Tag Archives: defence

Sitting third in the Aviva Premiership table, Wasps league season looks back on track following a tough period in the autumn where wins were hard to come by.

Settling this debate, who's the better player Owen Farrell or Beauden Barrett?

Saracens look a little bit lost on the back of seven consecutive defeats.

In part three of our 2017/18 Premier League preview we assess the chances of Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.  Three of these four will have aspirations of lifting the Premier League title this season, but can one of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United actually go and do it? Here’s where you can find part one and …

Last Saturday night, heavyweight boxing was resurrected in the eyes of casual boxing fans all over the world, as Anthony Joshua stopped Wladimir Klitschko in an epic contest. The Watford native hit the canvas in the sixth round having downed his opponent in the previous round, but he bounced back to maintain his unblemished record. Of course, focus now turns to …

Over the past two years Scottish rugby has seen an upturn in fortunes, for both the national side and club teams, but will it end with Six Nations glory? Sir Ian McGeechan, speaking to the Daily Record in 2015, stated that: “Scotland can cause problems but it will require big players such as Richie and Jonny Gray to keep on …

Ireland fell at home to New Zealand this evening despite a brave effort. The All Blacks showed why they are the best side in world rugby at present, digging deep to grind out a result. Here are five quick take-aways from an entertaining clash in Dublin. Barrett masterclass Beauden Barrett is different gravy. The All Blacks fly-half reaffirmed his status …

From a calamitous to a consistent, Stephen Ward has steadily grown into this Ireland team, and Martin O’Neill finally has a left-back he can rely on. The left-back position has been the biggest thorn in Martin O’Neill’s side since taking over as manager of the Republic of Ireland. In fact, one would go as far as saying that it has been the …

Conor McGregor will throw down with Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 for the lightweight title. Dana White has made a big revelation this evening, after stating that should he win, McGregor will have to give up one of his titles. When quizzed on the matter further, White revealed that he does not know which one the Notorious Irishman would relinquish, and that …

“That’s the thing about Arsenal, they always try to walk it in.” Amazingly, even though this quote from an episode of The IT Crowd is from 2008, it still seemed to apply as much to Arsenal last season as it ever had. A by-now familiar tale of a title challenge petering out largely thanks to disappointing performances in big games unfolded …

England under Eddie Jones have so far tended to operate with George Ford at fly-half, and Owen Farrell moved to inside-centre. But is this a stop-gap measure or a long-term solution to England’s vexing and seemingly perennial midfield problem? Although it is very plausible that these two close friends, who had great success in junior rugby playing alongside each other, …

Last night the news emerged that Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre could be set for a super-fight in the UFC soon. The Canadian fighter has not fought since November 2013, but it is likely that we will see him step inside the octagon in the coming months. With UFC 206 pencilled in for Toronto in December, Speaking to UFC Tonight, …

With the arrival of new manager Ronald Koeman, Everton are on the hunt for new talent to bolster their squad next season, as they look to put a disappointing year under Roberto Martinez behind them. The Toffees will believe that they should be competing at a much higher standard than their 11th place finish last year would reflect. However, if …

“Sean Cavanaaaaaaaaaagh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” It’s not every day you’re jumping and shouting around your sitting room at the end of a game, although I probably do it more than most people. That score from Sean Cavanagh to level the game with a few minutes remaining – when he took on four Donegal defenders, muscled enough space to kick, and sent a screamer …

Chelsea fans have done an excellent job of raising their expectations for the coming season at an alarming rate in recent weeks. Everything from Antonio Conte’s tactical masterclasses at Euro 2016 to the recent signing of N’Golo Kanté have pointed to just one thing for Blues fans – a Premier League title by next May. Well, Saturday’s result may go a little …

For so long England’s front row was labelled as inefficient and ineffective, but under Eddie Jones England’s props have gone from underpowered and completely dominated to the cornerstones of the Red Rose pack once more. Any England fan has some of the worst results in the country’s history burnt into their skulls. It will be many, many years before the …

“From this day to the ending of the world, / But we in it shall be remember’d; / We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; / For he to-day that sheds his blood with me / Shall be my brother.” (Henry V, Act 4 Scene 3) One never likes to resort to cliches, but Shakespeare’s description of how …

There are a lot of question marks surrounding Ireland heading into their first Test against South Africa this Saturday in Cape Town. Will Ian Madigan continue to deputise in the absence of Johnny Sexton? Can Tadgh Furlong or Finlay Bealham loosen Mike Ross’ stranglehold on the number 3 jersey? And will Ultan Dillane and Iain Henderson impose themselves as the Irish second-row …