Rugby World Cup Draw 2011
Welcome back!
The IRB have announced changes to the draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The draw will be made on 1 December 2008 in London and will be based upon the IEB World Rankings.
The top 12 sides on at midnight on 30 November 2008 will be automatic selections, the next 8 will come from a qualification process. The World Cup will be divided into four groups of 5 teams.
France unveil new look for Wallabies
In a major reaction to the disappointing performance by the French side against the Wallabies last weekend coach Marc Lievremont had made seven changes to the starting side for this weekend’s clash in Brisbane.
Lievremont has unveiled a host of new players including moving five players that commenced the match on the bench last week to his starting lineup and providing two players Yannick Caballero and wing Jean-Baptiste Peyras a starting berth after not being named in the previous 22 man squad. This will be one of the most inexperienced sides France have ever had in a test match and Lievremont will be hoping the side will make up for that with enthusiam.
The French side is;
Benjamin Thiacry, Alexis Palisson, Maxim Mermoz, Thibault Lacroix, David Janin, Francois Trinh-Duc, Sebastian Tillous-Borde, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Matthieu Lievremont, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Renaud Boyoud, Sebastien Bruno, Pierre Correia.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Benoit Lecouls, David Couzinet, Louis Picamoles, Yannick Caballero, Dimitri Yachvili, Jean-Baptiste Peyras.
Italy 13 Argentina 12
Italy triumphed 13-12 over Argentina in what was a costly night for Argentina. Not only did they lose a game they were expected to win but they lost star Juan Martin Hernandez after 20 minutes with a wrist injury.
Argentina led 12-3 at the break after taking a 6-0 lead early through 2 penalties to Hernandez. The game was uninspriring and was marred by referee Matt Goddard blowing 30 penalties to reduce the match to a bore fest. Italy came back strongly in the first half to bring the score back to 12-6. Argentina could have extended their lead but failed with two penalty attempts, those misses were to prove costly when Italy scored a last gasp try to replacement Leonardo Ghiraldini. It was then up to Marcato to convert fir victory and he held his nerve to provide Italy with an inspirational win against the Pumas in Argentina.
Italy 13
Tries: Leonardo Ghiraldini
Goals: Andrea Marcato 2 penalties, 1 conversion
Argentina 12
Goals: Juan Martin Hernandez 2 penalties, Marcelo Bosch 2 penalties
Carter joins Perpignan
Dan Carter, the star All Black has signed with Perpignan. In what is a bit of a surprise Perpignan have come out with his signature against both Toulon and Toulouse who were more fancied. Carter only signed on a six month contract and will take his place at the end of the All Blacks European tour in November. It is expected Dan Carter will be back for in June 2009 just in time to re-cement his position for the All Blacks ahead of the 2009 Tri-Nations series.
What perhaps played a part in his decision was the qualification of Perpignan for the European Rugby championship next season. This could be a one off opportunity for Dan Carter to cap of what has been a stellar career to date and help him satisfy some of the remaining desires he has in the game. No doubt the top of that list will be All Blacks success in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Springboks Tri-Nations Squad
The South African Springboks have announced their team for the away leg of the Tri-Nations Rugby series against New Zealand and Australia.
The only major addition to the squad from the recent home tests against Wales and Italy was JP Pietersen who took no part in the tests. JP Pietersen who had a strong 2007 underperformed for the Sharks in 2008 and has struggled with match fitness this year. The break will have done him good and South Africa will hope to see him return to the form he displayed in 2007.
John Smit will again Captain the Springboks with his commitment in the French Rugby Championship drawing to a close with his role for Clermont in the final this weekend. Bismarck du Plessis who has filled in the hooker role in recent weeks has been a star performer for the Springboks and is likely to receive more game time in the Tri-Nations series. Two ommisions of note were BJ Botha and Danie Rossouw who were part of the Rugby World Cup winning squad. Both were omitted from the travelling party and will have a hard fight ahead of them to reclaim spots for the home leg of the Tri-Nations.
The South African team for the away leg of the Tri-Nations series is;
Backline: Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Adrian Jacobs, Enrico Januarie, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn.
Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, John Smit, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson.
New Zealand vs England Preview
New Zealand will line up against a revamped English side tomorrow in Auckland in what should be an entertaining match. England will be desperate to show no weakness against the All Blacks and need to impress early in the contest to stand any chance of winning.
England made six changes, five of which were in the backline as coach Rob Andrew looks for answers following the lame performance from his backline last week in the 37-20 loss. The English forward pack who were touched up last week will be up against it again this week, especially without their star Andy Sheridan. I expect we will see a tough and combative match once again and the English backrow who were a shinning light in last week’s performance will do their level best at the breakdown to keep the English in the match.
New Zealand on the other hand have made several changes but not through form but more a rotational basis. The All Blacks were solid last week without being outstanding and will be looking for improvements around the field. The focus this week will be on ensuring a better lineout after the New Zealand team were ineffectual last week. The New Zealand team have far too much firepower and experience for the English to beat them at home. Nonu who delivered one of his best performances for the All Blacks last week can be expected to shine again as he is laying claim to one of the best players in the game. Carter has been in red hot form this year and if given any space will capitalise.
