RWC 2011 Semi Finals: Who Says History Never Repeats?

By admin | October 11, 2011

“History never repeats” or so goes the iconic song by Kiwi band Split Enz. All New Zealanders will hope that’s not the case for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

And there’s a real sesne of deja vu when it comes to the final four. The same teams who made the semi finals of the innagural 1987 tournament in NZ are through again; only this time they’re matching up differently with Wales taking on France and New Zealand doing battle with Australia.

And, to quote another kiwi band – Flight of the Conchords – it’s really “business time” in the tournament now.

Based on form no one really expected the four teams we have left. Certainly our predictions for the RWC 2011 quarter finals were terrible. We only got the New Zealand result correct. Our scoreline was pretty close in that match but we’re the first to admit it was a much closer match than the final score of 33-10 suggested.

For the record, these were our predictions and the actual results:

Ireland 21 v Wales 18 – ACTUAL: 10-22

England 20 v France 11 – ACTUAL: 12-19

South Africa 19 v Australia 14 – ACTUAL: 9-11

New Zealand 37 v Argentina 9 – ACTUAL 33-10

So the All Blacks have made it further than the 2007 Rugby World Cup, much to the relief of the home nation fans. Up next are neighbours and fierce rivals, Australia who the Kiwis have never beaten in the two times they’ve played them at a RWC.

There’s been every other piece of history dug up to suggest who will or won’t win this tournamnet as well. The impressive Eden Park record is being suggested as a trump card for the All Blacks along with the fact no team has lost a match in the tournament and gone on to win it. Since the All Blacks are the only undefeated team left it bodes well.

Countering this, no team has won the tournament without beating the current cup holder. Of course NZ didn’t have a chance to beat an existing cup holder in ‘87 since it was a brand new tournament. And we didn’t have the opportunity to face the current champions – South Africa – this time either.

No matter, every team will be trying to create their own piece of history. Wales have never made it to a final while France have never won a cup. But we have our eyes firmly on the future and here’s how we think it will go.

Wales 21 v France 16

New Zealand 23 v Australia 16

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just the players matching up. There are some interesting coaching battles too, with three of the four teams having a Kiwi in charge. Only France don’t have a New Zealander at the helm.

Let’s hope the rival Kiwi coaches will play their part in helping Graham Henry and all New Zealanders singing for joy and making the final of RWC 2011. We’d take France in a repeat of the first world cup but most Kiwis will be wishing to see Wales make their first final this time around.

If previous matches are anything to go by the half back and open side flanker will have a massive influence on the result. And all four teams have highly influential players in those positions. Let’s hope Piri Weepu and Richie McCaw are both singing from the same hymn sheet on Sunday.

Game(s) on.

Posted in RWC | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

RWC 2011: A Review at the end of pool stages

By admin | October 3, 2011

Dan Carter’s groin is getting most of the headlines in New Zealand…and not for the usual reasons. The All Blacks star pivot has been invalided out of the tournament; replaced by Manawatu’s Aaron Cruden.

But, the tournament still goes on without him, and the All Blacks haven’t actually lost yet. In fact, they’re still the bookies’ favourites.

You suspect they’ll be too strong for a battered and old Argentina side who snuck through thanks to a late win over Scotland. But the other quarter finals are anyone’s to win or lose with some mouth watering match ups in store.

As looked likely after Ireland beat Austrlia in the pool, it has proven to be taste of the Four Nations that starts next year on one side of the draw with four of the six nations sides on the other. Only one thing certain at this stage…it will be a Southern vs Northern hemisphere final.

The quarter finals line up like this…and here are our predictions:

Ireland 21 v Wales 18

England 20 v France 11

South Africa 19 v Australia 14

New Zealand 37 v Argentina 9

We didn’t pick the Irish upset over the Wallabies but did pretty well in our RWC 2011 predictions in terms of results and scores. The other results we got wrong were the Canuks beating the Tongans and drawing with Japan and the Tongans beating France. We also called the Argentina v Scotland match in favour of the Scots and picked Samoa to beat the Welsh.

