From the Backrow

IRB rule changes and other Ref related decisions

2013-09-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

So we are 3 weeks into the new season of rugby and at a time of year when we have both hemispheres plying regularly. There's more rugby on TV this week than Top Gear repeats on Dave!
This has givne the new IRB rule changes some serious air-time and with varying degrees on interpretation.
Firstly the Scrum, where the new "no hit" early bind law does so far seem to be progress. From the games I've watched over the last few weeks in The Rugby Championship, Aviva Prem, French league and Rabo-Direct it does seem that we are no longer seeing quite as many repeated collapse situations. This weekends NZ commentary team did have a gripe about it but largely the scrums in this match were one stop affairs and its been pretty much no different up top either with forgivable enhanced stats no doubt thrown up by the swimming pool conditions which Fridays games were played in England and Wales.
Now onto the use of TMOs for foul play.
This has been used to varying degrees at the discretion of each referee, Unfortunately common sense does not seem to prevail and the delays we had with the scrum is now being replaced by referees with no bottle to call plays. Ok I know the clock stops but it impacts the flow of the game for the audience in a similar fashion.
In the Cardiff vs Connacht match, the referee(not a major international ref) felt the need to go to the TMO twice for High tackle situations. Both he had seen 'very closely in the second instance' and was correct on. Its was simply breaking up the flow for viewers without necessity. In my opinion he was simply lacking confidence to simply call the decision himself. Just to be clear the question he asked was regarding foul play but then followed up with the "high tackle?" which indicated that he was already fairly certain with the decision. He didn't ask "Was it a Possible High tackle" in which case I would have thought fine.

Then this morning in the NZ vs SAF match we had our French friend do the opposite and choose to ignore the TMO when Bismarck Du Plessis got sin-binned for a legitimate but massive tackle on Dan Carter. Poite went to the TMO to check the handbags scuffle that ensued after the tackle but specifically stated he was happy that the tackle was illegal and didn't need it checked. A little but of cockiness by the French Veteran Referee perhaps? Not only did this have Du Plessis , the standout Springbok player off the pitch but when Du Plessis raised a forearm at Messam in the second half received a 2nd yellow it was game over for SAF with only 14 for the remaining 35 minutes.
The second was a debatable offense but without the first there was no red and arguably the game would have remained tight and within the grasp of strong South African team.
The TMO was brought in to stop these kind of decisions from impacting results so surely cannot be ignored when such decisions occur in what was the biggest game of the tournament.
So two games with viewing pleasure disturbed by TMO decisions but for very different reasons. I just hope that the refs can get the balance right and realise when it required and when its not. Otherwise our 80 minute rugby matches will be taking 4hrs and be solely governed by a team of 15 officialas or AI. (NFL anyone)
At least they are making some of the clear cut goal line decisions a little more frequently by themselves!!

Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals and other largely Diaspora attended events

2011-10-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

t’s been a nervous week on the Emerald Isle, but a happy one. It’s been a long time since there was such a Buzz about a sporting event in Ireland takes away the last month. Even the folks who abuse my beloved game and refer to it as egg-chasing have started up conversations about O’Brien, Ferris, Healy and co this week. Names that only two months ago they only knew as a Baker, The wheel at the carnie and the middle name of Kerry’s finest politician! As I wandered the K Club yesterday and admired all the Ryder Cup photos and tributes, it highlighted just how passionate behind any sport that this country can get. The Atmosphere at that Ryder Cup was second to none and it was the way in which the whole nation embraced the European Golfers supported it like any local or county Gaelic Games match. This Rugby world Cup is doing the same and while many a joke has been made on radio this week about Kidney for President, Come tomorrow at 10 am he may possibly be the shoe in. As they say enough of the pleasantries and let’s get down to Business. I’ve a knot in my stomach even trying to think about the result as this one is certainly too hard to call, Prior to the World Cup and much like Ireland , Wales were simply a team with potential. No more is the case as this young team had matured enormously in the last four weeks with their only loss to the Boks who were a little blessed that day to say the least. Much to say, I rate them a lot more now. There’s also much talk of experience and how it will benefit the Irish team, however there’s always something about the enthusiasm of youth. This Irish Team has some bad experiences also, especially in world cup rugby so I can’t look at this as the game-winner. Heart is also something that both teams have in abundance, Call it the little man’s chip on the shoulder or whatever but both side love to be the underdog and thrive in the upset. It’s hard to pick an underdog for tomorrow’s game but the bookies are slightly favouring the boys in green. The Welsh will clearly target the Irish 10 channel and to be honest I though Sexton would be back for this one simply to add some stopping power in the tight channel. ROG’s kicking game will have to be at its best as with H ’Penny, North and William, there’s a back 3 that love to run. The weak link I see in the welsh is Priestland to be honest as he doesn’t have a large no of caps under his belt and no doubt the 2 Irish wrecking balls of Ferris and O’Brien will be targeting him all day. I can’t talk more about the teams as I see them as so equally matched. The one thing the Irish have is that victory over Australia, No tries conceded against arguably the most dynamic backline in the tournament. Expect the Irish to be miserly with the ball tomorrow as they won’t want those young Taff’s running nonstop. Experience over Youth at least where it matters which is in most spots for Ireland at the moment. Ireland by at least 10, Welsh Pens, O’Gara boot and Johnny’s late show.

Rugby World Cup Viewing & Other Caffeine mandatory activities

2011-10-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

With the Pool matches almost over and 7 of the 8 quarterfinalists found, Its time to measure the candidates with their hats in the ring for this tournament.
Since 4 weeks back when we kicked off, theres been plenty of entertainment, The outstanding games of Week 1 with the Underdogs bringing some unexpected nervy moments to the party, the brave Irish performance which was finally recovered by a win against the Aussies to the try machine that is this years New Zealand.
Some teams however have struggled, Scotland appear to have a taken a step back in world rugby, The French squad looks in disarray and its would seem that they may need to send Marc Lievremont to the guillotine if they want to progress much further. Although there is nothing like a game vs England to bring the best out of a team as Scotland showed yesterday.
The breaking news of Dan Carters injury bringing an end to his tournament could turn this tournament upside down and the Boks and Wallabies will be foaming at the mouth to get through their quarter final and face the weakened All Black team.
To me South Africa are simmering nicely and have had some good tests in their Pool from the physical South Sea Islanders to the ever running Welsh crew.
Ireland of course still have to Ice the Cake and unfortunately this involves beating a tight Italian Unit that are playing a slightly more expansive game than we are used to seeing. My expectation today is that Italy will revert back to the tight game in the hope that they can bully the Irish pack force mistakes to keep them in the game. To me the Irish have to come with the same intensity the Australia game and put this Italian side away in the first half. As we saw during the Six Nations the longer you keep the Italians within a sniff of a win the more they seem to tighten as a unit, Biggest change is obviously at Out Half for Ireland with O'Gara coming in for Sexton. Everyone talks of this game a a kicking duel and O'Gara has to be in for it but this might also play into the hands of the Italians in slowing our wide game down a little and perhaps giving the Italians a target channel to run at. While ROG may prove to be the correct choice today I still think that to play at the next level, we need Sexton starting and am disappointed to see Kidney assume that this game will be a kick fest.
That said I also think O'Gara will have to show more than his boot if he wants hold the place for a potential quarter final against Wales. This is why I believe we will raise the bar once more.
Ireland to win by over 20 points.
I'm off for a breakfast of Coffee and Fingernails.

Rugby World Cup Upsets & Other Villainous Plans

2011-09-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

Six days on from what ranks as the greatest Irish victory in my living memory and not even Tim Horans informed accusations can take the smile from the face of Irish rugby fans worldwide. However great the result for Ireland, the realism is surely that the entire contingent of northern hemisphere sides will have no doubt take a glance at the new look route through the tournament and seen a friendlier look to their expected opponents. This is of course based on expectations that the remaining results all go the way the pundits expect. As O'Connell stated theres two more games yet and I'll stay focused on whats happening currently before I get carried away.
The current week of results is really starting to show the wear and tear on the lower tier nations while also building some much needed confidence for some of the top tier teams struggling for form.South Africa look to have finally come good and are beginning to play like a team that is capable of winning the tournament. But the Boks have been nicely stung by Irelands win also with their route to a possible final most likely requiring 2 wins over their Tri-Nations counterparts. Australia bounced back by shipping a half tonne on the USA but still looked a little shaken in my opinion, certainly in the opening 10 mins. Will Genia still having Ferris filled nightmares. England meanwhile have been stealing all the tabloid headline as usual but my biggest gripe has to be how the expectations in the English Press is set so high. This England Team is only Average and they won a weak Six Nations last year thanks more perhaps to their opponents not performing. No doubt the possible cricket score they are putting on Romania will have the press crowning them Heirs to World Cup once again. While I like to see the English knocked from their self made pedestal as much as the next Irishman I can't help but feel some sympathy for players whose national press always has them painted as heroes or villains. There never seems to be any middle ground where its simply a 'Job Done' scenario.
The Biggest game of the weekend comes up next and once again it looks as though Leivremont has had some divine sign when writing his team down. The positioning of Parra at 10 has to be the strangest decision in the XV and while he is undoubtedly a world class player, It is surely unfair to place such a talent out of position and especially in such a key one with Dan Carter filling the opposite role. I know the Kiwis also turned an eyebrow at the XV but were quickly reassured by their Six-Nations friends that this is simply the kind of madness that happens with French Team sheets currently.
Back to the Irish who now face the morning after match. Kidney has rung in the changes with only 6 remaining from last weeks historic victory. The Irish squad needs to bounce on from here and its up to this XV to ensure that the mood remains good in the camp. A 50 point victory is whats expected but Irish teams haves a history of under performing against nations we should be thumping. This however is a very quick backline and while I dislike the selection of Earls at 13 where he's never had a good game in green, there is large potential for tries if they can get fast ball from the base. This job falls to native Isacc Boss who will be doubtlessly thrilled at playing back in his country of birth, and no better man to deal with the Russian pack who will likely contain a few meaty foes. He's been used by Leinster for a similar role in matches where the initial contest would be contested by the big men.

McFadden Hat trick and Ireland to hit 60!!

P.S.- It was a shame to see Tim Horan come out with accusations of cheating. He will know that all rugby teams manage the clock towards the end of a game. Its a tactic long used to simply get a quick breather and I'm sure he's perhaps even done it himself. It was certainly a much used tactic when the clock wasn't visible !

Rugby world Cup Balls and other quadrennial excuses

2011-09-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

Well the first week of RWC 2011 is a wrap and we’ve had a look at all teams now and no doubt the best form shown so far is that of the lowly ranked nations. Japan and Romania being top among them all. It goes to show that while the rest of the rugby world gets back to focussing on Lions tours, Six and Tri-Nations and the respective European and Super Rugby competitions, the minnows around the world have been on a 4 year cycle of team building from the last world cup.

With the age of professionalism in Rugby approaching on the 20^th year, it was beginning to show worrying signs that the attendance of the lower ranked countries was simply as cannon fodder in preparation for the last 8 qualifiers. But as in 2007 the 4 year cycle has been kind to some teams but others remain quite static. The 2^nd tier European nations gain the most benefit probably due to the 3 major professional leagues giving homes to a high number of players in these squads. The Pacific Nations Cup competition of Japan has clearly readied them better too and their 1^st XI certainly gave France a scare last week! Unfortunately the lack of depth in the squad was made apparent by the New Zealand Team yesterday.

The Boks got a big wakeup call last week from Wales but seem to have got things back together this morning with the ongoing demolition of Fiji in Progress.

Onto the big game of the weekend. Ireland takes on the Australians in the game of the week. It’s a tough ask for an Irish team struggling to find top. As is always the case they will have to pull out an “England” performance to be in the game. It’s frustrating to see such a talented team seem to lack the heart at times! Well its time this generation of Irish players stood up and performed like they do when playing for their clubs. These are players predominantly from Munster where pride and passion is backbone of the team and Leinster who’s comeback in the H Cup final showed a never say die attitude unparalleled in my recent memory.

There’s nothing to shocking about either of today’s starting 15 with Australia bringing in O’Connor to replace the injured Ioane, (No change in talent there either), Ireland bring in Kearney, Reddan and O’Brien.

O’Briens return will be key to any chance of a victory for Ireland as himself and Ferris try and occupy the Australian midfield in early phases of play and create holes for the talented outside backs to exploit in the later ones. Pococks late withdrawal certainly takes a small amount away from the breakdown for Australia which may be promising for Ireland who has not competed well on that front of late.

Valiant losses are not accepted by this team as stated by BOD and they are no longer accepted by the rugby supporter back. Expectations are high going into this game for the fans but secretly somewhere in the back of each Irish supporters head is memories of big performances of the past.

Blind hope maybe but I’ve got a feeling that today might be one for us.

The countrys a wreck and we could do with another Gordon Hamilton moment ! This time perhaps Hamilton’s smile might last longer than 1 minute.

Rugby World Cup 2011 and Other Semi-Nocturnal events

2011-09-10T00:24:00.000-07:00

Well its underway yet I can’t find myself overspilling with excitement for the latest instalment. Perhaps its to do with Irelands un-overwhelming warm-up or possibly because the majority of upcoming games will have little impact on the makeup for the quarterfinals. There’s at most 1 key matchup in each pool that may, if the favourites have an off day affect the final 8. These are Argentina v Scotland , Ireland v Italy and Wales vs Fiji and as none of these happen for almost 2 weeks, there's little going to happen bar form analysis until then. While there is a few big name match ups in the first 10 days (Wales vs Boks, Ireland vs Australia and the English and Pumas) and the underdogs will give themselves a shot, Its unlikely that either of the first 2 favourites will be turned over and while the entire Rugby Planet may be cheering for a Pumas win, They are not the team of 4 years ago and a upset seems a long way off. Since my previous Blog a few weeks back Irelands prep took a further bashing at the hands of France again!! and the Old Enemy!
But the word from New Zealand is that the squad is in great spirits and keen to get playing. The most noticeable observations during Irelands warm up was the lack of any creative play. Keeping the Cards close to their chest or just too predictable ? There are Pundits in both camps on this but as a optimist I have to hope that its the former.
This mornings 3 games have made my opening paragraph quite redundant but I'm happy to be proven wrong on this occasion.
"C'MON JAPAN"
Gonna end this one fast a get focusing on the action and cut this post short !!

Rugby World Cup Warm Ups and other Paint Drying events

2011-08-20T04:27:00.000-07:00

And so its come around again, Less than a month to go and the Rugby World Cup is looming large with coaches still tinkering with lineups in the Tri Nations and Warm up Games to try and find their final 30 to board a plane to NZ.
To State the obvious , The All-Blacks are the form Team as no matter what first 15 they choose they still seem to get the performance and the result. It seems however that only 2 teams care about this years Tri-Nations which makes a farce of the competition really. The Boks refused to send the majority of first 15 players to their opening games in Australia and New Zealand which leads me think that they may enter this world cup as the most rested out of the Top Teams. I know some of you may be shouting that last weeks performance against Australia with the Big Guns back wasn't exactly class but remember, That was the first game for the majority of players. This week sees The All Blacks with their own 2nd 15 if that really matters. This game will be key to see if the Boks are finding any cohesiveness within the squad and if they can raise there game. Watch this space as I still feel that PdV is keeping cards close to his chest.

Back up North, The world Cup warm ups seem to be simply highlighting that there are weaknesses in all the 6 nations teams and none of them look capable of having a realistic chance at this World Cup.
France still have selection issues not to mention there Jekyll and Hyde performances of the past seem to be back. England can't find a game plan to suit there player (That's what happens when you leave tactics to a 2nd Row IMO) Wales while still playing their exciting brand of rugby are still lacking the physicality to compete up-front against the best leaving them too reliant of a moment of magic from Hook,Williams or Byrne to really trouble opponents. Scotland while getting one over on Ireland in what can only be described as the worst international since professionalism, still look like a team lacking leadership and direction and again this week they have reverted to Dan Parks at outhalf which they had seemed to want to get away from?
Ireland have what looks almost like a starting 15 for the world cup taking the field today. The biggest question on the Irish squad is the final 4-5 spots in the 30 man squad. Has Felix Jones played himself onto the plane ? Has Luke Fitzgerald played himself off ? The other main questions in the Irish squad will be the backup Props, and the makeup of the 2nd row/Back Row cover. Shane Jennings may have just found a Golden ticket in the unfortunate injury to David Wallace and will surely play himself into the ground today to try and convince Kidney that he warrants a ticket. On that note I'll stick my neck out and name a final 30 man squad for the Irish.
Props: Cian Healy, Mike Ross, John Hayes and Tom Court
Hookers: Rory Best and Jerry Flannery
2nds : Paul O'C, Donnacha O'C, Leo Cullen
Back Rows: Jamie Heaslip, Denis Leamy, Sean O'Brien. David Wallace, Donnacha Ryan, Stephen Ferris, Shane Jennings

SH: Tomas O'Leary, Eoin Reddan, Conor Murray
OH: Ronan O'Gara, Johnny Sexton
Centres: BOD, Gordon Darcy, Fergus McFadden
Wings : Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald
Full Back : Rob Kearney , Felix Jones

A few gambles but there has to be !
To finish, This years world cup is written off as an All Blacks Homecoming Parade ! That's a hell of a lot of pressure and if the wheels come off for any time at all , It won't take long for the Home Support to turn angry.
On form and entertainment they deserve it but its been a while since the team that deserved it most won the Webb Ellis trophy. Negative rugby has paid dividends of late in this tournament but will it again ?

Bragging Rights for RWC Training Camps and Other Cider related Rugby Finals

2011-05-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well that wasn't quite as I called it but simply 2 polar opposites of rugby halfs as BOD says at the Homecoming

In the most phenomenal of matches last weekend, The Leinster Team showed bouncebackability of the best and overturned the 16 point deficit to take home the silverware. It was the highlight of the season for me and sport simply doesn’t get any more dramatic. Hopefully the Southern Hemisphere begrudgers actually watched the game and realise that the game doesn’t need to be a copycat of Rugby league to entertain fans. I could write about last weeks game for another 20 pages but simply want say Congrats to Leinster and Well Done to the Saints who played and immense part in the game and have a squad there that surely will get their hands on the Trophy Soon.
Onto this weeks encounter and its back to fortress Thomond where the Champions of Europe take on the Red Army in their own backyard.
Munster do not like to lose at Thomond and the Quinn’s loss a few weeks back did not sit well with Fans and Players alike. Changes were made and a refreshed Munster line-up disposed of the Ospreys with reasonable simplicity. This New blend of Youth and experience in the Backline is one that server them well the last few months and most notably gave them the first win over Leinster since 2009.
While that fixture was a kicking battle, tomorrow promises a bit more with that revamped Munster backline improving every outing.
The question I’ve heard being thrown around Leinster is ‘Will the Leinster Team Care’
The Answer must surely be ….. You’d bet your Nana they do!
The chance to win the European and Domestic Double has to be a huge driving force behind putting it all in one more time before relaxing for a few weeks. The chance to do it over their biggest rivals makes its surely more appetising.
The chance to at least chop a few inches off the lofty perch will be plenty of motivation for the boys from Limerick not that they require it when playing in Thomond.
While the Semi Final Attendance in Thomond looked quite poor, I believe this was down to the disappointment of Quinn’s performance and the expectation that there would be a final appearance to follow.
Onto the Teams, Leinster change 2 with Darcy out injured and McFadden slotting into centre, Cian Healy moves to the Bench and Heinke van der Merwe gets the 1 shirt.
Munster remain an unchanged 15 from the Ospreys match with Johne Murphy getting a spot back on the bench.
These two sides know each other backwards which unfortunately leads to tight affairs being the norm. The difference will likely be 1 score and the kickers may well decide it again. For the fans I hope this isn’t the case but I fear it may well happen but I for one and hoping that this showcase of Irish Rugby talent can produce a game of Grit and determination similar to that seen last week Cardiff. Let’s hope young Danny Barnes can perform at a high level again and really test BOD. The potential for an open running game from both back lines is down on the team sheets but will O’Gara have the confidence to take on the Sexton in the Wide Game? Or will he stick with a strong forward game knowing the Leinster eight may be struggling after the efforts of last week.
The Passion will be there for Sure, How much will the freshness of Munster count? Quite a lot but this Leinster side are never beaten and surely 1 last big performance can be achieved.
I’m gonna say Leinster by whisker

