RUGBY & LIFE

Lions Tour

2009-06-15T20:04:00.002-04:00

We have seen some great rugby already from this Lions Tour.

Vs. Higveld VX

This was a joke of game for the Lions but was fun to watch a bunch of nobody's try and be Giant Killers in the End Ronan O'Gara pulled it with his boot and Irish Charm.

Vs. Lions

This game was a joke. It was similar to the Golden Lions season in the S14. Granted they lost their coach 3 days before and we missing most of their first chioce forward pack. That being said the Lions were on Fire. The wanted to avenge the Poor perforance against the Highveld XV and they certainly did. They played faster and hard and stephen jones, Jamie Robinson and Brian O'Driscoll formed quite a partnership with Ugo Monye looking like a blur every time he had the ball. Congrats to Todd Clever for being the first American to play against the B&I Lions.

Vs. The Cheetahs

The Lions were super lucky to get away with this one. The Cheetahs played with a fericious never say die attitude and gave the Lions more trouble than they Imagined. This game is slowly but surely proving my point - the Lions sturggle to play a middle table team - with out thier best players how are they going to beat the springboks?

Vs. The Sharks

The Lions got away this won easier than they should've helped by a very poor sharks performance. The sharks weren't helped by the loss of 10 springboks - but should have made this one closer.

Vs. Province

Again another close game for the Lions against and average provincial side. The Lions seem to have a hard team dealing with teams that play well at the breakdown and kick well - I can tell you this is exactly what the Spingboks will look like. But they most likley will not give up much in the scrum, I expect them to put enourmous pressure on the Lions in the Line out.

The interesting matchup shaping up here for me is with the Midfield Combinations - can Jean DeVilliers shut down Jamie Robinson? Will it be Jacque Foure or Adi Jacobs against BOD?

The Games where Jamie Robinson hasn't been contained the Lions have run wild. If they can get over the gainline, Brian O'Driscoll is capable of running wild and can link up with anybody - even me! If the Lions get this consitent go forward we will see a few things

- Tries from the lions
- Huge hits
- Games much closer than many anticipate.

Without Jamie Robinsion the lions lose their go forward ball an attacking platform.

Eagle Game

2009-05-31T18:02:00.002-04:00

As I am watching the Eagle Gmae a few things are coming to mind

The Officating is a total and complete Joke
- Ireland is getting away with Murder at the Breakdown
- All the line throws were straight as can be
- Penalty try? Who are you kidding
- Why do they even have touch judges?
- Too much talk? Your useless ref why wouldn't we tell you?
- When the ball is two feet from your face how the hell do you miss the hands in the ruck you are uselss? Thats 14 points for the ref.

This is best forward performance in open play I've seen in years from the US. Its encouraging but is producing nothing.

They Eagles are breaking the gainline with regualrity again something new in the last few years.

While the Eagles are putting together phase after phase they're playing way too much rugby in the middle of the field.

Mike Hercus can't kick for post or from hand, his up and unders are useless, and he should be able to clear the ball and extra 15-20 meters with every kick. With Gaving Debartolo in the side why are you wasting time with a goal kicker who has never been consistent?

What a suprise as soon as he leaves the Eagles are on fire? Hercus is capeable of fantastic rugby - anyone who debates this must look no further than the EDF Energy Cup in 2006 where he cut up Wasps. We haven't seen this form from him since the second half of the Samoa game in the RWC. He has the ability to be a world class 10, but that isn't how he played today.

Kevin Swiryn Belongs in the centers, he should play 13.

The scrum has held up well all day.

There was very very little rugby played today thanks to an offical who cares more about his whistle than test in front of him. What a joke.

All in all the Eagles have improved many things that lacked in their performances from last year, most importantly getting over the gainline. They fought for the ball and put together many phases, and did not give away a lot of turnover ball from first phase - something that has been a habitual problem for the Eagles in the last season. I am looking forward to the Churchill Cup as we have to take baby steps in USA Rugby. With some goal kicking, some kicking to the corners, and some competent officating this becomes a very close game.

If the Eagles pack can keep building on this game we just may have a shot at Canada for the Rugby WC Qualifiers.

