Saturday 30 March 2013

New Zealand Future Super Rugby Stars 1/3

These series of posts emphasises another reason why, if you enjoy rugby, you should follow Super Rugby. The list of players compiled are either future household names or players you discover quickly in Super Rugby that might not make it into your household if you didn't watch it.

First up New Zealand

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Blues

The Blues have made a great start to the season. Sir John Kirwan has gotten the most out of his young and inexperienced squad such that some of them are being mentioned as potential All Blacks.

Charles Piutau (age 21) Fullback/ Wing



Charles Piutau is undoubtedly the most talented of these. Not 22 until August, he has set the competition alight so far, running in 3 tries in 4 games.

Taken From Green and Gold Rugby

"An exciting, big fullback who can run like the wind, explode into opposition defences and use the ball. At the end of Round 5 of Super Rugby this year he was leading the competition in tackle busts and was equal second in line-breaks.

In 2010, the year after leaving school (Jonah Lomu’s old school, Wesley College), he appeared for Tonga in the IRB Junior World Championships [JWC], and for Auckland in the ITM Cup . In 2011 he represented New Zealand [NZ] in the JWC, and was chosen by Gordon Tietjens for the NZ Sevens team – as well as playing for Auckland again, when available.

In 2012 he was was still with the NZ Sevens for part of the year, but Blues fans got to see him when he started for their team at the end of the Super Rugby season. Afterwards he played brilliantly for Auckland in the ITM Cup, especially in the semi-final against Wellington, and was being talked about as a bolter for the All Black end of year tour [EOYT].

You can see the Sevens upbringing in Piutau and the effects of being developed under the guidance of legendary NZ Sevens coach, Gordon Tietjens. I don’t think that it will be too long before he is sitting on an All Black bench."

Source:GAGR
One thing is for sure, he will be challenging Israel Dagg for that AB 15 jersey for years to come.

Steven Luatua (age 21) Blinside Flanker / Lock / No.8

Luatua has come into the side straight from Under 20s where he was one of New Zealand's best performers.

He has gone into the Blues team at 6, and is already being proclaimed as the solution to the problem All Black blinside shirt since Jerome Kaino left for Japan. Luatua has made at least 10 tackles in each games so far and at least 10 runs in each game too. He looks even better on the field. One to watch out for.



Other notable future Blues households names

Frank Halai (age 25) Winger

Halai is another who grew up under Tietjens playing 7's. He's had a great start to the season with 4 tries in his first 2 games. Part of an exciting Blues back three

Francis Saili (age 22) Inside Centre
George Moala (age 22) Winger
Waisake Naholo (age 21) Winger
Peter Saili (age 25) No. 8
Baden Kerr (age 23) Out-half / Full-back
Bryn Hall (age 21) Scrum-half


Chiefs

Tim Nanai-Williams (age 23) Outside centre / Winger / Full-back

Cousin of Sonny Bill Williams, Tim is making a name for himself this season. Williams has 4 tries in 5 games this season in an unfamilar position of outside centre. He has looked devastating in attack, scoring two memorable tries in the opening game against the Highlanders.



There are doubts about his size and how he lacks physicality, but he has stood up admirably in defense, with only Kade Poki being able to get through him in the first game. He has matured this season into a devastating player and this and his versatility should mean he features for the All Blacks sooner rather than later.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow (age 22) Scrum-half

Kerr Barlow is already an All Black at the tender age of 22. But I am including him as he only has 2 caps, and the average rugby follower in Ireland wouldn't know his name. They will.

Kerr Barlow, along with Aaron Smith and TJ Peranara are a new breed of All Black scrum-halves, and suddenly one of New Zealand's few "weaknesses" is full of strength in depth. Kerr Barlow is a strong quick player, and is one to watch out for, playing in a winning Chiefs team.


Gareth Anscombe (age 21) Out-Half

Son of Ulster head coach Mark, Big things were expected of Gareth when he was thrown in at the deep end at his favoured position of out-half last year for the Blues. Unfortunately, he was scapegoated for the Blues poor season and Kirwan released him. The Chiefs have picked him up and played him at full back all this year.

New Zealand herald had a great article about it at the time.

From NZHerald:
"The contrasting fortunes of Beauden Barrett and Gareth Anscombe illustrate that professional rugby is a more ruthless and fast moving beast than often portrayed.

A year ago, Barrett and Anscombe were New Zealand under-20 team-mates, the latter commanding the No 10 jersey which forced the more versatile former into playing at fullback.

Once they returned, great futures were predicted for both, as they brought a touch of class and composure to their respective ITM Cup teams. Barrett was locked into the Hurricanes, the man they were going to trust to lead them to an improved season, while Anscombe was signed by the Blues, seen more as a bench option in 2012 with a view to running things in 2013.

This weekend showed how quickly things can change; how their respective paths have taken dramatically different routes. Barrett was on the plane to Argentina with the All Blacks last night: about the same time that Anscombe was coming to terms with the news that he's been delisted by the Blues and is now looking at spending 2013 with the Hurricanes - effectively carrying Barrett's coat as it were.

as the downturn taken by Anscombe's. Barrett was in Argentina not just because of doubts about the fitness of Daniel Carter. He is there as a genuine alternative on the bench to Aaron Cruden.

The 21-year-old's kicking game is longer than Cruden's and while there is nothing but admiration and respect for the contribution Cruden has made this year, in the cut-throat world of test football, there is already a sense of Barrett coming up fast on the rails.

It was impossible not to be taken with Barrett throughout Super Rugby: he kicked effortlessly off both feet, ran well, passed well and looked to be the closest thing to a new Carter. Cruden has a trump card with his running game but the last two weeks have shown him to be still someway off being able to control a test with his boot. By next year, or maybe even by the end of this, the pecking order of Carter-Cruden-Barrett may change to Carter-Barrett-Cruden.

And how that must pain Anscombe, who from tomorrow can legally be confirmed as delisted. The Hurricanes, who used the now-departed Daniel Kirkpatrick as cover this year, are believed to be keen. But, unless there is serious injury to Barrett, Anscombe faces a bleak season - 10-minute cameos and the occasional start.

History shows that few last long once they are labelled "back-up" and that's the problem for Anscombe - he plays the game in a style that's not in tune with the way most coaches in New Zealand want to operate.

Anscombe sat in the pocket for the Blues this year - reducing the effectiveness of Ma'a Nonu outside him. It also made the Blues easy to shut down - defences knowing they could close the space by coming up quickly on the outside.

New Blues coach John Kirwan hasn't unveiled his tactical vision for the team yet, but as one of the world's best attacking wings and having tried hard to generate pace and width while coach of Japan, it's a reasonable guess he'll want much the same in his current role.

Anscombe doesn't really fit that vision which is similar to how the Hurricanes want to play as well. This time next year, it wouldn't be a surprise if Anscombe is on his way to the UK. Anscombe looks better suited to Northern Hemisphere rugby and his accurate goal-kicking and astute tactical kicking would be well received there. He's eligible to play for Wales and there is also possibly the option of heading to Ulster, where his father, Mark, is the coach.

Still only 21, if he heads now, he could be qualified to play for Ireland by the time he's 24 as his eligibility was not captured last year. It's not the future he imagined this time last year but it is at least a future that could feature test rugby."

It may have been a gamble, but it's looking like one of the better transfers. He has a remarkable goalkicking percentage, and has been able to develop running lines in a dangerous Chiefs backline. He is another contender to replace Dan Carter when the legend eventually retires.

