Pro D2 : Les chiffres de la victoire d’Agen sur Dax

Ben 1 hour ago

I do in that sense yes. I just think when it gets to 'don't stand out, toe the line', team first becomes a poor excuse for anti-individualism. If this 10 feels aggrieved and believes in himself, he should have the right to say it and put his money where his mouth is. That said, you can't fault Galthie's response. Very gallant gallic insouciance. ( I too live in France) :)

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

nc 1 hour ago

He was Defence coach with Castres when they won the French Championship and they had the best defence in the competition so he does have credibility, he also has coached Oyonnax with limited resources to beat teams in the top 14 with much bigger budgets so the idea that he has no credibility is ignorant and incorrect, whether he will turn out to be a success is something that nobody knows however the RFU didn't just just say to Borthwick pick your friend, he had been on their radar for at least 5 years or more.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Derek Murray 1 hour ago

I agree. I watched a backrow of Pollock, Pearson and the lesser Willis run around in an A game. Imagine the depth of quality that is required to leave those 3/4 out of a squad.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Tom 1 hour ago

Revisionist NH fans?

Let's be derogatory about half the rugby fans on Earth in one sweeping statement.

Take that chip off your shoulder friend, life is too short.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Tom 2 hours ago

As Nick has said I think the evidence is that the English players did buy in very well indeed. Towards the end of FJ's tenure, England's defence was superb and getting better every game. As soon as he left it went to pot. I don't think the players should shoulder the blame for what seems to be a lot of mixed messages coming from the coaches. We're seeing our defensive organisation looking ragged from the first quarter, it's not an issue with fitness or player buy-in. I know England are serial underperformers but pulling on the white shirt is a lifelong dream and means everything to those blokes.

FC 2 hours ago

Suddenly reffing changed and his team benefited.

You dont make the connection?

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Tom 2 hours ago

I feel sorry for Joe. He was a Bristol legend... But he's woefully under qualified. The fact that Borthwick has appointed an old mate who's never been employed as a defensive specialist and is head coach of a D2 side with a poor defensive record reflects very badly upon him. Felix Jones was saving Borthwick's blushes, now the wheels are coming off. Our paucity of attacking creativity was masked by defensive prowess. Now we're exposed and relying on Marcus Smith to try and make the scoreboard respectable.

Ben 2 hours ago

Where was 'team first' when Rassie got gv and ranted at authority for an hour?

Ben 2 hours ago

Individualism can be heroic. Sometimes you beat the door in with a steel-tipped sequoia, only to find a grinning Eddie Jones in your way.

England explain their recall of fit-again Tom Curry to face Japan

FC 2 hours ago

Bongi is gone, so he can relax now.

1 Go to comments

Ben 2 hours ago

Individualism can be heroic. Sometime you beat the damn door down only to find a grinning Eddie Jones or some such twat in your way.

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.

However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.

There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.

By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.

After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.

The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.

Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

NB 2 hours ago

Yes hunting is a good word for it Tom. Now some are hunting, others are being hunted. Consistency of purpose there is not.

I'm trying not to be too critical of JEA but he has it all to prove. The defensive failings have undercut England's dvelopment at a critical moment.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

NB 2 hours ago

Well you really would not know would you?