Still, 42 matches out of 48 wasn’t a bad result. For the record, here are our predictions and the actual results:

Pool A

NZ  33 v Tonga 14 — actual 41-10

France 42 v Japan 18 — actual 47-21

Tonga 25 v Canada 14 — actual 20-25 (WRONG)

NZ 68 v Japan 9 — actual 83-7

France 32 v Canada 14 — actual 46 – 19

Tonga 21 v Japan 15 — actual 31-18

NZ 31 v France 16 — actual 37-17

Canada 14 v Japan 23 — actual 23-23 (WRONG)

France 35 v Tonga 18 — actual 14-19 (WRONG)

NZ 74 v Canada 9 — actual 79-15

Pool B

Scotland 31 v Romania 6 — actual 34-24

Argentina 9 v England 19 — actual 9-13

Scotland 20 v Georgia 11 — actual 15-6

Argentina 33 v Romania 6 — actual 43-8

England 33 v Georgia 9 — actual 41-10

England 42 v Romania 3 — actual 67-3

Argentina 9 v Scotland 15 — actual 13-12 (WRONG)

Georgia 21 v Romania 11 — actual 25-9

England 20 v Scotland 9 — actual 16-12

Argentina 21 v Georgia 9 — actual 25-7

Pool C

Australia 28 v Italy 14 — actual 32-6

Ireland 31 v 9 USA — actual 22-10

Russia 9 v USA 19 — actual 6-13

Australia 26 v Ireland 17 — actual 6-15 (WRONG)

Italy 32 v Russia 6 — actual 53-17

Australia 43 v USA 6 — actual 67-5

Ireland 33 v Russia 3 — actual 62-12

Italy 26 v USA 13 — actual 27-10

Australia 45 v Russia 6 — actual 68-22

Ireland 24 v Italy 12 — actual 36-6

Pool D

Fiji 37 v Namibia 8 — actual 49-25

South Africa 26 v Wales 18 — actual 17-16

Samoa 37 v Namibia 3 — actual 49-12

South Africa 38 v Fiji 23 — actual 49-3

Wales 24 v Samoa 27 — actual 17-10 (WRONG)

South Africa 52 v Namibia – actual 87-0

Fiji 13 v Samoa 25 — actual 7-27

Wales 47 v Namibia 6 — actual 81-7

24 South Africa v Samoa 18 — actual 13-5

26 Wales v Fiji 16 — actual 66-0

The tier two nations, or so called minows, showed a real improvement over previous tournaments. And if it hadn’t been for the unfavourable and very unfair draw they received you can be sure there would have been more upsets. Let’s hope there’s more fairness and transparency in future tournaments to even the playing field.

But for now it’s onwards and upwards into the knockout stages…

Posted in All Blacks, RWC | Tagged , | Leave a comment

RWC 2011 Kicks Off

By admin | September 9, 2011

After years of waiting Rugby World Cup 2011 kicked off. And in some style.

The opening ceremony was fantastic and did a brilliant job of showcasing New Zealand’s artistic talent. The coordination of entertainment around Auckland, especially by the waterfront, was impressive.

And then it was time to play some footy.

Hosts New Zealand had to front up against their typically physical pacific brothers from Tonga. The All Blacks didn’t expect a comfortable start to RWC11 and weren’t disappointed.

The opening ceremony restricted the typical warm up for both sides but it was the men in black who started best. After racing away with early tries they faced a spirited and more composed second half fightback from Tonga. The final result – 41-10 to New Zealand – was a pretty good reflection of the match.

Richard Kahui scored two tries and was deserving of his man of the match award. He’s surely put up his hand for a place in the All Blacks top starting side; certainly the match day 22.

Israel Dagg picked up a brace of tries as well and is putting serious pressure on Mil Muliaina for the fullback spot. There were plenty of other strong individual performaces, particularly from Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Ma Nonu.

Sonny Bill Williams, always a big talking point, showed some fantastic touches and was involved in most of the tries. But you feel he could equally lose a big game as win it. A logical place for him seems to be as the ultimate bench imapct player to unlock a defense in the final quarter of a tight match.

