Joe Marler says England more interested in winning than playing with ‘finesse’
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyJoe Marler has invoked England’s 2003 World Cup heroes in his belief that winning ugly is to be applauded if it results in success. England have taken a stranglehold on Pool D after delivering comprehensive...
England reaction (Ludlam, Marler, Chessum, Itoje, Ford, captain Lawes, head coach Borthwick)
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMIXED ZONE REACTION Lewis Ludlam, number eightOn the England performance:"I don’t think we were 100 per cent with our performance. There are heaps there we can work on. But ultimately it is a great...
England get a heads up to beat Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland are top of Pool D after beating Japan 34-12 at Stade de Nice on Sunday.The teams went into the break with England 13-9 ahead courtesy of Lewis Ludlam’s early score and the boot of Mastercard...
Ford’s final audition and Sinckler returns – England v Japan talking points
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland resume their World Cup campaign when they face Japan in their second Pool D encounter at Stade de Nice on Sunday. Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the...
Maro Itoje will take England victories at the World Cup ‘by any means necessary’
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyMaro Itoje insists England will do whatever it takes to win if a substance over style approach emerges as their blueprint for success at the World Cup. George Ford kicked all 27 points in their...
Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview: England v Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyVeteran Michael Leitch will become Japan’s most capped Rugby World Cup player when he runs onto the pitch at Stade de Nice for his 15th tournament match on Sunday. He is one of 13 survivors...
Lewis Ludlam gets nod ahead of Billy Vunipola to start for England against Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyLewis Ludlam has edged Billy Vunipola in the battle for England’s number eight jersey for Sunday’s World Cup clash with Japan. Vunipola has completed his two-match suspension for a dangerous...
Elliot Daly eager for England to display attacking talent against Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyElliot Daly insists it is time for England to show their teeth in attack as they look to build on the defensive masterclass delivered against Argentina. Steve Borthwick’s team top Pool D...
All Black briefing: Scott and Jordie Barrett and scrum coach Jason Ryan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyScott Barrett, second-row On the forward pack feeling the hurt after two big losses in a row: "I don't think we are lacking any determination, there is plenty of hunger and drive in the group....
Rugby World Cup 2023 round one review
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEight matches down, another 40 to come – and Rugby World Cup 2023 is already setting a high bar. France and New Zealand defied energy-sapping temperatures at Stade de France to put on...