Saturday, January 28, 2006
Super 14: Warm-up Games: Stormers 73 - Spears 5
Our man Donner, with his trusted cellphone, is ready at the Wellington Stadium in the Boland to bring us the latest scores and updates from the Stormers' warm-up game against the Southern Spears. Whilst Donner is settling comfortably into his seat in the stands, myself will spent the time behind the PC to make sure that you can share in history in the making.
The teams are:
Stormers: Werner Greeff, Rayno Benjamin, Piet van Zyl, Jean de Villiers, Jonghi Nokwe, Peter Grant, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Schalk Burger (c), Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Hanyani Shimange, JD Moller.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Attie Winter, Henk Eksteen, David Hendricks, Neil de Kock, Naas Olivier, Joe Pietersen.
Southern Spears: Baldwin McBean, Gershom Ramazan, Basil de Doncker, Vusumzi Mbulali, Reinhard Gerber, Isma-eel Dollie, Warren Malgas, Ashley Johnson (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Maurice Reid, Jaco du Toit, Lean Combrinck, Eugene Maqwelana, Gavin Williamson, Petros Methula.
Replacements: Wayne Bennett, Marius Mostert, Hein Potgieter, Pietie Loots, Daniel Philander, Spencer Wakeling, Ashwin Scott, Brood van der Westhuizen.
No score after 10 minutes. Spears just lost a chance to score when the ball was knocked. First two line-outs went against the throw. Both Dollie and Malgas are not playing. Were replaced by Wakeling and Philander.
Ashley Johnson yellow-carded in 14th minute. According to Donner, the Spears are impressive and running at every opportunity.
After 20 minutes still no score. Stormers making a lot of mistakes whilst Spears backline looks very impressive although they are on the backfeet as the forwards are suffering in the scrums.
Shimange scores in corner in 30th minute after kick was dropped by Spears' left wing. Conversion not over. 5 - 0.
Try by Luke Watson. Converted by Greeff. 12 - 0.
Fight broke out in 33rd minute. Red Card to Eugene Maqwelana, prop of Spears and yellow card to JD Moller of Stormers.
Score by Skeate in corner. Conversion by Greeff. 19 - 0. (Grant is having an off day with the boot).
Half-time and score is 19 - 0.
Second half on the go and Spears took off their Left wing in order to field 8 forwards.
Try by De Viliers after De Kock (who is on the field in place of Conradie) broke. Another try by Benjamin. Conversion by De Kock. 33 - 0.
Another try by Watson. Converted by De Kock. 40 - 0.
Eksteen on for Bekker and Gus Theron in place of Van Zyl.
Score by Wakeling for Spears. Conversion missed. 40 - 5.
Score by Schalk Burger and converted by De Kock. 47 - 5.
Brits and Olivier on for Shimange and Grant.
Second try for Benjamin after 70 minutes converted by De Kock. 54 - 5.
Spears down to 13 men after another yellow card by referee Marius Jonker.
Score by Nokwe. Conversion missed by De Kock. 59 - 5.
Nokwe breaks on own 22 and scores. Conversion by De Kock. 66 - 5.
Score by Pietersen converted by De Kock. 73 - 5.
End of match. 73 - 5.
Donner's match report to follow tomorrow. Click here to read full article and comments.
The teams are:
Stormers: Werner Greeff, Rayno Benjamin, Piet van Zyl, Jean de Villiers, Jonghi Nokwe, Peter Grant, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Schalk Burger (c), Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Hanyani Shimange, JD Moller.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Attie Winter, Henk Eksteen, David Hendricks, Neil de Kock, Naas Olivier, Joe Pietersen.
Southern Spears: Baldwin McBean, Gershom Ramazan, Basil de Doncker, Vusumzi Mbulali, Reinhard Gerber, Isma-eel Dollie, Warren Malgas, Ashley Johnson (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Maurice Reid, Jaco du Toit, Lean Combrinck, Eugene Maqwelana, Gavin Williamson, Petros Methula.
Replacements: Wayne Bennett, Marius Mostert, Hein Potgieter, Pietie Loots, Daniel Philander, Spencer Wakeling, Ashwin Scott, Brood van der Westhuizen.
No score after 10 minutes. Spears just lost a chance to score when the ball was knocked. First two line-outs went against the throw. Both Dollie and Malgas are not playing. Were replaced by Wakeling and Philander.
Ashley Johnson yellow-carded in 14th minute. According to Donner, the Spears are impressive and running at every opportunity.
After 20 minutes still no score. Stormers making a lot of mistakes whilst Spears backline looks very impressive although they are on the backfeet as the forwards are suffering in the scrums.
Shimange scores in corner in 30th minute after kick was dropped by Spears' left wing. Conversion not over. 5 - 0.
Try by Luke Watson. Converted by Greeff. 12 - 0.
Fight broke out in 33rd minute. Red Card to Eugene Maqwelana, prop of Spears and yellow card to JD Moller of Stormers.
Score by Skeate in corner. Conversion by Greeff. 19 - 0. (Grant is having an off day with the boot).
Half-time and score is 19 - 0.
Second half on the go and Spears took off their Left wing in order to field 8 forwards.
Try by De Viliers after De Kock (who is on the field in place of Conradie) broke. Another try by Benjamin. Conversion by De Kock. 33 - 0.
Another try by Watson. Converted by De Kock. 40 - 0.
Eksteen on for Bekker and Gus Theron in place of Van Zyl.
Score by Wakeling for Spears. Conversion missed. 40 - 5.
Score by Schalk Burger and converted by De Kock. 47 - 5.
Brits and Olivier on for Shimange and Grant.
Second try for Benjamin after 70 minutes converted by De Kock. 54 - 5.
Spears down to 13 men after another yellow card by referee Marius Jonker.
Score by Nokwe. Conversion missed by De Kock. 59 - 5.
Nokwe breaks on own 22 and scores. Conversion by De Kock. 66 - 5.
Score by Pietersen converted by De Kock. 73 - 5.
End of match. 73 - 5.
Donner's match report to follow tomorrow. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Results
Crusaders 36-19 The Force
Waratahs 28-21 Blues
Sharks A 13-10 Bulls A
Bulls 17-3 Sharks
Cheetahs 52-11 Benetton Treviso
The Crusaders fielded a number of their All Black stars in overcoming the Force, who also used the opportunity to give Nathan Sharpe and Brendan Cannon their first hit-out of the season.
John Mitchell will be happy that his team managed to put 3 tries past the Saders.
The Scorers:
For the Crusaders:
Tries: Yates 2, McCaw, Mauger, Hamilton, Taylor
Cons: Carter 2, Brett
For the Western Force:
Tries: Staniforth 2, Scott
Cons: James, McKay
The Blues have slumped to their second consecutive loss against the Waratahs.
In a scrappy match typical of early season encounters, the Tahs outscored the Blues by a converted penalty and conversion, with both teams running in 3 tries.
The Scorers:
For the Waratahs:
Tries: Turniui, Elsom, Hoiles
Cons: Hewat, Donnelly
Pens: Hewat 2, Donnelly
For the Blues:
Tries: Senio, Rokocoko, McAlister
Cons: Ward
Pens: McAlister 2 Click here to read full article and comments.
Waratahs 28-21 Blues
Sharks A 13-10 Bulls A
Bulls 17-3 Sharks
Cheetahs 52-11 Benetton Treviso
The Crusaders fielded a number of their All Black stars in overcoming the Force, who also used the opportunity to give Nathan Sharpe and Brendan Cannon their first hit-out of the season.
John Mitchell will be happy that his team managed to put 3 tries past the Saders.
The Scorers:
For the Crusaders:
Tries: Yates 2, McCaw, Mauger, Hamilton, Taylor
Cons: Carter 2, Brett
For the Western Force:
Tries: Staniforth 2, Scott
Cons: James, McKay
The Blues have slumped to their second consecutive loss against the Waratahs.
In a scrappy match typical of early season encounters, the Tahs outscored the Blues by a converted penalty and conversion, with both teams running in 3 tries.
The Scorers:
For the Waratahs:
Tries: Turniui, Elsom, Hoiles
Cons: Hewat, Donnelly
Pens: Hewat 2, Donnelly
For the Blues:
Tries: Senio, Rokocoko, McAlister
Cons: Ward
Pens: McAlister 2 Click here to read full article and comments.
General Discussions: Springbok arrested
Source: www.news24.com
Johannesburg - Golden Lions and Springbok rugby player Andre Pretorius was arrested and charged with drunken driving on Saturday.
Pretorius was behind the wheel when his car collided with another vehicle on the Main Road in Bryanston, Johannesburg, after 1am.
Pretorius, 27, was arrested and charged, as was the other driver.
Police spokesperson Captain Schalk Bornman said the two men were taken to Randburg police station and later released on R500 bail each.
He added that both drivers have been booked for drunken driving and will appear in the Randburg magistrate court on Monday.
Bornman said it was likely their cases would be postponed pending the finalisation and receipt of blood tests taken after the accident.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Johannesburg - Golden Lions and Springbok rugby player Andre Pretorius was arrested and charged with drunken driving on Saturday.
Pretorius was behind the wheel when his car collided with another vehicle on the Main Road in Bryanston, Johannesburg, after 1am.
Pretorius, 27, was arrested and charged, as was the other driver.
Police spokesperson Captain Schalk Bornman said the two men were taken to Randburg police station and later released on R500 bail each.
He added that both drivers have been booked for drunken driving and will appear in the Randburg magistrate court on Monday.
Bornman said it was likely their cases would be postponed pending the finalisation and receipt of blood tests taken after the accident.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Stormers being polished
Source: News24Herbert Pretorius, Die Burger
Wellington - Supporters watching the match between the Stormers and the Southern Spears on Saturday will have a preview of the Stormers team that will face the Cats in a fortnight's time in the first round of the Super 14 rugby competition.
The coach of the Cape-based team, Kobus van der Merwe says with the exception of one position, this will be the team he will take to Ellis Park.
De Wet Barry, the Stormers captain for the series, is still recovering from knee surgery, but he should be able to take his place against the Cats.
In his absence, and that of the injured Marius Joubert who may well be ready to play again by the second or third week of the series, Piet van Zyl will get more opportunity to stake his claim for a more secure spot in the side.
The Cats will no doubt send some spies to the winelands to gather some valuable video material of the home team's final dress rehearsal against the Southern Spears.
How much they will learn about the Stormers from the game against coach Pieter de Villiers' team which was thrashed 48-0 in Port Elizabeth a few weeks ago, remains to be seen.
Van der Merwe watched that game and expects the new team of the south-eastern Cape to play champagne rugby.
Training camp in Swellendam
"Our biggest challenge will be to stick to our structures from the word go and to avoid being drawn into an unnecessary mess," he said.
"That means we'll have to win good first phase ball and keep our lines of defence intact."
Van der Merwe said he was not afraid that the game would not be good preparation for the game against the Cats.
"It does not help that you play some tough games now and reach your peak within the first two or three weeks. This series is not going to be a sprint - it will be a marathon. You have to conserve gas."
The last phase of the pre-season preparation will start on Monday when they leave for a three-day camp at Swellendam.
The teams are:
Stormers: Werner Greeff, Rayno Benjamin, Piet van Zyl, Jean de Villiers, Jonghi Nokwe, Peter Grant, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Schalk Burger (c), Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Hanyani Shimange, JD Moller.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Attie Winter, Henk Eksteen, David Hendricks, Neil de Kock, Naas Olivier, Joe Pietersen.
Southern Spears: Baldwin McBean, Gershom Ramazan, Basil de Doncker, Vusumzi Mbulali, Reinhard Gerber, Isma-eel Dollie, Warren Malgas, Ashley Johnson (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Maurice Reid, Jaco du Toit, Lean Combrinck, Eugene Maqwelana, Gavin Williamson, Petros Methula.
Replacements: Wayne Bennett, Marius Mostert, Hein Potgieter, Pietie Loots, Daniel Philander, Spencer Wakeling, Ashwin Scott, Brood van der Westhuizen.
Kickoff: 18:00.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Personalities: “We won because we had outstanding players and leadership,”
“We lost our experience, leadership, and we lost direction off the pitch,” he said. “We didn’t understand what was going to happen off the pitch and we all have to examine our desire to be part of that."
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk
By: Matthew Pinsent, 3 times gold medal winner at consecutive olympics.
The England head coach talks about the task of trying to emulate the nation's finest moment
ANDY ROBINSON is in a difficult situation — he spans two eras of rugby. The first is now universally recognised as England’s shining moment, the fulfilment of every rugby fan’s dream — an away win, in dramatic style, against the much-feared Australians to clinch the Webb Ellis Cup.
If Hollywood writers produced a sports movie script about rugby union, even they might have said: “No, it really can’t finish with an open-top bus tour round London and a trip to the Palace, where everyone has tea with the Queen.”
The curse for anyone, player or coach, who was not prepared to move on is, how can that be topped? So pity poor Robinson, now the head coach, for he was in the cast for the epic and he has the challenge of trying to keep the audience interested long after the titles have rolled.
He knows exactly how the World Cup was won in 2003. “We won because we had outstanding players and leadership,” he said. “We would have shot ourselves if we hadn’t won, to be honest. I think we had a belief we could win whenever England took the pitch. It was fortress Twickenham at home, but we had it away, too.”
Many outsiders saw the dip in form that followed Sydney as just the normal cycle of sport; that once the heights had been scaled, the aftermath was bound to be less successful. But Robinson is blunt with his riposte. “We lost our experience, leadership, and we lost direction off the pitch,” he said. “We didn’t understand what was going to happen off the pitch and we all have to examine our desire to be part of that. Look at the cricketers now. Part of our culture in England is we are not great when we win something. In rugby we had to start again and get the foundations right.”
He is refreshingly honest about his appointment to succeed Sir Clive Woodward. “I felt a little out of control,” he said. “Clive left and suddenly it was, ‘Wow, it has happened’.”
I look at his deep-set, narrow eyes to see if he really means it, but nothing makes me think that he wants to swallow the statement. “Last year there were games we lost and should have won — I’d rather be blown away than that. We gave cheap scores away,” he said. “I think we had it in parts of the Six Nations, just not the belief to finish it off. In the autumn internationals it was real belief, except in the last ten minutes against New Zealand. We didn’t have it then, nor the skill to beat them, and I take responsibility for that.”
Robinson talks passionately about rugby. His predecessor was more delicate with his words and was more sure of himself, but Robinson is more likeable. If you talk off the record to an England World Cup winner, he will tell you that if Woodward had 100 ideas, 99 of them were almost certainly hogwash, but the last one was worth hearing.
“I don’t think we’ve had 100 ideas, but we are looking at some new lenses to help the players with sight and glare,” Robinson said. “We have been working on our hydration strategy and that has helped with our consistency, but you can have too many ideas. If you have the core skills, you can develop from there.”
He seems to have a firm idea of what kind of player he wants. “We have to select the consistent performers,” he said. “When we don’t know what we are going to get from a player — whether it’s a great day or a poor day — it’s difficult to coach that. Some of the experiences we’ve had with players . . . one minute a world-beater, the next he wouldn’t get picked for your second team. The player who is as good and more consistent — he’ll get picked.”
There is one theme that keeps cropping up, that of resting players from their club responsibilities before international matches. Woodward left because he could not get such an agreement and one of the reasons that the autumn internationals were so good, according to Robinson, is that, for a while at least, he did. But ask him one simple question — what is the hardest part of having his job — and it comes rushing out of him like lava.
“The frustration of not having the players,” he answers. “I love club rugby — the players have to be playing for the clubs — but for me to be negotiating all the time is damaging for the sport.
“If we get it right we could be successful for years, because the players are there. When you look at the opposition, they have enabled their players to do it (with the exception of France). That is why it has become more of a level playing field. We’ve lost the edge. We had it, but we’ve given it away.”
Of course, no film gets eclipsed by its sequel and the campaign to hold on to the World Cup, no matter what happens, is not going to be more famous than 2003. That is not going to stop us going to see it, though — expect the queue at Twickenham to be as long as ever.
But the audience is likely to be more judgmental of the products on display and the RBS Six Nations Championship of 2006 may be Robinson’s only chance to stop his critics writing it all off as a flop. In the next two months they will see if his ingredients are right. If they are not, it will not be worth watching.
Powerade is the official sports drink of the RFU and the England rugby teams Click here to read full article and comments.
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk
By: Matthew Pinsent, 3 times gold medal winner at consecutive olympics.
The England head coach talks about the task of trying to emulate the nation's finest moment
ANDY ROBINSON is in a difficult situation — he spans two eras of rugby. The first is now universally recognised as England’s shining moment, the fulfilment of every rugby fan’s dream — an away win, in dramatic style, against the much-feared Australians to clinch the Webb Ellis Cup.
If Hollywood writers produced a sports movie script about rugby union, even they might have said: “No, it really can’t finish with an open-top bus tour round London and a trip to the Palace, where everyone has tea with the Queen.”
The curse for anyone, player or coach, who was not prepared to move on is, how can that be topped? So pity poor Robinson, now the head coach, for he was in the cast for the epic and he has the challenge of trying to keep the audience interested long after the titles have rolled.
He knows exactly how the World Cup was won in 2003. “We won because we had outstanding players and leadership,” he said. “We would have shot ourselves if we hadn’t won, to be honest. I think we had a belief we could win whenever England took the pitch. It was fortress Twickenham at home, but we had it away, too.”
Many outsiders saw the dip in form that followed Sydney as just the normal cycle of sport; that once the heights had been scaled, the aftermath was bound to be less successful. But Robinson is blunt with his riposte. “We lost our experience, leadership, and we lost direction off the pitch,” he said. “We didn’t understand what was going to happen off the pitch and we all have to examine our desire to be part of that. Look at the cricketers now. Part of our culture in England is we are not great when we win something. In rugby we had to start again and get the foundations right.”
He is refreshingly honest about his appointment to succeed Sir Clive Woodward. “I felt a little out of control,” he said. “Clive left and suddenly it was, ‘Wow, it has happened’.”
I look at his deep-set, narrow eyes to see if he really means it, but nothing makes me think that he wants to swallow the statement. “Last year there were games we lost and should have won — I’d rather be blown away than that. We gave cheap scores away,” he said. “I think we had it in parts of the Six Nations, just not the belief to finish it off. In the autumn internationals it was real belief, except in the last ten minutes against New Zealand. We didn’t have it then, nor the skill to beat them, and I take responsibility for that.”
Robinson talks passionately about rugby. His predecessor was more delicate with his words and was more sure of himself, but Robinson is more likeable. If you talk off the record to an England World Cup winner, he will tell you that if Woodward had 100 ideas, 99 of them were almost certainly hogwash, but the last one was worth hearing.
“I don’t think we’ve had 100 ideas, but we are looking at some new lenses to help the players with sight and glare,” Robinson said. “We have been working on our hydration strategy and that has helped with our consistency, but you can have too many ideas. If you have the core skills, you can develop from there.”
He seems to have a firm idea of what kind of player he wants. “We have to select the consistent performers,” he said. “When we don’t know what we are going to get from a player — whether it’s a great day or a poor day — it’s difficult to coach that. Some of the experiences we’ve had with players . . . one minute a world-beater, the next he wouldn’t get picked for your second team. The player who is as good and more consistent — he’ll get picked.”
There is one theme that keeps cropping up, that of resting players from their club responsibilities before international matches. Woodward left because he could not get such an agreement and one of the reasons that the autumn internationals were so good, according to Robinson, is that, for a while at least, he did. But ask him one simple question — what is the hardest part of having his job — and it comes rushing out of him like lava.
“The frustration of not having the players,” he answers. “I love club rugby — the players have to be playing for the clubs — but for me to be negotiating all the time is damaging for the sport.
“If we get it right we could be successful for years, because the players are there. When you look at the opposition, they have enabled their players to do it (with the exception of France). That is why it has become more of a level playing field. We’ve lost the edge. We had it, but we’ve given it away.”
Of course, no film gets eclipsed by its sequel and the campaign to hold on to the World Cup, no matter what happens, is not going to be more famous than 2003. That is not going to stop us going to see it, though — expect the queue at Twickenham to be as long as ever.
But the audience is likely to be more judgmental of the products on display and the RBS Six Nations Championship of 2006 may be Robinson’s only chance to stop his critics writing it all off as a flop. In the next two months they will see if his ingredients are right. If they are not, it will not be worth watching.
Powerade is the official sports drink of the RFU and the England rugby teams Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: Injuries mounting.
Medical statistics in England and France demonstrate that rugby union is now a more intense game. The RFU’s research shows that 72 per cent of injuries occur in what is called the high-contact areas, 51 per cent in the tackle but only 6 per cent as a result of violent play.
Source: The Times
By: Gerald Davies (Former Welsh and British Lions international)
BEFORE Toulouse played Llanelli Scarlets last weekend, the French club had to travel without five of their backs, while Gareth Thomas, the Wales full back now resident in France, was carrying a heavily strapped leg. Thomas may be added to the growing list of players who are unavailable for Wales for the RBS Six Nations Championship. It is not an unfamiliar tale. Rugby is beginning to make unreasonable demands on the body.
The transition of rugby into being an “open” sport has not been without its confusion or two off the field, but the revolutionary change has achieved much in the way of creating a more dynamic sport. This has had its price.
51% of injuries occur in the tackle
Medical statistics in England and France demonstrate that rugby union is now a more intense game. The RFU’s research shows that 72 per cent of injuries occur in what is called the high-contact areas, 51 per cent in the tackle but only 6 per cent as a result of violent play.
An analysis carried out by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) in France and presented in L’Equipe, the sports daily, points out that, after the tenth round of the French championship, 108 of the 578 professional players in the two divisions were unavailable. What evidence there is from the archives suggests that whereas in the amateur days three or four players m ay not have been available to a team on any one weekend, now there are five or six. This may not present a substantial difference, but injuries nowadays are more serious.
34% of injuries occur during training
Training accounts for injuries, too. In England, 22 per cent of all training takes place before the season proper begins, with 34 per cent of all injuries occurring during this period, each injury accounting for 24 days of lost time. Recurrent injuries would mean 35 days of absence. There is little time during an intense season to recover and little respite as the close season, too, gets shorter.
Another LNR study showed that an incredible 36 per cent of injuries occurred during training in France. Thanks to a reduced workload, this has been cut to 28 per cent. The attritional nature of club training in France, according to Thomas, is a significant difference between what happens in Toulouse compared with what he has experienced on this side of the Channel.
Players are bigger, stronger, faster
The statistics prove what can be observed at every game. Players are bigger, stronger and faster, and with space to gather momentum there is greater force of impact when the bodies collide. Compared with pre-professional days, forwards are now 9kg (19lb) heavier, while the backs are 7kg (15lb) heavier. It is equally clear that there are many more tackles. What is less clear, but the analysis indicates, is that there is more “game time” today.
This means that the ball is in play for longer. The research in England shows that the ball is in play for close on 40 minutes during a full game, which is twice as much as it was in the 1970s, when rugby began to achieve a higher profile. A statistic supplied by Bourgoin indicated that the game time for the 2002-2003 season added up to 1,447 minutes, while this had increased the next season to 1,859.
12.5% chance of injury at club level, 29% at Test level
The farther up the ladder, the more likely it is for an injury to occur. There is a 12.5 per cent chance of injury in a club game, while at international level there is a 29 per cent chance. On average, a club will have 18 per cent of players unavailable for selection.
France intends to organise a World Medical Congress in 2007, the year it hosts the World Cup. It will be the third such tournament since 1995, when professionalism came into being. In that time, training and preparation have grown increasingly more sophisticated.
The present analysis has been conducted by those nations that have been able to afford to embrace the concept of fully professional players, with the time, the advice and the facilities at their disposal. The power and physique of one team is more or less matched with the other. In the World Cup, a discrepancy will exist between the finely tuned leading countries and those who are less prepared. This imbalance is not an encouragingly wholesome scenario.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Source: The Times
By: Gerald Davies (Former Welsh and British Lions international)
BEFORE Toulouse played Llanelli Scarlets last weekend, the French club had to travel without five of their backs, while Gareth Thomas, the Wales full back now resident in France, was carrying a heavily strapped leg. Thomas may be added to the growing list of players who are unavailable for Wales for the RBS Six Nations Championship. It is not an unfamiliar tale. Rugby is beginning to make unreasonable demands on the body.
The transition of rugby into being an “open” sport has not been without its confusion or two off the field, but the revolutionary change has achieved much in the way of creating a more dynamic sport. This has had its price.
51% of injuries occur in the tackle
Medical statistics in England and France demonstrate that rugby union is now a more intense game. The RFU’s research shows that 72 per cent of injuries occur in what is called the high-contact areas, 51 per cent in the tackle but only 6 per cent as a result of violent play.
An analysis carried out by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) in France and presented in L’Equipe, the sports daily, points out that, after the tenth round of the French championship, 108 of the 578 professional players in the two divisions were unavailable. What evidence there is from the archives suggests that whereas in the amateur days three or four players m ay not have been available to a team on any one weekend, now there are five or six. This may not present a substantial difference, but injuries nowadays are more serious.
34% of injuries occur during training
Training accounts for injuries, too. In England, 22 per cent of all training takes place before the season proper begins, with 34 per cent of all injuries occurring during this period, each injury accounting for 24 days of lost time. Recurrent injuries would mean 35 days of absence. There is little time during an intense season to recover and little respite as the close season, too, gets shorter.
Another LNR study showed that an incredible 36 per cent of injuries occurred during training in France. Thanks to a reduced workload, this has been cut to 28 per cent. The attritional nature of club training in France, according to Thomas, is a significant difference between what happens in Toulouse compared with what he has experienced on this side of the Channel.
Players are bigger, stronger, faster
The statistics prove what can be observed at every game. Players are bigger, stronger and faster, and with space to gather momentum there is greater force of impact when the bodies collide. Compared with pre-professional days, forwards are now 9kg (19lb) heavier, while the backs are 7kg (15lb) heavier. It is equally clear that there are many more tackles. What is less clear, but the analysis indicates, is that there is more “game time” today.
This means that the ball is in play for longer. The research in England shows that the ball is in play for close on 40 minutes during a full game, which is twice as much as it was in the 1970s, when rugby began to achieve a higher profile. A statistic supplied by Bourgoin indicated that the game time for the 2002-2003 season added up to 1,447 minutes, while this had increased the next season to 1,859.
12.5% chance of injury at club level, 29% at Test level
The farther up the ladder, the more likely it is for an injury to occur. There is a 12.5 per cent chance of injury in a club game, while at international level there is a 29 per cent chance. On average, a club will have 18 per cent of players unavailable for selection.
France intends to organise a World Medical Congress in 2007, the year it hosts the World Cup. It will be the third such tournament since 1995, when professionalism came into being. In that time, training and preparation have grown increasingly more sophisticated.
The present analysis has been conducted by those nations that have been able to afford to embrace the concept of fully professional players, with the time, the advice and the facilities at their disposal. The power and physique of one team is more or less matched with the other. In the World Cup, a discrepancy will exist between the finely tuned leading countries and those who are less prepared. This imbalance is not an encouragingly wholesome scenario.
Click here to read full article and comments.
International Teams: Self-analysis shows why Wallabies are struggling
Source: Mail & Guardian
A statistical analysis of the Wallaby performance in 2005 shows that the side "remains numer one in defence" but are deficient compared with their rivals when it comes to restarts, offloads, lineouts and - of course! - scrummaging.
Picture: Gary Flowers, ARU Chief
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief Gary Flowers said the review of the past season, in which the Wallabies lost eight of their nine last matches, was nearing completion
and had already influenced selectors tasked with picking a replacement for sacked coach Eddie Jones.
Jones had frequently declared that the injury-plagued Wallabies were close to overcoming their weaknesses, but Flowers said the review had found otherwise.
The ARU statistics showed the Wallabies ranked just 10th in winning their own lineouts and fifth in stealing their opponents' lineouts. They ranked sixth in getting quality ball from scrums, seventh in restart receptions and sixth in offloads.
On the other side of the balance sheet, the Australians ranked first in creating line breaks and in tackle contest dominance in both attack and defence.
Flowers said the ARU was confident the new Wallaby coach -- due to be named next month and widely expected to be former Queensland Reds coach John Connolly -- would be able to sort out the team's problems. Click here to read full article and comments.
Six Nations: 'Triple Crown' is now a trophy
Source: RugbyHeaven
For the first time this season the winners of the Six Nations's Triple Crown will receive a trophy. The Triple Crown is 'won' if one of the Home Nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) beats all the others during the course of a Six Nations (previously Five Nations) Championship.
The competition kicks off next weekend.
Up until now it has been something of a mythic prize. However this season, in addition to the Six Nations trophy itself, a new silver dish will be on offer during a tournament which starts a week on Saturday when Ireland host Italy and world champions England entertain Six Nations title holders Wales.
"For such a long-running and much contested prize in rugby, it may seem quite surprising that no physical trophy for the Triple Crown has ever been adopted by the Home Unions," Six Nations chief executive John Feehan said on Wednesday.
"To now have something that is tangible and so impressive will add greatly to the already ultra-competitive environment of the Six Nations Championship."
MORE HEADLINES FROM http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/
Wales can beat the odds again, says coach
Wales coach Mike Ruddock is confident his side can repeat last season's stunning Six Nations grand slam even though their first match of the tournament is away to world champions England at Twickenham, where they have not won in 18 years.
Scots brimming with belief, but fans skeptical
Scotland coach Frank Hadden has insisted that better days are ahead for the team's long-suffering fans.
Grand slam a big ask: O'Driscoll
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has written off Welsh chances of a Six Nations grand slam repeat and warned that an unbeaten run is a near impossibility for any side in this year's competition.
Italy aims for one win from five
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has set his sights on the modest target of one victory in this year's Six Nations tournament.
Injured Castaignede faces Six Nations battle
French international centre Thomas Castaignede faces a Six Nations fitness battle after suffering a thigh injury in Saracens' 43-13 European Cup defeat at Biarritz on Saturday.
Dallaglio back for England
World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio has won a return to international rugby when he was named in England's Six Nations training squad.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday, February 4
Ireland v Italy Landsdowne Rd, Dublin 13:30 GMT
England v Wales Twickenham, London 15:30 GMT
Sunday, February 5:
Scotland v France Murrayfield, Edinburgh 15:00 GMT
Other sports: FIA greenlights Super Aguri
Source: www.motoring.co.za
By Alan Baldwin
London, England - Formula 1 will have 11 teams this season after the sport's governing body confirmed Japan's Super Aguri as a new entrant on Thursday (January 16).
