Saturday, September 19, 2009

Test Rugby: Bledisloe Cup

18.09.2009
Australia v New Zealand in Wellington

Venue: Westpac Stadium

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
Well the Tri Nations title is not at stake in this test match. South Africa has already walked off with that Trophy. That being the case what really is the point of this game? Aaha! Funny old game this. There is always something at stake in this grand game of rugby, especially at the international level. And this game is no exception.

Firstly, there is the wooden spoon. If Australia win, this their 500th test match, they avoid last place in the Tri Nations competition for 2009. That dubious honour will go to..er..New Zealand? Surely not! Unthinkable! Wash your mouth out!

Then there are the coaching jobs. Being a coach at the international level is probably like being on a merry-go-round that could stop and bump you off at any point of the journey. Both coaches have had a rocky season. And one of them has been put on notice by his bosses.

Robbie Deans looks to be the most secure of the two. That 21-6 win over South Africa, a result which propelled Australia to the top of the GWC Rugby Rankings, saw his team dominate up front, an area of weakness in the team prior. That game saw a young team finally come of age. That gives the Aussies the edge. But lets see what might happen if they lose, and more importantly how they lose. The knives that were out among the Aussie media and the fans only an unhappy month ago may only have been partly sheathed and they'll emerge at the slightest stumble.

Robbie-Deans-hand-off_2348303[1]
Is Robbie Deans on the up and up? Image thanks to www.rugby.com.au

Graham Henry and his team are on the back foot. New Zealand CEO Steve Tew has announced that the present All Black coaching team's performance will be under review at the end of this Tri Nation's series. The word is that most New Zealand rugby fans would be happy to see Henry go. With only two years to go until the Rugby World Cup, now, and only now, could changes be made. If the All Blacks lose it will be their third loss at home in a row, a situation that has never happened before. Oh dear! I can feel the pressure way over here in Australia! That would be a black day indeed and Henry and his coaching team will surely be asked to leave.

1180[1]
Is Graham Henry on his way out? Image thanks to www.allblacks.com

Australia has not made any changes to their starting line up that successfully defeated South Africa two weeks ago. New Zealand has made five changes, most of them in the forwards. Enough said.

Last Five Encounters
22.08.2009 New Zealand 19-18 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations)
18.07.2009 New Zealand 22-16 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations)
01.11.2008 New Zealand 19-14 in Hong Kong (Bledisloe Cup)
13.09.2008 New Zealand 28-24 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations)
12.08.2008 New Zealand 39-10 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup & Tri Nations)

New Zealand has dominated Australia since July 2008, winning all last five encounters. Is this about to change?

GWC Rugby Rankings: Australia 1st, New Zealand 3rd

Prediction: Australia by 3, and New Zealand heads into gloom, Henry is sacked, New Zealand rebuild in time to take the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Hosea Gear.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Australia
15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 George Smith (c), 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Peter Hynes.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Test Rugby Result: Ukraine Take The Lead

12.09.2009
Ukraine 19, Poland 12 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Review
The first half ended 0-0 after some dreadful goal kicking attempts by the Ukraine were unsuccessful. Poland scored a try early in the second half to lead 7-0. The Ukraine then took control to eventually lead 19-7 before Poland scored a late try. The win places the Ukraine at the top of the 2A table and now favoured to take the 2A title, to proceed to World Cup qualifying Round 4 finals and to take its place again in European Nations Cup Division 1 for 2010-12.

Ukraine - Poland - 19:12
Points: Hotovski (try) 45, (0:5), Krzhesinski (conversion) 46, (0:7), Yanchiy (try) 52 (5:7), Yanchiy (try) 65, (10:7), Masyukov (conversion) 65, (12:7), Sukhikh (try) 77, (17:7), Masyukov (conversion) 77, (19:7), Gargasson (try), 81 (19:12).

