SWANSEA'S FINAL STRAIGHT
Apr 5 v Bournemouth (h) Win
Apr 8 v Carlisle (a) Draw
Apr 12 v Gillingham (a) Win
Apr 19 v Yeovil (h) Win
Apr 26 v Leyton Orient (h) Win
May 3 v Brighton (a) Draw
At least three wins are possible here and two draws........
Monday, March 31, 2008
Dwain ~ Give the man a break I say
Chambers’ run to rugby league could be tackled
Mar 31 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail
AFTER failing in his bid to return to Britain’s Olympic athletics team in the wake of a lifetime ban, drugs cheat Dwain Chambers has been cleared to join rugby league club Castleford Tigers by the sport’s governing agency and the UK’s anti-doping agency.
The controversial athlete’s proposed sporting switch has already attracted criticism from legends of the 13-man code. Former Great Britain star Alex Murphy said Chambers wouldn’t necessarily find a warm welcome.
“You can’t learn to be a rugby league player overnight and our sport doesn’t need the barrage of bad publicity it is going to get if the lad signs for Castleford.”
The shamed sprinter may also find the prospect of being pursued by 17-stone rugby league prop forwards will make him run faster than any amount of illegal steroids.
Whether it will be in the direction of the try line with the ball in his hand, however, is another question.
OH COME ON! He's done his time . Give the man a break. He's trying to earn a living.
I'd prefer to sit and have a beer with Dwain than the scumbag exCEO of Northern Rock any day!
Now there's a real cheat!
Mar 31 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail
AFTER failing in his bid to return to Britain’s Olympic athletics team in the wake of a lifetime ban, drugs cheat Dwain Chambers has been cleared to join rugby league club Castleford Tigers by the sport’s governing agency and the UK’s anti-doping agency.
The controversial athlete’s proposed sporting switch has already attracted criticism from legends of the 13-man code. Former Great Britain star Alex Murphy said Chambers wouldn’t necessarily find a warm welcome.
“You can’t learn to be a rugby league player overnight and our sport doesn’t need the barrage of bad publicity it is going to get if the lad signs for Castleford.”
The shamed sprinter may also find the prospect of being pursued by 17-stone rugby league prop forwards will make him run faster than any amount of illegal steroids.
Whether it will be in the direction of the try line with the ball in his hand, however, is another question.
OH COME ON! He's done his time . Give the man a break. He's trying to earn a living.
I'd prefer to sit and have a beer with Dwain than the scumbag exCEO of Northern Rock any day!
Now there's a real cheat!
It's not about the Bike ~ Oh yes it is!!!!!!!!!
How can you assess the success of the Great Britain team at the World Cycling Championship? What do you put it down to?
- Outstanding athletes......and they are
- Skills of our team members......honed over many years of competition
- Fitness levels.......at the very best
- A great backroom staff......experts in every field
- The expertise of the psychologist.........to tune the mind to the idea of success
- Leadership
Whilst all the above are true and part of the success story, I put it down to..............
"THE BIKE"........
.....Each bike has taken years of preparation and given all the R&D is probably costing £100,000 to produce. Yep each bike ~ £100K ~and the team needs loads of them. So let's not forget the sophistication of the technology of the bike when assessing the success of the current team.
And who pays for this? You & me ~ so we play our part too.
What an outstanding World championships these have been.
Well done everyone and let us the taxpayers give ourselves a pat on the back as well!
Red White & Blue Rainbows over Manchester
Golden day for Great Britain at the world championships
Victoria Pendleton, Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish helped take Great Britain's gold medal haul to nine
Staff and agencies
Saturday March 29, 2008
guardian.co.uk
While others fall, GB Team goes on to nine golds and two silvers..................Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish helped take Great Britain's gold medal haul to nine on another triumphant day for the host nation at the world cycling championships in Manchester
Pendleton clinched her second gold medal when beating Simona Krupeckaite 2-0 in the best-of-three sprint final, while Wiggins and Cavendish succeeded in the Madison taking Great Britain past their total of seven golds from last year's worlds.