Green and Gold Rugby seem to rate him highly aswell stating:

GAGR:
"Plays fullback for the Chiefs but is chosen as flyhalf because that is the position where he started for the Blues on a regular basis last year.

He played in the ITM Cup for Auckland in 2010 straight out of school and was the top points scorer at the 2011 JWC when he represented NZ. But when Sir John Kirwan became the new coach at the Blues after the 2012 season he used a new broom.

Although any first five-eighths would have struggled behind such a poor pack, both Anscombe and Michael Hobbs, got de-listed. Anscombe was steady rather than flashy but he was one of the more consistent Blues’ backs in 2012; and he kicked his goals.

Anscombe moved down State Highway One to Hamilton to back up Aaron Cruden as first five-eighth at the Chiefs, but he got to play fullback instead.

As a first-five he knew a bit about his natural protagonist in the 15 jersey, and but for a few positional lapses, has performed well as a custodian in 2013. From his first game, against the Highlanders, he showed that he has thrived under the mentoring of Chiefs’ coaches, Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith, and he is kicking his goals at 82%.

When he got the news that he was axed by the Blues he said that he wanted to stay in the country because he could learn more in NZ than anywhere else. But the intervention of Rennie, who was not really looking for another first-five, may have stopped the youngster from going offshore

Why? Anscombe has a Welsh passport and father Mark has contacts in Europe – he is Director of Coaching at Ulster."

Rhys Marshall (age 20) Hooker

The young hooker has come in this season and made a number of appearances off the bench. His throwing is accurate, and his scrummaging is solid. But it's his loose play that have the NZ pundits saying that he could be the All Black hooker for a number of years to come.

He was recently featured in GAGR's best young XV of Super Rugby.

"One of the few candidates for the hooking spot, but a good one.

The 20 year-old was a surprise selection by the Chiefs in their 2013 squad because he was under-weight and yet to play provincial rugby. But a stint with the 2012 NZ JWC squad, a lot of gym work, and months with the Chiefs’ training group built him up in both a physical and rugby sense.

As a long term project of the Chiefs he was behind internationals Mahonri Schwalger and Hika Elliot in the pecking order, but has already started in a Super Rugby game. With Schwalger already injured, he found out on the morning of the opening game of the Chiefs’ season, against the Highlanders, that Elliott had failed a fitness test and that he had to run-on. But he kept his nerves under control and played a mature game.

Marshall’s play is similar to that of new All Black hooker, Dan Coles: quick, tough and uncompromising."

Other Chiefs players worth looking out for

Ben Taumefuna (age 21) Tighthead Prop
Ben Afeaki (age 25) Prop
Robbie Robinson (age 23) Full-back
Bundee Aki (age 22) Inside Centre
Charlie Ngatai (age 22) Inside centre


Crusaders


Dominic Bird (age 21) Lock

Dominic Bird came on against the Blues in the first game when there was an injury and hasn't looked back. He was one of the Crusaders best performers that day. I was shocked to learn afterwards that he was only 21, he played with the smarts of a veteran. A number of good locks are being produced by the NZ factory these days, and none better than Bird




Tom Marshall (age 22) Fullback /Winger

Tom Marshall has excelled this year, scoring this belter of a try on his seasonal debut.


Much more to come of this young man.

Jordan Taufua (age 21) Backrow



The player that the Crusader's fans are most excited about. Jordan Taufua hasn't played yet for the Crusaders, but is on the bench this weekend. He is a name to watch out for. He is an openside/ No. 8 spoken in similar terms to Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Big words, but after an impressive display in the ITM cup last year, much is expected of Taufua.

Other Crusaders to watch out for:

Tyler Bleyendaal (age 22) Out-half
Luke Whitelock (age 22) Blindside Flanker
Ryan Crotty ( age 24) Inside Centre
Johnny McNichol ( age 22) Winger
Joe Moody (age 24) Loosehead Prop
Codie Taylor (age 21) Hooker

Highlanders

Ben Smith (age 26) Outside Centre/ Winger / Full-Back



Ben Smith could be the most well known name on this list. But Smith is on the fringes of starting consistently for the All Blacks. I'll leave the video to tell you more.

Kade Poki (age 25) Winger

Poki made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2008 when he played against ACT Brumbies. Aged only 20, he made 10 starts for the team over the course of the season and scored two tries, helping the team to the championship. However, injuries and squad depth limited his chances to build on his freshman season, and he made only 4 more appearances for the Crusaders over the next two seasons.

Poki was left off the Crusaders squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season, and initially not selected by any of the other New Zealand teams. However, an injury to Kurt Baker saw him added to the Highlanders squad on the eve of the season.

Despite initially being an afterthought addition, Poki made the most of his opportunity and claimed a starting spot on the wing for the Highlanders, and emerged as one of the breakout players of the competition. Highlights of this season include a hat-trick in the loss to the Cheetahs.

Other Highlanders to look out for:

Jason Emery (age 19) Outside centre
Elliott Dixon (age 23) no. 8
FumaikiTanaka (age 28) Scrum-half - The first player from Japan to play Super Rugby.
Declan O'Donnell (age 22) Winger *Irish Descent
Ma'afu Fia (age 23) Prop


Hurricanes

Andre Taylor (age 25) Full back/ Winger

Taylor was a World Cup winner with the New Zealand under 20 team in 2008, and had played for the New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Under 17 sides. He also was part of the triumphant New Zealand Maori side that won the 2010 Maori centenary series against the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England.

He first joined the Hurricanes in 2010 on the back of an exciting NPC in which he proved a constant threat for opposition defences. Taylor capped off an excellent season by scoring 27 points in the Turbos’ final game of the 2009 season against North Harbour. He earned five caps for the Hurricanes in his first season, making his starting debut on the wing against the Central Cheetahs. 

He was the leading try scorer in the 2012 Super Rugby season with 10 tries. This year Taylor has yet to score, and has been in poor form. But is one to watch in the future to see if he can reach the same heights.




TJ Peranara (age 21) Scrum-half

GAGR:
"Made a good comeback since he broke his ankle playing against the Reds last year in a non-competition match. He was having a top debut season but the injury to the Hurricanes Rookie of the Year ended his rugby in 2012, and any outside hope of an EOYT with the All Blacks.

Perenara is a precocious talent. In 2010 he played for NZ Schools and instead of doing his homework played for Wellington in the ITM Cup. In 2011 he represented NZ when they won the JWC.

He is full of rugby mischief and is deadly on the snipe near the goal-line, even when opponents know what he is going to do."
Ardie Savea (age 19) Openside Flanker

Ardie Savea is the younger brother of All Black winger Julian Savea who came to Irish attention last summer scoring a hat-trick in the first test. Ardie is a young flanker who is going to make his own name.



Here is an article from New Zealand Herald about him;

"These are heady PM days in sport. I'm not meaning the Prime Minister who is talking up tourism and swinging his way through The Hills in Queenstown. These are the post-McCaw days in a loose sense.

The remarkable flanker who has been such a star for the Crusaders and All Blacks was spotted recently in the crowd at the David Letterman Studios in New York.

McCaw is on his sabbatical, taking time out from the game he has adorned at the highest levels for more than a decade. He intends to return in the middle of the year and resume his sporting career. But who knows.

He may be swamped by some other interest in his time out, offered a job he can't refuse or struck down by Cupid's arrow.

The rugby warrior needed a break from the mental strains of his work and this interval will revive his battered frame. Any change helps, as former Wallaby flanker George Smith showed this week when he returned to the Brumbies and perhaps a repeat tilt at the Lions after several years north of the equator.

