The Londons Harlequins beat Toulouse in France last Sunday.
Excellent Irish referee, with a yellow card after three London faults in the rucks in the Toulouse 22m, and a red card to a London substitute on the bench... who took the ball coming towads him, with a couple of minutes left to be played... the referee estimated that he was acting as a 16th player, even if off the field, and that he had showed unsportsman conduct...!
As for Toulouse, they have to rebuild... two things:
- their field. After each scruml the field looked like a golf green after the wild pigs have trampled it during the night...!
- their full back Medard showed on three occasions that he was and still is a centre really, even if he was and is now used as a full back. On both London tries, he was not where he should have been. and he gave up a penalty in the second half. On the other hand he did help a lot the attack. But the first thing you expect from a full back is... to defend, as he is the last man.
Good luck Toulouse...
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Scottish haka...
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You all saw the French team answer to the NZ haka.
Before that, England fans had answered one day by covering the haka song with their "Swing low, sweet chariot..."
But maybe the first answer was by Scotsmen...?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAgNNPSMY1M
You all saw the French team answer to the NZ haka.
Before that, England fans had answered one day by covering the haka song with their "Swing low, sweet chariot..."
But maybe the first answer was by Scotsmen...?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAgNNPSMY1M
Monday, October 24, 2011
Rugby referee of France New Zealand
.
A friend started a discussion on how good / biased was the referee of the world cup final. And many media are giving a lot of noise about this. Here is what I have offered as comments to my friend:
(of course you can also read the October 19 blog on Rugby referee...! a must if you did not read it yet...)
"As French and Canadian citizen, I think that New Zealand deserved the title of the world best team for the whole tournament and for the last few years.
But... strictly on the final game, with Dan Carter out of the NZ team, and if you don't know which teams are playing, certainly France could deserve the victory with 55% ball possession and territory advantage.
But France had their chances with the NZ missed penalties, and their own missed penalties. Number 10 Para having to leave the field was the key for France...
I also think that both France and NZ defences were heroic, and explain the low score.
It is also not the first time that a local team wins a disputed victory...
On one hand the referee had to keep refering half way between Southern Hemisphere and European standards...! And in many previous games I saw arms around the neck which did not even bring a verbal warning, forget a penalty...! I understand it is the Southern Hemisphere way to give priority to the game flowing...
We also all know that in some occasions we will not whistle something with the intent of letting it happen also for the other team... of course if the other team does not do the same infraction... it will look biased by the end of the game! As a point, the first scrum did not happen until the 19th minute...!
We also all know that referees can be looking somewhere else at the critical second (off side, etc...), or that they might have a blank for a split second, of course in a final you dont expect those, but they will arrive. Mind you the assistant referees on the touch line are there to help...
In fact, for me, where the referee showed a bit of "soft" side towards the NZ infractions was when he gave them verbal warnings, in the second half, on 2 or 3 occasions instead of a penalty while it occurred between the 22m and the 40m... Verbal warnings in the first half, OK. In the second half, in the last 20 mns, with one point difference, I know you are probabling offering the game, but... well...
If the game had been in France, and it had been reffed by a European ref, France would have had more chances. It does not mean they would have taken them!... Dont forget that both 9 and 10 were replaced in both teams by middle of the second half.
The final word...?
NZ news papers said it nicely; "Merci France"
Everybody has explained that it was a way to thank France for the beautiful game offered, which has won millions of spectators to rugby, even if they did not see the little things we saw... Rugby won its bet of becoming the flowing game by excellence while still a physical game.
I think the "Merci France" was bit more than that, it was a thank you France for two more things:
- Having won the toss and having chosen the white jersey instead of the black and blue, so the All Blacks could play in black in front of their public...
- Having accepted the referring of the second half without any comment on the field and without any public comment afterwards.
Remember, rugby is a state of mind... and the referee should be respected, at all times, including after the game...
For that attitude also, Thierry Duseautoir deserved his award today of best player of the year, not just for his tackles, and for the very few penalties he ever get on the field.
Now in London in 2015, I bet on a final between two European countries, reffed by a European referee... May the best team win. Could Canada supply a touch judge...!?!"
A friend started a discussion on how good / biased was the referee of the world cup final. And many media are giving a lot of noise about this. Here is what I have offered as comments to my friend:
(of course you can also read the October 19 blog on Rugby referee...! a must if you did not read it yet...)
"As French and Canadian citizen, I think that New Zealand deserved the title of the world best team for the whole tournament and for the last few years.
But... strictly on the final game, with Dan Carter out of the NZ team, and if you don't know which teams are playing, certainly France could deserve the victory with 55% ball possession and territory advantage.
But France had their chances with the NZ missed penalties, and their own missed penalties. Number 10 Para having to leave the field was the key for France...
I also think that both France and NZ defences were heroic, and explain the low score.
It is also not the first time that a local team wins a disputed victory...
On one hand the referee had to keep refering half way between Southern Hemisphere and European standards...! And in many previous games I saw arms around the neck which did not even bring a verbal warning, forget a penalty...! I understand it is the Southern Hemisphere way to give priority to the game flowing...
We also all know that in some occasions we will not whistle something with the intent of letting it happen also for the other team... of course if the other team does not do the same infraction... it will look biased by the end of the game! As a point, the first scrum did not happen until the 19th minute...!
We also all know that referees can be looking somewhere else at the critical second (off side, etc...), or that they might have a blank for a split second, of course in a final you dont expect those, but they will arrive. Mind you the assistant referees on the touch line are there to help...
In fact, for me, where the referee showed a bit of "soft" side towards the NZ infractions was when he gave them verbal warnings, in the second half, on 2 or 3 occasions instead of a penalty while it occurred between the 22m and the 40m... Verbal warnings in the first half, OK. In the second half, in the last 20 mns, with one point difference, I know you are probabling offering the game, but... well...
If the game had been in France, and it had been reffed by a European ref, France would have had more chances. It does not mean they would have taken them!... Dont forget that both 9 and 10 were replaced in both teams by middle of the second half.
The final word...?
NZ news papers said it nicely; "Merci France"
Everybody has explained that it was a way to thank France for the beautiful game offered, which has won millions of spectators to rugby, even if they did not see the little things we saw... Rugby won its bet of becoming the flowing game by excellence while still a physical game.
I think the "Merci France" was bit more than that, it was a thank you France for two more things:
- Having won the toss and having chosen the white jersey instead of the black and blue, so the All Blacks could play in black in front of their public...
- Having accepted the referring of the second half without any comment on the field and without any public comment afterwards.
Remember, rugby is a state of mind... and the referee should be respected, at all times, including after the game...
For that attitude also, Thierry Duseautoir deserved his award today of best player of the year, not just for his tackles, and for the very few penalties he ever get on the field.
Now in London in 2015, I bet on a final between two European countries, reffed by a European referee... May the best team win. Could Canada supply a touch judge...!?!"
Rugby - France - Thierry Dusautoir
.
The French captain Thierry Dusautoir has been named player of the year by the IRB.
A well deserved recognition, for the way he has lead his team on the field, and no doubt outside the field. He also scored the only try of France in the final, like a center, and he delivered some perfect tackles against the all blacks. He also never got a penalty against him in any recent games I can remember of, and he is very serious and concentrated all the time.
Well done Thierry, and well deserved.
Of course now all of France is expecting a victory in the 6 mations of 2012, but... some players are reaching 33 years old, a good age for a referee, not necessarily for a player! and so I would expect France to line up a team in 2012 with the 2015 world cup in mind... like England...
Let the young kids roll in...!
The French captain Thierry Dusautoir has been named player of the year by the IRB.
A well deserved recognition, for the way he has lead his team on the field, and no doubt outside the field. He also scored the only try of France in the final, like a center, and he delivered some perfect tackles against the all blacks. He also never got a penalty against him in any recent games I can remember of, and he is very serious and concentrated all the time.
Well done Thierry, and well deserved.
Of course now all of France is expecting a victory in the 6 mations of 2012, but... some players are reaching 33 years old, a good age for a referee, not necessarily for a player! and so I would expect France to line up a team in 2012 with the 2015 world cup in mind... like England...
Let the young kids roll in...!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Rugby - France New Zealand
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What a game... who needs rugby 7s when the first scrum came 19 minutes into the game!...
