Rugby Country (rugby news, reviews and opinion)

Warburton back as captain for Wales

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:23:00 +0000

Sam Warburton has been reinstated as Welsh captain ahead of their clash with the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium on December 3.

Coach Warren Gatland has named a 28-man squad which retains the majority of Wales' much heralded 2011 Rugby World Cup side.

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees returns to the squad, originally slated to lead his country before injury ruled him out of the World Cup.

Two other players from the original Welsh training squad for New Zealand are also included, in Blues prop Scott Andrews and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric, while Ospreys pair Dan Biggar and Ian Evans both return to the international fold.

Shane Williams has been named, and if selected will play his final match in Welsh colours, although he will continue to play in Ospreys colours for another season.

Three uncapped players in Dragons flanker Lewis Evans, Blues wing Alex Cuthbert and Scarlets full-back Liam Williams join up with twenty players from the World Cup.

Gatland said it had opted for continuity.

"As we have gone with the majority of our Rugby World Cup squad we have maintained continuity by selecting Sam again as captain for this game, but it is a significant boost for us to have someone of the experience and stature of Matthew Rees back in the squad which, in turn, means there is considerable competition in the hooker's position with both Huw Bennett and Lloyd Burns also with us," said Gatland.

"The fans have a chance to show the players how proud they are of them after their World Cup performances and it should be quite an occasion at the Millennium Stadium, especially with the Shane Williams factor thrown in, but we won't be sitting back and soaking up the atmosphere.

"We have another chance to beat a Southern Hemisphere team, which is always a yardstick by which we measure ourselves, we have the opportunity to avenge the play-off defeat in New Zealand, but we can also send a message to our Six Nations opponents next year, that our RWC performances should not be seen in isolation and this young squad will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as we build to the next world cup in 2015."

Wales squad v Australia (alphabetical order)

FORWARDS: Scott Andrews, Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Danny Lydiate, Matthew Rees, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (Captain)

BACKS: Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Tavis Knoyle, George North, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, Shane Williams.

McCaw will be better in 2012 for long off season

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:22:00 +0000

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will have his well known right foot operated on to remove the famous screw that did not succeed in it's quest to sideline the World Cup winning skipper, who played throughout despite having to regularly miss training sessions.

That malais also spread to the Crusaders, with coach Todd Blackadder admitting that for long periods throughout the 2011 Investec Super Rugby season McCaw had to be managed on the training field.

However a good off-season and a later entry into the 2012 Investec Super Rugby season should enable McCaw to break his record this season of playing in only six matches for the Crusaders.

Not only did his fifth metatarsal injury cause some problems, but concussion and calf injuries curtailed his appearances throughout the season.

While he did miss most of the Crusaders regular season games, as he did some pool matches at the World Cup -- McCaw played in the semi-final and final in Super Rugby, while playing the three knockout matches leading to their 8-7 victory over France to win New Zealand's second World Cup.

Blackadder, speaking to the NZ Herald, said that he expected McCaw to be prepared for a long season next year, with the World Cup winning captain likely to be ready for selection four to six weeks into their season.

The seven time champions kick off against the Blues at Eden Park on February 24.

"He will get a really good base and will be as fit and strong as ever," Blackadder said.

"He hasn't been able to train or function normally all year. We just had to manage him. That was probably highlighted in those high-pressure games when he wasn't as sharp as he could have been and that's fully understandable. I think for him next year he'll be absolutely good to go."

McCaw's recovery from surgery will take up to three months, but he will be ready for the All Blacks 2012 test season, beginning with a break from Super Rugby in June for the Steinlager Series against Ireland, where the victors against the Wallabies and losing quarter-finalists against Wales will line up for three-tests in the first matches with the All Blacks as World Champions.

There will then be the Investec Rugby Championship, with Argentina the fourth nation to join the Southern Hemisphere's premier tournament, where McCaw will try and again create history and win the first title of the new tournament that replaces the Tri Nations.

McCaw won four (of New Zealand's ten) Tri Nations as captain, a three year streak from 2006 to 2008, while he led the All Blacks to the title in 2010.

Wallabies: ARU keen to wrap up Robbie Deans

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:13:00 +0000

It is all but confirmed that Robbie Deans will coach the Wallabies through to their 2013 British and Irish Lions tour, with it a possibility that the former Crusaders boss will go through to another World Cup, in England in 2015.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the announcement will be officially made after the Investec Super Rugby season, while Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive John O’Neill said in a radio interview that he wanted Deans to retain the position.

O’Neill himself will remain in his role until 2013 at least, and his ‘reappointment’ in February this year was a pointer to Deans remaining at the helm.

With 15 of last season’s end-of-year Wallabies tourists signing with the ARU so far this year, most until 2013, a huge factor in the recruitment of so many test players was the lure of playing a Lions’ team.

It has also been widely reported by the Herald and Australian that Deans has a strong relationship with many of the new generation of Wallabies, and many indicated that their signing was linked to their continued relationship with the Canterbury legend.

O'Neill said to the Herald that his vote was with Deans.

“Personally, I am a great Robbie Deans supporter, and the prospect of him extending his contract is something I am very much in favour of,” he said.

Deans and his family have now settled in Sydney’s North Shore, and the long term plan preached by the Wallabies coach certainly has taken shape in the last year, with the young Australian team second in the world rankings.

Landmark victories over South Africa in Bloemfontein, the All Blacks in Hong Kong and the thumping win over France in Paris, have convinced most that Deans is a good fit as Wallabies coach, with the Les Bleus scalp his 24th win in 43 tests.

While some feel there is an element of risk considering the upcoming World Cup campaign, which has seen the end of many nations’ coaches reigns based on results, there is a general consensus by the ARU powerbrokers and Wallaby players that Deans should stay, irrespective of the result in New Zealand later this year.

O’Neill, alongside a host of resigned Wallabies, believes that the team is on the verge of a golden era.

The Wallabies will play Samoa on July 17 to open their 2011 season, before they host the Springboks in Sydney to open the Investec Tri Nations on July 23. The first Bledisloe Cup match will be at Eden Park on August 6, before the Wallabies World Cup campaign begins with a test against Italy on September 11, with Ireland, Russia and USA also with Australia in Pool C.

Springboks: John Smit to lead World Cup defence

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:10:00 +0000

Coach Peter de Villiers has confirmed that Sharks hooker John Smit will captain South Africa for the 2011 international season, and lead them to the World Cup in New Zealand.

There the Springboks will attempt to become the first team to successfully defend a global crown, with Smit guiding the team to glory in France four years ago.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of a two-day national planning camp, where 51 players gathered for the first time under the guise of the Springboks this year, the first of three such camps.

The second camp will take place in Durban on June 12 and 13.

John Smit has captained South Africa 76 times in his 102 tests to be the most capped international captain in rugby history, and will wear the armband for the eighth season.

The most capped Springbok ever, Victor Matfield, will be the South African vice-captain, with the 105 test veteran having already led the national team 15 times.

Coach Peter de Villiers said the duo’s experience made them easy selections.

“John and Victor have an unbelievable amount of experience and we're fortunate to be able to name them as captain and vice captain,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

“They are outstanding players in their positions and to have both still available in a Rugby World Cup year is a great boost for South African rugby. They are hugely-respected in world rugby and have a massive influence on the teams in which they play.”

“History has shown that teams that do well at Rugby World Cups have experience and outstanding leadership and we've learnt in the past that you throwaway that experience at your peril.”

Heineken Cup: Ireland needs to benefit more from magnificent Leinster

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:03:00 +0000

The men from Dublin will attempt to join multiple winners Toulouse, Munster, London Wasps and the Leicester Tigers as the latest side to not only confirm their dominance of European rugby, but to create a peerless dynasty.

Toulouse, beaten 32-23 by Leinster, conceded the Heineken Cup title in the semi-final at Aviva Stadium, ruling out an audacious attempt by the French giants to claim a remarkable five European trophies.

The vanquished French, at times sceptical losers, lavished praise on Leinster in an eloquent and flattering manner that could leave little doubt as to how genuine it really was.

Toulouse master coach Guy Novés, regarded by many as the next French test coach, summed it up post match.

“We fell to a team better than us,” he said.

“In every sense they deserve their victory. No more to be said about that. I recall certain cup matches that I lost that left a bitter taste, where I felt I’d been the victim of incoherent decisions. Here I have regrets, but I feel the better team won.”

Backs coach Jean-Baptiste Elissalde felt that Leinster was playing “at another level” compared to other sides on the continent.

This was no rolling over by French rugby’s perennial contenders, a side like the Crusaders that never seems to go a season or two without making a statement just to remind fledging powers of their place.

Leinster though is no baby on this grandest of stages anymore.

Noves had clearly done his homework, with the Toulousains methodically drawing Leinster defenders into the ruck throughout the match, clearly designing to compress the graceful arching Irish defence.

Much of Leinster’s tackling systems are in place due to Te Kuiti born Kurt McQuilkin, who has settled back into his Lake Taupo home after turning a perceived ‘soft underbelly’ for the Irish province into one of the most beguiling defensive screens on display in world rugby.

However while Toulouse did work for their two tries, and did strategically manipulate Leinster at times, the French did not have the menace or edge to their blade that has seen them rule the North before.

While Leinster look even better than they did when they claimed the Heineken Cup two years ago.

There may be no Rocky Elsom, a cult hero who has never played as well in Wallabies colours as he did in the sky blue, but up front his power has been replaced by South African hooker Richardt Strauss and Sean O’Brien – the latter who is arguably the best openside in the Northern Hemisphere.

While Isa Nacewa is another man from the South who shines in Leinster, it is no Toulon-like assembly of imported stars that does the job, but a heady blend of Irish test players who are in career best form.

