rugby world cup countdown widget

It has been hard to come across a countdown web widget for the Rugby World Cup. I was rather pleased when I did finally stumble across the one at the top right hand of this page courtesy of The Chic Girl's Guide to Rugby (check her out, she lists in great detail the important things a rugby following woman with a sense of fashion and fastidious style must do in Paris over September/October).

The widget is easy to download, and unlike the Yahoo version - can be put on any type of blog. Not just a desktop. For the technically illiterate that is of the ludite variety i.e me; this little thing is a whizz. Go to springwidgets or click on the link underneath the counter to download yours today. Your blog will then feel complete in the build up to the Rugby World Cup 2007.

great rugby clichés

Once upon a time there was the ‘game of two halves’, ‘going back to the drawing board’ and being ‘beaten by a better team on the day’. Now, in this Rugby World Cup year of propaganda, the average rugby follower has been subject to a string of new rugby clichés that has slipped into the consciousness like CCTV crept up on us before we could protest that the west was under siege of big brother.

At present, you don’t get beaten by a better team because you probably sent your third team or ‘second string’ (a stroke of PR genius for any coach and team on the losing side). Instead of someone being injured or dropped from the squad – they are just ‘rotated’ to add ‘strength in depth’ - another overused term if ever there was one. Players are ‘reconditioned’ instead of just going to the gym and ‘wrapped in cotton wool’ if they miss a game or two. A rugby team now plays with the ‘full 22’ and coming ‘off the bench’ will inject a new pace into the game, ‘wearing down tired legs in the final 20’.

If ever there was a team to inspire clichés from the world wide media, then surely the All Blacks would win the prize. If they’re not ‘choking’ or ‘cheating at the breakdown’, they’re ‘peaking too soon’. While we’re onto team clichés (and some of these are old), who can resist the Wallabies with the most intelligent backline in the world, the English - when defeated always courageous or heroic; and of course the flair of the French (although who knows which French team will turn up on the day). Anyone's guess really.

The best clichés almost always come from the TV commentary box. It wouldn’t be a rugby game if there hadn’t been a ‘prodigious punt’, a crowd ‘baying for blood’, or the ‘crowd going wild’ somewhere during the ‘full 80’.

As long as rugby remains the winner, then I'm not too bothered at the end of the day.

social networking during the rugby world cup

The Daily Telegraph has announced that a social networking platform will be put on their website specifically for followers during the Rugby World Cup tournament. This site will allow fans and experts to blog, upload their own photos and videos and share with their community their experiences of the tournament; an almost mini Facebook if you will for the avid rugby fan. As well as this there will be all the usual latest news and analysis from its journalists and columnists.

This is a great idea and builds on the fantastic message boards of BBC 606 and Planet Rugby that I believe led the way in initially getting people online to discuss their theories and share their biases regarding rugby. I definitely think that stuff.co.nz and the nzherald.co.nz could get more interactive with their rugby fans. Although both websites have excellent coverage of rugby (as one would expect in New Zealand) they both lack a chance for fans to really network.

I was surprised in particular when Stuff launched their new rugbyheaven site recently. Although it is a good site, I really did think that with the Web 2.0 tools in place it was possible to make this site something really special for the fans. Even one message board of some description or at least a fanzine corner like the one on the All Blacks website where fans can submit their own articles and partake in an open, interactive forum would make this site so much better. Instead we have opinions from the experts and no female writers whatsoever. So all in all I think they still have a bit of catching up to do when compared with our British counterparts.

how luke mccalister got sold on sale

There has been a lot written in the last couple of days about Luke McAlister signing up for a two year deal with Sale in England. A lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth from the New Zealand public and media that is...

The guy is too young. He is only twenty three. He'll never reach his potential. He has ruined his rugby playing chances. He is selfish and is too worried about the the money. He has devalued the All Black jersey. Why would anyone want to go and live in Manchester anyway. The weather is horrible in Manchester. Blah blah blah.

I do think Luke McAlister is a wonderful player; in a kind of Carlos Spencer way, that is. All those chip kicks and little searing runs (when he probably should have passed because there was an overlap). When the team is on song, so is he. But when they’re up the proverbial creek without a paddle, you probably won’t see him making such a clean break towards the banks for safety. He can definitely be spectacular but sometimes I think he lacks a bit of substance and is a bit too flashy. I still wish him luck and am surprised that anyone would begrudge him an OE.

But why the fuss about McAlister in the first place? Wouldn’t a bigger song and dance have been more appropriate for the true rock of this All Black team in the form of Carl Hayman. Instead, we get nothing. Just a resigned shrug of the shoulders and ‘oh well, there was nothing we could do’ by the NZRFU ‘we offered him a farm but he wanted to go Newcastle’. It seems to me strange that while we all seem to have been mourning the loss of McAlister for the last couple of months - we've let a true gem sure slip through our fingers.