The Honda-powered team's application was initially rejected after a $48-million (about R293-million) bond was not paid by a November deadline; its arrival now puts 22 cars on the starting grid for the first time since the demise of Arrows in late 2002.
The last newcomer, in a sport where the top teams spend well in excess of $200-million (R1.2-billion) a year, was Japanese car giant Toyota in 2002.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement: "The FIA has accepted the late entry of the Super Aguri F1 team to the 2006 FIA Formula 1 world championship, following receipt of the necessary financial guarantee and with the unanimous support of the competing teams.
Former Japanese racer Aguri Suzuki, the team principal and founder, welcomed the news.
"I am thankful for the support we received from all of the other F1 teams and we look forward to seeing them soon," he said.
"Our team members are doing their best to make sure that we are on the grid in Bahrain - and I am confident that we will make it."
Super Aguri has taken over the old Arrows factory in Oxfordshire, in central England, and is racing against time to be ready for the start of the season on March 12.
It has yet to name any race drivers, although one of the two is certain to be Japan's Takuma Sato after he was dropped last year by BAR - now renamed as Honda Racing F1.
Suzuki himself started 88 Grands Prix and was the first Japanese to stand on a Formula 1 podium; he said last year his goal was to build a team that Sato would want to drive for. A number of other Japanese drivers have been linked to the fledgling team and Suzuki said an announcement would be made soon.
Suzuki's partner Fumio Akita said: "Final negotiations are still under way, but Sato will probably drive in the team's No1 car."
Akita said the team was also in negotiation with several other drivers from Japan, Europe, and North American.
Honda's British test driver Anthony Davidson could be an eventual option, although Honda wants him as its Friday tester at grand prix weekends.
Super Aguri is working on a new car but intends to start the season with old Arrows bought from ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. Japan's Bridgestone have been approached for tyres.
Team managing director Daniele Audetto said: "Of course we do not expect to be on the pace straight away.
"We will use the first GPs to train the team before our definitive car reaches the track."
Honda engines
Honda is providing the engines but will otherwise concentrate on its own team.
Honda team boss Nick Fry said in Wednesday in Barcelona: "They share an engine - but at the moment we are focused on doing the best we can and can't be distracted from that."
Suzuki has in any case ruled out being a Honda "B" team: "We are a Japanese team, that's very important," he said, "but we aren't Honda's B team by any means.
"Our goal is to see the Japanese flag raised above the podium." - Reuters
Click here to read full article and comments.
General Discussions: Carpe Diem.
As harsh as it must seem, there is no point crying over what might have been. In sport, the imponderables are so numerous that to let them prey on the mind would drive an athlete insane. It is how we react to these twists of fate that determines greatness.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
By: Will Greenwood, England and Lions centre.
Where is the other you right now? The you that made the tube, not the you that sprinted and arrived as the doors slammed shut. The you that went left and avoided the M25, not the you that is stuck at junction 15 in the world's largest car park.
We all do it, wondering what life would be like if we had made different decisions at key moments. Sport is no different. What would have happened last summer if Brett Lee had smashed Steve Harmison's full toss for four instead of a single, only to watch Michael Kasprowicz get out in the same over, losing the match and levelling the Ashes series. Would a million people have welcomed Steven Gerrard's Liverpool home with the European Cup if the referee had judged that Luis Garcia's goal had not in fact crossed the line against Chelsea in that pulsating semi-final? And, on a personal note, would I have ever won a Lions Test cap if Brian O'Driscoll had not gone into 'that' ruck?
The sporting commentator labels them 'what ifs', the unanswerable questions that prey on the mind for those who end up on the wrong side of those decisions. Such turning points can give victors the confidence to go on to great things, but only if they refuse to dwell on the fact that it could so easily have been different.
The Heineken Cup has thrown up many of these conundrums, not least now with Perpignan and the split-second decision that forced them to travel to play Munster, possibly in the impenetrable fortress that is Thomond Park. And how did the French end up with the unenviable task of a quarter-final in Ireland, rather than finishing as top dog and earning the right to play in front of thousands of Catalans in Barcelona as they had planned?
It is all down to twists of fate and split-second decisions that would have even the most hardened sadist wincing in sympathy.
Just before Christmas, Perpignan were six points up at Headingley and well into injury time when Leeds grabbed a lifeline by scoring a try wide out on the right. The Leeds fly-half, Gordon Ross, was presented with a tough conversion to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. He settled himself, went through his usual routine and promptly pulled his attempt so far off target that it almost flew over midwicket and into the adjoining Test match arena.
It seemed like glory for Perpignan and the important home advantage in the next rounds had been all but secured. Well, not quite, and up popped one of those decisions that have the French muttering darkly about Anglo-Saxon conspiracies. Ross was to get another chance at becoming a hero, because the referee decided there had been an infringement as Perpignan charged the conversion. It's not that different to football, when a referee judges the goalkeeper to have moved before a penalty has been taken. The only thing is, in rugby this does not happen every other game. In fact, I am not sure I have ever seen it happen before. It is one of those decisions that a referee is well within his rights to make but very rarely does.
Perpignan by now must have sensed that they would have been better off staying in bed. Ross went through his preparations a second time, but you could have blindfolded him and tied one leg to the other, he was never going to miss. In that instant the 'other' Perpignan stepped forward, the team who could see how much greener the grass was on the other side of the fence.
As harsh as it must seem, there is no point crying over what might have been. In sport, the imponderables are so numerous that to let them prey on the mind would drive an athlete insane. It is how we react to these twists of fate that determines greatness.
The cricket boys saw the opportunity they had to win the Ashes and snatched it with both hands. Liverpool showed their class by going 3-0 down in the final and still bringing home the trophy. And O'Driscoll? He has bided his time and put in the groundwork. He has trained away from the big crowds and the flashing lights, and reappeared on the European stage last week in the most emphatic of ways, playing brilliantly.
Martin Johnson's boys of 2003 had their own moments, not least when, seconds from glory in normal time, Australian fly-half Elton Flatley stepped forward and converted a penalty that many claim should never have been given. Argue the point for as long as you want, it made no difference at the time, and we had no choice but to play on and send the whole nation behind the sofas for the last 20 minutes.
Forget about ifs, should haves or coulds. They are an irrelevance. It does not matter what the other you is up to. In sport when an opportunity comes along, grab it with everything you have, do not let go and enjoy the moment wherever it takes you. For Perpignan, the journey is to Ireland and, as with the other teams in the quarter-finals, destiny will be in their own hands. Fail to concentrate on the here and now, and there is a good chance that, come May, the other you will be wondering about what might have been. Click here to read full article and comments.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
By: Will Greenwood, England and Lions centre.
Where is the other you right now? The you that made the tube, not the you that sprinted and arrived as the doors slammed shut. The you that went left and avoided the M25, not the you that is stuck at junction 15 in the world's largest car park.
We all do it, wondering what life would be like if we had made different decisions at key moments. Sport is no different. What would have happened last summer if Brett Lee had smashed Steve Harmison's full toss for four instead of a single, only to watch Michael Kasprowicz get out in the same over, losing the match and levelling the Ashes series. Would a million people have welcomed Steven Gerrard's Liverpool home with the European Cup if the referee had judged that Luis Garcia's goal had not in fact crossed the line against Chelsea in that pulsating semi-final? And, on a personal note, would I have ever won a Lions Test cap if Brian O'Driscoll had not gone into 'that' ruck?
The sporting commentator labels them 'what ifs', the unanswerable questions that prey on the mind for those who end up on the wrong side of those decisions. Such turning points can give victors the confidence to go on to great things, but only if they refuse to dwell on the fact that it could so easily have been different.
The Heineken Cup has thrown up many of these conundrums, not least now with Perpignan and the split-second decision that forced them to travel to play Munster, possibly in the impenetrable fortress that is Thomond Park. And how did the French end up with the unenviable task of a quarter-final in Ireland, rather than finishing as top dog and earning the right to play in front of thousands of Catalans in Barcelona as they had planned?
It is all down to twists of fate and split-second decisions that would have even the most hardened sadist wincing in sympathy.
Just before Christmas, Perpignan were six points up at Headingley and well into injury time when Leeds grabbed a lifeline by scoring a try wide out on the right. The Leeds fly-half, Gordon Ross, was presented with a tough conversion to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. He settled himself, went through his usual routine and promptly pulled his attempt so far off target that it almost flew over midwicket and into the adjoining Test match arena.
It seemed like glory for Perpignan and the important home advantage in the next rounds had been all but secured. Well, not quite, and up popped one of those decisions that have the French muttering darkly about Anglo-Saxon conspiracies. Ross was to get another chance at becoming a hero, because the referee decided there had been an infringement as Perpignan charged the conversion. It's not that different to football, when a referee judges the goalkeeper to have moved before a penalty has been taken. The only thing is, in rugby this does not happen every other game. In fact, I am not sure I have ever seen it happen before. It is one of those decisions that a referee is well within his rights to make but very rarely does.
Perpignan by now must have sensed that they would have been better off staying in bed. Ross went through his preparations a second time, but you could have blindfolded him and tied one leg to the other, he was never going to miss. In that instant the 'other' Perpignan stepped forward, the team who could see how much greener the grass was on the other side of the fence.
As harsh as it must seem, there is no point crying over what might have been. In sport, the imponderables are so numerous that to let them prey on the mind would drive an athlete insane. It is how we react to these twists of fate that determines greatness.
The cricket boys saw the opportunity they had to win the Ashes and snatched it with both hands. Liverpool showed their class by going 3-0 down in the final and still bringing home the trophy. And O'Driscoll? He has bided his time and put in the groundwork. He has trained away from the big crowds and the flashing lights, and reappeared on the European stage last week in the most emphatic of ways, playing brilliantly.
Martin Johnson's boys of 2003 had their own moments, not least when, seconds from glory in normal time, Australian fly-half Elton Flatley stepped forward and converted a penalty that many claim should never have been given. Argue the point for as long as you want, it made no difference at the time, and we had no choice but to play on and send the whole nation behind the sofas for the last 20 minutes.
Forget about ifs, should haves or coulds. They are an irrelevance. It does not matter what the other you is up to. In sport when an opportunity comes along, grab it with everything you have, do not let go and enjoy the moment wherever it takes you. For Perpignan, the journey is to Ireland and, as with the other teams in the quarter-finals, destiny will be in their own hands. Fail to concentrate on the here and now, and there is a good chance that, come May, the other you will be wondering about what might have been. Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: RIP Maurice Colclough
Source: The Daily Telegraph
By Mick Cleary
The former England and Lions lock, Maurice Colclough, has died aged 52. He had been ill for some time, fighting a brain tumour that was finally to lay low one of the most powerful men ever to play rugby.
Colclough, a central figure in the 1980 Grand Slam side, made his England debut in the 15-0 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield in 1978.
"I remember him sitting there beforehand with a pair of scissors in his hand," said former prop Fran Cotton, a colleague at both Lancashire and England. "His calf muscles were so flamin' big that he had to cut the side of his socks to get them on. He was without doubt the strongest scrummager I ever came across. He wasn't the most co-ordinated, mind. He broke my nose on a couple of occasions, those elbows and knees going everywhere as he piled in.
"Maurice was a character, one who lived life to the full. I'm not sure the modern game, with its uniform ways, would have suited. He was a real free spirit. It's all very sad, it really is. Maurice had been suffering for some time. A lesser man would have gone a while ago but he fought like hell."
Colclough had a rover's inclinations. He played for Sussex and Lancashire, as well as East Grinstead, Wasps and Swansea. Cotton remembers him pitching up for his first game wearing a bedraggled RAF greatcoat, suitable garb for the Liverpool University student that he was.
"All the gossip was about how he might end up in jail," Cotton said. "The Dublin police were after him for having dived into the Liffey stark naked when on tour. The thought of the Gardai waiting to apprehend this ginger-haired monster as he emerged had us in stitches. I think he got off with a fine and the Gardai with their lives."
Myths of mad moments and dangerous deeds followed Colclough around. There was talk that he helped dig the Mersey tunnel when a student. There was a story, too, of him doing his damnedest to make a Sussex game against Eastern Counties, only to miss the flight and be found hitching a lift at Spaghetti Junction.
He had a varied CV, upping sticks to go to Angouleme, where he ran a bar, Le Liverpool, also overseeing a boat and slot-machine business. He ran a similar operation when he moved back to Swansea. In recent years he had lived in South Africa before returning latterly to Cardiff.
"Maurice should have been a wild, colonial boy from another age," said another former England Grand Slam team-mate, Roger Uttley. "He was a rough diamond but a really good bloke. He was an entrepreneur, rugby's Arthur Daley. Top man."
Colclough won 25 caps for England in an eight-year career. He played eight Tests for the Lions, in South Africa in 1980 and New Zealand three years later. His captain on that first trip was Bill Beaumont, who packed down alongside him for England.
"Maurice made a massive contribution to all the teams he played for," Beaumont said. "He had a huge heart and will be greatly missed."
Colclough is survived by his wife, Annie, and five children. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Personalities: Fancy a Schalk Burger swimming costume?
Young Schalk Burger, the Western Province, Stormers and Springbok sensation has revealed that he will be releasing a designer pair of rugby boots.
According to Lucille Botha of Die Burger and www.news24.com , Schalk has been sitting down with a team from Puma to conceive, design and plan the launch.
Die Burger reports that the boots will be Puma trade marked.
Schalk, like other instantly recognisable international stars of their own sports, such as Michael Johnson, Ian Thorpe and Thierry Henri, is taking advantage of his meteoric rise to cash in on the commercial opportunities available in the relatively short career of an international rugby player.
He has been quoted as saying he has a "few more things in the pipeline."
So, don't be surprised to be pestered by your son for a pair of Schalk Burger Pumas boots for his birthday! Click here to read full article and comments.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Rugby administration: Brian defies rumours
Source: Rugby365.com
Article by Jan de Koning
'I am determined to go to the polls'
Controversial South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Brian van Rooyen has taken the extraordinary step of issuing a formal statement to deny that he is quitting the presidency race ahead of the union's general meeting next month.
Apart from the challenge of KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) president Oregon Hoskins, who will oppose him in the battle for the SARU presidency at the union's general meeting on February 24, Van Rooyen is also facing a government driven enquiry into allegations that he is guilty on numerous charges of maladministration and breaches of SARU's code of conduct.
Despite making it clear in several media interviews in recent weeks that he will "fight to the bitter end", Van Rooyen on Thursday felt the need to issue a formal statement.
In the statement Van Rooyen strongly denied "recent speculation" that he is no longer available to stand for the position of President of SARU in the upcoming election on February 24.
"It is completely unfounded and untrue. I am determined to clear my name of all allegations," Van Rooyen said in the statement. "I will be standing for the presidency and I will not be entering into any deals with people.
"There is a democratic process that we have to adhere to and respect. I am determined to go to the polls," Van Rooyen added.
The statement did not make it clear what the source of this "recent speculation" is and whether it is just in reaction to recent reports.
Van Rooyen did not answer his phone and did not return any of this website's calls, thus making it impossible to determine what "speculation" he is referring to.
A couple of phone calls to informed sources at SARU suggested new rumours about "secret deals" started to do the rounds on Thursday, but none of these could be confirmed.
* Meanwhile it is reported that Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl and other senior officials at the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) will meet with a SARU delegation next week in an attempt to find a solution in the stand-off between the two organisations over internationals fixtures.
The Sharks feel they are being penalised for opposing Van Rooyen and have been denied the right to host a prime Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks.
Durban has been awarded the right to host a Test against Scotland, while officials feel they should - according top an informal rotation policy - be awarded an All Black Tri-Nations Test.
That Test (against the All Blacks) have instead gone to the Leopards - who have in James Stoffberg a known supporter of Van Rooyen.
The Sharks CEO and other officials are to meet with four members of the SA Rugby board to discuss the decision to shift the All Black Test away from Durban this year and the lop-sided Super 14 draw.
The Sharks delegation (including Van Zyl) will meet with SA Rugby board chairman Dolf van Huysteen, Ali Bacher (representative of the sponsors), board member Mpumelelo Tshumi and managing director Johan Prinsloo.
The Sharks have hinted at taking legal action in the matter and the meeting next week is to broker a piece deal.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sports: Donald stays!!!!!!!
Submitted by wpw
Allan Donald has withdrawn his application for the post of England bowling coach after being assured of his place in South Africa's hierarchy.
The former fast bowler, 39, had blamed his application on his frustration with the South Africa structure.
But he said in a statement: "I have given much thought to the matter, and have withdrawn my application.
"My heart lies with South African cricket, and I want to do everything I can to make us the best in the world." Troy Cooley finishes his contract as England bowling coach on 1 May to take up a similar job with Australia.
The closing date for applications is Friday and interviews will take place on 11 February.
Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson and Somerset's academy Kevin Shine are thought to be leading candidates.
Donald's change of heart came after what was described as a "full and frank discussion" with Cricket South Africa bosses Gerald Majola and Vince van der Bijl.
"I will also be writing to the board of Cricket South Africa to apologise for making a public statement about my England application before discussing the matter," added Donald, who is under contract until May 2007.
"I want to put the whole matter behind me, and carry on working with the high performance structures in South Africa."
Donald's current job as specialist bowling coach involves identifying and grooming promising young fast bowlers, and to assist established bowlers if they lose form.
He will also be available on request to help out with the national team.
Click here to read full article and comments.
General Discussions: The Magic Whistle Blower
Source: The Times
Today is the 250th anniversary Of Wolfgang Mozart's birth date.
Salzburg gets wild about Wolfgang
The Austrian city made famous by Mozart is gearing up for a year-long celebration of it's prodigal son's music. Tim Hames is your guide
IT IS NOT unusual for a city to have a favourite son. It is, though, rare for a city to become virtually a shrine to a single individual. Yet that is the relationship between Salzburg and Mozart. This part of Austria is so devoted to the composer who was born, raised and lived much of his life here that it seems almost impolite to note that he spent his final years, and then died, in Vienna.
Other figures have lived here, and it is acceptable to mention Johann Michael Hayden. But suggest that The Sound of Music, much of which was filmed in and around Salzburg, might represent an alternative claim to fame and there is the risk of being run out of town. Salzburg wants to be remembered for The Magic Flute, not Edelweiss.
Yet even by these high standards of homage, next year will be exceptional. The 250th anniversary of the great man’s birth will be marked by Salzburg with intensity and style. If there is ever a moment for anybody who is remotely interested in the man to take a trip to this musical centre, then it will come in 2006. There will be nothing like it again until, well, the 250th anniversary of his death in 2041.
Salzburg is not an in-your-face sort of place and the mood is one of discreet enthusiasm rather than brash showmanship. The branding for Mozart 2006 is everywhere, but in the form of modest logos across a range of publications — not on vast posters or hoardings. It is as if those running the London Olympic bid had decided to press their case by printing their message on the back of matchboxes rather than putting up banners across the capital.
In a sense, Salzburg’s proud obsession with its musical genius almost gives the impression that the city has nothing to offer but the memory of the man himself. But this is hardly an accurate picture of one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Even if Mozart had, heresy of heresies, seen the light of day somewhere else, Salzburg would be well worth the effort to visit.
The city is neatly divided by the River Salzach. On one side is the historic older part, dominated by the staggering Hohensalzburg, the largest completely preserved fortress in Europe, which dates from 1077. This can be reached by a testing climb involving several hundred steps — and preferably a private oxygen supply — or via a swift cable railway journey.
The section of the city is also the home of the Residenz — living quarters of Salzburg’s archbishops — state rooms and art gallery, an exceptional cathedral, museums, concert halls and, for those of a less cultured bent, the Stiegl’s Brauwelt (the world of beer).
The other Salzburg, comparatively modern and racy (there are cars), is on the other bank of the river. Most of the major hotels are clustered here, many around the enchanting gardens of the Mirabell Palace, which featured in the film whose name it is unwise to mention loudly.
Cleanliness and convenience are as apparent as in the more traditional half of the city. And although Salzburg has what appears to be an admirable public transport system, two legs remain the best way of seeing what is on offer.
There is much to do, even if one has little interest in classical music. But it is the presence of Mozart that dominates. He even manages to unite what is otherwise a sharp divide between the two sections of the city. His birthplace is on one bank of the river (in the old town), while the more spacious set of rooms that his family acquired once he had become a sensation is on the other. Both are open to the public.
Neither is remotely tacky. The Mozart Geburtshaus (birthplace) is, in reality, a display about his early years located in a cluster of rooms in front of the university area, respectful to the point of deferential. The Mozart-Wohnhaus, his base when not on the road between 1773 and 1780, is similarly informative.
Enthusiasts for Mozart are rather different from teenage fans of a here-today, gone- tomorrow boy band. Those I saw were knowledgeable and fascinated to glean what they could about what in his surroundings might have influenced the man and his music. Strangers would strike up quiet conversations about their observations of the exhibits. Madame Tussauds this is not.
This would be a lot of Mozart at the best of times, but the composer’s two homes, the concert halls and the Mozartplatz will compete for visitors during the anniversary celebrations. The Salzburg Provincial Museum will open the grand rooms of the New Building of the Residenz on January 27, the anniversary of his birth, and, for 12 months, will stage what promises to be the most extensive exhibition on the life and work of Mozart ever put on by any institution anywhere.
Salzburg next year is expected to attract two or three times the number of tourists that it normally receives, but the extra visits will be spread evenly across several months and will not make high summer an unbearably busy experience. Those who book within the next three months should still be able to stay at the hotels they want at the time they desire. I would not leave it much later than Christmas to secure a firm reservation.
If next year is anything like the success that Salzburg hopes and expects then the longer-term consequences for the city could be considerable. This is a place that is barely 90 minutes from London, packed with more than enough to do for a long weekend, but which has not yet become an established part of the short-break scene for the British. My bet is that anyone going to visit for the anniversary will be tempted to visit again — just so long as they don’t mention Julie Andrews. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Administration: Probe into Van Rooyen gathers momentum
Reportedly the Minister of Sport, Rev Makhenkesi Stofile, has been getting briefings over the last two days into the scope of the investigation of SA Rugby and it's President, Brian van Rooyen.
As you will no doubt recall, Judge King was initially appointed to lead the investigation but withdrew. His position being taken by retired Judge, Joos Hefer, after a request from appeal court judge Lex Mpati, who serves on SA Rugby's disciplinary committee.
The president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Jannie Ferreira, has been tasked with briefing the Minister and it is reported that agreement has been reached about the nature of the investigation.
One of the Minister's gripes about the previous investigation was over not being kept informed on the progress of the probe.
Ferriera has said, "An agreement has been reached about the ground rules for the investigation. The investigation can start when both parties decide they're ready."
"SA Rugby has asked advocate Nick Treurnicht to compile a charge sheet and hand it to judge Hefer. This is in conjunction to the investigation completed by advocate Jannie Lubbe last year.
"All that documentation forms part of the investigation."
"The minister has not insisted on anything, apart from a request that he's kept informed. All the necessary documents will also be at his disposal. He was previously not kept informed, but it was my duty the past few days to supply him with all the details."
Professor Ferreira is the President of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the union at which Brian van Rooyen was previously a vice-President. The GLRU Chief Executive at the time of Van Rooyen's election was Johan Prinsloo.
It is not a certainty that the investigation will be complete by the time SARU's election is held.
Van Rooyen will be opposed by the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) president, Oregan Hoskins, a lawyer by profession, who is believed to have the support of government, the sponsors and the bigger unions. The election will indicate whether he has the vital rugby support required from the smaller unions.
Like Van Rooyen, Hoskins was a lock and flank in his playing days, as was Louis Luyt coincidentally, however it would appear that the similarities end there. Hoskins has been quoted on IOL as saying, "This shouldn't be about a personal battle but rather about rugby," and, “There is too much negativity surrounding our rugby,” he told the Cape Times. “Rugby cannot prosper if it is rocked by one scandal after another. My motivation for standing is to do what I can to improve rugby’s image.”
Van Rooyen has been quoted in the Cape Times as saying, "I'm ready for a fight, Meneer!"
The question is, does South African rugby really need any more fighting? Click here to read full article and comments.
As you will no doubt recall, Judge King was initially appointed to lead the investigation but withdrew. His position being taken by retired Judge, Joos Hefer, after a request from appeal court judge Lex Mpati, who serves on SA Rugby's disciplinary committee.
The president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Jannie Ferreira, has been tasked with briefing the Minister and it is reported that agreement has been reached about the nature of the investigation.
One of the Minister's gripes about the previous investigation was over not being kept informed on the progress of the probe.
Ferriera has said, "An agreement has been reached about the ground rules for the investigation. The investigation can start when both parties decide they're ready."
"SA Rugby has asked advocate Nick Treurnicht to compile a charge sheet and hand it to judge Hefer. This is in conjunction to the investigation completed by advocate Jannie Lubbe last year.
"All that documentation forms part of the investigation."
"The minister has not insisted on anything, apart from a request that he's kept informed. All the necessary documents will also be at his disposal. He was previously not kept informed, but it was my duty the past few days to supply him with all the details."
Professor Ferreira is the President of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the union at which Brian van Rooyen was previously a vice-President. The GLRU Chief Executive at the time of Van Rooyen's election was Johan Prinsloo.
It is not a certainty that the investigation will be complete by the time SARU's election is held.
Van Rooyen will be opposed by the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) president, Oregan Hoskins, a lawyer by profession, who is believed to have the support of government, the sponsors and the bigger unions. The election will indicate whether he has the vital rugby support required from the smaller unions.
Like Van Rooyen, Hoskins was a lock and flank in his playing days, as was Louis Luyt coincidentally, however it would appear that the similarities end there. Hoskins has been quoted on IOL as saying, "This shouldn't be about a personal battle but rather about rugby," and, “There is too much negativity surrounding our rugby,” he told the Cape Times. “Rugby cannot prosper if it is rocked by one scandal after another. My motivation for standing is to do what I can to improve rugby’s image.”
Van Rooyen has been quoted in the Cape Times as saying, "I'm ready for a fight, Meneer!"
The question is, does South African rugby really need any more fighting? Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Focus on Waratahs
Source: thesilverfern.com
Article by Lee Grant
NSW had their best season in professional rugby last year, and Sydneysiders will be expecting much the same in 2006. But the Waratahs will miss experienced players more than people think.
Changes
NSW had the 2nd best lineout in the 2005 S12, but Harrison will be sorely missed there this year. Cannon’s absence will be regretted also, because when Freier started things went wrong at scrum time.
MacKay played some good flyhalf footie at the Super12 level last year and coach McKenzie was pissed that he went west, but either Norton-Knight or Donnelly should do the job well enough unless Link opts for Rogers there, despite his not having a wide pass.
Grey will be missed because his reading of defensive play in the midfield was so important to the NSW 2005 season. His missing leadership, plus that of Cannon and Harrison will bring NSW back to the pack.
This season we Sydney fans will be getting our first Super viewings of hooker Polota-Nau, no.8 Houston and scrummie Holmes, who are all looked upon as future starting Wallabies; in fact, TPN has already played for Oz from the bench. The other two won’t get a lot of game time, but it will be interesting if they do.
Strengths
Backline Depth: Despite losing MacKay and Grey, NSW will have, arguably, the best backline depth of any team in the Super14 because of the acquisition of Sailor, Sheehan, Holmes and Norton-Knight, the discovery that Tuqiri can play 13 and Rogers 10, plus the availability of Academy players like Halangahu if injuries occur.
Back row: The cover for 6 and 8 is as impressive as backline depth with Elsom, Hoiles, Houston, Lyons, Palu and Caldwell all vying for 2 spots. Waugh is the only specialist fetcher but hooker Freier is a de facto fetcher anyway and if Waugh is absent, Freier will start and one of the 6s will play 7.
Coaching: The NSWRU breathed a sigh of relief when McKenzie said he wouldn’t apply for the Oz job and signed up through to 2008 the other day. Sometimes I don’t think his game plans are appropriate but there is no doubt that he lifted the Waratahs to another level in 2005, nor is there any question whether or not the players are behind him.
Weaknesses
Lineout: Harrison, last year's NSW lineout leader, has gone offshore and if Vickerman is not fit to start the season, or gets injured, it will be ugly. Kanaar or Caldwell will do their best but they are not elite lineout men.
Lack of depth: Like a lot of Oz teams, the tight five lacks depth and although their best 5 will hold their own most of the time at the Super14 level, the backups are very raw.
Rustiness: 9 of the Waratahs likely starters were Wallaby regulars on the EOYT and so were constrained from doing early S14 training or playing in the first 2 trial matches. They will be over-training to get fitness back so there will be some leg-weariness in the first few games.
Draw
Not a particularly good or bad draw.
Questions
Will the Waratahs tight five forwards stay healthy to disguise their lack of depth there? Who will play where in the backline?
Look out for
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau We have seen his ball-playing skills in cameos on the Wallabies EOYT, but look forward to see the young man put on some hard hits. Also look for: Lote Tuqiri as outside centre and Mat Rogers as flyhalf.
Prediction
NSW will be the Oz team least affected by defections to the WForce and overseas but the likely deterioration in leadership and at lineout time might see them dropping a couple of places, but still making the finals. 4th
Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: Splinters attract no moss, or experience.
A few days ago Rugga World brought you the story of Australia's difficulties in capturing a coach. One of the nascent issues facing any aspiring coach would have been the 'problem' of what to do at scrumhalf. It looks like that issue has gone halfway to solving itself.
Waratahs captain Chris Whitaker will join a European club after the Super 14 rugby season, and is unlikely to play for the Wallabies again.
The decision by the veteran of 31 tests and two World Cup campaigns, will have major implications for Australia's 2007 World Cup plans.
It could increase the chances of veteran Wallaby skipper and halfback George Gregan being retained . Whitaker, 31, will become the Waratahs' most capped player if he plays all Super 14 matches.
Information source: New Zealand Herald. Click here to read full article and comments.
Waratahs captain Chris Whitaker will join a European club after the Super 14 rugby season, and is unlikely to play for the Wallabies again.
The decision by the veteran of 31 tests and two World Cup campaigns, will have major implications for Australia's 2007 World Cup plans.
It could increase the chances of veteran Wallaby skipper and halfback George Gregan being retained . Whitaker, 31, will become the Waratahs' most capped player if he plays all Super 14 matches.
Information source: New Zealand Herald. Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: Play golf, win the Webb-Ellis Trophy. Simple.
