Cryptic that title I guess, but focus shifts for the next couple of months in Europe from the Heineken Cup, with its Quarter Final line up done and dusted, to the RBS 6 Nations, where everything is far from done and dusted.
6 teams, all with a reasonable amount of optimism going into the tournament given either their club sides' form in the various club competitions or the quality of names in their squads, kick off next weekend (February 4th) and do battle over 5 of the next 7 weekends until the 2nd most prestigious trophy in World rugby is handed over to the successful captain.
The flip side of the coin though sees 6 teams who have a lot to prove coming off the back of varying World Cup campaigns, and in 3 of the cases, with new coaches at the helm. Let's have a quick look at the different sides involved.
Italy
New coach Jacques Bruneel takes over a side which will be confident that it can build on the successes of last year. England and Scotland visit Rome this year, and I am sure Italian targets will be at least 1 victory this year to back up the huge step forward made in Nick Mallett's last season, with the home win over France and general improved performances both in the 6 Nations and the World Cup. One concern will be that the squad is ageing once more, and talismanic though he is, Sergio Parisse cannot go on for ever. Bruneel's task is tricky then: continue the progress while bringing in and blooding new talent.
France
A World Cup Final defeat in Marc Lievremont's final game may seem like a solid enough starting platform, but the performances leading up to that Final were anything but convincing. The Tongan defeat and the 2 defeats against the All Blacks mean that they have only won 4 of their last 7 games, and in only one of those four have they played well against a major side (QF vs England). Philippe Saint-Andre knows his stuff though, and France are rightly up there amongst the favourites, with home advantage against England and Ireland a major plus.
Scotland
A first ever failure to reach the World Cup Quarter Finals, where try scoring was a major issue, leaves doubts as to the ability of Andy Robinson's side to break down well-organised defences, and the 6 Nations provides those in abundance. The positives came this autumn with the form of the clubs sides, particularly Edinburgh, who achieved a home Heineken Cup Quarter Final, and a start against a more-than-likely nervous England set-up could give them some impetus to show well. I fear, though, that a defeat could see the wheels fall off and a potential wooden spoon play-off in Rome on the final weekend.
Wales
there seems to be an aura about the Welsh side at the moment. Impenetrable by even the slightest criticism. I, however, am not completely sold on the Welsh yet. Yes, they performed well in adversity in that World Cup semi final. Yes they took a well-deserved win from the Irish in the Quarter Finals. However, they still lost 3 out of 7 in New Zealand and it is that, for me, perceived inability to win the tight games that has me worried a little. They have key men in key positions (Warburton, Priestland, North and Roberts) and I worry that, if a couple of those don't perform, Wales may struggle to be the side that the majority of watchers think they are. I accept that I am in the minority here, and am ready to eat my words if need be, but I believe we will learn a lot about Wales in Dublin on the first weekend.
Ireland
Declan Kidney has gone for experience over youth this year, and has been roundly criticised for doing so in different media. I though think he has made (mostly) the right choices. The World Cup defeat to Wales still rankles, as Ireland had the weapons to win that game, and I think the attitude Ireland will take into the tournament is one of wanting to prove people wrong. I have always been a great believer in a strong spine making a strong side. By spine I mean 2, 8, 9, 10 and 15. In Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney, Ireland have a spine to compete with the best of them. Best is only bettered in Europe by William Servat and Murray is a much better and more complete player after another autumn of Provincial rugby. Ireland are my outside tip for the title.
England
New coach, all manners of retirements and injuries, off-field shenanigans at all levels. There really is no way a side with all these troubles can win the tournament. It must be said though that England, with the wealth of players at their disposal and the dogged attitude that will be instilled by Stuart Lancaster, can never be completely ruled out. The World Cup failings have been well documented, and using my spine analogy from the previous paragraph, numbers 8, 9 and 10 went missing for large periods in New Zealand, and England limped their way home as a result. 3 wins out of 5 would be a good return this year and may tempt the RFU to continue with Lancaster at the helm. Anything less and he is guaranteed to be back on Saxons duty, anything more and he will still not be guaranteed a longer term contract.
Weekend 1 - Revenge In The Air
The first round of games sees a wonderful mix of games, with a major feeling of revenge tinting all three of them. First up are France and Italy. 2 new coaches and France still smarting from their Roman defeat of 2011. Add to the intrigue the fact that the new Italian coach is French and there is a definite edge to this opener that there wouldn't have been this time last year.
Hot on the heels of this, England walk into the cauldron of a Calcutta Cup game at Murrayfield. Scotland, eliminated from the World Cup by England, will also have revenge on their minds. They will want to hit England early and not let Lancaster's men find their feet and settle into their game plan. If they do, and if they can grind out an early lead, Scotland could well cause an upset of sorts.
Finally, on Sunday, the World Cup Quarter Final is replayed in Dublin. No BOD for Ireland, no Shane Williams for Wales. Wales looking to build on the victory in said Quarter Final, while Ireland will be hoping to continue the momentum developed recently by Leinster, Munster and Ulster in the Heineken Cup.
I'm going for France, England and Ireland in these 3, though I've not decided on margins yet... I will wait to see the line-ups before finally committing.
So if you like your rugby hot with a hint of revenge, then you only have 9 days to wait. There will be a more complete set of predictions here next week, and also have a look out for my preview piece of Ireland's chances which will be appearing on The Rugby Blog www.therugbyblog.co.uk next week. I will be covering Ireland for them throughout the tournament
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Friday, 20 January 2012
I Can See Clearly Now (Part 1)
Jimmy Cliff's classic could apply to this final round of Heineken and Amlin games, as with each passing game, the picture becomes clearer as to the Quarter Final line-ups.
It all started with Thursday's Amlin Challenge Group 5 games. Agen handed a 6th brutal stuffing to Spanish champions La Vila (though is it me, or where once we saw 80-odd point defeats, are we now seeing 60-odd point defeats?) while the Top 2 played off at Edgeley Park. After an emotional minute's silence, Sale started the better, the tactic of having Brive's bus stopped on the Motorway clearly bearing fruit... I jest. Sale took a 9-3 lead, only to relinquish 3 points on the stroke of half-time. Still, the 8 point margin required was within a score. Not for long though. Brive equalised, and when the Sharks turned down an easy, preferring to go for a try, and knocked on, a trick had been missed. Ever more needy as the game went on, they tried to force the pace, with Burrell and Miller particularly shining in adversity, but Brive scored the only try of the night through the ubiquitous and excellent Claassens, and Caminati added conversion and a 4th penalty to leave Sale out to dry at 9-19. Brive qualified with 6 out of 6. Sale finished a gallant second and can concentrate on the Premiership.
Friday Evening
Gloucester vs Toulouse on the big screen, Connacht vs Harlequins on the small one. Time delay on one, but you can't have everything. Toulouse's destiny in their own hands, Harlequins requiring help from Gloucester to guarantee their qualification rather than having to wait on the result from Clermont-Ferrand.
Gloucester started promisingly, and for 61 seconds looked good, until Nick Wood, overlooked by England for their EPS, was sin-binned for reckless use of the feet. The Shed agreed whole-heartedly of course. Clearly, Matanavou disagreed and he gave Gloucester a welcome present with a dreadful piece of attempted line-clearing with 3 Gloucester backs in his face: charge-down, touched down, Toulouse 7-0 down. Harlequins clearly weren't in the mood for receiving generosity and in turn gave away a kickable penalty which O'Connor translated into 3 points.
Toulouse were irked clearly, and when a gap opened up the World Player of the Year (somehow) went under the posts and made it 7-5, the conversion tying things up. Almost simultaneously, Quins went in at the corner through Sam Smith to take the lead 5-3. The wind preventing the kick. Gloucester, meanwhile, through a clever kick and chase from Tindall, earned a penalty, and Burns hit the post.
As you can tell, a frantic opening 10 minutes, which ended with both Toulouse and Gloucester with a theoretical 20 points (which would see Toulouse qualify).
Gloucester infringed in front of their sticks on 13 allowing Beauxis to push Toulouse ahead, and a moment later O'Connor succeeded with another penalty to put Connacht ahead. With the wind behind, Connacht were playing the right sort of game. Matanavou made up for his ghastly error, running in an easy try after sweet Toulouse hands, and O'Connor slotted another 3 in Galway. The keyboard is seeing smoke come up as I try to follow everything, and after 20, Toulouse led 17-7 while Connacht edged Harlequins 9-5.
Gloucester's points had come from a sheer gift. Toulouse bossed the opening hands down. Quins were meanwhile building pressure in the Connacht 22 and eventually won a penalty which, given the wind, they were wise to put in the corner. A front throw, a rolling maul.... a knock-on. Wasted opportunity. Gloucester though finally produced quick ball, worked a simple overlap and sent Qera in in the corner. Burns converted and Gloucester were back within 3 at 17-14.
Harlequins and Connacht were involved ina "proper rugby game" in Galway. Wind, rain, errors - everything we experienced on the pitch at school. As the clock ticked round to 30 mins in Gloucester, Toulouse were up by 3 and Quins behind, though the wind would certainly help their second half cause.
Gloucester and Toulouse were both offering plenty of attacking flare. Gloucester growing more and more into the game as the first half went on. Beauxis hit the post with the last kick of the first half though, as it ended 17-14 to the visitors. A high quality and entertaining 40 minutes of rugby. Harlequins were blunted by the conditions, as were Connacht of course. The attritional nature of the game meant 4 minutes delay versus the game at Kinghsolm. With three minutes to half time, Quins were penalised and O'Connor, to put it politely, missed.
At half-time Toulouse were qualified and Harlequins were on their way out. 40 minutes is a long time though, and with the wind at their backs, Harlequins were still favourites.
Beauxis missed a long-distance penalty in the first meaningful action of the second half at Kingsholm but as Gloucester replied, another clever kick from Tindall, collected by May, who fed Sharples and Gloucester had a third try and the lead. If it fed through to Galway, Quins would feel the confidence ebb through their veins. Burns kick hit the post and looked to go over, but the two touch judges who were next to it, decided they need tv evidence, which confirmed the kick and Gloucester led 21-17.
Harlequins still needed to turn things round in Ireland, and started the second half camped in Connacht territory. A great chip through and Monye just failed to grab a ball which bounced extremely high, and Connacht escaped with a 5 metre scrum. Quins were camped deep in the 22 though, and both English sides were showing strongly in the early moments of the second half. In 8 minutes, Connacht had not spent a second in the Quins half.
Gloucester stretched the lead to 7 after Burns successfully kicked a penalty following a Toulouse offside. Burns tried again from his own half 5 minutes later, but was a good 7 or 8 yards short. Toulouse had been quiet for long periods, but Matanavou went over for his second try of the evening, which Beauxis converted to make it 24-24: enough for them to qualify. Quins nudged back into it with an Evans penalty to make it 9-8 Connacht. The tightness of the Heineken Cup never more in evidence than tonight.
