Lewis Hamilton 'to be UK's richest sportsman'
By Richard Edwards
Last Updated: 8:06am BST 01/10/2007
Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of becoming the youngest ever Formula One world champion after winning the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday.
Hamilton wins in Japan
Lap by lap: As it happened
In pictures: Alonso misses out
The 22-year-old is now within one race of taking the title - which would make him the first driver ever to triumph in his debut season.
Lewis Hamilton is closing in on the F1 title
Commentators have likened Hamilton’s extraordinary year to the emergence of sporting legends such as Muhammed Ali, George Best and Tiger Woods - and he is tipped to become Britain's first ever billionnaire sportsman.
He will secure the championship in China next weekend if he beats his teammate and rival Fernando Alonso, or finishes no worse than one place behind him. Hamilton said it was hard to hide his excitement at the possibility of rewriting the history books.
But he added that he would not be celebrating until the title was certain. “I won’t be going partying,” he said. “At the back of your mind, in the subconscious, you do think about it a little bit but I think the key for me is just focus on the next race and just make sure my preparations are right and take it as it comes. We’ll see after the next race.”
Hamilton, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is on a £400,000 contract this year, although bonus payments will push that to more than £1 million, especially if he is crowned world champion.
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Keeping Hamilton will cost McLaren a fortune - some estimate as much as £150 million in salary alone for a five-year deal, making him the highest-paid driver ever.
He is already the face of Vodafone and Tag Heuer, and marketing experts predict his commercial appeal could transcend Tiger Woods and David Beckham in the lifetime earning stakes.
Retired seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, who is reported to have netted a total of around £500 million, earned about £17 million a year.
But Hamilton’s appeal will be even greater because he is F1’s first black racer and potential champion rookie.
“It is possible that Hamilton could become the first British sport billionaire. The fact he is black is a unique factor, but also the fact that he is likable and well-adjusted is key,” said Nigel Currie, director of Brand Rapport, a UK company specialising in sponsorship.
Hamilton has had to overcome adversity after a tumultous season for McLaren, who were stripped of all their team points after being found guilty of spying on rivals Ferrari.
He has endured a season of conflict with his teammate Alonso, who has struggled to come to terms with being beaten by his junior partner. And the young sportsman has also found it hard to cope with his worldwide fame, and the demands of the paparrazi.
He has called for and end to the incessant intrusion into his private life - and has warned that he will be driven out of living in the UK if it continues.
He said he was hurt by coverage which falsely portrayed him as a playboy. “They [the press] are all taking about having a British sensation and having a British world champion in Formula 1 - which I am trying my best to do,” he said last month. “I am proud to represent my country, but there is nothing worse than people in the country trying to bring you down and try to ruin your image and your reputation.
“It would just force me out and I would need to go somewhere where I don’t get abused and if that’s the case then it would be a shame.”
Monday, October 1, 2007
Wales & Ireland ~ The view from New Zealand
Six Nations sides Wales and Ireland were on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism from the British press following their early exits from the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland failed to beat Argentina in Paris this morning which saw them finish third in the "Pool of Death", while Wales, grand slam champions in 2005, were upset by Fiji in a scintillating match in Nantes yesterday.
"One of the darkest days in Welsh rugby history," said former Wales captain Iuean Evan in the Daily Telegraph.
"You look at the quality of players we have and the huge amount of experience, especially in the back line, and you wonder how on earth we can be so devoid of leadership, composure and clarity of thought and deed.
"It has been a really bad World Cup for Wales, who have only performed in patches," he said.
Wales on Sunday columnist Barry John also waded into the Welsh performance, expressing disbelief at how they lost to the lowly-ranked Fijians.
"The Welsh team were so static, they don't think on their feet, there's no drive, no mental spark and Wales somehow made a relatively average side looked like world-beaters," he said.
"We must remember yesterday that we were not playing one of the super-powers but one of world rugby's second-tier nations.
"I'm in total shock how Wales lost, won, then lost again a game they should have been able to kill off effectively," he said.
Another former captain, Phill Bennett, called for the Welsh Rugby Union to take action to keep interest in the side.
"We're in a bit of a mess in Wales at the moment. Welsh rugby is at a crossroads and I'm looking for leadership now," he said on the BBC.
