Should England Rugby Management name the players who have been involved in various sexual incidents whilst in NZ recently?
Yes ~ for the sake of all team members! At the present time all of the players are under scrutiny for the wrongdoings of a minority.
NAME & SHAME the few , I say!! For the sake of the good names of the majority.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rob Andrews in the spotlight
Rob Andrews has been accused by his own players of being a little too lax in discipline on the recent shameful tour of New Zealand.
The suggestion is that " The players call the shots".
And they certainly drink them.........according to my sources in certain Auckland bars.
The suggestion is that " The players call the shots".
And they certainly drink them.........according to my sources in certain Auckland bars.
Rugby Players could be named!
England tour of New Zealand: Implicated players could be named as gloom deepensBy Paul Ackford
Last Updated: 10:06am BST 22/06/2008
The identities of four England rugby union players alleged to have had some involvement in a serious sexual assault in the Hilton Hotel, Auckland, could be disclosed on their return home.
Match report: Battered England in freefall
In pics: England suffer Player ratings
Paul Ackford: England's reputation has been hammered
Senior Rugby Football Union figures, concerned at the damage done to the reputation of individuals not implicated in the incident, are considering setting up an internal disciplinary investigation and are prepared to name names.
Under fire: Rob Andrew's ability to maintain discipline on the England tour is under the spotlight
The matter will be decided by Jeff Blackett, the RFU's disciplinary officer and the Judge Advocate General. "Clearly we have to do something," Blackett said. "The team can't come back and nothing happens. Something's got to happen and something has to be made public. The consideration that there are a number of entirely uninvolved players, and that unless others are named those innocent players may be tainted by association, is a consideration we have to think about."
To deepen England's gloom, they suffered their second-worst margin of defeat against the All Blacks when they went down 44-12 in Christchurch yesterday, and in doing so lost the Test series 2-0.
Speculation has been intense around England's Christchurch hotel as to which of the squad may have been party to the alleged assault. Fourteen names have been mentioned, and several players are aggrieved that no one is above suspicion.
On Friday, RFU chief executive Francis Baron said he expected internal disciplinary procedures to begin once the police investigation had run its course. However, on legal advice, England players refused to talk to members of the Auckland police who flew to Christchurch on Thursday, and there is still no indication as to when, or if, a formal complaint will be made.
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The matter is further complicated in that there are a number of incidents alleged to have taken place at the team hotel on the morning after that first Test. "There are bound to be internal disciplinary issues," Blackett said. "It wouldn't be a question of did X have sex with Y? It would be more a matter of did anyone put themselves in a situation by breaking team rules where those allegations could be made?"
At present there are no specific regulations in England's disciplinary protocol which refer to female company. However, on July 1, when Martin Johnson officially takes over as manager and the new agreement governing England's top 32 players begins, players will have to sign a code of conduct which is considerably more detailed.
Blackett may also come under pressure to examine the leadership of Baron and Rob Andrew, the RFU's elite director of rugby and the team's temporary manager. On Thursday, one of the England coaches let slip that tour discipline had been lax, that players were effectively calling the shots and that this had been the case for a long while.
Baron and Andrew have already attracted adverse comment. Before England left for New Zealand, at a RFU council meeting, both were criticised for their handling of the appointment of Johnson as England's new team manager and the demotion of head coach Brian Ashton. Council members expressed disquiet at Baron's style of management, which was described as "unnecessarily confrontational".
Allegations were also made that Baron had unilaterally sold 1,000 debentures in Twickenham's new South Stand to commercial operations, raising around £6 million. Under RFU regulations, most matters relating to ticketing come under the remit of the Council. Some Council members are so incensed at the way they have been treated that they are determined to get rid of Baron within 15 months.
Calendar: Full list of rugby union fixtures
David Kirk: All Black side built on twin axis
Matt Stevens: We're bitter about what happened
Yesterday, Andrew was back in the hot seat and at pains to play down suggestions that England had been on another 'tour from hell'. The original 'tour from hell' was in 1998, when Clive Woodward's under-strength England suffered two hammerings at the hands of the All Blacks and heavy defeats to both Australia and South Africa.
"This was certainly not a tour from hell, by any stretch of the imagination," Andrew said. "We wanted to learn about our younger players, and we have learned some really good things."
Read the latest from Paul Ackford
Last Updated: 10:06am BST 22/06/2008
The identities of four England rugby union players alleged to have had some involvement in a serious sexual assault in the Hilton Hotel, Auckland, could be disclosed on their return home.
Match report: Battered England in freefall
In pics: England suffer Player ratings
Paul Ackford: England's reputation has been hammered
Senior Rugby Football Union figures, concerned at the damage done to the reputation of individuals not implicated in the incident, are considering setting up an internal disciplinary investigation and are prepared to name names.
