Official Picks:
Conner: South Africa
Tyler: South Africa
Nothing against the All Blacks, but something needs to be done. They were lucky to beat Australia. Australia came out hard and should have been able to hold out, but lost to their own poor discipline. The Kiwis have shown nothing impressive so far this summer (or winter for them). Stephen Donald has been solid, but not outstanding, and he is really the biggest talking point of the team so far. That, coupled with how great the Springboks have been, should prove another South Africa victory.
~Tyler
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rugby World Cup!
Not much surprise with who was awarded the Rugby World Cup hosting rights. England in 2015, Japan in 2019. The tournament in England will be very exciting, as all world cups are, but it will be nothing special. It will be another rugby nation hosting the biggest tournament. But, Japan will be something totally different. The Japanese fans came out in numbers at the 2003 and 2007 tournaments, and were the most colorful of the fans. When the soccer World Cup was in South Korea, it was the first time that the organizers reached out to other nations. Japan is the same.
I would love to see the Rugby World Cup come to North America, either a joint hosting by the USA and Canada or just the USA. Here is why:
-We have the stadiums
When looking at the size of the stadiums used for the World Cup, especially in the British Isles, the stadiums are small. Sure, Twickenham and the like are huge, but Gloucester and Leicester, even after being expanded, are still small. The USA is much larger, and has many more stadiums that could hold rugby matches. Colleges could be the top choices for hosting games, since on average their capacities are larger than professional stadiums. There are venues all over the country, and in almost every state, that could host. However, I do believe using the LA Memorial Coliseum would be the top choice as a venue for the final.
-We are used to the professional aspect
Rugby has only been professional for about 15 years. There are many players who remember playing in the amateur era. The major sports in the USA have been professional almost since their inception. Baseball players have been paid for over 100 years. Not to say that rugby organizers worldwide are not used to professionalism, but there are often objections to certain aspects of professionalism, most often with sponsors. (However, aside from the team and who makes the uniform, none of the uniforms from the four major sports have sponsors in the USA).
-We obsess about things for short periods of time
Every time the FIFA World Cup comes around, everyone becomes a soccer fan. Everyone talks about soccer and how the USA is doing. If the Rugby World Cup came to the USA, the Eagles would be smashed just the same as if the tournament was in any other country. The difference is that people would be made aware of rugby. Most people have no idea what rugby is in the USA, but they would become fans if they could see top flight rugby in their own country. Americans would be rugby crazy for the two months it takes to play the tournament. It might not last, but it would create a good atmosphere.
So, there. RWCL, pick the USA to host a World Cup. It would do the sport good. And, who knows, it might sway a few Americans to play rugby and maybe, just maybe, the USA would become a stronger team.
~Tyler
I would love to see the Rugby World Cup come to North America, either a joint hosting by the USA and Canada or just the USA. Here is why:
-We have the stadiums
When looking at the size of the stadiums used for the World Cup, especially in the British Isles, the stadiums are small. Sure, Twickenham and the like are huge, but Gloucester and Leicester, even after being expanded, are still small. The USA is much larger, and has many more stadiums that could hold rugby matches. Colleges could be the top choices for hosting games, since on average their capacities are larger than professional stadiums. There are venues all over the country, and in almost every state, that could host. However, I do believe using the LA Memorial Coliseum would be the top choice as a venue for the final.
-We are used to the professional aspect
Rugby has only been professional for about 15 years. There are many players who remember playing in the amateur era. The major sports in the USA have been professional almost since their inception. Baseball players have been paid for over 100 years. Not to say that rugby organizers worldwide are not used to professionalism, but there are often objections to certain aspects of professionalism, most often with sponsors. (However, aside from the team and who makes the uniform, none of the uniforms from the four major sports have sponsors in the USA).
-We obsess about things for short periods of time
Every time the FIFA World Cup comes around, everyone becomes a soccer fan. Everyone talks about soccer and how the USA is doing. If the Rugby World Cup came to the USA, the Eagles would be smashed just the same as if the tournament was in any other country. The difference is that people would be made aware of rugby. Most people have no idea what rugby is in the USA, but they would become fans if they could see top flight rugby in their own country. Americans would be rugby crazy for the two months it takes to play the tournament. It might not last, but it would create a good atmosphere.
