Sport

It was a fantastic day for sport last Sunday.  We saw the final of the Rugby World Cup take place between the French who were lucky in their manner towards the final – despite having world player of the year, Captain Thierry Dusautoir, in their ranks - having lost two games on the road!  An All Blacks team lacking the powerful, potent attack that; arguably the most gifted player in the world - Dan Carter provides, were clearly not at full capacity.  It was an ugly final which even I, a neutral, couldn’t bare to watch.  The whole game, from start to finish was all that a final should offer. 

The French decided to form an ‘arrow head’ during the confrontation that is the native New Zealander Haka (war dance).  The French Federation of Rugby is now being fined £2500 which I feel is a little unfair.  Yes, it is only respectful to watch the spectacle that is the Haka while your opposition performs it but, with all the intensity in which it is executed, some dispute that it gives the All Blacks a psychological advantage – which I believe to be a load of utter shit!  The Samoans, Fijians and Tongans also have a Haka….none of these teams have won the world cup twice!  It is the quality of players which New Zealand have the world’s best of in many positions across the field.  Anyway, I disagree with the fine.  I think it is just as respectful to watch the challenge being laid down by the All Blacks via their intimidating war dance as, in your own way accepting the challenge by demonstrating you are not afraid.  You are here to do battle.  You are here as a team.  The French did all those things and it was not in defiance.  It was their own way of signifying their acceptance of the challenge with a counter-challenge. 

Piri Weepu, dubbed ‘Mr Fixit’ by many in New Zealand was the go to man when Dan Carter was ruled out early in the competition with a groin injury.  He remained in his Scrum-half position but took on the responsibilities of a fly half on pitch.  Despite his excellence during the tournament, he missed 8 points worth of kicks in the final – 2 penalties and a conversion, leaving it only 5-0 at half time instead of a potential 13-0.  By the end of the game, the All Blacks had to resort to their 4^th stand off – who came on to kick a penalty with wonderful composure to ensure an 8 point lead which would require the French to score twice to win the game.  The game ended at a nail biting, nerve wracking 8-7 as the French scored a try via their captain which was converted. 

It was not by any stretch of the imagination an All Black exhibition but, a win!  This ended their 24 year World Cup drought despite being the best team on the planet for so very long.  The French did play very well but, I hate it when people say the French deserved to win.  Well, they did not.  They did not deserve to win because they did not score more points.  Also, if you look at any good rugby team, one who pulls all the strings and makes all the play is and always will be the man wearing the number 10 jersey – the stand off position.  For New Zealand to have to rely on their FOURTH starting stand off in a world cup final and STILL win, albeit by a single point, goes to show the strength in depth this team have and in my humble opinion, very much the deserved winners of the most prestigious prize in international rugby.  So, to those who say otherwise – I casually spit in your face and ceremoniously walk away from your futile, feeble minded opinions/self.  Just remember what New Zealand did to France earlier in the world cup during the pool stages.  That was them at full capacity and it was above and beyond any of the other matches of the world cup.  It was one of the best displays of rugby I have ever seen.  I am not saying that the All Blacks would have repeated this in the final….every game is different but, do not forget what they are capable of when they are firing on all cylinders. 

In the last 20 minutes of that game I actually felt my heart racing!  I have no affiliation whatsoever to New Zealand – if anything more for France I was on the verge of embarking on a professional rugby career there.  I guess I hadn’t realised I wanted them to win it so much. 

A positive find for the future of New Zealand rugby was Aaron Cruden.  Only 22 years old and by chance, given the opportunity to start at number 10 and he seized upon the prospect….and what a prospect he is!  Unfortunately, it looked like he tore some ligaments in his knee during the final.  A great player with a fantastic future.  He is a possible replacement for Dan the man. 

This final marked a great day for rugby where we saw many a great and celebrated name in world rugby finally be labeled ‘world champion’.  Most notably Captain Richie McCaw.

All the power, all the passion, all the glory, all the world.  The All Blacks.  The hallowed black is finally turned to gold.  Well done New Zealand. 

The day only got better when I learned the result of the Manchester derby.  Man City schooled Man United at Old Trafford – ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ – and a dream it was!  6-1 the final score and an embarrassed Sir Alex Ferguson conceded the most humiliating day in Manchester United history.  Mario Balotelli is such a hero.  Having read an interview with him recently, I am happy to see he has really taken a shining to Roberto Mancini who I think is doing a great job at Man City.  I think he will do well this year. So far undefeated in the league and enjoying a 5 point lead on the summit. 