"Some of those people on the WRU board - Roger Lewis, David Pickering, Gerald Davies - have got to come up with answers in the next few days to reassure the nation."
Ireland weren't treated much better.
A season which began so promising by winning the Triple Crown ended with the Irish exiting the World Cup in the pool stages for the first time.
"Attitude, that's what has been missing," said Irish legend Willie John McBride in the Belfast Telegrapgh.
"There has been no urgency and that comes from attitude. It's the desire not to be second best.
"We don't have that, we are living in the comfort zone," he said.
The Irish Times said it is time for the Irish to return home and face the music, while also signalling out first-five eighth Ronan O'Gara for his lack of performance throughout the tournament.
"Ireland must return home and analyse where it went wrong for a squad that was billed as one of the most talented ever to don the green jersey, not just by the media and the public, but by themselves and their coaching staff.
"The performance from Ireland was better than the previous three, but that says little considering the standards set.
"Ronan O'Gara, heralded by some as the second best outhalf in the world, again fell drastically short of the level required to compete on this stage."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
Ireland failed to beat Argentina in Paris this morning which saw them finish third in the "Pool of Death", while Wales, grand slam champions in 2005, were upset by Fiji in a scintillating match in Nantes yesterday.
"One of the darkest days in Welsh rugby history," said former Wales captain Iuean Evan in the Daily Telegraph.
"You look at the quality of players we have and the huge amount of experience, especially in the back line, and you wonder how on earth we can be so devoid of leadership, composure and clarity of thought and deed.
"It has been a really bad World Cup for Wales, who have only performed in patches," he said.
Wales on Sunday columnist Barry John also waded into the Welsh performance, expressing disbelief at how they lost to the lowly-ranked Fijians.
"The Welsh team were so static, they don't think on their feet, there's no drive, no mental spark and Wales somehow made a relatively average side looked like world-beaters," he said.
"We must remember yesterday that we were not playing one of the super-powers but one of world rugby's second-tier nations.
"I'm in total shock how Wales lost, won, then lost again a game they should have been able to kill off effectively," he said.
Another former captain, Phill Bennett, called for the Welsh Rugby Union to take action to keep interest in the side.
"We're in a bit of a mess in Wales at the moment. Welsh rugby is at a crossroads and I'm looking for leadership now," he said on the BBC.
"Some of those people on the WRU board - Roger Lewis, David Pickering, Gerald Davies - have got to come up with answers in the next few days to reassure the nation."
Ireland weren't treated much better.
A season which began so promising by winning the Triple Crown ended with the Irish exiting the World Cup in the pool stages for the first time.
"Attitude, that's what has been missing," said Irish legend Willie John McBride in the Belfast Telegrapgh.
"There has been no urgency and that comes from attitude. It's the desire not to be second best.
"We don't have that, we are living in the comfort zone," he said.
The Irish Times said it is time for the Irish to return home and face the music, while also signalling out first-five eighth Ronan O'Gara for his lack of performance throughout the tournament.
"Ireland must return home and analyse where it went wrong for a squad that was billed as one of the most talented ever to don the green jersey, not just by the media and the public, but by themselves and their coaching staff.
"The performance from Ireland was better than the previous three, but that says little considering the standards set.
"Ronan O'Gara, heralded by some as the second best outhalf in the world, again fell drastically short of the level required to compete on this stage."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
Sad Sad Wales
Gareth fails to deliver
Sep 30 2007
by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday
GARETH JENKINS couldn’t even keep his appointment with judgement day after Wales’ humiliating exit from the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Wales coach asked to be judged on this World Cup, setting himself a minimum requirement of a quarter-final place.
But the former Scarlets supremo didn’t even make it that far as Fiji joined their Pacific Islands neighbours Samoa in claiming the scalp of Wales in the competition.
Jenkins became the third Wales coach to fail to reach the knockout stages of rugby’s showpiece event.
He joins Alan Davies in 1991 and Alex Evans four years later in an unwanted select band, but neither of them had the time Jenkins has had in charge.
Story continues
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That pair were effectively caretaker coaches, handed mission impossibles on the eve of the tournaments.
By contrast, Jenkins has had 16 months to build a record of played 20, won six, lost 13 and drawn one.
Those statistics show how much Wales have stagnated with him in charge.
And for that reason alone, his position as national coach is now untenable.
