6 Nations 2016 - 23 Under 23

Ok, some spots were thin pickings, especially in the half-back area, but the criteria for this side was that firstly the player has to be 23 or under, and secondly that they have to have been in their contry's 6 Nations squad. This side is based on the performance the players gave during the 6 Nations. If a player is in here that didn't see any game time, it is because we couldn't find anyone else to sub in for them. Having said that, that is a rare occasion, because most of this side shone for their country, and prove how bright future is for rugby in the Northern Hemisphere. Take a look.

6 Nations 2016 - Team of the Tournament

 Based solely on their performances in this year's 6 Nations tournament, this is our XV that, on current form, may just give the Kiwis a bit of a scare, although sometimes we've been forced to pick the best of a bad bunch.

3 Players That Eddie Jones Needs To Drop

It is highly unlikely that Eddie Jones will make 2 of these 3 changes, let alone all of them given his tendency to tinker lightly from week to week, but we feel these 3 changes would only improve England in the short and long term.

6 Nations 2016 - Team of the Week - Round 4

This weekend saw England wrap up the 6 Nations title with a largely good performance against Wales, and we also saw a crushing victory for Ireland and a good performance from the Scots as they beat the French. Let's look at our team of the week, starting with the front row.

England vs Wales - Hybrid Team - 6 Nations 2016

Below is our theoretical hybrid side of the upcoming starting XVs for the England vs Wales match. What do you make of it? Have we made any errors?

England vs Wales - Preview - 6 Nations 2016

In what will likely prove to be this year's crucial game, England host Wales for the first time since the Welsh dragon burned Twickenham to the ground in the World Cup. It goes without saying that both sides will be up for this one. So, to dissect the game we will be looking at the match-ups between the two sides and seeing where each team has the advantage and what they can do to win this match, starting with the back 3.

A glance into the England under Eddie Jones

England have made a promising start to this year’s RBS Six Nations under Eddie Jones, the first foreign head coach of the England Rugby Union team.  There were many disgruntled pundits and fans alike when Jones took up the position.  Many thought that we should not look overseas for a head coach with so much home-grown talent in the Premiership, however it seems as though this appointment was the right one, for now at least.

6 Nations 2016 - Team of the Week - Round 3

Good victories for Wales, Scotland and England at the weekend have put those players in good stead to claim a coveted spot in Four Balls's Team of the Week. if you haven't seen last week's, here it is. Now; let's crack on.

Talking Rugby In French - English to French Rugby Dictionary

Whether you're learning French, just moved there, on holiday during a game or even lucky enough to make the visit over for a 6 Nations match, it's always useful to know what the commentators or other fans are saying, so here are a few words/phrases you may want to learn before you head off.

6 Nations 2016 - Team of the Week - Round 2

In what was a relatively underwhelming week in terms of the quality of rugby that was played, we have endeavored to pick our best team. The Southern Hemisphere boys may well be shaking their heads in disgust at what they saw at the weekend, and rightly so, but we've selected a group of players that didn't destroy all hope for Nothern Hemisphere rugby, although the first two players we will mention played in one of the worst games to have graced television...

5 Things England Learned From Their First Game Under Eddie Jones

1) Owen Farrell should start at 10

Look how smug this guy looks in his picture. Maybe deservedly so, as George Ford brought his club form to the international stage and the midfield just wasn't there for England against Scotland. Some have attricuted this to Farrell just taking the ball up and being too physical, but he only got 3 carries and Joseph only got 4. Ford just isn't playing well enough to warrant wearing the 10 shirt, and Farrell  is.The dream right now is Farrell at 10 with Slade at 12, but with Slade's injury, it seems to me that Devoto is the next best thing. We suggested this partnership before the match but understood it would be a bit of a gamble for Jones. It wouldn't be as much of a gamble next week, not only because it appears to be the better partnership, as Devoto mirrors Slade, but with Italy as the opponents Jones will feel he can push the boat out a bit more. We'll have our fingers crossed here at Four Balls HQ.

6 Nations 2016 - Key Men and Predictions

England:

With a change in head coach, how can England bounce back from a horribly disappointing World Cup campaign? Well, it starts with the right team selection, something Stuart Lancaster got so drastically wrong against Wales in the RWC. The future of English rugby is knocking on Eddie Jones’s door and he’d be foolish to ignore it. This isn’t suggesting that every youngster should start, but Beaumont will certainly be ready to play his part, and the likes of Itoje, Daly, Kvesic should all start given their form and the solutions they provide to England’s weaknesses in the World Cup. Our suggested starting lineup for the Scotland match suggests the direction Jones should go in, and if it wasn’t for Hartley being named captain we would very likely have seen Jamie George in that hooker spot. However, because the infamous New Zealand born Dylan Hartley is England’s captain, he will need to rise to the occasion and will be a key man for the men in white throughout this campaign. Any stupid penalties or any cards and the world gets to laugh at him and the England management. Good discipline will be so vital throughout this tournament.