So, there. RWCL, pick the USA to host a World Cup. It would do the sport good. And, who knows, it might sway a few Americans to play rugby and maybe, just maybe, the USA would become a stronger team.
~Tyler
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tri-Nations round two
Conner is 2-0 so far at his Tri-Nations predictions. I, however, am only 1-1.
South Africa pulled off a very convincing win this past weekend. The Springboks did very well throughout the game, and the All Blacks only showed occasional attacking abilities. Conrad Smith scored a fantastic solo try by running around and through half the South African team, but other than that and Donald's occasional charges, New Zealand looked flat. McCaw did not stamp his name on the game as he usually does, and he even got shoved off (relatively embarrassingly) in an attempt to tackle Pierre Spies.
I am disappointed in the showing that both Rokocoko and Sivivatu gave in the game. Both of them used to have searing pace, but both of them look a bit chunky out there. Rokocoko was trying to juke his way around the defense, only to end up tackled. Sivivatu did not get the ball very often, and wasted a very good chance to run away with a try, but kicked it out of bounds as he chipped upfield.
The Springboks, on the other hand, dominated the game. The back row was fantastic at the breakdown, at scrum time and in open play. McCaw was well shackled throughout the game. The All Black second row was virtually nullified by Botha and Matfield, who are still the best second row combination in world rugby. Smit did well from tighthead again and the Kiwi front row never looked to challenge the Boks with any intensity.
Overall, the All Blacks were less than mediocre. No one stood out, although Ross managed a massive punt for a second row after Pienaar hit the post on a penalty attempt. Only Donald and Conrad Smith earned their pay for the day, with a very good kicking display and a sensational solo try. The injury to DeVilliers is apparently not as bad as it looked, which is good for both South Africa and Munster, his new club for the upcoming season.
This weekend's game is a rematch. Depending on if Graham Henry finally decides to switch up the starting XV, the All Blacks might find themselves 1-2.
~Tyler
South Africa pulled off a very convincing win this past weekend. The Springboks did very well throughout the game, and the All Blacks only showed occasional attacking abilities. Conrad Smith scored a fantastic solo try by running around and through half the South African team, but other than that and Donald's occasional charges, New Zealand looked flat. McCaw did not stamp his name on the game as he usually does, and he even got shoved off (relatively embarrassingly) in an attempt to tackle Pierre Spies.
I am disappointed in the showing that both Rokocoko and Sivivatu gave in the game. Both of them used to have searing pace, but both of them look a bit chunky out there. Rokocoko was trying to juke his way around the defense, only to end up tackled. Sivivatu did not get the ball very often, and wasted a very good chance to run away with a try, but kicked it out of bounds as he chipped upfield.
The Springboks, on the other hand, dominated the game. The back row was fantastic at the breakdown, at scrum time and in open play. McCaw was well shackled throughout the game. The All Black second row was virtually nullified by Botha and Matfield, who are still the best second row combination in world rugby. Smit did well from tighthead again and the Kiwi front row never looked to challenge the Boks with any intensity.
Overall, the All Blacks were less than mediocre. No one stood out, although Ross managed a massive punt for a second row after Pienaar hit the post on a penalty attempt. Only Donald and Conrad Smith earned their pay for the day, with a very good kicking display and a sensational solo try. The injury to DeVilliers is apparently not as bad as it looked, which is good for both South Africa and Munster, his new club for the upcoming season.
This weekend's game is a rematch. Depending on if Graham Henry finally decides to switch up the starting XV, the All Blacks might find themselves 1-2.
~Tyler
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tri-Nations round one!
So, my prediction was incorrect. However, Australia was fantastic in those first 20 minutes. Overall, I am not so sure the All Blacks deserved to win the game. Baxter, the Wallabies tighthead, was often deemed guilty of collapsing the scrum, but the commentators rightly pointed out that Woodcock was not binding. George Smith played very well, and I am actually surprised Richie McCaw was able to score a try on his return. He did not seem to play to his exceptional standards, although he was far from bad.