Pendleton's success followed Chris Hoy's record-breaking ride in the men's sprint on Friday evening, in which the Scot became the first cyclist to take world titles in four different disciplines.
Article continues
Wiggins's triumph in the Madison, meanwhile, in partnership with the Isle of Man's Mark Cavendish, earned the Londoner a personal hat-trick of rainbow jerseys. Cavendish recaptured the title he won back in 2005.
The day was completed by Chris Hoy's victory in the keirin. Hoy, the first British men's sprint world champion since 1954, was in control throughout the race, easing to the front as the keirin bike swerved off-track. He led the subsequent laps, increasing the pace steadily, and none of the other riders had the power to go past him.
Victoria Pendleton, Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish helped take Great Britain's gold medal haul to nine
Staff and agencies
Saturday March 29, 2008
guardian.co.uk
While others fall, GB Team goes on to nine golds and two silvers..................Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish helped take Great Britain's gold medal haul to nine on another triumphant day for the host nation at the world cycling championships in Manchester
Pendleton clinched her second gold medal when beating Simona Krupeckaite 2-0 in the best-of-three sprint final, while Wiggins and Cavendish succeeded in the Madison taking Great Britain past their total of seven golds from last year's worlds.
Pendleton's success followed Chris Hoy's record-breaking ride in the men's sprint on Friday evening, in which the Scot became the first cyclist to take world titles in four different disciplines.
Article continues
Wiggins's triumph in the Madison, meanwhile, in partnership with the Isle of Man's Mark Cavendish, earned the Londoner a personal hat-trick of rainbow jerseys. Cavendish recaptured the title he won back in 2005.
The day was completed by Chris Hoy's victory in the keirin. Hoy, the first British men's sprint world champion since 1954, was in control throughout the race, easing to the front as the keirin bike swerved off-track. He led the subsequent laps, increasing the pace steadily, and none of the other riders had the power to go past him.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Beckham News ~ 100 caps!
Beckham to win 100th England cap
Beckham plans to play for England for as long as possible
France v EnglandDate: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
David Beckham will win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on Wednesday, coach Fabio Capello has confirmed.
"I couldn't make him come all the way from the USA and not play him," said Capello, who did not reveal whether Beckham, 32, would start the fixture.
"Nobody knows what the future holds. The David Beckham I know can get to 2010 if he works and trains hard.
The next World Cup takes place in South Africa in two year's time
"If he carries on training and working hard as he is, he can easily last," added Capello.
Former England captain Beckham will join a select band of England centurions on Wednesday, joining Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.
I do not expect Beckham to be in any England squads after this one
Whether Beckham could surpass Shilton's record of 125 caps is uncertain but he does feel he can still be involved come the 2010 World Cup.
"It is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who will have just turned 35 by the time the tournament in South Africa starts.
"I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes - who knows what is round the corner?
"The combination of the players and the combination of manager and staff is setting us up right for the qualification games for the World Cup."
Beckham was left out of the first squad by former coach Steve McClaren - and the LA Galaxy player revealed he did not think he would reach the 100-cap mark.
"It is not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It is about carrying on trying to play well for my country," added Beckham on Monday.
"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100.
David has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap
Rio Ferdinand
"I'm honoured that I'm making, hopefully, my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world."
Rio Ferdinand - captain for the match - paid tribute to his former Manchester United team-mate.
"Not many players get to play 100 times for their country so it is a huge honour," said Ferdinand.
"He has never stopped working hard, he has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap.
"Five players in the history of English football have managed that. He is with some illustrious names, some icons of the sport and he is a worthy member of that list."
Beckham plans to play for England for as long as possible
France v EnglandDate: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
David Beckham will win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on Wednesday, coach Fabio Capello has confirmed.
