IRB COACH of the year Declan Kidney may be the man holding his head aloft following an unbeaten Grand Slam year with Ireland, but New Zealand are still setting the standards on the international stage.
The All Blacks emerge the dominant force in world rugby once more, brushing aside the French at the Stade Vélodrome in Saturday’s 39-12 try-fest.
Stripped of their Tri-Nations title by World Champions South Africa this summer, the annual autumn assessment has concluded however that New Zealand are in better shape than some would’ve imagined.
Captain Crusader Richie McCaw was named player of the year despite Brian O’Driscoll being tipped for the award. The Irish talisman has led the green of the Irish and the blue of Leinster to the forefront of European rugby this year but McCaw is still considered the most influential rugby player on the planet.
Failing to impress at Twickenham but still able to find the resources to carve out a win, the All Blacks showed resilience as well as bluster in the antipodeans’ arsenal.
The game in Marseilles was proof McCaw’s men can still put on a show and with players such as Carl Hayman and Chris Jack set to return to the fray next season, New Zealand are well poised to steal the show again at their own dinner party in two years time.
New Zealand, hosting the 2011 world cup, have failed to emulate their tournament victory over France in '87. On present form, nevertheless, it seems the search for the holy grail of world rugby is back on track after the recent demolition of Les Bleus.
Zero tries in over six hours of rugby for an All Blacks opponent relays a lack of attacking prowess in the northern hemisphere.
England brought New Zealand down to their level at Twickenham with a boyish display, and a potent Welsh running game was eclipsed by the All Blacks with a counter-attack unstoppable on its day.
Ireland punted their way to a 15-10 victory over the Springboks – Leinster fly half Johnny Sexton with five penalty kicks to give the north something to shout about.
But, where the difference lies between the two hemispheres is in a ruthless clinical edge.
A change in laws at the breakdown favouring defending sides may be something the IRB will have to address, but if teams below the equator have adapted and are still producing tries, there must then be a board looking at the causes for our defensive and attacking frailties in the north.
Think of the many times we have heard Johnson and Gatland express their horror as their teams fail to execute whatever few chances come their way.
Ireland and Italy were the only sides to put tries past the big three in full internationals. Scottish and Irish wins over the Wallabies and the Boks, however, were all won with the boot.
Rob Andrew has said England have “progressed” over the past twelve months; a reflection based purely on score lines. But, you can debate this is not in place of a cold, reserved game plan. A lack of ambition has been introduced simply to make a painful reality that much more palatable.
More on breakdown dispute from Sky News: http://www.xfm.co.uk/uknews/sports/RFU-Rule-Change-Request-Denied
Monday 30 November 2009
Friday 6 November 2009
Tigers win Bokbuster
Welford Road - 06/11/09
Leicester Tigers 22, South Africa 17
WORLD Champions, Lions tamers, and Tri Nations winners of new, but South Africa were still overturned by a Tigers outfit missing their back row to international duty.
Admittedly under nourished themselves, the Springbok side did include the likes of Dannie Rossouw and Ruan Pienaar in their 22-17 loss against the England champions at Welford Road on Friday.
Pienaar broke the ice with a penalty early on and if Leicester weren’t already nervous at the prospect of facing the World Champs, a try soon after for the Springboks must’ve sent shivers down the Tigers’ defensive line.
Scott Hamilton will rue his poor judgement under a Pienaar high ball, South Africa then turned the rogue ball for Earl Rose to step up and deliver a sweet grubber kick through the Tiger home guard; Jongie Nokwe doing the honours over the whitewash 8 minutes in.
Leicester’s Ben Youngs then redeemed himself in front of goal after his poor opening effort, and as Leicester looked to gain territory with some good touch-finding from stand-in captain Aaron Mauger at ten, South Africa still never looked threatened.
They did lose their captain just before the quarter forcing a reshuffle in the front row, but expectations remained unchanged.
A break from Youngs was matched by the dancing counter of Rose after Tiger momentum was then stunted, but when Manu Tuilagi found himself in space on the left moments later, his step wide to draw the switch from winger Lucas Amorosino was readily received and jinked inside for a score under the posts from the scampering Argentine.
Youngs’ exuberance with the boot extended the Tigers lead on 32 minutes, and as the Leicester scrum began to rule over the number one side in the world, Youngs was handed the opportunity to topple another penalty from halfway.
Pienaar pulled three back just before the half but the Leicester scrum continued to dominate in the same vain following the break. Youngs finished his forwards effort with another strike, bisecting the posts to give the Tigers a healthy lead at 19-11 on 46 minutes.
A penalty to the corner from South Africa was nullified by the wily lineout jumping of Geoff Parling, but it was the forward effort in the loose that made most of the inroads for South Africa.
Sizable Ashley Johnson turned on the gas to make good ground from eight, although a Springbok pack – so strong on the floor the last time we saw them in the Lions Tour and Tri Nations competition – were drawn into a long kicking game as their hosts dominated at the breakdown.
George Chuter, relieved from international duty with England, was thrown in to conduct his side’s powerful scrum, and likewise Youngs kicked three more points.
A Pienaar show and go then moved Springboks closer to a much sought after try snuffed out by the impenetrable Welford Road outfit. Pienaar settled for three points after waters settled – sixteen minutes remained – eight points now the difference.
He then struck the uprights late on, then slotting the ball safely between them with a second attempt.
Leicester’s pack was then penalised for killing the play with seconds left. A try needed, Pienaar let rip for the corner; lineout was won and as the Spingboks inched their way closer to that objective, Leicester engulfed three more minutes of relentless pressure.
Patience fell, Johnson went wide failing to find his man, and Leicester relinquished the ball to their home stand faithful.
Leicester Tigers 22, South Africa 17
WORLD Champions, Lions tamers, and Tri Nations winners of new, but South Africa were still overturned by a Tigers outfit missing their back row to international duty.
Admittedly under nourished themselves, the Springbok side did include the likes of Dannie Rossouw and Ruan Pienaar in their 22-17 loss against the England champions at Welford Road on Friday.
Pienaar broke the ice with a penalty early on and if Leicester weren’t already nervous at the prospect of facing the World Champs, a try soon after for the Springboks must’ve sent shivers down the Tigers’ defensive line.
Scott Hamilton will rue his poor judgement under a Pienaar high ball, South Africa then turned the rogue ball for Earl Rose to step up and deliver a sweet grubber kick through the Tiger home guard; Jongie Nokwe doing the honours over the whitewash 8 minutes in.
Leicester’s Ben Youngs then redeemed himself in front of goal after his poor opening effort, and as Leicester looked to gain territory with some good touch-finding from stand-in captain Aaron Mauger at ten, South Africa still never looked threatened.
They did lose their captain just before the quarter forcing a reshuffle in the front row, but expectations remained unchanged.
A break from Youngs was matched by the dancing counter of Rose after Tiger momentum was then stunted, but when Manu Tuilagi found himself in space on the left moments later, his step wide to draw the switch from winger Lucas Amorosino was readily received and jinked inside for a score under the posts from the scampering Argentine.
Youngs’ exuberance with the boot extended the Tigers lead on 32 minutes, and as the Leicester scrum began to rule over the number one side in the world, Youngs was handed the opportunity to topple another penalty from halfway.
Pienaar pulled three back just before the half but the Leicester scrum continued to dominate in the same vain following the break. Youngs finished his forwards effort with another strike, bisecting the posts to give the Tigers a healthy lead at 19-11 on 46 minutes.
A penalty to the corner from South Africa was nullified by the wily lineout jumping of Geoff Parling, but it was the forward effort in the loose that made most of the inroads for South Africa.
Sizable Ashley Johnson turned on the gas to make good ground from eight, although a Springbok pack – so strong on the floor the last time we saw them in the Lions Tour and Tri Nations competition – were drawn into a long kicking game as their hosts dominated at the breakdown.
George Chuter, relieved from international duty with England, was thrown in to conduct his side’s powerful scrum, and likewise Youngs kicked three more points.
A Pienaar show and go then moved Springboks closer to a much sought after try snuffed out by the impenetrable Welford Road outfit. Pienaar settled for three points after waters settled – sixteen minutes remained – eight points now the difference.
He then struck the uprights late on, then slotting the ball safely between them with a second attempt.
Leicester’s pack was then penalised for killing the play with seconds left. A try needed, Pienaar let rip for the corner; lineout was won and as the Spingboks inched their way closer to that objective, Leicester engulfed three more minutes of relentless pressure.
Patience fell, Johnson went wide failing to find his man, and Leicester relinquished the ball to their home stand faithful.
Sunday 1 November 2009
Leeds back to basics for first win
Guinness Premiership
Adams Park 01/11/09
London Wasps 9, Leeds Carnegie 15
LEEDS Carnegie found their first win since their return to the Guinness Premiership Sunday as they produced a scrappy but fulfilling performance away to in form London Wasps.
Their last away win in the Premiership the Yorkshire men will remember was at The Rec back in November 2005. After a hard start for the new boys this season, Andy Key's pugilists took advantage on a wet day in which Wasps struggled to capitalise.
A Wasps side keeping numbers small at the breakdown in their Kingsholm killing-spree failed to acclimatise to a Leeds forward pack savvy to the opportunities presented to them on the floor. Poor set piece play and twelve turnovers conceded by Wasps at the half put Leeds 12-6 up in the first forty.
Leeds stamped their intentions with immediate effect as an early drive from their kickoff was turned into points. Leeds’ ten Ceiron Thomas split the posts from the awarded penalty to begin a half that saw him hit four three pointers.
Wasps’ lineout was broken on several occasions and, on its second, was won back but lost at the breakdown. A vulnerable defensive line looked set to be punished by Leeds if only the hands of Erik Lund were a little flatter off the ruck.
A Dave Walder penalty pulled his side back to level terms soon after on eighteen minutes. Leeds then recovered their three point advantage after quashing the opposing scrum only to lose it when penalised likewise at their put in.
Similar scenes again as Swanseaman Thomas turned two kicks in two into three in three, then to slot his forth after inside half Andy Gomarsall made territory with a dink over the top.
But where the World Cup winning scrum half is streetwise, Wasps’ Joe Simpson remains charismatic. A quick tap and go put Wasps in scoring contention only to be sterilised once again by a resolute Carnegie pack.
Into the second half, Adams Park thought David Lemi had pounced onto a first try although the ball never seemed to stick to the reaching hands of the Samoan speedster.
Wasps began to brave the conditions with the hand. Ball was narrowed right in attack with returning replacement Simon Shaw making the yards. Ball then spread wide but was floundered by the heads up defensive play of wing Richard Welding stepping up.
Time, now, for a Wasps’ rolling maul. Leeds were forced to give away the penalty after conceding twenty-yards to the Wasps’ surge, which Walder struck with similar venom.
Thomas’ fifth attempt did drift wide of the posts although the coming twenty-two drop out from Walder was brought back for the scrum after going dead 80 meters down field.
Space left, space right, Leeds chose the former route. Ball was played back inside and rewarded with another three points as play was illegally killed on Wasps' retreat.
Wasps welcomed Tom Varndell to the field in the final ten where problems were seemingly in the pack. A further lineout opportunity was lost as the ball swayed adrift; Wasps redeemed themselves at the scrum but handling errors in the midfield gave the opportunity for Leeds to counter.
Sackey and Lemi failed to keep the ball on their radars from the kick up field and were saved from embarrassment as Varndell returned to clear. Simpson broke the line once more from the scrum to present another platform for Wasps but the brimming build up was spilled over in midfield for Leeds to catch a breath.
The spectacular Leeds scrum began to wane under pressure, but pressure was duly neutralised at the hands of Ward with another poor lineout for the home side. Leeds held on for their first win of the season, a momentous 15-9 victory for the side at the Wasps nest – another first incidentally – in a less than inspiring display from Tom Hanks’ men.
Adams Park 01/11/09
London Wasps 9, Leeds Carnegie 15
LEEDS Carnegie found their first win since their return to the Guinness Premiership Sunday as they produced a scrappy but fulfilling performance away to in form London Wasps.
Their last away win in the Premiership the Yorkshire men will remember was at The Rec back in November 2005. After a hard start for the new boys this season, Andy Key's pugilists took advantage on a wet day in which Wasps struggled to capitalise.
A Wasps side keeping numbers small at the breakdown in their Kingsholm killing-spree failed to acclimatise to a Leeds forward pack savvy to the opportunities presented to them on the floor. Poor set piece play and twelve turnovers conceded by Wasps at the half put Leeds 12-6 up in the first forty.
Leeds stamped their intentions with immediate effect as an early drive from their kickoff was turned into points. Leeds’ ten Ceiron Thomas split the posts from the awarded penalty to begin a half that saw him hit four three pointers.
Wasps’ lineout was broken on several occasions and, on its second, was won back but lost at the breakdown. A vulnerable defensive line looked set to be punished by Leeds if only the hands of Erik Lund were a little flatter off the ruck.
A Dave Walder penalty pulled his side back to level terms soon after on eighteen minutes. Leeds then recovered their three point advantage after quashing the opposing scrum only to lose it when penalised likewise at their put in.
Similar scenes again as Swanseaman Thomas turned two kicks in two into three in three, then to slot his forth after inside half Andy Gomarsall made territory with a dink over the top.
But where the World Cup winning scrum half is streetwise, Wasps’ Joe Simpson remains charismatic. A quick tap and go put Wasps in scoring contention only to be sterilised once again by a resolute Carnegie pack.
Into the second half, Adams Park thought David Lemi had pounced onto a first try although the ball never seemed to stick to the reaching hands of the Samoan speedster.
Wasps began to brave the conditions with the hand. Ball was narrowed right in attack with returning replacement Simon Shaw making the yards. Ball then spread wide but was floundered by the heads up defensive play of wing Richard Welding stepping up.
Time, now, for a Wasps’ rolling maul. Leeds were forced to give away the penalty after conceding twenty-yards to the Wasps’ surge, which Walder struck with similar venom.
Thomas’ fifth attempt did drift wide of the posts although the coming twenty-two drop out from Walder was brought back for the scrum after going dead 80 meters down field.
Space left, space right, Leeds chose the former route. Ball was played back inside and rewarded with another three points as play was illegally killed on Wasps' retreat.
Wasps welcomed Tom Varndell to the field in the final ten where problems were seemingly in the pack. A further lineout opportunity was lost as the ball swayed adrift; Wasps redeemed themselves at the scrum but handling errors in the midfield gave the opportunity for Leeds to counter.
Sackey and Lemi failed to keep the ball on their radars from the kick up field and were saved from embarrassment as Varndell returned to clear. Simpson broke the line once more from the scrum to present another platform for Wasps but the brimming build up was spilled over in midfield for Leeds to catch a breath.
The spectacular Leeds scrum began to wane under pressure, but pressure was duly neutralised at the hands of Ward with another poor lineout for the home side. Leeds held on for their first win of the season, a momentous 15-9 victory for the side at the Wasps nest – another first incidentally – in a less than inspiring display from Tom Hanks’ men.
Sunday 11 October 2009
Geraghty one step ahead
Heineken Cup – Pool 1 Round 1
Franklin’s Gardens – 10/10/09
Northampton Saints 31, Munster 27
ALMOST a decade since Northampton beat Munster to lift the illustrious Heineken Cup trophy, the club's faithful were reminded of days past as their side defeated the Irish province in this season’s opening round.