I am eagerly awaiting the Wales game next weekend. Good Luck boys.

Blue Bull Rampage

2009-05-30T16:14:00.003-04:00

Bulls 61 Chiefs 17

As predicted - The Bulls ran away with this one. Some smart play in the start of the match quickly put the Chiefs behind and the Bulls never looked back. It seems like the Bulls got every bounce and every break and they took advantage of it all.

The Bulls had the advantage in the forwards - and with the lead they kicked the ball all day and kept the Chiefs out of the game. Playing behind for virtually the entire contest the Chiefs were forced to try and run it at all costs and the Bulls Punished them over and over for it.

This was the most lopsided victory in S14 history - I hope the Lions are ready.

For the Bulls:
Tries: Du Preez 2, Habana 2, Matfield, Olivier, Spies, Rossouw
Cons: Steyn 5, Francis
Pens: Steyn 2
DG: Steyn

For Chiefs:
Tries: Masaga, Muliaina
Cons: Donald 2
Pen: Donald

Eagles Name Team to face Ireland

2009-05-29T22:27:00.003-04:00

Mike Petri comes in as captain for the Eagles against Ireland in Eddie O'Sullivan's first match in charge of the team. Hopefully he can lift the team like the small child about to great performance and build on his own solid performances he made in last years internationals. GO USA!!! More to come on this game later - but I can't wait to see how Petri plays against Peter Stringer.

1. Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie)
2. Chris Biller (California) (Debut)
3. Will Johnson (Oxford University) (Debut)
4. John Van Der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
5. Hayden Smith (Saracens)
6. Lou Stanfill (New York Athletic Club)
7. P Dahl (Belmont Shore) (Debut)
8. Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians) (Debut)
9. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), captain
10. Mike Hercus (Sunshine Coast Stingrays)
11. Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach) (Debut)
12. Roland Suniula (Pearl City) (Debut)
13. Junior Sifa (Middleton)
14. Justin Boyd (Dallas Harlequins)
15. Chris Wyles (Saracens)

Replacements: 16. Joe Welch (Belmont Shore) 17. Mate Moeakiola (Park City Haggis) 18. Courtney Mackay (Counties Manukau) 19. JJ Gagiani (Univ. of Cape Town) 20. Tim Usasz (Nottingham) (Uncapped), 21 Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore) (Uncapped), 22. A Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers)

Lions Tour 1st Match vs. Royal Highveld XV

2009-05-29T19:58:00.002-04:00

For all of the Lions fan out there this will be a great match to watch - because they are playing a team of second division rugby players in SA. As you will soon find out on continual basis I don't rate the Lions to highly but this game will be a joke. The Leopards and Griquas and second rates sqauds who get pumed by the other unions - even without their springboks. If the Lions win by less than 50 this is a failure for them. None the less it will yet another great spectacle of Rugby on this rugby awesome weekend!

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Royal Highveld XV: Russell Jeacocks (Leopards); Egon Seconds (Griquas), Deon van Rensburg (Leopards), Hanno Coetzee (Griquas), Bjorn Basson (Griquas); Naas Olivier (Griquas), Sarel Pretorius (Griquas); Albertus Buckle (Griquas), Rayno Barnes (Griquas), Bees Roux (Griquas), Rudi Mathee (Leopards), Jacques Lombard (Griquas), Wilhelm Koch (Leopards, capt), Devon Raubenheimer (Griquas), Jonathan Makoena (Griquas).
Replacements: Pellow van der Westhuizen (Leopards), Stef Roberts (Griquas), Rynard Landman (Leopards), RW Kember (Leopards), Jacques Coetzee (Pumas), Riaan Viljoen (Griquas), Jovan Bowles (Bulldogs).

Lions: Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales); Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland); Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England), Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland - captain), Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales).
Replacements: Lee Mears (Bath/England), Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England).

Super 14 Final Bulls vs. Chiefs

2009-05-29T19:31:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is easily one of my favorite days of the year - so much intense rugby I almost don't know what to do - some how I will manage.

