There is a compelling case to keep George Furbank at full-back, continuity essential to improve backline cohesion – Mike Egerton/PA The Catch-22 Steve Borthwick faced ahead of the Six Nations has become even more memorable. England’s head coach was always torn between two situations. After the defeat at Murrayfield this field became even narrower. Suddenly… Read More »
Steve Borthwick’s England will aim to start their campaign on a positive note in Rome – David Ramos/Getty Images Team jerseys tend to evoke strong emotions, especially at the start of the Six Nations, when there is a signal of renewal in the air. The deflation could be felt among England fans on Wednesday night… Read More »
Steve Borthwick named in England’s Six Nations squad England fear fly-half Marcus Smith could miss the entire Six Nations Championship after suffering a calf injury in training on Monday. Meanwhile, Charlie Ewels has returned to the England squad to prepare for the start of the Six Nations following the illness that forced Nick Isiekwe to… Read More »
Northampton Saints’ Fraser Dingwall (left) and Tommy Freeman celebrate victory – Niall Carson/PA Munster 23 Northampton Saints 26 In the first half this was a game Northampton Saints had no right to win. This was Thomond Park, a rarely conquered ground, the Saints down eight points to 14 men after Curtis Langdon’s send-off. Leading by… Read More »
Ollie Sleightholme scores a hat-trick to help Nothampton secure a thrilling win at Exeter – Getty Images/Dan Mullan Exeter Chiefs 36 Northampton Saints 42 Northampton Saints put on a thrilling second-half fightback to hold off the Chiefs’ goal in an 11-try thriller at the pinnacle of a years-long campaign. No titles have been won in… Read More »
Northampton returned to the top of the Premiership table but Sale earned a bonus point with defeat – Getty Images/David Rogers Northampton 21 Discount 17 George Furbank put himself in the Six Nations shop window as he took Northampton to the top of the Premiership and retained his golden captain’s touch. Furbank, encouraged by Courtney… Read More »