As the weather took its toll, Harlequins experience started to bear fruit. Silly errors from Connacht meant they continually faced extreme pressure. From a basic knock-on in the 22, Harlequins scrum again took its toll and won another penalty. Evans lined up a kick which he missed, shortly followed by a successful kick from Burns at Kingsholm. Gloucester led, Harlequins should have led, but Toulouse still scraped through as it stood.
Were this not enough, Gloucester took the ball from deep, Simpson Daniel fed a rampaging May who went over in the corner to score a 4th try, converted by Burns, to give them a 34-24 lead. 10 minutes remained in Galway for Quins to turn things around and ensure qualification. Quins hands were just not good enough though and knock-on from Brown cost them dearly. A final scrum in Connacht territory and Harlequins needed to provoke a penalty. Gloucester and Toulouse had finished 3 minutes earlier and this was truly the last throw of the dice. Quins could not manage it though, and now need an Ulster win and a miracle draw between Biarritz and Ospreys to qualify themselves.
Toulouse win the Pool, but lose the home Quarter Final in all probability. Harlequins look like Amlin Quarter Finalists now.
Phew. Rendez-vous tomorrow? Thought so.
It all started with Thursday's Amlin Challenge Group 5 games. Agen handed a 6th brutal stuffing to Spanish champions La Vila (though is it me, or where once we saw 80-odd point defeats, are we now seeing 60-odd point defeats?) while the Top 2 played off at Edgeley Park. After an emotional minute's silence, Sale started the better, the tactic of having Brive's bus stopped on the Motorway clearly bearing fruit... I jest. Sale took a 9-3 lead, only to relinquish 3 points on the stroke of half-time. Still, the 8 point margin required was within a score. Not for long though. Brive equalised, and when the Sharks turned down an easy, preferring to go for a try, and knocked on, a trick had been missed. Ever more needy as the game went on, they tried to force the pace, with Burrell and Miller particularly shining in adversity, but Brive scored the only try of the night through the ubiquitous and excellent Claassens, and Caminati added conversion and a 4th penalty to leave Sale out to dry at 9-19. Brive qualified with 6 out of 6. Sale finished a gallant second and can concentrate on the Premiership.
Friday Evening
Gloucester vs Toulouse on the big screen, Connacht vs Harlequins on the small one. Time delay on one, but you can't have everything. Toulouse's destiny in their own hands, Harlequins requiring help from Gloucester to guarantee their qualification rather than having to wait on the result from Clermont-Ferrand.
Gloucester started promisingly, and for 61 seconds looked good, until Nick Wood, overlooked by England for their EPS, was sin-binned for reckless use of the feet. The Shed agreed whole-heartedly of course. Clearly, Matanavou disagreed and he gave Gloucester a welcome present with a dreadful piece of attempted line-clearing with 3 Gloucester backs in his face: charge-down, touched down, Toulouse 7-0 down. Harlequins clearly weren't in the mood for receiving generosity and in turn gave away a kickable penalty which O'Connor translated into 3 points.
Toulouse were irked clearly, and when a gap opened up the World Player of the Year (somehow) went under the posts and made it 7-5, the conversion tying things up. Almost simultaneously, Quins went in at the corner through Sam Smith to take the lead 5-3. The wind preventing the kick. Gloucester, meanwhile, through a clever kick and chase from Tindall, earned a penalty, and Burns hit the post.
As you can tell, a frantic opening 10 minutes, which ended with both Toulouse and Gloucester with a theoretical 20 points (which would see Toulouse qualify).
Gloucester infringed in front of their sticks on 13 allowing Beauxis to push Toulouse ahead, and a moment later O'Connor succeeded with another penalty to put Connacht ahead. With the wind behind, Connacht were playing the right sort of game. Matanavou made up for his ghastly error, running in an easy try after sweet Toulouse hands, and O'Connor slotted another 3 in Galway. The keyboard is seeing smoke come up as I try to follow everything, and after 20, Toulouse led 17-7 while Connacht edged Harlequins 9-5.
Gloucester's points had come from a sheer gift. Toulouse bossed the opening hands down. Quins were meanwhile building pressure in the Connacht 22 and eventually won a penalty which, given the wind, they were wise to put in the corner. A front throw, a rolling maul.... a knock-on. Wasted opportunity. Gloucester though finally produced quick ball, worked a simple overlap and sent Qera in in the corner. Burns converted and Gloucester were back within 3 at 17-14.
Harlequins and Connacht were involved ina "proper rugby game" in Galway. Wind, rain, errors - everything we experienced on the pitch at school. As the clock ticked round to 30 mins in Gloucester, Toulouse were up by 3 and Quins behind, though the wind would certainly help their second half cause.
Gloucester and Toulouse were both offering plenty of attacking flare. Gloucester growing more and more into the game as the first half went on. Beauxis hit the post with the last kick of the first half though, as it ended 17-14 to the visitors. A high quality and entertaining 40 minutes of rugby. Harlequins were blunted by the conditions, as were Connacht of course. The attritional nature of the game meant 4 minutes delay versus the game at Kinghsolm. With three minutes to half time, Quins were penalised and O'Connor, to put it politely, missed.
At half-time Toulouse were qualified and Harlequins were on their way out. 40 minutes is a long time though, and with the wind at their backs, Harlequins were still favourites.
Beauxis missed a long-distance penalty in the first meaningful action of the second half at Kingsholm but as Gloucester replied, another clever kick from Tindall, collected by May, who fed Sharples and Gloucester had a third try and the lead. If it fed through to Galway, Quins would feel the confidence ebb through their veins. Burns kick hit the post and looked to go over, but the two touch judges who were next to it, decided they need tv evidence, which confirmed the kick and Gloucester led 21-17.
Harlequins still needed to turn things round in Ireland, and started the second half camped in Connacht territory. A great chip through and Monye just failed to grab a ball which bounced extremely high, and Connacht escaped with a 5 metre scrum. Quins were camped deep in the 22 though, and both English sides were showing strongly in the early moments of the second half. In 8 minutes, Connacht had not spent a second in the Quins half.
Gloucester stretched the lead to 7 after Burns successfully kicked a penalty following a Toulouse offside. Burns tried again from his own half 5 minutes later, but was a good 7 or 8 yards short. Toulouse had been quiet for long periods, but Matanavou went over for his second try of the evening, which Beauxis converted to make it 24-24: enough for them to qualify. Quins nudged back into it with an Evans penalty to make it 9-8 Connacht. The tightness of the Heineken Cup never more in evidence than tonight.
As the weather took its toll, Harlequins experience started to bear fruit. Silly errors from Connacht meant they continually faced extreme pressure. From a basic knock-on in the 22, Harlequins scrum again took its toll and won another penalty. Evans lined up a kick which he missed, shortly followed by a successful kick from Burns at Kingsholm. Gloucester led, Harlequins should have led, but Toulouse still scraped through as it stood.
Were this not enough, Gloucester took the ball from deep, Simpson Daniel fed a rampaging May who went over in the corner to score a 4th try, converted by Burns, to give them a 34-24 lead. 10 minutes remained in Galway for Quins to turn things around and ensure qualification. Quins hands were just not good enough though and knock-on from Brown cost them dearly. A final scrum in Connacht territory and Harlequins needed to provoke a penalty. Gloucester and Toulouse had finished 3 minutes earlier and this was truly the last throw of the dice. Quins could not manage it though, and now need an Ulster win and a miracle draw between Biarritz and Ospreys to qualify themselves.
Toulouse win the Pool, but lose the home Quarter Final in all probability. Harlequins look like Amlin Quarter Finalists now.
Phew. Rendez-vous tomorrow? Thought so.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Elementary My Dear Watson
It's that weekend when the 24 teams in the Heineken Cup learn their fate. Well I say 24, but it's actually a lot less as some are already resigned to theirs: non-qualification for the Quarter Finals, not even descending into the Amlin Challenge as recompense for their efforts in the 5 Rounds so far. There are still many permutations though, so before the weekend starts, let's run through them Pool by Pool, team by team, to ensure that you know the score before the games kick-off.
Pool 6
A logical place to start obviously. Actually, these are the Friday night games, so as I've decided to attack this chronologically, that's where we begin. Connacht's debut season has been tough, and they unfortunately are resigned to their fate. 2 losing bonus points is scant reward for their efforts, and their final involvement this year will be to try and put a spanner in the works of Harlequins' well-oiled machine. Gloucester too know their finishing position; a tough pool for the cherry and whites and but for a couple of close defeats, they could well be preparing for a huge game at home to Toulouse. As it is, they are looking to finish on a high while doing their Premiership rivals a favour.
The real interest is in the other two sides. A Toulouse win sees them qualify. A home Quarter FInal will only be lost if Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Saracens all win, or if 3 of the 4 win and Edinburgh win with a bonus point, while Cardiff don't win. Home QFs are difficult to predict really, but if a gun were held to my head, I'd suggest Toulouse will get one.
Harlequins can qualify as Group winners if they win and Toulouse lose, if they win with a bonus point and Toulouse draw, or if they draw with a bonus point and Toulouse don't score any points. Runners-up qualification will be assured with a win and an Ulster loss (without bonus point) or an Ulster win.
Confused yet? Good, it gets better trust me.
Pool 3
Saturday kicks off with a relatively straightforward mathemetical case. Bath and Montpelier are adrift. Leinster have ruled the roost in this Pool, their highlight being a whooping of Bath, and a win would guarantee a Home QF. Glasgow are the current incumbents of second place, and a bonus point win would see them clinging to an Amlin Challenge lifeline which could become reality if 3 of the following 5 things happen (deep breath): Munster beat Northampton, Scarlets and Leicester don't get bonus point wins, Ospreys and Biarritz draw and Harlequins don't score a point and score 4 less tries than Glasgow themselves do.
So it's bye bye Glasgow
Pool 4
Aironi have long since been resigned to their fate. I could unkindly suggest that that has been the case since the balls came out of the bag at the draw, but I won't. Leicester can still qualify for the Amlin with a bonus point win and other results going their way (Harlequins defeat, Clermont defeat, Northamton defeat for example). The real interest though is at Stade Marcel Michelin, where ASM Clermont Auvergne host Ulster. An Ulster win will see them welcome a Quarter Final at Ravenhill. A loss with no bonus point will see them nervously looking at Harlequins, Cardiff and Edinburgh, as wins for all three would see them eliminated and into the Amlin Challenge. Clermont, theoretically, could still qualify with a draw or bonus point defeat, but that is highly unrealistic and defeat at home would probably mean Challenge Quarter Finals for them.
Pool 1
Saturday's final denouement is Pool 1, where Munster are qualified and with a win at Northampton will ensure another home Quarter Final at Thomond Park. Contrary to popular belief, Northampton can still theoretically qualify for the Quarters themselves. A bonus point win, allied to a 0 point defeat for Cardiff or Edinburgh, a 0 point defeat for Clermont, a 4 point win for Ospreys or Biarritz in their head-to head and defeat for Harlequins, and the Saints could even qualify as best runner-up. Odds please Mr Ladbrokes? Scarlets, by beating Castres comfortably and seeing Northampton lose at home to Munster, could also qualify for the Amlin Quarters. Castres are out.
