Archive for October 2011
Are Saracens the formidable force in the Aviva Premiership?
Last season many of us believed that Leicester and Northampton had the strongest squads and would easily be champions and we weren't wrong. Saracens were certainly in the mix last season but wouldn't have been considered as the strongest side.However,.
Can the youngsters really break through?
Being involved with Gloucester Rugby has brought to my attention that there are a great deal of up-and-coming rugby stars who many believe will star for England one day. Some surely will but other youngsters that are still at U18's and U20's level are.
Post Match Reaction: Gloucester v Saracens
Following Saracens late comeback against Gloucester with Brad Barritt scoring the crucial try and Owen Farrell the winning conversion, the coaching teams spoke to the press and reflected on the game. Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby, and Bryan.
Saracens put on a late show to steal victory over Gloucester
Gloucester looked to withstand a strong Saracens pack that held a fantastic away record. However, from the start it was clear the match would be full of feisty encounters as the sides came to blows within the first minut.
Lions ends 12 year dry spell at home
REPORT BY DAVID VAN DER MERWEAn epic Currie Cup season came to a close today at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg. The top two finishers on the log, The MTN Golden Lions and The Sharks, took each other on in the final of the oldest provincial competition..
EP Kings: Spear tackled by SARU
The EP Kings or Eastern Province as they were previously known is one of the oldest provincial rugby teams in South Africa. The EPRU was founded in 1888 and many of South Africa's great players comes from this region. They include the likes of Danie.
Mike Brown try sends Quins to ninth straight victory
Top of the table, Harlequins would look to maintain their position but a powerful Exeter side stood in their way and they didn't make it easy for the home side.
Harlquins led 9-0 at half time after 3 penalties from the boot of fly-half, Nick Evans..
Video: World Cup Final refereeing Decisions
Click read more to view this video about the World Cup final refereeing decision.
Glasgow take well deserved victory against Ospreys
The Ospreys made a strong start and probably underestimated strong oponents who fought back later on in the game. The Ospreys were lucky not be penalized any more than the single yellow card they received in the second half as the referee highlighted.
Aviva Premiership Preview - Gloucester v Saracens
LOCATION KINGSHOLM / DATE OCTOBER 29 2011 / COMPETITION AVIVA PREMIERSHIP
This weekend the mighty Saracens will travel to Kingsholm to face Gloucester Rugby in the Aviva Premiership. The match is sure to contain a lot of points with one side who are.
England pair struck with injury problems
Two of England's Rugby World Cup representatives have already been struck with injuries just weeks after after returning from New Zealand. Manu Tuilagi sustained a cheek injury in a clash of heads during Leicester's LV Cup Round 2 match with Gloucester..
Damian's Global Rugby
Is it time for the Six Nations to be expanded into a two-tier competition? BY DAMIAN CORBETThe current structure of the Six Nations is holding back the Tier Two European rugby nations. As the Rugby World Cup showed, there is still a significant (but.
Will James extends Gloucester contract
Will James has extended his contract with West-Country side, Gloucester Rugby, for another year. The extension means the Gloucester lock will stay with the club until the 2012-2013 seaso.
Training by Keir
“As to the methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble.” So remarked Ralph Waldo.
IRB Award Winners
Following the Rugby World Cup, the IRB held it's awards night. The awards up for grabs included IRB player of the year, IRB coach of the year, IRB junior player of the year, IRPA try of the year as well as several other team and individual awards. Click.
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The Key Statistics: Rugby World Cup 2011
As the 2011 Rugby World Cup draws to an end, it's time to overview what went on. In this article I will analyse the key statistics from the tournament that could have impacted on the big results throughout the tournament.
Video Highlights of IRB Awards Night
This video is from the IRB's YouTube Channel - click play on the video abo.
Graham Henry after Rugby World Cup Final
Click read more to here what Graham Henry said following New Zealand victory over France in the Rugby World Cup Final. The win ends a twenty-four year hunger for the Webb Ellis Trophy and it sees history repeating itself with the All Blacks winning in.
Rugby World Cup 2011 Winners - Parade through Auckland
Auckland continued to party as the All Blacks completed their street parade of the William Webb Ellis trophy having won the Rugby World Cup last night. Nick Heath was there for Rugby Media.
Anglo Welsh Cup: Indiscipline costs Ospreys
LOCATION THE BREWERY FIELD / DATE OCTOBER 22 2011 / COMPETITION LV=CUP ROUND 2Northampton had their international stars back from World Cup duty but the Ospreys were less fortunate as many of the Welsh squad still remained in New Zealand following a.
