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Dubai Sevens - Seven of the Best tries
The first leg of the 2009/2010 IRB World Series Sevens got under way in Dubai this past weekend. New Zealand won the Cup Final, but there was plenty of action from all teams involved. This new season of Sevens will be followed by an even larger worldwide audience as it's the first series since Sevens was included in the Olympics for 2016.
As always, the beauty of Sevens is the inclusiveness of many countries and the fact that on any given day, a minnow can beat a rugby super power.
Even if they don't beat them, what's important is the opportunity to gain experience from playing against great players, and perhaps even showing them up at times.
We've got a clip made by the IRB that shows seven of the best tries scored over the two days at the tournament. They're not THE best, but simply a selection of some of the better moments.
Highlights of the final will follow later today if all goes well.
Time: 06:47http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Don’t steal this book
Cricket With Balls’ Jarrod Kimber has already given the world one book, and now he’s turned the 2009 Ashes series into another - Ashes 2009: When Freddie Became Jesus.
Jarrod is well on his way to achieving his goal of being a Proper Cricket Writer. Obviously he’s writing about Cricket now, and bringing more filthy language and sex to the old game than an Ian Botham trip around the West Indies, but the thing I admire (as I’ve covered before) is that he’s fucking out there doing it. He’s moved halfway around the world to live in London, covered the Ashes from the couch, the grounds and the press box in fine style on the site, and he now has book on Amazon only a couple of months after stumps were drawn.
That’s good going. Here’s an excerpt. The Black Caps’ favorite blogger and premature retiree Ian O’Brien even gets to write a bit. You should really buy one.
IRPA Try of the Year - The 15 Contenders
The IRB, in conjunction with the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA), has announced the contenders for the IRPA Try of the Year 2009.The list comprises tries from three June internationals, three November internationals, three from the British & Irish Lions series, three Tri Nations, and three from the Six Nations.
France and New Zealand feature with three tries each, while Shane Williams is the only player on the list to have two tries featured, one for Wales and one for the British & Irish Lions.
Last year Brian O’Driscoll won the Inaugral IRPA Try of the Year Award with the great try he scored against Australia, but for the first time this year, it’s the public who will vote to determine the winner.
"The IRPA Try of the Year is a hugely anticipated Award. Fans have an opportunity to vote for players representing eight nations, plus the British & Irish Lions, and I am sure the vote will be close," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
All you need to do is send an email to votetry@irb.com with the number of the try you think should win. You can vote until December 31, with the winner being announced in early January 2010.
Fifteen tries is a lot to cram into one video, so we've split it over two so replays are included, giving you a good overall idea of which you should vote for.
1 Berrick Barnes | 2 Lee Byrne | 3 Gonzalo Comacho
4 Jaque Fourie | 5 Imanol Harinordoquy | 6 Jamie Heaslip
7 Cedric Heymans | 8 Rob Kearney | 9 Ma'a Nonu
10 Isaac Ross | 11 Shane Williams | 12 Alexander Yanyushkin
13 Vincent Clerc | 14 Shane Williams | 15 Mils Muliaina
Tries 1-10
Tries 11-15
http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
The Everton v Tottenham tweets
Get up early to see this one - had sportreview jr with me for the second half.
Everton 0 - Tottenham 2
Everton 2 Tottenham 2, Defoe misses penalty in 94th minute
The Barbarians topple the All Blacks at Twickenham
An expectant 65 000 fans turned out at Twickenham yesterday to witness the Barbarians beating the All Blacks for the first time since that famous match back in 1973. Bryan Habana scored a hat-trick as the Baa Baas won 25-18. The match was played more like a Test match than an exhibition, but reputations were on the line so nobody took too many risks. New Zealand scored tries through Ben Smith and Anthony Boric, but it was Springbok speedster Habana who stole the show.
"It hasn't quite sunk in yet. They were probably some of the easiest scores I've had. New Zealand haven't conceded a try on their last two tours to Europe so to score three is a real bonus," he said.
Skipper Victor Matfield was pleased to come out on top: "We watched a little bit of that game last night and to be part of something so great is awesome. We had a lot of fun but went out there and played like professionals.
"The guys are very happy. It's been one of the best weeks we've had as professional rugby players. We played for each other. We put our bodies on the line to play for the traditions the Barbarians stand for."