But in McCaw's absence we can think about what happens if he does not come back, what if his form dips?

The majority of the rugby-watching population will scoff and the All Black selectors will hold similar thoughts.

Not so long ago they might have felt the same way about centre.

But Richard Kahui's decision to leave, the injury to Tamati Ellison, questions about Conrad Smith's durability and rumours about Rene Ranger's exit, have opened up all sorts of conjecture.

The famous black No7 jersey could be the same.

Leading the contenders for the tests against France in June is Sam Cane, who has deputised five times since his selection last season.

Matt Todd and Luke Braid, who went around last night at Eden Park, have been on the edge of national inclusion while there have been others pushing the value and work rate of John Hardie or Karl Lowe.

But it might be another teenage rooster who provokes most inspection from the national panel.

Ardie Savea is cooling his flashing heels because of a high tackle ban.

But when he makes his Super 15 debut, he could emulate elder brother Julian in black.

Savea the younger captained the New Zealand secondary school side, was head boy at Rongotai College and was a standout on the international sevens circuit.

He is a special talent who should be an All Black if he continues to develop.

Savea makes things happen, he has instincts which can't be taught, his game would add another dimension to the All Blacks.

McCaw was nearly 21 when he stepped out for the All Blacks, Cane was even younger but Savea could pip them both."

Other Hurricanes to look out for:

James Marshall (age 24) Fly-half/ Full back
Jeffrey Toomuga-Allen (age 22) Tighthead Prop
Blade Thomson (age 22) Flanker

Thursday 28 March 2013

Getting Jackson confident again



Before the Scotland game when Paddy Jackson was parachuted into the starting lineup, the RTE panel of George Hook, Conor O'Shea and Brent Pope were in agreement, whatever happens with Jackson during the game, Kidney should stick with him to help his development in the long term.

Fair play to Deccie, that's exactly what he did and rightly so, but now that he's come through those 3 games, what now for Jackson?

Jackson strikes me as a confident young player, and while Newstalk on Wednesday were talking about how he doesn't necessarily need an arm around the shoulder, it's still important that he is managed correctly.
He returned to Ulster colours last Friday and looked a pale shadow of his former confident self from only a few weeks prior.

Now is a very important time in Jackson's development, and if handled wrong he might fade into obscurity.

I have a feeling that come the Autumn, he may have fallen back into not just 2nd choice, but 3rd choice Irish out-half after Ian Madigan. This could shatter his confidence even more than it is now.

Here's what needs to happen to ensure that Jackson comes back sooner with confidence and can continue developing as a player (and lip syncer).

1. Take him off the kicks for Ulster for the rest of this season. While at the same time he needs to work on his kicking. A lot. Not just placekicking but out of hand too. Mark Tainton should be told to go to Ulster and work overdrive with him so when it comes to the summer tour or to next season, he can step up and resume kicking duties for Ulster.

2. He must be selected for the summer tour. None of this summer off business that prevented him from playing in the JWC. Being selected in this tour against opposition that are at a much lower standard will help get his confidence up for the new season. Being around the Irish camp and Kidney will be important this summer, especially as he should be looking to start to dictate things in that squad.

3. He needs to be incorporated into the IRFU player welfare programme asap. While games help his development, he looks jaded, and needs some time off. He's young and eager to fix things, but he's trying to hard and things aren't working. A week off here and there would be good for him. The summer tour is important for his development, and he can't be too jaded for it.

Because everyone in Ireland wants him back to his best, releasing his buddy Luke Marshall through gaps, and controlling the game by knowing when to kick for territory and when to release the talented young Ulster backs. We want wee Jackson back rumblin'.





Wednesday 27 March 2013

Super Rugby Teams Round 7

BYE : SHARKS

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Friday, March 29

Otago Highlanders vs Queensland Reds 6.35 am

The main news for the Highlanders is the omission of Kade Poki, who is having a great season.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Buxton Popoali'i, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn (c), 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Ma'afu Fia, 18 TJ Ioane, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Fumiaki Tanaka, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Phil Burleigh.

News for the Reds is the injury to Digby Ioane, and the inclusion of Dom Shipperley, Luke Morahan, Liam Gill and Rod Davies. Big Ed is on the bench to allow the resumption of the favoured second row parnership.

Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 James Hanson, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Aidan Toua, 22 Rod Davies.

Saturday, March 30

Wellington Hurricanes vs Southern Kings 3.30am

Captain Conrad Smith and scrum-half TJ Perenara are both injury doubts for the Hurricanes' first clash with South African opposition this season. Smith has been bracketed with Alapati Leiua while Matt Proctor is on standby to start on the right wing if the All Black centre is not passed fit. Chris Smylie will start if Perenara is ruled out, which would give Samisoni Fisilau a chance to make his debut off the bench.

Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua , 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara , 8 Victor Vito, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 Mark Reddish, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Chris Smylie21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo.

The Kings continue their tradition of not naming the same captain two weeks in a row.

Kings: 15 George Whitehead, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ronnie Cooke, 12 Andries Strauss (captain), 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Demetri Catrakillis, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Devin Oosthuizen, 5 David Bulbring, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Grant Kemp, 18 Rynier Bernardo, 19 Daniel Adongo, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Waylon Murray, 22 Hadleigh Parkes.

Waikato Chiefs vs Auckland Blues 6:35 am

Richard Kahui is back and he is starting. Great to see, he did well of the bench last week. This means there is no place for Tim Nanai-Williams, and Bundee Aki comes into 12 for Horrell who drops to the bench.

Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Patrick Osborne.

This looks to be then Blue's strongest team bar the absence of Charlie Faumina although Anthony Boric might have something to say about that. This is going to be a great game.

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Francis Saili, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (c), 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tom McCartney.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Brendon O'Connor, 20 Jamison Gibson-Park, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Jackson Willison.

ACT Brumbies vs Blue Bulls 8:40am


The news from the Bulls is the first start for the IRB JWC player of the tournament 2012, Jan Serfontein. At 19, his future looks very bright, and has made a number of appearances from the bench this year.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Jürgen Visser, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandrè Kruger, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Morne Mellett.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Francois Venter.

Free State Cheetahs vs Melbourne Rebels 15.05

Cheetahs are completely unchanged from last weeks win in Perth.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuisen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Johannes Prinsloo, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Ryno Benjamin.

This Rebel's team announcement is completely overshadowed by the news of Beale being stood down indefinitely. Watch out for young Jordy Reid at openside.

Rebels: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Richard Kingi, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 Angus Roberts, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Jordy Reid, 6 Gareth Delve, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Cadeyrn Neville, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Rory Sidey, 23 Tom English.

DSL Stormers vs Canterbury Crusaders 17.10

Dewaldt Duvenage comes in for Nic Groom who impressed last week for the visit of the Crusaders sans Carter, Read et McCaw.

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Gerhard van den Heever, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Pat Cilliers.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Damian de Allende, 22 Jaco Taute.

Israel Dagg is back in what is an important match for the Crusaders to show if they can win without their talismen.

Crusaders: 15.Israel Dagg, 14.Tom Marshall, 13.Robbie Fruean, 12.Ryan Crotty, 11.Johnny McNicholl, 10.Tyler Bleyendaal, 9.Willi Heinz, 8.Luke Whitelock, 7.Matt Todd, 6.George Whitelock (c), 5.Samuel Whitelock, 4.Luke Romano, 3.Owen Franks, 2.Corey Flynn, 1.Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements : 16.Ben Funnell, 17.Joe Moody, 18.Dominic Bird, 19.Jordan Taufua, 20.Andy Ellis, 21.Adam Whitelock, 22.Zac Guildford.
Sunday, March 31

NSW Waratahs v Western Force 5.05am

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Annoyingly Inconsistent



If you were to sum up Declan Kidney's reign as Ireland coach in two words, they are the two I would choose. I started to write this piece directly after the Scotland game. One question kept coming into my mind. Are Ireland as good as I think they are? Their winning percentage under Kidney would suggest not. Neither does their World Ranking.

