Rugby World Cup 2007

[Donnyboy]

one tough bugger

Fourie’s true grit shows Bok spirit

Du Preez is suffering from an AC joint, or separated shoulder, injury that means he has to push through the pain barrier every time he pulls on a jersey.

The man-of-the-match in Friday’s defining 36-0 victory over England let the slip the full extent of the shoulder injury that must be causing coach Jake White sleepless nights during an interview at the Springboks’ practice at their Paris base in Noissy le Grande on Monday.

“The AC is off so it can’t get any worse than it is. I’ve been playing with it for quite a while now, it can’t get any worse than it is, so it’s fine,” said Du Preez when asked about his troublesome left shoulder which he hurt during the Super 14.

“During the game against England I just got a huge hit from an English guy, a little bit late, and it was just a little bit sore so I decided to come off the field.

“Ja, it’s off. I’ve had it off for about four months and we’ve been working hard to rehabilitate it so it’s fine at the moment,” he said of an injury that is leaving a massive lump on his shoulder.

Thanks to the wonders of Google and the Internet I can reveal that a shoulder separation is an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint on the top of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is formed at the junction of three bones: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the arm bone (humerus). The scapula and clavicle form the socket of the joint, and the humerus has a round head that fits within this socket.

A shoulder separation occurs where the clavicle and the scapula come together. The end of the scapula is called the acromion, and the joint between this part of the scapula and clavicle is called the acromioclavicular joint. When this joint is disrupted, it is called a shoulder separation.

It is said to be accompanied by a great deal of pain so Du Preez’s matter-of-fact dismissal of the injury speaks volumes for the commitment he is prepared to make on behalf of his team.

The fact is that he will almost certainly have to go for surgery once the World Cup is over.

Du Preez’s play against Samoa and England has stamped him as the best scrumhalf in the tournament and to lose him would be a massive blow to the team.

He says his outstanding form is down to the work he was able to do in the rest periods arranged by coach White and “just being consistent in what I do.”

Du Preez will definitely be one of the players given a rest against Tonga but is confident that the team picked for Saturday’s match in Lens in northern France will be up to the job.

“It will definitely be a hard, physical game. The first 30 minutes against Samoa were the hardest I’ve been involved in in my career and Tonga, who play a very similar game, beat them – so, ja, a physical game but we must just give structure to it and I’m sure it will go well,” he told me.

“The guys are part of a squad, we’re a squad of 30, and we’ve said that we need all 30 to win this World Cup. Some of the guys have been waiting quite a while to get a game so now it’s their chance to show what’s in them. I’m sure they’ll do a good job,” he added.

Interestingly, Du Preez revealed that the Bok kickers had been experienced difficulty in adapting to the new Gilbert ball in use for the tournament. “This ball is definitely tougher to kick than the one we’ve been used to in the Tri-Nations and Super 14 but luckily everything came right (against England) with Butchie (James), Francois (Steyn) and Percy (Montgomery) kicking really well. “Against Samoa we struggled a bit but I think that can be put down to getting used to the ball. It’s not a problem any more and I’m just looking forward to the team picked to play Tonga going out and showing us what they can do.”

[Donnyboy]

wheres the consistancy?

RWC ‘judges’ fail to cite Aussies

by Dan Retief

Posted on 17 September 2007 - 18:36

The Rugby World Cup’s befuddled disciplinary process plunged to new levels of injustice on Monday with the failure to cite at least four instances of foul play in the Australia vs Wales match.

With South Africa having had to go to enormous lengths to have a four-match suspension against Schalk Burger reduced and England having lost their captain Phil Vickery for two matches to what looked like a reflexive trip there was incredulity at the lack of action taken against three Wallabies and one Welshman.

In the match played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, won 32-20 by the Wallabies, there were at least four incidents that if there was any equity in the tournament should have been cited.

Welsh captain Gareth Thomas for a late and high shoulder stop on Berrick Barnes.

Wallaby hooker Stephen Moore for sliding into Shane Williams off the field of play, after the whistle had gone and then cuffing the Welshman in his face with his elbow.

Wallaby fullback Chris Latham for dropping his shoulder into Kevin Morgan a good few moments after the Welshman had chipped the ball over his head.

Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell for a dangerous “spear” tackle on Welsh hooker Matthew Rees.

All these incidents are definitely questionable in light of the precedents already set in the tournament – certainly if Burger and Vickery were cited and suspended for what they did all four players should have been cited – and it is my contention that if they were subjected to the same norms as others in the tournament they would have been suspended.

