Nations tournament in the Independent.

"The wheels on the international bandwagon rarely stop rolling for long: the post-World Cup 2011 era has barely started, yet we are already thinking of the 15 matches that will make up the 2012 Six Nations Championship.

"There is always a nagging feeling that because of the imbalance of fixtures – some countries play three games at home, others only two – the outcome will not be a definitive reflection of the strengths of the teams involved.

"There will be no doubting the level of passion, however. Apart from the unexpected, the one thing we can safely expect is complete, no-holds-barred commitment."

Talking tactics

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

Former France defence coach Dave Ellis gives his tactical take on each Six Nations team in the Guardian.

"England’s attacking game will be based around centre Brad Barritt. He will be charged with using his size to get them over the gain line.

"Then, if the ball is recycled at sufficient pace, Charlie Hodgson and Owen Farrell (who will also be comfortable filling in at first receiver) can attempt to unleash their pacy back three at defences on the back foot. For this to work England will need to show more mongrel at the breakdown than they have recently, and more discipline in the tackle area.

"For so long England’s pack was their strongest suit but the back three looks the most dangerous unit now. If any of England’s opponents kick loosely towards them, then Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and David Strettle will run it back with interest."

Turn up pressure on young English

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

Writing in the Scotsman, Allan Masie calls on Scotland to put ferocious pressure on Enlgand in the early stages of their battle at Murrayfield.

"Playing against an inexperienced or experimental side, it is almost always important to exert pressure on them early on. The longer the game remains even, the more likely it is that they will gain in confidence and cohesion. So one would look to see Scotland seeking to impose themselves and to prevent England from settling into a pattern of play.

"It will be important to compete at the breakdown as Ireland did so successfully against England in Dublin last March. There is a tendency in the English Premiership for teams to commit very few players to the breakdown, preferring to stand off and keep a strong defensive line in being. If England do indeed play like that, one would hope to see the Scottish forwards taking the ball through the middle and then looking to off-load.

"Dave Ellis, who used to be France’s defensive coach, this week called Scotland “the most efficient side in the Six Nations. Their ability to keep hold of the ball for phase after phase is staggering”. Of course, it is what we don’t manage to do at the end of these phases that accounts for our failure to score as many tries as our build-up suggests we should."

Stormy waters for Wales?

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

On Walesonline Gwyn Jones fears for Wales ahead of their opening Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

"Winning the first game of the Six Nations is always vital to set up momentum for the rest of the tournament, but sadly, I fear Wales will lose in Dublin tomorrow.

"If so, on this occasion everything is still not lost, given we have three home games to come and a match away to an in-transition England side.

"It would be great if Wales were to eke out a victory at the Aviva Stadium and I’m sure that Warren Gatland and his players will settle for nothing other than that.

"But, provided we produce a competitive performance, and the wheels do not come off completely as they have done in the past in Dublin, there will not be any disgrace in a narrow defeat."

Rebel recruits impress

Posted by Jonny McLeod on 02/04/2012

Stathi Paxinos reports for the Syndey Morning Herald on the Melbourne Rebels' pre-season preparation as they faced the Chiefs in a friendly in Geelong.

"Kurtley Beale showed glimpses of what the Melbourne Rebels faithful hope to see this Super Rugby season when the Wallabies full-back provided some of the rare moments of excitement in the team's 36-0 loss to the Chiefs in the year's first pre-season game last night in Geelong.

"At first glance the scoreline, with the Rebels giving up six tries, could give the impression that last year's wooden-spooners could be in for another hard season, but fellow star recruit James O'Connor disagreed. ''A trial game's [just] a trial game''.

"Beale excited the crowd with a couple of line busts and runs from full-back and, after playing about 30 minutes, declared that his troublesome hamstring, which he injured at last year's World Cup, had held up during the game."

February 3, 2012

Sarries will provide England's cutting edge

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/03/2012

Brendan Venter has backed the likes of Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell to shine on the Six Nations stage © Getty Images

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Saracens' technical director Brendan Venter backs his players to make an impact for England this weekend.

