tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85465792970726522062024-03-10T02:45:52.097+00:00Dumptackle Rugby BlogDumptackle is the rugby blog that consistently dumps all others on their arse! You've been warned!
Come here to find all the latest rugby news and opinion...as well as some pretty nonsensical stuff too!
We cover competitions such as Super Rugby, the Heineken Cup, Six Nations, the Rugby Championship, the Aviva Premiership, the Top 14, the Currie Cup, the Pro 12 and the ITM Cup.Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-81700347378856255322013-03-08T21:45:00.002+00:002013-03-08T21:50:30.070+00:00Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man - Kirwan is bringing back Auckland's rugby soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Who would have predicted at the start of the season that heading into round 3 of Super Rugby, the Blues would be two from two, have two 4 try bonus points to go with that and sit joint top of the NZ conference? All this from a side of complete no names, a group in rebuild mode, a team with no passion from a city fed up with the lack of heart shown for far too long from this once mighty province. <span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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How a couple of weeks have thrown early season predictions and expectations out the window. The catalyst for this shock start to the season? Well put it down to one man, Auckland’s most famous butcher<span style="color: #1f497d;">,</span> and no I am not talking about the Mad Butcher. </div>
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That’s right, I am talking about the butcher’s apprentice from Mangere, the man who went on to become one of the world’s great wingers, an All Black great, a world cup winner, a man who is fluent in Italian and proficient in Japanese, a man who has received a knighthood for his work in facing headfirst the problems with depression, a man who has travelled the world before returning for this challenge in his beloved Auckland. The JK effect is there, its powerful, its stirring, its building and I for one am loving it.<br />
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Ok, maybe I am getting carried away, I mean we are only two weeks in and the season is a marathon not a sprint, championships aren’t handed out in February afterall. ‘Surely the Blues will falter’ the naysayers will say, ‘how will the young guns fare in South Africa, once injuries kick in and when the weather turns?’ are just some of the questions they will justifiably ask. <span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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The people of Auckland have for too long been apathetic to their rugby side, once a rugby superpower, the City of Sails lost its rugby soul. The rugby heartlanders south of the Bombay Hills profess that it’s because Aucklanders have been too busy sipping flat whites talking about capital gains on their latest beach house property or paddle boarding around Rangitoto rather than supporting their team. ‘Rugby just isn’t in their blood’ the southerners argue. Throw in, season upon season of poor results, little passion, low crowds, rugby in NZs big smoke has been dying a slow death. <span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Cometh the hour cometh the man, arise the great Sir JK. Kirwan has come into the role, a position that has proved more a poisoned chalice than the great opportunity it should be, and been clear from day one about what he is trying to achieve. No miracles. No talk of winning the competition or even making the playoffs. JK has made it his stated goal to get the city back behind the team, to make them believe, to make them proud of their team again. </div>
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As a proud Aucklander and a player who shared so many great moments in such an illustrious Auckland career, he could see that the team had lost its connection to the city. He could see that the rugby team was no longer in the fabric of the city. This was of great concern to Kirwan who identified that Auckland, as the largest Polynesian city in the world, is sitting on the greatest pool of natural rugby talent anywhere. </div>
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What stands out to me about JK is that he is not your normal rugby coach or in fact New Zealander. He is a guy who has travelled extensively having been overseas for 15 years in which time he coached both the Italian and Japanese national sides. Kirwan understands cultures and the different and positive ideas they can bring and contribute. JK once told the Italian side that he wanted them to play like Italians drive - frantic, crazy, angry, passionate, he wanted them to identify their playing style with their culture and who they were. It seems he is trying to bring this philosophy to the Blues, JK seems to have embraced the melting pot that Auckland is and from what we have seen from the first few games is encouraging the team to play with that confident, powerful, flamboyant manner reflecting the way Aucklanders see their city. <span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Perhaps though, the most significant point of difference that JK brings is his understanding of people and what makes them tick. Having dealt with depression himself and having been the face and spokesman for depression and for men facing this common illness, JK understands that life is challenging, that young men will face problems outside the rugby environment, that you need to understand the complexities of people to truly bring out the best in them. JK seems to have this ability and this could be the key to finally unlocking this sides great potential.<span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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There is a long way to go, there will be bumps on the journey but so long as Sir JK keeps heading in the direction he is, the city will continue to back him and the team. Rugby excitement is building in the city of sails again, I for one can’t wait for next week’s game. <span lang="EN-US"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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All hail Sir JK, let the good times roll on.<br />
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<strong><em>By Cameron Avery</em></strong></div>
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-10449909103733131782013-02-10T11:44:00.003+00:002013-02-10T11:44:23.139+00:00Scrum Science: Rugby Union Scrummaging by the Numbers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Having only ever played as a scrumhalf and fly half, I have always wondered what goes on in scrums. It is the real mystery in the game of Rugby Union. And I know that I am not alone when even the professionals are consistently confused by scrum penalties (a topic for another day maybe).<br /><br />The set scrum, which was initially a means of restarting play after minor rule infringements, has become an integral part of the battle for physical and psychological supremacy over the opposition.<br /><br /><img alt="Scrum Machine with Sensors" border="none" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5105" height="136" src="http://www.protrainingprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Scrum-Machine-with-Sensors.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 2px 7px 2px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="317" />Every year we see law changes designed to make the scrum safer. <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I want to understand the 'science of the scrum' & why it is so dangerous in the first place.</strong><br /><br />The scrum science numbers below are summarised from a <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/pubmed/10824640" style="border: 0px; color: #4848fe; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">New Zealand study of professional provincial Rugby Union forwards</a>.<br /><br />Scrummaging forces were measured in this study using strain gauges fitted to the shoulder pads of a purpose built scrummaging machine. <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The average pack impact force at the hit in professional scrummaging is 10,850 ± 1170 N.</strong><br /><br />If you are anything like me, that doesn't mean much. <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To put this in perspective, a knockout punch delivers some 3,000 N. That is 1/3 of the the force in the scrum!</strong><br /><br /><img alt="Scrum Science forces in the scrum" border="none" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5103" height="120" src="http://www.protrainingprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Scrum-Science-forces-in-the-scrum.png" style="border: 0px; display: inline; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 2px 7px 2px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500" /><br /><br /><br />While more injuries are sustained in tackles, the high forces on the exposed cervical spine (neck) mean that scrummaging injuries are more dangerous. And this is why ESPN calls the Rugby scrum the ‘historically the most dangerous moment in sport’.<br /><br /><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is it all in the Front Row?</strong></span><br /><br />It is also interesting to learn who is contributing what to the scrum. In a separate article on the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8235190" style="border: 0px; color: #4848fe; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">Biomechanics of Scrummaging</a>, Milburn reported that the three members of the <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">front row produced 38% of the forward force generated by the entire pack, the locks produced 42% and the loose-forwards 20%</strong>. The low force contributed to the total scrum by the loose forwards is attributed to the body alignment of the players when scrummaging, with the props and locks transmitting force directly forward, whereas the flankers push into the scrum at an angle. This might also be linked to a strength differential between the positions.<br /><br /><img alt="Contribution to the Scrum by Position" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5108" height="300" src="http://www.protrainingprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Contribution-to-the-Scrum-by-Position.png" style="border: 1px solid rgb(227, 227, 227); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px auto; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="500" /><br /><br /><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Does size matter?</strong></span><br /><br />Interestingly, teams composed of stronger individuals did not always produce more force than those containing weaker individuals. After the hit, the mean impact force that packs were able to exert was 66% of the sum of their individual forces. These findings emphasize the importance of technique and coordination among the members of the scrum pack to enable them to produce force effectively.<br /><br />This would explain why smaller teams can still compete at the scrum.<br /><br /><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cameron West</strong><br />Cameron is the Director of Pro Training Programs</div>
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-49272603710754092292013-01-19T00:20:00.000+00:002013-01-19T19:47:33.221+00:00Five young rugby union stars to watch in 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2012 has long passed and the time to reflect has gone. So, today <b><i>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</i> </b>gazes into the future, predicting 5 young union stars to shine in 2013. Have we missed a gem though? Is their an un-sung star in your country? Please let us know in the comments section below.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>1. Charles Piutau (New Zealand and Auckland)</b><br />
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Explosive power, raw speed and an ability to break the line at will have made this former Wesley College schoolboy (a college which incidentally also gave us the legendary Jonah Lomu) one of the <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/opinion/7851454/Piutau-the-new-breed-of-fullback" target="_blank">most talked about young rugby players in New Zealand</a>. Sonny Bill Williams may have departed after a brief but nonetheless sparkling stay in union, but Charles Piutau looks set to take up his mantle as the nation's ultimate line-breaker. At only 21 years old, Piutau has already starred in two IRB Junior World Championships (2010 - Tonga, 2011 - NZ), finishing as the tournament's top scorer during his second tilt at the title. Those scintillating displays from fullback helped fast-track him into Gordon Tietjens' NZ Sevens side later on in 2011 too but it was the tail end of 2012 which really got fans talking. His introduction to the Blues late in the Super 15 season (as injury cover for a depleted franchise) coincided with a return to form for the Aucklanders, with Piutau giving his fans a glimpse of the future with some particularly damaging counter-attacking displays. He then impressed further in the Air New Zealand Cup, turning the after-burners on again and again as he consistently dotted down over the line, leading his side to a final appearance against Cantebury. It wasn't quite enough to earn him a call up for the All Black's northern hemisphere tour, but it certainly gave the selectors food for thought. A <a href="http://www.sportal.co.nz/rugby-union-news-display/piutau-ready-to-build-on-solid-start-213547" target="_blank">strong showing in 2013's Super 15</a> may force their hand. <br />
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<b>2. Gail Fickou (France and Toulouse)</b><br />
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France enjoyed a mini revival during the Autumn internationals, destroying both Australia and Argentina with a potent mix of power, guile and flair, a quality which had been sadly missing over recent years. With a a new breed of young stars filtering through into the squad too, the future looks bright. Gael Fickou is the latest sensation to catch the eye, with a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/oct/16/gael-fickou-toulouse-heineken-cup" target="_blank">fine individual try against Leicester in the Heineken Cup</a> introducing him with a bang to the wider rugby public back in October (as a prodigious 18 year old). Touted as the next Wesley Fofana, Fickou will do well to forge as big an impression as the Clermont man did in his debut international season last year, but if he does, France may just enjoy the most fear inspiring centre partnership in world rugby for years to come. The jury may still be out at this moment in time as the young man by his own admission isn't even the best centre in France, but as Toby Flood remarked following his side's loss to Toulouse; "He looks fantastic. He's big, he's rangy, he's going to fill out
further and he's got good acceleration. He's certainly one to watch."<br />
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<b>3. Johan Goosen (South Africa and Free State)</b><br />
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Johan Goosen broke the mould of South Africa's archetypal kicking
fly-half in 2012, evoking memories of mercurial Sharks fly half Henry
Honniball - who was a scurge to many Super Rugby sides in the late '90s.
Although Goosen was still deadly with the boot (hovering at the top of
the kicking stats before his season was cut short though injury), it was
his varied array of skills that set him apart from his Springbok peers.
He reguarly got the Cheetahs backline purring, notably inspiring a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4jyErffbbY" target="_blank">dramatic comeback against the Hurricanes in Week 6</a>. As a side note, Goosen quite comfortably won our poll asking 'which
young player had impressed the most in 2012' too, raking in 21% of the
votes. He must have left quite the impression on you too, given he only
played half a season! Goosen did recover in time to earn a spot on South Africa's tour to the northern hemisphere last Autumn though. With four caps earned on that tour, he will surely have an even greater influence in 2013, especially if Heyneke Meyer favourite, Morne Steyn, continues to struggle with form. <br />
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<b>4. Freddie Burns (England and Gloucester)</b><br />
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While most young English school boys post 2003 modelled themselves on World Cup winning hero Jonny Wilkinson, Freddie Burns, a pupil of Beechen Cliff school in Bath at the time, took his inspiration from New Zealand's mercurial number 10, Carlos Spencer. Who could have guessed then that during the 2009/10 season he would be united with his childhood hero, as the Maverick Aucklander signed with Gloucester and encouraged the youngster to trust his instincts by playing what he sees in front of him? A product of the Kingsholm Academy, Burns scored 279 points in 30 games during his debut season last year and has progressed further this season, amassing another 240 points (as of 10th Jan 2013).<b> </b>While his attacking instincts have left many an onlooker purring in admiration, it has been his game-management and the accuracy of his goal kicking which have impressed those in the upper echelons of the English game.<b> </b>Having made his <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-new-boy-freddie-burns-1501648" target="_blank">international debut during England's Autumn romp over the All Blacks</a>, we can expect to see a lot more of this young starlet in 2013.<br />
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<b>5. Craig Gilroy (Ireland and Ulster)</b><br />
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The Irish back division have undoubtedly stagnated over the last few years and some of the old guard will be looking over their shoulders given the quality on offer from their young provincial tyros. Munster's Simon Zebo made a superb start to his international career last year as he made a stunning switch from the left wing to fullback, while Ulster's 21 year old winger, Craig Gilroy made a similarly mesmerising entrance to the international scene.<b> </b>The 'Gilroy shimmy' had already been seen with some regularity at Ravenhill, perhaps most famously during his side's <a href="http://www.dumptackle-rugbyblog.com/2012/04/heineken-cup-quarter-finals-review.html" target="_blank">Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Munster in 2012</a>. His try scoring exploits did not cease in the Green jersey either, scoring two on his debut against the Barbarians in May, a hat-trick against Fiji in his second appearance (sadly not recognised as a test) and then yet another try against the Pumas, as the re-invigorated Irish thrashed Argentina in Dublin. With Brian O'Driscoll surely coming to the end of his international career (having had his captaincy given to Jamie Heaslip for this year's Six Nations), there may be room for a new golden boy in Irish rugby and Gilroy's twinkling toes fit the bill perfectly.<b></b><br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-60429849734905712302013-01-15T21:20:00.002+00:002013-01-15T21:23:49.410+00:00'Farrell can deliver the Holy Grail' <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rugby
expert David Kuzio believes the future of English rugby union lies
solely at the feet of youngster Owen Farrell.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Owen
Farrell may only be 21-years-old but if he is managed well<span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">,</span></span></span> he could
the man to fire England to World Cup success in 2015.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Farrell
has an old head on very young shoulders and thanks to the mentoring
from his father Andrew, who is a former dual code international, he
certainly has the maturity and confidence to be England’s 'go<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>to' man
just like<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Jonny Wilkinson in Australia in 2003.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">England’s
2011 World Cup adventure in New Zealand was a total disaster and the
sport of rugby cannot afford another failure like that.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well
in 2015, if Farrell still has the desire and determination he is
showing now he could without a shadow of a doubt be the man to carry
the Red Rose to glory.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone
remembers the euphoria generated when Jonny Wilkinson slotted over
that dramatic drop goal in Sydney on Saturday, November 22 to bring
home the trophy 20-17.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Six Nations is a great tournament to compete in as Lancaster and his
coaching staff can look at different players and certain combination,
but one eye is always on the World Cup.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
World Cup is the pinnacle of any players career, no matter what the
sport, and considering this country’s football team look no closer
to winning the trophy for the first time since 1966 then it is down
to Lancaster and his merry men to lift the gloom and bring home a
second World Cup success in 12 years.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">England’s
World Cup win in 2003 was all down to the preparation laid down by
then head coach Sir Clive Woodward and if we are to emulate that
great team then Lancaster has to seriously start his planning now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
friendship and togetherness in that 2003 squad may never be
replicated but you can give it a good go and selecting the youngsters
now that will be at their peak in 2015 is the best place to start.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lancaster
is a good coach and a clever man and he already sees that young
Farrell is a talented player, but he needs to stop tinkering with his
position and give him a run in the team in one spot.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes
Farrell can play both centre or fly-half but he is at his most
dangerous with number 10 on his back and he should be selected in
that position from now until the World Cup if England are to have any
chance or erasing that painful memory of the 2011 World Cup.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lancaster
has, in the past, highlighted how important Farrell is to the England
squad, but there is a difference to being an important cog to being
the actual cog that makes everything tick and the former St John
Fisher High School student is that player.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
England coach will never select players on reputation and will always
reward hard work and after naming Farrell at fly-half in the victory
over World Champions New Zealand last November he admitted that was
done on his recent form and if he continues to show that kind of
potential then he will never have a reason to drop him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lancaster
said: “"Owen had an outstanding season in the Six Nations. He
contributed massively.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I
don't think his form dropped off as many suggested at the end of last
season. He had had a long, hard season. He had a slow start to his
season with a shoulder injury but in the last four weeks he has been
outstanding in training."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">That
is the kind of player the England squad needs - hard working and
willing to improve on his mistakes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having
been an admirer of his father Andy for years, it is safe to say that
the Farrell family do not lack confidence and they are born winners.
