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.
Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
England Rugby ~ What a shambles....
Rugby Has Gone Mad!
Six Nations England
by cwatts81 (U8942103) 16 April 2008
The rest of the Rugby World must be loving this. Its a shambles and we clealy dont have a clear view of where we are going next.Surely we are not going to have a review after every tournament and create this media circus!We are going to have a Manager now? one that chooses tactics and teams but does not play a hand in training? We have an "Elite Director of Rugby" who makes one decision, then goes back on it despite finishin second in the World Cup and second in the Six nations all in less than two years.This is mess and the Rugby World is laughin at us.One man is responsible, not Ashton, not Ford, not Baron......Rob Andrew, get that clown out of there and lets get back to basics....cos this is horrible.
Six Nations England
by cwatts81 (U8942103) 16 April 2008
The rest of the Rugby World must be loving this. Its a shambles and we clealy dont have a clear view of where we are going next.Surely we are not going to have a review after every tournament and create this media circus!We are going to have a Manager now? one that chooses tactics and teams but does not play a hand in training? We have an "Elite Director of Rugby" who makes one decision, then goes back on it despite finishin second in the World Cup and second in the Six nations all in less than two years.This is mess and the Rugby World is laughin at us.One man is responsible, not Ashton, not Ford, not Baron......Rob Andrew, get that clown out of there and lets get back to basics....cos this is horrible.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
France makes Big Changes in Rugby 15.
France coach makes eight changes
Lievremont is keen to assess his squad ahead of the Wales game
France coach Marc Lievremont has sprung yet more selection surprises in making eight changes to his 22 for the Six Nations match against Italy on 9 March.
Six players who began the 24-13 loss to England - Cedric Heymans, Morgan Parra, Thierry Dusautoir, Lionel Faure, Julien Bonnaire and David Marty - drop out.
David Skrela and William Servat have also been omitted from the 22.
Uncapped quintet Fabien Barcella, Yann David, Guilhem Guirado, Julien Tomas and Ibrahim Diarra have been called up.
606: DEBATE
Given the current state of the French scrum... would you consider recalling Sebastien Chabal?
fifijauzion
In addition, back-row Imanol Harinordoquy, Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion and impressive Clermont winger Julien Malzieu, who is back from injury, have all been recalled.
The selection suggests Lievremont is taking the opportunity of assessing his options ahead of his side's potentially crunch tie away at Wales on 15 March.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lievremont is keen to assess his squad ahead of the Wales game
France coach Marc Lievremont has sprung yet more selection surprises in making eight changes to his 22 for the Six Nations match against Italy on 9 March.
Six players who began the 24-13 loss to England - Cedric Heymans, Morgan Parra, Thierry Dusautoir, Lionel Faure, Julien Bonnaire and David Marty - drop out.
David Skrela and William Servat have also been omitted from the 22.
Uncapped quintet Fabien Barcella, Yann David, Guilhem Guirado, Julien Tomas and Ibrahim Diarra have been called up.
606: DEBATE
Given the current state of the French scrum... would you consider recalling Sebastien Chabal?
fifijauzion
In addition, back-row Imanol Harinordoquy, Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion and impressive Clermont winger Julien Malzieu, who is back from injury, have all been recalled.
The selection suggests Lievremont is taking the opportunity of assessing his options ahead of his side's potentially crunch tie away at Wales on 15 March.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Scots Stuffed in English and French.......
Told you so…… .. France gagner à Murrayfield
Posted in February 3rd, 2008 Déposé en février 3rd, 2008
by admin in France & the French , News from the UK
Par admin en France et les Français, Nouvelles du Royaume-Uni
Not one to gloat ~ but the Scots were stuffed.
Pas un seul pour me faire gloire ~ mais les Écossais étaient farcis.
The real surprise was how really poor the Scots were.
La vraie surprise fut vraiment comment les pauvres étaient écossais.
This is the way I’d describe today’s performance from them: Telle est la voie que j'avais décrire aujourd'hui les performances de leur part:
Poor Poor Poor Médiocre Médiocre Médiocre
Average Average Averge Moyenne Moyenne Averge
Dour Dour Dour Dour Dour Dour
Now the French let’s see what I can say: Maintenant, le français voyons ce que je peux dire:
Outstanding, inventive, skilful, Strategic, Courageous, Fast, Strong.
Suspens, inventif, habile, stratégique, courageux, Fast, Strong.
And what were the Scots again??? Et quelles sont les écossais de nouveau?
Dull Dull Dull Mat mat mat
The only exciting thing they did all afternoon was to head-butt an opponent ~ isn’t that a sending off penalty by the way.