Under fire: Rob Andrew's ability to maintain discipline on the England tour is under the spotlight
The matter will be decided by Jeff Blackett, the RFU's disciplinary officer and the Judge Advocate General. "Clearly we have to do something," Blackett said. "The team can't come back and nothing happens. Something's got to happen and something has to be made public. The consideration that there are a number of entirely uninvolved players, and that unless others are named those innocent players may be tainted by association, is a consideration we have to think about."
To deepen England's gloom, they suffered their second-worst margin of defeat against the All Blacks when they went down 44-12 in Christchurch yesterday, and in doing so lost the Test series 2-0.
Speculation has been intense around England's Christchurch hotel as to which of the squad may have been party to the alleged assault. Fourteen names have been mentioned, and several players are aggrieved that no one is above suspicion.
On Friday, RFU chief executive Francis Baron said he expected internal disciplinary procedures to begin once the police investigation had run its course. However, on legal advice, England players refused to talk to members of the Auckland police who flew to Christchurch on Thursday, and there is still no indication as to when, or if, a formal complaint will be made.
advertisement
The matter is further complicated in that there are a number of incidents alleged to have taken place at the team hotel on the morning after that first Test. "There are bound to be internal disciplinary issues," Blackett said. "It wouldn't be a question of did X have sex with Y? It would be more a matter of did anyone put themselves in a situation by breaking team rules where those allegations could be made?"
At present there are no specific regulations in England's disciplinary protocol which refer to female company. However, on July 1, when Martin Johnson officially takes over as manager and the new agreement governing England's top 32 players begins, players will have to sign a code of conduct which is considerably more detailed.
Blackett may also come under pressure to examine the leadership of Baron and Rob Andrew, the RFU's elite director of rugby and the team's temporary manager. On Thursday, one of the England coaches let slip that tour discipline had been lax, that players were effectively calling the shots and that this had been the case for a long while.
Baron and Andrew have already attracted adverse comment. Before England left for New Zealand, at a RFU council meeting, both were criticised for their handling of the appointment of Johnson as England's new team manager and the demotion of head coach Brian Ashton. Council members expressed disquiet at Baron's style of management, which was described as "unnecessarily confrontational".
Allegations were also made that Baron had unilaterally sold 1,000 debentures in Twickenham's new South Stand to commercial operations, raising around £6 million. Under RFU regulations, most matters relating to ticketing come under the remit of the Council. Some Council members are so incensed at the way they have been treated that they are determined to get rid of Baron within 15 months.
Calendar: Full list of rugby union fixtures
David Kirk: All Black side built on twin axis
Matt Stevens: We're bitter about what happened
Yesterday, Andrew was back in the hot seat and at pains to play down suggestions that England had been on another 'tour from hell'. The original 'tour from hell' was in 1998, when Clive Woodward's under-strength England suffered two hammerings at the hands of the All Blacks and heavy defeats to both Australia and South Africa.
"This was certainly not a tour from hell, by any stretch of the imagination," Andrew said. "We wanted to learn about our younger players, and we have learned some really good things."
Read the latest from Paul Ackford
Shame on you England rugby players
Have you heard that England players score more off the field than on. But it still takes 4 of them to do it!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Pikeys in the news....at the F1
In view of ITVs recent commentator's......comments, I think we need a few Pikey jokes............
A group of pikeys arrive at Heaven, and St. Peter is waiting at the Pearl Gates. "We want to come in." One of them says.
St. Peter replies, "One moment please. God has a thing about pikeys coming in to Heaven.
"He visits God and tells him about the pikeys. "No way!" God shouts. "Go back to the Pearl Gates and tell them to piss off!
"St. Peter goes back to the Gates and then back to God.
"They're gone." He says.
"The pikeys?" God asks.
"No," St. Peter replies, "The Gates."
A group of pikeys arrive at Heaven, and St. Peter is waiting at the Pearl Gates. "We want to come in." One of them says.
St. Peter replies, "One moment please. God has a thing about pikeys coming in to Heaven.
"He visits God and tells him about the pikeys. "No way!" God shouts. "Go back to the Pearl Gates and tell them to piss off!
"St. Peter goes back to the Gates and then back to God.
"They're gone." He says.
"The pikeys?" God asks.
"No," St. Peter replies, "The Gates."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Bitter Pill for Wales to swallow......
Ieuan Evans: Warren Gatland's quest for Wales skills to reach new peak
By Ieuan Evans
Last Updated: 1:33am BST 08/06/2008
Have your say Read comments
The stony face of Warren Gatland told the story of Wales's afternoon in Bloemfontein. It was disappointing for the players and supporters and shows how far the team has to travel to produce consistent performances. It was pretty ominous at times.
Wales reduced to tatters by Springbok blitz
In pics: Ireland edged out by All Blacks, Springboks hammer Wales
Stats: Summer Test teams and stats
The fact remains - despite Wales having won the Six Nations Championship - that the skill levels of the players are still not good enough to compete fully against the bigger and better southern hemisphere players.