"I couldn't make him come all the way from the USA and not play him," said Capello, who did not reveal whether Beckham, 32, would start the fixture.
"Nobody knows what the future holds. The David Beckham I know can get to 2010 if he works and trains hard.
The next World Cup takes place in South Africa in two year's time
"If he carries on training and working hard as he is, he can easily last," added Capello.
Former England captain Beckham will join a select band of England centurions on Wednesday, joining Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.
I do not expect Beckham to be in any England squads after this one
Whether Beckham could surpass Shilton's record of 125 caps is uncertain but he does feel he can still be involved come the 2010 World Cup.
"It is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who will have just turned 35 by the time the tournament in South Africa starts.
"I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes - who knows what is round the corner?
"The combination of the players and the combination of manager and staff is setting us up right for the qualification games for the World Cup."
Beckham was left out of the first squad by former coach Steve McClaren - and the LA Galaxy player revealed he did not think he would reach the 100-cap mark.
"It is not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It is about carrying on trying to play well for my country," added Beckham on Monday.
"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100.
David has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap
Rio Ferdinand
"I'm honoured that I'm making, hopefully, my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world."
Rio Ferdinand - captain for the match - paid tribute to his former Manchester United team-mate.
"Not many players get to play 100 times for their country so it is a huge honour," said Ferdinand.
"He has never stopped working hard, he has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap.
"Five players in the history of English football have managed that. He is with some illustrious names, some icons of the sport and he is a worthy member of that list."
Beckham News ~ 100 caps!
Beckham to win 100th England cap
Beckham plans to play for England for as long as possible
France v EnglandDate: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
David Beckham will win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on Wednesday, coach Fabio Capello has confirmed.
"I couldn't make him come all the way from the USA and not play him," said Capello, who did not reveal whether Beckham, 32, would start the fixture.
"Nobody knows what the future holds. The David Beckham I know can get to 2010 if he works and trains hard.
The next World Cup takes place in South Africa in two year's time
"If he carries on training and working hard as he is, he can easily last," added Capello.
Former England captain Beckham will join a select band of England centurions on Wednesday, joining Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.
I do not expect Beckham to be in any England squads after this one
Whether Beckham could surpass Shilton's record of 125 caps is uncertain but he does feel he can still be involved come the 2010 World Cup.
"It is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who will have just turned 35 by the time the tournament in South Africa starts.
"I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes - who knows what is round the corner?
"The combination of the players and the combination of manager and staff is setting us up right for the qualification games for the World Cup."
Beckham was left out of the first squad by former coach Steve McClaren - and the LA Galaxy player revealed he did not think he would reach the 100-cap mark.
"It is not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It is about carrying on trying to play well for my country," added Beckham on Monday.
"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100.
David has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap
Rio Ferdinand
"I'm honoured that I'm making, hopefully, my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world."
Rio Ferdinand - captain for the match - paid tribute to his former Manchester United team-mate.
"Not many players get to play 100 times for their country so it is a huge honour," said Ferdinand.
"He has never stopped working hard, he has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap.
"Five players in the history of English football have managed that. He is with some illustrious names, some icons of the sport and he is a worthy member of that list."
Beckham plans to play for England for as long as possible
France v EnglandDate: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
David Beckham will win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on Wednesday, coach Fabio Capello has confirmed.
"I couldn't make him come all the way from the USA and not play him," said Capello, who did not reveal whether Beckham, 32, would start the fixture.
"Nobody knows what the future holds. The David Beckham I know can get to 2010 if he works and trains hard.
The next World Cup takes place in South Africa in two year's time
"If he carries on training and working hard as he is, he can easily last," added Capello.
Former England captain Beckham will join a select band of England centurions on Wednesday, joining Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.
I do not expect Beckham to be in any England squads after this one
Whether Beckham could surpass Shilton's record of 125 caps is uncertain but he does feel he can still be involved come the 2010 World Cup.