La seule chose qu'ils ont fait passionnant tous apres midi était à la tête d'un adversaire-cul ~ n'est pas qu'un envoi par la pénalité.
Gorsein Boy Gorsein Boy
Enjoyment reigns in this part of France tonight. Jouissance règne dans cette partie de la France ce soir.
France the Brave. France Brave.
No Comments Aucun commentaire
Posted in February 3rd, 2008 Déposé en février 3rd, 2008
by admin in France & the French , News from the UK
Par admin en France et les Français, Nouvelles du Royaume-Uni
Not one to gloat ~ but the Scots were stuffed.
Pas un seul pour me faire gloire ~ mais les Écossais étaient farcis.
The real surprise was how really poor the Scots were.
La vraie surprise fut vraiment comment les pauvres étaient écossais.
This is the way I’d describe today’s performance from them: Telle est la voie que j'avais décrire aujourd'hui les performances de leur part:
Poor Poor Poor Médiocre Médiocre Médiocre
Average Average Averge Moyenne Moyenne Averge
Dour Dour Dour Dour Dour Dour
Now the French let’s see what I can say: Maintenant, le français voyons ce que je peux dire:
Outstanding, inventive, skilful, Strategic, Courageous, Fast, Strong.
Suspens, inventif, habile, stratégique, courageux, Fast, Strong.
And what were the Scots again??? Et quelles sont les écossais de nouveau?
Dull Dull Dull Mat mat mat
The only exciting thing they did all afternoon was to head-butt an opponent ~ isn’t that a sending off penalty by the way.
La seule chose qu'ils ont fait passionnant tous apres midi était à la tête d'un adversaire-cul ~ n'est pas qu'un envoi par la pénalité.
Gorsein Boy Gorsein Boy
Enjoyment reigns in this part of France tonight. Jouissance règne dans cette partie de la France ce soir.
France the Brave. France Brave.
No Comments Aucun commentaire
Friday, February 1, 2008
Gatland the key to Wales' Future
Gatland brings Kiwi battle plans to Wales
1 February 2008, 1:46 pm
By WRU
Wales Coach Warren Gatland revealed he will use All Black secrets to beat England.
The former All Black hooker is plotting to end Wales's 20-year losing run at Twickenham tomorrow. And he has been handed intelligence reports from New Zealand coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, both previous bosses of Wales, used to silence the English members of the 2005 British Lions.
Gatland said: "When I went back to New Zealand over Christmas I had access to the analysis files used by the All Blacks against the Lions.
"It was very interesting, especially the work they did on the key English players. Now I can pass that information on to our lads."
The All Blacks whitewashed the Lions 3-0 in the Test series, but neither Henry or Hansen guided Wales to victory at English rugby's HQ. Gatland, though, has lifted three Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup with Wasps at Twickenham.
1 February 2008, 1:46 pm
By WRU
Wales Coach Warren Gatland revealed he will use All Black secrets to beat England.
The former All Black hooker is plotting to end Wales's 20-year losing run at Twickenham tomorrow. And he has been handed intelligence reports from New Zealand coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, both previous bosses of Wales, used to silence the English members of the 2005 British Lions.
Gatland said: "When I went back to New Zealand over Christmas I had access to the analysis files used by the All Blacks against the Lions.
"It was very interesting, especially the work they did on the key English players. Now I can pass that information on to our lads."
The All Blacks whitewashed the Lions 3-0 in the Test series, but neither Henry or Hansen guided Wales to victory at English rugby's HQ. Gatland, though, has lifted three Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup with Wasps at Twickenham.
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
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)
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.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I for one wished he'd applied
Kirwan: I’d love to coach Wales
Aug 19 2007
by Nick Rippington, Wales On Sunday
JOHN KIRWAN is eyeing a shot at the Wales job after the World Cup.
The All Black great is out to wreck Welsh hopes once again when he brings minnows Japan to Cardiff for the World Cup pool match on September 20.
Coach Kirwan could have been leading the Three Feathers into battle this autumn had circumstances been different, but the former Italy coach has not given up on one day taking on the job in the only country to rival his native New Zealand for their passion for the game.
He said: “I love going to Wales because the passion is still there and I’ve always said it would be a great honour to coach them.
“I was considering putting my name forward when Mike Ruddock left last year. But it became obvious that Wales were looking local and I didn’t bother applying. But it is still a job I would love to do.”
Aug 19 2007
by Nick Rippington, Wales On Sunday
JOHN KIRWAN is eyeing a shot at the Wales job after the World Cup.
