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Gyoza
February 4th, 2005, 5:08 AM
Since the Six Nations Tournament is starting soon, this should as good a time as any to make a thread dedicated to Rugby Union.

This year's tournament is looking interesting. Usually, it was a two-horse race (England and France), but now it looks like Ireland and Wales are solidly in the running as well, with some very strong performances recently - Ireland beating Tri-Nations champions South Africa, albeit in a controversial manner and Wales taking both the Springboks and the All Blacks to the limit, before going down with the narrowest of margins.

Riot
February 5th, 2005, 7:34 AM
It hasnt fully been a two-horse race for the last few years. Ireland have come second three times in the last four years, one of those years a loss to Scotland cost us and the other we last to England in a Grand Slam decider at Lansdowne Road. A lot of people have Ireland as favourites this year, but I have a feeling France will win it again with Ireland second and England third. Scotland will probably get the wooden spoon again.

Anyway the first round of fixtures and who I think will win.
France v Scotland - France
Wales v England - England
Italy v Ireland - Ireland

da_man
February 5th, 2005, 8:39 AM
Won't be watching any of that Union rubbish.

Leeds against the convicts in the World Club Challenge last night was a proper ding-dong battle. Super game.

League > *

JP
February 5th, 2005, 9:01 AM
France to win by 10-15 points
England to win by 5-10 points
Ireland to win by 10-15 points

JP
February 5th, 2005, 10:42 AM
Bloody hell.

I can kick better than the way France are.

N.E.R.F.
February 5th, 2005, 3:18 PM
Great. Welsh university. Shit.

Gyoza
February 5th, 2005, 3:23 PM
It hasnt fully been a two-horse race for the last few years. Ireland have come second three times in the last four years, one of those years a loss to Scotland cost us and the other we last to England in a Grand Slam decider at Lansdowne Road. A lot of people have Ireland as favourites this year, but I have a feeling France will win it again with Ireland second and England third. Scotland will probably get the wooden spoon again.

Anyway the first round of fixtures and who I think will win.
France v Scotland - France
Wales v England - England
Italy v Ireland - Ireland
I wrote the words "usually". That's different from "always". The 2004~2005 English team is a fucking disgrace, to be honest. Personally, I wanted to punch the English journalists who were talking up the team before the England VS Australia match late last year, on the basis of a demolishion job on the Springboks - when beating South Africa at the end of the year is like taking candy from a baby. It's barely a challenge.

Hardcore Holly Fan
February 5th, 2005, 8:54 PM
Eat your words boys Wales are going to win it.

Gyoza
February 5th, 2005, 9:03 PM
I think it'll be Ireland, if they ride their momentum, or France, if they can get over their injury woes and painful losses to both the All Blacks and Los Pumas.

Gyoza
February 5th, 2005, 9:30 PM
So far:
Wales 11 - 9 England @ Millinnium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
For Wales:
1 try by Shane Williams
1 penalty goal by Stephen Jones, 1 penalty goal by Gavin Henson
For England:
3 penalty goals by Charlie Hodgson

France 16 - 9 Scotland @ Stade de France, Paris, France
For France:
1 try by Damien Traille
1 conversion by Frederic Michalak
2 penalty goals and 1 dropped goal by Yann Delaigue
For Scotland:
3 penalty goals by Chris Paterson

Gyoza
February 6th, 2005, 4:52 PM
Italy 17 - 28 Ireland @ Stadio Flamenio, Rome, Italy
For Italy:
1 try by Martin Castrogiovanni
1 penalty goal by Luciano Orquera, 2 penalty goals by Roland de Marigny
For Ireland:
Tries by Geordan Murphy, Peter Stringer and Denis Hickie
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara

Gyoza
February 7th, 2005, 4:44 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4241417.stm

Look at this shit. They should just ban Danny Grewcock for a year or so. Grewcock is an undisciplined fuckhead, and the quicker England gets rid of assholes like him, the better. Both for the team, because the likelyhood of them spending significant portions of the match with 14 men on the field diminishes, and for everyone else, who I assume would prefer not to have Grewcock continuously "accidentally" stepping all over them. Good on Gareth Thomas for letting him know he's not putting up with that shit.

Hardcore Holly Fan
February 8th, 2005, 10:52 AM
Yea I think he would have been off for the whole game if Thomas hadn’t of punched him.

We got Italy on Saturday. I’m hoping that the way they played against Ireland was a fluke or Ireland aren’t as strong as the look.