It's good to talk: Warren Gatland gives out instructions ahead of Wales' defeat in Bloemfontein
Gatland knows this and has talked often about the subject. He unexpectedly engineered instant success this season but he is aware the team are far from the finished article.
It may be a case of one step forward and two steps back. It was always going to be a fierce examination in a city where South Africa rarely lose. The odds were against the visitors because of the conditions and the altitude.
Gatland knows that to improve Wales he must challenge the players and this Test series is expected to stretch everyone.
Wales have improved but the Springboks remain too powerful. Their bigger men like John Smit, Bakkies Botha and Pierre Spies have excellent, all-round skills.
At least Wales showed they have the capability of scoring. They produced two well-worked tries where they held on to the ball and showed the breathtaking ability we know they have. But overall they were well beaten.
Wales must realise that they cannot harness the talent of Shane Williams and co until they can hold on to possession for sustained periods in which they make no errors. Against the Springboks yesterday, they just made too many mistakes.
In the first half, Wales committed 10 unforced errors and no coach can plan for that. They simply did not do this in the Six Nations. Against the aggressive defence of South Africa, Wales struggled. A lot has been said about the Springboks, but when it came time to find the top gear they really put the pedal to the floor. For Wales, William's try was a stand-out moment, but before then the Springboks had won the contest in an area where Gatland's team often excel. They have made the offload one of their best aspects but the likes of centre Jean de Villiers and Juan Smith, the flanker, were too good. In fact, they were brilliant in helping to make the four tries for South Africa.
Wales will ponder their preparations. They had taken medical advice and trained in Cape Town until a day before the match. The idea was that by remaining at sea level until the last moment, the affects of the high altitude in Bloemfontein would be negated. The All Blacks and Wallabies have followed this pattern and won games.
Mick Cleary: NZ's pros and cons
One aspect they might question, however, is the lack of a warm-up match. Wales have not played competitively for three weeks. Gatland has talked about going back to introducing traditional tour games but this is a tricky decision that depends on the availability of players.
South Africa produced a professional performance. If you consider all the changes from the World Cup then it was impressive.
Wales must consider making changes, but there is little time to turn things round. Gatland must look at the scrum-half situation and consider giving Warren Fury a full debut. Some people have suggested playing Williams at No?9 but he is a world-class wing. I'm loathed to move players from their best positions.
By Ieuan Evans
Last Updated: 1:33am BST 08/06/2008
Have your say Read comments
The stony face of Warren Gatland told the story of Wales's afternoon in Bloemfontein. It was disappointing for the players and supporters and shows how far the team has to travel to produce consistent performances. It was pretty ominous at times.
Wales reduced to tatters by Springbok blitz
In pics: Ireland edged out by All Blacks, Springboks hammer Wales
Stats: Summer Test teams and stats
The fact remains - despite Wales having won the Six Nations Championship - that the skill levels of the players are still not good enough to compete fully against the bigger and better southern hemisphere players.
It's good to talk: Warren Gatland gives out instructions ahead of Wales' defeat in Bloemfontein
Gatland knows this and has talked often about the subject. He unexpectedly engineered instant success this season but he is aware the team are far from the finished article.
It may be a case of one step forward and two steps back. It was always going to be a fierce examination in a city where South Africa rarely lose. The odds were against the visitors because of the conditions and the altitude.
Gatland knows that to improve Wales he must challenge the players and this Test series is expected to stretch everyone.
Wales have improved but the Springboks remain too powerful. Their bigger men like John Smit, Bakkies Botha and Pierre Spies have excellent, all-round skills.
At least Wales showed they have the capability of scoring. They produced two well-worked tries where they held on to the ball and showed the breathtaking ability we know they have. But overall they were well beaten.
Wales must realise that they cannot harness the talent of Shane Williams and co until they can hold on to possession for sustained periods in which they make no errors. Against the Springboks yesterday, they just made too many mistakes.
In the first half, Wales committed 10 unforced errors and no coach can plan for that. They simply did not do this in the Six Nations. Against the aggressive defence of South Africa, Wales struggled. A lot has been said about the Springboks, but when it came time to find the top gear they really put the pedal to the floor. For Wales, William's try was a stand-out moment, but before then the Springboks had won the contest in an area where Gatland's team often excel. They have made the offload one of their best aspects but the likes of centre Jean de Villiers and Juan Smith, the flanker, were too good. In fact, they were brilliant in helping to make the four tries for South Africa.
Wales will ponder their preparations. They had taken medical advice and trained in Cape Town until a day before the match. The idea was that by remaining at sea level until the last moment, the affects of the high altitude in Bloemfontein would be negated. The All Blacks and Wallabies have followed this pattern and won games.
Mick Cleary: NZ's pros and cons
One aspect they might question, however, is the lack of a warm-up match. Wales have not played competitively for three weeks. Gatland has talked about going back to introducing traditional tour games but this is a tricky decision that depends on the availability of players.
