2012 Six Nations - Ireland v Wales

This was always going to be the best game of the opening round, and it delivered. Both teams were superb in their intent, and the game’s intensity meant both the Irish and Welsh sides had to at times bring themselves back into it.

Maybe Wales stumbled a little. They seemed to dominate possession in the first half, and Ireland looked to kick away the ball too much, but what a twisted plot this match delivered. After some genius back play on display from both sides – Bowe, Kearney & Trimble for Irelnd, North, Roberts and J Davies for Wales – it came done to a last minute penalty.

Another epic, decided once again by that Panto Villain, Mr Wayne Barnes. I do not think that was a spear tackle, neither of them were vertical to start with ... it was another bad call in the heat of the moment by him. And it could decide the Six Nations?

Ireland have to travel away to play England, Italy and France ... a killer draw. Wales go to Twickers, but at least host France in Cardiff. This surely gives them a wee edge now.

Constantly feel that when I watch these two teams I am looking at the next Lions squad running about. O’Connell was immense today! Should Declan Kidney be the Lions coach? I think he should be.

Thanks to both teams. And thanks to Sky TV and ESPN because in 2012 I finally get to watch HD coverage of the 6N on my telly, without forking out for the Rugby Channel. About bloody time!

Wayne Barnes - the man we love to ....(30 second video)

Ferdy's round up - first weekend of RWC 2011

Here are my thoughts on the dramatic opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Opening ceremony: Made me homesick for New Zillunt. It was beautiful. Glad it wasn't blowing a gale (I don't know why but I've become a nanna and keep praying that the tournament will have nice weather). Loving the anthems too with the NZSO backing tracks. But ITV doesn't focus on the choir singing which is a shame, I want to see whether I know anyone.

Opening game Tonga V NZ highlights: A first half try fest. Sonny Bill Williams for that *ahem* shirt change. No major injuries to any key players. Baby blacks Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui - will they or won't they usurp the old guard?

Opening game Tonga V NZ lowlights: The second half with the wheels falling off some rusty All Black forwards. Too many penalties, too many unforced errors. But credit to Tonga, they lifted their game and in hindsight, NZ did not do too badly. I am unhappy about our halfbacks.

England v Argentina highlights: The atmosphere in Dunedin's new stadium seemed electric. Hopefully this will shut people up who moan on about New Zealand rugby stadia lacking atmosphere. An Argentinian streaker cheekily winking at Jonny Wilkinson. Even though the skills on show were at best average and at worst dire, this was still a fantastic game to watch. Loved every minute of it. (Also, can't help it, I love Martin Johnson wearing his big gruff heart on his sleeve).

England V Argentina lowlights: The England all black kit malfunctioned in every way possible - from the players wearing the shirts to the numbers falling off them. I never thought I'd watch a rugby team in black have such trouble trying to find the tryline. Maybe swap back to white next time boys - eh?

Favourite tweet: 'Overheard Martin Johnson say 'i think i'm going to puma pants'

France V Japan: I didn't see the whole game, but until the last ten minutes, it was close with excellent Japanese defence - and a try. The minnows are roaring in NZ! JK is doing good work, will he be the next AB coach I wonder? French backline looked dangerous (gulp).

Australia V Italy: avoided watching this as couldn't bear to witness an Australian backline cut shreds into the Italians. The less I see of Quade Cooper, the better at the moment.

Ireland V USA: Missed this too but it sounded like the crowd was amazing (my home turf) if not the actual rugby. Loved Paul Emerick's intercept try for the US in the dying seconds. The eagle has landed.

South Africa V Wales: the game of the tournament thus far. What is it with Wales always in the most dramatic games at RWCs? They were so unlucky with Wayne Barnes yet again orchestrating controversy with a missed penalty goal (this will become stuff of legend). We know how you feel Wales, we know how you feel.

This morning's Wikipedia page on Wayne Barnes that was quickly edited after five minutes: Wayne Barnes is an English international rugby referee who has his eyes painted on

Conspiracy theory of the week: The kickers are struggling with these special IRB balls for this world cup. Maybe they've been especially engineered to deter too many drop goal attempts? Hope so. Loved the way everyone in Wellington booed when Morne Steyn tried for a droppie.

Annoying journalism: I don't want to read any more pompous articles in England about how New Zealand fans should behave. Likewise anything about rugby player WAGs - this isn't football (or tiddly winks). And if I had a ten cent coin for every article about the All Blacks that mentions choking, I'd be a kazillionaire by now. Boring, lazy journalism. Where's the originality?

