If New Zealand don't win....

If New Zealand do not win the Rugby World Cup this year I might actually eat my own penis.  The other day they played against a Japanese team that took France to the wire up until the last 10 minutes before France scored 3 tries in quick succession giving them a much more flattering scoreline and New Zealnd - having put the likes of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to rest as well as Sonny Bill Williams on the bench - still came out 83-7 to the good.  Tries were coming thick as fast for the All Blacks.  13 tries and 11 different scorers.  That is fucking insane! 

This is truly life and death for New Zealand.  for New Zealand not winning the World Cup this year would be like Brazil having only won the Football world cup once and never again and still have the same strong squads with the pedigree for world domination.  Come on All Blacks!  You have been ranked the no.1 team for the last 4 years - do yourselves justice and fit the tag!  Your nation are depending on you.  It is an obesession.  You MUST win.

"I die, I die. I live, I live."  It is a matter of life and death. 

Much ove,

Jackson L.

Iphone 5 release date?, Nintendo, RWC and a bit of footy too!

Well I was watching some former team mates play a very VERY frustrating game of Rugby this morning.  I received an email from one of them from down under which I thought was pretty kool.  Well, a win is a win for the ol’ Scots but, they will really have to step up in 11 days against Los Pumas.  That is a crucial game which could ensure their qualification – 2^nd or 1^st in the group depending on this result and how England fair in their coming games.  It is two from two so for now, job done for them at least.   It says a lot however, that this was the first game of the RWC this year without a try scored however, some great passages of play from both teams.  Samoa looked very physical and played some excellent Rugby to cruise to a 49-12 win over Namibia.  Canada edged past Tonga in a bruising but thrilling 25-20 encounter.  That was a good game. 

Milan managed to salvage a point from the Camp Nou last night with a 2-2 draw.  A late equaliser in injury time (DRAMA!!!) saw the Rossoneri snatch a point from the jaws of defeat.  This was without some of their key players – like Ibrahimovic.  Well done them.  Arsenal, as per usual, choked and they shared the points with their German counterparts.  I say ‘counterparts’ but Dortmund can actually win things like the Bundasliga.  I suppose a good point to take away for the gunners.  Chelsea managed a 2-0 win over Bayern Leverkusen.  Stamford Bridge welcomed back Michael Ballack.  Luiz and Mata put the goals in with Sturridge playing very well…..Gonna step up Torres?! 

Anyway, I love Nintendo.  I can’t put up any pictures as I am being closely scrutinised at the moment by my peers so check out this link.  I love you Ninty!

I have just read that the Iphone 5 will be out on the 21^st of October (according to most reliable sources).  This will be the 5^th iteration since it’s inception.  I am getting a little bored of waiting and skeptical of all these rumours.  Just hurry up and get it out Apple.  Get on with it! 

Apple are thinking they can sell up to 25 million units within the next year.  This is a surprisingly low estimation in my humble opinion.  I just hope it is not going to be like the Nintendo Wii – ie I won’t get one for months after it comes out due to high demand and low number of units!  After all this time waiting for it – the phone better run smoothly AND everyone who has been awaiting it’s arrival better get one!  

Much love, 

Jackson L.

Second place is first loser.

Barcelona win the Champions league thusly crowned the Kings of European football and deservedly so.   They thoroughly deserved to win this tournament as they were the most dominant side in the championship.  It is hard not to love the brand of football Barcelona exhibit....Barca Que mes un club indeed!!!  In my opinion, as a relative new comer to football, they truly make the so called beautiful game beautiful.  It is how the game should be played and evidently it is a winning formula.  It may very well be a cliche but, they are without shadow of a doubt the greatest all round team of our generation.  They set the bench mark and everyone - amateur or professional - admires their style of play.  I also find it baffling that Lionel Messi is head and shoulders above his outstanding team mates.  Everybody who wears a Barca jersey can make a difference in any 11 they play for....but to be the player that everyone looks to for something special is extraordinary.  53 goals in 55 games this season says a lot.  A conprehensive performance from Barca to secure a 3-1 win.  Manchester United, a team rarely on the receiving end of a monsterous hiding, came up far too short despite being level (1-1) at the break.

The best team of our generation, Barcelona, with the greatest football trophy in Europe.

In other sports news, Leinster listed the Heineken cup - Rugby's equivalent to the Champion's league - in a dramatic final at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff.  A tremendous feat for premiership side, Northampton Saints, who started very brightly.  The Saints were heavy underdogs going into the game but a team never to be written off and as it was - they looked to cause one of the greatest upsets of recent rugby history with what looked like an emphatically comanding first half performance.  With 3 tries, 2 from England players, Ben Foden and Captain Dylan Hartley and one from Phil Dowson put the Saints 22-6 up at the interval.  It looked ominous for the experienced Leinster team.

