December 16th, 2011
Fitzpatrick won the 1987 World Cup with New Zealand
Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick says England can come back and become a force in international rugby again.
Fitzpatrick also believes that finances should not be an issue for the Rugby Football Union when it comes to appointing a new permanent coach.
“If you have the resources to buy the best people I don’t know why you wouldn’t do that,” he said.
“Coaches at the highest level are very hard to find.”
Fitzpatrick, who represented the All Blacks 92 times from 1986 to 1997, has also backed his fellow countryman Wayne Smith, former New Zealand attack coach, or former Italy and South Africa coach… Continue reading Fitzpatrick tips England revival
November 22nd, 2011
Sam Tomkins lined up at full-back in England’s 30-8 defeat to Australia in the Four Nations final
Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins will line up for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 22-year-old switches codes a week after playing for England’s rugby league team against Australia, in the Four Nations final.
Tomkins recently signed a pledge not to talk to rugby union clubs for at least the next three years after his older brother Joel joined Saracens.
The Barbarians squad will feature players from 10 different nations.
Continue reading the main story
Sam is an exceptional player in either code of rugby and his selection shows the growing mutual respect between… Continue reading Tomkins will play for Barbarians
November 11th, 2011
England last faced New Zealand at Twickenham in November 2010
England will face Fiji, Australia, South Africa and world champions New Zealand in the 2012 autumn internationals at Twickenham.
The opening Test is against Fiji on Saturday, 10 November, before the hosts face the Wallabies on 17 November and Springboks a week later.
The series concludes against the world champion All Blacks on 1 December.
“These Tests are a massive challenge,” said England number eight Nick Easter.
“The southern hemisphere has set the benchmark over the years. We know that they hold dominance so it is always good to pit yourself against them.”… Continue reading England face All Blacks in 2012
October 23rd, 2011
Lievremont (centre) labelled his players “spoilt brats” after their semi-final win
Marc Lievremont says his final wish before he stands down as France coach is to wake up on Monday morning with a hangover.
The 42-year-old would trade a morning-after headache for the joy of World Cup final triumph over New Zealand.
“I am relaxed, I’m focused [but I want] to wake up with a hangover,” he said before France’s third World Cup final appearance.
France previously lost finals in 1987 to New Zealand and 1999 to Australia.
The former coach of the national under-21 side and club side Dax played in the 35-12 defeat by Australia 12 years ago in Cardiff.… Continue reading Lievremont wants final hangover
October 21st, 2011
By Tom FordyceChief sports writer
1987 World Cup final highlights
New Zealand will field an unchanged side as they seek to win their first World Cup in 24 years.
The All Blacks are hot favourites to beat France in Sunday’s final at Eden Park, but coach Graham Henry insisted that his team do not see it that way.
“Picking the same side that played so well against Australia wasn’t a difficult decision,” said Henry.
“We’re not sure who’s going to turn up. We have to prepare as if they’re the best in the world.”
The excitement in New… Continue reading New Zealand unchanged for final