"Charlie Hodgson, Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt were first forced together as a midfield trio when Sarries were struggling with Rugby World Cup call-ups and injuries at the beginning of the season. But the strength of their characters, and the form they showed together, demanded they continue to be selected as a unit, even when players returned.

"Lancaster’s two-month interview for the England job relies purely on results. And the quickest way for him to get results is to back players he trusts, and combinations that he knows already operate to a high standard.

"Saracens are second in the league and in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup so Lancaster knows that Hodgson, Farrell and Barritt are part of a winning environment. Every time they start together the team is bolstered by a wonderful blend of athleticism, rugby know-how and competitiveness."

Remember how this felt

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/03/2012

The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly offers a timely reminder of a painful day in the Ireland-Wales rivalry.

"The upshot was that when the game kicked off, Wales, with a team that the Irish players beat for kicks on a regular basis at club level, had the mental advantage. They played above themselves, their best performance of the tournament, while Ireland could not hit earlier heights.

"Even when the Irish brought the score back to 10-10 just after half-time, there was never any sure sense that they would kick on and their insecurities manifested themselves in uncharacteristically poor defending for the Mike Phillips and Jon Davies tries. Four months on, the pain of that experience, a massive opportunity squandered, has not diminished.

"One nagging question that will not go away, and one that was painted as a likely scenario in pre-tournament predictions, is whether Ireland would have been better served by losing to Australia and going into a quarter-final against the Springboks as complete underdogs -- the ideal scenario for Kidney to work his magic."

Ford grateful for All Blacks' influence

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/03/2012

Scotland captain Ross Ford has revealed a debt of gratitude to the All Blacks rugby establishment as he prepares to lead his team for the first time in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash with England at Murrayfield. The Scotsman's Bill Lothian reports.

"Back in 2009 hooker Ford, then 24, was given the opportunity to be mentored under the Winning Scotland Foundation programme by Sean Fitzpatrick whose 92 caps for New Zealand included 51 as captain while one-time Kiwi assistant coach Tony Gilbert is another who has aided his development.

"Recalls Ford: “I spoke to Sean Fitzpatrick a couple of times and learned a few good things from him. At that point it was mostly about my game rather than leadership but he did put a few things across to the effect that it was about leading by example.

“Sean told me he felt as captain he had to do more than anybody else in games. I met him and person and we talked on the telephone. I found him a very engaging man who, when he speaks, doesn’t shout or roar. He came across as very level-headed in his judgments. I like that approach."

Healey gives Wales no hope

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/03/2012

Former England international Austin Healey does not fancy Wales' chances in this year's Six Nations - the Western Mail's Andy Howell reports.

"I think Wales will struggle in this championship because how the fixtures fall is bad for them,” was Healey’s assessment.

"That will raise eyebrows because many believe Wales will prosper on the back of the World Cup and because they have Scotland, Italy and France at the Millennium Stadium.

"But Healey argued: “Going to Dublin to face the Irish in their first game is really tough. I can’t see Wales winning that one.

"The Irish are flying; they’ve got three teams through to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup and have a strong squad. I’m expecting Ireland to beat Wales by at least 14 points. Put me on the spot and I’d say 27-9 because the Irish players have been doing so well in Europe."

Enjoy the occasion

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/03/2012

Former England captain Nigel Melville, who led his country on his Test bow, urges England's current one-cap skipper Chris Robshaw to 'enjoy' the Six Nations showdown with Scotland on Saturday. The Guardian's Claire Tolley reports.

"It can be a bonus not having a lot of experience; I would have been much more influenced by the fact I was captain on my debut knowing what I know now, than what I did then. A young man does not get as fazed as an older man. I took it in my stride and simply focused on getting my preparation right. Everyone around me kept worrying about what I was going to say at the post-match dinner.