Some may say that Farrell is too young and not experienced enough -
but in my experience in the world of rugby “If you are good enough
then you are old enough”.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
in my opinion Farrell is certainly ahead of his years. Just read
these quotes from the youngster after learning he was nominated as
one of the four nominations for the International Rugby Board’s
Player of the Year and selected to go up against fellow nominee Dan
Carter.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
said: “Scared?” </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Why
would I be scared of something in the game I love? It was humbling to
be nominated, a surprise too and I’ve had a bit of stick. But I’m
in a good place at the moment. This is something that I’ve been
preparing to do.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
is a kid of 21 and relishing the chance to go up against a great of
the game and less than eight years in the 15 aside code. People
forget that Farrell played rugby league religiously up until he
followed his father to union in 2005 and had never played the other
code.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
now looks a natural and again I use the statement, if he is managed
correctly, then he will guide and kick England to another World Cup
glory, and that is what it’s all about,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>About
the Author</b></span></span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>David
Kuzio</i> is an expert Rugby Union live journalist at
Livestreamingsport.com,an award winning sports site which provides
live streaming fans with match previews, team news, updates and
streaming schedules for a vast array of sports including rugby
league, rugby union, snooker, darts, football and more.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-32822458996585093582013-01-10T17:35:00.003+00:002013-01-12T14:09:50.880+00:00Plea for 2013 - Review the IRB Judiciary Process!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As the southern hemisphere teams returned home from their northern tours back at the tail end of last year, the IRB judiciary system faced increasing criticism from players and management alike. During the IRB's annual conference in Dublin in early December, the <a href="http://www.rugby-ipa.com/" target="_blank">International Rugby International Players Association</a> criticised what it described as inconsistencies in the judicial system and called for change.<br />
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Recent incidents involving New Zealand, in particular, have highlighted problems in the system. In September 2012, Springboks prop Dean Greyling received a two-week suspension after diving across a maul to deliberately smash his elbow into the face of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. This incredibly lenient penalty sharply contrasts with other decisions, like the four week penalty given to All Black hooker Kevin Mealamu for head-butting England skipper Lewis Moody in 2010.<br />
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In October 2012, McCaw was on the receiving end again, when he was unnecessarily kneed in the head by Australian flanker Scott Higginbotham – who then proceeded to head-butt McCaw in the ensuing scrap. Higginbotham received a two-match suspension for his actions, the light punishment probably due to the lack of force used in the incident.<br />
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More recently, the All Blacks themselves were then in trouble on their northern hemisphere tour with flanker Adam Thomson being cited for stomping on the head of his opposite number Alasdair Strokosh. He received a one-week suspension as punishment and many pundits considered this to again be too lenient. The IRB agreed and, in an unusual move, reviewed the case and doubled the length of the suspension. It stated that the original punishment had been unduly lenient and not consistent with punishments previously handed down for similar offences.<br />
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In the following match All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore became the latest player surrounded in controversy, after a blindside strike on Welsh lock Bradley Davies. In what was widely condemned as deliberate, cowardly and dangerous act, Hore received an eight-match ban – later reduced to five games because of his good previous record and his unintended contact with the victim’s head. Due to this decision, Hore will only miss one game of any importance during his ban. One of the games he was unlikely to have played in anyway and the other three are pre-season (practice) matches with little real significance.<br />
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The IRPA Executive Director New Zealander Rob Nichol has reacted to the controversy, stating that the <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/8038529/Players-association-steps-in-over-judicial-system" target="_blank">judicial system has let the game down</a>. New initiatives have been proposed that will give the Television Match Officials a role in citing, with recently retired players also being included on judicial panels. They also propose that suspensions should relate to a number of relevant matches, rather than a given number of weeks. This will mean that the magnitude of punishments will no longer depend on the time of year the penalty is given and the amount of fixtures in its duration. <br />
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Despite the proposed changes, some still argue that the penalties aren’t strict enough and a number of additional suggestions have been made. The first is to categorise and grade offences (like in Rugby League) to ensure greater consistency. Additionally some pundits would like to implement a system of fines in a similar fashion to football, cricket and tennis. The argument is that Rugby is a professional game and that the fines already imposed for breach of contract should be applied to foul play.<br />
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Other ideas pertain to the citing system itself. For example, some would like on field match officials to be allowed to place a player “on report”, as in Rugby League so that an incident can be reviewed later. This would also apply to TMOs, who would be allowed to do the same for actions the referee or his assistants might have missed. However, considering the citing commission already look for incidents missed in the match itself this is more of a technicality. Furthermore there have been discussions on the question of time and what sort of time frame citings should be made under.<br />
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No one will forget the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand when <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2361586/ODriscoll-is-felled-as-feeble-Lions-savaged.html" target="_blank">All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and hooker Kevin Mealamu dumped Brian O’Driscoll on his head</a>, forcing him out of the tour with injury. It was only later that amateur footage showed the callousness of the act, by which time it was too late to take action. It did, however, prompt the IRB to outlaw spear tackles and prompted kit makers such as <a href="http://www.canterbury.com/" target="_blank">Canterbury</a> to produce a wider range of protective gear.<br />
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With a proper citing system in place and offences as well as their respective punishments clearly laid out, all that remains is to decide on who should hear cases. For practical reasons, in domestic rugby the home union should probably be responsible for appointing a judiciary panel, while panels for international tournaments and matches should be appointed by agreement among the participants. But, the IRB needs to be in control at all times to ensure consistency and to avoid accusations of manipulation. For this reason, decisions should be submitted for review to a higher body. <br />
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Imagine a star international facing a lengthy suspension following an incident in a club game – will his home union suspend him and so deny the national side his services? Or, will an overseas player receive a longer suspension than he should to prevent him playing for his country? These are the type of issues that must be considered by the IRB to ensure consistency in decisions. <br />
The rules currently in place are clearly not working as they should. Not everyone will be satisfied all the time, but if the judicial system can be made open and consistent there will be fewer complaints and everyone will know exactly where they stand.<br />
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<i>Written by Adam Dodge</i></div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-75418655957795324052013-01-09T22:30:00.001+00:002013-01-10T17:45:04.168+00:00Rugby vs Football - Comparison by numbers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF2A7nShCeut1dsAd6uUX-HdkR2dFBOJJ8EajWFWM9R7RJmxxN-eKwpmoqzmXXZgJ8nG62lsonhLgeFQ2GzlBrCHnhvK5Ng45FVYc12jLlRuPDN_r_F_zNWLWzU8J5e3tJ-oOMUUkvqE/s1600/Football-v-Rugby-456x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF2A7nShCeut1dsAd6uUX-HdkR2dFBOJJ8EajWFWM9R7RJmxxN-eKwpmoqzmXXZgJ8nG62lsonhLgeFQ2GzlBrCHnhvK5Ng45FVYc12jLlRuPDN_r_F_zNWLWzU8J5e3tJ-oOMUUkvqE/s640/Football-v-Rugby-456x300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Let's keep this simple. What's better, rugby union or football? <br />
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Most rugby fans have at some point or another taken part in a lively 'rugby union vs football' debate at a local publican, especially if you live in the UK, where both sports enjoy huge popularity.<br />
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For me there is no denying the beauty that can be found in either game on a purely sporting level. Artistry and athleticism are aplenty on both fields. The main difference lies in the 'spirit in which the game is played' (and supported). I'm not breaking new ground either by saying that increased commercialism in football has had an unquestionably perverse impact on the attitude of it's main actors from grass roots upwards too.<br />
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Perhaps it's for that reason (and maybe a few others too) that the likes of Richie McCaw, Chris Robshaw and Sam Warburton seem all the more approachable than say a young buck playing in his debut season for QPR, despite their superior fame.<br />
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I personally will probably never abandon either sport, but it's always interesting to compare some key statistics and that is exactly what one <i><b>Dumptackle</b></i> reader did. Step forward into the limelight....Adam Dodge, who created the beautiful infographic below. I hope you find it as fascinating as I did.<br />
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<img alt="Rugby vs Football" class="visually_embed_infographic" rel="http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/rugby-vs-football_50291cb12aa4a.png" src="http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/rugby-vs-football_50291cb12aa4a_w587.png" /><br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-18448447954379956752013-01-09T22:23:00.001+00:002013-01-12T14:10:15.041+00:00Concussion: Should there be rules regarding recommendation to retire?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang=""><br /></span>The IRB decided to introduce the <b><i>Concussion Bin</i></b> for the current 2012-13 Aviva Premiership season, which will see players temporarily removed from the field of play for cognitive testing.<br />
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This will mean that the testing that takes place following a knock to the head will be far more thorough to ensure that any suspected concussion can be identified to prevent the risk of any short-term damage but, perhaps more importantly, everlasting long-term neurophysiological and psychological concerns caused by a second impact on an already concussed brain (Second Impact Syndrome).</div>
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In 2010, we saw the much-regretted retirement of <b>John Fogarty</b> on the premise of medical grounds due to consecutive concussions. The repeated concussions are thought to have been the cause of symptoms that were affecting his personal life, as well as his professional career.</div>
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Whilst this is a step in the right direction to managing and minimizing the risks associated with concussions and head-related injuries, should the IRB and national governing bodies be taking a much more firm stance on this? <br />
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Firstly by implementing more frequent medical examinations to assess cognitive actions on a more regular, scheduled basis and secondly, should retirement be encouraged as a serious option if there is a noticeable difference in the cognitive and mental performance of a player?<br />
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<b><u>The Case for Yes</u></b></div>
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</u></b>The simple case for monitoring and educating players better is that players may not be necessarily aware of the long-term impacts that they may be causing both physically and mentally. In many contact sports, players will undergo cognitive testing to record a baseline score that can be used as a benchmark for the year ahead if they need to be assessed for a concussion following an impact. This is used and taken into account when deciding whether a player is fit enough to play.<br />
Is this really frequent enough for Rugby? And does it take into account, players not reporting symptoms or hiding them. Instead, maybe the introduction of frequent head-tests will enable clubs and governing bodies to readily identify when a player may not be performing to their mental capabilities. This will allow coaching staff to effectively ‘stand-down’ players to give them a further period of rest to ensure the brain has time to recover before the chance of another concussion.<br />
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Understandably, the governing bodies and coaching staff have a responsibility to the players and families to ensure their well-being during training and competition. If there is such a visible decline, and there is reason to believe that rugby is a contributory factor in that, a plausible solution could be for a recommendation to retire. With regards to player wellbeing and safety, a decline in cognitive results could be the indicator that the next big hit could result in permanent damage or even death; the staff have the responsibility to the play to recommend the best course of action particularly if the test results are clear.</div>
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<b><u>The Flaws</u></b></div>
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</u></b>However, there are flaws in the plan. Players may naturally see depreciation in their cognitive scores as they get older and not necessarily as a result of concussive injuries. There can often be a mental pressure on players and it is often spoken about when someone is mulling over whether to retire or not.<br />
The idea of suggested retirement could lead to players hiding cases of concussion to avoid testing in between the scheduled tests. In addition to this, it may also mean that a player forces themselves to play in games, despite knowing that they are not physically ready. This was highlighted by former Ireland forward, Bernard Jackman, who is quoted in the press as saying that he did not report mild concussions throughout his career.<br />
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The Unquestionable Psychological Impact</div>
</u></b>If a player could visibly see their cognitive scores reducing, there is a chance this could have a negative effect on his mental state. The knowledge of a decline in cognitive scores could lead to the fear of the game being taken away and in turn result in depression and anxiety. Imagine being told that playing the sport you love was having a negative impact on your well-being, along with a recommendation to retire. This is something that John Fogarty has discussed in detail following his early retirement from the game.<br />
It is for this reason the ‘State of Mind’ campaign was introduced in rugby league. During the recovery time from any injury, it can become frustrating and mentally draining. The State of Mind campaign provides players with an outlet in which to talk about the impacts the injury is having on their life. The campaign has received backing from club officials, players and MPs alike. Rugby Union could implement a similar campaign to ensure that players across both sports are given the support they require during and following an injury that could result in retirement from the sport they love.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">This guest post was written on behalf of Pannone. </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.pannone.com/services/injury-and-negligence/personal-injury"><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">Pannone specialise in Personal Injury cases</span></span></span></u></i><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> resulting from head injuries.</span></span></i><br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-75407319895129477602012-11-27T10:04:00.003+00:002012-11-27T10:04:27.869+00:00‘One Good Thing’ - Budding rugby stars chance to train with Saracens' Internationals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em>Fledgling forwards</em> and <em>promising props</em> are being given the chance to hit the rugby union big time in a nationwide competition by ethical brand <strong>One Water</strong>.<br />
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The sponsors of the Aviva Premiership club <strong>Saracens</strong> are giving young rugby enthusiasts the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to win an exclusive training ground experience with the London club’s squad, which features numerous world-class players.<br />
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The winners will also receive 30 tickets to a Saracens home match at the club’s new Allianz Park stadium once complete in the New Year.<br />
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To enter, young players, coaches, teachers and proud parents are invited to upload creative team shots of their school or under-18 club team to an app on One’s Facebook page: <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/onedifference">www.facebook.com/onedifference</a>. Team members must hold cards emblazoned with the ethical company’s motto #DoOneGoodThing (available to download from the Facebook page).<br />
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One Water donates 100% of profits to fund clean water projects in Africa that help provide clean drinking water for the people that need it most. To date, One has raised more that £7.6 million and changed more than two million lives.<br />
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Open to school and club teams under the age of 18, the competition gallery will be available to view online for six weeks and the winners decided based on the photograph that receives the highest number of votes.<br />
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The winning team will then be invited to attend training day experience where they’ll meet players from the Saracens squad, whichincludes current England stars Owen Farrell, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Mouritz Botha and Alex Goode as well as former South African captain John Smit and Namibian captain Jacques Burger.<br />
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Duncan Goose, founder of the One Brand, added: “We are delighted to give young rugby fans across the country the chance to train alongside their sporting heroes. In return, we are asking all our entrants to spread the message that just one good thing has the potential to make a huge difference to somebody else’s life”.<br />
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For full competition terms and conditions, visit the One Difference Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OneDifference">www.Facebook.com/OneDifference</a>.</div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-40589193075141761672012-11-15T18:26:00.004+00:002012-11-26T17:34:55.265+00:00A difficult season lies ahead for Welsh rugby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The first of the widely anticipated autumn internationals proved to be a rather underwhelming experience for those of us with a staunchly Welsh disposition.<br />
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From the kick off it was evident that Wales lacked the killer bite to pierce the Argentinean line, and as the cut and thrust of the early encounters settled and the game found some flow, it became glaringly obvious that, it was the Pumas rather than the Red Dragons, who possessed the necessary bite to win the game. Ultimately, it took just 80 minutes for the promise garnered by a stunning world cup performance and a third Grand Slam in eight years to be largely diminished.<br />
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From the evidence provided by last Saturday’s performance, it seems there are some glaring flaws in the current Welsh setup. Does the blame lie at the door of interim head coach Rob Howley? Are the team suffering from a lack of leadership given the absence of their commander-in-chief Warren Gatland? Perhaps it was a case of poor preparation or player focus? Or could it be that the much lauded Polish training camps were scheduled too closely to the first test?<br />
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Regardless of the whys and wherefores of the Welsh performance, the improvement of The Pumas was clear for all to see. The inclusion of Argentina into the newly formed ‘Rugby Championship’ is largely credited for the team’s drastic improvement, and with the sport’s appeal growing exponentially across the globe, it can only be a good thing to have another country competing at the game’s highest level.<br />
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So what are the reasons behind Wales’ lacklustre performance? With Warren Gatland on his year-long sabbatical to coach the British Lions, the reins have been temporarily handed over to Welsh stalwart Rob Howley. Having been at Gatland’s side for a couple of years now, one could be forgiven for expecting the leadership, organisation and coaching ability to have transferred seamlessly to Howley. But is it fair to lay the blame at Howley’s door? Given that key forwards Dan Lydiate, Adam Jones and Ryan Jones were out injured, Howley had little choice other than to turn towards the unproven Aaron Jarvis and Josh Turnbull. Despite committed performances from both of these players, there still seemed to be a lack of direction and leadership in the Welsh performance. <br />
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The on-field leader, Sam Warburton, has had his own performances questioned so far this season, and with Justin Tipuric hot on his heels, could he find himself being replaced? When your figurehead and talisman is absent, you look to your captain and coaching staff to pick up the slack and carry the team forward. It was evident that this was not the case on the weekend. The Welsh players on the field looked short of ideas and the coaching staff seemed to have exhausted the playbook. <br />
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Tiredness seemed to be another factor as the game reached its climax. The Polish training camps have been much acclaimed, with the Spala training reported to have built a unity and solidarity amongst Welsh ranks which was the foundation of the heroic defensive efforts in the World Cup. Yet this time around, the players seemed lacking in energy and mental focus. The brutal nature of the Polish camp has been well documented, so could certainly have played a part.<br />
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Youth has always been given a chance in the Gatland era, and Howley has done his best to follow this mantra. But with youth you need leadership. The current crop of Welsh players oozes athleticism and talent. But the lack of leadership does seem to be an issue. There are those that seem to be questioning Sam Warburton’s leadership qualities at the moment. There is no doubt that he is currently one of the world’s best open-sides and commands the respect of his fellow players, but is this enough? <br />
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There have been instances where the importance of on-field leadership has been clear for all to see. The Graham Henry era at the helm of New Zealand highlighted the importance of leadership both on and off the field. Cast your mind back to the 2007 World Cup quarter final against France. New Zealand could have taken a drop goal to win. However, Henry had installed key decision makers all over the field. One of these decision makers, captain Richie McCaw, made the decision that as drop goals had not been practised, it would not be a fruitful venture. New Zealand lost. However, this group of players went on to deal with the pressure of tournament after tournament thereafter and dominated world rugby for the subsequent four years, culminating in winning the 2011 World Cup. <br />
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So it would seem that leadership both on and off the field is key, and can bear fruit. Wales need to learn the lessons and address this situation quickly to prevent further problems. As yet the season is young and it would be foolhardy to draw too many conclusions from one lacklustre performance. Wales have the opportunity to set the record straight against the gargantuan Samoans, no easy feat in itself, before encounters against the world’s best two ranked teams, New Zealand and Australia. You can rest assured these clashes will make for difficult viewing indeed for welsh fans unless they show a marked improvement on their leaderless display against The Pumas. <br />
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Author: <a href="http://www.shoprugby.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Shop Rugby</strong></a> is a leading online retailer specialising in the supply of high quality rugby equipment for aspiring amateur players and fans alike. For the latest <a href="http://www.shoprugby.com/wru-wales-t27" target="_blank">Welsh rugby shirts</a> at the right price, pop along to the Shop Rugby website. </div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-77855950883524892212012-11-05T18:21:00.002+00:002012-11-05T18:25:59.464+00:00How to Guarantee your RBS Six Nations 2013 Tickets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The RBS Six Nations Championship is the highlight of the rugby union calendar in the northern hemisphere. Getting tickets can sometimes be a hit or miss activity, but there are ways in which to ensure your place in the stadium.<br />
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The Six Nations is arguably the greatest annual rugby tournament on earth. This feast of rugby brings together the passionate fans of six determined nations, each willing their country on to glory. Many fans are happy to watch their team from the comfort of their own home, or going with a group of supporters at the local pub to watch on the big screen. However, there is nothing like actually being there in the stadium, feeling every ripple of excitement, hearing the roar of the crowd. Being able to buy the match shirt will ensure that you have a lasting memory to show off to your green-eyed friends at home.<br />
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<strong>Home games</strong><br />