"It is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who will have just turned 35 by the time the tournament in South Africa starts.
"I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes - who knows what is round the corner?
"The combination of the players and the combination of manager and staff is setting us up right for the qualification games for the World Cup."
Beckham was left out of the first squad by former coach Steve McClaren - and the LA Galaxy player revealed he did not think he would reach the 100-cap mark.
"It is not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It is about carrying on trying to play well for my country," added Beckham on Monday.
"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100.
David has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap
Rio Ferdinand
"I'm honoured that I'm making, hopefully, my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world."
Rio Ferdinand - captain for the match - paid tribute to his former Manchester United team-mate.
"Not many players get to play 100 times for their country so it is a huge honour," said Ferdinand.
"He has never stopped working hard, he has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap.
"Five players in the history of English football have managed that. He is with some illustrious names, some icons of the sport and he is a worthy member of that list."
Thursday, March 20, 2008
This is a man I fear ~ Mike Ruddock
Be afraid Wales if this man is appointed to lead the Irish revival ~ A great coach and inspirational leader...........out for revenge!
OUCHOUCHOUCH!!!
Good Bye O'Sullivan ~ Hello Mike Ruddock?
O'Sullivan quits as Ireland coach
O'Sullivan had been in charge of the Ireland team for six years
Eddie O'Sullivan has resigned as coach of Ireland after a disastrous World Cup and disappointing Six Nations campaign.
The 49-year-old led the Irish to three Triple Crowns during his six-year reign but his critics felt he did not get the best out of a richly-talented team.
O'Sullivan said: "Having given my role as team head coach much consideration, I have decided to step down."
IRFU president Philip Browne said he "respected the decision of Eddie O'Sullivan to resign as Head Coach".
"In accepting his wish to step down, I want to emphasise the high regard the Union has for him and the achievements he attained during his reign in office.
"His record as Ireland's most successful coach is his proud legacy and all of us in Irish rugby are grateful to him for the many memorable moments and the achievements he attained during his reign in office.
"His record as Ireland's most successful coach is his proud legacy and all of us in Irish rugby are grateful to him for the many memorable moments and achievements our senior Irish players and squads attained during his coaching tenure.
"I want to congratulate and thank him for that contribution to Irish rugby and to wish him every success in his future career."
O'Sullivan had been in charge of the Ireland team for six years
Eddie O'Sullivan has resigned as coach of Ireland after a disastrous World Cup and disappointing Six Nations campaign.
The 49-year-old led the Irish to three Triple Crowns during his six-year reign but his critics felt he did not get the best out of a richly-talented team.
O'Sullivan said: "Having given my role as team head coach much consideration, I have decided to step down."
IRFU president Philip Browne said he "respected the decision of Eddie O'Sullivan to resign as Head Coach".
"In accepting his wish to step down, I want to emphasise the high regard the Union has for him and the achievements he attained during his reign in office.
"His record as Ireland's most successful coach is his proud legacy and all of us in Irish rugby are grateful to him for the many memorable moments and the achievements he attained during his reign in office.
"His record as Ireland's most successful coach is his proud legacy and all of us in Irish rugby are grateful to him for the many memorable moments and achievements our senior Irish players and squads attained during his coaching tenure.
"I want to congratulate and thank him for that contribution to Irish rugby and to wish him every success in his future career."
Martin Johnson for England Role ??????
But who will be running England if Johnson is brought in??Andrews, Ashton or Johnston.............What a befuddled set up England is !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Martin Johnson set to take England role
World Cup winning captain set for top job with England
Andy Bull
Thursday March 20, 2008guardian.co.uk
Photograph: Getty Images
The Rugby Football Union are believed to be on the verge of confirming that Martin Johnson will be appointed as general manager of the England team. Speculation has been mounting that Johnson would take on the job since the RFU's review of the Six Nations tournament last Tuesday.