And Manchester? Well it is an awesome city and anyone that writes otherwise has obviously never been there. It knocks the socks off Auckland for a start.

download your rugby world cup schedule here

An excellent link from Michael Gregg’s blog: Be Seen Be Heard allows you to download a file of the entire Rugby World Cup schedule for your Microsoft Outlook calendar. By taking this link and following the instructions through you will be able to save all games and update them into outlook at the simple click of a button thereby guaranteeing yourself of not missing any favourite teams or important matches. As someone said of this application – 'an excellent download, not just for rugby nuts but also rugby widows' (and widowers).

If you don't have outlook, a simple print out list with all the fixtures are on the IRB website.

countdown to the rugby world cup begins

With the Tri Nations and Bledisloe cup decided by the mighty All Blacks, the countdown to the Rugby World Cup in France begins in earnest.

Over the last six weeks we have heard plenty about the strength and defensive prowess of the big three in the Southern hemisphere. But what do the Northern Hemisphere and the super six nations make of it all?

Most of the media in this part of the world have already written off the tenaciousness of England, the flair of France, the passion of Scotland, the Irish magic and the never say die attitude of the Italians. I don't think that is quite right. Writing any of these teams off is a step too far in foolishness and certain myopic arrogance.

The English are fighters and even though they have been down and out in recent seasons, I am sure will put up a courageous fight to rival any of the favourites. The Italians had a good run in the last six nations and surely must have confidence going into the tournament that they can induce a few chinks into southern hemisphere armour. Scotland with the return of Jason White must also be rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Wales when on song can rip apart any defence and Ireland? Well with arguably the best centre pairing in the world, Ireland must surely rate their chances.

Any team that rests on their laurels against these six could pay a price. And with Argentina looming in the background, this tournament is building up to be an interesting, nail biting event I'm sure. Any tournament has its upsets and I will wager that this one will be no different. The question is - who will provide the biggest upset? And what team will not live up to the media hype.

piri out

The All Black squad for the Rugby World Cup tournament was announced today with the biggest shock coming to Piri Weepu who has been dropped in favour of Andy Ellis.

Weepu being the regular back up to half back Byron Kelleher for a number of years was seen as a shoe-in. He probably did nothing to help himself this season with a parade of different beckham-esque hair styles that failed to hide his general dip in form and sluggishness around the field. The late night drinking jaunt with a number of other ‘non-22’ All Blacks in mid week heading up to the Bledisloe decider also probably knocked his halo off centre with a few of the selectors.

I have never been a fan of Weepu myself but still feel slightly sorry for the guy now. He must feel desolate - all that build up for nothing. But it is a dog eat dog world out there and I guess in this tough rugby climate one thing has been proven - form is everything and half backs with love handles just don't cut the mustard.

all blacks win the bledisloe and tri nations cups for 2007

In an encounter that can only be described in those greatest of rugby clichés as 'a game of two halves', the All Blacks brushed aside their first half jitters in torrential rain to overcome a passionate (but in the end outmuscled wallaby team) in the final Tri Nations and Bledisloe cup encounter of 2007.

The final score was fourteen points between the two teams but the All Blacks had to work hard for this - particularly after a mediocre first half where the Australians held most of the possession and play. A half time break (where one can only assume old Ted read the riot act to the boys in black) saw the NZers come out rejuvenated for the second forty. They took the Wallabies on up front and played a more intelligent game plan, helped effectively by Carter's goal kicking accuracy of 7 from 8 and adaption to the wet and slippery Eden Park conditions.

Brendon Leonard brought extra fire to the All Black back line after Byron Kelleher was replaced in the third quarter. Leonard is a gritty and confident player and on current form to me seems like the number 1 halfback New Zealand currently have. The lineout improved dramatically with the introduction of Keven Mealamu for Anton Oliver, but as ever this lineout remains (along with the centre combinations) a major concern for this team.

For John 'Knuckles' Connelly and his Wallabies - they could rightfully feel a little hard done by a couple of refereeing calls that didn't quite go their way - but this is rugby and the bounce of the ball is part of it. For Henry and his band of merry men - they now have two important trophies in the cabinet and a psychological boost going into September/October.

so long george gregan, and thanks (!?) for the memories

With only hours before the Tri Nations final and Bledisloe Cup decider between two of the greatest rival sporting teams in rugby history, it is timely to acknowledge members from both camps who will be playing their last test on Auckland soil tonight. With Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Aaron Mauger, Byron Kelleher and probably Luke McAlister all heading up to France and England after the world cup to play out their retirements in the stodgy Northern Hemisphere championships; the All Blacks will hope they can reach their potential and give a hefty core of the departing team members a decent haere ra.

