JWC: Ireland vs New Zealand Preview: Ireland to rue loss of goalkicker

Mike Ruddock has shuffled his team again for the final Pool game against the Baby BNZs. 

Daragh Leader's assurance from fullback coupled with the loss of Tom Daly means that Leader retains the fullback jersey, and Scannell moves to his more comforable position of inside centre. Scannell has played outhalf aswell, is a big strong player both in defense and attack, with a lovely pass off both hands. He is likely to be the goalkicker in Daly's absence too.

Rory Scholes and Steve Crosbie start their third game in 9 days, both are key men in Ruddock's side, and Scholes in particular has had a great tournament, working hard off his wing, making some important defensive interventions.

Adam Byrne's physicality is required over Sweetnam's try-scoring magic, with Sweetnam offering a plan B off the bench.

George McGuigan who was outstanding against Australia, beats off the impressive performance from Brian Byrne, while Peter Dooley beats the other Byrne twin, Ed, to the starting position. Adam Boland, who was man of the match against Australia, outstanding in the scrum and in the loose, has to settle for the bench to make way for Chris Taylor on his recovery from an injury.

Gavin Thornbury's lineout expertise is retained from Fiji, while John Donnan is recalled to the starting XV. Peadar Timmins covers blindside and second row.

Dan Leavy's impressive performances so far earns him a start at the expense of the strong Ryan Murphy of Munster. Joyce moves to 8, and van der Flier to 6 to accomodate Leavy, who is the closest thing to a classic openside to come through the Irish ranks in recent years. A strong ball carrier and huge tackler, Leavy is fantastic at the breakdown, as seen against Fiji. Still eligible for JWC next year too, and he will probably captain the team and star in the tournament.

New Zealand make 6 changes from the side that struggled to overcome Australia, with the likes of Michael Collins, who shone in the first game against Fiji returning.

Ardie Savea is their captain, who has some Super Rugby experience, earning man of the match on his Hurricanes debut against the Waratahs, and getting the upper hand against Michael Hooper, who will probably be tormenting the Lions in a few weeks. Savea is quick and strong like his older brother, and a master at the breakdown. Dan Leavy will have his hands full.

Simon Hickey was impressive against Fiji, a solid operator from outhalf, he manages the game well, and punishes any indiscipline with near-flawless goalkicking.

The Baby BNZ's centre partnership is Michael Collins, who is a big dangerman for the Irish, and Jason Emery, who is the most experienced player in the competition with 10 caps for the Highlanders.

But New Zealand's back three is where Ireland will have to be most wary of. Any loose kicks and Joe Webber, a 7s specialist who Sir Gordon Tietjens rates extremely highly and Fa'asiu Fuatai, who is very quick, will punish Ireland.

I've no doubt that Mike Ruddock will set the team up with the smartest gameplan to give Ireland the best chance of winning, but I feel that the loss of Tom Daly as a goalkicker will be huge. For Ireland to win, I think that they need to put points on the board at every opportunity, and I think that Rory Scanell isn't as good as Tom Daly to do that.

Ireland to lose, by less than the amount of missed kicks.

Ireland team to play New Zealand:

15 - Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht)
14 - Adam Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
13 - Thomas Farrell (Lansdowne/Leinster)
12 - Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster)
11 - Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
10 - Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
9 - Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
1 - Peter Dooley (Lansdowne/Leinster)
2 - George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons/Exile)
3 - Christopher Taylor (Malone/Ulster)
4 - Gavin Thornbury (UCD/Leinster)
5 - John Donnan (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
6 - Daniel Leavy (UCD/Leinster)
7 - Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
8 - Conor Joyce (Malone/Ulster)

Replacements:

16 - Edward Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
17 - Bryan Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
18 - Adam Boland (Lansdowne/Connacht)
19 - Peadar Timmins (UCD/Leinster)
20 - Ryan Murphy (Dolphin/Munster)
21 - David Shanahan (Clontarf/Leinster)
22 - Mark Roche (Lansdowne/Connacht)
23 - Darren Sweetnam (UCC/Munster)

New Zealand Team to play Ireland

1 Donald Brighouse
2 Epalahame Faiva
3 Boyd Wiggins
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
5 Christopher Vui
6 Jordan Manihera
7 Ardie Savea (C)
8 Joseph Edwards
9 Tayler Adams
10 Simon Hickey
11 Fa'asiu Fuatai
12 Michael Collins
13 Jason Emery
14 Lolagi Visinia
15 Joseph Webber