A win with a difference you might say as new look captain Dylan Hartley stands at the forefront of Northampton’s ambitions this season. Paul Grayson was the man to kick his side to European glory at the turn of the century and Munster have twice gone on to win the tournament since the loss at Twickenham.
This time, however, it was a new face from London who pulled his side through a dramatic 31 – 27 win in front of a watchful Martin Johnson.
An early penalty opportunity was fluffed by visiting ten Ronan O’Gara while former Exile and man of the match Shane Geraghty took advantage with his turn in front of goal.
Munster found it difficult to undo a resilient Saints defence for the first quarter, felt, none more so, by South African Jean De Villiers on the wrong end of a ferocious tackle from James Downey.
In attack, controlled, thoughtful play from Geraghty encouraged support on and off the field. As the home stands bulged with excitement and anticipation, their side pushed forward from all angles.
A vortex at the centre of a Northampton forward-front, Geraghty finalised a powerful Soane Tong’ulha surge with a delicate chip over the top, which was fumbled on Munster's retreat, fumbled again, and pounced on by a waiting Chris Ashton for the first score of the night on seventeen minutes.
A Munster response was overdue, however, and came in unexpected fashion as fullback Paul Warwick hit a massive drop goal on the touch line 40 meters from goal.
With Munster out of the blocks, O’Gara’s precision kicking was turned into territorial advantage. Saints’ defensive lineout was put to the test and Munster’s play maker was allowed to integrate space on the overlap. Wing Keith Earls used up the yards presented and opened up the chasing Saints defence with similar ease as he kicked his former Lions colleague David Wallace in over the whitewash in the twenty-fifth minute.
A share of penalties then saw ten minutes of to and fro between O’Gara and Geraghty. As it seemed Geraghty was going to slot over the final points of the half, a moment of inspiration broke the mould and changed the game’s outlook forever. A quick tap and go stunned a Munster side regrouping under the posts and produced a score even Geraghty himself may not have foreseen just before the half.
His grace and magic continued in the second forty. A move that started with the ten was switched inside, then moved right through the hands of Foden, and after finding its way back infield, the sea of Munster red was parted for Geraghty to fizz through and offload to Chris Ashton who snuck over the whitewash for a second time only five minutes in.
By the sixty-second minute O’Gara had propped up six more points on the Munster scorecard and a Munster try from the reintroduced rolling maul then brought them back. Tomas O’Leary peeled off the maul to split a topsy defensive line with twelve minutes remaining and O’Gara converted to cut the deficit to a point.
Northampton, like for most of the match, again rediscovered their presence. Persistent pressure overwhelmed a mature and experienced Munster pack shaken at the scrum. A penalty was then awarded for its collapse. Geraghty converted with familiar comfort.
With four points the seperation, Munster now needed a try as the clock hit red. A penalty was given meters from the Northampton line in favour of the visitors and with the losing bonus point already won, Captain O’Connell had no choice but to go for the win. The score failed to succumb to a rampant Munster forward effort and Northampton stood firm to head Pool One in a continuation of good home form.
Franklin’s Gardens – 10/10/09
Northampton Saints 31, Munster 27
ALMOST a decade since Northampton beat Munster to lift the illustrious Heineken Cup trophy, the club's faithful were reminded of days past as their side defeated the Irish province in this season’s opening round.
A win with a difference you might say as new look captain Dylan Hartley stands at the forefront of Northampton’s ambitions this season. Paul Grayson was the man to kick his side to European glory at the turn of the century and Munster have twice gone on to win the tournament since the loss at Twickenham.
This time, however, it was a new face from London who pulled his side through a dramatic 31 – 27 win in front of a watchful Martin Johnson.
An early penalty opportunity was fluffed by visiting ten Ronan O’Gara while former Exile and man of the match Shane Geraghty took advantage with his turn in front of goal.
Munster found it difficult to undo a resilient Saints defence for the first quarter, felt, none more so, by South African Jean De Villiers on the wrong end of a ferocious tackle from James Downey.
In attack, controlled, thoughtful play from Geraghty encouraged support on and off the field. As the home stands bulged with excitement and anticipation, their side pushed forward from all angles.
A vortex at the centre of a Northampton forward-front, Geraghty finalised a powerful Soane Tong’ulha surge with a delicate chip over the top, which was fumbled on Munster's retreat, fumbled again, and pounced on by a waiting Chris Ashton for the first score of the night on seventeen minutes.
A Munster response was overdue, however, and came in unexpected fashion as fullback Paul Warwick hit a massive drop goal on the touch line 40 meters from goal.
With Munster out of the blocks, O’Gara’s precision kicking was turned into territorial advantage. Saints’ defensive lineout was put to the test and Munster’s play maker was allowed to integrate space on the overlap. Wing Keith Earls used up the yards presented and opened up the chasing Saints defence with similar ease as he kicked his former Lions colleague David Wallace in over the whitewash in the twenty-fifth minute.
A share of penalties then saw ten minutes of to and fro between O’Gara and Geraghty. As it seemed Geraghty was going to slot over the final points of the half, a moment of inspiration broke the mould and changed the game’s outlook forever. A quick tap and go stunned a Munster side regrouping under the posts and produced a score even Geraghty himself may not have foreseen just before the half.
His grace and magic continued in the second forty. A move that started with the ten was switched inside, then moved right through the hands of Foden, and after finding its way back infield, the sea of Munster red was parted for Geraghty to fizz through and offload to Chris Ashton who snuck over the whitewash for a second time only five minutes in.
By the sixty-second minute O’Gara had propped up six more points on the Munster scorecard and a Munster try from the reintroduced rolling maul then brought them back. Tomas O’Leary peeled off the maul to split a topsy defensive line with twelve minutes remaining and O’Gara converted to cut the deficit to a point.
Northampton, like for most of the match, again rediscovered their presence. Persistent pressure overwhelmed a mature and experienced Munster pack shaken at the scrum. A penalty was then awarded for its collapse. Geraghty converted with familiar comfort.
With four points the seperation, Munster now needed a try as the clock hit red. A penalty was given meters from the Northampton line in favour of the visitors and with the losing bonus point already won, Captain O’Connell had no choice but to go for the win. The score failed to succumb to a rampant Munster forward effort and Northampton stood firm to head Pool One in a continuation of good home form.
Sunday 4 October 2009
A point on the road is a preferred bonus for Warriors
WELFORD Road - home of England’s champions and an intimidating prospect for any who dare pay a visit. With wins in the Tigers' past sixteen home encounters, it would seem an understandably tall order for any side looking for points at Leicester’s new look stadia.
Worcester Warriors did however gain their second bonus point of the season at the champions on Saturday but did so surrendering to a third loss out of three on the road.
Mike Ruddock’s men remain sixth in the Premiership splitting the league table after the season’s fifth round, but fall five points behind their weekend’s opponents Leicester who lie just above in fifth.
Astoundingly, it was Worcester who found themselves ahead within the final quarter of their match against the Tigers as fly-half Willie Walker scored on 62 minutes.
And if not for the consistent boot of his opposing number Jeremy Staunton, the Warriors may have been looking at a remarkable away win over their current mid table rivals. Worcester saw out the final minutes to settle for the losing bonus point – replacement Johnny Arr the man to kick Warrior possession into the stands prompting the final whistle.
Sunday saw fellow West Country side Gloucester return victorious from Headingly in their game away to new boys Leeds, and, although their win propels them up the table, the losing bonus point awarded to Worcester still separates the two sides.
Is this clever use of the bonus point system or is Worcester’s glass seemingly half empty this term? After avoiding the drop last season it would appear that the club’s first priority is to still be playing top flight rugby this time next year. Should this be the case, however, if the side are to build on their so far good home form at Sixways?
It would be believed that a side preferring the losing bonus point over a possible away win have had a huge loss of ambition. Welford Road is a formidable fortress to all who make the trip, admittedly, but will remain that way in the foreseeable future if its visitors fail to front up.
The bonus point was instilled to encourage more tries and closer encounters, so, where a team have victory in their sights, it seems irresponsible not to go for the win, even if your opponent is notorious for rampaging over teams.
Leicester’s slow start has seen them yet to ignite their unyielding form of last season, but while the club is momentarily flagging, sides still remain content not to take their game to the Welford Road outfit. The bonus point aims to keep teams ambitious home and away. Unfortunately, if it is abused, the game’s competitive edge may well be taken away altogether.
Worcester Warriors did however gain their second bonus point of the season at the champions on Saturday but did so surrendering to a third loss out of three on the road.
Mike Ruddock’s men remain sixth in the Premiership splitting the league table after the season’s fifth round, but fall five points behind their weekend’s opponents Leicester who lie just above in fifth.
Astoundingly, it was Worcester who found themselves ahead within the final quarter of their match against the Tigers as fly-half Willie Walker scored on 62 minutes.
And if not for the consistent boot of his opposing number Jeremy Staunton, the Warriors may have been looking at a remarkable away win over their current mid table rivals. Worcester saw out the final minutes to settle for the losing bonus point – replacement Johnny Arr the man to kick Warrior possession into the stands prompting the final whistle.
Sunday saw fellow West Country side Gloucester return victorious from Headingly in their game away to new boys Leeds, and, although their win propels them up the table, the losing bonus point awarded to Worcester still separates the two sides.
Is this clever use of the bonus point system or is Worcester’s glass seemingly half empty this term? After avoiding the drop last season it would appear that the club’s first priority is to still be playing top flight rugby this time next year. Should this be the case, however, if the side are to build on their so far good home form at Sixways?
It would be believed that a side preferring the losing bonus point over a possible away win have had a huge loss of ambition. Welford Road is a formidable fortress to all who make the trip, admittedly, but will remain that way in the foreseeable future if its visitors fail to front up.
The bonus point was instilled to encourage more tries and closer encounters, so, where a team have victory in their sights, it seems irresponsible not to go for the win, even if your opponent is notorious for rampaging over teams.
Leicester’s slow start has seen them yet to ignite their unyielding form of last season, but while the club is momentarily flagging, sides still remain content not to take their game to the Welford Road outfit. The bonus point aims to keep teams ambitious home and away. Unfortunately, if it is abused, the game’s competitive edge may well be taken away altogether.
Monday 7 September 2009
Enough said about 'bloody' rugby.
IT'S finally back but this time sporting a different look.
A bad aftertaste has spilled over into the new Guinness Premiership season leaving pundits and, more often than not, the press, all with something to say before a ball has even been kicked.
The ‘bloodgate scandal’ at Harlequins, allegations over drug taking at Bath, and not forgetting the eye gouging incident in the Lions tour of South Africa will have rugby licking its wounds for some time to come.
An overwhelming fear is that the professional era will now see many more do whatever it takes to win, even to the point of putting club, country and the game itself in disrepute.
The fine line between gamesmanship and the noble sportsman is being pushed to its limits and the latter will regrettably suffer as a consequence.
And fans alike have grumbled a few words of disgust, most recently on the Twickenham terraces in the season’s London double header – an event prided on a history of morality where bloodshed was contained only to the field and plaudits looked on only in admiration from the stands.
Although most may have had their giggle over the summer events at The Stoop – which resulted in the resignation of Dean Richards at its helm last month – sparse words have still crept into the banter between clans, as those sporting a Harlequin on their chest at Twickenham were immediately branded ‘cheats’ by fellow rugby supporters.
Nowhere in the game is this acceptable, on or off the field of play.
The press has been filled with scrutiny and shame over the ‘bloodgate’ fiasco, but, unless fans are motivated to familiarise themselves with their football counterparts, the politics behind the doors of the RFU shouldn’t overshadow rugby as a symbol of selflessness and sportsmanship which it has promoted for many years before now.
Instead of writing what was witnessed on the day, headlines have revealed the ‘real’ bloodshed inflicted on Wasps’ Joe Simpson, and how Quins’ perpetrator George Robson was subsequently shown red by referee Dean Richards (no relation), undoubtedly the same claret found in a blood capsule concealed in Tom Williams’ sock several months before.
No story of Varndell’s double score or the battle of the flyhalfs, new and old, to steal the games for both Wasps and Saracens.
Saracens’ Glen Jackson continued where he left off last season with an impeccable man of the match display, highlighting the mistakes of a nervy Irish debutant in Ryan Lamb who, in contradictory fashion, missed the target on more than the odd occasion.
Danny Cipriani will want to prove his worth in the hope that he will be returning to Twickenham this autumn, and started well against a wobbly Nick Evans lacking the composure of boot he produced in his last Twickenham outing for Quins.
The rolling maul once again graced the Premiership stage, a strategy missed in last season’s experimental law variations. Fourteen man Quins suffered a penalty try awarded for the collapsing of the Wasps maul meters before an inevitable score to seal the game.
Tries from Ugo Monye and wing Gonzalo Camacho kept a surprising lead for Quins but two debut tries from Wasps’ Tom Varndell in the first half and 11 points from Mark Van Gisbergen overall was enough to restore the club to winning ways 26 points to 15.
Saracens held on for an 18-14 win over London Irish, which began a day that saw two of last season’s playoff sides toppled at the first hurdle.
Rugby is back, still as entertaining as ever, but shouldn’t be stained by its demographic. What it isn’t is the ‘bloodbath’ some will want to believe.
Unfortunately for those true to the sport, this view may take some time to amend.
A bad aftertaste has spilled over into the new Guinness Premiership season leaving pundits and, more often than not, the press, all with something to say before a ball has even been kicked.
The ‘bloodgate scandal’ at Harlequins, allegations over drug taking at Bath, and not forgetting the eye gouging incident in the Lions tour of South Africa will have rugby licking its wounds for some time to come.
An overwhelming fear is that the professional era will now see many more do whatever it takes to win, even to the point of putting club, country and the game itself in disrepute.
The fine line between gamesmanship and the noble sportsman is being pushed to its limits and the latter will regrettably suffer as a consequence.
And fans alike have grumbled a few words of disgust, most recently on the Twickenham terraces in the season’s London double header – an event prided on a history of morality where bloodshed was contained only to the field and plaudits looked on only in admiration from the stands.
Although most may have had their giggle over the summer events at The Stoop – which resulted in the resignation of Dean Richards at its helm last month – sparse words have still crept into the banter between clans, as those sporting a Harlequin on their chest at Twickenham were immediately branded ‘cheats’ by fellow rugby supporters.
Nowhere in the game is this acceptable, on or off the field of play.
The press has been filled with scrutiny and shame over the ‘bloodgate’ fiasco, but, unless fans are motivated to familiarise themselves with their football counterparts, the politics behind the doors of the RFU shouldn’t overshadow rugby as a symbol of selflessness and sportsmanship which it has promoted for many years before now.
Instead of writing what was witnessed on the day, headlines have revealed the ‘real’ bloodshed inflicted on Wasps’ Joe Simpson, and how Quins’ perpetrator George Robson was subsequently shown red by referee Dean Richards (no relation), undoubtedly the same claret found in a blood capsule concealed in Tom Williams’ sock several months before.
No story of Varndell’s double score or the battle of the flyhalfs, new and old, to steal the games for both Wasps and Saracens.
Saracens’ Glen Jackson continued where he left off last season with an impeccable man of the match display, highlighting the mistakes of a nervy Irish debutant in Ryan Lamb who, in contradictory fashion, missed the target on more than the odd occasion.
