There were plenty of action packed pics from the weekend, but when I saw this one, I had a good chuckle. I can only imagine what was going through Wallaby coach, Robbie Deans’ mind as the clock wound down and his team were on the wrong side of the scoreline against an England team who have been shockingly poor, by their own standards, for some time now. [Zimbio]
Ouch!
The Springboks took on Italy, in the first of a two match series, in Witbank over the weekend, and what a dismal affair for the home team. From the outset the Springboks didn’t look as if they were too interested in being there.
From an Italian point of view, they will in all likelihood be pleased with their performance, and with the fact that they often stopped the Springboks from being able to play to their full potential. In the process, scoring their best ever result over the Springboks, made better by it being an away fixture for the Azzurri.
The referee seemed confused at best, making some of the most awkward calls I’ve ever seem, especially when “playing advantage”, and blowing the whistle as soon as the attacking team got clean ball, and looked as if they were going to use it.
The Springboks will however be pleased with their scrumming display, in which they more than stood up to the Azzurri juggernaut scrum. But if the scrums were the best of the Springbok game on the day, then the handling was the worst, with both teams having a string of handling errors. At best it was a messy performance by the world champions, and one they will most likely want to forget sooner than later.
The Springboks opened the try scoring through a Bryan Habana try, after Zane Kirchner put through an uncharacteristically good grubber kick, for Habana to scoop up and trot over the line.
After lots of aimless kicking by both sides, the Springboks put together a great maul near the Italian line and Francois Louw, who was perhaps the only standout Springbok player on the day, managed to sneak around the blind and cross for his second international try.
The scoreline may have been much closer than the home team would have enjoyed, but the truth is that even with the dismal Springbok performance, the Italians never had any real chance of recording their first ever victory over the Boks.
The highlights will tell you the rest of the dismal story.
South Africa:
Italy:
Earlier in the week, I posted a clip of the awesome New Zealand Maori Haka against the New Zealand Barbarians. This morning [RSA time], the New Zealand Maori took on, and beat Ireland 31 – 28.
Unfortunately, the game wasn’t broadcast here in the Republic, so for all those avid Haka fans out there, our boy, tonytai2017, as always, already has the clip up:
*Update: Apparently the game was broadcast on SuperSport. My bad…
Simply awesome! Goose bumps every time!
Yet another action packed weekend of international rugby fixtures await us. Get the fridge stocked with beer, fire up the grill and warm up the tube. Here are all the teamsheets and broadcast times for your teams:
18 June 2010 19h30 [GMT+12]
New Zealand Maori: 15. Robbie Robinson, 14. Sean Maitland, 13. Dwayne Sweeney, 12. Luke McAlister, 11. Hosea Gear, 10. Stephen Brett, 9. Aaron Smith, 8. Colin Bourke, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam (capt), 5. Jarrad Hoeata, 4. Hayden Triggs, 3. Ben Afeaki, 2. Corey Flynn, 1. Bronson Murray.
Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Clint Newlands, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Karl Lowe, 20. Ruki Tipuna, 21. Willie Ripia, 22. Jackson Willison.
Ireland: 15. Geordan Murphy (capt), 14. Shane Horgan, 13. Gavin Duffy, 12. Paddy Wallace, 11. Johne Murphy, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Eoin Reddan, 8. Chris Henry, 7. Niall Ronan, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 5. Dan Tuohy, 4. Ed O’Donoghue, 3. Tom Court, 2. John Fogarty, 1. Marcus Horan.
Replacements: TBC
19 June 2010 19h35 [GMT+12]
All Blacks: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Joe Rokocoko, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt), 6.Victor Vito, 5. Anthony Boric, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Ben Franks,
Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Tony Woodcock, 18. Sam Whitelock, 19. Adam Thomson, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Richard Kahui.
Wales: 15. Lee Byrne, 14. Leigh Halfpenny, 13. Andrew Bishop, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Tom Prydie, 10. Stephen Jones, 9. Mike Phillips, 8. Ryan Jones (capt), 7. Jonathan Thomas, 6. Gavin Thomas 5. Adam Jones, 4. Bradley Davies, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Matthew Rees, 1. Paul James
Replacements: 16. Huw Bennett, 17. John Yapp, 18. Deiniol Jones, 19. Rob McCusker, 20. Travis Knoyle, 21. Dan Biggar, 22. Jonathan Davies.
19 June 2010 20h05 [GMT+10]
Wallabies: 15. James O’Connor, 14. Digby Ioane, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Matt Giteau, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Richard Brown, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom (capt), 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. James Slipper, 18. Mark Chisholm, 19. Matt Hodgson, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Berrick Barnes, 22. Adam Ashley-Cooper.