Of course there is Brian O’Driscoll, who is clearly slower, but if anything seems more physically imposing and has more devilish street-smarts (a ruck earned yellow card aside) than most players could ever hope to boast.

Add to this reinvigorated players like Gordon D’Arcy, Mike Ross and Jamie Heaslip, mixed with maturing talent such as Jonathan Sexton, and one feels if a year or two could be coaxed out of their elder statesmen, this may only be the beginning for Leinster.

How good are they?

A win over the Northampton Saints in the final would give Leinster a French and English treble that has probably never been equaled.

Toulouse, Racing Metro and Clermont Auvergne, three of the key powers in the Top 14, and England’s two domestic finalists from last season, Leicester and Saracens, have been unable to match what some are calling the “all-court” game of Leinster.

However a furious Heineken Cup clash between Leinster and Toulouse, hailed by some as one of the great matches of the competition, with test match intensity, did see the Irish under pressure at times, and Brian O’Driscoll felt his team were a bit off colour.

“We were a little bit flat, particularly in that first half and didn’t help ourselves but to grind out a result in a European semi-final you need a little bit of luck,” the evergreen Irish centre said.

“It’s the games where you perhaps don’t play at your very best but still get over the line that give you a chance to win some silverware; we have done that.”

“That (game) was like a Test match; that was the intensity and calibre of game it was. You realise that it takes an awful lot to get to the semi-final and final of the Heineken Cup and sides aren’t going to roll over, especially the current champions. We saw right to the death how they gave themselves a chance to win it, even when they were nine points down.”

While Munster has abdicated their role as a leading power (for this season at least) on the European stage with a shock home loss to Harlequins, Leinster has firmly embraced the baton as the dominant Irish power.

In 1999 Ulster claimed the Heineken Cup, the next three years Munster reached the final twice, before the Red Army claimed the greatest European prize in 2006 and 2008, with Leinster lifting the title 12 months later.

Ireland has had clubs which have footed it with and dominated all of the great clubs of England, France, Wales and Scotland - and it should bode well for Irish hopes in the World Cup.

Their marvellous win over England to deny the Red Rose a Grand Slam was the stuff of legends, and showed the ability of the Irish to play with enough passion and intensity to match any power.

Leinster’s form is such that some in Ireland believe that their coach, New Zealanders Joe Schmidt, should be the front runner to take over as the next test boss one day.

The former Clermont back coach took over from Michael Cheika- who won a Heineken Cup and Magner’s League title with Leinster – and has helped hone a strong Dublin based side that is one game from again conquering the North.

Under current Irish coach Declan Kidney, Ireland has a 2009 Grand Slam to go along with 19 wins from 29 test matches.

They will be in Pool C at the Rugby World Cup alongside the Wallabies, and the runner up of the group will likely face off against the Springboks in the quarter-final.

2010/2011 Heineken Cup semi-final preview: Leinster v Toulouse

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:27:00 +0000

With due respect to the other semi-final, the clash between the reigning and four-time champions Toulouse, and the winners in 2009 Leinster, represents the match between two of the current powerhouses of the European stage.

French giants Toulouse are aiming for an unprecedented fifth European title, and are potentially heading for a 18th French domestic crown, currently top of the table in this year’s Top 14.

In their record tenth semi-final, they have won 19 from 27 Heineken knockout matches, and their only loss in this season’s competition came at the hand of London Wasps at Adam’s Park, with a 81st minute David Lemi try winning it for the Englishman.

Indeed it was that reverse that means Toulouse have to travel to Aviva Stadium, where Leinster waits arguably the form team of the tournament.

They are second to Munster in the Magner’s League, but unlike their eliminated rivals, Leinster navigated the toughest pool – beating Clermont, Racing-Metro and Saracensm to claim second seed in the final’s seedings.

Twice Magner’s (Celtic) League winners, and two-time runners up, their breakthrough Heineken Cup in 2008/2009 confirmed them as a legitimate heavyweight.

Irish test and Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy told the Irish Independent that talk that the French side was a fading force was rubbish.

"It's still Toulouse," he said.
"Rupeni Caucaunibuca was playing at the weekend; he hasn't played for four or five games. He'd walk into any team in Europe yet he's one of their rotational guys. It just shows the strength of depth in their squad.

"They're the team that everybody wants to beat, year in year out. They've won the most trophies.

"We can't look for any excuses; we'll take them at face value and have to bring our 'A' game."

"We just need to worry about ourselves. I know myself, if I'm lucky to play, if I win my individual battle, then I can contribute to the team.

"Everyone needs to have that mindset and perform that little bit better than the guy you're playing against.

"I think Toulouse are going to be a step up on Leicester. Toulouse are probably more of a complete team. They have more impact off the bench. The Irish will be wary, as last season’s semi-final they clashed with Toulouse on French soil, and the champion’s elect toyed with Leinster up front and were ruthless in the set piece.

Leinster look a stronger side this season, noticeably up front, and while Toulouse has talked them up, even claiming the Irish are the “perfect team”, neither opponent will be able to claim outright dominance in any facet of the game.

Toulouse is typically stacked with French internationals, and while their 16 win and eight loss season has them leading the Top 14, it is not form that suggests they have been devastating throughout the last 12 months.

Samoan and Toulouse prop Census Johnston believes the game will be decided by the packs.

"We are expecting a big battle, especially up front," he said.

"We did well last year and it set-up a platform for us and even tough we have targeted it again this year we know they will be doing the same.

"They have put in some strong performances and have been working hard so we know it is going to be a challenge."

Toulouse have been here before, and have the goods to get a fifth crown.

Leinster deserve favouritism based on home advantage and what was hard-nosed form getting through a tough pool and a tight quarter final against Leicester.

Toulouse, who replayed last year’s final with Biarritz in their quarterfinal, won 7-20 in extra time,

The two teams have played each other eight times in Europe, with Toulouse ahead five to three, with Leinster triumphing the last occasion they met in Dublin in 2008.

Date: Saturday, April 30
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)

Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Nathan Hines, 4 Leo Cullen (c), 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Cian Healy. Replacements: 16 Jason Harris-Wright, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Stan Wright, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Shane Jennings, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Toulouse: 15 Cédric Heymans, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Clément Poitrenaud, 11 Maxime Medard, 10 David Skrela, 9 Jean-Marc Doussain, 8 Louis Picamoles , 7 Yannick Nyanga, 6 Jean Bouilhou, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Yoann Maestri, 3 Census Johnston, 2 William Servat, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux. Replacements: 16 Virgile Lacombe, 17 Daan Human, 18 Johnson Falefa, 19 Thierry Dusautoir, 20 Nicolas Bezy, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Shaun Sowerby, 23 Grégory Lamboley.

2010/2011 Heineken Cup semi-final preview: Northampton v Perpignan

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:24:00 +0000

Northampton Saints, winners of the Heineken Cup in 2000, will meet the only team left in the 2010/2011 tournament not to have claimed Europe's most prestigous domestic title.

Perpignan, French champions in 2009 and seven-times the winner of the Top 14, did make it to a H-Cup final in 2003 but lost to old rivals Toulouse 22-17.

The Saints, in some pundit's eyes the best English domestic team, will bring a mighty squad to the penultimate match of the championship minus test flanker Tom Wood.

The twin attacking foils of Ben Foden and Chris Ashton might attempt to take all the headlines, but it is a remarkably powerful engine room for Northampton that has seen them supply quality ball to their class back division.

Jim Mallinder has moulded his team into an obvious champion outfit, but the Saints will want to start confirming this potential by winning at least one major cup this year.

The Saints are fourth in the current Aviva Premiership and a threat to the English crown, but they are attempting to become the first ever unbeaten team in Heineken Cup history; with Leinster (twice), London Wasps, Bath Rugby, Biarritz Olympique, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues all whitewashing their pools throughout history but failing to claim the title.

Nine wins constitutes a perfect Heineken Cup season - never achieved in the North.

In the South, the Crusaders in 2002 went 11 wins in the regular season through to beating the Brumbies in the final to achieve a perfect 13-from-13 Super Rugby campaign.

Former New Zealand based player and Saints' veteran Bruce Reihana said his team was ready.

"This semifinal is absolutely massive for the club and for the supporters," said Reihana.

"We have worked so hard all season to get to this point and we are all hugely excited about playing Perpignan in the semifinals.

"Any side you meet in the last four are going to be at the top of their game and Perpignan are no different. We watched their quarterfinal and they are a class outfit so we will spend the week looking at them and preparing for the game.

"Coming through the Pool stage as the only unbeaten team was a fantastic achievement and of course we are using that and taking confidence from it going into the one-off games but we know just how tough Perpignan will be on Sunday.

"Milton Keynes is only just down the road from Northampton and it has become a ‘home’ ground with the supporters packing it out like they do at every stadium we go to.

Coach of Perpignan Jacques Brunel, who will assume the reigns of Italy after Nick Mallet steps down, wants to inflict some revenge on the English.

While the French side won the Top 14 title two seasons ago and contested last year's final, a ninth placed position in this year's championship shows the powerful team has struggled, getting a hammering by Toulon last weekend.

But they defeated the same team in the quarter-finals of the H-Cup, reaching the first round of the finals courtesy of qualifying ahead of the Leicester Tigers, beating the English champions in France and drawing with them at Welford Road.

Brunel, who suffered defeats as assistant French coach to England in 2003 and 2007, said he wanted some revenge for what happened in the World Cup, with the 57-year-old famous for breaking Perpignan's 54 year French championship drought.

"The English really made me suffer when I was with the French side," said Brunel.

"I can't forget that I lost two World Cup semifinals to them. I will remember that for a long time.

"Both times we thought we were close and on for it, but it slipped out of our hands: the rain in Sydney, that tap tackle by [Lewis] Moody on [Vincent] Clerc in Paris."