The All Black great is out to wreck Welsh hopes once again when he brings minnows Japan to Cardiff for the World Cup pool match on September 20.
Coach Kirwan could have been leading the Three Feathers into battle this autumn had circumstances been different, but the former Italy coach has not given up on one day taking on the job in the only country to rival his native New Zealand for their passion for the game.
He said: “I love going to Wales because the passion is still there and I’ve always said it would be a great honour to coach them.
“I was considering putting my name forward when Mike Ruddock left last year. But it became obvious that Wales were looking local and I didn’t bother applying. But it is still a job I would love to do.”
Wales by a slither beat Argentines
From The Sunday Times
August 19, 2007
Underfire coach sees dignity restored
Gareth Jenkins’ side thrived by going back to basics, a lesson that must be remembered in France next monthMark Palmer
THE DEBATE has lingered in the Welsh game for longer than you would expect from a country that knows and cares about its rugby. In a year of gut-wrenching fixtures round these parts, performance versus result, the philosophical struggle to determine the relative importance of each, has cause the most angst.
The roar that rattled round the half-filled Cardiff stands as the Wales pack gritted their teeth, hunched their shoulders and crossed their fingers to see off what seemed an inexorable late Argentine thrust finally put a full stop to the discussion.
After experimentation brought extermination at Twickenham, Wales have their dignity back, and Wales have their hope back. Only a win, any win, could have had such a powerful double effect. An occasionally panicky second-half display compared unfavourably with the impressive gloss of the first, but to hell with the aesthetics, the immediate future suddenly looks much better. After beating a side ranked three places above them, and whose recent scalps made the prospective gap even bigger, Wales can look upon the World Cup as an opportunity, rather than a penance. They stumbled, sure, but still cleared some significant hurdles here, not least warming a sceptical public that had arrived quietly braced for more trouble.
Jenkins is a man under pressure and a man under scrutiny as the public seek evidence that there is a master plan after all. Mercifully, his selections and his game plan yesterday seemed geared to no more far-reaching an aspiration than winning this match and winning it well.
Related Links
Fiery Wales get back on track
Not coincidentally, both objectives were achieved, although not without some anxious moments along the way. Coach and team went back to basics. The right players played the right positions. Elementary stuff, but something the Welsh set-up has had repeated difficulties with of late. Kevin Morgan, the hardest-running, surest-kicking full-back in the country, was given his head, and kept it admirably in the face of the exacting aerial examinations posed by Felipe Contepomi and Federico Todeschini. Gareth Thomas, a stronger tackler than James Hook or Stephen Jones, the other potential World Cup 12s, was keen to splinter the battering rams that Argentina tried to float up the midfield channels. Although short of a yard or three of pace, he brings clout to an area where Wales have severely lacked it since those heady days of early 2005. And because he offered immediate atonement at the other end, keeping pace well with the skiddy Hook, we won’t dwell on that eyewatering fourth-minute interception.
Suffice to say that it again threw neon light on the continued folly of Gavin Henson’s exile. Whatever the undulations of his private life, one thing he has never been in a Wales jersey is rash, or even just unreliable.
There was, mystifyingly, still no starting place in the front row for Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman against arguably the best scrummaging unit in world rugby, but the Joneses, Duncan and Adam, kept up well with the tricks and twists that make Rodrigo Roncero and Martin Scelzo such dastardly customers. Wales, on the whole, struck parity in the scrum, a resounding achievement in light of how pitifully they struggled against England and even against as apparently unthreatening a front five as Scotland’s in the spring.
You would hesitate to extend the compliment to their lineout. The first, unremarkably reached and slapped down by Jonathan Thomas, drew a round of ironic cheers from the crowd. This lack of confidence was shown to be based on sadly sound reasoning. The game progressed amid a sorry bag of tremulous throws from Matthew Rees, haphazardly coordinated leaps from the Welsh jumpers and general anarchy. Still, the breakdown was good enough, and two out of three was a better haul than most expected to be drawn from this brilliant Argentina pack. Yesterday was all about the bottom line, not the detail, and Wales, tentatively, are back in the money again.
- BAYONNE’S Mikaera Tewhata has been banned by the French Rugby Federation for punching Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll in a World Cup warm-up game. O’Driscoll will miss their first World Cup match after suffering a fractured sinus. The FFR said the Kiwi lock was banned until it received the match referee’s report and the results of its own investigation. Before the FFR ban, Bayonne had already suspended Tewhata for two matches. The New Zealander said he was deeply sorry for his actions, and wanted to apologise to O’Driscoll in person.
