With Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw lurking menacingly on their front line, Toulon were never going to be scared of the wolf-pack. In the end though, the manner in which…
Tournaments
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
The Saints The legend How could Jonny Wilkinson not be the number one Saint this week? England’s ultimate hero – and world rugby’s most magnificent role model – played his…
Toulon’s steps to Heineken Cup success
Toulon retained the Heineken Cup with a 23-6 victory over Saracens in the final at the Millennium Stadium. So how did they do it?
Drew Mitchell on life with Toulon
There is a pause of almost five seconds before Drew Mitchell lets out a groan of frustration and throws in the towel. “No,” he admits after being asked if he…
Championship blog: Semi-finals second leg wrap
That the two top teams after the regular season should battle it out in the final is a validation of the tournament’s structure. Less so, are rules that permit Bristol’s…
Saracens: trips, cricketers and Henry Fraser
“No one likes us. No one likes us. No one likes us. We don’t care.” So goes the famous chant of Millwall Football Club’s fans who are, to put it…
Saints and Sinners: Rugby’s weekend talking points
The Saints Classic clash Some people are calling it the best Aviva Premiership game ever and the Northampton v Leicester semi-final certainly had drama, skill, physicality and passion by the…
The problems with the Amlin Challenge Cup
For all the excellent rugby and intriguing on-field plotlines, both of which have been abundant, 2013-14 will always be remembered for its ugly European saga. A very public process of…
Championship blog: Semi-finals first leg wrap
By Richard Grainger Bristol butterflies leaves tie in balance Bristol 17, Rotherham 14 Bristol have twice gone into the Championship play-offs only to fluff their lines and on Saturday’s evidence…
Join Ben Cohen at the Top 14 final
Advertising Feature THE TOP 14 Semi-finals take place this weekend – Toulon host Racing Metro on Friday night before Montpellier take on Castres on the Saturday afternoon – and you…