He is a passionate and decent man, but it’s time for him resign and acknowledge that Test match rugby came too late in his coaching career.
Wales were clueless for much of this match and didn’t deserve to reach the quarter-finals.
Jenkins accepted his part in this desperate afternoon for Welsh rugby with dignity and deep down he knows his future as national coach is probably over.
But he isn’t the only one culpable for this sorry state of affairs – this has been coming for a long, long time.
Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has to take his share of the responsibility.
His decision to walk away from the job, with 16 months to go until the World Cup, forced the need for a new coach when they should have been in the middle of planning for the tournament.
The Welsh Rugby Union Board, who bowed to the public clamour for Jenkins’ appointment, are also culpable.
They made a decision to ease the public pressure on their own positions, rather than on who could do the job. This was a mess of their own creation.
The Welsh players have to take their share of the responsibility for what happens on the field.
They didn’t even look like a team against Fiji and were embarrassed by the collective spirit of the men in white.
There is something rotten to the core of a team when you see the sight of Dwayne Peel being replaced by Mike Phillips and they don’t even acknowledge each other as they pass on the park.
One of the admirable qualities of this Wales squad was their tightness as a group. It evaporated in Nantes yesterday.
After the game, Jenkins quite rightly pointed to the unrealistic expectation heaped on the Wales national side and the lack of respect for what other rugby nations around the world are capable of doing.
But the finances and the so-called professionalism in Welsh rugby deserves better than the sorry shambles on this French field.
Wales are a better rugby nation than this – but one that has been struck by a real malaise and a lack of leadership.
Jenkins must have seen this defeat coming. The standards, on and off the field, have simply not been good enough.
The benchmark of any professional coach is whether he improves on what went before. Jenkins has not done that.
Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, two former Wales coaches now with New Zealand, both reached the last eight of the World Cup with less talented and less experienced squads than Jenkins has had at his disposal.
Four years ago, at the same stage of the tournament, Wales lit up the 2003 World Cup in Australia with a breathtaking performance against the All Blacks which breathed life back into our national game.
Four years on, a stronger and more experienced Wales squad have failed to realise their full potential, stuttered their way through and flattered to deceive throughout France 2007.
Wales did start with real purpose and were unlucky not to take the lead after only the first minute.
Stephen Jones spun out of a few tackle to launch a counter-attack, only for Shane Williams to be tackled into touch just short of the corner flag.
Fly-half Jones converted and missed a penalty before Wales were rocked by an incredible salvo of three tries in nine minutes by Fiji, which left the men in red reeling at 25-3 midway through the first half.
Wales only had themselves to blame after some of the dumbest rugby you will have ever seen on a rugby field.
They appeared to have taken the sting out of the Fijians, but then the Welsh players decided to throw the ball around.
The Welsh pack had been dominant in the scrum, but Gloucester-bound flanker Akapusa Qera, who was the most influential player on the field, started the ball rolling with his side’s first try.
Vilimoni Delasau then notched a superb opportunist score after he kicked his way around and over the Welsh defence, beating Gareth Thomas and Mark Jones to the bounce, before giant lock Kele Leawere crashed over from short-range to stun Wales.
Wales finally woke up and shunned some easy penalty shots at goal to apply the pressure through the scrum and after a handful attempts, No 8 Alix Popham crossed and they went in 25-10 behind.
After the break, they managed to reply, while flanker Qera was in the sin-bin, with a superb solo try by wing Shane Williams before Thomas celebrated his 100th cap with his 40th try for his country.
Wing Mark Jones added another, only for ex-Pontypridd outside-half Nicky Little to edge Fiji ahead.
Wales finally looked to have it won when Martyn Williams scored from a late interception. But the Fijians roared into attack and Graham Deves crawled over from short-range to send Wales home from the World Cup.
Sadly, it was all they deserved for such a disappointing tournament.
Wales Tries: A Popham, S Williams, G Thomas, M Jones, M Williams; Cons: S Jones (2), J Hook; Pens: J Hook
Fiji Tries: A Qera, V Delasau, K Leaware, G Deves; Cons: N Little (3); Pens: N Little (4)
Sep 30 2007
by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday
GARETH JENKINS couldn’t even keep his appointment with judgement day after Wales’ humiliating exit from the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Wales coach asked to be judged on this World Cup, setting himself a minimum requirement of a quarter-final place.
