Just your everyday grassroots guru. I'm here to sprinkle some sportsy magic on your day with the latest boot drops, guides, news, and a dash of quirky humor. Let's lace up and have a laugh on this sporting adventure!
From the game’s genesis in the mid-19th century through to the 1970s, rugby and football players for a time shared heavy boots made of leather and metal.
As both games evolved, so did the level of research and quality of materials used to construct footwear for optimum performance.
But unlike association football, rugby union took considerable time to develop into a lucrative sports market. Being a professional rugby player wasn’t even a thing until 1995! Crazy, right?
A Short History of the Rugby Boot
Even as trends shifted, and newer styles emerged, these classic boots refused to fade into history.
Take a stroll into today’s rugby retailers, and you might spot a rebel defying the march of time – the Puma King Pro H8 Boots. They embody the spirit of those bygone eras, standing proudly on shelves despite the allure of modern designs.
Puma King Pro H8 Boots – NOW £65 (Was £90) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
In a world where innovation and trends dominate, these boots are a testament to the enduring legacy of rugby’s humble beginnings. They whisper stories of muddy scrums, hard-fought tries, and the relentless spirit of players who wore them proudly.
So, the next time you spot a pair of classic rugby boots in a store, know that you’re not just looking at footwear; you’re witnessing a piece of rugby history, a nod to the days when giants were yet to emerge, and the underdogs ruled the field.
Which boots are currently the most popular amongst rugby players?
Of course, a player’s boot choice is completely dependent on personal preference, and we’re not here to insist you spend hundreds of pounds on the flashiest footwear just because the top players wear them.
We’re here primarily to have a good old nosey, and by giving some insight into which wheels the pros wear, we can hopefully provide some valuable advice to help you choose your next pair.
Premium Japanese brand Mizuno has been producing limited lines of rugby boots for around twenty years. Their iconic premium kangaroo leather is represented by elite ambassadors Dan Norton and Nemani Nadolo, who both sport the Mizuno brand.
NANTES, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 16: Salesi Piutau of Tonga runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire on September 16, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
With the “Made in Japan” Neo IV SG Rugby boots first hitting pitches in swathes earlier this year in July 2023, these boots have been a roaring success, and now feature a stunning blend of glittering gold and deep blacks for a sophisticated design that looks as good as it performs.
Mizuno Made In Japan Neo IV Soft Ground Football Boots Adults – NOW £240 (Was £299.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Most notably, it was these boots that debuted on the feet of Salesi Piutau at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in the match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire on September 16, in a stunning red colourway!
The world’s third-largest sportswear company, Puma, recently hit the rugby ruck. Their growing roster of rugby pros opt for any of the long-established line of football boots. Powerhouse hookers Agustin Creevy, the Argentine veteran, and young English prodigy Luke Cowan-Dickie both wear the pouncing panther.
Aside from kitting out a handful of teams, Nike and their famous Swoosh’s presence in the game is mostly on foot. Exeter Chief’sJack Nowell dons theall-new Nike Mercurial Vapor from the Nike Luminous Boot Pack.
EXETER, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs runs with the ball during the Heineken Champions Cup Quarter Finals match between Exeter Chiefs and DHL Stormers at Sandy Park on April 08, 2023 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)Nike Mercurial Vapor Elite FG Football Boots – £235 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Leading the way in rugby boot development are German giantsadidas. They boast the finest and widest range of boots, having sponsored the most pros since the early noughties.
Eagle-eyed boot boffins may recall a certain England fly-half donning a pair of Predators as he drop-kicked England to World Cup glory in 2003. Following Jonny Wilkinson’s moment of magic, he became the poster boy for adidas in their quest to conquer the rugby boot world. He presented the launch of the Predator Pulse alongside Steven Gerrard, cementing the common credence for boot performance shared by elite football and rugby players.
The Three Stripes’ dedication to providing the widest range of rugby-specific boots is reflected in their long list of current pros on their roster. Scottish prodigy Finn Russell works wonders at fly-half and off the tee in his Predator Malice boots.
Whether a seasoned pro or like to tear things up at your local grounds, step into the boots of legends and explore top brands from Nike, adidas, Kooga, Puma, Canterbury and more right here atLovell-rugby.co.uk
The Shamrocks certainly weren’t letting up last weekend as they secured a sensational 20-34 victory against the Azzurri in what can only be regarded as some of the best playmaking to grace the pitch this Championship.
As the match commenced, it wasn’t long until things began to get heated…
James Lowe dominated the left flank, slipping through the traps set by Les Bleus following a pass from Keenan, but with Ange Capuozzo hot on his tail, the pressure saw Lowe’s ball slip from his grasp – a Try denied moments later.
02′: 0-3
But in true Ireland fashion, the luck of the Shamrock soon came into its own just a minute later.
Paving their way through the Azzurri defence, Bundee Aki‘s well-timed offload to Winger Lowe saw James Ryan put Ireland on the board.
Italy came back strong, entering Ireland’s 22 in the 6th minute, Paolo Garbisi sending a missed pass into the clutches of eagle-eyed Lorenzo Cannone, bulldozing his way to the 5-meter line.
Seconds later, Scrum-half Stephen Varney allowed no time for Ireland’s defence to settle, and dashed to the try line to secure his first Try in the Championship.
A proud moment for the Scrum-Half and one that saw an additional 2 points given for their side following Garbisi’s conversion.
12′: 10-12
With the Azzurri now leading, the phenomenal playmaking from Keenan and his frenetic footwork saw the Full-Back slip through the shackles of Les Bleus defenders to bring Ireland 7-10 up following Byrne’s conversion in the 13′.
The Azzurri again responded with a penalty to close the gap at 10-12 in the 18′, but Ireland’s Aki was soon back in full force to keep their distance.
Following on from a sensational pass from Lowe to Aki, the Ireland Centre made a break for the left-hand corner to propel the Shamrocks 9 points ahead with a score of 10-19 following a conversion from Byrne.
35′: 10-24
Ireland’s Winger Mack Hansen continued to drive the score home with his side ploughing down Les Bleus’ defence at the 5 metres line, Craig Casey seeking his opportunity to set up a missed pass into the arms of Stuart Mccloskey who beautifully set up the Winger to score.
’40: 17-24
With Ireland dominating the lead and with half-time on the horizon, Azzurri’s PierreBruno was the next player to put one past the unsuspecting Shamrocks.
Delivering an outstanding interception of Ireland’s ball seconds before half-time, Bruno made a break from 65 metres and bolted to the Try line, outpacing Van Der Flier in the process, securing a nail-biting 17-24 score following Garbisi’s second conversion.
A momentous feat for the Azzurri that would later be followed in the second half with another penalty from Garbisi in the 55′ to close the gap against Ireland.
With Italy’s sights set on breaking a spout of bad luck having lost nine times in a row against Ireland, Aki’s denied Try in the 57′ was a welcome sigh of relief for the Azzurri side.
70′: 20-32
With a vision to arise victorious, Ireland’s Mack Hansen was next to score a Try on the shoulder of Connor Murray, with a conversion later followed by Byrne that would conclude the game’s end, resulting in a 20-32 victory to Ireland.
But while Italy suffered a loss, a newfound respect for the Azzurri permeated the stands as their playmaking at this year’s Championship went leaps and bounds beyond last year’s efforts that saw a substantial 57-6 loss against Ireland in the 2022 fixture.
Since the welcomed return of Wales’ ex-Head-Coach Warran Gatland, it’s safe to say the Dragons were determined to secure their first win against England under the management of their new coach last weekend.
However, whilst Wales showed excellent playmaking at certain points in the match, in particular within the second half, it wasn’t enough to prevent the onslaught from Borthwick‘s best…
Commanding the first 10 minutes of the match, England maintained exceptional control and possession of the ball against their rivals, however a moment of opportunity came from Wales’ Taulupe Faletau.
Hunting down Jack van Poortvlet‘s drop-kicked clearance, Faletau charged down the ball, but was beaten by England’s Freddie Steward within reach of the try line.
Minutes later, England sought to take the lead as Farrell followed through with an exceptional 45-meter penalty that came from Wales after not rolling away- a mistake that saw England secure a 3-point lead in the first 10 minutes of the match.
18‘: 0-8
With a newfound spring in their step, England’s attacking formation was later executed seamlessly, as cracks in Wales’ defence started to show.
Full-Back Anthony Watson was waiting on the wing as the Roses quickly moved the ball through their hands following an England Scrum 10 metres into Wales’ half.
It was Captain Farrell who sparked the beginning of their onslaught. Wales’ Scrum-Half Van Poortvliet failed a pass to Tomos Williams that ended up in the hands of Fly-Half Farrell.
With Malins flying to Farrell’s aid on the inside shoulder, a perfectly executed pass enabled an opportune moment for the Winger to bolt away in the midfield.
Now embarking on his opportunity to pass to Lawrence, Wales’ Mason Grady sought to stop the centre in his tracks, however England weren’t letting up and quickly regained possession.
A series of passes immediately followed, and a miss pass from Alex Dombrandt saw Watson touch down a try for his team- his first England start in almost two years.
