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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 šØ
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:
āWeāre delighted to get off to a good start. As we all know, itās 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. Itās a tough place to come historically.
“If you could give us a bonus point win here, weād snatch your hand off. But the best thing is thereās 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!
Synthetic surfaces have become widespread worldwide. Popular for their durability and low maintenance, they provide year-round use from which clubs and communities can squeeze maximum usage.
Pitches must pass approval by leading rugby governing bodies. In England, the RFU and RPA oversee the approval process, assessing a surfaceās 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, letās break it down objectively. Theyāre 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
āthe surface will perform consistently throughout the entire season; traction, shock absorption and head impact criterion will be the same all year, whatever the weather.ā
Seems like an obvious stance from a business perspective.
His view is valid ā 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 āhorrendousā.
Speaking on RugbyPassā 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 turfās firmness.
But itās 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: āBan 4G pitchesā.
Nowell and his teammate Henry Slade shared their support, while ex-Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies claimed her sonās 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. Weāre 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 thereās a mediator in the madness. Cue the āhybridā 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.
āIf you put a grass or Desso [hybrid turf brand] pitch next to a 4G one, youāre choosing Desso all day.ā
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 Marlerās tweet technically inaccurate ā heād play on 3G pitches. (Not that weād 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 ā3Gā), 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, itās feasible artificial turfs could be outlawed ā 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 weāll 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 arenāt 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 rugbyās entertaining essence. But when youāre competing to win, tactics take precedent.
Itās generally considered New ZealandāsAll Blacks are the greatest team to ever grace the game. Capable of magnificent, comprehensive rugby at the highest level in sweltering sun or in a snowstorm, theyāre always a spectacle to behold. And notorious for big hits and handling flair down the years (think Lomu, McCaw, Sonny Bill). Each squadsā been rightfully feared for their imperious running game.Ā
But the Kiwis gradually implemented kicking as the foundation for their domination from the mid-noughties, mostly via Dan Carterās right boot.
They like to play the territory card by kicking and forcing their opponents into mistakes or poor return kicks. This way, theyāre 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. Letās 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, itās the most effective.
Alternatively, players can employ the torpedo. Living up to its name, the āspiralā, 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 itās 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 ballās bounce is a top tactic, especially in tricky playing conditions. Weāll be amazed if you havenāt already marveled over Finn Russellās 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 itās on the deck. Admittedly a lot harder with an egg-shaped ball, itās 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 thereās the wingerās 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 theyāre 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
Teamsā 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, letās 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 ā 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. Youāll see all the best kickers have an important component in common ā their boots.
Ultimately, the kicking game serves as a means to dictate gameplay. But a matchās 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 theyāre able to offer more lucrative deals to players.
But Canterbury has turned a big corner with the release of their first premium boot ā the Phoenix Genesis Elite.
Canterbury Phoenix Genesis Elite Soft Ground Boots Mens – NOW Ā£105 (Was Ā£129.99) at Lovellsoccer.co.uk
Itād be fascinating to see how the three English blokes whoād 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. Itās safe to say theyāve forged a dominant path in the market and are the real OG of rugby retailers.Ā Ā
Synthesized for Strength
Crafted from ultra-hard-wearing materials that can withstand the rigours of modern rugby, the new premium silo complements any playerās game, regardless of their position or attributes.
Itās a hybrid silo striking a perfect middle-ground between a backās and forwardās boot. The forefoot combines supple premium leather with a knitted upper reinforced with Vaposkin ā a fancy and tough new textile. What sets the Phoneix Gen apart is the all-new lightweight 6-studded outsole which uses biobased, PebaxĀ® 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 birdās wishbone.Ā Ā
Developing the Phoenix Genesis
Theyāre 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:
āI know just how important it is to have boots that enhance your game and donāt hold you back, which is why Iāve 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.ā
“Iāve 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 Tipuricās time could be spent investing his considerable expertise with Canterbury on what makes a good rugby boot.
And he wasnāt 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 Canterburyās efforts in creating the Phoenix Genesis Elite.
Together as a team, theyāve gone beyond making a āgood rugby bootā. Theyāve 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.Ā Ā
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 thatās whatās 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 š“ó §ó ¢ó ·ó ¬ó ³ó æ (@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:
“Itāll be how we manage him. I donāt mean in minutes, but in relation to giving him enough challenge, enough support and enough recovery because heās 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/Gold Metallic colourway blended with detailed floral accents, adidas do things a little differently with this design…
adidas Adizero RS7 Soft Ground Boots – Ā£180 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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.
adidas Adizero RS7 Soft Ground Boots – Ā£180 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
A stunning display of adidas’s dedication to providing unbeatable performance on the pitch!
adidas Predator Malice 404
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 Orange colourway, 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.
adidas Predator Malice Soft Ground Boots Mens – Ā£200 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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, the Predator Malice also features the latest GEOFIT technology (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!
adidas Predator Malice Soft Ground Boots Mens – Ā£200 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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 Franceās cherished Centre- GaĆ«l Fickou.