August 19, 2007
Underfire coach sees dignity restored
Gareth Jenkins’ side thrived by going back to basics, a lesson that must be remembered in France next monthMark Palmer
THE DEBATE has lingered in the Welsh game for longer than you would expect from a country that knows and cares about its rugby. In a year of gut-wrenching fixtures round these parts, performance versus result, the philosophical struggle to determine the relative importance of each, has cause the most angst.
The roar that rattled round the half-filled Cardiff stands as the Wales pack gritted their teeth, hunched their shoulders and crossed their fingers to see off what seemed an inexorable late Argentine thrust finally put a full stop to the discussion.
After experimentation brought extermination at Twickenham, Wales have their dignity back, and Wales have their hope back. Only a win, any win, could have had such a powerful double effect. An occasionally panicky second-half display compared unfavourably with the impressive gloss of the first, but to hell with the aesthetics, the immediate future suddenly looks much better. After beating a side ranked three places above them, and whose recent scalps made the prospective gap even bigger, Wales can look upon the World Cup as an opportunity, rather than a penance. They stumbled, sure, but still cleared some significant hurdles here, not least warming a sceptical public that had arrived quietly braced for more trouble.
Jenkins is a man under pressure and a man under scrutiny as the public seek evidence that there is a master plan after all. Mercifully, his selections and his game plan yesterday seemed geared to no more far-reaching an aspiration than winning this match and winning it well.
Related Links
Fiery Wales get back on track
Not coincidentally, both objectives were achieved, although not without some anxious moments along the way. Coach and team went back to basics. The right players played the right positions. Elementary stuff, but something the Welsh set-up has had repeated difficulties with of late. Kevin Morgan, the hardest-running, surest-kicking full-back in the country, was given his head, and kept it admirably in the face of the exacting aerial examinations posed by Felipe Contepomi and Federico Todeschini. Gareth Thomas, a stronger tackler than James Hook or Stephen Jones, the other potential World Cup 12s, was keen to splinter the battering rams that Argentina tried to float up the midfield channels. Although short of a yard or three of pace, he brings clout to an area where Wales have severely lacked it since those heady days of early 2005. And because he offered immediate atonement at the other end, keeping pace well with the skiddy Hook, we won’t dwell on that eyewatering fourth-minute interception.
Suffice to say that it again threw neon light on the continued folly of Gavin Henson’s exile. Whatever the undulations of his private life, one thing he has never been in a Wales jersey is rash, or even just unreliable.
There was, mystifyingly, still no starting place in the front row for Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman against arguably the best scrummaging unit in world rugby, but the Joneses, Duncan and Adam, kept up well with the tricks and twists that make Rodrigo Roncero and Martin Scelzo such dastardly customers. Wales, on the whole, struck parity in the scrum, a resounding achievement in light of how pitifully they struggled against England and even against as apparently unthreatening a front five as Scotland’s in the spring.
You would hesitate to extend the compliment to their lineout. The first, unremarkably reached and slapped down by Jonathan Thomas, drew a round of ironic cheers from the crowd. This lack of confidence was shown to be based on sadly sound reasoning. The game progressed amid a sorry bag of tremulous throws from Matthew Rees, haphazardly coordinated leaps from the Welsh jumpers and general anarchy. Still, the breakdown was good enough, and two out of three was a better haul than most expected to be drawn from this brilliant Argentina pack. Yesterday was all about the bottom line, not the detail, and Wales, tentatively, are back in the money again.
- BAYONNE’S Mikaera Tewhata has been banned by the French Rugby Federation for punching Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll in a World Cup warm-up game. O’Driscoll will miss their first World Cup match after suffering a fractured sinus. The FFR said the Kiwi lock was banned until it received the match referee’s report and the results of its own investigation. Before the FFR ban, Bayonne had already suspended Tewhata for two matches. The New Zealander said he was deeply sorry for his actions, and wanted to apologise to O’Driscoll in person.
Wales win but only just!!!!!
Wales 27-20 Argentina
Wales (24) 27
Tries: G Thomas, Wyn Jones, M Jones
Cons: Hook 3
Pen: Hook 2
Argentina (7) 20
Tries: Corleto 2
Cons: Todeschini 2
Pen: Todeschini 2
Wales hung on for a morale-boosting win over Argentina to get their World Cup preparations back on track and relieve the pressure on coach Gareth Jenkins.
After Ignacio Corleto's interception try put the Pumas ahead, Wales hit back through Gareth Thomas's stylish score. Alun Wyn Jones and Mark Jones put Wales 24-7 up at half-time but Argentina were much improved after the interval.