Danny Cipriani will want to prove his worth in the hope that he will be returning to Twickenham this autumn, and started well against a wobbly Nick Evans lacking the composure of boot he produced in his last Twickenham outing for Quins.
The rolling maul once again graced the Premiership stage, a strategy missed in last season’s experimental law variations. Fourteen man Quins suffered a penalty try awarded for the collapsing of the Wasps maul meters before an inevitable score to seal the game.
Tries from Ugo Monye and wing Gonzalo Camacho kept a surprising lead for Quins but two debut tries from Wasps’ Tom Varndell in the first half and 11 points from Mark Van Gisbergen overall was enough to restore the club to winning ways 26 points to 15.
Saracens held on for an 18-14 win over London Irish, which began a day that saw two of last season’s playoff sides toppled at the first hurdle.
Rugby is back, still as entertaining as ever, but shouldn’t be stained by its demographic. What it isn’t is the ‘bloodbath’ some will want to believe.
Unfortunately for those true to the sport, this view may take some time to amend.
Monday 29 June 2009
Mourning the boot of Steyn
Lions Tour 2009 - 27/06/09
South Africa 28, British & Irish Lions 25
A month on tour seems a long time, but this week coming may feel like an eternity. The dreams of a Lions series revival are over, giving insult to injuries left, right and centre in a touring camp ripped apart over a weekend. Adam Jones out. Gethin Jenkins out. Brian O’Driscoll out. The list goes on.
The life of the tour has dissipated with everything else. Elation in contrast for the Boks, albeit a few hiccups with bans to Bakkies Botha at lock and Schalke Burger at blindside denting preparations for the Tri-Nations competition. But, what may be deemed brutal disregard for their opponents health, may be the one thing that beat the Lions overall.
Only an eight-week ban for Burger after the eye-gouging incident on Luke Fitzgerald, the Lions are in uproar that it is not longer. You cannot console with someone who has blatantly attempted to blind an opponent, but if we were to look at it as brutality that comes on the field of play, you would have to say the Boks had the edge all along.
A lack of talent on the Lions bench and Drico and co. flying into everything at one hundred miles an hour to do some damage themselves, it turned out in hindsight that the only damage caused was self inflicted.
The Lions played with the right game plan, the right mentality, and were far better in front of goal than our good friend Piennar. But in a frantic, high-tempered test, the best moments were from the skill of Jones’ back hand pass, Kearney’s elegance taking every high ball under the sun, and the powerful scrummaging of our all-welsh front row.
Instead, patches of over zealous tackling turned what were fantastic moments to watch in the game, into unnecessary set backs in the long haul. Injuries killed the Lions and the boot of Steyn buried them.
South Africa 28, British & Irish Lions 25
A month on tour seems a long time, but this week coming may feel like an eternity. The dreams of a Lions series revival are over, giving insult to injuries left, right and centre in a touring camp ripped apart over a weekend. Adam Jones out. Gethin Jenkins out. Brian O’Driscoll out. The list goes on.
The life of the tour has dissipated with everything else. Elation in contrast for the Boks, albeit a few hiccups with bans to Bakkies Botha at lock and Schalke Burger at blindside denting preparations for the Tri-Nations competition. But, what may be deemed brutal disregard for their opponents health, may be the one thing that beat the Lions overall.
Only an eight-week ban for Burger after the eye-gouging incident on Luke Fitzgerald, the Lions are in uproar that it is not longer. You cannot console with someone who has blatantly attempted to blind an opponent, but if we were to look at it as brutality that comes on the field of play, you would have to say the Boks had the edge all along.
A lack of talent on the Lions bench and Drico and co. flying into everything at one hundred miles an hour to do some damage themselves, it turned out in hindsight that the only damage caused was self inflicted.
The Lions played with the right game plan, the right mentality, and were far better in front of goal than our good friend Piennar. But in a frantic, high-tempered test, the best moments were from the skill of Jones’ back hand pass, Kearney’s elegance taking every high ball under the sun, and the powerful scrummaging of our all-welsh front row.
Instead, patches of over zealous tackling turned what were fantastic moments to watch in the game, into unnecessary set backs in the long haul. Injuries killed the Lions and the boot of Steyn buried them.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Cometh the man, cometh the Lions
Lions Tour 2009 - 16/06/09
Southern Kings 8, British & Irish Lions 20
The head scratching begins as the spaces to the right of a Lions test positions numbered one to twenty-two will be carefully inked. The selection process that’s been eagerly awaited and severely scrutinised over the previous months will be finally made, but before that can happen Ian McGeechan and his coaching team will be looking at a sleepless night ahead of them.
Put the kettle on as this may be a long one. The team put up against the bruising Southern Kings Tuesday may shed some light on the selection thoughts McGeechan is swaying towards. With some names possibly being rested in anticipation of Saturday’s test in Durban, it is not however the case that players picked for the mid-week team are not still in contention.
Yes, two players already picked may feature on rows five and thirteen – with Captain Paul O’Connell and grand slam winning captain Brian O’Driscoll marking their territory not only in the last few weeks, but in the season before the tour’s flight south of the equator.
However, the inbetweeners are not yet set in stone. Everyone from management staff down to the opinionated pub-goers will want to state their claims, and players that were involved in Port Elizabeth will be seeking a quick turnaround in hope of a test position this Saturday.
I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon, knowing full well opinions are only left to debate and will have no input on final test selection. An individual’s satisfaction placing himself in the same acclaim as Geech the Almighty is good for massaging the ego. But, shouldn’t it be easier to leave the job to the professionals and kick back and watch events unfold stress free?
That’s not what a Lions tour is about however. The excitement of the fan as well as the team selector is what makes the tour so worthwhile. So why not? Let’s have bash and produce something more substantial. What’s there to lose? Only the light awakening that you’re not quite the rugby manager you initially thought. But let’s forget about that.
Where to start? Front row? Let’s politely leave that aside for the moment, as too the back row with the absence of injured Springbok Schalk Burger shaking things up.
Alun Wyn Jones at lock is a favourite alongside O’Connell which will hopefully make him a likely starter. Half backs should be kept simple but creative. Michael Phillips is strong and unyielding as a scrum half decision maker, and Stephen Jones is unreserved with his positive running style.
Jamie Roberts sits between Jones and O’Driscoll looking to find the gap with his rampaging charges, which would normally narrow play in favour of a strong Springbok pack, but is instead aided by the supporting O’Driscoll, who is handed the space he loves and that Roberts always seems to serve.
Ugo Monye keeps on scoring on the left and right, as does the team’s X-factor in the shape of Tommy Bowe who has been the most deceptive for pace and power thus far. An Anglo-Irish wing combination will need a Welsh influence at full-back. Enter Lee Byrne and a new type of running style, hitting the line hard and deep, instead of following the sidesteps of Wales and Lions great JPR Williams.
Now, the back row is the one that may leave Geech and co. at sixs and sevens. But one that shouldn’t be resolved by playing good players out of position. Look at the game plan. Keep away from the breakdown as much as possible. Lions have struggled in this area thus far, so preparing a back row with strong runners in Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace combined with the illusive running of Tom Croft, the Lions can look to play a wider game plan keeping the ball in hand rather than its, so far, vulnerable situation on the floor.
Lee Mears is guaranteed a test spot with his precision line-out throwing, as too I feel has Gethin Jenkins with his composure to roam the field with a low penalty count. Tighthead is now a big question mark though. Euan Murray would be my man at three, but whether his injury sustained in the Southern Kings contest is long-lasting, it is hard to say who would replace him.
Shuffle Jenkins across and place Shez in at the loose? Or make a straight swap with controversial favourite Phil Vickery in the tight? If crutches-bound Murray is unfit, I would be more inclined to play Adam Jones as the strong man at the defending breakdown than settle for a predominantly English front row.
The balance of the bench will be vital too. Ross Ford and Phil Vickery as front row replacements bring strength and composure. Andrew Sheridan falls short by mere millimetres since his powerful but narrow style of play shouldn’t be the direction of the Lions. Martyn Williams and Nathan Hines make versatile second and third rowers with good ball handling.
Harry Ellis links the forwards and the backs purely on a lack of competition for the bench. Rob Kearney is another versatile addition to the back three. And here’s hoping James Hook is fit as his kicking abilities make him a perfect impact player at either ten or twelve if required.
British and Irish Lions: 15 Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), 12 Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), 10 Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), 9 Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), 7 David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), 6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 4 Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland), 3 Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 2 Lee Mears (Bath/England), 1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), 17 Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), 18 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 19 Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), 20 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), 21 James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), 22 Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland).
Southern Kings 8, British & Irish Lions 20
The head scratching begins as the spaces to the right of a Lions test positions numbered one to twenty-two will be carefully inked. The selection process that’s been eagerly awaited and severely scrutinised over the previous months will be finally made, but before that can happen Ian McGeechan and his coaching team will be looking at a sleepless night ahead of them.
Put the kettle on as this may be a long one. The team put up against the bruising Southern Kings Tuesday may shed some light on the selection thoughts McGeechan is swaying towards. With some names possibly being rested in anticipation of Saturday’s test in Durban, it is not however the case that players picked for the mid-week team are not still in contention.
Yes, two players already picked may feature on rows five and thirteen – with Captain Paul O’Connell and grand slam winning captain Brian O’Driscoll marking their territory not only in the last few weeks, but in the season before the tour’s flight south of the equator.
However, the inbetweeners are not yet set in stone. Everyone from management staff down to the opinionated pub-goers will want to state their claims, and players that were involved in Port Elizabeth will be seeking a quick turnaround in hope of a test position this Saturday.
I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon, knowing full well opinions are only left to debate and will have no input on final test selection. An individual’s satisfaction placing himself in the same acclaim as Geech the Almighty is good for massaging the ego. But, shouldn’t it be easier to leave the job to the professionals and kick back and watch events unfold stress free?
That’s not what a Lions tour is about however. The excitement of the fan as well as the team selector is what makes the tour so worthwhile. So why not? Let’s have bash and produce something more substantial. What’s there to lose? Only the light awakening that you’re not quite the rugby manager you initially thought. But let’s forget about that.
Where to start? Front row? Let’s politely leave that aside for the moment, as too the back row with the absence of injured Springbok Schalk Burger shaking things up.
Alun Wyn Jones at lock is a favourite alongside O’Connell which will hopefully make him a likely starter. Half backs should be kept simple but creative. Michael Phillips is strong and unyielding as a scrum half decision maker, and Stephen Jones is unreserved with his positive running style.
Jamie Roberts sits between Jones and O’Driscoll looking to find the gap with his rampaging charges, which would normally narrow play in favour of a strong Springbok pack, but is instead aided by the supporting O’Driscoll, who is handed the space he loves and that Roberts always seems to serve.
Ugo Monye keeps on scoring on the left and right, as does the team’s X-factor in the shape of Tommy Bowe who has been the most deceptive for pace and power thus far. An Anglo-Irish wing combination will need a Welsh influence at full-back. Enter Lee Byrne and a new type of running style, hitting the line hard and deep, instead of following the sidesteps of Wales and Lions great JPR Williams.
Now, the back row is the one that may leave Geech and co. at sixs and sevens. But one that shouldn’t be resolved by playing good players out of position. Look at the game plan. Keep away from the breakdown as much as possible. Lions have struggled in this area thus far, so preparing a back row with strong runners in Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace combined with the illusive running of Tom Croft, the Lions can look to play a wider game plan keeping the ball in hand rather than its, so far, vulnerable situation on the floor.
Lee Mears is guaranteed a test spot with his precision line-out throwing, as too I feel has Gethin Jenkins with his composure to roam the field with a low penalty count. Tighthead is now a big question mark though. Euan Murray would be my man at three, but whether his injury sustained in the Southern Kings contest is long-lasting, it is hard to say who would replace him.
Shuffle Jenkins across and place Shez in at the loose? Or make a straight swap with controversial favourite Phil Vickery in the tight? If crutches-bound Murray is unfit, I would be more inclined to play Adam Jones as the strong man at the defending breakdown than settle for a predominantly English front row.
The balance of the bench will be vital too. Ross Ford and Phil Vickery as front row replacements bring strength and composure. Andrew Sheridan falls short by mere millimetres since his powerful but narrow style of play shouldn’t be the direction of the Lions. Martyn Williams and Nathan Hines make versatile second and third rowers with good ball handling.
Harry Ellis links the forwards and the backs purely on a lack of competition for the bench. Rob Kearney is another versatile addition to the back three. And here’s hoping James Hook is fit as his kicking abilities make him a perfect impact player at either ten or twelve if required.
British and Irish Lions: 15 Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), 12 Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), 10 Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), 9 Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), 7 David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), 6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 4 Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland), 3 Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 2 Lee Mears (Bath/England), 1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), 17 Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), 18 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 19 Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), 20 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), 21 James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), 22 Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland).
Thursday 11 June 2009
The show does go on
Lions Tour 2009 - 10/06/09
Natal Sharks 3, British and Irish Lions 39
When Ian McGeechan invests in a Lions tour there’s one guarantee he knows without having to read the small print. Possessing more Lions experience than any one man could wish to attain, the Lion King is only too familiar with team setback whilst on tour.
With blood and sweat always comes tears and heartbreak. Players’ tours will end in a heartbeat but who and when will always be a lottery.
Unfortunately, this has been a week that saw two such instances. Leigh Halfpenny comes and goes with a recurring thigh strain, and Stephen Ferris, probably the most despondent to leave, departs with long-term damage to a knee ligament after already making good ground in search of a test place.
Two tries in two made the Irishman a real contender for the number six shirt come test week, but his departure now only makes things easier in Geech’s selection as Tom Croft becomes a dead cert starter on June 20th.
Wales captain Ryan Jones replaces Ferris on the return flight to South Africa, giving himself the opportunity to join those he has both fought and led in the four years since he last pulled on the Lions jersey.
The show must go on as the old showman saying goes. And putting recent upsets aside, a win over Natal Sharks in Durban proves the Lions are in no mood to look back on injuries in any shape or form – only to go forward with a view to kill.
A team’s success is bigger than any one, or even two men, and whilst we, the couch potatoes, reflect on the what ifs, the team as a whole will be looking at the what nows.
A second half display in front of the watching Natal Springboks will rightly steal the headlines. Roberts has rumbled his way onto the test team-sheet, as has I feel Lee Mears, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne.
Brian O’Driscoll is a man no one would dare leave out and although he won’t be wearing the status of tour captain this term, O’Connell will surely be looking to his waltzing midfield wizard to spark the guys into action for the big week ahead.
Loosehead prop is still an ordeal as either the scrummaging power of Sheridan or the all round energy of Jenkins will have to outweigh the other. Alun Wyn Jones is proving quite the nuisance at lock with more and more game time, and the back row may well stay the way it stands with a Wallace-Heislip-Croft combo proving the stronger so far.
Stand-off is still undecided as Rog did himself no favours in Durban, continually letting his boot override his normally good awareness with the hand. Stephen Jones has undeniably ticked some of the requirements for a test place, and with a fine performance against the Golden Lions a week ago, he’ll be hoping to get another chance to shine in this Saturday’s clash with Western Province.
Shane Williams, however, is proving everyone right as he shows again that he is a mere shadow of the man he was six months ago. Tommy Bowe plus either Ugo Monye or Luke Fitzgerald seems on testimony a far safer bet for a wing partnership.