Other sporting affairs at the weekend,
French Top14 Semis
Toulouse take on Clermont in the first one tonight while
Racing Metro take on Montpellier in the other tomorrow.

Home advantage counts for a lot in France so I’m expecting a Toulouse Racing Final.

Man Utd take on Barcelona in the Champions league final in a nothing to lose match for Utd, They Lose, It’s to the best team in the world.
Hard to see past the Catalans as I just don’t think Utds midfield can cope with that talent. Utd need and early goal or a resurrection of a Sheringham Solskjaer Special to win this one.

Super Rugby down South is in the Home Stretch so worth keeping an eye on.
Reds take on Crusaders in a top 4 clash on Sunday morning which should be worth a Watch if you’re up 07.10 BST

Heineken Cup Final and other rugby related state visits

2011-05-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Send President Obama to Cardiff I say. Because the Best thing Ireland has to offer is being exported this weekend!

The Leinster Team head to the Millennium Stadium with a great run of form that now sees them in the Magners Final and 2 wins away from an extraordinary double in Joe Schmidt’s first season in charge but I won’t start counting the chickens just yet.

First up, Northampton in Cardiff and in the Magners League Semi-Final last week the Leinster squad picked up a number of injuries which have been watched very closely all week, the most concerning of which was to
Talisman Brian O'Driscoll and Potential player of the Year Richard Strauss. News form the camp says Strauss will play but BOD will be touch and go. Whether they give him right until kick-off to prove fitness remains to be seen but Schmidt did pass a comment at training that O'Driscoll was looking good on his feet.
The Injury news from the other side of the Irish Seas concerns England International Tom Wood who has not been passed fit after his leg fracture in Mid April. Phil Dowson is a worthy replacement at 7 and has proven so in the games since Woods departure.
So where will the final be won or lost? Up front is clearly the place Leinster will have to be at their best after the Northampton pack demolished a Perpignan 8 that prided themselves on grunt. As I write news come in the Leinster are at full strength and field an unchanged 15.
So can Leinster compete with the Saints 8 that is clearly thirsty for this and perhaps even more so after last weekend’s loss to the Tigers in the Premiership playoffs. Well Leinster certainly won't collapse like Perpignan. They have much more experience and grunt to throw back at the Saints pack. The likes of Hines, Cullen and Ross being key in putting it up to Tonga’uiha, Mujati and Day. This leaves the loose forwards to scramble for possession in open field play. This should be where Leinster has the upper hand with O'Brien, Heaslip and Strauss causing no end of headaches to opposition backlines all season long. Courtney Laws is the standout forward for the Saints and his engine just seems to go and go but I feel his supporting cast of Wilson, Dowson and Clark will all need to be at their peak to keep this an even contest. The scrum will prove vital as this is where the Saints have been dominant in the last few games. Unfortunately As with a lot of games this season this battle may be decided by referees interpretation.
In the backline we have a different story with the hugely experienced Lions facing a defensively solid Saints team. Northampton rely largely on counter attack and magic of the back 3 to create chances while Leinster look dangerous all over and seem to adapt to whoever the opposition is with ease.
This may sound like I'm once again expecting a Leinster victory but the Saints team did shock me against Perpignan and the power of that front row just lifted the team at every chance. If they find ascendency there then this game will be grass roots rugby and penalties will become crucial. Myler has been flawless all year but will the pressure of Europe’s top competition prove too much on the day, Sexton will have the advantage here with prior final experience standing to him.
Once again there are plenty of what ifs and should this happen but that surely is the beauty of Rugby at this level. Once things for certain, there will be no love lost between these two and whatever happens the winners will be worthy ones. Yours truly is hoping for Leinster but a month ago I would have been far more confident.
18-17 to Leinster. Not pretty and one for the Purists I fear!!

