Jeremy Guscott - News, Views and Opinion -The Rugby Paper

Jeremy Guscott: Once a Lions series is won, it’s hard to go again

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:38 +0000

The sports science and analysis available in the game now would almost certainly tell us that the Lions were not anywhere near physically done when they played Australia in the third Test in Sydney last weekend. However, it is the mental stuff that you cannot measure as easily. Where you could programme a robot to […]

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Jeremy Guscott: A defeat, yes, but the British and Irish Lions should be proud

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:50 +0000

The third Test might not have given the Lions the 3-0 margin they wanted, but this was a fierce contest in Sydney in very difficult conditions, in which one team wanted to redeem themselves and the other wanted to finish in style. Australia were far better in defence in this Test than they had been […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Lions vs Wallabies second Test such fantastic drama, a sporting spectacular

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:51 +0000

The Lions second Test win over Australia at the MCG in Melbourne last night had everything. It was a match of fantastic sporting drama, played in a great stadium, between two teams who gave their all – and with the Lions clinching the series, which for someone like me, who has skin in the game […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Cut penalty count and the British and Irish Lions will win again

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:59:44 +0000

The Lions played a powerful, physical game to beat Australia 27-19 in Brisbane yesterday, and you cannot underestimate the importance of a winning start to the series. They took it to Australia, and overpowered them with simple, basic, direct rugby, and effectively, by doing it for the first 42 minutes, it earned them the victory. […]

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Jeremy Guscott: I see too much clunk and not enough click with the British and Irish Lions

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:39 +0000

Before you get to the last two provincial matches of a Lions tour, the head coach knows what his best team look like, and that’s why we saw Andy Farrell’s strongest team picked against the Brumbies ten days out from the first Test. However, because we haven’t seen a really emphatic performance so far from […]

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Jeremy Guscott: British and Irish Lions need to be firing from the first whistle

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:42 +0000

Maro Itoje says that he felt pressure to perform this week, but that’s just standard for a Lions tour, and even more so when you are the captain. Itoje also knows that the expectations you have of yourself, and those coming at you from the outside, is a big part of professional sport. When Maro […]

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Jeremy Guscott: British and Irish Lions will need to get into right gear

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:59:41 +0000

There's no doubt that being part of a Lions side that loses the first game is not the best start. So, for any of those players who were picked against Argentina after being part of the training squad in Portugal, but did not put their hands up, there is big motivation to make amends for […]

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Jeremy Guscott: It will be tough for Bath to retain Premiership title

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 02:59:47 +0000

You would like to think that last weekend’s Premiership final between Bath and Leicester was the beginning of a new dynastic rivalry between the two clubs like it was back in the day. However, it’s never that easy, because while Bath should get stronger with the arrival of talented backs like Santiago Carreras and Henry […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Time for Henry Arundell to prove his worth

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 02:59:48 +0000

Before Henry Arundell left for France he was the talk of the town. His tries were all over social media and his form for London Irish had lots of people talking, and coaches salivating over his talent. Then he broke into the England team, and his impact was immediate, scoring a spectacular debut try against […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Now R360 has to put meat on the bone

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 02:59:43 +0000

The R360 plan is a disruption, but the good thing about disruptions is that they cause conversations, and it’s always good for rugby union to take stock of where it is. The old adage that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is fine if everything is ticking along successfully, but rugby union in England […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Dynamic duo, Danny Care and Ben Youngs, who thrived on rivalry

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 02:59:41 +0000

It's very rare that two players dominate as international scrum-halves for as long as Ben Youngs and Danny Care have for England. Both centurions announced their retirements from the club game over the last couple of weeks, with Leicester’s Youngs finishing as England’s most capped player on 127, and Harlequins’ Care notching 101 caps, and […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Bath need to ensure they find fifth gear

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 25 May 2025 02:59:43 +0000

Since Bath managed to finish in first place early and qualify for the playoffs with a home semi-final, the only nagging doubt in my mind is if it leads to them playing Bristol Bears, if they finish fourth.

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Jeremy Guscott: Northampton Saints need team effort to stifle ‘electric’ Louis Bielle-Biarrey

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 18 May 2025 02:59:43 +0000

Northampton and Bordeaux-Begles are great attacking sides, and that is what makes the European Cup final on Saturday at the Principality Stadium such an intriguing prospect. Both teams are stacked with talent, and Bordeaux have one of the most exciting players in the world in France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, while Northampton have one who is […]

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Jeremy Guscott: I hope the British and Irish Lions provide moments we talk about for years to come

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 11 May 2025 02:59:17 +0000

The big headlines from the 2025 Lions squad announcement on Thursday are the confirmation of Maro Itoje as captain of the tour party to Australia, the run from nowhere by Henry Pollock, which convinced head coach Andy Farrell to include the 20-year-old Northampton openside, and the omission of his son, Owen, from the 38 man […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Maro Itoje the right man to bring the British and Irish Lions together

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 04 May 2025 02:59:46 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... The ceremonial unveiling of the 2025 Lions squad at the O2 Arena on Thursday is a far cry from players in my era first learning of their selection on Ceefax. I’m pretty sure that’s how I found out about Lions selection before the tours in 1989 […]

