So the first weekend of the Six Nations kicked off the competition with a bang! Here's my thoughts on the games and also the upcoming games for this week
Wales 19 v 26 England
Well, as an Englishman it's tough not to be happy with this result! There is definite room for improvement but again, I'm going to be biased and say that's purely down to it being the first game!
As all the pundits have been saying, Toby Flood had a great game at 10 and the new boy, Tom Wood, also played well. Flood kicked very well and is proving that he does have the talent to play at this level. There was still the nice comforting feeling when Wilkinson came on and kicked a penalty - but thats just a habit. In that form Flood would have kicked it over as well and got on with the game! The lock pairing were solid but it's lacking dynamism in that department without Lawes. The back three attacked and defended well. There was only one or two scary defensive moments, one of which resulted in Wales' try. Other than that, Wales never really looked like they wantedd to attack!
Maybe Gatland and Edwards are bossing the decisions too much and Howley can't get a word in, but Wales looked slack in attack. I had to remind myself that Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams were on the field because Wales never tried to use them. The Wales back row performed well but thats about all you can say from a positive point of view! Mike Phillips needs replacing with someone faster in miind, hands and feet - the slow attack started with him and never got going.
Wales have selected Hook at number 10 this week, though Gatland caveated that by saying he had to be disciplined. Why? Hook is one of the most naturally gifted attacking fly halves in the world - why tell him to hold back when what Wales need is him playing his natural game and feeding the two good centres.
As for England, they'll play a confident and physcial Italian side. The Azzuri will be in positive mood despite their narrow loss to Ireland. The game is at HQ though so expect England to win - maybe by not as much as we thought at the start of the year though!
France 34 v 21 Scotland
Scotland the brave! They gave the French a good match but in the end the individual quality of the French players shined through.
Scotland did play well, they're a big physcial side and they tried to boss the game but once the French backs got the ball they just tore through the Scots line. Medard in particular was looking very tasty, he's going to cause some massive problems in the weeks ahead for defenses. The return of Trinh-Duc for the French is also enough for them to forget their autumn troubles, he looks pretty tasty at 10 and probably the best option in that position that France have had since Freddie Michalak was in his pomp.
The French also did well at the scrum where they won a penalty try - though I think Mr Barnes could have given it earlier then he eventually did. All of the forwards had a pretty good game for France capped off with a try from Harinordoquy. He seems to have been around for ever but is a class player and gets better every year.
As for Scotland, well it seems as though they're playing a little like England did when Andy Robinson was in charge there. The forwards look good but there's still a lack of something behind the pack.
As for the next games, well France in Ireland is going to be huge. The Irish will really need to pick their game up to even compete with the French if they play in the same rich vein of form.
Scotland face off at home against the Welsh. Like Ireland, Wales will need to pick up their game to get anything out of that. Based on last weekends performance Scotland should dominate up front and I'd give them the win.
Italy 11 v 13 Ireland
Well. What can we say? Nearly a massive upset here. Italy were good in defence but really, Ireland were poor. Lots of silly errors all over the pitch - as pass too high from O'Driscoll to an open McFadden seemed to cap off the Irish performance. Saying that, without the talisman that is BOD - things probably would have been a lot different.
In some senses, rightfully so all the attacks go through O'Driscoll at some point - but there's no one else that is helping him out to create that spark. I've seen Sexton do it for Leinster so hope that he can reproduce the form for Ireland. O'Gara managed to big himself up a bit for coming on and "seeing the game out". Fact is that when he came on Ireland were winning and moved to a losing position before he finally spared the blushes with a customary drop goal.
Ireland need to find someone else to play in the centre with O'Driscoll. I really think that Northampton's James Downey should be given a shot in the 12 shirt. He's been brilliant for his club - maybe because he's in England he doesn't get the recognition he should?
As for Italy, brave, unlucky Italy, well they'll keep going. They'll give everyone else a good game and may even beat Wales if they don't improve. I cant see them getting a result against England but it'll be a mightly physical match.
