It was assumed that Ireland’s historic win over the All Blacks in Chicago last November would provide key to a British and Irish Lions triumph in New Zealand. However, with the series tied 1-1 heading into Saturday’s titanic decider, it is Ireland’s 21-9 loss to the All Blacks in Dublin two weeks later that now Read More …
Jonny Wilkinson had to endure the mental pressure of having to win a Lions second test in Wellington in 2005 having been beaten a week earlier by the All Blacks and believes the current players have to adopt an “ all or nothing” approach tomorrow if they are to keep this series alive. Twelve years Read More …
Warren Gatland has made big decisions in his rugby life and refused to back down when they evoked widespread condemnation which makes his incomprehensible handling of the “Geography Six” on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand so worrying. He brought in the Welsh quartet of Gareth Davies, Tomas Francis, Kristian Dacey and Read More …
Warren Gatland faces four massive selection calls at the start of the ultimate Lions challenge against the World champion All Blacks and he has to get every one of them right to give the team a chance of replicating the 1971 triumph. Gatland is under severe pressure as the first New Zealander to coach the Read More …
Warren Gatland bemoans the recurring questions about “Warrenball” while Sonny Bill Williams steps in to deflect attention from Tana Umaga over that infamous Brian O’Driscoll incident in 2005 In this age of carefully choreographed press conferences and limited access to players governed by ever increasing media management teams assigned to major rugby outfits, isn’t it Read More …
ALL BLACKS great Sean Fitzpatrick believes the most daunting fixture schedule to ever face the Lions will ensure they are battle-hardened for the three-Test series against the reigning world champions in New Zealand. The Lions start the 10-match tour with the easiest game — against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday — and, as Read More …
England’s hope of winning the 2019 World Cup suffered a major blow today when for the second successive tournament they were drawn in the Pool of Death – this time with France and Argentina. Two years ago England failed to reach the knock out stages having been drawn with Australia and Wales with just two Read More …
Warren Gatland today snubbed captain Dylan Hartley and ignored key England players who had helped win successive Six Nations titles and equalled the world record of 18 successive wins when he named a 41 strong British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand this summer. England still had the largest contingent in the squad Read More …
Lewis Moody has expressed his serious concerns over England’s attempt to set up a clash with New Zealand at Twickenham on November 4, fearing the effects of this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour could undermine their cause. Eddie Jones, the England head coach ,expects at least 15 of his players to be part of Read More …
England are negotiating to bring the All Blacks to Twickenham in November but will not split expected £8m gate receipts 50-50 with the three times World Cup winners. Standard Sport understands talks are taking place for a possible fixture on November 4 when the Barbarians were scheduled to use the stadium to take on one Read More …