So what's going wrong? Here are a number of points that Ireland need to become competitive again.

1. Inconsistency

Specifically, backing up a good performance, with another good performance.

Every series of matches include a terrible performance, a game against a higher ranked team where we perform but don't win, and a morale-boosting and usually backs to the wall comprehensive victory. There might be a scrape through victory against a poorer team thrown in for good measure.

Is this good enough for one of the most talented group of players ever to play for Ireland at once? We have had the remains of the "Golden Generation" in Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and Paul O'Connell, the next almost equally golden generation in Jonathan Sexton, Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney, play for us in the last 4 years, and the results haven't changed.

As a nation we have come to expect more. Too often we go from joyous elation to end of the world despair in the space of a week with this team. Only 2009 wasn't like that in Kidney's reign;

See more about this here.

2. Efficiency

For too long I have watched Irish teams work extremely hard to put points on the board, only for a mistake to let the opposition level with ease.

The Scotland game was the perfect example of this. All of the possession and all of the territory could not be transformed into points. We had line-break after line-break, but for whatever reason, we kept making vital mistakes and the points went a begging.

The turning point in this match is also an example of how easy it is to score points against us. Paddy Jackson misses a kick to touch in the second half; and with one kick and chase later from Scotland and they have a shot at goal, and 3 points in the bag. This is without the territory, possession and exertion that Ireland used to garner their points.

Ireland need to become harder to beat, which means not only hard to score tries against, which they've done successfully but fix their growing discipline problem, which means that teams can keep in touch with them easily by knocking over simple 3 pointers. They need to learn how to punish mistakes, and take their try scoring opportunities when they come, and to keep the scoreboard ticking over when they don't.

3.. Playing for the full 80 minutes

This is becoming more and more of a problem. As a direct response to not being able to start games well, Ireland have gone out recently and left everything on the pitch. In the first half.

Which leaves them open to running out of steam and the opposition pulling away from them in the second half.

Does this mean that the players aren't fit enough? The common thought was that Italy couldn't play for 80 minutes when they first arrived into the 6 Nations as they weren't used to the demands and not fit enough. But they lasted the pace significantly better than we did in the finale.


4. Have Plan B and use it when necessary

Or Plan C. Because it seems that when things are going wrong Ireland's plan becomes "Revert to Plan A".

Ireland need to be adaptable and have numerous game plans for different situations. Sense needs to be used, and heads up rugby played, so that tactics can be changed mid game to exploit weaknesses that appear mid game, or to avoid repeating things that clearly aren't working.

For example, Ireland created 3 midfield line breaks in the first 15 minutes against Scotland. After these linebreaks, not one player was sent down the middle to exploit an obvious weakness in the Scottish defense.


5.. Injuries



Ireland saw an unprecedented amount of injuries this 6 Nations, with the unavailable XV arguably better than  any that played towards the end of the 6 Nations;

Fitzgerald, Bowe, Earls, D'Arcy. Zebo, Sexton, Reddan, Court, Strauss, Fitzpatrick, O'Connell, Tuohy, Henderson, Henry, Ferris.

Is it any coincidence that all of these injuries happened at once, when the English, Welsh and Scottish seemed relatively unscathed?

Is the player welfare policy not working? I've seen a lot of theories banded around since, mostly concerning the natural size of Irish people in comparison to the rest of the world. We have a small team therefore we need to overdo it in the gym to gain parity. The prime example of this is Stephen Ferris, who seems to be made of glass.

6. Using the bench

There are two problems here, first selection of the bench, second using the bench.

A bench is there for two reasons; 1. covering injuries and 2. to make an impact. Ireland have the players in reserve to make impacts and change the game, but don't choose them, preferring instead to choose a bench to solely cover injuries. Which leads to Kidney not using his bench

Kidney has never been as bad as he was this 6 Nations at using the bench. He seems to have developed some serious trust issues that have emanated in him not trusting young talent or using his bench effectively.

I am firmly of the belief that a number of the bench players used against France would not have come on were it not for injuries. Ian Madigan definitely would not have come on if Luke Marshall and Brian O'Driscoll hadn't gotten concussed in the 72nd minute.

Having O'Gara on the bench against Scotland made no sense to me. At 35, and with a style of play so similar to Jackson's how was he going to come on and change the game? Either what Jackson was doing was wrong and Ronan would ride in to save the day by doing the same thing, or Jackson would be playing well and deserve to stay on. If he was doing well, he deserves to earn the experience of seeing out a game at this level.

Bench players need to offer something different to the players they replace, much like the Boss/ Reddan combination at Leinster, or the van der Merwe/ Healy combination. Boss brings the physicality around the rucks that Leinster need, while Reddan brings pace and tempo to the Leinster backline. This system actually gets the best out of both players. Why can't it work at an international level?


7. Introducing Young Players

One good thing that the injuries did for Ireland in the long term was to force Kidney to blood talent in the form of Ian Madigan, Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall.

Kidney has gone from having the confidence to through in youngsters into the deep end, to not selecting them as they are untried at this level. But how are they going to get the experience without playing?

Players like Ian Madigan and Luke Marshall were ready to be challenged at a higher level, and only got the call up due to injuries. But there are others like Tommy O'Donnell who has had a great season, and is still uncapped.



In conclusion, are Ireland as good as I think they are? The answer is very frustrating and annoying. They are irritatingly inconsistent, leading me to say no. Performances like the World Cup game against Australia, the second test against New Zealand, the destruction's of Argentina, England and Wales lead us to think that Ireland are world beaters. A look at the world rankings suggests anyone from 2-10 can beat each other on their day. Which seems to be reflected in Ireland's results over the last number of years, where only New Zealand beat us by any big score. Meaning that luck or chances could see Ireland as "nearly" unbeaten in the same period if everything had gone for us.

Perhaps this is why they are so frustrating to follow. Ireland needs more consistency. We need to stop giving away stupid penalties. We need to stop getting carried away with victories, and stop getting so depressed about losses. We need to start playing for 80 minutes.

We have the players, we have the technical coaches in place and we have the talent coming through. We just need a bit more thought from everyone involved, and a little more cohesion. That process starts now.

New Super Rugby Fantasy League


With the tension of the regular league reaching new levels every week, I thought I'd add a new head to head league for those who missed out due to 6 Nations commitments.

Code is 9274-8010

Do you guys want the Australian commentators in it?

I would appreciate a big push to try and recruit people. Thanks and good luck

View the rules here

Reviews:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6

Monday 25 March 2013

Declan Kidney's reign

If you were to sum up Declan Kidney's reign as Ireland coach in two words, they are the two I would choose. I started to write this piece directly after the Scotland game. One question kept coming into my mind. Are Ireland as good as I think they are? Their winning percentage under Kidney would suggest not. Neither does their World Ranking.

Every series of matchs include a terrible performance, a game against a higher ranked team where we perform but don't win, and a morale-boosting and usually backs to the wall comprehensive victory. There might be a scrape through victory against a poorer team thrown in for good measure.