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Seeing your side play in their home stadium is an experience that every rugby fan should experience at least once in their lifetime. Murrayfield, Twickenham, the Stade de France, the Millennium Stadium, Aviva Stadium and Stadio Olimpico; the very names are iconic to patriotic fans. Of course, you can't always guarantee that your team is going to provide you with a win on home ground, but nevertheless, it is an experience just to be part of the electric atmosphere that always surrounds a Six Nations game. With some of the inter-country rivalries dating back more than 140 years, the sense of occasion is immense and the tension is almost palpable at times.<br />
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<strong>Getting your tickets</strong><br />
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Six Nations tickets sell like hot cakes, so it is important to get in there early to secure seats for the match of your choice. One way in which to guarantee that you get your tickets is to purchase them via a specialist rugby tours company. Rather than just making your way to the stadium under your own steam, joining a rugby tour means that you can make it a real event. Making a weekend of it with other supporters can make the trip really spectacular, as you'll be able to enjoy the build up before and join in with the celebrations or commiserations afterwards.<br />
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A rugby tour generally lasts for two nights/three days and includes travel, accommodation and tickets to see the match of your choice. This is by far the best option for those who want to enjoy not just the match itself, but also the camaraderie and social aspect that comes from travelling in a group of like-minded people. Tours are very flexible, so you are not obliged to join in any particular activities, but you are guaranteed tickets to see the big game. As everything is taken care of for you, all you need to do is to decide which of the fixtures you are going to see.<br />
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<strong>AUTHOR BIO:</strong><br />
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James Rickard is an avid rugby fan who spends as much of his spare time as possible following the game. He has turned passion into work by writing articles for a number of sport-related websites and blogs. Having tried a number of rugby tour companies, he recommends the site <a href="http://www.gulliverstravel.co.uk/rugby/rbs-6-nations">http://www.gulliverstravel.co.uk/rugby/rbs-6-nations</a>, for professional service and reasonable pricing.<br />
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<strong><em>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</em></strong> also recommends:<br />
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<a href="http://www.itcsports.co.uk/rugby">http://www.itcsports.co.uk/rugby</a><br />
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If you are travelling with a partner who isn't quite as rugby mad as you are, itcsports is a good bet, as their concierge team can organise a spa treatment or additional excursions for them while you enjoy the passion and exhilaration of the match.<br />
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<a href="http://www.livingwiththelions.co.uk/rugby-tours/six-nations-2013/">http://www.livingwiththelions.co.uk/rugby-tours/six-nations-2013/</a><br />
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With Living with the Lions, one can secure reasonable accommodation alongside your tickets for the game. They'll know all all the hot spots too if you are looking to have a wild night out after the game!<br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-12348420488023563682012-10-29T22:20:00.002+00:002012-10-29T22:30:25.621+00:00Evolution of Rugby - A look at the quirky history of the game.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><em>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</em> </strong>brings you its' take on the evolution of rugby, spanning almost 200 years rich in sporting history, with the odd quirky fact thrown in you may not have known before!<br />
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<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">IN THE BEGINNING.....</span></em></b><br />
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<b>1823:</b> Running with the ball is allegedly introduced into the game of football at Rugby School, England. Here begins the myth of the invention of rugby by William Webb Ellis, later concocted by Rugbeians in 1895.<br />
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<strong>1839:</strong> Arthur Pell establishes the first team at Cambridge and draws up the 'Cambridge Rules'.<br />
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<b>1841:</b> Running with the ball is officially allowed in Rugby School's rules (provided the ball is taken on the bounce). Passing however is specifically forbidden.*<br />
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*Acclaimed author, Spiros Zavos amusingly mentioned in his book ('how to watch a game of rugby') that many rugby commentators from the Southern Hemisphere believe that British rugby continues to maintain this rule! Steady on Spiros....<br />
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<b>1862:</b> The indiarubber bladder for the rugby ball is invented. The original pigskin bladders were apparantly so disgusting to blow up, that boys at Rugby School left the odious task to Mr Gilbert (a nearby bootmaker who would later develop a world reknowned brand of top class rugby balls of the same name). At least he ended up having the last laugh!<br />
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The new balls, encased in tough leather solved many of the problems associated with the old pigskin bladder model, which had some rather revolting results when subjected to a combination of relentless kicking and the elements of british weather. I'll leave that up to your imaginiation.<br />
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Importantly though, the new mass prouced ball gave a wider community of young men, both in England and in the colonies, a chance to express themselves in the oddly shaped ball game. The sport significantly was no longer solely aligned with the English public school system. This was an important step in growing the popularity of rugby around the world.<br />
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<b>1863:</b> The Rugby Football Union is formed and a standard set of laws are drawn up in London. Goals (successful kicks over a post, rather than under the post as in football), are taken after a team scores a try. The try enables the side to 'try' and kick a goal, hence the origin of the name. Rugby is seen as predominantly a dribbling game with the ball on the floor, rather than a handling/running/ kicking game as it is seen now.<br />
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<b>1865:</b> The first game of rugby in the southern hemisphere is played between Sydney University and Sydney Club. According the the Sydney Morning Herald, despite an '<em>exciting</em> <em>struggle</em>', the match was drawn, <em>'owing to a misunderstanding regarding the rules'</em>. No goals were scored as the game ended 0-0.<br />
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<b>1871</b>: The first International test match is battled out between England and Scotland as Scotland win by one try and one goal to one goal. There are a whopping 20 players a side on the pitch, consisting of 13 forwards, 3 halfbacks, one three-quarter and 3 fullbacks! Later, Oxford and Cambridge set a trend by reducing the number of players in their teams to 15 a side.<br />
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<strong>1877</strong>: 'Hacking' is abolished but 'the Bulletin' still nicknames the sport 'the undertaker's friend', despite the reform. Many in the USA, wary of the dangerous nature of the sport, alter the rules of rugby to form a new Game, later to become known as American Football. A line of scrimmage is made, to avoid the peculairities of the scrum, while the ball can be passed forward so as to avoid big pile-ups of men. Little did they know just how dangerous their sport would become....<br />
<br />
Player numbers in international rugby follow the trend set by Oxbridge Universities a few years earlier, reducing from 20 to 15.<br />
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<strong>1883:</strong> The first Home Nations tournament is played out, with England winning the 'Triple Crown' by beating Ireland, Wales and Scotland.<br />
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<strong>1886:</strong> A points system is adopted by the RFU, whereby 3 tries are equal to one goal. This reform uses the scoring system at Cheltenham College, which gives a points value to a try, unlike the Rugby School scoring system which astoundingly.... did not. Makes you wonder if Jonah Lomu would have quite as big a superstar in the 19th century.<br />
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<strong>1890:</strong> The International Rugby Board (IRB) is formed and is dominated by the Home Unions. Of the 12 board members, 6 represented England, with two each for Scotland, Ireland and Wales. New Zealand ands Australia would not be admitted until 1948, such was the exclusionist ethic of the Home Nations.<br />
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<strong>1893:</strong> Cardiff creates a formation of 8 forwards and 7 backs. So successful is this tactic that it is universally adopted and still remains today. One could say that it is Rugby Union's version of football's 4-4-2. The reality is that it is more fundamental than that though, as no other team in the modern era has tried a different approach. <br />
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<strong>1905:</strong> Bouncing the ball into the lineout is abolished: the ball now has to be thrown in. While this was initially done by the scrumhalf and then the winger, it became tradition soon after that the hooker threw into the line-out to allow for greater attacking threat outwide. The first team to do so was the All Blacks in 1905. It didn't catch on at the time, despite explanation of the All Blacks’ Dave Gallaher and Billy Stead in their 1906 book, 'The Complete Rugby Footballer':<br />
<br />
“In England the scrum half is usually delegated to do the throwing in. This is a mistake. Nobody is or should be better able to institute an attack of any kind than this individual, and it is a waste of his valuable time and services to put him to the task of throwing in.<br />
<br />
Our plan is to give the ball to one of our short hookers as some kind of a short rest for him from his very arduous labours in the front row of the scrum.”<br />
A change to the points system was also made that year. 3 points are now awarded for a try, with 5 for a converted try. 3 points meanwhile are given for a successful penalty goal.<br />
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<strong>1910:</strong> France are admitted into the Five Nations, with the first tournament won by England.<br />
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<strong>1924/5:</strong> The 'Invincibles' New Zealand team wins ever single match of it's tour of Great Britain. This depsite having to train on their long haul trip by boat with fruit as a ball. George Nepia becomes rugby's first global superstar. They remain arguably the best side to have ever played the game.<br />
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<strong>1926:</strong> The IRB decides that each of the two halves in an international match should be 40 minutes long. (An unwritten law is also explained, that any number of minutes can be added on at the end of a maych to allow for a heart-breaking, John Eales, last gasp winner).<br />
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<strong>1932:</strong> The Fédération Internationale de Rugby Amateur (FIRA) was founded - a positive force in spreading the sport beyond the Anglosphere.<br />
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<strong>1958:</strong> A significant change is made in the tackle ball law: players after regaining their feet, are permitted to play the ball after a tackle in any lawful way (rather than only with their feet).<br />
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<strong>1968:</strong> Replacements for injured players are allowed in tests. Despite this addition, legendary All Black skipper would still go on to play a full 80 minutes against France at 'the Battle of Nantes' in 1986 after suffering a ripped scrotum. That's leadership. It's no surprise people have been calling 'Bring back Buck' ever since.<br />
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<strong>1971:</strong> Revolutionary law changes are introduced to devalue the kicking game: players are required to stand behind the hindmost foot in the scrum; backs, except the halfback are to stand 10 metres from the line-out; no kicks directly into touch are allowed from outside the 22-metre line; a try is upgraded to four points too.<br />
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<strong>1987:</strong> The first RWC is held despite many of the home unions voting against its' inception as an act of defiance against the growing power of foreign unions. David Kirk leads his side to glory at home, as an inspired All Black team defeats France at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. John Kirwan becomes the golden boy of New Zealand rugby with some scintillating performances on the wing.<br />
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<strong>1991:</strong> Australia defeat England at Twickenham in the second RWC final. Towards the end of the final, with the Wallaby backs reluctant to kick the ball downfield, Aussie coach Bob Dwyer shouts out 'Kick it to the Shit house'. The Queen, sitting two rows in front is presumably not amused!<br />
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<strong>1993:</strong> The five point try is introduced; a decisive change in the scoring system. For the first time, two tries are worth more than three penalties or drop goals. Rugby is now in essence a game about tires rather than goals.<br />
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<strong>1995:</strong> The Springboks, hosting and playing in their first ever RWC (after missing the previous 2 tournaments because of apartheid) defeat New Zealand at Ellis Park. Nelson Mandela appears before the crowd with a Springbok jersey on (Pienaar, Number 6) in one of the most dramatic sporting occasions of all time. Jonah Lomu, the undisputed star of the tournament is larlgely subdued by a suffocating South African defence.<br />
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Following the tournament, under mounting pressure from the threat of Rugby League's Super League, Rugby becomes professional. The reform comes 100 years after the fateful decision to outlaw professionalism.<br />
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<strong>1996:</strong> The inaugural Tri Nations and Super 12 tournaments kick off with the backing of wealthy media mogul, Rupert Murdoch.<br />
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<strong>1999:</strong> Australia become the first nation to win two RWCs as they beat France at a canter at Twickenham. In the Semi-final, the inspired French had knocked out tournament favourites, New Zealand, with a tremendous come from behind victory. It is still to this day regarded by many as the best game of rugby union the world has seen.<br />
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<strong>2000:</strong> Five Nations become Six, as Italy are allowed into Europe's showpiece competition.<br />
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<strong>2003:</strong> The RWC came home to the 'Mother Country' as Jonny Wilkinson inspired England to victory over Australiam in Australia with a dead eye boot. Cue a number of youngsters taking on his 'i'm about to let one go' kicking stance.<br />
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<strong>2007:</strong> South Africa win the Wrld Cup for a second time in France as they defeat England in a dire game in the final. The tryless encounter leads IRB officials to look up ways of evolving the game to be more spectacular in attack.<br />
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<strong>2008:</strong> The Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) are introduced to the rugby public to much fanfare. IRB Chairman, Millar said that the game needed to be sped up a bit, to make it easier to play, easier to referee, easier to understand and to produce more options for the players. The amendments concentrate on rucks and mauls, but include other aspects which help keep the ball in play and reduce stoppages for infringements and penalties. Some work well and others are a complete disaster. One game in the then Super 14, sees the Chiefs defeat the Lions 72-65. Many of the changes are dropped.<br />
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<strong>2009:</strong> The International Olympic Committee vote to return a form of rugby to the Olympics, with rugby sevens to be contested in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, opening the door to increased exposure of the sport in sleeping giants such as the USA, Canada and Russia.<br />
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<strong>2011:</strong> New Zealand win the RWC for the second time following 24 years of national hurt. An 8-7 victory over France (the French's third defeat in a final) sees them regain their RWC confidence. As if the rest of the world needed that...<br />
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<strong>2012:</strong> Argentina are admitted into the newly named 'Rugby Championship' following years of hard work and fare well as they draw against South Africa and come perilously close to beating Australia.<br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-72463993231385222322012-10-10T20:22:00.001+01:002012-10-10T20:24:40.787+01:00Team of the Rugby Championship 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
With the inaugural Rugby Championship coming to an end on Saturday night, <i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</b></i> decided to take a look at whose star shone brightest, as NZ continued it's international dominance with an unbeaten campaign, Argentina caused more than a few scares and the Wallabies/Springboks largely disappointed.<br />
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So without further adieu, here are the selections for our<b> 'Team of the Tournament':</b><br />
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<b> 1.Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina):</b> It's sad that Dr Roncero didn't get the send off he so deserved against Australia in Rosario, but no one can take away the fantastic performances he put in for the Pumas in their debut year with the Southern hemisphere big boys. Roncero was a constant menace, especially early on in the competition as chopped the big men down early in the tackle and assisted in a number of turnovers. His 3 pilfers was the joint most in the tournament. The 35 year old stalwart even popped his nose over the whitewash against the All Blacks in Wellington. World rugby will be poorer without him as he served his country with incredible ferociousness and passion for 14 years.<br />
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<b>2.Adrian Strauss (South Africa): </b>Strauss came into the Springboks starting line-up after an unfortunate injury to Sharks hooker Bismark duPlessis. It was a tall order to replace such an inspirational and physically imposing figure, but the golden locked Cheetah did just that with some energetic displays around the field. He was South Africa's busiest player on attack, with 44 ball carries for 194 metres over 6 games. Not too shabby for a front rower. A special mention goes to Eusebio Guinazu of the Pumas who put in some special performances early on in the competition too.<br />
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<b>3.Owen Franks (New Zealand):</b> Franks is one of those incredible specimens who is built like a s*ht brickhouse and yet can move like an openside flanker. His aerobic ability continued to serve him well in the Rugby Championship, as he was amongst the top tacklers on the park in every game he contested. He averaged 8.8 per game and played more minutes than any other prop in the comp. Immovable in the scrum, punishing in defence and durable....we may be looking at a future 'hall of famer'.<br />
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<b>4.Patricio Albacete (Argentina): </b>Tighthead lock was probably the most difficult position to pick this year, with Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth outstanding and unplayable at times and Luke Romano providing some old fashioned grunt for New Zealand in the pack. In the end though, Albacete got the nod for his consistency and his sheer work rate. With 67 tackles made, he was the second busiest in the competition and along with his compatriot, Roncero, was the top pilferer in the comp with 3. His ability in the lineout kept Argentina close in a number of games too.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>5.Nathan Sharpe (Australia):</b> The Western Force lock may not have the legs he once enjoyed, but his experience was vital at a time that a number of Wallabies were dropping like flies through injury. Taking over the captaincy, he did a sterling job steering the ship through some pretty testing waters and helped Australia avoid what would have been an infamous defeat to Argentina (both at home and away). He averaged 8.7 tackles per game and made the second most ball carries for the Wallabies with 47 for 210m.<br />
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<b>6.Liam Messam (New Zealand):</b> Many would have cast doubt on Messam's ability to replace the Japan bound Jerome Kaino earlier in the season. After all, Kaino had been NZ's star man in the pack at RWC 2011, while Messam (to most) had seemed flaky in his previous outings for New Zealand. An impressive Super 15 campaign with the Chiefs though, followed by some eye catching displays in the black jersey cemented his position as not only a starter but an integral player in the side. Effervescent attacking ability, complemented by a steelier attitude saw him regarded as one of the players of the tournament. <br />
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<b>7.Richie McCaw (New Zealand): </b>Is there anything this man can't do? Far from a fading force, McCaw's star shone just as bright in 2012. Perhaps even brighter without the performance hampering foot injury he endured last year. He's not the young tearaway he once was, but his game has matured and the latest phase of his career has seen him develop into a pretty useful ball carrier. His efforts at the Forsyth Farr against SA will long be remembered as a true captain's knock too. For the most part, McCaw was peerless at 7, bar a late resurgence from South Africa's Francois Louw and an electric outing from Australia's Michael Hooper in the final round against the Pumas.<br />
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<b>8.Kieran Reid (New Zealand):</b> It's probably a tough call on Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, who was a real pillar of strength for the Pumas in their first southern hemisphere campaign, but Reid is now inarguably regarded as the world's best 8. Whether taking the ball up the guts or rampaging out wide as was the case in the last two rounds, the athletic Cantabrian was in his element and his staggering work rate left the opposition in all sorts of trouble on many occasion. He's an obvious successor to McCaw as captain when the time comes for the old stager to hang up his boots.<br />
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<b>9.Aaron Smith (New Zealand):</b> Smith may have be touted as the best passing halfback to come out of New Zealand since Graeme Bachop, which he most certainly is, but that accolade is misleading, for he is also a devastating runner with ball in hand. The Manawatu tyro ran the ball more than any other halfback in the competition, upstaging more lauded running halfbacks Will Genia and Francois Houggard and scoring 3 tries in the process and creating many more... <br />
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<b>10.Dan Carter(New Zealand):</b> There was talk prior to the Championship that Chiefs sensation Aaron Cruden may have had a chance of ousting the 'King' from his starting spot. In fairness Cruden performed well in Carter's absence against South Africa, but the attack just seemed a little crisper with DC at the helm and really burst into life in round 5. It was a timely reminder from the world's top ever point scorer that DC still has a lot to give, following his agonising early RWC exit last year. Carter again finished as the comp's top point scorer with 58 points (despite missing two games).<br />
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<b>11.Bryan Habana (South Africa):</b> Habana rolled back the years in 2012 with some live-wire performances on the right wing and finished off the competition as the top try scorer with 7, equalling Christian Cullen's record for number of tries in a single Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. The Stormers flyer has now amassed a pretty impressive 47 tries in test rugby too, in 83 games. At 29 and still going strong, who's to say he won't break Daisuke Ohata's international try scoring record of 69 tries?<br />
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<b>12.Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand):</b> The Wellingtonian started the first two games of the competition at 13, but really came to the fore when he was shifted back to his preferred inside centre role following Sonny Bill Williams' departure to Japan. His renewed partnership with Conrad Smith (below) was lethal as the All Blacks started clicking into gear during their away trips to La Plata and then Soweto. In his four games at 12, Nonu scored two tries, made three clean linebreaks and an incredible16 tackle busts. <br />
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<b>13.Conrad Smith (New Zealand):</b> Smith missed the start of the tournament through injury but slotted back in with ease in round 3. His subtlety in attack added hugely to the All Blacks backline, who although dangerous, had seemed a little wasteful early on in the tournament. The Hurricanes skipper added some needed composure though and with that the tries began to flow. Smith also only missed 3 tackles in the whole competition. His defence was quite simply awe inspiring. Still the premier centre in world rugby.<br />
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<b>14.Corey Jane (New Zealand):</b> CJ's reputation grew further in 2012, as he allied his precision under the high ball with an increasing attacking threat out wide. He scored 5 tries in his 6 outings, including a mesmerising hatrick against the Pumas away from home. That hand-off of his is probably the strongest in world rugby too. The Hurricane wing made Argentinian glamour puss Juan Martin Hernandez look silly in La Plata. Next cab off the rank was Gonzalo Camacho who was bristling with attacking verve with every touch he had. Some more class around him and he could be a real star of the world game.<br />
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<b>15.Israel Dagg (New Zealand):</b> Sensational. There's not much more to say about the All Blacks' full back. He continues to be Australia's arch nemesis with his searing breaks an eye for the line, but has become an even more vital for the World Champions this year. Dagg took the ball on as first receiver on a number of occasions in the Rugby Championship and shared the kicking duties out of hand with Carter for the most part. You get the feeling he could easily play at 10, much like Stephen Larkham's shift from fullback to flyhalf in the late 90s. In addition to his 322 running metres made, he gained a mind blowing 1789m with his punting. It's difficult to call any player in the All Blacks irreplaceable, but you get the feeling the Hawkes Bay maestro would be missed more than most.<br />
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*All statistics were taken from ESPN Scrum<br />
