Return of the ruck will save our game

It is 16 long years since the large England lock Danny Grewcock planted one of his size umpteens on the head of Dwayne Peel while the Wales scrum-half was still standing upright – a feat of loose-limbed athleticism so impressive, it made Bruce Lee look arthritic by comparison.

It could go pear-shaped for Eddie very quickly

YOU could, literally, count the onlookers at a deserted Twickenham yesterday on the fingers of one hand but one solitary figure hunched against the rain and cold was Lions coach Warren Gatland and wouldn’t you just give a penny for his thoughts this morning.

The world leaders in prevarication!

There’s an old adage, ‘When you’ve nothing to say, say nothing’, and it’s one that World Rugby would do well to take to heart. When you see a Press release entitled ‘Rugby united in approach to optimising the men’s international calendar’ it’s reasonable to think it might be followed by something of substance, but what we got was waffle and management-speak of the most ridiculous kind.

Hogg heroes make Eddie lads look like a pig's ear

SCOTLAND rose to the occasion by winning the landmark 150th international against England just as they had the first meeting in Edinburgh in 1871.

Yellow fever makes Wasps look sickly

WHAT a turnaround! A month ago everything in Wasps’ garden was rosy with European qualification already assured and the completion of a five-match winning run culminating in a thrilling 52-44 victory at Bath.

Bears confident more cubs will push through

PAT Lam’s relentlessly bullish policy of raising expectation will inspire Bristol’s homegrown youngsters to fight for first team places, insists senior academy manager Gethin Watts.

Care And Smith Show Outclasses The Tigers

Marcus Smith and Danny Care showed just why Harlequins were so happy to secure them on new contracts as they proved too hot for Leicester to handle.

Korczyk inspired by Jordy's promotion

AUSTRALIAN back row dervish Adam Korczyk hopes a fruitful spell at Ealing Trailfinders can pave the way for an eventual surge back into Wallabies contention.

Hill must block easy access to gold zone

FRUSTRATED captain Ted Hill demands Worcester improve their discipline to halt a run of six successive Premiership defeats.

Unlucky Farrell will need to get rub of the green

ANDY Farrell has gone through an array of experiences since he took charge of Ireland just over a year ago but at this stage he must be wondering if he’s ever going to enjoy a bit of good luck in this job as one misfortune follows another.

Jack's shriek of pain was the stuff of nightmares

A much better performance from England and indeed a much better performance from Italy in a sparky occasionally feisty match that maintained your interest but not for the first time I was left wondering how serious rugby really is in minimising serious injury.

We can still win title insists Jonny

JONNY May insisted England are over their Scottish nightmare and are still eyeing another Six Nations title after putting six tries past Italy in yesterday’s 41-18 win at Twickenham.

Williams buckles under pressure of shoot-out

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

Henshaw return was reckless says doctor

The carnage in Cardiff last Sunday added up to a Six Nations record, one which the organisers will most definitely be rushing to shout from the rooftops.

Burns gets a bashing for being English!

I never cease to be amazed by the differing ways in which supporters react to players’ indiscretions. When Billy Burns missed touch at the end of the Wales v Ireland game, he came in for some shocking abuse from some so-called fans – including a couple who played the nationality card, accusing him of being English!

Try-fests are no help in spotting true talent

Only another week to go until we will at last have what we hope will be some proper rugby. As much as the continuation of the Premiership has been good for keeping the profile of the game out in the public eye, the truth is the games have no meaning.

Sarries boys fit and ready vows George

JAMIE George insists he is fit and fired up for England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday at Twickenham – despite not playing since December 6.

Enemies of academies get their facts wrong

Midway through the savagely funny second season of Jesse Anderson’s media big-shot drama Succession, one of the principal characters is talking to a mature student who has spent years working on his second PhD at an Ivy League university. “Just think,” she says. “When you’re done, you won’t have to waste the 12 seconds it takes to look up something on Wikipedia.”

Almond got it wrong but he was still right

NEXT Saturday is the 150th anniversary of the Scotland v England fixture – the world’s oldest international rugby match – and among many things a glorious chance to doff a cap to one HH Almond and his words of wisdom amidst the controversy and rancour that often attaches itself to this annual tribal gathering.

To be fair, Saracens should stay down another season

As much as I believe we should all understand the work and efforts of those who are running and funding the Premiership clubs, I can’t help think that there should be a more level playing field for all our clubs.

Don't stop us, we're only getting started

Daniel Gallan talks to Ealing captain Rayn Smid after last week’s landmark victory

Sanderson has ability to make Sharks big fish

THERE is a temptation to think that any new director of rugby, like Alex Sanderson at Sale Sharks, will have all the time he needs to get everything he wants to across.

Time to stop humiliating sides at the World Cup

World Cups produce non-playing “villains” as well as rogues of the on-field variety.

Falcons' camaraderie reminds me of Quins

Jon Newcombe talks to Nick Easter about his new job as Falcons defence coach

Alldritt's out of running for Italy with knee injury

La Rochelle put their recent coronavirus outbreak behind them and briefly moved to the head of the Top 14 with a six-try 40-3 demolition of Bayonne at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Friday evening.

Dan's the man to turn Wales into contenders

THE 2021 Six Nations will be an interesting study in contrasting styles and it will be fascinating to see how the contest plays out.

Cov's array of talent just freakish for 1970s

MENTION in this column last week of the passing of former Coventry and England lock John Barton called to mind that famous picture of eleven England internationals lining up for Coventry just before the start of their 1973-74 season.

Alun Wyn looks set to eclipse Willie John

Willie John McBride has been sitting all alone at the top of a mountainous pile since belatedly calling it a day almost half a century ago.

Ace Evans pushes his case for Wales

JARROD Evans gave watching Wales coach Wayne Pivac a firm nudge by producing the only moment of class in a dour derby which saw Blues seal a quickfire double over their rivals.

‘Yoga-trance' saw Tim smash kicking records

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful