Feb 25th, 2008 | Test Rugby | 2 Comments | print
In one of three exciting Six Nations matches this past weekend, Ireland with an impressive 5-try effort emerged victorious over Scotland. Ireland flashed memories of last year’s Six Nations further quelling any speculation that after their disappointing World Cup campaign that they were on a downturn. After narrowly defeating Italy in their opening match and staging a miraculous, near victory comeback against France in Paris, Ireland appear to have rediscovered their form from a year ago.
Ireland began the match on their heels as Scotland pounded the ball successfully downfield for the first 7 minutes of the match only to concede a penalty to Ireland after often hot-tempered Nathan Hines took a swing at Denis Leamy. While Ireland’s defense looked suspect at times often looking a little lax, their attacking lines were very effective and in some instances showed some glimpses of the renewed “French Flair” that we have seen from France’s Six Nations squad. Ireland played a very balanced match against Scotland continuing their surprising pack play and spinning it out wide to the backs, Ireland’s strength in recent years. Still, Ireland’s lineout struggled once again losing several lineouts and looking sloppy at times. Perhaps the return of feared lock Paul O’Connell will remedy Ireland’s lineout woes when they face off against undefeated Wales at Croke Park on March 8th. O’Connell received tremendous applause when he came onto the field for Mick O’Driscoll most certainly having an impact on Ireland and even further lifting their spirits and confidence with the return of their massive lock. → continue reading
Oct 4th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 18 Comments | print
And then there were 8. The quarter-finals of the 2007 RWC are set to kick off in a few days and to be honest, the match-ups are quite interesting. Even if you are a die-hard All Black fan, I think the fixtures are going to captivate rugby enthusiasts of all persuasions. → continue reading
Oct 4th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 1 Comment | print
“Nothing left but the crying” is probably the sentiment for many Irish, Welsh, Italians and Tongans this week as the pool stages end and the 3rd place finishers head back and start thinking about either retirement or the 2011 RWC in New Zealand. For a World Cup that was supposed to be a predictable spectacle by the ‘top-tier’ teams, the so-called ‘minnows’ flexed their might (and their hearts) and produced more flair and excitement than the championship favorites like France and the SANZAR nations. Here is how it breaks down pool-by-pool. → continue reading
Sep 16th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 5 Comments | print
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 | print
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!
