Bath – 5th Having suffered a terribly disappointing season last year finishing ninth having made the Premiership final the year previously, Bath’s transfer dealings, and change of coach, appear to point to brighter times ahead for the Rec faithful. With the appointment of Todd Blackadder and Tabai Matson as Director of Rugby and Head Coach […]
Ben Marvell
Ben Marvell’s Euro 2016 talking points
The Icelandic tackling technique There is an awful lot to love about Iceland. For a country that has never played in a major International football tournament before, they have acquitted themselves remarkably, playing to the final whistle and with a unity of purpose. If only England would take note. Apart from their underdog status that […]
Ben Marvell’s England v Wales Preview
With the Aviva Premiership Season in its dying throes, rugby enthusiasts will be thrilled that this year’s domestic season immediately transitions into international competition, with the first such context occurring this Sunday at Twickenham between England and Wales. Although unusual to have a summer clash between Six Nations heavyweights in years other than those comprising […]
The January transfer window: Who could be on their way to the PL?
Andrea Ranocchia – Norwich Traditionally reliant on their tough defence as opposed to their striking abilities, Norwich could further bolster their rearguard with the signing of centre-back Andrea Ranocchia from Inter Milan. With twenty caps for the Italian national team, he would nicely complement either Russell Martin or Sebastien Bassong in the heart of the […]
Top 5 Premier League Goalkeeping blunders
In light of recent goalkeeping mistakes by Joe Hart and Heurelho Gomes, we examine the worst premier league blunders between the sticks since 1992. 5) Roy Carroll (Manchester United v Tottenham, 4 January 2005) The departure of Peter Schmeichel ensued a long list of unreliable shot stoppers at Old Trafford – one of which being […]
European Champions and Challenge Cup: The players to watch
Champions Cup: Ma’a Nonu – Toulon The All Black’s bulldozer in chief, Ma’a Nonu is likely to light up this season’s competition with his aggressive running and never say die attitude. Having come straight from a World Cup winning side, he should feel right at home settling down in a Toulon team packed with international […]
The Springbok ascendancy?
Sheer Power The Boks are renowned for their power up front, if occasionally lacking in dynamism behind the scrum. This brand of rugby works perfectly well against Northern Hemisphere teams, who often prioritise kicking and flair over brute strength, but is unlikely to prove the telling factor further through the tournament as teams will attempt […]