Thanks to http://www.rugby.org.ua/

Ukraine
Unavailable

Watch Video of Poland National Rugby Team


15.11.2008 Poland 13, Czech Republic 7 in Ostrava


10.05.2008 Poland 29, Malta 16 in Malta

I could not find any video of Ukraine national rugby team.

Tri Nations Rugby: New Zealand Are Out

12.09.2009
South Africa 32, New Zealand 29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)

Review
New Zealand lost any hope of a Tri Nations title when they went down to South Africa in Hamilton. New Zealand needed to win, needed to gain a bonus point and needed to prevent South Africa gaining a bonus point. None of these things happened. New Zealand lost and South Africa won the Tri Nations Trophy.

New Zealand were down 12-29 at one stage but fought back well in the second half. The difference between these two teams? South Africa pounced on any mistakes made and New Zealand made most of the mistakes.

Next week the two old foes New Zealand and Australia square off for the Bledisloe Cup. The Tri Nations are done and dusted for 2009

2009 Springbox Win Tri Nations

South Africa captain John Smit, with a little help, holds up the Tri Nations Trophy
Image thanks to www.sarugby.co.za

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Rugby Test Match: Crucial Tri Nations Game for New Zealand

12.09.2009
New Zealand v South Africa in Hamilton (Tri Nations)

Venue: Waikato Stadium

Preview
The Tri Nations equation-New Zealand must win this game against South Africa and the next, and win one with a bonus point, and not allow South Africa any bonus point in this match, to have any chance of taking the Tri Nations. Lose today and it will be all over for New Zealand.

South African coach Peter de Villiers is in hot water again after making some forgettable comments whilst based in Hamilton. To say there is a little feeling across the Tasman is an under statement! Perhaps this is how the coach motivates his charges. The South Africans will need some charging after their forgettable performance against Australia in Brisbane last weekend.

SteynMorne090801TryGbg[1]
South Africa need to score four tries like this to shut All Blacks out of Tri Nations

From captain Smit being hoisted all over the set scrums to a general lack of urgency, the Springbox will need to lift their game considerably if they are to defeat a freshened All Black side.

New Zealand are missing a few key players. To cover injury they have moved Stephen Donald to second five-eight outside mystro Daniel Carter. Despite this the backline boasts more test caps than any previous backline. The constant change in backline combinations over the past year is not helping fluidity. The All Black forwards are raring to go but they could well meet a motivated pack South Africa pack that has, up to last Saturday, swept all before it.

2853264[1]
Richie McCaw will need to lead the All Blacks to a convincing win. Image thanks to http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/

Last Five Encounters
01.08.2009 South Africa 31-19 in Durban (Tri Nations)
25.07.2009 South Africa 28-19 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations)
16.08.2008 New Zealand 19-0 in Capetown (Tri Nations)
12.07.2008 South Africa 30-28 in Dunedin (Tri Nations)
05.07.2008 New Zealand 19-8 in Wellington (Tri Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 1st, New Zealand 2nd

Prediction: New Zealand by 2-No bonus points, so it will come down to NZ v Aussie next weekend.

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Josevata Rokocoko, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Adam Thomson, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Isaia Toeava, 22 Cory Jane.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

South Africa
15 Frans Steyn, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Ruan Pienaar.
Head Coach: Peter De Villiers

Test Rugby.ENC Round 2 Begins

12.09.2009
Poland v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium Spartak

Live-Video On-line 16-00 LT(15-00 EUT) (14-00 GT) http://prl.org.ua/translations/
(Thanks to 'Zhulavskyy' http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3195)

Preview
Round two of the European Nations Cup gets underway in Kiev, Saturday. Both Poland and Ukraine are contenders for the next round of World Cup qualification.

All teams in Division 2A will have to wait for the outcome of Division 2B. The winner of 2B will later play Lithuania who qualified from Round 3. The Round 4 final will be between the winner of the 2A division and the winner of 2B v Lithuania. But first we have to find a winner of 2A.

