Huge weekend ahead in the Guiness Premiership, some great match ups with the highest profile match coming in the form of Wasps vs. Sale. Much has been made of Wasps inability to get the job done this year and I can't see that changing tomorrow. The Guiness premiership is an unforgiving league as they come - Wasps are not play that bad of Rugby but there is no room for simply playing, "ok." As previously noted on R&L Sale lost a cracker last weekend against Bath and will be looking for revenge in the form of the Wasps. Look for some huge perfoamnces from Shabal, McCalister and Richard Wiggelsworth as Sale win this easy.
Sale Sharks: 15 Mark Cueto, 14 Chris Bell, 13 Andy Tuilagi, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 David Doherty, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (c), 7 Neil Briggs, 6 Jason White, 5 Dean Schofield, 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Eifion Roberts, 2 Marc Jones, 1 Lionel Faure.
Replacements: 16 Stuart Turner, 17 Andrew Sheridan, 18 Brent Cockbain, 19 Carl Fearns, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Mathew Tait, 22 Nick Macleod
London Wasps: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Chris Bishay, 13 Josh Lewsey, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 John Hart, 7 Serge Betsen, 6 Joe Worsley (C), 5 Richard Birkett, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Tim Payne, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tom French.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 George Skivington, 19 Dan Leo, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jeremy Staunton, 22 Rob Hoadley
The game I'm looking forward to is the Quins vs. Tigers at Twickers. 50,000 people are going to see a traditonal Heavywieght play against battle against a one of Euro's form teams. Look for Nick Evans to give a huge performance as he simply oozes class. Liecster are eager to get back to the top of the table and always show up to play. They have a very full strength squad this week full of internationals and and expierence. This is my pick of the week as I think Quins continue on their rampant tear and squeak away with a win.
1 CERI JONES, 2 TANI FUGA, 3 MIKE ROSS, 4 JAMES PERCIVAL, 5 GEORGE ROBSON, 6 CHRIS ROBSHAW, 7 WILL SKINNER(CAPTAIN), 8 NICK EASTER, 9 DANNY CARE, 10 NICK EVANS, 11 UGO MONYE, 12 JORDAN TURNER- HALL, 13 GONZALO TIESI, 14 TOM WILLIAMS, 15 MIKE BROWN
16 CHRIS BROOKER, 17 MARK LAMBERT, 18 JIM EVANS, 19 TOM GUEST, 20 ANDY GOMARSALL, 21 DE WET BARRY, 22 CHRIS MALONE
15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Johne Murphy, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Matt Smith, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Julien Dupuy, 1 Boris Stankovich, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 3 Julian White, 4 Martin Corry (captain), 5 Marco Wentzel, 6 Tom Croft, 7 Lewis Moody, 8 Jordan Crane
Replacements 16 George Chuter, 17 Martin Castrogiovanni, 18 Craig Newby, 19 Ben Herring, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Seru Rabeni, 22 Tom Varndell
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We Promised - They Delivered
With an awesome full time try by Matt Banahan Bath's freakishly sized tree/wing it capped off an awesome game with some fisticuffs being throw by Sebastain Shabal and general physicality and skill throughout! Another cracker of game from two English heavy wieghts!
Stay tuned for Friday's preview of this weekend's premiership action!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Can he do it again?
Today Butch James lines up for Bath against Sale Sharks. Bath have had some serious form in the HC and Premiership this year led by the Springbok pivot and his afrikaans partner in crime Michael Classens. As seen above Butchie's been playing his teets off up north and set up and scored the wining try agains former Bulls coachs Heyneke Meyers Leicester just a few short weeks ago. Aussie Steve Meehan has the Bath boys playing an exciting brand of rugby and with the help of the Durban hero at the helm Bath have been perenial table toppers. Also take a look out for freakish Giant Matt Banahan on the wing, with speed saffer Nick Abendanon at the back.
Sale are also bringing their A game with Dwane Peel and Jason White returing to the side. The Charlie Hodgson/Luke McAllister midfield combination is easily one of the worlds best and gives Sale potent attcking and kicking options. Also Andrew Sheridan shows us week after week what HE-MAN looks like on a rugby field.