But the former Scarlets supremo didn’t even make it that far as Fiji joined their Pacific Islands neighbours Samoa in claiming the scalp of Wales in the competition.
Jenkins became the third Wales coach to fail to reach the knockout stages of rugby’s showpiece event.
He joins Alan Davies in 1991 and Alex Evans four years later in an unwanted select band, but neither of them had the time Jenkins has had in charge.
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
That pair were effectively caretaker coaches, handed mission impossibles on the eve of the tournaments.
By contrast, Jenkins has had 16 months to build a record of played 20, won six, lost 13 and drawn one.
Those statistics show how much Wales have stagnated with him in charge.
And for that reason alone, his position as national coach is now untenable.
He is a passionate and decent man, but it’s time for him resign and acknowledge that Test match rugby came too late in his coaching career.
Wales were clueless for much of this match and didn’t deserve to reach the quarter-finals.
Jenkins accepted his part in this desperate afternoon for Welsh rugby with dignity and deep down he knows his future as national coach is probably over.
But he isn’t the only one culpable for this sorry state of affairs – this has been coming for a long, long time.
Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has to take his share of the responsibility.
His decision to walk away from the job, with 16 months to go until the World Cup, forced the need for a new coach when they should have been in the middle of planning for the tournament.
The Welsh Rugby Union Board, who bowed to the public clamour for Jenkins’ appointment, are also culpable.
They made a decision to ease the public pressure on their own positions, rather than on who could do the job. This was a mess of their own creation.
The Welsh players have to take their share of the responsibility for what happens on the field.
They didn’t even look like a team against Fiji and were embarrassed by the collective spirit of the men in white.
There is something rotten to the core of a team when you see the sight of Dwayne Peel being replaced by Mike Phillips and they don’t even acknowledge each other as they pass on the park.
One of the admirable qualities of this Wales squad was their tightness as a group. It evaporated in Nantes yesterday.
After the game, Jenkins quite rightly pointed to the unrealistic expectation heaped on the Wales national side and the lack of respect for what other rugby nations around the world are capable of doing.
But the finances and the so-called professionalism in Welsh rugby deserves better than the sorry shambles on this French field.
Wales are a better rugby nation than this – but one that has been struck by a real malaise and a lack of leadership.
Jenkins must have seen this defeat coming. The standards, on and off the field, have simply not been good enough.
The benchmark of any professional coach is whether he improves on what went before. Jenkins has not done that.
Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, two former Wales coaches now with New Zealand, both reached the last eight of the World Cup with less talented and less experienced squads than Jenkins has had at his disposal.
Four years ago, at the same stage of the tournament, Wales lit up the 2003 World Cup in Australia with a breathtaking performance against the All Blacks which breathed life back into our national game.
Four years on, a stronger and more experienced Wales squad have failed to realise their full potential, stuttered their way through and flattered to deceive throughout France 2007.
Wales did start with real purpose and were unlucky not to take the lead after only the first minute.
Stephen Jones spun out of a few tackle to launch a counter-attack, only for Shane Williams to be tackled into touch just short of the corner flag.
Fly-half Jones converted and missed a penalty before Wales were rocked by an incredible salvo of three tries in nine minutes by Fiji, which left the men in red reeling at 25-3 midway through the first half.
Wales only had themselves to blame after some of the dumbest rugby you will have ever seen on a rugby field.
They appeared to have taken the sting out of the Fijians, but then the Welsh players decided to throw the ball around.
The Welsh pack had been dominant in the scrum, but Gloucester-bound flanker Akapusa Qera, who was the most influential player on the field, started the ball rolling with his side’s first try.
Vilimoni Delasau then notched a superb opportunist score after he kicked his way around and over the Welsh defence, beating Gareth Thomas and Mark Jones to the bounce, before giant lock Kele Leawere crashed over from short-range to stun Wales.
Wales finally woke up and shunned some easy penalty shots at goal to apply the pressure through the scrum and after a handful attempts, No 8 Alix Popham crossed and they went in 25-10 behind.
After the break, they managed to reply, while flanker Qera was in the sin-bin, with a superb solo try by wing Shane Williams before Thomas celebrated his 100th cap with his 40th try for his country.
Wing Mark Jones added another, only for ex-Pontypridd outside-half Nicky Little to edge Fiji ahead.