Perpignan will rely on their brilliant front row and reliable set piece to impose themselves on the Saints, while the Northampton pack will probably try to gain advantage in the loose.

Out wide the French can attack, but their willingness at times to run with the ball does leave them susceptible to counterattack and suspect defence, which the Saints will use to their advantage with their two English three-quarters roaming wide.

Date: Sunday, May 1
Venue: Stadium:mk
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland). Simon McDowell (Ireland)

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Phil Dowson, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (capt), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha. Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Joe Ansbro.

Perpignan: 15 Jérôme Porical, 14 Adrien Plante, 13 David Marty, 12 Gavin Hume, 11 Julien Candelon, 10 Nicolas Laharrague, 9 David Mele, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Bertrand Guiry, 6 Grégory Le Corvec, 5 Robins Tchale Watchou, 4 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Perry Freshwater. Replacements: 16 Charles Geli, 17 Kisi Pulu, 18 Jérôme Schuster, 19 Henry Tuilagi, 20 Kevin Boulogne, 21 Manny Edmonds, 22 Joffrey Michel, 23 Guillaume Vilaceca.

2011 Super Rugby / Brumbies: World Cup winning coach too good to turn down

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Former Springbok mentor Jake White is set to be confirmed as the ACT Brumbies new head coach, with caretaker coach Tony Rea confirming he will seek another head coaching role.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rea said he was disappointed to miss out on the head coaching role, despite no formal confirmation yet of the 2012 coach.

The Canberra Times also confirmed that White was all but confirmed as the new Brumbies coach.

The Brumbies are in Cape Town at present, and South African media has reported that White has actually met with Brumbies players, and will observe the team in their games in Bloemfontein and Durban.

Rea was interviewed for the position alongside White and two other unnamed candidates (in a field of 20 applicants), and while the World Cup winning coach had said previously he wanted a test role and would not seek a Super Rugby position, it seems he will take on Australia’s rugby poisoned chalice, if local media is to be believed.

Rea replaced Andy Friend who was sacked in February after just two matches - the second Brumbies coach to lose his job after David Nucifora in controversial circumstances.

Rea, the franchise's defence coach, was promoted. In six weeks he has been unable to turn things around, with the Brumbies two from eight and sitting tenth on the overall table.

The club's chief executive Andrew Fagan, former players Joe Roff and Pat Howard, and Canberra businessman John Mackay interviewed for the head role in recent months.

If White is selected it will mean one of the most credentialed South African coaches will take over Australia’s most successful Super Rugby team.

He guided the Baby Boks (the then under-21s) to a Junior World Cup in 2002, and took over the Springboks two years later.

An Investec Tri Nations title was won in 2004, and despite winning just one from four in the 2007 tournament, he would guide the South Africans to their second World Cup in France.

Overall White had a 66 percent record, winning 36 from 54 tests, with three wins against the All Blacks in nine matches.

Wales Rugby: Henson sacked, but World Cup still a possibility

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Enigmatic Welsh star Gavin Henson has been sacked by Toulon after just two matches, yet some believe that the star – favoured by the current Welsh coaching regime – could still be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Henson played just two matches for a total of 157 minutes for Toulon, but it is believed that the simple fact that he returned to rugby may be enough to earn a recall to a Wales team that has won just 14 from 34 tests since winning the 2008 Grand Slam.

In the last season and a half Wales have only won five matches from 17 matches, and the failure to have automatic selections in the Red Dragons' midfield is doing nothing to hurt Henson’s rumoured chances.

Henson was stood down by the club for an incident allegedly involving captain Joe van Niekirk and Jonny Wilkinson.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal said last week that Henson was difficult to manage.

French paper L'Equipe then sensationally announced today “Le divorce est consommé entre Gavin Henson et Mourad Boudjellal!” (The divorce between Henson and Boudjellal has been finalised!)

Henson left all rugby for 18 months, which resulted in much time on his yacht, a high profile split from Welsh singer Charlotte Church, and a stint on Dancing with the Stars.

After returning to rugby, he left Ospreys after an extended dispute with the Welsh club over unpaid wages, and joined Saracens in a glamorous move that resulted in hardly any appearances for the English club before another club shift to Toulon.

A strong showing against Stade Francais in his French club debut was noticed by all and sundry, but a calf injury had him ruled out of action for nearly two months.

A return to Welsh colours would not shock, as Henson was remarkably chosen as the union’s pinup boy at the beginning of the season despite having not played international rugby for over a year, much to the anger of established test players.

2011 Super Rugby: Polota-Nau and Palu could join 'season-over' Mitchell

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Drew Mitchell's foot injury will rule him out for the rest of the 2011 Investec Super Rugby season, potentially throwing the player rated by many as the Wallabies front line wing out of World Cup calculations.

The mix of pain, horror and shock was obvious at Mitchell lay in agony after colliding with Queensland number eight Scott Higginbotham, who was criticised by Australian media today for his tactics that has cost one of the Wallabies key backline players a likely test berth.

The Waratahs have not made a formal complaint.

Mitchell had surgery in Brisbane on Sunday, and it will be confirmed on Monday whether or not the wing is a chance to be able to make what would be a remarkable recovery for later in the year.

However the 19-15 loss to the Reds was made worse after it was confirmed that hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (shoulder) and number eight Wycliff Palu (hamstring) could miss this weekend's match against the Melbourne Rebels.

The Waratahs have faded after a brilliant start to the season, now firmly out of the top six and 11 points behind the new Templeton Cup holders.

The Reds claimed the interstate trophy for the first time in seven years.

New South Wales might have a good run of home games and a bye coming up, but they are still to play in South Africa - against the Bulls and the Sharks - so are now playing catch up rugby.

However the Waratahs were not the only ones who suffered injuries.

Digby Ioane (face) and Ben Daley (broken nose), Rod Davies (knee) and James Slipper (collarbone) will all probably miss the Reds match against the Hurricanes in Wellington next week.

2011 Super Rugby: Bulls on verge of worst season in years

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:38:00 +0000

The Bulls suffered their fifth defeat of the season, and the reigning champions will need to put together a string of results quickly if they are to qualify for the finals and attempt to defend their title.

Only once since 2003 have the Bulls lost more than five games in a season (in their 10th placed finish in 2008).

They are third in the South African conference but are now a massive 15 points behind the Stormers and 12 adrift of the Sharks.

Another couple of losses, which would equal their return in 2008, would mean that mathematically it would be almost impossible for the three-time champions to reach the playoffs.

Their 26-21 loss to the Western Force was lauded as a "self-destruction" by South African site Supersport, after the Bulls were leading 18-12 and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

While the Force are a determined team, their third win of the season is a massive upset, and the Bulls, their captain Victor Matfield and coach Frans Ludeke, have some serious questions that need answering.

Having just completed a recent review after they suffered back-to-back losses in Pretoria, the Bulls haven't been able - their grafting victory against the Hurricanes aside - to mount any serious impetus.

A host of Springboks are out of form, but frustratingly for Bulls supporters will be the fact that at times the team does seem capable of producing the magic that has won them three of the last four Super Rugby titles.

Ironically there were glimpses of the Bulls in the way the Force engineered their victory, punishing the South Africans mistakes via the boot, while playing a territorial game to frustrate the champions whose famed kicking skills have not been on display this season.

The Bulls will host the Chiefs next week in what could be a danger game for the South Africans and a chance for the Chiefs to record rare consecutive victories in the Republic.

England and Ireland gamble on World Cup success

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:04:00 +0000

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have essentially placed bets with bookmakers to cover their respective national bodies should their test teams progress through the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Win bonuses, a feature of most tier one rugby nations, will be paid out pending on a nations results, and it seems European powers are essentially insuring themselves should they win the seventh global tournament.

In March it was revealed that the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) would pay out up to $3 million AUD if the Wallabies were to win the World Cup.

This week the Guardian said that the RFU had placed a premium of £250,000 to cover England's progress to at least the semi-finals, which would ensure the governing body would be protected for potential bonuses (if England win) of up to £2.25 million.

If Martin Johnson's troops reach the last four, then the money claimed from the bets would cover all payouts.

It has now been revealed by the Irish Times that the IRFU does the same, with Ireland rugby revealing it had placed similar bets for the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

The ARU's bonus scheme has been in place for the same amount of time, with the Wallabies in 1999 winning $30,000 AUD per player for winning their second World Cup.

This might sound incredibly illegal, but the International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations are crystal clear.

Quote IRB Regulation 6.2.

"Any player, referee, touch judge, coach, trainer, selector, health professional, member of team or club management, or any match official from entering into any wager, bet or any form of financial speculation, directly or indirectly as to the result or any other dimension or aspect of any match, tour, tournament or series of matches in which he is participating."

There is no specific law preventing a national union from doing the above.

A RFU spokesperson said it was not a unique case.

“I am sure that we, as a professional and responsible sports governing body, are not alone in ensuring we minimise our financial risks at all times, including around tournaments such as the rugby World Cup. This is not unique practice but rather financially prudent so that we can continue to invest in the grassroots of the sport," they said.

A similar statement was quoted in the Irish Times.

“The practice of insuring progression of teams in professional sport is as common as insuring private houses,” said an IRFU spokesman yesterday.

“The IRFU, through their relationship with sponsors, Paddy Powers, effectively takes out an insurance policy on the performance of the team during the World Cup to allow the union to offset and minimise the financial outlay during the tournament.

“The Ireland team is the financial engine that supports all levels of rugby in both professional and domestic levels and the loss of revenue of no November games, bonuses and other financial outlays related to progression in the World Cup means that the IRFU would insure themselves against this.”

French rugby club's purses not ready to close yet

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:01:00 +0000

While Toulouse completed a mass buy with Blues and former All Blacks back Luke McAlister among a host of names heading to the Heineken Cup champions, other French clubs will continue to eye off high profile players as the expected post World Cup shift of players continues.

