Blog Profile / BBC - Rugby Union
| URL : | http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/rugbyunion/ | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed Under: | Sports / Rugby | |
| Posts on Regator: | 56 | |
| Posts / Week: | 0.6 | |
| Archived Since: | July 7, 2011 | |
Blog Post Archive
Six Nations: Six of the Best - Scotland v England
Welcome to the first in a series of 'Six of the Best', our chance to remind you of some of the most memorable matches associated with a particular Six Nations fixture.
In the build-up to each Six Nations weekend in 2012, you can watch...Show More Summary
Why Scotland are better than England... and Ireland are the most successful Six Nations team
I know, it's an inflammatory headline. But with the start of the 2012 Six Nations just a few days away, I've been nose-deep in numbers and notions in an attempt to work out which side really does deserve the title of the tournament's most successful side. Show More Summary
England's likely lads set for senior service
Half of England's World Cup squad are likely to be cast aside when interim head coach Stuart Lancaster names his elite player squad (EPS) on Wednesday ahead of the Six Nations.
While retirements, injuries and ageing players past their...Show More Summary
Quins show England the way
A rugby ground in Twickenham, south-west London. The corridors run thick with paranoia. Urgent whispers can be heard behind office doors. Rumours ricochet round the place like shrapnel. Heads are set to roll.
But this is not Twickenham Stadium. Show More Summary
World Cup team of the tournament
Right, here it is, what the world has been waiting for: the BBC Sport website's Rugby World Cup team of the tournament. Ten All Blacks, three Welshmen and two Frenchmen - and only one Englishman warrants an 'honourable mention', which...Show More Summary
Why are New Zealand so good at rugby?
Auckland, North Island
On Sunday night, New Zealand will run out at Eden Park as clear favourites to be crowned world champions for the second time.
Many rational judges cannot see them failing. Even if France do pull off one of theShow More Summary
Revamped England ready to blitz France
Auckland, North Island
An old yarn about Ian Botham has been much in mind as one soaks up the atmosphere in town during the final few days before England's World Cup quarter-final battle with France.
In the tale, Botham is in his dotage, saggy of rump and multiple of chin. Show More Summary
The making of Wales coach Warren Gatland
Hamilton, North Island
It is a dank, stormy morning in a quiet part of one of New Zealand's quieter cities. Muddy puddles ripple on the playing-fields all around. A solitary, disconsolate figure trudges across the playground, sent out...Show More Summary
Celtic classic in the making
Hamilton
Witnessing Wales dismantle Fiji in Hamilton, there were times when I thought I might be watching the 2011 World Cup winners.
And then I tuned in to see Ireland do a number on Italy. My oh my, next weekend's Celtic quarter-final bash in Wellington is going to be a barnburner - I haven't looked forward to a rugby match this much in years. Show More Summary
Can limited England template take them to 'promised land'?
Auckland
The New Zealand media have a lot of fun with what they perceive as the pompous attitude of English rugby journalists and fans: "You simple southern hemisphere folk fail to understand the intricacies of the game," goes the line. Show More Summary
England aim to stifle Scotland's passion
Auckland
Down on Queens Wharf on Wednesday, I spotted several members of the England squad taking an evening constitutional. Followed every step of the way by a full Scottish pipe band. From where I was sitting, the England boys failed...Show More Summary
Where Eagles dare
Nelson
Like a cat stretching out on a veranda, ironing out the kinks and the creases, New Zealand is slowly easing off the last vestiges of winter, so that when I opened my curtains this morning I was greeted by a blazing sun and uninterrupted blue skies - not a single long white cloud in sight. Show More Summary
Johnson finally has something to smile about
Dunedin
With 20 minutes remaining at Otago Stadium, some poor unfortunate decided it would be a grand idea to stamp his authority on the game.
The pitch intruder in question may live to regret his moment in the sun - you can get three...Show More Summary
The small-town values that made Dan Carter
Southbridge When Christchurch was struck by an earthquake in February of this year, Neville Carter packed up his firefighting equipment and headed straight for the carnage. "As everyone was leaving the city, I was heading in," says Neville. Show More Summary
Chasing the All Black dream
Rotorua
"When a kid is born here in New Zealand, one of their aunties or uncles will buy them a little All Blacks jersey, a little ball, and he'll be dreaming of playing for the All Blacks from the time he laces up boots." Gordon Hunt,...Show More Summary
England still searching for another gear
Dunedin
At the end of a week which taught us that booze, tossing, blonde 'stunners' and England rugby players do not mix - unless you are a headline writer for a red top rag - Martin Johnson's men would have hoped for an emphatic display against Georgia in Dunedin to keep the critics at bay. Show More Summary
All Blacks glitter, but doubts will remain
Hamilton
When Sir Colin 'Pinetree' Meads speaks, his fellow Kiwis hush up and listen, his pronouncements on rugby the sporting equivalent of Franklin D Roosevelt's fireside chats.
Drive into his home town of Te Kuiti in the Waikato region and you will see a huge sign bearing the legend 'Meadsville - where rugby is the only religion'. Show More Summary
Russia rugby begins new chapter
Kingsley Jones – former Wales captain, ex-Sale Sharks supremo and now head coach of the Russian national team – is scanning the walls of Slava Moscow’s clubhouse: the framed shirts and pendants, the tankards with inscriptions, the yellowing...Show More Summary
The World Cup's hardest man?
Rotorua Jacques Burger chuckles when I ask him to take me through his current list of injuries and ailments. "I've done my knee," says the Namibia captain and budding Saracens great. "I had a 'scope' on that the other day. I've got a bit of a dodgy elbow and I've got a couple of ankles that are a bit loose. Show More Summary
Can the Six Nations change to become a bigger tournament?
The World Cup causes us all problems - or at least Saturday's Scotland game against Romania caused me a problem.
After it I thought to myself: "hang on, if we can bring Italy into the fold and create the Six Nations do we have to stop...Show More Summary