Click
here to receive The Rolling Maul via e-mail
Disappearing Green Lions
You won't believe this. But I didn't set out to insult Ireland and the Irish.
They are the heartbeat of Lions tours, I admit it. But after I sat down to
choose my Lions party of 36 as if they were touring South Africa this year
and not next year, and after I had sat back and rested from my labours, it
was only then that I realised that only three Irishmen had made the squad
and that in fact, none of them were, for various reasons, cast-iron
certainties.
I also then found that not only did semi-useless old England have a whopping
14 in the squad, but that no fewer than eight of them did not start in the
final Six Nations matches - hinting that I categorically do not see eye to
eye with Brian Ashton when it comes to selection.
There is no place for Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy because on form, they
have been easily overtaken by the Gavin Henson/Tom Shanklin dynamic duo and
Mike Tindall (if fit) and Olly Barkley (if tolerated) are also above them.
Paul O'Connell is not in form, and excluded.
Among my bolters are Jamie Roberts, the giant Cardiff wing, because even wings
need size these days, Ian Evans, the Wales lock, and Fergus Thomson, the
rumbustious Scotland hooker. It could be that players such as Ronan O'Gara,
Simon Shaw and Josh Lewsey all fall by the wayside by the time of the real
tour in 2009. But at present, they are still worthy Lions.
Here are my choices, together with some names who might have been chosen but
who are sent to the holiday beach, not the tour, chewed up by the Jones
selection machine. I am sure you will agree 100 per cent with every choice!
British and Irish Lions for South Africa, 2008
(England 14 players, Wales 13, Scotland 6, Ireland 3)
Back three: Josh Lewsey (E), Chris Paterson (S), Sean Lamont (S), Paul
Sackey (E), Shane Williams (W), Jamie Roberts (W).
On the beach: Mark Jones, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe, Lesley
Vainikolo.
Centres: Tom Shanklin (W), Gavin Henson (W), Mike Tindall (E), Olly
Barkley (E).
On the beach: Brian O' Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Toby Flood
Fly halves: James Hook (W), Ronan O'Gara (I), Danny Cipriani (E).
On the beach: Stephen Jones, Jonny Wilkinson, Charlie Hodgson.
Scrum halves: Mike Phillips (W), Mike Blair (S), Harry Ellis (E).
On the beach: Dwayne Peel, Eoin Reddan.
Props: Andrew Sheridan (E), Tim Payne (E), Matt Stephens (W), Euan
Murray (S), Adam Jones (W).
On the beach: Gethin Jenkins, Phil Vickery.
Hookers: Dylan Hartley (E), Fergus Thomson (S), Jerry Flannery (I).
On the beach: George Chuter, Rory Best, Huw Bennett, Ross Ford, Lee
Mears.
Locks: Nathan Hines (S), Ian Gough (W), Simon Shaw (E), Alun-Wyn Jones
(W), Ian Evans (W).
On the beach: Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell.
Back row: Tom Croft (E), James Haskell (E), Ryan Jones (W, captain),
Jamie Heaslip (I), Jonathan Thomas (W), Tom Rees (E), Martyn Williams (W).
On the beach: Allister Hogg, David Wallace, Jason White, Nick Easter,
Dan Ward-Smith, Lewis Moody.
------------------------------------------------------------
Standing against history
Can the Ospreys turn the tide of history? The massive majority of major rugby
tournaments outside Test level have always been won by true club
institutions with local feeling and passions, and not amorphous regional
teams and jumped-up conglomerates. It is something about growing up together
and being accountable to the town or city around you.
This Saturday evening, the Ospreys face Saracens in the semi-finals of the EDF
Energy Cup. In a fortnight, they play Saracens in the quarter-finals of the
Heineken Cup. From last Saturday's Grand Slam game, they have 10 of the 15
starters and 13 of the match 22, at their disposal. They have a fantastic
stadium and growing support.