Anglo Welsh Cup: Jones kicks Newport to victory
LOCATION ADAMS PARK / DATE OCTOBER 21 2011 / COMPETITION LV= CUP ROUND 2In a high tempo thriller, Newport Gwent Dragons travelled to Wycombe to face London Wasps. None of the spectators would have expected such an intense, high tempo thriller between.
Rugby World Cup Special Report: All Blacks v France
REPORT BY DAVID VAN DER MERWE
The All Blacks took on the French in the biggest game of rugby in the last four years. The game that would decide who will reign supreme for the next four years. The IRB Rugby World Cup Final. The Anthems where sung and.
Graham Henry speaks ahead of Rugby World Cup final
Click play on the YouTube video below to see what All Blacks head coach, Graham Henry, said in a press conference ahead of this years Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France. Thanks to Rugby Media for this YouTube video.
Rugby World Cup Final Preview: All Blacks v France
By David van der MerweThe All Blacks will face France in a repeat of 1987 final this coming weekend. And after the two semi-finals I have seen it should be clear cut out All Blacks victory. However there are some considerations that we need to look at.
Damian's Global Rugby
Awarding the 2015 RWC to England is a backwards stepBy Damian Corbet
The IRB has awarded the 2019 Rugby World Cup to Japan. That is a good decision and, to be honest, a surprising one, considering the IRB’s ‘conservative’ reputation.
But… although.
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features
Rugby World 3rd Place play-off Preview: Wales v Australia
The third place play-off in this year's Rugby World Cup is a reply of the 1987 3rd place play-off. Australia will face Wales in a match that can go either way. Both teams have lost 2 games up to now and both are determined to finish 3rd.
Wales were.
Currie Cup Semi-final Preview: Lions vs WP
Preview by David van der Merwe
The Lions will face WP in the semi-finals at Coca-Cola Park (Ellis Park) Johannesburg.
The Lions have had a good run of it but came totally unstuck vs the Sharks this weekend losing 53-9. Although this was only their.
Currie Cup Semi-final Preview: Sharks vs Cheetahs
Preview by David van der Merwe
The Sharks will be hosting the Cheetahs this coming weekend in their Currie Cup semi-final. The final round game of the season decide who would host this game between the two teams
The Cheetahs have been performing well.
WP thump Pumas
Report by David van der Merwe
WP hosted the 7th placed Pumas at Newlands. WP needed to win with a 4 try bonus point or a 14 point margin to make it into the semi-final. The Pumas were playing their last. Premier division game as they are relegated.
Was Cipriani missed in New Zealand?
I'm sure many of us are still speculating over why England had such a terrible World Cup campaign, why their conduct off the field was so bad and whether Martin Johnson should step down as England boss. However, in the midst of this debate, one man is.
Jamie Roberts looks ahead to 3rd place Play-off
Click play on the video below to see what Jamie Roberts said about Wales' 3rd/4th place play-off match against Australia on Friday. Thanks to Rugby Media for this video, click read more to view .
Dave's View: Wales v France
Report by David van der Merwe
A wet Eden Park in Auckland hosted the first semi-final between France and Wales on Saturday. Wales played in their first semi since 1987 and had a chance to go to their first ever final. France on the other hand wanted.
Tony Hanks straight forward about Gloucester defeat
Sale coach, Tony Hanks, spoke to the media following Sale's defeat to Gloucester in the LV= Cup.
Jonny May happy with performance against Sale
Following a strong performance against Sale Sharks at Kingsholm, Jonny May has spoken to the media. In the match he scored a fantastic try from within his own half which assisted Gloucester in 58-27 win.
After the match he told members of the press.
Bryan Redpath talks to the media
Click read more to listen to Bryan Redpath's post match press conference from Gloucester v Sal.
Gloucester take victory in seven try Thriller
Gloucester looked for revenge over Sale after their Aviva Premiership clash with them came to nothing.
First Half:Gloucester got off to the ideal start with a Vainikolo try just thirty seconds in. The Tongan born winger powered past several Sale Sharks.
Heartbroken Wales sent home by France
Wales made a valiant effort and deserved the victory but they were held back by a controversial red card which was given to Sam Warburton in the first half. They fought bravely in the face of a brutal French defensive line but kicking errors cost them.
Semi Final Preview: Australia v New Zealand
Preview by David van der MerweThese two teams can't be any better match. Both have won semi-finals like these in past tournaments. Both have lifted the William Webb Ellis Trophy before. And they have played so many games against each other that they.
Semi Final Preview: Wales v France
Preview by David van der MerweBoth of these teams created upsets when they qualified for the 2011 RWC semi-final. All eyes and money were on Ireland to go the distance after they had beaten favourites Australian in the pool stages. Wales however showed.