And for Ireland, well they need to face up to France at the Aviva. Jamie Heaslip is back for the Irish which will be a massive boost. If they cut out the silly mistakes then they have a chance - but if I were a betting man, and this kills me to say it, my money would be on Les Blues
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
It's the most, wonderful time, of the year!
Firstly - apologies all, I've been a bit AWOL of late but thought now would be the most opportune time get back!
So, it's that time of the year. The end of January for me marks the proper start of the giddy nerves of excitement, hope and anticipation of a new Six Nations tournament. I think this year is set to be the most open and difficult year to call for a long time. There's a case for every team to win it (maybe with the exception of our friends from Italy - aggettivo!) Anyway - here's my views on what might happen this year:
Ireland
I'm going to start with Irish to keep the countless people I know over there happy - though I don't think they'll be top of the list come March! Still a great side with some almost legendary players in it. And thats the problem. O'Driscoll is still great and seems to still have the legs but there are question marks over a lot of the other players from the class of 2009.
Saying that - there are some classy young players coming through. Sexton should start in place of O'Gara, probably with O'Gara coming on in the second half to steer the ship home should the Irish be ahead. The injuries to Heaslip and Ferris are big big losses but it will give Sean O'Brien an opportunity following some impressive display in the Heineken Cup.
Can they win? Well they've got France and England at home which gives them a good chance. Will they win? I don't think so - but next year they could be very good bets!
France
To say they got beat by Australia in the autumn is a bit of an understatement! Saying that, it was probably a one off, a bad day at the office - we've all had them! The side they've picked for the opener at the weekend is composed of a lot of players that finished last year, meaning they've got some continuity after a few years of squad rotation following the last world cup to find the right players.
Damien Traille at full back indicates a preference for big booming kicks from deep with which their exciting new young backs Mermoz and Huget can chase and harry. Jauzion has been left out but I don't expect him to be too far from the action, he a class player and will get a chance to prove himself again at some point.
The scary thing is to look at the French bench to see the amount of talent and experience they can look to - Thion, Chabal Yachvili, Skrela and Poitrenaud are all there.
France are away to both Ireland and England this year which I think could dent their hopes of reclaiming the title, though I think you'd have to be brave to bet against them!
Italy
You have to love Italian rugby and playing the Italians. They're full of passion and determination and will give most teams a run for their money. Right up until the last 10-20 minutes when they always seem to fall apart!
The club sides have had some encouraging performances both in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup and I hope this experience will help them win at least one match this year. But I can't see it happening. As I said, this is a very open tournament - meaning everyone looks good. Unless one of the sides capitulates then I don't see anything else other than Italy walking off with the wooden spoon.
They do have some great players with some big experience, Bergamasco and Castrogiavanni to name but two. With more experience in the Magners League they'll all get better. But not in time for this year!
Scotland
Scotland seem to look better and better all the time. They're big and powerful up front, and have some backs that can cause some problems - even if they're not world class.
The back row is immense, and coupled with Hines in the second row make for a powerful unit going foward. Add to that Murray in the front row and every team is in for a tough time up front.
Behind the scrum though its a slightly different story. I'm not a fan of Dan Parks. Every so often he does have a good game - but there's little consistency from game to game. Without Chris Patterson they're not sure to get three points from every penalty in the opposition half like they once were. This was massivley important as it compensated for their lack of try scoring ability!
Andy Robinson has them playing good disciplined rugby, but they're missing a bit of flair behind the scrum. They need an O'Driscoll or a Jason Robinson that will spark off something unpredictable. Is De Luca or Evans that man? Probably not.
They're away to France and England and I don't think they'll beat Ireland even though they are at home. Depending on Wales injury problems up front, that could be an opportunity and they should beat Italy.
Wales
Their tournament is going to depend very much on how they cope with some major players being on the injury list. With both Jones and Jenkins missing I think the scrum is there for the taking and Sheridan and Cole will be licking their lips with anticipation. Thats not to say that Paul James and Craig Mitchell aren't good players - they undoubtedly are as anyone who plays for Wales has to be. However, their is a significant lack of experience there - in such a crucial part of the team. A lot will already be on Rees as captain, this just intensifies it that little bit more.