At heart, they are a mishmash outfit cobbled from the Swansea and Neath clubs
but, apparently, they have huge funding and ambition. Do they care enough
about their jersey, deep down and with almost an animal passion? We will
soon find out. If they do, then they can win the Heineken Cup.
What do you think? E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk
with your opinion and he'll reply to the best of the letters next week. Just
remember to enter through the gate - don't stray offside
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>LIST OF THE WEEK<<<<<
The companies and concerns who try to make the Six Nations a total misery.
1. The BBC: nonsensical shuffling of kick-off times to cause massive
inconvenience to the travelling fan and to family life, with the nadir next
season of the Friday evening Six Nations match.
2. First Great Western: the train company serving Cardiff from
London and other points, whose pathetic refusal to react to the fact that
people might want to travel to a Millennium Stadium match means horribly
packed trains, not a single extra service with the last trains leaving just
after the match and in essence, an arrogant, hopeless non-service.
3. Jurys Croke Park Hotel: treat their captive audience with
contempt, with ludicrous jacking-up of the prices to stay in what is only a
mediocre hotel, for the weekends of Croke Park rugby action. A cardboard box
in their grounds would be cheaper but they'd probably want 100 Euros for
that too.
4. Sistine Chapel: how dare they have long queues for this
so-called iconic place - there should be times blocked off from the general
public so that visiting sports journalists can view the place at their
leisure.
5. Ryanair: rugby should cancel all games in any competition
which can only be served by a Ryanair route. That is a far more critical
measure than the ELVs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Stephen Jones Debate
I like the idea that the ELVs will help a team that has a poor scrum and if
that is O'Neill's reason for wanting to adopt these new laws then he is
deluded.
Last week I had the privilege to watch the Western Force v Canterbury
Crusaders Super-14 game on Sunday morning.
As it is unlikely you watch this incredibly skilful, high paced game
preferring the dross that was served up at Murrayfield, you might find it a
surprise that the team with the superior scrum (Canterbury) in the end won
the game because it had a better platform from which to launch its attacks.
It might also be another huge surprise to you that the Western Force's game
was limited to tap and run in the end as it was being minced at scrum time.
The ELVs actually put more emphasise on the scrum as an attacking platform
and a well balanced side like the Crusaders who have a strong scrum set
piece will limit teams to tap and run tactics if their scrum is weak. This
in turn is far easier defended against unless the tap is taken quickly.
The ELVs also get rid of a lot of the technical penalties which just slow
the game down and make the game ponderous. This is another good thing as
most offences are now free kicks with a scrum option with the opposition's
backs a further 5 metres back from the scrum. The ball cannot be kicked
directly to touch for a lineout without giving the throw back to the
opposition, so the only way you can guarantee possession is to have a solid
scrum.
When you look at the facts of the ELVs like this you might think O'Neill's
is as I said just a little deluded if he thinks this will fix Australia's
current scrum woes.
Furthermore if you like fast, free-flowing rugby with a huge amount of
emphasis on getting fast ball from rucks and mauls then the ELV's hand that
to you on a plate. The only reason I can see that England, Ireland and Wales
being against this is they just don't have the players with high enough
skill or fitness levels to handle them. Darrell Bendall, Rouen,
France
SJ: Darrell, I take on board your points but the evidence is purely
anecdotal. Yes, I did watch the game you mentioned and very exciting it was
too but for every good game in the Super-14 this season I have seen three
dire ones. People in Europe are against the ELVs because the game is booming
in terms of TV audiences, gate takings and general interest so why on earth
would anyone here want to take the risk of ruining the sport?
Which other fine sporting traditions should be restored? How about the
goal? What happened to it anyway? Games used to be won by goals, penalty
goals, etc. Why's it called a try after all? Bruce
SJ: Yes, the old Daily Telegraph style was to mention in the first
paragraph how the game was won - for example, by three goals, two tries and
a penalty to a goal and a try. I wonder what happened to that. Come to think
of it, whatever happened to the Daily Telegraph?