Some of the finest playmaking from England at this year’s Six Nations!
21′: 3-8
With just under 60 minutes left, England continued to exhibit an impenetrable line of defence, however it wasn’t until the 21′ did we see Wales get placed on the board.
It was none other than Wales’ Halfpenny who secured 3 points for the team.
40′: 8-10
Whether a stroke of luck or a newfound confidence in feeling they could win against England, the Dragons soon relit their dwindling fire with the flawless interception of England’s ball from Louis Rees Zammit.
Regarded as one of the fastest players to grace the pitch at this year’s six nations, Reese Lightning’s athleticism was one England couldn’t quite match (or catch).
Having undergone recent injury complications following an ankle injury he suffered at Christmas, Zammit was a welcome reminder of Wales’ dedication to the sport, securing a 9th Try from Zammit since his injury complications.
As if that wasn’t enough to drive the dragon home, Halfpenny‘s conversion of the ball put Wales back on the map at half-time, resulting in an exceptional 8-10 lead to Wales.
44′: 15-10
Coming back in full force after the break, it was a battle of the giants as England crossed the 5-meter line inside Wales’ half.
Despite a strong line of defence from Wales, Sinckler landed the ball over the try line after bulldozing the dragons in a contest for the ball that saw England again placed in the lead.
Farrell converted soon after, now boasting a 5 point lead against their rivals.
74′
The struggle for Wales to enter England’s half ensued for the majority of the second half, but whilst successful in their attempts to apply pressure inside the Wales 22, England struggled to extend their lead.
With Farrell missing a second penalty and Ludlam missing a pivotal turnover just meters from the try line, it was none other than Henry Slade‘s astounding pass to Ollie Lawrence following a break in Wales’ defence at the try line that concluded the score.
France secured an electrifying win against Scotland on the weekend. Despite having broken their consecutive winning streak of 14 games for the first time in 18 months against Ireland in Round 2, it didn’t take long for France to get back on form.
Just 4 minutes into the match, France’s Fly-Half Romain Ntamack was ready to repeat history with his astonishing try, to cross the try line similarly as he did on his first Test start against the Scots in 2019.
A touchdown soon followed with a conversion by Ramos in the 5th, resulting in a 7 point lead for France.
🇫🇷🏴 Superbe début de match du #XVdeFrance qui marque dès les premières minutes 😍
With France dominating the first 5′, Scotland would soon see themselves at an even greater disadvantage as Grant Gilchrist‘s dangerous tackle to Anthony Jelonch saw the Lock receive a red card.
7′: 12-0
Now one man down and 7 points behind, it wasn’t long until Scotland faced their third tribulation.
Whoever said ‘bad things come in threes‘ might be onto something…
Following on from a magnificent long pass from Dupont, the white jerseys showed no signs of stopping as Ntamack received the wide ball to set up Dumortier’s second try within just 8 minutes.
Just look at how Dupont executes his bullet pass and earns the ‘Play of the Week‘:
Dupont taking advantage of a 14-man Scottish defence:
With 10 minutes on the clock, it wasn’t long until France saw their luck begin to change.
Mohamed Haouas‘s direct head contact with Ben White saw the Prop make history as the first-ever player to be sent off twice in the Six Nations Championship, the first time for punching Jamie Ritchie in the 2020 fixture.
The sides were again level, standing at 14 vs 14.
18′ 19-0
Now desperate to get onto the scoreboard, Scotland were ready to break into France’s half with what initially appeared to be a flawless attacking formation.
However, as the Six Nations Championship teaches us, nothing is set in stone…
France’s Full-Back Thomas Ramos poached the ball away from Russell with his stunning interception and made a break to clear the ball over the try line.
Now 17 points ahead, it wasn’t long before Ramos signed off with a conversion to add a further 2 points onto their score.
Ramos was soon back to clinch a penalty for his side following on from Matt Fagerson being off his feet at a ruck, which gave France the edge with an additional 3 points to conclude the half-time score at 22-7.
48′: 22-12
Standing at a considerable disadvantage, Scotland needed to be the first to score after half-time if they were to have any chance in closing the gap against Les Bleus.
Making their way toward the 5-metre line, Jones secured a further 3 points for his side despite Dupont‘s efforts to stop the onslaught, and in true Russell fashion, a second conversion was made for his side.
France were back again in the 57′ with an additional penalty from Ramos following on from Scotland going off their feet at a breakdown, earning an additional 3 points for their side.
67′: 25-21
Just 10 minutes later, Scotland again replied using the scrum to their advantage. A penalty was given, and Price set up Russell for a remarkable try.
A third conversion from Russell in the 68′ brought the scores to a nail-biting 25-21, a score that left Les Bleus quaking in their boots.
Determined to not lose for a second time at this year’s Six Nations, Fickou clinched it for France by making a break for the Try line as the Scots’ defences began to weaken and crack.
Ramos followed again for a third conversion to conclude the scores at 32-21 for full-time.
What a fantastic third round to take place at the Principality Stadium. Congratulations are in order for Ireland, England and France as they emerge victors of Round 3.
With Round 4 set to commence on the 11th of March, we can’t wait to see how the teams fare as they take to Twickenham.
For now, that’s it from us here at The Full 80. Let us know in the comments your opinion on the round. Perhaps you’ve got predictions on who will emerge victorious in Round 4? We’d love to hear from you!
In the meantime, why not check out our predictions for the outcome at this year’s championships here.
France sought to acquire their 15th consecutive win against Ireland last Saturday (11th Feb), having won against Italy in Round One. However, Ireland dashed the dream of Dupont & co with their outstanding 32-19 lead.
France kicked off to a fantastic start (quite literally) when Ireland’s Andrew Porter embarked on securing a turnover, while Taghg Beirne was lying on the ball, which resulted in a penalty for Les Bleus.
Thomas Ramos stepped up, a penalty was scored, and speculation began to circle the stands as to who would emerge victorious.
That was, until the 8th minute of the match…
Fullback Hugo Keenan fought back following an attacking line-out five metres from the try line. France showcased terrific athleticism and strength in holding their maul, however it was Finlay Bealham‘s inside pass that led to Keenan dashing to the try line.
Just look as he came out of nowhere in the 8th!
Ramos again sought to turn the tables with yet another successful penalty, following on from Peter O’Mahony diving on a loose ball.
The score was now 7-6 to Ireland, but nobody quite anticipated what would be up Les Bleus’ sleeve just minutes later.
Following on from a loose pass from James Ryan in the opposition’s 22, Ramos brushed the ball to Penaud before offloading to Third Row Anthony Jelonch in a display of sharp wit under the pressure of the approaching Ireland forwards. Receiving the ball in a returned pass, Penaud dashed to the try line to secure a sensational try for his side.
With a conversion soon after from Ramos, France were set to dominate their rivals, leaving them 13-7 up.
But in true Ireland fashion and with the luck of the shamrock on their side, Ireland soon responded.
Winger James Lowe brought it back for his side in the 20′, with Garry Ringrose setting up a wide ball to see Lowe dive into the corner as if his life depended on it.
Ireland soon had the advantage , with the addition of an extra man following on from France’s Uini Atonio becoming sin-binned for his high tackle on Rob Herring in the 23.
Andrew Porter made the most of this advantage and rushed over the try line.
Again, France responded, with Ramos securing another try for Les Bleus.
Hansen was next, with his sights set on securing another 3 points for Ireland that looked certain until Dupont held down his side and exhibited bull-like strength in keeping the Winger at bay.
Despite their valiant efforts, all seemed futile when Les Bleus lost possession of the ball following a line-out just one minute later, which led to Sexton securing a penalty as a result of Conor Murray having knocked on in securing yet another try for the shamrocks.
France fought back with a newfound determination, with a close try from Penaud and Dumortier slipping to the left side to deliver a chip kick that was collected by Ireland’s Ringrose.
Lowe was next with a 50:22 following a lack of communication from Les Blues’ Backs that led to Byrne securing 3 points to bring the teams to 25-16.
France’s frustration was becoming apparent.
Ramos again came back to gain a drop goal for his side- the first score for France in the second half with just 20 minutes left on the clock.
Ireland again responded with just 9 minutes on the clock, Doris creating a fantastic offload to Ringrose with Les Bleus hot on his trail.
Scotland made history on the weekend to earn their biggest-ever victory yet over Wales, ending in a landslide 35-7 win for the Scots. A momentous feat that even surpassed their 35-10 win in 1924, breaking the record just in time before the 100th anniversary of the match.
Let’s also not forget how Scotland won their opening two Championship matches for the first time since 1996 after defeating England 23-29 in Round 1…
Anyway, on to the game!
It was George Turner‘s try in the first half of the match which kickstarted the game for the Scots, with a sensational try in the 29th.
Captain Ken Owens soon fought back to showcase the fury of the dragons in the 33‘ to leave the half-time score up in the air with a 13-7 lead to Scotland- a score that could be turned around with stalwart dedication.
That is, at least what many fans of Wales had hoped for, especially considering the Dragons’ 20-17 lead over Scotland last year…
But despite every effort to emerge victorious, not even the return of Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland has been enough to bring the dragons back on form.