First we start with Bulls & Chiefs in the S14. As you see above the Bulls poses one of biggest freak shows in world Rugby - Pierre Spies. He just one of many world class players on the Bulls at the moment. To give you guys some stats on him to display his freakish abilities here we go

- 2 meters tall or 6'6"
- Weight 110kgs/242lbs and 6% body fat
- He can Bench Press 365lbs/165KG
- Deadlifts 530lbs/220kg
- Can do a standing jump onto a platform 1.4 meters high (4.6 Feet)
- Does Chin ups with 50kg/110lbs on his waist
- The most impressive stat is that he can sprint 835m before slowing

There is no one in world rugby even close to this, maybe even the world period. Did I mention he has already won the S14 once?

His try last week was easily the try of the season as the bulls simply thrashed the greatest rugby franchise in the world the crusaders.

I am sure the chiefs will come to play, but the bulls forwards will feel Fourie DePreez and Morne Steyn on the front foot, and the two half backs kicking will keep the Cheifs back pedaling all day. Also the Cheifs just flew 20 hours to play at attitude at Loftus Versfeld - I'm sorry no matter how good the Kiwis are there are just too many things going against them here.

I see another rugby spectacular tomorrow with the bulls coming out on top!

As a massive sharks supporter it pains me to talk up the bulls - but lets face it - this season they are awesome.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Pedrie Wannenburg, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Marius Delport.

Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Toby Morland, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 James McGougan, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Joe Savage, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 David Bason, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sosene Anesi.

Equipment Upgrade

2009-05-29T18:30:00.001-04:00

The Blogging will continue again this evening with the new Laptop I have received today!

Out of the Loop!

2009-04-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

Sorry - Due to technical difficulties I have been out of the loop for a couple months but we are now back and better than ever!

Stay tuned for new and continued updates!

Timmy Little in Italy

2009-02-02T12:44:00.007-05:00

Timmy Little (Picture above on right), aka that wierd 6'6" Aussie guy who freaks everyone out, has now made a man of himself and is currently a full time rugby professional playing his Rugby in Sicily for San Gregorio Catina. This past weekend they had huge win against Treviso's A-Side in Italy's first division. It was a historic win as it is the first time ever a Sicilian team has beaten any grade of Treviso. Timmy was man of the match and ruffeled some feathers. I had a few minutes to speak to him via email.

R&L: Timmy why did you get a yellow card?

Timbo: Mate for being a C*** - I had been warned 3 or 4 times and I think i threw some one at the half back after the play.

R&L: Wow - you must be popular?

Timbo: Actually got punched in the face about 10 times, I had mutual friend of the opposing coach so I went to say hello after the game but he refused to speak to me!

R&L: How's the Pizza?

Timbo: Treating me well mate!

Here is a link to the write up translated by google;

"The victory of the heart, the group's victory, the victory of David against Goliath. It is a historic day for San Gregorio Catania Rugby who succeeded in defeat with a great merit over Benetton Treviso"

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.siciliatoday.net/quotidiano/sport/Rugby_San_Gregorio_Catania_-_Benetton_Treviso_25-13_11546.shtml&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=4&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DSan%2BGregorio%2Btreviso%2Brugby%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff

Another Bonus Pic! Here is the big man trying figure out the line calls in Italian! Good Luck!

Maha Rushie!

2009-01-29T10:28:00.001-05:00

Great Article by Maha Rushie - read it and check it out!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123318906638926749.html

Scott Johnson Gone?

2009-01-29T08:42:00.003-05:00

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_4867754,00.html

According to Planet Rugby Scott Johnson has quit USA Rugby - what a joke. All this guy did was come in and complain - and now he doesn't even have the gruff to stick it out.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out you loser!

Mike Lee & Murray Mexted Agree

2009-01-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

Sharks fan everywhere can enjoy this clip of Ryan Kankowski showing Richie McCaw and the rest of the Crusaders whats what!

Hopefully just a taste of whats to come this year in the S14!

All Quiet on the Rugby Front

2009-01-27T18:04:00.003-05:00

The dust has settled from the Heiniken Cup and the quarters are listed below

Cardiff vs. Toulouse
Munster vs. Ospreys
Quins vs. Leinster
Leicester vs. Bath

This will be continued at the conclusion of the six nations in Early April. The draw was announced today and I see the semi's as Toulouse vs. Bath & Quins vs. Ospreys, with a West Country final of Bath & Opsreys and Butch brining home the hardware.