Four Balls's England Team To Face Scotland

The Six Nations starts in just 4 days time, so to start off our coverage we've taken a look at the starting XV that Eddie Jones should pick for England's opener against Scotland. This would be one of the youngest and most inexperienced England sides of all time, but also one of the most exciting in recent history.

Rugby World Cup 2015: Fiji vs England Preview

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or stranded on a desert island for the last few weeks, you will know that on 18^th September that the Rugby World Cup will kick off at 20:00 GMT with Fiji vs England. This Friday will see the pinnacle of rugby get under way in an unusual fashion, in which the host nation is considered the away team. Although Twickenham is the home of English rugby, Fiji will occupy the home changing room and kit, following their draw as the home team, meaning England shall play in red.

Rugby World Cup 2015 - Pool A Preview and Predictions

England’s Predicted World Cup Squad

Props: Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, David Wilson & Kieran Brookes

Joe Marler, Dan Cole and David Wilson have been sure selections for a while now given their form over the last year, so they are an obvious inclusion. Mako Vunipola has had a great season for Saracens and on Saturday proved he doesn’t just have to play the impact role for England. The selection of Kieran Brookes over Alex Corbisiero has been made simply due to the late back injury that Corbisiero has suffered. Brookes has been great off the bench for England in the past, and his ability to cover both loose and tighthead prop gets him in the squad.

Hookers: Tom Youngs, Rob Webber & Jamie George

Since Dylan Hartley’s dismissal from the World Cup training squad, the position of hooker has been England’s greatest concern. The obvious choice to start now must be Youngs, even with questions over his ability at the lineout on the international stage. Webber has been in and out of the England squad for a while now, and although he isn't in great form,  the lack of depth in this position should be enough to get him in. Jamie George could be England’s answer to their problems in this position; he has been fantastic in the loose and in the set piece all year. In addition to this, he is set to make his debut this weekend, so hopefully he can impress. Unfortunately for Luke Cowan-Dickie this world cup has come too soon, proved by last weekend when he really struggled in the set piece.

Locks: Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling & Dave Attwood

Lawes has been one of England’s stand out performers over the last year and is another player who has a place nailed down. Although Joe Launchbury has been out of the game for a long time due to a neck injury, having had a few games for Wasps at the end of the season the young lock looked like he hadn’t been away, and having been given a starting spot this weekend it is likely he will make the final cut.  Some may feel George Kruis is unlucky to miss out, and they wouldn’t be wrong but with England’s strength in depth in this department his exclusion is understandable. Having been on a winning tour with the Lions, Parling is a man with a wealth of experience, and could be a vital member of England’s squad. Much like the other locks selected, Attwood has a great work rate around the pitch, and large physical presence.

Back Row: Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Tom Wood, Billy Vunipola & Ben Morgan

The England Captain Robshaw is a certain pick, as is Vunipola, who was exceptional throughout the 6 nations, and all year for Saracens. Haskell is probably the next likely to make the squad with his ability to cover all back row positions, as well as being the most experienced pack member. Hopefully he has learnt to avoid posts since February. Tom Wood has been involved in this England squad for a number of years now, and having been made Captain last weekend its clear Lancaster has a lot of belief in him. Ben Morgan is probably the most unlikely, but if he can find the form he had prior to injury he would walk into the squad.

Scrum Half: Ben Youngs, Danny Care & Richard Wigglesworth

There is little debate over Ben Youngs being England’s first choice scrum half after a stellar 6 nations. Similarly Danny Care’s experience and Wigglesworth’s superb tactical game gives them an easy selection. If it were not for an end of season injury this position could have had more competition coming from a flying Joe Simpson, but unfortunately for himself and England this was not meant to be.

Fly Half: George Ford & Owen Farrell

Much like at scrum half, the 10s for this world cup are pretty certain. Ford has been one of the best players in Europe over the last year, and is England’s first choice 10, while Farrell has plenty of experience at the top and seems to be rediscovering his form at the right time. Some may think Cipriani will be unlucky to miss out, which is true to a point. However, he would not make it over these two as an out and out 10 and although he can play fullback, there are other players that cover multiple positions (Goode and Slade).

Centre: Jonathan Joseph, Sam Burgess, Henry Slade & Brad Barritt

England have struggled to find a lasting centre partnership for a while due to many factors. However, the latest dilemma is a positive one, with many quality players putting their hands up for selection. After being one of the 6 nations top performers this year it seems Joseph pretty much has the 13 shirt nailed down. So the question is who will play 12 along side him? Until recently, it was thought to be Barritt, with the South African born 12 having a wealth of experience and being known as a rock in defense. However, after last week Burgess has shown that, despite what many people thought, he can handle Union at the top level. Not only this, but he showed he does not only provide the brick wall Barritt does, but he also offers more going forward with ball in hand. Of course there will be doubt over his experience and reading of the game, but I think his leadership and persona on the field outweighs this, along with playing inside his Bath counterparts. The final centre to make the cut is Henry Slade, edging out Burrell and Twelvetrees, who both have not been showing the form they have in the past. Although inexperienced, Slade’s looked very comfortable at the weekend, impressing many. Additionally to this he can genuinely compete for the 10,12 and 13 shirt, showing the range of his skills.

