‘New-look’ England risk familiar Six Nations failings

‘New-look’ England risk familiar Six Nations failings

For all the talk of a post-World Cup reset, England face the prospect of yet more Six Nations stagnation after a stark wake-up call against Scotland. If Steve Borthwick's men lose against champions Ireland next month and fall to France, they would end up with two wins and three defeats in the tournament for the fourth year in a row. England finished third at last year's World Cup, […]

February 27, 2024 3

Sport

Rugby Union: Six Nations fixtures and standings

Fixtures, standings and results in the Six Nations ahead of this weekend's third-round matches (all kick-offs GMT): Playing Saturday: At Dublin: Ireland v Wales (1415) At Edinburgh: Scotland v England (1645) Playing Sunday: At Lille: France v Italy (1500) Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, points for, points against, bonus points, total points): Ireland 2 2 0 0 74 17 2 10 England 2 2 0 0 43 38 0 […]

February 23, 2024 2

Sport

Costelow returns for Wales Six Nations clash against Ireland

Fly-half Sam Costelow has been recalled to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin. The Scarlets number 10 went off because of a neck problem he suffered when Wales were beaten 27-26 by opening tournament opponents Scotland. He was replaced by Ioan Lloyd, who started at fly-half in the Twickenham defeat against England, but Costelow now returns as a solitary change from […]

February 20, 2024 6

Sport

Chalmers urges Scotland to learn French lessons as England await

Craig Chalmers has warned Scotland against becoming consumed with anger over the manner of their dramatic Six Nations defeat by France. Chalmers, a former Scotland fly-half, was as frustrated as any home fan at Murrayfield last Saturday when referee Nic Berry and television match official Brian MacNeice decided they had insufficient video evidence to award the Scots what would have been a match-winning try as replacement Sam Skinner appeared […]

February 14, 2024 7

Sport

Six Nations blow for France as Willemse suspended for four weeks

France suffered another blow to their Six Nations hopes on Tuesday when lock Paul Willemse was suspended for four weeks over his sending-off in their loss to Ireland. The tournament's disciplinary committee imposed the punishment after Willemse received a yellow and then red card for high tackles in the 37-18 defeat in the opening Six Nations match in Marseille. The 31-year-old Willemse, who won his 32nd cap, was shown […]

February 7, 2024 3

Sport

Storm clouds gather around France coach Galthie ahead of Scots match

France head coach Fabien Galthie has enjoyed a long honeymoon but for the first time since he took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, there are rumblings about his stewardship following the 38-17 thumping by Ireland in the Six Nations. The second heaviest home defeat the French have suffered in the northern hemisphere rugby championships history -- England's 39-13 dismantling of the French in Paris in 1914 remains […]

February 6, 2024 5

Sport

Ireland expect French ‘war of attrition’ in Six Nations opener

A strong-looking Ireland bidding for unprecedented back-to-back Grand Slams expect a "war of attrition" when they kick this season's Six Nations Championship off against France in Marseille on Friday. Europe's showpiece competition has tended to throw up some real arm wrestles in recent years and the showdown at the Stade Velodrome between two teams who were disappointed to have been knocked out at the quarter-finals of last year's […]

February 1, 2024 1

Sport

Italy ‘in reconstruction’ after chastening World Cup, says Allan

Italy head into the Six Nations as rank outsiders following a dismal World Cup but fly-half Tommaso Allan believes they have the talent to turn things around as they prepare to kick off against England in Rome on Saturday. "I think we're capable of doing well in the tournament this year," he told AFP. "We have some really dangerous three-quarters and forwards who are good with the ball. […]

January 31, 2024 1

Sport

Farrell out of Six Nations for “mental wellbeing”

England captain Owen Farrell will not be available for the 2024 Six Nations after deciding to take a break from international rugby "to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing". In a statement on Wednesday, English Premiership club Saracens said the 32-year-old would continue to captain and play for them. "Owen Farrell has decided to take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family's mental […]

November 30, 2023 4