I don't think Gatland has helped his team by sledging Hartley for the first match. He's given Johnson so much ammunition which he can use to get the best out of Hartley. Galtand and his coaching team should focus on getting the best out of their team - not helping out other teams.
It's a shame that Leigh Halfpenny will also be missing. He's going to be a great player, already is, but at the moment it seems he's getting a lot of injuries - a case of too much playing for a young player? Maybe. The other Welsh backs though are as strong as ever. I am however disappointed that Hook is at fullback and not inside centre where I think he can make a bigger mark on the game and utilise Jamie Roberts' bullocking runs. I don't think however, unlike France, that Wales will be relying on a kick and chase game so expect some fireworks to fly. And if all goes badly - they can always rearrange and bring Lee Byrne back in. He's short of form but will come good again
Can the dragons roar in triumph come March? Simply, No. England, France and Scotland are going to be too much for them up front and Ireland will give them a good run for their money.
England
And finally, the English. I obviously suffer from outragious bias opinions at this point! If they focus on each game from the first minute through to the last then they have a great chance of going home with the trophy. But they do have a tendancy to "drop off" at points which will normally always end in trouble.
Like Wales and Ireland there are injury concerns - Moody being the key one and I'm also disappointed to see Lawes and Croft out. Though there are some good players coming in. It's great that Tom Wood has been given a chance, he's been playing some great rugby at Northampton this year. The scrum is looking very strong - the front row is going to take some stopping, as will Deacon and Palmer.
Behind the scrum it's looking good as well. Ben Youngs is looking better and better with each game - it's a good bet that he will be considered the best scrum half in the world at some point soon if he carries on this stretch. I'm pleased that Toby Flood has been kept on at 10 for the first game - there would have been a temptation to pick JW after his recent performances with Toulon in Europe, but like Ireland with ROG, it's good to be able to bring that much experience off the bench to see games out.
Pairing Flutey with Hape would have been interesting but Tindall will bring added bulk, defensive abilities, experience and leadership to the backs. Hape has been alright but he needs a few stellar performances to cement his position before the World Cup.
And then there is the back three. Foden and Ashton are, like Youngs, well on their way to being world class. Couple that with the guile and experience that Cueto brings and all looks good.
They need a bit of luck (but then who doesn't!) but along with France I think England have a great shout of winning this year. France at home isn't a gimmie by any stretch and away to Ireland will still be a massive test but they have a great chance, probably the best they've had since 2003.
So, it's that time of the year. The end of January for me marks the proper start of the giddy nerves of excitement, hope and anticipation of a new Six Nations tournament. I think this year is set to be the most open and difficult year to call for a long time. There's a case for every team to win it (maybe with the exception of our friends from Italy - aggettivo!) Anyway - here's my views on what might happen this year:
Ireland
I'm going to start with Irish to keep the countless people I know over there happy - though I don't think they'll be top of the list come March! Still a great side with some almost legendary players in it. And thats the problem. O'Driscoll is still great and seems to still have the legs but there are question marks over a lot of the other players from the class of 2009.
Saying that - there are some classy young players coming through. Sexton should start in place of O'Gara, probably with O'Gara coming on in the second half to steer the ship home should the Irish be ahead. The injuries to Heaslip and Ferris are big big losses but it will give Sean O'Brien an opportunity following some impressive display in the Heineken Cup.
Can they win? Well they've got France and England at home which gives them a good chance. Will they win? I don't think so - but next year they could be very good bets!
France
To say they got beat by Australia in the autumn is a bit of an understatement! Saying that, it was probably a one off, a bad day at the office - we've all had them! The side they've picked for the opener at the weekend is composed of a lot of players that finished last year, meaning they've got some continuity after a few years of squad rotation following the last world cup to find the right players.
Damien Traille at full back indicates a preference for big booming kicks from deep with which their exciting new young backs Mermoz and Huget can chase and harry. Jauzion has been left out but I don't expect him to be too far from the action, he a class player and will get a chance to prove himself again at some point.
The scary thing is to look at the French bench to see the amount of talent and experience they can look to - Thion, Chabal Yachvili, Skrela and Poitrenaud are all there.