With nothing to lose, Leinster came out and played the brand of rugby that everyone knows and loves to secure a second Heineken cup TRYumph in 3 years.  Leinster Fly Half Jonny Sexton hit an overall of 28 points (including 2 tries - granting him man of the match status) and a try from Scotland international, Nathan Hines to give Leinster 33-22 scoreline at the final whistle.  Belief, resilience and 27 unanswered points in the seconds half from Leinster's part gave them the distinction of Champions.  Or maybe it was complacency from Northampton's part? An enthralling game for the neutral. 

Jonny Sexton kisses the trophy after his defining performance.

Also, in the rugby world, the Saracens secure the premiership title this year after beating Leicester Tigers 22-18 and brushing aside the cruel memories of a last minute defeat at the hands (or paws) of the Tigers last season.  I was pleased for them as it means the days of the Tigers' powerful authority in the English rugby premiership.  It was an ugly play off final but, good for the Saracens and a great way to erase memories of the heartache of the year before for the fans. 

Sarries take the Premiership title. 
It is rather depressing not having any sports to look forward to at the weekend anymore - well, for at least the next 2-3 months but it is the year of the Rugby World cup which will be fantastic this year.  I also really enjoyed being more involved in the football and watching all the drama, twists and turns and other (anti)climaxes unfold.  I guess we have the transfer mayhem to look forward to?

It will be a good year next year for sport.  I can hardly wait!!! 

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.

Cherish her....

I remember when I first started to play Rugby I was desperate for my mum to come and watch me play like all the other players' parents would.  My dad had come once or twice but not too many times because of his working schedule. 

I remember when I would have arguments with mum about why she would never want to come and watch me play and she would always say:
I can't bare to see my baby get hurt or hurting others.

This only aggravated me further. 

I remember I had a very important semi final to play in my hometown.  I remember it attracted nearly two thousand people to come and watch us play.

I remember getting injured during that game.  I remember getting taken to the hospital by ambulance.  I remember seeing my mother's devastation.  I remember hearing my mother cry.  I remember the guilt.  I remember it outweighing all the good time I have had at Rugby. 

I remember how happy she was when she found out I was going to be OK. 

I remember saying to my mum:
After all these years of playing this game and wanting you to come and watch me....I am glad you didn't.  You made the right choice all this time. 

I remember feeling like my mum always knew and will always know best for herself and her family.  I remember forgiving my beautiful mother for this small favour she would not do for me and wish she would forgive me for any hurt I have ever caused her.  She has given me so much. 

I love you mama.

Much love,

Jackson L.

Rugby

It has been a very exciting time of year in the international rugby calendar.  The autumn tests have been and gone and my good god have there been upsets and near misses and so much more.  It is a great time for the southern hemisphere teams to come and flex their rugby might.  It is also a chance for the northern hemisphere teams to see how they fair with trying to match or better their southern cousins.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to watch teams battle the French of or the Italians, however, reflecting on the scores it would appear that the French were very uncharacteristic with a good win against Fiji (34-12), although nothing less was expected, an unconvincing win against Argentina (15-9) and a crushing defeat at the hands of the Wallabies (16-59).  The Italians showed some great leaps of improvement.  Narrowly losing to a good Pumas side (16-22), losing to a wounded Australian side with a lot to prove on the back of a defeat at the hands of the English and also beating a well drilled good Fijian side that drew with Wales (24-16).  Let’s hope the French get their flare back in time for the 6 nations and also hope for a more competitive Italian side that can beat more than just Wales and or Scotland. 

The home nations (Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England) had a very mixed string of performances all lacking consistency.  However, Ireland and Scotland are very exciting prospects for the 6 nations as they steadily improved as they played more tests.  England, despite their last defeat which could be a blessing in disguise, were also very, very good.  Woeful Wales did not manage to put a winning performance together and that was, not only surprising but a shame. 

Wales came out with a good first half against the Australians in their first game of the autumn tests.  Having just beaten the All Blacks, however, the Wallabies must have been either sore or soaring on confidence.  Their backs were devastating – with an average age of 23 years in their backs division and their attacking prowess, it looked like it was going to be a whitewash.  Thankfully for Wales, in front of the Australian backs were a poor set of forwards that really struggled at set-piece time – particularly in the scrum.  For international rugby it was almost laughable how much the Welsh were bossing the Aussies about at scrumaging.   This more than kept Wales in the game and in touching distance at half time 7-6 however, Stephen Jones had missed one or two penalties.  The game ended at 16-25 to the Aussies but the score did not at all reflect how the Welsh played.  Not to say they deserved the win but Australia had the better attacking play through their backs with the little ball their forwards managed to secure.  Wales did not take their chances when they got them and also, Stephen Jones should really land his kicks. 

