England need to beat the big boys
The Rugby Paper|July 21, 2024
IT IS intriguing to see England being touted already as serious 2027 World Cup contenders on the back of their 2-0 series defeat this month in New Zealand.
NICK CAIN
England need to beat the big boys

Here’s the reality check: England are almost always World Cup contenders, especially given a favourable draw, because they are generally among the half dozen biggest, strongest, and best-resourced rugby nations on the planet.

Yet, England’s record of turning their contender status into becoming champions of the world, or even of Europe, is nothing to shout about.

England have won the World Cup once in 10 tournaments, which, by 2027, will cover a 40-year span. They have won a Six Nations Grand Slam just twice in the last 25 years, despite competing against much smaller rugby nations like Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

Over the same period, France and Wales have won four Slams each, and Ireland three. Yet, perennially, England are talked-up as being potential world beaters despite their record of winning big international prizes being little better than mediocre.

Failing to deliver on the big stage is not yet as dire as it is in English football, but it is travelling the same rocky road – and without the safety net of football’s almost inexhaustible funding, promotion, and popularity, the Red Rose trajectory is downhill.

The motivation which drives different national teams was a topic of debate during this week’s TRP Podcast, in which Schalk Brits, the brilliant former Saracens and South Africa hooker, was our guest.

Brits said that the unwavering mission for all Springbok sides, including the double world champion outfits coached by Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, is to make the South African nation proud.

Esta historia es de la edición July 21, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición July 21, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE RUGBY PAPERVer todo
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
The Rugby Paper

Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn

OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
The Rugby Paper

McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority

EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
Trinity aim to get the culture right
The Rugby Paper

Trinity aim to get the culture right

HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
YOUNG GUNS
The Rugby Paper

YOUNG GUNS

Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker  over Lucs
The Rugby Paper

The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs

CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
The Rugby Paper

A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher

A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
The Rugby Paper

Chiefs in hunt for new investment

TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
McParland keen to shine for England A
The Rugby Paper

McParland keen to shine for England A

NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
The Rugby Paper

Undercard get chance to show their A-game

ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 17, 2024
England look like a clueless rabble
The Rugby Paper

England look like a clueless rabble

I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024