Pool 5
Sunday, Bloody Sunday. Sentiments I am sure most of us feel as the weekend ends, yet this Sunday could be bloody for the Ospreys or Biarritz. Saracens need a mere losing bonus point in Treviso to qualify for the Quarters and dispel the gloom surrounding English rugby. Meanwhile, a bonus point win for either the Welsh or French side could see them qualify, if Clermont, Cardiff or Edinburgh slip up. Treviso will finish bottom, but have had their moments this year against Biarritz home and away, and continue to progress.
Pool 2
Cardiff and Edinburgh both know: win and they qualify. Both are at home against teams with other things on their minds as neither can qualify for even the Amlin Challenge, so really, this should be straightforward, if anything can ever be said to be straightforward in this crazy competition. A draw or losing bonus point could also be enough to qualify, depending on results in Clermont, Biarritz and Treviso.
London Irish and Racing Metro 92 are both left counting the cost of inconsistency and looking to qualify for next year's competition through their League placings.
So there you have it. Clear as mud isn't it. Little by little, as each Pool reaches its conclusion, lines will be drawn through teams' names. 6 live games to behold on the box thanks to Sky, 6 more to be followed in parallel on the faithful iPad thanks to SkyGo. I don't think I've ever watched 12 games of rugby in a single weekend before.
Finally, my predicted QF line-ups as per last weekend's blog:
Toulouse (22) vs Clermont (20)
Munster (21) vs Cardiff (21)
And for completeness, my Amlin Challenge 8 Quarter FInalists:
Stade Francais, Toulon, Wasps, Perpignan, Sale, Northampton, Ulster, Biarritz
Check back over the weekend to see how I've done.
Pool 6
A logical place to start obviously. Actually, these are the Friday night games, so as I've decided to attack this chronologically, that's where we begin. Connacht's debut season has been tough, and they unfortunately are resigned to their fate. 2 losing bonus points is scant reward for their efforts, and their final involvement this year will be to try and put a spanner in the works of Harlequins' well-oiled machine. Gloucester too know their finishing position; a tough pool for the cherry and whites and but for a couple of close defeats, they could well be preparing for a huge game at home to Toulouse. As it is, they are looking to finish on a high while doing their Premiership rivals a favour.
The real interest is in the other two sides. A Toulouse win sees them qualify. A home Quarter FInal will only be lost if Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Saracens all win, or if 3 of the 4 win and Edinburgh win with a bonus point, while Cardiff don't win. Home QFs are difficult to predict really, but if a gun were held to my head, I'd suggest Toulouse will get one.
Harlequins can qualify as Group winners if they win and Toulouse lose, if they win with a bonus point and Toulouse draw, or if they draw with a bonus point and Toulouse don't score any points. Runners-up qualification will be assured with a win and an Ulster loss (without bonus point) or an Ulster win.
Confused yet? Good, it gets better trust me.
Pool 3
Saturday kicks off with a relatively straightforward mathemetical case. Bath and Montpelier are adrift. Leinster have ruled the roost in this Pool, their highlight being a whooping of Bath, and a win would guarantee a Home QF. Glasgow are the current incumbents of second place, and a bonus point win would see them clinging to an Amlin Challenge lifeline which could become reality if 3 of the following 5 things happen (deep breath): Munster beat Northampton, Scarlets and Leicester don't get bonus point wins, Ospreys and Biarritz draw and Harlequins don't score a point and score 4 less tries than Glasgow themselves do.
So it's bye bye Glasgow
Pool 4
Aironi have long since been resigned to their fate. I could unkindly suggest that that has been the case since the balls came out of the bag at the draw, but I won't. Leicester can still qualify for the Amlin with a bonus point win and other results going their way (Harlequins defeat, Clermont defeat, Northamton defeat for example). The real interest though is at Stade Marcel Michelin, where ASM Clermont Auvergne host Ulster. An Ulster win will see them welcome a Quarter Final at Ravenhill. A loss with no bonus point will see them nervously looking at Harlequins, Cardiff and Edinburgh, as wins for all three would see them eliminated and into the Amlin Challenge. Clermont, theoretically, could still qualify with a draw or bonus point defeat, but that is highly unrealistic and defeat at home would probably mean Challenge Quarter Finals for them.
Pool 1
Saturday's final denouement is Pool 1, where Munster are qualified and with a win at Northampton will ensure another home Quarter Final at Thomond Park. Contrary to popular belief, Northampton can still theoretically qualify for the Quarters themselves. A bonus point win, allied to a 0 point defeat for Cardiff or Edinburgh, a 0 point defeat for Clermont, a 4 point win for Ospreys or Biarritz in their head-to head and defeat for Harlequins, and the Saints could even qualify as best runner-up. Odds please Mr Ladbrokes? Scarlets, by beating Castres comfortably and seeing Northampton lose at home to Munster, could also qualify for the Amlin Quarters. Castres are out.
Pool 5
Sunday, Bloody Sunday. Sentiments I am sure most of us feel as the weekend ends, yet this Sunday could be bloody for the Ospreys or Biarritz. Saracens need a mere losing bonus point in Treviso to qualify for the Quarters and dispel the gloom surrounding English rugby. Meanwhile, a bonus point win for either the Welsh or French side could see them qualify, if Clermont, Cardiff or Edinburgh slip up. Treviso will finish bottom, but have had their moments this year against Biarritz home and away, and continue to progress.
Pool 2
Cardiff and Edinburgh both know: win and they qualify. Both are at home against teams with other things on their minds as neither can qualify for even the Amlin Challenge, so really, this should be straightforward, if anything can ever be said to be straightforward in this crazy competition. A draw or losing bonus point could also be enough to qualify, depending on results in Clermont, Biarritz and Treviso.
London Irish and Racing Metro 92 are both left counting the cost of inconsistency and looking to qualify for next year's competition through their League placings.
So there you have it. Clear as mud isn't it. Little by little, as each Pool reaches its conclusion, lines will be drawn through teams' names. 6 live games to behold on the box thanks to Sky, 6 more to be followed in parallel on the faithful iPad thanks to SkyGo. I don't think I've ever watched 12 games of rugby in a single weekend before.
Finally, my predicted QF line-ups as per last weekend's blog:
Leinster (24) vs Harlequins (20)
Saracens (23) vs Edinburgh (21)Toulouse (22) vs Clermont (20)
Munster (21) vs Cardiff (21)
And for completeness, my Amlin Challenge 8 Quarter FInalists:
Stade Francais, Toulon, Wasps, Perpignan, Sale, Northampton, Ulster, Biarritz
Check back over the weekend to see how I've done.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Down To The Wire
As predicted, this year's Heineken Cup Pools are generally going down to the wire. No prizes for that prediction, given that it happens every year I suppose, but as we enter the final round of matches, there are still 11 teams with a shout at the H Cup Quarter Finals, some of those shouts decent, some requiring nigh-on a miracle.
Let's look back at (another) great weekend and see how each Pool is affected. With a small nod to next week too...
Pool 1
Munster became the first team to qualify, with a 5th consecutive victory in a tricky Pool. Another struggle though, at home against Castres, was ultimately won by their forwards (what's new?) with Paul O'Connell standing out for me. Donnacha Ryan also continue to impress, but they are chugging along in a low gear, and the big question is whether there is more to come or whether they need a major pitstop. Northampton stumbled past Castres to take second place for the moment. They will be regretting 2 things at the moment: the 'Gara drop goal at Thomond Park and the home defeat to the Scarlets that came off the back of it. Had either of those results gone the other way, we would be looking at one of the all-time great Pool games next week with a winner takes all occasion in front of 22,000 people. As it is, Saints only have a potential Challenge semi final to look forward to
Next week sees Castre vs Scarlets and Northampton vs Munster. I see 2 home wins, with Munster picking up one point. The top 2 therefore will be
Munster 21, Northampton 16
Pool 2
Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh both won this weekend, Edinburgh with a last gasp drop goal against one of the big disappointments Racing. Cardiff won a tight one against London Irish, whose inconsistent Heineken campaign matches their inconsistency in the Premiership. Their goal now has to be a Top 6 place and another crack at the Heineken next year. Cardiff and Edinburgh are level on points at the top, but Cardiff meet Racing, while Edinburgh entertain Irish next week. Anyone's guess as to who progresses as group winners, but should both win, both would qualify, though winning the group would be a huge advantage in terms of the draw obviously.
I see both sides winning next week, but don't see Edinburgh bettering Cardiff's points tally, which means a top 2 of
Cardiff 21, Edinburgh 21
Pool 3
Montpellier scraped past Bath for their first Heineken win after 2 draws. Turn those draws into wins, and they would be right in line for a qualification showdown with Leinster next week. However, as it is
they leave the competition with much experience gained, and much credit for giving the tournament a go (I'm thinking of the shoddy effort in the past of Bourgoin-Jaillieu here). Leinster came up against a digged and gutsy Glasgow, for whom Kellock and Gray showed strongly, and were indebted to second half tries from Kearney and Boss to see them to a win. Glasgow have grown this year, and it is a shame that they will lose Gray to Sale come May, but Scotland will be optimistic for the impending visit of England in the 6 Nations. Leinster join Munster in the second round as a result of the win, but like their rivals, they will be far from happy with the way they are playing currently.
I see Leinster winning at home to Montpellier next week while Bath just beat Glasgow at the Rec. So:
Leinster 24, Glasgow 12
Pool 4
Aironi were the ulucky ones in this year's Heineken Cup. 2 former winners and one of the favourites in their Pool, so no surprise to see them bottom. Seeing Leicester unceremoniously dumped by Ulster at Ravenhill for the second time was a surprise though. After a first half which was tough, but nothing insurmountable, Twelvetrees hit the post with a kick he should have made, and Leicester went missing. Big names and big forwards were engulfed by wave after wave of Ulster attack, and a 41-7 drubbing followed. Clermont ran in 12 tries in Italy to set up a decider at Marcel Michelin against Ulster next weekend. Winner goes through, loser, if Ulster, would need bonus point(s) and results to go their way to go through as runners'up.
Leicester reserves will take their frustration out on Aironi next week, while Clermont will have far too much for Ulster at home and will take the win while Ulster don't pick up a bonus point.
Clermont 20, Ulster 19
Pool 5
Ospreys win on Friday night against Treviso kept them in the mix. Treviso's win against Biarritz meant that only one side was likely to qualify from this pool. Saracens hosted Biarritz in Watford rather than the initially proposed Cape Town. Saracens at Vicarage Road is a tough task, and Biarritz having struggled in their domestic championship and without half of their talismanic pair (Yachvili was present but Harinordoquy not) they looked a bit short. Sarries scored through a lovely darting finish by Spencer, but Biarritz fought back well and a Yachvili try gave them hope, only for Saracens to cling to a 4 point lead thanks to Owen Farrell's boot. Strettle showed well for Sarries, while Barritt's performance proved his lack of dimensions, and his limits as a potential England centre
Next week should see a Saracens win in Treviso, and a Biarritz win at home to Ospreys
Saracens 23, Biarritz 17
Pool 6
Toulouse and Harlequins both won their home games to set up a last weekend shoot-out between the two. Quins were dogged against an improved and solid Gloucester, while Toulouse strolled past Connacht with 4 tries to stretch their lead at the top to 2 points. 2 tricky away games next weekend for the hopeful pair, as Harlequins go to Connacht while Toulouse face the shed. Neither home side has anything other than pride to play for, so 2 away wins could be on the cards. Were that to happen, I could see both sides qualifying, but I have a sneaking feeling that Gloucester could upset the Toulouse apple-cart next weekend. Time will tell.
I can see Quins winning in Connacht, though a bonus point may be too much to ask for. Gloucester vs Toulouse depends on Gloucester's frame of mind and selection. If I had to put my house on it though, I'd plump for Toulouse, just.
Toulouse 22, Harlequins 20
So, I have the seedings as (with group points in brackets):
Toulouse (22) vs Clermont (20)
Munster (21) vs Cardiff (21)
That would also see Northampton, Ulster and Biarritz drop into the Amlin Challenge.
Another incredible weekend of tension, drama and good quality rugby. The Heineken Cup continues to reinforce its position as the best club competition in World rugby. Roll on next Friday
Let's look back at (another) great weekend and see how each Pool is affected. With a small nod to next week too...
Pool 1
Munster became the first team to qualify, with a 5th consecutive victory in a tricky Pool. Another struggle though, at home against Castres, was ultimately won by their forwards (what's new?) with Paul O'Connell standing out for me. Donnacha Ryan also continue to impress, but they are chugging along in a low gear, and the big question is whether there is more to come or whether they need a major pitstop. Northampton stumbled past Castres to take second place for the moment. They will be regretting 2 things at the moment: the 'Gara drop goal at Thomond Park and the home defeat to the Scarlets that came off the back of it. Had either of those results gone the other way, we would be looking at one of the all-time great Pool games next week with a winner takes all occasion in front of 22,000 people. As it is, Saints only have a potential Challenge semi final to look forward to
Next week sees Castre vs Scarlets and Northampton vs Munster. I see 2 home wins, with Munster picking up one point. The top 2 therefore will be
Munster 21, Northampton 16
Pool 2
Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh both won this weekend, Edinburgh with a last gasp drop goal against one of the big disappointments Racing. Cardiff won a tight one against London Irish, whose inconsistent Heineken campaign matches their inconsistency in the Premiership. Their goal now has to be a Top 6 place and another crack at the Heineken next year. Cardiff and Edinburgh are level on points at the top, but Cardiff meet Racing, while Edinburgh entertain Irish next week. Anyone's guess as to who progresses as group winners, but should both win, both would qualify, though winning the group would be a huge advantage in terms of the draw obviously.
I see both sides winning next week, but don't see Edinburgh bettering Cardiff's points tally, which means a top 2 of
Cardiff 21, Edinburgh 21
Pool 3
Montpellier scraped past Bath for their first Heineken win after 2 draws. Turn those draws into wins, and they would be right in line for a qualification showdown with Leinster next week. However, as it is
they leave the competition with much experience gained, and much credit for giving the tournament a go (I'm thinking of the shoddy effort in the past of Bourgoin-Jaillieu here). Leinster came up against a digged and gutsy Glasgow, for whom Kellock and Gray showed strongly, and were indebted to second half tries from Kearney and Boss to see them to a win. Glasgow have grown this year, and it is a shame that they will lose Gray to Sale come May, but Scotland will be optimistic for the impending visit of England in the 6 Nations. Leinster join Munster in the second round as a result of the win, but like their rivals, they will be far from happy with the way they are playing currently.
I see Leinster winning at home to Montpellier next week while Bath just beat Glasgow at the Rec. So:
Leinster 24, Glasgow 12
Pool 4
Aironi were the ulucky ones in this year's Heineken Cup. 2 former winners and one of the favourites in their Pool, so no surprise to see them bottom. Seeing Leicester unceremoniously dumped by Ulster at Ravenhill for the second time was a surprise though. After a first half which was tough, but nothing insurmountable, Twelvetrees hit the post with a kick he should have made, and Leicester went missing. Big names and big forwards were engulfed by wave after wave of Ulster attack, and a 41-7 drubbing followed. Clermont ran in 12 tries in Italy to set up a decider at Marcel Michelin against Ulster next weekend. Winner goes through, loser, if Ulster, would need bonus point(s) and results to go their way to go through as runners'up.
Leicester reserves will take their frustration out on Aironi next week, while Clermont will have far too much for Ulster at home and will take the win while Ulster don't pick up a bonus point.
Clermont 20, Ulster 19
Pool 5
Ospreys win on Friday night against Treviso kept them in the mix. Treviso's win against Biarritz meant that only one side was likely to qualify from this pool. Saracens hosted Biarritz in Watford rather than the initially proposed Cape Town. Saracens at Vicarage Road is a tough task, and Biarritz having struggled in their domestic championship and without half of their talismanic pair (Yachvili was present but Harinordoquy not) they looked a bit short. Sarries scored through a lovely darting finish by Spencer, but Biarritz fought back well and a Yachvili try gave them hope, only for Saracens to cling to a 4 point lead thanks to Owen Farrell's boot. Strettle showed well for Sarries, while Barritt's performance proved his lack of dimensions, and his limits as a potential England centre
Next week should see a Saracens win in Treviso, and a Biarritz win at home to Ospreys
Saracens 23, Biarritz 17
Pool 6
Toulouse and Harlequins both won their home games to set up a last weekend shoot-out between the two. Quins were dogged against an improved and solid Gloucester, while Toulouse strolled past Connacht with 4 tries to stretch their lead at the top to 2 points. 2 tricky away games next weekend for the hopeful pair, as Harlequins go to Connacht while Toulouse face the shed. Neither home side has anything other than pride to play for, so 2 away wins could be on the cards. Were that to happen, I could see both sides qualifying, but I have a sneaking feeling that Gloucester could upset the Toulouse apple-cart next weekend. Time will tell.
I can see Quins winning in Connacht, though a bonus point may be too much to ask for. Gloucester vs Toulouse depends on Gloucester's frame of mind and selection. If I had to put my house on it though, I'd plump for Toulouse, just.
Toulouse 22, Harlequins 20
So, I have the seedings as (with group points in brackets):
Leinster (24) vs Harlequins (20)
Saracens (23) vs Edinburgh (21)Toulouse (22) vs Clermont (20)
Munster (21) vs Cardiff (21)
That would also see Northampton, Ulster and Biarritz drop into the Amlin Challenge.
Another incredible weekend of tension, drama and good quality rugby. The Heineken Cup continues to reinforce its position as the best club competition in World rugby. Roll on next Friday
Thursday, 12 January 2012
EPS, RBS and ERC
For the uninitiated, that's Elite Playing Squad, the sponsor of the 6 Nations and the European Cup.
So England have their first squad of the new (or temporary, who knows?) era. Stuart Lancaster and his team have perused the options on offer in the Premiership (primarily at the top end, but that is to be expected). The vast majority of the squad was as expected, though there was still the odd surprise, some welcome, some slightly less so if the Twittter traffic yesterday was anything to go by. I managed, when you take into account the 4 injury replacements for the 6 Nations, to get 26 names right, which is a fair stab, and in some cases, you could have given me 4 guesses and I wouldn't have plumped for the name selected.
Forwards
Corbisiero, Marler, Cole, Stevens, Wilson, Hartley, Mears, Webber, Lawes (Parling), Palmer, Deacon (Attwood), Botha, Wood, Croft, Robshaw, Morgan, Dowson, Clark
Without going into too much detail, the surprises are Mears and WIlson in the front row, Palmer, Deacon and Botha in the 2nd row and Dowson and Clark in the back row. In a squad which is full of youth and positive vibes for the future, Mears seems a strange selection. He has struggled with injury recently, resulting in major hooker headaches for Sir Ian McGeechan at Bath, and with younger talent around, such as Paice, Gray and George, such a stop-gap selection surprises me enormously.
Wilson is a solid option, but I fear that the 5 props selected mean more moving left and right for Matt Stevens, which will ultimately be to the detriment of both him and the squad.
The second row is full of surprises for me. Deacon I thought would have, and maybe should have, been jettisoned with the other older members of the squad. He is also injured. George Robson of Quins must be very disappointed to miss out, and I can't help feeling that Deacon has had his day. Palmer is a more than welcome surprise. The only reason I didn't select him was his current residence in France, which I believed meant he was not selectable. His line-out work is exemplary, and for that alone I am glad to see him selected. Parling and Attwood replace Deacon and Lawes for the 6 Nations while they recuperate from their injuries. A big chance for these two to prove they are the long-term answer that Deacon so clearly isn't.
The back row isn't without surprises either, as Dowson and Clark are 2 names that were not really considered ahead of the squad announcement, either by the tv experts or the various bloggers online. Both are solid options, but I can't help feel that Thomas Waldrom is a little hard done by. Already shamefully overlooked for the World Cup, and with many going so far as to say that Graham Henry maybe missed a trick by letting him slip through the net.
Backs
Youngs, Simpson, K. Dickson, Flood, Farrell, Hodgson, Tuilagi, Turner-Hall, Barritt, Ashton, Sharples, Strettle, Foden, Brown, (Trinder), (Goode)
The backs have a strange look to them, with only three centres and only three wingers. That said, Farrell, who seems to be the one the press are fixated with, has been playing centre all season and Trinder is added for the 6 Nations. Flood's injury may well force England to play Farrell at 10, but with Hodgson in the squad, it would be a shame not to use him. The inexperience of the back line would be eased by an older head at 10 while Flood recovers (if indeed he is out). It doesn't proffer much in terms of attacking rugby though, as Saracens, effective though they are, are not exactly purveyors of the beautiful game, and a line of Hodgson, Farrell and Barritt (in Tuilagi's absence) would suggest a dose of realism over expansive game.
The wings offer different things, Ashton with his finishing prowess, Strettle with his all-round game and Sharples with his electric pace. Brown will give continued pressure to Foden, who has never had it easy in terms of his place, as Armitage pushed hard while he was around. Foden is the incumbent, but Brown has impressed and will be ready to step in at the slightest sign of weakness.
Dickson has forced his way into the reckoning in recent weeks with some sterling performances, but I think Youngs holds the aces at scrum half still. Simpson can be considered lucky, as he hasn't performed well in recent weeks, and Danny Care's indiscretions have possibly given him one last go.
Finally, Trinder and Goode step up as cover for Flood and Tuilagi. Strange one that; Trinder for Tuilagi I get, but why Flood should be replaced by Goode (the one similarity is their rhyming names) I don't know. Full back for fly half...?
So now, the pontificating can move on a level. For ten days or so, the game has been to pick 32 from a list of 200 or so. Now, we have to pick 15 (or 22) from 32. This should be a lot easier, given positional limitations, but there are those (Farrell being the obvious candidate) who can function effectively in more than one position. I'm sure this will provoke much more animated discussion as the lead up to the first weekend of the tournament continues.