Against South Africa, Wales were 17-9 up at the half.  I would even go as far to say that the Springboks with their hallowed green and gold were fortunate to only be 8 points adrift.  But this truly was a game of two halves.  A game for the purist.  17-9 became 20-9 very quickly after half time and Wales looked very comfortable however, two quick converted tries later (Alberts, Matfield) and two more penalties in the closing moments of the game saw the South Africans record their second win of the autumn tests and only Scotland and England stood in their way of a 5^th grand slam.  Wales really did not have the cutting edge and ruthlessness to see the game off and seal the win which would have sent their confidence sky high. 

Against the Fijians, a game you would bet your house on the Welsh to beat due to their superiority in the game, I believe there to have been incorrect managerial decisions made pre-game.  It is a game that Wales needed to win to set them on the right path.  A game, I think Wales were lucky to come away with a draw! The Welsh were shaken in the first half due to the hard hitting, hard running, hard Fijians.  A shock first try came from the Fiji number 13.  With the Fijians up 10-6 at half time, it was time to bring the big guns on and Wales made the right substitutions.  A penalty try was awarded to the Welsh due to pressure on the Fijian scrum 5M out from their try line.  An exchange of penalties and then an injury time penalty to Fiji gave them the draw which, of course they treated like a victory.  This left the All Blacks licking their lips.  It was almost certain that their 4^th grand slam was in the bag! It was disappointing to see Wales play their worst rugby in a long time.

Against the All Blacks, the Welsh really stepped up their game but it was not good enough.  A tired, lackslustre New Zealand still managed to rack up a 20 point differences with Dan Carter missing 13 points.  Wales’ rush defense tactics worked initially they were finishing the half at 13-9.  The second half was much more interesting with 3 more tries coming from NZ and despite Dan Carter not having his kicking boots on, managed to land a few of his kicks.  A late consolation try for Wales saw the score end at 25-37 to the All Blacks. 

Wales have found new youngsters Dan Lydiate and the imposing 18 year old winger, George North who made a great man of the match debut against South Africa with two tries.  BIG improvements need to be made in the run up to the six nations and the World cup. 

Ireland a bit more success having recorded two vital wins out of four.  They had narrowly lost their first game against reigning world champions South Africa who had come from the back of a lamentable season in the southern hemisphere’s tri-nations having only managed one win against the wallabies.  Ireland had not played together for several months and this was no easy start to the autumn tests.  They only get into their stride by the second half having scored one or two tries and also, there was more confidence in the team.  South Africa held out for a narrow 2 point victory to win 21-23.  A bad start to the game from an Irish point of view but, it developed into an excellent game of rugby.  Tight, edge of your seat stuff.  Young Jonathon Sexton had one or two penalties that could have landed victory earlier in the game.  With experience, he will land those kicks easily as I feel he may have been a little nervous. 

A hard fought win over Samoa in wet, miserable, muddy conditions saw Ireland win 20-10 in a good game of rugby.  As was seen by Samoa, they were not push overs and you really had to work for a win against them.  They were still in search for top form as they had not yet reached the epic attacking dexterity which, on their day could give the likes of France a run for their money.  A win, however, is a win however unconvincing it may be. 

Unfortunately, in the Irish’s search for form, they had to face up to the strength of the New Zealanders.  This, although ended at 18-38, saw Jonathon Sexton play one of his best games in an Ireland jersey and also, saw Ireland play some great rugby.  The first half was end to end action with tries being exchanged to give New Zealand a 19-13 lead at the break.  The game ended at 18-38 with the beloved Brian O’Driscoll picking up a try.  The score did not reflect the game at all but a tired Irish defense let in 2 easy tries.  Or maybe they looked easy because it was the All Blacks.  Either way, a terrific first half especially from Ireland and a thoroughly enjoyed test match.  Ireland went on to record a great win against the Pumas.  Ireland racked up 29 points to Argentina’s 9 which was a great win for Ireland which put them 5^th in world rankings. 

Scotland had a very poor start to their autumn series campaign.  Allowing the prolific All Blacks to walk all over them and put 7 converted tries on the board.  They lost emphatically with a final score of 49-3.  There were a few young players on the Scotland team and playing against the world number 1 team perhaps made them nervous as well as not having played as a team for several months.  Although a truly devastating hit to the confidence within the team, they were a completely different team against South Africa just a week later.  They managed to defend very well, exploit the Springboks rush defense and force errors by the world champions and defeated them 21-17.  A flurry of penalties and a drop goal for Scotland and a penalty less and an unconverted try more for South Africa saw Scotland take the game.  Who ever said you need tries to win a game? After this victory Scotland came into 6^th place in world rankings.  After only narrowly defeating Samoa 19-16 (with a last minute Ruaridh Jackson penalty) and other results now puts Scotland in 7^th place, just behind France. 

