Jul 7th, 2007 | Test Rugby | No Comments | print
Well, it seems that the surprise defeat last week of the New Zealand All Blacks by the Australian Wallabies has resulted in most major media outlets all but handing a win to the home team in Sydney tomorrow against the visiting South African Springboks. In addition to Australia’s confidence-building match last week, the South African’s are sending their second XV and resting their top 20 players.
Those of you who know me are aware of my penchant for the underdogs, so naturally I am counting on the Springboks to show the depth of their rugby program. But it’s more than that.
I see a tired, (over)confident group of banged-up veterans in yellow jumpers (Australia) taking the field against a crew of guys in green (South Africa) who have nothing to lose, are not as battle-weary and know that a great performance could land them a spot at the big dance in France in the fall.
I don’t think it will be easy, but if the ball bounces right and the rugby gods are shining down, look for the Springboks to take the lead in the Tri-nations tables tomorrow.
Jun 26th, 2007 | RWC 2007 | 2 Comments | print
We all know that New Zealand All Blacks have been the highest rated team in the oval planet since Wilco kicked England into the history books at the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final (well, since July 2004 to be exact).
Add to that their worldwide recognition of the Haka ritual (the subject of my next blog) to ruggers and non-ruggers alike and the All Blacks are favored by many to finally hoist the Webb Ellis Cup which has eluded them since the inception of the Rugby World Cup in 1987.
Contrary to popular belief, I think All Blacks PR machine may have gotten a little ahead of itself. These last few weeks have been very revealing for the All Blacks, despite back-to-back wins over Canada and South Africa. Let’s analyze each of these.
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Jun 25th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | No Comments | print
Australian rugby officials are in an uproar over a recent decision by the Springboks to rest their top 21 players for the Tri-Nations test match in Sydney on July 7, 2007. Australia have gone so far as to suggest cancelling the match, though contractual obligations make that unlikely.
New Zealand, the other member of SANZAR (the partnership body of the South African Rugby Union, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the Australian Rugby Union which jointly owns the rights to the Super 14 and Tri Nations) have joined Australia in their demand for an explanation and, presumably, a change in the roster. New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs summed up their position very clearly.
“We’re talking about the integrity and meaningfulness of international rugby. It’s critical; it’s the very heart and soul of our game…”
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