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<i><b>Do you agree with the selections?</b></i><br />
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<i><b>If not, who would you have picked? </b></i><br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-89277314254790645742012-09-28T12:46:00.001+01:002012-10-10T20:25:33.021+01:00Can Argentina overturn the All Blacks in La Plata?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Most respected pundits suggest that Argentina's best chance of securing a first Rugby Championship victory will arrive in the final round of this year's tournament, when the Pumas host Australia in Rosario. <br />
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So what are the chances then, of Santiago Phelan's men upsetting the odds and turning over the current World Champions, New Zealand, in La Plata one week earlier?<br />
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Today <b><i>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</i></b> takes a look at the key areas which will define the historic contest at the beautiful Estadio Ciudad de La Plata this weekend, nicknamed the 'City of Diagonals' and how Argentina will look to conduce an error prone performance from the All Blacks. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<i><b>Can Argentina overturn the All Blacks in La Plata?</b></i><br />
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Make no bones about. Argentina may remain humble (almost submissive maybe to their rivals in the press), but they are a confident side who aren't far away from creating a real shock.<br />
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Whereas most of the talk throughout this year's tournament has been of consistent improvement, whilst reviewing the Pumas' efforts, the reality is that the South Americans have shown that they can more than match it, both physically and tactically with the original
Tri-Nations teams.<br />
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Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe along with Richie McCaw and Israel Dagg, has been a tower of strength and arguably the star player of the inaugural Rugby Championship. His leadership ability has seen Argentina come perilously close to recording a maiden victory already.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgZTYGiEKaM9OKbus2Rwyzmg7o58YsqytSXVYYpqAVJg1m_RHJzXMXfb3S0gE1fvMjgoD0tplDo06DfKd1NnxVKJEiLIJGldvGkZhRSUHk3aeeBPBFL7ZcVArAlZiv27-RZWLBdH638Y/s1600/lobbe+tower+of+strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgZTYGiEKaM9OKbus2Rwyzmg7o58YsqytSXVYYpqAVJg1m_RHJzXMXfb3S0gE1fvMjgoD0tplDo06DfKd1NnxVKJEiLIJGldvGkZhRSUHk3aeeBPBFL7ZcVArAlZiv27-RZWLBdH638Y/s640/lobbe+tower+of+strength.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobbe has been outstanding for the Pumas in 2012.</td></tr>
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Had it not been for better goal kicking, they could have had W's next to their name against SA and Australia, rather than an agonising draw in Mendoza and an even more depressing loss in Perth, after Robbie Deans' men clawed their way back from the depths of despair to overhaul them late one.<br />
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The Pumas should have won both games, with the positions they found themselves in.What the Pumas would do to have a precise goal kicker in their ranks, such as Hugo Porta, Felipe Contepomi or even Gonzalo Quesada one might ask....<br />
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Despite their current lack of proficiency in that department though, Argentina are perhaps one of the best equipped sides in world rugby to slow the All Blacks attack down and therefore create some confusion.<br />
<br />
Current All Blacks
coach Steve Hansen remarked in the week that not only did they have an excellent
defensive system (perhaps improved with the influence of Graham Henry this year), but that they were perhaps a little 'too proficient' in slowing down his
team’s ball.<br />
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Hansen may have been trying to pressurise this week's officials; Jaco Peyper, Craig Joubert and Pascal Gauzere, by highlighting that concern, but what it showed was that in an area which New Zealand have reigned supreme for so long, Argentina are building themselves their own reputation for excellence.<br />
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Enough at least to give rival coaches some headaches in this year's Championship. So what are they doing right in the tackle/breakdown?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDu4mNvd5FLlQ_fSeNq60e0yP0l9tnVSZbMLAXIS1tGpsksf1tFtaATAtUsa2yGE-9UR7HpT-115ZvLBy7EUZeNJG7ATS5cOLU2uv3F5t5RY-yV5_LPs2XhFNE4hVPYM47sqr-c0dSXk/s1600/hansen+highlights+concerns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDu4mNvd5FLlQ_fSeNq60e0yP0l9tnVSZbMLAXIS1tGpsksf1tFtaATAtUsa2yGE-9UR7HpT-115ZvLBy7EUZeNJG7ATS5cOLU2uv3F5t5RY-yV5_LPs2XhFNE4hVPYM47sqr-c0dSXk/s640/hansen+highlights+concerns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Hansen has voiced his concerns over Argentina's tactics publicly over the week.</td></tr>
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Argentina have a tactic where they try to pressurise intensely closer to the ruck and tend to leave more space out wide. It's quite risky but can work wonders at times, especially when faced with a side which is lacking confidence or clarity in attack.<br />
<br />
One man goes low and
chops down the opposition man early, while another comes in high to protect from any potential offload. They effectively stop the momentum at source.<br />
<br />
SA in particular really struggled to get any momentum with their ball carrying, which they are usually quite dominant with. Eben Etzebeth was the only real stand-out who managed to make inroads, but not everyone has the same freakish, physical ability has him!<br />
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<br />
In the next phase; the breakdown, the Pumas are
pretty close to being on a par with New Zealand in my opinion, in recognising that no breakdown is the same. </div>
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</div>
<div>
<br />
The veterans such as Rodrigo Roncero, Patricio Albacete and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe target turnovers on the merit of the situation. It isn't just madness. They are quite logical, intelligent and selective in that area, and youngsters such as Figallo and Cabello are taking after their elders. If they don't think a turnover or significant slowing of the ball is on, they fan out in defence and increase numbers out wide. </div>
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</div>
<div>
<br />
That ability to change up in defence has left opposition attacks in all sorts of confusion this year, in the same way that a rush defence can and is one of the main factors why so many sides have struggled
to score tries against them. </div>
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<br /></div>
On the other side of the coin, Argentina's attack is still clearly a work in progress, even if some in their ranks (Camacho, Landajo, Hernandez) have shone intermittently throughout the tournament. That will take time to improve though, as one feels that it is perhaps a problem with personnel rather than coaching.<br />
<br />
If they can be powerful where their traditional strengths lie though, they have a real chance of unsettling New Zealand. I'm not predicting an Argentina victory, but let's not forget that Argentina are an altogether different animal at home. This weekend's match is no foregone conclusion, even if Dan Carter is back in black for the visitors.</div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-28974459833932800782012-09-26T18:55:00.001+01:002012-10-10T20:27:46.920+01:00Richie McCaw rated best captain of all time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
With the recently announced news that (Sir) Richie McCaw will take a
well earned sabbatical in 2013, missing the Crusaders' Super 15
challenge (as well as the All Blacks' June Internationals) before his
triumphant Rugby Championship return,<i><b> <a href="http://www.dumptackle-rugbyblog.com/" target="_blank">Dumptackle Rugby Blog</a></b></i> decided to take a look at the most successful international captains in rugby union history.<br />
<br />
But
how do you judge an international captain? Is it by World Cups won? The
number of test matches won? Or is it continued success over time?<br />
<br />
Well
it seems (Sir) Richie McCaw has all bases covered, leading the rugby
union pile in almost all areas according to data compiled from <a href="http://stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html" target="_blank">ESPN Scrum</a>.....<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Richie's
record I hear you ask? Games won as captain - 65 out of 73. Percentage
of games won as captain - 89.04%. The lucky bugger even won a RWC last
year! Those are statistics that warrant a little rest and relaxation if
you ask us.<br />
<br />
Read on to find rankings of the top 20
International captains of all time, sorted by a variety of measures,
culminating in our Dumptackle Rugby Blog 'ultimate ranking'!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Test Matches Captained</b><br />
<br />
<b>
</b>
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="9" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="110"></col><col width="98"></col><col width="75"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="110"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="98"><b>Country</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="75"><b>Period</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Matches</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Lost</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Draw</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>%Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>DT Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">B O'Driscoll </td>
<td align="LEFT">Ireland/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">2002-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">84</td>
<td align="CENTER">52</td>
<td align="CENTER">31</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">62.5</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Smit </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">2003-2011</td>
<td align="CENTER">83</td>
<td align="CENTER">54</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.66</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R McCaw </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">2004-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">73</td>
<td align="CENTER">65</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">89.04</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">W Carling </td>
<td align="LEFT">England</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1996</td>
<td align="CENTER">59</td>
<td align="CENTER">44</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">75.42</td>
<td align="CENTER">17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">G Gregan </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">2001-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">59</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">57.62</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Eales </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-2001</td>
<td align="CENTER">55</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">76.36</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Fitzpatrick </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-1997</td>
<td align="CENTER">51</td>
<td align="CENTER">39</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">77.45</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">L Arbizu </td>
<td align="LEFT">Argentina</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">48</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">58.33</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">H Porta </td>
<td align="LEFT">Argentina</td>
<td align="LEFT">1977-1990</td>
<td align="CENTER">46</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">40.21</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Johnson </td>
<td align="LEFT">England/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">45</td>
<td align="CENTER">37</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">82.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">T Miuchi </td>
<td align="LEFT">Japan</td>
<td align="LEFT">2002-2008</td>
<td align="CENTER">45</td>
<td align="CENTER">17</td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">38.88</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">F Pelous </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2006</td>
<td align="CENTER">42</td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">64.28</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R Ibanez </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1998-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">63.41</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Parisse </td>
<td align="LEFT">Italy</td>
<td align="LEFT">2008-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">40</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">32</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Sititi </td>
<td align="LEFT">Samoa</td>
<td align="LEFT">2000-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">39</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">48.71</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Bortolami </td>
<td align="LEFT">Italy</td>
<td align="LEFT">2002-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">38</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">38.15</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Bollesan </td>
<td align="LEFT">Italy</td>
<td align="LEFT">1968-1975</td>
<td align="CENTER">37</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">43.24</td>
<td align="CENTER">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Giovanelli </td>
<td align="LEFT">Italy</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-1999</td>
<td align="CENTER">37</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">22</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">39.18</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">G Teichmann </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-1999</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">72.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">N Farr-Jones </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1992</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.27</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Test Matches Won as Captain</b><br />
<br />
<b>
</b>
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="9" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="110"></col><col width="98"></col><col width="75"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="110"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="98"><b>Country</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="75"><b>Period</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Matches</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Lost</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Draw</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>%Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>DT Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R McCaw </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">2004-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">73</td>
<td align="CENTER">65</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">89.04</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Smit </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">2003-2011</td>
<td align="CENTER">83</td>
<td align="CENTER">54</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.66</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">B O'Driscoll </td>
<td align="LEFT">Ireland/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">2002-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">84</td>
<td align="CENTER">52</td>
<td align="CENTER">31</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">62.5</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">W Carling </td>
<td align="LEFT">England</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1996</td>
<td align="CENTER">59</td>
<td align="CENTER">44</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">75.42</td>
<td align="CENTER">17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Eales </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-2001</td>
<td align="CENTER">55</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">76.36</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Fitzpatrick </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-1997</td>
<td align="CENTER">51</td>
<td align="CENTER">39</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">77.45</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Johnson </td>
<td align="LEFT">England/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">45</td>
<td align="CENTER">37</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">82.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">G Gregan </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">2001-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">59</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">57.62</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">L Arbizu </td>
<td align="LEFT">Argentina</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">48</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">58.33</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">F Pelous </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2006</td>
<td align="CENTER">42</td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">64.28</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R Ibanez </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1998-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">63.41</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">G Teichmann </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-1999</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">72.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">P Saint-Andre </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1994-1997</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">73.52</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">N Farr-Jones </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1992</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.27</td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">WJ Whineray </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">1958-1965</td>
<td align="CENTER">30</td>
<td align="CENTER">22</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
<td align="CENTER">78.33</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Sititi </td>
<td align="LEFT">Samoa</td>
<td align="LEFT">2000-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">39</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">48.71</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">JP Rives </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1978-1984</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">58.82</td>
<td align="CENTER">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Pienaar </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">1993-1996</td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">68.96</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">A Pichot </td>
<td align="LEFT">Argentina</td>
<td align="LEFT">2000-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">30</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">60</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Mortlock </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">2006-2009</td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">62.06</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
<b> Winning Percentage as Captain</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="9" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="110"></col><col width="98"></col><col width="75"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="110"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="98"><b>Country</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="75"><b>Period</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Matches</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Lost</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Draw</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>%Won</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>DT Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R McCaw </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">2004-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">73</td>
<td align="CENTER">65</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">89.04</td>
<td align="CENTER">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">M Johnson </td>
<td align="LEFT">England/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">45</td>
<td align="CENTER">37</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">82.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">WJ Whineray </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">1958-1965</td>
<td align="CENTER">30</td>
<td align="CENTER">22</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
<td align="CENTER">78.33</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Fitzpatrick </td>
<td align="LEFT">New Zealand</td>
<td align="LEFT">1992-1997</td>
<td align="CENTER">51</td>
<td align="CENTER">39</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">77.45</td>
<td align="CENTER">17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Eales </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-2001</td>
<td align="CENTER">55</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">76.36</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">W Carling </td>
<td align="LEFT">England</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1996</td>
<td align="CENTER">59</td>
<td align="CENTER">44</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">75.42</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">D Dubroca </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1986-1988</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">74</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">P Saint-Andre </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1994-1997</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">73.52</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">G Teichmann </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">1996-1999</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">72.22</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Pienaar </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">1993-1996</td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">68.96</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">F Galthie </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1999-2003</td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">66</td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">J Smit </td>
<td align="LEFT">South Africa</td>
<td align="LEFT">2003-2011</td>
<td align="CENTER">83</td>
<td align="CENTER">54</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.66</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">N Farr-Jones </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">1988-1992</td>
<td align="CENTER">36</td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">65.27</td>
<td align="CENTER">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">F Pelous </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1997-2006</td>
<td align="CENTER">42</td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">64.28</td>
<td align="CENTER">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">R Ibanez </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1998-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">41</td>
<td align="CENTER">26</td>
<td align="CENTER">15</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">63.41</td>
<td align="CENTER">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">B O'Driscoll </td>
<td align="LEFT">Ireland/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">2002-2012</td>
<td align="CENTER">84</td>
<td align="CENTER">52</td>
<td align="CENTER">31</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
<td align="CENTER">62.5</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">S Mortlock </td>
<td align="LEFT">Australia</td>
<td align="LEFT">2006-2009</td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">62.06</td>
<td align="CENTER">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">A Pichot </td>
<td align="LEFT">Argentina</td>
<td align="LEFT">2000-2007</td>
<td align="CENTER">30</td>
<td align="CENTER">18</td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER">0</td>
<td align="CENTER">60</td>
<td align="CENTER">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">T Kiernan </td>
<td align="LEFT">Ireland/Lions</td>
<td align="LEFT">1963-1973</td>
<td align="CENTER">28</td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">9</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">58.92</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">JP Rives </td>
<td align="LEFT">France</td>
<td align="LEFT">1978-1984</td>
<td align="CENTER">34</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
<td align="CENTER">13</td>
<td align="CENTER">2</td>
<td align="CENTER">58.82</td>
<td align="CENTER">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
<i><b>DTRB's 'Ultimate Ranking'</b></i><br />
<br />
After
all the points were cumulated, we decided that leading your country to
RWC glory had to have some impact statistically on the ratings too (even
if that skews the results in favour of players from the bigger test
nations).<br />
<br />
Therefore, 5 points were also awarded for any player who captained their nation to RWC glory.<br />
<br />
*Note
that Sean Fitzpatrick was a WC winner as a player in 1987, but lost in
the final to South Africa when he captained the side in 1995. Hence he
was not awarded 5 points. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="5" frame="VOID" rules="NONE">
<colgroup><col width="43"></col><col width="126"></col><col width="121"></col><col width="86"></col><col width="86"></col></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17" width="43"><b>Rank</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="126"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="121"><b>Cumulative Score </b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>RWC Points</b></td>
<td align="LEFT" width="86"><b>Total Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">1</td>
<td align="LEFT">R McCaw </td>
<td align="CENTER">58</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">2</td>
<td align="LEFT">J Eales</td>
<td align="CENTER">47</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">3</td>
<td align="LEFT">J Smit </td>
<td align="CENTER">47</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">4</td>
<td align="LEFT">W Carling</td>
<td align="CENTER">49</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">4</td>
<td align="LEFT">M Johnson</td>
<td align="CENTER">44</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">6</td>
<td align="LEFT">S Fitzpatrick </td>
<td align="CENTER">46</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">7</td>
<td align="LEFT">B O'Driscoll</td>
<td align="CENTER">43</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">8</td>
<td align="LEFT">G Gregan </td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">9</td>
<td align="LEFT">F Pelous </td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">10</td>
<td align="LEFT">L Arbizu </td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">11</td>
<td align="LEFT">WJ Whineray </td>
<td align="CENTER">24</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">11</td>
<td align="LEFT">R Ibanez </td>
<td align="CENTER">24</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">13</td>
<td align="LEFT">G Teichmann </td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="17">14</td>
<td align="LEFT">P Saint Andre</td>