I got a good feeling that we’ve got a chance this year. Against England we didn’t play our best probably about 60%-70% overall. Also if Henson takes over the kicking and is as good at the hype that surrounds him is that should add a lot more points on the board as our kicking as be awful. Ireland at the Millennium Stadium should be a good one.

Gaz
February 12th, 2005, 3:29 PM
Ireland are looking good. I didn't see the game due to being at work, but we were comfortable today, despite being without O'Driscoll and D'Arcy. Bring on England.

Gyoza
February 12th, 2005, 3:40 PM
Scotland 13 - 40 Ireland @ Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland
For Scotland:
Tries by Hugo Southwell and Jon Petrie
1 penalty goal by Chris Paterson
For Ireland:
Tries by Malcolm O'Kelly, Paul O'Connell, Denis Hickie, John Hayes and Gavin Duffy
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara, 1 conversion by David Humphreys

Italy 8 - 38 Wales @ Stadio Flamenio, Rome, Italy
For Italy:
1 try by Luciano Orquera
1 penalty goal by Roland de Marigny
For Wales:
Tries by Jonathan Thomas, Tom Shanklin, Martyn Williams, Brent Cockbain, Shane Williams and Robert Sidoli
4 conversions by Stephen Jones

Gyoza
February 13th, 2005, 2:58 PM
England 17 - 18 France @ Twickenham, London, England
For England:
Tries by Olly Barkley and Josh Lewsey
2 conversions and 1 penalty goal by Charlie Hodgson
For France:
6 penalty goals by Dimitri Yachvalli

Wow. England are in serious trouble, and not just in the 6 Nations tournament. Since the World Cup final in 2003, they have had 13 test matches. Out of that 13, they have been beaten 8 times - by New Zealand (twice), Australia (twice), France (twice), Ireland and Wales.

Moz
February 13th, 2005, 3:39 PM
It's gonna be interesting who wins between France, Ireland and Wales. While France have the best team on paper (but grinding out results), Wales are hot on form and Ireland have been impressive as well. It's great that there's more than one team going for it and the way fixtures have worked out all are still in it for the Grand Slam.

England 4 the wooden spoon.

Rali
February 13th, 2005, 3:46 PM
England 17 - 18 France @ Twickenham, London, England
For England:
Tries by Olly Barkley and Josh Lewsey
2 conversions and 1 penalty goal by Charlie Hodgson
For France:
6 penalty goals by Dimitri Yachvalli

Wow. England are in serious trouble, and not just in the 6 Nations tournament. Since the World Cup final in 2003, they have had 13 test matches. Out of that 13, they have been beaten 8 times - by New Zealand (twice), Australia (twice), France (twice), Ireland and Wales.

See this is why I don't like Union. If a team scores 2 tries to none, they clearly deserve the victory.

Granted, I didn't watch the game, and England might have been terrible, they were obviously better than France if they could get over the line twice.

:nono:

da_man
February 13th, 2005, 3:51 PM
France never had the pace to trouble England.

Berkley and Hodgson missed 18 points of penalties between them. All of which Jonny would have put away most probably.

viva_la_raza
February 13th, 2005, 3:59 PM
England need to stop giving away stupid penalties as well I don't know why they do that if the opposition have a good kicker like the French had today. Hodgson was awfull with his kicking game

Gyoza
February 13th, 2005, 5:48 PM
It's gonna be interesting who wins between France, Ireland and Wales. While France have the best team on paper (but grinding out results), Wales are hot on form and Ireland have been impressive as well. It's great that there's more than one team going for it and the way fixtures have worked out all are still in it for the Grand Slam.

England 4 the wooden spoon.
France have the best team on paper, but a defeat to Argentina and a right old thrashing by the All Blacks have destroyed their confidence. The defeat to the All Blacks was also a huge blow to their psyche. The French front row of Sylvain Marconnet, William Servat and Pieter de Villiers are arguably the toughest and best scrummaging front row in the world. However, when they went up against the All Blacks front row of Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman, they were not only handily defeated, they were also forced into a situation where they had to ask for uncontested scrums. I can not stress how much of a humiliation that is to a team like France.

Injuries to their team aren't helping either, with Olivier Magne, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Nicolas Brusque all out with injury.


See this is why I don't like Union. If a team scores 2 tries to none, they clearly deserve the victory.

Granted, I didn't watch the game, and England might have been terrible, they were obviously better than France if they could get over the line twice.
Not necessarily the case all the time. In 2003, when England played New Zealand, England managed to outplay the All Blacks several times during the game, and won without scoring a single try.


PS. It is really wierd seeing England lose games due to lousy kicking.