Federico Todeschini's boot and another Corleto try cut the gap, but Wales held on by the skin of their teeth.
Reaction: Gareth Thomas and Alun Wyn Jones
Jenkins has been under intense pressure in the Welsh media since his side's capitulation in the 62-5 thrashing by England two weeks ago.
Wales were eager to make an early statement but that ambition was ended after just five minutes at a sparsely populated Millennium Stadium when Thomas telegraphed his flat pass to Tom Shanklin.
The pass gave Corleto every chance to intercept on halfway and the winger made the most of the opportunity as he showed a clean pair of heels to Hook on his way to the tryline.
Wales had the chance to hit back through Hook's boot, but his long-range penalty struck the post and bounced away for Argentina to clear their lines.
But any Welsh nerves were settled soon after when Hook's textbook dummy took five Argentina defenders out of the equation.
The fly-half straightened his line, drew the full-back and handed the supporting Thomas his 39th Wales try on a silver platter.
Heartened by the try, Wales upped the tempo and punished a string of cynical Argentina offences when Wyn Jones went through two tackles to score from Dwayne Peel's quick tap.
Wales' next score came courtesy of a dreadful pass in Welsh territory from the out-of-sorts Agustin Pichot, which Federico Serra knocked-on.
Hook hacked the ball on for Tom Shanklin to take up the chase with two team-mates outside him, and Mark Jones finally dotted the ball down after the chance was almost butchered.
A dreadful challenge on the airborne Wales full-back Kevin Morgan by Argentina winger Lucas Borges was deservedly penalised by a yellow card and Hook's penalty two minutes later put Wales even further ahead.
Argentina offered little in attack, although they did manufacture an overlap only for Serra to inexplicably take an inside line off the ball carrier.
Dominating both possession and territory, Wales ended the half well on top and were unlucky to see Shanklin's scorching break end with the ball bouncing into touch.
Argentina's ragged first-half display was quickly put behind them though as Todeschini's early penalty got their scoreboard ticking again.
A clever kick to the corner from Peel saw Argentina concede another penalty at the subsequent line-out, and Hook had no trouble in converting it to three points.
Argentina were beginning to get their hands on the ball though, and the next score went there way after some dazzling play by their wingers, Borges and Corleto, opened up Wales.
Some delightful handling from a Felipe Contepomi-inspired backline kept the pressure on Wales, and the home side did themselves no favours with a series of missed kicks to touch.
With 10 minutes to play, Todeschini stroked the ball over from another penalty to narrow the gap to just seven points.
And Argentina pushed Wales to their limits in the closing stages, with some ferocious forward play keeping Thomas's side pinned in their own 22 and leading to Matthew Rees being sent to the sin-bin.
Replacement Martin Durand looked to have earned his side the chance of a draw in the dying seconds, but the video referee ruled out his effort for a knock-on in the act of scoring, thanks to a heroic tackle from Duncan Jones.
Referee Chris White promptly blew up for full-time to hand Jenkins and his team a much-needed victory ahead of their final World Cup warm-up Test against France next Sunday.
Wales: Morgan; James, Shanklin, G Thomas (capt), M Jones; Hook, Peel; D Jones, Rees, A Jones, Gough, Wyn Jones, J Thomas, Williams, Popham.
Replacements: Rhys Thomas, Jenkins, James, Charvis, Phillips, Sweeney, Robinson.
Argentina: Serra; Borges, Gaitán, F Contepomi, Corleto; Todeschini, Pichot (capt); Roncero, Ledesma, Scelzo, IF Lobbe, Albacete, Leguizamón, JF Lobbe, Longo.
Replacements: Basualdo, Bonorino, Alvarez, Durand, Vergallo, M Contepomi, Agulla.
Referee: Chris White (England).
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6951094.stm
Published: 2007/08/18 15:21:28 GMT
© BBC MMVII
Wales (24) 27
Tries: G Thomas, Wyn Jones, M Jones
Cons: Hook 3
Pen: Hook 2
Argentina (7) 20
Tries: Corleto 2
Cons: Todeschini 2
Pen: Todeschini 2
Wales hung on for a morale-boosting win over Argentina to get their World Cup preparations back on track and relieve the pressure on coach Gareth Jenkins.
After Ignacio Corleto's interception try put the Pumas ahead, Wales hit back through Gareth Thomas's stylish score. Alun Wyn Jones and Mark Jones put Wales 24-7 up at half-time but Argentina were much improved after the interval.
Federico Todeschini's boot and another Corleto try cut the gap, but Wales held on by the skin of their teeth.
