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
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 | print
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 | 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!
Aug 18th, 2007 | RWC 2007 | 1 Comment | print
RWC 2007 Predictions 2 - Pool A
As I noted earlier, this pool has all the suspense of drying paint: South Africa and England will undoubtedly advance to the Quarter Finals. The only question remains as to which team edges out the other when the two rugby powerhouses meet on September 14th in Paris. This is a critical consideration as the loser will most certainly face Australia in the Quarter Finals with the winner taking on Wales. Both England and South Africa can handily defeat Wales, but of the two only South Africa has a real shot at defeating Australia.
After watching both England and South Africa struggle during the last few years, my money is on the Springboks to take England and the pool. Both teams have very similar, very pedestrian playing styles with very little in the way of offensive creativity. Look for the ‘Boks’ to dominate in the set pieces, especially the scrum. On defense, I think South Africa is simply more accustomed to holding the line during repeated attack sequences. While England is desperate to defend their 2003 victory, I think the mounting losses (especially to France last week) will not be enough to overcome South Africa whose players know that this may be the last chance their country has at winning the Rugby World Cup for some years to come as ‘transformation’ extends it’s reach to rugby’s highest level.
So, is there any excitement in the rest of Pool A? Let’s look at the rankings:
- South Africa, 4th place in the IRB World Rankings
- England, 7th place
- Samoa, 11th place
- Tonga, 14th place
- USA, 15th place
The bottom of the pool actually looks like a 3-team race, with a lot of exciting match-ups. The USA-Tonga match should be great with USA Rugby enjoying a good domestic re-building program at the moment and the Tongans simply using their raw speed and power to stay in the top-20. After England-South Africa, USA v. Tonga is perhaps the next best match to watch in this pool. While I think Samoa will defeat the USA handily, Tonga v. Samoa also has a lot of potential for sparks and some exciting ball.
