Set Move - Rugby Chat

Defence vs attack. Flair vs grit. The haves vs the have nots. Perhaps this is an oversimplification. This may be the closest World Cup final in years. Canada possess the widest range of attacking talent at this tournament. They are truly unique in the way that they attack and play the game. But in England , they face the most well backed team in the history of the women’s game, with home advantage and the best strength in depth of any team in world. How Canada can win Attack Canada’s biggest strength has been their ability to attack at will, with devastating speed and accuracy. They blew Australia and then New Zealand aside with early tries and incredible handling. They will need to do this again and silence what will be the most partisan crowd imaginable. And this is where England are vulnerable – Canada possess 3 playmakers enhancing their unpredictability. In Perry , they have the most consistent fly half in the tournament. When comparing her stats to Zoe Harrison , she has ...

In a few hours the first Rugby World Cup Quarter Final of the weekend will kick off between the Black Ferns and South Africa. Is this the best Women’s World Cup ever? The standard has definitely been high and while its closing slowly, the gap between the emerging nations and the four established ones is narrowing.  This has been helped with many players from across the world playing in strengthening domestic leagues in France and England, but the general ‘discovery’ of the new kids on the block in the likes of South Africa and the US has laid the foundations for the next nation to emerge. QF 1 - New Zealand v South Africa South Africa have probably been my favourite team of the World Cup. From the iconic scene of them emptying their bench in their first game to the colour and vibrancy they bring off the pitch, has made them the favourite of many neutrals. They also have power and pace – similar to England – and a young squad that will develop over time. Symbolised around the power...

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off last night with a thumping 69-7 win for England against the USA. But who are the players to watch over the next few weeks? We look at some familiar and not so  familiar names. Meg Jones | England | Ealing Trailfinders | Centre Meg Jones is the first of two England players on this list. England’s Vice Captain could have played for Wales (sob) but turns out for the Red Roses. She is the complete player and a nightmare centre to play against. Jones has pace, can tackle, has flair, can kick and is central to England’s attacking threat. Expect to her to get on the outside shoulder of Asda players and put in some huge tackles in the process. Maud Muir | England | Gloucester Hartpury | Prop Ok there are two England players on this list, but I genuinely could not choose between Muir and Jones, so hear me out. At only twenty-four, Muir has played forty-three times for England. Muir started her rugby as a back rower, with her mobility around the park a ...