Is this good enough for one of the most talented group of players ever to play for Ireland at once? We have had the remains of the "Golden Generation" in Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and Paul O'Connell, the next almost equally golden generation in Jonathan Sexton, Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney, play for us in the last 4 years, and the results haven't changed.

As a nation we have come to expect more. Too often we go from joyous elation to end of the world despair in the space of a week with this team. Only 2009 wasn't like that in Kidney's reign;

Autumn 2008

Canada W 53-12 (Debut -Keith Earls)
New Zealand L 3-22
Argentina W 18-9 (Debut- Donnacha Ryan)

Ireland were in a bad way after not threatening New Zealand at all and losing 22-3. They were in serious threat of dropping to the third tier and missing out on the 2nd band of seeds for the RWC draw later that year. Then the morale boosting victory over Argentina got Ireland into the 2nd seeds into the RWC, and they went on to win the grandslam in 2009.

Six Nations 2009, seems to be an exception rather than a habit. This campaign was won on strong periods just after half time where Ireland outscored the opposition. Tom Court also made his debut in this campaign. Other players like Stephen Ferris were recalled and became fixtures in the squad.

The Summer 2009 wasn't notable for anything other than debuts for Darren Cave, Ian Dowling, Ian Keatley, John Muldoon, Ian Whitten, Ryan Caldwell, Mike Ross and Denis Hurley.

The tour shows that Kidney was at least trying to involve players in the squad, but from the names mentioned, only Mike Ross is still fully trusted by Kidney. Cave, Keatley and Muldoon are just about hanging on for chances to be in an Ireland squad again.

Autumn 2009

Australia D 20-20 (Debut - Cian Healy, Keith Earls started to become a fixture in the squad) Good performance, should have won but didn't.
Fiji W 41-6 (Debuts - Jonathan Sexton, Sean O'Brien, Sean Cronin)
South Africa W 15-10 Uplifting win

Autumn 09 showcased a performance against Australia that we should have won, but didn't (20-20), and two morale boosting victories against Fiji and South Africa. This was incidentally, the series where Kidney seemed to introduce the most players freely into the side, with Keith Earls and Jonathan Sexton coming in.

Six Nations 2010

Italy W 29-11 (Debut Kevin McLaughlin)
France L 10-33
England W 20-16 scrape through win - edit
Wales W 27-12  Uplifting win
Scotland L 20-23 Bad loss

Six Nation 2010 brought a comfortable win against Italy(29-11), a poor defeat to France (33-10), a scrape past (16-20) and a very good performance against Wales(27-12). This set us up for a tilt at the triple crown against Scotland, who beat us in the last game at Croke Park (23-20). This was the start of the demise of the Irish confidences, and the inability to play consistently. There was no way we should have lost this.

Summer 2010

Barbarians L 23-29
New Zealand L 28-66 (Debuts - Dan Tuohy, John Fogarty)
New Zealand Maori L 28-31
Australia L 15-22 (Debuts - Chris Henry, Damien Varley, Rhys Ruddock)

Summer 2010 saw Jamie Heaslip get sent off for assaulting Richie McCaw as New Zealand trounced us 66-28. This followed a loss to the Barbarians and then a defeat to the New Zealand Maori. The tour culminated in a 22-15 loss to Australia.

Autumn 2010

South Africa L 21-23 should have won but didn't
Samoa W 20-10 (Debut Devin Toner) unimpressive victory
New Zealand L 18-38 dispiriting loss

The malaise continued into the Autumn internationals with a 21-23 loss to South Africa in a game we should have won. Ireland ended the losing streak with a less than impressive 20-10 victory over Samoa, before losing to New Zealand again 18-38.

2011 6 Nations

Italy W 13-11 (Debut Fergus McFadden) unimpressive victory
France L 22-25 should have won but didn't
Scotland W 21-18 unimpressive victory
Wales L 13-19 should have won but didnt
England W 24-8 Uplifting victory

As they do in every year, Ireland entered the 6 Nations in positive frame of mind. Leinster and Ulster had qualified for the Heineken Cup quarters in fine form, and the view was that this could be a repeat of 2009's grand slam. There was a rude awakening in the first game against Italy, where the a drop goal from Ronan O'Gara prevented Italy from earning a well-deserved first victory against the Irish.
This was followed by a disappointing loss to France (23-25), where they out-scored the visitors by 3 tries to 1. Indiscipline, which has become a feature of this team, started to become extremely costly with Parra punishing all indiscretions. The following week saw another ill-disciplined performance which nearly let Scotland take the spoils (18-21). The lowest point of the campaign came in the Millenium stadium against Wales where Mike Phillips infamous try stole in for the Welsh. Despite that try, Ireland showcased another feature that was starting to creep into their game, not taking their chances. Ireland should have been a distance clear of Wales by the time Phillips wrongly won the game.
This left the destruction of England's grand slam chasing as the game where with their backs up against the wall they show us that they can perform, and stupidly lift expectations of the fans again.

World Cuip warmup games.

Notable for - debuts to Mike McCarthy, Felix Jones and Conor Murray.

Whatever about having had expectations lifted after the England game, these 4 matchs were not only 4 losses, they were 4 terrible performances which completely dampened the mood in the camp. Not much was expected of Ireland in the World Cup.

World Cup 2011

USA W 22-10
Australia W 15-6
Russia W 62-12
Italy W 36-6
Wales L 10-22

The world cup campaign started off listlessly as they struggled to overcome USA 22-10. Then with their backs against the wall again, they produced possibly the greatest performance of Kidney's reign. Which took the Aussie commentators by surprise.





Of course, this got everyone's expectations raises a huge amount. What is unusual about the next two games in Kidney's reign was that they were both very comfortable and very good performances, leading all to believe that bigger things were to come. I think we all know that didnt happen.

2012 6 Nations

Wales L 21-23
Italy W 42-10 (Debut Peter O'Mahony)
France D 17-17
Scotland W 32-14
England L 9-30

For the second year in a row, and the third time running, the Irish lost to the Welsh, and in this game in particular, Ireland should have been out of sight. However, a last minute kick won it for Wales. Ireland then managed to beat Italy quite comfortably, but expectations weren't raised this time. It took a much improved performance and a draw against France to get the motors behind the Irish rugby public again. A big win against Scotland (32-14) drew up hopes that they could beat England again on Paddy's Day. Alas, as Mike Ross and Tom Court will tell you, the Irish scrum was destroyed, and with it, the obsession over finding a second tighthead began.

Summer 2012

Barbarians L 28-29
New Zealand L 10-42 (Debut Declan Fitzpatrick, Simon Zebo, Ronan Loughney)
New Zealand L 19-22
New Zealand L 0- 60

Ireland once again lost to the Barbarians, which became a habit, but didn't seem to dampen moods at all.
3 Tests against New Zealand in New Zealand are always going to be tough, but the general feeling was that this, eventually, could be the time to beat New Zealand on their own patch. After doing fine in the 1st test yet losing 42-10.
The second test equated to the backs against the wall performance that raises hope exponentially amongst supporters. But unfortunately as it's against New Zealand, they weren't able to cross the finish line. The third test was the now predictable collapse and horrific performance that was becoming a feature of Ireland's rugby.

November 2012

South Africa L 12-16 (Debut - Richardt Strauss, Michael Bent, Iain Henderson, Dave Kilcoyne)
Fiji W 53-0 *uncapped
Argentina W 46-24 (Debut Craig Gilroy)

A narrow loss to South Africa, which they should have won, kicked off the November internationals. This time there was plenty of indiscipline and a new feature, a lack of scoring in the second half.
A Fiji team was dispatched by the youngsters which seem to rejuvenate the full squad, with Gilroy breathing fresh air into the camp that produced the due backs against the wall performance that lifts spirits to extraordinary levels. A comprehensive victory against Argentina kept the wolves off Kidney's back for the time being.