Mat Giteau was outstanding once again, as were centres Jamie Roberts and Jaque Fourie. Unfortunately the ball didn’t head in Baa Baas right wing Joe Rokocoko’s direction much, but he enjoyed the opportunity, and the Haka.
"I didn't stare face to face with the boys, I just veered off and looked to one side and the other side. It was just intense, something I haven't experienced, but a good experience," he said.
"I'm glad I'm part of the history of Barbarians rugby, they've won against the All Blacks and I can talk to my kids about it. We just had an awesome week, socialised really well and got to know each other. All we wanted to do was bring a bit of attitude."
The second-string New Zealanders were disappointed with the result, but now head home after a successful tour.
"It is different to playing a Test match, but you still like to win these games," said captain Richie McCaw. "We went into our shells in the second half. It is an experience to learn from and a disappointing way to finish the tour," he added.
Despite the large crowd being fairly subdued for most of the match, there was a great sense of occasion and the spirit and togetherness shown by the players and coach Nick Mallet at the end of the match was good to see.
Man of the Match, Habana, summed it up nicely.
"The Barbarians take us back to what rugby is really about - the friendship and camaraderie. This game was a fantastic spectacle."
Time: 08:02http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
IRB Sevens Dubai results
Shield final: Russia 17 - 14 Portugal
Bowl final: Wales 38 - 07 Zimbabwe
Plate final: Australia 07 - 00 South Africa
Cup final: New Zealand 24 - 12 Samoa
Categories: Rugby
New wheels - Basso Coral
The new(ish) sportreview.net.nz ride. Velospace. Click the picture to make it bigger.
Frame: Basso Coral
Components: Shimano RX100 except OLD DuraAce brifters and 105 front der. SRAM chain and rear cluster
Wheels: Alex rims with Joytech hubs
Pedals: Wellgo
The Best of the Barbarians
As you probably already know, the Barbarians host the All Blacks tomorrow at Twickenham in a once off match that will be the last of the Kiwis tour matches, and hopefully a showcase of running rugby. Playing for the Barbarians is a fantastic honour and tomorrow we'll see a whole host of top players from around the world wearing that famous black and white kit.
Coached by Italy's Nick Mallet, the Baa Baas of 2009 have an incredibly strong look to them, as they feature not only some of the best players from the southern hemisphere, but some real stars from the north too.
In the centre we'll see a mouth watering combination - Springbok Jaque Fourie and Welshman and player of the British & Irish Lions series, Jamie Roberts. It doesn't get more physically powerful than that. When it comes to raw speed, there's Bryan Habana on the one wing, and on the other, there's a more than familiar name.
Joe Rokocoko, left out of the All Blacks touring squad, will play on the right wing and will get a chance to prove to the whole of New Zealand that they were wrong to leave him out.
In Matt Giteau and Fourie Du Preez, you have another match winning combination as each of those players are in the top 3 in their respective positions in the world. Up front there's a few world beaters too - Victor Matfield, George Smith, Schalk Burger and Rocky Elsom to name a few. Throw in Andy Powell off the bench, and this should be an explosive encounter.
Unfortunately though, the All Blacks have named what is very much a second string side. There's no Dan Carter, no Ma'a Nonu, and Sitiveni Sivivatu is on the bench. What we will see though is IRB World Player of the Year Richie McCaw leading his side.
Against France they showed that they rediscovered their attacking flair, so tomorrow's match is a chance for them to build on that, as well as blood new talent and let them get out there and prove themselves.
By all accounts, if the weather is good, we're set for a running spectacle that could well be the most enjoyable game of the last month or so. Predictions welcome.
The Barbarians are all about the big names, so this is a nice clip that shows you some of the best players and biggest names that have played for the famous club in the past. Enjoy.
Time: 03:10
Kick off: 2.15pm GMT
Barbarians XV: Drew Mitchell (Australia); Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), Jaque Fourie (South Africa), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Bryan Habana (South Africa); Matt Giteau (Australia), Fourie du Preez (South Africa); Salvatore Perugini (Italy), Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), W P Nel (uncapped), Carlo del Fava (Italy), Victor Matfield (South Africa, captain), Rocky Elsom (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), George Smith (Australia).
