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.

Recent news

October 20^th 2011 was the day that Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s 42 years of tyranny and dictatorship concluded once and for all with the ending of his life.  Of course, this is good for the people of Libya and now they are free from this horror and I agree, for once, with our prime minister when he called for us not to forget the victims who suffered the brutality and paid the ultimate price during Gaddafi’s repulsive reign.  However, there are many things still left undone.  Many families who had endured the awfulness of the Lockerbie bombings and also those affected by the shooting of Yvonne Fletcher – who was only 25 years old when she was murdered – will now forever live without the answers they so severely crave.  Wanting to know why and never finding out can be very cruel.  I may be an idiot for saying this but, in the furor a man who had all those answers, a man who should have stood trial against all he atrocities he committed against humanity was shot dead.  No one knows who shot him…convenient. 

I feel nothing but rapture for the revolutionaries on Libya and I wish them all the best for the rebuilding of their nation.  This is only the end of the beginning.  It is going to be a long road to recovery but, hopefully a straightforward, painless one. 

When I was reading the paper today, I read about some 19 year old kid who was arrested for being a drug dealer.  His car was parked oddly at a junction and police searched his car only to find 7 grams of heroin and cocaine in his car and when searching his pockets they found business cards advertising his services in the selling of narcotics.  I’m no drug dealer but, I’m pretty sure that it is a business you would not want to advertise with use of a business card complete with your real name and phone number!  Seriously, how stupid can you get?!  Dumb fuck. 

The Rugby world cup is coming to an end.  It has been a thrilling 6 weeks of great rugby and it has really made me miss the sport.  The much anticipated final will be between the All blacks and Les Bleau.  France and New Zealand, the best of both hemispheres when they play to their full potential will promise to be a gripping match, despite France’s luck on their road to the final, I’m sure they will deliver a spectacle to behold.  New Zealand will have many demons to put to rest (France being New Zealand’s bogey team at World Cup time) and will not be bowled over on their home turf too easy, particularly at Fortress: Eden Park. 

Despite having met some of the French players in the past and getting to know a few of them, I would rather see the All Blacks lift the trophy.  They have been ranked no. 1 in the world for a very long time and they deserve to end the 24 years of hurt.  It was in 1987, the first ever world cup, that the All Blacks won the world cup and it was against France in the final.  It would be befitting if this was a repeat of that final. 

Great weekend of rugby ahead.  Unfortunately, my teams of the tournament, Wales, lost to Australia today – only narrowly – 21-18.  The Welsh were completely outplayed which goes to show their strength in depth.  They were also without one of the most outstanding players of the world cup, their captain, Sam Warburton.  He has been banned for three weeks due to a reckless tackle which I thought was harsh. 

They will have a great 6 nations I think.

Much love,

Jackson L.  

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.

Invictus

I know this may be a cliche but the poem 'Invictus' by William Ernest Henely is one of the most inspiring poems ever.  Especially when it is read by Morgan Freeman in the film 'Invictus' directed by Clint Eastwood.

Nelson Mandella would actually refer to this poem when he was in prison.  He came out to unify South Africa after decades of Apatheid regime left it crippled.  He is hailed as one of the greatest world leaders in modern history if not thee greatest.

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

So deep.  So moving.  Powerful and poignant and I too often refer to it too.  

In reference to this movie - based on the occasion of the Rugby World Cup - we have only 2 days before the beginning of 2011 Rugby world Cup in New Zealand.  The first game is going to be shown at 8.30AM on ITV - New Zealand versus Tonga.  Both teams perform a pre-match war-dance  known as a Haka.  Expect fireworks!!!

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.