The coaching team should be happy with many of the individual performances but will be looking for a more cohesive team performace as they build throughout the tournament.

Jimmy Cowan had a forgettable night and must be close to third choice halfback as a result.

Overall the All Blacks should be happy enough with the start. It will do them good to have had such a physical match and realise there’s still plenty of work to get to where they want.

And hats off to Tonga for playing their part. They will cause plenty of problems for all other teams in the pool. France, take note.

Posted in RWC | Leave a comment

2011 Rugby World Cup Predictions

By admin | September 3, 2011

Everyone’s an expert after the fact. But I’m laying my cards out now, before the 2011 RWC kicks off in New Zealand.

Even though Australia beat NZ to win the final Tri Nations – and despite the home ground disadvantage – I’m still predicting a New Zealand v England final and for the All Blacks to take the title with a 35-16 victory.

Wait, I hear you screaming…home town disadvantage. Yes, that’s right. And that’s because no host nation has ever won the rugby world cup in the professional era. In fact, Australia have been the only nation holding the tournament in the pro era to even make a final, which they lost to England.

The first two tournaments (New Zealand in 1987 and South Africa in 1995) were both won by the hosts. But since rugby went professional, in 1996, having the tournament in your backyard has not helped fill the trophy cabinet.

So, despite the pro rugby world cup host curse, I still feel the men in black have the goods to rewrite history.

I’ll admit I’m no fortune teller. I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the rugby word cup 2011 results but here’s how I think it’s going to go down, down-under.

Pool A

NZ  33 v Tonga 14

France 42 v Japan 18

Tonga 25 v Canada 14

NZ 68 v Japan 9

France 32 v Canada 14

Tonga 21 v Japan 15

NZ 31 v France 16

Canada 14 v Japan 23

France 35 v Tonga 18

NZ 74 v Canada 9

Pool B

Scotland 31 v Romania 6

Argentina 9 v England 19

Scotland 20 v Georgia 11

Argentina 33 v Romania 6

England 33 v Georgia 9

England 42 v Romania 3

Argentina 9 v Scotland 15

Georgia 21 v Romania 11

England 20 v Scotland 9

Argentina 21 v Georgia 9

Pool C

Australia 28 v Italy 14

Ireland 31 v 9 USA

Russia 9 v USA 19

Australia 26 v Ireland 17

Italy 32 v Russia 6

Australia 43 v USA 6

Ireland 33 v Russia 3

Italy 26 v USA 13

Australia 45 v Russia 6

Ireland 24 v Italy 12

Pool D

Fiji 37 v Namibia 8

South Africa 26 v Wales 18

Samoa 37 v Namibia 3

South Africa 38 v Fiji 23

Wales 24 v Samoa 27

South Africa 52 v Namibia 0

Fiji 13 v Samoa 25

Wales 47 v Namibia 6

24 South Africa v Samoa 18

26 Wales v Fiji 16

Quarter Finals

QF1: Australia v Samoa — Australia to get revenge for their loss to Samoa earlier this year in a 28-17 win.

QF2: England v France – The poms to sneak it 24-20

QF3: South Africa v Ireland — The Springboks will win it 19-17.

QF4: NZ v Scotland — The Kiwis to run riot in a 43-9 victory.

Semi Finals

SF1: Australia v England – England to squeeze past the Aussies 16-19

SF2: South Africa v NZ — The All Blacks will beat the current RWC champions by 10 points with the final score of 19-29.

Finals

Bronze: Australia v South Africa — Australia to claim third spot with a 26-16 victory.

Grand: England v NZ — The All Blacks to be the first tournament hosts in the professional era to win. They’ll do it comfortably with a 16-35 scoreline.

Who do you think will win the 2011 Rugby World Cup and hold the William Web Ellis trophy at Eden Park?