France are away to both Ireland and England this year which I think could dent their hopes of reclaiming the title, though I think you'd have to be brave to bet against them!
Italy
You have to love Italian rugby and playing the Italians. They're full of passion and determination and will give most teams a run for their money. Right up until the last 10-20 minutes when they always seem to fall apart!
The club sides have had some encouraging performances both in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup and I hope this experience will help them win at least one match this year. But I can't see it happening. As I said, this is a very open tournament - meaning everyone looks good. Unless one of the sides capitulates then I don't see anything else other than Italy walking off with the wooden spoon.
They do have some great players with some big experience, Bergamasco and Castrogiavanni to name but two. With more experience in the Magners League they'll all get better. But not in time for this year!
Scotland
Scotland seem to look better and better all the time. They're big and powerful up front, and have some backs that can cause some problems - even if they're not world class.
The back row is immense, and coupled with Hines in the second row make for a powerful unit going foward. Add to that Murray in the front row and every team is in for a tough time up front.
Behind the scrum though its a slightly different story. I'm not a fan of Dan Parks. Every so often he does have a good game - but there's little consistency from game to game. Without Chris Patterson they're not sure to get three points from every penalty in the opposition half like they once were. This was massivley important as it compensated for their lack of try scoring ability!
Andy Robinson has them playing good disciplined rugby, but they're missing a bit of flair behind the scrum. They need an O'Driscoll or a Jason Robinson that will spark off something unpredictable. Is De Luca or Evans that man? Probably not.
They're away to France and England and I don't think they'll beat Ireland even though they are at home. Depending on Wales injury problems up front, that could be an opportunity and they should beat Italy.
Wales
Their tournament is going to depend very much on how they cope with some major players being on the injury list. With both Jones and Jenkins missing I think the scrum is there for the taking and Sheridan and Cole will be licking their lips with anticipation. Thats not to say that Paul James and Craig Mitchell aren't good players - they undoubtedly are as anyone who plays for Wales has to be. However, their is a significant lack of experience there - in such a crucial part of the team. A lot will already be on Rees as captain, this just intensifies it that little bit more.
I don't think Gatland has helped his team by sledging Hartley for the first match. He's given Johnson so much ammunition which he can use to get the best out of Hartley. Galtand and his coaching team should focus on getting the best out of their team - not helping out other teams.
It's a shame that Leigh Halfpenny will also be missing. He's going to be a great player, already is, but at the moment it seems he's getting a lot of injuries - a case of too much playing for a young player? Maybe. The other Welsh backs though are as strong as ever. I am however disappointed that Hook is at fullback and not inside centre where I think he can make a bigger mark on the game and utilise Jamie Roberts' bullocking runs. I don't think however, unlike France, that Wales will be relying on a kick and chase game so expect some fireworks to fly. And if all goes badly - they can always rearrange and bring Lee Byrne back in. He's short of form but will come good again
Can the dragons roar in triumph come March? Simply, No. England, France and Scotland are going to be too much for them up front and Ireland will give them a good run for their money.
England
And finally, the English. I obviously suffer from outragious bias opinions at this point! If they focus on each game from the first minute through to the last then they have a great chance of going home with the trophy. But they do have a tendancy to "drop off" at points which will normally always end in trouble.
Like Wales and Ireland there are injury concerns - Moody being the key one and I'm also disappointed to see Lawes and Croft out. Though there are some good players coming in. It's great that Tom Wood has been given a chance, he's been playing some great rugby at Northampton this year. The scrum is looking very strong - the front row is going to take some stopping, as will Deacon and Palmer.
Behind the scrum it's looking good as well. Ben Youngs is looking better and better with each game - it's a good bet that he will be considered the best scrum half in the world at some point soon if he carries on this stretch. I'm pleased that Toby Flood has been kept on at 10 for the first game - there would have been a temptation to pick JW after his recent performances with Toulon in Europe, but like Ireland with ROG, it's good to be able to bring that much experience off the bench to see games out.
Pairing Flutey with Hape would have been interesting but Tindall will bring added bulk, defensive abilities, experience and leadership to the backs. Hape has been alright but he needs a few stellar performances to cement his position before the World Cup.