France got 55% of territory and ball possession against 45% for New Zealand... but New Zealand won 8-7...
Both teams defended very well, except in two occasions... when they both scored! No doubt we will see next year on the fields the set play in the alignment that brought NZ only try! The prop left the front of the line and ran to the middle of the line-out, the lock deflected the ball to him and he ran to the goal line 5m away with the whole French team waiting at the back of the line-out... I am not sure where was French number 9 who could have done the first tackle...
New Zealand number 9, Haka leader and scrum half, missed three set kicks in the first half. He was probably destabilised by the French team answer to the Haka...! He was replaced half way through the second half when his engagement kick went straight into touch... enough was enough, not his day...
Both teams fly-halves number 10 were out for injury before the half time. So when France also changed their scrum half in the second time, both teams were playing with replacement players for positions 9-10... Of course the same final with Dan Carter would have probably been different, but a game is a game...
PS: The referee was right to warn verbally NZ teamthrough their captain... a shame for France that none of these verbal was whistled as penalty, outside the 22m of NZ... a game is a game...
Rugby won for sure, a nice flowing game from both teams, with very few penalties or even verbal warnings...
France demonstrated again that nobody can predict how well or how bad they will play, but they certainly deserve the number 2 world ranking they might get after this game! If you live in Europe, do not miss next year France Wales or France Ireland, plus Wales Ireland, and of course all the games of England which will no doubt want to rebuild immediately in view of the 2015 rugby world cup in England!
Due to the immense demand (my son, and... let me think...) I will keep this blog open for rugby news in the Village and comments.
What a game... who needs rugby 7s when the first scrum came 19 minutes into the game!...
France got 55% of territory and ball possession against 45% for New Zealand... but New Zealand won 8-7...
Both teams defended very well, except in two occasions... when they both scored! No doubt we will see next year on the fields the set play in the alignment that brought NZ only try! The prop left the front of the line and ran to the middle of the line-out, the lock deflected the ball to him and he ran to the goal line 5m away with the whole French team waiting at the back of the line-out... I am not sure where was French number 9 who could have done the first tackle...
New Zealand number 9, Haka leader and scrum half, missed three set kicks in the first half. He was probably destabilised by the French team answer to the Haka...! He was replaced half way through the second half when his engagement kick went straight into touch... enough was enough, not his day...
Both teams fly-halves number 10 were out for injury before the half time. So when France also changed their scrum half in the second time, both teams were playing with replacement players for positions 9-10... Of course the same final with Dan Carter would have probably been different, but a game is a game...
PS: The referee was right to warn verbally NZ teamthrough their captain... a shame for France that none of these verbal was whistled as penalty, outside the 22m of NZ... a game is a game...
Rugby won for sure, a nice flowing game from both teams, with very few penalties or even verbal warnings...
France demonstrated again that nobody can predict how well or how bad they will play, but they certainly deserve the number 2 world ranking they might get after this game! If you live in Europe, do not miss next year France Wales or France Ireland, plus Wales Ireland, and of course all the games of England which will no doubt want to rebuild immediately in view of the 2015 rugby world cup in England!
Due to the immense demand (my son, and... let me think...) I will keep this blog open for rugby news in the Village and comments.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Rugby - Australia Wales - Job opportunity in Wales...
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If you can kick a rugby ball between the posts from 40m and say at least from the 15m lines, and if you are Welsh, a golden opportunity is available. Apply to the Welsh Rugby Federation.
Captain Hook missed the opportunity to send his team to the final. And he has now missed the opportunity to bring back a bronze medal to Wales. Sad...
Australia won but the game was close and enjoyable.
The English referee did his job, very strict on rolling away from a tackle (you had one or two seconds maximum to let go!... but nothing to complain about).
Don't miss Sunday morning final, there should be some surprises... not sure for whom...
If you can kick a rugby ball between the posts from 40m and say at least from the 15m lines, and if you are Welsh, a golden opportunity is available. Apply to the Welsh Rugby Federation.
Captain Hook missed the opportunity to send his team to the final. And he has now missed the opportunity to bring back a bronze medal to Wales. Sad...
Australia won but the game was close and enjoyable.
The English referee did his job, very strict on rolling away from a tackle (you had one or two seconds maximum to let go!... but nothing to complain about).
Don't miss Sunday morning final, there should be some surprises... not sure for whom...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Rugby - Referee
.
Thanks to Roy for this joke... which I kind of adapted...
A South African arrives at the Paradise. St Peter asks him:
- Sir, the rules have changed. To be admitted in the Paradise now, you must indicate to me one act of courage you did in your life on Earth...
- Well St Peter, as you know I am a rugby referee. And so when I was referring a game in New Zealand between New Zealand and France, a Frenchman scored a try right against the corner pole. I was convinced he scored, although the 50,000 fans in the stadium started to boo... so in all fairness and against the 50,000 boos, I awarded the try without even asking for the TV referee...
- Well said St Peter, I must agree this was an act of courage, you may come in... When did that happen by the way?
- About five minutes ago...
In fact it is only a joke! Might not be a joke in soccer or in other sports... but rugby is the sport among all where the referee is the most respected for his decisions. As Clive and some of us tell the players before the game,
"If you promise to respect the rules 100%, we promise we will not make any judgement mistake...!".
All the best for the two referees of the bronze medal Friday morning and of the gold medal Sunday morning.
(Feel free to visit the blog http://myvillage-monvillage.blogspot.com)
Thanks to Roy for this joke... which I kind of adapted...
A South African arrives at the Paradise. St Peter asks him:
- Sir, the rules have changed. To be admitted in the Paradise now, you must indicate to me one act of courage you did in your life on Earth...
- Well St Peter, as you know I am a rugby referee. And so when I was referring a game in New Zealand between New Zealand and France, a Frenchman scored a try right against the corner pole. I was convinced he scored, although the 50,000 fans in the stadium started to boo... so in all fairness and against the 50,000 boos, I awarded the try without even asking for the TV referee...
- Well said St Peter, I must agree this was an act of courage, you may come in... When did that happen by the way?
- About five minutes ago...
In fact it is only a joke! Might not be a joke in soccer or in other sports... but rugby is the sport among all where the referee is the most respected for his decisions. As Clive and some of us tell the players before the game,
"If you promise to respect the rules 100%, we promise we will not make any judgement mistake...!".
All the best for the two referees of the bronze medal Friday morning and of the gold medal Sunday morning.
(Feel free to visit the blog http://myvillage-monvillage.blogspot.com)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Rugby - New Zealand - France - South Africa - Ireland - Wales
The referees have been chosen.
The best referee of the tournament will referee: Craig Joubert from South Africa. Mind you, I noticed that int he semi-final New Zealand - Australia, he did not miss a single penalty or scrum in favor of New Zealand... but he was fair overall, when you consider that in any game any referee will estimate he could have done better on a couple of occasions.
And Wales and Ireland will also be in the final, with a touch judge. Maybe a little wink from the IRB to indicate that they were expecting more Ireland or Wales in the final...! or simply to recognize the merit of both countries.
France decided to play with their white jersey (they won the toss). If they had chosen their black and blue jersey, New Zealand would have been obliged to play in white... but the French coach said that they wanted to let the All Blacks play in black, as a gesture towards the welcome of the whole country so all the fans could enjoy their team. France one point... but it might not be enough...!
As for New Zealand media or people, they do not give one chance in a hundred to France. I agree that France should play for the show and try to attack with their backs as often as possible... And if they were to score two tries in the first 20 minutes, who knows the psychological impact...! because the physical impact of a 195cm NZ wing weighing 110 kgs against a 180 cm French wing weighing 85 kgs, we all know what it will be...! even if tackling above the knees like in the old days could do the trick.
Below a picture of some NZ fans showing how much chance they give to the Frenchmen, the "frogs" as they are known in the English word... Funny... but mind you, I would not have chosen a cross... I understand that one can live again after having been put on a cross...! and there are more than 3 days to go for the final! ha ha ha...
Wishing us all a good rugby final with lots of actions, no yellow or red cards, a lot of fair play, and a bit of French flair...
PS: Do not miss the Friday bronze medal between Australia and Wales, both need it for their fans...