Replacements:

16 Kalafi Pongi
17 Nick Grogan
18 Scott Scrafton
19 Hadleigh May
20 Teihorangi Walden
21 Sheridan Rangihuna
22 Jade Te Rure
23 Sione Mafileo

Super Rugby Review Round 17

Brumbies 39-17 Rebels

The Brumbies shorn of their Wallabies obliterated a near full strength Rebels side missing only O'Connor, Beale and Higginbotham. Such was the shear brilliance of the Brumbies performance that they had 9 of the Dream Team players, with Colby Fainga'a getting top marks thanks to a try, 5 tackle busts and 14 tackles.

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Force 13- 28 Waratahs

The Force's decision to keep their strongest team for this game didn't work and plenty of accusations will be levelled at them. What's more impressive was the Waratahs with a hugely shallow side performing so well. Drew Mitchell at fullback had a stormer, and Peter Betham was electric on the wing.

Fantasy

Every second week it seems that the chasers close the gap, only for the leader to widen it the following week and it was more of the same, with their now being an 85 point gap at the top. With only 4 teams playing, scoring wasn't high, and no positional changes occurred.

In the head to head league, there was also no positional changes, as Cillian Hogan has a commanding 8 point lead.

Ireland - Fiji Match Review

Riding the high of the victory against Australia , Ireland Under 20s hammered Fiji 46-3 in their second game of Pool B in the JWC.

Ireland started very well, and if looked very cohesive, belying the 11 changes that Ruddock made to the lineup. Dan Leavy was peerless at the breakdown, and the Irish team seemed to turnover Fijian ball at will. The Fijians looked dangerous in attack, and after missing a kick in front of goal, had a great chance to open the scoring with a try, but Rory Scholes, who was magnificent last Wednesday, made a fantastic try saving tackle.

Darren Sweetnam scores the first try via IRB.com

From that moment, Ireland took control. David Shanahan, who was in for Luke McGrath was impressive and quick at rucks, and Crosbie was fantastic at directing play. Ireland were patient in attack, and when Daly, showing there is more to his game than placekicking, made a great break, Crosbie calmed things down and allowed Mark Roche to put the former Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam over on the right. Tom Daly was unable to add the extras, and with an earlier penalty, Ireland were 8-0 up after twenty minutes.

For the second game in a row, the Irish scrum was going well, and the Byrne twins were carrying effectively wtih Jack O'Donoghue showing up well too. Ruddock will have some fantastic selection headaches with so many of the changes performing well.

After Fiji got on the board with 3 points, Ireland showed some intent and went to the corner on a scrum penalty, before the Fijians fell foul again just in front of the posts, and Daly knocked over the penalty to go 11-3 ahead. Daly is probably the first Irish kicker ever to have placekicked while the crowd clapped encouragingly.

Daly missed another chance to extend Ireland's lead after Fiji racked up 10 penalties given away after just 30 minutes, suggesting they hadn't learned too much from conceding 4 yellows and 2 reds against New Zealand. Daly made up for this with yet another penalty after 36 minutes.

Leavy had a majestic first half, and Daly was impressive in the loose, even if a kicking return of 3 from 6 will have disappointed  him. The more patient Ireland were in attack, the more holes that appeared in the Fijians defense. Ireland were disrupting lineouts and dominating scrums, hoping for more in the second half.

Fijians lineout was harming them, and a dangerous scrum on the Fiji 22, meant Ireland had a great chance at the start of the second half. A massive scrum from Ireland, allowing first Crosbie. and then Shanahan go very close, but a knock on in the act of scoring denied them. After three huge scrums from the Irish, eventually the tighthead Chris Taylor got over to reward Ireland for their dominance.

Rory Scholes via IRB.com

From the kickoff, Rory Scholes scored a fantastic solo try thanks largely to a hugely fortunate bounce, but it was just reward for a hugely impressive tournament so far for Scholes. Getting the ball from a turnover, Scholes rounded two men on the half way, before chipping and collecting luckily and dotting the ball down.

