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World Rugby’s proposed laws stretch credulity by welcoming not-straight line-outs
Proposals are essentially contradictory – an order to apply current laws strictly tempered by referees using discretion to speed up the game
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England back line more balanced without Owen Farrell
Lawrence’s wrecking-ball display and Smith’s creative spark against France helped produce one of England’s best performances under Borthwick
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Ireland were not bad – England forced them into mistakes
England’s best performance since 2019 World Cup was built on a powerful carrying game rather than kicking from deep
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The hard truth? England have not improved under Borthwick
Steve Borthwick is right to prioritise defence, but not to exclusion of work on attack – especially when they have regressed on that front
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When broadcasters do not like the sport, rugby has a problem
Congested calendar, complex laws and falling participation are some of the mounting problems that leave rugby with little room to manoeuvre
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England players leaving RPA will hurt rest of the game
Loss of funding to union will likely result in non-international players having crucial services cut
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The law changes I would make to rugby
Tweaks to 50:22 law, and a willingness for referees to apply existing laws about kicking the ball away from a ruck, could transform rugby
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Marcus Smith is rugby’s future whether you like it or not – but England shirt is no guarantee
Blazing club form adds credence to calls for return to the England No 10 shirt – but Quins' fly-half must be put in the situation to succeed
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Henry Arundell must insist on playing in his best position to avoid Elliot Daly’s fate
Staying in France under Stuart Lancaster could be just what the England back needs, but he should avoid becoming a ‘jack-of-all-trades’
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It is too early to take sides in rugby’s toxic brain injury debate
The polarisation, agenda-pushing and misinformation that is creeping into this issue is not helpful and needs to stop
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Ignorant fans abusing Owen Farrell fail to separate criticism from hate speech
As a professional sportsman, criticism should be expected, but also a degree of decency – which is often sorely lacking
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Rob Baxter’s grand plan for scrums is wrong – rugby is not a pushing contest
Exeter coach's idea to improve rugby's spectacle is doomed to fail unless sides also abandon rigid, kick-based game plans
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England must introduce a ‘Giteau law’ to keep Maro Itoje available if he moves to France
The lock's career at Saracens is in doubt after he was asked to take a 50 per cent pay cut
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Those angry about Eddie Jones’ potential Japan return are being unfair
It is hard to accuse the controversial former England coach of disloyalty for quitting Australia if you had been demanding that he be sacked
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The build-up to the Six Nations starts here
Head coach had a free hit last year after being parachuted in late but must show the progress made at the World Cup continues in February
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Shameful abuse of referee Wayne Barnes by coaches and fans is unacceptable
Instead of complaining about a referee's decisions, fans should question why players make little attempt to lower their tackle height
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