The best referee of the tournament will referee: Craig Joubert from South Africa. Mind you, I noticed that int he semi-final New Zealand - Australia, he did not miss a single penalty or scrum in favor of New Zealand... but he was fair overall, when you consider that in any game any referee will estimate he could have done better on a couple of occasions.
And Wales and Ireland will also be in the final, with a touch judge. Maybe a little wink from the IRB to indicate that they were expecting more Ireland or Wales in the final...! or simply to recognize the merit of both countries.
France decided to play with their white jersey (they won the toss). If they had chosen their black and blue jersey, New Zealand would have been obliged to play in white... but the French coach said that they wanted to let the All Blacks play in black, as a gesture towards the welcome of the whole country so all the fans could enjoy their team. France one point... but it might not be enough...!
As for New Zealand media or people, they do not give one chance in a hundred to France. I agree that France should play for the show and try to attack with their backs as often as possible... And if they were to score two tries in the first 20 minutes, who knows the psychological impact...! because the physical impact of a 195cm NZ wing weighing 110 kgs against a 180 cm French wing weighing 85 kgs, we all know what it will be...! even if tackling above the knees like in the old days could do the trick.
Below a picture of some NZ fans showing how much chance they give to the Frenchmen, the "frogs" as they are known in the English word... Funny... but mind you, I would not have chosen a cross... I understand that one can live again after having been put on a cross...! and there are more than 3 days to go for the final! ha ha ha...
Wishing us all a good rugby final with lots of actions, no yellow or red cards, a lot of fair play, and a bit of French flair...
PS: Do not miss the Friday bronze medal between Australia and Wales, both need it for their fans...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Rugby - New Zealand Australia
In front of their fans, NZ made it to the final. The first 10 minutes were key... as NZ scored the only try of the game, and Australia number 10 sent the kick-off in touchm than did a knock on on his first catch in the air, then... just not his best first 10 minutes!
Both defense were heroics, and certainly the rugby was another game than the one we say yesterday...
Mind you the score should have been heavier if NZ had an exceptional kicker. Dan Carter, come back... (I still cannot believe by the way that such an athlete can get injured at a training camp while practicing 3 or 4 kicks... I cannot explain... and still cannot believe it... ANyone has explanations?
As for the final against France... I think France knows deep in their heart that they have accomplished their mission, being the final, like in 1987. So they should be liberated and should offer some good moments of rugby,,, in attack. I hope the coach is going to change the objectives from... defense defense and no penalty in the Wales game, to... attack attack and attack (NZ cannot kick penalties that well any way...!) and try to make NZ doubt if they can score two tries in the first 20 minutes...
Enjoy the final...
Both defense were heroics, and certainly the rugby was another game than the one we say yesterday...
Mind you the score should have been heavier if NZ had an exceptional kicker. Dan Carter, come back... (I still cannot believe by the way that such an athlete can get injured at a training camp while practicing 3 or 4 kicks... I cannot explain... and still cannot believe it... ANyone has explanations?
As for the final against France... I think France knows deep in their heart that they have accomplished their mission, being the final, like in 1987. So they should be liberated and should offer some good moments of rugby,,, in attack. I hope the coach is going to change the objectives from... defense defense and no penalty in the Wales game, to... attack attack and attack (NZ cannot kick penalties that well any way...!) and try to make NZ doubt if they can score two tries in the first 20 minutes...
Enjoy the final...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Rugby - France Wales
Don't keep that game on a DVD. Unless you want to show your students why a spear tackle is forbidden, you can break the neck or kill a player, and you will get a red card.
Wales plaid a more offensive rugby, and even scored a try. But the instructions from the French coach were to keep only three priorities: defense, no penalty, and... defense! France never intended to develop an attack by the wings... even after Wales played with only 14 players, probably because France coaches analysed the solidity of Wales defense, against South Africa and Ireland. And in the last 10 minutes France was not even keeping players in the rucks tot ry win the ball back, everybody on their feet... zero player in the ruck... waiting for the next red wave. Of course only the result counts, and France got it. But the 50m penalty from Wales missing the post by a few cms 5 minutes before the end could have changed the result...
Congratulations to the Welsh players who gave it all for 60 mn of play at 14 and could still have won. The captain who took the red card for the spear tackle will not sleep tonight... Watch for Wales in next year 6 nations tournament, as most of the players are between 19 and 23!
Congratulations to the winner France, for their defense, even if they let a try scored with one player more, and for the almost zero penalty game!... The final next Saturday will show if France can put more than one exceptional game at each world cup, and most of all establish a winning strategy against New Zealand or Australia.
Of course dont miss tomorrow semi-final between New Zealand and Australia, both teams do not want to lose...! like no team in the 6 nations tournament want to loose against England...!!
Wales plaid a more offensive rugby, and even scored a try. But the instructions from the French coach were to keep only three priorities: defense, no penalty, and... defense! France never intended to develop an attack by the wings... even after Wales played with only 14 players, probably because France coaches analysed the solidity of Wales defense, against South Africa and Ireland. And in the last 10 minutes France was not even keeping players in the rucks tot ry win the ball back, everybody on their feet... zero player in the ruck... waiting for the next red wave. Of course only the result counts, and France got it. But the 50m penalty from Wales missing the post by a few cms 5 minutes before the end could have changed the result...
Congratulations to the Welsh players who gave it all for 60 mn of play at 14 and could still have won. The captain who took the red card for the spear tackle will not sleep tonight... Watch for Wales in next year 6 nations tournament, as most of the players are between 19 and 23!
Congratulations to the winner France, for their defense, even if they let a try scored with one player more, and for the almost zero penalty game!... The final next Saturday will show if France can put more than one exceptional game at each world cup, and most of all establish a winning strategy against New Zealand or Australia.
Of course dont miss tomorrow semi-final between New Zealand and Australia, both teams do not want to lose...! like no team in the 6 nations tournament want to loose against England...!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Rugby - Rules 101
Rugby rules made simple with both teams wearing New Zealand and Australia colours, to help you follow Sunday semi-final...
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/rules-to-rugby-49363
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/rules-to-rugby-49363
Monday, October 10, 2011
Rugby - New Zealand - Australia - South Africa - France - Wales
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New Zealand beat Argentina without really convincing, but they did convince previously... when they had Dan Carter. Without Dan Carter, New Zealand can lose to any of the teams still in the semi-finals...
South Africa lost against Australia mostly due to their poor performance, but one must admit that the New Zealand referre did not help... he did not whistle a hand in a ruck 5 cms away from the goal line which by other standards could have been a penalty try for South Africa and give them the victory. But South Africa also dropped more balls or did more knock-ons than any other international team in this tournament. Australia was theirs to eat, yes, but... when Australia scored twice in their three pasages in South Africa 22m in the first 30 mn, South Africa did not score a single point in the first 30 mn in the 7 or 8 presences in the Australian 22m... SOrry for you South Africa, you were my favorite, but you blew it, when you could have gone all the way.
So... France - Wales Saturday... anybody's guess, it will all depend how Wales counter the persistent help of the French full back 15 to his backs for defense or attack, often at their level.
As for New Zealand without Dan Carter, or Australia the way they played Sunday... they could both be beaten by an exalted French or Welsh team. The kicker will probably make the difference,... and the referee...
New Zealand beat Argentina without really convincing, but they did convince previously... when they had Dan Carter. Without Dan Carter, New Zealand can lose to any of the teams still in the semi-finals...
South Africa lost against Australia mostly due to their poor performance, but one must admit that the New Zealand referre did not help... he did not whistle a hand in a ruck 5 cms away from the goal line which by other standards could have been a penalty try for South Africa and give them the victory. But South Africa also dropped more balls or did more knock-ons than any other international team in this tournament. Australia was theirs to eat, yes, but... when Australia scored twice in their three pasages in South Africa 22m in the first 30 mn, South Africa did not score a single point in the first 30 mn in the 7 or 8 presences in the Australian 22m... SOrry for you South Africa, you were my favorite, but you blew it, when you could have gone all the way.
So... France - Wales Saturday... anybody's guess, it will all depend how Wales counter the persistent help of the French full back 15 to his backs for defense or attack, often at their level.
As for New Zealand without Dan Carter, or Australia the way they played Sunday... they could both be beaten by an exalted French or Welsh team. The kicker will probably make the difference,... and the referee...