Reaction: Gareth Thomas and Alun Wyn Jones
Jenkins has been under intense pressure in the Welsh media since his side's capitulation in the 62-5 thrashing by England two weeks ago.
Wales were eager to make an early statement but that ambition was ended after just five minutes at a sparsely populated Millennium Stadium when Thomas telegraphed his flat pass to Tom Shanklin.
The pass gave Corleto every chance to intercept on halfway and the winger made the most of the opportunity as he showed a clean pair of heels to Hook on his way to the tryline.
Wales had the chance to hit back through Hook's boot, but his long-range penalty struck the post and bounced away for Argentina to clear their lines.
But any Welsh nerves were settled soon after when Hook's textbook dummy took five Argentina defenders out of the equation.
The fly-half straightened his line, drew the full-back and handed the supporting Thomas his 39th Wales try on a silver platter.
Heartened by the try, Wales upped the tempo and punished a string of cynical Argentina offences when Wyn Jones went through two tackles to score from Dwayne Peel's quick tap.
Wales' next score came courtesy of a dreadful pass in Welsh territory from the out-of-sorts Agustin Pichot, which Federico Serra knocked-on.
Hook hacked the ball on for Tom Shanklin to take up the chase with two team-mates outside him, and Mark Jones finally dotted the ball down after the chance was almost butchered.
A dreadful challenge on the airborne Wales full-back Kevin Morgan by Argentina winger Lucas Borges was deservedly penalised by a yellow card and Hook's penalty two minutes later put Wales even further ahead.
Argentina offered little in attack, although they did manufacture an overlap only for Serra to inexplicably take an inside line off the ball carrier.
Dominating both possession and territory, Wales ended the half well on top and were unlucky to see Shanklin's scorching break end with the ball bouncing into touch.
Argentina's ragged first-half display was quickly put behind them though as Todeschini's early penalty got their scoreboard ticking again.
A clever kick to the corner from Peel saw Argentina concede another penalty at the subsequent line-out, and Hook had no trouble in converting it to three points.
Argentina were beginning to get their hands on the ball though, and the next score went there way after some dazzling play by their wingers, Borges and Corleto, opened up Wales.
Some delightful handling from a Felipe Contepomi-inspired backline kept the pressure on Wales, and the home side did themselves no favours with a series of missed kicks to touch.
With 10 minutes to play, Todeschini stroked the ball over from another penalty to narrow the gap to just seven points.
And Argentina pushed Wales to their limits in the closing stages, with some ferocious forward play keeping Thomas's side pinned in their own 22 and leading to Matthew Rees being sent to the sin-bin.
Replacement Martin Durand looked to have earned his side the chance of a draw in the dying seconds, but the video referee ruled out his effort for a knock-on in the act of scoring, thanks to a heroic tackle from Duncan Jones.
Referee Chris White promptly blew up for full-time to hand Jenkins and his team a much-needed victory ahead of their final World Cup warm-up Test against France next Sunday.
Wales: Morgan; James, Shanklin, G Thomas (capt), M Jones; Hook, Peel; D Jones, Rees, A Jones, Gough, Wyn Jones, J Thomas, Williams, Popham.
Replacements: Rhys Thomas, Jenkins, James, Charvis, Phillips, Sweeney, Robinson.
Argentina: Serra; Borges, Gaitán, F Contepomi, Corleto; Todeschini, Pichot (capt); Roncero, Ledesma, Scelzo, IF Lobbe, Albacete, Leguizamón, JF Lobbe, Longo.
Replacements: Basualdo, Bonorino, Alvarez, Durand, Vergallo, M Contepomi, Agulla.
Referee: Chris White (England).
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6951094.stm
Published: 2007/08/18 15:21:28 GMT
© BBC MMVII
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Jenkins ~ the future is bleak ~ Can he get the side to Semi Finals??????
My job is on the line - Jenkins Aug 12 2007
Wales On Sunday
GARETH JENKINS has admitted his future as Wales coach hangs on his side’s performance at the World Cup.
The former Scarlets supremo’s contract as national coach ends after the 2008 Six Nations campaign.
But he acknowledges Wales performance in the quarter-finals in France 2007 will decide whether he will get a new contract.
Jenkins has publicly stated Wales are good enough to reach a World Cup semi-final in this year’s tournament.
But a victory or even the manner of the defeat at the quarter-final stage in Marseille holds the key for his reign in charge.
“If we can get to the quarter-finals and we get a win it means we are in a semi-final,” said Jenkins.