As the second half of the match commenced, Francois Steyn obtained two tries for the Scots within just 7 minutes, expertly executed by rugby sensation Finn Russell and his phenomenal passing game.
Just look at how he sets up Steyn:
Blair Kinghorn was next, widening the gap to seal the victory for the Scots with a bonus point with just 9 minutes left on the clock- a feat made possible by Edinburgh’s van der Merwe who was awarded the Try of the Round in Round 1.
But while victory was almost certain, Scotland weren’t going to let up and made the most of their opportunity to secure a landslide victory with an assist, again from Russell, that saw Matt Fagerson deliver a try.
The 80 minutes were up, and while Scotland secured a remarkable win, credit must be given to Russell and his dedication to set up three of the five tries for his side- a crucial component to the Townsend team.
Scotland even saw themselves walk away with the notorious Doddie Weir Cup – a rugby union trophy named after the late Scotland International Lock, Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2016.
A fantastic moment to celebrate the life of the player while also raising awareness for the condition!
Their Second Round, their first victory- the Red Roses ascend above the Azzurri in a dazzling display of dedication.
England secured Steve Borthwick his first win since being appointed head coach for his team, and while their match against Scotland resulted in a disappointing blow in round 1, England was back with the familiar fire and tenacity we’d so sorely missed.
Italy showed prowess, with a vast improvement in their performance compared with last year’s Championships that saw the Azzurri receive a brutal 0-33 loss against England.
For the half of the match, England appeared to dominate, with Back Row Jack Willis securing a Try in the 12‘ as a result of Italy’s inability to hold up against an England Maul, which led to Owen Farrell converting to bring England 7-0 up within 14 minutes.
It wasn’t long until England went in again for their second in the 27′-Back Row Ollie Chessum securing his first international try following a sensational set-up from Prop Ellis Genge.
Captain Farrell again emerged with a conversion that catapulted the Red Roses into the lead with a score of 14-0 within 30 minutes of the match.
Just 5 minutes later, England had acquired their third try, or at least, that’s what they thought…
Winger Max Mallins made a break for it- weaving through the Azzurri’s defence to send the ball to Scrum-Half Jack van Poortvliet who ran under the goal- a try denied moments later following an obstruction from Ollie Lawrence to Maneul Zuliani.
A trying shame as Max Mallins‘ playmaking was set to be sensational:
But in true Six Nations fashion, it wasn’t long until England were back.
Despite being denied a try, it was their second chance at a line-out that saw them try to regain what had been lost, dragging Italy across the line, it was Jamie George who stepped up to cement the third try for the team.
Half-time was up and England dominated the scene in the first half to bring the score to 19-0 to England.
However, it wasn’t long after the break in the 43′ did we see the Azzurri fight back- Prop Riccioni securing their first try to bring the scores to 19-5.
A second attempt to close the gap came from Alessandro Fusco as he squeezed through Mako Vunipola and Dan Cole following Tomasso Menoncello‘s breakout.
With just 12 points being all that stood between the Roses and the Azzurri, England came back again with another sensational try set up by Mitchell and executed by Arundell to bounce back from their defeat against Scotland in Round 1.
The Red Roses have returned, at last!
With the Six Nations set to commence for a third round this coming weekend, we can’t wait to see as the nations battle it out to become victorious.
Let us know in the comments your predictions for Round 3 of the Six Nations Championship to be in with a chance to win a £250 voucher to spend at Lovell-rugby.co.uk. We will be selecting the winner in the coming weeks, so be sure to stay posted at The Full 80.
Competition closes Friday 24/02/23 – 23.59.
In the meantime why not check out our predictions for the Six Nations Championship.
But whilst the reigning Grand Slam Champions walked away with their 14th consecutive Test Match win, respect must go to previous Wooden Spoon holders-Italy.
Having succumbed to a considerable loss of 37-10 against Les Bleus in last year’s Six Nations , there was an unspoken feeling amongst fans- that Italy was to fall short ofFrance by some considerable margin.
At least, that was our prediction…
Having lost toFrance 9 times since their last win against France in 2013, the first half of the match evoked a familiar feeling of de ja vu of past tournaments as Les Bleus‘ dominated the Azzurri side.
Second Row ForwardThibaud Flament was the first to score, snatching the ball off the unsuspecting Scrum Half, Italy’s Stephen Varney in the 4th minute (a penalty Ramos soon converted to leave France 7-0 up).
Italy hit back in the 13′ with Fly HalfTommaso Allan securing a penalty following Uini Antoni‘s failed release of the ball in what can be considered a jackler attempt that put the Azzurri on the board, bringing the scores to 7-3.
Les Bleus followed up with Full Back Thomas Ramos‘s try in the 18’, but it wasn’t long before Allan contributed to providing a second penalty for Italy at 23 minutes as France was caught offside.
Things were looking up for the Azzurri, despite having only scored penalties against their rivals, it was clear Les Bleus weren’t at their best, with disputes of discipline circulating the stands.
However, it wasn’t long before Les Bleus were back on form. None other than debut Winger Ethan Dumortier touched down a further try in the 27′ thanks to an astonishing kick-pass from Roman Ntamack following on from Gregory Alldritt‘s possession of the ball at the 22-metre line.
Just look at Ntamack‘s casual response to his phenomenal set-up for Demortier.
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 5, 2023
France were dominating the field, but nobody quite anticipated what would happen next…
It was Italy‘s prodigy Ange Capuozzo who raced past the opposition in the ’31 to acquire an electrifying try to bring the team up 11-19 ( a score set to increase again within minutes).
Now brimming with determination, Italy’s Fly Half, Tomaso Allan made a third effort to obtain points for the team and left Italy tightening the gap, with just 5 points being all that stood between a win over Les Bleus.
France were in their sights, and as the second half commenced, Italy were proving to be the underdog…
A welcomed penalty in the second half had rival France quaking in their boots as Flanker Charles Ollivon received a yellow card in the ’52 for collapsing on the ball during a maul that formed from Italy’s attempt to drive the ball over the line.
A single point was all that stood between them and the Rome visitors.
With the teams showcasing equal determination in wishing to emerge as victors of their first round, Italy’s Tommaso Allan‘s penalty became the biggest concern for Les Blues.
It was here Italy were ahead of their unsuspecting rivals with just 18 minutes left on the clock- A nail-biting turnaround against the former Six Nations Champions.
But having showcased vast improvement in their playmaking in having beaten Australia and Wales last year- Italy were ready to give it their all.
In what was now a deadlocked game of back and forth in a desperate attempt to retain their reputation, France’s replacement Matthieu Jailbert stepped up to the mark to redeem Les Bleus and edge them closer towards winning just 5 minutes later.
A dazzling display of athleticism and tact from the French Fly Half!
With just 13 minutes remaining, Italy continued to fight back, placing an overwhelming amount of pressure on Les Bleus, but despite valiant efforts from the Azzurri, it was clear France weren’t ready to lose their winning streak just yet.
Time was called, and France was declared victorious.
Reflecting on the Game
Commenting on the game, French Winger, Ethan Dumortier stated:
“It’s not the Italy we knew in the Five Nations, or earlier in the Six Nations”
We couldn’t agree more! Italy are an entirely new breed as far as we’re concerned and it’s safe to say that if last year’s Wooden Spoon holders are able to put former Six Nations champs under as much pressure as they have, then we’re in for a treat.
Captain Antoine Dupont reflected on France’s playing:
“There were some positives today because we won and also got the bonus point, but the performance was not good. Our behaviour was sanctioned, we got a yellow card and made fouls when we were not in danger.”
Having conceded a total of 18 penalties, 7 alone during ruck-time, Les Bleus allowed Italy to dominate their territory repeatedly.
Now set to play England next in Round 2, could Italy again be set to shake up the score? Whilst their 0-33 defeat of last year leaves little to suggest they will emerge victorious, could a repeated determination shown in their playmaking against France be a premonition for change? It’s looking likely!
What are your predictions on the outcome of the Six Nations? Were you impressed by Italy? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
Starting strong and dominating the first half with an electrifying display of athleticism,Ireland took the lead to secure two tries through Back Row Caelan Doris crossing the whitewash (2 minutes in) and Lock James Ryan inside the first 10 minutes.
Wales’ Rio Dyer made a cracking effort to pull a try back for Wales in the 12th, but Ireland‘s Hugo Keenan won the foot race after the Wales Winger kicked the ball over the try line.
A frustrating start for Wales…
However, it wasn’t long until a bittersweet glimmer of hope appeared when Fly Half Dan Biggar and Ireland’s Johnny Sexton traded penalty kicks, to situate the dragons on the scoreboard for the first time in the 14th minute of the game leaving the Shamrocks 11 points up at 3-14.
The onslaught again continued as James Lowe secured a third try for Ireland after intercepting a pass from unwary Wales.
Just look at how the Winger clinched the ball away from Wales to bring the score to 3-22 to Ireland:
Laudable leg work from Lowe!
Things were looking bleak for Wales now as Sexton later followed with a second penalty kick to give Ireland a considerable 27-3 lead at halftime due to Wales’ compromised lineout that saw Ireland kick the ball out of play.