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Rugby - Wales Ireland France England
Ireland - Wales and France - England were two enjoyable games of rugby, keep them on a DVD! Not a single foul play over both games... unheard of I think for a France - England at least!...! Congratulations to the four European teams for having shown the best side of rugby.
Wales and France well deserved their victory, no contest on the games played.
The red wall of Wales resisted to all the asaults of the emerald Irish sea with the Irish unable to duplicate their performance against Australia. Wales did everything right, congratulations... they could be a contender all the way...!
France did many things right, England did many things wrong...
Man of the game for France, the full back 15 Medard. He played 90% of the game in a 12 or 13 position, constantly bringing the extra man for attack or high defense! Well done coach...! I am surprised the English coach did not pick that up at half time, and should have asked his team to kick more often behind the French backs to keep Medard deep...! and to use the speed of his wings.
Man of the game for England: Tindal... I know, he was not there, that's the point... And England played as if he was there without any adjustment.
England front row got two penalties against them early in the game: 6-0 for France, who played a very disciplined first half. Add that England Wilkinson missed two kicks (difficult) and that England mishandled too many balls (15 I think for the whole game), and... enough said.
If Wales make it to the final, will they have enough reserve to duplicate another extraordinary game... stay posted...
Wales and France well deserved their victory, no contest on the games played.
The red wall of Wales resisted to all the asaults of the emerald Irish sea with the Irish unable to duplicate their performance against Australia. Wales did everything right, congratulations... they could be a contender all the way...!
France did many things right, England did many things wrong...
Man of the game for France, the full back 15 Medard. He played 90% of the game in a 12 or 13 position, constantly bringing the extra man for attack or high defense! Well done coach...! I am surprised the English coach did not pick that up at half time, and should have asked his team to kick more often behind the French backs to keep Medard deep...! and to use the speed of his wings.
Man of the game for England: Tindal... I know, he was not there, that's the point... And England played as if he was there without any adjustment.
England front row got two penalties against them early in the game: 6-0 for France, who played a very disciplined first half. Add that England Wilkinson missed two kicks (difficult) and that England mishandled too many balls (15 I think for the whole game), and... enough said.
If Wales make it to the final, will they have enough reserve to duplicate another extraordinary game... stay posted...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Rugby world cup - quarter finals - Ireland New Zealand
So here we are... after one month, 12 teams have been eliminated. Congratulations to all, in particular to Canada, Russia, Georgia, etc... These teams have shown that rugby is progressing well in their countries. A bit more sponsors and money in the programs, a bit less snow in Russia and Canada, and we could have more surprises at the next world cup in London.
Back to the eight who qualified. The three biggest surprises were in my opinion Australia beaten by Ireland, Scotland beaten by Argentina and France beaten by Tonga.
New Zealand should easily advance after many scores in the second half... It should be interesting to see how they will patiently wait to push their locomotives, a training camp before meeting England or France and going to the final. With Dan carter out of the cup after the unbelievable training injury, watch the All Black scrum half... possibly both of them...
The loser of France - England might want to stay in New Zealand for a few weeks vacation, until they can return safely to their country...
Ireland and Wales should give us a very spirited game, northern hemisphere type of rugby. Good luck to both... Get the beer ready in all the pubs across Ireland and Wales...
As for South Africa against Australia, it should give us a potential final before its time. I will personally favor South Africa, partly with the absence of the Australian wing, partly because South Africa is on the way up, while Australia seemed on the way down, partly because... I was born in Africa!
Now if New Zealand was to meet Ireland in the final... let it be known that I did referree a friendly between their third teams three weeks ago (date is true)... see picture. I'll tell you where is the catch on the next blog...!
Back to the eight who qualified. The three biggest surprises were in my opinion Australia beaten by Ireland, Scotland beaten by Argentina and France beaten by Tonga.
New Zealand should easily advance after many scores in the second half... It should be interesting to see how they will patiently wait to push their locomotives, a training camp before meeting England or France and going to the final. With Dan carter out of the cup after the unbelievable training injury, watch the All Black scrum half... possibly both of them...
The loser of France - England might want to stay in New Zealand for a few weeks vacation, until they can return safely to their country...
Ireland and Wales should give us a very spirited game, northern hemisphere type of rugby. Good luck to both... Get the beer ready in all the pubs across Ireland and Wales...
As for South Africa against Australia, it should give us a potential final before its time. I will personally favor South Africa, partly with the absence of the Australian wing, partly because South Africa is on the way up, while Australia seemed on the way down, partly because... I was born in Africa!
Now if New Zealand was to meet Ireland in the final... let it be known that I did referree a friendly between their third teams three weeks ago (date is true)... see picture. I'll tell you where is the catch on the next blog...!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Rugby - France, England, Canada, Russia.
Well... France lost to Tonga. What's next, losing to the United States...?! Mind you, they already did, in the 1920s... see blog below! Forget France this year, even for the semi-finals...
Then... England stole the victory in the last 5 minutes to Scotland. I said Scotland, not Ireland or Wales...! Forget England this year, even for the semi-finals...
Russia scored 3 tries against Australia, the TRI-Nations winner!, and Canada scored 2 tries against the host nation New Zealand, two very good performances, showing that the gap between the first 20 rugby nations is closing slowly... Good luck to Canada and Russia in London in 2015. I might be there...
Don't miss next week South Africa against Australia in quarter final, it could be a final before the date...!
As for those who could not make it to Ste Julie - Montreal today, I am happy to report that a few thousand dollars were collected for the John Jones foundation, created by an Australian emigrated to Canada long time ago and who organised the first college rugby game in Montreal many moons ago. All proceeds for the event are going for rugby scholarship in college and CEGEPS in Quebec.
Only one final was not played by the official written rules of the 7s tournaments (7 to 10' each half). Both teams were down to less than 7 people in good order of running, so... with the presence of a referee, the winner was decided by... a beer chug-off...!
Then... England stole the victory in the last 5 minutes to Scotland. I said Scotland, not Ireland or Wales...! Forget England this year, even for the semi-finals...
Russia scored 3 tries against Australia, the TRI-Nations winner!, and Canada scored 2 tries against the host nation New Zealand, two very good performances, showing that the gap between the first 20 rugby nations is closing slowly... Good luck to Canada and Russia in London in 2015. I might be there...
Don't miss next week South Africa against Australia in quarter final, it could be a final before the date...!
As for those who could not make it to Ste Julie - Montreal today, I am happy to report that a few thousand dollars were collected for the John Jones foundation, created by an Australian emigrated to Canada long time ago and who organised the first college rugby game in Montreal many moons ago. All proceeds for the event are going for rugby scholarship in college and CEGEPS in Quebec.
Only one final was not played by the official written rules of the 7s tournaments (7 to 10' each half). Both teams were down to less than 7 people in good order of running, so... with the presence of a referee, the winner was decided by... a beer chug-off...!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Rugby - Samoa South Africa and quarter finals
One of the best rugby games at the world cup to-date, with Ireland-Australia, Wales-Samoa,...
If you did not see it, borrow a DVD and watch it!
Samoa was simply heroic in attack and defense. But... they dropped a few too many balls, in tackles or handling errors, they had against them one of the best defense of the tournament, and... just when it seemed they had a chance to come back within one point (they had already missed the goal line by a couple of inches minutes before), their full back 15 hung in too long to the shorts of a South African player without the ball, and after the SA player punched his hands many times to make him let go, while looking at the ref, as the SA player was going away, the Samoa full back pushed his hand right into his face with a stiff arm... red card, and Samoa played 14 against 15 at the worst time. Before you ask... a yellow card would have had the same effect since there was only 5 minutes left to play...
When reviewing the tape, SA will see what they did well in defense, and what they need to improve like against the runs of the centers and wings...
So get ready for most probably NZ - Scotland or Argentina, England France, SA - Australia and Ireland Wales. I still think a final between New Zealand and South Africa seems most probable, with the outcome depending possibly of the kickers. And of the referree... hopefully not...
If you did not see it, borrow a DVD and watch it!