And then there is the back three. Foden and Ashton are, like Youngs, well on their way to being world class. Couple that with the guile and experience that Cueto brings and all looks good.
They need a bit of luck (but then who doesn't!) but along with France I think England have a great shout of winning this year. France at home isn't a gimmie by any stretch and away to Ireland will still be a massive test but they have a great chance, probably the best they've had since 2003.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Playing Away from Home
I have to wonder who's crazy idea it was to play an LV Cup game in Abu Dhabi? Does Abu Dhabi really have a hotbed of untapped rugby potential? Or is it (like the football World Cup it seems) just coming down to money? I expect with Wasps financial position then it probably does come down to the latter.
If thats not bad enough - why leave it so late to announce it? The news broke yesterday which gives fans of both clubs a mere three and a bit weeks to organise a flight and hotel should they want to attend. And, with it just off the back of Christmas and with an economy hardly booming - is anyone really going to want to go?
I love the idea of expanding the "rugby family" and taking big ticket matches to potential areas of interest to drum up new support, but I can't help but think that this is simply a big waste of time.
My prediction - this game is going to played in a hot desert with hardly anyone watching. A good idea, badly executed.
If thats not bad enough - why leave it so late to announce it? The news broke yesterday which gives fans of both clubs a mere three and a bit weeks to organise a flight and hotel should they want to attend. And, with it just off the back of Christmas and with an economy hardly booming - is anyone really going to want to go?
I love the idea of expanding the "rugby family" and taking big ticket matches to potential areas of interest to drum up new support, but I can't help but think that this is simply a big waste of time.
My prediction - this game is going to played in a hot desert with hardly anyone watching. A good idea, badly executed.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Sonny the boxing All Black
Is it any wonder that the All Blacks are a tough bunch to break down?? I never realised that one of their newest stars, Sonny Bill Williams is a boxer in the first place, let alone his decision to resume his boxing career - alongside playing for New Zealand!! I was under the impression that modern professional players had too many games to play and as such their bodies needed a rest - not ole Sonny it seems!!Now when it comes down to the crunch - who would you rather face up to in the centre. Boxing Sonny or twinkle toes Gavin?
Well, if your Wales legend Phil Bennett and you're playing in the Six Nations next year then you may very well be facing up to Gav due to the injury Stephen Jones' suffered at the weekend. Now in his prime I agree, Henson is a good player - but at the moment he's not in his prime. Yes dancing has probably helped keep him fit, but surely he's going to need more than a month's worth of playing time to get back up to game speed?? Surely Wales can find someone else who's got a little more game time under their belt in the last 18 months that can fill a hole which may not even be there come February?
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Heineken Cup - Round 3
The Autumn Internationals are over, but before we embark on festive jolliness we've got the Heineken Cup double header, the third and fourth rounds of the group competition - the first games of the double headers were played this weekend, here are a few of my thoughts:
Pool One
Northampton put themselves in pole position for qualification with a win at home to Cardiff Blues. Northampton 
are my "not so dark" horses for the competition, I think on their day they're capable of beating any team. Beating Cardiff in Cardiff 
will be a very stern test, if the pack shows up like it did at the weekend then they stand a really good chance (though they'll need to sort their discipline at the breakdown). Cardiff need to sort out their set piece plays - poor line outs and scrums ultimately cost them this game and I'm sure this weeks training will be dominated by training in those areas.
are my "not so dark" horses for the competition, I think on their day they're capable of beating any team. Beating Cardiff in Cardiff will be a very stern test, if the pack shows up like it did at the weekend then they stand a really good chance (though they'll need to sort their discipline at the breakdown). Cardiff need to sort out their set piece plays - poor line outs and scrums ultimately cost them this game and I'm sure this weeks training will be dominated by training in those areas.As for the other two in the group, if Castres can repeat their victory in Edinburgh it'll put some real pressure on the Saints. Edinburgh are improving but they seem to switch off at key points in the game and let the opposition in, three losing bonus points from three games isn't good enough but their play suggests that they're still going to give anyone a good game.