“If we do get to a quarter-final it will be acceptable, but if we win and get to a semi-final it means I will have an opportunity to coach Wales for another couple of years.
“If I had three or four years as national coach I could then reflect and look back on what I have done.
“But I know it all depends on getting to the quarter-final and its result.
“What I do think will need to happen after the World Cup is that Welsh rugby needs to appraise itself.”
Jenkins was appointed as coach in 2006 and was handed a two-year contract.
He was the people’s choice for the job and his appointment was greeted with great fanfare.
But since he took charge Wales have hardly set the rugby world alight.
Jenkins can rightly point to the fact he was given the job with a World Cup looming on a horizon and with little time to prepare.
He has drawn up his own plan for the tournament and is sticking to it.
He knows, and wants, to be judged on Wales’ performance at the World Cup.
But Wales’ abject capitulation to England at Twickenham saw his ability to do the job called into question.
He has been a successful coach for more than 20 years but does he feel his reputation is on the line now?
“I don’t feel that,” said Jenkins. “It’s nearly an impossible situation I have found myself in.
“I had just over a year to a World Cup. Clive Woodward took seven years to win it, Eddie O’Sullivan and Bernard Laporte are going to a second World Cup.
“What chance have you got in 15 months to actually do something.
“Coaching takes time and it takes three years to get instant success.
“I am not daunted by it and I will give it my best shot with all the experience I have. I know I will have done it my way.
“I am on course and I wouldn’t change any major thing I have done. I am excited and I have waited a long time for this opportunity.”
Jenkins, though, does admit he plans to drop his monitoring role and start coaching himself.
He has clearly been stung but the flak which has been flying around this week.
“The time has come for us to switch on,” said Jenkins.
“I am definitely going to have a bigger influence now we are going into the tournament.
“I have tended to oversee the coaching and give others the responsibility for particular jobs.
“It’s time now that I become tighter with the coaching group. I have to be more hands-on.
“I will be accountable for all aspects of performance.”
But would he consider adding another pair of hands to his coaching team?
Would he consider going down the same route as Jake White, the South Africa coach, who has appointed Eddie Jones, the former Wallaby coach, to his Springboks backroom team for the World Cup?
“You cannot be an island but I am choosing to involve myself more,” said Jenkins.
“It’s not as if we don’t look for views or input from around the game.”
Jenkins has already laid down the marker for Wales’ clash with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.
He has told his players there is a minimum requirement for that game - a victory.
“We do need to evolve and develop our performance but more important than that we need to win,” said Jenkins.
“If we win, that is the most important thing. We win well and it’s a bonus. It’s certainly not about playing well and losing.
“We have to realise that every game we now play is about winning. We have to be absolutely clear that everything is about winning.
“It will be a bigger achievement for me than performing.
“The England defeat was tough and we all got bruised by that. But our reaction has been that we are better than that.”
Jenkins and his players know it’s time to prove exactly that.
Wales On Sunday
GARETH JENKINS has admitted his future as Wales coach hangs on his side’s performance at the World Cup.
The former Scarlets supremo’s contract as national coach ends after the 2008 Six Nations campaign.
But he acknowledges Wales performance in the quarter-finals in France 2007 will decide whether he will get a new contract.
Jenkins has publicly stated Wales are good enough to reach a World Cup semi-final in this year’s tournament.
But a victory or even the manner of the defeat at the quarter-final stage in Marseille holds the key for his reign in charge.
“If we can get to the quarter-finals and we get a win it means we are in a semi-final,” said Jenkins.
“If we do get to a quarter-final it will be acceptable, but if we win and get to a semi-final it means I will have an opportunity to coach Wales for another couple of years.
“If I had three or four years as national coach I could then reflect and look back on what I have done.
“But I know it all depends on getting to the quarter-final and its result.
“What I do think will need to happen after the World Cup is that Welsh rugby needs to appraise itself.”
Jenkins was appointed as coach in 2006 and was handed a two-year contract.
He was the people’s choice for the job and his appointment was greeted with great fanfare.
But since he took charge Wales have hardly set the rugby world alight.
Jenkins can rightly point to the fact he was given the job with a World Cup looming on a horizon and with little time to prepare.
He has drawn up his own plan for the tournament and is sticking to it.
He knows, and wants, to be judged on Wales’ performance at the World Cup.
But Wales’ abject capitulation to England at Twickenham saw his ability to do the job called into question.
He has been a successful coach for more than 20 years but does he feel his reputation is on the line now?
“I don’t feel that,” said Jenkins. “It’s nearly an impossible situation I have found myself in.
