Farrell Gets Permanent England Role



Former Saracen Andy Farrell



England have today confirmed the permanent signing of Andy Farrell who will join their coaching set up to deal with the backs and defence. The former Saracens first team coach left in June shortly after England's tour departed to South Africa, with many speculating a return to the England coaching set up for the former Rugby League specialist.

Farrell has expressed his delight at signing the contract with the England team untill the 31 January 2016. Meanwhile Staurt Lancaster has said "I am delighted that we have got Andy on board. He is a special coach and an individual and the way this team has developed is a testament to the foundations that we laid in the Six Nations" Lancaster went on to mention reviews of the coaching set up before the Autmumn internationals. One would expect a decision on the future of former London Irish Coach Mike Catt, who may also be handed a full time role extending the coaching team to a 4 man set up.

Meanwhile Saracens, the newly named 'Club of the Year' have posted the story on their website but have not commented on the issue directly.

5 New Faces For South Africa - Debrief

New Full International Tom Johnson

Following two losses and a draw a debrief will soon come for Stuart Lancaster and his England team. Yet, prior to this tour, Rugby Review selected five players who we thought would be worth watching for the tour. Here we run a quick debrief on their performances and their prospects for their England futures.

Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)

Unfortunately Launchbury suffered an injury prior to the test series and was unable to make the trip. Despite this, the young Wasp will prove to be a big name for the upcoming premiership season and will look to make an impact at some point. His replacement Jamie Gibson proved a good performer on tour earning himself a start in England's second tour game.

Tour Rating - N/A

Christian Wade (London Wasps)

Wade was tipped by us and most of the media as 'the hot prospect' for the tour. Wade performed well in the first mid week tour game scoring a hat trick before playing a part in the second tour game. Head Coach Stuart Lancaster saw no reason to put him in the starting XV, most likely due to his size and vulnerability under the high ball, despite this, expect to see him in the Autumn international training squad at the very least.

Tour Rating - 6

Jonathan Joseph (London Irish)

Joseph gained three full international caps on this tour, unfortunately his genuine skill was unable to shine through. After a line break in a two minute cameo in the first test he earned starts in the second and third tests against the Boks. He didn't appear to make much of an impression, yet this was more due to the fact he simply wasn't given enough ball. If England look to improve in the future, Jonathan Joseph must play and get more ball to unlock his true potential. With three caps under his belt, Joseph is slowly getting used to international rugby, and with Manu Tuilagi may make up England's centre partnership for years to come.

Tour Rating - 6

Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

The older brother of Ben was able to make an impression on this South Africa tour, which may put him in line for future full international England honours. The converted centre appears to be graced with similar pace to his brother, being bulkier he was able to give England's mid week team vital go forward on the pitch when called upon. With Lee Mears performing woefully in England's tests from the bench, Youngs seems destined to claim the bench spot for the coming Autumn internationals.

Tour Rating - 7

Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)

Johnson was one of the stars of the England tour, a man who constantly raises his game and comfortable stepping up to the plate. With James Haskell breathing down his neck, Johnson rightfully retained the 6 shirt for all 3 tests impressing in each, particularly the final test. With Tom Wood seemingly cursed with injury problems, Johnson may benefit from this tour to hold onto the 6 shirt in the Autumn Internationals if he can hold off competition from the returning Tiger Tom Croft.

Tour Rating - 9

Highlights From Amazing Wales v Australia + All Blacks v Ireland Games

First up is the Wales v Australia test match. An absolutely stunning game with new dad Berrick Barnes having an absolute stunner. Notable performances too for David Pocock and Leigh Halfpenny. Watch out for Cooper Vuna's yellow card and an unbelievable Mike Harris kick at the death for Australia.

Check out the full match report here: http://rugby-review.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/australia-captain-david-pocock-looks-on.html

Second we have another stunning match where Ireland were so close to securing a first win against New Zealand in international history. An early Connor Murray try and Jonny Sexton penalty put Ireland 10-0 up before the Kiwis fought back to give Dan Carter a chance to win the game with a last gasp drop goal. Watch out for Sean O'Brien's unbelievable performance as well as an eerily poor performance from Carter and McCaw.

Check out the full match report here: http://rugby-review.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/last-gasp-carter-steals-victory-new.html

Videos come from the brilliant Bradley McNab - http://www.youtube.com/user/BradleyMcNab?feature=watch

England Violated By Boks: South Africa 36-27 England

England Stand Under The Posts Following Another South African Try

England were relentlessly and heavily smashed by the South African forward pack today. Eventually losing 36-27, England saw themselves down by 18 points at one point. The first half in particular was most disappointing with England fans holding their heads in their hands at the atrocious nature of England's performance in which they missed 20 tackles. 