With the Australians and the Welsh having completed their match at 17.00 on Saturday the 48-hour citing deadline went by on Monday with no further action against a group of players who were, at the very least, as culpable as Burger and Vickery.

In fact, unlike after the opening weekend when the citing commissioners seemed set to become the key figures in the tournament, there were no citings announced from the second weekend of play.

The judicial panel at the tournament is headed by New Zealander Tim Gresson, a former first-grade referee who heads up the IRB’s referees’ committee.

The first 18 matches of the World Cup have sparked much debate on rugby laws, the competence of referees and the gross inconsistency in the application of disciplinary regulations.

Letting Thomas, Latham, Moore and Mitchell “walk free” is nothing short of a scandal – confirming the scorn coaches (in private and off the record because they are anxious of themselves being expelled from the tournament) have been pouring on an iniquitous system.

[Pink Mist]

wheres the consistancy?

RWC ‘judges’ fail to cite Aussies

by Dan Retief

Posted on 17 September 2007 - 18:36

The Rugby World Cup’s befuddled disciplinary process plunged to new levels of injustice on Monday with the failure to cite at least four instances of foul play in the Australia vs Wales match.

With South Africa having had to go to enormous lengths to have a four-match suspension against Schalk Burger reduced and England having lost their captain Phil Vickery for two matches to what looked like a reflexive trip there was incredulity at the lack of action taken against three Wallabies and one Welshman.

In the match played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, won 32-20 by the Wallabies, there were at least four incidents that if there was any equity in the tournament should have been cited.

Welsh captain Gareth Thomas for a late and high shoulder stop on Berrick Barnes.

Wallaby hooker Stephen Moore for sliding into Shane Williams off the field of play, after the whistle had gone and then cuffing the Welshman in his face with his elbow.

Wallaby fullback Chris Latham for dropping his shoulder into Kevin Morgan a good few moments after the Welshman had chipped the ball over his head.

Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell for a dangerous “spear” tackle on Welsh hooker Matthew Rees.

All these incidents are definitely questionable in light of the precedents already set in the tournament – certainly if Burger and Vickery were cited and suspended for what they did all four players should have been cited – and it is my contention that if they were subjected to the same norms as others in the tournament they would have been suspended.

With the Australians and the Welsh having completed their match at 17.00 on Saturday the 48-hour citing deadline went by on Monday with no further action against a group of players who were, at the very least, as culpable as Burger and Vickery.

In fact, unlike after the opening weekend when the citing commissioners seemed set to become the key figures in the tournament, there were no citings announced from the second weekend of play.

The judicial panel at the tournament is headed by New Zealander Tim Gresson, a former first-grade referee who heads up the IRB’s referees’ committee.

The first 18 matches of the World Cup have sparked much debate on rugby laws, the competence of referees and the gross inconsistency in the application of disciplinary regulations.

Letting Thomas, Latham, Moore and Mitchell “walk free” is nothing short of a scandal – confirming the scorn coaches (in private and off the record because they are anxious of themselves being expelled from the tournament) have been pouring on an iniquitous system.

cmon donny dont start moanin already, you havnt lost the world cup yet (well you didnt have it to start with)

lets leave the officials to sort out the refering problems, if any, I saw a good game on Sat night, except we lost a player unfairly

[Donnyboy]

quote]

cmon donny dont start moanin already, you havnt lost the world cup yet (well you didnt have it to start with)

lets leave the officials to sort out the refering problems, if any, I saw a good game on Sat night, except we lost a player unfairly

but its ok for you to moan?

[Donnyboy]

Tonights Game

Scotland vs Romania - Romania could be a handful against the Scots, as they were against Italy 6 days ago.(Italy won 24-18) Scotland playing at home should come out on top. Scotland by 20.

[Donnyboy]

Scot vs Rom -1st Half. Scot 21-0 (3 converted tries)

Scotland scored within a minute of the start, but have fumbled plenty of ball. Theres enough turnovers from both sides to supply a bakery!

[miltonbentley]

Scotland 42 Romania 0

Competent performance by the Sweaties at least in comparison with other NH sides. Doubt they have the firepower for the game against NZ on Sunday although the AB's would be better off losing as second place will probably the easier route to the semis. The winner of the group is likely to play France and New Zealand have never beaten them at a World Cup,

[Donnyboy]

Scotland 42 Romania 0

Competent performance by the Sweaties at least in comparison with other NH sides. Doubt they have the firepower for the game against NZ on Sunday although the AB's would be better off losing as second place will probably the easier route to the semis. The winner of the group is likely to play France and New Zealand have never beaten them at a World Cup,

Youre such a tease today MB.