South Africa produced a professional performance. If you consider all the changes from the World Cup then it was impressive.
Wales must consider making changes, but there is little time to turn things round. Gatland must look at the scrum-half situation and consider giving Warren Fury a full debut. Some people have suggested playing Williams at No?9 but he is a world-class wing. I'm loathed to move players from their best positions.
The Gay world Cup in Ireland
Top gay rugby team's world cup battle
Jun 8 2008 by Sarah Miloudi, Wales On Sunday
TRY GUYS!
WHILE Wales’ rugby stars fight it out in South Africa this summer, another Welsh squad jets off to Ireland this week for a very different tour – the gay world cup.
Kicking off on Friday, the contest will play host to more than 30 sides from around the globe.
Some will have travelled as far as Australia to take part in the contest, which will be preceded by a lavish opening party on Thursday.
And just eight months after the real Rugby World Cup, the Welsh squad is hoping they won’t repeat Wales’ dismal performance last Autumn, when the side was knocked out in the pool stages after losing to Fiji.
The Cardiff Lions last year came fourth and this year are hoping to lift the Bingham Bowl.
Fly-half and former captain of the squad Justin Gyphion, of Llandaff, Cardiff, said: “The tournament kicks off on Friday and the finals will be held a couple of days later.
“We are hoping to do better than last year when we finished up in the top third of the teams in our level.”
According to the 27-year-old recruitment consultant, there is no difference in standards between gay and straight rugby teams.
He said: “In terms of the game and the rules, there is absolutely nothing different between the rugby teams, and in terms of the standards of the sides, these can be very high in teams playing in the upper leagues.
“Certain people just feel happier playing in circumstances where they won’t be discriminated against.”
Currently Nigel Owens is the only gay official working in the sport’s highest ranks.
In 2007, the 35-year-old referee from Pontyberem, West Wales, spoke of his mental struggle before admitting publicly he was gay.
The Bingham Cup will run from Friday June 13 until Sunday June 15 at Dublin University. A total of 34 teams from America, Australia, Ireland and Wales will compete in the tournament.
sarah.miloudi@mediawales.co.uk
Jun 8 2008 by Sarah Miloudi, Wales On Sunday
TRY GUYS!
WHILE Wales’ rugby stars fight it out in South Africa this summer, another Welsh squad jets off to Ireland this week for a very different tour – the gay world cup.
Kicking off on Friday, the contest will play host to more than 30 sides from around the globe.
Some will have travelled as far as Australia to take part in the contest, which will be preceded by a lavish opening party on Thursday.
And just eight months after the real Rugby World Cup, the Welsh squad is hoping they won’t repeat Wales’ dismal performance last Autumn, when the side was knocked out in the pool stages after losing to Fiji.
The Cardiff Lions last year came fourth and this year are hoping to lift the Bingham Bowl.
Fly-half and former captain of the squad Justin Gyphion, of Llandaff, Cardiff, said: “The tournament kicks off on Friday and the finals will be held a couple of days later.
“We are hoping to do better than last year when we finished up in the top third of the teams in our level.”
According to the 27-year-old recruitment consultant, there is no difference in standards between gay and straight rugby teams.
He said: “In terms of the game and the rules, there is absolutely nothing different between the rugby teams, and in terms of the standards of the sides, these can be very high in teams playing in the upper leagues.
“Certain people just feel happier playing in circumstances where they won’t be discriminated against.”
Currently Nigel Owens is the only gay official working in the sport’s highest ranks.
In 2007, the 35-year-old referee from Pontyberem, West Wales, spoke of his mental struggle before admitting publicly he was gay.
The Bingham Cup will run from Friday June 13 until Sunday June 15 at Dublin University. A total of 34 teams from America, Australia, Ireland and Wales will compete in the tournament.
sarah.miloudi@mediawales.co.uk
G.Henry can do no Right!!!
Henry can do no right
By MICHAEL LAWS
Sunday Star Times Sunday, 08 June 2008
Last night the All Blacks played their first test of 2008. I doubt that, in the history of New Zealand rugby, so many rugby supporters have actually supported the opposite team. For there is an insurrection under way in the rugby heartland that no onfield success will quell.
But then New Zealanders are an odd people. We're not really happy unless we're miserable.
We eschew colour in our dress and our outlook: we are our ancestors, brown or white.
Let's be honest, neither's antecedents were anything wonderful. The Maori got lost and have their civilisation carbon-dated by rats. And the Europeans were very much the fag-end of their generation: if they had been any good, they would have stayed at home.
We are a nation composed of the eject of others.
Maybe that's why we really don't like ourselves. After all, we've always looked elsewhere for inspiration and affirmation whether from the Home Country, Hawaiki or Hollywood. And it's still true Scott Dixon and the Conchords were nobody until they did something overseas. We are now obsequious in our deference.