But whilst Wales edged toward a landslide defeat, it was in the second half of the match that the dragons sought to recoup their losses with Liam Williams securing an astounding try for his side within just 2 minutes of the game’s restart.
Look at how he effortlessly slides into the try zone:
Following on from an excellent flat pass from Biggar that almost saw Josh Adams take to the try line before losing possession of the ball, the ball was pulled back for a penalty after a late high tackle on Wales’ Fly Half to make a rare visit into Ireland’s 22!
None other than Williams soon bolted over the whitewash unchallenged.
The crowds roared as Wales made it to the five-metre line shortly after the restart, but unsuspecting Wales found the ball held up over the try line and referee Karl Dickson called for a line out, with Ireland later clearing the ball.
Adopting newfound determination, Wales continued to press against Ireland’s defences, but fell short by failing to convert any opportunities, resulting in a feeling of mutual frustration between players and fans alike at Ireland’s seemingly unbreakable line of defence.
Further disappointment came from previous try-scorer, Liam Williams, as he collided with Ireland’s Sexton in a high tackle that saw the Fullback sin-binned and appointed a yellow card toward the final quarter of the game for the illegal tackle.
SIN BIN!
Liam Williams has been shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Johnny Sexton 🟨
15 minutes were now all that stood between the two sides, with a 17-point advantage giving Ireland the luck of the shamrock.
Whilst Wales tried to obtain ground, the dragons struggled desperately to defend inside their 22 for the majority of the final quarter until one player in particular slipped through their defences…
It was none other than Ireland’s Flanker and World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier who exhibited relentless dedication to the game with his conversion of fly-half Ross Byrne’s ball in the final 8 minutes.
Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell reflected on Ireland’s win:
“We’re delighted to get off to a good start. As we all know, it’s a tough place to start a campaign. The pleasing thing is we could have used lots of things as an excuse in the past 12 days, but our preparation has been top drawer. It’s a tough place to come historically.
“If you could give us a bonus point win here, we’d snatch your hand off. But the best thing is there’s plenty more to do and fix.
“They played pretty expansively to be fair to them. Our scramble defence was good. We kept playing to the end and could have had one or two more.”
As Round Two of the Six Nations Championship is soon set to commence, will Ireland’s resounding victory be but a glimpse into what’s to come as they take on former victors France on the weekend?
Time will tell…
As for Wales, will their match against Ireland be the shake-up they need to take on Scotland in Round 2 after their sensational 23-29 win over England?
We can’t wait to find out!
That’s all from us for now at the Full 80. Let us know in the comments how you felt about the match, we’d love to hear from you!
As Marcus Smith kicked off the game against Scotland,England showed glimpses of a newfound identity and tenacity against their old rivals with a more uniform attacking strategy than in previous years.
However, it must be said that England faltered in the first half, with two tries by Scotland taking place in the first quarter, following on from England’s distracted dedication to chasing down the Scot’s most prolific player- Finn Russell.
The first came in the form of a clearance kick in the 10th minute of the game, where England Captain Owen Farrell took it upon himself to throw off the Scottish Fly Half with a strong tackle.
Minutes later, Farrell again made it his mission to hunt down the playmaker, resulting in a crucial line break for Scotland.
Just look as all eyes of the England squad are fixed on Russell‘s movements that resulted in Van der Merwe making a break for it:
A crucial mistake that opened up a window of opportunity, and one that would see Gregor Townsend‘s side charge into the lead in the 14′ thanks to Huw Jones‘s relentless dedication to secure a hat trick of wins against unsuspecting England.
A fantastic display of determination from Scotland’s Centre!
While England did their best to hold their own, it wasn’t until the 23rd minute England put one past their rivals after several attempts to knock down down Scotland’s seemingly impenetrable line of defence.
It was none other than England’s Marcus Smith who sought to turn the tables with an astonishing through kick caught in the try zone by Max Malins to bring the teams to 5-7 in favour of Scotland.
The return of WingerMalins was a welcome addition to the team, with the Saracens sensation scoring twice in the game, a second following a try from Smith‘s cross-field kick. (More on this later)
In a battle of the greats, none other than Scotland’s WingerDuhan van der Merwe came to Scotland’s rescue to pull it back for the team.
In what many would regard as some of the finest playmaking to be showcased in years, the Scotland Winger knocked down and weaved through England Defenders Joe Marchant and Ollie Chessum, followed by a sidestepping of Freddie Steward and the fending off of Alex Dombrandt.
A “Mic Drop Moment” as branded by ITV commentators, with the player securing a try from a substantial 58 metres that led Scotland to a 5-12 advantage after 29 minutes, taking on five tacklers from the halfway line.
England later bounced back in the 37′ thanks to Saracen‘s Max Malins securing a second try for the team just before the halftime cut-off.
Owen Farrell later missed out on the opportunity for a conversion, but kicked a penalty a few minutes after Malins‘ try to bring England up to 13-12 before halftime.
After the Break
Upon returning after the break with a newfound sense of accomplishment in turning the game around, Prop Ellis Genge made a break to the try line against Scotland’s line of defence to cement a terrific try in the ’47 , placing England 6 points ahead bringing the scores to 18-12.
But whilst England were looking to dominate their rivals, it was Scotland’s Ben Kent who clawed it back for his side with a sensational try thanks to England’s inaccuracy in the ’50.
It was from here Scotland wasn’t letting up. Finn Russell scored a penalty to bring the score 23-22 to England- a nail-biting score that could have gone in either direction.
But as far as van der Merwe was concerned, the Scots weren’t going to let up that easily, and Merwe again showed relentless force and precision in clawing to the try line in an impressive feat against England with 6 minutes left on the lock.
Look at how he claws more than just the ball to the try line…
Some of the best playmaking from Scotland in years. A moment which saw the Winger justly earn the award of Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match.
Russell later followed up with a conversion in the 75′ to bring the scores to 23-29 in favour of the Scots.
Before long, the whistle blew, the 80 minutes were up and Scotland clinched their hat-trick victory to retain the Calcutta Cup– ‘an instant classic’ as branded by Guinness Six Nations hosts.
In reviewing what did and didn’t go well, Owen Farrell and Gregor Townsend both had plenty to say about the match:
Owen Farrell
“I think we started 11 days ago and there has been massive improvement, it feels like, over those 11 days – and we were trying to get that onto the field today.
“I thought we did it in large parts. There’s some stuff we need to look at and obviously we need to get better at, but we can look at that tomorrow and the day after.
A fair comment from Farrell.
After all, England has proven themselves to be a worthy contender thus far, but a more refined strategy could be just what’s needed to see them emerge victorious against their upcoming rival Italyon Sunday.
Gregor Townsend
Townsend remarked:
“That’s some result for us! To do it in the last five, 10 minutes was the most emotional game in the coaching box!
“I don’t think the players get as emotional as we do when you hang onto win and score a really good try to go ahead. It was much better second half from us and a brilliant win.”
We couldn’t agree more!
Whilst Scotland were letting up in the first round, a swift return of Merwe and Russell was enough to see Scotland uphold their hat-trick streak for the Calcutta Cup.
As the Six Nations kicks off again for a second round this coming weekend, will Scotland show the same skill against Wales? We can’t wait to find out!
Pitches must pass approval by leading rugby governing bodies. In England, the RFU and RPA oversee the approval process, assessing a surface’s suitability and impact on player welfare.
Ever since RFU approved the use of artificial ground types in professional rugby, debate has subtly raged across the community over its suitability. Players, pundits, and fans are locked in dispute when weighing up the pros and cons of playing on 3G turfs.
The Pros and Cons
So, let’s break it down objectively. They’re proven to be durable year-roundfor multi-use (rugby, football, entertainment events, etc.), as well as being low maintenance for groundskeepers.
On the other hand, 3G pitches are expensive to install. Moreover, they throw up injury concerns – specifically, friction burns and impact damage. As outlined by many pros, the common carpet-like burns that chew up flesh poses legitimate cause for concern.
Internal damage to muscles and ligaments is thought to be more common on firm artificial pitches with less give. Not ideal for excessive side-steppers.
Luke Edwards, Development Manager at SIS Pitches, told Rugby World in 2019
“the surface will perform consistently throughout the entire season; traction, shock absorption and head impact criterion will be the same all year, whatever the weather.”
Seems like an obvious stance from a business perspective.
His view is valid – 3G pitches have been proven to provide consistent usability whatever the weather and are low maintenance. Proponents argue the financial benefits of providing clubs and communities with pitches with more year-round availability due to their ability to withstand the elements and drainage systems.
But many professional players strongly disapprove of 3G regardless. Chiefs, England, and Lions winger Jack Nowell claims 4G pitches are “horrendous”.
Speaking on RugbyPass’ Offload podcast, he outlined personal struggles with patellar tendonitis in his youth, as well as feeling sore during midweek training sessions following weekend matches due to the turf’s firmness.
But it’s the abrasive element causing the most concern. Players regularly vent their frustration with artificial grounds on social media and share images of their injuries.
Candid loosehead Joe Marler concurs; he tweeted a simple statement last year: “Ban 4G pitches”.