Ringo
February 13th, 2005, 8:43 PM
I was at the game today, and let me tell you, Charlie fucking Hodgson can fuck off as can Paddy O'Brien. Josh Lewsey was good but most of the team were bad to average. You are right Gyoza as to how bad we have been recently, but you have to take in to account our injury list.

Last week the injury list looked like this (A Couple are back and a few on this list aren't in the squad for one reason or another.)

Cohen
Corry
Tindall
Wilkinson
Chris Jones
Richard Hill
Stuart Abbot
Will Greenwood
Ollie Smith

There's even more as well.

Gyoza
February 13th, 2005, 9:32 PM
England had the biggest chance to beat a French side completely lacking on confidence. Instead, they just handed the game over to the French, and giving away enough penalties for them to run away by 1 point. The French just simply played better than the English in the second half, who it appears just went to sleep.
At least Hodgson is man enough to admit he cost England the game.

Mandrag Ganon
February 14th, 2005, 12:59 AM
Some people have been saying that Wales have a good shout in winning the 6 Nations. Personally I can't see it, as I hold the belief that they are the under-achievers of the Six Nations daily - they have the talent there, but sometimes they don't know what to do with themselves when they get in a good position. The days of Neil Jenkins helping us out with his amazing kicks are long gone, and we need to have more disipline among the team so that we can have more of an influence in the championship.

And NERF, how does it feel being in a Welsh uni when Wales win against England in anything?

N.E.R.F.
February 14th, 2005, 7:42 AM
Shit :(

Hardcore Holly Fan
February 14th, 2005, 7:59 AM
We skinned Italy on Saturday. Where just not playing at our full potential yet . We played some good rugby this week but Italy have defiantly improved from a few years ago. Our forwards didn’t look as good this week though which could be a problem but our backs are on fire.

Badger
February 14th, 2005, 8:10 AM
Well, we can't blame poor refereeing on this game. It was going so well for Scotland for the first 15 minutes when we went ahead 8-0. It was downhill from there, well done Ireland.

Still reckon we can beat England though. :D

Jennie Bomb
February 14th, 2005, 5:57 PM
Finally France know what it's like to be on the other side of a total surrender. :D Honestly, Italy will be looking at how England have played and they'll be looking forward to it. Hell, Italy might even be relishing France at the moment. It's a very open competiton, though I think Ireland and Wales have shown the most potential to win the tournament so far.

Mandrag Ganon
February 14th, 2005, 6:28 PM
To be fair HHF, even though Italy aren't the amatuer team they were when they first entered the tournament, you can hardly call it a resounding victory when the score was 38-8.

The real test will come around when they visit the Stade de France next. It is promising to hear that defensively, we are pretty good on that front, but as ever, on excellent component of a team doesn't always win you a match. If I read up how well Wales did in France - whether or not we win - then I would like to believe that we will have a good shout in the outcome of the Six Nations Cup.

Jennie Bomb
February 14th, 2005, 6:32 PM
It's much better to be playing France in Paris, though. If Wales can teh initiative early, the fans will turn on France just like they did against Scotland, and unlike the Scots, Wales have the tools to take advantage of that and do a lot of damage.

Gyoza
February 16th, 2005, 7:42 PM
Here's the starting XV for the Northern Hemisphere VS Southern Hemisphere match:

15. Chris Latham - Reds, Australia
14. Rupeni Caucaunibuca - Agen, Fiji
13. Jacque Fourie - Cats, South Africa
12. Tana Umaga (Vice-Captain) - Hurricanes, New Zealand
11. Sireli Bobo - Parma, Fiji
10. Andrew Mehrtens - Crusaders, New Zealand
9. George Gregan (Captain) - Brumbies, Australia
8. Jerome Kaino - Blues, New Zealand
7. Phil Waugh - Waratahs, Australia
6. Schalk Burger - Stormers, South Africa
5. Ifereimi Rawaqa - World, Fiji
4. Victor Matfield - Bulls, South Africa
3. Omar Hassan - Toulouse, Argentina
2. John Smit (Vice-Captain) - Sharks, South Africa
1. Carl Hoeft - Highlanders, New Zealand

While it's a good starting line-up, a lot of the players are far from the best. For example, where are Carl Hayman, Richie McCaw, Bill Young, Dan Carter, Stirling Mortlock, Marius Joubert, Malili Muliaina, Lote Tuqiri, Joe Rokocoko, Chris Jack, Bakkies Botha, Joe van Niekerk, David Lyons and Matt Giteau?

mj the kid
February 17th, 2005, 6:58 AM
I think they only picked a couple of players from each country. Not exactly the best team possible.