HERE is England’s secret weapon for the next rugby union World Cup: a seven-iron. And the golf club will not be used to cause an injury to Dan Carter, New Zealand’s star fly half.
By Patrick Kidd
Source: The Times, www.timesonline.co.uk
Our correspondent finds a specialist coach driving kicking standards on to a higher level with a novel method
HERE is England’s secret weapon for the next rugby union World Cup: a seven-iron. And the golf club will not be used to cause an injury to Dan Carter, New Zealand’s star fly half.
Next week, before their first match in the RBS Six Nations Championship, the man at whose feet England’s hopes are placed will be hitting ball after ball across the Twickenham pitch. Not large oval rugby balls, but the small white pellets normally associated with sportsmen who have less muscle and worse fashion sense. Working on his players’ golf swing is the new tactic of Dave Alred, England’s kicking coach.
“It’s the same fundamental principle as kicking a ball, you’re trying to get your power through the ball in the direction that you want it to travel,” Alred said. “In the same way that a golfer who hits off the back foot will be more erratic, we’re working on transferring the weight properly to eliminate mistakes.”
So Charlie Hodgson will be given his seven-iron and told to work on his follow-through. Whether his efforts are up to scratch will be seen against Wales. Alred certainly believes that Hodgson has come on immensely since last season, when he kicked poorly, particularly against France.
“Charlie has been really flowing,” Alred said. “He’s put a lot of work in and I thought he played sensationally on the Lions tour and was metronomic during the autumn internationals.”
Alred is grateful for the support that he has been given by Hodgson’s club, Sale Sharks, particularly Philippe Saint- Andre, the director of rugby. “Philippe is fantastic at letting Charlie have his head,” Alred said.
This is more than Bath have done for Olly Barkley. The 24-year-old centre, first capped for England in 2001 before he had made his debut for his club, had an erratic start to the season and, egged on by his club coach and his mother, ditched the Alred style of kicking, saying: “Tiger Woods isn’t letting down 14 other blokes when he swings a golf club.”
It is perhaps just as well then that Barkley will not be joining in the golf at Twickenham this week, having dislocated his thumb, but Alred insists that there are no problems in their relationship. “It’s a shame that criticism about his work with England affecting his play for Bath was levelled through the press,” he said. “For some people to try and hang on to the status quo was to the detriment of the player, but Olly was always clear on what he wanted to do with me.”
Alred will be in Trafalgar Square today as people try to show off their kicking skills to win a ticket to a Six Nations game. He has travelled a long way from the days when he used to coach Stuart Barnes and Jon Webb at Bath while wearing a balaclava. Having spent time as a rugby league player and an American footballer with the Minnesota Vikings, Alred was twice banned by the RFU for professionalism and he had to do his coaching in secret.
Now he is flavour of the month and he owes it all to a dropped goal in a World Cup by an England fly half against Australia. No, not that one. The kick that made Alred’s name was Rob Andrew’s in the 1995 World Cup quarter- finals. It knocked Australia, whom Alred had been coaching a year earlier, out of the competition.
Later that year, Andrew introduced Alred to a shy 16-year-old called Jonny whose parents drove him from Surrey to Newcastle every week for rugby training. What happened next has been mentioned in these pages before, but Alred says that it was not obvious Wilkinson would become a star. “All a coach can do is enable someone to practise more effectively,” he said. “I’ve watched dozens of talented players but can count on the fingers of two hands those who have gone away and worked hard at their game, as Jonny did.”
Who knows what future Wilkinsons, Barkleys and Hodgsons will catch his eye in Trafalgar Square today?
Click here to read full article and comments.
By Patrick Kidd
Source: The Times, www.timesonline.co.uk
Our correspondent finds a specialist coach driving kicking standards on to a higher level with a novel method
HERE is England’s secret weapon for the next rugby union World Cup: a seven-iron. And the golf club will not be used to cause an injury to Dan Carter, New Zealand’s star fly half.
Next week, before their first match in the RBS Six Nations Championship, the man at whose feet England’s hopes are placed will be hitting ball after ball across the Twickenham pitch. Not large oval rugby balls, but the small white pellets normally associated with sportsmen who have less muscle and worse fashion sense. Working on his players’ golf swing is the new tactic of Dave Alred, England’s kicking coach.
“It’s the same fundamental principle as kicking a ball, you’re trying to get your power through the ball in the direction that you want it to travel,” Alred said. “In the same way that a golfer who hits off the back foot will be more erratic, we’re working on transferring the weight properly to eliminate mistakes.”
So Charlie Hodgson will be given his seven-iron and told to work on his follow-through. Whether his efforts are up to scratch will be seen against Wales. Alred certainly believes that Hodgson has come on immensely since last season, when he kicked poorly, particularly against France.
“Charlie has been really flowing,” Alred said. “He’s put a lot of work in and I thought he played sensationally on the Lions tour and was metronomic during the autumn internationals.”
Alred is grateful for the support that he has been given by Hodgson’s club, Sale Sharks, particularly Philippe Saint- Andre, the director of rugby. “Philippe is fantastic at letting Charlie have his head,” Alred said.
This is more than Bath have done for Olly Barkley. The 24-year-old centre, first capped for England in 2001 before he had made his debut for his club, had an erratic start to the season and, egged on by his club coach and his mother, ditched the Alred style of kicking, saying: “Tiger Woods isn’t letting down 14 other blokes when he swings a golf club.”
It is perhaps just as well then that Barkley will not be joining in the golf at Twickenham this week, having dislocated his thumb, but Alred insists that there are no problems in their relationship. “It’s a shame that criticism about his work with England affecting his play for Bath was levelled through the press,” he said. “For some people to try and hang on to the status quo was to the detriment of the player, but Olly was always clear on what he wanted to do with me.”
Alred will be in Trafalgar Square today as people try to show off their kicking skills to win a ticket to a Six Nations game. He has travelled a long way from the days when he used to coach Stuart Barnes and Jon Webb at Bath while wearing a balaclava. Having spent time as a rugby league player and an American footballer with the Minnesota Vikings, Alred was twice banned by the RFU for professionalism and he had to do his coaching in secret.
Now he is flavour of the month and he owes it all to a dropped goal in a World Cup by an England fly half against Australia. No, not that one. The kick that made Alred’s name was Rob Andrew’s in the 1995 World Cup quarter- finals. It knocked Australia, whom Alred had been coaching a year earlier, out of the competition.
Later that year, Andrew introduced Alred to a shy 16-year-old called Jonny whose parents drove him from Surrey to Newcastle every week for rugby training. What happened next has been mentioned in these pages before, but Alred says that it was not obvious Wilkinson would become a star. “All a coach can do is enable someone to practise more effectively,” he said. “I’ve watched dozens of talented players but can count on the fingers of two hands those who have gone away and worked hard at their game, as Jonny did.”
Who knows what future Wilkinsons, Barkleys and Hodgsons will catch his eye in Trafalgar Square today?
Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: They are smart, they are wealthy and they are growing.
82% of this union's members over 21 are University/College graduates. 70% are in the higher percentile of the nation's income bracket.
A recent article from The Business Journal of Jacksonville (Florida) was written specifically about British Super League teams who train in Florida, however it also offered some intriguing details about the state of Rugby Union in the United States.
In 2004, USA Rugby had 64 718 registered members, a number not including many who used to play the game. Of those members, approximately 25 000 are men and women playing in the 679 College Teams affiliated with USA Rugby.
In comparison to the major traditional American sports their numbers are small but it is a very powerful demographic. A survey undertaken by Rugby Magazine in 2003 revealed that 82% of registered members over 21 are University or College graduates and that 50% of collegiate players attend graduate school.
More tellingly, the poll revealed that 70% of households involved in rugby have an annual income over $65 000.00.
Anecdotal research tends to reveal that if registered USA rugby players didn’t attend University, they do tend to have some formal qualification, like plumber, electrician etc.
It’s a sport that requires relatively little capital outlay, unlike sports such as ice hockey, yet attracts the socially and financially secure.
It would seem that rugby’s reputation as a game for hooligans played by gentlemen holds sway, even in the United States.
Information Sources: The Business Journal of Jacksonville, Rugby Magazine. Click here to read full article and comments.
A recent article from The Business Journal of Jacksonville (Florida) was written specifically about British Super League teams who train in Florida, however it also offered some intriguing details about the state of Rugby Union in the United States.
In 2004, USA Rugby had 64 718 registered members, a number not including many who used to play the game. Of those members, approximately 25 000 are men and women playing in the 679 College Teams affiliated with USA Rugby.
In comparison to the major traditional American sports their numbers are small but it is a very powerful demographic. A survey undertaken by Rugby Magazine in 2003 revealed that 82% of registered members over 21 are University or College graduates and that 50% of collegiate players attend graduate school.
More tellingly, the poll revealed that 70% of households involved in rugby have an annual income over $65 000.00.
Anecdotal research tends to reveal that if registered USA rugby players didn’t attend University, they do tend to have some formal qualification, like plumber, electrician etc.
It’s a sport that requires relatively little capital outlay, unlike sports such as ice hockey, yet attracts the socially and financially secure.
It would seem that rugby’s reputation as a game for hooligans played by gentlemen holds sway, even in the United States.
Information Sources: The Business Journal of Jacksonville, Rugby Magazine. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Gilbert launches new jersey
Buy it for your child, buy it for your girlfriend, buy it for your Dad, just BUY IT! It looks super, it's worn by supermen, and c'mon, it's down right sexy!Gilbert South Africa, the worldwide brand synonymous with rugby, confirmed its sponsorship agreement to provide rugby apparel and equipment to the Blue Bulls Company and unveiled a new-look Vodacom Bulls rugby jersey for the 2006 Vodacom Super 14 season at the official launch at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria today.
Custom designed by Gilbert SA, the new jerseys were created from Xactive, a modern moisture management (MM) fabric which has fibres within the core of the yarn which expands and contracts depending on the body heat of the player.
Players will gain optimal performance benefits from the new jerseys which offer breathability and greater air flow keeping players cooler, improved comfort, durability and a performance fit.
“As a leading rugby brand, Gilbert is proud of its partnership with one of South Africa’s most prominent rugby teams. The jerseys were developed to meet with the player’s requirements and conditions in which Vodacom Super 14 matches are played, and include an exciting combination of progressive detailing and technological innovation to withstand the rigours of the game,” says Eric Ichikowitz, Managing Director, Gilbert SA.
“We would like to thank Gilbert for extending the sponsorship agreement from the Vodacom Blue Bulls to include the Vodacom Bulls. Their commitment to rugby and development is immense and has remained consistent over the years,” says Stephan Pretorius, CEO, Blue Bulls Company.
The logo of the main team sponsor, Vodacom, will remain emblazoned across the chest in white on both the home and away jerseys.
“The progressive identity of the new squad will be evident through the new Vodacom Bulls jersey. It is imperative for the team to feel proud of wearing the jersey that enhances their performance and will further motivate them during the hectic Vodacom Super 14 season,” says André Beyers, Managing Executive, Advertising and Brand Management, Vodacom.
The all inclusive sponsorship agreement between Gilbert and the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls teams for the next five years will see Gilbert generating maximum revenue from the brand exposure through commercial activities. Some of the activities include amateur rugby, active development programmes, coaching clinics and other events to further promote rugby in the region.
Finishing third on the Vodacom Super 12 2005 log, the Vodacom Bulls team are looking forward to kicking off their 2006 season in the new improved and redesigned jerseys.
Providing a more figure hugging profile and a major technological innovation, the design of the new jersey is two-fold. Firstly, the tighter fit of the jersey will assist in quicker evaporation of moisture and will also reduce the chance of a grab tackle as a player squeezes through a gap in the defence.
A more noticeable change to the previous seasons jerseys are the actual graphic designs of the jerseys. Gilbert has invested in a new technology that allows High Definition Printing (HDP) on a wide range of performance fabrics.
“The HDP technology has allowed a very unique design to be used and is a first for Vodacom Super 14 rugby. The design features a fading pattern that is only achievable using the HDP technique which not only creates a stylish look, but is virtually impossible to replicate,” says Jamie Hassard, Business Development Manager, Gilbert SA.
Counterfeit products have been an issue for the Blue Bulls Company and its sponsors for many years. Gilbert has taken a huge step to eliminate this problem through the use of HDP technology.
Further to Gilbert’s sponsorship of the Vodacom Bulls jerseys, they will supply twenty-three players of the current squad with footwear, shoulder protection and head guards. The range of Xact rugby boots and protective wear is considered to be the ultimate rugby specific on-field wear.
The Vodacom Bulls players will don their new jerseys for their first Vodacom Super 14 game against the Vodacom Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday, 10 February 2006.
The new home and away Vodacom Bulls replica jerseys will be available from all leading Gilbert retailers from Thursday 19 January 2006.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Rogers to sit out Waratahs openers
Source: Rugby Heaven, Sydney Morning Herald
By: Ben Kimber
We urge you to visit the Sydney Morning Herald for your daily dose of Australian rugby. In the interim, Mat Rogers, still understandably suffering the loss of his Dad, will most likely not be participating in the first rounds of the S14.
Rugga World offers Mat our deepest sympathies.
A NUMBER of the Waratahs' Wallabies stars will return to the field this weekend against the Auckland Blues, but fullback Mat Rogers will not be among them and is not likely to be available for the opening rounds of the team's Super 14 campaign.
A grief-stricken Rogers attempted to return to training on Monday, but has now, in consultation with coach Ewen McKenzie, delayed his return to the side as he continues to mourn his father, Steve, who passed away just over three weeks ago.
"It's not surprising," a sympathetic McKenzie said. "He was there the other day but I could tell he was there in body but not in spirit. It was courageous, but he and I had a very good chat and we both agreed that we want him at 100 per cent and he wants to be at 100 per cent. We agreed that it wasn't a day-by-day proposition. We've set a day for the future and if it happens inside that then great."
That date appears to be the fourth-round match against the Sharks in Sydney on March 4, as the Waratahs start their campaign with a three-week road trip including matches in Brisbane, Cape Town and Pretoria.
With Rogers yet to return to full training since his return from the Wallabies tour, McKenzie indicated there was no point in the player attempting to rush back into the side.
"I think there's two issues," McKenzie said. "Obviously emotionally he's not right and physically he's off the pace. We'll definitely start doing some one-on-one stuff with him shortly so he's on top of that. He's definitely off the pace at the moment and he knows that and I can see that so there's no point in trying to get him to play at anything less than 100 per cent. So I think it's a fairly objective decision."
If Rogers does begin those one-on-one sessions McKenzie has not ruled out an early return. But the coach is happier this season with the depth he has to cover the significant loss of Rogers, particularly compared to the previous two seasons.
"I felt my first year we definitely suffered when he wasn't available [through injury] and I think the wins and losses probably proved that," McKenzie said. "I think we took a step forward last year and we've continued to recruit to make sure we're not solely reliant on one player in any position. So I'll just use these next couple of games to have a look at the options."
That starts this Saturday against the David Nucifora-coached Auckland Blues in Gosford, with the Waratahs yesterday naming a 29-man squad that includes seven Wallabies making their first appearances of the year.
Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui and Al Baxter will start the match, while Chris Whitaker, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Dunning and Tatafu Polota-Nau will all play off the bench.
The match will be Sailor's first in the blue jersey, with the former Queensland Red donning the No.11, but the players are expected to embrace McKenzie's policy of rotating through positions during the game.
"I might come into 12 [inside-centre] in defence and in attack sometimes," Sailor said. "Sometimes I might be out wide so I'm pretty open this year to playing another position and that's something I'll have to have a look at. Especially to fit into this team."
The big winger also indicated yesterday that he may have found a less turbulent home at the Waratahs. "[I've found] everyone pushing in the same direction [at NSW]," he said. "Certainly it's something that's different for me in the last couple of years."
The match kicks off at 7.30pm at Central Coast Stadium and will be played in four quarters.
WARATAHS: P Hewat; W Mafi, M Turinui, T Carter, W Sailor; S Norton-Knight, B Sheehan; D Lyons, J Campbell, R Elsom, W Caldwell, A Kanaar, A Baxter, A Freier (c), B Robinson. Reserves: A Broughton-Rouse, M Dunning, T Takiari, T Polota-Nau, W Palu, L Houston, S Hoiles, C Whitaker, T Donnelly, D Halangahu, S Berne, L Tuqiri, B Jacobs, C Siale. Click here to read full article and comments.
By: Ben Kimber
We urge you to visit the Sydney Morning Herald for your daily dose of Australian rugby. In the interim, Mat Rogers, still understandably suffering the loss of his Dad, will most likely not be participating in the first rounds of the S14.
Rugga World offers Mat our deepest sympathies.
A NUMBER of the Waratahs' Wallabies stars will return to the field this weekend against the Auckland Blues, but fullback Mat Rogers will not be among them and is not likely to be available for the opening rounds of the team's Super 14 campaign.
A grief-stricken Rogers attempted to return to training on Monday, but has now, in consultation with coach Ewen McKenzie, delayed his return to the side as he continues to mourn his father, Steve, who passed away just over three weeks ago.
"It's not surprising," a sympathetic McKenzie said. "He was there the other day but I could tell he was there in body but not in spirit. It was courageous, but he and I had a very good chat and we both agreed that we want him at 100 per cent and he wants to be at 100 per cent. We agreed that it wasn't a day-by-day proposition. We've set a day for the future and if it happens inside that then great."
That date appears to be the fourth-round match against the Sharks in Sydney on March 4, as the Waratahs start their campaign with a three-week road trip including matches in Brisbane, Cape Town and Pretoria.
With Rogers yet to return to full training since his return from the Wallabies tour, McKenzie indicated there was no point in the player attempting to rush back into the side.
"I think there's two issues," McKenzie said. "Obviously emotionally he's not right and physically he's off the pace. We'll definitely start doing some one-on-one stuff with him shortly so he's on top of that. He's definitely off the pace at the moment and he knows that and I can see that so there's no point in trying to get him to play at anything less than 100 per cent. So I think it's a fairly objective decision."
If Rogers does begin those one-on-one sessions McKenzie has not ruled out an early return. But the coach is happier this season with the depth he has to cover the significant loss of Rogers, particularly compared to the previous two seasons.
"I felt my first year we definitely suffered when he wasn't available [through injury] and I think the wins and losses probably proved that," McKenzie said. "I think we took a step forward last year and we've continued to recruit to make sure we're not solely reliant on one player in any position. So I'll just use these next couple of games to have a look at the options."
That starts this Saturday against the David Nucifora-coached Auckland Blues in Gosford, with the Waratahs yesterday naming a 29-man squad that includes seven Wallabies making their first appearances of the year.
Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui and Al Baxter will start the match, while Chris Whitaker, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Dunning and Tatafu Polota-Nau will all play off the bench.
The match will be Sailor's first in the blue jersey, with the former Queensland Red donning the No.11, but the players are expected to embrace McKenzie's policy of rotating through positions during the game.
"I might come into 12 [inside-centre] in defence and in attack sometimes," Sailor said. "Sometimes I might be out wide so I'm pretty open this year to playing another position and that's something I'll have to have a look at. Especially to fit into this team."
The big winger also indicated yesterday that he may have found a less turbulent home at the Waratahs. "[I've found] everyone pushing in the same direction [at NSW]," he said. "Certainly it's something that's different for me in the last couple of years."
The match kicks off at 7.30pm at Central Coast Stadium and will be played in four quarters.
WARATAHS: P Hewat; W Mafi, M Turinui, T Carter, W Sailor; S Norton-Knight, B Sheehan; D Lyons, J Campbell, R Elsom, W Caldwell, A Kanaar, A Baxter, A Freier (c), B Robinson. Reserves: A Broughton-Rouse, M Dunning, T Takiari, T Polota-Nau, W Palu, L Houston, S Hoiles, C Whitaker, T Donnelly, D Halangahu, S Berne, L Tuqiri, B Jacobs, C Siale. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: The Spears
Yeah, I know the story, you don't feel the Southern Spears deserve to be remotely considered as a Super 14 franchise.
Well, as it happens, I agree with you. Read on.
The thing is, whether anyone agrees with it or not, they are now a part of Super 14 history.
They will be the first Super 14 team to be promoted into the competition.
Will there not be squads of legal teams out to oppose the introduction of the Southern Spears when the eventuallity rocks round? Of course there will! This IS South African rugby we are discussing!
However, nothing will change the inevitability of the Southern Spears getting their day in the sun. It is far too cast in stone for that, there are far too many politicians who've hung their hat on the finality of the process. It will happen.
So, we may not like it, we may not support the concept or the deviousness that got them into the position but that is surely no reason not to support the CEO, Coach and young squad, who never put themselves into this melting pot in the first place.
These guys, from top to bottom, are busting a gut to prove themselves. Every match they've played has emphatically shown they hold their own in the last 30 minutes. This proves that they may not be the most naturally gifted team around but they've worked overtime to be as fit and well conditioned as their better paid, better equipped, better resourced and better known, opposition thus far.
Do yourselves a favour, visit their website, www.southernspears.co.za , get on their Fan Forum, explore what they are trying to introduce into South African rugby and you may very well come away pleasantly surprised. These guys are not hanging around, they seriously mean to establish themselves in the firmament of South African rugby.
Whether you agree with the political machinations that got them a spot, or not, open your minds and judge them on their full-hearted efforts to date.
They may not win any trophy but it certainly won't be for the lack of innovation, energy and team spirit. May I remind you, with very limited resources.
Go on, I dare you, explore their website, at least give them a chance. Click here to read full article and comments.
Well, as it happens, I agree with you. Read on.
The thing is, whether anyone agrees with it or not, they are now a part of Super 14 history.
They will be the first Super 14 team to be promoted into the competition.
Will there not be squads of legal teams out to oppose the introduction of the Southern Spears when the eventuallity rocks round? Of course there will! This IS South African rugby we are discussing!
However, nothing will change the inevitability of the Southern Spears getting their day in the sun. It is far too cast in stone for that, there are far too many politicians who've hung their hat on the finality of the process. It will happen.
So, we may not like it, we may not support the concept or the deviousness that got them into the position but that is surely no reason not to support the CEO, Coach and young squad, who never put themselves into this melting pot in the first place.
These guys, from top to bottom, are busting a gut to prove themselves. Every match they've played has emphatically shown they hold their own in the last 30 minutes. This proves that they may not be the most naturally gifted team around but they've worked overtime to be as fit and well conditioned as their better paid, better equipped, better resourced and better known, opposition thus far.
Do yourselves a favour, visit their website, www.southernspears.co.za , get on their Fan Forum, explore what they are trying to introduce into South African rugby and you may very well come away pleasantly surprised. These guys are not hanging around, they seriously mean to establish themselves in the firmament of South African rugby.
Whether you agree with the political machinations that got them a spot, or not, open your minds and judge them on their full-hearted efforts to date.
They may not win any trophy but it certainly won't be for the lack of innovation, energy and team spirit. May I remind you, with very limited resources.
Go on, I dare you, explore their website, at least give them a chance. Click here to read full article and comments.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Brannasnacht: Origin of Klipdrift
Yip, you guessed it. It is time for Brannasnacht again. Tonight is going to be a theme less one. It seems some people get so confoesed they don’t want to post and certain others just go to the bathroom and never return. Anyway, remember your favourite beverage whilst we enjoy each others company.I heard a rumour that StPetersburgBok will be giving us one of his world famous recipes. Oh and by the way Reinhardt, I am trying to get Sparletta to sponsor you.
Please refrain from any cat fighting (we prefer to see that live in a mud pit) and flirting (we prefer not to be involved). Enjoy reading the rest of the article.
Source: www.majorshill.co.za
Photo: Major Marais aka “Oom Kosie”
The dream of a new cellar started in 1994 when the Louw family bought the farm Klipdrif. Unlike the majority of the wine farms in the Robertson Valley, which had been passed on from generation to generation in the same family, this portion of the Klipdrif farm had been owned by at least four different families before 1995.
A previous owner, Major Jacobus Petrus Marais, also known as "Oom Kosie", started the cultivation of grapes on this farm and built one of the first cellars in the Robertson valley. His Southern Liquor Company developed the now famous Klipdrift Brandy and also used the Klipdrift brandy as a base for a variety of liqueurs. He was buried in a favourite spot of his, a hill from where he used to look out over his lands. Unfortunately the farm was sold a few years after his death and the Klipdrift brand sold to Distell.
With the spirit of one of the oldest cellars in the Robertson Valley still being the source of many stories and memories it was inevitable that the revival of the cellar was contemplated by the new owners. The architect was instructed to incorporate the old cellar in his designs for a modern cellar complex in which the grapes and wine would be handled as naturally and as little as possible. Winemaker and shareholder Alkie van der Merwe was given a free hand for producing the best wines possible.
Oom Kosie or Major Marais was commemorated in the name Major's Hill Winery.
The spirit of the old cellar can now dwell peacefully in every bottle of wine made with utmost care and devotion.
Majors Hill is situated in the Robertson Valley. For more information on them please visit http://www.majorshill.co.za. You can also visit www.robertsonwinevalley.com for information on other wine and brandy producers in the area. Please remember to drink responsibly and only when you are older than 18.
Till tonight then. Click here to read full article and comments.
Other Sport: Cricket - Prince made vice-captain
Ashwell Prince, South Africa's middle-order batsman, has been named vice-captain of the side following Jacques Kallis's departure home due to a shoulder injury.
Prince, 28, has been a regular member of the South African one-day side for over a year now, contributing key knocks apart from being a superb asset in the field.
He has played 15 Tests and 33 one-day internationals, and included in his resume is the fact that he captained South Africa A and the former Western-Boland franchise on the South African domestic circuit.
Haroon Lorgat, the convenor of South Africa's selection panel, said today that these two factors were an important factor in Prince getting the nod. "Ashwell is now well established and respected as a senior member in the Proteas' squad. He will provide excellent support to Graeme Smith in the absence of Jacques Kallis," Lorgat said.
"He has also played representative cricket at all levels from Under-13 to the national team, and so is fully conversant with the ethos of South African cricket."
Kallis, the third South African to return home during the tour to Australia, flew back in order to ensure his full fitness for the return series against Australia, which starts at the end of February.
Article and breaking news courtesy of regular RugRat JJ
Click here to read full article and comments.
General discussions: Conditioning tests – What and why?
Over the past few months people asked what are tested when the Springboks do their conditioning tests and in some cases the need for these tests was questioned. The following will shed some light on what is tested and why it is needed.Source: Health24
Measuring explosive power
Vertical jump test
The vertical jump test measures leg power. One common way of performing this test is to stand side- on to a wall and reach up with the hand closest to the wall, keeping the feet flat on the ground. The highest point the fingertips can reach is marked. The athlete then jumps vertically as high as possible to touch the wall at the highest point of the jump. The difference between the reach height and the jump height is the score.
The Springbok locks obviously need to be able to jump high in the lineout, and thus their vertical jump figure should be at least 65cm. This test doesn’t just test the ability to leap up, however – it also gives an indication of explosive power, which is very important for the backs.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (cm)
Inside backs, 65
Outside backs, 68
Loose forwards, 62
Locks, 65
Hookers, 60
Props, 55
Very good explosive power, indicated by the vertical jump, is in the 61-70cm range for men and 51-60cm for women. More than that is excellent. The average is about 41-50 for men and 31-40 for women.
10m Sprint
Similarly, the 10m sprint, which is done on a rugby field, tests explosive power – specifically, the ability to accelerate rapidly and powerfully. This is particularly important for the backs, but most of all for the inside backs when they make a dash for a gap in the opposition’s defence. Thus, their maximum time to run the 10m is only 1.65 seconds.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (sec)
Inside backs, 1.65
Outside backs, 1.68
Loose forwards, 1.72
Locks, 1.75
Hookers, 1.75
Props, 1.80
How do you measure aerobic fitness?
Aerobic fitness is the body’s ability to perform exercise for sustained periods – such as the length of a rugby game. These tests give a general indication of a player’s overall fitness. The figures the Boks are expected to achieve here require very good levels of aerobic fitness, but are not as high as would be expected in sports where running is more of a specialised skill, such as track athletics.
Bleep test
The bleep test is also known as the multistage fitness test, shuttle run test or beep test. It is a strenuous test that involves continuous running between two lines. These are placed 20m apart and the players run in time to recorded ‘bleeps’.
The time between the bleeps decreases with each minute (also called the ‘level’).
There are several versions of the test, but one commonly used demands an initial running velocity of 8.5 km/hr, which increases by 0.5 km/hr each minute. The player’s score is the level and number of shuttles they could reach before they could no longer keep up with the ‘bleeps’.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (Level)
Inside backs, 13.5
Outside backs, 13.5
Loose forwards, 13.0
Locks, 12.5
Hookers, 13.0
Props, 11.5
3km run
The 3km run test checks the ability to maintain a moderately high level of effort for sustained periods: 3km represents the total distance covered during a game of top level rugby. Quite simply, player is timed to see how long it takes him to run 3km in tackies on a track.
The required times (from 12 minutes 45 seconds for a prop to 11 minutes 5 seconds for a back) are quite hard going, but should be within the capabilities of a fit young amateur sportsman.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (min/sec)
Inside backs, 11.15
Outside backs, 11.15
Loose forwards, 11.45
Locks, 12.15
Hookers, 12.00
Props, 12.45
Measuring anaerobic fitness
Repeat sprint ability
Anaerobic fitness is the ability of the muscles to repeatedly perform short bursts of vigorous exercise. In rugby, with its successive phases, a player needs to keep performing in repeated bursts of activity, with little or no recovery in between. This test measures the player’s ability to maintain a high level of effort during sprints or successive periods of contact work during the game.
For the test the player runs back and forth over a 125 metre distance marked on the rugby field. He attempts to cover as much distance as possible in 30 seconds, then rests for 35 seconds. This is repeated six times, and the total distance covered is calculated in metres.
The difference between the required score and the test score indicates the amount of fatigue experienced by the athlete, which gives an indication of his anaerobic fitness levels.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (m)
Inside backs, 780
Outside backs, 780
Loose forwards, 760
Locks, 750
Hookers, 750
Props, 720
Measuring speed
40m sprint
The 40m sprint or speed test, like the 10m, is done on the field. The main aim of the 40m is to measure maximum running speed, which is of greatest importance to the speedsters in the back. A wing or fullback should be able to do the 40m in 5.10 seconds with ease. New-generation forwards are not allowed to be laggards though; even the props must make the distance in 5.65 seconds.
