Adam Julian Super Rugby Pacific performers of the week for round 1 One positive for the Blues was the debut of blindside flanker Torian Barnes. Despite a couple of blemishes, the 2025 Canterbury NPC winner, summoned from the Blues wider training squad, carried with raw gusto, topping the match with 14 carries, including two linebreaks, and adding a dozen tackles.
Nick Bishop 'It's time for Borthwick and Farrell to pin their colours to the mast at 10' England and Ireland should select Fin Smith and Jack Crowley respectively, and back each man to lead them to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Mick Cleary: 'England are yet to deliver a statement win on the road. Until they do claims they're World Cup contenders’ must be in question.'
'The Truth' about Lucas Friday, the teenage England scrum-half prospect stunning team-mates in training