I love sport!  It is so sad to see the Rugby World Cup end but I cannot be happier for the eventuality. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

End of 6 nations....onto Rugby World Cup 2011

Well that is the 6 nations over.  It is heartbreaking to see it come to an end as it was a very memorable tournament this year.  England have indeed been crowned 6 Nations champions and will carry the beacon of European champions going to New Zealand for the World Cup in September this year.  When England played well they managed to exploit their opposition’s weaknesses and really take the game to them – clinical finishing, great spatial and territorial awareness, solid defensively and very together.  Though, I feel that any injuries to the starting team in the world cup could cost them big as we saw in their final game against Ireland.  Could this be the same impetus which propelled them to World Cup glory?  Well, last time they did win the grand slam, so hopefully not!! 

Ireland had a very mixed campaign where they showed glimpses of excellent Eire talent.  Sparks of brilliance from Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara’s level head to see out games, their back three were all excellent and their most consistent players along with their entire forwards pack.   I feel that Gordon D’Arcy sold the jersey (for want of a better expression) in some games, especially against France.  If they won that game it may have impelled them to a grand slam?  They got very unlucky to concede a try against Wales as it was illegal when you look at the replays.  If the form they ended the tournament is reflected in the World Cup, they can be very threatening. 

France, France, France.  When they are in the mood they are easily the best team in the northern hemisphere – arguably in the world!  A very good start against Scotland in but, seemed to fizzle out like an effervescent!  A good start and a good end to their  tournament to defeat a Wales team that were on the ascendancy.  I really think they have a lot of work to do before the World Cup if they want to match England to be the only other northern hemisphere team to win the RWC.  This work is right from the top – Marc Lievremont, their manager – taking in the right players and cutting out the others.  Their team is aging.  They need to make sure they have the perfect blend. 

Marc Lievremont made some insanely lewd comments about his team - ....his players agreed!  What a badass!

Wales came in second having lost to the giants of the tournaments.  Being injury riddled, they faced England in the opening game of the tournament and they got beaten.  From then on, they won the rest of their games up until they faced France in Paris where they were defeated, convincingly.  They need their key players.  They need them very much! I do not think Wales will progress past the quarter finals of the RWC.  A lot of decisions went their way I feel. 

Scotland.  Hmm.  Once again on the back of a good Autumn test series, they were overhyped before the tournament.  They lost all their games, some convincingly, others narrowly.  They won their last game against the Azzuri and they did well against a strong Italian side, truth be told. I really do not know how to call it for the Scottish for their RWC.  It is just depressing watching Scotland play rugby.  It is so boring.  For me, they butcher the game.  They do nothing spectacular or striking and have no real brand of rugby.  I wish they would keep it more simple and play to their strengths. 

Italy!!!  This tournament was one of their greatest despite narrowly losing out against Ireland and Wales respectively and also suffering one of the greatest defeats in recent 6 nations tournaments against England, they managed to show resilience and pull out all the stops against France.  They defeated France for the first time in international rugby – 22-21.  At one point during the match they were 18-6 down.  What a turn around.  What dogged attitude to grind out a win against one of the biggest forces in world rugby.  It seemed like only the French did not want the Italians to win.  Excellent result for Italian rugby, excellent for world rugby, a memorable, heart stopping match which belonged to Italy.  For me, thee single greatest moment in the whole tournament.

An up and coming force in rugby and they are not to be taken lightly in the RWC. 

My most hated parts of the tournament is whenever that inbred douche, Chris Ashton would score a try he would swallow dive.  Celebrating like that is not what Rugby Union is about.  It is disrespectful and unnecessary. 

It is very exciting times for Rugby! BRING ON RWC 2011!!!!

Much love,

Jackson L.

RBS 6 Nations

It is that time of year again.  It is when I feel as though I have finally come out of hibernation and can carry on with my life.  The end of January.  I love this time of year.  It is when you notice the days getting longer; the weather starts to pick up, albeit a little bit and it just seems as though Mother Nature wakes up and things happen.  Like most people, nature is also happy to see the end of the most mundane month of the year come to an end. 