Springbok Rugby fitness norms (sec)
Inside backs, 5.25
Outside backs, 5.10
Loose forwards, 5.30
Locks, 5.50
Hookers, 5.50
Props, 5.65
Click here to read full article and comments.
Brannasnacht / Recipes: Seeing as it's Thursday, a wine review for you
As it is a Thursday, our traditional Brannasnacht, I thought a wine review might be in order. It's a South African wine I am unfamiliar with and it is supplied by a fellow blogger. Are there any wine buffs out there? Why not pitch at Brannasnacht with your favourite tipple tonight and give a rundown of it's qualities?
Is there any demand for a weekly wine review? Let us know in the comments section. Perhaps we could all buy the same wine before Brannasnacht and have a group comparison?
Thursday Night Wine Blogging
Once again people it is time to sacrifice the health of my liver for your entertainment and education! Quite the public servant, wouldn't you say?
So, tonight we have a South African selection that I think I may have blogged about before. If so, sorry, but the wine cabinet is getting low and I didn't want to drink white tonight. I was going to stop by the wine store on the way home, but things ran late, I had to take PD1 to high school orientation tonight, and I didn't even get my workout in.
So, if I've blogged this one before, apologies, but on the other hand it might be interesting to compare my notes.
Enough blather you say? I couldn't agree more. Lets pop the cork on this baby and see what we've got. Oh, yes, as I was saying it is South African. To be specific it is a Ken Forrester 2001 Grenache/Syrah. More on this wine in a minute but lets give it swirl, shall we?
The nose is nice. The Syrah is a little more pronounced than I remember so there is a good scent of fruit. Kind of a berry, perhaps a cross between raspberries and blue berries. There is some cherry too. The Grenache comes through as tobacco and earth. A very nice balance between the two. In any case, a very full nose that extends to my mouth after a couple sniffs.
On the mouth the raspberry is more pronounced, with cherry in the background. Very nice fruit. The tobaco really comes through.....some chocolate to, and something else. I'm tempted to say "earth", but that isn't quite it. Maybe a little cedar?
I have to say I really enjoy this wine. I met Ken at a tasting last fall and ended up buying a case of this wine. It was 18 a bottle, and for my money an excellent value. I'm always warry when I'm at a store and meet the man or woman behind the wine, that I might be enjoying the experience and translating that appreciation to my opinion of the wine.
In the case of Ken, this would be easy to do. A big South African he was a forceful personality full of life and good nature. Quick story. I ask Ken about where he sells most of his wine in the U.S. and he give me the run down. Boston, Chicago, and of all places Detroit. I asked him, "Detroit, why Detroit?" "Because I'm willing to go there and so many aren't my friend!" Which cracked me up, but the best was yet to come. "Oh I also sell a decent amount in L.A." he tells me with a gleem in his eye. I mention that this is right in the back yard of his competition, and like some old rugby player he firms a fist thrusts it upwards and says, "we're stickin' it to 'em!"
I died laughing.
Anyway, as I was saying, I worry that I'm over valuing the wine when I meet these guys, but in Ken's case this wasn't true. Bottle after bottle I've found the wine to be consistent, well structured and just a real delight to drink. An excellent value.
Lets try another drink. The fruit has settled down a little bit now, and the tobacco and chocolate are a tad stronger. Still a great taste, and if anything the mouth seems to be lasting a bit more. There still is that other taste...its kind of cedar, perhaps with a little mint and pear.
Ok, now I'm going crazy....but that is the fun of it isn't it!? Definately mint and cedar though.
Lets talk a little about the grape combination because it is interesting. As I've mentioned before, a traditional Rhone region (France) blend would be Syrah and Grenache. However typically it would be somewhere around 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache. This wine is 50%-50%. I think I know why this is. First it does give the wine a bigger earthy taste than a Rhone, but I don't think this is the real reason.
My guess is that in South Africa, with warmer temperatures, the Syrah is stronger and fruitier than would be the case in Rhone. So, to even it out, and give the wine more depth, Forrester increases the percentage of Grenache. I don't know if this is true, but after two glasses and starting my third, it really is making a lot of sense to me!
So, another Thursday another good wine.
Quick note. Amazingly to me, this feature seems to be enjoyed by some of you out there, and of course it does seem to have some benefits for me. Up until now I've done a half assed job of it, and I'm thinking it might make sense to put together a bit more formal approach. Instead of just pulling something out of my wine cabinet, it might make sense to focus on one country, go through the regions and see if we can't learn something in the process.
So, this will be the plan. It may go out the window tomorrow, but I suspect not. I'm headed to Spain in March, so this might be a good place to start. I'll begin some research, and lets see where it goes.
Over and out.
Posted by Pursuit
Source: http://foodwinepolitics.blogspot.com/2006/01/thursday-night-wine-blogging_19.html Click here to read full article and comments.
Is there any demand for a weekly wine review? Let us know in the comments section. Perhaps we could all buy the same wine before Brannasnacht and have a group comparison?
Thursday Night Wine Blogging
Once again people it is time to sacrifice the health of my liver for your entertainment and education! Quite the public servant, wouldn't you say?
So, tonight we have a South African selection that I think I may have blogged about before. If so, sorry, but the wine cabinet is getting low and I didn't want to drink white tonight. I was going to stop by the wine store on the way home, but things ran late, I had to take PD1 to high school orientation tonight, and I didn't even get my workout in.
So, if I've blogged this one before, apologies, but on the other hand it might be interesting to compare my notes.
Enough blather you say? I couldn't agree more. Lets pop the cork on this baby and see what we've got. Oh, yes, as I was saying it is South African. To be specific it is a Ken Forrester 2001 Grenache/Syrah. More on this wine in a minute but lets give it swirl, shall we?
The nose is nice. The Syrah is a little more pronounced than I remember so there is a good scent of fruit. Kind of a berry, perhaps a cross between raspberries and blue berries. There is some cherry too. The Grenache comes through as tobacco and earth. A very nice balance between the two. In any case, a very full nose that extends to my mouth after a couple sniffs.
On the mouth the raspberry is more pronounced, with cherry in the background. Very nice fruit. The tobaco really comes through.....some chocolate to, and something else. I'm tempted to say "earth", but that isn't quite it. Maybe a little cedar?
I have to say I really enjoy this wine. I met Ken at a tasting last fall and ended up buying a case of this wine. It was 18 a bottle, and for my money an excellent value. I'm always warry when I'm at a store and meet the man or woman behind the wine, that I might be enjoying the experience and translating that appreciation to my opinion of the wine.
In the case of Ken, this would be easy to do. A big South African he was a forceful personality full of life and good nature. Quick story. I ask Ken about where he sells most of his wine in the U.S. and he give me the run down. Boston, Chicago, and of all places Detroit. I asked him, "Detroit, why Detroit?" "Because I'm willing to go there and so many aren't my friend!" Which cracked me up, but the best was yet to come. "Oh I also sell a decent amount in L.A." he tells me with a gleem in his eye. I mention that this is right in the back yard of his competition, and like some old rugby player he firms a fist thrusts it upwards and says, "we're stickin' it to 'em!"
I died laughing.
Anyway, as I was saying, I worry that I'm over valuing the wine when I meet these guys, but in Ken's case this wasn't true. Bottle after bottle I've found the wine to be consistent, well structured and just a real delight to drink. An excellent value.
Lets try another drink. The fruit has settled down a little bit now, and the tobacco and chocolate are a tad stronger. Still a great taste, and if anything the mouth seems to be lasting a bit more. There still is that other taste...its kind of cedar, perhaps with a little mint and pear.
Ok, now I'm going crazy....but that is the fun of it isn't it!? Definately mint and cedar though.
Lets talk a little about the grape combination because it is interesting. As I've mentioned before, a traditional Rhone region (France) blend would be Syrah and Grenache. However typically it would be somewhere around 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache. This wine is 50%-50%. I think I know why this is. First it does give the wine a bigger earthy taste than a Rhone, but I don't think this is the real reason.
My guess is that in South Africa, with warmer temperatures, the Syrah is stronger and fruitier than would be the case in Rhone. So, to even it out, and give the wine more depth, Forrester increases the percentage of Grenache. I don't know if this is true, but after two glasses and starting my third, it really is making a lot of sense to me!
So, another Thursday another good wine.
Quick note. Amazingly to me, this feature seems to be enjoyed by some of you out there, and of course it does seem to have some benefits for me. Up until now I've done a half assed job of it, and I'm thinking it might make sense to put together a bit more formal approach. Instead of just pulling something out of my wine cabinet, it might make sense to focus on one country, go through the regions and see if we can't learn something in the process.
So, this will be the plan. It may go out the window tomorrow, but I suspect not. I'm headed to Spain in March, so this might be a good place to start. I'll begin some research, and lets see where it goes.
Over and out.
Posted by Pursuit
Source: http://foodwinepolitics.blogspot.com/2006/01/thursday-night-wine-blogging_19.html Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Jake to plea to Japan for Jaco
Source: Die BurgerSpringbok coach Jake White feels so strong about Jaco van der Westhuyzen that he will plea in person to the Japanese club authorities to let the flyhalf play in the Super 14 in preparation for the upcoming Tri-Nation series.
The injured Springbok flyhalf told Die Burger that White was accompanying him to Japan in two weeks time to hold talks with his club NEC.
"Jake is going to ask NEC's permission to allow me to play for one of the South African Super 14 teams so that I can be match fit for the Tri-Nations series.
"In accordance with my NEC contract, I'm not allowed to play for any team in South Africa, except the Springboks, but I'm optimistic they won't stand in my way to play Super 14 rugby."
The 27-year-old player says he is recovering well from the knee injury that kept him out of the Bok team that toured Argentina and Europe last year. He hopes to be fit in six weeks, which can see him in action in the second half of the Super 14.
Stormers favouring Peter Grant
I will depend on White for which franchise he plays. As things stand, the Sharks are keen to play the former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, whilst the Central Cheetahs, Bulls and Cats have established flyhalfs under contract.
That leaves the Stormers, although coach Kobus van der Merwe is on record that he sees Peter Grant in this role.
"We believe in him and we think he will succeed at Super 14 level. His performance last year should be seen in perspective. Remember it was his first season playing Currie Cup rugby." Click here to read full article and comments.
General discussions: Rugby fitness in the professional era
Source: Health24
Compiled by Professor Y. Coopoo, University of Durban Westville, Medical Committee SARFU.
The face of rugby has changed. What should the skills and abilities of a perfect player be?
They are professional, earning thousands per month. They’re idols and sometimes even icons. If they keep on winning.
They’re earning huge incomes playing the game they love, but the game is very competitive, and their period of fame limited and insecure. They must be in the best physical condition possible to coin in as long as they are able. They are professional rugby players.
The face of rugby has changed. The modern game of rugby requires more skilful utility players with extremely high levels of all around fitness, yet requiring specific fitness for specialist positions, writes Professor Yogo Coopoo, head of the Sport Science, University of Durban Westville and member of the Medical Committee of SARFU.
No more overweight forwards
Long gone are the days of overweight, fat forwards. They must be mobile and agile, but strong. The backs must be stronger to tackle well, must survive the more physical game better and must be able to stay on their feet.
The rules of the game have changed, the players are more professional, and there is a greater risk for overuse injuries and staleness, writes Prof Coopoo. The rule changes have resulted in a more flowing game, which results in longer periods of play without stoppages.
Changes to the rules have lead to:
• More ball in play during the game – fewer scrums and lineouts.
• More power play required in rucks and mauls.
• Play is at a higher work intensity – almost throughout the game.
• Players' anthropometric profiles have changed because of the changing demands of the game. More imploding forwards and backs are required – players with more muscle than fat.
The level of professionalism has changed and has lead to:
• Most national rugby players are full-time professionals.
• More time for players to get fit and skilfull.
• However, fine balance between optimal performance and overtraining.
The greater risk for overuse injuries and staleness, may lead to:
• A greater reliance on the advice and wisdom of the medical team.
• For game preparation a team approach is required in the modern game – expertise from various professionals is required.
The fitness requirements and match demands
The fitness requirements and match demands for Forwards and Backs are:
• All round muscular endurance and strength for jumping and lifting in line-out, power loose-play, held positions and pushing in scrums rucks and mauls and for tackling/blocking
• Speed/power to overcome inertia, for short powerful sprints, ability to sustain speed power, jinking movements, fast break-aways and for exploding through a tackle.
• Anaerobic power for the ability to run and play rugby at the highest intensity for short periods of time.
• Aerobic power for the ability to run and play the game at the highest intensity for prolonged periods of time.
• Agility for the ability to suddenly change direction or body position and for good lateral movement
• Flexibility for the ability to move the joint freely through full range of motion, during tackles and unusual body positions in loose rucks,
• Co-ordination: Hand-eye co-ordination in anticipation of interceptions, passes and tackles,
• Balance for maintaining balance after emerging from a tackle, ruck or maul.
General Discussions: Newlands Stadium Upgrades
www.thestormers.co.zaThe historic Newlands Rugby Stadium is currently in the throws of a major redevelopment and upgrade.
Projects currently underway include:
The construction of a 3 story office block on top of the parking garage situated at the North West corner of the ground.
The office block is being built by RMB Properties and will house the staff of WP Rugby as well as tenants. The project is due for completion in July 2006.
All media will now be accommodated on match days in the media suite on the Railway Stand. A new facility for the many photographers that attend matches is being constructed in the South East corner of the ground. This is due for completion before 18 February 2006.
Ever since the first matches played here in 1890, Newlands has become one of the world's most recognized and respected rugby stadiums. The second oldest test venue in the world, Newlands is now a modern 49 613 capacity stadium and has witnessed countless dramatic international and provincial matches through the ages. Who will ever forget the opening match of the 1995 World Cup and the Springboks' win against the defending champions, Australia?
Both home and visiting team change rooms have been upgraded to provide more appropriate venues for the players. The in-stadium medical facility utilised on match day is in the process of being moved and upgraded.
In line with FIFA requirements for Soccer World Cup 2010, but furthermore to improve safety and security issues at the ground, the main Grand Stand standing room area is being converted to public seating. Pricing for these seats will be below stand seating in the stadium, so as not to disadvantage the spectators that have traditionally made use of this facility.
Capacity in the previously ‘Grand Stand standing room area’ will however decrease from 3800 to 2812, making the total capacity of Newlands Rugby Stadium 49613.
Standing room in the Danie Craven stand at the South end of the ground will be retained for the time being, given that the entrances and exits servicing this area are well within current safety parameters. Project completion is scheduled for the end of April 2006.
Super 14: Super 14 feeling the heat already
The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue ponders over South African 'quotas', the Sione Lauaki incident and the issue of heat in a longer competition.By: Chris Rattue
Source: New Zealand Herald
With the Super 14 kicking off, albeit quietly, with trial games last weekend, a few footy matters.
* While it's easy to sympathise with the theory behind the quota system forced on South African Super 14 teams, in practice it must be a nightmare for the coaches at times. This year, four black or coloured players must be included in the starting line-ups, six in the match-day squad, and eight in the overall squad. If coaches play by the rules, you can see the problems. For example: what happens when a black player is ruled out on the eve of a match leaving just three in the starters. Presumably the coach has to pull a white player out to meet his quota requirements (I've had a sneaky suspicion in the past about coaches getting around the rules through the deft use of the bracket system). The quota might help rebuild South Africa and the game, but it wouldn't appear to be a great team-building exercise.
* Are the Chiefs for real? They went underground this week, closing down normal media access, blaming the drama surrounding Sione Lauaki's scheduled court appearance on an assault charge. Come on troops - surely you've got a bit more resilience than that. It's not the public and media's fault that a player has got into trouble. And it doesn't seem much of an ask to get on with normal transmission and deal with issues like that on the side. A gross overreaction, and another case of rugby's control-freak mindset in this country.
* ... and finally, could sweaty palms be a problem in the expanded Super 14? The competition starts two weeks earlier, pushing it deeper into the heat of summer, no small matter especially in places such as Brisbane and Perth. It hasn't caused much of a stir so far, although the Blues reported a lot of difficulty handling the ball - because of sweat - in their opening trial against the Reds. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: The Regions
Source: www.wikipedia.com
Hard core rugby fans will be very au fait with the various regional make-ups of the Super 14 teams. For the benefit of those not so familiar here is Wikipedia's general round-up.
Some names may have changed, for the sake of clarity I've left it as is.
In Australia, the four franchises each represent a substantial geographic area:
Brumbies — Australian Capital Territory and Southern New South Wales, including the Riverina
New South Wales Waratahs — most of New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney
Queensland Reds — Queensland
Western Force — Western Australia
There are four states and territories which do not have a franchise:
Victoria — one of Australia's two most populous states, but Australian rules football is the dominant sport and many other sports are also popular.
South Australia — a substantial market, but again Australian rules football is the main sport.
Tasmania — a small market, but larger than the Australian Capital Territory, which does have a Super 14 team. However Tasmania's main city Hobart is smaller than Canberra in the ACT, and much of the remainder of Tasmania's population lives a considerable distance from it.
Northern Territory — Australia's least populous state or territory.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, each of the country's five Super 14 franchises is linked with several provincial unions in the country's domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship. Each franchise is entitled to draw players from any of its member unions without any player draft or negotiations with another franchise. The specific unions linked to each franchise are:
Blues
Auckland
North Harbour
Northland
Chiefs
Bay of Plenty
Counties Manukau
King Country
Thames Valley
Waikato
Crusaders
Buller
Canterbury
Mid Canterbury
South Canterbury
Tasman (formed by merger of Marlborough and Nelson Bays)
West Coast
Highlanders
North Otago
Otago
Southland
Hurricanes
East Coast
Hawke's Bay
Horowhenua-Kapiti
Manawatu
Taranaki
Poverty Bay
Wairarapa-Bush
Wanganui
Wellington
South Africa
South Africa operates its Super 14 system in basically the same manner as in New Zealand, with each franchise linked with one or more unions in the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup.
The country has six franchises; however, only five will actually compete in the Super 14 in any given year. The four franchises from the Super 12 era (Bulls, Cats, Sharks, Stormers) will be joined in 2006 by the Central Cheetahs. Starting in 2007, a new team from the Southern and Eastern Cape region, the Southern Spears, will join the Super 14. To make room for the Spears, a promotion/relegation process will be instituted in 2006 to determine which team will not participate in the following season's Super 14.
The unions linked to each franchise are:
Bulls
Blue Bulls — (Pretoria and Limpopo Province; home matches in Pretoria)
Falcons (East Rand; home matches in Brakpan)
Cats
Golden Lions (Johannesburg)
Leopards (North West Province; home matches in Potchefstroom)
Pumas (Mpumalanga; home matches in Witbank)
Central Cheetahs
Free State Cheetahs (central and western Free State; home matches in Bloemfontein)
Griffons (northern Free State; home matches in Welkom)
Griquas (Northern Cape; home matches in Kimberley)
Sharks
Natal Sharks (KwaZulu-Natal; home matches in Durban)
Southern Spears
Border Bulldogs (eastern Eastern Cape; home matches in East London)
Eagles (Western Cape east of Cape Town; home matches in George)
Mighty Elephants (western Eastern Cape; home matches in Port Elizabeth)
Stormers
Boland Cavaliers (northern Western Cape; home matches in Wellington)
Western Province (Cape Town) Click here to read full article and comments.
Hard core rugby fans will be very au fait with the various regional make-ups of the Super 14 teams. For the benefit of those not so familiar here is Wikipedia's general round-up.
Some names may have changed, for the sake of clarity I've left it as is.
In Australia, the four franchises each represent a substantial geographic area:
Brumbies — Australian Capital Territory and Southern New South Wales, including the Riverina
New South Wales Waratahs — most of New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney
Queensland Reds — Queensland
Western Force — Western Australia
There are four states and territories which do not have a franchise:
Victoria — one of Australia's two most populous states, but Australian rules football is the dominant sport and many other sports are also popular.
South Australia — a substantial market, but again Australian rules football is the main sport.
Tasmania — a small market, but larger than the Australian Capital Territory, which does have a Super 14 team. However Tasmania's main city Hobart is smaller than Canberra in the ACT, and much of the remainder of Tasmania's population lives a considerable distance from it.
Northern Territory — Australia's least populous state or territory.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, each of the country's five Super 14 franchises is linked with several provincial unions in the country's domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship. Each franchise is entitled to draw players from any of its member unions without any player draft or negotiations with another franchise. The specific unions linked to each franchise are:
Blues
Auckland
North Harbour
Northland
Chiefs
Bay of Plenty
Counties Manukau
King Country
Thames Valley
Waikato
Crusaders
Buller
Canterbury
Mid Canterbury
South Canterbury
Tasman (formed by merger of Marlborough and Nelson Bays)
West Coast
Highlanders
North Otago
Otago
Southland
Hurricanes
East Coast
Hawke's Bay
Horowhenua-Kapiti
Manawatu
Taranaki
Poverty Bay
Wairarapa-Bush
Wanganui
Wellington
South Africa
South Africa operates its Super 14 system in basically the same manner as in New Zealand, with each franchise linked with one or more unions in the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup.
The country has six franchises; however, only five will actually compete in the Super 14 in any given year. The four franchises from the Super 12 era (Bulls, Cats, Sharks, Stormers) will be joined in 2006 by the Central Cheetahs. Starting in 2007, a new team from the Southern and Eastern Cape region, the Southern Spears, will join the Super 14. To make room for the Spears, a promotion/relegation process will be instituted in 2006 to determine which team will not participate in the following season's Super 14.
The unions linked to each franchise are:
Bulls
Blue Bulls — (Pretoria and Limpopo Province; home matches in Pretoria)
Falcons (East Rand; home matches in Brakpan)
Cats
Golden Lions (Johannesburg)
Leopards (North West Province; home matches in Potchefstroom)
Pumas (Mpumalanga; home matches in Witbank)
Central Cheetahs
Free State Cheetahs (central and western Free State; home matches in Bloemfontein)
Griffons (northern Free State; home matches in Welkom)
Griquas (Northern Cape; home matches in Kimberley)
Sharks
Natal Sharks (KwaZulu-Natal; home matches in Durban)
Southern Spears
Border Bulldogs (eastern Eastern Cape; home matches in East London)
Eagles (Western Cape east of Cape Town; home matches in George)
Mighty Elephants (western Eastern Cape; home matches in Port Elizabeth)
Stormers
Boland Cavaliers (northern Western Cape; home matches in Wellington)
Western Province (Cape Town) Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: Pommy basher who walks the talk for Wales
Picture: Paul Ackford, England and Lions forward.Source: The Daily Telegraph
By: Paul Ackford
"England are a team everyone wants to beat," he said simply. "Why? If you look at the British Isles, England is the big master. You own most of it. You have the bigger population and it's the minnows against the chiefs. All you need in sport is an excuse and England is that excuse. If you can't blame anyone else, blame them. If I were English, I'd try to get American rugby strong so they can take over that mantle."
Why do they call Mike Ruddock 'bus'? Because Scott Johnson is the real coach of Wales.
Not my words but those on a fairly obscure website which appear when you type in the name of the man responsible for providing Wales with fire and flare. Quite a tribute to an Aussie who has had a significant say in the fortunes of his adopted country since the day, in February 2002, when Graham Henry, then head coach, welcomed him as his assistant then promptly ran up the white flag and resigned 24 hours later.
I had a problem with Johnson before we chatted. I had met him a couple of times and thought he was all mouth and no trousers. I didn't like the way he ponced about on the pitch in shorts during internationals, behaving more like Wales's 16th player than a 43-year-old skills coach. And I didn't understand why he was held in such high regard. I do now. Johnson liberates what the Welsh themselves are reluctant to acknowledge publicly.
"England are a team everyone wants to beat," he said simply. "Why? If you look at the British Isles, England is the big master. You own most of it. You have the bigger population and it's the minnows against the chiefs. All you need in sport is an excuse and England is that excuse. If you can't blame anyone else, blame them. If I were English, I'd try to get American rugby strong so they can take over that mantle."
The rant is delivered with a chuckle but it is still fairly strong stuff given that the England-Wales firecracker is less than a fortnight away and most coaches are trying to wind in the rhetoric rather than let rip. But that's Johnson's style. He tells it as he sees it, even if it means flagging up the early inadequacies of his own squad.
"When I first got here I noticed a difference in attitude between Australia and Wales. I'd say that both countries wear a chip on their shoulder but I think that the sporting mentality of Australians is to put their finger in the air and say, 'Stuff you. We're going to show you'. With Wales, the reaction was typical of Welsh culture generally in that the players tended to duck their head a little bit. Since those times, though, they've tended to look people in the eye more."
Most people drone on about the improvement in Welsh fitness and the concomitant hike in technical competence as the principal reasons behind their recent resurgence and both are true up to a point. But you don't win a championship on a combination of muscles and flair. You win it, as Johnson suggests, through an excess of belligerent confidence. How else to explain Wales's glorious revival in the second half against France and their crushing destruction of Ireland to clinch their first Grand Slam since 1978?
The question now, of course, as Wales face the full force of second season syndrome when everyone steps up a notch to confront the champions, is what's in the locker this time? "As if I'm going to tell you that," Johnson said. "The cold-hearted analogy I like is that, if everyone in sport is using all the analysis stuff and studying the opposition constantly then, in theory, Shane Warne shouldn't get another Test wicket. So my response is not to care if you think you know what we're going to do, we're just going to do it a little bit better and you're going to have to defend it. I'm under no illusions. We're coming down to score more tries than you. It's pretty simple."
Johnson is full of those Warne-type homilies which, on first inspection, appear glib but which, after further scrutiny, seem earthed in common sense and experience. Earlier in the conversation he used a parenting analogy to explain his philosophy of enthusing players. "The most commonly used phrase as a parent is can't," he said. "Well, I'm a big believer that if someone tells someone they can't do something, they won't. It's belief in the talent that we're after, not negatives."
Another example of Johnson's homespun philosophy is his use of certain players as indicators of his squad's vitality. "As a coach you sort of get litmus people," he said, "players who test the water. They talk to you without them knowing they are doing so. A common complaint from players is that they are tired or sore. But if the barometers are still running around at 100mph then you know the rest are bullshitting."
So far so (relatively) ordinary. A lot of coaches round the world, Henry, Australian Eddie Jones and Ireland's Eddie O'Sullivan, all impress with wisecracking sound bites now and again. But where Johnson is different - and where, initially, I found him insufferable until I understood him better - is in his desire to walk the talk.
"There's a saying in business that if you've got two managers who always agree, then you've got one too many managers. When I sat with Steve Hansen [Ruddock's predecessor as coach of Wales] watching games, we tended to say the same thing at the same time. So I felt that one of us needed a different perspective of what was going on on the shop floor and I'd seen his legs and it couldn't be Steve. I also thought that if I was going to do it right I had to feel what the players were feeling.
"Hence the shorts. If they were freezing cold I wanted to feel freezing cold. At the time the squad weren't as vociferous a group as they are now. They were quite reserved and couldn't talk to me. And that's how it started. I was trying to get some communication going. Early on there were a few times when I forgot I wasn't meant to be on the pitch sledging the opposition but I got away with it. Now I've become superfluous but I still enjoy it because it's part of what I do this job for and because I get the best view in the house."
You can't stay cross with a man who admits that. At least I can't. Johnson may be a strange mix, an Aussie called Scott with a grudge against England helping out Wales. He may be in the midst of some strange mid-life crisis. But, as England will find out soon at Twickenham, at least he is out there trying to make a difference. Click here to read full article and comments.
Six Nations: Berbizier remains realistic
Former French star and current Italian coach, Pierre Berbizier, appears determined not to raise false expectations of the Azzurri's prospects in the forthcoming Six Nations.His predecessor, the legendary John Kirwan, was not quite as circumspect when he took on the role in 2002, saying that the Italians could win the Six Nations within 5 years.
Berbizier, by contrast, has said he will be content if his team give 100% in each match, which should provide at least a solitary victory.
He's no mug at the coaching game, the former French captain coached the French to Five Nations success in 1993.
Berbizier made a good start to his career as Italy coach last November with convincing victories over Tonga and Fiji, and a lively display against Argentina, in which Italy held their own against the Pumas before going down 39-22.
He had this to say, "The first matches will be very difficult for us. England and France always start the competition as favourites,".
"England are world champions -- it will be a pleasure to play them at the Stadio Flamino (in Rome).
"And as we all saw in November, when they beat South Africa and Australia, France are playing at a very high level at the moment. They are almost as tough as the All Blacks."
His 25-man squad has an average age of 24 and there was no room in it for halfback and former captain Alessandro Troncon, who is considered by many to be Italy's greatest-ever player, but whose form has been erratic over the past couple of seasons.
"It's important for our young players to get involved in quality matches, like those in the Six Nations," he said.
"It's the only way they will improve and be prepared for the future, particularly as we look forward to the World Cup next year."
Information sources: Reuters, New Zealand Herald Click here to read full article and comments.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Super 14: De Wet might let the Cats of the hook
Article by DonnerIt seems that De Wet Barry will be out of action for most possibly the next three weeks. He could miss the start of the S14 against the Cats. This should be a relief for the allready injury battered Cats backline.
De Wet singled-handendly destroyed the star-studded Lions' backline in his first return match of the CC Premier league during September 2005.
In his absence Schalk Burger Jr will lead the Stormers team against the Spears in the warmup match to be played in Wellington on Saturday. The team also includes the two speedfreaks, Rayno Benjamin and Jongi Nokwe, both from Boland.
What should be very interesting to watch, is just how Schalk Burger and Luke Watson perform as the loosies. Watson will have the role of openside flank in order for Schalk to display his ball carrying abilites, according to Kobus van der Merwe, Stormers coach.
The Stormers team for Saturday is:
Werner Greeff
Rayno Benjamin
Piet van Zyl
Jean de Villiers
Jongi Nokwe
Peter Grant
Bolla Conradie
Adri Badenhorst
Schalk Burger (c)
Luke Watson
Andries Bekker
Ross Skeate
Eddie Andrews
Hanyani Shimange
JD Moller
Reserves:
Schalk Brits
Attie Winter
Henk Eksteen
David Hendricks
Neil de Kock
Gus Theron
Johan Pietersen
Kick off: 18H00, Boland stadium, Wellington
Tickets available at any Shoprite/Checkers Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sports: Sharapova "cheats"
Source: www.dispatch.co.za
MARIA Sharapova's high-pitched squealing and grunting during points is illegal and the referee should step in and tell her to shut up, tennis great John Newcombe says.
