With all of the pre 6 Nations excitement I had running through my veins and the cluster of English youth that could titillate us with daring play on the rugby field, the England team selection can be summed up beautifully by the text message Johno sent me, "OK, I guess", and thus my enthusiasm has been deflated significantly.
Can this team beat Wales? Yes, if they play as they did in the RWC. Will they beat Wales? Up for debate, with 13 Ospreys players who demolished Gloucester a few weeks back, Wales are going to be cohesive (a word they don't use very often on when referring to their team). They have some strong back players that will expose defensive frailties.
That being said, the forward battle should belong to the English boys and with Jonny at the helm, boring England should grind out the win. It won't be pretty and schoolboy errors that undid England against the boks (twice) will get punished by Wales.
Interesting points from Mr Cahill on Eddie's dilemma, he certainly does appear to be morphing more and more into Andy Robinson, and we all know how that ended. Against an experimental Italy though it should be a no brainer.
Scotland France is a tough one to call. I question leaving the world cups only 100% goal kicker on the bench. Points make prizes, and Patterson makes points. France are a lottery, lots of new players, new coach, playing away from home. I'll stick my neck out and pick the sweaties for this one.
Ireland
England
Scotland
Ireland v Italy game - 6 tries.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Eddit AKA Little Andy
You have to admire Eddie’s tenacity, loyalty, and ability to stay the course. However the players are not his friends and loyalty in sports to out of form players will cost him his job. Just ask Andy Robinson.
He has sent the message that no matter how bad you play or how good you play he won’t drop his starters. The RWC is clearly the biggest F#$K up in Irish rugby history but he didn’t change the team even though Jackman, Heaslip, Gleeson or Jennings have been the form players. Most notably Jackman & Heaslip. You could throw in Leo Cullen as well but this starts to smack of Leinster bias.
But let’s be honest here – Leamy (who I am a big fan of) can’t make the no 8 jersey his own in Munster, so Eddie is saying Heaslip is the 3rd best No. 8 in Ireland? Jackman has played better teams in the Heineken cup, been a big contributor, and won games there. Best hasn’t…
Eddie biggest faults is he can’t admit a mistake followed closely by blind loyalty. He can’t change the team because this would admit he got it wrong in Paris, and would prove the IRFU investigation was a farce. He can’t betray those who just gave him a 4M Euro salary. The IRFU investigation has backed him into a corner and he is hoping his players can get him out of it.
Italy at Ireland: Ireland
Wales at England: England
France at Scotland: France
Bonus question:
1 point for correct number of tries your pick has in the France / Scotland game: 5 tries
He has sent the message that no matter how bad you play or how good you play he won’t drop his starters. The RWC is clearly the biggest F#$K up in Irish rugby history but he didn’t change the team even though Jackman, Heaslip, Gleeson or Jennings have been the form players. Most notably Jackman & Heaslip. You could throw in Leo Cullen as well but this starts to smack of Leinster bias.
But let’s be honest here – Leamy (who I am a big fan of) can’t make the no 8 jersey his own in Munster, so Eddie is saying Heaslip is the 3rd best No. 8 in Ireland? Jackman has played better teams in the Heineken cup, been a big contributor, and won games there. Best hasn’t…
Eddie biggest faults is he can’t admit a mistake followed closely by blind loyalty. He can’t change the team because this would admit he got it wrong in Paris, and would prove the IRFU investigation was a farce. He can’t betray those who just gave him a 4M Euro salary. The IRFU investigation has backed him into a corner and he is hoping his players can get him out of it.
Italy at Ireland: Ireland
Wales at England: England
France at Scotland: France
Bonus question:
1 point for correct number of tries your pick has in the France / Scotland game: 5 tries
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
He must give the best head in the Northern Hemisphere
I have been out of the country for the last week soaking up some Caribbean sunshine and trying to ignore the blackberry. I understand that in this time Matthew Tait had a fairly inglorious outing for Newcastle against Leicester. Surely he would have had to have had the worst game of his or anybody else's life for him to not be in the england 22....with Balshite being ppicked at 15. Sadly it had an aura of inevitability about it. Damn that boy must be good.