For Australia the exodus is also vast with two key players in Steven Larkham and George Gregan playing out their final test in Aotearoa. If Larkham has been the brain of the Australian backline for the last ten years, then Gregan, playing his 134th test would undoubtedly have to be described as the niggle, the edge and the heart of this Wallaby team. Even though he has broken the spirit of many New Zealanders over the years through his determination and grit (not to mention the backchat and winning ways with countless, hapless referees), we can’t help but admire the man. Right down to his shaven head and match inspiring tackles, Gregan is a character of the game that has always stood out. A feisty spirit, an orator to rival the greats and a true competitor in every sense.

We’ll miss you George. (But I wish you weren’t playing in the World Cup.)

photo opportunities and other observations

With the onslaught of the RWC comes yet another advertising photo opportunity for the major money spinners to launch their new kit for respective teams. We’ve had the All Blacks and their shiny space age Adidas sweats and the Wallabies with their breast enhancing green and gold uniform (the heat of the body enhancing a strip of material on the chest that gives George and his merry band of men what can only be said is sound breast definition). The latest kit launch was for ‘Team Wales’ yesterday. The only question I have is why bother having a launch at all when it is perfectly clear to all and sundry that it is exactly the same uniform to the eye as to what the welsh team has been wearing for the last one hundred odd years.

Speaking of advertising – I absolutely detest the ‘Believe in Black’ Sky campaign for the All Blacks. There is something that screams sycophancy in this. And what a load of bullocks. We can’t 'believe' anything if proof of the last 20 years is anything to go by. Better words would be ‘hope’ and ‘pray’ and ‘fingers crossed’. Richie McCaw standing in a warrior pose for the heading of the campaign looks about as comfortable as if he had been asked to get naked and dance the tango on a table at his granny’s funeral – poor guy. What sod made him do this? All we need now is some cheesy slow motion shots of the All Blacks running riot to a Dave Dobbyn ‘Loyal’ soundtrack and my expectation of New Zealand advertising will truly be complete.

in the soup without ali

Although I don’t know the guy and really have no right to make a judgment about his personality; I have to admit I’ve often thought Ali Williams looks like an arrogant, immature chap. The whole debacle with him being sent home from SA because of some offence he had committed that even the news starved NZ media were too ashamed to relay kind of gave me proof of a sort of what I’ve always assumed him to be.

However, I do feel that New Zealand rugby is missing Ali at the moment. Desperately. He is a dynamic player and although the locks haven’t exactly disgraced themselves in this Tri Nations tournament; the All Black team in general has lacked the xfactor and spark that Ali Williams has often added. He is definitely a player that can create magic from nothing.

There have been countless moments over the last couple of years when the All Blacks performed some jaw-dropping feats, and many times - Williams was a part of this. Whether it was a back flip pass to Smith last year in France; or a cross field kick to Howlett to tie up a Bledisloe decider; or a stolen line out to see him crashing over the line, shattering the egos of a hapless Lions forward pack on a stormy Christchurch night in 2005 – Williams has delivered the goods. Here’s hoping he will be back in time for the RWC.

Even if I think he belongs on the berks list.

all blacks again splutter to a frustrating win

It had been billed as a blackwash by some factions of the New Zealand and Australian media – yet once again the All Blacks failed to click and put in a frustrating display, ridden with messy handling errors and not enough go-forward against a spirited second string Springbok side.

The South African defence was excellent, and although this team (predictably) didn’t invade the All Black backline with any attacking potency; they did manage to hold the NZers to just a six point advantage before the floodgates opened around the 70th minute.

Subs Evans, Leonard and Collins (the former two scoring tries much to the crowd’s relief) brought a fresh dimension to a spluttering All Black backline and finally this team was ignited into showing some of the skills they have been promising all season.

Pity that the ignition came with five minutes left on the clock remaining. There are interesting questions about this All Black outfit still not answered and disquiet is beginning to brew in NZ. Maybe we should believe the hype and Bob Dwyer – have the All Blacks peaked too soon? And are they are a team in decline?

springboks on the sweet chariot bandwagon

A few botched drop goal attempts from the South Africans in Saturday's last Tri Nations match were a further signal to the world of how they intend to play their rugby when the World Cup comes around. It is becoming clear that they lack real creativity in their backline to score tries off set piece moves (although they are the best in the world at the intercept try). They look more and more like the English team of 2003 - content to grind out a win through heavy, agressive forward play and reliance on a selection of players who can drop goal to their hearts desire. If England could do it in 03 - there is no reason why it can't be done again in 07. Unfortunately it doesn't make for very entertaining rugby, but thems the breaks I guess.

ozzie ozzie ozzie

The Springboks came out firing to take an early 17 point lead in the 4th Tri Nations test against Australia at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on Saturday night. Perhaps the South Africans were riled after a week of being slated in the Australian Press for turning up without their main stars such as Burger and Matfield, for they entered the stadium heads up and hearts ablaze. By scoring two tries in the opening ten with the second of their tries - a trademark intercept by Breyton Paulse - they sparked a worried murmur throughout the Australian crowd.