A brief thought of that first weekend now: when the fixtures were established, little could people have known that the first round would involve three big grudge matches (so to speak) with very recent (2011) history. Scotland vs England sees a repeat of the match which sealed Scotland's World Cup fate back in late September. On home territory, and with a much more settled squad, they will be confident of going one better. Wales and Ireland go head to head on the same weekend. A repeat of a World Cup Quarter Final which, beforehand, most people had Ireland winning. Ireland though were clearly reading their own press and over-confidence saw them failing to reach their first World Cup semi final. 4 months later and they have a chance to right that wrong, to a certain extent.
Finally, France welcome Italy in what is traditionally a relatively innocuous game in Paris. France won't be troubled, but given the defeat in Rome last year, Italy will be brimming with confidence in Paris for the first time. That said, that Rome defeat being so fresh in many memories will ensure that complacency will not be an issue. Given that it will also be the first game in charge for new coach Philippe Saint-Andre, I think you can safely say the French will be ready.
A more detailed preview will follow later of course...
Finally to Europe and Round 5 this weekend of the two trophies. The English sides showed sides of improvement last time round and Leicester will need to continue that progress in Ulster if they are to progress. Clermont should romp home against Aironi to put themselves within a Home win against Ulster of the Quarter Finals. Much could be decided this weekend, but traditionally, Round 5 sets the experts going and the graphic designers of Sky Sports will be creating "What if?" slides from Monday onwards. Another weekend of non-stop action awaits though, and as ever, you can read all about it, and the various qualifying permutations, here on either Sunday night or Monday morning.
I will hopefully have some more news to divulge to you then too. (That's called a teaser) ;-)
So England have their first squad of the new (or temporary, who knows?) era. Stuart Lancaster and his team have perused the options on offer in the Premiership (primarily at the top end, but that is to be expected). The vast majority of the squad was as expected, though there was still the odd surprise, some welcome, some slightly less so if the Twittter traffic yesterday was anything to go by. I managed, when you take into account the 4 injury replacements for the 6 Nations, to get 26 names right, which is a fair stab, and in some cases, you could have given me 4 guesses and I wouldn't have plumped for the name selected.
Forwards
Corbisiero, Marler, Cole, Stevens, Wilson, Hartley, Mears, Webber, Lawes (Parling), Palmer, Deacon (Attwood), Botha, Wood, Croft, Robshaw, Morgan, Dowson, Clark
Without going into too much detail, the surprises are Mears and WIlson in the front row, Palmer, Deacon and Botha in the 2nd row and Dowson and Clark in the back row. In a squad which is full of youth and positive vibes for the future, Mears seems a strange selection. He has struggled with injury recently, resulting in major hooker headaches for Sir Ian McGeechan at Bath, and with younger talent around, such as Paice, Gray and George, such a stop-gap selection surprises me enormously.
Wilson is a solid option, but I fear that the 5 props selected mean more moving left and right for Matt Stevens, which will ultimately be to the detriment of both him and the squad.
The second row is full of surprises for me. Deacon I thought would have, and maybe should have, been jettisoned with the other older members of the squad. He is also injured. George Robson of Quins must be very disappointed to miss out, and I can't help feeling that Deacon has had his day. Palmer is a more than welcome surprise. The only reason I didn't select him was his current residence in France, which I believed meant he was not selectable. His line-out work is exemplary, and for that alone I am glad to see him selected. Parling and Attwood replace Deacon and Lawes for the 6 Nations while they recuperate from their injuries. A big chance for these two to prove they are the long-term answer that Deacon so clearly isn't.
The back row isn't without surprises either, as Dowson and Clark are 2 names that were not really considered ahead of the squad announcement, either by the tv experts or the various bloggers online. Both are solid options, but I can't help feel that Thomas Waldrom is a little hard done by. Already shamefully overlooked for the World Cup, and with many going so far as to say that Graham Henry maybe missed a trick by letting him slip through the net.
Backs
Youngs, Simpson, K. Dickson, Flood, Farrell, Hodgson, Tuilagi, Turner-Hall, Barritt, Ashton, Sharples, Strettle, Foden, Brown, (Trinder), (Goode)
The backs have a strange look to them, with only three centres and only three wingers. That said, Farrell, who seems to be the one the press are fixated with, has been playing centre all season and Trinder is added for the 6 Nations. Flood's injury may well force England to play Farrell at 10, but with Hodgson in the squad, it would be a shame not to use him. The inexperience of the back line would be eased by an older head at 10 while Flood recovers (if indeed he is out). It doesn't proffer much in terms of attacking rugby though, as Saracens, effective though they are, are not exactly purveyors of the beautiful game, and a line of Hodgson, Farrell and Barritt (in Tuilagi's absence) would suggest a dose of realism over expansive game.
The wings offer different things, Ashton with his finishing prowess, Strettle with his all-round game and Sharples with his electric pace. Brown will give continued pressure to Foden, who has never had it easy in terms of his place, as Armitage pushed hard while he was around. Foden is the incumbent, but Brown has impressed and will be ready to step in at the slightest sign of weakness.
Dickson has forced his way into the reckoning in recent weeks with some sterling performances, but I think Youngs holds the aces at scrum half still. Simpson can be considered lucky, as he hasn't performed well in recent weeks, and Danny Care's indiscretions have possibly given him one last go.
Finally, Trinder and Goode step up as cover for Flood and Tuilagi. Strange one that; Trinder for Tuilagi I get, but why Flood should be replaced by Goode (the one similarity is their rhyming names) I don't know. Full back for fly half...?
So now, the pontificating can move on a level. For ten days or so, the game has been to pick 32 from a list of 200 or so. Now, we have to pick 15 (or 22) from 32. This should be a lot easier, given positional limitations, but there are those (Farrell being the obvious candidate) who can function effectively in more than one position. I'm sure this will provoke much more animated discussion as the lead up to the first weekend of the tournament continues.
A brief thought of that first weekend now: when the fixtures were established, little could people have known that the first round would involve three big grudge matches (so to speak) with very recent (2011) history. Scotland vs England sees a repeat of the match which sealed Scotland's World Cup fate back in late September. On home territory, and with a much more settled squad, they will be confident of going one better. Wales and Ireland go head to head on the same weekend. A repeat of a World Cup Quarter Final which, beforehand, most people had Ireland winning. Ireland though were clearly reading their own press and over-confidence saw them failing to reach their first World Cup semi final. 4 months later and they have a chance to right that wrong, to a certain extent.
Finally, France welcome Italy in what is traditionally a relatively innocuous game in Paris. France won't be troubled, but given the defeat in Rome last year, Italy will be brimming with confidence in Paris for the first time. That said, that Rome defeat being so fresh in many memories will ensure that complacency will not be an issue. Given that it will also be the first game in charge for new coach Philippe Saint-Andre, I think you can safely say the French will be ready.
A more detailed preview will follow later of course...
Finally to Europe and Round 5 this weekend of the two trophies. The English sides showed sides of improvement last time round and Leicester will need to continue that progress in Ulster if they are to progress. Clermont should romp home against Aironi to put themselves within a Home win against Ulster of the Quarter Finals. Much could be decided this weekend, but traditionally, Round 5 sets the experts going and the graphic designers of Sky Sports will be creating "What if?" slides from Monday onwards. Another weekend of non-stop action awaits though, and as ever, you can read all about it, and the various qualifying permutations, here on either Sunday night or Monday morning.
I will hopefully have some more news to divulge to you then too. (That's called a teaser) ;-)
Monday, 9 January 2012
England Squad Announcement
Wednesday sees Stuart Lancaster's first meaningful day in his role as Interim Coach, or as I prefer to call him, Coach. The announcement of the EPS (Elite Player Squad or any other name you wish to give it) is the announcement of the direction that the House of Lancaster will take.
Let me get one thing off my chest before we go any further. The use of the word Interim is pointless. He is the Coach. Everyone knows it, everyone understands it, so why bother using the word interim? He is on a short-term contract, but he is the coach.
With that out of my system, time to look at the fruits of his first few weeks labour. He has traveled the grounds of the Premiership extensively, usually alongside his sidekick Muttly, sorry Rowntree. Every possible candidate for the 32 EPS places has had the coach's attention for at least 80 minutes, and after a meeting with Rowntree and his other principle assistant Andy Farrell, Wednesday sees the 32 names announced for the first time.
We've heard the rumours of those who are being overlooked and those who aren't happy with it. Mark Cueto and Nick Easter seemingly falling into the latter category, Wilkinson (retirement - ha), Shaw, Palmer, Tindall and many others have been jettisoned, as the new management team look to leave its stamp on the year ahead.
As every other blogger has seemingly had their go at picking the 32, I thought I should probably do the same. There have been some strange selections in the lists I have seen and heard. Steve Borthwick in Will Greenwood's list for example, Tom Palmer, who is in France, also getting named. I believe mine will be closer to the mark, but then I would say that wouldn't I?
Front Row
There are some interesting choices in the front row. Loosehead sees a relatively young survivor of the World Cup in Alex Corbisiero, and it would be a major surprise were he not to be included. This leaves a straight fight for the second spot between, as I see it, the future, loose option that is Joe Marler, whose scrummaging is maybe slightly weaker but whose hard yards in the loose and ball carrying would give England a dynamic option, and the more experienced Nick Wood of Gloucester, who is without doubt one of the better scrummagers in the Premiership, but whose loose game is a fair way behind Marler. A touch pick for sure, and while Wood may be the better short term option, I think this squad will be a very foward looking one and therefore expect Marler to get the nod.
Tighthead is a little more straightforward in my eyes. Dan Cole is the quiet unassuming character who gets on with things. After a slight dip in form at the World Cup, he seems to be back to something approaching his best. Matt Stevens too, since he has been focussing on the tighthead side rather than trying to be Mr Flexible, has made steps to somewhere near his best. I wouldn't be surprised if the pair get selected. Their form is reasonable, and their experience in a relatively young squad would be invaluable. Only Paul Doran-Jones, on current form, may disturb this pair.
Hooker is both easy and difficult. Dylan Hartley is the experienced man, he is probably the best hooker in England at the moment (well, in England and qualified to play for England). He is a shoe-in for one of the places. The second is a little more open, and most Premiership hookers have been mentioned in respect of the second place: Webber of Wasps, were he able to throw, would be the perfect foil for Hartley. His throwing though is at times abysmal, and England cannot really afford that. Paice of London Irish, Gray of Quins and George of the Jungle, sorry Saracens, are also in line, but Lancaster has Webber with the Saxons last year, and I suspect that will be the weight that tilts it in Webber's favour.
Second Row
Injury, retirement and deciding to play abroad have robbed England of Lawes, Deacon, Shaw and Palmer, from the rather disappointing World Cup second row. It always surprised me that, for someone who exhibited such qualities as a player in that position, Martin Johnson never managed to get anything out of his chosen second row forwards. Lancaster has effectively a blank sheet, though Lawes would be a certainty were he not injured. I still suspect Lawes will get an EPS place, as he should be fit for summer's Australia tour and the winter arrival of the Southern Hemisphere sides. Who joins him though? Robson of Harlequins is in good form, Attwood of Bath too seems to be on the road back to his best, and slightly left-field for me given his injury record and his lack of game time in recent weeks, Parling of Leicester would also get the nod from me.
