Scotland hooker punched so hard by ex-rugby coach he was 'opened up like a zip'
Former England head coach Martin Johnson once landed a punch on former Scotland hooker Robert Russell which was so powerful it "opened him like a zip."
Rugby Sport News
Preview: Simon Easterby's inauguration set for England test
As tempting as it is to start rebuilding for a World Cup crack in 2027, there is a significant piece of Six Nations history for Ireland to target in the short term.
Fabien Galthie questions red card call while Wales brace for 'huge' Italy game
France made their Six Nations opener look like a canter as they destroyed Wales on Friday but lost Romain Ntamack through a red card, which ruled the flyhalf out of next weekend's clash against England. Fabien Galthie's side rolled over the visitors in a 43-0 drubbing to add to their three victories in last year's autumn series with Antoine Dupont playing chief tormentor in a scintillating first half. "The team is different when Dupont is here. He is the best player in the world and brings energy to all the players with his talent," Gregory Alldritt said. Dupont was back in the Six Nations after skipping last year's championship to prepare for the Olympics before winning the Rugby Sevens gold, and he returned with a bang. The scrumhalf delivered three assists before being replaced shortly after the interval. Although Dupont had to have his calf strapped, Galthie was reassuring about his condition ahead of next weekend's clash against England in Twickenham. Galthie praised France's discipline, with only three penalties conceded although Ntamack's red card for a shoulder-to-head tackle was a woeful low for the flyhalf. Ntamack was back with France after missing the Six Nations last year and the World Cup through injuries. "There is no question it's a yellow card, whether it's a red is debatable because he doesn't fully engage into the tackle," Galthie argued, despite some damning TV footage.
France face tougher challenge with England, without Ntamack
PARIS : France made their Six Nations opener look like a canter as they destroyed Wales on Friday but lost Romain Ntamack through a red card, which ruled the flyhalf out of next weekend's clash against England.
Flamboyant Dupont inspires France to sorry Wales drubbing
PARIS :Antoine Dupont lived up to expectations as the mercurial scrumhalf made his Six Nations comeback in style to lead France to a 43-0 crushing of Wales in this year's curtain riser on Friday.
Nothing unlucky about Wales's 13th defeat in a row
PARIS : Wales knew they were facing a huge challenge in Paris on Friday but their 13th successive defeat was a humbling one as France's 43-0 victory marked the visitors' first zero in the competition since losing 51-0 to the French in 1998 when it was still the Five Nations.
Past woes still echo as unpredictable England arrive in town
Ireland and England's latest meeting, 150 years after their first, comes freighted with greater than average levels of uncertainty.
Clinical France wallop wretched Wales on Antoine Dupont's return
Wales suffered a 13th successive Test match defeat and a record Guinness Six Nations loss to France as an Antoine Dupont-inspired Les Bleus demolished them 43-0 in Paris.