<td align="CENTER">21</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">14</td>
<td align="LEFT">N Farr-Jones </td>
<td align="CENTER">16</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">16</td>
<td align="LEFT">J Pienaar </td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER">5</td>
<td align="CENTER">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">17</td>
<td align="LEFT">D Dubroca </td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">18</td>
<td align="LEFT">H Porta </td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">19</td>
<td align="LEFT">S Sititi </td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="LEFT" height="18">20</td>
<td align="LEFT">F Galthie </td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td>
<td align="CENTER"><br /></td>
<td align="CENTER">10</td><td align="CENTER"></td><td align="CENTER"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog's view:</b></i><br />
<br />
While
the statistical results will always be skewed in favour of modern day
players who play more test matches in a more congested international
schedule, the stats give a decent indication of which captains have been
influential for their teams in the modern era, as well as their
longevity at the top of the game.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, past
legends of the game such as Colin Meads and Sir Brian Lochore don't
feature highly in the rankings, as many of the matches they featured in
were not regarded as 'tests' during the days of fully blown tours.<br />
<br />
Thus,
while Sir Brian Lochore (regarded by many as NZ's greatest ever
captain) captained the All Blacks 46 times between 1964 and 1971, only
18 of them were given full test match status.<br />
<br />
Therefore a purely opinion based ranking may look very different to the statistically based ranking we came up with.<br />
<br />
The top 10 don't look to bad to us though. Don't ask us how Will Carling ended up joint 4th. We haven't got a clue either!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you make of the rankings?</b></i></div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-70939527955873142572012-09-26T14:31:00.002+01:002012-10-10T20:28:23.391+01:00Is Chris Robshaw's England captaincy under threat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnAtq-xDZPuMoZLqIYfkLzDyvvTYRB6g9ckm-R1T23WS2BbIugdFFI6b4HuM9QYylO1MbgBEeIV2k0IuwNUE1wYuaZfAWAf1ttfMa02U9g_vW8suLW_axMGMxef8VTebQzF_1Q5nS5F8/s1600/Chris+Robshaw+looks+towards+Lancaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnAtq-xDZPuMoZLqIYfkLzDyvvTYRB6g9ckm-R1T23WS2BbIugdFFI6b4HuM9QYylO1MbgBEeIV2k0IuwNUE1wYuaZfAWAf1ttfMa02U9g_vW8suLW_axMGMxef8VTebQzF_1Q5nS5F8/s640/Chris+Robshaw+looks+towards+Lancaster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw may be England's latest Golden boy following a 'Roy of the Rovers' like campaign for club and country in 2011/12, but his England mentor, Stuart Lancaster, is not afraid to upset the apple cart. <br />
<br />
On Tuesday, the England head coach insisted that he would not be naming his England Captain until the squad were together for the Autumn internationals, prior to the team's first outing with Fiji on 10th November.<br />
<br />
Lancaster's failure to endorse the incumbent captain sparked a few surprised murmurings around the press. Robshaw, it appears, is not the shoe-in many had presumed across the land. In fact, the door seems to be wide open for a renewed contest for the England captaincy. <br />
<br />
Accordingly, this week<i><b> Dumptackle Rugby Blog</b></i> takes a look at the credentials of Robshaw and the main contenders to lead the Red Rose this autumn, should he be over-looked.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chris Robshaw (incumbent)</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Quins skipper has been accomplished in his efforts thus far at the helm for England and has been the main figurehead of Lancaster's bold revolution.<br />
<br />
Ever the quiet achiever, the current Aviva Premiership Player of the Year's main strengths lie in his huge work-rate and his impeccable standards.<br />
<br />
While he many not be the loudest voice in the team, he consistently says the right things and is inarguably the standard bearer for the current crop of England tyros. As they say in New Zealand, he has accrued the 'Mana' for the job.<br />
<br />
It should not be forgotten too that his humble attitude and conduct with the public got many a disgruntled fan back onside with the national team; a valuable asset following embarassing episodes from his predecessors at RWC 2011.<br />
<br />
It was an important factor in creating a feel good atmosphere around the team and gave Lancaster some leeway following less than impressive first up performances from England in Scotland and Italy in their first couple of Six Nations outings this year.<br />
<br />
Robshaw's main problem though may still be that while is a hugely skillful flanker, who is admired by both peers and fans for his link play and attitude, he isn't the archetypal fetcher at 7.<br />
<br />
If that is what the current coaching group covet and Robshaw isn't regarded as the long term option in the position, then perhaps it is wise to consider another man to take the reigns. It would be a tough call to make though. Perhaps an unpopular one too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dylan Hartley</b><br />
<br />
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Announcing Hartley as England captain would polarise many fans.<br />
<br />
While he is undoubtedly a powerful hooker who has a long career in international rugby ahead of himself, the New Zealand born Northampton Saint is still regarded by many as a bit of a hot-head, prone to making costly mistakes at inopportune moments....not the best of traits for a decision maker at test level.<br />
<br />
Therefore, it's likely that handing him the reigns over say...Chris Robshaw, would cause a bit of a stink......as much of a stink as say the bubbling geysers and mud pools of his home town; Rotorua - nicknamed 'Sulphur City'.<br />
<br />
His fiery character is obviously a positive for Lancaster though, so he should not be discounted as a contender. Hartley crucially is also maturing and with 3 years of captaincy at the Saints under his belt and three more years until RWC 2015, there is time to grow into the role at International level.<br />
<br />
When Robshaw became injured during England's tour of South Africa in June, Hartley captained the side for the third and final test. His more visceral approach to the captaincy seemed to work a treat too, as England secured a 14-all draw in Port Elizabeth. <br />
<br />
That ability to lift the troops after a long, tough season, with only pride left to play for should not be underestimated. It certainly left an imprint on the mind of his coach, Stuart Lancaster. The match was a dead rubber though, so one should remember that the Springboks perhaps weren't as mentally focused as the previous two tests.<br />
<br />
His selection as captain would be a huge risk too, as there is always the possibility that it could eventually turn sour, such was the case with English cricket's South African import, Kevin Pietersen.<br />
<br />
Would he command the same 'mana' as Robshaw in the dressing room? It would be a step into the unknown.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> Tom Wood</b><br />
<br />
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Tom Wood, 25, has been touted as a potential England captain for some time.<br />
<br />
Following a fine debut season with the Northampton Saints in 2011, where he was awarded the crown of Aviva Premiership 'Player of the Season', Wood was called up to the Elite England squad, starting every game of their successful 6 Nations campaign that year.<br />
<br />
He made an immediate impression on then Head Coach, Martin Johnson, who was struck by his no-nonsense, down to earth, unflustered persona. Apparantly, Wood reminded Johnson of himself!<br />
<br />
It's not surprising when one considers that the back-rower jetted over to New Zealand to play semi-pro rugby for North Otago in his youth, rather than stagnating in age grade rugby at home; an experience very comparable to Martin Johnson's famous time with King Country in the North Island.<br />
<br />
The backrower's chances have been cruelly thwarted by a run of niggling injuries since his initial breakthrough though. Regarded as the man to take over when Lewis Moody was injured, Wood again suffered the injury curse.<br />
<br />
Perhaps now is the time for the Northampton Saint flanker though. His ability as a natural Seven could seal Lancaster's stamp of approval too. Instrumental prior to his injury, he could be about to take on some added responsibility.<br />
<br />
Is it too early though?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you think of Lancaster's failure to endorse Robshaw's captaincy?</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<i><b>Would you like to see Hartley or Wood take over?</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-76211121681488073402012-09-21T13:36:00.004+01:002012-09-26T19:04:48.668+01:00BT Vision's proposed breakaway plunges European Rugby into chaos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Digested the news yet?
Rugby in Europe may be booming like never before, but it could be
about to experience the greatest single <b>sporting revolution</b> since
Kerry Packer's sojourn into World Series Cricket in the mid 1970's;
an upheaval which changed the way the Gentleman's game was played
forever..</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not talking about
rugby players wearing multi-coloured pyjamas as was the case back
then. Parisien club <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=stade+francais&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1920&bih=1061&tbm=isch&tbnid=GfNXiqpeONzd-M:&imgrefurl=http://twf.com.au/showthread.php%3Ft%3D29932&docid=5CfDAtwPn3NlWM&imgurl=http://twf.com.au/imgcache/589.png&w=520&h=347&ei=CmBcULGSA6jB0QWFkYGABQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=519&vpy=207&dur=478&hovh=167&hovw=250&tx=166&ty=87&sig=117396243925050254779&page=1&tbnh=134&tbnw=201&start=0&ndsp=43&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:143" target="_blank">Stade Francais</a> have that covered already! This
rugby revolution has potentially very <b>far reaching consequences</b>,
especially for the Celts.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you haven't heard yet,
Premiership Rugby agreed an astonishing £152 million contract with
<b>BT Vision</b> last week, securing rights to broadcast English domestic
rugby matches, in addition to European matches involving English
clubs from the 2014-15 season onwards. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By that time, the current
agreement governing continental competition will have expired, paving
the way for a potential restructuring of the European game or a <b>'new
dazzling European tournament'</b> as was described by BT Vision's Chief
Executive Marc Watson.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Confusingly though, the
announcement came just a few hours before European Cup Rugby (ERC)
also revealed a four year extension with Sky TV, who currently
showcase Europe's premier rugby competition; the Heineken Cup.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The disputed deal with BT
Vision has therefore resulted in English clubs standing accused of
'breaching global rugby regulations', displaying brazen arrogance and
plunging the European game into both chaos and open warfare over
broadcasting rights.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This week, Welsh online
sporting retailers; <a href="http://www.shoprugby.com/" target="_blank"><i><b>Shop Rugby</b></i></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
give us their view on the announcement.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The Heineken Cup –
But not as we know it</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sports pages on the
continent have been bristling of late, while the airwaves have been
filled with both optimistic and disgruntled fans (depending on the
region), following the news of a potential restructuring of the
European rugby scene.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the surface the
decision seems to be a question of simple economics. </span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The tournament’s
organisers, European Rugby Cup Ltd, will have to choose between a
four-year, £70m deal with Sky, which would start from the 2014-15
season, or a deal from BT Vision worth more than 50 per cent more. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whether the BT deal is
good for the game is unclear. Existing broadcasters, Sky, already
have a massive viewership and BT could suffer the same problems ITV's Irish broadcasters Setanta did in the previous decade, in luring
customers to fork out extra dosh to watch the live games, when many
already have a SKY/ESPN subscription.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Money as we all know
though, talks. So it is no surprise to see the BT Vision proposal
accepted by Premiership rugby executives.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Adding fuel to the fires
of change has been much wrangling from an Anglo-French alliance,
unhappy with perceived advantages arguably lesser clubs in the
RabboDirect Pro 12 currently enjoy qualifying for Europe’s top
table.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Currently 24 teams from
six countries compete in the Heineken Cup, consisting of six teams
from England and France, three teams from Wales and Ireland and two
teams from Scotland and Italy. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmtUuRX6JxiCh5S5RVZLyFQfHo5_sFx7s8-tpeJ__fReLUPe59PDtVB35wX7wTmGCO_NIN37YwqshhYCgWu9AgXoNFSqVqir-4owWw5xVwEp99ibWjE_BO26HuzOQ2yZ7XOwtDaCcBo/s1600/CDF_CardiffBlues_V_Treviso03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmtUuRX6JxiCh5S5RVZLyFQfHo5_sFx7s8-tpeJ__fReLUPe59PDtVB35wX7wTmGCO_NIN37YwqshhYCgWu9AgXoNFSqVqir-4owWw5xVwEp99ibWjE_BO26HuzOQ2yZ7XOwtDaCcBo/s640/CDF_CardiffBlues_V_Treviso03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weaker sides such as Italian outfit, Treviso, have an unfair advantage according to Premiership Rugby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While this may sound
favourable to the English and French, the main bone of contention is
that whilst they must endure a long, hard season to ensure
qualification for the HC (or indeed avoid relegation domestically)
through good performance in their domestic league and cup
competitions, the two teams from Scotland and Italy for example are
able to finish in the bottom four of the RabboDirect Pro 12 (their
domestic league competition), avoid relegation and still qualify for
the Heineken Cup!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The French and English
teams do seem to have a justifiable argument there. The tournament
appears lopsided and perhaps recent statistics speak for themselves.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Five of the last seven
finals have been won by either Leinster or Munster (both Celtic
clubs). Many believe that their ability to rest top players in the
lead-up to big knockout games has given them an edge.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prior to the glory years,
nine of the 10 winners of the competition had either come from
English or French shores too. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One could argue though
that perhaps the English and French need to get their own house in
order, rather than punish those who are thriving due to a quality
domestic set-up.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Celtic nations have
acknowledged that qualification is currently unfairly stacked in
favour of the sides competing in the Pro 12, but a more diplomatic
resolution would be more respected.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The power base of European
rugby ultimately lies in France and England though, with some of
their club sides, particularly the French, boasting an embarrassment
of riches. A large proportion of the money earned through TV deals
comes from English and French audiences.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One suspects whichever way
the French lean may sway the whole process. Thus far, although they
have conceded that they share similar grievances to the English
Premiership clubs, they have not come out in support of a fully
fledged break-away tournament</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As in professional sport
the world over though, money talks and it is the view of many in the
game that the current qualification structure undermines European
rugby’s premier club tournament, with strong teams from the France
and England omitted in favour of weaker teams like Zebre and Benetton
Treviso from Italy.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This disparity has led to
the announcement of a poropsed withdrawal of French and English teams
from both the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cups if there is no change
to the qualification process by the time the current television deal
expires in 2014. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Watch this space. Further
talks are due in Rome on 8 October, but all those who love the game
at this level will be dearly hoping a resolution can be sought.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b> What are your thoughts on the deal? Do you want to see changes or are you happy with the current format?</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Author:
Shop Rugby is a leading online sports retailer and Wales’ first
specialist rugby shop. For great prices, all the latest kits and
</b><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.shoprugby.com/"><b>rugby
equipment</b></a></u></span></span><b> for men,
women and children, pop along to our </b><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.shoprugby.com/"><b>website</b></a></u></span></span><b>.
</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-63720697294007751192012-09-20T11:54:00.004+01:002012-09-20T17:13:55.491+01:00Stick or Twist for Heyneke Meyer?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbRIANEblDxzL8iLh4UDj1BR64Q-XlF92LzOnbxM8xkOamsp87GEyEv6pNmkf6Rmby8uPeckztMsseKRdDY_aWL7wA8sb3ePoKzHKJ2RohtKDbw_3LnQvnJRE3Ha63rd5edHXgcWBSbU/s1600/HeynekeMeyer10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbRIANEblDxzL8iLh4UDj1BR64Q-XlF92LzOnbxM8xkOamsp87GEyEv6pNmkf6Rmby8uPeckztMsseKRdDY_aWL7wA8sb3ePoKzHKJ2RohtKDbw_3LnQvnJRE3Ha63rd5edHXgcWBSbU/s200/HeynekeMeyer10.JPG" width="173" /></a></div>
It seems Heyneke Meyer is already facing a genuine conundrum, just 7 games into his short tenure as South African Head Coach. <br />
<br />
Surprising draws against the Poms and the Pumas, followed by successive defeats to both Australia and New Zealand have resulted in the former Bulls supremo facing a barrage of criticism from fans and media a-like, unsatisfied with the style of his stewardship.<br />
<br />
To many, his simple, conservative approach has been exposed as 'archaic' by SA's more dynamic rivals from the Antipodes.<br />
<br />
Faith has not been lost in the north of the country though (the Bulls' heartland). It appears Meyer truly splits opinion in his homeland. So how much merit is there behind the criticism he is facing and why should we back him?<br />
<br />
This week, <i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</b></i> has a look at both sides of the coin in the discussion.<br />
<br />
Should Meyer <b>stick</b> with the principles which brought him so much Super Rugby success with the Bulls or is it time for him to <b>twist</b> and usher in a new era of attacking South African rugby?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b>STICK </b><br />
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<b>- <i>Meyer has proven himself and needs time for the team to grow and mature</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>A 40% win ratio after 7 games doesn't make good reading for Heyneke Meyer. Especially from a public as critical as South Africa's, who believed Meyer was brought in to 'win at all costs'.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Meyer was considered a sure bet to bring success following a tumultously confused period with Peter DeVilliers at the helm. Things perhaps haven't quite panned out as planned.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Let's not forget though that like it or not, these are the first steps taken along the long road to the World Cup in 2015. If the event was being held this November, the selection criteria for the squad may have been very different.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>As it is though, this is a team which has been picked to grow as a unit, much the same as Jake White's circa 2004, which ultimately succeeded in RWC 2007. </i><br />
<br />
<i>The current crop will therefore need to be given time to mature at test level and learn from their mistakes, which Meyer has publicly stated and implicitly understands. He himself believes that the group is 'special' but even special groups need time to develop.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Even Jake White's Boks were ruthlessly hammered 49-0 by a pretty average Wallabies outfit in the year prior to their RWC 2007 triumph. That was a team which included legends such as Smit, Matfield, DeVilliers, DuPreez and Montgomery too. White stuck to his guns though and delivered the world crown the following year, with the same conservative tactics.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Yes Meyer's conservative tactics may not be easy on the eye, but everyone knew the score when he was appointed Head Coach. It was hardly going to be Harlem Globe trotters stuff was it?</i><br />
<br />
<i>Meyer built a dynasty at the Bulls, entrenched in that conserative style. A strong lineout, an accurate kick chase game, and a metronomical boot at flyhalf have served him well thus far and ultimately, Meyer is banking on being able to replicate that with a new generation.</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY-CT9SPQ9aMgOcKFlwMCCjD2ue3R7I39x7C_6TKtJzRhkN63fu_6bi5tjPTPNzDWudT1juyAuy5XHwxpX5fzOgM8ZejSfmaGq3fj2ze9qNiBZkGbedgJBDZiVYlmChOroZGKS5szxVE/s1600/etzebeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY-CT9SPQ9aMgOcKFlwMCCjD2ue3R7I39x7C_6TKtJzRhkN63fu_6bi5tjPTPNzDWudT1juyAuy5XHwxpX5fzOgM8ZejSfmaGq3fj2ze9qNiBZkGbedgJBDZiVYlmChOroZGKS5szxVE/s200/etzebeth.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young gun Eben Etzebeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>The first step has been to select a core group of players to lead them through the next 4 years and </i><i><i>no-one can argue that the likes of Eben Etzebeth and Marcell Coetzee won't be monsters in years to come for the Springboks.</i> The next step is to get consistency from them.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>SA need them to do the business week after week, and crucially they need their flyhalf to punish the opposition when he gets the chance. It is that clinical edge which they have lacked thus far and their gameplan relies on that to be successful.</i><br />
<br />
<i></i><i> As for the conservative tactics, it has been South Africa's way for decades, so to expect Meyer to be able to change the mindset of the Springboks at international level, when much of the South African rugby played at Super Rugby level is ball up the jumper stuff seems a little far fetched.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We saw just how effective the Springboks conservative tactics can be at the weekend too anyway. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Had it not been for some immaturity from Dean Greyling (who was yellow carded at a vital point in second half) and a bad day at the office from a clearly out of sorts Morne Steyn with the boot, SA could have potentially beaten the current World Champs away from home (who by the way have now won their last 14 successive tests).</i><br />
<br />
<i>Someone like Morne Steyn at flyhalf may be limited in his attacking ability but he normally produces the core skills of Meyer's game plan well. If he can get his kicking boots back on, we may see the knives go back in the draw from the fans, as I have no doubt SA will start picking up a number of victories.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Just give Meyer and the Boks some time.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>TWIST </b><br />
<br />
<b>- <i>The game has moved on, Meyer needs to adapt or risk stagnating</i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Meyer wasn't wrong to stick to his principles and implement the same conservative approach which won him so much silverware with the Bulls, when he was appointed Head Coach of the Springboks. </i><br />
<br />
<i>It would have been foolish not to. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Clearly though, the game has moved on since then, with successive bouts of law changes resulting in far less importance now placed on the lineout. New Zealand have shown that attack is now king, and we've seen the resulting waves from that shift in mentality in tournaments such as the Aviva Premiership this year.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The ultra conservative approach hasn't worked and SA need to move on or risk falling behind. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Meyer's clearly a good coach but it's time for him to show some chameleon qualities and adapt a little. I'm not talking about a monumental shift. South Africa's strengths still lie in a big bruising pack of forwards who look to dominate, but there needs to be more scope and variety outside of that.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Someone like Morne Steyn has produced before for the Springboks but let's be honest, he's struggling and could probably do with some time away from the glare of the spotlight. The booing he had to endure from his home crowd against England in June has had an obviously detrimental effect.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The Bulls flyhalf was never the flashiest operator running the backline, but at least you could rely on him to pot shots between the posts like clockwork. That side of his game is shot and with Pat Lambie and Johan Goosen waiting in the wings, why not try them?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFQyBSOegErIdc_m_j4M6jDJBL35rXY-qvP42vi_-wgOYEQABHdbxYWc8KXoeujIFGhrt1G9WnqdXwZi_rvagtuzQxstEXn0oN1JXLOm6eVb_pby10JxlBDtg1q7imHq34X4ieGKVpJo/s1600/johan+goosen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFQyBSOegErIdc_m_j4M6jDJBL35rXY-qvP42vi_-wgOYEQABHdbxYWc8KXoeujIFGhrt1G9WnqdXwZi_rvagtuzQxstEXn0oN1JXLOm6eVb_pby10JxlBDtg1q7imHq34X4ieGKVpJo/s320/johan+goosen.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goosen the man at 10?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>If you are talking about selecting players for the long term, Goosen at flyhalf and Lambie at full back seem to be pretty logical choices too.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>They add a huge amount of footballing ability over Steyn and Kirchner and could do some real damage with a fearsome pack of forwards running off them. Goosen in particular was outstanding for the Cheetahs in this year's Super 15.</i><br />
<br />
<i>There's also nothing lost in the kicking game with them involved. Both are consistently accurate and can implement Meyer's tactics with ease but would probably have superior vision and an ability to really challenge the opposition, rather than relying on punishing mistakes.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The other main gripe is the selection of Jean DeVilliers. </i><br />
<br />
<i>He's been a top player but is playing out of position and looks incredibly uncomfortable at 13. The backline simply doesn't seem to function that well with him there.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Considering the quality of Francois Steyn at 12 and the unliklihood that he will be moved, perhaps it's time for Meyer to consider that DeVilliers probably needs to make way. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It seems a misguided choice to have made him captain. DeVilliers seems to doubt himself and his leadership, as we even saw following the Stormer's exit from this year's Super 15. That confusion seems just as apparent in the green jersey. </i><br />
