International rugby thread

[RugbyBuck]

Tackle that? No, sir. Thank you very much, sir.

 

[wadc45]

I watched the Australia/Ireland game last night on the DVR...pretty much skipped over New Zealand/Wales 2.0 and just watched the first half of the Bokke/Italy thrashing. The Wallabies/Irish game was mildly entertaining during the first half...John Sexton was 5/5 but still the Irish went into the locker room down by 1 thanks to superb tries my Quade Cooper and Luke Burgess. I think it's going to be an interesting decision for Robbie Deans with the news that Will Genia could be back in time for the Tri-Nations. I really liked James O'Connor at fullback, although the deep three had an abysmal game in general. Giteau didn't do himself any favors either. And Brian O'Driscoll might as well have stayed on the bus...he was beyond awful. It seems apparent that Australia is the weak link in the southern hemisphere fence right now...

As for the Sprinboks, Morne Steyn is probably the best tactical kicker in the game right now...he continues to impress me. Francois Louw and Jaque Fourie also looked particularly good for the Boks against Italy. I also think South Africa might have the best tight five in the game right now...especially with the combination of Bekker, Botha and Matfield at lock and du Plessis and Steenkamp at prop. My biggest concern with the Boks is Januarie...can he get around the field and deliver the ball with enouch urgency.

Looking forward to a Tri-Nations preview from Steve...

 

[wadc45]

AmericanRugbyNews.com Petri Ecstatic With Contract

USA scrumhalf Mike Petri is getting ready to move to the UK shortly to take up his new contract with Guinness Premier club Sale.

Petri is due to have his initial practice with the Sharks on July 22.

He has signed a one-year deal to play for the top flight English club.

Petri says it all came about after a meeting with Sale’s director of rugby Kingsley Jones, whom he met last summer when Wales toured North America.

The Eagle halfback will be replacing England elite squad player Richard Wigglesworth, who is departing Sale to hook up with Saracens, the same club where Petri’s Eagle teammate Chris Wyles plies his trade.

This isn’t the first time Petri has played in the UK. He had a previous, although unhappy stint, with lower division club Waterloo in 2006. He says among other things he had to take on a construction job in order to pay his bills.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Petri tells ARN. “I’m overjoyed as I’ve been overwhelmed with a lot of stuff happening this year.

“Because of what happened last time I was a bit wary, but after seeing everything and the contract, I’m thrilled. I’m so excited for this coming season.”

AmericanRugbyNews.com Petri Clever Heads to Japan

Todd Clever will leave the Lions and join up with Japanese club Suntory after three seasons in Johannesburg.

“I will always be a Lion, but it is now time to take the next step in my career and explore new challenges,” Clever told the EaglesXV.com website.

Read the complete article courtesy of Sport24.

 

[wadc45]

I want to hear Steve's prediction on Saturday's NZ/South Africa test at Eden Park.

Love this article:

Vuvuzelas to be 'extinct' in NZ | news | rugbyrugby.com

The vuvuzela, which has provided the soundtrack for the soccer World Cup, has been banned by New Zealand officials from all Tests in their country.

Obviously the Boks come in with the least to prove after coasting through 2009's Tri-Nations and the Super 14 final from last year also featuring two South African teams.

It sounds like the All Blacks are going with experience on Saturday...for example Rokocoko will start at left wing instead of Hosea Gear. Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will start in the centers, while the rest of the backline was fairly obvious with Dan Carter at flyhalf, Mils Muliaina at fullback and Cory Jane on the other wing.

 

[wadc45]

Boks have their Bakkies back | south africa news | rugbyrugby.com

2010-07-08 04:00:02

South Africa received a significant boost with the news that veteran locks Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw have both been cleared to play against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The two World Cup-winners were earlier this week listed as 'doubtful' starters as a result of leg injuries, but will now both feature for South Africa in the opening Tri-Nations match against New Zealand n Auckland on Saturday.

Botha (hamstring) sat out training earlier in the week, but was named on Thursday to partners long-time teammate Victor Matfield in the starting XV - taking their world record as a lock combination to 56 Tests.