Look for Bath to win a physical cracker of match at the Rec! (Quick Message for both teams - watch out for Justin Harrison at bottom of the rucks there are few dirtier Aussies in the world!)
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Eliota Fuimaono, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 1 David Barnes, 2 Lee Mears, 3 Matt Stevens, 4 Justin Harrison, 5 Peter Short, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 7 Michael Lipman, 8 Daniel Brown
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Stuart Hooper, 19 Andy Beattie, 20 Scott Bemand, 21 Shontayne Hape, 22 Jack Cuthbert
Sale Sharks: 15 Mark Cueto, 14 Chris Bell, 13 Andy Tuilagi, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 David Doherty, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 JM Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Luke Abraham, 6 Jason White, 5 Dean Schofield, 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Stuart Turner, 2 Neil Briggs, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Lionel Faure, 18 Brent Cockbain, 19 Carl Fearns, 20 Richard Wigglesworth, 21 Rudi Keil, 22 Mathew Tait
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Happy Holidays!
I'm in Durban - enjoing the sun, the boewoers and the castle. Enjoy the clip above where Benji Marshall leaves 7 of 13 Defenders in the dust to set up a sweet try!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
MacGruber!
For those of you who think you've had it tough in the market MaGruber takes it in stride!
Africa!
Today I depart for Africa for the rest of the year! We are headed to Durban to Celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
I am not a huge fan of New Years celebrations but I am huge fan of sun, beer and meat. South Africa gives you more sun beer and meat than a man can handle. Boerwoers is the best meat ever invented - ever. South africa will be out of Boerwoers when i leave.
For all of my friends up north a Southern Hemishpere Christmas would be better charecteized as July 4th. It's hot, you are around freinds and family and you BBQ, jump in the pool, have a bunch of beers and hang out all day. Wild Concept. Diffrent from my families yelling at each other after too much Nog' - kidding.
Anyway I will continue on my blogging adventure all the way down in Africa.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Bernie Madoff WTF?
Amid $50 Billion in fraud, this Bernie Madoff scam is just beyond me. How? Why? What are you thinking? From a personal standpoint I've never been a fan of stealing. There are some gray area's in societies written and unwritten rules - but stealing like this couldn't be more black and white.
To quote a segment from SNL, "Really with Seth and Amy," Really Bernine Madoff? Really?
How does one think they can get away with this forever? And the better question how does some one get away with this for so long?
There are so many disturbing questions - and what will be even more disturbing as they come? The answers.
To quote a segment from SNL, "Really with Seth and Amy," Really Bernine Madoff? Really?
How does one think they can get away with this forever? And the better question how does some one get away with this for so long?
There are so many disturbing questions - and what will be even more disturbing as they come? The answers.
Euro All Blacks bring Heineken Cup Brilliance!
The Heineken Cup weekend was nothing short of spectacular. Yes Dan Carter played awesome in clash of the titans between Leicester and Perpgnan but it was another All Black that stole the show. For the second week in a row the game of the week was Quins vs. Stade de France. The game was a mud bath and a battle from the beginning. It was cold, muddy, and ugly from start to finish. Both packs fought each other from start to finish and even though it was a slow game there was nothing lost in physicality or intensity. After a Juan Martin Hernandez drop goal took the lead for the French outfit late in the game the Quins did not give up. It was after several phases, 29 to be exact all of which after the 80th minute, a Nick Evans drop goal in extra time won this soon to be historic clash at the stoop for the beloved Quins. These 29 phases took close to three minutes – three of the longer minutes of my life. I was literally sitting on the edge of my couch and my girlfriend yelling at me, I went berserk two or three times in my living room and finally completely mental when Evans slotted the mud soaked ball through the uprights. Brilliant brilliant game!
In the Leicester game it was former WP & Stormers flank Gerrie Britz (Or Jerry as the English commentators put it) that scored two tries, one of which was an unbelievable individual effort. True to the French reputation Perpinagn played with much greater intensity and ferocity at home and kept themselves alive in the European Championship. Dan Carter was his usual solid self he had a few moments of brilliance and had a great steal late in the game by ripping the ball from Seri Rubeni’s arms three meters from the goal line. He kicked great and his distribution was solid. After more than a week of practice with his new team they will be very dangerous. Leicester fought hard but just didn’t quite have enough to take home victory.