Pool Two
With Saracens narrowly beaten at home to the millionaires of Racing Metro and Leinster losing away to Clermont, pool two is now a three way battle with Saracens left bringing up the rear. I've been disappointed with Saracens showing in this competition after their good run in the domestic league - I expected better though of course they have suffered from being in a very tough group. Maybe the off the field situation with Venter have finally started having an affect? Well worth a look is his after match interview - with all the attention he's been getting for being so controversial, it's nice to see the guy has a sense of humour as well!
On to more serious matters, this is a really tough pool to call. I have to favour Leinster though, they should beat Clermont at home, especially as it's at the Aviva where there should be a good crowd. I also reckon they'll beat Sarries at home (though by then a certain Mr Henson should be at fly half for Sarries) and probably get at least a losing bonus point away to Racing.
Pool Three
Another disappointing performance from an English side, this time London Irish. Again, they should be performing better than they are, but again it's a tough group (are there any "easy" groups in this competition though?). Irish were punished by a clinical Wilkinson who is starting to show some of his old form again - I'd be suprised if he's not a strong contender to slip back into his number 10 shirt for England come February based on this performance. Toulon do look strong in other departments though, their big number eight, Joe van Niekerk had an especially good game.
Munster were once again too much for the Ospreys and I expect them to follow up their win with another when they visit Swansea. For all their talent and big match stars in their team, Osprey's once again look like falling short. Is it time to start thinking of a new game plan? The groups there for Munster to take, I expect Toulon to be their main challengers and maybe even squeak through as best qualifiers.
Pool Four
Shock of the day in this group with Aironi defeating the beaten finalists from last year, Biarritz. Biarritz remain top but the group is closing in around them. I was pleased that the Italians finally got a win under their belt this year. The first year in the Magners League is going to be tough for them and I hope that this can spur them on to more results. It's important for the Italian national team that these clubs start getting results and learning how to win against quality opposition.
Yet again, England's representative in this group had a disappointing result, this time Bath away to Ulster. I like the look of Ulster this year, they have a very strong pack and in Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Wallace they have some quality half backs. Bath v Ulster at The Rec will be what this group is all about in terms of a best qualifier - I think Biarritz will probably qualify automatically.
Pool Five
Poor old Treviso! Played three, lost three and one measly bonus point - oh well, it's an experience for them! The rest of the group is incredibly tight though and this pool will surely come down to a few bonus points (which doesn't bode well for Treviso in the last match - away at Leicester!).
The remaining three teams in this group are very evenly matched, I think Leicester may just edge the group, reversing their loss to Perpignan when they go back to Welford Road will set them up. Then it's between the Scarlets and Perpignan for what I think will be a second qualifier from this group. On the basis that the last tie between the two of them is in Perpignan I'm going to opt for them!
Pool Six
And finally, Pool Six where there was another English win. I think Newport had a real chance to put something over on Wasps in this game and they'll be kicking themselves that they haven't. Tony Hanks will be looking for significant improvements from his Wasps team when they return home next week.
Like the Dragons, Glasgow had a chance against Toulouse, probably not as much of a chance though. I wouldn't bet on Toulouse giving them the same opportunity next week, though you never know with the French! This group will all come down to the Round 6 match between Wasps and Toulouse, even though they're at home I think Toulouse's class and experience in the competition should see them through, just.
And finally, the Quins recorded a good win at home to Connacht in the Amlin Cup!
With Saracens narrowly beaten at home to the millionaires of Racing Metro and Leinster losing away to Clermont, pool two is now a three way battle with Saracens left bringing up the rear. I've been disappointed with Saracens showing in this competition after their good run in the domestic league - I expected better though of course they have suffered from being in a very tough group. Maybe the off the field situation with Venter have finally started having an affect? Well worth a look is his after match interview - with all the attention he's been getting for being so controversial, it's nice to see the guy has a sense of humour as well!
On to more serious matters, this is a really tough pool to call. I have to favour Leinster though, they should beat Clermont at home, especially as it's at the Aviva where there should be a good crowd. I also reckon they'll beat Sarries at home (though by then a certain Mr Henson should be at fly half for Sarries) and probably get at least a losing bonus point away to Racing.
