RWC 2015 Team of the Tournament

As we reflect on the greatest World Cup of all time, we take the chance to pick our dream team. This is not necessarily the players that have performed the best at this tournament, but it is the team that has impressed the most.

Let's start by looking at the front row:

South Africa vs New Zealand - RWC 2015 Semi-Final Prediction

The first game of the all Southern-Hemisphere semi-finals is, given the nature of this World Cup so far, going to be a thrilling encounter. The best in the world come up against a side that lost their first game of the tournament to Japan, and yet we know it will be a hard-fought and close contest, as most South Africa vs New Zealand games are. The last three matches between the two sides have come within 10 poins, South Africa winning one of them, and on neutral ground in what is likely to be slightly favourable to the South Africans, you can be sure of a very close match. South Africa have had this match in their sights for 3 years, and both teams know almost everything about the other. It will be unforgettable.

A Note On Australia vs Scotland Feat. Craig Joubert and THAT Incident

It's easy to say Australia should thank the ref for their place in the Semi-Finals of the Rugby World Cup, but Scotland should thank;

1) Foley for being terrible today, including his stupid kick that got charged down.

2) Slipper playing a moronic pass in the key pivot position which led to the intercept try. Why are Australian even putting a replacement prop in that position?

3) The non-existent defending at the ruck that led to the other Scottish try. Australia appeared to try their best to give Scotland some tries today.

New Zealand vs France - RWC Quarter-Final Prediction

Eight years on, same fixture, same location, surely it can't happen again, can it? Well, something needs to change from the the match against Ireland in order for Les Bleus to stand a chance. They were comprehensively beaten by a good Ireland side, and Saint-Andre has a lot on his plate if he is to turn this around.

South Africa vs Wales - RWC 2015 Quarter-Final Prediction

A vastly different side to that which opened up the tournament for the Bokke, this Springboks side look back to their old selves after what a pretty disastrous start to the World Cup. The iconic, record-breaking Bryan Habana helped South Africa on their way to being the second-highest scorers in the pool stages, just behind Argentina. They will however be missing their talisman Jean De Villiers, who sadly ended his international career through injury in the group stage.

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 C Previews and Predictions

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 - POOL B PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

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.

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.

RWC 2015 - Possible England Extended Squad

Back three: M Brown, A Goode, J Nowell, A Watson, J May, M Yarde.

Centres: J Joseph, B Barritt, H Slade, L Burrell, B Twelvetrees, K Eastmond, S Burgess, E Daly.

Fly-halves: G Ford, O Farrell, D Cipriani, S Myler.

Scrum-halves: B Youngs, R Wigglesworth, D Care, L Dickson, J Simpson.

Props: A Corbisiero, J Marler, M Vunipola, D Wilson, D Cole, K Brookes, M Mullan.

Hookers: D Hartley, T Youngs, R Webber, L Cowan-Dickie.

Locks: J Launchbury, C Lawes, G Parling, D Attwood, G Kruis, M Itoje, E Slater.

Back row: C Robshaw, B Vunipola, B Morgan, T Wood, J Haskell, N Easter, M Kvesic, C Clark

Rumour has it that this is the England training squad for the Rugby World Cup this year, according to the often reliable Steve James of the Telegraph, and it has to be said that it looks a pretty strong one. Having called for the inclusion of Joe Simpson, Elliot Daly, Henry Slade and Kyle Eastmond in this article here, and Tuilagi's exclusion may have played a part in this, but it's safe to say we are pretty happy with Lancaster's selection in the backs. One omission from that article, if this squad proves to be correct, would be the electrifying Christian Wade, who has once again lit up the Premiership with his shocking pace and lightning-quick feet.

Should Rugby Union Use NFL-Style Goalposts?

This article is in response to some comments on Aaron Smith's try versus the Stormers yesterday (below). You will see it is an incredibly intelligent try and Aaron Smith, arguably the world's best scrum-half, uses his knowledge of the rules to his advantage and scores a fantastic try.

England's Most Exciting XV - Would Lancaster Ever Dare?

Bare in mind this is just a bit of fun, although these players lack the complete game, there is no doubt that they are very interesting to watch, and are all worth considering for the England XV. This is not the team we want to see Lancaster field, it is purely for a laugh,

3 Things England Have Learned From The 6 Nations

1) England's pack is world class - even with injuries

The strength in depth in the English pack can rival anyone. England’s pack has had a lot of injury troubles over the last few years, and although this is never good to see, it has given a lot of players the chance to lay down a marker and gain some vital experience. With a lot of players having come back from injury (Parling, Wood), and some hoping to make a return before the World Cup (Launchbury, Morgan), it is clear that England have a world class pack, and crucially, a world class set piece heading into this years World Cup. The injury to Morgan allowed Billy Vunipola to lay down a marker, and put in his best performances in an England shirt. Whilst players such as Attwood and Haskell didn't impress as much as many had hoped, failing to bring their club form to the international stage, players like Cole (who would not have been rushed in to the side without injuries), Kruis, Parling and Billy V showed the strength in depth in this pack. It would be a crime not to mention that the strength of this pack is largely down to the exceptional coaching by Graham Rowntree, who has been consistently seen to demand more from his players.

Team of the Tournament (2) - 6 Nations

What an exciting final day to the RBS Six Nations, possibly the best yet.  Each game was better than the previous and after England failed to win by the necessary points, Ireland took home the trophy. Here we have a look at the second opinion on our team of the tournament.

Team of the Tournament (1) - 6 Nations 2015

With Four Balls comes 2 opinions, so we have put together two teams of players that we believe have earned their place in the team of the tournament with some scintillating performance in this year's 6 Nations.

England vs France - Preview

England have the advantage of the highest points difference, and they play last, knowing exactly what is required of them to win the 6 Nations Championship, and they can adapt their game plan to the situation. France of course have the slimmest of chances of winning the Championship as well, if Ireland and Wales lose and they beat the English, but that seems sensationally unlikely. 

England actually started quite strongly last week, which makes a change, as the French played the most dire half of rugby I've ever had the misfortune to watch. We actively decided not to review it, because it was too painful to relive those memories. Last week we predicted Jack Nowell would have a good game against the Scots, and of course he did, marred slightly by handling errors but he looked very dangerous on the ball. He will look to carry that in to this game, and will be seeking the buzz of a Twickenham try once more. Geoff Parling returns to the England side, which will delight the fans as Attwood has looked slightly out of form of late, and the British & Irish Lion is just the man to come back and give the English pack a lift.