Replacements: Stephen Moore (Australia), Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), Quintin Geldenhuys (Italy), Andy Powell (Wales), Will Genia (Australia), Morne Steyn (South Africa), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales).
New Zealand XV: Cory Jane (Wellington); Ben Smith (Otago), Tamati Ellison (Wellington), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Zac Guildford (Hawke’s Bay), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Brendon Leonard (Waikato); Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), John Afoa (Auckland), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Liam Messam (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Rodney So’oialo (Wellington).
Replacements: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Mike Delany (Bay of Plenty), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato). http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Three high tackles, Three entirely different outcomes
Yesterday Samoan back Henry Fa’afili was suspended for three weeks following his high tackle and red card against Italy last weekend. This once again makes a mockery of the disciplinary process, as there were two very similar incidents recently that had entirely different outcomes. Despite Fa’afili’s clean record, the tackle he made on Luke Mclean was deemed to be dangerous and an independent Disciplinary Committee banned the Leeds Carnegie player until Dec 21st.
Fa’afili was red carded for the tackle. That alone was questionable. A yellow card would probably have sufficed. To get suspended as well, throws the whole process into question.
The problem is the inconsistency that we’re seeing week in and week out. If that type of tackle is a red card worthy offence, fine, but we need to be clear about that.
Not too long ago All Black Dan Carter was given a one week suspension for a high tackle on Martin Roberts of Wales. The tackle was missed by the ref as it happened, but Carter was given a slap on the wrists after the Welsh media and coach made a hoo-hah about it.
So one week because it was missed on the field, but three weeks for Fa’afili after he was red carded and penalised. Was Fa’afili’s tackle so much worse than Carter’s?
Then, during the clash between Ireland and South Africa at Croke Park, JP Pietersen stuck out a despairing arm in an attempt to stop Tommy Bowe as he stepped inside him. His arm caught Bowe square in the nose, but no action was taken.
Referee Nigel Owens apparently said Bowe ducked into it. Even if he did, it was still a dangerous tackle, as the blood from Bowe’s nose confirmed.
Pieterson was neither penalised, nor carded, and there has since been no suspension. Can we then assume that Fa’afili’s tackle was three times as bad as Carter’s, and Pietersen getting nothing was because the Irish didn’t cause a stink about it?
I’m tempted to say that had Ireland lost the match, Pietersen would be suspended by now. If Wales had beaten New Zealand, the Carter hit would be forgotten about and he would never have been suspended.
The point is that this year, the disciplinary process has been a farce, and something needs to change. As fans, we’re not only baffled by the decisions most of the time, but we’re also being let down when it comes to understanding the processes.
Were these three tackles so extremely different that one got nothing, another got a week, and the third warranted a red card and three week suspension?
According to the powers that be, the answer is apparently a resounding yes.
:: Related Posts ::
Italy end losing streak with win over Samoa
Ireland beat South Africa at Croke Park
Wales fail to capitalise on chances as All Blacks triumph
Time: 0:56
Music: Hold on Me by Grinspoon
Extra: You can join us on the forum to discuss this video in further detail here
http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
The Ross Skeate Diary - Paris here we come
We're pleased to announce that Toulon lock Ross Skeate will be the first of our regular columnists here on Rugbydump, adding another dimension to the site with his diary entries. He 'll give us a slightly alternative view on life in the Top 14, hopefully bringing the fans closer to the action as we go deep into the confines of one of the top clubs in French rugby. This week, we join Skeato as the team head to Paris to take on Racing Metro on Sunday.Sitting on the train heading to Paris ahead of our game against Racing Metro and Francois Steyn’s big boot, Phillipe Saint-Andre didn’t seem too impressed when I joked about playing on The Sabbath.
Kris Chesney tries to catch a few winks sitting opposite me and is twitching hilariously as he goes through his dream sequences, a young family is even too much for ‘The White Lomu’, so named after his first few years playing league found him on the wing. Although a few years down the line he’s up with the ‘Grinders’ like myself, showpony days behind him.
The Boys are laughing in the background further down the carriage, playing the usual round of poker. Sebastien Fauque loves a little poker on these long away trips, and I cannot begin to explain how funny it is to see Laurent Emmanuelli wearing one of those really awesome face masks you see so often donned by Japanese tourists on the news, filling airport lounges.