Six Nations 2013

Wales W 30-22
England L 6-12
Scotland L 8-12 (Debut Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall)
France D 13-13 (Debut Ian Madigan)
Italy L 15-22

Bringing us nicely to this 6 Nations, where we've already had the "uplifting" performance against Wales, the close loss to England, the collapse against Scotland, and the should have won against France.
Italy fully deserved their victory meaning that Ireland had more shockers than usual.

Are Ireland really as good as I think they are?

Fantasy Super Rugby Review Round 6

Chiefs 19-7 Highlanders

The Highlanders woes continue. It was a much improved performance from them, with Brad Thorn especially demonstrating that age is just a number.

However, in Sam Cane, the Chiefs have someone who turns the ball over for fun.

Kade Poki was the one player from this match to make the dream team, continuing on from an impressive personal start to the season. Teaches me to leave him on the bench.

Crusaders 55-20 Southern Kings

The Crusaders are back. Dan the man is back. This was irresistible from the boys from Canterbury. The biggest compliment I can give them is that the Kings didn't look bad in this game yet still lost by 35 points. The Whitelock family bagged 4 tries, unfortunately for me none went to Sam, who was an incoming transfer to the Ball Handling Hookers XV.

Crusaders will be up against it on their tour with both Dan Carter and Kieran Read missing. It will be interesting to see if this derails them

Read, George Whitelock and Willi Heinz made the dream team from game.

Reds 23- 18 Bulls

Speaking of those back in their mojo, Will Genia is a magician. He demonstrated why he is the best 9 in the world by rejuvenating a struggling Reds team and Cooper looks a different player outside him. There was a huge noticeable dropoff in play when Genia came off. He could be the difference this summer when the Lions come to visit.

Cooper and Jono Lance, despite a debatable yellow card, are the two players from this game to make the dream team.



Western Force 10- 19 Cheetahs

The Cheetahs completed a very impressive tour with their 3rd win of 4. They made hard work of it before Willie Le Roux touched down to make the game safe as the Force searched for a win in their new home.

Sidenote; Why do the Force, who are a new team, feel the need to move already? Lack of planning it seems when they became a new team only a few years ago?

Cheetah's lock Ludick de Jager was good enough to make the dream team, but not good enough to make my starting XV.

Sharks 64- 7 Rebels

The Rebels woes continue. It wasn't good enough that they lose by a record score, but Kurtley Beale has to act like a fool and start attacking teammates. There seems to be a problem with the culture in Melbourne.

Sharks players own the dream team with Tendai Mtwarira, Wiehann Herbst, Kyle Cooper, Keegan Daniel, Meyer Bosman and Louis Ludik dominating the dream team.

Stormers 35- 22 Brumbies

There are now no unbeaten teams in this years competition. Stormers put in a great performance to beat the Brumbies on Saturday despite George Smith showing he's still got it.

Andries Bekker redeems some of my ridiculous bench policies and makes it as the highest scoring 2nd row of this round.

Waratahs 30 -27 Blues

Waratahs put in an impressive second half performance by coming from behind to beat an impressive Blues. The Blues have already shown huge improvement from last year with some future All Blacks impressing. None more so than Charles Piatau who bagged himself a try.

Drew Mitchell responded to being dropped the week before brilliantly by scoring a wonderful try and making the dream team as the highest scoring outside back of the week.

SuperIrish

Peter Corley had the better of this week's SuperIrish with 350 points. This brings Peter above Murray Kinsella and knocking on the door of the top 4. That gap is closing each week, and soon it seems it will be a top 7. Although bottom two have been making up the ground in recent weeks.

Even less separates 1st from 4th this week, with only 30 points the difference. To put it into context, 30 points from any player in any position other than second row wouldn't have been enough to make the dream team this week. That's how small a gap it is.

Peter Corley also topped the Twittersphere with the FoxSports commentators. The Aussie's still occupy positions 1-4, but the Irish are catching up everywhere. All to play for still in all competitions.

Cillian Hogan is the man to catch.

The race is heating up, and a head to head league will be starting soon, tell all your friends. Post about it coming in the next few days.

Update on Garbhan Hogan after last week's injury. He posted this minging picture of his ankle.

Sunday 24 March 2013

Lions watch: End of 6 Nations



Now is the time of year where a lot of people's Lions XV and squads start coming out. I'm actually surprised with the amount of how different some squads are to my views, so here's mine.

I'm going to say who I think are certain tourists, and then come up with logical players to tour outside of that. In my view, playing styles and combinations need to be considered as well as form and quality in picking a touring squad. Not everyone is going to agree with my choices, so as long as I have a logical conclusion, I'm happy.

First, here is the squad I would have picked without any form or injuries back in January. This isn't logical, just based solely on preference, and will give you an idea of my thinking.

15 Kearney, Halfpenny, Foden
Wingers; Bowe, Maitland, North, Fitzgerald
Centres; O'Driscoll, Davies, Roberts, D'Arcy
10s; Sexton, Priestland, Biggar
9; Phillips, Care, Laidlaw
1. Healy, Jenkins, Grant
2, Best, Strauss, Ford
3, Cole, Jones, Murray
2nd Row; O'Connell, AW Jones, Gray, Lawes
6, Ferris, Lydiate, O'Brien
7, Warburton, Tipuric,
8. Heaslip, Faletau

Certain to tour;
15. Halfpenny
14. Cuthbert
12. Roberts
11. North
10. Farrell
9. Phillips
8. Faletau
7. Warburton, Tipuric, Robshaw
5. Alun Wyn Jones
3. Jones, Cole
2. Best, Hibbard.
1. Healy, Jenkins

Fullback.

With Halfpenny one of the few nailed on for a text XV, there are 2 other spots in the touring squad. There were 5 players in contention before the start of the 6 nations; Kearney, Foden, Goode, Brown and Hogg.

Hogg had a fantastic 6 nations and his form was good enough for him to warrant a call up. Kearney has the experience of the 2009 tour, and was talked about for a test definite 12 months ago. His 6 nations wasn't the best, but was it bad enough for him to miss out on the tour altogether. Goode was solid this 6 nations without being spectular. His ability to play at 10 or 12 will help him, but I think he is fighting a losing battle. Brown had a good 6 nations too, but doesn't dominate at international level like he does with Quins. Perhaps a bit too soon for him.

Kearney will undoubtedly be in better form in 3 months time, and Australia are likely to kick more ball to him than any of the teams in the 6 nations did. His experience and assuredness under the high ball should let him retain a tour spot.

Wingers

With North and Cuthbert taking up two spots, I have 2 spots left. Cuthbert's place is there if he recovers from a hamstring injury in time. Other injured players who are returning soon include Bowe and Zebo who were both namechecked by Gatland as injured players in contention. Zebo provides something different with some magic and has the ability to produce something out of nothing which would be a good weapon to have on tour. His enthuasism and personality would be a delight on tour too, so if he comes back from injury then he is in with a big chance. Likewise, Bowe is world class, was in great form before his injury and has the experience. If he can get 2 or 3 games under his belt between now and April 30th, he should also be on the plane. His injury was more serious though, so there is more doubt about him.