Early days and McGeechan is still giving nothing away. Two more games will give either one more chance to impress, or will simply cement the players who have already made the punch, in a chance to hopefully repeat history.
We may already have our own ideas of who McGeechan should resort to, but these will have no influence whatsoever in the time between now and the first test back in Durban. A week is already proven to be a long time in the life of a Lion.
Natal Sharks 3, British and Irish Lions 39
When Ian McGeechan invests in a Lions tour there’s one guarantee he knows without having to read the small print. Possessing more Lions experience than any one man could wish to attain, the Lion King is only too familiar with team setback whilst on tour.
With blood and sweat always comes tears and heartbreak. Players’ tours will end in a heartbeat but who and when will always be a lottery.
Unfortunately, this has been a week that saw two such instances. Leigh Halfpenny comes and goes with a recurring thigh strain, and Stephen Ferris, probably the most despondent to leave, departs with long-term damage to a knee ligament after already making good ground in search of a test place.
Two tries in two made the Irishman a real contender for the number six shirt come test week, but his departure now only makes things easier in Geech’s selection as Tom Croft becomes a dead cert starter on June 20th.
Wales captain Ryan Jones replaces Ferris on the return flight to South Africa, giving himself the opportunity to join those he has both fought and led in the four years since he last pulled on the Lions jersey.
The show must go on as the old showman saying goes. And putting recent upsets aside, a win over Natal Sharks in Durban proves the Lions are in no mood to look back on injuries in any shape or form – only to go forward with a view to kill.
A team’s success is bigger than any one, or even two men, and whilst we, the couch potatoes, reflect on the what ifs, the team as a whole will be looking at the what nows.
A second half display in front of the watching Natal Springboks will rightly steal the headlines. Roberts has rumbled his way onto the test team-sheet, as has I feel Lee Mears, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne.
Brian O’Driscoll is a man no one would dare leave out and although he won’t be wearing the status of tour captain this term, O’Connell will surely be looking to his waltzing midfield wizard to spark the guys into action for the big week ahead.
Loosehead prop is still an ordeal as either the scrummaging power of Sheridan or the all round energy of Jenkins will have to outweigh the other. Alun Wyn Jones is proving quite the nuisance at lock with more and more game time, and the back row may well stay the way it stands with a Wallace-Heislip-Croft combo proving the stronger so far.
Stand-off is still undecided as Rog did himself no favours in Durban, continually letting his boot override his normally good awareness with the hand. Stephen Jones has undeniably ticked some of the requirements for a test place, and with a fine performance against the Golden Lions a week ago, he’ll be hoping to get another chance to shine in this Saturday’s clash with Western Province.
Shane Williams, however, is proving everyone right as he shows again that he is a mere shadow of the man he was six months ago. Tommy Bowe plus either Ugo Monye or Luke Fitzgerald seems on testimony a far safer bet for a wing partnership.
Early days and McGeechan is still giving nothing away. Two more games will give either one more chance to impress, or will simply cement the players who have already made the punch, in a chance to hopefully repeat history.
We may already have our own ideas of who McGeechan should resort to, but these will have no influence whatsoever in the time between now and the first test back in Durban. A week is already proven to be a long time in the life of a Lion.
Sunday 31 May 2009
Lions slow out of the blocks
Lions Tour 2009 - 30/05/09
Royals XV 25, British and Irish Lions 35
How does the song go? In the jungle... the mighty jungle... the lion sleeps tonight. The Lions of course cannot be found in the jungle, but in the high altitude of Rustenburg they most certainly need a wake-up call. On a day the Lions returned to action in South Africa for the first time in twelve years, a Royal’s XV almost spoiled the visitor’s welcome party as the Lions for the most part lacked the spirit that normally comes with wearing the prestigious red jersey.
A victory nonetheless in the tour’s opener, the Lions will take at least some positives out of the game as many made their Lions debuts getting some early tour jitters out of their systems.
Keith Earls, not recognised on the international scene but still a tricky customer for Munster week in week out, did finally find his usual illusive feet in a match where his hands seemed just as slippery. Dropped high balls on the calmest of South African days proves even the best of Britain and Ireland can let the nerves of big-stage rugby get to them.
Lee Byrne, the Lion of the match by a long way, came through the game as the only man to leave a mark on the tour thus far. Solid under the high ball, composed under pressure, and producing a game turning try to boot, it seems you would rather be an Osprey than a Lion if you are wishing to make an impression this summer.
Tommy Bowe and replacement Alun Wyn Jones the other Ospreys to make the score-sheet, and a last minute score from Munster fly half Ronan O’Gara finished off a 37-25 victory that begins his Lions 2009 tally with 22 points.
It is easy to criticise and let your high expectations get in the way of a level-headed reality. A slow start admittedly but in retrospect a win will do to kick start the tour. O’Connell summed up the game well as an amalgamation of individual mistakes, and in continuing the clever but clichéd journalistic analogies, The Lions must hunt in a pack if they are to kill off a Springbok.
The back-row were non-existent for the best part of eighty minutes, Blair was irritably slow in feeding Rog the ball, and O’Connell, although over criticised by one Stuart Barnes, I feel needs to broaden his shoulders, stick out his chest and lead with his hands at his side rather than on his head.
In summary, a first victory for McGeechan’s 2009 Lions, yes, but far from the finished article if we are truly honest.
Royals XV 25, British and Irish Lions 35
How does the song go? In the jungle... the mighty jungle... the lion sleeps tonight. The Lions of course cannot be found in the jungle, but in the high altitude of Rustenburg they most certainly need a wake-up call. On a day the Lions returned to action in South Africa for the first time in twelve years, a Royal’s XV almost spoiled the visitor’s welcome party as the Lions for the most part lacked the spirit that normally comes with wearing the prestigious red jersey.
A victory nonetheless in the tour’s opener, the Lions will take at least some positives out of the game as many made their Lions debuts getting some early tour jitters out of their systems.
Keith Earls, not recognised on the international scene but still a tricky customer for Munster week in week out, did finally find his usual illusive feet in a match where his hands seemed just as slippery. Dropped high balls on the calmest of South African days proves even the best of Britain and Ireland can let the nerves of big-stage rugby get to them.
Lee Byrne, the Lion of the match by a long way, came through the game as the only man to leave a mark on the tour thus far. Solid under the high ball, composed under pressure, and producing a game turning try to boot, it seems you would rather be an Osprey than a Lion if you are wishing to make an impression this summer.
Tommy Bowe and replacement Alun Wyn Jones the other Ospreys to make the score-sheet, and a last minute score from Munster fly half Ronan O’Gara finished off a 37-25 victory that begins his Lions 2009 tally with 22 points.
It is easy to criticise and let your high expectations get in the way of a level-headed reality. A slow start admittedly but in retrospect a win will do to kick start the tour. O’Connell summed up the game well as an amalgamation of individual mistakes, and in continuing the clever but clichéd journalistic analogies, The Lions must hunt in a pack if they are to kill off a Springbok.
The back-row were non-existent for the best part of eighty minutes, Blair was irritably slow in feeding Rog the ball, and O’Connell, although over criticised by one Stuart Barnes, I feel needs to broaden his shoulders, stick out his chest and lead with his hands at his side rather than on his head.
In summary, a first victory for McGeechan’s 2009 Lions, yes, but far from the finished article if we are truly honest.
Wednesday 29 April 2009
Falcons breed new life as regulars make farewells
AFTER a season of imbalance the Newcastle Falcons team will be freshening-up in the coming months, as new exciting imports eye up their fortunes here in the North-East, while others venture away in search of new challenges elsewhere.
The biggest of all speculation however has to be the whereabouts of Jonny Wilkinson next season, with a move to French side Toulon well and truly on the cards.
Tom May is one definitely making the trip across the channel, ending his tenure with the club in the position injury struck Wilko used to entertain the Geordie faithful.
Captain Dowson signs the deal that sees him become a Northampton Saint next season. Andy Buist will be at London Irish while Geoff Parling becomes a Tiger, and Russell Winter calls it a day announcing his retirement to a proud career which saw the former South African A captain join the Falcons back in 2006.
Amid the departures of those named and the possibility of a few others to follow, Steve Bates hasn’t resigned to leaving the side short in numbers next term.
Samoan captain Fellipo Levi joins Tongan flanker Josh Afu at the Falcons for the next two years, strengthening the back-row with an abundance of experience and a massive physical presence.
“I’ve always admired the Premiership,” Levi said. “My eyes have been opened to European rugby with my time at the Ospreys, a level I believe the Newcastle Falcons can achieve hopefully in the next year or two.”
James Hudson reciprocates the move of Buist, joining the Falcons from London Irish as Steve Bates seeks to build power up front as well as strength in depth ahead of next season.
“We believe the players we have signed have a big future at the club,” Falcons’ Rugby Director announced. “We’ve lost a great servant in Phil Dowson but at the same time have acquired an international captain with great experience.
“However, we’re not changing the team wholesale. We’ve had a good season just gone, especially in the games away to Wasps and here to Bath. These games stand out I feel since our performances prove we are capable in competing with teams at that level.”
After the indecent start to the season, the Falcons came into the new year with an improved confidence, winning seven out of their last eleven, which include victories over the league’s top two finishers Leicester and Harlequins, and a win at Franklin’s Gardens to end Northampton’s two-year unbeaten streak at home.
The returning Carl Hayman was inspirational too, finding some of the form he played with as an All Black. But the biggest story would definitely have to be of make-shift fly-half Tom May, proving he has the composure of boot as well as the sleight of hand in the season’s final months.
After admitting to a few tears before his last outing at Kingston Park, May wishes the team all the best and expresses his desire to possibly play again for the club sometime in his rugby future.
“Newcastle has been a fantastic club to me and I’ve had an unforgettable experience growing up with the guys here.
“Hopefully the wife and I can make the most of a few years abroad and maybe make a return one day. I’ve been married into the Geordie race so I would love to come back.”
Another season has come and gone and players’ futures are again in the balance.
But with fresh-blood in the Kingston Park side, a revolutionised Falcons team can breathe renewed success come September; in a new Guinness Premiership season that is never far away.
The biggest of all speculation however has to be the whereabouts of Jonny Wilkinson next season, with a move to French side Toulon well and truly on the cards.
Tom May is one definitely making the trip across the channel, ending his tenure with the club in the position injury struck Wilko used to entertain the Geordie faithful.
Captain Dowson signs the deal that sees him become a Northampton Saint next season. Andy Buist will be at London Irish while Geoff Parling becomes a Tiger, and Russell Winter calls it a day announcing his retirement to a proud career which saw the former South African A captain join the Falcons back in 2006.
Amid the departures of those named and the possibility of a few others to follow, Steve Bates hasn’t resigned to leaving the side short in numbers next term.
Samoan captain Fellipo Levi joins Tongan flanker Josh Afu at the Falcons for the next two years, strengthening the back-row with an abundance of experience and a massive physical presence.
“I’ve always admired the Premiership,” Levi said. “My eyes have been opened to European rugby with my time at the Ospreys, a level I believe the Newcastle Falcons can achieve hopefully in the next year or two.”
James Hudson reciprocates the move of Buist, joining the Falcons from London Irish as Steve Bates seeks to build power up front as well as strength in depth ahead of next season.
“We believe the players we have signed have a big future at the club,” Falcons’ Rugby Director announced. “We’ve lost a great servant in Phil Dowson but at the same time have acquired an international captain with great experience.
“However, we’re not changing the team wholesale. We’ve had a good season just gone, especially in the games away to Wasps and here to Bath. These games stand out I feel since our performances prove we are capable in competing with teams at that level.”
After the indecent start to the season, the Falcons came into the new year with an improved confidence, winning seven out of their last eleven, which include victories over the league’s top two finishers Leicester and Harlequins, and a win at Franklin’s Gardens to end Northampton’s two-year unbeaten streak at home.
The returning Carl Hayman was inspirational too, finding some of the form he played with as an All Black. But the biggest story would definitely have to be of make-shift fly-half Tom May, proving he has the composure of boot as well as the sleight of hand in the season’s final months.
After admitting to a few tears before his last outing at Kingston Park, May wishes the team all the best and expresses his desire to possibly play again for the club sometime in his rugby future.
“Newcastle has been a fantastic club to me and I’ve had an unforgettable experience growing up with the guys here.
“Hopefully the wife and I can make the most of a few years abroad and maybe make a return one day. I’ve been married into the Geordie race so I would love to come back.”
Another season has come and gone and players’ futures are again in the balance.
But with fresh-blood in the Kingston Park side, a revolutionised Falcons team can breathe renewed success come September; in a new Guinness Premiership season that is never far away.
Saturday 25 April 2009
Captain Carling's rugby ramble
FOR those who can, set your minds back to a different time in international rugby.
A time before the professional player, before salary caps, the Millennium Stadium, and of course Jonny.
The astute voice of Bill McLaren was in full swing, six nations were in fact five, and a certain Will Carling would lead his England side to their first back to back Grand Slams for sixty-seven years.
Separated by a world cup final appearance at Twickenham in ‘91, and followed by yet another Slam and another world cup run in ‘95, the success of England under Carling’s reign can only be topped in modern times by the exceptional achievements in 2003.
The man with the top job then was Martin Johnson, a captain of different circumstance to Carling, but a talisman of similar acclaim.
Courier Sport had the pleasure in speaking exclusively with the outspoken William Carling – OBE before I forget – discussing his romance with English Rugby, the time he became a Lion, and spending his post-match retirement living in a virtual clubhouse.
“My ambition was never to captain England” Carling said.
“I just wanted to play for my country, so when manager at the time Geoff Cooke rang to ask if I wanted the job, my first assumptions were that he must be joking. “No, really Will” was his response, which I found very bizarre since I was only 22 with little experience of playing for England.
“I played in a good England team, that’s why it was so successful. I would probably say, out of the three, my favourite Grand Slam would have to be the first one in ’91. The others were good, but at the time the relief just to beat the French and to play well without any issues, that’s what made it so special.
“As a captain in those days I had a lot more input in selection and team building compared to the likes of Johnson and others more recently.
"In today’s game more back-room staff are hired for precisely those jobs, leaving the captain to play rugby. In that sense I feel I had to be a more vocal captain than those after me. That there is a big difference between the amateur and professional eras for sure.”
Deliberation over the manner in which England took to the Twickenham field in the 1991 World Cup final does conjure up questions of the team’s leadership.
Losing to Australia at the final hurdle after a change in game plan that saw England turn to a more expansive tactic, you would have thought those involved may regret looking back on the day, especially the captain.
This is not the case however as Carling goes on to explain what happened 18 years ago as purely a question of hind-sight.
“People forget that we toured Australia that summer and got whacked 40 points to 15.
"When it came to the final we all decided to sit down for a bit and come up with a different way of playing them (away from the usual English forwards method). If we had taken our chances on the day we would have won. There are definitely no regrets, we just didn’t take our chances.
“The quarter-final win over Australia in ’95 was one hell of a game. It was nice to avenge them after that final, but then again you could say to what end if we were going on to lose to New Zealand in the semi anyway.
“New Zealand had a very good side,” Carling continued. “Jonah Lomu was a great player. In ’99 he was good, but nowhere near the player he was in 1995. If you put two or three on him to slow him down, you’d just end up leaving holes everywhere else.