England: 15. Ben Foden, 14. Mark Cueto, 13. Mike Tindall, 12. Shontayne Hape, 11. Chris Ashton, 10. Toby Flood, 9. Ben Youngs, 8. Nick Easter, 7. Lewis Moody (capt), 6. Tom Croft, 5. Tom Palmer, 4. Courtney Lawes, 3. Dan Cole, 2. Steve Thompson, 1. Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16. George Chuter, 17. David Wilson, 18. Simon Shaw, 19. James Haskell, 20. Danny Care, 21. Jonny Wilkinson, 22. Delon Armitage.
19 June 2010 15h00 [GMT+2]
South Africa: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jean de Villiers, 12. Butch James, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. François Louw, 5. Victor Matfield (capt), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Ryan Kankowski, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Juan de Jongh, 22. Bjorn Basson.
Italy: 15. Luke McLean, 14. Kaine Robertson, 13. Andrea Masi, 12. Matteo Pratichetti, 11. Mirco Bergamasco, 10. Craig Gower, 9. Tito Tebaldi, 8. Sergio Parisse (capt), 7. Alessandro Zanni, 6. Simone Favaro, 5. Quintin Geldenhuys, 4. Valerio Bernabò, 3. Martin Castrogiovanni, 2. Leonardo Ghiraldini 1. Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16. Fabio Ongaro, 17. Lorenzo Cittadini, 18. Marco Bortolami, 19. Paul Derbyshire, 20. Simon Picone, 21. Riccardo Bocchino, 22. Gonzalo Canale.
19 June 2010 15h45 [GMT-3]
Argentina: 15. Martín Rodríguez, 14. Lucas González Amorosino, 13. Gonzalo Tiesi, 12. Santiago Fernández, 11. Horacio Agulla, 10. Felipe Contepomi (capt), 9. Agustín Figuerola, 8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 7. Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 6. Genaro Fessia, 5. Patricio Albacete, 4. Manuel Carizza, 3. Martín Scelzo, 2. Mario Ledesma, 1. Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16. Agustín Creevy, 17. Marcos Ayerza, 18. Santiago Guzmán, 19. Alejandro Campos, 20. Nicolás Vergallo, 21. Rafael Carballo, 22. Lucas Borges.
Scotland: 15. Hugo Southwell, 14. Sean Lamont, 13. Max Evans, 12. Graeme Morrison, 11. Simon Danielli, 10. Dan Parks, 9. Rory Lawson, 8. Johnnie Beattie, 7. John Barclay, 6. Kelly Brown, 5. Alastair Kellock (capt), 4. Jim Hamilton, 3. Moray Low, 2. Ross Ford, 1. Allan Jacobsen
Replacements: 16. Scott Lawson, 17. Alasdair Dickinson, 18. Scott MacLeod, 19. Alasdair Strokosch, 20. Mike Blair, 21. Phil Godman, 22. Nick De Luca
The following from SARU: Flanker Schalk Burger has been withdrawn from the Springbok team to face Italy at the Puma Stadium in Witbank on Saturday.
Burger had been receiving treatment for an ankle sprain sustained during last week’s Test against France.
The Springbok medical team advised that Burger be withdrawn as there remained a risk of further injury.
Burger’s place in the starting XV will be taken by his Vodacom Stormers teammate Francois Louw.
Springbok replacement stalwart, Danie Rossouw, has been playing out of his skin as of late. With absence of teammate, Bakkies Botha, Rossouw has been given a few more opportunities to start in the Springbok #4 jumper, and boy has he taken those opportunities.
The 32 year old, 1.98m, 120 kg Rossouw seems to have become better with age, having arguably his best year ever in 2010.
The following from SARU: The Springbok medical team and its regional counterparts have met to plan the way ahead for the country’s leading rugby players in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The meeting of medical and conditioning teams from Springboks and the five Vodacom Super 14 regions – including doctors, physiotherapists and fitness conditioners, was hosted by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town.
The main purpose of the gathering was to discuss the management of players in both International and National competition over the coming months with the ultimate goal of having a fit and full strength squad at the 2011 World Cup.
Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers addressed the meeting where he explained his objectives and how he believed the national and regional medical teams could play a key role in ensuring a full strength and fully fit squad for 2011 World Cup.
“It is gratifying to see these talented and knowledgeable people working for the common good of Springbok rugby. I am now reassured that our players are in safe hands, both nationally and within their regions,” de Villiers said.