Munster made life hard for themselves in their game against Clermont. In the 19th minute Paul O’Connell made a comment about Canadian international Jamie Cudmore’s mother. Cudmore took exception to this and envisioned his youth of Pond Hockey and dog sledding, and rocked the Munster Captain in the face with what was my count, 3 great shots. He left Paul O’Connell, already a ginger, even redder around his mouth and nose for the rest of the game. O’Connell tried to get some shots in but it was too little to late, the referee awarded Cudmore the victory, and a break for the rest of the game with a shiney red card and said, “Hit the showers Jamie, you earned it!” O’Connell was also given a 10 minute break to think about how he offended Cudmore’s mom, dog sledding and horseshoeing. Muster failed to take advantage of this until later in the game. Aussie Brock James continued on a tear in Europe controlling the game with his tactical kicking playing a man down for over 50 minutes. Ronan O’Gara had an uncharacteristically poor goal kick day and almost cost his team the game. It was only when the Prop – scored an awesome try for Munster to take the lead. With little time left opensider Niall Ronan had an awesome chip and chase to put the game away 23-11. This was not a great performance from the red Army, but in this competition - a win is a win.
Scarlets 16 - Ulster 16
Castres 18 - Leinster 15
Dragons 13 - Toulouse 26
Treviso 16 - Ospreys 36
Biarritz 6 - Cardiff 10
Gloucester 48 - Calvisano 5
Muster 23 - Clermont 13
Quins 19 - Stade Francais 17
Montauban 16 - Sale 12
Wasps 19 - Edinburg 11
Glasgow 19 - Bath 25
Perpignan 26 – Munster 20
Friday, December 12, 2008
Spring Rugby for the Boys of White Plains!
White Plains Spring Schedule Heating Up
3/14/09 - WPRFC at Media RFC
3/28/09 - WPRFC at Pearl City
4/4/09 - WPRFC at Long Island
4/11/09 - Mystic at WRPFC
4/18/09 - WPRFC at Maryland Exiles
4/25/09 - Danbury at WPRFC
5/9/09 - Long Island Tournament
(More games to be added)
Kiwi S14 Teams SWEET CUZ!
Crusaders
The Crusaders have a tough task ahead of them. They are the most talented team in the world and have a habit of winning no matter what – this year however I feel they pose the biggest challenges of all they have lost the Worlds Best coach – Robbie Deans and the worlds best player Dan Carter. They have also lost NZ #1 lock in Ali Williams returning to the Blues. The question becomes can they pull insane talent out of no where they like have in the past? Stephen Brett would be the AB number 12 if it wasn’t for Ma Nonu resurgence. Now it’s his chance to show the world that there is more than Dan Carter in Christchurch. Tim Batemen is another to watch in the midfield as he was unlucky to not receive a call up to the AB’s for the fall tour according to Graham Henry himself. When we move to the forward we have to speak about none other that New Zealeands fearless leader himself - Richie McCaw. Some people want to hate on him but watching him play and dominate all over the pitch is an absolute joy for the avid rugby watcher. He’s not a cheat – he’s just better than you and everyone else. The comparisons him to Schalk Burger are not quite fair - both can have similar impacts on a game but do so in very diffrent ways. Schalk plays with such animal like intensity and a work rate not previously seen in this 15 man game where as McCaw has mastered everything about being a pure #7, his running lines, his defense, and the most controversial part of his game – his work on the floor. One brings brute force and pure hustle to an entirely new level, where the other gives you a textbook on how the position should be played. Look for McCaw to simply dominate another season. Brad Thorn is another to watch. The ageless Thorn’s return from Rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable; his work rate - his brute force at the breakdown - his ball carrying ability are off the charts. The Crusaders could take the title home again, if they can win on the road and the new coaching can find some of Robbie Deans magic. I see them getting back to the playoffs and beyond there; your guess is as good as mine.