It will continue until the tournament kicks off in September, and while many player contracts have been confirmed, a host of transfers are still pure speculation.

The moves to France are not restricted to being from the Southern Hemisphere.

Welsh clubs have lost James Hook (Perpignan) and Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne) in high profile shifts. The move of Hook to Perpignan did go some way to clearing up the rumour that All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter was to rejoin the club he played a short stint with a couple of years ago.

Carter has been linked to Racing Metro 92, in what some reports claim will be the highest rugby contract in history. This means that the Crusaders playmaker will overtake Sébastien Chabal, who also resides at the Paris club, with the French back row forward unofficially recognised as the highest paid player in world rugby.

Clermont have been the busiest club so far, signing All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, as well as former New Zealand based players Regan King and George Pisi, and a high profile snatch from Toulouse in gaining Les Bleus first five-eighth David Skrela.

Toulon as always are in the thick of it, being linked to Sonny Bill Williams.

Having already signed Matt Giteau and Bakkies Botha, the club continues a remarkable recruitment drive that has taken place over recent seasons.

There is also talk that former rugby league forward Willie Mason could sign, as well as French test centre Mathieu Bastareaud.

Heresay is something that is part and parcel of potential moves, with Toulon also claiming they have signed England flanker Steffon Armitage, but London Irish deny they will release their star forward without signing a replacement.

Toulon though are not stockpiling players, with Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal saying that a "difficult to manage" Gavin Henson may not have a future with the club after being suspended for an off field incident.

Moves from French club to French club continue, with it confirmed that former All Blacks scrumhalf Byron Kelleher will move from Toulouse to Bayonne. Joining him could be former Chiefs number eight Sione Lauaki, who is currently at Clermont.

Still, the player movements are not restricted to moving North.

Stade Toulousain's Frédéric Michalak is in theory set to re-sign with the club, but French media have reported that the flamboyant first five-eighth could end up playing Investec Super Rugby in 2012.

Equally their is rumour that the Waratahs have been in talks with English flanker James Haskell regarding a possible move, while NSW could potentially make a move for the Melbourne Rebel's Danny Cipriani, in what could be a 'tit-for-tat' move after Kurtley Beale signed with the Super Rugby debutants.

Is the Hurricanes 2011 over with their shock loss to the Rebels?

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:34:00 +0000

You know that something is amiss when a team wears an away strip of grey – hardly the most inspiring of tones – despite the obvious fact that the home side wears dark blue, and the travelers would normally don yellow.

Rules or omen, there is always a sense of the unknown when watching the Hurricanes play, champions-elect at times, inconceivable losers in most distressing circumstances.

They played with explosiveness in the first quarter of an hour that would have blown any team away.

Those who know the switched on Hurricanes (last year was only the second time since 2005 then they haven’t reached the finals) can recall a fierce tendency to blow teams away when the intangible clicks.

Yet that same unknown quality can make mere mortals of the numerous quality players the team wields, demonstrated against their foes today by nine past or present All Blacks, including the vaunted test incumbent midfield of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

The Rebels, rabble at moments but heroes when mood takes them, showed that they wield potential far beyond what losses might indicate.

If coach Rod Macqueen was indeed psychologist as he lamented he may need to be after the half century loss to Queensland, then he proved himself a master in another field as the newest Super Rugby team had the mental fortitude to come back against the odds.

If the Hurricanes had managed to add even a solitary try to their opening burst of 17 points, then an old fashioned shut down would have enabled the visitors to take the game.

However the open nature of the game that the Hurricanes seem to crave came back to haunt them, as the home team coordinated their efforts and played with a determination and cohesiveness remarkable of a maiden year unit.

Masters of wrecking havoc when attacking via loose play or open fields, the Hurricanes have a galling habit of retaining the same eclectic formations when organising their defence.

Six tries from the Rebels (with over 80 points conceded by the Hurricanes in their last two matches) indicates a non-functional defensive system that the away team will desperately want to remedy.

Yet a stall of their attacking game, which yielded only one try in the last 65-odd minutes, will also need to be addressed, indicating the coach Mark Hammett has it all to do in the coming weeks.

There was not the slightest hint of the famed Crusaders structure in place after the Hurricanes registered their third score, and while the former red and black forward’s mentor may not have inherited a poisoned chalice, the worst of the Hurricanes diverse reputation came back to sting them at the so coined ‘Stockade’ in the heart of Melbourne.

Interestingly, it was observed that as the Rebels took control the Hurricanes began to play as individuals.

As the Rebels united and drove forward as one.

This was inelegantly displayed by the afore mentioned starting centres for New Zealand, Nonu and Smith, who showed the most precious glimpses of their undoubted class, even if they seemed to rarely operate as a dynamic duo.

Individualism no matter how great will always be conquered by a unified side that operates within a well drilled strategy, and the Rebels found their rhythm as the second quarter matured.

The Rebels in some respects have six rounds in earned respect with Hurricanes and Brumbies scalps, and the near prized trophy of an in form Sharks team.

The departing Hurricanes may not yet be in a crisis, however Super Rugby’s new dynasty and the reigning champions in the Bulls will be traveling to New Zealand to face them next.

A urgent turnaround will be needed by the struggling capital based team.

Early Preview - 2011 Six Nations

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:25:00 +0000

The international season is officially over for test nations, yet in two months the cream of Europe will assemble to contest the 12th Six Nations, and 119th edition of the championship that has seen previous guises of the Home and Five Nations.

With no Southern tours scheduled in a World Cup year, the Six Nations will be the last major opportunity for the contenders north of the equator to finalise preparations.

There are World Cup warm up matches scheduled prior to the 2011 tournament, but history has proven that these ‘friendlies’ provide little pointer as often they are devalued as coaches rest top players.

Kicking off on the 4th February and concluding on the 19th March, the 2011 Six Nations will then have a six month gap between the oldest international championship and the World Cup, so in theory presents the nations with a significant disadvantage compared with the top three teams in the world – represented by the SANZAR fraternity.

The 2011 Tri Nations will be played just before the World Cup, with the final match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane just two weeks before the seventh global tournament’s opening ceremony.

Already the opening verbal salvos have been fired by the various Six Nations coaches, although interestingly there is no positive talk coming from the camp of the reigning Grand Slam champions.

Les Bleus capped off a year where they again showed why they are the great chameleon of world rugby.

Their first five matches saw them record a dominant Grand Slam, even if their final match against England in Paris saw them retreat into their shell against a Red Rose that has shown the highest level of evolution from any team in Europe.

Yet the second half of their season saw them concede 16 tries in five tests with heavy losses to the Springboks, Pumas and Wallabies – with the latter being the heaviest defeat suffered by the Tricolours on French soil.

It is difficult to recall such a dramatic turnaround in form in the professional era.

Their biggest weakness on the field seems to be that heads drop too easily, with Les Bleus “departing the contest” as captain Thierry Dusautoir has said, when opposition teams run out to strong leads.

Off the field, selection and match tactics are debilitating the French, which reflects poorly on coach Marc Lievremont.

The former flanker has utilised over 80 players since taking over from Bernard Laporte, and it was no coincidence that consistent selection during the Six Nations enabled the team to record a Slam. Players are being selected based on their opponents – selecting a heavyweight backline for the Wallabies – and France are not fielding players based around strategies the Tricolours wish to impose.

That leads to their second weakness, with Lievremont abandoning his early policy of flamboyant rugby and reverting back to the pragmatism utilised by France in recent years. There is uncertainty in how Les Bleus perform on the field, and until a settled game plan is implemented, they will surely continue to struggle.

England will march into the 2011 tournament deserved favourites.

They were overpowered by the Springboks, but as former centre Will Greenwood pointed out “when you have your head shoved up your own ass by the South Africans, you tend to remember it”.

The Red Rose has a pedigree of being dominant physically as well, and they will do well to heed the lesson that despite their willingness to embrace the open manner in which rugby can be played, the game is still a contact sport.

They showed a real development with their skills, showing great comfort in playing ball in hand rugby. Most pleasing for coach Martin Johnson is not only has plenty of improvement been seen this year, but there is still clearly scope for this England team to become at the very least the dominant power in the North.

Players such as Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs are long term test players. They are bolstered by Europe’s best back three in Chris Ashton, Ben Foden and Mark Cueto, while the pack is blessed with balance in the loose forwards and typical ‘white orcs on steroids’ up front.

If they do not serious challenge in New Zealand, they will be well placed to mount an assault on the 2015 World Cup, which they will host.

Ireland and Wales, nations that have been in their prime in the last five years, will have to arrest an alarming drop off in form.

The Red Dragons, with a winning record only one test win better than Italy this year, will take basic comfort from the fact that their forward pack is doing the business, matching all of the Southern Hemisphere teams.

Their glaring weakness seems to be in their backline, where even with front foot ball they seemed unable to show enough creativity or cohesion to attack – when they were expected in the autumn to be the team best suited to the new law interpretations.

Coach Warren Gatland, surprisingly confirmed as Wales’ boss until 2015 despite no recent results, surely will face a serious inquisition unless he turns things around. In his favour he does have the cattle, but needs to get his squad to produce.

Ireland seem to be struggling with an aging squad, with Jonathan Sexton the only young player challenging a in a team that is on the wrong side of 30 years.

Still, despite losses they have shown plenty of mettle.

Despite being smashed by the All Blacks in New Zealand, they ran four tries past the best team in world rugby with a man down. They finished within a try to the Wallabies in Australia despite being horrendously off colour, and came within two points of overhauling the Springboks of late.

It is hard to assess what is exactly wrong with Ireland, for while they have no glaring weaknesses, they have no abundant strengths.

A challenging year awaits for canny coach Declan Kidney.

