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Latest Longform

Opinion
Mick Cleary

Mick Cleary: 'England would not supply many, if any, names to a Six Nations XV'

Steve Borthwick's side have identity, but remain too formulaic and too blunt in attack.

Opinion
Owain Jones

Frustrated Wales yearn to lose the plucky losers tag

Dafydd Jenkins wasn't comforted by Wales' courageous performance and knows his side will be judged on results soon enough

Exclusive
Jamie Lyall

Ross Vintcent: 'I was lost, up the creek without a paddle'

The Italy debutant was left adrift during covid, but his riveting journey from Dubai to the Six Nations soon gathered pace.

Exclusive
Francisco Isaac

A French club's 'Moneyball' approach to scouting Tier Two talent

Aurillac is going all-in on emerging nations youngsters - and their plan is working.

Opinion
Mark Orders

Gatland game-plan must play to strengths of class of 2024

Wales look better suited to a game of pace and guile rather than the attritional style of Warren Gatland's first stint in charge.

Opinion
Lauren Jenkins

Tomos Williams possesses the x-factor to rock Twickenham to its foundations

The livewire Welsh scrum-half is in the form of his life and has the tools to unsettle England's structured gameplan

Analysis
Nick Bishop

'Offence drives business': Why Gallagher Premiership shows the way for rugby

With its attacking focus, England's top flight offers a glimpse of a future rugby must embrace.

Analysis
Garry Doyle

Great expectations replace hope as Ireland chase consecutive Grand Slams

In the last decade or so, Ireland have moved the dial in people's perceptions, from plucky also-rans to elite, clinical profession…

Opinion
Neil Squires

For England's dashing debutants, the hard works starts now

Similar to England against Italy Stuart Lancaster blooded six debutants at the 2012 Six Nations but beyond Owen Farrell, who can n…

Opinion
Gavin Mortimer

'The French believe that their team without Dupont is like Asterix without his magic potion'

The collapse of Les Bleus against Ireland has led to much wailing and navel gazing, with the absent Antoine Dupont coming under sc…

Opinion
Mick Cleary

Mick Cleary: 'Come on, Warren, send those boys out to Twickenham with a sense of Barry John in their souls'

England and Wales are sides in transition and both coaches must empower their players to cut loose and play on instinct

Analysis
Pat McCarry

Why Beirne and Keenan are Farrell's most zealous disciples

The progression of Ireland's immense lock and under-rated full-back mirror Andy Farrell's qualities as head coach

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