Louis Deacon – Central to the Cause

Louis Deacon plays a very important part in the England first XV hence his continued selection for the Argentina game this weekend.
His role – to make Steve Borthwick look good in comparison.

Ambition 0 Inhibition 1

On Friday and Saturday, I was having some doubts about not going.
On Sunday, boy was I pleased that I hadn’t wasted my money on that drivel.
What is so completely wrong with the setup that the same problems which beset Andy Robinson and Brian Ashton can continue to afflict the supposed clean start of Martin Johnson?
We [...]

Can England Beat the Wallabies today?

OK, so Australia are in disarray. They have lost all but one of their tests this year, the players are disillusioned in the coach, and attendances are collapsing. On top of that they have just hopped off a plane from Japan and now have to pitch up at Twickenham. So all England have to do [...]

Not going doesn’t feel so great…

With England’s first autumn international just one day away, the decision not to go – made on sound economical grounds – doesn’t feel so great.
We’ve got the usual buzz, got the butterflies, not got the tickets. (You can still get tickets from Ticketmaster).
My fellow blogger Matt is well up for it.
What do I expect from [...]

Elite Squad – four released

Four released from the elite squad.
Armitage, Blaze, Kay and Strettle have been returned to their clubs.
Surprise over Armitage who is the only genuine 7 in the squad (come on Lewis, who are you kidding?).
And very surprised over Strettle who seems to operate in a different space and time dimension to other eligible English wings but [...]

Weekend Preview 23/10

SATURDAY
Bath v Newcastle
This season we’re still waiting for the West Country clubs to hit their straps but Newcastle aren’t in the best of form either.
Can Newcastle break their duck at the Rec?
I doubt it.
There’s really not much to say about these clubs and this match.
Verdict: Bath to kick start their season by 12.
Gloucester v Wasps
Gloucester [...]

England Injuries – Crisis or Blessing?

Who would be a coach eh? It is bad enough for us pub selectors to try and pick a team from the rubble of the EPS, so imagine how it must feel for Jonno as he sits through each weekend with chewed nails and winces with each injury report. No sooner does he write out [...]

Game plans

If you’ve not seen the great game plan flowcharts over @ Blood and Mud, then take a gander at:

Andy Goode
Jonny Wilkinson
Andy Powell
Lewis Moody

Weekend Preview 01/10

FRIDAY
Sale v London Irish
London Irish have got a tough season ahead of them.
They’re trying to play attacking rugby but everyone wants to put one over on them.
Sale are struggling having lost some big names from the playing and coaching staff but they’ve got enough talent to see them through.
This will probably be a typically [...]

Ah, Autumn Rugby is Back!

As the nights draw in and the condensation starts to form on car windows in the morning, thoughts start to turn to getting the overcoats out of the back of the wardrobe and putting the lawn mower away for the year. Yes, Autumn is upon us, November is nearly here, and November means only one [...]