Blues
The Blues or the Polynesian basketball team as described by Eddie Jones is just awesome to watch. The Blues promise to be exciting this year but just how much excitement can put them into the final 4 of the S14. They have to huge off season signings in Ali Williams and Jimmy Goppath. Ali Williams is rivaled only by Victor Matfield in the number one lock in the world. His size, speed, and general athleticism is usually only seen on the court of an NBA team. (Note: Ali Williams represented New Zealand’s basketball team, “The Tall Blacks.”) They have lost Daniel Braid (Reds) who’s work will be greatly missed, Nick Evans at first five, and Mr. Do Everything Ica Necewa. I have no doubt the Blues will play some great rugby this year but on paper they are just not as strong as some other teams in the competition. I’m a huge fan of “Ice” Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wolf, Anthony Tuitavake and Joe Rokocoko. They might have the most exciting back three in the comp but this wont be enough. Blues to miss the semi’s and end up mid table.
Cheifs
Watching Sione Lauaki run with the ball is like watching an adult playing keep away from kids on a play ground. After missing the fall tour expect him to come back fitter and harder than you’ve ever seen. Stephen Donald and Richard Kahui will also look to impress. I expect the Chiefs to be in a similar boat to the Blues, they have a solid team, they’ll play great rugby but the semi’s will prove to be just out of their reach.
Hurricanes
The Hurricans will have a great side in 2009. I rate Piri Weepu as the best half back in NZ right now. His ability to speed up a game, and his tactical kicking are what really sets him apart. When the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Durban in 2007, he came on the field with 20 minutes left and simply took control. He won the test for AB’s in some of the greatest half back play I’ve ever seen. The Hurricane’s also feature an awesome All Black midfield of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. In the back three I’m a huge fan of Cory Jane. I first watched him when he was in the states with Moldies playing against the Eagles in 2006. He might have scored 3 or 4 tries that game as the NZ Maori humped the hapless Eagles. I have followed his career closely since then as I was very impressed with his young talent, and he produced a great highlight last year when he charged down a Kurtley Beale kick with his face. He has progressed into a full All Black along with Hosea Gear two New Zealand’s most exciting young talents. These players in the back line will give them constant attacking options that can at anytime break the game open. Jason Eaton will lead the forwards hopefully with less hair this year along with hooker Andrew Hore and ever reliable Rodney So’oialo. Look for the Hurricanes to make a real challenge for a finals spot.
Highlanders
It is not going to be pretty for these boys on the South Island. Otago is not the hotbed of rugby as it once was and not only do they have the ugliest S14 uniforms they are going to fight with the Cheetahs for bottom of the table. Adam Thompson will be their one bright spot as he impressed as an All Black last year and will most likely shine for this underperforming out fit. The highlanders will be lucky to finish above 10th.
The Crusaders have a tough task ahead of them. They are the most talented team in the world and have a habit of winning no matter what – this year however I feel they pose the biggest challenges of all they have lost the Worlds Best coach – Robbie Deans and the worlds best player Dan Carter. They have also lost NZ #1 lock in Ali Williams returning to the Blues. The question becomes can they pull insane talent out of no where they like have in the past? Stephen Brett would be the AB number 12 if it wasn’t for Ma Nonu resurgence. Now it’s his chance to show the world that there is more than Dan Carter in Christchurch. Tim Batemen is another to watch in the midfield as he was unlucky to not receive a call up to the AB’s for the fall tour according to Graham Henry himself. When we move to the forward we have to speak about none other that New Zealeands fearless leader himself - Richie McCaw. Some people want to hate on him but watching him play and dominate all over the pitch is an absolute joy for the avid rugby watcher. He’s not a cheat – he’s just better than you and everyone else. The comparisons him to Schalk Burger are not quite fair - both can have similar impacts on a game but do so in very diffrent ways. Schalk plays with such animal like intensity and a work rate not previously seen in this 15 man game where as McCaw has mastered everything about being a pure #7, his running lines, his defense, and the most controversial part of his game – his work on the floor. One brings brute force and pure hustle to an entirely new level, where the other gives you a textbook on how the position should be played. Look for McCaw to simply dominate another season. Brad Thorn is another to watch. The ageless Thorn’s return from Rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable; his work rate - his brute force at the breakdown - his ball carrying ability are off the charts. The Crusaders could take the title home again, if they can win on the road and the new coaching can find some of Robbie Deans magic. I see them getting back to the playoffs and beyond there; your guess is as good as mine.