Video: Mike Phillips looks ahead to Semi-final
Wales scrum-half and quarter-final try scorer, Mike Phillips, has spoken to the media ahead of Wales' make or break semi-final encounter with France. Many thanks to Rugby Media for providing this YouTube video.
Currie Cup Final Round Preview
By David van der MerweWith the Springboks out of the Rugby World Cup most South Africans will turn their attention back to the final Currie Cup round robin games, before the semi-finals, this week. It has notably been one of the most intense Currie Cup.
Video: Wales announce side for Semi-final
Click read more to view Warren Gatland's announcement of the Wales squad for their semi-final against France. If the video doesn't work you can view a text list of the team below. Thanks to Rugby Media for providing this vid.
Should Martin Johnson step down?
After England's disappointing world cup exit a few days ago much speculation has arisen about the future of Martin Johnson. Several different rugby pundits have suggested that England's frustrating campaign was down to the players and their off-field.
Damian's Global Rugby
The IRB needs a Sepp Blatter
FEATURE BY DAMIAN CORBET
Yes, I said it. The IRB really does need a Sepp Blatter figure.
For all his many faults, Blatter has turned the Football World Cup from a European/South American competition into a truly global.
Back Page Reaction
Back Page Reaction is a new feature that will be written each Sunday or Monday (after a weekend of rugby) by Scrum Five's editor. This feature will cover a few reactions from a rugby match that weekend. In this instance we will look at England v France's.
Results Round-up
Click read more to view the full results round-up from the Aviva Premiership, Rugby World Cup, Currie Cup and RaboDirect PRO12.&nbs.
Lions beat resurgent WP
Report by David van der Merwe
WP travelled to Johannesburg to try and secure a semi final place. The Lions need the win to ensure a home semi final. WP welcomed back Demetri Catrakilis to the ranks, but still had players missing due to injury.
Bandise.
All Blacks just too good for Argentina
Report by David van der Merwe
The last of the RWC quarter finals saw the All Blacks take on Argentina. The All Blacks have never lost to Argentina and yet after 2 upsets and a surprise in the other 3 matches who knew this might just have been the first.
Bulls go down to fighting Griquas
Report by David van der Merwe
Griquas, placed 6th on the log, hosted the 5th placed Blue Bulls.Both teams were looking for a bonus point win to keep there semi final hopes alive. Griquas is never an easy prospect on their home ground of Kimberley and.
Cheetahs just too much for Pumas
Report by David van der MerweWitbank played host to the game between the Ford Pumas and Toyota Free State Cheetahs. Not only to rival motor manufactures but two rival predators in the animal kingdom. The Cheetahs would have taken note of the close games.
Wallabies out play the Springboks
Report by David van der Merwe
Peter de Villiers' Springbok side took on Australia in a do or die game for the coach. Australia came in to this game confident that they could beat the Springboks as they have done so already twice this year. The Springboks.
England's Rugby World Cup exit Press Conference
Here is what Martin Johnson and Rob Andrew had to say in England's Rugby World Cup exit press conference. Thanks to Rugby Media for this YouTube vide.
Johnson talks after England defeat
Click read more to see what Martin Johnson said to the media following England's defeat to Franc.
O'Driscoll reflects on defeat to Wales
Click read more to hear what Brian O'Driscoll said following Ireland's dismissal from the 2011 Rugby World Cup by Wales.
England crash out of the Rugby World Cup
Last year's runners up, England, bowed out of the Rugby World Cup 2011 after a big comeback from France after they lost to Tonga. England put on a late show and didn't play well enough throughout the entire first half and remained on zero points for.
Wales stampede into the Semi-finals
Prior to the match people were predicting an easy Irish victory but those predictions changed instantly. A Shane Williams try came after a big team effort. The play started with a Rhys Priestland kick which initially put Ireland under pressure. Click.
Johnson looks ahead to quarter-final
Click read more below to listen to what Martin Johnson had to say in a press conference ahead of England's make-or-break quarter-final against Fran.
Rugby World Cup Preview - England v France
From an England fans point of view, this game will be tough but I'm sure the French will think the same. The game will be high tempo as long as both sides put in full effort, if they don't then the other team will certainly take an easy victory. Click.
Rugby World Cup Preview - All Blacks v Argentina
By David van der Merwe
This is probably the easiest game to pick a winner if you go on rankings and performance. The All Blacks definitely have the better of the Pumas when it comes to history as they have never lost.Argentina can count themselves unlucky.
Rugby World Cup Preview - Ireland v Wales
By David van der Merwe
The first of the quarter finals sees Ireland taking on Wales. These two teams knows each other well and has played 116 matches against each other. Wales have won 63 of these. Ireland however has had the better of Wales in 3 of.
