It’s never easy to predict what the next 12 months of rugby will look like but that hasn’t stopped this writer from trying for a third year in a row.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow has explained why New Zealand needed to replace Cam Roigard during their 30-29 loss to France.
Both Ioane and Sexton were in the headlines last month, after an extract from Sextons new book Obsessed was released. The exchange was after last year's blockbuster quarter final between Ireland and the All Blacks where Ioane allegedly said “Don’t miss your flight home tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c**t.’”
The All Blacks ran out 23-13 winners at the Aviva Stadium.
Andy Farrell’s side were facing the formidable All Blacks for the first time since last year’s agonising 28-24 World Cup quarter-final loss in France.
That Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which ended 28-24 in favour of the All Blacks, was one of the sport’s best ever games and this renewal of the now feisty rivalry should be a spectacular way for the IRFU to begin its 150th year anniversary celebrations.
Following the amuse-bouche that was the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Series 2024, the action gets underway in earnest this Friday.
New Zaland’s veteran rugby commentator Grant Nisbett has delivered a blunt assessment of this year’s All Blacks.
England are always in the fight under Steve Borthwick but the head coach has to take accountability for repeatedly failing to land a knockout blow and this weekend was the worst example yet.
Joe Marler’s haka comments have been an unwelcome sideshow and the main event needed no help to achieve top billing.