Nowell and his teammate Henry Slade shared their support, while ex-Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies claimed her son’s knees were being torn to bits as a result of playing on artificial surfaces.
Does it affect gameplay style?
Data gathered from 288 top-flight games over the 2017/18 season by StatsPerform suggests a marginal tendency for players to keep the ball away from contact during matches played on five artificial pitches.
Some say synthetic pitches produce a quicker brand of rugby. We’re inclined to agree, purely based on a logical assumption that shorter-bladed plastic turf allows players to run faster. Think of 3G as an athletics track when compared to the average natural grass pitch.
Maybe there’s a mediator in the madness. Cue the ‘hybrid’ pitch as a compromising contender. Made of 60% natural grass and 40% synthetic blades, these pitches make for an ideal middle ground, offering organic feel with ultimate durability.
Nowell concedes hybrid pitches are ideal.
“If you put a grass or Desso [hybrid turf brand] pitch next to a 4G one, you’re choosing Desso all day.”
Currently, rugby governing bodies only recognise hybrid and 3G pitches (with rubber crumb infill) as suitable for the three rugby codes.
Pitches branded as 4G are known as such purely for marketing purposes. They differ from 3G as they lack infill and are yet to be approved by governing bodies. That makes Marler’s tweet technically inaccurate – he’d play on 3G pitches. (Not that we’d be so pedantic and correct him on it to his face.)
Although the playing properties are rigorously tested by the RFU for safety and performance measures, opinions remain divided.
Replicating perfect natural grass is the goal. And to be fair, synthetic turf technology has come a long way in a short timeframe.
Now well into its third generation (hence the term ‘3G’), manufacturers are continuously developing innovative solutions to improve pitch performance and player safety.
With enough lobbying from those inside the industry with support from public campaigning, it’s feasible artificial turfs could be outlawed – at least in the professional game.
A complete 3G ban for rugby is highly unlikely, however. Companies and communities around the world have heavily invested in the turf revolution and the infrastructure is customary now. Plus, it would be a difficult PR move for governing bodies to reverse their approval stance.
As players, it looks as though we’ll just have to lump it, and deal with the grazes and strains for the foreseeable future. In October 2021, World Rugby announced that wearing tights or leggings will be permitted for match use, to the dismay of old-fashioned rugby purists.
When playing on artificial grass, you should make sure to mitigate injuries with the right gear. Choose from our range of Firm Ground boots and Compression Base Layersto protect your skin from that pesky rubber crumb.
Not to mention, rugby was born when a whimsical William Webb Ellis infamously picked up the ball and carried it during a football match in 1823.
Possession and positioning are paramount
Contemporary rugby union consists of comprehensive athleticism and skill. Technique is everything when putting ball to boot.
Around the turn of the millennium, kicking became more of an integral component due to advances in ball and boot development. Playing surfaces have also played a part in upping the game speed too, with improved natural and synthetic pitches.
Kicking phases can sometimes resemble a giant game of kick tennis – to the disapproval of some rugby purists who aren’t big on aimless kicks. Extensively trading kicks, from opposing 22-metre zones. Affording the opposite team cheap possession should be swerved at all costs.
Simply put, we love to see big carries as spectators; heavy hits and players breaking the defensive line because these components characterise rugby’s entertaining essence. But when you’re competing to win, tactics take precedent.
It’s generally considered New Zealand’sAll Blacksare the greatest team to ever grace the game. Capable of magnificent, comprehensive rugby at the highest level in sweltering sun or in a snowstorm, they’re always a spectacle to behold. And notorious for big hits and handling flair down the years (think Lomu, McCaw, Sonny Bill). Each squads’ been rightfully feared for their imperious running game.
But the Kiwis gradually implemented kicking as the foundation for their domination from the mid-noughties, mostly via Dan Carter’s right boot.
They like to play the territory card by kicking and forcing their opponents into mistakes or poor return kicks. This way, they’re able to pounce on broken defensive lines and exploit any gaps opened up as a result of the initial attacking kick.
All kicks are not created equal…
Place kicks off the tee are straight-forward enough – nudge the ball through the posts to convert tries and penalties. Easier said than done for the sub-par kickers out there.
Kicks in open play come in a variety of shapes and purposes. Let’s run through them then, beginning with the end-over-end. The most basic one, backspin, is generated by kicking the bottom of the ball, so it flies straight, making it the go-to technique for accuracy. For finding touch from medium distances, it’s the most effective.
Alternatively, players can employ the torpedo. Living up to its name, the ‘spiral’, as its also known, is used for finding touch or clearing lines. Wonderful when executed properly with a heightened slice risk, the spiral kick is a rarity in rugby these days and considered the hardest kick. A booming torpedo is always a welcome sight in a match, yet it’s becoming a lost art. Fewer players are able to pull them off.
The grubber is a winner with fans and is fairly easy to do. Kicking the top of the ball horizontally into the ground causes it to pop up in the air at will for pursuing runners to gather. Using the unpredictable nature of the ball’s bounce is a top tactic, especially in tricky playing conditions. We’ll be amazed if you haven’t already marveled over Finn Russell’s outrageous nutmeg try. With his weaker left foot too. Filthy.
Those who back themselves with the ball at their feet enjoy a fly-hack from time to time, playing the ball while it’s on the deck. Admittedly a lot harder with an egg-shaped ball, it’s generally never coached but can be a nightmare for defenders due to the element of surprise. Beuden Barrett is a master footballer on the rugby field.
Then there’s the winger’s special, the chip and chase. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, quick players knock the ball slightly over an oncoming defender to regather.
When and why kick the ball?
Kicking is almost always from the backline, particularly the two half-backs. Number tens and full-backs tend to take command of kicking for touch, place kicking off a tee and drop kicks.
Space in which nines have to operate is limited. Box-kicking scrum-halves relieve pressure on themselves (and their team, if they’re under the kosh) while simultaneously providing an opportunity to contest a high ball further up the field to begin another attacking phase.
A perfectly executed cross-field kick is a thing of beauty. They save the hassle of going through the hands when a quick ball is needed in an opposite corner.
For teams under pressure near their own try line, hoofing the ball clear is always a welcome relief and usually the safest exit strategy. Trying to run the ball from your own 5-metre is high risk and could lead to a perilous turnover.
Game styles: running, passing, kicking
Teams’ playing styles vary based on squad attributes and preferences over any of these three facets of the sport.
Of course, every team has to carry the ball – running and passing it. Some teams prefer to stick to the ball-in-hand philosophy as much as possible, relegating the reliance on kicking. Nations like Samoa and Fiji famously play fast, free-flowing rugby. The play style preference in this part of the world leans toward running and is heavily centered around offloads.
By contrast, let’s take Saracens as a case study. During the 2014/15 Premiership season, they averaged 20.9 kicks per match – considerably more than any other team and dominated the season as champions. With such superior kickers in the squad, they were bound to excel, but the stat principally highlights the value of frequent and precise kicking.
Rounding off
Neither game style should overpower another in a match – kicking is meant to enhance it. The magic of rugby is striking a synergy between good hands, pace and kicks.
The effectiveness of kicking depends on good vision and the ability to execute perfectly placed pings around the pitch. It also demands tactical awareness and willing runners. You’ll see all the best kickers have an important component in common – their boots.
Ultimately, the kicking game serves as a means to dictate gameplay. But a match’s narrative is always fluid, and the style of rugby changes accordingly. With solid kick-chasing and first phase pack play, teams establish advantageous positions up the pitch from a simple swing of a boot.
Their quality and value for money have always been top-class, not to mention the Kiwi brand is just about the most credible in the rugby business. But the elite professionals of the game have always tended to wear boots from other brands, the sportswear giants, presumably because they’re able to offer more lucrative deals to players.
But Canterbury has turned a big corner with the release of their first premium boot – the Phoenix Genesis Elite.
It’d be fascinating to see how the three English blokes who’d settled in New Zealand and established the brand in 1904 would react to the new flagship boot, packed with 21st-century tech.
The company has come a long way since the early days of designing and manufacturing basic lifestyle garments, to outfitting the New Zealand and Australian militaries throughout the First World War.
For 75 years, they supplied their home nation, the All Blacks, with their famous kits. It’s safe to say they’ve forged a dominant path in the market and are the real OG of rugby retailers.
Synthesized for Strength
Crafted from ultra-hard-wearing materials that can withstand the rigours of modern rugby, the new premium silo complements any player’s game, regardless of their position or attributes.
It’s a hybrid silo striking a perfect middle-ground between a back’s and forward’s boot. The forefoot combines supple premium leather with a knitted upper reinforced with Vaposkin – a fancy and tough new textile. What sets the Phoneix Gen apart is the all-new lightweight 6-studded outsole which uses biobased, Pebax® Powered composite materials for ultimate flex, traction and responsiveness.
Take your pick from two suave colourways- all black or blue and black uppers. Straddling the bluish-grey outsole on both pairs is a lava red-speckled component called FLIGHTBEAM, inspired by a bird’s wishbone.
