With the prospect of some exciting summer tours by Ireland, England and Wales rapidly approaching, we turn our attention to the Southern Hemisphere’s premier club rugby competition, Super Rugby, to get an idea of who we may be looking at come June. This year’s Super Rugby has been enlarged by three teams, one each fromContinue reading “The Lineout wholeheartedly shifts its attention to Super Rugby as the competition heats up in Round 11!”
Author Archives: Neil Olsen
The Lineout gets a glimpse at the challenges facing the future of rugby in South Africa
I had the great fortune of getting a fascinating look at the trials and tribulations of South African rugby post the World Cup and the start of a new coaching regime for the Springboks. On a recent holiday visiting my wife’s family in South Africa, I had the privilege of attending an excellent school matchContinue reading “The Lineout gets a glimpse at the challenges facing the future of rugby in South Africa”
The Lineout takes a break for April but we’ll be back in May!
Yes you read it correctly we’re taking a month off in April, as travel and family responsibilities call. I have the fortune to be travelling to South Africa for two weeks this month and hope to get caught up in some of the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding this year’s Super Rugby tournament. It’s already beenContinue reading “The Lineout takes a break for April but we’ll be back in May!”
England take the Six Nations and Grand Slam in a tournament that rarely caught the imagination but gave us lots to think about for the future!
After the nightmare of the World Cup England emerged triumphant in a Six Nations that rarely caught the imagination. Even though all the sides were undergoing transformations of some sort since the events of last September/October, it would appear that England have made the most progress. While few of us here were expecting any sideContinue reading “England take the Six Nations and Grand Slam in a tournament that rarely caught the imagination but gave us lots to think about for the future!”
In the final weekend of this year’s Six Nations it is up to France to derail the English Grand Slam Express, as the middle of the table looks wide open!
While it may not have quite the edge of the seat aura that last year’s Championship had, there is no question that this Six Nations has finally got the energy and excitement that were so conspicuously absent in the first three Rounds. England have quietly but assuredly rebuilt themselves from the ruins of the WorldContinue reading “In the final weekend of this year’s Six Nations it is up to France to derail the English Grand Slam Express, as the middle of the table looks wide open!”
In Round 4 the Six Nations finally sparks into life with dramatic wins by Ireland, England and Scotland!
Yes, it’s back! The Six Nations after one of the most uninspiring initial three rounds many of us can remember for a long time suddenly found a new lease of life this past weekend and provided us with three highly entertaining matches. It wasn’t always pretty especially if you were Italian, Welsh or French butContinue reading “In Round 4 the Six Nations finally sparks into life with dramatic wins by Ireland, England and Scotland!”
Round 4 of the Six Nations sees England heading for a Grand Slam as Wales look to spoil their party, while everyone else struggles to keep up!
Round 4 of the Six Nations sees England look to consolidate their position at the top of the table and edge closer to not only the title but also a Grand Slam. Wales, as they have been all tournament, look to be the side most likely to derail the English steamroller as the two meetContinue reading “Round 4 of the Six Nations sees England heading for a Grand Slam as Wales look to spoil their party, while everyone else struggles to keep up!”
Round 3 of the Six Nations Sees England Set the Pace for the Title as Wales Snaps at Their Heels!
Round 3 of this year’s Six Nations saw England assert their authority in their race to lift the trophy this month while Wales made it clear that they have every intention of being the team to upset England’s party at Twickenham in Round 4. Ireland and Scotland meanwhile provided plenty of entertainment, particularly in theContinue reading “Round 3 of the Six Nations Sees England Set the Pace for the Title as Wales Snaps at Their Heels!”
Round 3 of the Six Nations sees the jockeying for position really begin with England and Wales looking to lay claim to being the main title contenders!
In this weekend’s third round of the Six Nations, England and Wales seek to consolidate their position as the two contenders for top honors in this year’s competition. Meanwhile France get their first proper test of the tournament and we get to see how much the massive underdog label suits Ireland at Twickenham. Lastly theContinue reading “Round 3 of the Six Nations sees the jockeying for position really begin with England and Wales looking to lay claim to being the main title contenders!”
In a tough assignment against the USA and with a resounding win over Brazil, Canada’s Class of 2016 is showing plenty of promise already!
After a solid opening game against Uruguay a new look Canada, under interim Coach Francois Ratier, took their show on the road to Texas to do battle with their arch enemy the USA in the second round of the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship. While we always thought this was going to be a bridge tooContinue reading “In a tough assignment against the USA and with a resounding win over Brazil, Canada’s Class of 2016 is showing plenty of promise already!”
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