Samoa was simply heroic in attack and defense. But... they dropped a few too many balls, in tackles or handling errors, they had against them one of the best defense of the tournament, and... just when it seemed they had a chance to come back within one point (they had already missed the goal line by a couple of inches minutes before), their full back 15 hung in too long to the shorts of a South African player without the ball, and after the SA player punched his hands many times to make him let go, while looking at the ref, as the SA player was going away, the Samoa full back pushed his hand right into his face with a stiff arm... red card, and Samoa played 14 against 15 at the worst time. Before you ask... a yellow card would have had the same effect since there was only 5 minutes left to play...
When reviewing the tape, SA will see what they did well in defense, and what they need to improve like against the runs of the centers and wings...
So get ready for most probably NZ - Scotland or Argentina, England France, SA - Australia and Ireland Wales. I still think a final between New Zealand and South Africa seems most probable, with the outcome depending possibly of the kickers. And of the referree... hopefully not...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Rugby - USA at the top...
.
So the USA played against Italy... and lost as expected. Overall a poor world cup for the USA. Things will not really change as long as the rugby players are not forbidden to watch american football games...! But all is not lost...
Did you know that the Olympic games had rugby (15) on their agenda during two Olympiades, in the 1920s. In both cases France made it to the finals, and got beaten by the same team, a better team... which team...? guess... yes, the USA!
Below pictures of the events from the early 1920s, except the fan picture, probably taken on a beach of NZ...
So the USA played against Italy... and lost as expected. Overall a poor world cup for the USA. Things will not really change as long as the rugby players are not forbidden to watch american football games...! But all is not lost...
Did you know that the Olympic games had rugby (15) on their agenda during two Olympiades, in the 1920s. In both cases France made it to the finals, and got beaten by the same team, a better team... which team...? guess... yes, the USA!
Below pictures of the events from the early 1920s, except the fan picture, probably taken on a beach of NZ...
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Rugby - Oh Canada...! Japan
With a little bit of help here or there from the referee, Canada held off Japan to a tie, even missing a victory if Canadian number 3 had not retained a ball after the referee whistle...! That would have been a steal... even if Canadian defense was at times heroic. But with 31% of field occupation at half time and with 9 handling errors by half time, you can't expect to win...
Apparently both coaches were from New Zealand, having played both in the NZ team which won the world cup in 1987.
Best man of the match: forget Japan number 6 elected by I don't know whom, best man of the game was clearly Canadian number 13...! simply everywhere on attack and on defense: best game I have seen from a single player this year. If you taped the game, watch it again, only paying attention to number 13... easy to spot him: he was everywhere...!
This tie should / could / might / etc... give Canada third place in their group, meaning an automatic qualification for the 2015 world cup in London. But... let's wait for the rest of the group games...who said France will beat Tonga for sure... not me, and not for the France team I have seen so far... and with Medard still around (shifted to 15...!), one can be even more worried...
Apparently both coaches were from New Zealand, having played both in the NZ team which won the world cup in 1987.
Best man of the match: forget Japan number 6 elected by I don't know whom, best man of the game was clearly Canadian number 13...! simply everywhere on attack and on defense: best game I have seen from a single player this year. If you taped the game, watch it again, only paying attention to number 13... easy to spot him: he was everywhere...!
This tie should / could / might / etc... give Canada third place in their group, meaning an automatic qualification for the 2015 world cup in London. But... let's wait for the rest of the group games...who said France will beat Tonga for sure... not me, and not for the France team I have seen so far... and with Medard still around (shifted to 15...!), one can be even more worried...
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Rugby - France New Zealand... and Canada
France won all their line-outs! And... pressed hard the first 10 minutes. Then they made one interception to score a try.
The rest of the game was all New Zealand... In the first half France missed four tackles, and NZ scored immediately four tries.
If New Zealand can duplicate these attacks, they will be in the final for sure...
France will probably lose in the quarter finals to England and Wilkinson kicks, like in the last two world cups.
Watch Canada Japan this Tuesday morning 00.am in Montreal, and France Tonga Saturday October 1. Because... if France lose to Tonga and Canada beats Japan (both possible...), then who knows whom might go with NZ into the quarter finals...!
In the semi-final anyway, New Zealand will beat England to the biggest pleasure of the local fans.
As for the final against South Africa or even Ireland... that is another story. Don't miss it, reserve your Sunday October 23, 4am in Montreal.
Now today, the best games were played this afternoon on the Montreal Irish field at Ste Julie: all 8 Quebec finals were held all day on two fields, and all games were close until the last minute! Clouds were hiding the sun but the temperature was around 26 deg C this afternoon and the Labatt blues were disapearing faster than you could catch the mosquitoes, so happy to get so much fresh food... I killed over 100 during the 6 hours I was there, give or take a few dozens!
A fantastic day of rugby with a crowd never seen I believe in Quebec finals.
The rest of the game was all New Zealand... In the first half France missed four tackles, and NZ scored immediately four tries.
If New Zealand can duplicate these attacks, they will be in the final for sure...
France will probably lose in the quarter finals to England and Wilkinson kicks, like in the last two world cups.
Watch Canada Japan this Tuesday morning 00.am in Montreal, and France Tonga Saturday October 1. Because... if France lose to Tonga and Canada beats Japan (both possible...), then who knows whom might go with NZ into the quarter finals...!
In the semi-final anyway, New Zealand will beat England to the biggest pleasure of the local fans.
As for the final against South Africa or even Ireland... that is another story. Don't miss it, reserve your Sunday October 23, 4am in Montreal.
Now today, the best games were played this afternoon on the Montreal Irish field at Ste Julie: all 8 Quebec finals were held all day on two fields, and all games were close until the last minute! Clouds were hiding the sun but the temperature was around 26 deg C this afternoon and the Labatt blues were disapearing faster than you could catch the mosquitoes, so happy to get so much fresh food... I killed over 100 during the 6 hours I was there, give or take a few dozens!
A fantastic day of rugby with a crowd never seen I believe in Quebec finals.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Rugby - Incredible try
Not at the world cup, but... never quit...!
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/ridiculous-rugby-try-42781
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/ridiculous-rugby-try-42781
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Rugby - France Canada 2
Well... it started with penalty conversion for Canada and a try by each team due to a missed reception of a high ball and a quick reaction by the opponent! Tit for tat...
Canada then held off in the first half, and could even have been at par if the Canadian kicker had not missed 3 or 4 penalty conversions which seemed very feasible, and if the Canadian players had been more careful for offside at rucks, costing them 3 penalties in the middle of the field, ie 9 points.
Finaly, France sped up in the last 10 minutes with 2 tries on the left size of the Canadian team, obviously knowing that the left wing of Canada is more known for the gel in his blonde hair than for his tackles.
Overall a good refering, except for the penalty against a Canadian player for having touched a French player with his shoulder when they both run after a ball out of touch. The Frenchman took his time to make a spectacular dive behind the advertising pannels very close to the field of play, and the referre asked the touch judge opinion.
Canada forwards demonstrated their progress, even though most of them are amateurs, like in the old days of rugby.
And France showed they could run and score. Going for the Canadian left wing only helped.
The next game for both teams is really the game they came here for:
- Canada needs to beat Japan on Tuesday September 27 to qualify automatically for the next rugby world cup (top 12 ranked in the world).
- France needs to beat New Zealand on next Saturday September 24 to avoid a top seed in the quarter final. Like England... in the last two world cups, France was eliminated by... England...!
As for England, they still need to offer a satisfactory game, to the worries of their managers. They were lucky today against a valorous team of Georgia that the referee waited 7 infringements in/close to the 22m before issuing a yellow card. I am sure Georgia would have got one after 3 infringements!
We will only know what England can really do on their last game against Scotland. Losing to Scotland could mean playing New Zealand in the quarter final...
Canada then held off in the first half, and could even have been at par if the Canadian kicker had not missed 3 or 4 penalty conversions which seemed very feasible, and if the Canadian players had been more careful for offside at rucks, costing them 3 penalties in the middle of the field, ie 9 points.
Finaly, France sped up in the last 10 minutes with 2 tries on the left size of the Canadian team, obviously knowing that the left wing of Canada is more known for the gel in his blonde hair than for his tackles.
Overall a good refering, except for the penalty against a Canadian player for having touched a French player with his shoulder when they both run after a ball out of touch. The Frenchman took his time to make a spectacular dive behind the advertising pannels very close to the field of play, and the referre asked the touch judge opinion.