South Africa dominated the early possession with 78% in the first 10 minutes and cracks began appear in the English defence with Bryan Habana finding space on his wing but Ben Morgan was able to cut him down before Bismark du Plessis knocked on. From the scrum the ball came out of the ruck and into the grateful hands of Willem Alberts who walked into England's try line to put South Africa 5-0 ahead with Morne Steyn missing the conversion. England touched the ball twice after the first try before South Africa went over again, once for Toby Flood to kick the restart and second for Ben Foden knocking on a high ball straight into the arms a South African player. From there, the South Africans once again dominated the possession with Bismark du Plessis going over for a second try under the posts, giving an easy for conversion for Morne Steyn and putting South Africa 12-0 ahead after 7 minutes. 

England came back strong with a Ben Foden break before Marcell Coetzee stopped Ben Youngs getting onto the ball giving away a penalty and allowing Toby Flood to score 3 points. Despite the glimmer of hope, Ben Youngs was unable to control a bobbling ball having to put down the ball behind the line leading to a penalty for the South Africans which Morne Steyn duly put over. Only minutes later, South Africa had scored another try, this time Francois Houghaard had gone over following a forward domination of England. 

Out of nothing on the 23rd minute Enland went over with Toby Flood. A Ben Youngs tap penalty on the 10m line was then popped to Chris Ashton who made a break and easily popped around the full back to put Toby Flood in for a try which was converted quickly to bring England somewhat back into the game. 

South Africa went 3 more points ahead by the 30th minute with Morne Steyn scoring a drop goal before missing a penalty. England were looking tired and unorganised at this point having been physically battered by the far superior South African pack. The stroke of half time saw Manu Tuilagi make a break before a shocking offload to Chris Robshaw where the captain couldn't deal with it seeing both him and Toby Flood dropping the ball before South Africa gained possession. That capped the first half which showed pure uncensored South African agression next to a clueless, amateurish England side who had nothing to counter with and that missed one tackle every 32 seconds or 1 tackle in every 4 an unbelievable fact. 

The second showed a more spirited and resurgent England, yet, South Africa started the second half in the same vain, battering England's line, only stopping to see England through a forward pass straight from the lineout allowing South Africa more possession. The attack led to Morne Steyn scoring another penalty following a Chris Robshaw offence which could have easily been a yellow card. 

England were able to show some fight, following a botched lineout move Ben Youngs was able to capitalise on a South African lineout mistake to go over for a try despite a perilously high tackle from Marcell Coetzee. Toby Flood converted making the score 28-17 with half an hour left to play. England showed some fight but the physical battering from South Africa was sustained and ruthless with Morne Steyn scoring another drop goal. 

England once again bravely fought back, a 20 metre drive from a lineout led to Ben Youngs going over for a try, Toby Flood converted putting England in an impossible position 7 points behind with 20 minutes left, one which they did not deserve. The try represented a momentum shift, Thomas Waldrom had previously stormed all over Bismark du Plessis leading to him leaving the field. Morne Steyn then put the restart straight into touch giving England a scrum where they won the lineout with Toby Flood kicking a penalty putting England 4 points behind with 15 minutes to go. 

Thomas Waldrom dropped the restart but England battled well to force a scrum in their own 22. From that point South Africa will have rued taking Jannie du Plessis off and seeing his brother Bismark leave the field as without the Natal brothers, England forced a penalty and were able to go into South Africa's half. Despite this, poor kicking from England led to J.P Pietersen making a break from his own half before a few phases later going over in the corner to put the game out of sight for the Bokke by 11 points. 

Some spirited English attack in the last ten minutes was littered with errors, Jonathan Joseph throwing a forward pass,Lee Dickson knocking on and England losing a lineout on South Africa's 5 metre line. Ben Foden and Chris Ashton combined well to push England into South Africa's 22 but more mistakes led to a lineout, a knock on and then the end of the game. 

Despite England's performance, they were second best in every area. Ben Youngs managed to poach a try with the positives coming from England following the removal of the du Plessis brothers. At points England looked completely clueless with little phase play and game strategy. Moreover, there seemed to be little cohesion between forwards and backs with Ben Youngs' trundles along the pitch resulting in little other than dropped balls. 

Key Battle Reports

Joseph v De Villiers

The match was not won in this area of the field bu De Villiers clearly came out on top. Joseph suffered from a lack of ball and his small stature was exploited by Bismark Du Plessis. In contrast De Villiers was classy in attack and defence the figurative head of a bullying South African team, he was close to being man of the match.