I was very surprised to see Barnes come off early for Australia, given his very solid tackling and his try that was very well taken. Donald kicked well and really was the only reason the All Blacks held the game together. Sivivatu was not able to do much in attack, and Ma'a Nonu looked rusty. The Wallabies stole the lineouts at will in the first half, although New Zealand regathered control in the second half.
Overall, the Wallabies played better in every aspect except for one: discipline. Had there been fewer penalties, the Wallabies could have run away with the game. But, there were often problems at the breakdown which led to kickable penalties (more in the second half, when the All Blacks had the wind to their advantage).
For the record, Conner picked the All Blacks.
In round two, South Africa hosts New Zealand. This is an interesting game, since the Springboks are coming off of a huge season, winning the Super 14 and a Lions tour. Game three of the Lions tour is heavily lopsided to the tourists, since most of the first XV from South Africa were rested. Given how the Springboks have played this season, and their decent dicsipline, I am picking another All Blacks loss this weekend.
I pick an All Blacks loss because of the players they have been picking as starters. Weepu and McAlister should be starting, not Cowan and Donald. Rokocoko should start, not Jane. At the very least, McAlister should be taking a spot in the center.
On a side note, it is very nice to see Jean De Villiers being signed to Munster. His style of play fits how Munster plays well. Also being signed to a NH team is Nicky Little, who is going to be the replacement for Butch James at Bath, who is injured on a long-term schedule.
~Tyler
I was very surprised to see Barnes come off early for Australia, given his very solid tackling and his try that was very well taken. Donald kicked well and really was the only reason the All Blacks held the game together. Sivivatu was not able to do much in attack, and Ma'a Nonu looked rusty. The Wallabies stole the lineouts at will in the first half, although New Zealand regathered control in the second half.
Overall, the Wallabies played better in every aspect except for one: discipline. Had there been fewer penalties, the Wallabies could have run away with the game. But, there were often problems at the breakdown which led to kickable penalties (more in the second half, when the All Blacks had the wind to their advantage).
For the record, Conner picked the All Blacks.
In round two, South Africa hosts New Zealand. This is an interesting game, since the Springboks are coming off of a huge season, winning the Super 14 and a Lions tour. Game three of the Lions tour is heavily lopsided to the tourists, since most of the first XV from South Africa were rested. Given how the Springboks have played this season, and their decent dicsipline, I am picking another All Blacks loss this weekend.
I pick an All Blacks loss because of the players they have been picking as starters. Weepu and McAlister should be starting, not Cowan and Donald. Rokocoko should start, not Jane. At the very least, McAlister should be taking a spot in the center.
On a side note, it is very nice to see Jean De Villiers being signed to Munster. His style of play fits how Munster plays well. Also being signed to a NH team is Nicky Little, who is going to be the replacement for Butch James at Bath, who is injured on a long-term schedule.
~Tyler
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Lions Reaction/Tri-Nations/Argentina Troubles
So, another Lions tour has come and gone. And, another Lions tour has been lost.
There has been a lot of talk about the Lions and whether or not it is even a good idea. I believe it is! American sports have All-Star games and teams every single year. The point of the All-Star games here in America is simply to have fun and to put on a show for the fans. Lions tours mean more, but they are still for the fun. Only once every four years can a fan watch their favorite Welshmen and Irishmen, Scots and Englishmen, all playing together on the same field.
I would only make one change. Well, maybe a few. I have heard complaints about too few games being played on this Lions tour. If it is too few, how many would be too many? And who will determine if a team has nowhere near the skill to even compete with the Lions? I think that the teams that face the Lions need to be at least skilled enough to compete. Manawatu got annihilated in 2005 against a touring side that, in turn, got annihilated against the All Blacks. In 2005, the Lions lost to the All Blacks by 30 points at worst and 18 points at best, yet still managed to destroy Manawatu 109-6. I think that the teams chosen to play against the Lions in 2009 were all very good choices. Maybe one or two more games could have been scheduled, but this is still after the entire domestic and international season for these players, and no one wants to see burnout on a Lions tour.