This gave Ireland a huge amount of confidence, and another linebreak from Roche gave them great go forward ball. The tide was now with Ireland, and a vital bonus point in sight. It was soon to come, as some fantastic running lines allowed Scholes to get his second and seal the bonus point with half an hour to go.

Daragh Leader somehow managed to intercept when it seemed easier for Fiji to score a try, to keep Ireland in a commanding lead. Fiji's lineout was seriously hampering their chances, and Ireland were going over the gainline with ease. The one "negative" for Ireland was their kicking, with a number of players with poor kicks out of hand, and Daly's not so great placekicking return.

More pressure resulted in a great finish from openside Dan Leavy in the corner, who had another great game. Rory Scannell, now on for Daly, was unable to add the extras. Ruddock was now ringing the changes to keep the squad fresh. A further penalty from Scannell added more points to the total, before Sweetnam scored another try, which eclipsed Scholes's effort earlier, a great chip and chase, complete with a massive step.

As their confidence rose, their defense became more ferocious. Some great individual performances from Rory Scholes, the Byrnes and Leavy in particular, and the subs didn't let up either. The ref blow the game up early, with the score from 46-3.

This team is completely unrecognisable from some turgid displays in the 6 Nations. Two extremely encouraging performances, both collectively and individually. Credit must go to Mike Ruddock, who is doing an extremely good job.

This win puts them in with a great chance for the semi-finals, with just New Zealand to come on Thursday.

Ireland Fiji Preview JWC

After the fantastic victory over the Australians in their opening match, Mike Ruddocks troops will be looking to add to their great start and put themselves in with a good chance to qualify for the semi finals.

Ruddock makes 11 changes, with only Daly, Scholes, Crosbie and Joyce retaining their positions. However, despite the changes Ireland still look strong as a lot of those that came in have 6 Nations experience, or impressed when coming on last Wednesday.

The Byrne twins come in, in the front row, and will be encouraged by their huge scrum in the last minutes on Wednesday that confirmed the win. Thornbury was first choice in the 6 Nations, and brings his lineout expertise to the second row, and Joyce is partnered by the impressive Leavy and the promising Jack O'Donoghue at back row.

The one doubt I have is at scrumhalf, where Luke McGrath's presence might be missed, but more will fall on Crosbie's shoulders, with Daly controlling the placekicks, Leader and Scholes are two great players in the back three.

Fiji only make 3 changes from the team that was hammered against New Zealand. A number of positional changes occur, and 2 changes were enforced due to red cards. Their scrumhalf Waqa will be the placekicker.

Ruddock's men need to be disciplined and organised, as Fiji looked ragged against New Zealand, and with 2 red cards and 4 yellows, are a highly indisciplined side. The organisation of Ruddock's teams and their experience from the 6 Nations.

Ireland to win, but they aren't the type of team that will win by a lot.

JWC: Ireland v Australia Match Report

via rugby.com.au

A massive 19- 15 win for the Irish Under 20's in the JWC on Wednesday sees them get a foothold in Pool B, and sets them off to a great start.

Despite a shaky start, Ireland were first to settle, and looked dangerous with Daly and Adam Byrne to the fore, and Steve Crosbie pulling the strings. Mike Ruddock deserves a lot of credit for his work with this side. It's clear they are not full of superstars, but play an exciting brand of rugby that also gets the most out of the team. They are ferocious in defense, with a lot of defenders stationed around the ruck.

via IRB.com

Adam Byrne made the first try scoring opportunity, but his offload went to ground when there were players queuing up. Play was called back though, and Daly landed the first points of the day. The Irish players were playing well, with Adam Boland in particular giving them dominance in the scrum, and George McGuigan making a nuisance of himself at the breakdown as well. The front row really had a very good game.

Despite some aimless kicking, Ireland started to get a foothold in Australian territory through some patient buildup, and Rory Scholes in particularly, looking for work, carrying strongly, and rushing up in defense when it needed it. It was Scholes himself that scored the try that the Irish play deserved with a great run and dummy out wide. Daly nailed the conversion and Ireland were in a strong position.

Ireland continued in this vain, with some fast in your face defending, but UJ Seuteni was given the opportunity to get Australia off the mark with a penalty. With five minutes of the first half to go, Australia kicked a penalty to the corner, and were able to barrage the maul over, as the Irish defense wilted. Seuteni was unable to add the conversion, and 10-8 was how the half finished.

