Lawrence and Tuilagi the next centres of attention?
The Rugby Paper|April 09, 2023
WITH only World Cup warm-ups to come in the international game this summer before the 2023 tournament starts, it’s fair to say that there are three outstanding centre combinations in place – and that England’s is not one of them.
JEREMY GUSCOTT
Lawrence and Tuilagi the next centres of attention?

The three best midfields for me are the South African 12-13 pairing of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am, the French duo of Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou, and the almost totally interchangeable Irish quartet of Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Stuart McCloskey.

When you look at those pairings you see balance, that they all work well together – and they understand each other’s strengths and how to support each other. In addition they all fit into the team dynamic, and they are not out-and-out mavericks. Usually they are combinations that have become established through playing a lot of games together, most often for a successful team, in the way that Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith did for New Zealand on the way to winning the 2015 World Cup.

The South African 2019 world champion combination of de Allende and Am is still one of the most effective there is. De Allende, 31, is the headline act because he is such a physical unit (6ft 3ins, 16st 5lbs), and an excellent ball carrier. He’s such a strong runner, and by staying on his feet he attracts multiple defenders. At 29, Am (6ft 1in, 14st 9lbs) is now in his prime. He has that same commitment but also brings some lovely touches, and has the speed to threaten out wide.

Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin April 09, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin April 09, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE RUGBY PAPER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
England can find a little bit of cheer
The Rugby Paper

England can find a little bit of cheer

SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
The Rugby Paper

Stop messing with Marcus - Campese

DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
The Rugby Paper

Being a Lion was the highlight of my career

I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.

time-read
6 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
The Rugby Paper

Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half

THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
The Rugby Paper

Forwards pack a punch for the Reds

OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
The Rugby Paper

Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley

SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
The Rugby Paper

Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon

FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 24, 2024
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
The Rugby Paper

It's a whole new ball game for Rigg

WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
The Rugby Paper

Scarratt leads the way for Lightning

LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
The Rugby Paper

Becconsall: We need to release pressure

WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024