Developing the Phoenix Genesis
They’re the ideal wheel of choice for a world-class back-row. So, it should come as no surprise that brand ambassador and Welsh international flanker Justin Tipuric had a part to play in developing the boot.
Sharing his thoughts on the Phoenix boot, the British and Irish Lion said:
“I know just how important it is to have boots that enhance your game and don’t hold you back, which is why I’ve worked closely with Canterbury to help create a boot that I would wear on pitch myself so that players of all levels can have confidence in their boots in every situation.”
“I’ve worked closely with Canterbury to help create a boot that I would wear on pitch myself”.
Justin Tipuric on the Canterbury Phoenix Genesis Elite
The Osprey openside has endured plenty of time away from the pitch, having been sidelined for over a year after his seemingly innocuous shoulder injury against Japan at Murrayfield in June 2021. What turned out to be a shattered scapula (the type unheard of before in rugby) meant some of Tipuric’s time could be spent investing his considerable expertise with Canterbury on what makes a good rugby boot.
And he wasn’t the only cog in the wheel. Active and ex-players and professionals across the rugby pyramid pitched in with extensive, rigorous testing to contribute toward Canterbury’s efforts in creating the Phoenix Genesis Elite.
Together as a team, they’ve gone beyond making a ‘good rugby boot’. They’ve been making those for decades. Now, Canterbury can proudly claim they make the best all-around rugby boot money can buy.
Expect Tipuric to take to the field on his long-awaited return next season wearing his new Phoenix Genesis Elite.
Unsure if the Phoenix Genesis Elite is the right boot for you? We discuss the process behind ensuring you select the right boot for your playing style every time. Read Now.
The 2023 Six Nations Championship has arrived. Here at The Full 80 we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of key players set to break out in the coming weeks.
So, fellow rugby enthusiasts, keep your eyes peeled, you won’t want to miss this!
Standing tall at 6ft 4, the 24-year-old London Irish Winger has been cooking up quite the storm since his first call-up to the senior squad by ex-England coach, Eddie Jones back in June 2021.
Used often in the majority of attacking set-ups, the young rugby prodigy has evidenced clear signs of improvement following his involvement in the Gallagher Premiership this season.
With a record of 8 tries (the joint third-highest Try scorer in the Premiership this season) and a total distance of 697m travelled with the ball (the fourth highest for recorded meters in the Premiership), Hassell-Collins is shaping up to be a serious contender in helping to lead England to victory.
Just look at his sensational solo try scored from inside his own half against Leicester Tigers back in November ’22:
In reflecting on upcoming England star’s performance on the pitch, England Coach, Steve Borthwick comments on the player:
“He’s a big, powerful winger”
“He runs fast, over 10 metres per second, and has a really good left foot. He’s very tall, he’s great in the air and he defends well- but his absolute super-strength is ball in hand. When he runs he has the ability to take them on the outside and then cut inside. He can go both ways and I think that’s a great strength’
Borthwick on Hassell-Collins
A tremendous sentiment to one of the most exciting player’s set to break out this season!
At number two, we’ve got Ireland’s 22-year-old, 6ft4Cian Prendergast.
Named the ‘Development Player‘ in last year’s Six Nations Championship, the Irish player is set to showcase his skills to the world for a second time at the Six Nations this year.
Most commonly used as a Flanker, but also more than capable of sitting in at a number 9, the Irish player is known for his ability to utilize the wider channels to help carry his team forward.
Bringing more than just muscle, Owen Farrell recently awarded the player his first cap against Fiji back in November after featuring as a second-half replacement in Ireland’s 35-17 win over Fiji.
Having signed a contract with Connacht to play in the third row for the next three seasons, and now called up to showcase his potential in his second Six Nations Championship, all eyes will be on Prendergast’s potential to bring it home for Ireland.
Besides, if club Captain Jarrad Butler‘s reflection on the player’s performance continues to ring true, then Prendergast could be just what Ireland needs to secure themselves as victors:
“On the field Cian is reliable and nails his detail, but his X-Factor, in my opinion, is his will to do whatever he can to help the team win. He will do the dog work for 80 minutes with a smile on his face if that’s what’s needed”
Just look at the dedication he displayed against rival Benetton last year:
A brilliant try from Cian Prendergast for Connacht in their vital win away to Benetton.
Standing at 6ft 2, France’s 22-year-old Jordan Joseph will certainly be one to watch in the coming weeks…
Having shown immense potential since France‘s prodigy won a World Rugby Under-20s title at just the age of 17, Joseph could be in the running to receive his first cap from the bench after being called up to play in France’s back row.
Currently on loan at Pau from Racing ’92, there are talks from Midi Olympique that Joseph could be set to sign a permanent contract with Pau – an outcome highly probable when considering his current contract is set to expire by the end of the next season.
Occupying the position of Number 8 (Third-row Forward), Joseph has recently shown his unwavering potential in previous games. In particular, the Top 14 match between Pau and La Rochelle last October that saw the Forward score a key try for the team, resulting in a phenomenal 38-21 win Away to La Rochelle.
With the Six Nations Championship soon set to commence, could Jordan Joseph be France’s beacon of hope?
One thing’s for sure, you can expect the number 8 to become one of the key attractions on the transfer market in the coming weeks.
Front Row sensation, Luca Rizzoli is a serious contender in becoming one of the many players set to showcase to the world their true potential and break out at the Six Nations this year.
Born in 2002, the Rome-born player stands at 5ft 10 and is known amongst players and fans to be the standout name among uncapped Rugby stars.
Known best for being in the Front Row for Zebre Parma following his signing to the team in May 2022 ahead of the United Rugby Championship, the Italian sensation is one of three uncapped front-row options included in the squad this year.
Regarded as the “go-to” ball carrier for Italy, the 20-year-old exhibited unrivalled dedication to the sport during the Under 20s Six Nations Summer series last year as Italy finished third on home ground.
Brushing off anyone and everyone in his path, it came as no surprise that the star was rewarded for his age-group exploits for his club debut in the United Rugby Championship this season.
Just look at his performance in securing a 50:22 against Munster:
The player with Rugby in his DNA – 20 year old Welsh Centre, Joe Hawkins.
Plucked from the same family tree as the ex Scrum Half for Swansea, Dan Hawkins, alongside ex Centre player for Aberavon, David Hawkins, it comes as no surprise that the Welsh centre shares the shame passion and dedication to the game.
Beginning his career in Potardawe RFC as a youth player before advancing to Ospreys Academy in 2019, Hawkins has since made quite the name for himself since his inception into the rugby world.
Named Captain for the 2022 U20 Summer Series, the Welsh Dragon demonstrated unrivalled dedication to his team in converting a late penalty from 45 metres in the final 5 minutes of the game against Italy that secured his side a phenomenal win of 23-20 to Wales, taking his team to the final against South Africa.
Not only this, but the player has since also shown great sportsmanship and comradery with his fellow dragons.
Check out his inspirational speech to his team from July 6th 2022 after securing a phenomenal win against Italy in the Summer Series:
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 6, 2022
True leadership if we ever saw it!
Since showcasing his sheer talent to the world for the U20s, Hawkins made his international debut for Wales back in November 2022, where he started against Australia as an Inside Centre.
In reviewing predictions on how Hawkins will fare in the future, will the Six Nations be a success for the player?
Osprey’s Coach, Toby Booth thinks it likely however reflects:
“It’ll be how we manage him. I don’t mean in minutes, but in relation to giving him enough challenge, enough support and enough recovery because he’s a special talent, for sure”
We can’t wait to see if Booth’s training pays off!
Last, but certainly not least, we have Scotland’s Full Back – Ollie Smith.
First showcasing his rugby prowess in joining the Glasgow Warriors as a Stage 3 Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy player in 2018, Smith has since come a long way to secure his stardom and is one to watch as the Six Nations go underway.
In 2021 Smith first made his Glasgow Warriors debut against Edinburgh, and has since made 25 appearances for the team, 19 starts and secured 30 points , 6 of which have been tries for the team. An impressive feat!
Fast forward to 2023 and Smith has since bolstered in the ranks. Not only did the full-back receive his first Scotland call-up in the 2022 Six Nations Championship, but he was also capped by Scotland A later in the year on their Summer tour against Chile.
Not only this, but Smith also went on to secure his first international cap for Scotland in the 3rd test match against Argentina on 16th July 2022, and even bagged Glasgow Warrior’s ‘Young Player of the Season‘ award following a sensational breakthrough campaign with the Warriors last season.
Check out Ollie Smith receiving his first International Cap below:
Will Ollie Smith pull out all the stops to put one past England’s defenses on February 4th? If his current record is anything to go by, it’s looking likely!
Agree with our predictions? Perhaps you’ve got your sights set on a particular player of your own to break out at the Six Nations Championship this year? Let us know in the comments your thoughts- we’d love to hear from you!
In the meantime, why not check out our predictions for the Six Nations Championship aswell as standout players right here. You won’t want to miss this!
At The Full 80, we’ve rounded up a list of the best boot brands in the business that are soon set to showcase their potential on the feet of the Six Nation’s most prolific players. So, feast your eyes rugby fans, and prepare for these colourful boots to dominate the pitch in the coming months!
adidas Road to Paris Pack
The best in class, it’s no wonder the adidas “Road to Paris Pack” is to showcase its unique potential on the pitch at the Six Nations tournament this year.