So is that why Graham Henry is the most reviled man in New Zealand? He lost us the 2007 world cup our collective statement to the world and, short of winning the 2011 contest, he remains the OJ Simpson of the oval world to a good proportion of rugby fans. Their blame remains the guy took our best chance, blew it, and now we have neither the pity nor the compassion to forgive.
And let's make no mistake here: we are still bloody serious about our rugby. It remains the most tangible expression of our nationhood. Sure, Hillary climbed Everest and Jackson won an Oscar, but that's peripheral stuff. Our identity rises and falls on the backs of our All Blacks.
Then there is Robbie Deans. St Robbie. Always smiling like some village idiot who strayed too near the transformers. Who never says anything remotely inspirational or insightful and perhaps because of that, has been elevated to the pantheon. Again, it took the interest of another nation for him to be properly valued.
Yes, you could buy into the nonsense that he is the best coach ever, of any sport in any generation. Or you could be a tad more realistic and say that your dead great-aunt could have coached the Crusaders, such is their talent and esprit de corps.
None of this vaguely excuses, though, the sedition of this past week. It ostensibly began with a treasonous column by the New Zealand Herald's sports writer Chris Rattue, declaring that he would neither watch nor support the All Blacks while Graham Henry remained at the helm. It was the literary equivalent of booing John Hart's horse at the Addington raceway after the metro gnome had blown New Zealand's other best chance in 1999.
Of course, Rattue could have just been stirring. It is not that unusual for some columnists to take an antsy angle just to gee up their readers. (Fortunately, I am not one of those. My prose is measured and moderate and it is my mission to be optimistic and complimentary about the human condition.)
But the reaction to Rattue has been interesting. A sizeable chunk of the New Zealand sporting populaton agrees that the All Blacks versus Wallabies epic this year, which includes four tests, is actually a contest between Graham Henry and St Robbie, and only one of them has horns and a swishy tail.
Even television newsreaders are opining "Go Robbie" in much the same asinine way that Americans think they have found a black Kennedy in Barack Obama. Indeed that is the analogy the ABs are coached by George W and the Wallabies by the junior senator from Illinois.
This level of fan antipathy is not necessarily a unique thing in the history of New Zealand sport. Rugby has seen darker days and the Springbok Tour of 1981 was an instance. We have also had our coaching feuds John Hart versus Grizz Wyllie and John Hart versus Laurie Mains. But this is the first time, surely, where a coach's opprobrium has spilled over and affected support for an entire national team.
But then one might argue that this is the Henry way. He has an unfortunate demeanour with a half smile that suggests the questioner is a loon. His offsiders aren't from the Carnegie charm school either "Shag" Hansen a gruff Cantabrian and Wayne Smith exuding an unsettling evangelism about quite ordinary players. The three horsemen of the apocalypse Pestilence being detained somewhere in Albanian soccer.
In many ways, they are your typical All Black coaches. If they were fully rounded individuals, they would be doing something else, but this is sport. It has always been completely mad. Elevating a recreational pastime to the moral equivalent of war does addle one's sensibilities.
But that New Zealand's national sport is inciting so many to insurrection so insidious that we would rather the Wallabies won than our national representatives that is more than madness. That it is fanned by the rugby media is also bizarre.
But then these are many of the same sports journalists who declared that Henry must go in the wake of the Rugby World Cup thinking that he would. It did not enter their minds that his services would be retained. Now that he has been reappointed, they have nowhere else to go. Henry must start the 2008 international season as their villain.
So if the All Blacks do lose this year, it will not be because of bum refereeing decisions, players dropping their bundles or because many of our best players are off chasing skirt and the euro on the Riviera. It will be Henry's fault. Pure and simple. Except if they win. Then it will be despite the former headmaster's leadership.
For the first time in my life, I feel genuine pity for a guy earning 10 times the average salary. The man who can do no right.
By MICHAEL LAWS
Sunday Star Times Sunday, 08 June 2008
Last night the All Blacks played their first test of 2008. I doubt that, in the history of New Zealand rugby, so many rugby supporters have actually supported the opposite team. For there is an insurrection under way in the rugby heartland that no onfield success will quell.
But then New Zealanders are an odd people. We're not really happy unless we're miserable.
We eschew colour in our dress and our outlook: we are our ancestors, brown or white.
Let's be honest, neither's antecedents were anything wonderful. The Maori got lost and have their civilisation carbon-dated by rats. And the Europeans were very much the fag-end of their generation: if they had been any good, they would have stayed at home.
We are a nation composed of the eject of others.
Maybe that's why we really don't like ourselves. After all, we've always looked elsewhere for inspiration and affirmation whether from the Home Country, Hawaiki or Hollywood. And it's still true Scott Dixon and the Conchords were nobody until they did something overseas. We are now obsequious in our deference.