"I hope Chris Robshaw enjoys his day and plays his best. When the subject of the captaincy comes up you worry that, if he doesn't play well, people will start talking about whether he has been picked too early to be given that responsibility. I just hope the fans can be patient. New-look England are not going to be perfect on the day. We need to back them and give them the time to realise their potential."

February 2, 2012

I feel sorry for Heyneke

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

Former Boks boss Peter de Villiers feels harshly treated by the South African Rugby Union © Getty Images

Former South Africa coach Peter de Villiers reflects on the decision to hand Heyneke Meyer the Springboks' reins. Supersport's Brenden Nel reports.

“I feel sorry for Heyneke, because he is starting on the back foot. The franchises are already set for the new season and know the news that a new team will come into Super Rugby. The franchises will now play their players down the drain to survive, to make sure they aren’t in that bottom spot,” De Villiers said.

“It will be a very tough year and Heyneke was only appointed now. He couldn’t sit down and talk to the franchises before they did their planning in place. He couldn’t sit down and reveal his plans and discuss with them.”

"But De Villiers followed it up with a bizarre broadside at his former employers, saying that there was no exit strategy for him, his management or Bok captaincy duo of John Smit and Victor Matfield.

“Nobody spoke to me about it since I came back from the World Cup. Nobody spoke to me. Perhaps I shouldn’t speak about it, because if I speak about it, people think I am lobbying for a job. I am not criticising, this is a big organisation and there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes, but it doesn’t take much to be professional and sit down and say “listen here, we don’t think that we are going to renew your contract”. Then give you the reasons for it. Then you can move on,” De Villiers explained."

Rathbone reveals depression battle

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

Former Wallabies international Clyde Rathbone has gone public with his battle with depression. The Canberra Times' Jacqueline Williams reports.

"He played almost 30 Tests for Australia and was considered one of the most damaging rugby players in his heyday, but Clyde Rathbone was living a lie at the peak of his career and was close to becoming "another statistic".

"The former rugby star, who lives in Canberra, yesterday opened up to family and friends for the first time about his long battle with depression. Rathbone told his story to the The Canberra Times because he wanted people to know that the battle with depression could be won.

"This is an opportunity to make something good out of a bad situation... I just thought it was now or never," the 30-year-old said. "Hearing something like this when I was going through it may have helped me. The message is that depression is not just survivable and the goal should never be just to survive, you should be thriving."

Earls gets nod

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley reflects on the decision to hand Keith Earls the Ireland No.13 jersey.

"Keith Earls has been anointed to fill Brian O’Driscoll’s semi-mystical number 13 jersey for Ireland’s campaign-defining opener against Wales on Sunday. The shirt has been worn for the last dozen Six Nations by the tournament’s record-breaking, leading try scorer and Grand Slam-winning captain. No pressure there then.

"As if he hasn’t enough on his mind, Earls became a father last week when his partner, Edel, gave birth to their first child, Ella May, due to which he was unable to take part in training this week. However, his excellent performance in Munster’s 50-pointer away to Northampton and his training in Limerick last week prompted Declan Kidney’s decision.

"This being a Sunday game helps as, all going well, Earls could rejoin the squad for their final session tomorrow and Saturday’s captain’s run. Otherwise, Fergus McFadden will start at number 13, with the uncapped Dave Kearney promoted to the bench alongside the match-day squad’s other potential debutant, Peter O’Mahony.

"Paul O’Connell, who is facing into his first Six Nations campaign as captain a decade after making a try-scoring debut at home to Wales (a game he can scarcely remember given he departed with concussion after barely half an hour), has spoken to Earls and agreed that fatherhood may even be a helpful distraction."

Phillips ready to crush Irish hopes

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

The Western Mail's chats to Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips abouthis new life in France.

"Of all the Welsh rugby stars you might expect to embrace the distinctive culture of French life, Mike Phillips is perhaps not one that immediately springs to mind.

"The image of Phillips taking in the views of the Adour river while nibbling on a freshly-baked croissant and quietly perusing the morning edition of L’Equipe simply doesn’t feel quite right.