Canada forwards demonstrated their progress, even though most of them are amateurs, like in the old days of rugby.
And France showed they could run and score. Going for the Canadian left wing only helped.
The next game for both teams is really the game they came here for:
- Canada needs to beat Japan on Tuesday September 27 to qualify automatically for the next rugby world cup (top 12 ranked in the world).
- France needs to beat New Zealand on next Saturday September 24 to avoid a top seed in the quarter final. Like England... in the last two world cups, France was eliminated by... England...!
As for England, they still need to offer a satisfactory game, to the worries of their managers. They were lucky today against a valorous team of Georgia that the referee waited 7 infringements in/close to the 22m before issuing a yellow card. I am sure Georgia would have got one after 3 infringements!
We will only know what England can really do on their last game against Scotland. Losing to Scotland could mean playing New Zealand in the quarter final...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Rugby - France Canada 1
Red in a leading national French newspaper: "France rugby team should not be afraid of the Canadian team....". Well not so sure...
I read that France changed 11 of their 15 starters. So it will be their first game in the world cup. Advantage Canada.
Some of these 11 new comers were not selected only because they were coming back from injuries. Advantage Canada.
Canada just did a full game against Tonga, and Tonga has bothered France in the past. Advantage Canada.
The coin toss might go for Canada as Canada and New Zealand are part of the Commonwealth and the queen face is on the coin. And if Canada chooses the field to have the wind in the second half, all is possible? Advantage Canada.
France backs can beat any team on a given day. Advantage France. And a big one...
So it could be a draw...
Wait a minute... Canadian scrum sports a few woodcutters beards which are more than impressive... Chabal come back...! Advantage Canada. And a big one... for a woodcutting competition. Or on a psychological level...?
Still a draw? there is no psychology in rugby?... answer in a few hours...
I read that France changed 11 of their 15 starters. So it will be their first game in the world cup. Advantage Canada.
Some of these 11 new comers were not selected only because they were coming back from injuries. Advantage Canada.
Canada just did a full game against Tonga, and Tonga has bothered France in the past. Advantage Canada.
The coin toss might go for Canada as Canada and New Zealand are part of the Commonwealth and the queen face is on the coin. And if Canada chooses the field to have the wind in the second half, all is possible? Advantage Canada.
France backs can beat any team on a given day. Advantage France. And a big one...
So it could be a draw...
Wait a minute... Canadian scrum sports a few woodcutters beards which are more than impressive... Chabal come back...! Advantage Canada. And a big one... for a woodcutting competition. Or on a psychological level...?
Still a draw? there is no psychology in rugby?... answer in a few hours...
Rugby - It's a great, great day for the Irish!
What a great day for the Irish...!
A sublime defense against Australia, the winner of the Tri Nations last month, and an attack with constant support. Every player gave it all for the team, shoulder to shoulder effort...
Unrecognizable team compared to their first game. And by winning they probably sent Australia in quarter final against South Africa on October 8/9...!
And to make the day even greater, on the Montreal Irish home field (beer on tap sold all day...), the three Montreal Irish teams won their semi-finals, all advancing to the Quebec finals, which will be played on their home field in Ste Julie. If you live in Montreal, a day at the Ste Julie field on September 24 should be a must. If not, have a guiness or a Smithwick on us...!
A sublime defense against Australia, the winner of the Tri Nations last month, and an attack with constant support. Every player gave it all for the team, shoulder to shoulder effort...
Unrecognizable team compared to their first game. And by winning they probably sent Australia in quarter final against South Africa on October 8/9...!
And to make the day even greater, on the Montreal Irish home field (beer on tap sold all day...), the three Montreal Irish teams won their semi-finals, all advancing to the Quebec finals, which will be played on their home field in Ste Julie. If you live in Montreal, a day at the Ste Julie field on September 24 should be a must. If not, have a guiness or a Smithwick on us...!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Rugby - Japan New Zealand
A good training game for New Zealand (80 something to 7), with their best three players put to rest for minor injuries. They'll be ready for France don't worry...
I liked the minute of silence for the victims of the earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand,
I liked the Japanese try, by the smallest man on the field, after an interception,
I did not like the referee never penalising or warning New Zealand tight head prop who kept lowering the Japanese prop, NZ did not need that...
I did not like the referee cancelling the second Japanese try around the end of the second half for a possible 1 mm pass forward? when the score was around 75 to 7,
I liked the New Zealand flowing game... can't wait for New Zealand France, should be another highlight for both teams. Don't miss it on Saturday September 24...
I liked the minute of silence for the victims of the earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand,
I liked the Japanese try, by the smallest man on the field, after an interception,
I did not like the referee never penalising or warning New Zealand tight head prop who kept lowering the Japanese prop, NZ did not need that...
I did not like the referee cancelling the second Japanese try around the end of the second half for a possible 1 mm pass forward? when the score was around 75 to 7,
I liked the New Zealand flowing game... can't wait for New Zealand France, should be another highlight for both teams. Don't miss it on Saturday September 24...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Rugby - USA Russia
A win 13-6 from the USA (ranked 17) against Russia (ranked 20)... but could have turned out the other way!
- the referee was fine,
- the Russian iron curtain held on surprising well, except against one early try by the USA,
- the Russian butter fingers dropped too many balls in the USA 22m,
- the USA got too many penalties (justified) for offside, side entry etc in tackle and ruck situations. This aspect of the rugby game is the hardest to master for North American players who watch American or Canadian football....
- the USA got lucky when one American arm stayed around a Russian neck for quite a few seconds... dangerous high tackle should have brought a yellow card and Russians playing 15 against 14 Americans for 10 minutes in the second half...
- the Russian kicker missed two easy penalties right in front of the posts, which could have meant a score of 13-12 for USA. So when Russia got a penalty in the last minute, they could have gone for a conversion for the win, from the 22m line, but not so easy, from the left side.
Looks like you can bet safely on Australia and Ireland for the two to advance in this group. Still, don't miss Australia - Ireland game Saturday morning...
- the referee was fine,
- the Russian iron curtain held on surprising well, except against one early try by the USA,
- the Russian butter fingers dropped too many balls in the USA 22m,
- the USA got too many penalties (justified) for offside, side entry etc in tackle and ruck situations. This aspect of the rugby game is the hardest to master for North American players who watch American or Canadian football....
- the USA got lucky when one American arm stayed around a Russian neck for quite a few seconds... dangerous high tackle should have brought a yellow card and Russians playing 15 against 14 Americans for 10 minutes in the second half...
- the Russian kicker missed two easy penalties right in front of the posts, which could have meant a score of 13-12 for USA. So when Russia got a penalty in the last minute, they could have gone for a conversion for the win, from the 22m line, but not so easy, from the left side.
Looks like you can bet safely on Australia and Ireland for the two to advance in this group. Still, don't miss Australia - Ireland game Saturday morning...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Rugby - O Canada
Fantastic win of Canada against Tonga! Three nice tries, against the wind in the second half, and even a missed yellow card by the referre against Tonga when he or his touch judge did not see a voluntary tripping by Tonga on the kicker.
One could have thought that Tonga had an edge for playing closer to their base (more fans) and for having already tasted the world cup with the opening game against New Zealand while it was the first game of Canada. But not so, and Tonga substituted 11 of the 15 players who fought against New Zealand, to rest them after the first war game.
As put by the Tonga captain: Canada were the best and deserve their win! Thanks...
By the way, this is also the first upset of the world cup, since Canda was rated 16 and Tonga 13...!
France - Canada next Sunday and France - Tonga on Saturday Oct 1 could prove decisive for a place in the quarter final...
Don't miss USA Russia tomorrow Thursday (early morning for North America) and Australia Ireland Saturday...
One could have thought that Tonga had an edge for playing closer to their base (more fans) and for having already tasted the world cup with the opening game against New Zealand while it was the first game of Canada. But not so, and Tonga substituted 11 of the 15 players who fought against New Zealand, to rest them after the first war game.
As put by the Tonga captain: Canada were the best and deserve their win! Thanks...
By the way, this is also the first upset of the world cup, since Canda was rated 16 and Tonga 13...!
France - Canada next Sunday and France - Tonga on Saturday Oct 1 could prove decisive for a place in the quarter final...