Onto the other sports this weekend,
Amlin Challenge happens this evening also in Cardiff (ERC need to rethink this as there’s not enough Beds in Cardiff for 1 major final never mind 2) Anyway Quinn’s take on Stade Francais in what may well be a more entertaining final than the Big one tomorrow and certainly worth a watch. With the likes on Monye, Care, Turner Hall, Bastareaud, Parisse on show this will hopefully provide an open brand of rugby.
Can’t call a winner but Quinn’s having beaten Munster in Thomond will certainly go in on a High.

The Soccer Premiership wraps up on Sunday with only the relegation left to be sorted with Wigan, Blackpool, Birmingham, Wolves and Blackburn scrapping for survival.
All are away form home except Wolves who host Blackburn, Away to Utd, Stoke and Spurs can’t give much hope to either to Blackpool, Wigan and Birmingham,
Heres my prediction for what its worth,
Wigan Win and survive,
Wolves and Blackburn Draw but survive
Birmingham Draw
Blackpool lose

So it’s the Tangerine army and Blue Noses that take the plunge

That’s all for this week,

Back next week for the Limerick Clash of the Titans!

Heineken Cup Semi Final & other Royal Wedding excuses

2011-04-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

H Cup Semi Final weekend is upon us
Thankfully this years 1st half will not be spent whizzing around a small Derbyshire town trying to find somewhere to watch the Game.There was more interest in watching the Vidi-printer than actual live sport! I do accept however that the location wasn't exactly on the shortlist for this years Guinness Rugby campaign!

Enough of the reminiscing, Let's cut to the present and see what changes have emerged in Leinster & Toulouse over the past year that can change the result!
French rugby for one has lost a lot of it's jeune se quoi! Biarritz and Toulouse while ending with the drama of extra time was likely the poorest game of the Q/fs, Biarritz with their usual blend of soak it up rugby and Toulouse who seemed to rest on their initial tries in the 1st half. You can be sure that The Noir et Rouge won't be guilty of the same tactics and if Leinster find themselves down early in the game , I don't imagine it will be the easy road back that Biarritz got!
Leinster remain unchanged which is as expected. Luke Fitzgerald was perhaps the only Leinster candidate to miss out but Joe Schmidt keeps the faith which will go a long way to mending his confidence crisis!
For Toulouse Poitrenaud remains at inside centre,Bezy is replaced by Doussain while Nyanga and Poux make it into the starting 8.
From 1 - 15, The teams look very even so where are the weaknesses to exploit. Pointrenaud to me seems a strange selection given Jauzions size advantage over Darcy. So while he contains pure rugby pedigree the centre may struggle to contain the strong running of Darcy but more likely O'Brien, McLaughlin taking crashes from Sexton. This must surely be in Joe schmidts tactics. After the defensive display against Leicester it's difficult to pick holes in the Leinster team but the Toulouse Team has far more imagination than the Tigers who's smash ball game proved far too easy to stop in the QF. Medard, Heymans, Clerc are a fearsome Back3 and however briefly showed us how sublime they can be in their own Quarter Final.
So the Winner ? With the Aviva Stadium full to capacity again and the home supporters outnumbering the visitors by 10 - 1 , The Odds will be stacking up in Leinsters favour but give Toulouse and Inch and they'll take a mile!
I'll still have to side with Leinster and I see Poitrenaud coming off the pitch and very battered man with the constant attentions of the Leinster back row being directed his way! Lions by 8.