Arriving in an alluring White/Pink Blast/Indigo Haze/Baltic Blue404colourway, it won’t be hard to miss this sleek silo from the stands!
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, Nikeās signature āAir Zoomā 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 playerās 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 – Ā£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 – Ā£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 SI becomes 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 Ā£145 (Was Ā£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 Ā£145 (Was Ā£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.
Nike Mercurial Vapor Elite SG Football Boots – Ā£245 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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!
Zammit’s Boot of Choice: adidas Adizero RS7
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.
adidas Adizero RS7 Soft Ground Boots– Ā£180 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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.
Nike Tiempo Elite SG Football Boots – NOW Ā£170 (Was Ā£214.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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.
Van der Flier’s Boot of Choice: adidas Adizero Rs7
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.
adidas Adizero RS7 Soft Ground Boots – Ā£180 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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.
adidas Predator Malice Soft Ground Boots Mens – Ā£200 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk
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!
Gengey gets the nod in the number one shirt. The Bristolian loosehead captained his Leicester side to Premiership triumph, as they vanquished Saracens in the final.
Credit: England Rugby
The ābaby rhinoā, as heās known, has the tenacity of a honey badger.
He proved it once again in the face of packs of naysayers throughout the campaign. Never one to mince his words, Genge did his bit to call out insidious racism that plagues rugby, sport and wider society, sharing a despicable direct message he received on Twitter hours after winning the title.
Undoubtedly an integral part of Englandās starting XV
A stellar season with the Falcons saw the hooker and homegrown hero score 18 tries in 27 games across all competitions. McGuigan finished runner-up top try-scorer in the Premiership, with fifteen tries. His hooking, general scrummage work and lineout throws were top tier all season long.
Credit: OptaJonny
From 159 carries, McGuigan made 777 metres.
#3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
The Tigersā academy graduate nearly followed a two-generation family tradition of playing football as a goalkeeper. Switching sports turned out to be a wise move – the tighthead prop delivered a sensational show of consistency throughout the last campaign and earned himself a call up to the Englandās summer tour of Australia. Already a seasoned international at Under-18 and Under-20 level, heāll no doubt rack up plenty more senior caps in years to come.
Credit: The RPA
The nineteen-stone 22-year-old made 104 out of 111 attempted tackles, at a success rate of 94%.
#4. Hugh Tizard (Harlequins)
Second row Tizard was nominated for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award. The young lock featured eight times for Quins in their 20/21 Premiership title-winning season. In the most recent Premiership campaign, he didnāt miss a single match and showed why at 21 years of age his future is as fine and bright as his beach blonde hair.
Credit: Harlequins
Competition for a number 4 or 5 England shirt is fierce with such an abundance of elite talent already in the senior squad and hovering on the fringes. Weāre sure Tizard will be contesting for either one in the years to come.
He joins Saracens next season, who released this statement on Tizardās behalf: āAlthough it was an incredibly hard decision, I feel that it is the right decision for my rugby. I want to challenge myself and grow as a player and I feel Saracens will be the perfect place to do that.ā
#5. Elliott Stooke (Wasps)
An underrated all-rounder no more, Stooke shone in the Wasps jersey during his debut campaign. Now in his prime at 28, the second-rower brings a perfectly-weighted mixed bag of exuberance and experience to his team on and off the field.
Credit: Hartpury University RFC
Defence coach Wayne Henley highlighted his āawesome craic and really good banterā and ability to switch between being a jovial guy and a serious leader who makes others accountable. Stookeās solid season came to an unfortunate end on the penultimate matchday with a nasty leg-break.
Itās no surprise big Courts is on a dream team list. The lofty icon is versatile; worth his salt as a second or back-row and proved why heās one of the most feared big-hitting tacklers around with more monstrous hits in a Northampton shirt. Not many men can out-reach the 6ā8 veteran In the Premiership campaign he proved to be effective.
The Gallagher Player of the Season demonstrated devastating hard hits, pack play, mauling and counter-rucking. The jackal turnover is an art form, which Earl has fully mastered. Only missing three games all season, the flanker shone in defence and showed his flair as a brilliant ball-carrier, averaging 7.17 metres per carry, contributing to the 11 tries he scored. A hat-trick came in the game against fierce rivals Harlequins
Credit: RugbyPass
The season prior to last saw Earl on loan at Bristol. “Saracens means the world to me. It is everything to me and my family, and I’m massively thankful to the opportunity they gave me to go away and then come back.ā
By his own account the loan spell proved beneficial to his development as an elite player entering his career prime. Earl made it to the semi-finals with the Bears and makes no bones about the manner in which they suffered defeat. narrowly missed out on top spot.
