Premiership problems pile up

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:01:49 -0800

The last few months have not been the best for the Premiership both on and off the field, what with the dip in attendances, some thoroughly average fare on show and, most recently, a poor representation in the knock-out rounds of European competition. ...

Wilkinson could yet be key

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:59:05 -0800

Jonny Wilkinson clearly likes the sunshine and warm climes of Toulon, and not just for the tanning properties that helped him win a recent popularity contest in the south of France hands-down.

Actors, rock stars, models, other sports personalities - none of them stood a chance as England's most famous rugby icon swept all before him in a poll conducted by a leading newspaper. ...

Is Andrew England's fall guy?

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:48:47 -0800

After a detailed management review, new RFU chief John Steele made some sweeping changes at Twickenham that included the scrapping of Rob Andrew's role as elite performance director.

Steele has asked Andrew to reapply for a new position - with less responsibility and less pay - while the likes of Sir Clive Woodward, Jake White and Eddie Jones are being touted for a

Leinster win a boost for Ireland

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:18:40 -0800

The big freeze may have put paid to a number of Heineken Cup games at the weekend, but Leinster were able to lay down a significant European marker as their clash with Clermont survived the conditions.

The 24-8 victory allowed Leinster to take a grip on pool two and put Clermont's qualification chances in real jeopardy. But it also had significance for Irish rugby as the win had its foundations in the impressive effort of Leinster's front row.

The All Blacks were never really required to play at their very best as they cruised to wins over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. ...

England remain on course

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:09:30 -0800

It is the want of the British media and public to indulge in hyperbole following an outstanding sporting success, so it was no surprise that there was a sense of anti-climax about England's victory over Samoa at Twickenham last weekend.

England were good against Australia - actually, they were very good. ...

England find their total game

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:21:55 -0800

That England downed Australia at Twickenham on Saturday was not the biggest shock of the international season to date, rather it was the manner in which Martin Johnson's men achieved a victory that should now signal a new era for the red rose.

Oval Talk was in the majority in thinking that the Wallabies would be too well-drilled, too fast behind the scrum, and - quite frankly - too talented for an England side that were still finding their feet. ...