"Throw in the abysmal form of the 29-year-old’s new club Bayonne, who currently lie rooted to the base of the Top 14, and the former Osprey’s glamour move across the channel has the makings of an unhappy marriage.

"The reality, however, could not be more different.

"Freed from the goldfish bowl of Welsh rugby that has scrutinised every performance and misdemeanour of the past, Phillips is experiencing the time of his life.

"For all the on-field troubles of Bayonne – and following a 50 – 10 pummelling against Toulon last weekend, those troubles clearly run deep – Wales’ No. 1 scrum-half has the type of contented, mischievous glint in his eye that led Warren Gatland to affectionately describe him as rugby’s “most confident and cocky” character last week."

Evans fuelled by World Cup woe

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

The Scotsman talks to Scotland wing Max Evans ahead of his side's Six Nations opener against England.

"If there is truth in the adage that “good things come in small packages” Scotland could be on to a winner in their new selection of two of the RBS Six Nations Championship’s smallest wingers for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match.

"Certainly, the desire that burns inside Max Evans, who will line up with Selkirk debutant Lee Jones on the other flank, points to a determination that seems intent on forcing its way out of his 5ft 10in 13st frame and knocking back the 6ft and 15 stones of Chris Ashton.

"Evans started against England in the crucial final pool match in the New Zealand World Cup in October, but was forced off the field injured at half-time and watched victory slip through Scotland’s fingers as Ashton scored a late try to send the Scots home early.

“My memory of that is just an immense feeling of a missed opportunity,” Evans said, his face dropping at the recollection. “I came off at half-time after getting a bad knock just before the whistle, so I was immensely upset that I didn’t get to play in the rest of the game. In terms of my performance I felt really strong and excited about the possibility of delivering a good result, and so felt the same as the rest of the players at the end over that missed opportunity. It was the same in the last Six Nations, where we had a good performance but not the result. It’s all very well having a good performance, but you remember the wins and that’s the focus."

The nipper who grew into a skipper

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

The Daily Mail's Rob Wildman traces the rugby roots of England skipper Chris Robshaw.

"Standing a short head above his team-mates and gazing steadfastly into the camera, he looks every inch a captain in the making.

"But not even the most ardent supporter of Warlingham under-eights would have dared to dream, that day in 1996, that young Chris Robshaw would one day lead out England at Murrayfield in the Six Nations.

"The Warlingham lads had just won a festival at East Grinstead. Hardly surprising, perhaps, given that they fielded not one but two future Test players."

Ireland looking good for Six Nations

Posted by Graham Jenkins on 02/02/2012

Writing in The Guardian, Brendan Fanning believes Ireland can weather the loss of talisman Brian O'Driscoll as they prepare to launch their latest assault on the Six Nations crown.

"Ireland are about to start their first Six Nations campaign without Brian O'Driscoll. After 12 successive seasons of having him around for most of the time since his championship debut against England in 2000, they are now looking at five games with no input whatsoever from their greatest player. And they will be relieved that it has happened now, and not three seasons ago.

"When you consider the amount of punishment O'Driscoll has taken since his international start in Brisbane in 1999, it is remarkable that at least one season has not been written off since then. Even after his shoulder repair, having dislocated it with the Lions in New Zealand in 2005, he was back on duty the following February. Twelve seasons, and only five Championship games missed."

February 1, 2012

Too close to the bone

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

Graham Henry has been casting aspersions over the state of English rugby © Getty Images

Chris Rattue, of the New Zealand Herald, provides his take on Graham Henry's recent tendency to pass on words of advice - whether they are requested or otherwise...

"Ooooh, what fun.

Winning a Rugby World Cup not only restores the economy and enables us to enjoy a few street parades, but we also get to sling advice around the world with a greatly reduced risk of getting a lot of muck slung back.

Gone are the days when Kiwi rugby-ites had to duck the head down as the sporting world pointed out, sometimes quite pointedly, that our specialist subject was messing up the World Cup. Sir Graham Henry has emerged from his summer hols to detail a few faults in the English, those losers who haven't won the Webb Ellis since way back in 2003.