“Zinzan (Brooke) reminds me almost every day about that drop-goal, especially as I was the one to kick him the ball in the first place. To be fair to him it was just such a ridiculous kick. It was a massive strike. He does love it.”
A Lion in the tour of New Zealand in ’93, Carling can look back on his career and say he is part of a special group of people, a select few to ever wear the prestigious shirt.
The hype of the Lions tour that comes along only every four years is back again this summer, and who better than an actual Lion to guide us through this year’s squad selection, made public in the week.
However, in old Will Carling fashion, the man does enlighten us first of all with his own unique experience of being a Lion.
“Well, I played shite didn’t I?” said in a brutally honest temper. “I would’ve liked to go on a Lions tour when I was in some form.
"The Lions is such a unique concept, and is a very bizarre experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was just disappointed that I didn’t perform the way I could.
“Going on a Lions tour is very bizarre. When you play for your club and national team, you know the drills, you know the game plans, and you can in some way settle into your comfort zone.
"With the Lions you can’t. You must go into them with the right frame of mind, and if you do, they are just an incredible experience.
“I am disappointed at the absence of Tom Croft in this summer’s tour, and I do feel Delon Armitage was a little unlucky not to make the cut. But, you know, there are a couple of good fullbacks going.
“As for Croft, I honestly thought he would start the test game. He’s good in the lineout and would be perfect on the hard-fast grounds in South Africa.
“You do have to be physical in South Africa as well. If you don’t compete with them in the front-five you are going to struggle. I think McGeechan has done a pretty good job in his selection, he’s got it pretty close for sure.”
In Carling’s non-playing days, he finds himself heavily involved in rugby still. Running his own hospitality business Will Carling Management Ltd, he is able to put a different spin on rugby, hosting functions post-match with some of the biggest names in rugby, bridging the different generations to have mastered the sport.
The Rucku.com fan-site is also a project Carling has taken on, an amusing way to keep up to date with rugby topics and debate, and include a bit of banter along the way.
Carling explains “It’s a rugby bar-stroke-clubhouse where guys can just have a laugh really. It’s a site where you can have a bit of banter, some slander, keep up to date with a bit of news, watch a few rugby videos, and basically have a good craic.”
The no-nonsense approach to rugby talk is what Carling and co. like.
The thought of giving their former rugby colleagues a bit of jip while talking rugby over a pint seems the perfect combination.
The belief that somewhere preserved inside, everyone still has the excitable boy who began his days playing the sport.
While keeping rugby light-hearted, more will surely want to follow it.
A time before the professional player, before salary caps, the Millennium Stadium, and of course Jonny.
The astute voice of Bill McLaren was in full swing, six nations were in fact five, and a certain Will Carling would lead his England side to their first back to back Grand Slams for sixty-seven years.
Separated by a world cup final appearance at Twickenham in ‘91, and followed by yet another Slam and another world cup run in ‘95, the success of England under Carling’s reign can only be topped in modern times by the exceptional achievements in 2003.
The man with the top job then was Martin Johnson, a captain of different circumstance to Carling, but a talisman of similar acclaim.
Courier Sport had the pleasure in speaking exclusively with the outspoken William Carling – OBE before I forget – discussing his romance with English Rugby, the time he became a Lion, and spending his post-match retirement living in a virtual clubhouse.
“My ambition was never to captain England” Carling said.
“I just wanted to play for my country, so when manager at the time Geoff Cooke rang to ask if I wanted the job, my first assumptions were that he must be joking. “No, really Will” was his response, which I found very bizarre since I was only 22 with little experience of playing for England.
“I played in a good England team, that’s why it was so successful. I would probably say, out of the three, my favourite Grand Slam would have to be the first one in ’91. The others were good, but at the time the relief just to beat the French and to play well without any issues, that’s what made it so special.
“As a captain in those days I had a lot more input in selection and team building compared to the likes of Johnson and others more recently.
"In today’s game more back-room staff are hired for precisely those jobs, leaving the captain to play rugby. In that sense I feel I had to be a more vocal captain than those after me. That there is a big difference between the amateur and professional eras for sure.”
Deliberation over the manner in which England took to the Twickenham field in the 1991 World Cup final does conjure up questions of the team’s leadership.
Losing to Australia at the final hurdle after a change in game plan that saw England turn to a more expansive tactic, you would have thought those involved may regret looking back on the day, especially the captain.
This is not the case however as Carling goes on to explain what happened 18 years ago as purely a question of hind-sight.
“People forget that we toured Australia that summer and got whacked 40 points to 15.
"When it came to the final we all decided to sit down for a bit and come up with a different way of playing them (away from the usual English forwards method). If we had taken our chances on the day we would have won. There are definitely no regrets, we just didn’t take our chances.
“The quarter-final win over Australia in ’95 was one hell of a game. It was nice to avenge them after that final, but then again you could say to what end if we were going on to lose to New Zealand in the semi anyway.
“New Zealand had a very good side,” Carling continued. “Jonah Lomu was a great player. In ’99 he was good, but nowhere near the player he was in 1995. If you put two or three on him to slow him down, you’d just end up leaving holes everywhere else.
“Zinzan (Brooke) reminds me almost every day about that drop-goal, especially as I was the one to kick him the ball in the first place. To be fair to him it was just such a ridiculous kick. It was a massive strike. He does love it.”
A Lion in the tour of New Zealand in ’93, Carling can look back on his career and say he is part of a special group of people, a select few to ever wear the prestigious shirt.
The hype of the Lions tour that comes along only every four years is back again this summer, and who better than an actual Lion to guide us through this year’s squad selection, made public in the week.
However, in old Will Carling fashion, the man does enlighten us first of all with his own unique experience of being a Lion.
“Well, I played shite didn’t I?” said in a brutally honest temper. “I would’ve liked to go on a Lions tour when I was in some form.
"The Lions is such a unique concept, and is a very bizarre experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was just disappointed that I didn’t perform the way I could.
“Going on a Lions tour is very bizarre. When you play for your club and national team, you know the drills, you know the game plans, and you can in some way settle into your comfort zone.
"With the Lions you can’t. You must go into them with the right frame of mind, and if you do, they are just an incredible experience.
“I am disappointed at the absence of Tom Croft in this summer’s tour, and I do feel Delon Armitage was a little unlucky not to make the cut. But, you know, there are a couple of good fullbacks going.
“As for Croft, I honestly thought he would start the test game. He’s good in the lineout and would be perfect on the hard-fast grounds in South Africa.
“You do have to be physical in South Africa as well. If you don’t compete with them in the front-five you are going to struggle. I think McGeechan has done a pretty good job in his selection, he’s got it pretty close for sure.”
In Carling’s non-playing days, he finds himself heavily involved in rugby still. Running his own hospitality business Will Carling Management Ltd, he is able to put a different spin on rugby, hosting functions post-match with some of the biggest names in rugby, bridging the different generations to have mastered the sport.
The Rucku.com fan-site is also a project Carling has taken on, an amusing way to keep up to date with rugby topics and debate, and include a bit of banter along the way.
Carling explains “It’s a rugby bar-stroke-clubhouse where guys can just have a laugh really. It’s a site where you can have a bit of banter, some slander, keep up to date with a bit of news, watch a few rugby videos, and basically have a good craic.”
The no-nonsense approach to rugby talk is what Carling and co. like.
The thought of giving their former rugby colleagues a bit of jip while talking rugby over a pint seems the perfect combination.
The belief that somewhere preserved inside, everyone still has the excitable boy who began his days playing the sport.
While keeping rugby light-hearted, more will surely want to follow it.
Thursday 23 April 2009
Medicals leave Larrikins humourless
Intermural Cup - 22/04/09
Medicals 24, Larrikins 21
Medicals RFC booked their place in the Inter-mural cup final last Wednesday after edging past Larrikins at Cochrane Park. Having already beaten the side back in November the Medics must have fancied their chances. Additions to the Larrikins’ pack however and a stronger setup this time round forced a dog fight in a fast paced and furiously tempered encounter which made for interesting viewing. 24-21 the game ended and the Medicals will now face last year’s runners-up in a final the Cheeky Ladies will definitely not want to lose two years on the bounce.
Another day of North-East sunshine made for perfect playing conditions. Larrikins were first to make their mark kicking an early three points and seemed set on imposing themselves upfront throwing plenty of men into the breakdown. Opening exchanges with the boot made for a topsy-turvy start with little impression, but as the game matured both sides were willing to take it by the scruff of the neck and play a little closer to the edge, adopting adventurous passing games.
Both were a little premature in attack however, hoping to score on every occasion the backline received the ball. Making the yards by the individual rather than collectively, quality in attack lacked, although strong boastful tackling was still needed to stop the hard but optimistic charges. The first chance fell to Danny O’Brian of the Medics – a break down the left wing saw the hooker come meters from putting his side ahead, only to be caught by the chasing winger. Even amid the uneven match in pace between the front-rower and the Larrikin speedster, it still presented an appetising taster for things to come.
The Meds did find their score finally. Persistence in the forward-drive put Larrikins on the back foot. Handing the Larrikins a dose of their own medicine the men in maroon picked and drived thirty meters before sending Tom Burden over. A change in game plan and the Medicals kept the ball tight and tidy with plenty of support, Burden finishing with a short dart and dive over the whitewash putting his side ahead in the nineteenth minute.
Larrikins came back with a strong response. A period of controlled possession left the Meds propped up under their posts, until they finally buckled when Larries’ centre Will Mellor cut a line off the scrum, carving his way to a superb score for his side. A monster drop goal from halfway put a smile on Mellor’s face again and the Larrikins in pole position heading in at the half. 13-7 to the good and the Larrikins looked in inspirational mood.
But not as inspiring as the Meds’ half-time team talk. A flourish of tries reversed the lead again, David Winterflood making use of an endowment in space on the wing and a couple from scrum half Jack Mercer put the Medicals in the driving seat at 24-13. Winterflood was unstoppable with a quick step and change of speed to beat the fullback, and Mercer had a sense of Falcons’ Micky Young about him with the quickness of thought to pull off the breakdown and score on two occasions. A nice nudge from Mercer to convert the first of the three helped the Medics into a healthy lead with only twenty minutes still to play.
A Larrikins penalty opportunity was pulled wide before being called back, handing Mellor another chance to stick the ball over. Gaps began to appear in both defensive lines, and quick off-loading from the Larrikins pursuing attack saw them gain some well needed territory in search of a try to bring them back to within a score. And they found it, this time Michael Quest surging over on seventy-one minutes to bring the Larrikins back.
Unconverted however and the Larrikins remained three points short. Two Medical charge downs, one in each half, could have resulted in two extra tries if not for handling errors before touching down. The Meds survived the final ten nevertheless and will now be preparing for an even tougher operation this Wednesday. Even with the win under their belts, a sturdier game plan may be needed against Cheeky Ladies if the Medics are to bring some silverware back to their home in Heaton.
Medicals 24, Larrikins 21
Medicals RFC booked their place in the Inter-mural cup final last Wednesday after edging past Larrikins at Cochrane Park. Having already beaten the side back in November the Medics must have fancied their chances. Additions to the Larrikins’ pack however and a stronger setup this time round forced a dog fight in a fast paced and furiously tempered encounter which made for interesting viewing. 24-21 the game ended and the Medicals will now face last year’s runners-up in a final the Cheeky Ladies will definitely not want to lose two years on the bounce.
Another day of North-East sunshine made for perfect playing conditions. Larrikins were first to make their mark kicking an early three points and seemed set on imposing themselves upfront throwing plenty of men into the breakdown. Opening exchanges with the boot made for a topsy-turvy start with little impression, but as the game matured both sides were willing to take it by the scruff of the neck and play a little closer to the edge, adopting adventurous passing games.
Both were a little premature in attack however, hoping to score on every occasion the backline received the ball. Making the yards by the individual rather than collectively, quality in attack lacked, although strong boastful tackling was still needed to stop the hard but optimistic charges. The first chance fell to Danny O’Brian of the Medics – a break down the left wing saw the hooker come meters from putting his side ahead, only to be caught by the chasing winger. Even amid the uneven match in pace between the front-rower and the Larrikin speedster, it still presented an appetising taster for things to come.
The Meds did find their score finally. Persistence in the forward-drive put Larrikins on the back foot. Handing the Larrikins a dose of their own medicine the men in maroon picked and drived thirty meters before sending Tom Burden over. A change in game plan and the Medicals kept the ball tight and tidy with plenty of support, Burden finishing with a short dart and dive over the whitewash putting his side ahead in the nineteenth minute.
Larrikins came back with a strong response. A period of controlled possession left the Meds propped up under their posts, until they finally buckled when Larries’ centre Will Mellor cut a line off the scrum, carving his way to a superb score for his side. A monster drop goal from halfway put a smile on Mellor’s face again and the Larrikins in pole position heading in at the half. 13-7 to the good and the Larrikins looked in inspirational mood.
But not as inspiring as the Meds’ half-time team talk. A flourish of tries reversed the lead again, David Winterflood making use of an endowment in space on the wing and a couple from scrum half Jack Mercer put the Medicals in the driving seat at 24-13. Winterflood was unstoppable with a quick step and change of speed to beat the fullback, and Mercer had a sense of Falcons’ Micky Young about him with the quickness of thought to pull off the breakdown and score on two occasions. A nice nudge from Mercer to convert the first of the three helped the Medics into a healthy lead with only twenty minutes still to play.
A Larrikins penalty opportunity was pulled wide before being called back, handing Mellor another chance to stick the ball over. Gaps began to appear in both defensive lines, and quick off-loading from the Larrikins pursuing attack saw them gain some well needed territory in search of a try to bring them back to within a score. And they found it, this time Michael Quest surging over on seventy-one minutes to bring the Larrikins back.
Unconverted however and the Larrikins remained three points short. Two Medical charge downs, one in each half, could have resulted in two extra tries if not for handling errors before touching down. The Meds survived the final ten nevertheless and will now be preparing for an even tougher operation this Wednesday. Even with the win under their belts, a sturdier game plan may be needed against Cheeky Ladies if the Medics are to bring some silverware back to their home in Heaton.
Monday 20 April 2009
Bath secure vital comeback
Guinness Premiership 19/04/09
Newcastle 14, Bath 15
In form Bath had to come back from a two try deficit to spoil Newcastle’s final home game of the season, and did so securing their twelvth Guinness Premiership win. Owning most of the territory and possession throughout Sunday’s encounter it was a surprise to see the men from the Rec trail by such a margin. It was even more of a surprise however to see a Falcons side playing with the malice missed in their European exit only a week ago – a contrast as black and white as the team’s return to home colours following the loss at Vicarage Road.
Butch James failed to produce the kicking form that overwhelmed the Falcons side in the corresponding fixture a month ago, instead missing two simple penalty opportunities on a rare day of glorious North-East sunshine. Tom May was the first to pull a chance wide of the posts however, but could only be forgiven after his inside half Micky Young produced a performance worth savouring. Two moments of individual brilliance from Young helped give his Falcons side a fourteen point lead that would add insult to an injured James’ kicking game, which again continued with familiar inconsistency.
With a Falcons changing room said to involve a mix of emotions after the announcement that club captain Phil Dowson was on the move next season, the Northampton Saints player to be led his side like there was no tomorrow at Kingston Park. More power upfront was the most noticeable difference in the Falcons camp, even in the absence of Hayman, and as the youthful exuberance of Young shone through hard forward-graft, Newcastle began to turn lack of possession into a counter-attacking force to be reckoned with.