Ireland started the second half strongly, and didn't allow the Australians any time on the ball or to dictate terms. Rory Scholes was magnificent, instigating the choke tackle technique that the senior team have been using so well. Dan Leavy, now on for an injury to Ryan Murphy, was carrying impressively, and McGuigan was making some big hits, the Australians didn't look like they knew how to cope.

via IRB.com

Ireland decided that territory was the order of the day, with a lot more tactical kicking than in the first half. Dan Leavy showed more of his promise with a textbook turnover just as the Australians were starting to look threatening. From this, Ireland launched an attack, and the coherence in the backs made it look like they had been playing together for years, with some smart offloading and running lines.

Unfortunately, this was to be their undoing, as with ten minutes left, after superbly handling an Adam Byrne offload, Leavy's attempted offload went to ground, and Alex Northam showed a huge amount of pace to break the cover and give the Australians an undeserved lifeline. It was the only time the potently dangerous Australian backline were able to produce anything.

Tom Daly nailed a huge kick from the ten metre line that pushed Ireland out to a 4 point lead with 7 minutes to go, one that they would ultimately not surrender. This was not to be the end of the drama, as with Australian ball 5 metres out from the Irish line, Senio Toleafoa was sinbinned for foul play, almost ending any hopes they would have had. Australia were to have one more chance with a scrum just outside the Irish 22, but in a moment that sums up the game, the sub Irish front row drove the Australians off the ball and earned the penalty that confirmed a huge win for the Irish.

Next up, Fiji on Sunday, then the mighty 23 for 25 in JWC games, BNZ. It just gets harder from here.

The beauty of the Heineken Cup

via ercrugby.ie

With the draw for the Heineken Cup throwing up some of the tastiest pools in years, this should serve as a deterrent to any Anglo-French breakaway. The competition wouldn't be what it is today without the input from the Irish provinces, from Welsh regions like the Ospreys, or from improving Glasgow or Treviso. 

Those clubs are challenging the rights of the Italian and Scottish teams that automatically qualify for the Heineken Cup and who get more money per team than the English and French teams who they maintain bring all the money to the competition. All of which makes 100% sense.

However, some of their suggestions for reform are too drastic, too unfair in the other direction, and are designed to losing some of the magic of the Heineken Cup.

via bbc.co.uk

And there are things about the Heineken Cup that make it the best competition in all of sport. There are few competitions that generate a huge amount of excitement with each match day One of the main reasons for this is the way nothing is decided about qualifying from pools until every game is played.

This comes about from two reasons; 1. The top placed winner plays the 8th seed in the quarters at the home of the top seed, and so on. This ensures that even if a team has qualified from their pool, that they still put out strong teams and keep going in every game. Personally, I think this is a great idea, and should be incorporated into other competitions, like the Rugby World Cup, and other sports, like the Champions League. Think how much more exciting it would be if the Champions League had the top teams playing their best team for 6 group games and not just 4 and 2 with reserves.

The second bit of magic about the Heineken Cup is the state of second place teams in the competition. Not having a number of pools to allow for just winners, or both winners and second place, means that more teams are watching every pool. Which means fans are more interested in all games, and not just games that concern their team. Having 6 pools, with 2 second place qualifying and 3 going to the Amlin, is great for both competitions.

In any re-structuring of the competition, I believe these are key components that need to be kept.

Therefore, the proposition of reducing the competition from 24 to 20 teams will mean it won't be 6 pools of 4 anymore. Putting one of those components at risk. It could be 4 pools of 5, which means all second place qualify, which is a disaster, or 5 pools of 4. This would mean, 3 second place teams qualify, and potentially the top 3rd team qualify for the Amlin, which might be a bit much, but isn't a disaster. It's not as good as 6 pools, so my preference would be to keep 24 teams.