Botha v Etzebeth

The forwards won this game and Etzebeth was one of the class performers. He carried and smashed and tackled like a veteran personifying the try South African nature. Whilst Botha put his body on the line, he missed tackles, lineouts and simply wasn't the same standard as the outstanding Etzebeth.

Foden v Lambie

Nobody really came out on top in this battle. Foden was probably England's best back, but dropped a high ball which led to South Africa's second try. In contrast Lambie was injured just after half time but what he did do was exploit England's backs running direct lines and returning kicks well.

Man of The Match - Bismark du Plessis

Unreal match today. Scored a try and smashed everything in sight, everybody was at the mercy of du Plessis. When he got injured South Africa conceded two tries and lost three scrums. He was the focal point of everything good for South Africa, their next captain and their best player. 

Last Minute Harris Steals The Show: Australia 25-23 Wales

Australia Captain David Pocock Looks On During His Sides Victory

For the second time in one day, a Northern Hemisphere side scored with the last kick off the game to snatch victory. This time Rob Harris of Australia hit a superb kick to tie up the series for Australia against the Welsh in what was somewhat of a bi-polar test match, which Australia took 25-23 against a spirited Welsh side.

It was a game in which the lead changed ten times and Wales gained the early advantage winning their own kick off and exerting pressure on the Australians. Following a kick straight out on the full Wales exploited a lineout from the Wallabies 22 with George North barreling over for a try after only 4 minutes. Halfpenny converted giving Wales an early lead with Australia having hardly touched the ball. Wales' high tempo continued with Rhys Priestland kicking a penalty in his own 22 to touch in the Wallabies 22 before the Australian's could turn following its awarding. 

The majority of the rest of the half, statistically belonged to Australia with the Wallabies dominating possession and territory. In reality it was a defensive battle focusing on the breakdown with little to no quick ball with either side to work with. The half quickly became somewhat of a damp squib with neither side particularly exerting any real dominance, despite a fantastic break from Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland the match offered very little in attacking play. Berrick Barnes was able to score two penalties though, making the score 7-6 but other than that the only man to stand out was David Pocock for his work around the breakdown. In the final play of the half , the match exploded into life with Berrick Barnes making a break straight from a lineout and easily exploiting a 2on1 with Leigh Halfpenny putting Rob Horne in for a try. Barnes converted putting the Australians up by 13 points to 7 at half time. 

The second half started slowly before a mix up at the lineout for Australia. The ball began to bobble around before Ashley Beck hacked up field, Beck was pulled over but Jonathan Davies continued with the chase hacking on again before collecting the ball and scoring an opportunistic try. Leigh Halfpenny made the try a seven pointer putting them up by a point at 14-13. Berrick Barnes and Leigh Halfpenny then traded long range penalties drawing the score to 17-16 after 50 minutes.

Approaching the 60 minute mark, Wales found themselves under a heap of Australian pressure. Barnes had made a glorious chip to Digby Ioane putting Australia into the Welsh 22. However, feverish Welsh defence kept the Wallabies out who had to settle for a Berrick Barnes penalty as reward for their pressure. Again Halfpenny responded with a massive penalty, this time given away by Cooper Vuna who took Halfpenny's legs away in the air leading to a dangerous fall onto the floor. Vuna received a yellow with commentator Ieuan Evans suggesting a red may have been more appropriate. Despite the penalty, the fall appeared to affect Halfpenny's head who dropped a high ball and kicked a ball directly into touch shortly after his fall. Indeed, both kickers appeared to have some form of niggle as Berrick Barnes momentarily pulled up after kicking the restart. Despite this injury Barnes again was able to equal Halfpenny by comfortably kicking a penalty to make the score 22-20.

Wales dominated a scrum to allow Halfpenny once again to slot a penalty appearing to have shake off the effects of Vuna's offence and effectively knock the ball back into Berrick Barnes' court with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Barnes had the chance to put Australia but missed before being subbed straight off the pitch due to his injury, a chance that the Australians lived to regret, especially when they managed to knock on twice, once after a sustained period of pressure in Wales' 22, giving Wales possession and a chance to kill off the game.

However, Australia gained a penalty in the 79th minute kicking into the Wales half and setting up and intense last minute. Australia set up a driving maul on the hooter and proceeded to drive towards the 22, the Welsh forwards doing everything to prevent a penalty, but failing. Far out to the left just outside the 22 Mike Harris was given the chance to win the game and the series with a tough kick. Harris had previously kicked 24 out of 24 kicks for the Reds and showed his worth by cooly slotting the kick and like Daniel Carter for New Zealand earlier in the day, he cruelly stole victory from the hands of the Welsh.