A hacked kick and chase from a loose ball, Young gathered and stepped inside before playing Danny Williams in with a kick rather than the sleight of hand, enabling the league convert to slide onto the ball, his momentum taking him away from the chasing defence and over the line for the score. Williams proving his desire for more tries in the thirteenth minute.
Bath continued to pursue the Falcons’ twenty-two. Frustration mounting, possession gained and then lost, the Bath game plan slowed almost to a stop. A boost then for the Falcons side to find themselves still ahead five minutes before the half, which was made sweeter as a quick tap and go from Young beat the retreating Bath pack and was finished with a dive for the line full of showman swagger.
After a day of contrast however, the Bath comeback was almost scripted. Changes from Bath director of rugby Stephen Meehan were made and proved dividend. Resilient Newcastle defence stood firm for 59 minutes only until a Bath quick tap and go forced its way past a normally reliable Jamie Noon. Bath’s Michael Claassens was the number nine this time to open the visitor’s account. A missed conversion from replacement fly-half Ryan Davis resumed the efforts of James from the first half, but he did make amends five minutes later converting another Bath try – centre Shontayne Hape going over in the corner.
14-12 still in the Falcons favour, but this wouldn’t last for long as 12 minutes from time new-comer Davis stole the game from the Falcons’ clutches, slotting a penalty neatly through the posts. Losing the two try cushion deservedly built in the first forty, Newcastle were left behind for the first time in the game, and after an immediate May penalty fell short of the posts, Bath found the gears to see out the win.
Bath were now the more organised. Replacement Rob Miller was introduced to increase the Newcastle speed of play, but the home support may believe a drop-goal opportunity was overlooked by the player in the side’s search for a five-pointer. A lowly point separated the sides at the final whistle, ironically a penalty kick making the difference. Territory and possession doesn’t tell a lie, and in this case it would be said Bath were deserved winners in an outstanding comeback that the Falcons may now look back on and ponder.
Newcastle 14, Bath 15
In form Bath had to come back from a two try deficit to spoil Newcastle’s final home game of the season, and did so securing their twelvth Guinness Premiership win. Owning most of the territory and possession throughout Sunday’s encounter it was a surprise to see the men from the Rec trail by such a margin. It was even more of a surprise however to see a Falcons side playing with the malice missed in their European exit only a week ago – a contrast as black and white as the team’s return to home colours following the loss at Vicarage Road.
Butch James failed to produce the kicking form that overwhelmed the Falcons side in the corresponding fixture a month ago, instead missing two simple penalty opportunities on a rare day of glorious North-East sunshine. Tom May was the first to pull a chance wide of the posts however, but could only be forgiven after his inside half Micky Young produced a performance worth savouring. Two moments of individual brilliance from Young helped give his Falcons side a fourteen point lead that would add insult to an injured James’ kicking game, which again continued with familiar inconsistency.
With a Falcons changing room said to involve a mix of emotions after the announcement that club captain Phil Dowson was on the move next season, the Northampton Saints player to be led his side like there was no tomorrow at Kingston Park. More power upfront was the most noticeable difference in the Falcons camp, even in the absence of Hayman, and as the youthful exuberance of Young shone through hard forward-graft, Newcastle began to turn lack of possession into a counter-attacking force to be reckoned with.
A hacked kick and chase from a loose ball, Young gathered and stepped inside before playing Danny Williams in with a kick rather than the sleight of hand, enabling the league convert to slide onto the ball, his momentum taking him away from the chasing defence and over the line for the score. Williams proving his desire for more tries in the thirteenth minute.
Bath continued to pursue the Falcons’ twenty-two. Frustration mounting, possession gained and then lost, the Bath game plan slowed almost to a stop. A boost then for the Falcons side to find themselves still ahead five minutes before the half, which was made sweeter as a quick tap and go from Young beat the retreating Bath pack and was finished with a dive for the line full of showman swagger.
After a day of contrast however, the Bath comeback was almost scripted. Changes from Bath director of rugby Stephen Meehan were made and proved dividend. Resilient Newcastle defence stood firm for 59 minutes only until a Bath quick tap and go forced its way past a normally reliable Jamie Noon. Bath’s Michael Claassens was the number nine this time to open the visitor’s account. A missed conversion from replacement fly-half Ryan Davis resumed the efforts of James from the first half, but he did make amends five minutes later converting another Bath try – centre Shontayne Hape going over in the corner.
14-12 still in the Falcons favour, but this wouldn’t last for long as 12 minutes from time new-comer Davis stole the game from the Falcons’ clutches, slotting a penalty neatly through the posts. Losing the two try cushion deservedly built in the first forty, Newcastle were left behind for the first time in the game, and after an immediate May penalty fell short of the posts, Bath found the gears to see out the win.
Bath were now the more organised. Replacement Rob Miller was introduced to increase the Newcastle speed of play, but the home support may believe a drop-goal opportunity was overlooked by the player in the side’s search for a five-pointer. A lowly point separated the sides at the final whistle, ironically a penalty kick making the difference. Territory and possession doesn’t tell a lie, and in this case it would be said Bath were deserved winners in an outstanding comeback that the Falcons may now look back on and ponder.
Tuesday 14 April 2009
Jackson spoils Falcons Euro ambitions
European Challenge Cup 12/04/09
Saracens 32, Newcastle 13
The feeling of anguish as the Falcons produced their poorest show thus far brought Steve Bates’ Newcastle side down to earth with a bang that shattered all hopes of winning silverware this season. 22 points from Saracens man of the match Glen Jackson left Newcastle reeling after the long journey to Vicarage Road, in a performance that even now thinking about will make Phil Dowson and his men shudder.
For most travelling support the day started at 6am Easter morning, as the Falcons’ early-bird brigade arrived with a sense of optimism ahead of the day’s European clash. In the early hours at Kingston Park you could only just make out the soccer posts which had replaced the usual rugby sticks at both ends of the pitch. As Blue Star were playing their soccer game at the Falcons’ nest, the Falcons’ side travelling down to Watford Football Club saw a different change in goals. Turning their sights from their successful battle against relegation, Newcastle’s new objective was now to turn their recent run of league form into European glory, which would start at Vicarage Road last Sunday.
Newcastle were the first to put the ball through the sticks. Tom May again taking advantage of an early penalty opportunity from 45 meters out. These however were the first points of a half that Saracens would then dominate, with the home side finishing twenty points ahead of their visitors at the interval. Glen Jackson put his side ahead with two penalty kicks in response to May's early ice-breaker, and by the 26th minute prop Census Johnston rolled over the whitewash from a well controlled line-out to hand the fez heads their first try of the afternoon.
No sooner after Newcastle were contemplating how to respond did the Saracens side then increase their lead. Glen Jackson was again fed off the line-out, splitting the pursuing Falcons’ defence with a delicate grubber kick, which was then picked up by Brad Barritt to score an opportunist try under the posts. 23-3 at the half confirmed the Saracens side had their finger firmly on the trigger as the Falcons stared directly down the barrels of a European exit.
All tries point north at Vicarage Road it turns out. After going three scores ahead of their visitors, it was obvious the half-time team talk in the Saracens’ dressing-room involved getting the extra three points to seal the game. An early drop goal opportunity fell to Jackson almost straight away, but this time the ball pulled wide of the posts unlike his effort just before the half. Another twenty minutes of Falcons frustration was then somehow rewarded with a try. A Newcastle break down the right in the 58th minute left the side meters from their opening score, which was elegantly finished as Tane Tu’ipulotu’s cross field kick emerged under Danny Williams to collect and put down.
Still not much for the Falcons support to shout about after May failed to convert and Jackson having already knocked over his third penalty of the day. Either way the south stand faithful could only continue in upbeat fashion, forcing smiles across their faces and reluctantly singing the Blaydon Races 270 miles from home. A last minute try from Captain Dowson could only cancel out two more Jackson penalties, and although the Falcons may have won the second half by a mere point, the first half remained the team’s burden on the afternoon. 32-13 the game ended and Saracens now face a trip to Franklin’s Gardens in the semi-finals.
Back to reality for the men in black then, who may only wish the trip south could be erased from memory. Tane had a strong performance however even when faced with the returning Andy Farrell to the Sarries’ setup. But, slow ball at the breakdown, a poor line-out, and a lack of forward power means the side will need to put right to a many wrongs this week if they wish to end their season at home with a flourish this Sunday. Bath are the visitors looking to continue their pursuit of a top four finish, meanwhile the Falcons will hopefully be shaping up their game plan to continue their winning streak at home.
Saracens 32, Newcastle 13
The feeling of anguish as the Falcons produced their poorest show thus far brought Steve Bates’ Newcastle side down to earth with a bang that shattered all hopes of winning silverware this season. 22 points from Saracens man of the match Glen Jackson left Newcastle reeling after the long journey to Vicarage Road, in a performance that even now thinking about will make Phil Dowson and his men shudder.
For most travelling support the day started at 6am Easter morning, as the Falcons’ early-bird brigade arrived with a sense of optimism ahead of the day’s European clash. In the early hours at Kingston Park you could only just make out the soccer posts which had replaced the usual rugby sticks at both ends of the pitch. As Blue Star were playing their soccer game at the Falcons’ nest, the Falcons’ side travelling down to Watford Football Club saw a different change in goals. Turning their sights from their successful battle against relegation, Newcastle’s new objective was now to turn their recent run of league form into European glory, which would start at Vicarage Road last Sunday.
Newcastle were the first to put the ball through the sticks. Tom May again taking advantage of an early penalty opportunity from 45 meters out. These however were the first points of a half that Saracens would then dominate, with the home side finishing twenty points ahead of their visitors at the interval. Glen Jackson put his side ahead with two penalty kicks in response to May's early ice-breaker, and by the 26th minute prop Census Johnston rolled over the whitewash from a well controlled line-out to hand the fez heads their first try of the afternoon.
No sooner after Newcastle were contemplating how to respond did the Saracens side then increase their lead. Glen Jackson was again fed off the line-out, splitting the pursuing Falcons’ defence with a delicate grubber kick, which was then picked up by Brad Barritt to score an opportunist try under the posts. 23-3 at the half confirmed the Saracens side had their finger firmly on the trigger as the Falcons stared directly down the barrels of a European exit.
All tries point north at Vicarage Road it turns out. After going three scores ahead of their visitors, it was obvious the half-time team talk in the Saracens’ dressing-room involved getting the extra three points to seal the game. An early drop goal opportunity fell to Jackson almost straight away, but this time the ball pulled wide of the posts unlike his effort just before the half. Another twenty minutes of Falcons frustration was then somehow rewarded with a try. A Newcastle break down the right in the 58th minute left the side meters from their opening score, which was elegantly finished as Tane Tu’ipulotu’s cross field kick emerged under Danny Williams to collect and put down.
Still not much for the Falcons support to shout about after May failed to convert and Jackson having already knocked over his third penalty of the day. Either way the south stand faithful could only continue in upbeat fashion, forcing smiles across their faces and reluctantly singing the Blaydon Races 270 miles from home. A last minute try from Captain Dowson could only cancel out two more Jackson penalties, and although the Falcons may have won the second half by a mere point, the first half remained the team’s burden on the afternoon. 32-13 the game ended and Saracens now face a trip to Franklin’s Gardens in the semi-finals.
Back to reality for the men in black then, who may only wish the trip south could be erased from memory. Tane had a strong performance however even when faced with the returning Andy Farrell to the Sarries’ setup. But, slow ball at the breakdown, a poor line-out, and a lack of forward power means the side will need to put right to a many wrongs this week if they wish to end their season at home with a flourish this Sunday. Bath are the visitors looking to continue their pursuit of a top four finish, meanwhile the Falcons will hopefully be shaping up their game plan to continue their winning streak at home.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Reviewed ELVs collapsed
After a season of debate, the new experimental law variations have finally been assessed with all bar two surviving to fight another day. The most controversial variation however, the collapsing of the maul, has been withdrawn, much to the delight of rugby folk across the northern hemisphere. The change in temperament in the contact situation has hindered the game in our leagues, and although it may have been an introduction with the best intentions, the truth of the matter is to say life would be a lot more entertaining if it wasn’t introduced in the first place.
Steve Bates, Newcastle Falcons’ rugby director, spoke of its problems back in January, shining some light on why teams and coaching staff have struggled to come to terms with the collapsing of the maul. It was said that with the rolling maul now taken out of a team’s arsenal, a defending side can opt to leave minimal players in the contact situation, spreading a more condense defensive line across the pitch, and in turn encouraging an attacking team to kick more often with less ambition to run.
This is the opposite of what was intended, but, as seen in the recent Six Nations championships, teams have struggled to adapt to the conditions of fast contact rugby, influencing more aerial battles with the high ball, and fewer contests of wit and tactical running play on the floor.
Last weekend’s Anglo-Welsh cup game between Gloucester and the Ospreys saw the welsh side fall to an inspiring Cherrys defence. Ryan Jones’ men left without even a point to show for their efforts, and although it was the men in red who booked their place at Twickenham, I would like to have seen the game played again without the collapsing maul. Ryan Lamb at ten instigated his albeit hot and cold kicking game, and in doing so failed to capitalise on space in attack, reciprocating a well drilled Gloucester defence.
The returning combination of Hook, Henson, Bowe, and Williams to the Ospreys’ setup would have suggested a host of tries in the score line. This was non-evident, with Williams trying his hardest to shine and thus proving his step can be stopped with the lack of room to manoeuvre. If the play was pulled inwardly with more emphasis in the rucks and mauls, would we have seen the running Welsh rugby of old and therefore a different result after the eighty minutes? Overall, a pleasing result for Dean Ryan’s side who have established their best form of attack is an unyielding defence, publicised in the authoritative 17-0 win.
Law variations to be kept include the ruling that prohibits kicking directly into touch from ball played back into the twenty-two, the five-meter offside rule at the scrum, and the corner flag not being treated as touch in goal. I stand quietly pleased with these outcomes as the first two especially have proved to increase the game’s fluency and excitement to some extent.
The other variation discarded is the freedom for teams to choose numbers in the line-out, which, although has had some good impacts on the game, none of which make that much difference to the standard of play.
The controversial impact of the ELVs over the past seven months have caused more trouble than I feel it is worth. Any law changes that are going to give Brian Moore and Jonathan Davies more to shout about surely would encourage fewer variations in future trials. We are coming to an end of a guinea-pig of a season; hopefully next season’s rugby will be left out of the lab and played out on the paddock.
Steve Bates, Newcastle Falcons’ rugby director, spoke of its problems back in January, shining some light on why teams and coaching staff have struggled to come to terms with the collapsing of the maul. It was said that with the rolling maul now taken out of a team’s arsenal, a defending side can opt to leave minimal players in the contact situation, spreading a more condense defensive line across the pitch, and in turn encouraging an attacking team to kick more often with less ambition to run.
This is the opposite of what was intended, but, as seen in the recent Six Nations championships, teams have struggled to adapt to the conditions of fast contact rugby, influencing more aerial battles with the high ball, and fewer contests of wit and tactical running play on the floor.