Chris Ashton played his way out of contention with a poor performance in the 6 nations. Craig Gilroy, Tim Visser and Sean Maitland are the only other wingers who played in the 6 nations that are in contention. Gilroy also proves a different option, Maitland has Southern Hemisphere experience and is an incredibly intelligent player. Visser is a natural finisher. Wing is one of the tightest positions. I'd have Zebo if he proves his fitness, as I think he is likely to do, and Bowe if he does, but I'm not sure he will.

In terms of balance between the wings, if Zebo doesn't make it, I'd put Gilroy as his replacement, but if Bowe fails to make it, Maitland or Visser would be his replacement, to maximise the different styles and options available to Gatland.

One possible bolter I'm surprised hasn't been mentioned is Eli Walker, who was outstanding in the Heineken Cup. His pace, and ability to dance away from defenders should have been rewarded with some gametime in the 6 Nations, and another outstanding display could force him in the reckoning as an alternative to Zebo or Gilroy.

Outside Centres



The only reason this man is not a certainty is the slightly below par performance in the last 6 Nations, but for me, not only does O'Driscoll travel, he travels as captain. I would want someone who has been on a Lion's tour before, who is a leader and who already has the respect of the other players in other nations. I believe experience on tour is important, therefore O'Driscoll is the only option. Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones and Robshaw will be valuable on field leaders too.

I would bring two outside centres, and not only did Jonathan Davies rule himself out with some shocking early displays, but Tuilagi almost definitely nailed a spot in the side, so that would be my two on tour.

Stuart Hogg is able to cover here if needed.

Inside Centres

I very nearly didn't have Roberts in here after a lacklustre start. He came good in the end, and produced a monstrous performance against England.

Besides him there aren't too many quality inside centres about. Brad Barritt is probably favourite, but to go along with my original criteria of options, I think Luke Marshall or Billy Twelvetrees as second five-eighths are realistic bolters. Twelvetrees would probably be ahead due to a little bit more experience, but all depends on the next few weeks, with this position being the most open as April 30th approaches.

Out Halves



Owen Farrell performed beyond his years, and showed an admirable calm. His goakicking was very impressive, and with a lack of alternatives, will get on the plane. It will at least pacify the English supporters. His ability to cover centre will provide very useful also.

For me, even now, provided he's nearly back from injury, it's Jonny Sexton's place on the test team to lose.

My preference is for 3 out-halves to go. But there isn't much beyond those two players. Wilkinson will not be considered, and rightly so.

If Ian Madigan plays like he did last weekend for the next few weeks he is in with a bolter possibility.

 Other non-contenders are Freddie Burns, Toby Flood, Duncan Weir, Paddy Jackson, Ruaridh Jackson.

Leaving just Dan Biggar or Rhys Priestland. Preistland is a favourite of Gatty, but Priestland isn't expected to return to training until June which would represent a stupid gamble.

Scrum Halves

Phillips obviously delighted he's got my pick
Mike Phillips finally got in the groove in the 6 Nations with a great performance against England. He is another example of a move to France gone badly.

He will definitely be on the plane, as Bayonne should be out of the Top14 at this stage. But he will need time to get properly back up to speed.

There will be 2 other 9's in the squad between Danny Care, Conor Murray, Greig Laidlaw and Ben Youngs.

I thought Laidlaw had a great tournament, and his ability to cover ten should solve some problems and get him on the plane.

I can't see both Ben Youngs and Danny Care on the tour, and Gatland would go for the incumbent in the 9 jersey, especially as Care had two howlers against Wales and Italy.

Conor Murray is at a huge disadvantage, as despite one of his best campaigns, he is more of a Mike Phillips lite at this stage, and it wouldn't make much sense to bring both and reduce the options available to you.

Loosehead Prop

Cian Healy is a certain tourist for me. And I had Gethin Jenkins down as a certain tourist after his 6 Nations finish, but with Gatland's comments during the week about France-based players I'm not so sure.

I think that'll probably rule Andrew Sheridan out and mean the Jenkins will be free, but it's far from certain.

Which is unfortunate as I think Sheridan would be useful in Australia. With the new prop rules, I think there will be 9 front row players travelling, meaning that there is space for one more loosehead prop.

Tom Court and Dave Kilcoyne did not step up in Healy's brief absence and are ruled out. Alex Corbisiero is injured and not good enough to be an automatic pick. He might have made it if it weren't for the injury.

Mako Vunipola impressed a little, but like with the scrum-halves, Gatland won't pick back up players over an incumbent, and I don't think Joe Marler impressed as much as he needed to.

Which leaves Ryan Grant. For me, Grant had a good tournament, and was even better in November, where he was the only Scottish player to come out with his reputation enhanced. He would be a great choice for 3rd choice loosehead prop.

Hooker

First off, I would love if Strauss toured. I think his work at the breakdown would be priceless down there, and his ball-carrying would be vital. He is injured, and will be back at the start of April. He has a chance, but I'm going to assume that he won't make it.

Rory Best is the next best in terms of work at the breakdown, and the rest of Best's game means that for me, he is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition, and must travel.

There was a lot of talk about Richard Hibbard going into the 6 Nations, but he didn't deliver until the end. And with a lack of alternatives, he's probably guaranteed a spot too.

Which leaves one spot. Which is almost definitely going to Tom Youngs. I must admit, I'm not sure what the fuss is about Youngs. He's done ok, but he's not ripping trees out of the ground. He'll be a good player in a year or two, but not as good as the English are making him out to be.

Ross Ford did ok this 6 Nations and I think should be in with a shout. But probably not.

Tighthead Prop

Two of the most certain names on the tour are Adam Jones and Dan Cole. Both are among the best in the world in this position.

Mike Ross, Euan Murray and Geoff Cross are the other contenders. There is no match on a Sunday for the Lions, so that won't count against Murray this time, and I think he's coming into some good form and is the best of these 3.

Second Row.


Paul O'Connell made his return to Munster at the weekend, scoring a try and being excellent and lasting 80 minutes. I would wrap him in cotton wool from here until the Lions as he is a text starter.

O'Connell has that persona that lifts everyone around him, demands 110% from everyone and is respected. He is a leader and a serious contender for captain.

Alun Wyn Jones is another back from injury and was peerless against England. He also travels and probably starts for me.

Nathan Hines might be put off by Gatland's comments, but he's left his club in the Top 14 before to play for the Lions, and this is against his home country so he might.

Jim Hamilton tore up lineouts in the 6 Nations, and completely outshone his more vaunted partner Richie Gray, who was terrible.

Geoff Parling was the better of an impressive English 2nd row combination, and Donnacha Ryan is in with a shout as he can cover 6, but I'd have O'Connell, Jones, Parling, Hamilton and Hines. Hines can cover 6, but with his availability in question then Ryan gets in.

Openside Flanker

I'll do openside flanker first, as it'll be easier with selection.

Not really much to say here. It'll have to be a genuine openside.

Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton. Both awesome in the last game, with Tipuric especially showing great form for a while now. Both travel as the 2 7's. The only genuine openside's available, and both are in form. Both to travel. Might see point play together at some point.

Blindside Flanker
Chris Robshaw was outstanding in the 6 Nations, and probably deserves to go as a blindside, with O'Brien next in line. Kelly Brown will be unlucky and probably miss out. Dan Lydiate is returning from injury and is one of the few who could just walk into the tour if he proves his fitness.

Tom Wood is unlucky, but he is behind each player mentioned.






No 8

Toby Faletau was the 3rd best 8 on display in the 6 Nations. Unfortunately the first 2 were Louis Picamoles and Sergio Parisse.

Jamie Heaslip had a poor tournament, and needs a strong return with Leinster to get back in the reckoning. His reputation means he'll be there or thereabouts.