Harris' kick represented a victory in a see-saw match where Leigh Halfpenny and Berrick Barnes had traded kicks with each sides ill discipline being fully exploited. Wales could have won the game if they had held their nerve and composure around the maul perhaps it could have been won. Wales captain described his emotions as 'gutted and demoralised' following what was an intense battle.

Key Battle Verdicts


Kepu v Jenkins - Draw


Both scrums were as awkward as each other today, both players carried good ball and put in their all.

Pocock v Warburton - Pocock


Another monumental battle but one that Pocock won again. In the first half both stole ball and slowed down play. In the second half Pocock was perhaps more effective as well as being the more effective ball carrier.,

Genia v Phillips - Genia


Really not the battle at the heart of the game today. The scrum halves today really were playing second fiddle to the kickers, despite this Genia played the better game. His sniping around the ruck led to quick ball and he was better at controlling the game than Phillips whose passing again tended to put Wales on the back foot.

Man of The Match - Berrick Barnes


New father Barnes played a glorious game today, not void of mistakes but a glorious chip over the top of the defence in the second half showed his class. He set up Rob Horne's try and his kicking was glorious, unfortunately an injury meant he missed one kick and had to be subbed but his subsititute Rob Harris performed to Barnes' fantastic standard.

Last Gasp Carter Snatches Victory: New Zealand 22-19 Ireland

Kieran Read Surveys The Field During The All Blacks Last Gasp Win

Dan Carter stole the show with a last gasp drop goal in Christchurch to cruelly snatch defeat from Ireland in an outstanding test match. Below is the match report from what was a thrilling and gutsy performance from the Irish, led by talismanic captain Brian O'Driscoll.

Early pressure was put on by the All Blacks, however, it was pressure Ireland weathered with Sexton able to clear his lines following a 5m lineout. From there Ireland were able to put on a period of pressure resulting in a 5m lineout of their own where Connor Murray managed to bundle a try over following a rolling maul in the 11th minute with Jonathan Sexton converting the try. Some good defence following their try led to Ireland again winning penalties in New Zealand's half with Julian Savea holding on and Owen Franks blocking on a box kick. Leinster fly half Jonny Sexton was able to take advantage of the second of the offences putting Ireland 10 points ahead after 20 minutes.

Quickly after the kick off though Ireland broke the golden rule of scoring, giving away a penalty and allowing the metronomic Dan Carter to get New Zealand on the scoreboard. Carter was able to knock over two more penalties by the 33rd minute, putting the hosts only one point behind at half time.

New Zealand started the second half with intent, Aaron Smith forcing his way over after two minutes, Dan Carter predictably scoring the conversion also. Sexton, however, was able to respond quickly afterwards scoring a penalty and closing the gap to only three points. What followed was 20 minutes of pure attrition, Dan Carter threw poor passes and Richie McCaw began to drop balls as Ireland's rush defence along with the superb Sean O'Brien began to produce results. Despite this Dan Carter was able to kick a goal on the hour mark putting New Zealand 6 points ahead with only a quarter of the match left to play.

A massive Irish scrum gave Sexton a chance to claw back points on 63 minutes which he duly converted leading to an exceedingly hard fought and tense 15 minutes. Ireland began to put their foot on their gas with Jonny Sexton making a break down field before calmly putting through a grubber kick to force a line out in New Zealand's 22. Ireland's pressure continued to push New Zealand and Sexton kicked another penalty drawing the game level with 10 minutes to go. 

With 8 minutes to go Israel Dagg deliberately blocked Rob Kearney after a high ball giving away a penalty just inside the Kiwis half as well as getting a yellow card giving Ireland a man advantage for the rest of the game. Sexton was unable to kick the penalty but the clearing kick from Weepu was poor allowing an Ireland lineout from just outside the All Blacks 22. Despite the position Ireland knocked on giving away a scrum which produced a penalty for New Zealand allowing Dan Carter to clear the ball downfield. 

From the lineout New Zealand forced a position for Dan Carter to drop goal, he missed but the ball was touched leading to a hugely tense 5m scrum. Read drove a no more than a metre from the scrum, Weepu threw a perfect pass to Carter sitting in the pocked who then slotted a drop goal in the cruelest of circumstances. 