The concept of losing to Scotland just to have an easier path to the RWC would frankly cheapen the Black jersey and would not be in the spirit of the game. We dont send second tier teams to play tests like many of the teams have this season.

I dont see any resistance against the ABs this coming weekend as Scotland have just about resigned to the fact that they are going to be playing for the second spot. Expect 40 points to rack up against the Scots.

MB, maybe you have forgotten that NZ beat France in 1989, in the final to win the RWC. The score was 29-9

[Donnyboy]

Scotland 42 Romania 0

Competent performance by the Sweaties at least in comparison with other NH sides. Doubt they have the firepower for the game against NZ on Sunday although the AB's would be better off losing as second place will probably the easier route to the semis. The winner of the group is likely to play France and New Zealand have never beaten them at a World Cup,

more here;

One game at a time for All Blacks

A quarterfinal against France is firmly on the All Blacks' rugby World Cup flight path but captain Richie McCaw says the prospect is one he won't even consider for another two weeks.

Ireland's miserable form so far in the "group of death" -- pool D -- points to them missing out on the quarterfinals unless they can restore their mojo in a huge way for remaining games against France and Argentina.

Dreadfully inadequate in beating lightweights Namibia (32-17) and Georgia (14-10), Ireland will struggle to quell an improving France in their hugely anticipated match at Paris on Saturday morning (NZ time).

If Ireland were to prevail, the hosts would be eliminated, and it would result in Argentina and Ireland battling it out for first and second a week later.

However, a French victory would see Les Bleus probably finish second in the pool. That would mean a trip to Cardiff and a likely quarterfinal against short-priced pool C favourites New Zealand.

The only thing to prevent that tumultuous scenario -- the hosts against the tournament hot-shots on neutral soil -- would be if Ireland transformed in their final pool game and beat Argentina in Paris on September 30 while scoring four tries for a bonus point.

McCaw confessed surprise at Ireland's lacklustre form but the question line today was more about how the resurgent French were shaping up two weeks out from the quarterfinals.

France's drab 12-17 loss to Argentina in the tournament opener was followed by a rollicking 87-10 defeat of Namibia which left some media outlets here close to raptures.

McCaw said France had clearly reviewed their playing style, which now made them dangerous foes.

"I don't think the French are too far off," he said.

"Against Namibia they showed they're prepared to use the ball. They're still going to be a threat at this tournament.

"They got lured into playing a different sort of game against the Argentinians so you can't read too much into that."

It would be all hands to the pump if France emerged as quarterfinal opposition, McCaw said.

"If that happened, we'd just get on with it," he said.

"All those three games are going to be important and tough, no matter what. You've got to win them all."

McCaw said any games he watched live on television were from the point of view of a spectator, such as the "interesting" tournament opener.

The analysis of opponents would only begin when the playoff draw was confirmed.

"In terms of watching games because of who we might play, you wait until the week you're going to play them and watch what you need to watch, rather than the whole game," he said.

NZPA

[Neeranam]

Good game by the Scots - bring on NZ!

[miltonbentley]

MB, maybe you have forgotten that NZ beat France in 1989, in the final to win the RWC. The score was 29-9 biggrin.gif

Was that an official World Cup Game? There was no World Cup in 1989 Donny my boy Now we've both made a mistake.

[Donnyboy]

Good game by the Scots - bring on NZ!

yeah we're hoping the Scots can give our boys some resistance at least. Scotland is so confident, that theyre sending on their B side.

[Donnyboy]

MB, maybe you have forgotten that NZ beat France in 1989, in the final to win the RWC. The score was 29-9 biggrin.gif

Was that an official World Cup Game? There was no World Cup in 1989 Donny my boy Now we've both made a mistake.

sorry, that was the unofficial one. How could I forget that date! esp when we've only won the once.

I meant 1987. and 2007 20 years is worth it. We should call it William Webb "Black Label" Ellis Trophy, as it is 20 years in the making!!

[miltonbentley]

We should call it William Webb "Black Label" Ellis Trophy, as it MAY BE 20 years in the making!! biggrin.gif

Small change of emphasis Donny

[Donnyboy]

We should call it William Webb "Black Label" Ellis Trophy, as it MAY BE 20 years in the making!! biggrin.gif

Small change of emphasis Donny

we still have a chance thou MB

[Donnyboy]

Tonights Game-

Italy vs Portugal ; Battle of the heavy weights- in the round ball code but light weights in the real game of Rugby

Italy should win this, but Portugal could test them in up front. Italy by 30.