One player from each Aussie Super 12 team.

Saw Jonah at the cricket tonight - Is he still coming back, he really needs to lose some weight.

Gyoza
February 18th, 2005, 6:04 AM
I think they only picked a couple of players from each country. Not exactly the best team possible.

One player from each Aussie Super 12 team.

Saw Jonah at the cricket tonight - Is he still coming back, he really needs to lose some weight.

Jonah's been working at a comeback, and apparently he's aiming at the 2007 World Cup. The problem is, he'll probably aim for the left wing, which means he must get past Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Hosea Gear and Caleb Ralph. He's stated he'll go for the Sevens circuit after the Martin Johnson testimonial match in June.

Gyoza
February 23rd, 2005, 5:22 AM
English squad named for the Ireland-England match this Sunday at Lansdowne Road

1. Graham Rowntree (Leicester)
2. Steve Thompson (Northampton)
3. Matt Stevens (Sale Sharks)
4. Danny Grewcock (Bath)
5. Ben Kay (Leicester)
6. Joe Worsley (Wasps)
7. Lewis Moody (Leicester)
8. Martin Corry (Leicester)
9. Harry Ellis (Leicester)
10. Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks)
11. Josh Lewsey (Wasps)
12. Olly Barkley (Bath)
13. Jamie Noon (Newcastle)
14. Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
15. Jason Robinson - c (Sale Sharks)

16. Andy Titterell (Sale Sharks)
17. Duncan Bell (Bath)
18. Steve Borthwick (Bath)
19. Andy Hazell (Gloucester)
20. Matt Dawson (Wasps)
21. Andy Goode (Leicester)
22. Ollie Smith (Leicester)

Expect a lot of penalties by England to come courtesy of Grewcock.

Gyoza
February 23rd, 2005, 2:53 PM
The 2005 Super 12 Opening Match starting line-ups
Blues VS Highlanders at Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin

Highlanders
1. Carl Hoeft*
2. Anton Oliver* (Captain)
3. Carl Hayman*
4. Filipo Levi*
5. James Ryan
6. Craig Newby*
7. Josh Blackie
8. Paul Miller
9. Jimmy Cowan*
10. Cameron McIntyre
11. Matt Saunders
12. Seilala Mapusua
13. Anthony Tuitavake
14. Neil Brew
15. Ben Blair*

16. Mahonri Schwalger*
17. Clarke Dermody
18. Hoani MacDonald
19. Colin Bourke
20. Danny Lee*
21. Jason Shoemark
22. Ryan Glover

Blues
1. Saimone Taumoepeau*
2. Keven Mealamu*
3. John Afoa
4. Greg Rawlinson
5. Ali Williams*
6. Angus Macdonald
7. Daniel Braid*
8. Xavier Rush* (Captain)
9. David Gibson
10. Carlos Spencer*
11. Joe Rokocoko*
12. Sam Tuitupou*
13. Luke McAlister
14. Isakeli Nacewa*
15. Malili Muliaina*

16. Derren Witcombe
17. Taufa'ao Filise*
18. Justin Collins
19. Nick Williams
20. Steve Devine*
21. Tasesa Lavea
22. Rudi Wulf

* indicates player with test match experience

Gyoza
February 25th, 2005, 11:39 PM
Otago Highlanders 14 - 30 Auckland Blues @ Dunedin, New Zealand
For Highlanders:
Try by Danny Lee
3 penalty goals by Ben Blair
For Blues:
Tries by David Gibson, Xavier Rush, Keven Mealamu
3 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Luke McAlister

NSW Waratahs 25 - 7 Waikato Chiefs @ Sydney, Australia
For Waratahs:
2 tries by Morgan Turinui, tries by Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers
1 conversion by Mat Rogers, 1 penalty goal by Peter Hewat
For Chiefs:
Try by Sosene Anesi
Conversion by David Hill

Western Stormers 26 - 12 Natal Sharks @ Cape Town, South Africa
For Stormers:
2 tries by Breyton Paulse, 1 try by Jean de Villiers
1 conversion and 3 penalty goals by Gaffie du Toit
For Sharks:
Tries by Ruan Pienaar and Butch James
1 conversion by Butch James

Hardcore Holly Fan
February 26th, 2005, 2:54 PM
What a game! Wales just beating France 24-18. After awful opeing 10 minutes I thought we where going to get stuffed. What a difference a half can make. We played some awesome rugby after the break and our defending of our line was superb. Bring on Scotland

Gyoza
February 26th, 2005, 4:11 PM
Super 12 results:

Queensland Reds 10 - 24 Wellington Hurricanes @ Brisbane, Australia
For Reds:
Tries by Elton Flatley and Nathan Sharpe
For Hurricanes:
Tries by Ma'a Nonu and Lome Fa'atau
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Jimmy Goppeth, 2 penalty goals by Piri Weepu

ACT Brumbies 32 - 21 Canterbury Crusaders @ Canberra, Australia
For Brumbies:
2 tries by Scott Fava, tries by Radike Samo and Gene Fairbanks
3 conversions and a penalty goal by Mark Gerrard, 1 penalty goal by Stirling Mortlock
For Crusaders:
Tries by Andrew Mehrtens, Casey Laulala and Justin Marshall
2 penalty goals by Daniel Carter

Transvaal Cats 23 - 17 Blue Bulls @ Johannesburg, South Africa
Tries by André Pretorius and Jorrie Muller
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by André Pretorius
For Bulls:
Tries by Jacques Cronje and Bryan Habana
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Derick Hougaard


Six Nations
Scotland 18 - 10 Italy @ Edinbugh, Scotland
For Scotland:
6 penalty goals by Chris Paterson
For Italy:
Try by Andrea Masi
1 conversion and 1 penalty goal by Roland de Marigny

France 18 - 24 Wales @ Paris, France
For France:
Tries by Dimitri Yachvili and Aurelien Rougerie
1 conversion and 1 penalty by Dimitri Yachvili, 1 dropped goal by Frederic Michalak
For Wales:
2 tries by Martyn Williams
1 conversion, 3 penalty goals and a dropped goal by Stephen Jones

Gyoza
February 27th, 2005, 2:35 PM
Six Nations contd.
Ireland 19 - 13 England @ Dublin, Ireland
For Ireland:
Try by Brian O'Driscoll
Conversion, 2 penalty goals and 2 dropped goals by Ronan O'Gara
For England
Try by Martin Corry
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Charlie Hodgson

Moz
February 27th, 2005, 2:44 PM
How do they decide the winner if two teams are equal on points?

Gyoza
February 27th, 2005, 6:14 PM
Then you get two winners. It has happened before, back when it was the Five Nations (Italy joined the competition in 2000). However, the last time somethng like that happened was in 1988, when Wales and France were tied at first place.

Moz
February 27th, 2005, 6:24 PM
So it's fairly likely that there could be three winners in this years six nations. Would be quite sucky. Personally I hope it comes down to a Grand Slam decider when Wales play Ireland.

Gyoza
February 27th, 2005, 6:28 PM
It'll be Ireland.


Judging from how the 6 Nations is going, I don't expect to see a lot of English or Scottish players in the Test XV against the All Blacks, or the side to play the New Zealand Maori team.

Flash!
March 4th, 2005, 1:53 PM
The six nations is so fustrating this year (from an English POV) and this is for many reasons. We could have won all our matches and should have beaten both France and Ireland, we've played poorly but havent been a push over for any of the teams we've played. Hopefully Ireland will win cos i couldn't face any of my Welsh mates if they lifted the trophy.

Gyoza
March 4th, 2005, 3:16 PM
After taking into account injuries, starting line-ups for the N. Hemisphere VS S. Hemisphere charity match have been changed. So here they are.

Northern Hemisphere
1. John Yapp - Wales
2. Andy Titterrell - England
3. Chris Horsman - England
4. Marco Bortolami - Italy
5. Donncha O'Callaghan - Ireland
6. Lawrence Dallaglio (C) - England
7. Pat Sanderson - England
8. Simon Taylor - Scotland
9. Gareth Cooper - Wales
10. David Humphreys - Ireland
11. Ben Cohen - England
12. Ceri Sweeney - Wales
13. Ollie Smith - England
14. Mirco Bergamasco - Italy
15. Chris Paterson - Scotland

16. Raphael Ibanez - France
17. Cedric Soulette - Frence
18. Oliver Brouzet - France
19. Jonathan Thomas - Wales
20. Mike Phillips - Wales
21. Mark Taylor - Wales
22. Matthew Tait - England


Southern Hemisphere
1. Carl Hoeft - New Zealand
2. John Smit - South Africa
3. Cobus Visagie - South Africa
4. Opeta Palepoi - Samoa
5. Victor Matfield - South Africa
6. Schalk Burger - South Africa
7. Phil Waugh - Australia
8. Toutai Kefu - Australia
9. George Gregan (C) - Australia
10. Andrew Mehrtens - New Zealand
11. Sireli Bobo - Fiji
12. Tana Umaga - New Zealand
13. Jacque Fourie - South Africa
14. Brian Lima - Samoa
15. Chris Latham - Australia