The Australian former world number one, who won seven Grand Slams, has urged opponents to demand she keep quiet.
"I think it's illegal,* he said of her squealing.
"If I was playing against someone who was doing it all the time, I would ask for the referee and say the player has to stop.
"They're deliberately obstructing me from hearing the ball coming off the strings,* he was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun.
"It's actually what I consider legalised cheating because one of your great senses that you have on a tennis court is your ability to hear the ball come off your opponent's strings.*
Last year Wimbledon referee Alan Mills, the tournament's chief official for 22 years, called for a crackdown on grunting and squealing, saying the rules needed to be changed.
"Many of the non-grunting players are unhappy about the noise pollution and a kind of counter-grunt culture has emerged in recent years whereby offended parties ape their opponent's noises,* he said, according to Britain's Sunday Times.
He added: "Officials can only act if the player is shown to be making the noise on purpose, which is virtually impossible to do.*
The Sunday Times said at the time that Sharapova's grunts had been measured at 100 decibels, roughly the same volume as small aircraft landing nearby.
Sharapova produced a full repertoire of squeals and grunts in her quarter-final victory over compatriot Nadia Petrova at the Australian Open yesterday. But Petrova said it didn't really bother her.
"If it did, I would definitely go tell him (the umpire),* she said after being beaten 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.
"I don't see any problem. Monica (Seles) did the same. I think no matter how hard you grunt, I think you can still hear the ball coming from the racquet, especially in the arena. The sound is much higher.*
Tennis has had its fair share of squealers and grunters over the years, not least Seles whose loud grunts were a trademark of her game. She has previously leapt to Sharapova's defence.
Serena Williams is also a known grunter while Tommy Haas proved in his match with world number one Roger Federer on Monday that he is up there with the best grunters in the game.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Bulls injury worries dissipate
Source: Rugby365.com
Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer on Tuesday received some timely good news. His first choice fullback, Johan Roets, has fully recovered from the hamstring strain that has sidelined him this season and will be available to play against the Sharks in a Super 14 pre-season match at Sun City on Saturday.
Roets, a stalwart in the Bulls set-up, trained with his teammates on Tuesday - the first time this year that he complete a full training session - and will be at fullback in one of the two Bulls teams that will face two teams from the Sharks.
He showed no discomfort at training and looked eager to get back on the park.
Meyer's other injury concerns also cleared up on Tuesday.
Monday's training session was canned when 11 players missed the practice with an assortment of injuries and ailments.
Derick Hougaard (shoulder), Johan Wasserman (neck strain), Danie Rossouw (neck strain), Gary Botha (lower back muscle spasm), John Mametsa (groin), Dries Scholtz (split lip), Marius Delport (shoulder), Akona Ndungane (rib), Danwell Demas (quadricep injury), Rudi Coetzee (stomach bug) and Heini Adams (sinus infection) all missed Monday's training run.
On Tuesday nine of those players took full part in the practice session.
Only Hougaard and Mametsa were still unable to train, while Ruan Vermeulen has picked up a throat infection. The Bulls coach wants to turn Vermeulen, who up to now has played loose forward, into a tighthead prop.
He has the bulk to convert to prop and must just acquire the necessary technical skills in match situations.
Bulls team doctor Tommie Smook said he expects the remaining injury concerns to have cleared up by Saturday.
Meanwhile Meyer has confirmed that Gary Botha will again lead the Bulls into battle against the Sharks and will most probably also be captain when the Super 14 tournament starts on February 10 - with the Bulls facing the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Botha took over as captain in the 44-13 hammering of the Stormers at Newlands last Saturday, after both lock Victor Matfield (the designated Bulls captain for the season) and scrum-half Fourie du Preez (next in line to wear the captaincy armband) were injured in the pre-season build-up.
Meyer is expected to announce his two teams on Thursday.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Silverfern rates the Sharks
Source: thesilverfern.comWritten by True Blue
The Sharks were the powerhouse team of the Currie Cup in the Nineties and losing finalists in the 2001 S12 with probably the best record of all the SA sides in the S12 to date (not saying a lot...). However, three rotten coaches (Reece-Edwards, Straueli and Putt) later, and the retirement of legends like Gary Teichmann, Mark Andrews, Andre Joubert and Henry Honiball the Sharks are dealing with the very real prospect of S14 relegation.
The fact that the Sharks have more money in the bank than SARU, a large and loyal fanbase, the strongest brand in SA rugby and the magnificent Kings Park mean nothing if they can't put it together on the park come S14 time.
Changes
Dick Muir has taken over the coaching from the incredibly inept Kevin Putt and while he hardly has the best squad to work with has, at times, shown flashes of what he is capable of. The Sharks beating the Bulls in the Currie Cup was a good example of this.
The introduction of Brown and Farini could prove to be interesting and hopefully effective, as well as the return of a number of key players from the long term injured list including the likes AJ Venter, Johann Ackermann and 'Thalidomide' James.
Playing for their lives in the relegation zone should bring out the mongrel, if any, in this team.
Strengths
The Sharks have no real areas of strength per se, but they are starting to shape up up in some key areas such as the tight five which, with the reurn of AJ Venter and Johann Ackerman, as well as John Smit and Albert van der Berg are beginning to look good enough.
Also, the loosies have a strong workman-like aspect to them and if they combine as a combination could prove effective.
Ruan Pienaar and Tony Brown may well turn up trumps and with the injections of James, Russell and Montgomery, there is some experience and talent for Muir to work with. Grant Rees and JP Pietersen were good finds from last year's Currie Cup but were tested when the Boks came back towards the end of the tournament.
Muir will be a lot more effective than Putt in moulding this team....
Weaknesses
The loosies are an unknown combination and will struggle to win/contest possesion on the deck against the stronger sides although the speed of Tyabilika could make a difference in this regard. But dont expect too much from the Sharks loosies this season.
The tight forwards may hold their own, but will not dominate in the tight, although the lineouts will be well catered for with Ackerman and van der Berg.
The backline will be as porous as a sieve and will leak tries all season long...unless Brown can introduce some defensive cohesion and leadership in this regard.
Draw
A couple of home must-wins up front and them the oddessy of the Saders, tahs, Highlanders and Canes on the road. Could be ugly.
Questions
Can the Sharks find enough mongrel in their make-up to win enough games to prevent relegation?
Look out for
Ruan Pienaar.
Prediction
The Sharks will get pulverised by all and sundry but will finish ahead of the Cats on bonus points....
13th Click here to read full article and comments.
Other teams/unions: Baby Boks announced
Source: SA Rugby website
SA Rugby has announced the national under 19-squad to defend it’s world crown at the IRB U19 World Championships to be held in April in Dubai.
The national selectors, convened by Peter Jooste, confirmed the team after the final trials were held over the weekend at the Brandvlei Correctional Services facility on the outskirts of Worcester in the Boland province.
Coach Eugene Eloff, who last year led his exciting young team to a pulsating championship win over the All Blacks in Durban, declared himself satisfied with the new crop of emerging talent.
“I am very impressed with the talent and commitment of the players that have been selected,” says Eloff.
“The training camps have been quite tough and I am looking forward to the final camp in March as we prepare to defend our title.”
The under 19 mentor also noted that the U19’s had made incredible strides in transformation as the team comprises of 50% of black players chosen on merit.
The SA U19 team is:
Number Name Surname Province
1. Conraad Britz - Western Province
2. Dabeon Draghoender - Eastern Province
3. Riacco Eilerd - Blue Bulls
4. Kirwan Frieslaar - Kwazulu-Natal
5. Hayden Groepes - Western Province
6. Lubabalo Gwavu - Blue Bulls
7. Conraad Hofmann - Western Province
8. Johan Jackson - Leopards
9. Christopher Juries - Eastern Province
10. Morne Jooste - Western Province
11. Divan Kapp - Golden Lions
12. Lehan Koekemoer - Golden Lions
13. Marlon Lewis - Blue Bulls
14. Mthunzi Mabeta - Blue Bulls
15. Hercules Venter - Golden Lions
16. Edgar Maruthule - Leopards
17. Pieter Meyer - Blue Bulls
18. Malungisa Nkosi - Kwazulu-Natal
19. Josephus Oosthuizen - Kwazulu-Natal
20. Dewald Potgieter - Blue Bulls
21. Jacques Rossouw - Western Province
22. Andre Smith - Golden Lions
23. Francois Steyn - Kwazulu-Natal
24. Musa Tukela - Border
25. Drew Van Coller - Free State
26. Petrus Vermeulen - Western Province
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Silverfern rates the Bulls
Source: thesilverfern.comWritten by True Blue
The Bulls are the current powerhouse franchose on the SA rugby scene. They have won three out of the last four Currie Cup titles and are certainly among the most physically imposing franchises in world rugby today. They were the best performing of the SA franchises in last year's tournament finishing third, but losing out in the semis to the Tahs
With a fan-base bordering on fanatical and Loftus Versveld as a home ground, the Bulls are a tough nut to crack at home, but have been woeful on the road. These big men from the farm get homesick when they travel more than 50 km from the loving arms of Loftus...
Changes
The biggest change for the Bulls will be the loss of their iconic captain Anton Leonard, who has retired. He was the glue that held the team together and he certainly was a leader that lead from the front, carrying the ball up and making crunching tackles all round the park. His absence will be felt when the Bulls travel...
Ettienne Botha was the Bulls top try scorer in 2004 and a certain future Bok but was tragically killed in a car crash last year. Ettienne was a key member of the squad and the it was plain to see the drop off in performance subsequent to his death last year. Dealing with Botha's death will be a key performance aspect of the Bulls game this year.
Strengths
The Bulls have a tremendous physical presence and are completely adept at bludgeoning opposition sides off the park. Their front row is strong and their locking combination is the strongest of any franchise side in the world when both Botha and Matfiled are fit. The Bulls are the side that oppo players hate to play most because they know that everytime they run out at Loftus, it is going to be a very physically battering contest.
The Bulls have large and intimidating loosies who carry the ball up well and offer additional options in the lineout to hooker Botha.
The half-back combination of Steyn and du Preez is experienced and they work well together. Steyn doesn't miss many shots at goal either.
The wingers have speed to burn and Habana is one of the best finishers in the business.
Weaknesses
The Bulls loosies give away quite a bit of speed for the bulk that they carry, and this can be exploited by swifter, smaller oppo flankers.
The Bulls midfiled has alwys been somewhat porous, but with different personel in place this year, that may have been rectified. Time will tell.
The biggest problem with this team is that they are very bad travellers and have earned the 'easybeat' tag on the road. If they can overcome this and win away from Loftus...
Draw
Not a particularly good or bad draw.
Questions
Can the Bulls win on the road?
How badly will the loss of Leonard's leadership be felt?
Look out for
Chiiliboy Ramaphele at hooker
Prediction
Bull will bludgeon enough sides in the competion into bloody submission to finish amongst the semi-finalists. However they will need a home semi to progress to the finals... 4th
Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby administration: Brian calls for reinforcements
Source: News24
Article by Hennie Brandt , Beeld
Johannesburg - One of the legal heavyweights who represented former president Nelson Mandela in the court case against Louis Luyt years ago will be in the corner of SA Rugby president, Brian van Rooyen in the investigation into allegations of corporate mismanagement against both SA Rugby and Van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen's legal team will be led by advocate Gilbert Marcus. Like the other members of the team, he is an expert on constitutional law.
He was a member of Madiba's team in his court battle against Luyt, who was president of the South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) at the time.
Appeal Court judge Lex Mpati requested former judge Joos Hefer to take charge of the investigation after another former judge, Edwin King, last week withdrew from the investigation because of personal reasons.
Van Rooyen said: "I welcome the investigation, but because my integrity and credibility are being questioned, I need experts in the field of constitutional affairs to assist me. I want to make sure my constitutional rights are not impaired or violated. Everything hinges on the constitution."
Liam Del Carme reports that the date for the start of the investigation will probably be announced on Wednesday.
The president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Jannie Ferreira, instructed by SA Rugby to, among others, establish the ground rules of the investigation, said on Tuesday that the matter had been discussed with the department of sport.
"I want to ensure that all the correct procedures are being followed, because that was the problem initially. I want to have everything in writing, discuss it with the department and will then make a statement, " Ferreira said.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Vodacom Stormers tackle Spears in Wellington
Source: http://www.thestormers.co.za/
Tickets for the much anticipated Vodacom Stormers vs Southern Spears match taking place on Saturday 28 January are on sale through your nearest ShopriteCheckers outlet.
This will be a home fixture for the Men In Black, as the Vodacom Stormers head out to the Boland region, to what is expected to be a blistering hot Wellington. Kick-off has been scheduled for 18h00.
Tickets are only R20 for seating and are available through ShopriteCheckers nationwide. Stormers supporters are urged to purchase tickets before Saturday and to get to the ground early to avoid bottlenecks at the 12000 capacity stadium.
Vodacom Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe has indicated that he will announce a strong Stormers line-up as this will be his final opportunity to test combinations ahead of the opening league fixture on 11 February. The Coach will announce his starting line-up at the Media Conference on Wednesday. Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: SANZAR: Myopia As An Art-form
With thanks to Paul Waite of the website dedicated to New Zealand rugby, www.haka.co.nz . Paul has very kindly agreed to our posting some of his stories here for our rugby obsessed readers. More on Paul and the Haka website later, here is the first offering.It is one close to my heart because, as much as I anticipate the international season, I'm longing for tours to be brought back, and for the McDonalds take-away style of SANZAR rugby to take a back seat for a while.
Plus, I argued pretty passionately on Keo that as much as the SANZAR bosses would have us believe they scored a great deal, they actually went backwards in their negotiations with Murdoch's boys.
SCENE I
We are in a small restaurant in central Sydney fetchingly named "Chez Sanzar".
Restaurateur: "Cook! You've been serving this dish you call 'Supreme á la Douzaine' for nine years now, and the clientele are telling me they're sick to death of it. It's not spicy enough, it's always the same year after year, and to put it bluntly, it looks like a pile of grey sludge. And to make matters worse, it's the ONLY option on the fucking menu!"
Cook: "Ooer, right. Well let me get my sous-chefs together and we'll come up with some whizz-bang ideas boss."
[ Much, much later..]
Cook: "Ok boss, we've thrashed it out. It wasn't easy, but we think we've got it cracked. It's a corker."
Restaurateur: "I'm positively dribbling down my tie here Cook. Spill the beans.."
Cook: "Well [pauses for imaginary fanfare] - we've decided to give them exactly the SAME DISH but with 40% more of it heaped on the plate! How's that!!?"
Restaurateur: [head in hands]: "I'm ruined.."
Should we be shocked at the recent SANZAR statement, completely bereft as it is, of any vestige of vision or imagination to take Southern Hemisphere Rugby forward for the next half-decade?
Probably not. The people who are now in control of our game are "money types" and lawyers. They didn't get where they are today by having touchy-feely empathy with the grass-roots of a game that whole countries full of folks created from scratch from a passion for rugby. No. These people inhabit boardrooms, study balance-sheets, and like to think in unimaginative linear modes, where predictability of revenue is the paramount driving force.
But the proposal as trumpeted in the media in the last day or so is a sad indictment of the way the game is headed, and marks yet another chance missed to really do something worthwhile to energise a game which is flagging.
But it isn't flagging, some say. Look at attendances for example, and look at TV viewing figures.
The trouble with these statistics is they are misleading, as are all statistics used to actually prove a point, rather than just illustrate a conclusion arrived at by a separate logical proof or evidence.
There are many things wrong with them, but in summary the attendances are totally meaningless when you have a set of rugby fans faced with no choice but the only game in town. Of course they still go and see it. What other choice is there? As to TV viewing figures, where do those stats come from? From TV companies eager to keep control and the status quo, that's who. In any event, what do they mean, and who did they canvas, and how many people. We hear these figures bandied about by people with their own axes to grind, and we'd be fools to take them at face value, much less attribute meaning to them and make important decisions based on them.
It's plain enough to me, for instance, that the Tri-Nations was a dead duck after a couple of seasons for the very reason that the old adage familiarity breeds contempt is true. Playing South Africa and Australia so often, and in the very same format is a killer of passion. In fact I despise the Tri-Nations for effectively removing the massive excitement I used to feel for a test series against the Bokke, and making it into a mere "league game" every year. Same with the Bledisloe Cup. It used to be contested over a genuine series, but now it's just a tack-on; a marketing adjunct not even played for in a real test series anymore.
As for the Super 12. What's "super" about it these days? The first and second seasons were Ok, but after that it turned rapidly into a rugbython - something more to be endured than enjoyed. Turning the handle every week as battered players turned up and turned their mistake-ridden tricks for the cameras in the cold, wet shadowy twilight zone of the endless night-games we're forced to put up with.
In short, the Super 12 is just "product", like turning the handle on a sausage machine and watching little Super 12 games pop out the end all neatly sealed, bland and featureless. Ka-ching, there goes the SANZAR cash register for another happy sale of a round of Super-12 sausages. "Thankyou ma'am, come back next week - yes your diet is just fine if you consume these every week for the next decade. You'll never get sick of these beauties!"
Well recently there may have been a worry that the punters were getting sick of the taste of bland Super-12 sausages, so SANZAR have come up with the perfect solution by making them each 40% longer. Brilliant minds at work.
The statement recently that All Blacks would be quite eligible to play in the NPC, and not separated off as previously touted in the media now comes into focus. With 94 Super 14 games instead of just 69 with the Super-12, plus an extended Tri-Nations, it means that no All Blacks will be able to even conceive of playing NPC rugby, unless they happened to be the Six Miilion Dollar Man. More subterfuge from the NZRFU.
SANZAR have quite obviously missed the bus. There was a chance to really look at rugby in the region and revitalize the landscape. It would also have provided an exciting package for News Corp. or whoever to look at, and provided a lifeline for Island Rugby.
Instead of paying lip-service to All Blacks playing NPC, when they quite obviously won't be in practice, SANZAR should have gone for a complete separation of NPC from international programs, and run the test matches in parallel. This would have freed up time for a more expanded S12, to Super-NN including a Pacific Island team, an Argentinian franchise, and a Japanese Franchise. With an extra two teams one from Australia and one from South Africa this would make it a Super-17. And plans should already be on the drawing-board for including The Big One - the USA, in the next format after the 5 years of Super-17.
The tournament format could then have been looked at, taking into account travelling logistics and arranged around Pools and short tours. Extra interest could also have been provided by enhancing the playoffs, and making these into small tournaments rotated around each of the countries by turn, and involving all of the teams no matter where they finished in the pools, via provision of Cup, Bowl and Plate finals as in Sevens.
Hell, there are probably dozens of possibilities to revitalise and accomodate logistics, but SANZAR hasn't even looked at basic ideas like changing the playoff format apparently.
No, good old linear accountant-think has raised its wizened, wrinked brow and in a cracked voice pronounced what it thinks is best for managing the dusty old ledgers of the SANZAR book-keepers and scribes.
These people have demonstrated that they have absolutely no feel for rugby at all, and the kind of unimaginative rubbish that they've recently come out with is just going to drive another nail into the coffin of the game, especially out in the Islands.
Of course there will still be those statistics produced by people with a vested interest in reporting success - TV and Unions, to inform us that what we're seeing is actually fantastic, and a great privilege.
Anyone for tennis? Click here to read full article and comments.
International Rugby: Poisoned Chalice?
It seems that the proximity to the next world cup in France, with the possible consequent fall-out from failure, is putting off any aspirant Australian national coaches.In a situation that is rapidly becoming farcical, nobody, besides John Connolly, is showing any interest. You can bet, however, that if this situation had arisen after the world cup there would be a queue around the block.
Perhaps, in retrospect, it would have been wiser for the ARU to stick with Eddie Jones until the world cup.
Any ambitious coach is loathe to take up the position now because of the perceived problems with the national team and the expected poor showing at the world cup.
I tend to disagree though, many of the matches that were lost last year were extremely close and they suffered a nightmare run of injuries. I am inclined to believe that Australia will be as competitive as ever once the world cup arrives.
Still, there are unresolved issues that any new coach is going to have to address as a matter of urgency.
What to do with the ageing George Gregan, and his patient, but equally ageing understudy, Chris Whitaker. Whitaker has been gaining splinters for more than 76 tests (If Shimmie thought he has a problem, at least he is not alone), his contract is nearing it's end and he is already 31.
Then there is the front row question. 2005 really was the year that the Aussie front row was well and truly defrocked for all the world to see, with Bill Young, in particular, taking a beasting from more vigilant referees. The absolute nadir must have been, what many believe, the deception displayed by Donut Dunning in creating a situation of uncontested scrums against England.
The ARU have taken concrete steps to address the front row weaknesses in the national game but the results surely cannot be expected for years.
The loose forward combination will be another vexing issue. Will a new coach persist with the two short fetchers at 6 and 7? Or will he determine that Phil Waugh and George Smith are fighting for the same position? Possibly bring in John Roe at blindside and David Lyons (who had a stormer last year) at 8?
So, whilst I expect the return of the likes of Bernie Larkham will have a galvanising effect on the team, I can understand why no coach is in a particular hurry to take up the position.
It looks likely that Connolly will be appointed up to the world cup, many within the ARU are not keen on the idea but their hand may be forced.
Either way, I still have a sneaky feeling that come 2007, the Wallabies will be as competitive as ever. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Bulls repel Russian invasion
Source: www.bluebull.co.za
In a match that hardly gained much publicity, a largely Bulls reserve team romped home to a 64-7 victory over a Russian team.
The Vodacom Blue Bulls took care of Russia 64-7 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in their friendly match.
The player who caught the eye the most was Jacques-Louis Potgieter, who played at inside centre for the first time for the Blue Bulls. He hit numerous gaps and proved that there is nothing wrong with his pace. His kicking was just as deadly.
Although the Russians could not really mix it amongst the backs, the Blue Bulls will be more than satisfied with their own performance. Especially the young players aquitted themselves well.
Danie van der Merwe is another man who shone and his eye for the gap lead to numerous outstanding breaks for the home side.
Pedrie Wannenburg also started the match and was in desperate need of some game time, but he injured his groin early in the match and the medical team will hope that it is not that serious. Wannenburg started to play his best rugby at the end of last year before an ankle injury kept him out of the Bok side. It will be hoped that injuries will not rob him of international representation yet again.
Points:
Blue Bulls: Tries: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (3), Danie van der Merwe (2), Riaan van der Bergh, Harry Vermaas, Werner Kruger, Jerome Williams. Conversions: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (6), Len Olivier (2). Penalty: Olivier.
Russia: Try: Sergei Sugrobov. Conversion: Denis Akulov Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: "Ouri" gets a Waratahs cap.
Source: http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/
A television commercial for the new Super 14 rugby competition went to air on Sunday night featuring players from each team - except the NSW Waratahs.
They were instead represented by an Ukrainian extra called "Ouri".
Mark Gerard was there for the Brumbies, Nathan Sharpe represented the new Western Force and Hugh McMeniman put in an appearance for Queensland.
But with NSW star Mat Rogers injured in Australia's Test against Wales the night before the promo was shot in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, little-known "Ouri" scored his first, and almost certainly, only Waratahs jersey.
The commercial, only the second joint effort by the competition's SANZAR partners, shuns match footage for a laundromat setting, "to convey the anticipation building ... and the energy and excitement fans can expect", said an Australian Rugby Union statement.
Brumbies back Mark Gerrard said the shoot, which took place after last year's end-of-season European tours, had its challenging moments.
"The shoot was one of the most unique experiences I've ever had," he said.
"I don't think any of the boys had ever been to Ukraine before and we didn't really know what to expect, especially when it came to the weather.
"It was absolutely freezing. Every time we had to strip down to our shorts and jerseys we'd all be in stitches. At least it kept us warm."
The commercial's soundtrack was written by Pat Davern and Phil Jamieson of Australian rock band Grinspoon.
AAP Click here to read full article and comments.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Super 14: Paul escapes the Hurricanes
Source: Rugby365.com
The Brumbies will be without Wallaby hooker Jeremy Paul when they face the Hurricanes in a Super 14 pre-season match at Masterton on Friday. Paul is struggling with a calf strain.
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher on Monday named a 26-man squad for Friday's outing, with many familiar faces returning, but Paul won't be there.
"Jeremy [Paul] has suffered a slight calf strain at our [training] session last [Monday] night so just for precaution we will rest him this weekend," said Fisher. "He'll have an MRI to reveal the extent of the damage but we're hopeful it's just a minor strain."
Captain Stirling Mortlock will see his first trial action for 2006 and will line up alongside Wallabies' year-end tour representatives Mark Chisholm, George Smith and Mark Gerrard, who will each play for the first time since returning from Europe in early December.
Towering new back row recruit Daniel Heenan will wear Brumbies colours for the first time this Friday.
For Heenan, it has been a long wait to return to the playing field after having ankle surgery mid-way through the 2005 season, but the 115kg Queenslander is looking forward to his first match since May of last year.
"I haven't played since Week Eight of last season so I'm looking forward to finally getting back on the field," Heenan said.
"I haven't felt the injury [ankle syndesmosis] at all during the pre-season and the strength and conditioning program has been excellent so I'm feeling in great nick and can't wait to play," he said.
Fisher has also retained a number of his emerging players for the match, including flanker Ben White, who was among the team's top performers against the Waratahs last Saturday.
Rookie centre Anthony Faingaa will have another opportunity to showcase his talents, while impressive academy backs Francis Fainifo and Christian Lealiifano have earned a second trial appearance after making some eye-catching involvement during Saturday's loss to the Waratahs.
Hooker David Palavi and giant back rower Jone Tawake will also make their first appearances for the 2006 pre-season.
Tawake, who started on two occasions at No.8 during last year's Super 12, is a major contender for a position in the Brumbies' starting fifteen and is entering the 2006 competition in the best physical condition of his career.
"I've worked very hard over the pre-season to shed a few kilos and it has really helped with my mobility," said Tawake.
"I have been injured during the pre-season in the past couple of years and haven't been able to do a lot, but this season I was able to do a lot of work and get my fitness levels right up."
"I'm very keen to show the coaches that I belong in the starting team," he said.
Brumbies squad:
Forwards: Nic Henderson, Bill Young, Guy Shepherdson, David Palavi, Alister Campbell, Mark Chisholm, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jone Tawake, Daniel Heenan, Ben White, Julian Salvi, Richard Stanford, George Smith
Backs: Luke Burgess, Patrick Phibbs, Gene Fairbanks, Joel Wilson, Mark Gerrard, Tim Curran, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Batger, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Christian Lealiifano, Francis Fainifo, Adam Ashley-Cooper
* A replacement for Jeremy Paul to be named.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Mealamu's mana ensures that when he does speak everybody listens
This is one tough hombre'. Remember, he was responsible for us not gaining our first ever victory in Dunedin.Here the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue details how the Blues have appointed the quiet Mealamu as the second player of Polynesian descent to lead the Auckland based side.
Coach David Nucifora advised Keven Mealamu to play his natural game, without cranking up the volume, before announcing last night that the outstanding All Black hooker would lead the Blues in 2006.
Mealamu, who turns 27 during the inaugural Super 14, takes over the captaincy from Cardiff recruit Xavier Rush.
He is the second player of Polynesian descent to lead the Blues, following in the footsteps of fellow New Zealand-born Samoan Michael Jones, who captained the 1998 team.
Nucifora believes the Blues leadership circle was too small when Rush and Carlos Spencer were around and says Mealamu will have wide support.
But Mealamu, a well-spoken but not naturally voluble character, will be the player chiefly responsible for drawing together the talented but sometimes disparate mix from the big franchise.
The Blues are preparing for their first serious trial of the season against the Waratahs at Gosford on Saturday night, and Mealamu said from Australia he was immensely proud at being named captain.
He has not led a side since his fine schoolboy career with Aorere College, but has won the nod over candidates such as Auckland forward Angus Macdonald.
The lanky Macdonald is being lined up as a No 8 but he will face sturdy competition from Harbour heavyweight Nick Williams. Veteran All Black wing Doug Howlett will be Mealamu's vice-captain.
Proven and natural leaders - especially any who would be guaranteed major game time the way Mealamu is - were simply not available to Nucifora so the new Blues coach has turned to the all-action hooker to lead by example.
Mealamu's appointment will provide an encouraging start to the year for a player who enjoyed a magnificent 2005 season, but one in which he was embroiled in the Brian O'Driscoll tackle controversy.
"I think for me it is a good step up, a good challenge and I'm looking forward to it," Mealamu said about the captaincy.
"You get a good feel for the game at hooker, I'll have a good support crew, and of course your number 10 runs the game quite a bit.
"I discussed it with my wife and parents - your parents always know what's best for you as well and they were very proud. It was a very proud day for me.
"It's always best to play to people's strengths ... Dougie is a good talker and he'll complement me and we will all try and do this thing together."
Nucifora said: "Yes, he will be on the field a lot but we had a good look at the off-field issues as well.
"Keven is not what you would call a verbose guy, he won't be flapping at the gums all the time, but when he speaks people listen.
"It's just his manner - Kiwis call it mana. People see how hard physically he plays the game which earns the respect of players and management.
"To go out there at the highest level of football and give everything you've got every week is not easy, and Keven does that.
"In discussions I've had with him, I've said I don't expect him to change suddenly. I'm sure he will develop in the role - it's not as if he will do something straight away and say this is how I will always do it.
"But I also think in the past there's been too much reliance on a couple of people at the Blues. It has probably stifled some of the leadership qualities ... they tended to rely a heck of a lot on Carlos and Rushie."
Mealamu has just returned to the Blues camp although the necessities of modern rugby meant he trained every day for five of his six holiday weeks.
He wants to move on from the O'Driscoll affair, where he and Tana Umaga faced accusations of committing a deliberately dangerous tackle on the Lions captain in the first test at Christchurch.
Nucifora believed the controversy affected the Auckland hooker deeply, especially as it was "regurgitated" during the Grand Slam tour.
"It can't have been easy but I would never consider Keven a dirty player, or one even tempted to use foul play. It's not him. He plays hard but fair," said Nucifora.
Mealamu said: "The only people who know for sure are me and Tana, and we know that we would never do anything like that on purpose to hurt someone."