Wales finally looked to have it won when Martyn Williams scored from a late interception. But the Fijians roared into attack and Graham Deves crawled over from short-range to send Wales home from the World Cup.
Sadly, it was all they deserved for such a disappointing tournament.
Wales Tries: A Popham, S Williams, G Thomas, M Jones, M Williams; Cons: S Jones (2), J Hook; Pens: J Hook
Fiji Tries: A Qera, V Delasau, K Leaware, G Deves; Cons: N Little (3); Pens: N Little (4)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Wales v Japan
Rugby World Cup: Wales makes 10 changes to play Japan in Group B match
The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
CARDIFF, Wales: Wales made 10 changes to its team to play Japan on Thursday, while captain Gareth Thomas is expected to return for the following Rugby World Cup match against Fiji.
The five players to remain in the team from the 32-20 defeat Saturday to Australia are flyhalf Stephen Jones, winger Shane Williams, backrowers Colin Charvis and Jonathan Thomas and lock Alun-Wyn Jones.
Thomas injured his ribs while being tackled by Wallabies center Stirling Mortlock in the first half at the Millennium Stadium. He hopes to be fit to for Wales' last Group B match on Sept. 29 in Nantes.
"We are pleased to be able to announce that Gareth's injury is very much a short-term one," Wales coach Gareth Jenkins said Tuesday.
"He should be back and available to us in two weeks. We were always mindful of reacting too quickly to his injury before proper time and consideration had been given to assessing him, but this news does come as a real shot in the arm for us."
Jenkins brought in Kevin Morgan at fullback, Dafydd James on the wing, Jamie Robinson and James Hook in the centers, and Mike Phillips at scrumhalf in backline changes.
In the forwards, Alix Popham comes in at No. 8, moving Jonathan Thomas to blindside flanker and Colin Charvis to openside. There is a new frontrow with hooker Rhys Thomas and props Chris Horsman and Duncan Jones, while lock Will James will play his first game in 10 months after shoulder and collarbone injuries.
"We have kept a core of experienced players in key positions for us," Jenkins said. "But we have made a number of changes with two factors in mind: the short turnaround time for this game has an effect on selection, but we also have a need to give certain players game time as we are going to be calling on all resources during this tournament.
"A number of players will be itching to get out there and make their mark on this World Cup and we have the strength in a number of positions to allow us to reassess form and grow the experience in our squad."
Fullback Go Aruga has failed to recover from an ankle injury and is the only Japanese change from the 35-31 to Fiji in Toulouse on Sept. 12.
Coach John Kirwan has switched around his backs, however. Hirotoki Onozawa comes into the starting lineup on the left wing, with Kosuko Endo switching to the other flank and Christian Loamanu moving to fullback.
After being beaten 91-3 by Australia, Japan will be knocked out of the tournament if it loses to Wales.
___
Wales: Kevin Morgan, Dafydd James, Jamie Robinson, James Hook, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (captain), Michael Phillips; Duncan Jones, Rhys Thomas, Chris Horsman, Will James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Colin Charvis, Alix Popham.
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Ian Evans, Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Tom Shanklin.
Japan: Christian Loamanu, Kosuke Endo, Yuta Imamura, Shotaro Onishi, Hirotoki Onozawa, Bryce Robins, Tomoki Yoshida; Tatsukichi Nishiura, Yuji Matsubara, Tomokazu Soma, Hitoshi Ono, Luke Thompson, Hare Makiri, Philip O'Reilly, Takuro Miuchi (captain).
Replacements: Taku Inokuchi, Ryo Yamamura, Takanori Kumagae, Yasunori Watanabe, Chulwon Kim, Koji Taira, Tatsuya Kusumi.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
CARDIFF, Wales: Wales made 10 changes to its team to play Japan on Thursday, while captain Gareth Thomas is expected to return for the following Rugby World Cup match against Fiji.
The five players to remain in the team from the 32-20 defeat Saturday to Australia are flyhalf Stephen Jones, winger Shane Williams, backrowers Colin Charvis and Jonathan Thomas and lock Alun-Wyn Jones.
Thomas injured his ribs while being tackled by Wallabies center Stirling Mortlock in the first half at the Millennium Stadium. He hopes to be fit to for Wales' last Group B match on Sept. 29 in Nantes.
