Ollie Phillips: England will go route one and try a new tactic against Italy with Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Te’o back March 7, 2019 Italy head coach Conor O’Shea would have always been expecting a tough challenge at Twickenham on Saturday, but England’s line-up means they’re in for a torrid time. The Italians’ game is based on heart and physicality and I think that’s part of the reason why Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV. [...]
England beware, Italy have grown in stature since their no-tackle tactics two years ago March 6, 2019 “Expect the unexpected” has been defence coach Jon Mitchell's advice to England this week ahead of their Six Nations game with Italy on Saturday, two years on from the no-tackle tactics which left Eddie Jones's side perplexed. Italy's game-plan on that day saw them refrain from competing at the ruck, meaning no offside line was [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s Grand Slam dream is gone but bittersweet Six Nations title still a real possibility February 28, 2019 England’s dream of a Grand Slam was ended by Wales last weekend but I still think they will win the Six Nations. So far Warren Gatland is looking like Mystic Meg because his prediction before the tournament looks to be coming true. The Wales coach said that if his side beat France in their opening [...]
Six Nations surprise stars: Who have emerged as the standout performers in the championship so far? February 26, 2019 After just three rounds of action the Six Nations has already thrown up a number of twists and turns, including England's win over favourites Ireland, before then losing to Wales last weekend. Here, Morning Wire looks at five players who have emerged as surprising standout performers for their country. Liam Williams The Wales full-back has played exceptionally [...]
Wales 21-13 England: Eddie Jones’s side need to learn how reverse momentum after first Six Nations defeat February 24, 2019 England’s wins over Ireland and France had been defined by well-executed game-plans, taken from the training pitch and implemented effectively under the pressure the Six Nations provides. In Dublin the tactic to send high, hanging kicks down the flanks to test Robbie Henshaw, playing out of position at full-back, was performed to perfection. At Twickenham, [...]
Resurgent England have the edge on Wales in Six Nations Grand Slam decider February 21, 2019 The turnaround in England’s fortunes during the Six Nations has been unbelievable. Before the championship people wondered if they might finish third or fourth, but now they have a trip to Wales on Saturday for what I believe is a Grand Slam decider. It’s not just that England have beaten Ireland and France; it’s the [...]
Liam Williams will be in the spotlight if England continue to kick against Wales with Leigh Halfpenny absent February 21, 2019 England exploited Robbie Henshaw's inexperience at full-back in the win over Ireland and then capitalised on Yoann Huget's inability to lead the backline in the victory against France a week later. Liam Williams will not present such an obvious weakness in the Wales back three for Saturday's Six Nations showdown, but Eddie Jones's side have [...]
Frankenstein’s flanker: England’s Tom Curry has taken on aspects of all his idols but is keeping grounded after successful Six Nations start February 14, 2019 Tom Curry is quickly establishing himself as Eddie Jones's go-to man at openside flanker after an impressive start to the Six Nations. He may be only 20 years old but his ability and tireless work ethic has seen him improve England's performance at the breakdown markedly – even if he is modest about it. In [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s emphasis on the collective has turned the side into a multi-faceted one with a shot at a Six Nations Grand Slam February 14, 2019 England have enjoyed a perfect start to the Six Nations but the length of the tournament and physical nature of rugby means squad depths will always be tested. Mako Vunipola was one of the stand-out players in the wins over Ireland and France but an ankle injury means the back-up options now come into question. [...]
England pull off another tactical masterclass in 44-8 win as France fall apart February 10, 2019 Going into this game with France, Eddie Jones warned England would have to win a battle against complacency following last week's triumph in Dublin against a team labelled the best in the world. As his side ran out 44-8 winners here at Twickenham, there was evidence that England were heeding his advice: they thrashed Les Bleus [...]