“I had just over a year to a World Cup. Clive Woodward took seven years to win it, Eddie O’Sullivan and Bernard Laporte are going to a second World Cup.
“What chance have you got in 15 months to actually do something.
“Coaching takes time and it takes three years to get instant success.
“I am not daunted by it and I will give it my best shot with all the experience I have. I know I will have done it my way.
“I am on course and I wouldn’t change any major thing I have done. I am excited and I have waited a long time for this opportunity.”
Jenkins, though, does admit he plans to drop his monitoring role and start coaching himself.
He has clearly been stung but the flak which has been flying around this week.
“The time has come for us to switch on,” said Jenkins.
“I am definitely going to have a bigger influence now we are going into the tournament.
“I have tended to oversee the coaching and give others the responsibility for particular jobs.
“It’s time now that I become tighter with the coaching group. I have to be more hands-on.
“I will be accountable for all aspects of performance.”
But would he consider adding another pair of hands to his coaching team?
Would he consider going down the same route as Jake White, the South Africa coach, who has appointed Eddie Jones, the former Wallaby coach, to his Springboks backroom team for the World Cup?
“You cannot be an island but I am choosing to involve myself more,” said Jenkins.
“It’s not as if we don’t look for views or input from around the game.”
Jenkins has already laid down the marker for Wales’ clash with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.
He has told his players there is a minimum requirement for that game - a victory.
“We do need to evolve and develop our performance but more important than that we need to win,” said Jenkins.
“If we win, that is the most important thing. We win well and it’s a bonus. It’s certainly not about playing well and losing.
“We have to realise that every game we now play is about winning. We have to be absolutely clear that everything is about winning.
“It will be a bigger achievement for me than performing.
“The England defeat was tough and we all got bruised by that. But our reaction has been that we are better than that.”
Jenkins and his players know it’s time to prove exactly that.
Monday, August 6, 2007
I've heard it all before....
Jenkins: We must learn our lessons
Eurosport - Sat, 04 Aug 20:32:00 2007
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins vowed his side would learn from their record 62-5 defeat to England at Twickenham.
Jenkins's second-string pack was completely outplayed as England ran in nine tries to one, scored by wing Daffyd James.
Despite England making it quite clear from the early stages how they intended to play, the Wales forwards provided feeble resistance.
"We've learnt a hard lesson but it's a lesson that's not impossible to come back from," said the Wales coach."People back home are going to be totally unsatisfied but we've got to keep our heads up.
"There is no doubt this could have been an emotionally denting performance and we have to protect ourselves from feeling as poor a side as we looked."
Not surprisingly, Welsh defence folded late in the game, the constant tackling clearly taking it toll on the players' energy levels.
"The last 15 minutes we were completely out on our feet and could do little about half-a-dozen tries that were easy run-ins," Jenkins added.
"England dominated as a pack, they really put us under the hammer and there was nothing much we could do.
"We played with 29% of the ball again and you can't play Test rugby without having a share of possession.
"There were a couple of phases where we put rugby together that showed we have a lot to offer.
"But we're not getting enough of the ball and penalties are a major factor, we're too expensive and we give sides like England an opportunity to put the ball in the corners.
"It wasn't attractive from England, to say the least, but it was very effective."
Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport
Eurosport - Sat, 04 Aug 20:32:00 2007
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins vowed his side would learn from their record 62-5 defeat to England at Twickenham.
Jenkins's second-string pack was completely outplayed as England ran in nine tries to one, scored by wing Daffyd James.
Despite England making it quite clear from the early stages how they intended to play, the Wales forwards provided feeble resistance.
"We've learnt a hard lesson but it's a lesson that's not impossible to come back from," said the Wales coach."People back home are going to be totally unsatisfied but we've got to keep our heads up.
"There is no doubt this could have been an emotionally denting performance and we have to protect ourselves from feeling as poor a side as we looked."
Not surprisingly, Welsh defence folded late in the game, the constant tackling clearly taking it toll on the players' energy levels.
"The last 15 minutes we were completely out on our feet and could do little about half-a-dozen tries that were easy run-ins," Jenkins added.
"England dominated as a pack, they really put us under the hammer and there was nothing much we could do.
"We played with 29% of the ball again and you can't play Test rugby without having a share of possession.
"There were a couple of phases where we put rugby together that showed we have a lot to offer.
"But we're not getting enough of the ball and penalties are a major factor, we're too expensive and we give sides like England an opportunity to put the ball in the corners.
"It wasn't attractive from England, to say the least, but it was very effective."
Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport
Monday, June 4, 2007
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