Monday 12 August 2013

Rugby Championship Preview

Here it is, the competition featuring the best 3 sides in the world, and a vastly improving Argentina is upon us again, and this year's edition is set to continue the excitement of last year's tournament. Argentina are already seeing the benefits of top quality opposition year in year out, and have named a stronger squad this year in the hope of finally getting a win they deserved last time out.

A major thing to look out for is how the packs adapt to the new experimental scrum laws, which adopt a pre bind before the hit.

from thepundits.co.za

New Zealand

Head coach Steve Hansen's selection is telling. The omission of Piri Weepu, who was the saviour in the World Cup, was retained despite his poor form last year, and had redeemed himself this year is huge. The accompanying reason not only tells of how New Zealand plan to dominate teams, but hints at a forward thinking team destined to entertain while conquering the world.

Ben Smith from Radiosport.co.nz

Those familar with Super Rugby will be salivating at the prospect of Ben Smith getting quality service, and we saw a glimpse of the devastation he can cause when playing against France in June.

In other squad news, an upcoming move to France sees Rene Ranger sit out, which is hugely dissapointing, just as he was fulfilling his enormous potential, while Ryan Crotty is rewarded for his fine end of season form at the expense of Francis Saili, who has an ankle strain.

I found the New Zealand squad a tad unbalanced, especially in the backs, where there is only 3 established centres, two recognised wingers, but 3 scrumhalves, 3 outhalves and 3 fullbacks.

Dane Coles(26) will hope to establish himself as New Zealand's first choice hooker, with both Mealamu (34) and Hore (34) approaching the end of their careers. Although I suspect that this year's competition is just a little bit too soon for Rhys Marshall (20).

The second row battle will be fierce, and an indicator for years to come as all of Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano are young (22,24,27), had great seasons and are world class.

The balance of the back row will be interesting, with Richie McCaw only just back, while Sam Cane is the heir apparent, although he's been out of sorts this season. Kieran Read is world class from No.8, while Liam Messam covers 8, and will be finally hoping to convert his outstanding Super Rugby form to the international stage, with Steven Luatua and Jerome Kaino (from much further back) lurking in the background.

Aaron Smith (24) , TJ Peranara (21) and Tawera Kerr-Barlow (22) are set to battle for the 9 jersey for the next decade. These three players are extremely talented and aside from Australia, would nearly walk into any side in the world. Each of the three are New Zealand quality, they are just extremely unfortunate that they are born into the same era as each other.

Speaking of unlucky, Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett are two excellent outhalves, who will forever be unfavourably compared to a one in a few generations Dan Carter. While neither will ever reach Carter's heights, it may be found that one of the two will be crowned second best outhalf in the world next year when Carter decides to have a well-earned rest.

Imagine a back three that included Hosea Gear, Charles Piutau and Zac Guildford. A salivating and frightening prospect right? Now think that all of those three will not be in the New Zealand XV, with Gear who scored 8 tries this season, and Guildford not even in the squad, such is the strength in depth of this side.

Dagg is coming into magical form, Smith has been magical for over a year now, and Julian Savea is a machine on the left wing. Omnious signs for New Zealand, who should win this competition at a canter. I'd expect a slip up or two away to Australia and/or South Africa, but no more. #BringBackBlesidoe will have to wait another year.

Key Player: Kieran Read
One to Watch: Ben Smith /Steven Luatua

Squad:

Hookers: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu;
Looseheads: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock;
Tightheads: Charlie Faumuina, Owen Franks;
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock;
Blindside: Steven Luatua, Liam Messam
Openside: Sam Cane, Richie McCaw (captain);
Number 8: Kieran Read;
Scrumhalves: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith;
Outhalves: Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden;
Inside Centres: Ma'a Nonu, Ryan Crotty;
Outside Centre: Conrad Smith
Winger: Julian Savea;
Fullbacks: Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, , Ben Smith .

Australia

In the midst of an upheaval, you would be forgiven for discounting Australia's prospects completely.