Set to be worn by Ireland’s Josh van der Flier in the upcoming Six-Nations Rugby Tournament, the adidas Adizero RS7 SG rugby boot represents performance at its peak.
Evoking an aesthetically stunning Core Black/Cloud White/GoldMetallic colourway blended with detailed floral accents, adidas do things a little differently with this design…
Featuring a lightweight synthetic upper, paired with adidas’s GEOFIT technology, no gaps are left uncovered thanks to strategically placed Sensepod inserts to the ankle and midsole to keep you firm on the ground.
A signature lightweight soleplate features on the base, making traction effortless, resulting in sprints and side steps becoming a breeze for Wingers, Centres and Full-backs.
France’s Rugby prodigy Antoine Dupont and Scotland’s sensational Finn Russell are both expected to be wearing the adidas Predator Malice at this year’s Six Nations – and for good reason too!
Not only do the boots represent a phenomenal Cloud White/Shadow Navy/ Bliss Orangecolourway, but the sheer attention to detail and consideration of the player is what makes these boots truly stand out from the crowd.
Featuring asymmetrical lacing and synthetic suede tongue, alongside padded foam pockets placed around the ankle, the boot becomes the perfect pairing for those all-important place kicks, drop kicks and punts.
Diamond-shaped detailing also features toward the forefoot, to provide a complimentary boost to help players improve the accuracy of their kicks.
Similar to the Adizero RS7, thePredator Malice also features the latest GEOFITtechnology (as expected being a part of the ‘Road to Paris’ Pack) so rest easy in the knowledge that your feet will be firmly planted into these boots!
Ireland’s Tadgh Furlong is set to grace the pitch at the Six Nations this year by keeping it cool in a pair ofKakari Z.1s and we can’t fault his choice with this unique cleat!
Gracing our eyes with a beautifully bold Shadow Navy/Cloud/Silver Dawncolourway with brilliant white stitching and a pastel pink soleplate, the adidas Kakari Z.1 paints a picture like no other.
Soft to the touch and offering the player exceptional comfort and lockdown thanks to a combined inner support strap and lightweight synthetic Ripstop upper, it comes as no surprise why this boot is the boot of choice for the rugby enthusiast.
Lightweight in nature, the eight-stud soleplate becomes the perfect sign-off in offering players ultimate traction, whilst becoming ideal for keeping players stable in the scrums or for those who want to build momentum when they need it most.
A bold boot for the brave player, we simply can’t get enough of the adidas Kakaris!
Nike Generation Elite Pack
Elite boots designed for the Elite player. The Nike Generation Elite pack is here and we can’t wait to see how the boots perform at this year’s Six Nations Championship!
Whilst we are yet to confirm who will be sporting the latest addition to the Nike Phantom GX boot line, one thing’s for sure, this silo won’t be slipping under the rugby radar. Just look at the captivating blend of the baltic blue, pink blast and brilliant white colourway! Perfection if we ever saw it…
Engineered with Nike’s latest GripKnit technology, the nifty grip combines knitted yarn with TPU( Thermoplastic Polyurethane) to administer an exceptional close-to-the-ball feel.
The textured fingerprint-like grip also promotes better accuracy and control, whilst offering added water resistance to keep the player’s feet dry in even the harshest wintry conditions.
A patented ‘Ghost Lacing System‘ in the upper helps the wearer waste no time by making the tightening of laces effortless, requiring only a single pull.
Our favourite thing about the boot? The soleplate.
Showcasing a total of 13 studs (yes, 13!), 5 of which are ‘Tri Star‘ in shape, the Phantom GX possesses the highest stud variation of any Nike boot on the market.
You can’t beat the classics- well, not when they look as good as this…
Showcasing a futuristic Space Purple/White colourway, Nike has certainly pulled out all the stops to make this classic silo modern, and just in time too for the 2023 Six Nations Rugby Championship. Lucky us!
Set to be worn by England’s Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell, we can’t wait to see how the Tiempo Elite performs on the pitch!
Offering the player a spacious toe box, coupled with textured grip insoles and Flywire cables in the midfoot, Nike provides the player with the perfect balance in offering space, whilst keeping the player’s foot locked down at crucial periods within the game.
Equipped with a streamlined upper and re-engineered anti-clog soleplate, the Tiempo Elite Legend 9 becomes one of the lightest Tiempo boots to ever hit the public market!
Oh.. and did we also mention they’re some of the most comfortable boots for rugby players too?
Memory foam touch pods are embedded within the K-leather upper to offer a premium feel, whilst delivering cushioned contact with the ball.
The Superfly silo is soon set to showcase to the world its potential at the Six Nations Championship this year by France’s cherished Centre- Gaël Fickou.
Engineered for speed, the Mercurial Superfly encompasses the latest Vaporposite boot tech to bestow an extremely thin and lightweight material on the upper, that offers unrivalled stability and durability when it really matters.
In looking to the bottom of the boot, Nike’s signature ‘Air Zoom’ soleplate takes centre stage as the most innovative piece of tech to feature.
Thanks to a Zoom Air unit situated directly inside of the soleplate, Nike places the player’s foot closer to the ground to offer a more natural feel whilst delivering a highly responsive energy return, placing the player at the centre of the game.
An iconic boot set to make history for a second time at the Six Nations!
Mizuno – The ‘Dark Iridium’ Pack
Japanese sports giant Mizuno meets an iridescent revamp with their latest lineup – the Dark Iridium boot pack.
Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta MIJ
If the likes of Mizuno’s ambassadors Dan Norton and Nemani Nodolo are anything to go by, it should come as no surprise that Neo III’s MIJ belongs to the Elite Class…
Since the days of ’85, the Morelia boot has been tearing up the pitch on the feet of pros and is to be showcased at the Six Nations Championship by Italy‘s Flanker, Michele Lamaro.
Arriving in an iridescent ‘Dark Iridium‘ colourway, Mizuno’s third generation of the Neo comes complete with a refined shape and taller toe box to become the perfect pairing for wide-footed players whilst delivering exceptional lockdown at the same time.
Mizuno Morelia Made in Japan SG Boots – £285 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Weighing in at just 190g, Mizuno has pulled out all the stops to ensure the latest addition to the Morelia lineup is the lightest yet and without compromise too!
Mizuno Morelia Made in Japan SG Boots – £285 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Sporting a dual-density soleplate to the bottom of the boot, the Morelia’s offer superior stability and traction, with the addition of reinforced studs to promote long-lasting performance
Made in Japan, like all top-end Mizuno boots, the Morelia Neo III also boasts Mizuno’s Barefoot Knit material toward the collar of the boot to offer exceptional lockdown and breathability to keep you cool on the pitch.
An enigmatic display of Mizuno’s dedication to the game!
Mizuno Neo 3 Elite SI
The second silo in the Dark Iridium lineup – the Mizuno Neo 3 Elite SI.
Ireland‘s Second Row Taghg Beirne is set to wear these K-leather boots at the Six Nations Championship in the coming weeks and for all the right reasons…
Comprised of a lightweight, streamlined design reminiscent of the MIJ Neo III Beta above, the Elite SIbecomes the third generation of Neo boot to deliver unrivalled speed and comfort in a premium form factor since the first Neo debuted to the world in 2011.
Mizuno Neo 3 Elite SI SG Rugby Boots – NOW £145 (Was £184.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Providing players with the same Barefoot Knit material on the collar as found on the MIJ Neo III‘s, the Neo III Elite SI‘s not only produce refined lockdown, but a tongue-less upper in the mid-foot delivers a more streamlined feel, enabling punts and place kicks to be taken with pinpoint precision.
Mizuno Neo 3 Elite SI SG Rugby Boots– NOW £145 (Was £184.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
Underfoot, we find a dual-density outsole to promote superior stability and traction, with the SI offering its user the ability to remove and interchange the stud configuration to suit their particular playing style/position.
The nifty Neo is a firm contender for being one of the best boots to feature at the Six Nations Championship this year!
Like what you see? You can explore the latest Rugby boots from Lovell Rugbyright here.
In the meantime, why not check out our predictions for the outcome of the Six Nations Championship below.
Coming in last for the 17th time in the standings last year, it’s not looking likely the team will be able to walk away victorious…
However, could their win against Australia back in the Autumn series of last year have ignited a new-found sense of Italian identity just in time for this year’s Six Nations? Time will tell…
Standout Player – Ange Capuozzo
If there’s any player likely to bolster Italy up in the ranks, it’s Italy’s prodigy Ange Capuozzo…
Weighing at 76kg and standing at 5ft 10, the 23 year-old rugby star has more than proved himself in recent years to become one of Italy’s most notorious rugby players.
Currently situated as a Fullback for the Stade Toulousain in France, Capuozzo first broke onto the scene in his debut for Italy last year at the 2022 Six Nations where he won his first Test Cap against rival Scotland.
