South Africa 20 – 26 Ireland: Player Ratings

- June 13, 2016

SOUTH AFRICA15. Willie Le Roux: 6 Looked threatening as he persistently tried to attack but seemed to close down the space for the man outside him rather than create a hole for him.14. JP Pietersen: 6 Hungry for work but made some basic errors and was never really afforded space to attack.13.

6 things we learned from the (long) weekend’s rugby

- June 1, 2016

1. Chiefs will be kicking themselvesThe Exeter Chiefs have had a monumental season. They progressed out of the Champions Cup’s toughest group and made their first ever Premiership Final but you get the feeling that they may have left Twickenham with an nagging feeling of regret on Saturday.If you

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- May 24, 2016May 24, 2016

1. Connacht’s incredible odds-defying achievementOnce the whipping boys of Ireland, Connacht’s rise to the final of the Pro12 is nothing short of amazing. What they have achieved with the squad that they have is simply remarkable.Robbie Henshaw is the first name on most people's lips but there are

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- May 17, 2016

1. The beginning of a golden era?They’ve been amongst the best in domestic rugby for the last five years but now may just be the time that Saracens grip engulfs Europe. It may not be the rugby purists’ stuff of dreams but Saracens were effective and precise in everything that

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- May 10, 2016

1. Good luck Welsh wingersAs if the summer tour to New Zealand wasn’t scary enough for the Welsh squad, the re-emergence of Waisake Naholo since breaking his leg will be striking the fear of God into the Welsh back line.Another double for the Highlanders flyer at the weekend - in

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- May 4, 2016May 4, 2016

Exiting Warriors’ perfect 10 Glasgow Warriors fans will have had a bittersweet taste in their mouth as they left Scotstoun on Saturday night. They soared to the top of the Pro 12 table after smashing Zebre in a ten try romp but the influence of the players that are leaving

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- April 19, 2016

1. Wade’s golden hourSix tries in 60 minutes saw Wasps flyer Christian Wade put his hand up for selection in the summer - but for which form of the game?Eddie Jones barely mentions him in conversation to the press and even after smashing numerous records at the weekend, he is

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- April 12, 2016

1. Anglo-French tide is turningThe Top 14’s grip on European Rugby is loosening. It’s not only the results that have been a surprise, but also the performances. The Racing 92 match against Toulon was turgid at best, whilst Stade Francais’ defensive performance at Welford Road against Leicester was

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- April 5, 2016

1. Referees need more respectWe all love to hate them at times and they’ll never keep everyone happy but if there is one group in rugby that must maintain our utmost respect, it’s the referee and his fellow officials. Unfortunately this was not the case over the weekend as more

6 things we learned from the weekend’s rugby

- March 29, 2016

1. Not hungoverIt was back to domestic business for most Six Nations stars at the weekend and unlike the period following the World Cup, there was little sign of fatigue or any unwillingness from the players involved.Nowhere was that more obvious than at Saracens. They say confidence breeds confidence and