Ewen McKenzie's first squad, while remaining a tad bias and loyal to his Reds players, was also an indicator of his thoughts. McKenzie is known for giving youth it's chance, and this can only benefit Australia in the long run. Benn Robinson's surprise omission was the biggest shock, meaning that one of James Slipper or Ben Alexander will move from the tighthead side, although Scott Sio's impressive season could be rewarded with a start for the 21 year old. In any case, being amongst the squad, and in the 23 will be huge experience for Sio.

Polatu Nau's injury is beneficial to the Wallabies, as Stephen Moore is a world class hooker who was sometimes inexplicably overlooked for TPN under Deans.

Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas will battle it out for the second lock spot beside captain James Horwill, while Hugh McMenamin and Scott Fardy are most likely competing with each other over a potential second row/ blindside bench cover spot.

The humongous and fascinating tussle between Liam Gill and Michael Hooper starts here, with Hooper somehow winning Australian Super Player of the Year despite (in my opinion, being the 3rd or 4th best performing openside in Australia this season). Not to see he's not an outstanding player, just that Australia have an embarrassment of top quality opensides at their disposal.

Jake Schatz will provide cover for Ben Mowen to kick on from an impressive debut series against the Lions. Jake White has done wonders for developing Mowen in his short time at the Brumbies.

An interesting point of note is the confirmation that Nic White has moved ahead of Nick Phipps in the fight for Will Genia's deputy. It will be interesting to see if he gets any gametime at all, as coachs of Genia are inclined to give him 80 minutes every week.

Quade Cooper is vital to Australia's fortunes. from theguardian.co.uk  
Photograph: Rob Griffith/AP
Quade Cooper will be vital to Australia's fortunes. If he performs well, Australia have the potential to push New Zealand for the title, and if he doesn't, Australia could be nervously looking over their shoulders at bottom spot. The inclusion of Bernard Foley and Matt Toomua should hopefully end the failed experiments of putting James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale at the pivotal position of outhalf, of which neither are capable.

Beale is rested, which is a great move, as rugby needs a clear minded Kurtley Beale to weave his magic. This leaves one of O'Connor (hopefully not), Jesse Mogg or Israel Folau at fullback. Given that the named wingers are Joe Tomane, it's likely one of, if not both, Folau and O'Connor are named on the wing, with Mogg at 15.

This leaves the continued partnership of Lealiifano and Ashley Cooper in the centre.

On paper it's an exciting team, almost their strongest save for a few injuries to key players like Ioane and Higginbotham, but this Australia team should at least finish second.

Key Player: Will Genia, Quade Cooper (for reasons mentioned above)
One to Watch: The starting fullback, whomever it may be.

Squad:

Loosehead: Sio, (Slipper/Alexander)
Tighthead: Alexander, Slipper, Kepu
Hooker: Moore, Fainga'a, Anae
Lock: Horwill, Simmons, Douglas,
Blindside, McCalman, Fardy, McMenamin,
Openside: Gill, Hooper
8: Mowen, Schatz;
Scrumhalf: Genia, White,
Outhalf: Cooper, Toomua, Foley
Inside Centre: Leali'ifano, O'Connor
Outside Centre: Ashley-Cooper, Kuridrani,
Wingers: Tomane, Cummins,
Fullbacks: Folau, Mogg

South Africa

If it hasn't been made clear already, I don't fancy South Africa's chances. They may be 2nd in the world, but with a  huge number of their players leaving, a lot more injured, and their proven Super Rugby teams floundering this year, this could be a difficult year for them.

The Springbok pack, with the loose forwards in particular don't look as strong as they could or should be. The continued absence of Heinrich Brussouw is mystifying, and the exclusion of the 4 top performing loose forwards in South Africa namely Lappies Labuschagne, Philip van der Walt, Wimpie van der Walt and Brussouw borders on the insane. Meyer has pinned his selection to his favourites like Willem Alberts, much like our own Declan Kidney used to do.

The options at loosehead look promising, but it's a cause for concern should Jannie du Plessis get injured, given that Coenie Oosthuizen, while outstanding in the loose, has had limited exposure in the tight side of the scrum.