Tim Ryan, our young Irish tighthead, has recently come down with a case of Swine Flu and of course the medical staff is doing all it can to remedy the danger of an ‘outbreak’… I don’t know where ‘your man’ got the bug. Rory Lamont would insist it’s another government invented illness crafted in labs with the sole purpose of controlling the wider public.
So through all that Laurent has found himself having to wear the best fashion item since MC Hammer’s parachute pants made their appearance on daytime television, as a result of a touch of ‘Rhume’ - he makes it look good though.
I think that’s perhaps the best way to describe this season so far, with so many new changes to the team and so many new teammates, everyone of them positive. The result: A much happier team and rugby public.
Which is a relief especially after the dark days of our relegation fears last season this time, dark days indeed. I actually arrived the week that the forwards coach was fired immediately following the team’s home loss to Castres.
And arriving in the height of winter, although to be fair, winter in Toulon is more like a chilly summer with spats of rain, and into that time of many disappointments on the field and few successes, it was one of the trickiest times of my career.
Add to the mix a complete change of scenery and being thrust into a language and culture I had had little if any experience of previously - one word: fun.
I think Laurent just coughed my way…better see the doc later.
So here I am in this place. On this train. Surrounded by new friends and teammates that I have grown closer to than many of the countless teams I have played in before. We seem to spend our days laughing and talking alot of bullshit, that is when we’re not scrumming for hours on end.
The French are sure fond of this facet of the game and to say that our current forwards coach (Aubin Heuber) is as well, would be a gross understatement. How many times have I cursed the backs after finishing their session with Tana Umaga after starting an hour before us… ahem…show ponies…ahem…sorry think I’m already getting something.
How’s my French coming along?
Well I can order at the restaurant, swear quite fluently, but the finer points…ok ok the rest of the language is beyond me at the moment. I find myself asking our resident foreign French superstars like Joe El Abd and Jonny Wilkinson a fair amount of times for translations. But my go-to man has to be Philip ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, who is as fluent in French and simultaneously Scottish as you could imagine.
To call Joe and Jonny French nerds would again be an understatement. And after all, I prefer exaggerations as a rule. I mean they even read French books and carry French dictionaries around with them casually like I do the chip on my shoulder!
I chipped some bone a while back… promise.
Ok I may be exaggerating a little about Joe and Jonny, well maybe just Jonny.
So we won a few games and stuff, they went well. We lost a few too, final minute gut-wrenching kind of stuff. And we’ve had many good times in between and we find ourselves in the Top 6 of the log at the moment which is – er, cool?
We have had a few great wins, most notably against Clermont Ferrand, Toulouse and most recently against Stade Francais but so much is left to do.
Who said something about the French season being a marathon, unlike the sprint of a Super 14? Well it’s me now. And hitting the second-half (see what I did there?) of the marathon and hoping our knees hold for the final push is where we’re at.
Hold thumbs… and I’ll stay in touch.
Skeato
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Ross, who's played for the Stormers and the Barbarians, has a really interesting website that features plenty of behind the scenes photos, podcasts, and latest news on life with Toulon.We'll hear back from him soon, but until then, check out www.RossSkeate.com.http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Schalk Brits great try for Saracens against Wasps
Saracens made it eight wins in a row when they beat Wasps 22-6 a couple of weeks back in the Guinness Premiership. There was plenty of kicking, but an outstanding try was scored by the hooker, Schalk Brits. Brits made a name for himself in South Africa, first with the Lions and later with Western Province and the Stormers, in the Currie Cup and Super 14 respectively.
Brits is well known for his explosive pace, stepping, and great hands that set him apart from other hookers out there. He has the skills and speed of a back but still does the hard graft up front, although you can often find him hanging out in the backline, and has played number eight on a few occasions.
A quality player with a great attitude towards the game, Brits is making a name for himself at Saracens as he lights up the turf whenever he gets the opportunity. His different approach to the game and the impact he makes have already made him a hit with the fans.
"I wouldn't say I'm a fans' favourite but I just try to enjoy my game and that's what it's all about. With the team winning it makes it so much easier but you have to enjoy your rugby," says Brits.