"We are pleased to be able to announce that Gareth's injury is very much a short-term one," Wales coach Gareth Jenkins said Tuesday.
"He should be back and available to us in two weeks. We were always mindful of reacting too quickly to his injury before proper time and consideration had been given to assessing him, but this news does come as a real shot in the arm for us."
Jenkins brought in Kevin Morgan at fullback, Dafydd James on the wing, Jamie Robinson and James Hook in the centers, and Mike Phillips at scrumhalf in backline changes.
In the forwards, Alix Popham comes in at No. 8, moving Jonathan Thomas to blindside flanker and Colin Charvis to openside. There is a new frontrow with hooker Rhys Thomas and props Chris Horsman and Duncan Jones, while lock Will James will play his first game in 10 months after shoulder and collarbone injuries.
"We have kept a core of experienced players in key positions for us," Jenkins said. "But we have made a number of changes with two factors in mind: the short turnaround time for this game has an effect on selection, but we also have a need to give certain players game time as we are going to be calling on all resources during this tournament.
"A number of players will be itching to get out there and make their mark on this World Cup and we have the strength in a number of positions to allow us to reassess form and grow the experience in our squad."
Fullback Go Aruga has failed to recover from an ankle injury and is the only Japanese change from the 35-31 to Fiji in Toulouse on Sept. 12.
Coach John Kirwan has switched around his backs, however. Hirotoki Onozawa comes into the starting lineup on the left wing, with Kosuko Endo switching to the other flank and Christian Loamanu moving to fullback.
After being beaten 91-3 by Australia, Japan will be knocked out of the tournament if it loses to Wales.
___
Wales: Kevin Morgan, Dafydd James, Jamie Robinson, James Hook, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (captain), Michael Phillips; Duncan Jones, Rhys Thomas, Chris Horsman, Will James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Colin Charvis, Alix Popham.
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Ian Evans, Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Tom Shanklin.
Japan: Christian Loamanu, Kosuke Endo, Yuta Imamura, Shotaro Onishi, Hirotoki Onozawa, Bryce Robins, Tomoki Yoshida; Tatsukichi Nishiura, Yuji Matsubara, Tomokazu Soma, Hitoshi Ono, Luke Thompson, Hare Makiri, Philip O'Reilly, Takuro Miuchi (captain).
Replacements: Taku Inokuchi, Ryo Yamamura, Takanori Kumagae, Yasunori Watanabe, Chulwon Kim, Koji Taira, Tatsuya Kusumi.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Wales not good enough!!
Size irrelevant to Wales’ failingsSep 18 2007
by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo
WALES’ World Cup deficiencies have nothing to do with size and bulk – and everything to do with pure playing ability and mental approach.
That was the stark message today from legendary grizzler Graham Price and former Wales and Lions conditioning coach Steve Black, as it emerged that the weight and height of the Welsh and Australian packs last Saturday were almost exactly the same.
The Wallabies eight tipped the scales at a combined 913 kilograms with Wales at 912.
Not only that, but the average weight of individual forwards was precisely level at 114kg per man – and all this amid claims Wales were wasting their time trying to arm-wrestle the Aussies. Even the average heights of the team showed a difference of just one centimetre.
“You can have the perfect body but it’s about how you apply yourself on a rugby pitch and whether you are smart enough,” said Price.
by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo
WALES’ World Cup deficiencies have nothing to do with size and bulk – and everything to do with pure playing ability and mental approach.
That was the stark message today from legendary grizzler Graham Price and former Wales and Lions conditioning coach Steve Black, as it emerged that the weight and height of the Welsh and Australian packs last Saturday were almost exactly the same.
The Wallabies eight tipped the scales at a combined 913 kilograms with Wales at 912.
Not only that, but the average weight of individual forwards was precisely level at 114kg per man – and all this amid claims Wales were wasting their time trying to arm-wrestle the Aussies. Even the average heights of the team showed a difference of just one centimetre.
“You can have the perfect body but it’s about how you apply yourself on a rugby pitch and whether you are smart enough,” said Price.
CARDIFF, 17 September - Just to play an IRB Rugby World Cup match would represent a victory for injury-plagued Wales second row Ian Evans.
Evans, 22, jumped out of the blocks in Test rugby, scoring a try on debut against Argentina in 2006.