Is it just me or has the rugby this weekend been brilliant? Anything to do with maybe the tournament coming back to its spiritual home and bringing out the best in everyone?

The ruggerblogger cup: Results are out. I'm middling to bottom of the table. Shit. Must do better (it's tough being a coach).

Miss a game and don't have time to watch the replay? All you need to do is log onto ruggerblogger and take a glance at Slugo's incredible rugby infographics which will tell you exactly how the game panned out. Amazing. The man is a living legend attempting to put up graphics of all 48 games.  Plus - he has designed some fantastic mobile phone apps. Check them out, they're wicked.

Australia 25 - All Blacks 20

Trinations decider 2011 - Suncorp Stadium - Brisbane

The omens are not looking good for an All Black team that creaked into gear after a scintillating start by Australia.  This game had many ups and downs.  Some moments of pure genius and joy (the Australian backline). And also some moments of complete crap (the entire All Black team in the first half, bar Nonu who played like a hero when all around him were losing their heads and blaming it on each other).

We were beaten by a better team who were more committed. The New Zealand backline cannot match this Wallaby backline which is just sensational. What I would give to have a Will Genia on our team when what we have in place is Piri Weepu who seems to think a great tactic is waving his arms around a lot and shouting meaningless instructions instead of grabbing the ball from the bottom of a ruck and releasing it - quickly - to his backs.

When it comes to karma, I do so hope that it catches up with Quade Cooper next month.  What is his obsession with Richie McCaw?  Anyone that knees the New Zealand captain in the head is no friend of mine, ever again.

Other depressing things about this game?  Keiran Reid is injured. Possibly Richie too. Dan had a shocker, particuarly in the first forty. There were several All Blacks on the field who looked passed their used by date. Is this All Black team too old with our Brad Thornes and Ali Williamses.  And what of Mils Muliaina. He has been a great servant to NZ but I have been saying for a year at least that he is selfish with the ball, and slow.  He cannot be the first choice fullback when Israel Dagg is in the wings. But he will, because with Woodcock, Graham Henry loves these two incumbents. I think this loyalty is misplaced. One last moan. Zac Guildford. I haven't seen him play well when the chips are down. My heart today is breaking for Hosea Gear.

Glimmers of hope?  I've never really see Victor Vito play before, and I thought for a young, inexperienced All Black, he stepped up to the mark.  Ditto Nonu who was my man of the match. It was heartening to see an All Black fight back and we did win the second half (grasping at straws now). As for that old NZ foe Wayne Barnes?  I give him a pass mark.  I don't think he did too badly at all. Plus - he's no longer New Zealand's main foe. That baton has been passed on now, to Robbie Deans and his young team of Wallaby young guns.

Watch a post match interview with Graham Henry to see what he thought of the game

2011: It’s all kickin’ off!

Yep, we are underway ... and not due to all these petty Super warm ups. I'm talking about the Six Nations kicking off last weekend. Test rugby again: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France & Italy have taken their first baby side steps for this calendar year, and giving us our first glimpse of where they just may be in terms of readiness for a RWC down under.

Friday Night Footy came to Cardiff (have I ever mentioned how much I hate Cardiff?). England showed glimpses of intent during their all too easy win over Wales by 26-19, and to be fair they deserve a teaspoon of credit for fronting up in the Millennium Stadium and getting the win. However, Wales were simply rudderless. Mike Phillips had a howler, and Stephen Jones looked to have his thinking scattered by a tackle in the opening seconds. The pack and backs never got going, and all Gatland's bluster in the weeks before just looks embarrassing now. If England could actually pass the ball with real confidence they would have won by more, but their ball skills are still way behind any of the Southern teams.

Ireland’s blushes in Rome were saved in the dying minutes by a Ronan O’Gara drop goal to win 13-11. Italy were 1 point up with minutes to go thanks to a steadily built try (by Aussie Luke McLean). The conversion was missed and soon after the wee pale pins of the recently subbed on O’Gara sunk the 3 pointer. What’s Italian for “Shite!”? Ireland were lucky ... they looked every bit a clueless & pedestrian as a two point win over the Azzurri would suggest. [Sorry, Italy ... but a wooden spoon is always handy for stirring pasta.]