<br />
<i>When you compare his leadership to that of Richie McCaw's monumental, all-action effort in the weekend's game against the All Blacks for example, there really is no contest.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It's time for Meyer to put some faith in the young guns in the backline. They may just usher in a new attacking era of Springboks rugby.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
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<b><i>Which argument do you agree with?</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Tell us your views in the comments section below</b></i>
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-15525799624820792022012-09-07T14:49:00.004+01:002012-09-07T14:57:04.149+01:00Steve Hansen is the 'Puppet Master' in dealings with the media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPm6MhdE4eli-6wK12dM4Mw0eqej26kzuHLPpPp28BKLxqsPguddamoCB5C5dE6VUXSs4q-8YYbB_IR52XfiYNRPeSgQEgSVa-FvwPF8RC2BeTVIIhrVxGLKVDKkZGELO2-kQb0plAAo/s1600/Steve-Hansen-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPm6MhdE4eli-6wK12dM4Mw0eqej26kzuHLPpPp28BKLxqsPguddamoCB5C5dE6VUXSs4q-8YYbB_IR52XfiYNRPeSgQEgSVa-FvwPF8RC2BeTVIIhrVxGLKVDKkZGELO2-kQb0plAAo/s200/Steve-Hansen-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Steve Hansen has only been in charge of the All Blacks for five games in his short tenure as New Zealand Head Coach thus far, but already he is looking supremely comfortable in the role. <br />
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One might say there is even an air of arrogance about the Cantabrian.<br />
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Prior to his appointment, there had been worries about Hansen's potential dealings with the media, as he stepped up from his All Blacks' assistant role (where the glare of the cameras is a little less intense). Many Kiwis bristled at the thought of Hansen, journalists, dictophones and cameras in the same room.<br />
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It is pretty common knowledge that 'Shags' can be a bit grumpy and there were musings prior to his promotion that despite his proficiency on the training paddock and his obvious technical expertise, the PR side of things may be a jarring and embarassing weakness for the NZRU.<br />
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How the public tide of opinion has changed.... <br />
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<strong>Steve Hansen is proving to be a shrewd operator</strong><br />
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The man who sat alongside Ted (Graham Henry) for the best part of eight years, has proven himself to be a particularly shrewd operator in recent weeks, much like his predecessor. <br />
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His style is altogether different though.<br />
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While Ted used his dry wit to dart poison arrows into the hearts of his rivals, often also playing the philosopher, answering questions with questions (and leaving the media to try and interpret them), Hansen has been bold, straight talking and really quite daring.<br />
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Many felt he won his battle with old Crusaders pal Robbie Deans by knockout when New Zealand defeated Australia in the opening two games of the Rugby Championship.<br />
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Hansen had publicly discected and scrutinised Deans' team selections in the run-up to the Bledisloe encounters, evoking memories of Jose Mourinho's dazzling press conferences with Chelsea FC in the mid noughties. (Mourinho after all had famously once named both his own side and the opposition's team sheet prior to a Champions League tie between Chelsea and Barcelona).<br />
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While Hansen hadn't predicted Australia's selections, he certainly placed a fair heap of doubt upon them. <br />
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In his opinion, with so many Wallabies removed from the starting line-up since their last meeting at RWC 2011, including the conservative Berrick Barnes ahead of the more mercurial Quade Cooper at 10, Deans had either admitted to getting it wrong with his selections at the World Cup or with his tactics. Take your pick.<br />
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What followed were Australian performances riddled with self doubt and a lack of belief. Kurtley Beale, who only a few weeks before had starred for the Rebels turned in an absolute shocker, making elementary mistake after elementary mistake. <br />
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Their attacking instincts were also stymied too as the players bought into the 'conservative option first' approach implied by the conservatism of the selections. It played straight into the All Blacks' hands.<br />
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One can't help but feel that Hansen himself had played a hand in coaxing out a few of the mistakes made by Australia too. He had turned up the pressure and the Aussies just didn't have the answers. Even Deans himself (who by the way I do rate highly) seemed a little confused in the aftermath, mumbling and bumbling with his answers to reporters.<br />
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Upon being asked whether Deans would be feeling the pressure from the losses, Hansen remarked:<br />
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<div class="scrumArticleText"><em>"He's bound to be, he's got to be. I think the players are too. They had the same look in their faces. They were flabbergasted, where do we go next, what do we do next? It's not a great position to be in when you are like that, because if you've got no answers, you can't actually improve." </em></div><div class="scrumArticleText"><br />
</div><div class="scrumArticleText">Thud. Australia hit the canvas with that soundbite. It was certainly a killer blow from Hansen and you could just imagine the atmosphere in the Wallabies camp when they heard it. </div><div class="scrumArticleText"><br />
</div><div class="scrumArticleText">Defalated? Yes. Pressure? You betcha. Do they have the answers? Who knows.</div><div class="scrumArticleText"><br />
</div>Hansen has been equally forceful and persuasive in his dealings with his own side though. He's shown a ruthless streak which has probably been missing in recent times with selection. <br />
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Sam Whitelock, a mainstay of the New Zealand pack for the last couple of years has been ousted for recent his lack lustre performances this week (they have yo-yo'd throughout the year) and in comes Chiefs tyro Brodie Retallick to take his place.<br />
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There was no backside covering. It wasn't a case of Whitelock being rested. Retallick had simply been 'playing better' and warranted selection. Case closed. It's up to Whitelock to get back to his level.<br />
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Meanwhile Julian Savea has been given a chance to impress on the wing, after two solid but uninspiring displays from Hosea Gear in the 11 shirt in 2012.<br />
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Gone are the days, when Henry would take out of form players and allow ther All Black environment to work its wonders on them. It's either shape up or get shunned now.<br />
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Hansen is stamping his mark all over this side. Perhaps the nickname 'Shags' should be replaced with 'Puppet Master'?<br />
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</div>Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-4641637955229575042012-09-05T14:18:00.013+01:002012-09-26T19:05:18.850+01:00'Murderball' - Wheelchair Rugby at the Paralympics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>'People call it bumper cars with a ball but it's more like chess with violence'.</i><br />
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If you are a little confused, that is how Team GB's captain, Steve Brown, referred to the sport which he competes in and consequently holds so dear to his heart:<br />
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<b>Wheelchair Rugby</b> or <b>'Murderball',</b> as it has often been described since the release of the Oscar nominated documentary of the same name in 2005.<br />
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Today marks the opening of the game of Wheelchair Rugby's pool phase at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, with Great Britain battling the world champions, USA.<br />
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For those unaware of the sport, it's tough, uncompromising and certainly not for the feint hearted. Those of a nervous disposition may wish to halt reading now. It is almost gladiatorial-esque in nature...or maybe akin to 90's favourite Robot Wars if you prefer more modern imagery!<br />
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That primalism of wheelchair rugby though has captured the imagination of many onlookers since it's inception in the 1970s and growth in the sport is increasing at a rapid rate. <br />
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Tickets for this year's competition were sold out in 3 days. I myself was one of the unlucky fans to miss out. <br />
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So what exactly is it and how can one watch it?<br />
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<b>What are the Rules?</b><br />
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'Wheelchair rugby' may be rugby by name, but in reality is an amalgimation of five popular sports:<br />
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Rugby, American Football, Aussie Rules, Basketball and Ice Hockey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regulation 'Murderball' court</td></tr>
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The games take place in an indoor basketball court, with matches lasting 32 minutes, split into four 8 minute quarters. <br />
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Each team has 12 players (mix gendered) with any four allowed on the court at one time. <br />
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In essence, the idea is to carry the ball across the opposition's goal line (much the same as in rugby), crossing the line between two set cones. In doing so you are awarded a 'goal' for your team and the team with the most goals come the final whistle wins.<br />
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Each team has 40 seconds to score a goal before posession is turned over (much like basketball) but has to also bounce the ball every 10 seconds (similarities with Aussie Rules). Here's where thing hot up a little though.<br />
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Opposition players are allowed to make contact with the player in posession's armoured wheelchairs in the act of preventing a goal (so long as contact is not made behind the rear wheel, which is illegal). <br />
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The resulting collisions are often jaw dropping, as the aluminium wheels are also incidently jammed with devices called 'spikes' attached to the front. Sparks fly, the crowd gasps and wheel chairs get tipped over.... often. <br />
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It may be a sport for the physically disabled, but the athleticism and bravery on show is just as admirable as the able bodied game. Just watch one match and you'll understand how the game got it's slightly hyperbolic nickname 'Murderball'<br />
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<b>Which athletes are eligible to play?</b><br />
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The 'classification rules' behind who can and can't play wheel chair rugby are quite complicated, both personally and in terms of the dynamic of the teams allowed to be on the court.<br />
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First of all, to be eligible, players must suffer from 'some form of physical disability with a loss of function in both the upper and lower limbs'. <br />
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Consequently, many of the athletes involved suffer from spinal injuries which have left them paralysed in some capacity, while athletes suffering with multiple amputations, neurological disorders and muscular distrophy are also commonplace.<br />
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Once they are deemed eligible to contest, athletes are then classified according to their functional level and assigned a point value ranging from 0.5 (lowest ability) to 3.5 (highest ability). The total value for the team on the court at one time can never exceed 8 points.<br />
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When wheelchair rugby coaches have to deal with these nuances as well as tactics, you wonder how some International Rugby coaches of the past have managed to get 16 players on a pitch!<br />
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<b>Where can I watch it?</b><br />
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Not all games will be televised, but if you are a UK resident, games will be showed on Channel 4 from September 5th onwards.<br />
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If you are new to the sport, please give it a look as it really is a testament to the possible tenacity of human spirit in overcoming life-changing obstacles.<br />
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For more details regarding scheduling of the matches, follow the link below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/wheelchair-rugby/">http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/wheelchair-rugby/</a><br />
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<b><i>Have any readers watched a game of Wheelchair Rugby?</i></b><br />
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<b><i>What are your thoughts on the sport?</i></b></div>
Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-78413145742491781172012-09-03T11:23:00.004+01:002012-09-26T15:51:51.324+01:00Exeter Chiefs aiming for the stars with planned expansion of Sandy Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In the Westcountry, there is currently growing thought that the Exeter Chiefs have the potential to become a powerhouse of the domestic game in England. Maybe even European challengers.</div>
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It's a pretty bold statement for a team which has never won a domestic title in it's history and all the more intriguing when one considers that up until two years ago, the Devonshire based side had primarily toiled in the relative depths of the English Championship.</div>
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There are a variety of reasons for the optimism though.</div>
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While Devon historically has been disadvantaged economically compared to other parts of the country, heavily reliant on seasonal trades such as tourism and farming, it's premier rugby club has been bucking the trend in recent years. Business it seems is thriving and the balance sheet is about to look even healthier....</div>
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Clearly a key part of the success in recent years can be attributed to the action on the field. </div>
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Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, and his coaching team have moulded a team ethos and culture which the players have bought into. In turn, the local community have supported the team's efforts with their feet, and crucially their wallets.</div>
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Exeter's first game of the season saw a particularly rampant display, as they hammered Sale Sharks by 43 points to 6 on Danny Cipriani's ill-fated home coming from the Super 15. Exeter as always were committed and ruthless. Two years ago that kind of result would have been unthought of, but now it is not a surprise at all. </div>
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Aside from the players and management though, the club's suits have been delivering too. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallaby Dean Mumm has joined the Chiefs' ranks for the 2012/13 season.</td></tr>
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There has been wise re-investment in the squad during the Summer, with Wallaby lock Dean Mumm adding his international experience to the pack, after jetting over from the NSW Waratahs and Fijian Flyer Watisoni Votu also bringing his unique brand of flair to the Chiefs backline this year. </div>
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Exeter's ability to lure such talent indicates just how far they have come since their promotion to English rugby's top table two years ago.</div>
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Where the real excitement lies though is the Chiefs' home ground, Sandy Park.</div>
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It's a stadium which has housed Rob Baxter's men since 2006, after relocating from the far less spectacular County Ground and the relocation has been a total success so far.</div>
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In a move which signals Exeter's ambition though, plans have now been submitted to redevelop the ground to almost double it's current capacity.</div>
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The Premiership rugby club released this striking image recently of its vision for their stadium and what it wants to achieve in expanding its Sandy Park ground from 10,750 to 20,600.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model for planned expansion of Sandy Park</td></tr>
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The expansion should enable the club to generate the income needed to compete at the very top echelons of European rugby, as long as fan numbers increase accordingly. Chief Executive Tony Rowe is optimistic about the numbers coming through the gates though and considers it the natural progression for the club.<br />
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<i>"I predict that in three to four years we will average an attendance of about 13-15,000. We will not fill the ground regularly but a 20,000 capacity is what you need to play at the top end of European rugby and host Heineken Cup quarter and semi-finals. This will give us the headroom when we are playing in big games."</i><br />
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The expansion has been described as a 'five-year project' and it remains subject to receiving planning permission from Exeter City Council. This is a clear statement of intent from the Chiefs though.<br />
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<b>What do you make of the planned expansion of Sandy Park?</b><br />
<b>Do you share in the optimism that Exeter Chiefs could be a real force?</b></div>
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-31930938513421535912012-08-29T10:23:00.001+01:002012-08-29T11:55:25.492+01:00Nick Evans - The Quick Fire Round<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvETJfaahH1ebaSTndcNF3hHBWNy95OMuXCcFsZkyCsL6fLaXpqFAaj4sVFTet7eDYrBo6x0CgCPN9ceyMeUH-zAcsn-7KrtTCCJU8eYbEtMA8LMGt2BxDtjxLle2e-I8Uhhvai9wIUiM/s1600/nick+evans+quick+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvETJfaahH1ebaSTndcNF3hHBWNy95OMuXCcFsZkyCsL6fLaXpqFAaj4sVFTet7eDYrBo6x0CgCPN9ceyMeUH-zAcsn-7KrtTCCJU8eYbEtMA8LMGt2BxDtjxLle2e-I8Uhhvai9wIUiM/s200/nick+evans+quick+fire.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Part II of our interview with Nick Evans, we see how the Quins man fares under 'intense' pressure, as we put him through his paces in our <i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog .....</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>QUICK FIRE ROUND.</strong></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Read on to find out Nick's earliest rugby memory, childhood hero, desert island discs and </span>much more.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick also reveals all the inside knowledge on his team mates at Quins, including who's the Stoop's 'Einstein', who's the laziest trainer and which music lover in the team may have a secret crush on Justin Bieber*.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(*May contain lie)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><i><span lang="EN-US"><b>PERSONAL</b></span></i></span><br />
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</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Earliest rugby memory</b> - Early Saturday morning rugby games in bare feet when I was young</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></ul></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Childhood hero</b> – Grant Fox</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Occupation if you weren't a sportsman?</b> – Professional Fisherman</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Desert Island Discs</b> – Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Paul Weller, Frank Sinatra, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ben Harper, </span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dinner Party Guests (4)</b> – Will Ferrell, Kate Beckingsale, Dave Grohl, Charlize Theron</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>TEAM MATES</b></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Best Trainer</b> –</span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=9409&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Chris Robshaw (Coaches pet)</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Worst Trainer</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=4789&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ugo Monye (never trains)</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Most Skilful</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=97550&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt Hopper</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fastest</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=88407&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross Chisholm</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Strongest</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=102012&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle Sinckler</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Most Intelligent</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=5098&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Lambert</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Least Intelligent</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=85119&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olly Lindsay-Hague</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Biggest Joker</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=8713&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danny Care</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Worst Dress Sense</b> – </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=9409&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Robshaw</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Worst Taste in Music</b>- </span><a href="http://www.quins.co.uk/rugby/harlequins_rugby_union_1st_xv.php?player=5098&includeref=dynamic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Lambert</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> *Genres of music were not actually revealed!</span></span></div></div>Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-86467040400749210002012-08-28T18:57:00.001+01:002012-08-29T13:49:30.660+01:00Opinion: Australia's Robbie Deans Conundrum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRmGD2lnaK7BN4_XlU6jOoTKY_VWQcc3dhyryeJSGlTN9LfbfQwozVLn0aAli-tnGf0P0Hpt5NIqECF6mdFkrQJi6XOrxPskU92K5OINyxW1bovWD033Nq64RySnsCtFoA26E6oPQEXU/s1600/deans-wallaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRmGD2lnaK7BN4_XlU6jOoTKY_VWQcc3dhyryeJSGlTN9LfbfQwozVLn0aAli-tnGf0P0Hpt5NIqECF6mdFkrQJi6XOrxPskU92K5OINyxW1bovWD033Nq64RySnsCtFoA26E6oPQEXU/s200/deans-wallaby.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>Robbie Deans, the Wallabies' rugby union coach, has been receiving a fair bit of cop over the last few weeks with regard to Australia's poor performances against the All Blacks in the opening two rounds of this year's Rugby Championship. <br />
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A lacklustre effort in Sydney followed by an emphatic nilling at Eden Park (for the first time in 50 years), locked the Bledisloe Cup in the NZRU trophy cabinet for yet another year on Saturday (and what's more, the Bledisloe is sitting next to the glistening William Webb Ellis Cup too).<br />
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That's been a bit of a bitter pill to swallow for some Wallabies supporters and the knives have been coming out as fans and past players a-like look to deflect their woes.<br />
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'Dingo Deans' - the foreigner in the ranks is the one to blame for many. Is the criticism warranted though?<br />
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<b>Deans is the best man for the job</b><br />
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Deans ultimately is the decision maker for this Australian side. He has sole control over selection, tactics and the general direction of the team, so it is only natural that questions be asked of him when results don't pan out quite as expected. <br />
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The two matches against the All Blacks obviously didn't help his cause with the Australian public. No fan wants to see their team lose to their biggest rivals. Being nilled just rubs more salt into the wounds. Deans has even been labelled a 'trojan horse' by some as a result of the losses; supposedly 'helping to destruct Australia from within'.<br />
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Let's be real for a moment though. Australia haven't actually held the Bledisloe Cup in over 10 years and Deans anyhow has only been at the helm for around half of that period (since 2008). <br />
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When you consider that NZ have also been the dominant side in world rugby for most of that time, should we really have been expecting anything different in the Bledisloe encounters this year?<br />
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Perhaps we might have thought the two would be closer in the score line, but the All Blacks are World Champions for a reason. The weight of past World Cup agonies seem to have been lifted from their shoulders too and clearly they are going to be the team to beat this year.<br />
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They are attempting an even more expansive style of play under Steve Hansen and there are going to be occasions where it really comes off for them this year. The way they changed the point of attack against the Wallabies with their big men offloading was quite mesmeric at times.<br />
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No other side is playing that brand of footy and in my opinion, Australia nor any other side stood a chance.<br />
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Former All Black captain, <b>Sean Fitzpatrick</b>, made a good point in the aftermath of Saturday's game at Eden Park too, citing that whatever the coaching and tactics dished out by the respective coaches, 'Australia simply don't have the cattle' to compete with New Zealand.<br />
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I think it's pretty difficult to dispute that argument.<br />
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Looking down the team sheets, there is a clear difference in class between the Aussies and the Kiwis.<br />