Blues
The Blues or the Polynesian basketball team as described by Eddie Jones is just awesome to watch. The Blues promise to be exciting this year but just how much excitement can put them into the final 4 of the S14. They have to huge off season signings in Ali Williams and Jimmy Goppath. Ali Williams is rivaled only by Victor Matfield in the number one lock in the world. His size, speed, and general athleticism is usually only seen on the court of an NBA team. (Note: Ali Williams represented New Zealand’s basketball team, “The Tall Blacks.”) They have lost Daniel Braid (Reds) who’s work will be greatly missed, Nick Evans at first five, and Mr. Do Everything Ica Necewa. I have no doubt the Blues will play some great rugby this year but on paper they are just not as strong as some other teams in the competition. I’m a huge fan of “Ice” Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wolf, Anthony Tuitavake and Joe Rokocoko. They might have the most exciting back three in the comp but this wont be enough. Blues to miss the semi’s and end up mid table.
Cheifs
Watching Sione Lauaki run with the ball is like watching an adult playing keep away from kids on a play ground. After missing the fall tour expect him to come back fitter and harder than you’ve ever seen. Stephen Donald and Richard Kahui will also look to impress. I expect the Chiefs to be in a similar boat to the Blues, they have a solid team, they’ll play great rugby but the semi’s will prove to be just out of their reach.
Hurricanes
The Hurricans will have a great side in 2009. I rate Piri Weepu as the best half back in NZ right now. His ability to speed up a game, and his tactical kicking are what really sets him apart. When the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Durban in 2007, he came on the field with 20 minutes left and simply took control. He won the test for AB’s in some of the greatest half back play I’ve ever seen. The Hurricane’s also feature an awesome All Black midfield of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. In the back three I’m a huge fan of Cory Jane. I first watched him when he was in the states with Moldies playing against the Eagles in 2006. He might have scored 3 or 4 tries that game as the NZ Maori humped the hapless Eagles. I have followed his career closely since then as I was very impressed with his young talent, and he produced a great highlight last year when he charged down a Kurtley Beale kick with his face. He has progressed into a full All Black along with Hosea Gear two New Zealand’s most exciting young talents. These players in the back line will give them constant attacking options that can at anytime break the game open. Jason Eaton will lead the forwards hopefully with less hair this year along with hooker Andrew Hore and ever reliable Rodney So’oialo. Look for the Hurricanes to make a real challenge for a finals spot.
Highlanders
It is not going to be pretty for these boys on the South Island. Otago is not the hotbed of rugby as it once was and not only do they have the ugliest S14 uniforms they are going to fight with the Cheetahs for bottom of the table. Adam Thompson will be their one bright spot as he impressed as an All Black last year and will most likely shine for this underperforming out fit. The highlanders will be lucky to finish above 10th.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Eagle 7's/Aussie S14
Eagle 7's
The Dubia Tourament was on TV and I got chance to see Kevin Sirwin. This kid can play watch out for him in the future.
Western Force
The force had and up down campaign in 2008. The number one concern for the Brumbies is the fate of Matt Giteau. Apparently Gits has not be receiving the money in his contract from a 3rd party sponsor and might be headed back to the Brumbies. Without Gits the Force are a bottom tier team. He might be the form 10 in the world, and can turn a game on its head in a moment. Beyond Gits, look for David Pocock, Drew Mitchell, Tai McIssac, and Ryan Cross. Ryan Cross had a huge 2008 campaign and 2009 should be better after a long tour. Regardless of the A Giteau – Cross – Staniforth conection could be deadly. With Giteau the Force fight for a semi, but I don’t think they have it in the Engine room. Without Giteau, this is a bottom of the table team.