* Troy Flavell's team have been knocked out of the current competition in Japan, giving him extra rest before the next tournament starts. Blues forward Flavell might be home early next month - or as late as round three of the Super 14. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Hough snubbed, Ashwin returns
The Cats beat the Falcons in Brakpan on Monday night by 25 points to 6. For the Cats supporters though, this game, given some inexplicable substitutions during the game itself by the coaching team, it will leave them with more questions than answers.
Considering the recent acquisition of the Griffon flyhalf, Andre Hough, only got 10 minutes on the park, one cannot help but wonder what Ludeke’s is trying to accomplish. It is the one area the Cats face some real problems, and an area you would expect Ludeke to give the back up players a decent run in these type of games.
Other players that stood out was number 8 Ernst Joubert and Lawrence Sephaka who destroyed the Falcons front row with good support from Morne Kruger.
Kleinjan Tromp might find himself out of favour with Ludeke, which could prove to be a lifeline for the Stormers team who seriously lack experience in this department.
Scorers:
Tries for the Cats: Ruan Lamprecht, Ernst Joubert, Trevor Hall
Conversions: Quintin van Tonder, André Hough
Penalties: Quintin van Tonder
Louis Strydom scored 2 penalties for the Falcons.
In other news, it is reported that Aswin Willemse will finally make a return the field in Thursday’s warm up game against the Pumas.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Stormers v Bulls: The fan perspective
Report by Clayton (provincejoulekkading)
While the highly paid “professional” “journalists” of Ruggaworld spent Saturday bragging about "Fleyr" Du Cap and wives who don’t have headaches (you know who you are), half our resident BEE initiative, Clayton Saville (also known as provincejoulekkading) took his trusty camera down to Newlands and reported exclusively on the action, proving that he is not a token and prompting the Ruggaworld Board to appoint him as official news photographer for the Western Cape region.
This weekend an effective Stormers B Team faced what would probably be a close to full Bulls squad in a warm-up match for the Super 14. Coach Kobus Van Der Merwe would have learnt little from the A team, but he may have learnt a bit about the Bulls.
Not murdered up front
Surprisingly the inexperienced Stormers juniors managed to hold the much vaunted Bulls front row. In the tight exchanges the Stormers had more or less parity and managed to make themselves felt by the star studded Bulls powerhouse front row. Amazingly, the Bulls enforcer Bakkies Botha did not make much of an impression on the game. He ended up being a bit of a non event. Maybe the Bulls were in second gear, but the halftime score of 15-13 reflected well on the Stormers forwards who managed to stay in the game.
8th Man David Hendricks played a massive game and his commitment over the whole 80 minutes was outstanding. A worrying factor for the MIB’s will be their shortage of quality back-up locks to Ross Skeate. The boys playing on Saturday failed to impress. None of the up-and-coming locks appear to have the mongrel enforcer attitude and the Bulls easily dominated them at the breakdowns.
The halfbacks were good in a losing cause
Paul Delport had a scorcher of a match and he really dominated the scrum areas with his blistering speed. He was even quick to the breakdowns, competing for ruck balls showing up some of his own loosies. Delport’s pass is a potent weapon and former skipper Niel De Kock would do well to take lessons from the young up-and-coming star on how to pass from the base of a ruck and scrum.
In the first Moanerism of the afternoon the parity that Paul Delport lead in the first half was removed when he was replaced just before half time with by no name youngster who was completely out of his depth and lead to the Stormers losing the continuity their half back pairing had established. It’s the kind of thing that undeservedly ruins careers. Delport had one moment of madness that lead to a Bulls try, but other than that he was superb.
The upshot of this was that Leopards import, Naas Olivier had a similarly good match. In fact Clayton would go as far as to say that on his form in this match he’ll be due for a black jersey in the big time for certain this season. He even rates him as better as the Peter Grant we saw at the end of last season. Young Naas (an amazing irony that a Western Cape team fields a flyhalf called Naas against a team from across the Jukskei!) looked hungry, ready to fight for a spot in the starting line-up and his performance was more than adequate.
The backline, Gus and all, was awful
The Stormers centres let the team down badly. Without the Fearsome Threesome the Stormers midfield looks vulnerable and the boys playing looked completely out of their depth. Especially after being made the victim of classical Bulls play with a late crash tackle from JP Nel dispelling any early thoughts of running at him with ball in hand.
As for Gasman Theron? It’s time he shipped out to an awful overseas league in Japan or Korea or somewhere where nobody’s ever heard of him, they have no cell phones, e-mail, telephones, mail or any other contact with the outside world so that we never need to hear about him again.
Zaheer Raylands was made the victim of a typical Moanerism. Having just finished the 80 minute curtain raiser he was inexplicably drafted straight from there into the Stormers team to the wing. It showed, but it was not his fault.
What kind of a coach takes a young and rising star, and makes him play 160 minutes of non-stop rugby on a summer afternoon in a warm-up against arguably the best provincial setup in South Africa against arguably the best wing pairing in the country? Craziness.
The Bulls
Derrick Hougaard was ordinary. In warming up he was striking the ball sweetly, but during the match that rhythm seemed to desert him and he was not as good as expected.
In the second half the fitness, strength and size of the Bulls started to count and they took control of the match. This provided Heinie Adams with an opportunity to display some awesome box kicks that had Province in trouble every time with their weight and accuracy.
One Bryan Gary Habana was in awesome form and showed more of what we saw last year scoring five tries. His pace was blistering, his reading of the game astute and his sniping without equal. If this is the 2006 vintage, provincejoulekkading can’t wait to see him in a green jersey.
What can we read into the game
In one word, nothing. The Stormers guys were there to provide Moaner with insight into the Bulls and to help the Bulls players to use to ‘get into the swing of things’. The real Stormers stars never got anywhere near a pitch
What we did see is that David Hendricks, Paul Delport, and to a lesser extent, Naas Olivier, staked places for the Stormers starting line-up against the Cats on 11 Febrary 2006. The Stormers may just have a surprise in stall for opponents this year.
My grateful thanks to Clayton for going to Newlands, taking the superb photographs and reporting back to me on the game Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: The Kittens among pit bulls
Cats. Supreme predators despite their size. The only predator to cruelly play with its prey. It kills for pleasure rather than necessity, just like man. If it’s not about the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog, then Cats would win every time, because they are 100% fight when cornered. No matter how much fight, a cat in a treeless pound full of pit bulls is going to die. And this season sees the Cats matching their claws with the jaws of thirteen pit bulls. The outcome is boringly predictable.
As usual the Cats look good on paper. It’s a moniker they’ve carried with them since their inception. And only in 2000 and 2001 did they deliver. Before and since then it’s been a case of fighting the wooden spoon battle with the Reds or Sharks. It’ll be more of the same as their red and white makes place for the red, white and black of the Spears after this Super 14.
Their history is ups and downs
Never a team to do things by half measures like the Stormers with their mid table finishes, the Cats are to Super 14 what Pakistan is to world cricket. The sublime and the ridiculous. Not just from season to season (compare two semi-finals of 2000 and 2001 with cellar dweller finishes either side of that) but from game to game.
The only team in South Africa who beat the semi-finalist Bulls in 2005, went on to record no further wins, even managing an unsightly draw against the equally woeful Sharks. In 2004 they preceded this with a winless season, except for an inexplicable victory against semi-finalists, the Brumbies.
For the most you can expect the Cats will lose, but they do look good on the team sheet, just like the Stormers strip looks nice.
Aside from the Sharks, their schedule is the hardest
With a recent history of endless losses, the schedule this year seems to make it compulsory for them to repeat the disasters following 2001.
They start against the Stormers at Ellispark against a team they haven’t beaten for yonks. The Stormers regard Ellis Park as their personal playground. Week 2 sees them up against the Waikato Chiefs with its Kiwis, Sione Lauaki, Byron Kelleher and Sitiveni Sivavatu. In their next match they face Tana Umanga’s Hurricanes in windy Wellington. An assured loss if ever there was one.
Then they cross the Tasman for a showdown with the Brumbies in their Canberra Fortress, where the Cats have never won. Then it’s off to the coast to face the 2005 finalists the Waratahs in Sydney. This is followed with another trans Tasman trip to face the mighty Crusaders in Christchurch where they’ve never lost to an SA team.
This is followed with a trip down the South Island to freezing Invercargill to face the Highlanders in another Antarctic hell hole. Five very hard away games. These should be enough to tear the confidence of the Xerox sponsored team that turns out carbon paper copies of itself year in and year out.
This gives them some relief against the Reds at Ellis Park after a bye week. It would be a relief seeing as they would have spent the first part of the campaign playing four of the five Kiwi teams and two powerful Aussie teams in sequence.
Then they get a chance for points against the Sharks in Johannesburg, a fixture they lost in 2004. Then up the Ben Schoeman for the Gauteng derby with the Bulls. Back home to face debutantes the Force for some more points. This is followed with a sterner test against David Nucifora’s Blues at home, before they finish against other debutantes, the Cheetahs, in Kimberley, where a similar team almost lost to Griquas in the Currie Cup last year.
The players that aren’t there, even on paper
For starters the loss of Bok halfback pairing Rickie Januarie and Andre Pretorius in the most difficult first part of the campaign will leave telling scars. These players are literally miles ahead of the pretenders. There’s a reason the Sharks would be willing to part with Dave Von Hoesslin, and it has nothing to do with the size of their cheque book. Tiaan Snyman has no right to be called a Super 14 player and Eric Herbert wannabe, kicker Andre Hough who cannot find a contract with the Cheetahs can hardly be called an adequate replacement.
We have two ring rusty former stars in Jannes Labuschagne and Ashwin Willemse returning, but their lack of game time will be a minus. Then we have the fullback conundrum with Conrad Jantjes vying with skinny youngster Earl Rose for a spot. Jantjes s already unsure whether he’s a wing, fullback or flyhalf and the added pressure of playing for his place will be too much.
In the midfield Wayne Julies is a defensive hole that players like Luke McAllister, Dan Carter, Steven Larkham, Matt Giteau, Mascara Nonu and Aaron Mauger will easily exploit. Without genuine class at 9, 10 and 12, the only quality player in the backline, Jacque Fourue will spend hs time defending and competing at rucks. In Gehard Vosloo, Cobus Grobelaar and Wikus Van Heerden they have two speedy fetchers combined with the grunt of Wikus Van Heerden. This follows the Australia 2004 vintage team, and it will be just as unsuccessful.
The locks look okay, with the grunt of ring rusty Jannes Labuscagne added to jumpers Willem Scholtz and Gordon Gillfillan. The line-out question is whether discipline challenged Lukas Van Biljon will be able to find his jumpers.
The tight three do not look too bad and between Sephaka, Van Biljon and Hurter they should be able to hold their own in the scrums. Sephaka and Hurter are not known for their speed and handling abilities though and this shortcoming will leave the Cats short two crucial ball carriers.
Two coaches without experience
Frans Ludeke also has no real experience as head coach at this level. Yes Laurie Mains came to chat to the Cats, but this is not a team with Andre Venter and Rassie Erasmus and Bobby Skinstead holding Joe Van Niekerk out of the team. There’s Alistair Coetzee as backline coach, but he has no Boks to coach at halfback for the initial campaign. He comes from a rigid background of rush defence under Jake White and he will not be able to take the step up to a more fluid style of play.
Prediction is not good
No need for the kitty litter at Ellis Park in 2007. They won’t be there to stretch their record of Super 12 embarrassment into a second season of Super 14 repeats, staying stuck in the cozy basket of Ellis Park while the Spears face the major action.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Silverfern rates the "Kill Me" Cats
Source: www.thesilverfern.com
Written by True Blue
The Cats have had a horrific time of it in S12. The reasons for this can be traced back to the interference of Louis Luyt, the politicking of Laurie Mains and the ludicrous arrangement whereby two proud unions were rolled into one to be based in both Johannesburg and Bloem. The end result was a series of highly talented but unhappy and savagely underperforming teams over the past years.
The Cats have been the perennial easybeats for almost a decade, but the signs are there, like the resurgence of the Lions in the Curri Cup, that this may be coming to an end and that Ellis Park may have something other than Springbok victories to celebrate for a change.
Changes
Frans Ludeke has replaced the out-his-depth Chester Williams and that in itself is hugely positive as Ludeke is well liked and respected by the playing staff.
Strengths
The Cats have tremendous striking power out wide in the form of Aswin Willemse (finally fit again) and the experienced Wylie Human, with Conrad jantjies at the back. The midfield looks solid with Springboks Jacques Fourie and Wayne Julies, backed up by Grant Esterhuizen (back from France). In addition, the Cats have signed earl rose from the Stormers and have Doppies la Grange and the experienced Jorrie Muller as back up for the first choices.
At flyhalf and scrum half are the Springbok paring of Enrico January and Andre Pretorius, backed up by Dave von Hoesslin and the exciting newcomer Tiaan Snyman.
The loosies are experienced, with a hard edge and led by Wikus van Heerden supported by the likes of veteran Russell Winter and the promising U21 Roland Bernard.
The second row is literally an embarrasment of riches in the form of Gordon Gilfillan, Willem Stolz, Jannes Labuschagne and Trevor Hall. The front row in the form of Lawrence Sephaka, Lukas van Biljon and Pietman van Niekerk will stand back for no-one.
Weaknesses
Despite a very strong line-up on paper, the Cats are serial easybeats and the biggest problem that they will have to overcome is establishing a winning culture. A few early close losses and they will be right back to the bottom of the draw.
Draw
The Cats travel early, and if they can get some points on the road v the likes of the Brumbies and the Canes, tghey may just be up for a bit of a season. If not, they will have the chance to salvage something back home at Ellis Park
Questions
Will they be able to put the mental baggage behind them?
Will their paper strength translate into performance on the park?
Look out for:
Gordon Gilfillian, Earl Rose
Predicition:
The Cats will serve up a mixed bag and place around 10th. Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sports: Aussie taunts disrupts Proteas
Submitted by wpw
Source: Cricinfo
January 24, 2006
South Africa have reportedly considered walking off the field if their players are subjected to further racial abuse on the tour of Australia. An article from South Africa's News 24 quoted a team source as saying the action was the only way authorities would listen.
The team has been subjected to taunts during the Test and one-day series, but a South Africa spokesman yesterday told The Courier-Mail they were "trying to move on from any racial problems". Peter Young, Cricket Australia's public affairs manager and anti-racism manager, told the paper the previous incidents were taken seriously. "We have reminded all state cricket associations to do certain things," he said, "and that we have a zero tolerance policy on racial abuse."
The original report from South Africa said some players felt they weren't being protected enough by the authorities and a meeting was held where the threat of a walk-off was raised. "This is the only way the authorities will listen and stop this," News 24 reported a team source. "If a match should come to a stop because we decide not to play anymore, people will quickly realise that we are very serious about this matter."
Click here to read full article and comments.
Source: Cricinfo
January 24, 2006
South Africa have reportedly considered walking off the field if their players are subjected to further racial abuse on the tour of Australia. An article from South Africa's News 24 quoted a team source as saying the action was the only way authorities would listen.
The team has been subjected to taunts during the Test and one-day series, but a South Africa spokesman yesterday told The Courier-Mail they were "trying to move on from any racial problems". Peter Young, Cricket Australia's public affairs manager and anti-racism manager, told the paper the previous incidents were taken seriously. "We have reminded all state cricket associations to do certain things," he said, "and that we have a zero tolerance policy on racial abuse."
The original report from South Africa said some players felt they weren't being protected enough by the authorities and a meeting was held where the threat of a walk-off was raised. "This is the only way the authorities will listen and stop this," News 24 reported a team source. "If a match should come to a stop because we decide not to play anymore, people will quickly realise that we are very serious about this matter."
Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby administration: A vision materialized, or flawed? (2)
Article by DonnerIn the previous article we dealt with the objectives SARU has put to themselves to attain. In the Vision 2005 document, they have identified four strategies that will enable to help them achieve the goals. These four strategies is very much in line with the objectives. Quite a few articles have been written on this site on transformation, so I am not going to elaborate on these.
From my side there aren’t many comments on any of these strategies. As stated they were designed to obtain the objectives set. Unfortunately no strategy was designed to counter the lack of administration and management skills with regards to the relating objectives.
There are quite a few points in these strategies that I believe is more the responsibility of the Unions and not SARU as such, although they do finance some of the projects. They have made mistakes relating to these strategies, but overall I cannot fault them on too many points.
Vision 2005 continues
“The Vision 2005 strategy is based on four key imperatives - Transformation, Growth, Winning and Financial Sustainability. The four strategic imperatives are based on the balanced needs of SA RUGBY’s stakeholders. They are inter-dependent and therefore success can only be possible if all four are equally achieved.”
Transformation
The Transformation element of Vision 2005 relates to the organisation whereby SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd’s workforce should reflect the country’s demographics, and also to teams where a premium is placed on the opportunity creation to ensure representivity at all levels.
Targets in each area are being met by the implementation of affirmative employment and procurement policies, as well as the implementation of quota systems at all levels, except for the Springboks.
Quotas, which are viewed as a short-term measure, have been highly effective in creating opportunities and proving that there is a wealth of talented black players who, when given the chance, can hold their own at any level. SA RUGBY continuously reviews the targets to be achieved by 2005, through a consultative process involving all stakeholders.
As part of transforming the game, South African rugby is also committed to promoting an understanding of rugby in new markets. This is being assisted by the "Make It Our Game!" marketing and communications strategy that aims to educate people, attract them to attending matches and using various means to inform them about the many elements of the game.
Related articles
http://ruggaworld.blogspot.com/2006/01/general-discussions-transformation-in.html
http://ruggaworld.blogspot.com/2006/01/rugby-administration-social.html
http://ruggaworld.blogspot.com/2006/01/rugby-administration-transformation.html
Growth
Continuing growth is vital to the future survival of the sport in South Africa. For rugby to be a national sport it must appeal to and be played and/or watched by a significant majority of the South African population. The Growth strategy therefore covers both participants and spectators/supporters. A number of activities are already underway to meet these objectives.
It includes the Development and implementation of programmes that will ensure the establishment of sustainable clubs. A full-time Manager: Club Rugby has been appointed with several core projects in place including a club administration handbook and video, the Club Aid Project and Portable Team Training Systems, which converts containers into gyms for use by clubs.
In addition, education and training programmes are in place to hone and develop the skills of coaches, referees and administrators, and an innovative junior and youth rugby policy has been adopted to ensure the on-going growth of the game at schools level.
Winning
For rugby to remain a National sport, the Springbok team must retain a good measure of world-class excellence, which is understood to mean a Springbok team that is rated in the top three in the world.
Many programmes are in place to achieve this and SA Rugby has created a National Teams division to manage this process. Amongst the services it provides are: the continuous development of elite coaches through interaction with their counterparts at international level; support services to elite players; and education and career development assistance to top Super 12 and National players.
One of the newest developments in this area is a major new player identification and development strategy that will carry South African rugby through to the 2007 World Cup and aims to deliver the majority of Super 14 and Springbok players.
The programme includes the creation of a National Under-16 rugby week to run concurrently with the existing Coca-Cola Under-18 week. After each national under-16 week, the 100 top players will be selected in a national green squad system. The green squad programme will run through to under-20 level and will ensure that SA Rugby has 500 players - from under-16 level through to under-20 - under their management at all times. There will be continuous assessment, with critical measures for retention and removal of players. The players will be assessed, training programmes will be advised and details kept on a national database through under-17 level.
At the conclusion of every Coca-Cola Under-18 week a new squad will be chosen, which will also allow for late physical developers to force their way in. From this squad, the South African schools and academy teams of 22 players each will be selected for their international games, from which players will be selected for the FIRA Under-19 Junior World Championships. The under-18 and under-19 players whom the selectors feel are potential future Springboks will be placed in a national gold squad, which will never exceed 20 players and will also draw from under-20 and under-21 level. Another key area is the establishment of rugby academies with the major objective being the delivery of more skilled players, referees and coaches to achieve the vision, with a special emphasis on black players, coaches and referees.
Financial Sustainability
If South African rugby is to achieve its vision it will require sustainable financial resources. Financial sustainability is defined as having an income that exceeds the costs associated with achieving the vision. Revenue from the sale of television rights constitutes the major portion of the gross income of SA RUGBY and loss of this revenue will have a domino effect on the entire rugby funding structure. A key element is ensuring that this key area is addressed has been the restructuring of SA RUGBY and the creation of SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd. Through the maintenance of existing revenue streams and the identification of new revenue streams SA Rugby will be able to ensure that it achieves its Vision 2005 targets.
Amongst the key initiative in this area are the promotion of a joint SANZAR initiative for renewing and improving the Newscorp television rights income, the successful branding and sponsorship of all major tournaments, the creation of successful merchandising and publishing businesses, rationalisation of excessive loss areas through zero-based budgeting principles and the full exploitation of rugby’s commercial potential.
The only major issue within these strategies that I would like to point out, is, in my opinion, they are too reliant on the Newscorp deal and this creates the impression that our teams, S14 and Springboks, are being sold short in order to ensure revenue.
For many years we have complained about the travel factor during the S12 and then it got extended to the S14, making the schedule even more gruesome. Talk of player burnout has been in the news constantly for the past 18 months, but yet again the Trinations was extended. All this to ensure a better deal with Newscorp.
Reading through these objectives, one does get the feeling that everything in SA Rugby is maybe not that bad, but then you have to keep in mind, that it is the CEO that runs this part of the show and implement the strategies, while the Unions play a huge part in executing them. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Personalities: Question and Answer with Pieter Muller
Following on from our article on Springbok great, Pieter Muller, the current Director of Rugby - Doncaster Rugby Football Club, we were flooded with interest and questions. Pieter has very kindly agreed to participate in an exclusive Rugga World Question and Answer session based on the questions you submitted!This is the first in what we hope will be many interviews with past Springbok legends, enjoy it!
Question 1: Pieter, what game in particular sticks out in your memory over your career?
The Tri-nations game in Durban in 1998, when we came from behind at half time and beat the All Blacks, 24-23, and winning the Tri- nations.
Question 2: Who did you prefer playing outside you at 13, and why?
I've been fortunate to have played with many great centres but I'd say Andre Snyman. We worked well together as a combination. We played the same type of game except Andre had a bit more pace. He's a good runner in attack and solid in defence.
Question 3: Who was the best flyhalf you played with?
There is only one "The Lem" AKA Henry Honiball.
Question 4: Japie Mulder is now coaching at the Bulldogs, would you ever consider coaching in SA in the future?
Yes, one day, but it's important to get experience at a lower level of rugby first and slowly work your way up.
Question 5: Why did you choose to start your coaching career in the UK?
It's important to experience different cultures, playing styles and players.
Was it because you had an opportunity or did you believe the training would be better?
I think a bit of both, but I think the training/coaching has moved on a lot since England won the World Cup and there is much to be gained from the experience.
Question 6: What did you think of playing rugby league in Australia? Do you still follow league?
A new Challenge ... I really enjoyed it. Yes, I still follow it. There are always things you can pick up in League and utilise in Union. It's a cross-pollination of ideas and experiences.
Question 7: The Boks have based their success over the last two years purely on defense. Is this style of rugby sustainable and is it really that difficult to counter? Seeing that the French basically nullified the rush defense by playing from deep with quick ball.
I think the success has to do with the consistency of selection but yes defence does play a big part in the game today. The problem with a rush defence is that if one person is one step in front or behind you will be exposed. You have to adapt your defence pattern according to which team you are playing.
Question 8: Pieter, which coach did the most for your rugby, and which Bok coach did you enjoy playing with most and why?
Ian MacIntosh, he is a legend! Also Nick Mallet. Mac just had a feel for the game and knew how to get the best out of his players.
Question 9: Realistically Pieter, and in your honest opinion, can Jake and this team bring home the world cup? Where do you see them lack or areas they need to work on to do this?
We can! Up front we can compete with anyone but we lack game breakers in the backline. We lack a flyhalf and inside centre.
Question 10: Who was your toughest opponent?
Frank Bunce, Tim Horan
Question 11: Do you still braai and potjie in the UK???
Still have the odd braai but still enjoy the Biltong.
Question 12: Which Super 14 team do you support?
Two Teams- Sharks because I played there but the Central Cheetahs- I want Rassie to do well.
Once again, with grateful thanks to Pieter for taking the time out to chat with his fans.
Pieter Muller Fact File:
Full names: Pieter Gysbert
Date of birth: 5 May 1969
Place of birth: Bloemfontein, South Africa
School: Grey College, Bloemfontein
Initial province: Sharks
Physical: 1.87m, 100.7kg
Current age: 36
Test summary: Tests: 33 Tries: 3
First Test: 15 Aug 1992 Age:23 Inside Centre against New Zealand at Ellispark, Johannesburg
Last Test: 4 Nov 1999 Age:30 Inside Centre against New Zealand at Millenium Stadium (Cardiff Arms Park), Cardiff
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Bulls decimated by Stormers bumps and bruises.
Our very own eagle-eyed WPW picked up on a report by Brenden Nel on www.iol.co.za and rushed to get the news to us.
It seems that Sunday's glow of satisfaction in the Bulls camp has been replaced by Monday blues as no fewer than 11 players reported in with varying injuries.
There had been a practise scheduled for yesterday but the sick list necessitated it being cancelled.
Nel writes, 'The good news is that none of the 11 players who were listed as injured will be in doubt for the two specially arranged pre-season friendlies against the Sharks at Sun City this weekend.
The injury list is lengthy and reads as follows: Derick Hougaard (shoulder), Johan Wasserman (neck strain), Danie Rossouw (neck strain), Gary Botha (lower back muscle spasm), John Mametsa (groin), Dries Scholtz (split lip), Marius Delport (shoulder), Akona Ndungane (rib), Danwell Demas (quadricep injury), Rudi Coetzee (stomach bug) and Heini Adams (sinus infection).
Coetzee needed to be hooked up to a drip as he was dehydrated while Pedrie Wannenburg also had a groin injury, but would have trained with his team-mates.
The players who could train, were duly sent off to the gym for a swimming and cardiovascular session to help their bodies recover from the weekend's game.'
Click here to read full article and comments.
It seems that Sunday's glow of satisfaction in the Bulls camp has been replaced by Monday blues as no fewer than 11 players reported in with varying injuries.
There had been a practise scheduled for yesterday but the sick list necessitated it being cancelled.
Nel writes, 'The good news is that none of the 11 players who were listed as injured will be in doubt for the two specially arranged pre-season friendlies against the Sharks at Sun City this weekend.
The injury list is lengthy and reads as follows: Derick Hougaard (shoulder), Johan Wasserman (neck strain), Danie Rossouw (neck strain), Gary Botha (lower back muscle spasm), John Mametsa (groin), Dries Scholtz (split lip), Marius Delport (shoulder), Akona Ndungane (rib), Danwell Demas (quadricep injury), Rudi Coetzee (stomach bug) and Heini Adams (sinus infection).
Coetzee needed to be hooked up to a drip as he was dehydrated while Pedrie Wannenburg also had a groin injury, but would have trained with his team-mates.
The players who could train, were duly sent off to the gym for a swimming and cardiovascular session to help their bodies recover from the weekend's game.'
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other Unions / Teams: Snyman shreds Cardiff
While Marshall excelled with darting runs, subtle passes, a dropped goal and the short-range burst for the final try, Andre Snyman, Lomu’s direct opponent, plundered two tries, the first from 50 metres.
South African interest: Roland de Marigny, Andre Snyman, Ryno Gerber, Roland Reid
By Michael Austin
Leeds Tykes 48 Cardiff Blues 3
WINNING the battle comprehensively did not enable Leeds Tykes to triumph in the war and qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals at Headingley Carnegie. They swept aside Cardiff Blues with contemptuous ease but results elsewhere meant they failed to go through to the last eight.
Phil Davies, the director of rugby, philosophically cast aside his frustration. “This was still a special day for us when you consider all the history and tradition of Cardiff,” he said. “It is one of our most meaningful results in what I regard as the Champions League of rugby. We did everything that we could and we shall take this performance forward into our Guinness Premiership matches.”
The European odyssey of the Tykes, who are bottom of the Premiership, has been nothing less than remarkable, with this emphatic win topping the curiosities of beating Perpignan with the last kick of the match through a twice-taken conversion from Gordon Ross and the decision by the board of the European Rugby Cup Ltd to set the astonishing precedent of awarding them five points for the twice-postponed match against Calvisano last week.
Leeds’s task of of qualifying for the last eight was always going to be tough, but that they came so close was remarkable. They needed five tries along with victory to even stand a chance. Running in seven, however, brought accolades, not only from Davies but Justin Marshall, the New Zealand scrum half and man of the match. “It was a complete team performance and we were proud of it,” Marshall said.
Marshall prospered while Jonah Lomu, his former New Zealand team-mate, failed to add to his single Cardiff try in six previous appearances.
David Young, the Cardiff head coach, said: “We were unable to put together three or four passes. Our team has to play with tempo but Leeds dominated the tackle area. We do not have the firepower behind to play going backwards. We were hammered. To say I am disappointed is a huge understatement.
“The European Rugby Cup’s decision to award Leeds five points for the Calvisano match, did not have a huge bearing from our own playing viewpoint, apart from the way Leeds approached the game. If they had no chance of progress, they might have decided to concentrate on the Premiership instead, which would have made it easier.”
While Marshall excelled with darting runs, subtle passes, a dropped goal and the short-range burst for the final try, Andre Snyman, Lomu’s direct opponent, plundered two tries, the first from 50 metres.
Tom Biggs flitted in and out of the match, bewitching Cardiff and being rewarded with a try. David Doherty, another product of Leeds’s academy, pounced for another after seizing a kick from Ross, the fly half, who illustrated why he is back in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming RBS Six Nations Championship.
Tom Palmer was driven over from a lineout catch by Stuart Hooper that gave Leeds a 24-3 lead at half-time. A penalty try when Martyn Williams handled the ball in a Leeds scrum after 56 minutes simply confirmed Cardiff’s woes and Leeds’s dominance.
SCORERS: Leeds Tykes: Tries: Snyman 2 (13min, 45), Palmer (30), Biggs (37), penalty try (56), Marshall (65), Doherty (78). Conversions: Ross 5. Dropped goal: Marshall (6). Cardiff Blues: Penalty goal: Macleod (33).
SCORING SEQUENCE: (Leeds Tykes first): 3-0, 10-0, 17-0, 17-3, 24-3 (half-time), 29-3, 36-3, 41-3, 48-3.