Scoring two tries in his debut against Wales, the Fullback didn’t hesitate in showcasing to the world his dedication to the team and even set up Edoardo Padovani‘s late try against Wales to secure Italy‘s first win against Wales since 2015. A momentous feat!
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 21, 2022
Regarded as one of the fastest players to feature at the 2023 Six Nations, could Capuozzo prove us wrong and help Italy soar to new heights? We’d love to see it!
For this year’s Six Nations, we’re expecting Capuozzo to grace the pitch in a pair of the latest Nike Mercurial Vapor Eliteboots in a stunning pink blast colourway.
Whilst some may argue it’s unlikely Wales will find themselves in 5th place for the second year in a row, the recent performance of Scotland, England, Ireland and France leave that to be contested…
Having lost to Italy for the very first time in 2022, the daring Dragons finished in 5th place, despite having been the defending champions of the year prior.
With previous coach, Wayne Pivac having also parted ways with the Welsh Rugby Union following a bleak 2022 autumn campaign, could the return of Wales’ new coach, Warren Gatland, be enough to help the dragons elevate their game?
Whilst we’d love to see it, we feel the team’s front rowers, Tomas Francis and Dillon Lewis don’t uphold quite the same athleticism or power as some of the other Forward players in the tournament.
We’d love to be proven wrong, but we feel the reliance on the Forwards is not enough to provide a strong enough foundation to allow the rest of the team to thrive.
Standout Player: Louis Rees-Zammit
Nicknamed ‘Rees-lightning’, the Lions Tour of 2022 saw the introduction of Warren Gatland‘s break-out star, Louis Rees-Zammit.
Deemed one of the most threatening attackers in the game, his playing style on the pitch meets a consistently high standard and has even been rumored to be in talks with NFL as a potential player for American Football.
It’s no surprise…especially considering how he holds the third position in being one of the fastest rugby players in the world to reach speeds of 10.73 metres per second.
Just look at how he leaves his rivals in the dust:
As Wales continue to look to future generations to claw back the nostalgia of Wales’ dominance at the top of the Six Nations pedestal, could Welsh prodigy Louis Rees-Zammit be just the player they need to help bolster their ranks?
If his performance back in September against Wasps RFC is anything to go by, anything’s possible!
As we draw closer to the Six Nations, it’s likely we will see the rugby sensation give it his all in a pair of adidas Adizero RS7‘s and it’s not hard to see why.
Likely to be one of the biggest rivals for Wales and Italy, we have in fourth place – Scotland.
Despite having never emerged victorious at the Six Nations Championship alongside Italy, we have to hand it to Scotland’s history in dominating the Five Nations before the tournament saw the addition of Italy in 2000.
Whilst historically speaking Scotland are more than capable of putting one past their rivals, the team are notorious for their rivalry with the England national team, and have come to only lose once in their last six games against them.
In particular, despite having beat both England (20-17) and Italy (22-33) at the 2022 Six Nations, Scotland saw considerable losses in their games against Wales (20-17), Ireland (26-5) and France (17-36) resulting in Les Bleus landing a fourth place position.
A ranking we believe they’re likely to secure yet again at this year’s Championship!
Standout Player – Finn Russell
In the eyes of Gregor Townsend, Finn Russell is revered as one of the most gifted rugby players to ever take to the pitch, with the firm belief that the Racing ’92 playmaker’s performance is only just now heading towards its peak.
“He’s one of the most skillful players to ever play the game- not just playing now, but to ever play the game”
“In that position you’ve got to take a big role in the leadership of the game, and that requires work and preparation- and Finn does that.”
Gregor Townsend on Finn Russell
It’s clear the skillset of Russell is going to have rival players quaking in their boots at this year’s Six Nations Championship.
Having featured in two Rugby World Cups and been capped more than 50 times by his country, alongside a featured spot in the British and Irish Lions squads in 2017 and again in 2021, it’s clear Russell is a key contender in carrying Scotland to the try line.
Let’s not forget how he single-handedly helped pull the Glasgow Warriors through to secure their first ever PRO12 Championship, and has since displayed unhindered dedication to France’s Top 14.
Not convinced? Check out how the Scot orchestrates a fantastic score in finding Christian Wade and securing a try at the Heineken Champions Cup.
Taking up third place last year, at The Full 80, we believe England aren’t likely to make any improvements on their standing for this year’s Six Nations.
In reflecting on 2022, the year ended badly for England as they secured only a single victory in the Autumn International Series against Japan (52-13) , taking a considerable beating against Argentina (29-30) and South Africa (12-27).
Whilst Borthwick sure knows how to build a solid Forward formation, especially at the International level. Let’s not forget how he helped secure the infamous 2015 victory in Japan against South Africa!
Could Borthwick propel England’s players to secure themselves a win at the Six Nations Championship?
We feel third place is the most likely outcome!
Standout Player: Marcus Smith
Since his inception into the Harlequins, Marcus Smith has made 136 appearances and been awarded 13 England Caps and if his recent performance at the Heineken Champions Cup is anything to go by then he’ll be a fantastic asset to the England Squad at this year’s Six Nations.
Having sustained an ankle injury playing against South Africa (27-12) in the Autumn series, it appears the Fly-half is set to return in full-force for the Six Nations Championship, having already made a comeback at the recent Heineken Champions Cup.
Just look at his performance against Racing ’92 here:
In a recent match between the Harlequins and Sharks on Saturday 21st Jan, Smith became a pivotal player, scoring a total of 14 points following six of his seven attempts from the tee proving to be successful, leaving New Zealand coach, Tabai Matson awestruck by the 23 year-old’s sensational display of athleticism.
Tabai Matson on Marcus Smith:
“For Marcus to do 80 minutes two games in a row and be in really good physical condition after that injury is phenomenal […]
It shows his work ethic, his preparation, because you would never have thought he had that much time out of the game”
Could Marcus Smith soar to even greater heights than ever before and help England come out victorious?
The iconic boot for an iconic player. The Nike Tiempo Elite from Nike’s latest Generation Pack is a likely contender for being the boot of choice for Smith at this year’s Six Nations. Having already tried and tested a Peach/Yellow colourway variant, we can soon expect the rugby star to be switching it up in the latest Purple/White colourway.
Coming in strong as a the runner up for the Six Nations Championship last year, Ireland’s only defeat came against Six Nations champions – France.
Following recent success over the All Blacks in the Autumn series, Ireland saw themselves overtake rival France to sit at the top of the World Rugby rankings, whilst also becoming the top ranked union side in the world for a second time!
Let’s also not forget how in the second half of 2022, Ireland became the fifth team in history to claim a win over New Zealand!
Standout Player- Josh van der Flier
Awarded 45 international caps, the 29 year old Flanker has time and time again proven himself to be a standout player since his first debut for the Ireland international team after a call up from Joe Schmidt at the 2016 Six Nations Championship. The game that saw him win his first cap against England in March 2016.
Recently awarded the title of European Professional Rugby Club Player of the year and longlisted to earn the title for second time alongside 4 other Irish players, Josh van der Flier could be the make or break for Ireland’s victory at this years Six Nations Championship.
A popular boot from the adidas’ recent ‘Road to Paris’ pack that packs a serious punch. Recently gifted to Van der Flier by the adi sporting giant, we can expect to see the infamous Flanker bring his A game in a pair of the adidas RS7 rugby boots.
As the most favoured to win the Six Nations Championship this year, France showcases some of the purest rugby talent in the world, featuring the likes of Gregory Alldritt, Romain Ntamack and standout player Antoine Dupont all set to take to the pitch this season.
Having recently claimed home victories over South Africa, Japan and Australia, France are set up to become a nation one step closer to becoming the best rugby team in the world.
Let’s also not forget the fact they were Grand Slam Champions at last year’s Six Nations, making them a fan favourite to win at this year’s championship…
With there being some concern speculated around the lack of experience of the players (most of which are 25 years or younger), will France have what it takes to secure them as victors ahead of the Rugby World Cup?
Standout Player: Antoine Dupont
Recognized for his exceptional playmaking, Antoine Dupont is set to be a key contender in leading France to victory at this year’s Six Nations Championship.
Having made his debut against Leinster in 2014 at just 17 years old, Dupont has since shown relentless dedication to his craft.
Currently playing for Stade Toulasain in France as a Scrum-Half, the 26 year old has been building quite the name for himself.
Regarded as one of the finest scrum halves to ever play the game, he has occupied the position a total of 127 times on the starting team, and been appointed the role of Fly-half just 5 times.
Making more than 50 appearances for Toulouse, he’s helped lead his team to capture the Top 14 championship and the recent Heineken cup.
Not only this, but since his debut for Les Bleus in 2017, the star has been capped more than 30 times and has represented his national side at both the Six Nations Championships and the Rugby World Cup.
Again, the Predator Malice features as a popular boot to be worn at the Six Nations and one we’re likely to see France’s Antoine Dupont showcase his skills in.
Like what you see? You can check out the latest boots to feature at the Six Nationshere, where we discuss the characteristics of each boot and what makes them ideal for players, taking into consideration their position on the field.
Let us know in the comments your thoughts and opinions on who’s set to win the Six Nations Championship this year. We’d love to hear from you!