When players are sin-binned they should be made to go and stand behind
their own goal posts, on their own and made to think about what they have
done for the 10 minutes as happened back in the bad old days. None of this
sitting in a chair on the sideline, getting a drink, jacket and a massage.
Grant
SJ: Totally agree Grant, sometimes when they come back and not too much
damage has been caused it's amounted to a nice rest. Mind you, I can think
of some grounds where the player would be in danger if he was lurking near
the crowd behind the posts.
How about buying your opposite number a drink after the game? In the era of
'Corporate Rugby', players have to get into ice baths and onto physio tables
instead of remembering to honour their opponents and the local pub. Rugby is
losing its soul, its history and its geat friendships. In my life, and
playing career, I've met the best friends and closest mates not during the
great game, but in the social side that exists after a tough battle. Isn't
it interesting that teams and stadiums are sponsored by alcohol producers,
but the players are generally not the ones enjoying their fine products!
Also, why can't a referee whistle a try without deferring the decision to
either the TMO or touch officials? The phrasing of the referees, presumably
handed down by IRB officials, makes no sense and is quite confusing for the
average viewer. Referees are losing their power to decide matches. If I was
to lose by a referee's decision then fine, both teams have to play the ref,
but TMOs slow the game down, wreck continuity and constantly make mistakes!
Why give someone the power to make a decision, only to watch them make it
incorrectly? Tobin Hammerberg
SJ: Phew. Correct on both counts. Jason Leonard was one of the few
players of the modern era who stubbornly refused to let the tradition die
and he always sought out his opposite number for a drink. He once told me
that no-one had ever refused. It is amazing these days how often post-match
media conferences, which take place about 30 minutes after a match, are
curtailed because the visiting team is leaving. Harlequins, when they
recently spent a season in National One, apparently stayed for a beer after
every away game. Good on them.
Do you have any comment on the figures released after 4 weeks of the
Super-14 showing that the scrum is becoming more of an attacking weapon
under the ELVs? I'm not sure how this suggests that players of all shapes
and sizes will become a thing of the past... they just have to get fitter to
keep up.
What exactly is wrong with the ELVs? I am yet to see any analysis by you of
them other than to have a go at the nasty ARU. Can you tell us why they
shouldn't be trialled in the UK? If your only argument is "if it ain't
broke, don't fix it" then I'm disappointed. The laws have been changed
before and, shock horror, the game is better for it.
You only seem to print emails from people who agree with you (or bag the
southern hemisphere) so I hope I get a start. Andrew
SJ: You get a start Andrew and thanks for writing. Naturally, if anyone
disagrees with us we deem that they are either wrong or just slightly
bonkers. Also, if they have put their address on their missive, we know
where they live. The scrum cannot be a bigger attacking weapon if you are
allowed NOT to have a scrum by the ELVs. It means you can avoid better
scrummaging teams. I am sorry you are disappointed but I have come across
not a single person in the northern hemisphere who believes that rugby has a
problem.
I read your column regularly and am happy to say we sometimes are in
agreement and other times poles apart which suggests you are doing something
right. Traditions that should be reintroduced introduced into sports:
Cricket - clapping the opposing captain when he comes to the crease, and
not celebrating excessively when he is out, (exception to this applies to
Ricky Ponting).
Rugby - the All Blacks limiting the Haka to 2 minutes of pre-match time.
Still important part of rugby but not the centre piece.
Rugby - daytime tests at Dunedin (only after the creation of a decent
facility, as one of the true rugby celebrating towns in the world). John
McNutt
SJ: John, correct, correct and correct. I am very much afraid that the
delightful tradition of Saturday afternoon Tests, allowing you a restful
morning, and then a long and enjoyable evening, are a thing of the past -
especially in New Zealand. We could not have the dear Brit TV viewers having
to get up early, could we? Might disturb their beauty sleep. Three o'clock
is the holy grail of the kick-off.