[Donnyboy]

Good game by the Scots - bring on NZ!

The ABs will do their talking on the field

more here.

Henry not holding back

Wednesday 19th September 2007

Graham Henry has named a near full strength side for New Zealand's Pool C game against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Doug Howlett returns on the wing, and he will be looking to become the outright holder of the All Black try-scoring record. Currently tied on 46 with Cristian Cullen he knows one more score will take him clear at the top.

Having returned from injury against Portugal Conrad Smith retains his place in the side, and will be joined in the centre by Luke McAlister, who is preferred over Aaron Mauger who doesn't even make the bench.

With Mils Muliaina ruled out with the hamstring injury he sustained against Portugal Leon MacDonald will start at full back, with Dan Carter and Byron Kelleher restored as the half-back pairing.

There is a welcome return for Reuben Thorne in the second row, and he comes in for Chris Jack, who drops to the bench. Ali Williams will start his third game on the bounce after Keith Robinson failed to prove his fitness.

Jerry Collins takes a well-earned rest after starting both games so far, and Chris Masoe switches from his usual open side berth to fill Collins' jersey. A minor leg injury rules Keven Mealamu out, so Anton Oliver starts at hooker and Andrew Hore takes his place on the bench.

Scrum specialist Mike Cron revealed the All Black scrum will be at its best for the knock-out stages of the World Cup, and now Richie McCaw has admitted they are working hard on it for the game with Scotland.

McCaw has admitted the scrum is still a concern, despite having arguably the best prop in the world, Carl Hayman.

"Things have not been bad so far, but we've worked on physical things and worked on the scrum," McCaw told Stuff.co.nz.

"The scrum we were not too happy with, so we decided to put a bit of time into that."

"I think this week we have to take a step up. Scotland is going to be a tougher challenge and everyone must have a bit more of an edge."

"This week feels like you're in a bigger Test match. From this week on, it is five weeks of big matches."

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw ©, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Reuben Thorne, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Nick Evans, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Planet Rugby

Edited September 19, 2007 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

Tonights Game-

Italy vs Portugal ; Battle of the heavy weights- in the round ball code but light weights in the real game of Rugby

Italy should win this, but Portugal could test them in up front. Italy by 30.

Result -Italy 31-5.

Italy scored only 3 tries so didnt get their bonus point. As it stands, Scotland will probably go thru into the quarters.

[miltonbentley]

Result -Italy 31-5.

Italy scored only 3 tries so didnt get their bonus point. As it stands, Scotland will probably go thru into the quarters.

No argument with that. Italy have has a very disappointing WC

[Captain Chaos]

Result -Italy 31-5.

Italy scored only 3 tries so didnt get their bonus point. As it stands, Scotland will probably go thru into the quarters.

No argument with that. Italy have has a very disappointing WC

Sadly I shall miss the Sweaties - NZ game due to a biz trip. However some interesting games on Saturday .... France v Ireland pits two teams desperate to win against each other, whilst England take on Samoa and those two have probably had the most disappointing WC's of all!

First defending champs not make the QF's? I think England should be too organized for Samoa but not sure I'd want to bet the farm on it ...

Edited September 20, 2007 by Captain Chaos

[Donnyboy]

Result -Italy 31-5.

Italy scored only 3 tries so didnt get their bonus point. As it stands, Scotland will probably go thru into the quarters.

No argument with that. Italy have has a very disappointing WC

Sadly I shall miss the Sweaties - NZ game due to a biz trip. However some interesting games on Saturday .... France v Ireland pits two teams desperate to win against each other, whilst England take on Samoa and those two have probably had the most disappointing WC's of all!

First defending champs not make the QF's? I think England should be too organized for Samoa but not sure I'd want to bet the farm on it ...

yes, those 2 games played on saturday should be good, they will be throwing everything into it.

My predictions,

Tonights Game; Wales vs Japan. Wales by 40.

This coming weekend.

France vs Ireland. France should be able to roll Ireland up front and win well. France by 15.

England vs Samoa. Although England havent yet shown us what they are capable of, Im am picking that they will lift this week against Samoa. They should have the goods in the forwards, and Wilko should be able to keep most of the play down their end. An upset is on the cards however as the Samoans could rattle Englands game plan by targeting a few players. England by 20.

