Fighting fire with fire

THIS year, the venerable Six Nations will be like no other, with rugby fans confined to their sofas to watch players and fans alike rekindle rivalries that stretch back generations. Several coaches have acknowledged the 138-year-old tournament’s importance when it comes to putting smiles on faces, in what is—due to the ongoing pandemic—a particularly challenging time for the sport and so many of us. England, the reigning champions, are favourites to lift the cup again. However, they are likely to be stretched by a rejuvenated French squad, as well as Ireland, who will be determined to unseat their old adversaries.

England

The rugby that coach Eddie Jones has his charges playing is not loved by all, but it is mightily successful. Brutish rather than bold, he prefers to bully sides into submission by deploying his freakish physical specimens in the pack. In the back row, a combination of Jack Willis, Ben Earl and Tom Curry will routinely scavenge for the ball, as Billy Vunipola willingly skittles defenders. Out