Anyone watching English and European rugby club competitions week-in
week-out can see that the game should be in rude health. As an England
follower, there seem to be enough decent young prospects to give me hope for
the future, as well as teams that clearly, physically and tactically, excel.
However, the national team's performance would suggest the exact opposite.
Why is this? Most critics are pointing towards the team management, where
clearly something is not working.
Does anyone actually know what role Rob Andrew is fulfilling? It is clear
that Team England require management, yet Andrew has categorically failed to
either provide it himself or appoint someone who can. Is this because a
figure of the stature of Dean Ryan, Jake White or, dare I say it, Warren
Gatland, so stupidly overlooked after RWC, would immediately question
Andrew's role and worth? It's very well criticising Ashton, but there was a
very clear opportunity to deal with this post RWC. The whole affair is
extremely reminiscent of the latter days of Robinson's reign, where a
Banquo-esque Andrew hovered over the coach, dagger in hand. As long as
Andrew appoints weak coaches to manage the side, his curious position is
safe.
A long time ago, under Clive Woodward, English players seemed to disappear
on International calls and come back better players. These days, four or
five of the Premiership clubs would play the national side off the park.
Talk of more time with players is useful only when they are to be coached in
a way that shall improve them. I dread to think what shall happen to the
younger players that may be taken from the excellent coaching system at
Wasps and messed around with by England. I can only hope that all the time
they spend on yet another tour South in the summer will result in a
whitewash of the All Blacks and a triumphant grand slam next year.
Unfortunately we all know it will probably end in injuries, calamitous
selections and heavy defeats. Rob Hollingsworth
SJ: Rob, I am one of those who does not believe that everything in the
English national team garden is rosy just because they finished second in
the Six Nations and I feel that if Rob does not take radical action next
week when he reports in to the RFU management board, then he is divorced
from reality. There is a grand generation of players coming through and no
vision to maximise them.
I am one of the majority of rugby union men in these islands who is in
agreement with you on our need to repel the ELVs. I was sent the following
article from a colleague in NZ, who points out that the author is generally
pro-ELVs, but I thought you might make use of Josh Kronfeld's obvious
dismay.
If I can assist in any way in preserving our game for future generations,
please let me know. Bob James
SJ: Fascinating, Bob, and here is a
link to the article by my good colleague, Wynne Gray. Many thanks.
I liked your piece on "No surnames". It made me think of others.
We, in Wales had Gareth, JPR, JJ and Phil. In these days of excruciating
political correctness could we ever have a centre nicknamed Monkey? As a
Newport man, I am sure you know I am referring to Arthur "Monkey"
Gould of Newport, also described as that Prince of Centres. I guess any
journalist who coined a nickname like that would end up in court. I have a
picture of Arthur Gould, complete with Zapata-style moustache in a book
about Welsh Rugby.
Phil Vickery is, I think, a gentleman. Also, the same courtesy was shown in
one of yesterday's matches, can't remember which as I have seen so much
rugby this weekend some of the match incidents have become a blur. I had to
watch the Welsh match three times just to make sure we really did win!
The one tradition that I really miss is the respectful silence afforded to
opposition goal kickers. I know that at the highest level the stupid baying
of the crowd has no or little effect but it was one of the things that
lifted the game above the mundane.
I also agree that referees should stop giving a running commentary. It is
perfectly reasonable to do so for schools rugby or mini rugby as this is a
good way to get the players to learn the laws. If adults, especially
internationals cannot stay within the law, usually offside somewhere or
other, then they should be penalised.
I have also read your article in the ST along with the rest of the rugby
commentators' articles. All was well until I saw the team of the tournament
column. I was shocked that both you and Stuart Barnes, a man I admired and
much preferred to Rob Andrew, should pick Ronan O'Gara as outside half.