So, an interesting team. A quick back three, some balance in the midfield, an experianced if slightly creaky half back combo, a very quick backrow, solid seconds and dependable front row. To cap it all, some real potential impact from the bench.....just can't seem to get excited about the selection though.
Should make for a good game and I am really more interested in seeing if Gatland and Edwards can make a differnece in such a short period of time.....I hope not.
So, an interesting team. A quick back three, some balance in the midfield, an experianced if slightly creaky half back combo, a very quick backrow, solid seconds and dependable front row. To cap it all, some real potential impact from the bench.....just can't seem to get excited about the selection though.
Should make for a good game and I am really more interested in seeing if Gatland and Edwards can make a differnece in such a short period of time.....I hope not.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mixed Messages
Gibbo - The WRU's ability to confuse the average punter like me seems to be endless. Their management of coaches, players and teams always carries a soap opera element with it. Their latest snafu is their support of the announcement by Warren Gatland that playing abroad will impact the ability of upcoming new players to play for the national team. While in principal this message is a positive one for growing talent within the Welsh regional game, in the 2 weeks since it was announced the list of player signings that has occurred shows that there is little appetite to back this stance up with the appropriate investment in youth.
Dwayne Peel has signed with Sale and Michael Owen with Saracens. To add to the exit of Welsh players, 2 Kiwis (Xavier Rush and Ben Blair) re-signed with the Blues, Tommy Bowe Ulster's young international winger signed with Ospreys and Peel's back up at LLanelli, New Zealand's Regan King, also penned a new deal.
Ospreys who creamed Gloucester in the Heineken cup a couple of weeks ago did so on the backs of great performances from 3 kiwis including Justin Marshall at scrum half. So 2 of the 4 regions in Wales have Welsh scrum halves, while 2 English clubs have Welsh SHs.
Personally I can't understand why there isn't uproar at this hypocrisy. I know that all of the European leagues are overflowing with foreign players, which grinds on all of our nerves, but the Welsh are the only country making a stance that defies the logic of their investments. If Gatland really believes in this approach then something has to change in the Region's back offices for this to ever succeed.
Dwayne Peel has signed with Sale and Michael Owen with Saracens. To add to the exit of Welsh players, 2 Kiwis (Xavier Rush and Ben Blair) re-signed with the Blues, Tommy Bowe Ulster's young international winger signed with Ospreys and Peel's back up at LLanelli, New Zealand's Regan King, also penned a new deal.
Ospreys who creamed Gloucester in the Heineken cup a couple of weeks ago did so on the backs of great performances from 3 kiwis including Justin Marshall at scrum half. So 2 of the 4 regions in Wales have Welsh scrum halves, while 2 English clubs have Welsh SHs.
Personally I can't understand why there isn't uproar at this hypocrisy. I know that all of the European leagues are overflowing with foreign players, which grinds on all of our nerves, but the Welsh are the only country making a stance that defies the logic of their investments. If Gatland really believes in this approach then something has to change in the Region's back offices for this to ever succeed.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
It's good to be back
Johno- At the end of the RWC I'm not sure what I was more upset about, the end of the blog or the end of England's reign. Fortunately the 6N is upon us and it's time to fire up the Hewlett-Packard again. I'd like to commend Boothers on his name dropping and shoulder rubbing, nice work; and also welcome Pat and his graphics aboard, very impressive!
I think I will keep this post brief as we have a couple of weeks of build up left for the simmering vocabulary churning in the magma chamber of the "volcano of rant" to erupt.
Ireland- I don't know what to expect, but it has to be better than the RWC. The EOS contract situation has robbed Ireland of the chance to have a clear out. They left me confused, as in the space of 6 months they went from credible RWC contenders to a rabble. They have enough talent and HC experience to rally, they just have to have their heads in the game.
France- A team that was built for the RWC has had it's fair share of retirements, a new management team in place, we shall have to see if their youth is ready to step up.
Wales- The fine managerial appointment of Warren Gatland should see a marked improvement from the Principality, coupled with the return of Martyn Williams and the captaincy of a hopefully healthy Ryan Jones things will look better. Just not in the first round though!
Scotland- Probably the only team that know their best XV. Came on in the RWC and expect this trend to continue.
Italy- Not a lot to say here. If they pick up another wooden spoon I want the 6N to seriously consider promotion/relegation and give the likes of Georgia and Romania a crack.