With Rossouw (hip) fit the Boks will have two locks on the bench, as Andries Bekker has also been listed among the replacements.

In another significant selection Jean de Villiers was selected on the wing, with Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie combining in the centres.

Gio Aplon, who featured on the wing and fullback in the Junes Tests, will start on the bench against the All Blacks.

The pack has a very predictable look, although there was no place in the matchday 22 for Tendai Mtawarira - despite the Beast's much-publicised clearance for Bok duty recently.

The very effective loose trio of Pierre Spies, Francois Louw and Schalk Burger will compliment the veteran second row combination - behind a front row of Jannie du Plessis, John Smit and the rejuvenated Gurthro Steenkamp.

BJ Botha got the nod on the bench ahead of Mtawarira.

The backline cover includes utility Ruan Pienaar, the versatile Butch James and Aplon.

And here's a great history of test matches between NZ and SA at Eden Park...

Springboks at Eden Park | news | rugbyrugby.com

Do the All Blacks break out Kapa o Pango this weekend?

3N Preview: New Zealand v South Africa | news | rugbyrugby.com

2010-07-09 00:30:01

The soccer World Cup has grabbed attention and forced the start of the Tri-Nations into second place, not the usual fanfare, certainly not vivuzela-fare.

Yet for two arch-rivals, New Zealand and South Africa, it remains a most significant match as the two countries continue a battle for the world crown that dates back to 1921.

There will also be one eye on the World Cup - the 2011 World Cup which is in New Zealand.

South Africa, the reigning champions, get a chance to measure themselves against New Zealand in New Zealand - where desperation to win the World Cup is endemic.

South Africa would want to win, apart from obviously wanting the beat the All Blacks, to maintain their momentum for their own confidence about next year, and they are an especially talented group of Springboks.

The All Blacks would want to win, apart from obviously wanting to beat the Springboks, but prove that they are not invincible and to build momentum of their own.

Of course, the Springboks are not invincible, not even when they pick their first team. Of course, the All Blacks are a talent-laden team.

History, ancient and recent, is on the side of the All Blacks and so is the comfort of playing at home.

The Springboks last won in Auckland 73 years ago. They scored three tries to two and were close to a draw in the demo Test of 1981 till the Welsh referee did funny things at a scrum.

They scored two tries to nil in 1994 but drew. Beating the All Blacks is never easy, certainly not in New Zealand.

But then things change. After all this group of Springboks was the first ever to beat the All Blacks at Carisbrook.

There is not much to choose between the two sides based on June's results.

Both teams had their good moments and their mediocre moments. South Africa probably ended feeling better than New Zealand did for the All Blacks' last match - against Wales - was a poor affair of uncharacteristic selfishness and sloppiness.

But it is clear that both teams can score tries and both teams can kick goals.

In other words both teams have the ability to score points. That means that there is the possibility of an exciting, seesaw match.

Players to Watch:

For New Zealand: Of course you will watch Daniel Carter. There have been question marks about his form this year, though Carter off form is still a star, but then against Wales in Carisbrook he looked the real Carter again, able to mesmerise a rugby match. The other eye-catcher in the All Black side is Corey Jane, whether at fullback or, as New Zealand seems to prefer, wing. He has great skill and speed and the ability to make a lot out of a little.

For South African: There is Bryan Habana with his speed and opportunism, noble strong Jaque Fourie and the new kid on the flank Francois Louw, man of the match in all three of his first Tests for South Africa - a silent, relentless player, the way Ruben Kruger used to be.

Head to Head: The one in the best New Zealand-South Africa tradition will see Bakkies Botha against Brad Thorn, relentless hard man against relentless hard man, each going about his hitman tasks with an impish smile. That potentially is a great match-up. It will be a different kind of match-up out on the wings where two try-thieves meet - wily, committed, experienced Bryan Habana against the laughing cavalier in Corey Jane. At centre there is a great contest as two great centres meet - Jaque Fourie and Conrad Smith, perhaps the best outside centres in the world. Nearer the tough men it will be interesting to see the contest between Daniel Carter and cool Morn? Steyn, who has been such an effective flyhalf the last two years. The loose forward battle will be crucial and here there is potential for conflict when tough, experienced Richie McCaw, who has not been in his usual form this year, and tough, inexperienced Francois Louw who is there at tackle after tackle. There are two the first-phase conflicts - the line-outs where the Springboks should/could have the upper hand and the scrums where the Springboks have been greatly improved with the improved performance of Gurthr? Steenkamp, but the All Blacks have the scrumming machine, Owen Franks.