16. Ephraim Taukafa - Tonga
17. Eusebio Guinazu - Argentina
18. Semo Sititi - Samoa
19. Matt Mustchin - New Zealand
20. Moses Rauluni - Fiji
21. Thinius Delport - South Africa
22. Shane Drahm - Australia

Gyoza
March 5th, 2005, 4:27 PM
Northern Hemisphere 19 - 54 Southern Hemisphere @ London, England
For N. Hemisphere:
Tries by Andy Titterrell, Pat Sanderson, Mirco Bergamasco
Conversions by David Humphreys and Ceri Sweeney
For S. Hemisphere:
2 tries Chris Latham and Semo Sititi, tries by Tana Umaga, Brian Lima, Schalk Burger and Jacque Fourie
6 conversions by Andrew Mehrtens, conversion by Chris Latham

El Capitano Gatisto
March 5th, 2005, 4:32 PM
The six nations is so fustrating this year (from an English POV) and this is for many reasons. We could have won all our matches and should have beaten both France and Ireland, we've played poorly but havent been a push over for any of the teams we've played. Hopefully Ireland will win cos i couldn't face any of my Welsh mates if they lifted the trophy.

I don't see how you "should have" beaten us. You had more of the pressure in the second half, but we defended well and deserved the victory. The game should have been killed by us well before the end, if anything.

Gyoza
March 12th, 2005, 11:06 PM
Ireland 19 - 26 France @ Dublin, Ireland
For Ireland:
Try by Brian O'Driscoll
Conversion and 4 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara
For France:
2 tries by Christophe Dominici and 1 try by Benoit Baby
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Dimitri Yachvili
Dropped goal by Yann Delaigue

England 29 - 7 Italy @ London, England
For England:
3 tries by Mark Cueto, tries by Steve Thompson, Iain Balshaw and Andy Hazell
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Charlie Hodgson, conversion by Andy Goode
For Italy:
Try by Alessandro Troncon
Conversion by Gert Peens

With the win over Ireland, French captain Fabien Pelous joins the 100 Club in style.

The current people in the 100 Club

Jason Leonard (England, 1990~2004) 114 Caps (plus five for the British Lions)
Phillipe Sella (France, 1982~1995) 111 Caps
George Gregan (Australia, 1994~Present) 106 Caps (and counting)
David Campese (Australia, 1982~1996) 101 Caps
Fabien Pelous (France, 1995~Present) 100 Caps (and counting)

Gyoza
March 14th, 2005, 6:03 AM
Scotland 22 - 46 Wales @ Edinburgh, Scotland
For Scotland:
Tries by Andy Craig, Rory Lamont and Chris Paterson
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Paterson
For Wales:
2 tries by Kevin Morgan and Rhys Williams, tries by Ryan Jones and Shane Williams
5 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Stephen Jones

Current 6 Nations Standings
1. Wales - Played 4, won 4
2. Ireland - Played 4, won 3, lost 1
3. France - Played 4, won 3, lost 1
4. England - Played 4, won 1, lost 3
5. Scotland - Played 4, won 1, lost 3
6. Italy - Played 4, lost 4

Hardcore Holly Fan
March 14th, 2005, 9:53 AM
Poor Scotland. The first half yesterday we ran them ragged best we played in the whole tournament so far. The only drawback was in the second half we just seemed tired and lost a good 20 points.

But I got a feeling that the boys are saving themselves for Ireland on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to the match. The two best teams so should be one hell of a game no matter what the result. Would have been better if it came down to a proper grand slam decider but I think we will just edge it.

Being home and having 60,000 Wales supporters behind the team should help. And if we do win there will be a whole county singing the night away.

N.E.R.F.
March 14th, 2005, 10:36 AM
I think it says a lot about England's play this tournament when our points difference is +23 and we only beat Italy with a points difference of +32

All three games we've lost combined have been by a total 9 points. We haven't rolled over.

Hardcore Holly Fan
March 14th, 2005, 11:12 AM
Yea you should have beat France and Ireland to be fair but your kicking was shit. When Wilkinson returns I think you’ll see a vast improvement in your results.

El Capitano Gatisto
March 14th, 2005, 1:22 PM
I don't think England should have or deserved to beat Ireland, but I said that before. We're a better team and we played better on the day, albeit defensively, and the refereeing decisions evened themselves out.

France game on Saturday was a huge disappointment. It's all very well saying "the wrong France turned up" but if we're supposed to a Grand Slam winning side, it shouldn't matter what France turns up, we should enough to at least live with them and not be over-run so completely as we were in the first half.