Pool Three
Another disappointing performance from an English side, this time London Irish. Again, they should be performing better than they are, but again it's a tough group (are there any "easy" groups in this competition though?). Irish were punished by a clinical Wilkinson who is starting to show some of his old form again - I'd be suprised if he's not a strong contender to slip back into his number 10 shirt for England come February based on this performance. Toulon do look strong in other departments though, their big number eight, Joe van Niekerk had an especially good game.
Munster were once again too much for the Ospreys and I expect them to follow up their win with another when they visit Swansea. For all their talent and big match stars in their team, Osprey's once again look like falling short. Is it time to start thinking of a new game plan? The groups there for Munster to take, I expect Toulon to be their main challengers and maybe even squeak through as best qualifiers.
Pool Four
Shock of the day in this group with Aironi defeating the beaten finalists from last year, Biarritz. Biarritz remain top but the group is closing in around them. I was pleased that the Italians finally got a win under their belt this year. The first year in the Magners League is going to be tough for them and I hope that this can spur them on to more results. It's important for the Italian national team that these clubs start getting results and learning how to win against quality opposition.
Yet again, England's representative in this group had a disappointing result, this time Bath away to Ulster. I like the look of Ulster this year, they have a very strong pack and in Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Wallace they have some quality half backs. Bath v Ulster at The Rec will be what this group is all about in terms of a best qualifier - I think Biarritz will probably qualify automatically.
Pool Five
Poor old Treviso! Played three, lost three and one measly bonus point - oh well, it's an experience for them! The rest of the group is incredibly tight though and this pool will surely come down to a few bonus points (which doesn't bode well for Treviso in the last match - away at Leicester!).
The remaining three teams in this group are very evenly matched, I think Leicester may just edge the group, reversing their loss to Perpignan when they go back to Welford Road will set them up. Then it's between the Scarlets and Perpignan for what I think will be a second qualifier from this group. On the basis that the last tie between the two of them is in Perpignan I'm going to opt for them!
Pool Six
And finally, Pool Six where there was another English win. I think Newport had a real chance to put something over on Wasps in this game and they'll be kicking themselves that they haven't. Tony Hanks will be looking for significant improvements from his Wasps team when they return home next week.
Like the Dragons, Glasgow had a chance against Toulouse, probably not as much of a chance though. I wouldn't bet on Toulouse giving them the same opportunity next week, though you never know with the French! This group will all come down to the Round 6 match between Wasps and Toulouse, even though they're at home I think Toulouse's class and experience in the competition should see them through, just.
And finally, the Quins recorded a good win at home to Connacht in the Amlin Cup!
Friday, 3 December 2010
Barbarians
In my humble opinion this weekend see's the return of one rugby's greatest traditions with the Barbarian's match against South Africa at Twickenham. I rank the Baba's up there with the Lion's in terms traditions that make rugby such a great game, the matches are always great spectacles and a really fun day out as well as actually being affordable (£35 ish for a cheap ticket versus £70 ish for a cheap six nations ticket for England v Italy!).
And this year's Baba's team is not short on talent and excitement:
15. James O'Connor (Aus)
14. Joe Rokocoko (NZ)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Aus)
12. Ma'a Nonu (NZ)
11. Drew Michell (Aus)
10. Matt Giteau (Aus) (Capt)
9. Will Genia (Aus)
1. Salvatore Perugini (Ita)
2. Stephen Moore (Aus)
3. Neemia Tialata (NZ)
4. Anton Van Zyl (SA)
5. Chris Jack (NZ)
6. Rodney So'oialo (NZ)
7. Martyn Williams (Wal)
8. Colin Bourke (NZ)
Replacements:
Kevin Mealamu (NZ)
John Yapp (Wal)
Quintin Geldenhuys (Ita)
Daniel Braid (NZ)
Andrew Ellis (NZ)
Stephen Donald (NZ)
Seru Rabeni (Fiji)
The backs look superb for the Baba's and should give South Africa some real food for thought. The front five I think could be in for a bit of a struggle against a powerful South African scrum, especially the tight five. I would have liked to have seen a couple more European's in the team - however I'd presume this is down to player release rather than them not being picked!
