Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMarcus Smith has been completing sprint sessions with British Olympic great Daley Thompson in his effort to become one of the sport’s finest playmakers. Smith has developed into England’s...
Match Preview: England v Samoa
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyIt’s all about Samoa in Lille. England will finish first in Pool D and have qualified for the quarter-finals whatever the result here. Not that England are taking any chances. Head coach Steve...
England side to face Samoa in Lille
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyWholesale changes have been made to the side that beat Chile 71-0, with Owen Farrell the only player from that fixture returning to the starting XV. The captain moves to the inside centre position, while...
Butch James, Jean de Villiers and Hanyani Shimange - Boks Office podcast - on RSA, FIJ, IRE, AUS, ENG
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyButch James, Jean de Villiers and Hanyani Shimange on the Boks Office podcast. You can listen here. On Manie Libbok: Butch James: "There has been a lot of talk on Manie's kicking in the press conferences....
Marcus Smith a ‘viable option’ for England at full-back – Richard Wigglesworth
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMarcus Smith could be retained at full-back as England progress deeper into the World Cup after excelling in his first start in the position against Chile. Smith overcame an edgy opening to help...
5 talking points ahead of England’s World Cup clash with Chile
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland continue their march towards the World Cup quarter-finals when they clash with Chile in Lille on Saturday. While victory is expected from Steve Borthwick’s men, the South Americans will provide...
England reaction (Ludlam, Marler, Chessum, Itoje, Ford, captain Lawes, head coach Borthwick)
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMIXED ZONE REACTION Lewis Ludlam, number eightOn the England performance:"I don’t think we were 100 per cent with our performance. There are heaps there we can work on. But ultimately it is a great...
England get a heads up to beat Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland are top of Pool D after beating Japan 34-12 at Stade de Nice on Sunday.The teams went into the break with England 13-9 ahead courtesy of Lewis Ludlam’s early score and the boot of Mastercard...
Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview: England v Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyVeteran Michael Leitch will become Japan’s most capped Rugby World Cup player when he runs onto the pitch at Stade de Nice for his 15th tournament match on Sunday. He is one of 13 survivors...
Freddie Steward: Kevin Sinfield ‘rocket’ inspired England heroics against Pumas
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyFreddie Steward has revealed that England’s heroic defensive stand against Argentina was inspired by a blast from Kevin Sinfield that was delivered in the wake of their Fiji debacle. Steve...