Negotiations between Johnson and the RFU are believed to be fully underway, and it is expected he will start work in time for England's tour of New Zealand this June.
Johnson, 38, famously led England to victory in the 2003 World Cup.
Since retiring in 2005 he has restricted himself to media punditry and corporate work, despite heavy speculation that he would take up a role with England in 2007. Johnson repeatedly denied interest in taking up a role with England, saying that he lacked the necessary experience for the role.
MY TAKE ~ STAY BEING A PUNDIT MARTIN ~ YOU AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Man~Flu or just Vern~Flu?
This is how I look and feel today after a week and a half of the severest head cold I've ever experienced.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Captain's comment ~ I'm knackered!!
Ryan Jones: Money can’t buy that
The Wales skipper paid an emotional tribute as his gutsy team completed a clean sweep
Nigel Botherway
“I’M KNACKERED more than anything else,” was the instant reaction from Ryan Jones, the Wales captain, when the whistle went to signal the start of the Grand Slam celebrations in Cardiff last night. “It was definitely the toughest Test match I have been involved in. We pushed ourselves to the limit for 80 minutes and moments like this are difficult to put into words. Money couldn’t buy an experience like this. They don’t come around that often in a player’s career, so we are going to enjoy it.”
The Ospreys No 8 was quick to pay tribute to his team’s miserly defence, which set a new Six Nations record in only conceding two tries in five championship matches. “We defended superbly, and that’s what won us the championship.”
The Wales skipper paid an emotional tribute as his gutsy team completed a clean sweep
Nigel Botherway
“I’M KNACKERED more than anything else,” was the instant reaction from Ryan Jones, the Wales captain, when the whistle went to signal the start of the Grand Slam celebrations in Cardiff last night. “It was definitely the toughest Test match I have been involved in. We pushed ourselves to the limit for 80 minutes and moments like this are difficult to put into words. Money couldn’t buy an experience like this. They don’t come around that often in a player’s career, so we are going to enjoy it.”
The Ospreys No 8 was quick to pay tribute to his team’s miserly defence, which set a new Six Nations record in only conceding two tries in five championship matches. “We defended superbly, and that’s what won us the championship.”
How good are Warren & Shaun?
Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards make unbeatable team
Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have revived Welsh rugby and there could be even more on the way
David Walsh
In the mess that Rob Andrew made of his review of England’s performance at the World Cup, nothing compares with the fact that he never spoke with Shaun Edwards. Apart from having enjoyed a blessed career in rugby league, an extraordinarily successful six years coaching union at Wasps and being arguably the most charismatic rugby man in Europe, Edwards didn’t have much going for him. How Andrew avoided speaking with him is the world’s ninth mystery.
Perhaps he was afraid he would fall under Edwards’s spell. Almost everyone else has. It wasn’t a surprise to hear the Welsh wing Shane Williams refer to Edwards in almost mystical terms after yesterday’s Grand Slam victory over the French. Could he believe that in five games they had conceded just two tries?
“It’s probably down to the fact that everyone is scared senseless of Shaun.” He spoke only half in earnest.
They tell a story in Wales that after Lesley Vainikolo had made a spectacular leap to catch the ball over Mark Jones’s head and set up Toby Flood’s try at Twickenham, Edwards asked Jones if he had been dazed by the collision. The right-wing replied that he had not been and Edwards then asked why he didn’t get up immediately and get himself back into the defensive line.
When it comes to players not being where they should be in defence, Edwards is unforgiving. “At Wigan, where I played, it was permissible not to be in the line if you had a serious head injury or a broken leg. Otherwise you had to be there,” he said. Jones was dropped after that England game, subsequently returned to the team a stronger character and yesterday he defended like a lion.
After a match knocking over
one Frenchman after another, he got a late counter-attacking chance
deep inside his own half and set off on a wondrous run, dodging one blue shirt after another until the line was within sight. He was hauled down five yards short, a cruel end to an exploit that deserved the
ultimate reward.