The other change could be motivated by my status as a fan, but I would like to see another Lions tour to Argentina. It has happened before, why not now? Argentina would be a fantastic host, it would give them much needed money and could help sweep them, once and for all, into professionalism. Many of the club teams (or all, if I am not mistaken) in Argentina are strictly amateur. Also, Argentina managed a draw against the Lions in 2005, where the Lions were the home team in Cardiff.
Tri-Nations. The season is coming up and I must say, at first glance, South Africa is my favorite to win the tournament. The first game of the Tri-Nations is this Saturday, between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. The Wallabies demolished Italy pretty easily last month and also defeated the French as well. The All Blacks lost once to the French, ran them close a second time and beat the Italians in their final June test. Given how both teams played, I am going to pick the Wallabies to win against the All Blacks despite the fact that the All Blacks are at home. I have not been impressed by New Zealand at all this year, and even though Richie McCaw is coming back from injury, he is still a bit raw. The Wallabies, on the other hand, had their backline working for them very well in June. I doubt James O'Connor, the 18 year old, will get a start against New Zealand. I would like to see it, but it is a slightly more important game than a friendly against Italy, where he scored three tries. Plus, Matt Giteau was running rampant last month. Wallabies by a score.
Now, it is sad to see what is happening in Argentina right now. Due to a bad outbreak of swine flu, all domestic schedules have been canceled. This is, of course, a safety measure. But, it is still sad since only a third of the season has been played so far. At least this won't affect their attempts to join the Tri-Nations.
~Tyler
There has been a lot of talk about the Lions and whether or not it is even a good idea. I believe it is! American sports have All-Star games and teams every single year. The point of the All-Star games here in America is simply to have fun and to put on a show for the fans. Lions tours mean more, but they are still for the fun. Only once every four years can a fan watch their favorite Welshmen and Irishmen, Scots and Englishmen, all playing together on the same field.
I would only make one change. Well, maybe a few. I have heard complaints about too few games being played on this Lions tour. If it is too few, how many would be too many? And who will determine if a team has nowhere near the skill to even compete with the Lions? I think that the teams that face the Lions need to be at least skilled enough to compete. Manawatu got annihilated in 2005 against a touring side that, in turn, got annihilated against the All Blacks. In 2005, the Lions lost to the All Blacks by 30 points at worst and 18 points at best, yet still managed to destroy Manawatu 109-6. I think that the teams chosen to play against the Lions in 2009 were all very good choices. Maybe one or two more games could have been scheduled, but this is still after the entire domestic and international season for these players, and no one wants to see burnout on a Lions tour.
The other change could be motivated by my status as a fan, but I would like to see another Lions tour to Argentina. It has happened before, why not now? Argentina would be a fantastic host, it would give them much needed money and could help sweep them, once and for all, into professionalism. Many of the club teams (or all, if I am not mistaken) in Argentina are strictly amateur. Also, Argentina managed a draw against the Lions in 2005, where the Lions were the home team in Cardiff.
Tri-Nations. The season is coming up and I must say, at first glance, South Africa is my favorite to win the tournament. The first game of the Tri-Nations is this Saturday, between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. The Wallabies demolished Italy pretty easily last month and also defeated the French as well. The All Blacks lost once to the French, ran them close a second time and beat the Italians in their final June test. Given how both teams played, I am going to pick the Wallabies to win against the All Blacks despite the fact that the All Blacks are at home. I have not been impressed by New Zealand at all this year, and even though Richie McCaw is coming back from injury, he is still a bit raw. The Wallabies, on the other hand, had their backline working for them very well in June. I doubt James O'Connor, the 18 year old, will get a start against New Zealand. I would like to see it, but it is a slightly more important game than a friendly against Italy, where he scored three tries. Plus, Matt Giteau was running rampant last month. Wallabies by a score.
Now, it is sad to see what is happening in Argentina right now. Due to a bad outbreak of swine flu, all domestic schedules have been canceled. This is, of course, a safety measure. But, it is still sad since only a third of the season has been played so far. At least this won't affect their attempts to join the Tri-Nations.
~Tyler
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