At the halfway stage of ENC 2A both Poland and Ukraine share top place with a loss and 3 wins each. Ukraine achieved a narrow 1 point win against Poland in Poland in the very first game in 2A in October last year. The scene is set for an opening game in Round 2 that could well decide the eventual division winner.

Poland has a long association with France. There are many Poles living in France. The Polish rugby team has drawn a number of France-based players into their squad for this game and the warm-up match, lost 9-38 against French regional side Roussillon.

2009.09.04 Poland v Roussillon

Poland v Roussillon/foto: Krzysztof Lewandowski, www.rugby.info.pl/

The Ukraine does not the advantage of a pool of foreign-based players. Their team is based around champion club Olimpia with a sprinkling from other clubs, a player based in Russia and the other based in Tiraspol, the breakaway region of Moldova.

logo_Ukraine[1]

Some comments from FIRA-AER forum
"Some people think that having the national team with majority of players from a single club is an advantage, because the players know each other well. I don't think so however. Notably absent are any players from RC Obolon (Khmelnitsky), which is the national champion in Rugby-7 and could probably provide some quick backline runners." Rugger IA

Poland ENC 2A Round One Results
04.10.2008 v Ukraine in Lotz L 12-13
15.11.2008 v Czech Republic in Ostrava W 13-7
16.05.2009 v Moldova in Chisinau W 30-28
30.05.2009 v Belgium in Gdansk W 14-3

Ukraine 2A Round One Results
04.10.2008 v Poland in Lotz W 13-12
01.11.2008 v Belgium in Brussels L 8-9
21.03.2009 v Czech Republic in Odessa W 20-10
09.05.2009 v Moldova in Kiev W 32-0

Last Five Encounters Ukraine v Poland
04.10.2008 Poland 13-12 in Lotz (WCQ Euro.R4)
25.10.2003 Ukraine 24-13 in Lotz (ENC 2A)
19.10.2002 Poland 20-11 in Kiev (ENC 2A)
19.05.2001 Ukraine 9-3 in ? (FIRA B)
01.05.1999 Ukraine 37-18 in Kiev (FIRA Pool E)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 13th, Ukraine 14th

Prediction: Poland by 2 points

Teams

Ukraine Squad
Vitaliy Dotsenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Volodymyr Kashlyuk (RC Aviator)
Mykola Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Kolyshkyn (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lyubyy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dzhaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andriy Melnykov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Mysyk (Olimp-Electronmash, Tiraspol)
Vitaliy Orlov (Enisey-STM Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Yanchyy (RC Aviator)
Vitaliy Zadvirny (RC Argo-NAU)
Ivan Zaliznyak (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Head Coach:

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3195

Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbane, France)
Olivier Barbier (Maisons Laffite, France)
Aleksander Bartoszewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
Romuald Berthe (Bobigny, France)
Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
Jurij Bukhalo (Posnania Poznań)
Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
Grzegorz Janiec (Lechia Gdańsk)
Piotr Jurkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Stanislas Krzesiński (Mazamet, France)
Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)
Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Lublin)
Tomasz Nowak (Posnania)
Eric Piorkowski (Castres, France)
Tomasz Rokicki (Lechia Gdańsk)
Bastien Siepielski (Marmand, France)
Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Marcin Wilczuk (Ogniwo Sopot)

Head Coach: Tomasz Putra

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Test Rugby: Australia Defeat South Africa

05.09.2009
Australia 21, South Africa 6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations)

In one of the biggest upsets of the season the Australian rugby team defeated South Africa 21-6 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The Australians played magnificently in all areas of play, effectively shutting out the Springbox with some brilliant defence and grand counter attack play. The Australians played with commitment and enthusiasm qualities lacking in previous games this season. It was the perfect 50th birthday gift for their coach Robbie Deans.

South Africa were in the hunt in the first half and were always within striking range during that spell. The second half belonged to Australia who scored two great tries and forced the Springbox into playing outside their comfort zone-having to spin the ball to create opportunities. But in doing this they also made mistakes and the final Australian try was scored because of such a mistake.