So is that why Graham Henry is the most reviled man in New Zealand? He lost us the 2007 world cup our collective statement to the world and, short of winning the 2011 contest, he remains the OJ Simpson of the oval world to a good proportion of rugby fans. Their blame remains the guy took our best chance, blew it, and now we have neither the pity nor the compassion to forgive.
And let's make no mistake here: we are still bloody serious about our rugby. It remains the most tangible expression of our nationhood. Sure, Hillary climbed Everest and Jackson won an Oscar, but that's peripheral stuff. Our identity rises and falls on the backs of our All Blacks.
Then there is Robbie Deans. St Robbie. Always smiling like some village idiot who strayed too near the transformers. Who never says anything remotely inspirational or insightful and perhaps because of that, has been elevated to the pantheon. Again, it took the interest of another nation for him to be properly valued.
Yes, you could buy into the nonsense that he is the best coach ever, of any sport in any generation. Or you could be a tad more realistic and say that your dead great-aunt could have coached the Crusaders, such is their talent and esprit de corps.
None of this vaguely excuses, though, the sedition of this past week. It ostensibly began with a treasonous column by the New Zealand Herald's sports writer Chris Rattue, declaring that he would neither watch nor support the All Blacks while Graham Henry remained at the helm. It was the literary equivalent of booing John Hart's horse at the Addington raceway after the metro gnome had blown New Zealand's other best chance in 1999.
Of course, Rattue could have just been stirring. It is not that unusual for some columnists to take an antsy angle just to gee up their readers. (Fortunately, I am not one of those. My prose is measured and moderate and it is my mission to be optimistic and complimentary about the human condition.)
But the reaction to Rattue has been interesting. A sizeable chunk of the New Zealand sporting populaton agrees that the All Blacks versus Wallabies epic this year, which includes four tests, is actually a contest between Graham Henry and St Robbie, and only one of them has horns and a swishy tail.
Even television newsreaders are opining "Go Robbie" in much the same asinine way that Americans think they have found a black Kennedy in Barack Obama. Indeed that is the analogy the ABs are coached by George W and the Wallabies by the junior senator from Illinois.
This level of fan antipathy is not necessarily a unique thing in the history of New Zealand sport. Rugby has seen darker days and the Springbok Tour of 1981 was an instance. We have also had our coaching feuds John Hart versus Grizz Wyllie and John Hart versus Laurie Mains. But this is the first time, surely, where a coach's opprobrium has spilled over and affected support for an entire national team.
But then one might argue that this is the Henry way. He has an unfortunate demeanour with a half smile that suggests the questioner is a loon. His offsiders aren't from the Carnegie charm school either "Shag" Hansen a gruff Cantabrian and Wayne Smith exuding an unsettling evangelism about quite ordinary players. The three horsemen of the apocalypse Pestilence being detained somewhere in Albanian soccer.
In many ways, they are your typical All Black coaches. If they were fully rounded individuals, they would be doing something else, but this is sport. It has always been completely mad. Elevating a recreational pastime to the moral equivalent of war does addle one's sensibilities.
But that New Zealand's national sport is inciting so many to insurrection so insidious that we would rather the Wallabies won than our national representatives that is more than madness. That it is fanned by the rugby media is also bizarre.
But then these are many of the same sports journalists who declared that Henry must go in the wake of the Rugby World Cup thinking that he would. It did not enter their minds that his services would be retained. Now that he has been reappointed, they have nowhere else to go. Henry must start the 2008 international season as their villain.
So if the All Blacks do lose this year, it will not be because of bum refereeing decisions, players dropping their bundles or because many of our best players are off chasing skirt and the euro on the Riviera. It will be Henry's fault. Pure and simple. Except if they win. Then it will be despite the former headmaster's leadership.
For the first time in my life, I feel genuine pity for a guy earning 10 times the average salary. The man who can do no right.
Stagnation in Rugby Union........
By Peter Bills
The stagnation of world rugby, a reality confirmed by the recent World Cup and the Six Nations tournaments in the northern hemisphere, could be resolved in 2008's Tri-Nations
Championship.
The arrival of Robbie Deans as the new coach of Australia this week and Peter de Villiers's innovative hand on the controls in South African rugby, offers the game the opportunity to make overdue progress.Deans can lead the way in kick-starting international rugby in his first job as a national coach. Of the other countries in world rugby, only South Africa under Peter de Villiers looks to have much of a chance of matching Deans' likely progress, perhaps kicking off on Saturday against Wales in Bloemfontein.