But he managed just four more matches before a dislocated shoulder in December sidelined him until early August when he suffered a collarbone injury in training and returned to the casualty list. Until now.
"When I first got injured it was inconceivable that I'd be here in France," Evans said.
"It's been a long road but I've finally got here. To make the field would just top it off."
Repaying the faith
Wales play Japan at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday and the 203cm forward is hopeful of wearing the number five jersey.
"Physically I'm in the best shape of my career," he said. "Obviously there is some pressure to repay the coaches for the faith they have shown in me but I have no doubts about myself whatsoever."
Evans, who spent the first five years of his life in South Africa, has made the gym his second home over the past 10 months.
"Probably the worst thing is training by yourself in the gym, away from all your team-mates. It's a lonely world," he admitted.
With this in mind, Evans has vowed not to let the opportunity slip should he be selected for Thursday's crucial encounter.
"After 10 months I'm sick of the sight of the gym. I'm ready to play some rugby."
Evans, 22, jumped out of the blocks in Test rugby, scoring a try on debut against Argentina in 2006.
But he managed just four more matches before a dislocated shoulder in December sidelined him until early August when he suffered a collarbone injury in training and returned to the casualty list. Until now.
"When I first got injured it was inconceivable that I'd be here in France," Evans said.
"It's been a long road but I've finally got here. To make the field would just top it off."
Repaying the faith
Wales play Japan at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday and the 203cm forward is hopeful of wearing the number five jersey.
"Physically I'm in the best shape of my career," he said. "Obviously there is some pressure to repay the coaches for the faith they have shown in me but I have no doubts about myself whatsoever."
Evans, who spent the first five years of his life in South Africa, has made the gym his second home over the past 10 months.
"Probably the worst thing is training by yourself in the gym, away from all your team-mates. It's a lonely world," he admitted.
With this in mind, Evans has vowed not to let the opportunity slip should he be selected for Thursday's crucial encounter.
"After 10 months I'm sick of the sight of the gym. I'm ready to play some rugby."
Jonathan judges things so far...............
Early tactical plan cost Wales dear
Sep 18 2007
by Jonathan Davies, Western Mail
LOOK at England and Ireland’s struggles and you would rather be Wales coach Gareth Jenkins than either Brian Ashton or Eddie O’Sullivan at the moment.
Wales tried to play too much football early on against Australia.
You have got to get behind the gain-line, and they didn’t do it in the first half. The Australian defence absolutely smashed them.
When you try to play too much football and things don’t happen, you then lose patience and suddenly you are on the back foot. Wales also kicked badly.
When Wales get across the gain-line, they can cause problems for anyone, but Australia are a very good side and they were extremely clinical. I like watching them play.
Tactically, I thought Wales got it a little bit wrong in the first half.
Wales got over the gain-line in the second half and they didn’t get isolated so much.
But with Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock going off, they took their foot off the pedal a little bit. They knew the game was won.
It was painful – very painful – watching England’s inept World Cup performance against South Africa at Stade de France.
I watched it in a pub – the Butcher’s Arms in Llandaff – and I took a bet off a mate who said South Africa would win by 30 clear points. I gave him a tenner at half-time.
I just don’t know what England are trying to do.
They are very slow and ponderous up front, and there is a lack of creativity behind the scrum. I think they had a game-plan to kick the ball against South Africa, but they didn’t do it very well.
It all made for painful viewing. They were devoid of ideas, and now they have really got to start thinking about which personnel they play in the next couple of games against Samoa and Tonga.
I think England will win those two matches, but not if they perform as ineptly as they did against South Africa.
If you have difficulty scoring points, then it is obvious you are always going to be involved in close games.
Because England are not creating tries, then they are going to be caught up in tight games.
Make no mistake, this is a huge couple of weeks for England, and there is no doubt both Samoa and Tonga could cause upsets.
Much has been said about Andy Farrell’s presence in the team, but if other players are not running off him then there is no point in Andy (below) being there.
Maybe England will go with a direct midfield approach and field the likes of Dan Hipkiss and Mathew Tait against Samoa, and if Jonny Wilkinson is there on Saturday, his mere presence will give them confidence.
People have said that Ashton should have picked Lawrence Dallaglio for the South Africa game, but I don’t feel he would have made much difference. He is not the most dynamic player any more.