But it was a victory built on the strength of Wales’s defence and it was appropriate that their two tries were created from the aggression, speed and organisation of their defence. Twice the pressure was too much for the French attack, mistakes were made and the tries from Shane Williams and then Martyn Williams followed.
Edwards was asked what he had done to transform this Wales side. “People are trying to give me credit in this Six Nations but I haven’t made one tackle in this year’s Six Nations Championship. I was sat on the sideline,” he said.
But there is no doubt that he inspired others to make those tackles and it is undeniable that he and Gatland have done much to transform an underachieving team into Grand Slam winners. Both men were insistent that the credit must go to the Welsh players.
It has been a bewildering three-month journey. At the beginning, when Gatland was trying to lure Edwards into the Welsh camp and England were making a derisory counter-offer, the Wasps head coach wondered about the implications for him if the Welsh team simply wasn’t up to it. Gatland and Edwards know national team coaches can only work with the material they have.
Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have revived Welsh rugby and there could be even more on the way
David Walsh
In the mess that Rob Andrew made of his review of England’s performance at the World Cup, nothing compares with the fact that he never spoke with Shaun Edwards. Apart from having enjoyed a blessed career in rugby league, an extraordinarily successful six years coaching union at Wasps and being arguably the most charismatic rugby man in Europe, Edwards didn’t have much going for him. How Andrew avoided speaking with him is the world’s ninth mystery.
Perhaps he was afraid he would fall under Edwards’s spell. Almost everyone else has. It wasn’t a surprise to hear the Welsh wing Shane Williams refer to Edwards in almost mystical terms after yesterday’s Grand Slam victory over the French. Could he believe that in five games they had conceded just two tries?
“It’s probably down to the fact that everyone is scared senseless of Shaun.” He spoke only half in earnest.
They tell a story in Wales that after Lesley Vainikolo had made a spectacular leap to catch the ball over Mark Jones’s head and set up Toby Flood’s try at Twickenham, Edwards asked Jones if he had been dazed by the collision. The right-wing replied that he had not been and Edwards then asked why he didn’t get up immediately and get himself back into the defensive line.
When it comes to players not being where they should be in defence, Edwards is unforgiving. “At Wigan, where I played, it was permissible not to be in the line if you had a serious head injury or a broken leg. Otherwise you had to be there,” he said. Jones was dropped after that England game, subsequently returned to the team a stronger character and yesterday he defended like a lion.
After a match knocking over
one Frenchman after another, he got a late counter-attacking chance
deep inside his own half and set off on a wondrous run, dodging one blue shirt after another until the line was within sight. He was hauled down five yards short, a cruel end to an exploit that deserved the
ultimate reward.
But it was a victory built on the strength of Wales’s defence and it was appropriate that their two tries were created from the aggression, speed and organisation of their defence. Twice the pressure was too much for the French attack, mistakes were made and the tries from Shane Williams and then Martyn Williams followed.
Edwards was asked what he had done to transform this Wales side. “People are trying to give me credit in this Six Nations but I haven’t made one tackle in this year’s Six Nations Championship. I was sat on the sideline,” he said.
But there is no doubt that he inspired others to make those tackles and it is undeniable that he and Gatland have done much to transform an underachieving team into Grand Slam winners. Both men were insistent that the credit must go to the Welsh players.
It has been a bewildering three-month journey. At the beginning, when Gatland was trying to lure Edwards into the Welsh camp and England were making a derisory counter-offer, the Wasps head coach wondered about the implications for him if the Welsh team simply wasn’t up to it. Gatland and Edwards know national team coaches can only work with the material they have.
Jonathan Davies
Jonathan Davies's verdict on Wales
By Jonathan Davies Former Wales fly-half
Unbelievable. From the World Cup to the Grand Slam it is just incredible.
You have to have respect and a slight fear of your coach and the way Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have managed the side is phenomenal. They have been brutally honest and created a competitive environment.