The dark horse of Europe is Scotland, whose development continued with a win over the Springboks, meaning that the Thistles have now lost only once in their last seven tests. The 49-3 defeat to the All Blacks was an aberration, as New Zealand reserved their best performance on tour against a Scotland team that was playing their first match in nearly six months.

Up front Scotland looks the real deal, with a strong scrum, competent lineout and a loose forward trio that could well be the best north of the equator.

However, while coach Andy Robinson has infused his team with a basic but sturdy strategy and real confidence, there is still the unanswered question of sting in their backline.

They are the least threatening tier one team in world rugby in terms of scoring tries, and while they can kick goals, perform at first phase and defend like Highlanders – no team in world rugby will ever be considered world class without a menacing attack.

Italy, who as always wields a grizzled pack and powerful scrum, will unfortunately make up the numbers again, showing a singular dimension in their play that is hurting them in their quest to become a top team.

Every test match they show promise, but are unable to match opponents if they lift their game, and cannot chase a test if they fall behind on the scoreboard.

Their growth will continue after a full season of having representation in the Magner’s League, but while Nick Mallet’s pedigree cannot be doubted, one wonders if he is the man to transform the Italians.

Six Nations Fixture Schedule 2011

Friday 4th February - Wales v England - 7.45pm
Saturday 5th February - Italy v Ireland - 2.30pm
Saturday 5th February - France v Scotland - 5pm

Saturday 12th February - England v Italy - 2.30pm
Saturday 12th February - Scotland v Wales - 5pm
Sunday 13th February - Ireland v France - 3pm

Saturday 26th February - Italy v Wales - 2.30pm
Saturday 26th February - England v France - 5pm
Sunday 27th February - Scotland v Ireland - 3pm

Saturday 12th March - Italy v France - 2.30pm
Saturday 12th March - Wales v Ireland - 5pm
Sunday 13th March - England v Scotland - 3pm

Saturday 19th March - Scotland v Italy - 2.30pm
Saturday 19th March - Ireland v England - 5pm
Saturday 19th March - France v Wales - 7.45pm

France will do All Blacks a massive favour for 2011 Rugby World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:18:00 +0000

In less than a month we will enter a new calendar year, where one of the most exciting rugby seasons in history awaits us, and a critical time of judgement will arrive for the All Blacks. The world’s number one ranked rugby team will attempt to break what is regarded in many quarters as arguably sport’s greatest title drought.

Few if any teams over history have dominated their sport as New Zealand has, especially since the first World Cup in 1987.

From 1988 to the present day, an era which has been unfairly dominated by obsession over the quadrennial global tournament, the All Blacks have won precisely 80 percent of their 240 test matches played (192 wins, 4 draws).

Yet have won only one World Cup, while two time winners the Wallabies have won 64.2 percent of their 248 test matches played (160 wins, 5 draws) and fellow two time champion’s the Springboks 62.8 percent of their 223 tests (140 wins, 4 draws).

England, who have won one World Cup, and France, the strongest nation to not lift the William Webb Ellis trophy, are almost identical having won 63.4 and 63.3 percent of their tests played over a 22 year period.

All these statistics, pending on your interests, either make for fascinating reading or numerical irrelevance.

It is important to also consider that the All Blacks build almost unstoppable momentum leading into World Cups, winning 38 of 43 tests leading into the last tournament in France, and currently sitting on a compelling ledger of 36 of 43 tests coming into 2011.

This all proves that little counts except for the tournament itself.

The All Blacks have established all the necessary parameters coming into next year’s World Cup, realistically at a level far beyond any other time they have entered the four yearly championship.

They have the best winning record, the most complete game and the best squad.

They also tick all the boxes of what has historically been required to win a World Cup. Multiple world class players (especially a captain and flyhalf), a team dripping with test experience (the All Blacks last starting XV contained 690 caps), excellent defence while boasting as the most formidable attack in the world.

The All Blacks led the 2010 figures with 59 tries scored and 22 conceded.

While some feel the Wallabies backline and offensive systems may be superior to New Zealand, they scored ten less tries this year while playing an additional test match.

All of this ultimately will satisfy two parties.

The bookmakers who will not need to scratch their heads to come up with a short priced favourite to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and the detractors who can mock that the All Blacks have been in this position before, and ultimately fallen short.

It has come down to one game, where the All Blacks have lost.

Have they choked?

No, as that is an insult to Les Bleus, Wallaby and South African teams who have managed to do what many thought impossible, and defeated an All Blacks team that has really only been a dominant favourite in 2007, not in 2003 and 1999 (England deserved that tag seven years ago, and the Wallabies inflicted New Zealand’s worst ever test defeat leading into the fourth World Cup).

The issue for the All Blacks is that it has been difficult to prepare for a tournament that is split into two vastly different stages.

Pool play is a phase where a team can afford to lose a match, and the All Blacks consistently canter throughout this stage – being the only nation never to lose a pool match in World Cup history – which has never prepared them for the second stage.

This fact provides little comfort to a nation that has only won one World Cup in six.

Equally the All Blacks boast a winning legacy that could also detriment their mindset approaching sudden death rugby, as they are ultimately measured by their overall test record.

As terrible as a World Cup defeat is for the All Blacks, the reality is that any test loss for New Zealand is considered a mini-crisis for a nation that has suffered only 101 test reverses in 107 years.

The All Blacks approach every test as if it is in essence an elimination match.

But they are unique in this capacity, with all other coaches often asking to only be judged on World Cup success, with the latest being Robbie Deans, who said that recent Wallaby losses were only part of a journey, and that he was contracted to win the World Cup.

Indeed, other nations approach the second stage of the World Cup with such intensity that as has been the case in recent tournaments, the All Blacks once every four years come across an opponent that brings as much desire to win as they do in every match.

Approaching the finals or second stage of the World Cup requires not only this mindset, but an element of preparation that needs to be found in the pool stages.

In 2007, the All Blacks in four tests scored 309 points and conceded 35 to have a point’s difference 100 points better than any other team. In 2003 it was a one sided 282-57 ledger.

Coupled with all the above facts, these horrendously one sided encounters have meant that the All Blacks have approach the finals with no match hardening, whereas their opponents have.

France, New Zealand’s conquerors in 2007 and 1999, were beaten by Argentina in pool play leading up to their quarter final success against the All Blacks in the last tournament. Eleven years ago Les Bleus were given huge frights by Canada (33-20) and Fiji (28-19) prior to the shock win against New Zealand in the semi finals.

The Wallabies in 2003, who had conceded 50 points against the All Blacks earlier in the year, beat New Zealand in that year’s Cup semi final thanks to playing a pseudo final against Ireland in pool stages, with the hosts winning 17-16 against the Emerald Isle.

This is where 2011 presents a unique advantage for the All Blacks.

For they will cross paths with Les Bleus, twice their World Cup bete noire, in the pool stages.

It is for all intensive purposes the strongest pool opponent the All Blacks have ever faced.

French form leading into this encounter will be all but irrelevant, as the most inconsistent team in world rugby has proven they can lift every four years regardless of recent form.

The All Blacks will play Tonga and Japan in pool stages at the 2011 Rugby World Cup before facing the French, while Les Bleus will play Japan and Canada. The tournament hosts will have played the Wallabies two weeks before the Cup starts, while France will play Ireland home and away in the month prior to the beginning of their campaign.

This fact alone means that the All Blacks will be better placed to break their World Cup drought than ever before.

All Blacks closer to best ever IRB ranking

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:46:00 +0000

The All Blacks have stretched their lead as the International Rugby Boards (IRB) premier team, now with a comfortable eight point buffer over second placed South Africa.

Richie McCaw and his men, now sitting on 94.29 points, could breach the 95 point mark by year’s end, just the second time since the rankings were introduced in 2003 that a team had accumulated that many points.

The All Blacks, one of only three teams to have ever held the IRB number one position (along with England and South Africa) are the only side to have taken their ranking into the mid nineties.

New Zealand is also close to the biggest ever ranking advantage ever achieved.

On the 25th June 2007, just after the All Blacks had defeated the Springboks in Durban 26-21, the rankings had – 1st New Zealand 95.01, 2nd France 85.60 – their biggest ever gap between first and second.

As it stands, the All Blacks would need to lose three straight test matches to surrender their position as the number one ranked side.

While the Springboks remain in second place, a loss to the Wallabies in Pretoria will see the Australian’s leapfrog the South African’s to sit behind the All Blacks.

The 29-22 win was the All Blacks 45th win against South Africa (for a 55.6 percent winning rate) and their 18th win in their 42nd match in the republic.

It also saw the All Blacks breach the 1,500 mark in point scored against South Africa.

Carter achieved two milestones, passing Andrew Mehrtens as the leading points scorer for the All Blacks against South Africa, while he became the leading all time points scorer (for a national side) scoring 14 points to take his tally to 1,118.

At his current strike rate, four more tests should see him surpass Jonny Wilkinson as the all time points scorer (all teams), who has scored 67 points for the British and Irish Lions.

Current IRB rankings (with thanks to the IRB)

1 NEW ZEALAND 94.29
2 SOUTH AFRICA 86.15
3 AUSTRALIA 85.11
4 FRANCE 82.75
5 IRELAND 82.03
6 ENGLAND 81.82
7 SCOTLAND 79.81
8 ARGENTINA 79.70
9 WALES 78.58
10 FIJI 74.39

Springboks may have most World Cup stars back

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:44:00 +0000

With the exception of Juan Smith, who is in doubt for the Springboks match against the Wallabies, the South African’s trained with a fully fit squad on Monday after losing to the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.

Smith made a remarkable comeback to the national team with a stellar performance that showed how vital the Free State flanker is to the Springboks. His intensity and work rate belied the pre-match prediction that he would be grossly out of match practice, having missed much rugby with injury and off field issues.

The flanker may miss the match in Pretoria due to an abdominal strain, although team doctors said the fact that he sat out Monday training was more of a pre-caution.