This phase has special significance for me for many reasons but, for me, it is very exciting as we are, FINALLY(!), within touching distance of the six nations rugby championships.  This is a time when all eyes will be on the elite of Northern Hemisphere rugby to provide us with entertainment for 6 weeks.  It looks to be the most open tournament in a long time as well!

The first game will be Wales versus England.  This will be in the Millenium stadium on 04/02/11 (Friday) for a 7.45PM kick off and it will be a good start to the 6 nations.  They are two teams who have a history of producing a copious amount of good games.  Though Wales I think will be up against it.  The home advantage will prove to be Wales’ biggest asset on the day.  Usually England start poorly and build ahead of steam but, I must say (and begrudgingly too) that they look good. 

The next day (Saturday) will offer Italy versus Ireland (Rome) in the early afternoon 2.30PM and France take on Scotland (Paris) at 5.00PM. 

Following week 12/2/11 England versus Italy (London) at 2.30PM followed by Scotland versus Wales (Edinburgh) at 5.00PM.  The next day (Sunday) gives us the spectacle which, in my opinion, is usually the game of the 6 Nations every year.  Ireland versus France (Dublin).  This could decide the title this year. 

Saturday 26th February - Italy v Wales - 2.30PM followed by another big, big game which can also decide the title - England v France – 5PM.  Sunday 27th February - Scotland v Ireland (Edinburgh) – 3PM.  This could become a grudge match as Scotland put up a heroic fight to win last year in Croke Park.  This weekend will be full of potentially classic games. 

Following another gap weekend, Saturday 12th March sees and all European tie Italy v France - 2.30PM.  This, despite being in Rome could still be a one sided affair.  The game on Saturday 12th March - Wales v Ireland - 5pm could also be a very entertaining encounter as each of these teams are both very good upfront and also play a very expansive game of rugby.  Here it is - Sunday 13th March - England v Scotland – 3PM.  It may very well be the first time Scotland win against England in London in a long, long time.  It would be good to see. 


Finally, super Saturday.  The last and most exciting day of the 6 nations – a triple whammy of games.  This is day exceptionally good if it is more than a one horse race. 
Saturday 19th March - Scotland v Italy - 2.30PM (Edinburgh)
Saturday 19th March - Ireland v England – 5PM (Dublin)
Saturday 19th March - France v Wales - 7.45PM (Paris)

My opinions of this tournament being very open if based on the fact that not one team have ALL their first choice players, particularly with woeful Wales.  They are in serious trouble as they have lost forwards and backs and I count in excess of 5 players, including, prop, Adam Jones, winger, Shane Williams and centre, Gavin Henson.  There are others which I cannot remember at the moment.  Scotland has some players coming back from injury like Johnny Beattie and other are ruled out; Graeme Morrison and Chris Cusiter.  England, France, Ireland and Italy are also missing a few due to injuries due to club duty.  It will be interesting to see how the tournament transpires. 

I think that there is more than one team that can win it this year.  England have a good blend of experienced players with young, explosive players but, they do play a very boring brand of rugby.  They exhibit very few dim sparks of entertainment in most of their games.  They have two games at home one against Scotland which will be difficult and the other against France which could tip the balance in England’s favour.  England do run hot and cold though.  They had a good autumn test series but were defeated by a very lacklustre South Africa and a New Zealand team that were not pumping on all cylinders.  I think they will be good contenders for the title this year as they have come a long way under Martin Johnson’s regime.  The win against Australia was a classic win for England.  Ireland, who also have big games in Croke park, France and England, stand a tremendous chance of coming into this tournament as favourites.  Ireland took a very much deserved grand slam championship when they took on England and France at Croke park.  France are almost always tournament favourites.  They always play with flare and set new fashion in rugby which even the mighty all blacks try to emulate.  Although they have a very desirable variety of rugby, they have very tough games on the road and this could cause them to lose decisive games.  I do, however, often find that the French are very fortunate so I would not be surprised if they do pull off some shocking victories. 

My dark horses have to be Scotland this year.  If they start with the same conviction and intensity they ended with in last year’s championships and also with the same play as they produced in the autumn tests then they will do very well. 

I will say this, there will not be a grand slam winning team this year and if I had to choose a winning team at this point – I will have to say it will be either France or Ireland. 
I hope you all are as excited as I am!

Much love,

Jackson L.