Henry is bang on the mark with one point. England play with too much caution and fear. The English see the game as static huddles that eliminate glaring stuff ups, while in the process creating one giant stuff up.

However, his assertion that England are world champions at wasting talent is up for serious challenge considering our constant World Cup failures. New Zealand has a decent history of genuine talent-wasting when you consider that rugby is now a World Cup-centric activity, and Henry - having blown it once - came perilously close to blowing it again against a dishevelled French side in last year's Eden Park final."

Evolution over revolution

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly provides his take on Ireland looking for evolution over revolution.

"It was encouraging to hear Ireland coach Declan Kidney speak so earnestly this week about the need to evolve post-World Cup.

Ireland's scintillating progress through the pool stages, headlined by the win over Australia, ensured there would be no 2007-style evisceration of players or coaches in the aftermath. However, the nature of the quarter-final defeat in Wellington, when Kidney's men were blown away by the vibrancy and fluency of the Welsh, stressed the overwhelming need to kick on.

Backs coach Alan Gaffney has departed and Les Kiss is charged with bringing his innovation to bear on attack as well as defence. This double-jobbing brief is not unique in Kidney coaching units, and Tony McGahan's dual assistant role on Munster's surge to the Heineken Cup title in 2008 provides positive precedent."

Zero-tolerance the right way forward?

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

The Daily Telegraph's Gavin Mairs talks to Graham Henry about his misgivings over Stuart Lancaster's approach to discipline.

"Graham Henry, New Zealand’s World Cup-winning coach, has warned England’s interim coach, Stuart Lancaster, that his zero tolerance approach to ill discipline in his squad will end in failure.

Delon Armitage became the latest player to fall foul of Lancaster’s crackdown, when the London Irish full-back was expelled from the England Saxons squad on Monday following his arrest for alleged assault in a Torquay nightclub in the early hours of Sunday.

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care, who had been expected to rival his Leicester counterpart Ben Youngs for a place in the England starting line-up to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, was also dropped from the senior elite squad last month following his arrest for drink driving on New Year’s Day."

A healthy outlook hampered

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

Rob Kitson, of the Guardian, looks at Wales' growing injury concerns ahead of their Six Nations opener.

"Wales have tended to shatter images rather than moulds in the professional era. In 2008, the last Six Nations that followed a World Cup, little was expected of them after they sneaked out of France having failed to qualify for the quarter-finals but they won the grand slam in some style.

They were tipped to struggle in New Zealand in the last World Cup, dumped in a pool with the holders, South Africa, the team that had progressed at their expense four years before, Fiji, and their nemeses in past tournaments, Samoa."

Licking their lips

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

The Independent's Chris Hewett assess England's chances of dispatching Scotland come Saturday.

"England's ambitious new group of Six Nations contenders were subjected to what the coaching fraternity call a "spike" in training yesterday: in other words, they set about each other with meaning as a way of cranking up the emotional heat ahead of the perilous meeting with Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend. Afterwards, Graham Rowntree had what must have appeared to some as a "spike" in honesty, even though the one-time international prop has a well-earned reputation for telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Asked how he thought the Scots might react to being Calcutta Cup favourites for the first time in many moons, the forwards coach replied: "When you look at where we've been – the unspeakable past – they'll be licking their lips. Scotland always save some of their passion for us, don't they? But those are the emotions that drive you. Playing a big match like this, away from home, against opponents who are expected to beat you? I envy the players."

Armitage facing uncertain future

Posted by tom.hamilton on 02/01/2012

The Daily Mail's Chris Foy assess the future of Delon Armitage.

"London Irish will give serious consideration to releasing troubled England full back Delon Armitage at the end of this season, even if he does not reach a deal to join Toulon in France.

Exiles coach Toby Booth has launched an internal club investigation into the events leading up to Armitage's arrest for alleged assault outside a Torquay nightclub in the early hours of last Sunday."