Don't miss USA Russia tomorrow Thursday (early morning for North America) and Australia Ireland Saturday...
Rugby - Referree placement
If you are a rugby referee trying to stay close to the action, remember that you should not get in the way, the field is wide enough for the ball carrier and you...
(you might have to refresh the page to see past the advertising...)
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/rugby-ref-ko-14016
(you might have to refresh the page to see past the advertising...)
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/rugby-ref-ko-14016
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Rugby - Mark in the 22m
If you are in your 22m, and the ball is kicked to your team side, you are supposed to catch the ball and shout "mark" for the referee to award you a free kick. And the oponents are not supposed to run in front of the kicker until he reaches you or you handle the ball.
In Australian rugby/football, the off-side rules are different... how high can you jump to steel a "mark" from someone waiting for the ball... look at this one...
(you might have to refresh the screen before seeing past the advertising...)
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/andrew-walker-mark-of-the-year-hq-35445
In Australian rugby/football, the off-side rules are different... how high can you jump to steel a "mark" from someone waiting for the ball... look at this one...
(you might have to refresh the screen before seeing past the advertising...)
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/andrew-walker-mark-of-the-year-hq-35445
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Rugby - There'll be a welcome in the hillsides for Wales!
Wales and South Africa gave us the first full game of rugby of the world cup. \
And the referee was the best to-date, by far. For the scrum commands, for the tackles and rucks, for everything... maybe except for the penalty not given to Wales in the first half (which would have given them the victory). From the TV screen, it sure looked like the ball was inside the post, and even the Welsh kicker could not understand the decision and made the sign for a TV check...
Congratulations to Wales. They can expect a warm welcome back home in the hillsides!
The bad news is that they should probably meet Australia already in the quarter finals... but if they can duplicate their first game, all is possible.
As for South Africa, they were clearly in a day off, and can do a lot better. To be confirmed against Fiji.
And the referee was the best to-date, by far. For the scrum commands, for the tackles and rucks, for everything... maybe except for the penalty not given to Wales in the first half (which would have given them the victory). From the TV screen, it sure looked like the ball was inside the post, and even the Welsh kicker could not understand the decision and made the sign for a TV check...
Congratulations to Wales. They can expect a warm welcome back home in the hillsides!
The bad news is that they should probably meet Australia already in the quarter finals... but if they can duplicate their first game, all is possible.
As for South Africa, they were clearly in a day off, and can do a lot better. To be confirmed against Fiji.
Rugby - It's a great day for the Irish...
Ireland overcame USA as expected, but...
- Kick-off: ball caught in the air by USA, jumper tackled in the air by Ireland, no penalty... 15 seconds into the game: USA get the ball out of the maul and kick it far... Ireland jumps for it, and is tackled in the air by USA, no penalty... Add the poor American captain penalised for not rolling away from a ruck in the second half: referee was on the other side of the ruck, but the left arm of the captain was up in the air, v ery visible, to show he was not playing the ball, and his right arm was stuck under 400 kgs of meat (he needed medical attending after the 400 kgs were removed). In one sentence, I was not impressed by the referee...
- When the Irish were tackled, most of the time they chose to go to the ground without trying to pass the ball to a support, sometimes not there mind you... Against Australia (Sept 17), New Zealand, South Africa or England, Ireland might not survive...
It was a great day for the Irish, well... not those from Boston but those from Tipperary.
It was a great day for Guiness anyway here and there, all over the Village.
PS: I was wondering if the Irish will let their leprichons perform a jig to counter a Haka... mind you, since the lepricons are invisible to the naked eye of most of us, only the Irish players will see their jig!
- Kick-off: ball caught in the air by USA, jumper tackled in the air by Ireland, no penalty... 15 seconds into the game: USA get the ball out of the maul and kick it far... Ireland jumps for it, and is tackled in the air by USA, no penalty... Add the poor American captain penalised for not rolling away from a ruck in the second half: referee was on the other side of the ruck, but the left arm of the captain was up in the air, v ery visible, to show he was not playing the ball, and his right arm was stuck under 400 kgs of meat (he needed medical attending after the 400 kgs were removed). In one sentence, I was not impressed by the referee...
- When the Irish were tackled, most of the time they chose to go to the ground without trying to pass the ball to a support, sometimes not there mind you... Against Australia (Sept 17), New Zealand, South Africa or England, Ireland might not survive...
It was a great day for the Irish, well... not those from Boston but those from Tipperary.
It was a great day for Guiness anyway here and there, all over the Village.
PS: I was wondering if the Irish will let their leprichons perform a jig to counter a Haka... mind you, since the lepricons are invisible to the naked eye of most of us, only the Irish players will see their jig!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Rugby - Australian half time
Italy and Australia were 6-6 at half time.
Wait mate... in the second half, after they knew the Italian coach must have given some instructions to his players based on the game Australia played in the first half, Australia decided to play a different game, called... southern hemisphere rugby: you double the speed of your runs, passes, etc, you stop giving away penalties, and you score three tries before the Italians could even think of what did they want on their all dressed pizza tonight... Not much Italy could do when Australia decided to accelerate. Australia has been the first and only team to-date to demonstrate that they will be in the semi-finals.
PS: want a moment of calm between two rugby games...? try this video offered by Japan... not the rugby men...
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/incredible-japanese-synchronized-gymnastics-13411
Wait mate... in the second half, after they knew the Italian coach must have given some instructions to his players based on the game Australia played in the first half, Australia decided to play a different game, called... southern hemisphere rugby: you double the speed of your runs, passes, etc, you stop giving away penalties, and you score three tries before the Italians could even think of what did they want on their all dressed pizza tonight... Not much Italy could do when Australia decided to accelerate. Australia has been the first and only team to-date to demonstrate that they will be in the semi-finals.
PS: want a moment of calm between two rugby games...? try this video offered by Japan... not the rugby men...
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/incredible-japanese-synchronized-gymnastics-13411
Rugby - Hemispheres, last 10 minutes, and... "engaged"!
HEMISPHERES
The countries of the southern hemisphere are in spring, in full rugby season. While the countries of the northern hemisphere (Europe) are... coming back from vacation, and at the very beginning of their season. Canada and USA are an exception to northern hemisphere.
The "smaller" countries of the southern hemisphere are also now almost all trained by New Zealand coaches or other very experimented coaches.
So... expect the difference of level between the "smaller" southern hemisphere countries(and Canada and USA) and the old European countries to be lesss obvious at the 2011 world cup...
Although the 2 or 3 weeks training camp done by most other countries can also pay off if done well and in the same conditions of temperature / humidity / etc as found this week in New Zealand...
LAST 10 MINUTES
France finally beat Japan: two interceptions at the beginning of the game to score two long run tries, and in the last 10 minutes two tries the French way.
Japan had lost their number 9 to a suspension for drugs a month ago, but the Japanese number 10 made up for it. He is from New Zealand and playing in Nottingham - England, and he concluded all the efforts of Japan to keep them in the game until the last 10 minutes (two tries and conversions and two penalties).
Can France play like the last 10 minutes from the beginning of the game when meeting New Zealand? Answer September 24.
England finally beat Argentina (southern hemisphere...) after a try in the last 10 minutes, but after too many penalties for off-side, not releasing the ball, etc... including a yellow card at the end of the first half for repeated infrigements by the team and warning by the referee. I forgot, after also 7 attempts to score between the posts missed by Jonny Wilkinson... never heard of before. If England has a replacement kicker, we should see him at the next game against Georgia, an easier game than against Argentinians (half of them play in France first division).
By the way, the Falkland islands were not the prize for the winner (although it would be an idea to replace the wars by a rugby game)... but some tackles by the English players looked more done to hurt than to stop the player... Dangerous tackles could prove costly against Georgia, Romania, Scotland and... presumably France or New Zealand in quarter final? that is if the referees are briefed about dangerous tackles...
ENGAGED
Some referees keep using the old scrum command, PAUUUUSE... ENGAGED! as both teams engage a split second before the referee gives the order!
The referees all make the effort to space the last two commands in the first half, but then in the second half... old habits die hard...
Mind you, for the game this afternoon between Beaconsfield and the Barbarians, I did not have to give a single free kick for early engagement when I used the newly specified well spaced scrum commands. If Quebec B division reserve can apply the new scrum commands easily, certainly the world cup teams could... if the referees wanted to...?