At this point however the Boks could not capitalise on their lead and the Australians fought in their usual gutsy style scoring a couple of penalties and three tries - the best a lovely piece of back work off a lineout in the Boks 22 allowing Mark Gerard to cross. From here the Australians then took over the tempo of the match and looked clearly the team in ascendancy.

The second half of this match was boring and lacked the blood and intensity of the previous Tri Nations tests this year. With two Boks sinbinned in the final stage (Botha and some other dude I can't remember) the game was handed to the Ozzies on a plate by NZ referee Paul Honiss - and they closed the bokke out to eventually win the match: 25 - 17.

The Australians can be happy with another win that takes them to the head of the table. The Boks can be happy that their B Side gave the Wallabies a scare. The All Blacks won't be happy with themselves at all until they can rack up a win against both these teams on home turf in the next two weeks.

leave our dan alone

The poor guy. He fails to score 40 points in two test matches and suddenly Dan Carter is under the microscope with so called learned NZ media pundits lamenting his perceived dip in form and questioning whether he should be benched for the Tri Nations test against SA in two weeks time.

Leave the guy alone. It isn't like he played with the butter fingered touch of Mauger or got sinbinned for being hopelessly inadequate in the contact area.

Rattue needs to respect that he Dan can't be superman all the time. He is arguably the best first five eight that NZ has had - ever (and NZ has had some pretty good ones in the past). Even when his form isn't sparkling like champagne he can ignite the team with a deft pass or elusive side step (and when truly on song - metre gaining kick).

It is this kind of self obsessed analysis that puts unnecessary pressure on someone that by all accounts plays when he is perfectly chilled out. Organisations like TVNZ (a worldwide laughing stock) and reporters like Rattue need to find something else a little bit more newsworthy to chew on and stop reaching for the scapegoat when things go a little pear shaped. There are lots of things to critique when it comes to the last few AB matches. Dan is not one of them.

all blacks lose and the 2007 rugby world cup is wide open

After a one sided first half between the Wallabies and All Blacks - in the stadium of 'broken NZ dreams' - the MCG stadium (if you don't know what I mean, check out the underarm bowl of 1983), the mighty All Blacks fell well short of a talented and determined Wallabies side (with the old heart breakers of 2003: Mortlock, Gregan, Smith etc) wrecking havoc once again over a slightly undercooked and arrogant All Black side who maybe thought they had the game at half time.

After a pulsating first half where the New Zealanders ruled supreme and the game was more or less in the bag - this famed side fell to pieces (hmm, reminds me of a particular world cup semi final in 1999) in the face of persistent Australian defence and scrappiness (20 - 15 final score in case you didn't know it already) in the second half.

To all intents and purposes - the All Blacks were dominant in the first 40 minutes, with strong scrums and (even!) defensive lineouts. But if the forwards shone, the backline faltered with Mauger and Gear in particular, letting the side down through messy knock-ons and missed tackles, buckling under the pressure of the outstanding defensive organisation of Mortlock, Giteau, Larkham and co.

After half time talks the Wallabies came out rejuvenated and plucky (where have we seen that before?) and managed to claw back a nine point deficit through disciplined defending against a messy and arrogant All Black side that didn't quite know how to react in the face of true pressure.

The Wallabies never really looked like winning the test until the dying minutes of this match when penalty after penalty was given away by a desperate and slightly bewildered All Black outfit that thought that they had the game in the bag (particularly after beating the cocky Springboks at home in Durban the week before).

So what lessons can the world take from this sloppy test in the build up to the World Cup? Firstly - the All Blacks are fallible (but we always knew that anyway - they do seem to lose a match every year). Secondly - if Henry chooses to use his subs in the early stages of the second half - the All Blacks may not be able utilise their potency to advantage and thirdly, if anyone writes off the Wallabies - whether they lose every match for a straight year of not, it is done at peril of the strong, competitive and proud Australian spirit.

The Australians played the game they wanted to play. With the old and wise heads of Gregan, Larkham and Mortlock, they were able to run this game to their advantage, even when the All Blacks had ascendancy in their forwards. Daniel Carter had a subdued game (but not a bad game, he can't be superhuman every moment of his life). The big fault of the New Zealanders were that they chose not to play for territory. Rarely did we see an All Black throw in the opposition 22. Instead we saw committed and tenacious Australian defence; an All Black team devoid of ideas when the clock started to run out; and a gleam in the eyes of those who thought the World Cup was the All Blacks and theirs alone. Two months out and the competition is wide open. If an aging Wallaby backline can beat this famed New Zealand side - what does it mean for the French, the English and the O'Driscoll's of Ireland?

Game on. France Rugby World Cup 2007. Let the games begin.