Second half rally was a bit more encouraging, but we definitely miss D'Arcy's burst of pace to break through teams. We've haven't swept anyone away through the tournament, even Italy and Scotland gave us tough games, and we're not playing remotely well enough to trouble Wales next Saturday.

Wales to win the match, the Grand Slam and the Championship, deservedly.

Gyoza
March 14th, 2005, 3:18 PM
England are currently going through what the All Blacks went through in the seasons of 1998 and 1999 - a mass retirement of experienced players. In our case, it was due to career ending injuries (Michael Jones, Sean Fitzpatrick, Olo Brown) or because they just felt they could not keep up with the pace of the game (Zinzan Brooke, Robin Brooke, Frank Bunce, Walter Little). Add to that, the untimely death of Aaron Hopa and a captain who was thrown into the deep end before he was ready (Taine Randell), and it's a recipe for disaster. When you look at the All Blacks side that was fielded in 1996 and 1997, they are completely different from what followed in the ensuing years.
That being said, the whole "we should have won" argument is redundant. England lost, end of. They were beaten by Ireland, who deserved to win and were generally superior, they lost to a vastly improved Welsh team and they were beaten by a French side that had barely recovered from a 45-6 hiding by the All Blacks. Who cares if England beat Italy? Italy suck anyway.

N.E.R.F.
March 14th, 2005, 4:14 PM
I never said we should have won. I said we weren't beaten soundly, at all, in any of the games. They (with the exception of Ireland, who easily deserved the win) could have gone either way.

Gyoza
March 14th, 2005, 11:45 PM
Yeah, but at the end of the day, England still lost. I believe it was Sir Clive Woodward who said something to the effect of "it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win." Guess what, it goes both ways.

Hardcore Holly Fan
March 15th, 2005, 10:21 AM
We went through the same thing during the last six nations when we didn’t even win a game. Yes that’s right we even lost to Italy.

But two years on and we have one of the strongest teams in years. We play with a constant fluency and our defending of our line has been superb.

The other good news is for us is our under 21 are on for the grand slam as well so we should be quite good for another couple of years at least.

Gyoza
March 15th, 2005, 2:35 PM
England ought to be geared up and ready by the 2011 World Cup, which will probably be held in Japan. I don't see them threatening any other top nations any time soon.

Shabba!
March 18th, 2005, 10:55 PM
Yea you should have beat France and Ireland to be fair but your kicking was shit. When Wilkinson returns I think you’ll see a vast improvement in your results.

When Wilkinson returns? It should be more an if he returns to international level again.

Since the world cup he has had three straight injuries and now it looks as though he is fucked again.

Hardcore Holly Fan
March 19th, 2005, 3:50 AM
WE won the Grand slam!!!!

Well our Under U21s. And today hopefully our seniors. Got an early start today 930 into Cardiff drinking starts at 1130 sharp and hopefully if we win that will keep me going till 2 in the morning.

El Capitano Gatisto
March 19th, 2005, 1:21 PM
Fuck it. Wales have been the best side throughout the tournament but I had a faint hope Ireland would at least pull one good performance out of their arses.

Geordan Murphy and Denis Hickie were shit. Didn't even start playing until Wales were out of sight. Same old story. Ireland roll over when it comes to the crunch.

Come on Scotland.

Gyoza
March 19th, 2005, 3:00 PM
Wales 32 - 20 Ireland @ Cardiff, Wales
For Wales:
Tries by Gethin Jenkins and Kevin Morgan
2 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Stephen Jones
Penalty goal and dropped goal by Gavin Henson
For Ireland:
Tries by Marcus Horan and Geordan Murphy
2 conversions by David Humphreys
2 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara

Italy 13 - 56 France @ Rome, Italy
For Italy:
Try by Kaine Robertson
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Gert Peens
For France:
2 tries by David Maty, tries by Yannick Nyanga, Yannick Jauzion, Julien Laharrague, Gregory Lamboley and Pierre Mignoni
4 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Dimitri Yachvili
2 conversions by Frederic Michalak


Results of England VS Scotland to come soon.


Note: This is the third year running in which the winner has taken the Grand Slam as well.