Last weekend’s Anglo-Welsh cup game between Gloucester and the Ospreys saw the welsh side fall to an inspiring Cherrys defence. Ryan Jones’ men left without even a point to show for their efforts, and although it was the men in red who booked their place at Twickenham, I would like to have seen the game played again without the collapsing maul. Ryan Lamb at ten instigated his albeit hot and cold kicking game, and in doing so failed to capitalise on space in attack, reciprocating a well drilled Gloucester defence.
The returning combination of Hook, Henson, Bowe, and Williams to the Ospreys’ setup would have suggested a host of tries in the score line. This was non-evident, with Williams trying his hardest to shine and thus proving his step can be stopped with the lack of room to manoeuvre. If the play was pulled inwardly with more emphasis in the rucks and mauls, would we have seen the running Welsh rugby of old and therefore a different result after the eighty minutes? Overall, a pleasing result for Dean Ryan’s side who have established their best form of attack is an unyielding defence, publicised in the authoritative 17-0 win.
Law variations to be kept include the ruling that prohibits kicking directly into touch from ball played back into the twenty-two, the five-meter offside rule at the scrum, and the corner flag not being treated as touch in goal. I stand quietly pleased with these outcomes as the first two especially have proved to increase the game’s fluency and excitement to some extent.
The other variation discarded is the freedom for teams to choose numbers in the line-out, which, although has had some good impacts on the game, none of which make that much difference to the standard of play.
The controversial impact of the ELVs over the past seven months have caused more trouble than I feel it is worth. Any law changes that are going to give Brian Moore and Jonathan Davies more to shout about surely would encourage fewer variations in future trials. We are coming to an end of a guinea-pig of a season; hopefully next season’s rugby will be left out of the lab and played out on the paddock.
Monday 23 March 2009
Who will get the Lions' share?
With the Lions tour in South Africa looming, opinions of who will face the Boks in the opening test are now making the headlines. The curtains on the RBS Six Nations stage are now closed and since this is the last of the international action to be seen before McGeechan’s squad is announced, the temptation is far too great not to put pen to paper and list a possible Lions starting fifteen.
Incidently, this will be the first Lions tour to be played under the new experimental law variations, and if they are to have any of the effects we have seen in the Guinness and Magners leagues this season, I would be packing a few spare kickers ahead of the tour. If the side is going to put emphasis on the non-running game witnessed over the past seven months, the Lions analysis team may need to borrow John McEnroe from the Wimbledon scene in the game’s current tennis like state.
The decision for who plays at outside-half may be decided simply on whether Phillips is at nine. Jonny Wilkinson’s name has cropped up again as Jeremy Guscott controversially makes him top number ten. But, with the lack of game time and the unpreditability of his fitness, England’s world cup winner will surely not be packing his boots for South Africa this summer.
The Irish success in Cardiff at the weekend will hopefully see O’Gara at the forefront of McGeechan’s plans, but considering the past McGeechan teams, the Wasps Director of Rugby will not be putting all his eggs into one basket. Three stand-offs that spring to mind will obviously be a combination of Rog, Stephen Jones and a more muscular looking James Hook. McGeechan likes to have a side all competing for test places, and there is not much more than a few caps that separate the three men mentioned above.
Illusions of grandure are again striking the hopes of England supporters who will now believe the Lions can include more Englishman after all. However, without condemning the team’s efforts in this term’s Six Nations championships, I will like to opt out of this fantasy as the combination of an Ireland and Wales starting line-up looks a more appetising prospect.
Henson and O’Driscoll may well be the centre partnership that should have been in '05, even though Roberts and Shanklin are a pairing that have brought Welsh rugby to life in the past 12 months. Or will Riki Flutely be the first player to play for and against a Lions setup? The hot-stepping Maori turned try-machine Pom may be making a case for the number 12 shirt, especially if he starts producing the goods under McGeechan at Adams Park.
The back three is also not as clean cut as many make out. Lee Byrne is almost definite to play at fifteen, but, although Shane Williams is a likely starter with the season he has had, is he good enough when up against the Habanas and Pietersens of the world? Maybe a stronger wing-partnership in defence will be appointed with maybe a bit more height to handle the high ball from Percy and co. The pace of Scotland’s Thom Evans could frighten even the cheetah racing Habana, and even the illusive feet of Bowe may feature at some point. Time will have to tell.
Captaincy? The easiest choice ironically. Although O’Driscoll is a great talisman in the Ireland dressing room, on a Lions tour that will only last six weeks, McGeechan should revert back to his old philosophy – big and intimidating for the prematch coin toss. Only one name fills that description, and that name is unfortunately Martin Johnson. One can only wish the man was twelve years younger however, so we’ll have to settle with Paul O’Connell to clutch the Lions’ Hallmark teddy when leading the side out.
The back row is also a head-scratcher. Ryan Jones playing at six for the most part of the Six Nations will create most problems. Were he to be wearing the number eight shirt again come June 20th, would Andy Powell or Jamie Heaslip have something to say? If only it was as easy as making the Lions a five nations side just so Italy’s Sergio Parrise would join the tour.
Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams are fighting for open-side. Although Williams has the edge with his ball stealing capabilities at the breakdown, Worsley can leave a few Boks stung in the tail in the loose.
The tight five will be instrumental in deciding the Lions’ fate also. Composure as well as strength up front has been lacking throughout the Six Nations, and as the boot of Montgomery and François Steyn will be a threat from anywhere on the pitch, the tight five will have to be disiplined as well as ruthless at the breakdown. Personally, I know as much as referees do when it comes to what goes on in the front rows, so an expert opinion will be needed to enlighten us on that front. Maybe Keith Wood can be a better judge of character? Over a cup of tea of course.
O’Connell and O’Callaghan makes it a double-0 in the locks. Alun Wyn Jones could pip Donnacha for the partnership, but with the formidable Irish pairing dominating in both the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, it's likely McGeechan will keep them at the spine of the side. While O’Callaghan continues to reek trouble in the loose, O’Connell will hopefully be causing toil at the set-piece.
Past Lions tours have seen many surprises. Martin Corry in 2001. Ryan Jones in 2005. The question shouldn’t be who is going to start, but who is going to rise above all expectations and become the ace in the Lions’ pack? Possibly an under-rated six hiding in the ranks?
It all sounds very glamourous picking a favourite combination of players from a power of four. The idea of predicting the player who will kick the winning points in the tour’s climax is indeed very awe-inspiring. Who wouldn’t want a Jerry Guscott style finish to spoil the world champions’ hopes of redemption? I know I would. But much more rugby is to be played between now and June, so in the aim to keep our tour dreams alive, lets keep the Boks second guessing.
Incidently, this will be the first Lions tour to be played under the new experimental law variations, and if they are to have any of the effects we have seen in the Guinness and Magners leagues this season, I would be packing a few spare kickers ahead of the tour. If the side is going to put emphasis on the non-running game witnessed over the past seven months, the Lions analysis team may need to borrow John McEnroe from the Wimbledon scene in the game’s current tennis like state.
The decision for who plays at outside-half may be decided simply on whether Phillips is at nine. Jonny Wilkinson’s name has cropped up again as Jeremy Guscott controversially makes him top number ten. But, with the lack of game time and the unpreditability of his fitness, England’s world cup winner will surely not be packing his boots for South Africa this summer.
The Irish success in Cardiff at the weekend will hopefully see O’Gara at the forefront of McGeechan’s plans, but considering the past McGeechan teams, the Wasps Director of Rugby will not be putting all his eggs into one basket. Three stand-offs that spring to mind will obviously be a combination of Rog, Stephen Jones and a more muscular looking James Hook. McGeechan likes to have a side all competing for test places, and there is not much more than a few caps that separate the three men mentioned above.
Illusions of grandure are again striking the hopes of England supporters who will now believe the Lions can include more Englishman after all. However, without condemning the team’s efforts in this term’s Six Nations championships, I will like to opt out of this fantasy as the combination of an Ireland and Wales starting line-up looks a more appetising prospect.
Henson and O’Driscoll may well be the centre partnership that should have been in '05, even though Roberts and Shanklin are a pairing that have brought Welsh rugby to life in the past 12 months. Or will Riki Flutely be the first player to play for and against a Lions setup? The hot-stepping Maori turned try-machine Pom may be making a case for the number 12 shirt, especially if he starts producing the goods under McGeechan at Adams Park.
The back three is also not as clean cut as many make out. Lee Byrne is almost definite to play at fifteen, but, although Shane Williams is a likely starter with the season he has had, is he good enough when up against the Habanas and Pietersens of the world? Maybe a stronger wing-partnership in defence will be appointed with maybe a bit more height to handle the high ball from Percy and co. The pace of Scotland’s Thom Evans could frighten even the cheetah racing Habana, and even the illusive feet of Bowe may feature at some point. Time will have to tell.
Captaincy? The easiest choice ironically. Although O’Driscoll is a great talisman in the Ireland dressing room, on a Lions tour that will only last six weeks, McGeechan should revert back to his old philosophy – big and intimidating for the prematch coin toss. Only one name fills that description, and that name is unfortunately Martin Johnson. One can only wish the man was twelve years younger however, so we’ll have to settle with Paul O’Connell to clutch the Lions’ Hallmark teddy when leading the side out.
The back row is also a head-scratcher. Ryan Jones playing at six for the most part of the Six Nations will create most problems. Were he to be wearing the number eight shirt again come June 20th, would Andy Powell or Jamie Heaslip have something to say? If only it was as easy as making the Lions a five nations side just so Italy’s Sergio Parrise would join the tour.
Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams are fighting for open-side. Although Williams has the edge with his ball stealing capabilities at the breakdown, Worsley can leave a few Boks stung in the tail in the loose.
The tight five will be instrumental in deciding the Lions’ fate also. Composure as well as strength up front has been lacking throughout the Six Nations, and as the boot of Montgomery and François Steyn will be a threat from anywhere on the pitch, the tight five will have to be disiplined as well as ruthless at the breakdown. Personally, I know as much as referees do when it comes to what goes on in the front rows, so an expert opinion will be needed to enlighten us on that front. Maybe Keith Wood can be a better judge of character? Over a cup of tea of course.
O’Connell and O’Callaghan makes it a double-0 in the locks. Alun Wyn Jones could pip Donnacha for the partnership, but with the formidable Irish pairing dominating in both the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, it's likely McGeechan will keep them at the spine of the side. While O’Callaghan continues to reek trouble in the loose, O’Connell will hopefully be causing toil at the set-piece.
Past Lions tours have seen many surprises. Martin Corry in 2001. Ryan Jones in 2005. The question shouldn’t be who is going to start, but who is going to rise above all expectations and become the ace in the Lions’ pack? Possibly an under-rated six hiding in the ranks?
It all sounds very glamourous picking a favourite combination of players from a power of four. The idea of predicting the player who will kick the winning points in the tour’s climax is indeed very awe-inspiring. Who wouldn’t want a Jerry Guscott style finish to spoil the world champions’ hopes of redemption? I know I would. But much more rugby is to be played between now and June, so in the aim to keep our tour dreams alive, lets keep the Boks second guessing.
Monday 16 March 2009
The times, they are a-changing
We are entering a new era in rugby union. The question on everybody’s lips is of how our international team will be affected by the transfer movement in and out of the Guinness Premiership. We have seen the influx of many southern-hemisphere greats crossing the equator to play in the Guinness and Magners leagues, but with more foreign influence coming in, and now English players moving out, how will this affect our international team in the years leading up to the 2011 world cup?
The hottest topic to date is this summer’s Lions’ tour to current world champions South Africa. Ian McGeechan’s side, consisting of the Six-Nations’ Triple Crown quartet, will hopefully be aiming to rekindle the success of Mcgeechan’s last outing as the Lions’ head coach, which saw a famous 2-1 victory over the Springboks back in ’97.
However, 12 years on the shape of world rugby has shifted. The popularity of the sport is on the incline with power to manipulate player interest with big money investment, and in the short time since our last tour to the SA, rugby as a sport has well and truly become a business.
James Haskell, Tom Palmer, and Riki Flutey are the most recent exits from the Premiership, completing their moves from London Wasps to French sides Stade Français and Brive this summer, and in doing so are permitting more players to follow suit and move to where the big bucks are.
This is not to say that the players themselves are the money grabbing footballers we see in soccer, but as the RFU continues to abide by their salary cap in the Guinness Premiership, it is inevitable that foreign teams without these restrictions are going to have a massive advantage when players’ contracts are up.
On the other side of the coin, the takeover from new Saracens Chief Executive Edward Griffiths will involve a huge team reconfiguration at the London side, which will see many leave the club to be replaced by what will ultimately be a South African second team.
The appointment of new Director of Rugby Brendan Venter at the end of this season has already seen the team’s interest in players from his current Super 14 side Stormers. As Eddie Jones is removed from the helm, reports have suggested there is already interest in Springboks Schalk Burger and full-back Conrad Jantjes, who will supposedly be the first of many South African imports to Vicarage Road.
So what of young English talent? Competition for team selection at club level is the highest it has ever been, and since capped England internationals are venturing away from their homeland to play elsewhere, how does the England team propose to compete? It is all well and good having the best of other nations taking to our pitches every Saturday afternoon, but is it worth the hype if the international team is going to be crippled of its potential flair coming through the ranks?
Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his frustration at the RFU allowing players to leave the Premiership for more wealthy opposition, and believes action should be taken to stop our international stars slipping through our fingers. If the salary cap is to be upheld, a player who wishes to leave to play in foreign land should not be considered for international duty over other prospects nearer to home. This is the philosophy in New Zealand and Wales, so should it here.
Big Lol’s words speak louder than mine ever will, but even so the case still remains that our nation’s future on the international stage may not be as bright as it’s made out to be. Past success has come through internal club structure and it won’t ever continue if we choose money over allegiance.
The hottest topic to date is this summer’s Lions’ tour to current world champions South Africa. Ian McGeechan’s side, consisting of the Six-Nations’ Triple Crown quartet, will hopefully be aiming to rekindle the success of Mcgeechan’s last outing as the Lions’ head coach, which saw a famous 2-1 victory over the Springboks back in ’97.
However, 12 years on the shape of world rugby has shifted. The popularity of the sport is on the incline with power to manipulate player interest with big money investment, and in the short time since our last tour to the SA, rugby as a sport has well and truly become a business.
James Haskell, Tom Palmer, and Riki Flutey are the most recent exits from the Premiership, completing their moves from London Wasps to French sides Stade Français and Brive this summer, and in doing so are permitting more players to follow suit and move to where the big bucks are.
This is not to say that the players themselves are the money grabbing footballers we see in soccer, but as the RFU continues to abide by their salary cap in the Guinness Premiership, it is inevitable that foreign teams without these restrictions are going to have a massive advantage when players’ contracts are up.
On the other side of the coin, the takeover from new Saracens Chief Executive Edward Griffiths will involve a huge team reconfiguration at the London side, which will see many leave the club to be replaced by what will ultimately be a South African second team.
The appointment of new Director of Rugby Brendan Venter at the end of this season has already seen the team’s interest in players from his current Super 14 side Stormers. As Eddie Jones is removed from the helm, reports have suggested there is already interest in Springboks Schalk Burger and full-back Conrad Jantjes, who will supposedly be the first of many South African imports to Vicarage Road.