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Will Genia, David Pocock and Digby Ione are probably the only three Wallabies who are truly 'World Class', and by that I mean, any team in the world would happily have them in their side. <br />
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Compare that with New Zealand and I would argue that Woodock, Mealamu, Franks, McCaw, Reid, Carter, SBW, Jane and Dagg could all feasibly fit into that category. Aaron Cruden too (arguably NZ's best player in the 2012 Super 15) isn't even getting a start.That says a lot about their relative strength in depth.<br />
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Perhaps a more appropriate time for an appraisal of Deans' performance therefore would be when the Wallabies face South Africa and Argentina later on in the competition. Expecting Deans to work wonders against the World Champions seems a little unfair.<br />
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SA and Argentina are more winnable contests. That is where one can really judge Deans and his influence.<br />
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Don't forget that Deans did already lead the Wallabies to a 3-0 series victory over Wales (the Six Nations champions) in June too. That shouldn't be downplayed, no matter how narrow the victories were. <br />
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The embarassing loss to Scotland prior to the series can be put down to extentuating circumstances; freakish weather in Newcastle and a lack of front line players available due to poor organising from the ARU. Deans' fault alone? Not in my opinion.<br />
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If you don't agree and you think it's time for Deans to go, that is fair enough, but just think hard about the replacements Australia has available. <br />
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Michael Foley? No. Ewen McKenzie? Well there might be growing support for Queensland Reds' incumbent coach, but he doesn't seem ready for the challenge to me....<br />
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One good season with the Reds shouldn't justify an international Head Coaching position. He had some difficulties this year with the Reds and came a little unstuck without the magic of Quade Cooper at his disposal. Topping the Australian conference almost occurred by default. His tactics were found out against stronger opposition.<br />
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In comparision, Dean's CV is almost flawless. He's been successful in the Ranfurly Shield, the NPC and his Crusaders side set the benchmark in Super Rugby for a number of years under his stewardship.<br />
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He, crucially, enjoyed repeated success year on year. Those successes surely should earn him the right to prove the doubters wrong. It almost secured him the All Blacks job after all!<br />
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If there are problems with Australian rugby, it's down to more than just Deans. Just take a look at the plight of the Aussie Super 15 sides this year as an example.<br />
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</div>Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-47753686394864185032012-08-26T13:37:00.002+01:002012-08-27T14:59:49.322+01:00Team of the Rugby Championship - Week Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> </b>The dust has barely settled following the exploits of Argentina,
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the second round of 2012's
inaugural Rugby Championship, but it's time to reveal who made <i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog's</b></i> team of round two. <br />
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As one might suspect there is a heavy All Black influence, after their nilling of Australia at Eden Park secured New Zealand the Bledisloe Cup for yet another year. A number of Pumas also impressed though, after securing a stirring draw in Mendoza against the Springboks. Read on to see who caught our eye in particular and why!<br />
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<b> Team of Round Two: </b><br />
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1.Roncero, 2.Guinazu, 3.Franks, 4.Albacete, 5.Timani, 6.Messam/Cabello, 7.Lobbe,
8.Reid, 9.Smith, 10.Carter, 12.Fernandez, 13.Williams, 11.Camacho,
14.Jane, 15.Dagg<br />
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<b>1. Rodrigo Roncero (Arg)</b><br />
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The Pumas stalwart was at the heart of Argentina's early onslaught in Mendoza; immovable in the scrum, strong with the ball in hand and hugely irritating for the touring Springboks. On a number of occasions you could see that his presence was getting under the skin of the South Africans. Despite being subbed in the second half, he was also the joint top tackler of the game with 13 successful attempts.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>2. Eusebio Guinazu (Arg)</b><br />
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The Biarritz hooker has gone from strength to strength in the international arena since the retirement of legendary Puma, Mario Ledesma. His clean break in the first half set up Argentina's first try through Santiago Fernandez and his accuracy in the line-out improved markedly as the game went on. A tackle count of 9 isn't too shabby either for a front rower.<br />
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<b>3. Owen Franks (NZ)</b><br />
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Another top weekend for the Crusaders and All Blacks tighthead prop. Put the Aussie scrum under some serious pressure throughout at Eden Park and was his usual destructive self in defence; NZ's second top tackler on the night.<b> </b>Juan Figallo of Argentina was not far behind though in the selection at tighthead.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>4. Patricio Albacete (Arg)</b><br />
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Probably the second best player on the park in Mendoza behind his captain, Lobbe. Albacete used all his experience in the line-out, was busy around the field in defence (13 tackles) and was a constant nuisance at the breakdown with his counter-rucking. The Springboks struggled with his ferocity. Strong effort from the veteran.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>5. Sitaleki Timani (Aus)</b><br />
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Powerful performance from the Tahs and Wallabies lock, with 14 tackles at Eden Park. In addition to pulling off a last ditch, try saving tackle on Liam Messam, he also laid a huge hit on Sonny Bill Williams, leaving the outgoing All Black dazed for minutes. Could potentially form a long term second row partnership with usual captain James Horwill when he returns from injury. A sole shining light in an otherwise dismal day for the Wallabies.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b> 6. Liam Messam (NZ)/ Julian Farias Cabello (Arg)</b><br />
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In truth I couldn't split these two. They offered very differing performance but were equally influential for their teams. Messam was industrious on attack, linking well with his fellow loose forwards, while Cabello was a force on defence for the Pumas. He also made two crucial turnovers, when the Boks were hot on attack. It would have been unjust to leave either out of the team.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Arg)</b><br />
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Actually played number 8 for the Pumas in a man of the match performance in Mendoza, but had to be accommodated in the team of the week somehow. He led from the front with his kick off receptions, carrying of the ball and his almost single-handed destruction of the Springboks line-out. Lobbe was a real thorn in South Africa's side all night.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>8. Kieran Reid (NZ)</b><br />
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Quickly making himself a central pillar of the All Blacks team. Read dominated his direct opponent, Scott Higginbotham and formed a punishing partnership with McCaw and Messam at the breakdown. The Wallabies simply couldn't live with him and his ability to run clever lines and offload. You've got to wonder if Reid may be given a few games as captain later in the year, as he is the clear successor to McCaw.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>9. Aaron Smith (NZ)</b><br />
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Smith had made the point earlier in the week that he could not emulate Genia, with the Queenslander's ability to run 80 metres with the ball in hand, but that his 'point of difference' was the accuracy of his distribution. Well not only was the Manawatu scrumhalf spreading bullets around the field but his running game arguably outshone his opposite too. Made an incisive break in the second half, which was unlucky not to lead to a try.<br />
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<b>10. Dan Carter (NZ)</b><br />
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Top class again from the world's top ever point scorer. Accurate with the boot (17 points) and more busy than usual with his taking the ball to the line. Ran his back-line extremely well and the score could have an even bigger blow out, had all the opportunities created been taken.<br />
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<b>11. Gonzalo Camacho (Arg)</b><br />
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Camacho was quiet for much of the first half as tactics saw neither Pumas wingers see much of the ball, but the young Exeter Chief came alive in the second half and Camacho quickly became the biggest gainer of yards for the team. With a slightly more adventurous style of play from the Pumas, Camacho could be a real star.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>12. Santiago Fernandez (Arg)</b><br />
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Fernandez was the man who collected the ball before squeezing past Andries Bekker to score the Pumas first try and was secure in his defensive responsibilities. Cut down a number of larger trees with apparent ease. One suspects Fernandez will be a key play for the Pumas for a while to come.<br />
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<b>13. Sonny Bill Williams (NZ)</b><br />
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It will be a sad 'sayonara' to outgoing All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams. His game has developed hugely over the last couple of years and he left us with yet another indication of his talent with a barnstorming display in the 12 shirt against the Wallabies. Clean breaks, offloads, towering hits...he had the lot; 18 runs, 71 metres gained, 4 defenders beaten and 6 offloads. He even garnered two turnovers. The stats don't lie. SBW had a stormer.<b><br /></b><br />
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<b>14. Corey Jane (NZ)</b><br />
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Had the Eden Park faithful on their feet as he accelerated through a gaping hole towards the right touchline, only to stumble as the try line came into sight. Play didn't generally come his way as much as he would have liked, but Jane showed his quality when he got the opportunity. <b><br /></b><br />
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<b>15. Israel Dagg (NZ)</b><br />
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Once again the man to make the telling contribution for the All Blacks, scoring the game's only try. His game is about so much more than just his running ability though (105 metres gained). He's safe as houses under the high ball and relieves Carter of a lot of pressure, with his ability to clear the ball with his booming right boot. Only one mistake made all night, when he rather butchered a try scoring opportunity on the left wing. Apart from that....imperious as ever.<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.dumptackle-rugbyblog.com/2012/08/team-of-rugby-championship-week-one.html" target="_blank">Team of the Rugby Championship - Week One</a></b></i>Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-77600867934643222102012-08-23T14:18:00.000+01:002012-08-23T14:20:48.797+01:00Nick Evans Exclusive Interview - Aviva Premiership Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">A couple of weeks ago,</span></span></b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Dumptackle Rugby Blog</span></span></i><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Evans; star of Harlequin's victorious 2012 Aviva Premiership winning campaign and winner of it's prestigious 'Player's Player of the Year' award. </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">We chatted about everything from pre-season preparations to his history with Aussie Rules as a youngster and how at times, he had felt like 'God's hacky-sac' during the last Rugby World Cup in his native New Zealand.</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">I must say that Nick came across as a thoroughly down to earth guy and it was refreshing to be met by a professional sportsman with such a positive attitude, given the harsh criticism that many suffer in the media. That's the end of the love in though...make your own judgment by reading the interview in full below! </span></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Interview:</span></b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">DT: The 2012/13 Aviva Premiership season begins on 1st September with your team, Harlequins, kicking it all off against Wasps at Twickenham. As defending champions, what shape would you say the team is in as Quins look to defend the crown<i>?</i></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: </i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>After the success of the last couple of years where we won the Amlin cup and then the Premiership, the consistency of the squad has been a huge factor, and going into this year's campaign, again we have a similar squad with little changes. We know the amount of work we have to do is huge<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>,</b></span> as teams will now be coming for us and we will have to improve on last year.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quins celebrate domestic glory in 2011/12</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i> <b>DT:</b> </i></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Who then do you think will be the main threats in the Aviva Premiership then and what about the Heineken Cup? Will it be the usual foes or is there a dark horse in your opinion?</span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: It's tough to say this early in the season. It is hard to go past the usual suspects for the Premiership...Leicester, Northampton and Saracens but I am sure the other clubs will have something to say about that. In the Heineken Cup there are some tough groups but I would expect the usual faces to be there...Leinster, Toulouse, Munster etc however it will be great to see how Exeter go in their first taste of Heineken Cup.</i></span> <br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">DT: Yes Exeter certainly were a joy to watch last year; both for their quality and their flawless attitude on the pitch. As an Exeter man myself I can say that the region was proud of their efforts. Your coach, Conor O'Shea, declared that last season's victorious campaign was 'forged by spirit' too, during the aftermath of the Aviva Premiership final and was very vocal in his praise, both for the players and previous Director of Rugby, Dean Richards. What qualities do you think Conor himself brings to the table though?</span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: Conor has a big influence on us as a group. Probably the most influence comes from our values and how we run as a club, not only on the field but more importantly off the field. A lot of responsibility is given to the players to make decisions on and off the field. Conor is definitely a more positive Director of Rugby but does not take fools lightly and demands excellence and a huge work ethic.</i></span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chisolm and Wallace: Two to watch this year.</td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> DT: Talking about handling responsibilities on and off the pitch, what do you think about the off-season signings around the Premiership? Gavin Henson's return to rugby with London Welsh (after some highly scrutinised mistakes) has made most of the headlines this summer, but which signings have intrigued you the most in particular? </span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: There have been a few good signings from clubs around the league. Wasps and Irish have picked up a few. Stephen Jones is a good signing for Wasps and someone who we will need to be weary of in the first game. For us we have not had many signings. We picked up anther Kiwi in Ben Botica, son of former All Black Frano Botica, so I am looking forward to seeing how he goes.</i></span> <br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">DT: There may not have been many new signings at Quins, but such is the nature of sport, new or previously unheralded players will again emerge in 2013. Chris Robshaw and Joe Marler (among others) were two that made huge strides last year. Which relative 'unknown(s)', in your opinion, should the public look out for from Quins this year?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: The great thing about Quins is we have a huge conveyor belt of young talent coming through. That is a credit to the Quins academy. This year is no different and we have young guys such as Luke Wallace and Ross Chisholm that have played first team rugby and are exciting players who will be future leaders of the club.</i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>DT: </b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">I'll certainly keep an eye out for them then! Moving away way from Quins and the Premiership for a moment though, let's have a chat about yourself personally.... </span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evans believes 'Aussie Rules' improved his kicking.</td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">As a young man, you competed for both the NZ U21 and the Hawks (NZ's senior Aussie Rules side) and were offered a trial with the Sydney Swans before you committed your future to rugby union. Given the recent debate surrounding Sonny Bill Williams and his penchant for boxing, do you think it is best for aspiring rugby players to focus on the nuances of union alone or can the variety of other sports build a more 'well rounded' player?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: I personally gained a lot from playing Aussie Rules, especially in the kicking department. I wouldn’t advise young kids to go take up boxing as I don’t see any cross over to rugby at all. But I do think young kids should try as many sports as they can, especially sports that require hand eye co-ordination. Whether it be football, league, cricket, tennis, squash... We at Quins train with other sports, firstly for fun, and also to learn other training techniques and ideas<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>.</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> </b></span></i></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">DT: Let's talk about superstitions... Australian legend David Campese famously used to sit next to the coach-driver during pre-match journeys and would always walk out of the dressing room last. More recently, Goran Ivanisevic, conqueror of Wimbledon in 2001, would actively try and avoid stepping on court lines.... I believe he also had to repeat routines from the days he won, which meant that one year (for 2 weeks) he religiously watched Telletubbies every morning! Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions yourself?</span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: I don’t have superstitions, but more routines I go through. I like to wear my blue cap to games rain, hail or shine. I have routines I go through in the changing room like getting a rub on my legs then putting my boots on just before I go out to warm up. So I guess some call them superstitions but I call them routines as sometimes it goes wrong and you can lose focus.</i></span> <br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">DT: Lastly, many would agree with me when I say that... had you been playing in NZ, you probably would have been on the field during the 2011 World Cup. What were your thoughts when you saw Carter, Slade and then Cruden fall foul to injury? Are there any regrets in terms of international rugby?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>NE: I did have to stop and laugh and think I was God’s hacky sac for a while there. It was just ridiculous when one 10 went down after the other. But I was preparing for the season ahead so I enjoyed being an All Blacks fan and watching it on TV. I have no regrets about coming over here to play and the last couple of years in winning trophies have made that even more so. The lure of the All Black jersey is always there though and I am sure there is a bit of my heart that misses it but I am proud of what I achieved in the All Blacks.</i></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; font-size: 12pt;">You can catch more from our interview with Nick in a couple of days, when we post Nick's answers to our 'Quick Fire' assault of questions about his team mates. It's a good laugh so keep tuned!</span></b> <br />
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Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546579297072652206.post-14973202631204006642012-08-22T13:50:00.001+01:002012-08-23T14:12:20.550+01:00Definitive Guide to 2012/13 Aviva Premiership Signings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While some Englishmen have joyfully basked in the warm after-glow of the 2012 Olympics this summer, others have been counting down the days until that oval ball shaped game that we love... returns. <br />
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The wait is almost over though, with the Aviva Premiership commencing in 10 days time, as Harlequins begin their defence of the title against London Wasps (part of a glorious double header at Twickenham). <br />
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It's fair to say that a lot has changed since those hazy days in late May though, when Quins victory over Leicester allowed new English golden boy, Chris Robshaw, the opportunity to get his mitts on the Cup. Since then, every team has been busy in the transfer market in an effort to bridge the gap.<br />
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So, to help you understand your Vereniki Gonevas from your Watisoni Votus, <i><b>Dumptackle Rugby Blog</b></i> presents the definitive INS and OUTS for every team in the Aviva Premiership, courtesy of <a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">rugby-transfers</a>.<br />
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<b>Aviva Premiership Transfers for 2012/13:</b><br />
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<img alt="Bath Rugby" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/1.gif" width="45" /></div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Bath</span><br />
(Coach: Gary Gold)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/ospreys-set-to-lose-prop-paul-james-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Paul James </b></span>(PR, Ospreys)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/bath-confirm-signing-of-rob-webber.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Rob Webber </b></span>(HK, Wasps)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/bath-confirm-signing-of-dominic-day.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Dominic Day </b></span>(LK, Scarlets)</a><br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Horacio Agulla </b></span>(WG, Leicester) </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; text-align: left;"><b>David Flatman </b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">(PR, retired)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/bath-release-hooker-pieter-dixon.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Pieter Dixon </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(HK)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Duncan Bell </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(PR, Clifton <i>player/coach</i>)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Scott Hobson </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(LK, retired)</span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/montpellier-confirm-signing-of.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Matt Carraro</span></b> (WG, Montpellier)</a></div>
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<img alt="Exeter Chiefs" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/48.gif" width="45" /></div>
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(Coach: Rob Baxter)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Carl Rimmer</b></span> (PR, Cornish Pirates)<br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/exeter-sign-two-front-rowers-from.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-align: center;"><b>Jack Yeandle</b> </span><span style="text-align: center;">(HK, Doncaster)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/exeter-sign-two-front-rowers-from.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-align: center;"><b>Alex Brown</b> </span><span style="text-align: center;">(PR, Doncaster)</span></a> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Damian Welch</b></span> (LK, Scarlets)<br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/exeter-confirm-signing-of-australian.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Dean Mumm</b></span> (LK, Waratahs)</a><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Kai Horstmann</b></span> (N8, Worcester) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/exeter-sign-newcastle-scrum-half-will.html"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Will Chudley</b></span> (SH, Newcastle)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/ian-whitten-to-join-exeter-from-ulster.html"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_507968803"></span>Ian Whitten</b></span> (CT, Ulster)</a><span id="goog_507968804"></span> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Watisoni Votu</b></span> (CT) </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-sign-irish-prop-john-andress.html" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">John Andress</span> (PR, Worcester)</a></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/exeter-lock-chris-bentley-to-switch-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Bentley </b></span>(LK, retired)</a><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Chad Slade </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8, Oyonnax)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/exeter-release-six-reserve-players-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Patrick Phibbs </b></span>(SH)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/bristol-sign-exeter-centre-bryan-rennie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Bryan Rennie </b></span>(CT, Bristol)</a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Gloucester Rugby" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/2.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Gloucester</span><br />