England- This is going to be fun. Ashton no longer burdened by the mandate to "defend a title" allied with a host of lively young backs coming through will look to get the team playing a high octane free thinking brand of rugby. Whether it works or not remains to be seen, but it's going to be exciting watching them sink or swim.
15 matches, 6 Teams, 2 Super Saturdays, 1 Champion...
I think I will keep this post brief as we have a couple of weeks of build up left for the simmering vocabulary churning in the magma chamber of the "volcano of rant" to erupt.
Ireland- I don't know what to expect, but it has to be better than the RWC. The EOS contract situation has robbed Ireland of the chance to have a clear out. They left me confused, as in the space of 6 months they went from credible RWC contenders to a rabble. They have enough talent and HC experience to rally, they just have to have their heads in the game.
France- A team that was built for the RWC has had it's fair share of retirements, a new management team in place, we shall have to see if their youth is ready to step up.
Wales- The fine managerial appointment of Warren Gatland should see a marked improvement from the Principality, coupled with the return of Martyn Williams and the captaincy of a hopefully healthy Ryan Jones things will look better. Just not in the first round though!
Scotland- Probably the only team that know their best XV. Came on in the RWC and expect this trend to continue.
Italy- Not a lot to say here. If they pick up another wooden spoon I want the 6N to seriously consider promotion/relegation and give the likes of Georgia and Romania a crack.
England- This is going to be fun. Ashton no longer burdened by the mandate to "defend a title" allied with a host of lively young backs coming through will look to get the team playing a high octane free thinking brand of rugby. Whether it works or not remains to be seen, but it's going to be exciting watching them sink or swim.
15 matches, 6 Teams, 2 Super Saturdays, 1 Champion...
Jolly Green Rant Number 1
Great idea, Kevin - well done.
I only have one rant at present.
What is going on in Eddie's mind? Maybe he just has awful eyesight but my fear is that he suffers from a debilitaing dysfunction that prevents him from selecting a team that fulfills Ireland's potential.
Shane Jennings and Keith Gleeson are playing out of their skin every week for Leinster, including last week against Toulouse. Who did Johnny O'Connor play against last week? Cetransa El Salvador, don't ask me who they are 'cause i've no idea. Johnny was not getting into the Wasps team last year and if he was the real deal he'd be with a HC team this year.
Ahhh, I feel much better now! Peace, Pat
I only have one rant at present.
What is going on in Eddie's mind? Maybe he just has awful eyesight but my fear is that he suffers from a debilitaing dysfunction that prevents him from selecting a team that fulfills Ireland's potential.Shane Jennings and Keith Gleeson are playing out of their skin every week for Leinster, including last week against Toulouse. Who did Johnny O'Connor play against last week? Cetransa El Salvador, don't ask me who they are 'cause i've no idea. Johnny was not getting into the Wasps team last year and if he was the real deal he'd be with a HC team this year.
Ahhh, I feel much better now! Peace, Pat
Ibanez Retirement Scoop
OK - so it's no longer a scoop, but for a full 18 hours I had the insider track on Monsieur le Talonneur's pending announcement.
Coming back from London last Wednesday evening, I had a few moments to spare at St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar, so thought it only right to stop for a quick glass of the bubbly stuff. As I casually glanced around me, there was Raphael Ibanez sitting on the table to my left. Nothing stronger than water for our French friend. My train was then promptly announced, so I was left wondering why he was headed back to France mid week, with the Wasps Llanelli HC game scheduled for the weekend.
When I boarded the train, who should be sat in the seat behind me? I began to wonder if Ibanez was stalking me! I'm not normally one to eavesdrop, but given who it was, I couldn't help but overhear parts of his mobile conversation with (I presume) his wife. Piecing together bits of what he was saying, I had the hunch he was about to announce his retirement, mainly due to references as to how well Lawerence had handled the occassion, and how he was going to do it in a similar way.
I passed the journey thinking of all the questions I wanted to ask him, such as what inspired him to choose the two short try-making line out throws in the final of the Heineken Cup last year, how he felt about losing to England twice in WC Semis etc. I decided to leave the man in peace though, but I somehow regret that now.
A great player, and it's a shame he won't be pulling on the blue shirt anymore. I wonder what the newlook young French team will look like?