Following the game Richie McCaw expressed 'relief' but their was no denial he was in an old fashioned dog fight. The Irish came so close to a fantastic win and probably deserved it. They were perhaps on the wrong end of a Nigel Owens scrum decision allowing Carter to kick downfield but if Sexton had perhaps taken his 50 metre penalty then Ireland could have won the game. Either way Ireland were the better team and can hold their head high this weekend. 

Key Battles

Ross v Woodock 

Despite winning the first scrum against the head Woodcock was beaten by Ross today. Big scrums allowed Ireland to get in touching distance of a win with Ross performing better in the loose all day. 

Verdict - Ross

O'Brien v McCaw 

Only one winner here, Sean O'Brien had an absolute stormer of a game. The man with no number manifested the dogged Irish spirit stealing ball and disrupting the ruck as well as smashing Dan Carter in the first half just to prove who was on top for the game. McCaw on the other hand was off the boil dropping two balls and not being himself at the breakdown. Either way it was an epic battle that we look forward to next week for part 3. 

Verdict - O'Brien

Sexton v Carter

Jonny Sexton scored 5 from 6 last night but missed the crucial kick from 50 metres. Despite this he was far and away the better of the two fly halves. Carter did prove his weight in gold with a drop goal but that really was the highlight of an unconvincing game from the fly half. Sexton finally brought Leinster form to the world stage and deserves his plaudits.

Verdict - Sexton

Man of The Match - Sean O'Brien

South Africa vs England: 2nd Test - Preview

Jonathan Joseph Earns His First Start

Teams:

England                             South Africa

Foden               15          Lambie

Ashton              14          Pietersen

Joseph              13          De Villiers

Tuilagi               12          F.Steyn

Strettle              11          Habana

Flood                10          M.Steyn

Youngs              9          Hougaard 

Morgan              8          Spies

Robshaw            7          Alberts

Johnson             6          Coetzee

Botha                5          Etzebeth

Parling               4          J Kruger

Cole                   3          J.Du Plessis

Hartley               2          B.Du Plessis

Marler                1          Mtawarira 

Replacements

Corbisiero                      Strauss

Mears                            W Kruger

Palmer                           van der Merwe

Dowson                         Daniel

Dickson                         Piaenaar

Flood                            Basson

Goode                           Olivier

Key Battles

Joseph vs De Villiers

The exceptionally talented Jonathan Joseph gets a well deserved test start, however he is up against one of the best outside centres in the world. De Villiers will be reliant on it being a tight game in which case his extra 10cm and 13kg will help him, however, if the game opens up, expect young Jonathan to leave De Villiers in his wake, he has the pace of a winger and the feet to match. I believe that whilst Joseph might have some success with ball in hand, the overall advantage must go to the Springbok captain who rarely sets a foot wrong. 

Verdict - De Villiers

Botha v Etzebeth

This is unchanged from last week, it's still a key battle. We predicted Mouritz would have the upper hand and he most certainly did with not only 10 out of 10 own lineouts won but also 3 steals on South African ball. Whilst Etzebeth will have his day, he is an exceptionally talented giant of a man, I believe the most experienced and strong Botha will hold the advantage once again. Etzebeth, despite weighing 123kg, sometimes looked like a lost lanky teenager on the pitch- a talented player but not up to the Matfield/Botha standard yet.

Verdict  - Botha

Foden V Lambie

If this game breaks down into a battle of the 15s, South Africa certainly have something to worry about. Whist Lambie might be able to out-kick Foden, due to the fact he is essentially a fly half, when it comes to running, Foden has a big edge. I see Foden as the 3rd best fullback in the world (Dagg and Kearney ahead) and if I was a South African, I'd certainly hope Houghaard, Steyn and co judge their kicks well- which in fairness, they usually do. 

Verdict - Foden

Prediction

What we were reminded of in the first game is just how physical the South Africans can be and I believe they'll batter England down. I expect this game to produce more tries and J Joseph and Foden are certainly the players to watch, they can both beat their opposite number with ease if they use their pace. Flood has been brought in to match the South African kicking game and I believe he will give his opposite number trouble. Some England players must play well to hold their place; Youngs has two number 9s behind him in better form, Morgan didn't cut it in the first game whereas both Waldrom and Haskell impressed midweek and Marler despite playing well will do well to hold onto his place ahead of Corbisiero. For the South Africans, their side is as conservative as ever but their strong ball carriers of Alberts and Spies give them a physical edge. 

Verdict - The match is going to be very close. I believe England will lose narrowly (less than 5 points) despite a higher scoring game that the neutral will enjoy. England will neutralise the South African set piece but once again loose out to physicality, experience and a superior kicking game. 


by Chris Sumner-Smith (@csumnersmith)