Posted in RWC, home page | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

All Blacks lose last Tri Nations to Wallabies but it’s not time to panic

By admin | August 27, 2011

The All Blacks lost the final Tri Nations match 25-20 to the Wallabies today. The Australian team will delight in being the last team to hold the trophy before Argentina join next year for some much needed variety in what will become the Four Nations Rugby Tournament.

With two consecutive loses, after falling to a full strength Springboks in South Africa last weekend, there will be some panic. But that will mostly be from the media and some public, no doubt dishing up the term “chokers” like candy. But I don’t think the players or management will be quite so worried.

O.K, they wouldn’t have planned to lose this match. But you have to figure they can’t win them all…and if you’re going to drop a game this one was preferable to a small tournament about to start in under two weeks.

The All Blacks can, and I think will, still win the Rugby World Cup. Here’s why. They played poorly last night but were able to change tactics mid match, mount a serious comeback and almost win the match.

And they did it with Dan Carter having a pretty poor match (shocking by his standards in fact) and without two of our most under rated ,but key, players – Jerome Kaino and Kiaran Read.

Kaino was left out due to the birth of a son and Read left the field injured after 10 minutes. If Read is fit, and with Kaino’s serious muscle to beef up the forwards, the All Blacks will get back to doing what they do best – wining the breakdown for quick ball on attack and slow ball to defend.

Adam Thompson also went off injured but looked out of his depth prior to that. Balancing that was Victor Veto’s impressive display. He’ll  make for a great backup who can play all three lose forward positions if needed.

Israel Dagg has to come into consideration too. If it’s not to start at fullback surely his impact is needed on the bench or even at wing.

The loss will hurt, no doubt. Richie McCaw will be hearing the cocky sledging of Quade Cooper in his nightmares. But they’re be stronger and wiser for this loss. And with a few personal changes Richie will have the last laugh when he holds the Web Ellis trophy aloft in October.

So, no, it’s not panic stations, the All Blacks aren’t choking. It was just a slight obstacle on the way to the big prize.

Posted in All Blacks, Tri Nations, home page | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Kiwi rugby players in the first round of the Heineken Cup 2010

By admin | October 11, 2010

The first round of the Heieneken Cup kicked off last weekend with many New Zealand rugby players turning out for their adopted European teams. Here are a few select matches featuring Kiwi players.

Leinster 38 – 22 Racing Metro

Isa Nacewa looked more comfortable in his customary wing position and turned in an excellent, almost faultless game, including a couple of big tackles on Sebastian Chebal as the 2009 champions defeated the highly rated French side.

Scarlets 43 – 34 Perpignan

Regan King had a hugely influential game, including some lovely offloads, set up a couple of tries and scored one himself as the Welsh team blizted the French side.

Northhampton 18 – 14 Castres

This clash featured two Kiwi players captaining their sides. New Zealand born Dylan Hartley lead the Saints to an unconvincing victory over ex All Black, Chris Masoe, lead Castres. Bruce Reihana had a shocking day with the goal kicking duties but scored a try to help the English side sneak past the dogged French side. New Zealander Cameron McIntyre featured at flyhalf for Castres.

Toulouse 18 – 16 London Wasps

Byron Kelleher and Cenus Johnston featured for Toulouse in a hard fought, tight win over Wasps who featured kiwis Mark Van Ginbergen and Joe Ward.
Posted in Heineken Cup | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Three New Zealand Fly Halfs on Display in Single English Premiership Match

By admin | October 5, 2010

Three New Zealand first fives were on display at the weekend premiership match between Newcastle and Harlequins.

Nick Evans was in the number 10 shirt for Quins facing Jimmy Gopperth in his second year at Newcastle. New Zealand born Jeremy Manning, previously a backup flyhalf for Munster shifted to fullback and produced an excellent game.

Evans and Gopperth traded penalties in the first half of an even match. Quins could never quite pull away from a dogged Newcastle team but held on to win 23-12.

Posted in English Premiership | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Kiwi’s Feature in Irish Rugby Derby

By admin | October 5, 2010

Irish powerhouses Munster and Leinster squared off on Saturday in a hottly anticipated Irish derby with Magners’ League points up for grabs. A few New Zealand players featured, most notebly Lifeimi Mafi who had an impact for the wrong reason with two high tackles. The first, a cheap shot on Gordon D’Arcy is before the citing commissioner while the second saw the kiwi yellow carded.