Johnnie Beattie did well, but he could be involved in the Top 14 for Montpeiller, thus not helping his chances.

Ben Morgan is another contender, but he didn't play much through injury and hasn't impressed much.

One left wing bolter would be Gareth Delve, who is playing with Melbourne Rebels, would know a lot about the Australians and would be used to the pitches and style of play. The English would also be calling for Billy Vunipola as a bolter, but it would be unlikely.

My Squad (37) ;

Halfpenny, Kearney, Hogg
North, Cuthbert, Zebo, Maitland
O'Driscoll, Tuilagi
Roberts, Marshall
Sexton, Farrell, Biggar
Phillips, Laidlaw, Youngs
Healy, Jenkins, Grant
Best, Hibbard, Youngs
Jones, Cole, Murray
O'Connell, Jones, Hamilton, Parling, Hines
O'Brien, Robshaw
Warburton, Tipuric,
Faletau, Heaslip

Thursday 21 March 2013

Irish Rugby: Is there anyone left?



With a huge number of injuries sustained to the Irish team, where does that leave the Irish provinces with Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup games to come in the near future.

Munster; likely XV
1. Kilcoyne.
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. O'Callaghan
5. Ryan
6. Stander
7. O'Donnell
8. O'Mahony
9. Murray
10. Keatley
11. Murphy
12. Downey
13. Lualua
14. Howlett
15. O'Dea

Munster seem to be the least affected by the injuries that Ireland have sustained. In the pack, only Donnacha Ryan has a knock, but he should be back by the time Harlequins host them. I'm assuming Paul O'Connell and Simon Zebo won't be back in time. Keith Earls is the only long term casualty. I'm also assuming that Felix Jones is injured, or if he's not, he will be.

Ulster's remaining XV
1. Court
2. Best
3. Afoa
4. Muller
5. Tuohy
6. Henderson
7. Diack
8. Williams
9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Trimble
12. Olding
13. Cave
14. Gilroy
15. Payne

Ulster have had a lot of injuries, and that was before the Irish casualties. Muller, Williams and Payne are back soon, but Henderson, Marshall, Bowe and Ferris are all out. They will take it easy with Marshall, and he'll probably be injured again by the time they travel to Saracens.

Leinster's remaining XV
1. Healy
2. Cronin
3. Ross
4. Cullen
5. Roux
6. McLaughlin
7. O'Brien.
8. Heaslip
9. Boss
10. Madigan
11. Nacewa
12. D'Arcy
13. O'Malley
14. Kearney
15. Kearney

Leinster are by far the hardest hit by the Irish injuries. Strauss was already injured beforehand, and he will not be back in time. Quinn Roux has started his recovery, and he is one player I am very excited to see. The back row haven't been affected and seem extremely strong with strong back up.

It's the backline where Leinster are decimated, with Reddan, Sexton, D'Arcy, O'Driscoll and Fitzgerald all either ruled out or in D'Arcy's case, in doubt.

Can the provinces still get results? With 3 away games against strong London opposition, all wouldn't have been guaranteed to win at full strength. I still think Ulster and Leinster should have enough about them to get the job done.

On to Dublin.

Super Rugby Teams Round 6

Round 6 BYE : Hurricanes

Friday 22nd March:

Waikato Chiefs vs Otago Highlanders 6.35

The big news coming from the Chiefs is the potential return of Richard Kahui from injury from the bench. He will be a big player for them in their last season, and his return is likely to give the squad a boost.

The Highlanders should be boosted by the return of All Black Ma'a Nonu, who will make his 2nd appearance for the franchise. The Highlanders will be hoping that Nonu's size advantage over the Chiefs midfield will help them get their season back on track.

Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (c), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Romana Graham/Fritz Lee, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 August Pulu, 21 Charlie Ngatai, 22 Richard Kahui/Patrick Osborne.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn (c), 3 Chris King, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Wheeler, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Frae Wilson, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Phil Burleigh.

Saturday 23rd March

Canterbury Crusaders vs Southern Kings 6.35



The big team news from the Crusaders is the return of troubled star Zac Guildford. It'll be interested to see how he does in the coming weeks in his return from alcohol problems.

The Kings have problems of their own as they name their 4th captain, while they are in trouble with SARU over the fielding off too many foreign players.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg. 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano , 3 Owen Franks 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Zac Guildford.

Southern Kings: 15 George Whitehead, 11 Marcello Sampson, 13 Ronnie Cooke, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Cornell du Preez, 5 David Bulbring, 4 Daniel Adongo, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Schalk Ferreira (captain).
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jaco Engels, 18 Rynier Bernardo, 19 Devin Oosthuizen, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Waylon Murray, 22 Elric van Vuuren.

Queensland Reds vs Blue Bulls 8.40


Reds welcome back inspirational captain James Horwill, who will be a key figure in the coming weeks for Reds and the Wallabies. Genia is continuing his comeback too, and Digby Ioane is back after an disciplinary issue. 19 year old Chris Feauai-Sautia has the potential to excite on the other wing

For the Bulls, a number of playrs have been rested after last weeks hammering at the hands of the Crusaders. Morne Steyn, Juandre Kruger and Jacques Potgieter drop to the bench, with Francois Hougaard not fully recovered from a minor injury.

Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Ed O'Donoghue, 3 James Slipper, 2 James Hanson, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Albert Anae, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Curtis Browning, 20 Nigel Ah Wong, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Mike Harris.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Louis Fouché, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Grant Hattingh, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Morné Mellet.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Juandré Kruger, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Morné Steyn, 22 Jan Serfontein.

Western Force vs Free State Cheetahs 10.45

Leinster eyes might have a bit more interest on developments in Perth over the showing of Willie Le Roux after he was linked with being the man to replace Isa Nacewa. Riaan Smit will have the task of taking over from injured Johan Goosen, who is out for the season.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Ligtoring Landman, 19 Boom Prinsloo, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Ryno Benjamin.

Natal Sharks vs Melbourne Rebels 15.05

The news from the Sharks is the "dropping/ resting" of Frans Steyn for the visit of the Rebels.

Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Jandre Marais, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Riaan Viljoen.

Rebels: 15 Angus Roberts, 14 Jason Woodward, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (c), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Cadeyrn Neville, 19 Jordy Reid, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Richard Kingi.


DSL Stormers vs ACT Brumbies 17:10

Joe Pietersen keeps his place after seeing off the challenge of Jaco Taute, and Elton Jantjies is also retained, and is beginning to show some form.

The Brumbies are aiming to keep their 100% record and are on course for their best ever start. Two changes to their line-up sees Prior in for Nic White, who is rested, and Palmer is getting some match time to let Alexander rest.

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Gerhard van den Heever, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage , 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Damian de Allende, Jaco Taute.

Brumbies: 15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Joseph Tomane, 10. Matt Toomua, 9. Ian Prior, 8. Fotu Auelua, 7. George Smith, 6. Ben Mowen (capt), 5. Sam Carter, 4. Peter Kimlin, 3. Dan Palmer, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio.
Reserves: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Scott Fardy, 19. Colby Faingaa, 20. Mark Swanepoel, 21. Robbie Coleman, 22. Clyde Rathbone
.


Sunday 24th March

NSW Waratahs vs Auckland Blues 5:05

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Pat McCutcheon, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (capt), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Mitchell Chapman, 19 Jed Holloway, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Ben Volavola, 22 Tom Kingston.

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Francis Saili, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (capt), 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tom McCartney.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Angus Ta'avao, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Brendon O'Connor, 20 Jamison Gibson-Park, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Jackson Willison.