Great idea to create this blog Kevin. Am hoping that T's managed to get us some tickets for the France England game. One of her clients is the President of a Paris rugby club, and he's on the case apparently. Will post some pictures if he comes up trumps!
Coming back from London last Wednesday evening, I had a few moments to spare at St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar, so thought it only right to stop for a quick glass of the bubbly stuff. As I casually glanced around me, there was Raphael Ibanez sitting on the table to my left. Nothing stronger than water for our French friend. My train was then promptly announced, so I was left wondering why he was headed back to France mid week, with the Wasps Llanelli HC game scheduled for the weekend.
When I boarded the train, who should be sat in the seat behind me? I began to wonder if Ibanez was stalking me! I'm not normally one to eavesdrop, but given who it was, I couldn't help but overhear parts of his mobile conversation with (I presume) his wife. Piecing together bits of what he was saying, I had the hunch he was about to announce his retirement, mainly due to references as to how well Lawerence had handled the occassion, and how he was going to do it in a similar way.
I passed the journey thinking of all the questions I wanted to ask him, such as what inspired him to choose the two short try-making line out throws in the final of the Heineken Cup last year, how he felt about losing to England twice in WC Semis etc. I decided to leave the man in peace though, but I somehow regret that now.
A great player, and it's a shame he won't be pulling on the blue shirt anymore. I wonder what the newlook young French team will look like?
Great idea to create this blog Kevin. Am hoping that T's managed to get us some tickets for the France England game. One of her clients is the President of a Paris rugby club, and he's on the case apparently. Will post some pictures if he comes up trumps!
Monday, January 14, 2008
A New Beginning
Gibbo - After the somber withdrawal symptoms brought on by Rugby overload last autumn, the crisp winter mornings have me walking with a new spring in my step, we are just 2 weeks away from the return of international rugby and back to the comfort zone of niggling Anglo-Celtic-Gallic grudges and gloating.
What a fascinating 6 Nations it is going to be. The RWC turned my perspective of all of the teams on its head. France and Ireland both failed to show the prowess that they have offered the last 4 years, Italy's rise came crashing down, Wales could not break out of their dour shackles and show the class that won a Grand Slam 3 years ago, while a bunch of old codgers from England stuck their fingers up at everyone only to fall short at the last hurdle.
It is tough to fathom what may happen in the coming months as so many of the teams are now deemed "in transition".
Scotland may have the least flux as they have been rebuilding for a couple of years, but they have been blighted by some recent injuries.
What will Eddie O do about his aging Irish team? A last hurrah to take that 60 year long evasive Grand Slam, maybe?
Can Warren Gatland bring his magic to the Welsh squad at such short notice? (A stroke of genius has already been played by bringing Martyn Williams back from retirement)
Will Ashton begin the transition to the potential golden boys that England has lined up?
Who the hell is this fella Nallet France picked as a captain?
What will Italy do now that Troncon is old enough for a free bus pass?
So many questions to be answered. I suspect we have more opinions than all of the pundits following the American presidential election combined.
Spout away gents and enjoy the rugby.
What a fascinating 6 Nations it is going to be. The RWC turned my perspective of all of the teams on its head. France and Ireland both failed to show the prowess that they have offered the last 4 years, Italy's rise came crashing down, Wales could not break out of their dour shackles and show the class that won a Grand Slam 3 years ago, while a bunch of old codgers from England stuck their fingers up at everyone only to fall short at the last hurdle.
It is tough to fathom what may happen in the coming months as so many of the teams are now deemed "in transition".
Scotland may have the least flux as they have been rebuilding for a couple of years, but they have been blighted by some recent injuries.
What will Eddie O do about his aging Irish team? A last hurrah to take that 60 year long evasive Grand Slam, maybe?
Can Warren Gatland bring his magic to the Welsh squad at such short notice? (A stroke of genius has already been played by bringing Martyn Williams back from retirement)
Will Ashton begin the transition to the potential golden boys that England has lined up?
Who the hell is this fella Nallet France picked as a captain?
What will Italy do now that Troncon is old enough for a free bus pass?
So many questions to be answered. I suspect we have more opinions than all of the pundits following the American presidential election combined.
Spout away gents and enjoy the rugby.
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