Last up, France v Scotland. What would happen? Gallic flair? Hebridean pride? Or a messy, flaky mix of deep fried offal? Well, Les Bleus pulled out a class act on attack, scoring four tries (three run in, one a penalty try) to Scotland’s three, winning 34-21, and in the process purging some traumatic memories of getting mowed by the Wallabies late last year. Coach Leivremont had rejigged his backline substantially (longstanding centre Jauzion was out, and Damien Traille returned to his RWC 07 spot at fullback), and the counter attacking produced by the work of Mermoz, Medard, Traille, and new Test centre Rougerie looked like the Frenchies we love (and hate). Defence? Well, lets just reiterate that they ended up with more points than Scotland at the final whistle. I think had the Scots gone up the guts a bit more, like the play which got Sean Lamont his try, they may have turned things around. The French were too good, too quick this day, but I think that massive Scottish pack may yet prove one to watch, especially on the break.

After one round? Who knows? I can’t see a Grand Slam in the offing, or even a Triple Crown ... no one team looked complete yet, though England might be happiest. Next round they play Italy though, and this fixture has been their stumbling block to gaining real momentum in previous years.

I can't help but feel the SANZAR nations (especially us and Aussie) have an advantage this World Cup in terms of our playing calendar this time around. The Tri Nations teams get a time of year, kick-off times and even venues that are all far more familiar, while the 6N teams that have burst out of the blocks in January are surely going to have to scrape their teams back off the Premiership Beer Barons and Top 14 Telco Moguls, and organise some warm up games come August.

Naturally that means we can potentially lose someone to injury in the heat of the 3N this year, but with the spectre of rotation (hopefully) being long buried, its worth the risk to have your team truly battle hardened come September 9th this year.

Oh, and how shit is it that Sky NZ see fit to put the effing Six Nations on ESPN? The only reason I kept the bloody Rugby Channel was because last year it showed the Six Nations. ESPN? Don’t make me laugh. They cropped the picture tighter than Sonny Bill’s fringe.

Anyway, in conclusion, this past weekend I saw nothing that should worry 2011’s All Blacks.

Except Wayne Barnes with a whistle (shudder).

Tweet

All Blacks V Ireland 2010 - after match comment

This was yet another test match ruined once again by the whiste happy world cup blower Wayne Barnes. I know – it was really Jamie Heaslip’s fault, but could you have sent the errant knee offender off with a yellow instead of a red Wayne Barnes? Surely the judiciary could have sorted out the rest the next day? The match was over after fifteen minutes ruining it for the paying spectators as well as the television watchers dotted throughout the world. Thankfully there were some salvageable things to come out of the match.

The new boys in black are looking good

I was particularly excited about the baby blacks coming through for the first test of the season against the Irish and the new boys didn’t disappoint. Particularly Israel Dagg who looks like a big star of the future with his darting counter attacking run and silky skills. Already he seems to have built up some kind of psychic understanding with Cory Jane where they ran some slicing lines off each other.

The thoughtful Benson Stanley provided the base for his outsides Carter and Smith to shine. I like the look of this guy, he offers difference and altogether something a bit more steady than the erratic Nonu. The gritty Franks brothers too seem like good prospects for the future and I would pick either of them any day to prop the scrum over the normal incumbent Tialata - even at this point.

With the New Zealanders playing a white hot game in the first half and springing out to a 38 point lead by half time, the three wise men thought it right to empty their bench giving the rest of the 22 a run out. Cruden and Vito didn’t have much time to shine although for now I think Carter and Kaino don’t have too much to worry about. Cruden for me just seems too small at this stage and what is the point of having a first five eight who can’t kick goals.

The pluck of the Irish

The Irish of course put up a plucky defence (how condescending were we all?) in the second half which was admirable. But the ABs had taken their foot off the gas by then (they always seem to when they’re far in the lead). I think the All Blacks would have been quite disgusted at themselves to leak four trys on their line, particularly when the Irish were playing with 14 men. Actually, I was a bit disgusted at them too. So to quote Fitzy, they’ll have to go back to the drawing board about that.

All Blacks 32 - Wallabies 19 - Tokyo

Tonight the All Blacks won against the Wallabies for the fourth time this year (although the tally does flatter the winners as the Wallabies took the AB's to the line on at least two occasions, and looked very much on par with the New Zealanders).

However, in the end with Dan Carter's boot and two beautiful tries (the first, the best I've seen from the All Blacks all year), the New Zealanders brought this game home.

The first half was incredibly even. I've always said - sagely since the mid 80s - never get the Aussies into your own twenty two as they'll pull one out of the bag. And Peter Hynes did just that, in the corner brushing off four desperate All Blacks, just before the second time whistle.