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Like Deans, De Villiers understands the need to broaden his country's game, to expand players' personal horizons. The Springboks won the 2007 World Cup with blinkers on, playing a rigidly constructed game that had little vision or intuitive skill attached to it. It seems to me that one man can lead a much needed campaign to take rugby union on to a brighter, better plateau. That man is Robbie Deans. True, his Crusaders team won last weekend's Super 14 final through a watertight defence. But Deans has the vision, the capacity in his embrace of the game to play another way, in another style.The Crusaders' success has been hallmarked by the players' phenomenal support for the ball carrier. Options are myriad for the man in possession; to his left, his right or behind. Passes are given in the secure knowledge that a colleague will take the ball and make further progress.Under Deans, the Crusaders understand the great value of off-loading in the tackle, of extending the movement by seeking width and ensuring continuity through a pass. Support is axiomatic and this continuity is the key to breaking down modern day tight defences. Deans will bring a vibrant, challenging mind to the job of coaching the Wallabies. He will ask questions of players, demand they accept greater responsibility and make their own decisions on the field. All of which De Villiers is already demanding of the Springboks. He is right to do so for this is surely the way forward.Ironically, it could be New Zealand who will lag behind this year, as their southern hemisphere rivals seek to broaden their horizons. New Zealand has lost some talented players of the highest calibre and the loss will be keenly felt, not least during this Tri-Nations campaign.
If ever South Africa had an opportunity to win in the All Blacks' backyard it is surely next month.
I fear we will look in vain to the northern hemisphere to lead the game out of this current pit of mediocrity.
France are all over the place, a disparate group of players under a new coach.
Wales are Six Nations Champions but their pragmatic coach Warren Gatland admits he still does not yet know the extent of their capabilities, despite a Grand Slam in his first season in charge.
Ireland, too, has a new coach, or will have in September. Declan Kidney has replaced Eddie O'Sullivan but he isn't on the end-of-season tour to New Zealand and Australia. How wonderfully Irish is that? Wouldn't he have learned something about some players had he made the trip?
England remains an enigma, driven by internal strife. Like Kidney, Martin Johnson is not touring to New Zealand this summer; hence, his future impact remains unknown.
None of these nations is equipped to forge a new path for the game worldwide.
For that, we must look to innovative coaches, men of proper vision steeped in rugby knowledge. The rugby played by Graham Henry's teams in the past would suit but elsewhere, only Deans and De Villiers look remotely qualified on that front.
We must hope that the intrinsic pressures of their respective posts does not inhibit them in this task.World rugby urgently needs a new order, a new way. Australia and South Africa could lead that charge by the excellence and innovation of their play in 2008. Whether New Zealand can join them, given such significant changes in playing personnel, will be fascinating to discover, maybe starting on Saturday morning against Ireland in Wellington.
The stagnation of world rugby, a reality confirmed by the recent World Cup and the Six Nations tournaments in the northern hemisphere, could be resolved in 2008's Tri-Nations
Championship.
The arrival of Robbie Deans as the new coach of Australia this week and Peter de Villiers's innovative hand on the controls in South African rugby, offers the game the opportunity to make overdue progress.Deans can lead the way in kick-starting international rugby in his first job as a national coach. Of the other countries in world rugby, only South Africa under Peter de Villiers looks to have much of a chance of matching Deans' likely progress, perhaps kicking off on Saturday against Wales in Bloemfontein.
DisplayAds('SquarLAV',12,18);
Like Deans, De Villiers understands the need to broaden his country's game, to expand players' personal horizons. The Springboks won the 2007 World Cup with blinkers on, playing a rigidly constructed game that had little vision or intuitive skill attached to it. It seems to me that one man can lead a much needed campaign to take rugby union on to a brighter, better plateau. That man is Robbie Deans. True, his Crusaders team won last weekend's Super 14 final through a watertight defence. But Deans has the vision, the capacity in his embrace of the game to play another way, in another style.The Crusaders' success has been hallmarked by the players' phenomenal support for the ball carrier. Options are myriad for the man in possession; to his left, his right or behind. Passes are given in the secure knowledge that a colleague will take the ball and make further progress.Under Deans, the Crusaders understand the great value of off-loading in the tackle, of extending the movement by seeking width and ensuring continuity through a pass. Support is axiomatic and this continuity is the key to breaking down modern day tight defences. Deans will bring a vibrant, challenging mind to the job of coaching the Wallabies. He will ask questions of players, demand they accept greater responsibility and make their own decisions on the field. All of which De Villiers is already demanding of the Springboks. He is right to do so for this is surely the way forward.Ironically, it could be New Zealand who will lag behind this year, as their southern hemisphere rivals seek to broaden their horizons. New Zealand has lost some talented players of the highest calibre and the loss will be keenly felt, not least during this Tri-Nations campaign.
If ever South Africa had an opportunity to win in the All Blacks' backyard it is surely next month.
I fear we will look in vain to the northern hemisphere to lead the game out of this current pit of mediocrity.
France are all over the place, a disparate group of players under a new coach.
Wales are Six Nations Champions but their pragmatic coach Warren Gatland admits he still does not yet know the extent of their capabilities, despite a Grand Slam in his first season in charge.
Ireland, too, has a new coach, or will have in September. Declan Kidney has replaced Eddie O'Sullivan but he isn't on the end-of-season tour to New Zealand and Australia. How wonderfully Irish is that? Wouldn't he have learned something about some players had he made the trip?