Back Three: Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Mike Brown & Alex Goode

The remaining players were quite easy to select given the players already cut from Lancaster’s training squad. Nowell having had a good 6 nations has another chance to impress this weekend. Watson was sensational last weekend, and May, having been proclaimed as England’s best trainer in Denver, makes him likely to be selected. At fullback, Goode looked much more comfortable at the weekend than he did during the 6 Nations, and hopefully Brown has made a full recovery since his head injury, as we have seen how important he can be for England.

7 Players To Look Out For At The 2015 Rugby World Cup

Chris Wyles:

The inclusion of Chris Wyles in this article may surprise many readers, however, the American utility back has been sensational for Saracens this year, filling in wherever needed in the back line. He finished the season as one of Saracen’s (winners of the Aviva Premiership) top try scorers, which should not be taken lightly. America have progressed massively since the last world cup, and looking at their pool, they have an outside chance of making it through the group stages. If they are to do this, there is no doubt that Wyles will be one of their corner stones.

Henry Slade:

The young English man has been a hot topic this year, being at the center of an outstanding season for Exeter. Slade’s talent has never been in question; the only worry is this World Cup will come too soon for the youngster. However, the versatility of Slade may be a defining factor, enabling him to squeeze his way into the highly contested final squad. Assuming he makes the final cut, he is sure to light up the English backline with his ability to go through a gap himself as easily as he can put other players through.

Waisake Naholo:

The Highlander’s right winger has been scoring tries and smashing records this year in their Super Rugby campaign. His impressive form earned a bid from French giants, Clermont. However, New Zealand Rugby Union have realised his threat on the field and have offered a deal to keep him in the country. Having been named in their Rugby Championship squad it is likely he will also get some game time and force his way into their Rugby World Cup squad. If this is the case, he will surely tear up the field with his regular try-scoring threat .

Handré Pollard:

The young South African out-half is likely to be the Springbok’s first choice this year. He has been at the centre of everything good that the Bulls have done this year, and is likely to take this form into his international game. Last year he was the star of the Junior Rugby World Championship, and even though his team lost in the final to England, it was enough to show the world the threat he possesses and the threat he could pose at senior level this year.

Nehe Milner-Skudder:

Milner-Skudder is yet another Kiwi who has exploded onto the Super Rugby scene this year. It seems impossible to find a highlight reel at the moment without the youngsters quick stepping and fast hands. His impressive form has seen him called up to the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship. If given the chance he will surely make an impression and grab a place in what is one of the most competitive world cup squads.

Nemani Nadolo:

The 6ft 5 in, 125kg Fijian winger has been tearing up the Super Rugby league this year with two miraculous finishes coming in recent weeks. The goliath winger is one of few players who cannot only go through you but also round you just as easily. The Crusaders wing has been named in the Fijian World Cup training squad, and if he can make the match day team, he is definitely a player to keep an eye.

Henry Speight :

The Brumbies’ winger is fast, strong and skillful, and has all the attributes to become a world-class winger. The Fijian-born winger is set to be a key player for Australia in their World Cup campaign. This, of course is providing he can get back into the squad following a ban he has picked up following dangerous rucking involving a tip. His form prior to this incident suggests he should have no problem making the Australian team.

Side Note:

We really hope that Nick Cummings makes the Australian squad, even as waterboy. There is no doubt that his post match interviews will light up the tournament as much as the very best of tries.

5 Things England Learned From The Barbarians Game

1) Lee Dickson should never play for England again

He's boring. So, so boring. His boringness adds nothing to the England side, especially not compared to options such as Youngs, Care and Simpson (although Simpson's injury seems to have ruled him out of contention). Wigglesworth is a better option for a boring scrum half, and despite being the captain of this side that won 73-12 against the Barbarians, he should never wear the white shirt of England for the rest of his professional rugby career.

The England World Cup Training Squad

Here it is, the England world Cup training squad:

England's Possible Centre Partnerships Without Manu Tuilagi

I think we all agree it was the right decision to not consider Tuilagi for selection, and whilst he would have been our first choice to play 12 with JJ outside him, England need to look forward and see what is available to them. Judging by the predicted squad here, we will look at the possible centre partnerships and evaluate them by looking at the pros and cons of each combination. To start with, let's look at the centre partnership that featured in this years 6 Nations.