“Apart from Juan we were pleased that the entire squad were able to train today (Monday). Juan sat out because of the abdominal strain, but he has not been ruled out of consideration for the test match,” said team doctor Craig Roberts.

Smith, a World Cup winner, was joined by another in JP Pieterson.

This means that with the exception of Fourie du Preez and Bismark du Plessis, the Springboks could potentially be able to field their strongest starting XV so far this year against the Wallabies.

It is the most World Cup winning Springboks available to Peter de Villiers all season.

While Flip van der Merwe did impress, it is likely that he will make way for Danie Rossouw this weekend.

Francois Hougaard was another who shone, with the test novice playing test rugby that was easily the equal of Jimmy Cowan, and it is likely that the Bulls wing cum scrumhalf will see out the tournament playing at the base.

After a period where some have felt the Springboks depth was in question, and that the selections of the team were questionable, de Villiers said that the ‘headache’ in compiling his team sheet was a pleasant one.

“Juan de Jongh also did well so there are a couple of selection decisions that will not be easy. But I was speaking to All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith and we agreed that it’s a great position to be in,” said De Villiers.

The Springboks, who were distraught after their loss to the All Blacks, looked a different unit in training on Monday, clearly looking at the defeat and 0-3 whitewash to New Zealand in a different light.

“There was just one kick between us and an easy win. I am really proud of the players, they really stood up for me. The result didn’t go our way but we were within five or seven minutes of pulling off a great result,” the Springboks coach said.

Bledisloe opener to be game they play in heaven

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:21:00 +0000

Many of us remember one of the greatest games of rugby ever played, when the Wallabies hosted the All Blacks at the then Stadium Australia to lose when Jonah Lomu crashed over in the dying minutes to score a remarkable try and give a 39-35 victory to the All Blacks.

A world record 109,874 people were at hand to witness the most incredible opening to a test match, when the All Blacks scored three tries to canter out to a 21-0 lead in five minutes.

It would have been 28-0 had George Gregan – the smallest man on the field – not pulled off a heroic tackle to take down Lomu – the largest man on the field – in the seventh minute.

After Andrew Mehrtens kicked a penalty it was 24-0 with less than ten minutes on the clock, yet the Wallabies hit back to draw level at halftime, and all but had the match won before Lomu took an outrageous pass from Taine Randell to score the game’s tenth try.

The code could not have called for a better advertisement.

Since then rugby has had its moments, but has been marred by incorporating kicking and the changing of laws which has seen ball in hand attacking rugby, truly the glory of our sport, show little of its majesty when in recent years pragmatism has ruled.

Yet this years Tri-Nations has seen a changing of the guard, where keeping ball in play and running back at an opposition has paid more dividends than putting the pill to the foot ever could.

While we could never take anything away from the way the Springboks strode through the rugby world like a colossus for mosts of the season in 2009, there can little doubt that the new hybrid of rugby we are witnessing is a far more attractive beast.

The administrators of the game are to be applauded for the introduction of the new law interpretations, and with the attacking team given more gratis at the ruck, keeping the ball alive is showing more reward and we the spectators are reaping the benefits.

It is also giving the game a point of difference over an old foe – rugby league.

League is generally regarded as a far more attacking game in union, due to the fact that it has fewer stoppages via set pieces and no contest at the ruck (something that any rugby aficionado always shakes their head over).

Yet so far this year, both the All Blacks and the Wallabies have run with the ball close to 1,000 metres per game, nearly double that of 2009.

As for kicking, part of the ethos behind the Springboks dominance last year, the paradigm shift has become such that kicking the ball, and possession, away is seen as being paramount to a rugby sin.

At Suncorp Stadium, the test match between the Wallabies and the Springboks saw the ball kicked just 27 times, less than all of the National Rugby League matches in round 20 of their competition.

The Tri-Nations is seeing 10 fewer kicks per game than last year.

Running with the ball is an art again.

It is a heady mix of runners hitting gaps, big ball carriers taking themselves into contact and looking for an offload, and always looking to attack the defensive line.

The beauty of this is that despite the fact that a defensive line is still stacked, as teams are loathe to contest the ruck under the new law interpretations, the two Trans-Tasman sides are looking to profit via consistent strikes.

There is a small risk that the importance of winning will see the sides adapt a safety first approach, but then this comes with the hidden penalty that it seems that a best defence under this wonderful style is a good offence.

Many believe that the Wallabies announced themselves to world rugby in the mid-eighties, coming out from a cloud of mediocrity to mount audacious attack via a system sometimes fondly referred to as the “Randwick” style of play, where runners and passes are sent along a line so flat they are practically in their defenders faces.

And the All Blacks, despite it being to their peril at times, boldly practice rugby with such zeal and alacrity, that when it all clicks, they are close to unstoppable.

These contests between two great rugby nations rarely disappoint and the omens are there for a clash of immense class and wonderful panache.

Once again, the Bledisloe Cup is among us!

Preview: All Blacks V Wales, 1st test

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:48:00 +0000

When the two proud sides descend on Carisbrook, the visitors, who have a illustrious history as one of the more decorated rugby nations, will try to arrest a record against a team that has earned the title as Wales’ ultimate bete noire.

Their record against the All Blacks at the dawn of the 20th century is unparalleled. Recognised as the first conquerors of New Zealand in test rugby, they had achieved the feat twice before any other Northern Hemisphere nation (England was second in 1936) and did it again before a second European power notched a rare All Blacks scalp (France in 1954).

However since then Wales have lost 21, as horrendous a losing streak as suffered by any nation against any opponent.

Despite reflecting on that history, many feel that the All Blacks are not the unconquerable point of reference as they have been in the past.

Last year they conceded the Tri Nations, the less prestigious (in terms of year’s running) Six Nations equivalent in the south; and in the process lost three straight games to the Springboks.

Still, while the All Blacks are not currently engaging in their typical rampage that takes place between World Cups in the professional era, they are still in terms of results beyond any other team outside the reigning World Champions.

Wales will attempt to break New Zealand coach Graham Henry’s incredible record of having only lost twice to Northern opposition since 2004. Only France has beaten them (twice) in that time for a ledger that reads All Blacks 39 – Northern Hemisphere/France 2.

The Red Dragons will also try to record their first win on New Zealand soil, attempting to record what would be only the All Blacks third loss on home soil since Henry has held the reigns, and only their 38th overall.

The All Blacks ushered in a new era against Ireland in their first test, fielding six debutants amidst a host of injured front line players and some out of form senior players.

As Wales have noted, it is difficult to assess what to make of the current IRB number one ranked sides first match.

Ireland’s lack discipline led to a red card to Jamie Heaslip, and a yellow card moments later to Ronan O’Gara, both acts of stupidity that Oxford will no doubt attach to their picture definitions of “brain explosions”.

But some analysis can be taken from two key points.

The All Blacks, as they have not done at times in recent years, revelled in the smell of Irish blood and ramped up their intensity to gallop to a 38-7 halftime lead. The ferocity of the “blackness” as it could be termed was a sight to behold.

The host’s ruck speed was magnificent, and their runners and power in the tackle gave new meaning to the term men versus boys.

But equally one must pay homage to the Irish response, effectively recording a 28-28 score line from their first score to the game’s last, although some of this was due to the All Blacks losing shape as a regimented unit as their bench was emptied

These two facts alone can give Wales plenty of heart, but at the same time puts the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slammers on red alert.

While it is difficult to say where the All Blacks are at, Wales are a side that is so frustratingly fickle that it is hard to say if they are – as Warren Gatland said – on the verge of a new golden era, or at risk of completely imploding.

In every match so far this year, they have shown glimpses of a marvellous attacking edge, but never has it been imposed to dominate an opposition.

Only against Italy in their final match of the 2010 Six Nations did they manage to string it together long enough to win convincingly win a test, coincidentally the only match Wales led at halftime during the tournament.

Against England they conceded a 20-3 lead to open the game and almost but couldn’t quite win, playing Scotland they came back from 21-9 down to triumph, versus France they were 20-0 down before coming close to upsetting the Grand Slammers elect, and ran out a 16-3 lead when hosting the Springboks before losing the match.

Bursts of brilliance to show potential, frustrate supporters, and establish themselves as a side unable to show that cherished trait of a world power – consistency.

With championship winning Cardiff and Ospreys players littered in the squad, they are good enough to win against a convalescing New Zealand, but surely patience must be running out with all involved with the group.

The All Blacks showed in the first half against Ireland that at their best they will be too fast, too co-ordinated and too confident to be challenged by a mixed Welsh outfit.

But in the second half they showed that they are indeed human, can be questioned at the set piece and can be frustrated without possession.

If Richie McCaw and Dan Carter – two men beyond any player in Welsh colours - inspire their team of veterans and new faces, then Wales will struggle at Carisbrook, where New Zealand has lost only five times in 37 matches.

Preview: Wallabies V England, 2nd test

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:40:00 +0000

The wonder of a second test match is that the hosting Australians and visiting English know exactly what to expect from each other, and paradoxically the losing team from Perth may actually have the edge if they learn the lessons of a painful defeat.

The Wallabies, with all their youthful exuberance, are playing a game that is wonderful for its sheer viewing pleasure. And while it is easier said than done, it is an all out attacking strategy that could be easy to shut down, were it not for the maestro pulling the strings for the green and gold machine.

Deans has introduced new blood and encourages the over used expression of “playing what is in front of you”. But the real menace in this Australian team is that there is more than just a hint of structure in their play, epitomised by a lovely angles and support on attack, and a co-ordinated defence.

England showed, as it was under Johnson, that they have the physical might to dominate the Wallabies, and with more facets, the foundation to build progress and record – as their senior players lament – that elusive big scalp.