Brumbies
2009 – the Year of the Brumbie. They had a ton of talent and a great schedule – one thing missing Laurie Fisher. How will this affect them? Time will tell. If they gain Matt Giteau they have to be a favorite for a home semi. In the Second week against the Crusaders in Canberra we’ll find out if they are the real deal. They have tested experience and leadership in Mortlock and Smith, youth in Christian Lealiifano. They have several Wallabies in the squad and the one too look out for in 2009 is Stephen Hoiles. He was a barnstormer for Aussie A in the Pacific nations cup and this Randwick number 8 has some serious pace and skill. With Giteau the Brumbies might be your 2009 S14 favorite with out, they are still a playoff team.
QLD Reds
Queensland was for so long a great feared team packed with Aussie legends. Those days are no longer. They have some fantastic talent but not enough to win at this level. Their key off season signing of Daniel Braid will help – but this team needs far more than him. Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes give you some Wallaby skill and speed in the midfield – but this is not enough. The Reds similar to the Lions & Cheetahs, have some great first team talent but after that it falls off a cliff. Australia’s lack of a domestic professional competition shows more here than anywhere else. 2009 will be another long year for the boys of Ballymore.
NSW Waratah’s
The Tah’s had a great 2008 but 2009 will not be the same. Ewan McKenzie is gone and so are Ben Jacobs(Saracens) , Matt Dunning(Injury) Dan Vickerman (Cambridge) Rocky Elsom (Leinster). Any time you have a coaching change things are never as smooth as you would like, so on the very least it will take them a season to find their footing. These four players were huge parts of the of fantastic 2008 campaign. The Waratah’s also played with something to prove as their coached was sacked three weeks into the season. They still have heaps of talent with Kurtley Beale at fly half and Tom Carter in the midfield – I don’t see any line out or scrum dominance and losing their coach the Waratahs best shot will be mid table.
The Dubia Tourament was on TV and I got chance to see Kevin Sirwin. This kid can play watch out for him in the future.
Western Force
The force had and up down campaign in 2008. The number one concern for the Brumbies is the fate of Matt Giteau. Apparently Gits has not be receiving the money in his contract from a 3rd party sponsor and might be headed back to the Brumbies. Without Gits the Force are a bottom tier team. He might be the form 10 in the world, and can turn a game on its head in a moment. Beyond Gits, look for David Pocock, Drew Mitchell, Tai McIssac, and Ryan Cross. Ryan Cross had a huge 2008 campaign and 2009 should be better after a long tour. Regardless of the A Giteau – Cross – Staniforth conection could be deadly. With Giteau the Force fight for a semi, but I don’t think they have it in the Engine room. Without Giteau, this is a bottom of the table team.
Brumbies
2009 – the Year of the Brumbie. They had a ton of talent and a great schedule – one thing missing Laurie Fisher. How will this affect them? Time will tell. If they gain Matt Giteau they have to be a favorite for a home semi. In the Second week against the Crusaders in Canberra we’ll find out if they are the real deal. They have tested experience and leadership in Mortlock and Smith, youth in Christian Lealiifano. They have several Wallabies in the squad and the one too look out for in 2009 is Stephen Hoiles. He was a barnstormer for Aussie A in the Pacific nations cup and this Randwick number 8 has some serious pace and skill. With Giteau the Brumbies might be your 2009 S14 favorite with out, they are still a playoff team.
QLD Reds
Queensland was for so long a great feared team packed with Aussie legends. Those days are no longer. They have some fantastic talent but not enough to win at this level. Their key off season signing of Daniel Braid will help – but this team needs far more than him. Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes give you some Wallaby skill and speed in the midfield – but this is not enough. The Reds similar to the Lions & Cheetahs, have some great first team talent but after that it falls off a cliff. Australia’s lack of a domestic professional competition shows more here than anywhere else. 2009 will be another long year for the boys of Ballymore.
NSW Waratah’s
The Tah’s had a great 2008 but 2009 will not be the same. Ewan McKenzie is gone and so are Ben Jacobs(Saracens) , Matt Dunning(Injury) Dan Vickerman (Cambridge) Rocky Elsom (Leinster). Any time you have a coaching change things are never as smooth as you would like, so on the very least it will take them a season to find their footing. These four players were huge parts of the of fantastic 2008 campaign. The Waratah’s also played with something to prove as their coached was sacked three weeks into the season. They still have heaps of talent with Kurtley Beale at fly half and Tom Carter in the midfield – I don’t see any line out or scrum dominance and losing their coach the Waratahs best shot will be mid table.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Just Started/HC Preview/S14 Preview
I've thought about blogging for some period of time due to my strong opinions on just about everything - politics, rugby, the markets, etc...., I'm a terrible writer but here I go.