His midfield partner, fellow kiwi, Sam Tuitupou put in some strong tackles and powerful runs while Doug Howlett had a quiet game but a couple of nice touches when he did see the ball.

Leinster’s ex Auckland Blue Isa Nacewa had a mixed game and the home team was much improved when the pivot was moved from flyhalf to his more customary wing position. Leinster profited from the direction offered by Jonathan Sexton and held on to win 13-9 to earn bragging rights for the fith consecutive game against their arch rivals.

Posted in Magners League | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Kiwis help Cardiff Blues beat Connacht

By admin | October 1, 2010

The Cardiff Blues must have more Kiwi rugby players than almost any other team outside New Zealand. Several of those players had a major influence in their 22-6 victory over Connacht in the Magner’s League clash last night.

Former Canterbury star Casey Laulala showed some individual brilliance to score the game’s only try.  Xavier Rush had a typically powerful game, always making the advantage line. Fellow New Zealander (and Cardiff club captain) Paul Titto was summoned from the bench to help close out the match from a spirrited Cooact side.

Connacht’s Kiwi winger, Troy Nathan, did just enough to put off his fellow New Zealander, Michael Paterson from scoring a try in the first half.

New Zealander Ben Blair had a relatively quiet night, especially since the goal kicking duties were handled by Dan Parks.

Posted in Magners League | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

European Action – Weekending September 5, 2010

By admin | September 6, 2010

New Zealand’s European players turned out in force for the opening weekend of the Magners (Celtic) league and the Aviva (English) premiership.

Magners League

Aucklander Nick Williams turned out for Aironi, one of the new Italian teams in this year’s Magners league. He faced his former Munster teammates including Kiwi’s Doug Howlet and new Munster signing Sam Tuitupou in a respectable 17-33 defeat to the European heavyweights.

New Zealander Joe Schmidt didn’t have an enjoyable start to his coaching career with Leinster as an undisciplined display saw them lose 19-22 to the Glasgow Warriors. Isaac Boss pounced for a first half try but Isa Nacewa poor kicking proved he’s not really an out and out number 10.

Cardiff Blues beat Edinburgh 34-23 with Xavier Rush’s help after the former Auckland Blues produced an outrageous backhanded flip pass to set up a try. The win was sealed by ex cantab Casey Laulala’s length of the field try.

A fumble by Ospreys’ stand-in captain Jerry Collins was punished with Ulster’s opening try, as the Northern Irish men beat the reigning champions 27-26. Marty Holah partnerd Collins whose quicker than expected recovery from knee and shoulder surgery did give the defending league champions a timely boost.

Get full Magners league results and match reports here.

Aviva Premiership

Sale opened the new Aviva Premiership season with a comprehensive win over Newcastle at Edgeley Park to mark head coach Mike Brewer’s first game in charge. The ex All Black saw his team win 35-18. New signing Jeremy Manning kicked 8 points for Newcastle before being replaced by fellow New Zealander Jimmy Gopperth.

Clark Dermody propped London Irish’s scrum in their season opener against the South African loaded Saracens. Daniel Bowden provided some nice touches for the men in green as the Irish won 33-16.

In an odd move Riki Flutely was named at first five but played well for London Wasps  in their 29 all draw with Harlequins. He faced fellow Kiwi flyhalf Nick Evans who set up a fabulous first try with a typical arching run and lovely inside ball. Wasps’ Director of Rugby, Tony Hawkes, would have enjoyed fellow New Zealander Mark Van Gisbergen’s excellent match at fullback.

Ex Kiwi league player Shontayne Hape helped Bath to a 32-16 win over Leeds.

Two late tries from Scott Hamilton wasn’t enough to stop Leicester losing 27-19 to Northmapton.

Go here for the official Premiership website.

Posted in English Premiership, Magners League | Tagged , , | Leave a comment