Back Row
I'm pretty certain that, given the euphoria surrounding his performances this season in both victory, and latterly in defeat, Chris Robshaw will be named in the list. He may well be up for the captaincy eventually too, but for now he, Tom Croft and Tom Wood will waltz into Lancaster's squad. Three places to fill then, including the key Number 8 position. Specialists need to be picked there for me, and they also need to be people who take the game to the opposition at pace. Easter's time has been and gone, despite his recent lean look and performances, and as such, I would opt for Waldrom of Leicester and Morgan of Scarlets. Morgan is another of those who I believe has had a whisper from Lancaster, which explains the timing of his announcement that he would be choosing England ahead of Wales. The final back row position is a tricky one too, but I would go for Seymour of Sale, who is a proper number 7, though if slightly unfit given the clonking he took at Leicester last weekend, then Saull of Saracens would be a hair's breadth behind him on my list
Half Backs
Scrum half is a problem area for me, so I'm picking three to keep options open. Youngs and Simpson will be in there, and given recent performances Dickson of Northampton should also get his first shout. Watching him behind a dominant pack is a joy. His pass is unfussy, accurate and quick, his defence is stout and his kicking game, while never going to reach the heights, is more than good enough.
Fly half sees another tricky decision given the injury to Toby Flood, who is still hopeful of returning for the Scotland clash. I would pick him anyway, along with Owen Farrell. The third name (needed given Flood's injury and Farrell's likely use in the centre) is anther tricky one. I like Burns, but I think he is too green, I really like Lamb, but he is a little inconsistent and I used to love Hodgson, but the key words there are 'used to'. I've seen enough in Lamb to want to take the risk on him, but think Lancaster will opt for the slightly steadier Burns.
Centres
Manu Tuilagi is as near to the first name on the squad list as they come. If only they could find a way of inserting some common sense into him.... Alongside him is a tricky one, with youth being required. I've never understood why Dan Hipkiss was so consistently overlooked by previous coaches, but think he is likely to miss out again, and much as I like Smith of Leicester, I can't see him getting a go unfortunately. I see Trinder getting a call, Barritt, who has played Saxons and is a key member of Andy Farrell's Saracens backline and Banahan, who has the ability to play centre or wing, but who I would like to see being given a run at centre. Turner-Hall will be unlucky and miss out.
Wingers
With Banahan in the centre and able to slip to the wing, I am going for three form players and a slight wildcard. Ashton, of course, will walk in to the list. I think he will be joined by the hot property of the moment, Sharples, and the forgotten man of English rugby Strettle. The final name on the list is someone who, whenever they have stepped up a level, have made an instant impression: Wade, young and inexperienced though he is, is the nearest England will come to another Jason Robinson, and needs to be involved sooner rather than later.
Full Backs
Easy. Foden and Brown. Brown's form allied with Armitage's consistent run-ins with the authorities and his rumoured future departure to French shores should see the two form guys of the Premiership selected.
So there you have it, a list of 30. A mix between what I would do and what I expect Lancaster et al to do.
Forwards (16)
Corbisiero, Marler, Hartley, Webber, Cole, Stevens, Lawes, Attwood, Robson, Parling, Croft, Wood, Robshaw, Seymour, Waldrom, Morgan
Backs (16)
Youngs, Simpson, Dickson, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Tuilagi, Trinder, Barritt, Banahan, Ashton, Strettle, Sharples, Wade, Foden, Brown
Here is a back-up 15, any of which are feasible selections:
Front row: Wood, Gray, Doran-Jones
Second Row: Garvey, Gaskell
Back Row: Saull, Narraway, Gibson
Half Backs: Hodgson, Hodgson
Centres: Turner-Hall, Smith
Wings: Monye, Armitage
Full Back: Goode
A fascinating time of year. No doubt some of those names mentioned will lead you to laugh or call me crazy, but rugby is all about opinion. You've seen mine, why not tell me yours?
@theeggchaser on Twitter or Comment here. Thanks for reading, see you soon
Let me get one thing off my chest before we go any further. The use of the word Interim is pointless. He is the Coach. Everyone knows it, everyone understands it, so why bother using the word interim? He is on a short-term contract, but he is the coach.
With that out of my system, time to look at the fruits of his first few weeks labour. He has traveled the grounds of the Premiership extensively, usually alongside his sidekick Muttly, sorry Rowntree. Every possible candidate for the 32 EPS places has had the coach's attention for at least 80 minutes, and after a meeting with Rowntree and his other principle assistant Andy Farrell, Wednesday sees the 32 names announced for the first time.
We've heard the rumours of those who are being overlooked and those who aren't happy with it. Mark Cueto and Nick Easter seemingly falling into the latter category, Wilkinson (retirement - ha), Shaw, Palmer, Tindall and many others have been jettisoned, as the new management team look to leave its stamp on the year ahead.
As every other blogger has seemingly had their go at picking the 32, I thought I should probably do the same. There have been some strange selections in the lists I have seen and heard. Steve Borthwick in Will Greenwood's list for example, Tom Palmer, who is in France, also getting named. I believe mine will be closer to the mark, but then I would say that wouldn't I?
Front Row
There are some interesting choices in the front row. Loosehead sees a relatively young survivor of the World Cup in Alex Corbisiero, and it would be a major surprise were he not to be included. This leaves a straight fight for the second spot between, as I see it, the future, loose option that is Joe Marler, whose scrummaging is maybe slightly weaker but whose hard yards in the loose and ball carrying would give England a dynamic option, and the more experienced Nick Wood of Gloucester, who is without doubt one of the better scrummagers in the Premiership, but whose loose game is a fair way behind Marler. A touch pick for sure, and while Wood may be the better short term option, I think this squad will be a very foward looking one and therefore expect Marler to get the nod.
Tighthead is a little more straightforward in my eyes. Dan Cole is the quiet unassuming character who gets on with things. After a slight dip in form at the World Cup, he seems to be back to something approaching his best. Matt Stevens too, since he has been focussing on the tighthead side rather than trying to be Mr Flexible, has made steps to somewhere near his best. I wouldn't be surprised if the pair get selected. Their form is reasonable, and their experience in a relatively young squad would be invaluable. Only Paul Doran-Jones, on current form, may disturb this pair.
Hooker is both easy and difficult. Dylan Hartley is the experienced man, he is probably the best hooker in England at the moment (well, in England and qualified to play for England). He is a shoe-in for one of the places. The second is a little more open, and most Premiership hookers have been mentioned in respect of the second place: Webber of Wasps, were he able to throw, would be the perfect foil for Hartley. His throwing though is at times abysmal, and England cannot really afford that. Paice of London Irish, Gray of Quins and George of the Jungle, sorry Saracens, are also in line, but Lancaster has Webber with the Saxons last year, and I suspect that will be the weight that tilts it in Webber's favour.
Second Row
Injury, retirement and deciding to play abroad have robbed England of Lawes, Deacon, Shaw and Palmer, from the rather disappointing World Cup second row. It always surprised me that, for someone who exhibited such qualities as a player in that position, Martin Johnson never managed to get anything out of his chosen second row forwards. Lancaster has effectively a blank sheet, though Lawes would be a certainty were he not injured. I still suspect Lawes will get an EPS place, as he should be fit for summer's Australia tour and the winter arrival of the Southern Hemisphere sides. Who joins him though? Robson of Harlequins is in good form, Attwood of Bath too seems to be on the road back to his best, and slightly left-field for me given his injury record and his lack of game time in recent weeks, Parling of Leicester would also get the nod from me.
Back Row
I'm pretty certain that, given the euphoria surrounding his performances this season in both victory, and latterly in defeat, Chris Robshaw will be named in the list. He may well be up for the captaincy eventually too, but for now he, Tom Croft and Tom Wood will waltz into Lancaster's squad. Three places to fill then, including the key Number 8 position. Specialists need to be picked there for me, and they also need to be people who take the game to the opposition at pace. Easter's time has been and gone, despite his recent lean look and performances, and as such, I would opt for Waldrom of Leicester and Morgan of Scarlets. Morgan is another of those who I believe has had a whisper from Lancaster, which explains the timing of his announcement that he would be choosing England ahead of Wales. The final back row position is a tricky one too, but I would go for Seymour of Sale, who is a proper number 7, though if slightly unfit given the clonking he took at Leicester last weekend, then Saull of Saracens would be a hair's breadth behind him on my list
Half Backs
Scrum half is a problem area for me, so I'm picking three to keep options open. Youngs and Simpson will be in there, and given recent performances Dickson of Northampton should also get his first shout. Watching him behind a dominant pack is a joy. His pass is unfussy, accurate and quick, his defence is stout and his kicking game, while never going to reach the heights, is more than good enough.
Fly half sees another tricky decision given the injury to Toby Flood, who is still hopeful of returning for the Scotland clash. I would pick him anyway, along with Owen Farrell. The third name (needed given Flood's injury and Farrell's likely use in the centre) is anther tricky one. I like Burns, but I think he is too green, I really like Lamb, but he is a little inconsistent and I used to love Hodgson, but the key words there are 'used to'. I've seen enough in Lamb to want to take the risk on him, but think Lancaster will opt for the slightly steadier Burns.
Centres
Manu Tuilagi is as near to the first name on the squad list as they come. If only they could find a way of inserting some common sense into him.... Alongside him is a tricky one, with youth being required. I've never understood why Dan Hipkiss was so consistently overlooked by previous coaches, but think he is likely to miss out again, and much as I like Smith of Leicester, I can't see him getting a go unfortunately. I see Trinder getting a call, Barritt, who has played Saxons and is a key member of Andy Farrell's Saracens backline and Banahan, who has the ability to play centre or wing, but who I would like to see being given a run at centre. Turner-Hall will be unlucky and miss out.
Wingers
With Banahan in the centre and able to slip to the wing, I am going for three form players and a slight wildcard. Ashton, of course, will walk in to the list. I think he will be joined by the hot property of the moment, Sharples, and the forgotten man of English rugby Strettle. The final name on the list is someone who, whenever they have stepped up a level, have made an instant impression: Wade, young and inexperienced though he is, is the nearest England will come to another Jason Robinson, and needs to be involved sooner rather than later.
Full Backs
Easy. Foden and Brown. Brown's form allied with Armitage's consistent run-ins with the authorities and his rumoured future departure to French shores should see the two form guys of the Premiership selected.
So there you have it, a list of 30. A mix between what I would do and what I expect Lancaster et al to do.