LEEDS TYKES: R De Marigny; A Snyman (rep: D Doherty, 66), R Vickerman, C Bell, T Biggs; G Ross, J Marshall (rep: D Care, 66); M Shelley (rep: R Gerber, 60), G Bulloch (rep: R Rawlinson, 60), G Kerr (sin-bin, 70-80), S Hooper, T Palmer (rep: J Dunbar, 66), S Morgan (rep: M Shelley, 77-80), R Parks (rep: D Hyde, 77), N Thomas (rep: R Reid, 60).
CARDIFF BLUES: R Williams; C Czekaj, J Robinson, M Stcherbina (rep: T Davies, 80), J Lomu; N Macleod (rep: L Thomas, 57), M Phillips (sin-bin, 54-65; rep: R Powell, 65); G Jenkins, R Thomas (rep: D Goodfield, 72), M Jones (rep: J Yapp, 51), D Jones (rep: C Quinnell, 57), R Sidoli, A Powell (rep: R Sowden-Taylor, 54), M Williams, X Rush.
Referee: C Berdos (France).
Attendance: 7,144. Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sport: Domestic cricket creates step up woes
LORGAT RUBBISHES "TARGETS"
Article by Boertjie
When Kepler Wessels a few years ago warned that South African cricket is going to pay the price for artificially spreading the game to too many provinces, he was ignored. There has since then been some changes, with teams being grouped together. This did not change the status quo and the malaise is ongoing.
Wessels - and he was all but alone in his views - warned that we simply don't have the talent to accommodate more than six provincial teams and some 90 players of quality. However, politics demanded the expansion and it happened at a frantic pace.
Yesterday national coach Mickey Arthur lamented that the step up from franchise cricket to the international level was too big for players to handle.
Arthur acknowledged to Christo Buchner of News24 that he had been disappointed by the performance of some players who joined the team after the Test series.
"We must find a way to narrow that gap. When a player is summoned to join the national squad after playing in the local competitions, he should be able to fit in immediately. The gap should not be that big.
"It seems as if the step up is too steep for some players and we have to give urgent attention to the matter," the coach said.
It has to be granted that injuries are playing a major role in the current demise of the Proteas, but it takes nothing away from the sick and bankrupt situation of cricket in the country. Very few spectators turn up at the traditional format of the game, and even the onedayers are suffering lack of support.
In recent years there were quite a few players who just did not make it to the next level when given the chance. Names that come to mind is Shafiek Abrahams, Hashim Amla, Martin van Jaarsveld, Robin Peterson, Albie Morkel, Tsami Tsolekile, Zander de Bruyn and Justin Ontong - to name a few. They all looked capable in the domestic game, but fell woefully short at international level.
"THERE ARE NO TARGETS" - Lorgat
Yesterday naional convenor of selectors Haroon Lorgat rubbished reports that Jacques Rudolph lost out in the Proteas' most recent game in Australia because of "targets".
Asked about whether CSA stipulates that four black players had to be picked at all times, Lorgat responded: "That's absolute rubbish. I don't count colour. How many played in Friday's game? That has never the case. I don't know how many times I need to explain this."
"We do have a target in place for the World Cup in West Indies in 2007 in relation to black players. But that is what it is - a target. We select the team entirely on merit and will continue to do so. There is no pressure from above (government)."
Source: News24
Click here to read full article and comments.
Ruggaworld recipes: Finding a perfect match
Source: Health24
Article by Susan Erasmus
Tired of spending Sundays by yourself? Of going to singles’ bars or suffering through blind dates organised by your friends? Of looking at the personal columns in the newspapers with more than a passing interest? Are you tired of wincing when someone asks the dreaded question, “How’s your love life?” Right. Around you are many people in relationships and marriages. All of them must have been single at some or other time. So how did they do it? How can you do it too?
Get happy by yourself
Putting your life on hold while waiting for the Perfect One to appear is a mistake. Being happy and self-contained is much more attractive than the clinging-vine-routine. Extreme neediness is not a social asset when looking for a balanced and pleasant new partner
Avoid looking desperate
Desperation can be smelt at fifty paces and it does not smell nice. For both men and women, being over-interested and coming on too strongly is a turn-off.
Check your appearance
Ask a good friend for advice and try out what they say. Remember that the difference between a good and a bad haircut is six weeks. Go to the gym, get a few new clothes and make a dramatic change or two. Remember that whether we like it or not, first impressions count.
Get your own interests
Join a book club, learn a new language, join a sports club, do the Life Line personal growth course. These are things you will most likely enjoy and you are also likely to meet people there – of both sexes- who share your interests. This is often a healthy basis for lasting relationships.
Friends are important
No, you don’t have to get involved with friends, but ask around and you will be surprised how many people met their spouses or partners at dinner parties or braais or rugby afternoons or weekend gatherings hosted by friends. Organised blind dates have been known to work for a lucky few, but for the rank and file they can be embarrassing and uncomfortable occasions.
Enlist the help of the internet
Who knows what you might come across in the chatrooms or on dating sites? Here you have the opportunity to make casual contact with a wide variety of people. Just be very wary – some really sick people could also be lurking here amongst the nice ones. Don’t give out your address and telephone number indiscriminately – you might find yourself with a stalker. Take the greatest of care when meeting someone you have encountered first on the internet.
Accept all invitations
Unless someone really makes your skin crawl, accept invitations to social occasions. The braai at the house of the office bore might not make your pulse race, but who knows what his brother, sister or best friend are like?
Initiate social events
Don’t sit around waiting for things to happen. Even if you know only two people in a new city, cook dinner, invite both of them and ask each of them to bring two friends.
Invite others along
Get people to join you in activities you have already planned for yourself. A good sentence to remember is “I am going to the movies on Tuesday night – do you want to join me?" This does not sound like you are inviting someone out on a date. You are going anyway, whether they want to come or not.
Show interest in other people
Everyone likes to be listened to. If you are a good listener, you are unlikely to be lonely for long. Be friendly and helpful, but guard against becoming a doormat.
Don't be too distant
Get a healthy balance between being too available and being stand-offish. People who are playing too hard-to-get also experience what it is like to be easy-to-lose. On the other hand, there is little that is less attractive than someone who throws him-or herself at someone who is clearly not interested.
Get out as much as possible
Sitting around in front of the TV or moping in your flat night after night is not going to get you meeting any new people.
Don’t ignore those right under your nose
The neighbour, your siblings’ friends, people at work, the attractive person you see in the supermarket every now and then.
Become a regular..
If you go to the same coffee shop every morning before work, you will eventually be on greeting terms and later on speaking terms with other people who also follow this routine. It is probably less traumatic than going to singles’ bars.
Get rid of your baggage
See a counsellor and sort out issues you might be carrying with you from your childhood or previous relationships. Everyone has issues, but some are serious enough to not only put people off starting a relationship with you, but also scuttling one once it has started.
Sometimes single is great
Remember that it is healthy to be single between relationships. If you rush straight from one relationship into another, chances are that you have dependency issues and are scared of being alone and experiencing personal growth and change.
Better single than hitched and unhappy
And lastly, it is better to be single and happy, than desperately unhappy in a relationship. You can never be as lonely by yourself as you can be in a relationship that is clearly not working
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Cats feeling under-done?
Cats coach, Frans Ludeke, has decided to add an extra hit-out to his team's pre-Super 14 schedule in order to address certain glitches identified in the Bulls and Spears matches.Despite initial disappointment after the Spears match, Ludeke says that post match analysis showed they improved from the earlier Bulls matches.
"It wasn't a good game and I'm not happy, and the players aren't happy either," Ludeke said after the game.
"We conceded a lot of penalties at the breakdown, turnovers in the tackle and made a lot of handling errors. We have to do the basics right," Ludeke said.
"We wanted to focus on the basics, get good set-piece ball, get go-forward and quick ball. It didn't happen and we couldn't put pressure on them," he said.
"The good thing was that we won and you can build on a win. We're 70 percent of where we want to be but we need to work to keep the ball in contact."
The Cats are also experiencing a crisis at flyhalf with Andre Pretorius, Nel Fourie and Tiaan Snyman all currently ruled out through injury.
This has necessitated the call-up of the sturdy Griffons pivot, André Hough, who is expected to get his first start against the Pumas on Thursday in the extra match.
Current options at 10 include, Hough, Arno Coetzee and WP expat, Earl Rose.
The Cats will have another outing against the Sharks at the start of February.
Information source: www.rugby365.com Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Silverfern rates the Cheetahs
Source: Thesilverfern.com
Article by True Blue
The Cheetahs were the rugby choice, as opposed to the Spears (the political Choice) for the 5th Super 14 franchise and immediately supported their right to S14 membership by winning the 2005 Currie Cup, beating the mighty Bulls in an epic clash at Loftus Versveld.
Coached by former Bok flanker Ras Erasmus, the Free State has been a breeding ground for precocious young rugby talent of all races since the first Voortrekker wagon crossed the Orange River 250 years ago. Until now, however, that talent has slipped away to other franchises in wealthier areas of the country. Now, as CC champs and with S14 opportunities the Free State Cheetahs are desperate to make their mark on the Trans-national rugby scene.
Changes
This is the Cheetah's first S14 season under their own steam, as previously they were rolled into the Cats, an unsatisfactory arrangement for both teams concerned. Erasmus has contracted two overseas players, Leota and Lowen for the sake of experience and mentoring of his young guns that are already showing tremendous promise.
Guys like flyjhalf Meyer Bosman and future Bok fullback Bevan Fortuin will benefit immensly from having the massive presence and cool heads of the Kiwi and the Samoan on board.
Strengths
The Cheetahs are to some extend an unknown quantity, but there are some aspects to their set-up that indicate that we may see some good things from this franchise in S14 2006.
Juan Smith is a world-class loose forward and is well supported by the likes of Ryno van der Merwe. The Cheetahs tight five is formidable, and a front row of Os du Randt, Trevor Leota and CJ van der Linde, with Ollie le Roux and Jannie du Plessis off the bench is nothing short of terrifying.
Willem de Waal is a useful flyhalf, but it is Meyer Bosman who is likely to get the game time. he is very young, and the jury is stil out on him. In Oelshig and Claasens, the talent and experience is there at scrumhalf.
Lowen wil be intersting to watch at center but a real coup for Free State was the signing of Ronnie Cooke, a tremendously talented youngster...lets see how much game time Rassie gives him.
One of the true strengths of the team is the coach, Rassie Erasmus, who is as wily as they come and has passion to burn. he will have his charges fired up for every match that they play. Saturdays game against the Farce will be a good yardstick for them.
Weaknesses
Question marks hang over the halfbacks and to an extend over the midfield. Can this team use the quality phase ball that they will be getting to put more experienced sides to the sword?
Draw
Lovely draw, starting with the Bulls at home, and then a procession of the weaker Kiwi and Convict teams giving them the opportunity to go on the road with points in the bank.
Questions
Do they have what it takes to turn CC success into S14 glory?
Look out for
Ronnie Cooke, Bevan Fortuin and Meyer Bosman.
Prediction
The Cheetahs will deliver in their honeymoon year and will be the giant-killers of the tournament as the bigger franchises seek to rest their stars against the less experienced new-comers and get their asses handed to them for their troubles. 6th. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby adminstration: Forward domination????
Source: News24Article by De Jongh Borchardt , Beeld
Photo: News24
The struggle to become SA Rugby's president is going to be an interesting tussle.
Just like Brian van Rooyen, Oregan Hoskins was also a lock and flank in his playing days. These two probably never played against each another, but they are going to be opponents when a president is elected at SA Rugby's AGM in Cape Town next month.
Hoskins has confirmed that he will oppose Van Rooyen on February 24. He will be officially nominated by the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union on Monday evening.
Hoskins said: "I'm doing it in the interest of rugby in South Africa.
"It's not about the people in the board rooms, but about the players on the rugby fields. Rugby in this country can do with less controversy."
His name is perhaps not so well known in the South African rugby fraternity, but this Durban attorney is convinced he has enough experience to take over from Van Rooyen if he gets enough votes.
He came to the fore towards the end of last year when he insisted that allegations of corporate mismanagement against Van Rooyen should be further investigated.
Hoskins said last year that he was not interested in getting involved in an election as opposition to Van Rooyen, but he declined on Monday to elaborate why he had changed his mind.
"I was approached in the last two weeks to make myself available. I'm not saying I've got all the answers and if I'm elected, I will have a humble approach," said Hoskins who has been involved in the KZNRU for the past 11 years.
Hoskins is upset that Durban will not host a Tri-Nations Test this year. The past few years the KZNRU played host for either the All Blacks or the Wallabies every second season.
The New Zealanders were supposed to play in Durban this year, but the two Bok Tests against the Kiwis were allocated to Pretoria and Rustenburg.
"One has to ask the question if such a decision was taken in South Africa's interest. Durban is known throughout the world as a rugby city and was supposed to get the Test this year," Hoskins said.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other Unions / Teams: O'Driscoll's genius leaves Bath contemplating tricky away tie
He 'might have died' but Brian O'Driscoll is back and firing on all cylinders. Playing a major role in his club, Leinster, overcoming perennial English challengers, Bath.South African interest: Frikkie Welsh (pictured) and Matt Stevens.
By Mark Souster
www.timesonline.co.uk
Bath 23 Leinster Lions 35
SO MUCH for the best laid plans. Having already qualified for the last eight of the Heineken Cup, Bath needed a win or a losing bonus point to ensure a home draw in the quarter-finals. That would have earned them a tie against Munster at the Recreation Ground and half a chance of the semi-finals. Instead, they have a trip to Leicester after being systematically dismantled by the corruscating brilliance of a Leinster Lions back division inspired by the genius of Brian O’Driscoll. The only downside for Leinster is that their victory means they have a trip to Toulouse to contend with.
Even after playing second fiddle for the bulk of proceedings, and after a late flourish in total contrast to what they had produced before, Bath still had a chance to push for that vital third try that would have taken them to within seven points of their opponents. In the seventh minute of added time they won a penalty. They had to kick for the corner and hope to maul their way over.
Chris Malone, who had come on as a replacement for Olly Barkley 15 minutes earlier, stepped up but failed miserably to find touch. That was it. Not that Brian Ashton, the Bath coach, was looking for excuses. “We lost the game and didn’t deserve a home tie,” he said. “We turned over ball and they murdered us in the first 20 minutes.”
The key was the platform laid down by the Leinster forwards. They were up against a formidable Bath eight that had throttled the life out of some serious teams. Yesterday the Irish team more then held their own, nullified the Bath maul and forced a series of turnovers from which O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Shane Horgan cut some beautiful lines of running. Under Michael Cheika, their Australian coach, Leinster have evolved a dynamic between forwards and backs, and an ability to offload in the tackle and support the ball carrier that has not always been evident. “We played some smart rugby,” O’Driscoll said.
Leinster, who had to win to qualify as a best runner-up, hit the traps at speed and were 21 points up within 18 minutes. First, Felipe Contepomi, who converted all his side’s tries, tapped a penalty near his own line and set O’Driscoll loose. He fed Denis Hickie, whose astute cross-field kick was picked up in midfield by Shane Horgan. The wing cantered under the posts.
Contepomi then intercepted a pass by Barkley to run 75 metres to the corner for the second, pursued fruitlessly by Nick Walshe. But the best was to come. Having been put into space by D’Arcy, O’Driscoll, in only his fourth start after his dreadful shoulder injury, scythed through midfield and exchanged passes with his fellow centre. When he needed support he found it in the unlikely form of Will Green, the prop. Two penalties by Barkley were all Bath had to show at half-time.
Early in the second half Leinster were denied a fourth try by Jamie Heaslip for a forward pass by Green, but O’Driscoll then bamboozled the Bath defence to gift Horgan his second and the Ireland captain wrapped up things himself after interchanging with Heaslip. Bath’s furious late response, which brought tries by Michael Stephenson and Matt Stevens, left one wondering why they had not taken off the shackles earlier.
SCORERS: Bath: Try: Stephenson (73min), Stevens (78). Conversions: Malone 2. Penalty goals: Barkley 3 (10, 24, 58). Leinster Lions: Tries: Horgan 2 (5, 59), Contepomi (13), Green (19), O’Driscoll (69). Conversions: Contepomi 5.
SCORING SEQUENCE (Bath first): 0-7, 3-7, 3-14, 3-21, 6-21, (half-time); 9-21, 9-28, 9-35, 16-35, 23-35.
BATH: M Stephenson; A Higgins, T Cheeseman, S Finau, F Welsh; O Barkley (rep: C Malone, 72), N Walshe (rep: A Williams, 70); D Flatman (rep: D Bell, 41), L Mears, M Stevens, S Borthwick (rep: L J Hudson, 74), D Grewcock, A Beattie, M Lipman, G Delve (rep: P Short, 70).
LEINSTER LIONS: G Dempsey (rep: R Kearney, 41); S Horgan, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Hickie; F Contepomi (rep: K Lewis, 80), G Easterby; R Corrigan, B Blaney (rep: D Blaney, 80), W Green (rep: E Byrne, 66), B Williams, M O’Kelly (rep: A Byrnes, 80), C Jowitt (rep: E Miller, 36), KGleeson, J Heaslip.
Referee: N Owens (Wales).
Attendance: 10,600.
Click here to read full article and comments.
General Discussions: The Front Row Club, not for softies.
A few days ago, New Zealander John Cawston provided us with a light hearted look at the complexities of the NZ/PI relationship. Today John gives us the exclusive low down on the deep and dark arts of the front row. Not to be missed, backline players beware, it's not for the faint hearted!I spent 16 of 25 years of rugby in the front row, and I loved it.
My body type and personality loved the all in wrestling after we “folded” into the scrum, tried to lift the opposing prop or shove he and his hooker around so that the strike for the ball was disrupted on their side.
Yet when I gave up the game and became a spectator it was the flashy chaps I watched, not the front rowers, probably because I knew what they were doing. But in the 1990s, prop and hooker watching was very much back on my agenda, and I believe that came about because of three quite dramatic changes to the role of the front rowers.
The first was the referee coordinated engage and shove in the scrums. Suddenly, scrum dominance could be achieved or lost in just a second and the whirring of little legs on the hookers as they struck for the ball was gone. Now the requirement for all six men up front is size, strength, technique and timing of the shove and the players simply walk over the ball to get possession or the halfback puts the ball under his team’s feet with a crooked put in. So the (fewer) scrums we see at international level are interesting because they are more dramatic and better timed.
The second change was the role of hooker and props in the lineout. Lineouts now are a prime source of fast and clean possession for an attacking team, a bountiful source of tries and with assisted lifting, an exciting choreographed example of athleticism. The hooker now throws to some imaginary point metres above the lineout in a way that ensures a clean take and a fast feed down to the halfback.
Some of the finest and most iconic photos of rugby now show the tall skinny fella up around 3-4 metres in the air doing stuff that must be creating new recruits to the game.
Of course, such photos show a couple of props standing at full height and arms fully extended as they throw their man high. The timing and skill of the throwing hooker is remarkable, but these props also show much timing, skill and strength to get their man so high - bravo!
The third change is the breakdown. This one isn’t so obvious, but the front rowers are now getting to the breakdowns as quickly as the loosies, have a look at these statistics from Tracey Nelson on the first three Abs to the breakdown over the past few years:
http://tinyurl.com/9f8gr
Note that tighthead prop Somerville is right up with McCaw at getting to the breakdown.
That is indeed the lesson of the last decade, the fatties are very quick to the breakdown and securing the ball.
Picking the players who epitomise these changes is not too difficult.
For me, the AB Hayman is an exceptional tighthead prop, he’s quick to the breakdown and gets down and dirty fast to put structure into the maul and ruck. He is a great lineout lifter with his height, strength and timing and he scrums well.
Keven Mealamu is a very quick hooker. He tends to hang back a bit at the breakdown to assess where to put his weight, tidy up a loose ball and bust up the middle or just disrupt a maul/ruck where the opposition is doing too well. The fact that he gets punched more than most testifies to his effectiveness at the latter! He throws quite well and more than holds his own in the scrums.
I liked the loosehead Os Du Randt of the 1990s for his energy and sheer grunt, but I like him better now. He “loiters with intent” with intelligence at the breakdown, snaps a loose ball and feeds to the quicks with precision. He does a good to great job in the lineouts, and we all know what he can do in a scrum.
One other factor that I like, all front rows get done sometimes in the scrum; when it happens to Os, he simply accepts it, keeps his shape in the scrum and makes the best of it, the result is the ‘Bok scrum doesn’t collapse in disarray.
Another thing about these guys, they are quiet. Yes, they can do the rough stuff and move fast when needed, but primarily they are the technicians of the team and they provide structure to nearly all the forwards’ work. That’s an awful long way from the grunt and bust types we were 30 years ago! Click here to read full article and comments.
Other Unions / Teams: Lauaki to train with Chiefs despite court hearing
Sources: New Zealand Herald & NZPA
Chiefs forward Sione Lauaki will train with his teammates in Queenstown this week ahead of his court appearance on Thursday for an assault charge.
A Chiefs statement today said Lauaki would travel with the squad to Queenstown tomorrow to help them prepare for the pre-season Super 14 match against the Highlanders there on Thursday evening.
All Blacks loose forward Lauaki would return before then for his Hamilton District Court appearance, facing a charge of common assault.
The charge carries a maximum jail term of one year.
Lauaki was arrested in Hamilton in the early hours of Friday morning after allegedly assaulting a 26-year-old man.
Lauaki played in seven test matches in his first season as an All Black, making his debut last June against Fiji. Click here to read full article and comments.
Chiefs forward Sione Lauaki will train with his teammates in Queenstown this week ahead of his court appearance on Thursday for an assault charge.
A Chiefs statement today said Lauaki would travel with the squad to Queenstown tomorrow to help them prepare for the pre-season Super 14 match against the Highlanders there on Thursday evening.
All Blacks loose forward Lauaki would return before then for his Hamilton District Court appearance, facing a charge of common assault.
The charge carries a maximum jail term of one year.
Lauaki was arrested in Hamilton in the early hours of Friday morning after allegedly assaulting a 26-year-old man.
Lauaki played in seven test matches in his first season as an All Black, making his debut last June against Fiji. Click here to read full article and comments.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Rugby administration: A vision materialized, or flawed? (1)
Article by Donner
On the official SARU website there is an extensive document called Vision 2005. In this document SARU sets itself goals on what they want to achieve within rugby in South Africa and the continent. Let's look how successful they are.
Vision 2005 starts of as follows:
“SA RUGBY and the Game of Rugby have been at the forefront of change in South African sports over the past decade. Management structures and strategies have continuously been adapted over time to move with changes to the environment and the onset of new challenges. Throughout, however, South African rugby has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the new South Africa, emphasizing the role of the sport and the country’s National teams in ensuring patriotism and instilling national pride. Rugby, too, is the only sport that is able to compete and win regularly against the top teams in the world.
One of the key strategies guiding the progress of SA Rugby is Vision 2005, adopted in 2001 following widespread consultation with all rugby stakeholders. Vision 2005 sets out the sport’s ideals for the future, taking into account milestones that must be reached to ensure long-term survival.
"SA RUGBY’s vision is for rugby to be a National Sport that represents the aspirations of the Nation through consistent top class performance, thereby bringing the Nation together. SA RUGBY will achieve this by:
• Developing a shared value system that is representative of the Nation
• Being the most professional sports organisation in Africa
• Being the most professional rugby organisation in the world
• Developing world-class playing skills
• Developing world-class management and customer service skills
• Developing world-class strategic alliances
The Vision 2005 strategy is based on four key imperatives - Transformation, Growth, Winning and Financial Sustainability. The four strategic imperatives are based on the balanced needs of SA RUGBY’s stakeholders. They are inter-dependent and therefore success can only be possible if all four are equally achieved.”
EVALUATING THE GOALS
Now let us evaluate the paragraph setting the goals and look at the goals individually.
• Developing a shared value system that is representative of the Nation
At first thought it does seem if they could have been successful in part, but then the constant objections from ANCYL and the government springs to mind. This is a difficult goal to evaluate, because these objections don’t always carry the support of the people represented by these organizations. I must however concede that the overall image of the support that rugby gets in South Africa, does support some degree of success on this front.
• Being the most professional sports organisation in Africa
• Being the most professional rugby organisation in the world
• Developing world-class management and customer service skills
I have grouped these three objectives together for one reason and one reason only. It all boils down to the quality of management and their ability to run the administration of SA Rugby.
It was very difficult not to start laughing, when reading these with the events of 2005 still fresh in the memory and the recent reports in the lead up to the meeting of 23 February 2006. I cannot be anything else than honest in this regard and call the administration what it is: a joke.
Evaluating the objectives set, they have failed dismally and even took a few steps back. At this stage SARU seem to be more of a circus than a sports organisation. When it comes to the "world-class management and customer service skills", some of them seems to be thinking that they are directing the clowns.
During 2004, things on the administration front were quiet while the Boks moved up from sixth in the world, back to third. Then 2005 came along and all hell broke loose. While the administrators could hide behind the successes of the Boks in 2004, 2005 did not allow them that luxury. Although the Boks continued performing, the administrators started to show their true colors.
The first embarrassment was the allocation of the fifth S14 franchise. It was allocated to the Central Unions and we all thought it was done and dusted, but ANCYL wasn’t happy. All of a sudden the relegation factor was introduced to afford the Southern Spears the opportunity to compete in the S14. This opened a can of worms which will most probably only be settled by the lawyers in the end.
Then came the first attempt to oust Brian van Rooyen, with catfights in the media followed by the supposed interferences of André Markgraaff with Jake White. Van Rooyen played the innocent victim and Markgraaff et al was portraited as the predators waiting to pounce. All of this is the very public eye of the media.
A report on the lack of corporate governance at SARU was issued specifically highlighting Van Rooyen's involvement and the unions started to doubt him, but still he was not voted out at the Presidents Council meeting. It went from bad to worse - and every time the culprits came away clean.
Up to today there are still unresolved issues surrounding the report on the poor corporate governance, and some people are doing their utmost to smother these. Were they professional and did they behave like a world class management? You decide that for yourself, but I am still struggling not to fall down in a fit of laughter.
• Developing world-class playing skills
Fortunately for the SA rugby supporter this objective was not in the hands of the management of SARU. On this front we saw the Boks continue on their path to being the best team in the world, although there are some question marks hanging, but that is another discussion.
We saw skillful players from all communities in SA develop. We saw fully representative junior level teams. In this objective they were very successful: our u.19 and u.21 teams are the world champions. But can we acclaim these successes for SARU, or must we congratulate the Unions? I’ll say well done to everybody involved.
• Developing world-class strategic alliances
On this we heard about the butt kissing during the vote for the 2011 WC bid, but other than that no new alliances was formed that I am aware of. This does not come as a surprise to me, because if they couldn’t even find a way of working together within SARU, how on earth would other people be willing to work with them?
In summation, it seems that SARU did not achieve most of the goals they set for themselves and failed dismally in the simple goal that is set to them by SA rugby supporters - to give us an administration that we can be proud of and that runs this beloved sport of us, in a quiet and effective way.
The shareholders of any company in South Africa would have been climbing up the walls with fury if this was the evaluation of their top management. It is in some cases forgivable to not reach objectives other people set for you, but to fail so dismally in those you set for yourself, is atrocious. A top management team at a company won’t survive the AGM even if the financial rewards were better than ever before.
The management of this SARU company needs to sit down and ask themselves the question: “If we can’t reach these simple goals we have set ourselves, are we are capable of doing this?” I realise that some of these goals are long term, but surely to conduct yourself and your business in a professional manner, cannot be a long term goal. "Okay we will start conducting the business professionally next year." That just sounds bloody rediculous.
The ultimate responsibility has and will always be with Brian van Rooyen and Johan Prinsloo and it is of them that we need to ask the questions. Recent reports states that Van Rooyen is going to stand for president of SARU again in February, but by his own admission on a live radio talk show, he is focusing more on his own company Labat than on SA Rugby. Is this a healthy situation?
One also have to ask the question why the media in South Africa has not picked up on this document and started to ask these questions. A corporate document of this importance, by an institution administering a sport so many people in our country love and support, should surely carry a very high degree of interest from the media reporting on that sport?
One can only guess the answers to the questions is and hope that we can get the people who care in charge of the “company” of SA Rugby and that we as “shareholders” will not only be proud of our “dividends”, but also the way the company is run.
In the news this morning, Van Rooyen made his intentions clear that he wil not go down with a fight. He stated: “I believe I have done a reasonably good job as president of Saru,” he said. “Reports that I have been asked to leave are factually incorrect. I’ve gone on the campaign trail and I am confident that I have the support of most of the provincial unions. I’m ready for a fight, meneer.
My question to you, mr Van Rooyen, is: Do you think reasonable performance was good enough?
(Thank you very much to Boertjie for his input in this article) Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Cats' flyhalf problems = endless pit
According to Rugby365.com, Andre Pretorius is set to miss half of the Super 14 competition due to the ankle injury sustained in the EOYT against Argentinia.
The plaster on his ankle was only removed last week and without him the Cats has a serious lack of experience at flyhalf. Although players like Nel Fourie, Tiaan Snyman, Jodi and Earl Rose are available, they are all untested at this level. Nel Fourie is also struggling with a injury which causes even more haedaches for coach, Frans Ludeke.
Pretorius told Rugby365.com: "That March 6 is the follow up visit to the doctor," "From there it is another week or two, if all goes well, before I'll be back on the field. I certainly won't take any contact till after March 6 and depending on the doctor's decision," he added.
We all wish Andre a speedy recovery, not only for the sake of the Cats, but one feels that Boks will need his talent later this year. He remains optimistic and stated that the three months rest away from rugby will leave him fresh and ready to go.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Sharks start hunting
Source: Rugby365.com
The Sharks ran out comfortable winners in both their warm-up matches against the Leopards in Durban on Friday night, their first pre-season outing before the inaugural Super 14 gets under way next month.
In the first "Sharks versus Leopards" game the Great White Sharks ran out 25-10 (five tries to two victors). No kicks were taken at goal
In the second, high tempo match, the Ragged Tooth Sharks scored an impressive 70-5 (14 tries-to-one) win over the Leopards in an entertaining match.
The Sharks website said in its media release that there was a real sense of "urgency" shown by the Raggies, who looked intent on scoring an emphatic victory.
Their superior fitness and creativity, with excellent linking between the forwards and backs saw them control the match from start to finish.
Earlier two teams of the Wildebeest squad - the team playing in the Vodacom Cup, a secondary domestic competition in South Africa - also played each other. This meant Sharks coach Dick Muir had an opportunity to observe 50-odd players from the Sharks region.
