Former England star Ashton - 'It would be good to see all-northern hemisphere semi-finals'
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from former England winger Chris Ashton on Friday ahead of England's quarter-final against Fiji at Stade de Marseille on Sunday, 15 October. On what he reads into England’s struggles...
Smith starts at full-back - England name team to play Fiji in RWC quarter-final
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de Marseille. Owen Farrell will captain a starting XV with...
Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the eight quarter-finalists?
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyFrugal France take on the error-prone Springboks, while England and Fiji promise a clash of two styles. Can Argentina break the wall of Welsh defence, and will Ireland make history against the free-running...
England happy being cast as villains in World Cup quarter-final – Billy Vunipola
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a desire to see a Pacific Islands nation progress deep into the World Cup given they produce some of the game’s finest players. Billy Vunipola insists England are comfortable being cast...
Marcus Smith hails Daley Thompson sprint sessions as he bids to emulate NZ duo
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyMarcus Smith has been completing sprint sessions with British Olympic great Daley Thompson in his effort to become one of the sport’s finest playmakers. Smith has developed into England’s...
Learning how to win ugly a sign of England’s progress – Ben Earl
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland edged out Samoa to continue their unbeaten record at the World Cup. Ben Earl admits memories of August’s shock defeat by Fiji flashed through England’s minds against Samoa...
ENG eve of match (v SAM): Harrison, Cole, Marchant
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyComments from England scrum coach Tom Harrison, prop Dan Cole and winger Joe Marchant ahead of the Pool D match with Samoa on Saturday, 7 October. Tom Harrison, scrum coach On Jack Willis being...
George Ford and Owen Farrell reunited – England v Samoa talking points
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyFord and Farrell are starting together for the first time since the 2021 Six Nations. Samoa may have endured a disappointing World Cup that is almost certain to result in group-stage elimination but they...
Match Preview: England v Samoa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIt’s all about Samoa in Lille. England will finish first in Pool D and have qualified for the quarter-finals whatever the result here. Not that England are taking any chances. Head coach Steve...
England side to face Samoa in Lille
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyWholesale changes have been made to the side that beat Chile 71-0, with Owen Farrell the only player from that fixture returning to the starting XV. The captain moves to the inside centre position, while...