If one was to create a rugby team from scratch and give them a scrum of the power that has been revealed by England so far in Australia, the opportunities should be endless.

What would be frustrating for Martin Johnson and his men would be not so much that their set piece dominance should have resulted in a healthy win, but there was not even the associated links that one connects with a physical forward pack.

The Wallabies, via a resurgent Luke Burgess, found plenty of freedom around the edge of the ruck, an area where no team would be given any change when Martin Johnson and his “white orcs on steroids” ruled the world. Even when the Australians recycled possession, there was no menace or hunger in the counter ruck, something that a big physical forward unit should be revelling in.

Equally rumbling English forwards attacking off first phase should have broken the advantage line to enable some semblance of a pressure sustained attack, but too often were picked off by enthusiastic Wallaby hit men.

Too often does this England team seem to resemble the side that carried all before them when Johnson and Clive Woodward engineered an unbeatable hegemony, yet by the same token seems worlds apart despite being run by the same man who captained them to such heights.

England will not click their fingers and suddenly wield a dazzling backline attack, so for this test at least, they must surely plot their success via their pack, as to try and engage the Wallabies in a running game will result in an embarrassing loss.

This is where it could be dangerous for an Australia themselves in a development stage.

They are ahead of the curve in regards to where they want to be, and unlike England seem to have a process in place in terms of their rugby maturity.

However, notwithstanding all the wonders of their cheeky backline attack, and despite the fact that they continue under Dean’s to be recognised – and rightfully so – as arguably the most intelligent rugby side in world rugby, all the wiles in the world will not always cover up lack of heavy artillery up front.

Their forward pack seems to operate solely to support their attacking three quarter division, and here they have painted a huge target on their backs if a side is willing to take up the challenge of shutting them down via trench warfare.

One may marvel at the style of the Wallabies, but recent history has proven that such all out attack with an apparent disregard of the tenets of rugby via forward play and set piece dominance can come horribly unstuck.

The most obvious example would hail back to 2003, when the All Blacks travelled to Pretoria and Sydney to open that year’s Tri Nations with 52-16 and 50-21 triumph over their old foes via a blitzkrieg style offensive via a sparkling squadron of backs.

However in return games, despite losing, the Springboks and Wallabies discovered how to overcome such a formula. In that year’s World Cup semi final, the Australians simply gave New Zealand no ball and swamped the ruck to win 22-10 and crash them out of the World Cup.

The assistant coach of the All Blacks and backline mentor that day was Robbie Deans, and one wonders despite his obvious credentials if he is repeating history with a different test side.

England have been on a curious road now where they still seem unable to settle on a desired match day approach, but for all the criticism of their lack of adventure, perhaps their best path lies in a switch back to forward orientated and uncompromising rugby.

Under Johnson, Brian Ashton and Andy Robinson the Red Rose has taken more step backwards than forwards, en-route to no Six Nations titles, only four Tri Nations scalps since 2004 and a less than acceptable 29 wins from 66 matches.

It is time for England to decide once and for all the direction they need to take.

The Wallabies have.

While there are area’s that a Springboks or All Blacks team could capitalise on, if Dean’s is able to iron out the kinks and buttress his sides forward play, the Wallabies could become the most dangerous side in test rugby.

But with delicious irony an English victory in Sydney, which they are well capable of achieving, could suddenly mean Johnson is on the right track, and send Deans back to the drawing board.

Preview: Australia v England

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:51:00 +0000

One of the great rivalries of the sporting world commences as England - coined as the old enemy - prepare to take on a Wallaby team on the verge of a resurgence, but still desperate to kick start their evolution as coach Robbie Deans continues to usher in new blood.

Australian Super 14 teams as a collective showcased their best form and results for a decade, and now that a 49-3 training run against Fiji has been dealt with, many eagerly await to see if the Wallabies can translate this to results against a legitimate tier one test team.

Meanwhile the English arrive still with many question marks hanging over their heads.

Coach Martin Johnson has won eight tests in 19 matches in charge, a record that has convinced no one of the World Cup winning captain’s credentials as the man to lead England back to the glory seen when he last wore their colours.

Five from five defeats against the Tri-Nations powers, and time is apparently running out for the team to begin building precious momentum towards 2011, surely Johnson’s judgement year.

What is truly frustrating is that the apparent promise seen in the 2009 Six Nations, where England scored the most tries and points and conceded the fewest - has never really been built upon.

Less than friendly English rugby supporters may claim “story of our life!”

The attacking blade that was shown in Johnson’s early days seems to have faded as again the side throughout recent test matches have relied on two classic blueprints.

Firstly Johnson, and one or two remaining lieutenants such as Jonny Wilkinson, has executed rugby that carried all before them at the dawn of the millennium but is a brand that is far too antiquated to have effect now.

Secondly, the heavy Leicester influence seen throughout the England coaching staff is not lending to inventiveness, nor bold exciting new era’s that great rugby teams are made of.

In Perth, the red rose of England will face a side dripping with exactly that.

It would be harsh to say that Robbie Deans has implemented a mass clean out of Australian rugby, but most of the veterans of the green and gold no longer play a role in the Wallaby ranks.

Unlike his counterpart, loyalty has had no effect, and the trust that the former Crusaders mentor has put into the rising talent of Australian rugby seems to now be paying dividends.

So far results have proved Deans is far from a messiah, despite having a coaching resume far beyond Johnsons. He has guided his team to some wonderful highs, including a 34-19 thumping of the All Blacks in his first match against his countrymen, and a 21-6 reverse of the all but unbeatable Springboks last year.

But other records, including a current seven match losing streak against the All Blacks, and the nadir of a 9-8 loss to Scotland, show that the wizardry he wove in Canterbury was never going to be a magic bullet for the Wallabies.

The big difference though is that he seems to be working to a plan, whereas England still do not appear to be presenting a case of what they are trying to become.

In the backs especially, the Australians, led by the resurgence of Queensland and their impudent flyhalf Quade Cooper, look the goods. New faces continue to be ushered into the side, with only four players remaining from the starting XV that faced England late last year.

While there is the question mark over the youth of the side in general, there is an evolving structure to their game which is the hallmark of a Dean’s coached side.

England appears to have fallen back on their forward orientated game plan, and thankfully for Johnson and his men, this could be a good starting point. The Wallabies front row is one of the most inexperienced ever selected by Australia, and no doubt England will try and put the squeeze on them up front.

Furthermore the often promised but rarely seen offensive edge could be delivered courtesy of Toby Flood, who will control a English backline filled with talent and promise, with the talking point being the inclusion of league convert Shontayne Hape, and the twin Northampton attacking gems of Ben Foden and Chris Ashton.

Much will depend if they can throw off the shackles, with some England players complaining that they are scared that they will break the structure imposed by the coaching team.

The Wallabies will not be afraid to do so, but while the home team is filled with promise and excitement, one wonders what would happen if their youthful team was squeezed or (hopefully for England supporters) confronted with a unit that had the same gay attacking abandon as them.

If one looks for pointers, then look no further than the Australian Barbarians versus England game, where the locals had far more vibrancy despite a dominant English pack. One thinks that the Wallabies may be far too confident for an England team still questioning itself.

Australia: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley. Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 James Slipper, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Will Genia, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Chris Ashton, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody (c), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Tim Payne. Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 David Wilson, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 James Haskell, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Mathew Tait.

Preview: New Zealand v Ireland

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:47:00 +0000

The 2010 test season begins for the All Blacks hosting an Irish team that will be keen to stamp their authority in a year where they have seen all symbols of their status stripped from them in the space of a few months.

Though still full of members of the modern “golden age”, the loss of the Six Nations, Heineken Cup and Magners League title from last year could well be indicative that a strong Ireland team may be entering a rebuilding phase.

While the side under coach Declan Kidney had finally fulfilled the promise shown with numerous triple crowns and Six Nations runner’s up gongs, there is still a nagging doubt that they are incapable of matching it with the world’s best.

While a draw with the Wallabies and a 15-10 win over a tired Springboks were notable late last year, two big questions remain.

Can Kidney coax enough out of his veteran core and continue to introduce promising talent via a strong Irish rugby system to challenge for a World Cup, and can they beat the one nation that they have never tasted success against in 105 years.

While the Springboks may have usurped the All Blacks as the premier nation in the South last year, the New Zealanders unbeaten record against the Irish still shows their remarkable pedigree, no matter what their condition or who is named in their test XV.

But while six straight test wins and a four match clean sweep of Europe helped ease the pain of conceding the Tri Nations to the South Africans in 2009, this is an All Blacks team that has seen a paradigm shift of the usual “mid World Cup status quo”.

While 2008 – 13 wins from 15 matches - was a stunning riposte from a side stinging from their defeat to France in the World Cup, last year saw the side and nation shocked by the strategies imposed by their old foes from the republic.

This led to question marks such as lack of basic skills, the absence of higher level rugby tactical nous, and inability to adjust a match day strategy. These were then amplified during a mixed Super 14, where the usually high performing New Zealand outfits struggled.

A host of injuries to front liners including Ali Williams (Achilles), Isaia Toeava (hip), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Ma'a Nonu (knee), Stephen Donald (shoulder), Mike Delany (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Mils Muliaina (knee), Andrew Hore (elbow) and Richard Kahui (sternum) – have meant that the All Blacks have undergone forced and radical change.

Six debutants have been ushered into their match day squad, but this has meant that while there is potential weakness in lack of experience, there is the prospect of unpredictability and excitement.

Ireland, while boasting world class talent who will long wear the green of their country – such as Tommy Bowe and Jamie Heaslip – will approach New Plymouth in quite the opposite mould.

They are filled with veterans, who may have far more familiarity on the test stage than their opposition, but players who even at their peak have not troubled All Black sides before.

Injuries have not helped either, but after 22 test matches with no success, an Ireland with six matches played this year while the All Blacks have been dormant, will have no better chance to end what is a remarkable losing sequence.