Springbok team doctor, Craig Roberts said: “The meeting was a significant step in that it will ensure for the sharing of information from both sides and enhance collaboration between us for the common good of South African rugby. The regions fully support the concept of injury risk assessments and will provide the necessary support on the ground to make sure that the required injury prevention measures are implemented”.
SARU Medical Manager, Clint Readhead added: “The meeting has ushered in a new era in collaboration between the Springbok and Regional medical and conditioning teams. There is a clear understanding that the continued high performance of South African rugby’s leading players can only be achieved if the experts work together towards a common objective”.
The Springbok selectors have named their team to face Italy in the first of to test matches, to be played this weekend, 19 June 2010, in Witbank.
Victor Matfield will captain the Boks for the 11th time against Italy in Witbank on Saturday.
Matfield takes over the captaincy from John Smit, who is resting this week after injuring his hamstring during the warm-up before the French Test at Newlands in Cape Town last Saturday.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has made 11 changes to the squad of 22 for the first Test against Italy.
In the pack, Dewald Potgieter replaces Francois Louw. Bakkies Botha is back at lock in the place of Danie Rossouw, while Jannie du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle take over from BJ Botha and Smit in the front row.
At the back, Butch James and Jean de Villiers are the new centres, with Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie granted a break.
On the bench, Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski and Bjorn Basson are included. None of them featured in the 42-17 victory over France.
Starting XV: 15. Zane Kirchner; 14. Gio Aplon; 13. Jean de Villiers; 12. Butch James; 11. Bryan Habana; 10. Morné Steyn; 9. Ricky Januarie; 8. Pierre Spies; 7. Dewald Potgieter; 6. Schalk Burger; 5. Victor Matfield (captain); 4. Bakkies Botha; 3. Jannie du Plessis; 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle; 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp
Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku; 17. CJ van der Linde; 18. Alistair Hargreaves; 19. Ryan Kankowski; 20. Ruan Pienaar; 21. Juan de Jongh; 22. Bjorn Basson
The All Blacks have named their squad to face Wales on 19 June 2010. It will be the in the second Steinlager Series Test and final ever test at Carisbrook, Dunedin.
The team features one change to the starting XV and three changes on the bench from the side that beat Ireland 66–28 in New Plymouth last weekend. Flanker Victor Vito, who made his debut off the bench last week, starts at blindside flanker, while in the reserves, 61–Test veteran Tony Woodcock returns together with flanker Adam Thomson in the forwards and Richard Kahui returns from injury to cover the outside backs.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “We were happy with the win over Ireland but also know that there are areas of our game we need to work on ahead of the Welsh Test and that is our focus this week. We are expecting real intensity and physicality this weekend, which has been the hallmark of All Blacks–Wales matches in recent years.”
The All Blacks and Wales will also be marking the Final Test at Carisbrook on Saturday in front of a sold out 28,000–capacity crowd, with international rugby moving next year to the under–construction, indoor Forsyth Barr Stadium near Otago University.
“Carisbrook is an iconic ground that has hosted some marvellous rugby games over the years. It will be a special occasion and the All Blacks are delighted to be part of the celebrations to mark the final Test at the Brook,” Henry added.
The All Blacks and Wales have played 25 Tests since 1905, with 22 wins to the All Blacks. The All Blacks last played Wales on last year’s Telecom end of year tour winning 19–12 in Cardiff. The last match between the two sides in New Zealand was in Hamilton in 2003, which the All Blacks won 55–3.
Starting XV: 15. Israel Dagg (1); 14. Cory Jane (13); 13. Conrad Smith (34); 12. Benson Stanley (1); 11. Josevata Rokocoko (61); 10. Daniel Carter (67); 9. Jimmy Cowan (34); 8. Kieran Read (17); 7. Richie McCaw – captain (81); 6. Victor Vito (1 ); 5. Anthony Boric (14); 4. Brad Thorn (38); 3. Owen Franks (10); 2. Keven Mealamu (72); 1. Ben Franks (1)
Rerserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche (3); 17. Tony Woodcock (61); 18. Sam Whitelock (1); 19. Adam Thomson (15); 20. Piri Weepu (35); 21. Aaron Cruden (1); 22. Richard Kahui (8)
* Number of Test caps in brackets
I’ve already posted the highlights of the Springboks VS France game from Saturday, but there were a whole host of other internationals played over the weekend, which I had to watch in drips and drabs, while balancing the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup action too. Here are the highlights for all of that action:
*Waiting on highlights from the Scottish victory over Argentina