England had a game-plan that failed disastrously. They might think they can dominate the Samoans and Tongans up front, but if they want to progress in this tournament then they must find a cutting edge in order to score points.
As for Ireland, I don’t know what’s happened with them.
They were one of the favoured northern hemisphere sides, but they had a poor August and in the two games so far against Namibia and Georgia they haven’t shown any continuity or imagination.
They have really struggled and were lucky to beat Georgia.
Ireland’s group was always going to be a close one, and a spanner was thrown into the works when Argentina beat France in the tournament’s opening game.
Ireland have now got to beat one of those sides, maybe both. It’s going to go down to the wire, and they could end up ruing a missed bonus point against Georgia.
It is going to be extremely difficult for Ireland now. They are not playing with any kind of form, and the two matches where they could have played themselves into form – against Namibia and Georgia – have now gone.
France also know they can’t afford to lose against Ireland on Friday. It is effectively knockout rugby now.
For me though, the weekend once again underlined how well the southern hemisphere big three – New Zealand, Australia and South Africa – are playing.
It has been the story of the tournament so far.
Sep 18 2007
by Jonathan Davies, Western Mail
LOOK at England and Ireland’s struggles and you would rather be Wales coach Gareth Jenkins than either Brian Ashton or Eddie O’Sullivan at the moment.
Wales tried to play too much football early on against Australia.
You have got to get behind the gain-line, and they didn’t do it in the first half. The Australian defence absolutely smashed them.
When you try to play too much football and things don’t happen, you then lose patience and suddenly you are on the back foot. Wales also kicked badly.
When Wales get across the gain-line, they can cause problems for anyone, but Australia are a very good side and they were extremely clinical. I like watching them play.
Tactically, I thought Wales got it a little bit wrong in the first half.
Wales got over the gain-line in the second half and they didn’t get isolated so much.
But with Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock going off, they took their foot off the pedal a little bit. They knew the game was won.
It was painful – very painful – watching England’s inept World Cup performance against South Africa at Stade de France.
I watched it in a pub – the Butcher’s Arms in Llandaff – and I took a bet off a mate who said South Africa would win by 30 clear points. I gave him a tenner at half-time.
I just don’t know what England are trying to do.
They are very slow and ponderous up front, and there is a lack of creativity behind the scrum. I think they had a game-plan to kick the ball against South Africa, but they didn’t do it very well.
It all made for painful viewing. They were devoid of ideas, and now they have really got to start thinking about which personnel they play in the next couple of games against Samoa and Tonga.
I think England will win those two matches, but not if they perform as ineptly as they did against South Africa.
If you have difficulty scoring points, then it is obvious you are always going to be involved in close games.
Because England are not creating tries, then they are going to be caught up in tight games.
Make no mistake, this is a huge couple of weeks for England, and there is no doubt both Samoa and Tonga could cause upsets.
Much has been said about Andy Farrell’s presence in the team, but if other players are not running off him then there is no point in Andy (below) being there.
Maybe England will go with a direct midfield approach and field the likes of Dan Hipkiss and Mathew Tait against Samoa, and if Jonny Wilkinson is there on Saturday, his mere presence will give them confidence.
People have said that Ashton should have picked Lawrence Dallaglio for the South Africa game, but I don’t feel he would have made much difference. He is not the most dynamic player any more.
England had a game-plan that failed disastrously. They might think they can dominate the Samoans and Tongans up front, but if they want to progress in this tournament then they must find a cutting edge in order to score points.
As for Ireland, I don’t know what’s happened with them.
They were one of the favoured northern hemisphere sides, but they had a poor August and in the two games so far against Namibia and Georgia they haven’t shown any continuity or imagination.
They have really struggled and were lucky to beat Georgia.
Ireland’s group was always going to be a close one, and a spanner was thrown into the works when Argentina beat France in the tournament’s opening game.
Ireland have now got to beat one of those sides, maybe both. It’s going to go down to the wire, and they could end up ruing a missed bonus point against Georgia.
It is going to be extremely difficult for Ireland now. They are not playing with any kind of form, and the two matches where they could have played themselves into form – against Namibia and Georgia – have now gone.
France also know they can’t afford to lose against Ireland on Friday. It is effectively knockout rugby now.
For me though, the weekend once again underlined how well the southern hemisphere big three – New Zealand, Australia and South Africa – are playing.
It has been the story of the tournament so far.
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