While the All Blacks have new faces all over the park, they are intermingled with experience and some of the best – albeit with mixed recent form – players in world rugby. It is still a side boasting 555 test caps, and an operation that boasts the typical attacking threats expected of a team clad in black.

Indeed, this is the potential issue for Ireland, who have never looked settled against a team hell bent on unleashing runners at every opportunity. But for all the possible surprises and strike power of New Zealand, the Irish back division has the class to match them.

Up front though is a different story.

While there are the usual question marks over their lineout, a constant chameleon with the All Blacks, there is no such thing as a pushover New Zealand pack, and five Crusaders up front led by the peerless Richie McCaw will ensure that the Ireland forwards will need to play their “A” game.

Even under Kidney - a renowned forwards mentor with Munster - Ireland have never truly shaken away the demons horrendously revealed up front in 2007, and if the All Blacks dominate in this fact it could be the visitors 23rd straight game without a win.

Still, while the All Blacks home advantage and presence of previous Irish tormentors such as McCaw and Dan Carter gives them the edge, the spectre of average Super 14 form and the first test of the season means that a grizzled Ireland could record a special piece of rugby history.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ben Franks. Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Zac Guildford.

Ireland: 15-Robert Kearney, 14-Tommy Bowe, 13-Brian O'Driscoll (captain), 12-Gordon D'Arcy, 11-Andrew Trimble, 10-Ronan O'Gara, 9-Tomas O'Leary; 8-Jamie Heaslip, 7-David Wallace, 6-John Muldoon, 5-Mick O'Driscoll, 4-Donncha O'Callaghan, 3-John Hayes, 2-Sean Cronin, 1-Cian Healy. Replacements: 16-John Fogarty, 17-Tony Buckley, 18-Dan Tuohy, 19-Shane Jennings, 20-Eoin Reddan, 21-Jonathan Sexton, 22-Geordan Murphy.

Preview: South Africa v France

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:44:00 +0000

After a largely experimental Springboks downed a Welsh side that continues to frustrate their supporters, the World and Tri Nations champions host a French team that has the arsenal to inflict the South Africans first loss at home to a test nation since August 2008.

That year, the newly crowned World Cup holders fumbled their way through the Tri Nations with four losses despite recording their first win in New Zealand since 1999.

At this point many believed that Peter de Villiers and his men were not the real deal, with their enigmatic coach questioned at every turn, and many believing that their triumph over England in Paris to claim the William Webb Ellis Cup was just a mirage.

Now they are on top of the world.

Still in the midst of their protected four year World title reign, they are holders of the Tri Nations, recent Lions conquerors, on a three match winning streak against the All Blacks, winners of the Super 14, and able to claim victory in Millennium Stadium 34-31 over Wales despite missing a galaxy of stars.

For now, the only thing missing from a gloriously full trophy cabinet is a recent scalp of Les Bleus.

And while the French are missing key players via injury and weary after a long test season, there is probably no stronger apparition of France that could arrive in Cape Town than this menacing beast that has finally awoken after a two year experiment by Coach Marc Lievremont.

France have won their last three matches against the Springboks, including their last encounter at the same ground they play at this weekend, winning 36-26 in 2006 with a dazzling four tries to one victory.

Their Grand Slam success in the Six Nations was very much the finishing stroke on a masterpiece Lievremont was convinced was waiting to happen, after using roughly 80 players in two years.

They now showcase a wonderful mix of brutality and class, and assuming Les Bleus can indeed settle on their best test XV, they could be entering a period of global dominance.

This though can only be anointed with a victory over the Springboks in the Republic.

As similar as the two teams are in basic elements – physical up front, dominating at the ruck, solid at the set piece and educated in their back divisions – France still have to truly lay to rest any theories of their historical inconsistency.

They were never truly challenged in the Six Nations, and when a solid but unspectacular England nearly upset them in Paris in their final match, that final nagging question was raised again.

For the Springboks, their reputation at this point of time is only theirs to lose.

The Super 14 showed that as a nation they are at the top of their game.

They have the most settled, experienced and world class line up of any test side. If the World Cup was a month away, they would enter it with a stable and near automatic first choice starting XV.

But what really showcases how in front of the world (or at least the Southern Hemisphere) the South Africans are is their grasp of how the match is played and their ability to play to the laws of the game. Last year it was their kicking strategies, this year it is their adjustment to the “pro-attacking” law interpretations.

Their only real weak link appears to be on paper the absence of arguably the world’s finest scrumhalf in Fourie du Preez, and whether or not this dominant rugby nation could be approaching the end of a golden cycle.

The absence of the champion Bulls number nine is worse for the fact that his match up with the audacious Morgan Parra, the best scrumhalf in Europe, would have been mouth watering.

The Clermont inside half is very much indicative of how the Tricolours approach their rugby; confident, brash, but with a strong understanding of how they want to play.

France’s last loss was to the All Blacks in Marseille when they tried to play the New Zealanders at their own game. That 39-12 defeat served as a lesson that was clearly well absorbed during the Six Nations, as the French now play in a style that suits them, not the opposition.

The game could be won anywhere.

Last year when Les Bleus beat the Springboks in Toulouse, it was because a fired up home pack had too much adrenaline and focus for what appeared to be a distracted South African group of forwards.

On paper at least, the two forward units appear evenly matched, with the Springboks looking stronger as a lineout division, but the French scrum was awe inspiring against their European rivals.

The back divisions too seem well matched, although the French three quarters look and play with far more verve and Je ne sais pas ce que (I don’t know what!). The Springboks as a back unit are far more precise and structured, but lack of audaciousness makes them no less lethal.

This should be a classic.

Home advantage should count, as should the Springboks desire to kick off their home campaign strongly, but one feels that the French could spring a surprise in Newlands, if they turn up with the same mindset seen throughout the Six Nations.

South Africa:15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie , 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield , 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp. Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Jean de Villiers.

France: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Aurelien Rougerie, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo- Chluski, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Thomas Domingo. Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Jean Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 David Skrela, 22 Marc Andreu, 23 Luc Ducalcon

2010 Super 14 season review: Blues

noreply@blogger.com (James Mortimer - Hospitality Improvement) — Sun, 16 May 2010 10:21:00 +0000

It was a case of so close yet so far for the Blues, who finished the year in seventh position and took some high profile scalps yet fell to opponents which realistically a team of such attacking calibre should have easily accounted for.

But for all the apparent doom and gloom associated with the mixed form of the New Zealand teams throughout the 2010 season, the Blues like the Hurricanes only finished one bonus point win outside of semi final participation.

Yet the enigmatic team really showcased the lack of consistency that did hamstring the kiwi sides throughout the year, with the Blues looking like title contenders one game, but often losing their subsequent encounter to never record better than a two match winning streak.

On occasions it was a harking back to the glory days of the three time champions, with the Blues running rampant with an attack that no side could contain when switched on. Yet promisingly they also showed multiple facets to their game, so emphatically highlighted in the Ballymore rain in week three when they shut down a Reds team that was embarking on their best season in nearly a decade.

If the Blues year could be summed up with just one player, it would be Rene Ranger.

The dynamic back at his peak was unstoppable, introducing fearsome power running and line breaking ability that the team fed off and attacked with wild abandon as a consequence.

Yet Ranger, like his team, was inconsistent at times and combination of mixed vision and basic skills conspired to let him down. The final game of the season saw Ranger early take the ball and run to setup a four to one overlap against the Chiefs, and instead of scoring the ball harmlessly floated into touch.

If the Blues had dotted one or two more “I’s” and crossed a few more “T’s” they would have been a fearsome presence in the top four, and would be contesting only their third semi final in the last decade.

In this, it truly did seem that the Blues did have their tactics and strategy all worked out, but all the entertaining in the world means nothing without consistency, especially over a gruelling and competitive 14 week campaign.

The side truly embraced the attacking philosophy that the games administrators wished to see implemented with the new law interpretations, but for all of the menace shown by the Blues at times that seemed to almost anoint them as a threat to the championship, they did not have the polish seen by the sides that eventually made the top four.

But the positives were abundant.

If the same ethos is adhered to next year, and the core of the side kept intact, one could only dream of what the Blues could achieve.

Coach Pat Lam, while disappointed that his side couldn’t make the top four, was enthusiastic about his team’s chances in the new Super 15, confidently proclaiming that his “boys” could all the way next year.

For while some will negatively state that it is difficult to assess on whether or not the Blues have improved, there is no doubt that from Lam’s perspective only, it is a improvement on his maiden campaign of 2009.

Players too stood up to be counted.

Joe Rokocoko, who many believed may have played his last test in a black jersey, was back to his rampaging best, and will surely be one of the first wings named in Graham Henry’s first test squad.

Alby Mathewson, who moved up north due to lack of game time, had a vintage season and could well have edged his nose in front of what is a stacked queue of international class scrumhalves in New Zealand rugby.

But it was the form of unsung players at stages of the season, such as front rower Charlie Faumuina and loose forward Viliame Ma’afu that would have warmed the hearts of any New Zealand rugby fan.

To watch those two tear into a Springbok laden Bulls forward pack to lay the platform for the Blues finest win - beating the top qualifiers 32-17 - showed the potential that lies within this side.

We shall eagerly await to see if they can back up their coaches predictions and win the first Super 15 title in little over 12 months time.

Blues 2010 season

Lost Hurricanes 20-34
Beat Highlanders 19-15
Beat Reds 27-18
Lost Crusaders 33-20
BYE
Beat Brumbies 39-34
Lost Waratahs 39-32
Beat Bulls 32-17
Lost Stormers 21-33
Beat Force 38-17
Lost Sharks 10-23
Lost Cheetahs 32-26
Beat Lions 56-14
Beat Chiefs 30-20