Rugby World Cup Preview - South Africa v Australia
By David van der Merwe
The first of the Southern hemisphere quarter finals are played by two teams that knows each other well. They have faced 76 times with the Springboks winning 44. Of late though the Wallabies have won 4/5.Australia came into the.
England announce strong side for France battle
The YouTube video below is of Martin Johnson's press conference, announcing England's side to face France. This video is from Rugby Media. If the video doesn't work please click read more below it to see the squads..
Dimitri Yachvili talks ahead of England v France
France scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili has spoken about France's quarter-final against France. Click play to hear the audio.Dimitri Yachvili talks to the Media (m.
Damian's Global Rugby
Bye Bye Tier Two Nations – it’s been fun
By Damian Corbet
So the group stages of RWC 2011 are over and the Tier Two nations have packed their bags and gone home. Did we learn anything about the development of Tier Two rugby from watching the first.
Warren Gatland talks about Carter's injury
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http://bit.ly/nFTPTA - Warren Gatland talks about Carter's injury. What do you thi.
Sudi's Starting 15 - England v France
Click read more to view Sudi's choices for England to face Franc.
South Africa press conference ahead of quarter-final
Here is a video of Peter de Villiers, Jon Smit and Victor Matfield talking to the media ahead of South Africa's tough quarter-final against Australi.
Tuilagi talks about Mouth Guard fine
Manu Tuilagi has been fined for wearing a branded mouth guard which is not allowed at the World Cup.
His brother, Alesana, was also fined for wearing the same mouth guard whilst playing for Samoa.
Click read more to below to hear what the new England.
Video: England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth talks to the media
If Richard Wigglesworth is selected to play against France in England's make-or-break quarter final it will be one of his biggest matches to date. Thanks to Rugby Media for this video and here's what Wigglesworth said ahead of the mat.
Gatland talks about Dan Carter's injury
Wales' coach, Warren Gatland, has spoken about his feelings towards Dan Carter and how New Zealand will face problems without him. The interview began with a jokey statement from Gatland.
"If we do happen to get to the final against the All Blacks I.
Carter out of the World Cup
Dan Carter has been forced out of the New Zealand squad with a groin injury. The All Black fly-half said "I knew it was pretty serious because of the pain."
Carter sustained the injury training and collapsed with groin pains. Later on scans revealed.
Western Province pulls Sharks' teeth
Report by David van der Merwe
The Coastal derby took place in Durban at MR Price Kings Park. WP needed a win to stay alive in the Currie Cup and the Sharks wanted it to cement a possible home semi fina.
Armitage banned for Quarter Final
Following a dangerous tackle on Chris Paterson, Delon Armitage was cited. His disciplinary hearing took place this mornin.
Lions shows guts in draw with Cheetahs
Report by David van der Merwe
Bloemfontein, the City of Roses, hosted the game between the local Free State Cheetahs and the Golden Lions from Johannesburg or Jozi as it is also known. The Lions needed 1 point to secure a semi-final and the Cheetahs.
Gloucester leave it late to beat London Irish
Gloucester took on London Irish after a big win against Bath last weekend. With both sides on form it was set to be a hard fought encounter.Gloucester made the worse possible start to the game as London Irish intercepted a Gloucester pass bound for Olly.
Bulls stampede Pumas
Report by David van der Merwe
The Blue Bulls hosted the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night for an all important clash for both sides. The Bulls needing bonus points wins in their last three matches if they wanted to stand a chance to play in the.
Griquas fight back against Leopards
Report by David van der Merwe
The Leopards welcomed Griquas to the student town of Potchefstroom for their game. Both teams having nothing to lose it promised to be an entertaining match. The lying last on the log and Griquas in 6th place and certain.
Armitage cited for dangerous tackle
England's in form winger, Delon Armitage, has been cited following a dangerous high tackle he made on Chris Paterson against Scotland on Saturday. Click read more to view the full story...
South Africa 13-5 Samoa
Report by David van der Merwe
The match that could determine the final standings in group D took place between the Springboks and Samoa today. Many Springbok fans saw this as the challenge for South Africa in the group stages. They also looked forward.
England 16-12 Scotland
Dan Parks shows his frustration.
Chris Ashton confirmed victory in the dying minutes to end Scotland's chances of reaching the knock-out stages. Scotland deserved the win after they dominated in the first half but Martin Johnson's half time team.
England v Scotland Half Time Statistics
Scotland lead 9-3 at the break after a confident kicking performance from Dan Parks. Click read more to view full statistics from the first half of England v Scotlan.