Don't get me wrong, he is a good player but the quality of a half back must
be measured against his performance behind a beaten pack. Twice this Six
Nations he has been abysmal, against England and a week ago against Wales.
He cracks under pressure. He did against Wales in 2005, and again this year.
His reputation was made on the 2005 Lions tour. He played in the Wednesday
side which did not lose a match. I would have chosen Stephen Jones. He has
been consistently good throughout the tournament.
PS. You say that the Rolling Maul will continue, does that include the
summer tours by the various nations, or do you plan to abandon us, your
loyal public, and swan off for a holiday? Peter Brown, Bridgend
SJ: Peter, holidays are a concept frowned upon at Timesonline. We
prefer to see them as relocating to a different working location - in my
case, Tenby. They have an excellent internet café there. If there is one
thing that raises ire (apart from Ronan) it is booing and jeering of the
kicker. Many thanks.
What a great effort from the Welsh. I really enjoy watching them and they
look well on the way to being very rounded team. They have the forward grunt
which they used to lack which has set a platform for the pace and ambition
which they have always possessed.
The key priority for them is to find a replacement for Martyn Williams who
probably won't be around for too much longer. He is so crucial to them and
the balance of their team and they will miss him when he is gone. Is there
anyone similar on the horizon? The rest of the team is still pretty young
and they could grow into a formidable outfit. Everyone else has some serious
work to do.
England need to sort out their coaching structure as a matter of urgency
and stop coming up with half-arsed fudges; France need to stop using
internationals as trials and pick their best team; Ireland need a coach who
actually realises that he has some very good backs at his disposal; Italy
need some half backs and they could be a pretty good side; Scotland need to
stop messing around with Parks, put Paterson at 10 and develop some ambition.
Stuart Peel
SJ: Stuart, yes, they did confound me because I did wonder for a long
time if they were tough enough, especially up front and you are correct to
highlight the succession process for Martyn Williams.
Is it me, or did the magnificent Wales defence look conspicuously like the
'drift' defence so beloved by Phil Larder, yet publicly berated by Shaun
Edwards?
Yes, it would be great to have Edwards working for England, but I would
feel very sorry for Mike Ford - as judging by the on-pitch performances, he
is the only England coach currently doing his good job!
Oh, and to become a Wasp (please no 'London' when you play nowhere near the
capital anymore), do you have to go to the Lawrence Dallaglio school of
using the media for your personal rants at the England set-up at every
opportunity? I suppose someone needs to fill the void now Rob Andrew has
moved to the dark side. Tim, Northants
SJ: Tim. What are you suggesting? That Loll is manipulating us? Perish
the thought. Anyway, got to go, Loll is on the phone.
The bonus point problem is true, but I have a solution. Take a hypothetical
situation of Wales and France playing each other for the Grand Slam. Say
Wales had won their previous 4 games without bonus points (unlikely I know
Welsh people before you start). They would be on 16 points, assuming the
standard 4 points for a win. Now say France had won their 4 games WITH bonus
points, they would be on 20 points. Wales beat France 12-10, so Wales
complete the Grand Slam, but France pick up a losing bonus point and win the
Championship. That's not right is it? The simple solution is to have a rule
that states if a team wins the Grand Slam they are automatically award 5
bonus points, and hence will win the Championship too. JD, Brisbane,
Australia
SJ: Good idea, the Slam has to be absolute.
This area of the e-mail is reserved for your views and boos. E-mail Stephen at rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk
and he'll either agree, disagree, add some insight or come back firing...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>HEROINES OF THE WEEK<<<<<
Manon and Gwenan Gravell
It's in the plural this week, and they are heroines, not heroes. Manon and
Gwenan Gravell, daughters of Ray, bravely emerged into a tumult of noise and
brilliant spotlights at the Millennium Stadium last week, carrying on the
Triple Crown in advance of Ian Gough, celebrating his 50th cap, and the
Grand Slam heroes.