While he threatened to move abroad a few years ago when coach Jake White refused to pick him, despite being the form hooker in South Africa, Brits was capped three times since, but has now made the move for a different challenge.
"I'm loving it," he admits. "I've loved it since the first day I arrived. It's been all good and I'm enjoying my time in London. It's easy to perform in a side like this. They play great rugger and that makes it much easier. It was a tough pre-season and it was hard work and eventually it's paid off."
This try has a bit of everything as the powerful Saracens driving maul sets the platform for Brits to launch off the back and step a few players, before gassing his way to the tryline for a great hookers try.
:: Related Posts ::
The Barbarians defeat England at Twickenham (Brits was Man of the Match)
A Storming try by Schalk Brits in Cape Town
Time: 0:55http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Meet John Smit
Springbok captain John Smit will be embarking on a month-long tour of the country in support of his book “Captain in the Cauldron”. He will be signing copies of his book at:
03 Dec | 17:00 - 19:00 | CPT - Cavendish Square - Exclusive Books
05 Dec | 10:00 - 12:00 | JHB - East Rand Mall - CNA
05 Dec | 13:30 - 15:30 | JHB - Menlyn Park - CNA
05 Dec | 17:00 - 19:00 | JHB - Nelson Mandela Square - Exclusive Books
06 Dec | 15:00 - 17:00 | DBN - The Pavilion - Exclusive Books
19 Dec | 10:00 - 12:00 | JHB - Centurion Mall - Exclusive Books
19 Dec | 13:30 - 15:30 | JHB - Eastgate Mall - Exclusive Books
19 Dec | 16:30 - 18:30 | JHB - Sandton City - CNA
20 Dec | 11:00 - 13:00 | CPT - Canal Walk - Exclusive Books
20 Dec | 14:30 - 16:30 | CPT - Cavendish Square - CNA
21 Dec | 11:00 - 13:00 | CPT - Tygervalley - Exclusive Books
21 Dec | 14:30 - 16:30 | CPT - V&A Waterfront - Exclusive Books
22 Dec | 11:00 - 13:00 | JHB - Menlyn Park - Exclusive Books
22 Dec | 15:00 - 17:00 | JHB - Clearwater Mall - Exclusive Books
23 Dec | 10:00 - 11:30 | JHB - Hyde Park - Exclusive Books
23 Dec | 16:00 - 18:00 | JHB - Gateway - Exclusive Books
24 Dec | 10:00 - 12:00 | DBN - Midlands Mall - Exclusive Books
24 Dec | 13:00 - 15:00 | DBN - The Pavilion - CNA
Categories: Rugby
The Wallaby changeroom after the win over Wales
Australia set out on their European tour with the goal of achieving a Grand Slam in mind, following in the footsteps of the great 1984 side. Things went awry early on, but they ended the tour on a high with a great win over Wales in Cardiff.Struggling with injuries to key players, and a lack of form, meant that 2009 wasn't a great year for the Wallabies. A backline scattered with youngsters and leadership changing hands a few times aren't great recipes for success either.
They started off well though, beating England at Twickenham then getting the the better of Ireland right up until the final play of the game, as captain Brian O'Driscoll went over for a try that set up the 20-20 draw.
Just like that, the Grand Slam dream was over. A week later they lost to Scotland, 9-8. According to the Australian media, that was the lowest of the low for Australian rugby, and the knives were out as the team took a mauling back home.
In true Aussie spirit though, the players pulled things together and following a good midweek win over Cardiff, the young side triumphed over Wales in one of the more entertaining matches of the past few weeks.
They scored some great tries and silenced the partisan Welsh crowd, with flyhalf Matt Giteau in particular having one of his best matches of the year. Unfortunately he doesn't drink as well as he plays, which you'll see in the clip. Downing drink from the winning trophy, then grimacing in front of the the camera? No Matt, no.
This video shows ten minutes of footage from after the final whistle, as we get to experience what it's like inside the changeroom with the Wallabies. This is a group that for the whole of the previous week were roasted by their media.
You can see what the win means to the players, especially the younger guys who clearly respect and take pride in a victory over the Welsh at such a great venue.
While it's a long vid which shows a few half-naked Australians drinking, it's still an interesting watch that allows us to get to know the players a little better, as well as see what goes on behind the scenes after a good win.