Rugby
We are in the middle of Heineken Cup week and the drama does not get much bigger than Dan Carter playing for Perpignan against Leicester. Henekye Meyer and his Tigers are walking into a buzz saw - the French are famous for playing much better at home and now with the best player in the world at 10, this game proves to be a cracker and my pick of the week! The Munster/Clermont and Quins/Stade games are the one not to be missed. The performance of the Harlequins last weekend in Paris was unreal. I expect the Parasians to come out swinging and one dogfight of a game. Danny Care seems to play much better without a rose on his jersey and just runs the show for the Quins look for a massive follow up to last . Munster put in a pretty average performance last week and will be keen to step it up at home. Euro rugby does not get much better, what a weekend a head!
Other games
Scarlets vs Ulster - I pick Ulster
Castres vs Leinster - Leinster
Dragons vs Toulouse - Toulouse
Treviso vs. Ospreys - Ospreys
Biarritz vs. Cardiff - Biarritz
Gloucester vs. Calvisano - Gloucester
Muster vs. Clermont - Munster
Quins vs. Stade Francais - Quins
Montauban vs. Sale - Sale
Wasps vs. Edinburg - Wasps
Glasgow vs. Bath - Bath
Super 14
To say I am anxiously awaiting this years S14.
Today - South Africa
Blue Bulls
The Bulls back line is looking quite strong with the Jaco Pretorious addition in the Midfield and Morne Steyn at the Pivot, and should give them some serious attacking prowess, more so than I've ever seen in Pretoria. In the pack they're going to miss Wickus Van Heerden on the deck but have an ever improving Deon Stegman combined with Piere Spies who's had a lot of rugby after sitting out for an extended period with blood clots. Combine Dannie Rousow and Pedrie Wannenburg at the blindside and you have a serious back row.Victor Matfield is becoming a better captain every game he takes the helm, and is the undisputed line out king. They will have Fourie De Preez at the back of the srum marshalling the show - this could be another year Bull. Hold on to your klipies and coke cause here comes bulls!
FS Cheetahs
The Freestate produces world class rugby player after world class rugby player - the problem is they leave. The talent drain leaves the FS with little hope in the S14. They dont have the depth than can weather this campaign or the Greuling tours back and forth across the tasman. Watch for Heinrich Brousow and Juan Smith to show the wild amount of depth SA has in the back row.
Lions
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego/Andre Pretorious? He's a favorate of mine and a world cup winner - will he ever play again? I have one word of advice for the fathers of daughters in JoBurg, hide them, cause here comes Todd Clever. He talks like a wuss but hits like an NFL line backer. Todd is a USA Eagle and the real deal. He might not start off the bat with all the homegrown talent at the Lions but at some point he'll make an impact - and we'll be watching! Jacque Fiore and Willem Alberts are two class players but I don't see the Lions in the top 4 or even the top 8.
Stormers
Rassie Erasmus is a rugby mastermind. The question then becomes with all these Springboks, what are we going to get here? The Stormers are stacked from top to bottom. Front row, second row, back row, half backs, midfield, back three. They have several world class players and should challenge for a top 4 spot. Look for big performances from Schalk Britts, Duane Vermeulen, and Peter Grant - all three who want that Green Jersey.
Sharks
My dear Sharkies have tons and tons of talent, and one of the best Schedules of the S14. Its the latter part that may make for the most impact. The attacking prowess of this team may be beyond what any other team in the S14 can handle. With an almost all Springbok back line - they might have the best in the competition. In the forwards the back row of Kankowski, Botes and Deysel will be hard to stop. The one I am going to watch for is Jean Deysel. He should have worn a green jersey on tour and might be the one to knock Juan Smith out of his position. His ball carrying ability is beyond anything I have ever seen. Add to that a front row of John Smit, Bismark DuPlesiss, and the beast - you have the best of the comp. Sharks have to be looking at a home semi if not more.