The pair looked composed, brave and, hopefully, happy. Bless them, and their
old man.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The week in 60 seconds
Thursday:
ANDREW TO MEET JOHNSON OVER ENGLAND ROLE
The RFU's director of rugby will meet England's World Cup-winning captain
today to sound him out about joining the management set-up.
Report
by Owen Slot
CIPRIANI'S OPINIONS IN DEMAND
The fly half said England could benefit from the appointment of Johnson when
he held court at the first Rugby Expo yesterday. He also offered views on
the global expansion of the sport.
Report
by David Hands
O'SULLIVAN JUMPS SHIP BEFORE HE IS PUSHED
The Ireland head coach has resigned after six and a half years in the job.
Report
by Mark Souster
SARACENS READY TO BURST WELSH BUBBLE
Alan Gaffney, the Saracens director of rugby, has promised to attack the
Ospreys, who represent a region that contributed 13 players of the 22 who
completed the Grand Slam on Saturday, in their EDF Energy semi-final on
Saturday.
Report
by Matthew Pryor
FOOTBALL MAKES LIONS SUFFER IN SOUTH AFRICA
Attempts to finalise the Lions tour schedule in South Africa next summer are
being hampered by a dress rehearsal for the 2010 football World Cup being
held in the country at the same time.
Report
by Mark Souster
SPENCER SLUMMING IT TO HELP NORTHAMPTON BACK TO PREMIERSHIP
For Carlos Spencer, this season has been an exercise in seeing how the other
half live. After relegation from the Guinness Premiership last season,
Northampton have been doing their penance in unglamorous locations such as
Launceston and Sedgley Park. On Saturday, a win at home to Exeter Chiefs,
their nearest challengers, will confirm the promotion that has long looked a
formality. Report
here
WEDNESDAY:
JOHNSON WINS CORRY VOTE AS IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR ENGLAND MANAGER
The former England captain said he believed Johnson's natural leadership would "at
some stage" be utilised by England.
Report
by David Hands
TINDALL BAILED AFTER FAILING BREATH TEST
The injured England centre has been bailed by police until April 29 on
suspicion of drink-driving.
Report
by Mark Souster
TUESDAY:
GATLAND'S IMPACT SHOWS VALUE OF GETTING COACHING BALANCE RIGHT
Turnaround in fortunes is a clear endorsement of Wales's new coaches - and the
England set-up may yet emerge in credit.
Report
by David Hands
AUSTRALIA DICTATE TERMS BUT GIVEN WEMBLEY FINALE
Experimental law variations expected to come into play in centenary match on
Wallabies' European tour next season.
Report
by David Hands
MONDAY:
WELL DONE, DANNY - THAT WAS A JOY TO WATCH
That it was like to watch Danny Cipriani play so well at No 10? It was
fantastic and I was genuinely delighted for him.
Exclusive
column by Jonny Wilkinson
ASHTON FUTURE IN DOUBT DESPITE IMPRESSIVE VICTORY FOR ENGLAND
England coach's future remains in the balance as Wales defence coach Shaun
Edwards is likely to spark interest within RFU.
Report
by Owen Slot
A HINT OF BEST AND BOTHAM IN RISE FROM PRAT TO GENIUS
This was a performance of rare promise by Danny Cipriani. What we have before
us is a dizzying prospect.
Comment
by Simon Barnes
GATLAND'S FAITH IN FITNESS FIRST TURNS PORKIES INTO HEROES
The New Zealander's vigorous approach to fitness training contrasts with what
had gone on before in the Wales camp.
Report
by John Hopkins
FLAIR PLAYERS ABLE TO SHOW THAT HE WHO DARES WINS
The task for Wales now is to see whether they can make their mark in the
southern hemisphere.