So what of young English talent? Competition for team selection at club level is the highest it has ever been, and since capped England internationals are venturing away from their homeland to play elsewhere, how does the England team propose to compete? It is all well and good having the best of other nations taking to our pitches every Saturday afternoon, but is it worth the hype if the international team is going to be crippled of its potential flair coming through the ranks?
Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his frustration at the RFU allowing players to leave the Premiership for more wealthy opposition, and believes action should be taken to stop our international stars slipping through our fingers. If the salary cap is to be upheld, a player who wishes to leave to play in foreign land should not be considered for international duty over other prospects nearer to home. This is the philosophy in New Zealand and Wales, so should it here.
Big Lol’s words speak louder than mine ever will, but even so the case still remains that our nation’s future on the international stage may not be as bright as it’s made out to be. Past success has come through internal club structure and it won’t ever continue if we choose money over allegiance.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Come what May
“I’M not sure Jonny will get back in the side if we continue this run of form” said Falcons’ Rugby Director Steve Bates.
Jokes in and around Kingston Park referring to the likelihood of Wilkinson’s return to the ever improving Falcons side have produced a wry smile on the face of one Tom May, who, although is well aware he’s temporarily filling the boots of Newcastle’s face of English rugby, will also enjoy being in the lime-light for once – even if he won’t admit it.
A pretty good track record in front of goal and a resilient body in defence, have Newcastle found the position Tom May can finally settle in to?
February’s Guinness Premiership player of the month has been playing out of position for the best part of a season now, but will surely be relishing deep down every opportunity he gets to put another three points on the Falcons’ scoreboard, pushing the side one game at a time closer to a mid-table finish come what May.
Courier Sport caught up with the versatile play-maker to discuss life behind the scenes at the Falcons and also the time he spent studying at Newcastle University.
“Life at Newcastle Uni’ was pretty good actually, especially in first year” May explained. “I stayed in Havelock Hall in Castle Leazes, but didn’t get to go out and socialise as much as I would have liked.
“I had a great time living in a house of five in Jesmond, where we used to have all the lads from Falcons back and have big parties.
“I studied Business and Management at Newcastle, but afterwards when I finished uni’ I had a year off just to play rugby, and then went to Northumbria to do a post-grad certificate in Sports-Management. That was a part-time course though so it didn’t really feel like I was at the uni’ at all.
“I took the course purely because of my interest in sports really, with possibly the view of doing something with it when I finish playing” May continued.
“I have always had the belief you need something to fall back on. If you get a career in rugby then great, but young players especially need to understand that an education is also important.”
A philosopher at heart, May shows another side to the man most only see on the weekend.
Although the player may be frustrated at not knowing what position he will be starting in week-on-week, May makes up for this in persistence, professionalism, and above all, preparation.
“If I had the choice I would prefer to play at 12. Tane Tu’ipulotu and Jamie Noon are both playing well, so I’ll just have to make the most of playing each week, in whatever position that might be.
“I like to stick to a routine in the week building up to game day, and try to hit my goals I want to achieve in that week. I want to achieve a certain amount of passes, kicks, tackles in the week, whether I am playing fly-half, centre, full-back or wing.
“It’s not ideal getting moved around, but it’s a question of playing well and enjoying myself. That’s what I aim for every time I pull on the shirt.
“I don’t get too hyped up about a game. I try to relax. I actually play worse when I think about it too much.
“There are a few that spend most of the day before getting right up for it” May said. “I believe preparation in the week running up to a game is just as important as the game itself.
“If you get too over enthusiastic or too intense you will worry over little mistakes, so I focus on my physical and mental well-being before a game massively. If I get those right in the week I should be fine by the weekend.”
Away from the rugby spot-light, May has taken a huge interest in raising money for charity.
The end of last May, he began his week long cycle visiting every single Guinness Premiership ground in the country, including Twickenham.
After a visit to the teenage cancer ward in the RVI Newcastle, May was motivated to help a cause any way possible, and made his desire a reality in a cycle that lasted 550 miles.
“I cycled for ‘Cash for Kids’,” May explained. “It was very tough. I must have been a little naive to think I could just jump on a bike and do it. By the end I was pretty tired.
“I did four practice runs just up and around the airport. The furthest I think I went was only 36 miles. On day one of the cycle, I had to do 105!
“It was a brilliant life experience, something I am very proud of and something I can look back on.
“I managed to raise just over £42,000 which I am very pleased with. You learn a lot about yourself on a bike, and since I play rugby professionally I thought I would be able to open a few doors for people in doing so. It was fantastic.”
A week away in Barbados in the mid-season break has brought the best out May.
Fresh-faced and tanned after the trip with his wife to Lee Mears’ hideaway, it seems he has brought back some of his holiday sun to the North-East, which has evidently shown in a renewed spirit around Kingston Park.
One game at a time is the diagnosis however, even though things are finally looking up for the side who haven’t been setting the world alight until just recently. May understands the team need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“Sorry for the massive cliché, but what this team needs to do is take one game at a time and then go from there. After stringing a few wins together we suddenly find ourselves in a completely different place, and we need to keep this intensity going.”
The adopted Geordie has spent a great deal of his playing career here in the North-East, moving up from his team at home in Richmond as a teenager.
A Tom May testimonial has been rumoured to involve both Newcastle and Northumbria University teams, a sentimental occasion that would involve May turning out for both sides on the night.
After the great competition shown in the Stan Calvert trophy recently, May has said he would be delighted to see the game take place.
“If that was to be the case it would be fantastic to see the two universities come together and play” May said. “I’ve been to a couple and they’ve always been great games.
“I actually played for Newcastle but never for Northumbria when I was at uni’, so I’ll be rooting for Newcastle I suppose.
"I always remember playing against the likes of Jamie Noon and some of the other lads at Bullocksteads. It was always tough but a good craic nonetheless.”
Jokes in and around Kingston Park referring to the likelihood of Wilkinson’s return to the ever improving Falcons side have produced a wry smile on the face of one Tom May, who, although is well aware he’s temporarily filling the boots of Newcastle’s face of English rugby, will also enjoy being in the lime-light for once – even if he won’t admit it.
A pretty good track record in front of goal and a resilient body in defence, have Newcastle found the position Tom May can finally settle in to?
February’s Guinness Premiership player of the month has been playing out of position for the best part of a season now, but will surely be relishing deep down every opportunity he gets to put another three points on the Falcons’ scoreboard, pushing the side one game at a time closer to a mid-table finish come what May.
Courier Sport caught up with the versatile play-maker to discuss life behind the scenes at the Falcons and also the time he spent studying at Newcastle University.
“Life at Newcastle Uni’ was pretty good actually, especially in first year” May explained. “I stayed in Havelock Hall in Castle Leazes, but didn’t get to go out and socialise as much as I would have liked.
“I had a great time living in a house of five in Jesmond, where we used to have all the lads from Falcons back and have big parties.
“I studied Business and Management at Newcastle, but afterwards when I finished uni’ I had a year off just to play rugby, and then went to Northumbria to do a post-grad certificate in Sports-Management. That was a part-time course though so it didn’t really feel like I was at the uni’ at all.
“I took the course purely because of my interest in sports really, with possibly the view of doing something with it when I finish playing” May continued.
“I have always had the belief you need something to fall back on. If you get a career in rugby then great, but young players especially need to understand that an education is also important.”
A philosopher at heart, May shows another side to the man most only see on the weekend.
Although the player may be frustrated at not knowing what position he will be starting in week-on-week, May makes up for this in persistence, professionalism, and above all, preparation.
“If I had the choice I would prefer to play at 12. Tane Tu’ipulotu and Jamie Noon are both playing well, so I’ll just have to make the most of playing each week, in whatever position that might be.
“I like to stick to a routine in the week building up to game day, and try to hit my goals I want to achieve in that week. I want to achieve a certain amount of passes, kicks, tackles in the week, whether I am playing fly-half, centre, full-back or wing.
“It’s not ideal getting moved around, but it’s a question of playing well and enjoying myself. That’s what I aim for every time I pull on the shirt.
“I don’t get too hyped up about a game. I try to relax. I actually play worse when I think about it too much.
“There are a few that spend most of the day before getting right up for it” May said. “I believe preparation in the week running up to a game is just as important as the game itself.
“If you get too over enthusiastic or too intense you will worry over little mistakes, so I focus on my physical and mental well-being before a game massively. If I get those right in the week I should be fine by the weekend.”
Away from the rugby spot-light, May has taken a huge interest in raising money for charity.
The end of last May, he began his week long cycle visiting every single Guinness Premiership ground in the country, including Twickenham.
After a visit to the teenage cancer ward in the RVI Newcastle, May was motivated to help a cause any way possible, and made his desire a reality in a cycle that lasted 550 miles.
“I cycled for ‘Cash for Kids’,” May explained. “It was very tough. I must have been a little naive to think I could just jump on a bike and do it. By the end I was pretty tired.
“I did four practice runs just up and around the airport. The furthest I think I went was only 36 miles. On day one of the cycle, I had to do 105!
“It was a brilliant life experience, something I am very proud of and something I can look back on.
“I managed to raise just over £42,000 which I am very pleased with. You learn a lot about yourself on a bike, and since I play rugby professionally I thought I would be able to open a few doors for people in doing so. It was fantastic.”
A week away in Barbados in the mid-season break has brought the best out May.
Fresh-faced and tanned after the trip with his wife to Lee Mears’ hideaway, it seems he has brought back some of his holiday sun to the North-East, which has evidently shown in a renewed spirit around Kingston Park.
One game at a time is the diagnosis however, even though things are finally looking up for the side who haven’t been setting the world alight until just recently. May understands the team need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“Sorry for the massive cliché, but what this team needs to do is take one game at a time and then go from there. After stringing a few wins together we suddenly find ourselves in a completely different place, and we need to keep this intensity going.”
The adopted Geordie has spent a great deal of his playing career here in the North-East, moving up from his team at home in Richmond as a teenager.
A Tom May testimonial has been rumoured to involve both Newcastle and Northumbria University teams, a sentimental occasion that would involve May turning out for both sides on the night.
After the great competition shown in the Stan Calvert trophy recently, May has said he would be delighted to see the game take place.
“If that was to be the case it would be fantastic to see the two universities come together and play” May said. “I’ve been to a couple and they’ve always been great games.
“I actually played for Newcastle but never for Northumbria when I was at uni’, so I’ll be rooting for Newcastle I suppose.
"I always remember playing against the likes of Jamie Noon and some of the other lads at Bullocksteads. It was always tough but a good craic nonetheless.”
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Hayman back in black
Archive - published 02/02/09
The return of All-Black icon Carl Hayman to the Newcastle Falcons squad has been a huge boost for the side who have been failing to produce so far this season. The nineteen-stone, six-foot-four Man-Mountain is back after a two-month layoff with a knee injury, making his long awaited return in the 16-16 draw against Worcester the end of last year. Now, well into 2009, Hayman is hoping to help put the team’s losing habits behind them and find some light at the end of a long incessant tunnel in this season’s final months.
Hayman swapped the black of New Zealand for the black of Newcastle Falcons last season after the All Blacks failed to surpass the French in the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup. The deal to bring the 29-year-old to Kingston Park reportedly made Hayman the best paid rugby player in the world on a contract worth a reported £350,000 a year.
The planned move was seen as an inspired investment by the club, and was considered to be the answer to their lack of experience and power up front. It is no surprise then that the Falcons have struggled during the lengthy absence of the man many argue to be the best tight-head prop of the modern game, much to the frustration of the club and the player himself.
“I injured my knee in the game against (London) Wasps” Hayman explained. “I hyper-extended and compressed it after trying to charge down a kick, falling on a straight leg.
“I was surprised when the doc’ told me that I would be out for up to eight weeks. I thought it would probably only be two or three, but as the recovery went on you could see where they were coming from.
“I’ve been working hard with the physio’ and I’ve had a few run-outs to get the lungs blowing – the knee seems to be holding up strong.”
“It’s been very frustrating. Results have not been going well but you just have to look forward to the next game and continue to work hard. You just have to keep on keeping on and hopefully results will come. There’s no reason why we can’t fight our way out of this.”
Falcons’ Director of Rugby Steve Bates has expressed his delight at the return of Carl Hayman up front, who in recent weeks, has proved to be worth more than his weight in gold. There have been questions throughout the season whether the team’s regression has been a result of the lack of opportunities presented to the backline. Therefore Hayman’s return has bolstered the pack both in the scrum and at the breakdown, evidently increasing the team’s chances to play the running rugby Newcastle Falcons were once famous for.
The man himself is just pleased to be back and is looking forward to the prospect of doing what he can to push his Falcons team in the right direction.
“The backs have been playing pretty well this year, with the likes of Tane (Tu’ipulotu), Jamie (Noon), Tom (May), all putting in good performances” Hayman said.
“However, it’s hard to differentiate a team simply between backs and forwards. The season so far may not have gone as planned. There have been a few obstacles put in the way of this team with injuries and other bits and pieces, but this is a very tight competition we’re playing in and because of that we know we can beat teams.”
In recent months there has been speculation linking Hayman with a move back to his home country after he was spotted in New Zealand. Question-marks have been raised over whether he is enjoying the challenges against relegation, but the man nicknamed Zarg insists there was nothing in his visit and he is more than happy with life at the Falcons.
“With New Zealand being about the size of South Shields there were obviously a few people who spotted me” Hayman explained. “The next thing I knew I was supposedly making a move back to
“I did pop home for a wee bit to sort a personal matter, but it was not a rugby trip at all. It was purely for personal reasons.
“I would like to stay. If I feel the club isn’t making the efforts to move in the right direction I may have to consider my options, but I do have a contract until June next year and I intend to honour it.”
Playing in New Zealand for the Highlanders, Hayman has not had to endure many relegation battles since relegation was discarded in their leagues. He cannot be too familiar with the term ‘losing’ either since he was a regular starter for the All Blacks before his move. However, Hayman insists that he is finding the fight against relegation quite stimulating.
“There is a lot more to play for (in the Premiership). If there was no relegation it would be the case that a team in our position could just wait for next year to come round. With relegation there is heaps still to play for.
“A club like Newcastle should be challenging for Heineken Cup spots – a position the fans in the North-East are crying out for.”
Hayman’s decision to join Newcastle surprised many in the rugby world, with a host of top clubs chasing his signature. However, the New Zealander was immediately attracted to the club.
“I chose Newcastle because I like the life-style it brings. I like the outdoors and getting down to the coast to get a bit of surfing in. Financially I am also better off than I was back in New Zealand, which always helps, and above all, it just felt like the time to seek out a new challenge.
“I’ve played ten years back home with Otago and the Highlanders, so a change was due. I was drawn to the Premiership but would never fancy playing in a busy place like
Hayman is enjoying the challenge of the Premiership and is always looking forward to facing old pals from back home.
“I look forward to playing Neil Brew of Bristol. I played with him back in Otago so I always like the chance to have a quick catch-up with him.
“It’s cool being able to jump on the phone and have a chat with the guys. I went up to
Hayman did return home again at the end of January, but this time to marry fiancée Natalie – the summer sun back in New Zealand obviously much more appealing for a wedding day than the cold brisk afternoons on Tyneside.
“Yes, I’ve just got married, so perhaps my new years’ resolution should be to help around the house a bit more.”
Clearly 2009 is a big year in more ways than one for Carl Hayman as he looks to help the Falcons retain their Guinness Premiership status.
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