Tomorrow - Aussie S14
Friday - Kiwi S14
Rugby
We are in the middle of Heineken Cup week and the drama does not get much bigger than Dan Carter playing for Perpignan against Leicester. Henekye Meyer and his Tigers are walking into a buzz saw - the French are famous for playing much better at home and now with the best player in the world at 10, this game proves to be a cracker and my pick of the week! The Munster/Clermont and Quins/Stade games are the one not to be missed. The performance of the Harlequins last weekend in Paris was unreal. I expect the Parasians to come out swinging and one dogfight of a game. Danny Care seems to play much better without a rose on his jersey and just runs the show for the Quins look for a massive follow up to last . Munster put in a pretty average performance last week and will be keen to step it up at home. Euro rugby does not get much better, what a weekend a head!
Other games
Scarlets vs Ulster - I pick Ulster
Castres vs Leinster - Leinster
Dragons vs Toulouse - Toulouse
Treviso vs. Ospreys - Ospreys
Biarritz vs. Cardiff - Biarritz
Gloucester vs. Calvisano - Gloucester
Muster vs. Clermont - Munster
Quins vs. Stade Francais - Quins
Montauban vs. Sale - Sale
Wasps vs. Edinburg - Wasps
Glasgow vs. Bath - Bath
Super 14
To say I am anxiously awaiting this years S14.
Today - South Africa
Blue Bulls
The Bulls back line is looking quite strong with the Jaco Pretorious addition in the Midfield and Morne Steyn at the Pivot, and should give them some serious attacking prowess, more so than I've ever seen in Pretoria. In the pack they're going to miss Wickus Van Heerden on the deck but have an ever improving Deon Stegman combined with Piere Spies who's had a lot of rugby after sitting out for an extended period with blood clots. Combine Dannie Rousow and Pedrie Wannenburg at the blindside and you have a serious back row.Victor Matfield is becoming a better captain every game he takes the helm, and is the undisputed line out king. They will have Fourie De Preez at the back of the srum marshalling the show - this could be another year Bull. Hold on to your klipies and coke cause here comes bulls!
FS Cheetahs
The Freestate produces world class rugby player after world class rugby player - the problem is they leave. The talent drain leaves the FS with little hope in the S14. They dont have the depth than can weather this campaign or the Greuling tours back and forth across the tasman. Watch for Heinrich Brousow and Juan Smith to show the wild amount of depth SA has in the back row.
Lions
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego/Andre Pretorious? He's a favorate of mine and a world cup winner - will he ever play again? I have one word of advice for the fathers of daughters in JoBurg, hide them, cause here comes Todd Clever. He talks like a wuss but hits like an NFL line backer. Todd is a USA Eagle and the real deal. He might not start off the bat with all the homegrown talent at the Lions but at some point he'll make an impact - and we'll be watching! Jacque Fiore and Willem Alberts are two class players but I don't see the Lions in the top 4 or even the top 8.
Stormers
Rassie Erasmus is a rugby mastermind. The question then becomes with all these Springboks, what are we going to get here? The Stormers are stacked from top to bottom. Front row, second row, back row, half backs, midfield, back three. They have several world class players and should challenge for a top 4 spot. Look for big performances from Schalk Britts, Duane Vermeulen, and Peter Grant - all three who want that Green Jersey.
Sharks
My dear Sharkies have tons and tons of talent, and one of the best Schedules of the S14. Its the latter part that may make for the most impact. The attacking prowess of this team may be beyond what any other team in the S14 can handle. With an almost all Springbok back line - they might have the best in the competition. In the forwards the back row of Kankowski, Botes and Deysel will be hard to stop. The one I am going to watch for is Jean Deysel. He should have worn a green jersey on tour and might be the one to knock Juan Smith out of his position. His ball carrying ability is beyond anything I have ever seen. Add to that a front row of John Smit, Bismark DuPlesiss, and the beast - you have the best of the comp. Sharks have to be looking at a home semi if not more.
Tomorrow - Aussie S14
Friday - Kiwi S14
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
