The Gunners' victory over Chelsea was without one Brit in the squad. Is this really the way our football should be heading? They don't think so at Goodison, where there's more than a smattering of local and English talent. Posted December 20, 2007 by Ed Bottomley

International coaches are under increasing pressure to include top RL stars who switch codes in their teams. But, Jason Robinson apart, they find it a struggle - as England's Andy Farrell is experiencing. Posted September 21, 2007 by Hamish McBrearty

New Zealand have an aura and a record like no other team in world rugby, and some think the only way to storm this Black Fortress is with a continued verbal and mental barrage. Posted August 24, 2007 by James Mortimer

Southampton's Kenwyne Jones, Paul McShane from West Brom and Manchester United second-stringer Danny Higginbotham are not exactly names to get the Black Cats purring. Can you build a five-star hotel with twigs and a crisp packet? Posted August 31, 2007 by David Combe

With Richie McCaw and Dan Carter pulling the strings, New Zealand looked in a different class during the first round of matches - and it's hard to see anyone beating them. Posted September 10, 2007 by James Mortimer