Recent results:
2009: South Africa won 32-29 at Rugby Park, Hamilton
2009: South Africa won 31-19 at Absa Stadium, Durban
2009: South Africa won 28-19 at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
2008: New Zealand won 19-0 at Newlands
2008: South Africa won 30-28 at Carisbrook, Dunedin
2008: New Zealand won 19-8 at Westpac Trust, Wellington
2007: New Zealand won 33-6 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch
2007: New Zealand won 26-21 at Absa Stadium, Durban
2006: South Africa won 21-20 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
2006: New Zealand won 45-26 at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2006: New Zealand won 35-17 at Westpac Trust, Wellington

rugby365.com Prediction: This is a mad thing to attempt. Either side could win it by a small margin and either side can run away with it. And so we gulp and say there will be a change in history and South Africa will win by three points.

Teams:

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Josevata Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Richard Kahui.

South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morn? Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gurthr? Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon.

Date: Saturday, 10 July 2010
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 09.35 SA time)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Expected weather conditions: Fine weather. Southeasterlies. High of 13?C, low of 2?C
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
TMO: TBC (New Zealand)

Surprised that Victor Vito did not make the final squad for NZ...I don't know if he's hurt right now although Liam Messam is still a great choice for loose forward cover. I also assume that Israel Dagg is hurt if he is not in the 22. Glad to see Aaron Cruden make the 22...I thought he was impressive for the Hurricanes during this past Super 14 season and in his time replacing Carter during the tune-up matches against Ireland and Wales. And how much longer can Joe Rokocoko hold off Hosea Gear (who was downright filthy against England...see below)?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HtVivhwYQM&feature=channel]YouTube - NZ Maori vs England / Haka & tries![/ame]

Januarie is playing decent but he is no Fourie du Preez. Can he control things at the base?

Steve, what do they mean when they say Juan Smith is not available for "personal reasons"?

I have started watching these on YouTube...fun stuff for guys like rugbybuck, Steve and myself...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcQM7BYvfWY]YouTube - The Rugby Club - Plays of the week 07/07/10[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grbuUNRCl90&feature=channel]YouTube - The Rugby Club - Plays of the week 30/06/10[/ame]

 

[RugbyBuck]

Where/how are you watching the 3N? The demise of Setanta has left me rugbyless. Recommendations for best online options?

 

[Steve19]

That is an excellent preview. Here are answers to your questions.

Juan Smith continues to recover from groin surgery.

I think the game will be rough and physical. The All Blacks are rumored to try to meet or beat the Boks physically.

Kicking may make this game a bit boring. South Africa owned NZ teams in the Super 14 but looked a bit suspect to the up and under at times. I think that NZ will attempt to disrupt South Africa with a lot of up and unders. South Africa is supposed to try to rely on physical dominance, but a healthy Habana and some speed advantages at the edges suggest to me that they might just play a bit more open than that.

Carter, Louw and Steyn will influence how this game goes more than most folks think, in my opinion. They were all over Carter in the Super 14. Now, he'll have a better supporting cast.

The Boks have a lot to prove. Add to this the history of the venue and the BB material NZ spewed this week.

They play twice in NZ and I expect both games to be close Bok wins. This week, 23-20. In South Africa, I am looking for the Boks to blow them away.

 

[tmporter]

That is an excellent preview. Here are answers to your questions.

Juan Smith continues to recover from groin surgery.

I think the game will be rough and physical. The All Blacks are rumored to try to meet or beat the Boks physically.

Kicking may make this game a bit boring. South Africa owned NZ teams in the Super 14 but looked a bit suspect to the up and under at times. I think that NZ will attempt to disrupt South Africa with a lot of up and unders. South Africa is supposed to try to rely on physical dominance, but a healthy Habana and some speed advantages at the edges suggest to me that they might just play a bit more open than that.