I expect exciting and unpredictable things from this Scotland side this 6 nations.  I think Coach Andy Robinson is doing a great job at the helm. 

England had an impressive start to their campaign.  Although losing to New Zealand, they played very well.  They made a thrilling second half comeback but lost by just 10 points to the world’s best rugby team.  They actually won the second forty minutes. To suffer this defeat and then think about having Australia to play against in a weeks time, for many, would have been very daunting but, not for Martin Johnson’s men.  They grew in confidence from their second half performance against New Zealand to churn out a historic win against England’s favourite rugby opposition, Australia.  35-18 was the final score against Australia and this was their second win in a row with 2 Chris Ashton tries including a wonder try from his own half.  A hard fought win over Samoa saw England win 2 out of 3 in their campaign with wins over Australia and Samoa and a good performance against the All Blacks left England relishing their final game against the world champions.  But the wounded Springboks had other ideas.  After their loss in the highlands, the Springboks wanted to put things right and who better to do it against?  A Powerful performance from South Africa saw them dominate the set piece and territory in the open and left a final score of 21-11 with 2 tries for SA (Alberts, Mvovo) one converted and 3 penalties to England’s 2 penalties and late consolation try. 

A lot of positives to take from this campaign for England but, I do not like their brand of rugby.  However, no one has to like it; as long as they win, right?  I think if they peak at the right times which recently England have had a knack of doing, they can go on to great things and cause great upsets in the future. 

The northern hemisphere, I found were not a million miles away from the southern hemisphere.  I saw that they would either beat them, narrowly lose or the scoreboard did not reflect how they played.  I feel that competitions will be a little bit more closely contested and I feel this will start with the 6 nations. 

Although the northern hemisphere teams were not too far off, I still feel that the southern hemisphere play at a much higher place, play with more confidence and play with a greater level of creativity.  They are just more clinical.  They do the basics right, they do the basics well and that is a devastating combination.  Although it may be more closely contested, I feel that the tight grip the southern hemisphere have on world rugby domination will not be loosened drastically anytime soon. 

I believe teams like Fiji and Samoa have really benefitted from having some of their players playing in the more competitive leagues in the world; the Aviva premiership, Magners league, Top 14, even the Super 14s.  I do think there is still a lot of room for improvement but, not all their games were one sided affairs. 

The big three – New Zealand, Australia and South Africa showed some very good stuff.  Especially New Zealand, they were able to churn out wins even on a bad day against England and Wales.  When they were on top form they were slicing through defense as if they weren’t even there.  Australia were running hot and cold.  To lose against England in such a harsh fashion but then to go out to France and win by such a MASSIVE margin….well done them is all I can say.  They have a very young team and I am expecting exciting things from this team.  Their forwards do need a lot of work though.  They did really suffer against Wales and England.  South Africa lost out only marginally to Scotland but won all their other games against good opposition.  Although they have had a poor season, they showed true champion form by winning games and closing them out against Wales, Ireland and they showed their true form against a very confident England. 

I believe that, unless France show some improvement to get back to their winning ways and soon, England to take the 6 nations crown this coming year.  A grand slam? I don’t think so. But a tournament win? Definitely not a far cry from it.  I hate to say it, because I do not like their brand of rugby, but they can indeed win the six nations for the first time since 2003! Scotland can definitely be outside favorites.  I can see Scotland causing upsets this year in the six nations.  Wales need to get back to winning ways and close out games.  Ireland has found some form in the last few games in the autumn series.  Could they win the championship?  Well they do have the home advantage against the big teams, France and England, but they did lose their last game at Croke Park against Scotland last season.  Beating Scotland in Murrayfield can prove too difficult.  All this aside, France did win 5 championships since 2000, 3 of which were grand slam wins. 

As for the world cup, could a northern hemisphere team win it one more time?  From their display in the autumn tests it looks like the All Blacks have a point to prove.  They do not want to choke when it matters anymore.  They showed very well rounded performances; defensively, from spot kicks, their open play, their set piece and athletic ability.  It is said every rugby world cup but, I think New Zealand really will win it.  They have to win it.  They have been the best team for the last 4 years despite the Springboks having the crown of world champions.  I guess we will have to wait and see until October 2011. 

Much love,

Jackson L.