Forwards (16)
Corbisiero, Marler, Hartley, Webber, Cole, Stevens, Lawes, Attwood, Robson, Parling, Croft, Wood, Robshaw, Seymour, Waldrom, Morgan
Backs (16)
Youngs, Simpson, Dickson, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Tuilagi, Trinder, Barritt, Banahan, Ashton, Strettle, Sharples, Wade, Foden, Brown
Here is a back-up 15, any of which are feasible selections:
Front row: Wood, Gray, Doran-Jones
Second Row: Garvey, Gaskell
Back Row: Saull, Narraway, Gibson
Half Backs: Hodgson, Hodgson
Centres: Turner-Hall, Smith
Wings: Monye, Armitage
Full Back: Goode
A fascinating time of year. No doubt some of those names mentioned will lead you to laugh or call me crazy, but rugby is all about opinion. You've seen mine, why not tell me yours?
@theeggchaser on Twitter or Comment here. Thanks for reading, see you soon
Friday, 6 January 2012
Captain, My Captain
It seems an ever more important role on the rugby pitch. That of Captain. In the past, and as recently as the 1980s, the Captain had two functions: firstly to rouse the troops with a blood and guts speech before the game and at strategic intervals during it (that in the days when even international rugby saw the half-time break spent on the pitch) and secondly to let the referee know the intention at some decision points during the game (scrum or line again? "Posts sir!")
Now though, the role is ever more important and time consuming. The list of roles, not exclusive, but still pretty long is: on-field decisions, motivational, leading from the front, controlling discipline, Captain's run in training, press conference after press conference, promotional work for Sky, BBC, etc.
One of the odd decisions made by Marc Lievremont in his time in charge of France was to make Thierry Dusautoir captain. I recall, at the time, that most of my French friends were flabbergasted at such a promotion for a shy(ish) guy with no real background as a leader, yet Lievremont seems to have made a good appointment that Philippe Saint Andre will benefit from, and France enter the 6 Nations with an experienced captain in charge.
Wales stumbled upon their talisman when Sam Warburton took the captaincy by default before the World Cup. Recent Welsh captains have left me indifferent if I'm honest, but Warburton reminds me in many ways of a young Richie McCaw, and if Warren Gatland is able to fill in the numerous gaps around him, then more success could well come as a result.
Italy have the Captain they need in Sergio Parisse. A man, and this can never be said for any Italian previously, who would grace any International side. A true leader, never takes a backward step and always shows the example for others to follow. The biggest praise I can give him is that I wish he were English.
Ireland have been graced with two of best captains of the last decade in Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell. O'Driscoll could always be relied upon in attack and defence, and in terms of a motivator, there can rarely have been better in the last decade (Martin Johnson apart). O'Connell gets his chance this year due to BOD's injury, and the biggest compliment you can pay to him is that Ireland won't notice a difference.
Scotland have suffered for a while, with no real stars of any stature to stand up and be counted. Many have tried, and many have fallen by the wayside. The whole world is standing up and watching Richie Gray at the moment. Moving South to England to play with the Sale Sharks is a step he needed to take to ensure the quality of players around him week in and week out that he needs to be able to take the next step to being a great second row, and why not Captain. Were I Andy Robertson, I would be looking at him as a potential, if not definite, Captain for England 2015. 2012 may be slightly too early, but is a risk I would take.
Finally England, and you may have guessed that this is the real point of the blog. England are in a captaincy crisis at the moment. Three former captains are no more (either permanently or temporarily) with Wilkinson and Moody having gone into the retirement wilderness and Easter seemingly being overlooked). Of the current squad, or even potential squad, only 3 are currently captains of their club sides (Dylan Hartley, Luke Narraway and Chris Robshaw). 2 of those are highly inexperienced on the International stage and 1 has, in some eyes, a disciplinary problem of his own in terms of alleged off-field antics, yellow cards and a high penalty count against him. England are struggling to find a captain.
As I've said, it is my belief that a Captain should be, where at all possible, a great motivator, someone who leads by example and someone experienced at the level he plays at. It is rare indeed that someone steps up a level and can instantly captain at that level. Some people can do it of course, as they are just "that sort of person" but it is the hardest thing in the world to become a captain and have to lead people with considerably more experience than you. The "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" brigade are tough to lead if you don't possess the same t-shirt.
So what do England do? Risk a green captain? Go for experience in the hope that it irons out and disciplinary wrinkles? Go for an test match experienced player with no previous leadership experience? Three options, none of them ideal. My advice to Messrs Lancaster, Rowntree and Farrell (sound like legal advisors or estate agents don't they?) would be to forget the 2012 6 Nations and look to 2015. Who do you see leading us into that tournament as Captain? They may not be in the next squad, if not do't worry. Use a stop gap for the 2012 tournament and move on from there, but if there is someone who is a first choice now and who, in your eyes, is likely to remain a first choice for 2015, then give them the captaincy now and let them learn the job.
Chris Robshaw looks a good bet to be in England's back row in a month's time. He has captaincy experience. Will he be first choice in 2015? Dylan Hartley has captaincy experience, is first choice hooker and could well still be in 2015. Make him captain for 2012 and see if his disciplinary problems ease as they did when he took the role at Northampton? If it doesn't, there is still time to blood Robshaw or A.N. Other afterwards....
One final thing relates to the Premiership club sides. The RFU should not tell them what to do, far from it, but it would seem to me to be a good idea to politely suggest that an England qualified player should gain captaincy experience wherever possible. Toby Flood at Leicester, for example, would become a viable England captain if he had any leadership experience, as would Tom Croft or even Ben Youngs.
This last point may be slightly controversial, but it is a shame that, with the resources we have, we don't have 1 outstanding candidate to replace Lewis Moody at the helm and to assist Stuart Lancaster in the righting of the good ship RFU.
In honour of this, I have created a new Poll in the top right hand corner (or will have done if you read this and it isn't there yet). Who do you think should captain England in the 2012 Six Nations Championship. Please, please, please, please, please vote and let's get an idea of who you think it should be? Maybe Stuart Lancaster will read this and you can throw some light in his direction....
Now though, the role is ever more important and time consuming. The list of roles, not exclusive, but still pretty long is: on-field decisions, motivational, leading from the front, controlling discipline, Captain's run in training, press conference after press conference, promotional work for Sky, BBC, etc.
One of the odd decisions made by Marc Lievremont in his time in charge of France was to make Thierry Dusautoir captain. I recall, at the time, that most of my French friends were flabbergasted at such a promotion for a shy(ish) guy with no real background as a leader, yet Lievremont seems to have made a good appointment that Philippe Saint Andre will benefit from, and France enter the 6 Nations with an experienced captain in charge.
Wales stumbled upon their talisman when Sam Warburton took the captaincy by default before the World Cup. Recent Welsh captains have left me indifferent if I'm honest, but Warburton reminds me in many ways of a young Richie McCaw, and if Warren Gatland is able to fill in the numerous gaps around him, then more success could well come as a result.
Italy have the Captain they need in Sergio Parisse. A man, and this can never be said for any Italian previously, who would grace any International side. A true leader, never takes a backward step and always shows the example for others to follow. The biggest praise I can give him is that I wish he were English.
Ireland have been graced with two of best captains of the last decade in Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell. O'Driscoll could always be relied upon in attack and defence, and in terms of a motivator, there can rarely have been better in the last decade (Martin Johnson apart). O'Connell gets his chance this year due to BOD's injury, and the biggest compliment you can pay to him is that Ireland won't notice a difference.
Scotland have suffered for a while, with no real stars of any stature to stand up and be counted. Many have tried, and many have fallen by the wayside. The whole world is standing up and watching Richie Gray at the moment. Moving South to England to play with the Sale Sharks is a step he needed to take to ensure the quality of players around him week in and week out that he needs to be able to take the next step to being a great second row, and why not Captain. Were I Andy Robertson, I would be looking at him as a potential, if not definite, Captain for England 2015. 2012 may be slightly too early, but is a risk I would take.
Finally England, and you may have guessed that this is the real point of the blog. England are in a captaincy crisis at the moment. Three former captains are no more (either permanently or temporarily) with Wilkinson and Moody having gone into the retirement wilderness and Easter seemingly being overlooked). Of the current squad, or even potential squad, only 3 are currently captains of their club sides (Dylan Hartley, Luke Narraway and Chris Robshaw). 2 of those are highly inexperienced on the International stage and 1 has, in some eyes, a disciplinary problem of his own in terms of alleged off-field antics, yellow cards and a high penalty count against him. England are struggling to find a captain.
As I've said, it is my belief that a Captain should be, where at all possible, a great motivator, someone who leads by example and someone experienced at the level he plays at. It is rare indeed that someone steps up a level and can instantly captain at that level. Some people can do it of course, as they are just "that sort of person" but it is the hardest thing in the world to become a captain and have to lead people with considerably more experience than you. The "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" brigade are tough to lead if you don't possess the same t-shirt.
So what do England do? Risk a green captain? Go for experience in the hope that it irons out and disciplinary wrinkles? Go for an test match experienced player with no previous leadership experience? Three options, none of them ideal. My advice to Messrs Lancaster, Rowntree and Farrell (sound like legal advisors or estate agents don't they?) would be to forget the 2012 6 Nations and look to 2015. Who do you see leading us into that tournament as Captain? They may not be in the next squad, if not do't worry. Use a stop gap for the 2012 tournament and move on from there, but if there is someone who is a first choice now and who, in your eyes, is likely to remain a first choice for 2015, then give them the captaincy now and let them learn the job.
Chris Robshaw looks a good bet to be in England's back row in a month's time. He has captaincy experience. Will he be first choice in 2015? Dylan Hartley has captaincy experience, is first choice hooker and could well still be in 2015. Make him captain for 2012 and see if his disciplinary problems ease as they did when he took the role at Northampton? If it doesn't, there is still time to blood Robshaw or A.N. Other afterwards....
One final thing relates to the Premiership club sides. The RFU should not tell them what to do, far from it, but it would seem to me to be a good idea to politely suggest that an England qualified player should gain captaincy experience wherever possible. Toby Flood at Leicester, for example, would become a viable England captain if he had any leadership experience, as would Tom Croft or even Ben Youngs.
This last point may be slightly controversial, but it is a shame that, with the resources we have, we don't have 1 outstanding candidate to replace Lewis Moody at the helm and to assist Stuart Lancaster in the righting of the good ship RFU.
In honour of this, I have created a new Poll in the top right hand corner (or will have done if you read this and it isn't there yet). Who do you think should captain England in the 2012 Six Nations Championship. Please, please, please, please, please vote and let's get an idea of who you think it should be? Maybe Stuart Lancaster will read this and you can throw some light in his direction....
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Counting Down To 6 Nations... but is it 1 too few
An epic 7 week journey starts soon. The great and the good of European Rugby will set out on the annual pilgrimage to 6 Nations glory In less than 5 weeks time. The winning team will have played in 4 (or 3) countries during that period, before the 2nd biggest trophy in rugby, after the World Cup of course, will be raised by 1 lucky captain.
This is the annual sporting event I look forward to most, and have done since 1983, when the mere suggestion of Italian involvement would have been greeted with laughter. Now the Italians, following last year's impressive victory against the French, are nearer than ever to being more than a make-weight. A new coach, a new era? Sergio Parisse will hope so.