South Africa vs Tonga. The Boks have too much firepower for Tonga to deal with. South Africa by 60.

Argentina vs Namibia. Argentina will be cementing their place on top of Pool D after this game. Argentina by 70.

Australia vs Fiji. I would imagine Fiji will be saving the best squad against the Welsh for the 2nd spot in their pool. Wallabies by 40.

NZ vs Scotland. Scotland should offer some resistance by being at home, but wont be able to contain the ABs as they are starting to hit their straps now. The ABs are fielding their best team. Im not sure if Scotland is. All Blacks by 40

[Donnyboy]

Wales vs Japan halftime score, Wales 29-11. Wales have their 4 tries already.

Japan lacking big players and height in the lineout. But scored a length of the field try, which was well constructed. Both teams guilty of turning over too much ball. James Hook making plenty of breaks thou, and scored a great try.

[miltonbentley]

Final Wales 72 Japan 18

Didn't see the game but seems to have been a competent display from Wales. They go to a 2nd place decider with Fiji next weekend which they should win to set up a quarter final with South Africa. Could there be a shock in the making? I doubt it but hope so.

[miltonbentley]

Weekend predictions

France vs Ireland - This is a big one - if France lose they are out which will be a disaster for French rugby and humiliating performance in a home WC. Ireland have so far been dreadful but a loss will put their chances of qualification in severe jeopardy. Hopefully it will be a battle royal. France with the most to lose to shade it by 7.

England vs Samoa - Can England get any worse? Saturday will tell. I suspect greater muscle, nous and the return of Johnny will see them scrape it by 12. Odds of JW finishing fit 50/50.

South Africa vs Tonga - Hopefully this will turn into a handbags fest, a clash of big super charged forwards. Of course the Boks will have way too much. Expect a win by 40.

Argentina vs Namibia - Argentina to play largely their second string and have way too much for poor Namibia. Pumas by 60.

Australia vs Fiji - With two wins out of two Fiji are still very much in this World Cup and they will put up a valiant effort. Expect them tho hold Austraia for 10 minutes before class tells. Australia by a ruthless 50.

NZ vs Scotland - Brave Scotland have had a good WC so far but here they will meet the wall. A rampant All Black machine coming close to their best will win by 50.

From the Tuskers blog

[chavy]

France v Ireland is tonight isn't it or early hours I should say ?

[miltonbentley]

France v Ireland is tonight isn't it or early hours I should say ?

Sure is 2am kickoff. A long night ahead but a fun one. Drinking with the Irish is always a pleasure

[Donnyboy]

Weekend predictions

France vs Ireland - This is a big one - if France lose they are out which will be a disaster for French rugby and humiliating performance in a home WC. Ireland have so far been dreadful but a loss will put their chances of qualification in severe jeopardy. Hopefully it will be a battle royal. France with the most to lose to shade it by 7.

England vs Samoa - Can England get any worse? Saturday will tell. I suspect greater muscle, nous and the return of Johnny will see them scrape it by 12. Odds of JW finishing fit 50/50.

South Africa vs Tonga - Hopefully this will turn into a handbags fest, a clash of big super charged forwards. Of course the Boks will have way too much. Expect a win by 40.

Argentina vs Namibia - Argentina to play largely their second string and have way too much for poor Namibia. Pumas by 60.

Australia vs Fiji - With two wins out of two Fiji are still very much in this World Cup and they will put up a valiant effort. Expect them tho hold Austraia for 10 minutes before class tells. Australia by a ruthless 50.

NZ vs Scotland - Brave Scotland have had a good WC so far but here they will meet the wall. A rampant All Black machine coming close to their best will win by 50.

From the Tuskers blog

Good Blog MB, esp Josh's yard glass. Brings me back a few years when I attempted one at my 21st, not a pretty sight. Have you heard of a helicopter? The yards a dying form now, dont they use funnels now? Anyway, he was brave to do it and complete it with Chang.

[Donnyboy]

France v Ireland is tonight isn't it or early hours I should say ?

Sure is 2am kickoff. A long night ahead but a fun one. Drinking with the Irish is always a pleasure

could have a wee nap first MB, and dream of a victorious England win this weekend.

[teatree]

What channel is it on tonight?

[Donnyboy]

What channel is it on tonight?

22-Sep-2007 01:55 66 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007 # 07023 : FRANCE VS. IRELAND :

07023 : FRANCE VS. IRELAND

CH 66 is Star Sports