Analysis
by Gerald Davies
HADDEN REMAINS UPBEAT AFTER PARKS THROWS GAME AWAY
Italy 23 Scotland 20: It was not until 4½ minutes into injury time that Italy
found the spirit to launch one final onslaught.
Report
by Lewis Stuart
SUNDAY:
RESURGENT ENGLAND SHOCK IRELAND
England 33 Ireland 10: Danny Cipriani lays doubts to rest with complete
and memorable performance.
Report
by Peter O'Reilly
SPARKLING CIPRIANI LIGHTS UP ENGLAND
Here is England's Prince Hamlet, centre stage and destined to be at the
fulcrum of the game.
Analysis
by Stuart Barnes
WELSH WONDERS SLAM LES BLEUS
Wales 29 France 12: Wales won their second Grand Slam in four seasons
after record-breaker Shane Williams's 60th-minute try.
Report
by Stephen Jones
BRILLIANT BOKS WILL BE BIGGER TEST
This Grand Slam should be celebrated with a brief intensity and then shoved
into the memory bank for the players' latter years.
Analysis
by Stuart Barnes
SCOTS THROW IT AWAY
Italy 23 Scotland 20: Like so much of their Six Nations campaign,
Scotland's loss was a horrible, pathetic surrender.
Report
by Mark Palmer
SATURDAY:
DEFEAT 'WOULD BE HELPFUL' IF IT HASTENED ASHTON'S DEPARTURE
Rob Andrew's backing of England's head coach could leave him isolated.
Report
by Owen Slot
CIPRIANI GIVEN CHANCE TO BE THE MAVERICK
The fly half, making his first start for England, faces a master in Ronan
O'Gara but his coach believes that he will be able to thrive.
Report
by Mark Souster
JONES IS DRIVING FORCE FOR WALES AS THEY PREPARE FOR HAIR-RAISING FINAL
MISSION
Success in the Six Nations has turned the No 8 into a hot favourite to the
lead the Lions tour to South Africa next year.
Report
by John Hopkins
I HOPE FRANCE SPOIL THE PARTY BUT TITLE SEEMS BEYOND THEM
Although I would like France to win, I think it is a tough request for them to
win by the 20 points they need to take the title.
Analysis
by Philippe Saint-Andre
FRIDAY:
ASHTON'S JOB 'SAFE UNTIL THE SUMMER', SAYS ANDREW
The RFU gives the England coach breathing space as the director of elite rugby
says change is not on the agenda before the tour of New Zealand.
Exclusive
report by David Hands
ANDREW CONFRONTS TEST OF HIS HANDLING SKILLS
The RFU director of elite rugby has more than just results to consider as he
embarks on the decisions crucial to England's future.
Report
by David Hands
VICKERY LEFT IN ROLE OF LONE WARRIOR AFTER WILKINSON EXIT
Not only is the captain the only survivor from the England XV that started the
2003 World Cup final, Phil Vickery is the one player remaining from the
starting XV against Ireland last season.
Report
by David Hands
WALES HAVE PROVED THEY CAN COPE WITH FAILURE. BUT CAN THEY MANAGE SUCCESS?
Analysis
by Gerald Davies
REDDAN HOPES TO AVOID STING FROM ANOTHER FELLOW WASP
The Ireland scrum half faces Danny Cipriani, his club colleague and half-back
partner at Twickenham, as the RBS Six Nations concludes.
Report by
Mark Souster
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Things you need to know about rugby: No 7
TWICKENHAM FOREVER?
The heralded agreement between the RFU and the major clubs, while not
unravelling, is already under pressure - the RFU is trying to insert new
by-law details, including removing the clubs' right to stage their Guinness
Premiership final wherever they wish - Wembley, for example. The RFU is
demanding they sign up to a clause committing them in perpetuity to
Twickenham.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,117
The number of points Northampton have scored in National League One this
season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling, but without the hassle or money.
Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this
newsletter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suggestions, fan mail and complaints: rollingmaul@thetimes.co.uk