I, in a previous version of this blog, suggested a way of introducing new teams into the annual tournament, while keeping the integrity of the competition and ensuring that the current annual games remain that, thereby heading off the possibility that an extended tournament could bring (that Home Nations and France would not have their traditional annual winter/spring meeting). I remain convinced that, on a rolling basis a 7th team should be invited to join the Tournament. Russia, Romania and Georgia, while they would currently struggle to justify permanent inclusion in a 7 Nations tournament, could benefit from an occasional appearance. Start including them now, learn the lessons of delaying Italy's inclusion and Argentina's inclusion in the Tri Nations. We have to continue to encourage the smaller European Nations to grow. Your thoughts would be very welcome.
But I'm getting ahead of myself, a detailed preview will come much nearer the event itself. This week though has seen a lot of toing and froing surrounding the potential make-up of the England squad for that tournament. New head coach Stuart Lancaster has seemingly, if the press is to be believed, told all the 30-somethings that their time is done. That's a sizeable chunk of the ill-fated World Cup squad, and may be harsh on a few of them. The door will not be definitively closed on all of them, but most will indeed wander off in to the international wilderness. Easter and Cueto seem to have taken this news worse than others (including Wilkinson, who I am absolutely certain was prodded into International retirement by the new coaching staff). Easter, on current form and fitness, is possibly hard done-by. I am his fiercest critic, I make no apology for that, but his current lean shape belies the overweight, trundling version that waddled around New Zealand last year. He may well be only an injury away from returning to the fold.....
So the 30-plusses have gone and this week we have seen injury scares surrounding Courtney Lawes, Manu Tuilagi and now Toby Flood. Quite what they have been doing in Leicester over Christmas I am not sure, but Tuilagi's loss in the centre and Flood's at fly half will be sorely missed. Athletic and influential as he is, Lawes can never be relied to stay on the pitch for the duration at International level, and as such I feel his absence will have less of an impact.
Finally, as if the ranks were not going to be decimated enough, Danny Care was stupid for the second time in a month. Following drunk and disorderly charges a few weeks ago, he has now been charged with drink driving on New Year's Eve. He has, admittedly, accepted his guilt, held up his hands and apologised, for which he deserves a modicum of credit. No more than a modicum though, as frankly drink drivers get everything they deserve. Stuary Lancaster immediately excluded him from any involvement with the England squad.
Lancaster therefore has a few more holes to fill than he originally thought, and many players who may well have been overlooked may be getting calls in the next week or so. The glamourous location of Leeds awaits for their training camp. Gone is Portugal; at last someone appears to have realised that the Algarve in January bears little resemblance to Edinburgh or Dublin in February. The back to basics approach can only be a winner with the supporters, who, if my understanding is correct, are ever more critical of the unprofessional attitude that seemed to be emanating from certain quarters of the squad.
One bit of positive news this week saw the decision by Ben Morgan, the impressive Scarlets Number 8, to play for England (he is English) rather than Wales (qualified by residence). Morgan could well waltz straight into the squad, and even into the team, depending on Lancaster's vision and on his desired gameplan. Still, a positive that Lancaster will I am sure welcome with open arms, after a week of bad news after bad news.
Since May, no matter what the competition, we have seen some absolutely extraordinary clashes in this fabulous sport. The Heineken Cup Final kicked it off of course, and since then we have seen classics in the Premiership, the Rabo12, the French League, the World Cup, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge. Not a weekend goes by without superlatives being bandied about. This weekend saw more such games:
Firstly Harlequins went to Exeter and clung on by the skin of their teeth after what should have been a comfortable victory was cast into doubt by Rory Clegg's profligacy. His boot cost Quins 14 points, but he was big enough to slot a crucial penalty late on to clinch the victory for Quins. The next day saw Leicester cling to victory against a rejuvenated Sale. Despite falling well behind early on, Sale showed guts and spirit to cling to a losing bonus point, despite conceding 4 tries to the Tigers who as a consequence joined the Top4 for the first time this season. London Irish disappointed at Bath, for whom Stephen Donald finally showed signs of the class act he is while Bath have arguably already had a better 2012 than 2011 (just kidding Bath fans) and scored a candidate for try of the season when Michael Claasens rounded off a length of the field move by sliding into the corner.
In the non Live games, Saracens and Gloucester shared the points, with England hopefuls Burns and Farrell both scoring all the points as it finished 15-all. Advantage Farrell for the England berth though if you ask me. Northampton joined Leicester, Saracens and leaders Harlequins in the top 4 after a comfortable win at Newcastle. Wasps and Worcester enjoyed (?) a record breaking encounter at Adams Parks. 6 points is the lowest (equal) total for a Premiership match and Worcester's 6 points is also the lowest (equal) winning score of a side in Premiership history. Wasps as a result became the only side in Premiership history, according to my calculations, to have scored more points in the League table than they did on the pitch. (Worcester won 6-0 if you haven't managed to work it out).
This week sees me planning to attend Doncaster vs Bedford in the Championship. I'm hoping this will be better fare than that I saw at Rotherham on Christmas Eve... I'm sure I'll let you know next week!
That's it for this week, relatively short and sweet, relatively uncontroversial. Keep on counting down towards the 6 Nations. Keep looking for the #rugbyunited hashtag on Twitter. Many like-minded folk are using this when posting about rugby. Meets at games are being arranged, friendships being forged and rugby's reputation for friendly rivalry and camaraderie being enhanced. Football looks on jealously......
This is the annual sporting event I look forward to most, and have done since 1983, when the mere suggestion of Italian involvement would have been greeted with laughter. Now the Italians, following last year's impressive victory against the French, are nearer than ever to being more than a make-weight. A new coach, a new era? Sergio Parisse will hope so.
I, in a previous version of this blog, suggested a way of introducing new teams into the annual tournament, while keeping the integrity of the competition and ensuring that the current annual games remain that, thereby heading off the possibility that an extended tournament could bring (that Home Nations and France would not have their traditional annual winter/spring meeting). I remain convinced that, on a rolling basis a 7th team should be invited to join the Tournament. Russia, Romania and Georgia, while they would currently struggle to justify permanent inclusion in a 7 Nations tournament, could benefit from an occasional appearance. Start including them now, learn the lessons of delaying Italy's inclusion and Argentina's inclusion in the Tri Nations. We have to continue to encourage the smaller European Nations to grow. Your thoughts would be very welcome.
But I'm getting ahead of myself, a detailed preview will come much nearer the event itself. This week though has seen a lot of toing and froing surrounding the potential make-up of the England squad for that tournament. New head coach Stuart Lancaster has seemingly, if the press is to be believed, told all the 30-somethings that their time is done. That's a sizeable chunk of the ill-fated World Cup squad, and may be harsh on a few of them. The door will not be definitively closed on all of them, but most will indeed wander off in to the international wilderness. Easter and Cueto seem to have taken this news worse than others (including Wilkinson, who I am absolutely certain was prodded into International retirement by the new coaching staff). Easter, on current form and fitness, is possibly hard done-by. I am his fiercest critic, I make no apology for that, but his current lean shape belies the overweight, trundling version that waddled around New Zealand last year. He may well be only an injury away from returning to the fold.....
So the 30-plusses have gone and this week we have seen injury scares surrounding Courtney Lawes, Manu Tuilagi and now Toby Flood. Quite what they have been doing in Leicester over Christmas I am not sure, but Tuilagi's loss in the centre and Flood's at fly half will be sorely missed. Athletic and influential as he is, Lawes can never be relied to stay on the pitch for the duration at International level, and as such I feel his absence will have less of an impact.
Finally, as if the ranks were not going to be decimated enough, Danny Care was stupid for the second time in a month. Following drunk and disorderly charges a few weeks ago, he has now been charged with drink driving on New Year's Eve. He has, admittedly, accepted his guilt, held up his hands and apologised, for which he deserves a modicum of credit. No more than a modicum though, as frankly drink drivers get everything they deserve. Stuary Lancaster immediately excluded him from any involvement with the England squad.
Lancaster therefore has a few more holes to fill than he originally thought, and many players who may well have been overlooked may be getting calls in the next week or so. The glamourous location of Leeds awaits for their training camp. Gone is Portugal; at last someone appears to have realised that the Algarve in January bears little resemblance to Edinburgh or Dublin in February. The back to basics approach can only be a winner with the supporters, who, if my understanding is correct, are ever more critical of the unprofessional attitude that seemed to be emanating from certain quarters of the squad.
One bit of positive news this week saw the decision by Ben Morgan, the impressive Scarlets Number 8, to play for England (he is English) rather than Wales (qualified by residence). Morgan could well waltz straight into the squad, and even into the team, depending on Lancaster's vision and on his desired gameplan. Still, a positive that Lancaster will I am sure welcome with open arms, after a week of bad news after bad news.
Since May, no matter what the competition, we have seen some absolutely extraordinary clashes in this fabulous sport. The Heineken Cup Final kicked it off of course, and since then we have seen classics in the Premiership, the Rabo12, the French League, the World Cup, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge. Not a weekend goes by without superlatives being bandied about. This weekend saw more such games:
Firstly Harlequins went to Exeter and clung on by the skin of their teeth after what should have been a comfortable victory was cast into doubt by Rory Clegg's profligacy. His boot cost Quins 14 points, but he was big enough to slot a crucial penalty late on to clinch the victory for Quins. The next day saw Leicester cling to victory against a rejuvenated Sale. Despite falling well behind early on, Sale showed guts and spirit to cling to a losing bonus point, despite conceding 4 tries to the Tigers who as a consequence joined the Top4 for the first time this season. London Irish disappointed at Bath, for whom Stephen Donald finally showed signs of the class act he is while Bath have arguably already had a better 2012 than 2011 (just kidding Bath fans) and scored a candidate for try of the season when Michael Claasens rounded off a length of the field move by sliding into the corner.
In the non Live games, Saracens and Gloucester shared the points, with England hopefuls Burns and Farrell both scoring all the points as it finished 15-all. Advantage Farrell for the England berth though if you ask me. Northampton joined Leicester, Saracens and leaders Harlequins in the top 4 after a comfortable win at Newcastle. Wasps and Worcester enjoyed (?) a record breaking encounter at Adams Parks. 6 points is the lowest (equal) total for a Premiership match and Worcester's 6 points is also the lowest (equal) winning score of a side in Premiership history. Wasps as a result became the only side in Premiership history, according to my calculations, to have scored more points in the League table than they did on the pitch. (Worcester won 6-0 if you haven't managed to work it out).
This week sees me planning to attend Doncaster vs Bedford in the Championship. I'm hoping this will be better fare than that I saw at Rotherham on Christmas Eve... I'm sure I'll let you know next week!
That's it for this week, relatively short and sweet, relatively uncontroversial. Keep on counting down towards the 6 Nations. Keep looking for the #rugbyunited hashtag on Twitter. Many like-minded folk are using this when posting about rugby. Meets at games are being arranged, friendships being forged and rugby's reputation for friendly rivalry and camaraderie being enhanced. Football looks on jealously......
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