The Super 14 just finished their first round of warm ups with two Americans in the fray - Chris Wyles and the Sarries going to down in Cape Town to the Stormers and Todd Clever getting a run in the Lions pummeling of the Bulls at Wits.

The Six nations starts next week and we like Wales in a repeat - they have two Angry men at the helm each of whom I can hardly understand a word they are saying. Having Mike Phillips back is going to give them the spark they were missing in Autumn Internationals. I will have a full Six nations preview next week.

There is very little rugby on TV this week - at least we have Jack Bauer to look forward to next Monday.

The Corner - Paki's Corner - What a beauty!

2009-01-21T18:14:00.004-05:00

If you notice the upgrades on rugbyandlife its due to some help from a talented blogger - Dallen Stanford. USA Eagle's Dallen Stanford's Blog www.PAKISCORNER.com - the Corner, is a great source for awesome rugby info and is hysterical.

For his help I have dedicataded a personal favorate tune of mine - Andrew W.K.'s "She is Beautiful." Slightly un-realted but like the corner - it rocks!

Todd Clever - S14 Superstar!

2009-01-21T09:21:00.006-05:00

USA Rugby has a new world Star; his name is Todd Clever. He has impressed for the eagles in 15's & 7's and started the famous try from the last world cup approrpatily deemed, "try of the world cup." He has now secured a contract with Golden Lions Rugby Union in South Africa and as all reports suggest is ripping it up. They love him in the Transvaal and has now become a high profile player on the biggest stage the Super 14. What makes this great is that Todd is an American born & bred rugger advancing through the Age grades. Tom Billups brought him to the 2003 World Cup to learn, and he was a star in the 2007 world cup, maybe the US can get 2 more from him. Todd gets his first run off the bench this weekend against Bulls in a trial match. The lions have some great prospects for this season vs. last year with the return of Jacque Foure, Andre Pretorious, and Ashwin Wilmense. Todd will add to the dynamic back row of Cobus "Baywatch" Groberlar and Wilem Alberts. The lions prospects are looking good for 2009 as are Mr. Clevers's. We wish him the best and will follow him closely all season.

In other news Mike Petri was named to the Barbaians sqaud to face the Scarlets in Wales. Mike is another born & bred USA Rugger - playing all the age grades, all americans and now is a the focal point of the eagles leading from halfback. This is a massive honor for another Eagle to be named to the famous side in recent seasons - with Mike McDonald, Mike Hercus and Paul Emerick all wearing the hoops of the BaaBaa's in recent seasons. Go Eagles!

Here are couple of links about Todd - enjoy
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A922400
http://www.planet-rugby.co.za/Story/0,18259,3551_4828009,00.html
http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=86236,1,22
http://sport.iafrica.com/news/1455340.htm
http://www.planet-rugby.co.za/Story/0,18259,3551_4828009,00.html

Saries sign Justin Marshall

2009-01-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Eddie Jones has just pulled a rabbit out of his hat and signed Justin Marshall for the rest of the season to replace Neil DeKock. This is great news for the Sarries as Justin Marshall can still play. Reports of him being a dick head have circle through out Europe the most recent when he refused to go on the field as a replacement in a Top 14 League game for Montpellier.

Justin Marshall showed some great form for the Ospreys in Wales last season but did not like sharing the spotlight/game time with Mike Phillips and left for the South of France.

I think this is a huge positive for the Sarries and will help thier Premiership and Euro Challange Cup chances.

Great Quote

2009-01-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

"We are getting a notoriously ambitious woman who made a fool of herself over Bosnia, at the time and during the recent campaign, and who otherwise has no command of foreign affairs except what she's picked up second-hand from an impeached ex-president, a disbarred lawyer, and a renter of the Lincoln Bedroom. If the Senate waves this through, it will have reinforced its recent image as the rubber-stamp chamber of a bankrupt banana republic. Not an especially good start to the brave new era."

Christopher Hitchens on Hillary Clinton's appointment as Sec of State for the United States.