You can really see Edwards's influence. I have never seen a Welsh side defend like that and they thoroughly deserve the Grand Slam.
I spoke to Shaun when he took the job and he said then that we know we can score tries against anyone, we have just got to work on defence, defence, defence.
Wales celebrate a second Grand Slam in four years
Wales have also worked hard on the scrum, line-out, communication and getting over the gain line.
The captain Ryan Jones has been injured for a long time and he thought his career was over but he has been immense in this tournament and carried the ball forward superbly.
Against England in February Wales made too many errors in the first half but we learnt from that experience and have been amazing since.
We have always had players that people like watching but now we do the basics right and our game awareness has improved dramatically. It has been a delight to watch.
Shane Williams has maybe been the player of the tournament. He is exceptionally quick and is playing the best rugby of his career. He has broken the record of tries for Wales and he is just a great player. One opportunity came his way against France and he took it.
Then there is Martyn Williams. It is all about man-management and players wanting to play for you. He was retired, and look at him now - man of the match and a Grand Slam winner again. He is the best number seven in the world, certainly in a pack that is going forward.
Gavin Henson has found his natural position, he reads the game very well, kicks the ball a mile and has done the little things very well
As for Gavin Henson, I am so delighted for him. He has had a lot of injuries and a 10-week ban for knocking out a prop forward, so he has had a stuttering career.
But he has balance, speed and strength and is a natural rugby player. I also thought he was immense in defence. He has found his natural position, he reads the game superbly, kicks the ball a mile and has done the little things very well.
And he has never lost a game in the Six Nations which is an incredible record.
Rugby is our national game and from the age of five or six when you walk into a rugby club for the first time and you play for your village, everyone wants to play for Wales.
When you walk out with that red jersey on in front of your family and friends it is a great feeling.
I do not miss playing rugby but I do miss walking out before an international.
By Jonathan Davies Former Wales fly-half
Unbelievable. From the World Cup to the Grand Slam it is just incredible.
You have to have respect and a slight fear of your coach and the way Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have managed the side is phenomenal. They have been brutally honest and created a competitive environment.
You can really see Edwards's influence. I have never seen a Welsh side defend like that and they thoroughly deserve the Grand Slam.
I spoke to Shaun when he took the job and he said then that we know we can score tries against anyone, we have just got to work on defence, defence, defence.
Wales celebrate a second Grand Slam in four years
Wales have also worked hard on the scrum, line-out, communication and getting over the gain line.
The captain Ryan Jones has been injured for a long time and he thought his career was over but he has been immense in this tournament and carried the ball forward superbly.
Against England in February Wales made too many errors in the first half but we learnt from that experience and have been amazing since.
We have always had players that people like watching but now we do the basics right and our game awareness has improved dramatically. It has been a delight to watch.
Shane Williams has maybe been the player of the tournament. He is exceptionally quick and is playing the best rugby of his career. He has broken the record of tries for Wales and he is just a great player. One opportunity came his way against France and he took it.
Then there is Martyn Williams. It is all about man-management and players wanting to play for you. He was retired, and look at him now - man of the match and a Grand Slam winner again. He is the best number seven in the world, certainly in a pack that is going forward.
Gavin Henson has found his natural position, he reads the game very well, kicks the ball a mile and has done the little things very well
As for Gavin Henson, I am so delighted for him. He has had a lot of injuries and a 10-week ban for knocking out a prop forward, so he has had a stuttering career.
But he has balance, speed and strength and is a natural rugby player. I also thought he was immense in defence. He has found his natural position, he reads the game superbly, kicks the ball a mile and has done the little things very well.
And he has never lost a game in the Six Nations which is an incredible record.
Rugby is our national game and from the age of five or six when you walk into a rugby club for the first time and you play for your village, everyone wants to play for Wales.
When you walk out with that red jersey on in front of your family and friends it is a great feeling.