PS: want a moment of calm between two rugby games...? try this video offered by Japan...
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/incredible-japanese-synchronized-gymnastics-13411
The countries of the southern hemisphere are in spring, in full rugby season. While the countries of the northern hemisphere (Europe) are... coming back from vacation, and at the very beginning of their season. Canada and USA are an exception to northern hemisphere.
The "smaller" countries of the southern hemisphere are also now almost all trained by New Zealand coaches or other very experimented coaches.
So... expect the difference of level between the "smaller" southern hemisphere countries(and Canada and USA) and the old European countries to be lesss obvious at the 2011 world cup...
Although the 2 or 3 weeks training camp done by most other countries can also pay off if done well and in the same conditions of temperature / humidity / etc as found this week in New Zealand...
LAST 10 MINUTES
France finally beat Japan: two interceptions at the beginning of the game to score two long run tries, and in the last 10 minutes two tries the French way.
Japan had lost their number 9 to a suspension for drugs a month ago, but the Japanese number 10 made up for it. He is from New Zealand and playing in Nottingham - England, and he concluded all the efforts of Japan to keep them in the game until the last 10 minutes (two tries and conversions and two penalties).
Can France play like the last 10 minutes from the beginning of the game when meeting New Zealand? Answer September 24.
England finally beat Argentina (southern hemisphere...) after a try in the last 10 minutes, but after too many penalties for off-side, not releasing the ball, etc... including a yellow card at the end of the first half for repeated infrigements by the team and warning by the referee. I forgot, after also 7 attempts to score between the posts missed by Jonny Wilkinson... never heard of before. If England has a replacement kicker, we should see him at the next game against Georgia, an easier game than against Argentinians (half of them play in France first division).
By the way, the Falkland islands were not the prize for the winner (although it would be an idea to replace the wars by a rugby game)... but some tackles by the English players looked more done to hurt than to stop the player... Dangerous tackles could prove costly against Georgia, Romania, Scotland and... presumably France or New Zealand in quarter final? that is if the referees are briefed about dangerous tackles...
ENGAGED
Some referees keep using the old scrum command, PAUUUUSE... ENGAGED! as both teams engage a split second before the referee gives the order!
The referees all make the effort to space the last two commands in the first half, but then in the second half... old habits die hard...
Mind you, for the game this afternoon between Beaconsfield and the Barbarians, I did not have to give a single free kick for early engagement when I used the newly specified well spaced scrum commands. If Quebec B division reserve can apply the new scrum commands easily, certainly the world cup teams could... if the referees wanted to...?
PS: want a moment of calm between two rugby games...? try this video offered by Japan...
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/incredible-japanese-synchronized-gymnastics-13411
Friday, September 9, 2011
Rugby - Scotland - Romania
- Scotland got the scare of their life... they were leading at half time, but Romania changed 9 and 10 and came back even with less than 10 minutes to play... then Scotland scored two tries of anthology to finally win the game. Congratulations to Romania who could create a surprise in this pool... don't miss their next games.
- The referee had a nice tempo for his scrum commands, including a couple of seconds between PAUSE and ENGAGE respected by both scrums. The priority was again clearly on releasing the tackles, releasing the ball, releasing the tacklee, getting away for botht he tackler and the tacklee.
- At 5mn 59s of the first half, excellent demonstration by a Romanian player of rule 22.9.c for a defender in his own in-goal zone. He put one foot behind the goal line, the other in front of the goal line, and waited for the rolling ball... he caught the ball in front of the goal line to pick it up and touch in his goal zone. Because the ball was still rolling (not very fast...) when he picked it up, he got 22m drop out (or scrum where the ball was kicked). If the ball had stopped just before he picked it up, there would have been a 5m scrum for Scotland if he had touched the ball in his in-goal (stationary ball - rule 22.9.b), so in this case he would have been better off then not to touch down in his goal but to counter attack and eventually kick as far as he could, as he was kind of alone...
- The referee had a nice tempo for his scrum commands, including a couple of seconds between PAUSE and ENGAGE respected by both scrums. The priority was again clearly on releasing the tackles, releasing the ball, releasing the tacklee, getting away for botht he tackler and the tacklee.
- At 5mn 59s of the first half, excellent demonstration by a Romanian player of rule 22.9.c for a defender in his own in-goal zone. He put one foot behind the goal line, the other in front of the goal line, and waited for the rolling ball... he caught the ball in front of the goal line to pick it up and touch in his goal zone. Because the ball was still rolling (not very fast...) when he picked it up, he got 22m drop out (or scrum where the ball was kicked). If the ball had stopped just before he picked it up, there would have been a 5m scrum for Scotland if he had touched the ball in his in-goal (stationary ball - rule 22.9.b), so in this case he would have been better off then not to touch down in his goal but to counter attack and eventually kick as far as he could, as he was kind of alone...
Rugby - New Zealand - Tonga
Welcome to OVAL Village Blog, where your comments are welcome and published below each blog.
The opening ceremony in the city was a nice reminder that rugby spirit and rugby values should be in the heart of everyday's life. In my opinion rugby should be a mandatory discipline in all college and Universities, at least one year, to teach some basic values of life.
The first game brought some surprises...
- Clearly the decision of the IRB to select only a few referees and to brief them over many days before the start of the competition to insure a more consistent referring (between Northern and Southern hemispheres) has worked, at least for the first game. The referee applied strictly the IRB rules for the tackles and ensuing rucks: release the ball or the tacklee immediately (some cases were the fastest whistles I ever saw...) and stay on your feet when getting to a ruck. The games of the Southern hemisphere I saw recently (first half of the last Australia NZ...) were worrying me...
I also noticed that the scrum commands were more spaced, as required by the IRB, except...PAUSE and ENGAGE were still close to one word... PAUUUUUUUUUUUUSE... ENGAGE! Let's wait for next referee...
- New Zealand won with four tries "copy / paste"... attack by the backs on the left side, full back 15 came to help before the winger, one tackle missed by Tonga, and one try... Copy and paste 2 more times, and you have three tries after three missed tackles and three helps of the 15...
Just in case you thought the right winger of Tonga was the weak link, copy / paste on the right side... missed tackle, addition of the 15, and try...
Unless Tonga find a quick fix to this attack and ask their backs to stop playing touch-tackle, France, Japan and Canada know what to do...!
- New Zealand won but... they dropped the ball 6 times in the first period alone, and they were penalised many times for not releasing the ball or the tacklee... Unless they start practicing more seriously, France and England might have a chance...
In one sentence, a good training game for both teams, with some key areas to improve at practice for both.
The opening ceremony in the city was a nice reminder that rugby spirit and rugby values should be in the heart of everyday's life. In my opinion rugby should be a mandatory discipline in all college and Universities, at least one year, to teach some basic values of life.
The first game brought some surprises...
- Clearly the decision of the IRB to select only a few referees and to brief them over many days before the start of the competition to insure a more consistent referring (between Northern and Southern hemispheres) has worked, at least for the first game. The referee applied strictly the IRB rules for the tackles and ensuing rucks: release the ball or the tacklee immediately (some cases were the fastest whistles I ever saw...) and stay on your feet when getting to a ruck. The games of the Southern hemisphere I saw recently (first half of the last Australia NZ...) were worrying me...
I also noticed that the scrum commands were more spaced, as required by the IRB, except...PAUSE and ENGAGE were still close to one word... PAUUUUUUUUUUUUSE... ENGAGE! Let's wait for next referee...
- New Zealand won with four tries "copy / paste"... attack by the backs on the left side, full back 15 came to help before the winger, one tackle missed by Tonga, and one try... Copy and paste 2 more times, and you have three tries after three missed tackles and three helps of the 15...
Just in case you thought the right winger of Tonga was the weak link, copy / paste on the right side... missed tackle, addition of the 15, and try...
Unless Tonga find a quick fix to this attack and ask their backs to stop playing touch-tackle, France, Japan and Canada know what to do...!
- New Zealand won but... they dropped the ball 6 times in the first period alone, and they were penalised many times for not releasing the ball or the tacklee... Unless they start practicing more seriously, France and England might have a chance...
In one sentence, a good training game for both teams, with some key areas to improve at practice for both.
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