Three exciting selections in the backline reward Jan Serfontein and JJ Engelbrecht for fine seasons, even if Robert Ebersohn and Johann Sadie could be forgiven for feeling a little hard done by.

photo Gallo images
But to me, the most exciting selection is that of my favourite player, Willie le Roux. A winger who plays at first receiver, le Roux is in my opinion, the most exciting player in the world, and would be worth watching South Africa alone. Interesting to see how he does against the organised defense of New Zealand.

A final point of note is the inclusion of Fourie du Preez, a former holder of the tag "world's best scrumhalf". With Ruan Pienaar and Jano Vermaak performing well, it'll be intriguing to see if du Preez has an impact like George Smith on his return from Japan, or one like Rocky Elsom.

Key Player: Whoever is selected at outhalf.
One to watch: Willie le Roux / Coenie Oosthuizen

Squad:

Looseheads:  Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Gurthrö Steenkamp
Tighthead: Jannie du Plessis;
Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Adriaan Strauss
Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Franco van der Merwe
Blindside: Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Siya Kolisi;
Openside: Francois Louw
8: Duane Vermeulen
Scrum-halves: Fourie du Preez (SA Tests only), Ruan Pienaar, Jano Vermaak Piet van Zyl (Overseas Tests)
Fly-halves: Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn
Inside Centres:  Jean de Villiers (c), Jan Serfontein
Outside Centres: Juan de Jongh,, JJ Engelbrecht,
Wingers: Bjorn Basson, Bryan Habana, Willie le RouxFullbacks: Zane Kirchner;

Argentina

Argentina come into this year's competition buoyed by impressive results following last year's competition, and the realisation that this could be the year where they finally could secure some wins, after pushing South Africa and Australia all the way.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe from espn.co.uk
This is one of the strongest Argentina squads in a long time, and they will be hoping to give Felipe Contepomi a perfect sendoff. Hernandez, Lobbe and Albacete will be central to their fortunes, and home shocks are always on the cards.

The world discovered how potent their backs are, with Imhoff in particular, impressing against Wales last November.

Their current world ranking of 10th is deceptive, and with impressive showing from their youngsters in the JWC in the last number of years, Argentina will soon be a force to be reckoned with at this level. In fact, this 26 man squad features two 20 year olds, back rower Pablo Matera, and 130 kg prop Matias Diaz.


Key Player: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe
One to watch: Pablo Matera

Full-backs: Juan Martín Hernández, Joaquín Tuculet
Wings: Horacio Agulla, Lucas González Amorosino, Gonzalo Camacho, Juan Imhoff
Centres: Marcelo Bosch, Felipe Contepomi, Santiago Fernández
Fly-half: Nicolás Sánchez
Scrum-halves: Tomás Cubelli, Martín Landajo
Back-row: Juan Fernández Lobbe, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Pablo Matera, Leonardo Senatore
Second-row: Patricio Albacete, Manuel Carizza, Julio Farías Cabello, Mariano Galarza
Props: Marcos Ayerza, Matías Díaz, Juan Figallo, Nahuel Lobo
Hookers: Agustín Creevy, Eusebio Guiñazú

FANTASY:

Get involved in the best way to Follow Rugby, in the fairest possible  fantasy system around.

Same as the Super Rugby fantasy, which was a big success, with a number of high scores, and the final result decided on the tackle count.

This is will be a short competition, with Rugby Championship lasts only a few weeks.

Rules:
Playing 1 - 60 minutes1
Props that play more than 60 minutes4
Hookers, locks and backrowers that play more than 61 minutes3
All other positions playing more than 61 minutes2
For each try scored by a prop or hooker15
For each try scored by a lock or backrower12
For each try scored by a scrum-half, fly-half, centre or outside back10
For each try assist5
For each try save5
For each conversion2
For each conversion miss-1
For each penalty goal3
For each penalty miss-1
For each drop goal3
For each drop goal miss-1
Yellow card-5
Red card-15
For each run1
For each tackle bust2
For each offload1
For each linebreak5
For each linebreak creates3
For each error-3
For each tackle made by a prop or hooker2
For each tackle made by all other positions1
For each tackle miss-2
For each lineout take on own throw1
For each lineout steal on opposition throw4
For each lineout error, includes not straight, throw error or jump error-3
For each tight head won, awarded to entire front row7
For each tight head lost, awarded to entire front row-3
For each pilfer4
For each turn over forced3
For each penalty - long arm-4