(Coach: Nigel Davies)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/gloucester-sign-australian-hooker-huia.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Huia Edmonds </b></span>(HK)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/gloucester-confirm-signing-tongan-back.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Sione Kalamafoni</b></span> (FL, Nottingham)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/ben-morgan-move-to-gloucester-confirmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Ben Morgan</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8, Scarlets)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/jimmy-cowan-confirms-move-to-gloucester.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Jimmy Cowan</b></span> (SH, Highlanders)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/gloucester-sign-cornish-pirates-centre.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Drew Locke</b></span> (CT, Cornish Pirates)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/twelvetrees-on-brink-of-signing-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Billy Twelvetrees</b></span> (CT, Leicester)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/gloucester-bring-in-rotherham-winger.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Shane Monahan</b></span> (WG, Rotherham)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/gloucester-sign-dragons-full-back.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Martyn Thomas</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FB, Scarlets)</span></a> </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Matías Cortese</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">(HK, Colomiers)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/london-irish-bring-in-two.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Scott Lawson </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(HK, London Irish)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/alasdair-strokosch-move-to-perpignan.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Alasdair Strokosch </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FL, Perpignan)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/gloucester-confirm-luke-narraway-move.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Luke Narraway </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8, Perpignan)</span></a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/gloucester-announce-list-of-eleven.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Brett Deacon</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8)</span></a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/newcastle-confirm-deal-for-scrum-half.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Rory Lawson</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(SH, Newcastle)</span></a> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Nick Runciman</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(SH, Gloucester)</span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/eliota-fuimaono-sapolu-confirms-move-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu</b></span> (CT, Coca Cola West Red Sparks)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/gloucester-announce-list-of-eleven.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Ollie Phillips</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(WG)</span></a><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Tom Voyce</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(WG)</span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Harlequins" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/7.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Harlequins</span><br />
(Coach: Conor O'Shea)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/harlequins-boost-hooking-supplies-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-align: center;"><b>Dave Ward</b> </span><span style="text-align: center;">(HK, Cornish Pirates)</span></a></span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/harlequins-confirm-signing-of-fly-half.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-align: center;"><b>Ben Botica</b> </span><span style="text-align: center;">(FH, Périgueux)</span></a></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Tomás Vallejos </b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">(LK, Scarlets)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Chris York </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8, Newcastle)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Richard Bolt </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(SH, London Scottish)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/benjamin-urdapilleta-to-leave.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Benjamín Urdapilleta</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(CT, Oyonnax)</span></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Leicester Tigers" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/4.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Leicester</span><br />
(Coach: Richard Cockerill)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Robert Andrew</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(LK, Pau)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Dan Bowden</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FH, London Irish)</span> <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Matt Cornwell</b></span> (CT, Mogliano) <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: green; text-align: center;">Vereniki Goneva</b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(CT, Tarbes)</span> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: green;">Adam Thompstone</span></b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>(WG, London Irish)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: green;">Miles Benjamin</span><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(WG, Worcester)</span> </div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Julian White</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(PR, retired)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Calum Green </b></span>(LK, Leeds) </span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: red;"><b><span id="goog_507968896"></span>George Skivington </b></span><span style="color: #351c75;">(LK, London Irish)<span id="goog_507968897"></span> </span></a><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Ben Pienaar </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(N8, Moseley)</span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/bristol-sign-scrum-half-james-grindal.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">James Grindal</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(SH, Bristol)</span></a><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Jeremy Staunton</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FH)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/twelvetrees-on-brink-of-signing-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Billy Twelvetrees</b></span> (CT, Gloucester)</a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Horacio Agulla </b></span>(WG, Bath) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/ntt-shining-arcs-to-be-next-team-of.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Alesana Tuilagi</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b>(WG, NTT Shining Arcs)</a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Tom Bowen </b></span>(WG, Plymouth Albion) </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="London Irish" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/5.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">London Irish</span><br />
(Coach: Brian Smith)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/london-irish-bring-in-two.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Halani Aulika</b></span> (PR, Leeds)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/london-irish-bring-in-two.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Scott Lawson</b></span> (HK, Gloucester)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/london-irish-sign-another-welshman-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Cai Griffiths</b></span> (PR, Ospreys)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/london-irish-sign-george-skivington.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>George Skivington</b></span> (LK, Leicester)</a><br />
<b style="color: green;">Jon Fisher</b> (N8, Bedford) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/irish-international-scrum-half-tomas.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: green;">Tomás O'Leary</b> (SH, Munster)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/london-irish-confirm-return-of-shane.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: green;">Shane Geraghty</b> (FH, Brive)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/london-irish-recruit-ulster-fly-ian.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: green;">Ian Humphreys</b> (FH, Ulster)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/london-irish-sign-samoan-setaimata-sai.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Setaimata Sa</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> (CT, Catalans Dragons)</span></a> <br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: green;">Michael Worrincy</b><span style="background-color: white;"> (WG, London Skolars RL)</span><br />
<b style="color: green;">Conor Gaston</b> (WG, Ulster) </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Clarke Dermody</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (PR, retired)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Brian Blaney</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (HK)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold;">Mark George</span><span style="background-color: white;"> (PR)</span> </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Faan Rautenbach</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (PR)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/nick-kennedy-to-leave-london-irish-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Nick Kennedy</span> (LK, Toulon) </a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/london-irish-lock-bob-casey-announces.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507968876"></span>Bob Casey</span> (LK, retired)</a><span id="goog_507968877"></span> <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Tom Alexander</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (FL, Eastwood)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Ed Siggery</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (FL)</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Kieran Roche</span> (FL, retired) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-sign-london-irish-scrum-half.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Paul Hodgson</span> (SH, Worcester) </a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/bristol-bring-back-fly-half-adrian.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Adrian Jarvis</span> (FH, Bristol)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/dan-bowden-miles-benjamin-and-adam.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507968925"></span>Dan Bowden</span> (FH, Leicester)</a><span id="goog_507968926"></span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/montpellier-sign-london-irish-centre.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Shontayne Hape</span> (CT, Montpellier)</a> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Jonathan Spratt</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (CT, Ospreys)</span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/guy-armitage-to-join-his-brother-at.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507968807"></span>Guy Armitage</span> (CT, Toulon)</a><span id="goog_507968808"></span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/dan-bowden-miles-benjamin-and-adam.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507968912"></span>Adam Thompstone</span> (WG, Leicester)</a><span id="goog_507968913"></span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/delon-armitage-confirms-toulon-move.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Delon Armitage</b></span> (FB, Toulon)</a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="London Welsh" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/50.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">London Welsh</span><br />
(Coach: Lyn Jones)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><b style="color: green;">Ed Williamson </b>(FL, Leeds)<br />
<b style="color: green;">Daniel Browne </b>(N8, Grenoble) <br />
<b style="color: green;">Matt Keyte </b>(SH, Bristol) <br />
<b style="color: green;">Nick Runciman </b>(SH, Gloucester) <br />
<b style="color: green;">Sonny Parker </b>(CT, Ospreys) <br />
<b style="color: green;">Gavin Henson </b>(CT) <br />
<b style="color: green;">Phil MacKenzie </b>(WG, Esher)<br />
<b style="color: green;">Tom Arscott </b>(WG, Worcester) <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Barry Davies</b></span> (FB, Ospreys)</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Tom French</span></b> (PR)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Shawn Pittman</span></b> (PR)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Saul Nelson</span></b> (HK, Old Reds <i>player/coach</i>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Viliami Ma'asi</span></b> (HK)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Guillermo Roan</span></b> (PR, Cavalieri Prato)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Gary Johnson</span></b> (LK, Cornish Pirates)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Mike Powell</span></b> (LK, Moseley)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Ben Russell</span></b> (N8)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Robert Lewis</span></b> (SH, Cardiff Blues)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Ben Stevenson</span></b> (SH)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Paul Mackey</span></b> (CT, Rosslyn Park)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Liam Gibson</span></b> (WG, Blackheath)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Will Hurrell</b> </span>(WG, Rotherham)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Edd Thrower</span></b> (FB)</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Northampton Saints" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/9.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Northampton</span><br />
(Coach: Jim Mallinder)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/northampton-sign-forward-sam-dickinson.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Sam Dickinson</b></span> (FL, Rotherham)</a><span style="color: green;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/northampton-sign-bulls-reserve-number-8.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Gerrit-Jan van Velze</b></span> (N8, Bulls)</a><br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>James Wilson </b></span>(CT, Bourgoin)<br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/northampton-sign-sale-centre-luther.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Luther Burrell</b></span> (CT, Sale)</a><br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Dominic Waldouck </b></span>(CT, Wasps) <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Ken Pisi </b></span>(CT, North Harbour) </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andy Long</span> </span><span style="text-align: left;">(HK, retired)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/roger-wilson-to-ulster-now-confirmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Roger Wilson</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (N8, Ulster)</span></a> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Stuart Commins</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (SH)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/munster-confirm-return-of-james-downey.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">James Downey</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (CT, Munster)</span></a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/worcester-confirm-signing-of-jon-clarke.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Jon Clarke</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (CT, Worcester)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chris-ashton-to-saracens-confirmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Chris Ashton</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (WG, Saracens)</span></a><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/edinburgh-sign-northampton-full-back.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Greig Tonks</span></b> (FB, Edinburgh)</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Sale Sharks" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/12.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Sale</span><br />
(Coach: Bryan Redpath)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/fridge-eifion-lewis-roberts-confirms.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Eifion Lewis-Roberts</b></span> (PR, Toulon)</a><br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Richie Gray</b></span> (LK, Glasgow) <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/danny-cipriani-to-return-to-england.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-align: center;"><b>Danny Cipriani</b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span>(FH, Melbourne Rebels)</a></span><br />
Cameron Shepherd (Western Force)<br />
Corne Uys (Newcastle)</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/andrew-sheridan-to-join-toulon.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Andrew Sheridan</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (PR, Toulon)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Wame Lewaravu </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(LK, Mont-de-Marsan)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/sale-trim-four-fringe-players-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Onosai Tololima-Auva'a </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FL)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Scott Mathie </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(SH, Eastern Province Kings)</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Tommy Bell </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FH, Wasps)</span> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Andrew Higgins </b></span>(CT, Newcastle) </span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/northampton-sign-sale-centre-luther.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Luther Burrell</b></span> (CT, Northampton)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/sale-centre-iain-thornley-quits-rugby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Iain Thornley</b></span> (CT, Wigan RL)</a> <br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Joaquín Tuculet </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(WG, Grenoble)</span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Saracens" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/11.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Saracens</span><br />
(Coach: Mark McCall)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><span style="color: green;"><b>Lorenzo Romano</b></span> (PR, Aironi)<br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/saracens-confirm-signing-of-springbok.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Alistair Hargreaves</b></span> (LK, Sharks)</a><br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Nick Fenton-Wells</b></span> (N8, Stormers) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chris-ashton-to-saracens-confirmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b><span id="goog_507968848"></span>Chris Ashton</b></span> (WG, Northampton)</a><span id="goog_507968849"></span> </td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Hugh Vyvyan</b></span> (LK, retired)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Luke Baldwin</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (SH, Bedford)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Michael Tagicakibau</span></b> (WG, Bristol) </span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/05/saracens-lose-two-wingers.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Marcus Watson</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (WG, Sevens)</span></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="London Wasps" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/6.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Wasps</span><br />
(Coach: Dai Young)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/wasps-confirm-signing-of-t-rhys-thomas.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: green;">T Rhys Thomas</b> (HK, Cardiff Blues)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/wasps-bring-in-two-young-tighthead.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Phil Swainston</b> </span>(PR, Leeds)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/wasps-bring-in-two-young-tighthead.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Will Taylor</b> </span>(PR, Ospreys)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/tom-palmers-return-to-wasps-confirmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Tom Palmer</b></span> (LK, Stade Français)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/wasps-confirm-capture-of-south-african.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Ashley Johnson</b> </span>(FL, Cheetahs)</a> <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>James Haskell</b> </span>(FL, Highlanders)<br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Tommy Bell</b> </span>(FH, Sale) <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/wasps-confirm-signing-of-most-capped.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Stephen Jones</b> </span>(FH, Scarlets)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/wasps-sign-tattooed-welshman-lee-thomas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b><span id="goog_507968824"></span>Lee Thomas</b> </span>(CT, Lyon)</a><span id="goog_507968825"></span> <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>James Bailey</b> </span>(WG, Lyon) <br />
<span style="color: green;"><b>Andrea Masi</b> </span>(FB, Aironi)</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/01/bath-confirm-signing-of-rob-webber.html" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Rob Webber</span> (HK, Bath)</a><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Vladislav Korshunov</span> (HK, VVA-Podmoskovye) <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507968819"></span>Ben Broster</span> (PR, Biarritz)<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Jérémy Castex</span> (PR, Perpignan)<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Bob Baker</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> (PR)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Heinz Koll </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(LK)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Ed O'Donoghue </b></span>(LK)</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>Joe Burton </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FL)</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; text-align: left;"><b>James Harris </b></span><span style="text-align: left;">(FL)</span> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Victor Gresev</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (N8, Krasny Yar)</span> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Alex Cheeseman</span> (CT, Cornish Pirates) </span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/wasps-confirm-riki-flutey-departure-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Riki Flutey</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (CT, Ricoh Black Rams)</span></a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/dragons-on-verge-of-snapping-up-tom.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Tom Prydie </b></span>(WG, Dragons)</a> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Lee Robinson</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (WG)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Richard Haughton</span> (FB, Jersey) </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="28"><div align="center">
<div align="center">
<img alt="Worcester Warriors" height="45" src="http://cdn.soticservers.net/tools/images/teams/logos/100x100-ffffff/57.gif" width="45" /></div>
</div>
</td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="542"><span style="font-size: large;">Worcester</span><br />
(Coach: Richard Hill)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 570px;" unselectable="on"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: green; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">INS</span></span></b></div>
</td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">OUTS</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="285"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-sign-irish-prop-john-andress.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>John Andress</b></span> (PR, Exeter) </a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/worcester-sign-giant-pacific-islander.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Rob O'Donnell</b> </span>(PR, Rotherham)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/worcester-confirm-signing-of-lock-dean.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Dean Schofield</b> </span>(LK, Toulon)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/worcester-sign-giant-pacific-islander.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Semisi Taulava</b> </span>(N8, Rotherham)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-sign-london-irish-scrum-half.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Paul Hodgson</b> </span>(SH, London Irish)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/worcester-confirm-signing-of-jon-clarke.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Jon Clarke</b> </span>(CT, Northampton)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/fijian-josh-matavesi-agrees-deal-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Josh Matavesi</b> </span>(CT, Racing-Métro)</a> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-sign-samoan-david-lemi-as.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>David Lemi</b> </span>(WG, Glasgow)</a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/worcester-confirm-signing-of-scottish.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;"><b>Nikki Walker </b></span>(WG, Ospreys)</a></td><td valign="top" width="285"><div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Chris Fortey</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (HK)</span><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/bristol-sign-scottish-prop-bruce.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Bruce Douglas</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (PR, Bristol)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Oliver Tomasczyk</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (PR, Newcastle)</span> <br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Ben Gulliver</span> (LK, Bedford) </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Kai Horstmann</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (N8, Exeter)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">Richard Muagututia </span></b>(N8)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Charlie Hayter</span> (CT, Moseley) </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Alex Crockett</span> (CT, Newcastle)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/04/worcester-announced-two-long-serving.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Dale Rasmussen</span> (CT)</a> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Sione Tu'ipulotu </b></span>(CT)</span> <br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/03/marcel-garvey-confirms-castres-will-be.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Marcel Garvey</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (WG, Castres)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/dan-bowden-miles-benjamin-and-adam.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span id="goog_507969007"></span>Miles Benjamin</span> (WG, Leicester)</a><span id="goog_507969008"></span> <br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Tom Arscott</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (WG, London Welsh)</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Which signing(s) are you most excited about?</b>Phil @ Dumptacklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792342567810128564noreply@blogger.com1