South Africa now move to New Zealand to play a test they must win to ensure they win the Tri Nations. If New Zealand win their next two games they take the Trophy. Suddenly a dead rubber has come alive. All eyes will be on Hamilton, New Zealand next weekend.

George Smith
Australian captain George Smith had a magnificent day. Image thanks to http://www.rugby.com.au/

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Test Match Rugby: Australia in Real Trouble

05.09.2009
Australia v South Africa in Brsibane (Tri Nations)

Australian rugby is in trouble following last week's loss to South Africa in Perth. Head Coach Robbie Deans as made some expected changes but those changes mean less experienced players are in for more experienced, although out of form, players. The lack of depth and experience in Australian rugby may well be cruelly exposed in Brisbane

Will Genia
Will Genia means a change at halfback for Australia but his inclusion adds to the number of very inexperienced Australia rugby test players.
Image thanks to
http://www.rugby.com.au/qantas_wallabies/photo_galleries/2009/qantas_wallabies_v_springboks_2,133709.html

South Africa are at the top of their game. But Springbox captain John Smit believes that the winning margins on the field show that there isn't a great deal between the teams."You look at the points difference and the games played - the fact that we've won four - but there certainly is not that kind of difference on the field between the three teams. The three teams are still hosting the top three spots in world rugby and at any one stage we could have lost and we still can lose a game."

So, can Australia lift their performance for one last bash at the Springbox before the Aussies regroup. Australia will play against New Zealand in Wellington and again in Tokyo for the decider of the Bledisloe Cup. Then they head to Europe for tests against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a Grand Slam tour.

For South Africa a comfortable win here will land the Tri Nations in their grasp. A win here will only leave New Zealand between South Africa and a first Tri Nations Grand Slam.

Victor Matfield
Experienced players like Victor Matfield over shadow the less experienced Wallabies.
Image thanks to
http://www.sarugby.net/gallery.aspx?page=0&leagueid=&fixturescatid=&resultscatid=&vidcatid=&piccat=&statscatid=2,9&statsteam=South Africa&newscat=

Last Five Encounters
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations)
08.08.2009 South Africa 27, Australia 19 in Capetwon (Tri Nations)
30.08.2008 South Africa 53, Australia 8 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
23.08.2008 Australia 27-15 in Durban (Tri Nations)
19.07.2008 Australia 16-9 in Perth (Tri Nations)

Last Five Tests in Brisbane
15.07.2006 Australia 49-0 (Tri Nations)
02.08.2003 Australia 29-9 (Tri Nations)
27.07.2002 Australia 38-27 (Tri Nations)
17.07.1999 Australia 32-6 (Tri Nations)
02.08.1997 Australia 32-20 (Tri Nations)

South Africa last won in Brisbane back in 1971 when they won 14-6

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 1st, Australia 3rd

Prediction: South Africa by 12

Teams

Australia
15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 George Smith (capt), 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Peter Hynes.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Ruan Pienaar, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Frans Steyn .
Head Coach: Peter de Villiers

Rugby Test: France XV Too Good

02.09.2009
France XV 50, Brazil 6 in Embu (Friendly)

The touring French Federal team ended their Brazilian tour with a convincing win against the home side.

2009.09.02 Brazil v France XV

Image thanks to http://www.rugbymania.com.br/2009/ver_noticia08.asp?codigo=2452

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Rugby Test: France XV Too Good for Brazil

2009.08.29 Brazil v France XV
The two teams prepare for the National anthems

29.08.2009
France XV 36, Brazil 3 in São Jose dos Campos (Friendly)

The touring France Amateur side won comfortably 36-3 against Brazil's national rugby team on Saturday.

2009.08.29 Brazil v France XV2
Brazil win the ball at a ruck.

Images thanks to and full report at http://www.rugbymania.com.br/2009/ver_noticia08.asp?codigo=2428