Be prepared for moustaches, champagne, and a Kiwi singing the Australian national anthem.
:: Related Posts ::
Australia bounce back to beat Wales in Cardiff
Scotland The Brave upset the Wallabies at Murrayfield
Ireland and Australia draw after dramatic late try
Australia too good for England at Twickenham
Time: 10:08http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Barbarians 25 - 18 All Blacks
Scorers
Barbarians 25 (14)
Tries: Bryan Habana (3)
Conversions: Matt Giteau (2)
Penalties: Matt Giteau, Morne Steyn
All Blacks 18 (10)
Tries: Ben Smith, Anthony Boric
Conversion: Stephen Donald
Penalties: Stephen Donald, Mike Delany
Man of the Match: Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Teamsheets
New Zealand – 15 Cory Jane, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 John Afoa, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Adam Thomson, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Barbarians - 15 Drew Mitchell (Australia), 14 Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), 13 Jaque Fourie (South Africa), 12 Jamie Roberts (Wales), 11 Bryan Habana (South Africa), 10 Matt Giteau (Australia), 9 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 8 George Smith (Australia), 7 Schalk Burger (South Africa), 6 Rocky Elsom (Australia), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa, captain), 4 Carlo del Fava (Italy), 3 WP Nel (Free State Cheetahs), 2 Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), 1 Salvatore Perugini (Italy).
Subs: 16 Stephen Moore (Australia), 17 Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), 18 Quintin Geldenhuys (Italy), 19 Andy Powell (Wales), 20 Will Genia (Australia), 21 Morne Steyn (South Africa), 22 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales).
Categories: Rugby
USA qualify for 2011 World Cup after beating Uruguay
The United States have booked themselves a place at the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand following successive wins over Uruguay. In their first match in Montevideo, the USA picked up a narrow 27-22 victory. In the second leg though, at home in Florida, Eddie O’Sullivan’s side won convincingly, 27-6.
They will be in Pool C for the New Zealand hosted World Cup, where they will face Australia, Ireland, Italy, and one other European qualifier.
Captain Todd Clever scored two tries, with Louis Stanfill and Kevin Swiryn also crossing for tries in Fort Lauderdale, an unlikely setting for an international rugby match.
Many believe that the United States are the sleeping giants of world rugby, and that with the correct systems in place and exposure to the sport, could soon be a dominant force.
Coach O’Sullivan is pleased with the progress the side are making, and the way they performed against the South American side.
"It's tough to hit the ground running after not being together since July, and although we qualified, which was our ultimate goal - they were a little rusty early on.
"I can't be too hard on them, though, they got the job done and you can't forget that we scored eight tries in the last two games against Uruguay."
There’s no doubt that the Eagles qualifying for the World Cup is great for the sport in the United States as the profile will be raised a notch once again. They did it in style last time around with the try of the tournament. Hopefully they can replicate that, and more, in 2011.
Time: 04:36http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Catch a Tiger
Here’s Tiger winning The Masters, his first Major, by 12 shots way back in 1997. When was the last time you saw him smile like that? Most days, Tiger makes being the world’s most successful, famous and highly paid sportsman look as much fun as losing changes from an Excel spreadsheet.
Tiger’s love of privacy makes Howard Hughes look like Rodney Hide. He swears, he glares, and woe betide anyone who wants to talk to him. It says a lot that his best mate is ‘top’ NZ ’sportsman’ and prickly shit Steve Williams, a nightclub bouncer at Club Fuck You.
This current troubles will pass (he was crazy not to front-foot this in the media. WHAT are IMG getting paid for?), but I just hope he doesn’t retreat further into his shell because of it.
I know it must be tough being Tiger, but come on, Golf is fun. I have that hacker’s love of golf where I lie awake after a round thinking about that one sweet 7-iron that hit the green nicely, not the search for my third lost ball in the rough. I’d hate to see Tiger grimly march past Nicklaus’ 18 Majors with little joy. I want to watch him enjoy himself while he does it.
Tiger reading list:
The Guardian’s wonderful Lawrence Donegan profiles Tiger.
Another Guardian profile, linking to The man. Amen, a 1997 Esquire article on Tiger, when he was more trusting of the media. The Guardian profile asks:
Why should a man who, at 33, is in the prime of his life, who constantly expresses the joy his son and daughter bring to his life, who is reckoned to be a billionaire and who earns close to $2m a week even if he chooses to lie in bed, be so apparently fed-up and irritated?