Qualification as it happens now is as follows (from wikipedia) :

22 places are awarded by country, with each country deciding how to allocate their allotted places:

England: six teams (selected by performance in Aviva Premiership and Anglo-Welsh Cup)
France: six teams (selected by performance in Top 14 Championship)
Ireland: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
Wales: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
Scotland: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12)
Italy: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12) 

Starting with the 2009–10 season, the remaining two places in the 24-team tournament for the following season are filled by the winners of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. If a trophy winner has already qualified for the Heineken Cup by virtue of its league position, that country will receive an extra Heineken Cup place (assuming that the country has an extra team that can take up a place; Scotland has only two top-level professional teams, as does Italy since the 2010–11 season). However, England and France are capped at seven Heineken Cup places each. If either country produces the winners of both European cups, the last place will be filled by the highest ERC-ranked club not of that nation to not have otherwise qualified. The latter rule also applies if one of Scotland's two Pro 12 teams wins a European trophy.

The problem with this is that is allows Pro 12 teams a free ride in, and means their proportion of money is heavily in their favour.

There is room for manoeuvre in this aspect. If the English and French teams got an extra team each, with potential for more, and the Pro12 got 7 teams total, with 1 from each country guaranteed and the rest from the highest place finish. Guaranteeing more of a competitive Pro 12, while still having teams from different countries, which is important.

This has 21 spots, with an extra two based on before with winners from the Heineken and Amlin Cups, and potentially pick the best team from outside these countries in an attempt to widen the rugby horizon. Which is what rugby is all about.

In conclusion, a Anglo-French competition would drastically reduce competiveness across Europe, and take away a competition that has captivated audiences since it's conception.

Lions Test Places - Part 1

Two games in, it's a good opportunity to look at test places, who has put their hand up, and those who have firmly rested on their laurels, and are just happy to be there.

Loosehead:

Not many things can be concluded with Cian Healy's injury, although Mako Vunipola has validated his place on tour, and is in contention for test consideration, most likely on the bench.

Hooker:

Hibbard went ok in Hong Kong, and Youngs hasn't had much opportunity, but Rory Best was average around the park, and two bad lineouts after the 6 Nations are a big black mark on him.

Tighthead:

There isn't much you can conclude from these games. Both Cole and Jones seemed to have the upper hand in the scrum, but neither were very prominent in the loose. Cole probably gains more, but Jones is still ahead.

Second Row:

O'Connell was magnificent in the Hong Kong game and must be nailed on. Alun Wyn Jones would be next, although was anonymous against the Force, and the yellow card will be a black mark. Gray did well against the Barbarians, but needs to show more after his poor season, while Parling was the best second row on display today, albeit from the bench and can't be discounted.

Flankers:

The most competitive place, Justin Tipuric was very good against the Barbarians, as was Sean O'Brien against the Force. They are the form pair, with Croft getting a try he's not far away, although Lydiate performed well last Saturday. With captain Warburton assured of his place, Tipuric has to play amazing to persuade Gatland to move Warbs to 6. Although Sean O'Brien needs a chance at 6 too. Big competition here.

No. 8.

via telegraph.co.uk

While not nailed on yet, I think Heaslip great performance today edges him ahead of Faletau. Top tackler, most metres gained, with 16 carries including 5 linebreaks, Heaslip has carried on from his impressive end of season form. He is also a better lineout option than Faletau which will be vital.

Scrumhalf:

Phillips all but pencilled himself in last week, and while Murray did well on Saturday and comes into contention for the bench spot, he wasn't as good today, while Youngs hasn't had a chance.

Outhalf:

It's Sexton's. End of story, hopefully Farrell's try today gives him confidence and means he can do well when coming on.

Centres:

via rugby365.com

Brian O'Driscoll was outstanding today, showing pace and quickness of thought. He was everywhere rolling back the years. He must start. Jon Davies was lauded on Saturday, but I don't think he is in O'Driscoll's league. Tuilagi did well today, and his partnership with O'Driscoll might be worth looking at, but Roberts was prominent on Saturday and is ahead of him at 12.

Wingers:

via telegraph.co.uk

Tommy Bowe showed a great work ethic, and his great finishing, and running lines and given his freshness seems to be coming into form at the right time. He must start on one wing, with George North playing well, and Cuthbert finishing well, it must be between the two Welsh wings for the other slot.

Fullback:

Halfpenny is miles ahead of the rest, especially with his flawless kicking. Hogg did very well against the Barbarians, and his time will come, but perhaps not on this tour. The only way Kearney can come into contention, especially after the injury, is if Israel Folau dominates in the air in the first test, and Halfpenny is moved to the wing to accomodate his aerial ability. Not to be discounted.