#8. Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers)
Powerhouse South African Wiese completes our dream Premiership forwards at the back of the pack at number eight. Having arrived from his hometown of Bloemfontain, he left the Cheetahs to become a Tiger in 2020, joining Leicester, where heās settled nicely to become an integral component in a title-winning team.
Credit: Springboks
A wrecking ball of a bloke, he arrived in England last season with all the talent to boot yet not quite the level of match discipline to meet Premiership standards. Picking up 3 bookings in his first 10 games, it was clear the Bok needed to quickly adapt to English rugby. Under strict guidance of Borthwick and co., Wiese focused on cutting out errors and went 18 games without a card last season. To top it all off, he scored Leicesterās second try in the final against Saracens and was named the Man of the Match.
#9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
At nine, weāve gone for Saintsā scrum half Alex Mitchell. Always in command of the back line, the Englishman is like a terrier at the breakdown.
Credit: England Rugby
Heās surely the front-runner to succeed Ben Youngs as the regular starting number 9 for England.
#10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
Few fly-halves have consistently pulled the strings in the Gallagher Premiership over recent years as well as Englandās reliable ten. With 220 points, Ford found fine form over the 21/22 campaign ā ending as top points scorer.
Credit: Rugby Joe
The 29-year-oldās stellar season ended disastrously with a ruptured Achilles in the final, meaning heāll most likely miss the start of next season with new club Sale,
#11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
One of the emerging talents of last season, the London Irish eleven scored 10 tries and averaged 10.48 metes per carry in the 18 appearances he made.
He has spent invaluable time in the England camp, though still awaits the inevitable maiden cap.
Credit: Rugby on BT Sport
Away from the pitch the 23-year-old breaks the typical pro-rugby-lad mould. Heās got a fresh individual style; he likes minimalist tattoos, plays Call of Duty and is a self-proclaimed āCat Dadā, with an Instagram account for his home.
Andre āThe Giantā South African inside centre wreaked havoc on Premiership defensive lines last season. In 25 matches, he managed 8 tries and 6 assists while making 86% of his 253 attempted tackles.
Credit: SA Rugby Magazine
Standing 6ft4ā tall and weighing 113kg, the Springbok proved to be a powerful cog in the Harlequins machine. At 27, the Quins faithful will be delighted with Esterhuizenās signature penned in September of last year.
#13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
Marchant joins his Quins teammate in our pick at outside centre. The deadly duo of previous champions combined plenty of times to rack up the points, with Marchantās contribution tallying 7 tries and 2 assists.
Credit: Premiership Rugby
The 26-year-old Englishman had a 90% tackling success rate, missing only 11 of 109 attempted.
Marchant wears FG adidas RS7 while running at centre last season, powering through opposite backlines and partnering with Danny Care.
How could we not have the Premiership top try scorer flying down our right-sided wing? Malinās only featured in 15 matches yet topped the try tally with 16.
The 25-year-old who, by his own admission, is not even a traditional winger. He began pro rugby life as a promising fly-half through Saracens academy ranks, before stepping into full-back
Credit: England Rugby
had an incredible season filling in for injured England usuals Jonny May and Anthony Watson during the Six Nations
#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Its not often 6ā5ā, 100kg full-backs come around. Luckily for Leicester, Freddie Steward is a Tiger. Still only 21, he garnered loads of high praise for his consistency.
Credit: England Rugby
Englandās reigning player of the year was quoted in the Guardian saying āI love a challenge. Its about not being scared of failing.ā Too right.
I canāt wait to rip in next season and hopefully do it all over again. But heāll be without his pal George Ford to learn. Steward owed the development of his game to George Ford
Coach – Steve Borthwick (Leicester Tigers)
Borthwickās side went unbeaten at home last season and bagged the Gallagher Premiership title thanks to Freddie Burnsā majestic drop goal 20 seconds-from-time at Twickenham.
Now heās guided the Tigers to the Premiership title for the first time in nine years; a long overdue resurgence to the top after flirting with relegation in recent years.
Credit: ESPN ScrumRugby
Of course, no one shouldāve questioned the minerals of a man who captained England under Martin Johnsonās reign. But itās the sheer speed in which Borthwick has managed to turnaround the Tigersā fortunes which is impressive. Not to mention the playing style instilled into his squad. They rarely crumble under pressure nowadays and are a cohesive unit whoāre able to threaten teams any which way. Due kudos to his assistants and backroom staff as well