Classic League Code 707-3422 or click
Head to Head League Code: 707-3661 or click 

SuperBru:

For those who prefer to pick who wins and by how much, Super Bru is an easy way to do that. Join Tiptackler's league

http://www.superbru.com/rugbychampionship/pool.php?p=11100459
Pool name: SANZAR-gentina

Pool code: swansent

ITM Cup: A Beginner's Point Of View. Preview

Never heard of the ITM Cup you say? Never fear, this beginner's guide will be with you throughout the season telling you everything you need to know.

The ITM Cup is New Zealand's club tournament, and I think it's fair to say it's the world's leading club tournament in the world. It's the equivalent of Ireland's UBL championship, except that it creates a lot more attention, and their Super Rugby and international stars want to play for their club team.

ITM Cup is the competition that Ireland plucked Michael Bent from, while international squad members Francis Saili, Charles Piutau and Franka Halai were unknowns in the competition last year.

The regard that is held for the ITM Cup is huge, with Australian players signing up to play (Paul Alo-Emile, young Rebels prop) and Benji Marshall, fresh from his switch from League, eager to get some action.

Background

The ITM Cup in it's current format is entering it's 8th season, with 14 teams from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With the remaining 12 teams playing in the Heartland Championship. In 2013, the ITM Cup has 2 Divisions - the Premiership and the Championship. Each Division has seven teams in it.
Within this framework there is a unique format whereby teams will play all other teams in their own Division as well as four of the teams from the other Division. This means that over a nine week period, each team will play 10 games. This keeps up some of the long established, traditional provincial rivalries. Eg. In 2013, Auckland (North Island) will play Manawatu, North Harbour, Northland (North Island) and Otago (South Island). In fact, North Harbour, Northland and Auckland are in the North West point of the Northern Island.

Points are awarded similar to the majority of Rugby competitions, with 4 points for a win, and a bonus point system in place. As with most competitions, a 4 team playoff occurs at the end of the regular season in each division to determine a winner.

The 2013 competition sees Counties Manukau promoted to the Premiership after winning the Championship final in 2012, and Hawke's Bay relegated to the Championship. Canterbury are the holders of the Premiership.

Ranfurly Shield

The ITM Cup also features within it another arguably more prestigious trophy, the Ranfurly Shield. The Ranfurly Shield, also known as the "Log o' Wood", is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First presented to Auckland in 1902, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield. The Shield holder at the end of each season is required to accept at least seven challenges for the following year. All home games during league play, but not during knockout playoffs, in the ITM Cup are automatic challenges. The remaining shield defences must be made up of challenges from unions in the other domestic competition.The Shield is currently held by Waikato who won it from Taranaki in the 12th round of the Round Robin in the2012 ITM Cup.

The season's first Ranfurly Shield challenge will see the Northland Taniwha have the first tilt at wrestling 'the Log o' Wood' off the summer guardians, the Waikato Mooloos.

If Waikato retain their hold on the Shield they will face challenges from Northland (Week 1), Otago (Week 2), Auckland (Week 5), Wellington (Week 7) and the ultimate derby match against Taranaki, the team that handed the Shield to Waikato, in Week 9.

Premiership

Canterbury are the holders, and the hot favourites to retain their title. While other teams will be shorn of their international stars during the early parts of the competition, Canterbury will still have the likes of Joe Moody, Corey Flynn, Dominic Bird, George, Luke and Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade and Johnny McNicholl amongst others. Matt Todd was unlikely to miss on international selection, while Nasi Manu and Jordan Taufua and young wingers Belgium Tuatagaloa and Milford Keresoma are worth keeping an eye out for.