New Zealand by 12 in what will be a tougher and more spirited effort from England than last week. The teams are;
New Zealand
Leon MacDonald, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Richard Kahui, Ma’a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw, Adam Thomson, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata.
Reserves: Kevin Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina.
England
Mathew Tait, Topsy Ojo, Mike Tindall, Jamie Noon, Tom Varndell, Toby Flood, Danny Care, Luke Narraway, Tom Rees, James Haskell, Steve Borthwick, Tom Palmer, Matt Stevens, Lee Mears, Tim Payne.
Reserves: David Paice, Jason Hobson, Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, Pete Richards, Olly Barkley, David Strettle.
Toulon sign Jerry Collins
In another coup for the French side Toulon they have signed Jerry Collins the ex All Black who shocked New Zealand recently with his announcement he will not longer make himself available to play internationals for New Zealand.
Jerry Collin, 27, will join Toulon on a three year contract and will play and be coached by his former All Black captain Tana Umaga. Toulon have spent up big in recent times securing the key signings of Tana Umaga and George Gregan last year and other major All Blacks Andrew Mehrtens and Anton Oliver. Jerry Collins will be the sixth All Black at Toulon and with rumours of Daniel Carter considering an offer as well it could be the second home of the All Blacks.
Toulon have sepnt big and it has been successful with them being promoted from the second division to the first. All the major signings will give them a good start come the commencement of the 2008-09 season. Jerry Collins in expected to join Toulon in July.
South Africa Team Announced
South Africa have announced their team to take on Italy in the one off test on Saturday. Coach Peter De Villiers has made six changes to the side that beat Wales last week to clinch the series 2-0. Three changes have been made to both the forwards and backs with the international against Italy proving to be a good chance to test some different combinations in the lead in the to the Tri Nations series.
The change of most interest if Francois Steyn who comes into the fly half position to replace the rested Butch James. Steyn had a strong year for the Sharks and is a potential future Springbok captain and can play virtually all positions in the backline. The opportunity to guide is his around the paddock is one he will be keen to take with both hands to add another string to his utility value on the field. Besides Steyn’s on field play he is also capable of kicking goals from over 50 metres out and popping field goals from the same distance out, his value to the Springboks is immeasurable.
In the forwards, Ryan Kankowski comes into the side replacing Peter Spies, CJ Van Der Linde replaces Bakkies Botha at tighthead prop and Bismarck du Plessis takes the place of John Smit who has returned to France to represent his club team.
The South African team is;
Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers, Bryan Habana, Francois Steyn, Ricky Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ Van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawaria.
Reserves: Schalk Brits, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Joe Van Niekerk, Schalk Burger, Peter Grant, Ruan Pienaar.
Italy Team Announced for Springboks Test
Italy have announced their team for the one off match against South Africa. The Italian side is also undergoing a new phase after the World Cup and will be led by their hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini.
The Italian side will be hoping for a good team effort against a side that beat the Six Nations champions Wales 2-0 in their most recent international series.
The full team is;
Andrea Marcato, Kaine Robertson, Andrea Masi, Gonzalo Garcia, Matteo Pratichetti, Luke McLean, Simon Picone, Josh Sole, Robert Barbieri, Alessandro Zanni; Carlo del Fava, Santiago Dellap, Carlos Nieto, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Michele Rizzo.
Reserves: Fabio Ongaro, Ignacio Rouyet, Jaco Erasmus, Tommaso Reato, Pablo Canavosio, Enrico Patrizio, Riccardo Pavan.
Scotland 26 Argentina 14
Scotland had a successful end to their series against Argentina with an inspired performance that shocked the home side and left Scotland some positive signs for the future.
Scotland took the early lead with a penalty to Chris Paterson who was playing in his Scottish record 88th test appearance. This was soon extended further when Paterson slotted another penalty to give the away team a 6-0 lead. Scotland extended the lead further through a key turnover of the Pumas ball and Mike Ford capitalised with a try. Paterson converted once again and soon after converted a penalty for a 16-0 lead at half time.
Argentina had a chance to get on the board after 4 minutes into the second half with a penalty but Todeschini missed his second chance at goal. Paterson converted another penalty in the 52nd minute to give the Scots a 19-0 lead. The game was virtually gone by this stage but was not helped by some silly play by the Pumas captain Contemponi who went on with a spat with Euan Murray which had them both sent to the bin. The new Puma side was reverting back to their old self and were clearly faltering under pressure but as all seemed lost they produced a good try through Lobbe to bring the score back to 19-7. It could have soon been 19-14 but Paterson produced a last ditch effort to stop Agulla scoring.
In the 72nd minute an intercept by substitute Dan Parks led to a precision pass Graeme Morrison to score and after Paterson’s conversion it was 26-7. A late consolation try to Agulla reduced the loss to 12 but Scotland can be proud of their effort.
It was Scotland’s first win in 18 years against the Pumas and their first against a team in the southern hemisphere in 26 years. Argentina will be bitterly disappointed to have lost their composure and the 46,000 home fans in Bueonoa Aires will be looking for better things to come from the Pumas.
Scotland 26
Tries: Ross Ford, Graeme Morrison
Goals: Paterson 4 penalties, 2 conversions
Argentina 14
Tries: Fernandez Lobbe, Horacio Agullo
Goals: Federico Todeschini 2 conversiona