Here is a link to the entire column http://www.slate.com/id/2208425/

Weekend of Insanity!

2009-01-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

This weekend consisted of insanity on many many levels.

1. Smith Barney/Morgan Stanley rumors - It seems the goverment is forcing Citi to sell its best asset - Smith Barney. This would be a great move Morgan and would give some stability to the Brokers of Smith Barney. What seems as something that is "too bad," for Citi is almost, "too good," for Morgan.

2. The Giants lost. Cinderalla story no more - I got a huge tv to watch them win the Superbowl and with my luck its going to be the Steelers and Eagles - the two teams I hate the most in the NFL. What a joke.

3. Barrack Obama is taking office this week - as a die hard republican this is more insanity.

4. Northamton beat Leicester tigers - WTF? Ben Foden wants to play scrumhalf but he has serious wheels at 15 and created a fantastic try and scored one of his own. Not sure if he ready for Test rugby at 15 - the english will most likely do this - start him once against against Wales/France/Ireland - he'll have mare of a game in his first test (expected) then they'll drop him and he will flounder around and do nothing for England - Just like Anthony Allen. Nothing makes me laugh more or shows the insanity of English rugby the way they build players up just to rip them down. Danny Cipriani is the latest - the fact that he was even avialable for the Autumn internationals was nothing short of remarkable - he had some average performances with a test rookie at 12, and average 9 and a pack going backwards. All of sudden he's done - INSANITY!

5. Four weeks until Super 14 - Insanity!

6. The game I was looking forward to all week Bath vs. Wasps - cancelled due to frozen pitch - Insanity!

USA Rugby Coach to Wales?

2009-01-09T12:33:00.004-05:00

Reports are going wild about USA Eagle coach Scott Johnson going to Wales. Here at Rugby & Life we have mixed feelings about this - mostly becuase details and rumors are running wild.

We've heard that he is going to forgo his salary to pay the players and in his new role could get some USA players playing rugby in 1st Division in Wales. These would all be positives of the move but nothing has been substantiated.

The negatives is that the Coach for the Eagles is not here.

However in the off season for the Eagles (7 months of the year) what does the Eagle coach do?

If he is available for the Eagle setups - put money in the players hands - and get some guys contracts - this will be a plus for USA Rugby.

Hopefully Clarity on this issue will soon follow!

Book Review - Monty

2009-01-05T17:08:00.006-05:00

Percival Colin Montgomery was an exceptional rugby player and this book reads more like a list of stats/records because that is what this guy is - a walking record book.

This book as not as heart stoping as Jake Whites book but does give a quite a diffrent look into the fancy pants pretty boy monty was portrayed in the media.
(He was raised from humble beginnings and worked extreamly hard for everything he achieved.) He was constantly booded in Pretoria, Bloem and Joburg even though he was a better goal kicker than Naas Botha. He was instrumental in winning a world cup, won the currie cup several times and was within inches of winning the S14. He played fantastic in Wales, and has the most springbok caps of all time.

So goes the saying that "numbers don't lie," Percy Montgomery is one of the greatest rugby players ever to play the game.

For any rugby fan I highly suggest picking up this book as he is truly a legend of the game.

Here is another great picture of Percy

Saturday's a Rugby Day!

2008-12-26T06:43:00.002-05:00

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

We Promised - They Delivered

2008-12-24T10:44:00.003-05:00

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!

Can he do it again?

2008-12-20T08:40:00.004-05:00

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

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T10:16:00.002-05:00

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!

MacGruber!

2008-12-16T10:15:00.004-05:00

For those of you who think you've had it tough in the market MaGruber takes it in stride!

Africa!

2008-12-16T09:32:00.003-05:00

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!

Bernie Madoff WTF?

2008-12-15T13:29:00.002-05:00

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.

Euro All Blacks bring Heineken Cup Brilliance!

2008-12-15T11:56:00.002-05:00

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

Spring Rugby for the Boys of White Plains!

2008-12-12T10:38:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-12-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

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.

Eagle 7's/Aussie S14

2008-12-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

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.

Just Started/HC Preview/S14 Preview

2008-12-10T09:20:00.001-05:00

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