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Jeremy Guscott: I’m just so excited by Bath’s brilliance

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 02:59:47 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... Where Bath are now, compared to where they have been, leaves me ecstatic. There is a feel-good factor around the club and how they are performing in general, and a sense of anticipation about what could be, in terms of becoming English champions again for the […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Johnny Sexton divisive for the British and Irish Lions? Not in my book

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 02:59:45 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week Whatever conflicting views there are over the appointment of Johnny Sexton to the 2025 Lions coaching team announced on Thursday, the conversation between head coach Andy Farrell and the former Lions and Ireland fly-half has happened, and the decision has been made. As for Sexton’s acceptance, […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Power of four will be crucial for Andy Farrell

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 02:59:45 +0000

In terms of pedigree, the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad selected by head coach Andy Farrell next month to tour Australia will not have a “generational” player like France does in Antoine Dupont.

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Jeremy Guscott: Champions Cup still has a role to play

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 02:59:44 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... The European Cup is as big as the clubs involved want to make it. If you talk to multiple champions like Toulouse, Leinster, and La Rochelle, they will be very clear about its significance and relevance to them, and the prestige that comes with winning it. […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions coaching team shows he has an eye on the future

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 02:59:42 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable, every week... Before I went on a Lions tour I knew a bit about the great players like Gareth Edwards who had worn the jersey, but didn’t know much about the coaching set-up apart from that Carwyn James had been the mastermind behind the 1971 Lions beating the […]

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Jeremy Guscott’s British and Irish Lions XV – Maro Itoje has the respect to be captain

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:59:42 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week This Lions selection is based on players who are in form and have stated their case based on the Six Nations, or those with pedigree coming back from injury, who will cause Australia the greatest problems this summer. It provides a comparison with the 2025 Lions […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Time to shrug off the straitjacket, England

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:59:47 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken & unmissable every week... If you put the England backs behind the French pack would they be as good as the French backs? The first thing is they would be very pleased with the prospect! It’s a good question, and a hard one to answer. The English backs would get […]

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Jeremy Guscott – England must put foot on the gas

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 03:59:50 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken & Unmissable every week... Some of the reasons for the changes Steve Borthwick has made against Italy are understandable, although Jamie George leading the team out for 100 caps seems a bit ‘matey’. Even though George has done well coming off the bench since losing the captaincy, I would probably […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Go for it, England, and don’t play safe

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 03:59:43 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken & unmissable every week... Sport can be about small margins, and it is amazing how quickly the public mood can go from frustration at England’s run of narrow losses to it still not being good enough when you win two games by one point. However, if you put this England […]

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Jeremy Guscott – French stars need to get on the same page

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 03:59:46 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken & Unmissable every week... How will France respond in Rome after losing to England? I don’t believe that French supporters will be feeling that charitable towards their own team after their defeat at Twickenham, and will want to see the record set straight against Italy this afternoon. The trouble with […]

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Jeremy Guscott – There’s more to come from this England pack in the Six Nations

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 03:59:49 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and Unmissable every week... England's win over France last weekend was a huge confidence booster ahead of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland because of the way the team gave themselves an opportunity to win – and the players seized the moment. The execution of Elliot Daly’s try couldn’t have […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Huw Jones leads way for British & Irish Lions’ early starters

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 03:59:43 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week The opening round of the 2025 Six Nations was the first opportunity for players from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales to put themselves in the picture for Lions selection for the tour to Australia this summer – and it is inevitable that the players from the […]

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Jeremy Guscott – France have a Grand Slam look about them

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 03:59:43 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week The 2025 Six Nations will tell us whether France are fully over their disappointing quarter-final exit in the 2023 World Cup, but the way they outclassed Wales in Paris on Friday night is a strong indication they are moving in the right direction. The seven tries […]

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Jeremy Guscott – Steve Borthwick must put faith in his players during Six Nations

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 03:59:45 +0000

By Jeremy Guscot - Outspoken and unmissable every week... The change of England captaincy that was discussed in last week’s column has become reality with Maro Itoje taking over from Jamie George, and leading the side into the Six Nations. While George playing 50 minutes rather than 80 was not a great concern to me, […]

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Jeremy Guscott: Four changes to fire up England

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 03:59:43 +0000

Whoever makes the England Six Nations squad, to be announced on Tuesday by Steve Borthwick, I cannot imagine much in the way of change.