On Another Note Connaught will be glued to the telly Saturday in the hope that both of their fellow Irish provinces can make finals and so moving them ever closer to the possibility of stepping up to the Premier European competition.
I also received and interesting comment this week that Leinster play almost All-Black type rugby and a match between them and the Blacks would be a cracker! Compliment coming from a Munster Fan for sure. I'm sure Isa Nacewa would love it also !

Finally , Is Jose Mourihno a genius or simply delusional?
And while his post match comments on Wednesday look to have got him in pickle,
Has he simply deflected attention successfully away from and poorly setup team and bad performance ?
A tactic that may save him from the wrath of the disappointed Real Madrid Fans ?
Or perhaps he's just nuts ?

Mid life crisis and other rugby related injuries

2011-04-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

So I get closer to mid 30's and think?
What have I not done yet in the digital age!

Blog was the answer so here where's I'm gonna start to jot down sporting thoughts largely Rugby related for the next while or maybe only 2 weeks when I realise it's hard work and no-one reads it apart from my mum.

Huge day of sport ahead with H-Cup Quarters, Masters Golf and Aintree all to keep the sporting couch Pots entertained.
I'll be off to the Aviva where the Lions take on Tigers in what will be sure to be an aggressive affair.
Leicester will need to look no further than the final defeat of 09 to find motivation today. And based on their demolition of Bath 2 weeks back have the passion for just such a mission also.
Allen and Tuilagi take on Bod and Darcy in the centre in what looks like a crucial area of today's game. The Subtlety and Skill of the Leinster pair take on the Power and Pace combo of The Tigers duo. There are matchups like this all over the paddock today in what seems like the most evenly matched qf. Both starting halfback pairs from the 6nations re-commence the rivalry which saw the Irish pair dominate previously. It won't be the same today. Youngs in his more cofortable colours will no doubt prove an enormous headache around the fringes looking to sniper into any gaps in the Leinster defence.
Onto the Beef, The front row is one place I'd hate to be today with Healy,Strauss and Ross taking on Stankovich, Chuter and Cole and cameos expected from Wright, Heinke VdM, Castro & White, All will likely be needed.
Its cliché I know in these days of how will the scrum go? but today it will be vital to get the teams going forward.
Finally this game will be won or lost in the Back Row, McLaughlin whos emergence was halted by a string of injuries gets the start with the Human Wrecking Ball O'Brien at open and Heaslip at 8. A hand full for any team , But the Tigers back row isn;t half bad either. Croft has an enormous engine and will be everywhere for 80 mins, Newby with his solid D and mountains of experience is nuisance at the breakdown and Crane whose career at International level has been halted still seems to produce his finest games in the Green White and Red.
Nigel Owens wasn't too kind to Irish at the breakdown during the 6Ns against Scotland and may well have a part to play today, Best behaviour required from the Back Row Trio.

So the Result ? Flip a coin in my opinion in regards to the teams!
But the Aviva will be rocking later which may just give Leinster the Edge.
Leinster by less than 5 in a nail biter !!

In other sports.................................

Rory Mac leads at Augusta, But with Tiger sitting pretty in behind the question will be 'Will the field crumble and give it to Woods as was the norm for so long' McIlroy had passed comments about how he hadn;t been part of that era and so didn't feel the Woods effect , He'll feel it today no doubt!

The Nags
Some great racing today at Aintree in the build up to the Grand National
Triumph hurdlers take on Supreme Novices from Chelts
Binocular takes on Peddlers Cross which is much anticipated after the letdown of Cheltenham when the prior withdrew.

Allure of Illusion in the Bumper !