Sep 25th, 2007 | RWC 2007 | 9 Comments
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to France for the 2007 Rugby World Cup with my wife and some close friends. It was an experience of a life time and something I plan on sharing with my son when he’s old enough to appreciate the sport. The atmosphere of an international event such as this one (officially the third largest international event behind the Summer Olympics and the Soccer World Cup) was something incredible to be a part of. You had people from countries all over the world in France to support their country’s conquest to hoist the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. People drinking in bars, eating in restaurants all eagerly watching whatever match happened to be playing. It didn’t even matter what teams were playing, if it was rugby, they were watching. It didn’t matter what country you were from either, there were South Africans mingling with Australians, two countries who are fierce rivals.
Not only did I get to just be in France while all of this was going on, I got to actually see two live matches. What an experience this was! I’ve been an avid sporst fan all my life. I’ve seen football both pro and college live, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and even golf. Nothing compares though to being a part of such a special international event like a World Cup, something that only comes every 4 years. I think it’s the fans that really make it different. There isn’t that fear that when you’re sitting amongst a bunch of fans that are rooting for the team you’re not, you might get stabbed, something anyone who’s been to a inter-division pro football game would know. Everyone there is there for rugby, not even necessarily for their team. That might be an exaggeration, but it’s not far off. Even when a fan’s opposing team is taking a penalty kick, they quiet down to allow him to take his kick. This level of sportsmanship and respect is unheard of in the U.S.
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Sep 16th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 5 Comments
Always the underdog at the big show, Georgia (formerly of the USSR) is currently defending their reputation - earned at the 2003 Rugby World Cup - as a determined and spirited side. Despite almost missing the 2003 RWC (the IRB had to step in to finance Georgia’s RWC kit and traveling expenses), the Lelos played like tigers and won the hearts of spectators world wide with an impressive 19-46 loss to South Africa.
After playing both Argentina and Ireland, it seems that Georgia has returned to the 2007 RWC with the same vigor for the game, but with much improved skills, particularly in defense. Argentina struggled to crack the Georgians line - in large part due to their excellent sliding cover in the back line - and Argentina had only a 3-point lead at half-time. The 33-3 final score was more a tribute to the fitness and patience of the Pumas rather than a lack of skill or desire by the challengers. → continue reading
Sep 8th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 2 Comments
RWC 2007 Predictions 4 - Pool C
There’s no arguing that New Zealand will do anything but crush every team in their Pool as warm-ups for their all-but-certain Quarter Final against Australia. Once we get past this though, there is an interesting match-up in Pool C: Italy vs. Scotland on Sep. 29th. Italy has made HUGE improvements in their rugby program since joining the 5 Nations in 2000 (to create the Six Nations Championship). Italy finished 4th above both Wales and Scotland in the 2007 Six Nations campaign, and turmoil in the SRU since then could spell trouble and a pool-round exit for the Scots.
Sep 8th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 1 Comment
RWC 2007 Predictions 3 - Pool B
Well, I should start by saying that a detailed analysis of Pool B is (i) totally unnecessary as Australia and Wales will undoubtedly advance to the quarter finals and (ii) I’m in Paris at the moment on Day 2 of RWC 2007 and simply don’t have time to write a lenghtly analysis. 
The one thing that sets this pool apart from Pool A and Pool D is the fact that Australia is guaranteed to finish at the top, with Wales following in second place. Everyone else is fighting for respect. Fiji and Canada (ranked 12th and 13th respectively) both want the #3 position, and their clash on Sep. 16th is the must-see game of the Pool. Win or lose, Canada must show up strong for their match against 18th-ranked Japan on Sep. 25th for the world to know that the canucks are truly developing their rugby chops.
Let’s go Canada, make you’re mark and soon you’ll be breaking into rugby’s top-10!
Sep 8th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 2 Comments
Argentina rocked the RWC pool tables with an inspired defeat of championship hosts France in St. Denis last night (official RWC article).
France appeared stunned by the aggressive defense of the Puma’s pack and could not get back on track as French Fly-half Skrela struggled to create offensive opportunities. Argentina played a simple game plan but their intensity and tenacity gleamed through every phase of their play. Uncharacteristically, the South Americans didn’t dominate their opposition pack, and lost numerous srummages and line-outs against the head. The Argentinian backline also played in atypical fashion, creating many scoring opportunities and constantly pressuring the French back three.
It seems this more balanced display in player performance between the backs and forwards was just the trick as the Puma’s put the pressure on both Ireland and France to step up to the plate. France must put this defeat behind them if they are to defeat Ireland to keep alive their chances of advancing from the Pool. Regardless of the result, all eyes will be on the last Pool D match where Argentina and Ireland will decide the fate of the entire Pool.
If Argentina can manage a defeat of Ireland and finish first in the Pool, they will likely face South Africa in the quarter-finals…a much preferred fate to the other option, New Zealand.
On the way to the match last night, we observed throngs of good-natured French fans taunting the small pockets of Argentine supporters in true rugby fashion with choruses of “Don’t cry for me Argentina”. The trip home after the match was conspicuously quiet. Viva La Revolucion!