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Time for Northampton Saints to push Bath up front

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 03:59:43 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week Northampton are the Premiership’s reigning champions, and when you are in that position you want to defend your title. That’s why today’s game at Franklin’s Gardens between the Saints and top-of-the-table Bath – who many see as the champions in waiting – could be one of […]

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Ollie Sleightholme is the right man for England

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 03:59:45 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... Since Ollie Sleightholme won his first two England caps against New Zealand last summer, and then came off the bench again in the autumn series to score two tries against Australia, and another two against South Africa and Japan, he has not been exposed or looked […]

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England’s outsiders deserve a chance

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:59:46 +0000

JEREMY GUSCOTT OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE... EVERY WEEK IT’S just six weeks before the start of the 2025 Six Nations, and since Steve Borthwick became England head coach his main message to the media has been we want to get better. However, by the end of the autumn series, Borthwick had become a bit more critical, […]

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England’s outsiders deserve a chance

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:59:46 +0000

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England’s outsiders deserve a chance

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:59:46 +0000

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It’s time for Bath to take control

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 03:59:46 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... Bath need to make a statement against Benetton at the Stadio Monigo today if they are to progress to the last 16 of the European Cup, and have a realistic hope of a home draw. Following last weekend’s narrow loss to La Rochelle at The Rec […]

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Time for Bristol Bears to step up to the plate

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:59:49 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... English clubs like Saracens, Leicester, Bath, Northampton and, to a lesser extent, Harlequins have got pedigree when it comes to the European Cup. The same cannot be said for Bristol who have not got strong credentials in either the European Cup, or the Premiership, having won […]

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Scotland must not waste potential

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 03:59:51 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... An assessment of where Scotland and England are after the autumn series, with another Calcutta Cup clash to come at Twickenham in the middle of the Six Nations, is an interesting comparison. It’s made even more pointed by competition for places on the 2025 Lions tour. […]

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England have bullets but not the right gun

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 03:59:50 +0000

JEREMY GUSCOTT OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE... EVERY WEEK I WAS optimistic about England’s chances at the start of the autumn series, given the closeness of the games against New Zealand in the summer. It made me think that at home, head coach Steve Borthwick’s team would be in a position to win three of their four […]

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Jac Morgan could lead Wales into new era

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 03:59:38 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... Wales do not have much chance of beating Australia today in Cardiff if we use the form of the two nations so far in this autumn series. There is a faint possibility of the Welsh scraping a win after 10 losses in a tow which includes […]

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England a licence to thrill

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 03:59:39 +0000

JEREMY GUSCOTT OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE... EVERY WEEK Key man: Ollie Lawrence should be able to inject more pace into England attacks PICTURES: Alamy SOUTH Africa has been cleaning up the big prizes in rugby union to the extent that they’ve become the team that New Zealand were from 2011 to 2015. Double World Cup winners, […]

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Wallabies have ability to spring a surprise

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:59:45 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... It would be a mistake to underestimate the abilities of Joe Schmidt, especially considering what the Kiwi achieved as a head coach with Leinster and Ireland. However, the significance of the Australia Grand Slam tour of the Home Unions this autumn cannot be underestimated, with the […]

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Tommy Freeman can push England to victory against All Blacks

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 03:59:39 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... Any analysis of England’s chances of beating New Zealand starts with the forwards. The reality is that the England pack has not been consistently totally dominated, but nor has it dominated anyone, so I put it at about the same level as Ireland, Scotland, Argentina and […]

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All Blacks will have to be at their best against England

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:59:41 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable, every week... In some ways the New Zealand system means that they are not at full strength between World Cups. You can see it in the way fly-half Richie Mo’unga, blindside Shannon Frizell, and veteran lock Brodie Retallick, who are all in Japan, are ruled out by taking […]

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Tommy Freeman can take charge of England’s defence

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 02:59:42 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week Tommy Freeman is one of those players who, when he gets the ball and sees an opportunity, he goes for it. He likes the challenge of trying to use his athleticism, size and skills to beat an opponent, and it’s why I would like to see […]

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Time for Marcus Smith and Ben Spencer to link up

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 02:59:42 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable every week... There's speculation that Alex Mitchell and George Ford are unlikely to feature for England in the early stages of the autumn internationals due to injuries, but usually you would look at the team that finished the last game for nearly all the starters. Or, you would […]

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England should be aiming for treble top in the Autumn Internationals

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 02:59:46 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott - Outspoken and unmissable, every week... The autumn internationals against the traditional southern hemisphere big three, and Japan, are next on England’s agenda and I still fancy the leading Six Nations teams when they are at home against the southern hemisphere sides. We are still two months away, and even though we […]

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Jeremy Guscott: I can’t call a winner, but it’ll be exciting

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 02:59:45 +0000

By Jeremy Guscott OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE… EVERY WEEK The beauty of the last Premiership season was it was incredibly competitive, and this was reflected in a showpiece final between Northampton and Bath at Twickenham which was in doubt right up to the last seconds. The game had great drama throughout, despite Bath being reduced to […]

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Intense rivalry which never loses its edge

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 02:59:47 +0000

JEREMY GUSCOTT OUTSPOKEN AND UNMISSABLE... EVERY WEEK SOUTH Africa and New Zealand are never far away from being the top one or two in the world rankings, but what makes their games against each other so unmissable is not just how closely matched they are, but the sheer strength and intensity of the rivalry. This […]

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Jeremy Guscott: England Rugby and clubs must collaborate

Jeremy Guscott — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 02:59:41 +0000

Once upon a time, when rugby went pro, the national unions took control of their biggest asset, which was the players, by contracting them.

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