Italy end losing streak with win over Samoa
Italy picked up their first win since June 2008 when they beat Samoa 24-6 at the Stadio del Duca on Saturday, ending their 13-match losing streak. Luke McLean’s excellent first half try set them on their way before Mirco Bergamasco kicked eight points, Craig Gower slotted a long range penalty, and Tito Tebaldi slotted a dropgoal. A penalty try late in the game then sealed the victory for Nick Mallet’s side.
"I'm happy, it was a good win,'' winger Mirco Bergamasco said. "We had to win. It was something we had to do. Whether we won well, or won badly, we had to win.''
They were without inspirational leader Sergio Parisse, who is out for about four months after picking up a serious knee injury in training. He was operated on after the match, but was sideline, on crutches, to offer support.
Samoa struggled to get into the game, and didn’t score a point in the second half. Having their winder red carded for a high tackle on fullback McLean didn’t help matters.
It’s the first time Italy has beaten Samoa in four matches played between the two sides.
"It has been a long time,'' Italy coach Nick Mallett said. "Today, we were better than Samoa were and that was the main thing. I think our team had a good game, scoring 24 points, though it should have been 10 or 15 more.
"Mirco was kicking well in training this week, so we thought it would be worth trying him today,'' Mallett said. "But everyone, Tito Tebaldi, Craig Gower, Luke McLean must work on their kicking to get it to international level.
"We kept the ball in their half, stayed disciplined and didn't do anything stupid, but we made mistakes that we won't be able to get away with in the Six Nations.''
Samoa go away from Europe empty handed after earlier losses to France and Wales. The majority of their players will join the Top 14 and Guinness Premiership, but will be disappointed at not having achieved more on tour.
After decent showings against New Zealand, South Africa, and now beating Samoa, Italy look the strongest they’ve been for some time. They’ll go into the Six Nations with far more confidence than what they would have had a month ago.
Time: 05:48http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
Open the Pod bay doors Colin
Top media pundit Colin Peacock of Sunday morning’s Mediawatch (and sportreview.net.nz’s only radio appearance) went boldly where no Kiwi had ever been before, beaming into the Guardian Football Weekly pod to update James, Barry and Sean on the All White’s triumphant sneak to South Africa 2010.
Not only does Colin achieve sport nerd nirvana by appearing on the pod, he does the nation proud with self depreciation, pod protocol inside knowledge (Mee-lan) and by not rising to Jimbo’s ’sheepish’ line. Nice work.
Here’s the show - Colin comes on at 26′50″.
Argentina snatch victory over Scotland with a late dropgoal
Argentina ruined the Murrayfield festivities as they beat Scotland 9-6 on Saturday, a week after the Scots historic win over Australia. Scotland had hoped for a clean sweep of their Autumn Internationals, after they had beaten Fiji, then Australia in successive weeks.
Phil Godman kicked two penalties to give Scotland a first half lead, but it was Argentina’s Martin Rodriguez who kicked two of his own in the second half, then clinched victory for the visitors with a late dropgoal.
The scalp of Argentina, third place at the 2007 World Cup, would have meant a dream start for coach Andy Robinson. Former Captain Jason White believes that Robinson will make huge changes for Scottish rugby.
"I have worked under four Scotland regimes in my nine or so years on the Test scene - at the start there was Ian McGeechan with Jim Telfer and then Matt Williams followed by Frank Hadden,” he said.
"Now Andy is the man in charge and his approach is completely different to all the others. He and his management team are doing things his way and I believe it is the right way.
“Okay we lost, which was hugely disappointing. But the bottom line is that we do have an excellent squad of coaches, managers and players at the moment.
"I'm convinced that two wins out of three spells out that we have the makings of a bright future.”
Argentina played a far better game in the second half, and combined with errors and a sending off from the home side, got themselves in a position to win the match.
"We lost against England playing well but with some mistakes. Then we didn't play well against Wales," coach Santiago Phelan said.
"This game was very important for us. To get a good result is very important for the continuity of this team."
Time: 07:21http://www.rugbydump.com
Categories: Rugby
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