Key Player: George Whitelock
One to Watch: Jordan Taufua

Wellington are expected to be a strong challenger, who are also left relatively intact following the New Zealand squad announcement. Ardie Savea, Jeffrey Toomuga Allen, Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Charlie Ngatai, Alpati Leiua and Hosea Gear featuring for a strong team. Wellington possibly have the most balanced team, with Vito eager to make up for missing out on New Zealand selection, they could be worth a bet.

Key Player: Victor Vito
One to Watch: Lima Sopoaga

Auckland are fresh off an impressive season by the Blues, Auckland are an exciting young team that will go far. Peter Saili and Luke Braid will be vital, while they are backed up by promising youngsters Angus Ta'avo and Ofa Tu'ungafasi up front, with Simon Hickey (U-20), Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala and Lolagi Visinia expected to provide the thrust in the backline. Also featuring is Under 20 blindside flanker Joseph Edwards who made my team of the Tournament

Key Player: Luke Braid
One to Watch: Joseph Edwards

Waikato are lower down on the list of likely challengers, but have enough talent to cause teams problems. Paul Alo-Emile, Ben Tameifuna and Toby Smith will fight it out for the two prop positions, while Matt Van Leven and Jack Lam will need big performances if Waikato are to continue the success from the Chiefs. Sam Christie of the Western Force and Tim Mikkelson of NZ Sevens legendary feature in the backline, while Marty Holah and Brendon Leonard are including in the wider training squad.

Key Player: Jack Lam
One to Watch: Ben Tameifuna

Counties Manukau are another team capable of springing surprises, with Hika Elliott, Fritz Lee, Augustine Pulu, Baden Kerr, Frank Halai and Bunde Aki in their ranks. Much could depend on when Tim Nanai Williams returns from injury.

Key Player: Baden Kerr
One to Watch: Rey Lee-Lo

Taranaki should be safe from relegation in a team featuring Chris King, the promising Rhys Marshall, Kane Barrett and Jarrad Hoeata up front, with Jamison Gibson Park, Waisake Naholo, Kurt Baker (another 7s star) and Andre Taylor in the backline. They will be further boosted when Beauden Barrett comes back from internationals and James Marshall comes back from injury.

Key Player: Jarrad Hoeata
One to Watch: Rhys Marshall / Andre Taylor / Jamison Gibson Park

Bay Of Plenty will struggle this year, in a team lacking upcoming youngsters or any established talent. Everything will rest on Tanerau Latimer and Chris Noakes.

Key Player: Tanerau Latimer
One to Watch: Nathan Harris

Championship

The Championship is not without it's talent, and will be worth keeping an eye on, if not for exciting talent from this years Under 20s, then for some exciting combinations like Rene Ranger and Rupeni Caucau combining in midfield for Northland.

Here are the best of the Championship:

Southland Notable Players:
Super rugby regulars: Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Robbie Robinson
Upcoming: Taylor Adams (scrumhalf),

Northland
Super: Ranger, Caucau, Bronson Murray

Otago:
Super: Tom Donnelly, Ezra Taylor, Liam Coltman, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Buston Popoali'i
Upcoming: TJ Ioane, Michael Collins (inside centre), Fa'asiu Fuatai (Winger) , Teihorangi Walden (Centre)

North Harbour
Super: Ben Afeaki, Bryn Hall, James Parsons
Upcoming: Sione Mafileo (Lock), Jordan Manihero (Flanker)

Tasman
Super: George Stowers, Quentin McDonald, Tim Perry, Tom Marshall

Manawatu:
Super: Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Michael Fitzgerald
Upcoming: Jason Emery, Ma'afu Fia, Nic Stirzaker, Jade Te Rure (Outhalf)

Hawke's Bay
Super: Ged Robinson, Ash Dixon, Brendon O'Connor, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell
Irish: Max Lahiff
Upcoming: Telusa Veainu, Gillies Kaka, Trinity Spooner Nera

Where to watch: 
Sky Sports will have all the games live, their coverage starts on Friday at 8.35am

Superbru:
For those who find following along is better if there's something to play for, join the SuperBru pool 

http://www.superbru.com/itmcup/pool.php?p=11111186
Pool name: World In Union 

Pool code: cutenear