Carter, Louw and Steyn will influence how this game goes more than most folks think, in my opinion. They were all over Carter in the Super 14. Now, he'll have a better supporting cast.

The Boks have a lot to prove. Add to this the history of the venue and the BB material NZ spewed this week.

They play twice in NZ and I expect both games to be close Bok wins. This week, 23-20. In South Africa, I am looking for the Boks to blow them away.

Well after watching this game I have more hope that NZ will be able to win the Tri-Nations. That was some of the best rugby I have seen from the All Blacks. 32 to 12 is a dominant win including the bonus point. Steyn played well but the rest of the Boks just looked a bit uninterested. Botha's sin bin foul was the first swing in momentum and it really hurt the Boks. Can't wait for next week.

 

[Steve19]

Well after watching this game I have more hope that NZ will be able to win the Tri-Nations. That was some of the best rugby I have seen from the All Blacks. 32 to 12 is a dominant win including the bonus point. Steyn played well but the rest of the Boks just looked a bit uninterested. Botha's sin bin foul was the first swing in momentum and it really hurt the Boks. Can't wait for next week.

The Springboks did not have their heads into the game. They were uncharacteristically ill-disciplined, got beaten physically, and fell for the "trickeration". Botha probably will miss a few games for the flagrant foul that the referee missed.

The score flattered NZ. They scored 10 points with Botha in the sin bin and the Boks entered halftime down 20-3. They scored a last try after the Springboks had put the 2-s in.

The news here is saying that the Springboks tried a new way to get accustomed to jet lag and let the players sleep in all morning this week. All workouts were scheduled for afternoons. People here were remarking that the team looked asleep on their feet in press conferences the last two days.

Well done to NZ but their fans shouldn't be celebrating too much. The Boks really gave this one away. I think there were more than 30 missed tackles. A different Springbok team will show up next time.

 

[tmporter]

The Springboks did not have their heads into the game. They were uncharacteristically ill-disciplined, got beaten physically, and fell for the "trickeration". Botha probably will miss a few games for the flagrant foul that the referee missed.

The score flattered NZ. They scored 10 points with Botha in the sin bin and the Boks entered halftime down 20-3. They scored a last try after the Springboks had put the 2-s in.

The news here is saying that the Springboks tried a new way to get accustomed to jet lag and let the players sleep in all morning this week. All workouts were scheduled for afternoons. People here were remarking that the team looked asleep on their feet in press conferences the last two days.

Well done to NZ but their fans shouldn't be celebrating too much. The Boks really gave this one away. I think there were more than 30 missed tackles. A different Springbok team will show up next time.

I would agree that the Botha sin bin trip was huge for the All Blacks. I would agree the head butt will get him a mini vacation. I think the All Blacks came to play and the Boks mailed it in with the wrong address on it. I do hope a different Boks team show up. I was hoping for a hard fought game and what I got was a one sided affair. Both teams had the 2's in for quite some time.

Seeing as I would think you have the Boks as the best this year, what is your opinion of the Aussie's? I watched their test match with the Irish and England, and to me they look very poor. Quade Cooper and Matt Giteau both look awful trying to kick on goal. Their scrum looks poor and their line out looks shaky. Is it just me being hard on them or are they just in a down cycle right now? I sure do look forward to the next All Blacks versus Bok game this next weekend.

And I did love Kapa o Pango before the game.

 

[RugbyBuck]

With the Boks 0-3 in the Tri-Nations, I saw a poll today that has the top 5 international teams as: 1)NZ, 2)Oz, 3)England, 4)France, 5) South Africa. I haven't seen the official IRB rankings, but that's crazy. Boks are still no worse than 3rd.

 

[RugbyBuck]

All Blacks look solid, but will probably drop their usual load in the World Cup next year. Boks need a change at the top. I just don't care about the Wallabies.

 

[Steve19]

Halftime score
Springboks 24
Wales 9

Game much closer than scoreline suggests.