England remains an enigma, driven by internal strife. Like Kidney, Martin Johnson is not touring to New Zealand this summer; hence, his future impact remains unknown.
None of these nations is equipped to forge a new path for the game worldwide.
For that, we must look to innovative coaches, men of proper vision steeped in rugby knowledge. The rugby played by Graham Henry's teams in the past would suit but elsewhere, only Deans and De Villiers look remotely qualified on that front.
We must hope that the intrinsic pressures of their respective posts does not inhibit them in this task.World rugby urgently needs a new order, a new way. Australia and South Africa could lead that charge by the excellence and innovation of their play in 2008. Whether New Zealand can join them, given such significant changes in playing personnel, will be fascinating to discover, maybe starting on Saturday morning against Ireland in Wellington.
When North meets South ~ South will win!!!!!!!
South Africa Defeats Wales in Rugby Test; N.Z. Wins (Update1)
By James Cone
June 7 (Bloomberg) -- World champion South Africa crossed for four tries in a 43-17 rugby Test victory today against Six Nations winner Wales.
New Zealand defeated Ireland 21-11.
Conrad Jantjes, Jean de Villers, Pierre Spies and second- half replacement Percy Montgomery touched down in Bloemfontein in coach Peter de Villiers's first match in charge.
De Villiers was named as the first black coach of the Springboks in January following the exit of Jake White, who last year led South Africa to its second World Cup title.
Butch James put the Springboks ahead after six minutes with the first of his five penalties today, and doubled the home team's lead two minutes later. He also converted all four tries.
Stephen Jones replied for Wales soon after before two more successful kicks for James put South Africa ahead 12-3. Fullback Jantjes got the opening try in the 30th minute, collecting a pass from Adrian Jacobs before touching down under the posts.
A Jamie Roberts try, converted by Jones, kept Wales in contention, but another penalty from James gave the Springboks a 12-point advantage at halftime.
De Villiers and Spies got tries as South Africa took control in the second half, though Shane Williams broke through to touch down for Wales. Montgomery's try, converted by James, completed the scoring after 70 minutes.
Both teams ended the match with 14 men after CJ van der Linde and Richard Hibbard exchanged punches.
Sitiveni Sivivatu, with his 22nd try in 22 Tests, and Ma'a Nonu touched down in Wellington for New Zealand against Ireland, which was aiming for its first win against the All Blacks in 103 years.
Fly-half Daniel Carter added a conversion and three penalties for New Zealand in its first Test since a quarterfinal defeat at the World Cup.
Paddy Wallace got a try for Ireland, which was tied at 11- 11 with 20 minutes remaining at the Westpac Stadium. Ronan O'Gara scored two penalties.
Elsewhere, Argentina beat Scotland 21-15 in Rosario. Chris Paterson, who tied Scott Murray's record of 87 Test appearances for Scotland, kicked all the visiting team's points.
By James Cone
June 7 (Bloomberg) -- World champion South Africa crossed for four tries in a 43-17 rugby Test victory today against Six Nations winner Wales.
New Zealand defeated Ireland 21-11.
Conrad Jantjes, Jean de Villers, Pierre Spies and second- half replacement Percy Montgomery touched down in Bloemfontein in coach Peter de Villiers's first match in charge.
De Villiers was named as the first black coach of the Springboks in January following the exit of Jake White, who last year led South Africa to its second World Cup title.
Butch James put the Springboks ahead after six minutes with the first of his five penalties today, and doubled the home team's lead two minutes later. He also converted all four tries.
Stephen Jones replied for Wales soon after before two more successful kicks for James put South Africa ahead 12-3. Fullback Jantjes got the opening try in the 30th minute, collecting a pass from Adrian Jacobs before touching down under the posts.
A Jamie Roberts try, converted by Jones, kept Wales in contention, but another penalty from James gave the Springboks a 12-point advantage at halftime.
De Villiers and Spies got tries as South Africa took control in the second half, though Shane Williams broke through to touch down for Wales. Montgomery's try, converted by James, completed the scoring after 70 minutes.
Both teams ended the match with 14 men after CJ van der Linde and Richard Hibbard exchanged punches.
Sitiveni Sivivatu, with his 22nd try in 22 Tests, and Ma'a Nonu touched down in Wellington for New Zealand against Ireland, which was aiming for its first win against the All Blacks in 103 years.
Fly-half Daniel Carter added a conversion and three penalties for New Zealand in its first Test since a quarterfinal defeat at the World Cup.
Paddy Wallace got a try for Ireland, which was tied at 11- 11 with 20 minutes remaining at the Westpac Stadium. Ronan O'Gara scored two penalties.
Elsewhere, Argentina beat Scotland 21-15 in Rosario. Chris Paterson, who tied Scott Murray's record of 87 Test appearances for Scotland, kicked all the visiting team's points.
Monday, June 2, 2008
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