The try was awarded dubiously by the TMO after what it seemed like ten minutes of soul searching. To be fair, I would have awarded it too. (One must always give the attacking team the benefit of the doubt - even if it was grounded before it touched the chalk and then lost forward after).

The ABs weren't helped in the five minutes previous by the brainless and inept (ok, he finished with a try, but he's still inept) Sivivatu who pulled an illegal in-the-air tackle against Adam Ashley Cooper that looked distinctly malicious. Of course he was sent to the sin bin for a well deserved ten thereafter. (Why the AB coaches persist with this nutbar who can't tackle and can't catch a basic up-and-under is beyond me).

But at half time, the All Blacks got the 'talking to' and came out firing. Conrad 'runs a good straight line' Smith scored a 'good running at the line' in a straight pattern try, and then it was up to Dan and Giteau to exchange penalties for the next half hour.

Roll on the AIs.

All Blacks Grand Slam

Sorry everyone that I've been off the radar for quite some time (as all three of you have probably noticed). I've been doing other things as of late but with the Autumn Internationals now on and in full swing, I've got a few thoughts to throw into the blogosphere. What do you think?

• Wayne Barnes. Did he favour the ABs or the Scots? The Scots think no and so do the All Blacks. Should the dude just be dropped from the IRB panel for good?



• The credit crunch. What does this mean for rich English clubs like Newcastle that are sponsored by the languishing Northern Rock? Could we see some former All Blacks such as Carl Hayman coming back to the shores of Aotearea to ply their trade? God I hope so.



• Is Danny Cipriani the new Daniel Carter or is he another Andrew Sheridan - buoyed up by the British media only to fall on his face?



• Why did the Wallabies struggle against Italy?



• And does this guy have a bee in his bonnet or what??

Also - thanks to The Naly D Scene for giving me a mention on their blog. Thanks ... I think! "Her writing is good and her insight is valuable - a lack of real technical analysis and the fact there are only news posts after the All Blacks play are both a positive and a negative, however."

Ouch! Well Naly D, thanks for that and kia ora. I just write about rugby from a female perspective. It doesn't all have to be put in technical terms, I personally think the blog makes for better reading if it isn't generally layered with jargon, but I appreciate the link and hope you come back soon.

New Zealand 19 - South Africa 0

It is all too often that on a Sunday morning New Zealand's papers are full with the doom and gloom of another sporting weekend gone wrong.

Well, I'm thankful to say that today is not such a day. New Zealand celebrated its best day in Olympic history with the Evers-Swindell twins and Valerie Vili taking gold in rowing and shot put. There was a also smattering of bronzes and a silver to throw in the bag too. Not bad for a nation of four million and not much money to bring to the world's largest stage.

Further south in Cape Town, probably only the most ardent rugby fans were turning in to watch the All Blacks play the Springboks in the face of such glamourous olympic competition. But if you were watching, and you were a New Zealander, then you wouldn't have been disappointed.

South Africa came out jittery and their poor decision making and general lack of excution stayed with them for the entire game. In contrast, New Zealand came out fired and with the same aura of desperate hunger they had brought to the table against the Wallabies two weeks ago.

In the end, it was the breakdown and fantastic, brutal and committed defence that really won it for New Zealand. Because Daniel Carter's kicking wasn't going to. The swirling Newlands winds put paid to that. His place kicking however was great and that combined with quick delivery from Cowan and then Weepu let the All Blacks play in the South African half for large amounts of the game. frustrating the living bejesus out of the world cup holders.

There is too much to write for a match analysis so better to go to a trusty expert like Matt at Green and Gold or Toby Robson (who's he?!) at stuff.

For a completely biased representation of events from proclaimed 'Allblackisogynist' then look no further than the grand master of sour grapes Stephen Jones. The All Blacks won on Springbok soil and kept the South AFricans scoreless. I'm not sure what more they have to do to get a 'full credit'.

But then again, Stephen Jones really is just a jealous twat so it makes a great read to see him so huffy.

Final word: Wayne Barnes came to the rescue of the All Blacks on more than one occasion during this game. Maybe it's time to forgive and move on. But hopefully the irony wasn't lost on him that the team he had in some small way helped to elminate from the 2007 World Cup had just left the World Champions humbled in their own fortress.


Stephen Jones has a green-eyed rant

Matt at Green & Gold
Toby at Stuff