My prediction is for a South African win - but I think it'll be a fairly close scoreline! If you get a chance to get to HQ to see it then it's well worth the investment. I went last year to the NZ game as part of my stag do, awesome day out and we got to see a few classic Habana trys!
And this year's Baba's team is not short on talent and excitement:
15. James O'Connor (Aus)
14. Joe Rokocoko (NZ)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Aus)
12. Ma'a Nonu (NZ)
11. Drew Michell (Aus)
10. Matt Giteau (Aus) (Capt)
9. Will Genia (Aus)
1. Salvatore Perugini (Ita)
2. Stephen Moore (Aus)
3. Neemia Tialata (NZ)
4. Anton Van Zyl (SA)
5. Chris Jack (NZ)
6. Rodney So'oialo (NZ)
7. Martyn Williams (Wal)
8. Colin Bourke (NZ)
Replacements:
Kevin Mealamu (NZ)
John Yapp (Wal)
Quintin Geldenhuys (Ita)
Daniel Braid (NZ)
Andrew Ellis (NZ)
Stephen Donald (NZ)
Seru Rabeni (Fiji)
The backs look superb for the Baba's and should give South Africa some real food for thought. The front five I think could be in for a bit of a struggle against a powerful South African scrum, especially the tight five. I would have liked to have seen a couple more European's in the team - however I'd presume this is down to player release rather than them not being picked!
My prediction is for a South African win - but I think it'll be a fairly close scoreline! If you get a chance to get to HQ to see it then it's well worth the investment. I went last year to the NZ game as part of my stag do, awesome day out and we got to see a few classic Habana trys!
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Only picking home based players
Well, I did say this would be an area for me to occasionally let rip on a little rant every so often so here goes!
The RFU have just announced that from 2011, England will only be picking home based players. I can understand logic in this given the issues involving player release but really, do they have to go to this extent?! Until the RFU extends the salary cap so English clubs can financially compete with their French equivalents then we're going to see an increasing amount of experienced players leaving for foreign (mainly French) fields. It's great that there have been a number of young, very talented players starting for England - but they still need the steady hand of the experienced campaigners around them.
And who can blame the players for going somewhere where they can earn a bit more cash? The popularity of rugby is every growing and with growth will come extra investment from a number of sources such as advertising. Like all sportsman, rugby players have a very limited time in which they'll be paid for playing and they need to ensure they make the most out of it. They'll probably never be paid as much as footballers but then in my humble opinion footballers are overpaid anyway (maybe they need all that money to buy scarves, hats and gloves to wear on a Saturday afternoon!).
Lastly - I can't see whats wrong with players going abroad and experiencing a different culture in terms of the way the games played. Providing he keeps his head down and plays a lot, I can see Danny Cipriani coming back from Australia a much better player. Players will learn different techniques, other ways of doing things and be able to bring that back into the English game.
And lets not forget - even Martin Johnson spent some time playing in New Zealand.
The RFU have just announced that from 2011, England will only be picking home based players. I can understand logic in this given the issues involving player release but really, do they have to go to this extent?! Until the RFU extends the salary cap so English clubs can financially compete with their French equivalents then we're going to see an increasing amount of experienced players leaving for foreign (mainly French) fields. It's great that there have been a number of young, very talented players starting for England - but they still need the steady hand of the experienced campaigners around them.
And who can blame the players for going somewhere where they can earn a bit more cash? The popularity of rugby is every growing and with growth will come extra investment from a number of sources such as advertising. Like all sportsman, rugby players have a very limited time in which they'll be paid for playing and they need to ensure they make the most out of it. They'll probably never be paid as much as footballers but then in my humble opinion footballers are overpaid anyway (maybe they need all that money to buy scarves, hats and gloves to wear on a Saturday afternoon!).
Lastly - I can't see whats wrong with players going abroad and experiencing a different culture in terms of the way the games played. Providing he keeps his head down and plays a lot, I can see Danny Cipriani coming back from Australia a much better player. Players will learn different techniques, other ways of doing things and be able to bring that back into the English game.
And lets not forget - even Martin Johnson spent some time playing in New Zealand.
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