Muir, no doubt, would have been impressed by the skill and fitness levels.
But what would have been more encouraging was to see players like AJ Venter, Tsepo Kokoali and Dean Hall back in the frame after spending much of the 2005 season on the sidelines with injuries.
In the first match (between the Wildebeest sides) one player who would have made observers sit up and take note was a young fly-half by the name of Errol Tobias. He is the son of the 1980's Springbok Errol Tobias, but judged on Friday's performance he will make name for himself on merit ... not on his father's reputation.
The first "Sharks versus Leopards" game, played over two 30 minute chukkas, was an entertaining game with both teams full of running.
The Leopards' two tries came off scraps, while the Great White Sharks constructed their five tries systematically.
For the Sharks Odwa Ndungane, Craig Burden, Grant Rees, Danie Saayman, and replacement Tsepo Kokoali scored tries.
No.8 Braam Immelman caught the eye as a roaming loose forward who came into the line regularly.
Other players to impress were the centre combination of Craig Burden and Grant Rees, lock Nicolai Blignaut, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and Bok wing Dean Hall.
It would be unfair to single out individuals in the second "Sharks versus Leopards" match.
This victory that was based on team work, but there was a welcome return to action for Bok utility AJ Venter, whose work rate, along with his team mates, was exceptionally high.
Samoan Daniel Farani was all over the place and made a big impact, while the ploy of selecting Percy Montgomery at fly-half worked a treat as his acceleration of the mark, and composure under pressure kept his team on the front foot on attack.
He defended his channel well and is a definite option at No.10 for Muir in the Super 14.
Dusty Noble, Andries Strauss, Brett Hennessey, Percy Montgomery, Ruan Pienaar, Jacques Botes (4), Daniel Farani, AJ Venter (2) and replacements JP Pietersen and Okkie Vermeulen all scored tries.
The good news as well was that the Sharks sustained no major injuries and there are no concerns for the medical staff after the evening's action.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sports: Donald wants England bowling job
Submitted by wpw
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald has applied to replace Troy Cooley as England bowling coach.
Cooley is set to return to his native Australia to take up a similar role with the world champions in May.
Donald, who took 330 wickets in 72 Tests in an illustrious playing career, said frustration had led him to apply.
"At the moment I get the feeling there is no way in for me to South African cricket, so that's one of the reasons I applied," he told the Reuters newswire.
"I have a passion for being around international cricketers. I love being in the dressing room and I love dealing with players at the highest level," Donald, who retired from playing in 2003.
"There is an opportunity for me to grab onto something I love, whether it's the South African cricket team or the England cricket team, it doesn't matter.
"I love being around the international stage and being involved."
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other sport: Rudolph again victim of cricket's "target"
Source: News24
Jaques Rudolph has scored the most runs on tour but again became a victim of Cricket SA's racial policy, which demands that the "target" of four players of colour must be met. On his previous tour in Australia Rudolph was replaced by Justin Ontong after having been selected for his test debut.
Christo Buchner reports on News24 that Cricket South Africa (CSA) has to give special permission to the South African cricket team touring Australia if they are to walk on to the field without the desired "target" of four players of colour.
The term "target" is the word created by CSA to avoid the word "quota", which has many negative connotations.
In reality, there were just three players of colour in the team on Friday. If Rudolph was to have been accommodated in the top batting order, another player - either Herschelle Gibbs or Ashwell Prince - would have to have been dropped and from CSA's point of view that would have been unacceptable.
Special permission was requested to include just Gibbs and Prince, as well as Garnett Kruger, and CSA was unlikely to make further concessions.
Monde Zondeki was included in the first few matches of the one-day series along with Kruger, Gibbs and Prince to reach the "target" of four players. He did not measure up to expectations and it was decided to include the newcomer to the squad, Dale Steyn, in Melbourne.
The balance of the team changed and another white player had to be dropped.
Note: "Targets" are apparently also the reason why Zondeki was initially selected ahead of Steyn (who had a terrible one-day debut hours after arriving in Australia) and 28-year old Johan van der Wath. Van der Wath claimed 2/21 in five overs in his debut. Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Ex-players to assist drowning Sharks
Source: Sunday Tribune
Following the dismal performance of the Sharks in 2005, a group of ex-players has founded the Ex-Sharks Players Association (ESPA). Their aim is to play a constructive role and they will only advise on "rugby issues."
Chairing the Association is the former wing Tony Watson, who just a few months ago went ballistic and honed his vitriol on the Sharks boss, lambasting Brian van Zyl about the destruction of the Sharks brand and the appointment of Rudolf Straeuli as commercial manager.
Other former Natal players steering the organisation with him are John Allan, Mark Andrews, Errol Stewart and Craig Jamieson, all famous for being part of the team of the 90s, who are still revered in these parts.
Watson's criticism at the time was warranted, given the depths rugby had sunk to in the province and he, along with several former Sharks players, publicly vented their dissatisfaction.
"When we needed to be critical of the Sharks administration we were," said Watson.
"There were decisions taken that we didn't agree with. But now we are going to be involved with the Sharks Board and want to make a positive contribution, which can be done because we are in the structures."
"I think as ex-players we were all disillusioned with the way things were being done at the Sharks and especially what we saw happening on the field," said John Allan. "All we want to do is help out with the experience we have gained playing amateur and professional rugby," he added.
Mark Andrews said that the association would play a constructive role in Sharks rugby and would only advise on "rugby issues".
Click here to read full article and comments.
General Discussions: To debate an issue, you have to understand the issue
Given the constant sniping and accusations that New Zealand poach, pillage and rape the Pacific Islands for rugby players at will, New Zealander, John Cawston, provides Rugga World with a, at times, irreverent and tongue-in-cheek explanation of just how complex the relationship is between New Zealand and the various islands.Whilst John is by no means attempting to ratify the historical population migrations of the region, it will give you an insight into just how intertwined the regional history is. The simple fact is, almost without exception, most of the players commonly mentioned were either born in NZ, grew up there or have never represented another nation.
Perhaps we need to move on from our obsession with origins and concentrate on how to contain them on the field!"
(Dont miss John's forthcoming article on the role of the frontrow!)
First, think about Britain and its Empire and now Commonwealth. Think of the relationship of the Queen and her former colonies.
That's close to the relationship of NZ to the Pacific Islands. By time, tradition, consanguinity and closer distance NZ has always had a special relationship with the Pacific Islands and PI.
So, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are NZ Dependencies, ie, NZ has legal responsibilities for them under various Trustee Acts. In a little hint as to past Cook Islands emigration and affinity to Maori in NZ note that the official language there is Cook Island *Maori*. Total Cook Islands resident on the Island 18,000, total number in NZ, 51,000.
Then there is Samoa, this was a Dependency of NZ from 1914 to 1962 when it was granted independence. Under the Treaty of Friendship 1962, Samoans emigrating to NZ became full fledged NZ citizens. This is no longer the case but NZ still supplies Samoa with police, civil servants,
justice and administration facilities. Total number of Samoans resident on the islands 170,000, total number in NZ, about the same.
In Fiji, NZ still supplies a goodly part of its administration and justice services under long standing arrangements. Total Fijian population 881,000, total number in NZ 25,000.
Tonga was never colonised but has important immigration, trading, defence relationships. Most Tongan leaders and royalty receive their education in NZ. Total pop on island 97,000 (1996), total in NZ, 41,000.
Now, to further complicate the story, those PI who were born in the Islands and emigrated to NZ have dual citizenship in the Islands and NZ and certain voting and land rights. So Samoans in living NZ are easily able to influence elections in Samoa as well as vote in a Samoan to the NZ Parliament to lobby for their interests in Samoa! Equally, a person of Samoan descent who has never lived in Samoa can inherit land in Samoa.
The end result of all this is that the history of NZ and the various Pacific Islands are deeply entwined in exploration, legal, administrative, migration to and fro, blood ties etc. A Taiwanese fisherman and his family left Taiwan and island hopped down to Papua New Guinea, picked up a spare wife and a male guide and he and his descendants worked their way over to the Cook Islands, got kicked out of there and headed over to Tahiti where they picked up the legendary name of Havaiki. From here, some of them went north and founded a colony on an island they called "Hawaii", but the others moved back west and down to the Kermadec Islands (another NZ Dependency) and then finally on to NZ.
Here they bred with earlier arrivals and then later with Europeans so that now through the marvels of DNA we can identify a unique Taiwanese gene in my very blonde daughters and a Papua/New Guinea/Melanesian gene in my son.
So when people try to isolate whether a Polynesian from NZ is really a New Zealander or really a Pacific Islander they will strike a certain amount of confusion. For instance, a Samoan resident in Samoa born between 1924 and 1948 is automatically a British subject and citizen, but in 1949 he became a NZ subject and citizen, and was such even whilst in Samoa, but if he was born between 1962 and 1982, he was just a Samoan, but sometimes a NZer if he overstayed his permit to reside in NZ. Of course, if a Samoan national arrived in NZ on the eve of 14th September 1982 on a one day visit for a medical operation, he became a NZ citizen as of right at midnight of that day, even though he flew home the following day.
However, even if our Samoan national didnt make it to NZ on 14/9/82, he could always pop over to Tokelau Islands (NZ Dependency) on a fishing trip and marry a girl there.. but he had better check her birth certificate because if she was born on or before 1st Jan 1949, she would just be a British subject, but at midnight on that date she changed to a NZ subject, even though she had never been to NZ and spoke not a word of English. However, if she married our Samoan as a British subject before 1946, she lost her status as a British subject and became a Samoan... so it's probably safest for our Samoan to achieve his NZ citizenship by marrying a Tokelaun girl who was clearly born after 1948.
I trust this clarifies the issue for you!!!
Putting all this to one side, you have to have an inkling of the peopling and colonisation of the Pacific in order to draw tentative conclusions and the efforts of Britain, France and the Netherlands do complicate matters as they set up Dependencies, nations, Trusteeships and the like.. and then passed some of these responsibilities over to NZ and Australia, or kept them under their own flags. All this resulted in welter of legislation that nationalised some islands, and then renationalised them to other nations who then created semi dependencies or sovereign nations and created the confusion you see today.
Only a few of the Island nations today are strictly sovereign and all rely on the goodwill of their former Trustees like Aussie and NZ for their continued viability, but this is an unspoken thing.. in fact, it has a specific name called "The Pacific Way". You can read something of it here:
http://www.pacificislands.cc/pm62004/pmdefault.php?urlarticleid=0005
http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/2001/08-02.html
One way "The Pacific Way" works is emigration. NZ has about 231,000 people of PI extraction, this is a valuable release valve for the Islands to keep them ecologically healthy and drain off the younger populations that would have no employment opportunities and form pockets of discontented young tearaways. But in NZ these people remit part of their earnings back "home" in a scheme that benefits NZ and the home countries.
Similarly, the island of Tuvalu appears to be going under the waves, NZ is quietly removing the whole population over time against the day it becomes uninhabitable.
Unfortunately many of these young peoples will play sport and embarass us by appearing in the All Blacks.. but that's the cross we bear.....
So is NZ raping the Islands of talent?.. well yes, its taking the surplus breeding population as part of a mutually understood Pacific pact that benefits everybody, and yes, there are plenty of good rugby players, netballers and Leaguies that come here. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Administration: "Hoskins will be new SARU president"
Source: RapportBrian van Rooyen will be ousted and Oregan Hoskins of the Sharks will become the new president of SA Rugby on 23 February. This follows after Van Rooyen on Friday tried in vain to convince Saru's union presidents to scrap the inquiry about its bad government.
This is the lead story in today's Rapport Sunday paper under the heading "Skoert, Brian! sê rugbybase" (Buzz off Brian! says rugby bosses.) JJ Harmse says that the withdrawal of retired judge Edwin King from the inquiry offered a last gap for the Van Rooyen camp to stop the inquiry. They battled for five hours to achieve this, but in vain.
Van Rooyen lost the decisive support of the presidents of the Griffons, Griquas, Border and the SWD when they were ousted by their unions because of their support for the president.
"Lawyer with clean hands"
His opponents apparently also want the dismissal of James Stofberg (Leopards) and prof. Jannie Ferreira (Lions) for supporting Van Rooyen in spite of the evidence against him.
The newspaper reports that retired appeal judge Joos Hefer wil be asked to lead the inquiry, and that the minister of sport, Makhenkesi Stofile, will be asked to expedite matters.
According to Rapport's information the majority of the SA unions now back Hoskins, who is seen as "a lawyer with clean hands." He was one of a small group that initially asked Van Rooyen to resign and also resigned from Saru's audit committee after failing to get answers to several questions. Click here to read full article and comments.
Rugby Administration: Training Africa to help itself
I'm not sure whether rugby will ever truly be a globally competitive game however it is always thrilling to see the game growing in 'minnow' nations.Having watched a fascinating documentary on Madagascan rugby, and witnessed the obvious passion displayed, I sincerely trust that SARU, as custodians of the continent's strongest rugby nation, are doing their bit to help expand the game northwards.
The game I saw was played in Antananarivo, between Madagascar and Ivory Coast, in front of a full-house 40 000 screaming spectators and it was a wonderful display.
For a long time rugby in Africa was managed, coached and administered by foreigners - men and sometimes women with a passion for the country they found themselves in and a selfless devotion to the sport.
Over the past few years, however, that framework has begun to change and new steps are being introduced to allow Africa's rugby to follow a more self-taught and self-helping path.
Jean-Luc Barthes is IRB Regional Development Manager for the French-speaking countries of Africa and therefore the man charged with managing this change.
"The way things worked in the past brought a certain amount of success, but often saw the people from the countries themselves given secondary responsibilities and made to watch from the sidelines.
"Things are different today. There are less French ex-pats running projects and more people from the countries wanting to help develop and run the sports themselves, they just lack the experience and skills they need to do it.
"That's where this project is aimed, to help those people gain the core competencies and experiences to allow them to teach others in turn, and more importantly to teach others how to teach."
One formula applied across the board
Barthes' European IRB colleagues Micheal Arpaillange and Pierre Villepreux have also worked on Africa’s new model for change and are now applying it to the developing countries of Europe, starting with a workshop in Toulouse this week.
The project model, whether applied in Africa, Europe or any of the other regions, aims to implant a central point of acumen and organisation for the wider management of best practice, or business process.
The first crucial stage for Barthes and his colleagues is to find the right person to spearhead development in each country.
"The right person will have the profile, the desire and ability to take charge of the development," says Barthes. "Normally, and hopefully, they will go on to become the country's National Technical Director."
The training itself is geared around three key criteria, which are used to measure progress and ultimate qualify the candidates.
Key criteria for the job
- the ability to plan and manage rugby development tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of their country
- the ability to lead and manage training modules dealing in the practical and theoretical side of playing and coaching, as well as refereeing
- the ability to set a structure for the training of further trainers to multiply the number of practicing coaches and trainers
2005 saw the start of the programme in Africa, with one qualified representative from each of 16 countries (see below) invited to begin a course that they will attend again in 2006 and 2007.
"2005 was a great success - each union came up with a development plan for 2006, which we will go on to evaluate this year and use to help plan ahead for 2007 and beyond," said Barthes.
"The training modules are well designed and should give them the grounding they need. For example, how to put together a four-year plan, how to properly manage a project, how to develop rugby in schools, how to develop Sevens.
"It's very important to have all of these countries, as wonderfully different as they are, doing these core things in the same way.
2006 should see even more activity. Three more workshops will be held in November and December and contact has been established with three additional countries – the Congo, Central Africa and Gabon - with a view to them joining the programme.
"The ideal supplement to the work we are already doing would be to send specialists from the more developed countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Madgascar to the likes of Mali, Niger, Tchad and Togo among others to help take training and coaching practices forward, but that is more for the future."
Session 1, 4-8 Nov 2005, Antananarivo
Invited: Rwanda, Burundi, Madagascar, Mauritius
Madagascar: Rakotimalala Armand; Ramarotafika Joseph; Rakotonindriana José Patrick
Rwanda: Khamanda Tharcisse
Burundi: Niyongabo Vital
Mauritius:
Session 2, 17-20 Nov 2005, Niamey
Invited: Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tchad, Togo, Benin
Bénin : Dominique Amalvi
Togo : Bedinade Bedembada
Mali : Daouda Kone
Burkina : Seydou Maiga
Tchad : Olivier Guirgue
Niger : Epiphane Sagbo
Session 3, 14-17 Dec 2005, Dakar
Invited: Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon
Tunisia: Abdjil Abid
Morocco : Ali Gachaoui
Senegal : Jacky Saidi
Côte d'Ivoire : Bodjui Marcel
Cameroon : Bisso Alfred
Source: www.irb.com
Click here to read full article and comments.
Super 14: Double trouble awaits Force
Astonishing that one Australian city might barrack the team of another Australian city when they are actually facing a Kiwi team on the field!The Perth Sunday Times details the double trouble the Force can expect when meeting the Crusaders in Melbourne next week.
By NICK TAYLOR
THE Western Force will get no favours on or off the field in next Saturday's trial against reigning "Super" champions Canterbury Crusaders in Melbourne.
It can expect a hostile reception from a one-eyed Victorian crowd in the Olympic Park stands and a another from its New Zealand on-field opposition.
A huge expatriate Kiwi contingent will be among supporters still seething over Perth winning the Super 14 franchise.
It will be an acid test for the Force and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans stirred the passion when he said: "The Force is probably the perfect opposition for us. It's the side that Melburnians would like to see us beat."
Force coach John Mitchell played down the rivalry: "We're an Australian side representing Australia."
Deans, who was Mitchell's All Blacks assistant before they were dumped after the 2003 World Cup, added: "It'll be a good meeting. It'll be a genuine hitout for us.
"Our All Blacks will be with us, so they'll be getting game time."
Mitchell will take a 26-man squad to Melbourne and, subject to injury, the same squad will travel to Auckland for the club's final trial, against the Blues.
He will introduce some of the Force's Wallabies into the game at Olympic Park and the rest in Auckland.
"By that stage, everyone will have had game time," Mitchell said.
"We'll still be going through growing pains, but we'll be better for it."
The Crusaders are the bookies' favourites to pick up their sixth "Super" title this season, despite the loss of seven All Blacks to retirement and transfers.
They include the key pairing of Justin Marshall and Andrew Mehrtens and forwards Norm Maxwell and Dave Hewitt.
But Deans said: "It doesn't concern us. We have the same opportunity as everyone else and the `favourite' tag has no great interest to us.
"We've lost seven all All Blacks but the guys we've developed are well versed in what we are about. We'll be competitive for sure."
The Crusaders franchise hopes to make the Force match in Melbourne a permanent fixture.
Deans said: "We have to prepare in Australia in pre-season and we've made a conscious effort to establish a home away from home."
Five days after the Melbourne game, the Force heads to Auckland to play the Blues, coached by David Nucifora.
He was head coach of the ACT Brumbies from 2002-04 and guided them to the Super 12 title in his last season before being sacked.
Nucifora, one of the first coaches to signal an interest in the Force, before Mitchell's appointment, said: "It's the last trial game for both teams and both will probably be getting close to their final side and will want a good hitout."
He said the Force had recruited well: "It wouldn't have been an easy task, recruiting for the now and making sure you've got a strong backbone through the team, but also looking to the future." Click here to read full article and comments.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Other Sport: Cricket - South Africa can become World-Beaters
South African cricket has seen better days. Expectedly, not many supporters gave our guys much of a chance in the current tour down under, and our boys, yet again, did not disappoint.
We have been subjected yet again to what has become an all too familiar situation whenever we take on the Aussies, which makes it difficult as supporters and fans to stay positive about the current state of affairs in our cricket. However, JJ, a regular contributor to RuggaWorld, believes there is still reason to be positive about our cricket and given one or two changes, there is no reason we should not become world-beaters again.
Lets start with the coach.
Mickey Arthur is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, a real gentleman of the old mould. He is very highly qualified, having gone as far as possible in S.A. he spend three to six months at the Australian Academy obtaining his level four coaching certificate. That is as far as one can go. As far his ability is concerned we can be assured we have one of the best available. Taking into consideration that at this level coaching is more about sussing out the opposition weaknesses and strengths and putting in place a game plan to counter both I would say he has the credentials bearing in mind that in the last two ODI’S we bowled Oz out within the fifty overs, and performed credibly in the tests, dropped catches and dubious decisions did not help our cause.
My only problem with Mickey is that I wonder weather he has the strength of character and personality to be able to man manage the strong personalities in the S.A. Team. This is vital and is a large part of a coach’s duty. I further feel that he should jump on his fitness trainer’s back and get him to perform and spend more time at fielding practice. In Kallis and Polly he has the batter with the best technique in the world and a bowler who has one of the best records in the world. These two can assist anyone in the team that has a problem; video analysis can further assist an individual batter or bowler to personally pick up where they are going wrong. One must bear in mind that these are all International players who know all about technique, rhythm, head position, balance etc.
The Players.
As far the players are concerned we have a few prima donnas that are not helping as far as team spirit is concerned. Kallis got a roasting for not reading the match situation correctly and batting accordingly, he was far to slow. He is sulking. Gibbs got roasted by Polly for missing a ball that should have been fielded, he is sulking, Bouch got to big for his boots and his attitude towards Ntini on the field did not help. He was dropped and came back a much better player. Smith is having the worst run he will ever have in his career and is talking too much. He should lower his profile and concentrate on not falling over when batting. His captaincy has improved immensely over the last year, so much so that even the one eyed Oz commentators are remarking on it. With no one else on the horizon we have to persevere with him, his class will tell and his batting will improve, he is too good a player to remain in this slump much longer.
Selection.
Team selection is a problem as far as I am concerned. We have dismissed Oz twice in ODI’S without Ntini, Nel and Langeveld yet the popular believe is that we do not have the bowlers to get twenty wickets in a test. I would make bold and say our batters are the problem and have not given our bowlers sufficient runs to enable them to bowl out the opposition for a victory.
Test Cricket.
Lets look at test cricket, Oz have been number one for years and have for years played six batters. We on the other hand play five batters and a bunch of all rounders, no wonder we don’t get enough runs. Both Kallis and Polly can be regarded as all rounders, one a batting and the other a bowling all rounder, we don’t need further all rounders in our team. Nobody will convince me that Kemp has the technique to play test cricket, a brilliant hitter yes but not in tests.
My top six would be;
Smith – his form will improve, has the temperament and ability to open.
AB – speaks for himself a brilliant prospect.
Boeta – a grafter who can play the new ball should we lose an early wicket.
Kallis – speaks for himself
Gibbs – a brilliant stroke makers but needs to get his head in shape.
Prince / Rudolf – both left handers, both on a par
Waiting in the wings are J.P. Duminy, McKenzie, van Jaarsveld and Puttick.
Bouch at seven no arguments
Polly at eight no arguments
Boje – If you don’t have a spinner, why play a spinner. Botha has burst onto the scene
as a wrist spinner but turns the ball no more than Boje. Boje is the better batter and a brilliant fielder. Smith and Rudolf need to work at there bowling.
Ntini – speaks for himself
Nel / Langeveld depends on condition, swing or agro required, horses for courses.
Waiting in the wings a whole host of military medium bowlers. Steyn, Kruger, vd Wath Zondeki etc. We lack a Lee with genuine pace in our team.
With the above team one thing is lacking, consistency, our batters must learn to be consistent and not play stupid shots. As Steve Waugh said, “My wicket is my life, I guard it with everything I have, bad balls will come, and runs will come until that happens I defend, defend and defend.”
One Day Cricket.
For the ODI team, it boggles the mind that AB is not in OZ. He needs an extended run to settle and gain confidence.
We need an additional bowler in our ODI team; I would go for Klusener above Kemp. Both are great hitters but Klusener the better bowler. He and Smith don’t see eye to eye but the bigger picture is more important and they should grow up and work together for S.A. I would go in without a spinner but because of the time constraint a spinner may be necessary and I would then drop the Prince/Rudolf combination.
Waiting in the wings are Henderson, Morkel, Shabalala (who I rate but bowls too slow for test cricket) and others.
As far as I am concerned the future is bright, a bit of tweaking and twisting and an attitude change or two and we can be world-beaters.
The above article and thoughts courtesy of JJ.
If you would like to submit your thoughts regarding sport in South Africa and around the world, please feel free to contact any of the contributors on the e-mail addresses supplied on the main page - we would love to hear from you and gladly consider posting your thoughts for discussion.
Click here to read full article and comments.
Other Unions / Teams: Rugby round-up: Flying Falcons up to the Challenge
English club round-up.
Adam McNicol
Sunday Times
NEWCASTLE secured a top-two seeding for the knockout stage of the Challenge Cup after a 24-17 win over Brive in France. The Falcons finished top of Pool Four and get a home quarter-final when the competition resumes in April. If they win that, their semi-final will also be played at Kingston Park.
Australian full-back Matt Burke slotted four first-half penalty goals to give Newcastle a 12-10 lead at the break. With 20 minutes remaining, a try by wing James Hoyle extended the advantage, before prop Micky Ward scored the game-sealer, which meant the northerners ended their pool matches unbeaten.
LONDON IRISH topped Pool Two and ensured they would play at home in the next round with a thumping 75-12 win over Pau at the Madejski stadium. Wing Topsy Ojo scored a quickfire hat-trick, as the home side wrapped up the bonus point inside half an hour. Captain Mike Catt, back in the team after recovering from injury, was also among the scorers as the Exiles, having piled on eight tries, went to half-time leading 56-0.
Delon Armitage crossed for his second try late in the match, while outside-half Riki Flutey finished with eight conversions as the Irish romped into the quarter-finals.
On Friday night, Worcester also won a berth in the last eight and clinched top spot in Pool Five with a 31-21 away win over Montpellier. Tongan flanker Johnny Tuamoheloa returned from the sin-bin to score a crucial try as Worcester overturned an eight-point half-time deficit.
NORTHAMPTON will almost certainly gain a home quarter-final after their match against Viadana in Italy was abandoned when the home side forfeited because their pitch was unplayable.
The match was scheduled for Friday night but was initially called off due to fog, before a pitch inspection yesterday morning ruled the ground unsafe.
Northampton are expected to be awarded all five points, with a decision likely today. Bristol have a chance to become the sixth English club to qualify for the quarter-finals when they host Narbonne in the final Pool One match today.
ANDREW MAXWELL scored three tries as Ulster finished their Heineken Cup campaign with a 43-26 win over Treviso in Italy. Maxwell crossed for the first time in the fourth minute and his two further tries extended Ulster's lead to 21-0 shortly before the interval. Yet hooker Alvaro Tejeda hit back with two Treviso tries prior to half-time, cutting Ulster's lead to seven points.
The teams traded blows in the second half, a brace of tries by Ireland centre Andrew Trimble securing Ulster a well-earned victory.
THE row over ERC’s decision to award Leeds five points following their refusal to play on Calvisano’s frozen pitch last weekend has overshadowed the build-up to today’s crucial Heineken Cup Pool Two clash between the Tykes and Cardiff at Headingley. “It sets a dangerous precedent if people don’t like the look of the pitch,” said Blues coach Dai Young. Needing five points against Cardiff for a chance to reach the last eight as one of the top two runners-up, Leeds boss Phil Davies has made six changes, bringing back scrum-half Justin Marshall, lock Stuart Hooper and prop Mike Shelley, who makes a first start since breaking his leg three months ago.
“This is a massive game for the club, perhaps one of the biggest in the club’s history,” Davies said. Click here to read full article and comments.
Adam McNicol
Sunday Times
NEWCASTLE secured a top-two seeding for the knockout stage of the Challenge Cup after a 24-17 win over Brive in France. The Falcons finished top of Pool Four and get a home quarter-final when the competition resumes in April. If they win that, their semi-final will also be played at Kingston Park.
Australian full-back Matt Burke slotted four first-half penalty goals to give Newcastle a 12-10 lead at the break. With 20 minutes remaining, a try by wing James Hoyle extended the advantage, before prop Micky Ward scored the game-sealer, which meant the northerners ended their pool matches unbeaten.
LONDON IRISH topped Pool Two and ensured they would play at home in the next round with a thumping 75-12 win over Pau at the Madejski stadium. Wing Topsy Ojo scored a quickfire hat-trick, as the home side wrapped up the bonus point inside half an hour. Captain Mike Catt, back in the team after recovering from injury, was also among the scorers as the Exiles, having piled on eight tries, went to half-time leading 56-0.
Delon Armitage crossed for his second try late in the match, while outside-half Riki Flutey finished with eight conversions as the Irish romped into the quarter-finals.
On Friday night, Worcester also won a berth in the last eight and clinched top spot in Pool Five with a 31-21 away win over Montpellier. Tongan flanker Johnny Tuamoheloa returned from the sin-bin to score a crucial try as Worcester overturned an eight-point half-time deficit.
NORTHAMPTON will almost certainly gain a home quarter-final after their match against Viadana in Italy was abandoned when the home side forfeited because their pitch was unplayable.
The match was scheduled for Friday night but was initially called off due to fog, before a pitch inspection yesterday morning ruled the ground unsafe.
Northampton are expected to be awarded all five points, with a decision likely today. Bristol have a chance to become the sixth English club to qualify for the quarter-finals when they host Narbonne in the final Pool One match today.
ANDREW MAXWELL scored three tries as Ulster finished their Heineken Cup campaign with a 43-26 win over Treviso in Italy. Maxwell crossed for the first time in the fourth minute and his two further tries extended Ulster's lead to 21-0 shortly before the interval. Yet hooker Alvaro Tejeda hit back with two Treviso tries prior to half-time, cutting Ulster's lead to seven points.
The teams traded blows in the second half, a brace of tries by Ireland centre Andrew Trimble securing Ulster a well-earned victory.
THE row over ERC’s decision to award Leeds five points following their refusal to play on Calvisano’s frozen pitch last weekend has overshadowed the build-up to today’s crucial Heineken Cup Pool Two clash between the Tykes and Cardiff at Headingley. “It sets a dangerous precedent if people don’t like the look of the pitch,” said Blues coach Dai Young. Needing five points against Cardiff for a chance to reach the last eight as one of the top two runners-up, Leeds boss Phil Davies has made six changes, bringing back scrum-half Justin Marshall, lock Stuart Hooper and prop Mike Shelley, who makes a first start since breaking his leg three months ago.
“This is a massive game for the club, perhaps one of the biggest in the club’s history,” Davies said. Click here to read full article and comments.