I do not miss playing rugby but I do miss walking out before an international.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Can Wales do it ? ~ They should based on the permutations
Wales v France permutations IF Wales beat France in their final game they will win the Grand Slam for the second time in four seasons.FRANCE, with a points difference of +27, need to beat Wales, who are on +65, by 20 points or more in Cardiff to win the title.
IF France were to win by 19 points, the two teams would be level on points difference. The team with the most tries in the tournament would then claim overall victory.
CURRENTLY, Wales and France both have 11 tries each. If the sides still cannot be separated then the title will be shared.
IF France were to win by 19 points, the two teams would be level on points difference. The team with the most tries in the tournament would then claim overall victory.
CURRENTLY, Wales and France both have 11 tries each. If the sides still cannot be separated then the title will be shared.
Who's supporting Barnsley??
Leighton James in Cardiff FA Cup storm
Mar 14 2008 by Steve Tucker, Western Mail
WELSH soccer legend Leighton James has kicked up a potential storm by stating he wants Barnsley to beat Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
The TV pundit made his remarks in his column for a local newspaper.
Although James was writing for an audience of Swans’ fans, such comments from a high-profile football character are hardly likely to endear him to other soccer followers.
If the Bluebirds reach the FA Cup final, it would do wonders in terms of putting Welsh football on the world map.
James’ remarks also came just 24 hours after Uefa boss Michel Platini announced he wanted the European exile of our Big Three of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to end.
In his column for the South Wales Evening Post, James wrote that 99.9 per cent of Swans fans would be willing Barnsley to win the big semi-final next month.
James, left, argued that if Roberto Martinez’s side were in the last four, Cardiff supporters would want the Swans to lose.
“It’s a difficult one to choose,” wrote James. “On one hand, as a proud Welshman, you want the clubs from your country to go as far as they can.
“Imagine the uproar if a Welsh team won the FA Cup and took it out of England.
“On the other hand, as a Swansea person, you want Tykes boss Simon Davey – who is a Swansea person – to do well too.
“We always want to see our hometown products doing well, and I’m sure the people of Swansea will want him to reach the final.
“To see Cardiff in the final would be hard to take for Swansea fans.
“So, to be brutally honest, I think I’m behind Barnsley on this one.”
Mar 14 2008 by Steve Tucker, Western Mail
WELSH soccer legend Leighton James has kicked up a potential storm by stating he wants Barnsley to beat Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
The TV pundit made his remarks in his column for a local newspaper.
Although James was writing for an audience of Swans’ fans, such comments from a high-profile football character are hardly likely to endear him to other soccer followers.
If the Bluebirds reach the FA Cup final, it would do wonders in terms of putting Welsh football on the world map.
James’ remarks also came just 24 hours after Uefa boss Michel Platini announced he wanted the European exile of our Big Three of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to end.
In his column for the South Wales Evening Post, James wrote that 99.9 per cent of Swans fans would be willing Barnsley to win the big semi-final next month.
James, left, argued that if Roberto Martinez’s side were in the last four, Cardiff supporters would want the Swans to lose.
“It’s a difficult one to choose,” wrote James. “On one hand, as a proud Welshman, you want the clubs from your country to go as far as they can.
“Imagine the uproar if a Welsh team won the FA Cup and took it out of England.
“On the other hand, as a Swansea person, you want Tykes boss Simon Davey – who is a Swansea person – to do well too.
“We always want to see our hometown products doing well, and I’m sure the people of Swansea will want him to reach the final.
“To see Cardiff in the final would be hard to take for Swansea fans.
“So, to be brutally honest, I think I’m behind Barnsley on this one.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Barnsley or Cardiff for the FA cup in 2008
Barnsley or Cardiff ???????????????????
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The big question in our house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The big question in our house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wales
Wales have truimphed by taking the triple Crown this year. A newly inspired Wales under the direction of new coach Gatland are now heading for a Grand slam victory.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
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