Gyoza
March 20th, 2005, 7:36 AM
England 43 - 22 Scotland @ London, England
For England:
3 tries by Jamie Noon, tries by Joe Worsley, Josh Lewsey, Harry Ellis and Mark Cueto
4 conversions by Charlie Hodgson
For Scotland:
Tries by Sean Lamont, Andy Craig and Simon Taylor
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Chris Paterson




Final Six Nations Standings:
1. Wales - Won 5
2. France - Won 4, lost 1
3. Ireland - Won 3, lost 2
4. England - Won 2, lost 3
5. Scotland - Won 1, lost 4
6. Italy - Lost 5

Gyoza
March 26th, 2005, 8:36 PM
So, with the upcoming Lions Tour to New Zealand, who might make Sir Clive's squad?

This would be what I imagine the Test XV would look like:
1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales
2. Shane Byrne - Ireland
3. Julian White - England
4. Paul O'Connell - Ireland
5. Ben Kay - England
6. Lawrence Dallaglio - England
7. Martyn Williams - Wales
8. Martin Corry - England/Michael Owen - Wales
9. Chris Cusiter - Scotland
10. Stephen Jones - Wales/Jonny Wilkinson - England (if he's fit)
11. Shane Williams - Wales/Ben Cohen - England (if he's fit)
12. Gavin Henson - Wales/Gordon D'Arcy - Ireland
13. Brian O'Driscoll - Ireland
14. Jason Robinson - England
15. Gareth Thomas - Wales/Chris Paterson - Scotland

The captaincy will probably go to one of the following: O'Driscoll, Dallaglio or O'Connell. I don't see Gareth Thomas getting the captaincy, since Chris Paterson has a lot more pace and a solid kicking game. Those small details could and would make or break a game. I'm sure Dallaglio would want to be on the tour, since that would mean a full set of Lions tours for him, and he deserves a good swansong like a Lions tour.

And here's what I see as a probable All Blacks Test XV
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues, North Harbour
2. Anton Oliver - Highlanders, Otago
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders, Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders, Canterbury
5. Norm Maxwell - Crusaders, Canterbury
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes, Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (VC) - Crusaders, Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes, Wellington
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs, Waikato
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders, Canterbury
11. Joe Rokocoko - Blues, Auckland
12. Tana Umaga (C) - Hurricanes, Wellington
13. Rico Gear - Crusaders, Nelson Bays/Conrad Smith - Hurricanes, Wellington/Casey Laulala - Crusaders, Canterbury
14. Hosea Gear - Hurricanes, Wellington/Rico Gear - Crusaders, Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues, Auckland/Leon MacDonald - Crusaders, Canterbury/Adrian Cashmore - Chiefs, Bay of Plenty

Basically, not all that different from the team that was fielded against France at the end of 2004. I don't see Doug Howlett returning to the All Blacks in his current form. With Rico Gear, he is also a possibility at the right wing, if he isn't played as an outside centre. If that is the case, the no. 13 jersey will most likely be contested between Conrad Smith and Casey Laulala. Of course, it's entirely possible that Umaga may be played there, with either Sam Tuitupou or Aaron Mauger filling in the no. 12 jersey. I don't see Dan Carter being shifted from the no. 10 jersey, based on the current forms of Carlos Spencer and Andrew Mehrtens, and also taking into account how good Carter was in that role. The next big question is, while Norm Maxwell will probably get a spot in the starting XV in at least 2 tests against the Lions, who will be the other lock? His chronic back condition means that he is physically incapable of completing a full 80-minute match, so whomever replaces him could end up being a potential weak link. I don't really see Ali Williams making the squad in his current form, Jono Gibbes at 194cm may be too short to be an effective lock at the test level and Keith Robinson's future is in doubt, since he too suffers from a chronic back condition. The best bets are on Sean Hohneck (Chiefs, Waikato), James Ryan (Highlanders, Otago) and Ross Kennedy (Hurricanes, Wellington).

Flash!
March 26th, 2005, 8:49 PM
You picked a mighty fine team there but i'd make a change or two or four infact.

9. Matt Dawson
11. Josh Lewsey
14. Ben Cohen (if fit, if not Jason Robinson)
15. Jason Robinson (if Cohen's not fit then Gareth Thomas at full back)

mj the kid
March 26th, 2005, 9:50 PM
Carn the Tahs!!!!!

Gyoza
March 27th, 2005, 2:44 PM
Current Super 12 standings
1. Waratahs - 5 wins - 24 points
2. Brumbies - 4 wins, 1 loss - 18 points
3. Hurricanes - 4 wins, 1 loss - 17 points
4. Crusaders - 3 wins, 1 loss - 15 points
4. Highlanders - 3 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw - 15 points
6. Stormers - 1 win, 3 losses, 1 draw - 8 points
6. Blues - 2 wins, 2 losses - 8 points
8. Cats - 1 win, 4 losses - 7 points
9. Bulls - 1 win, 4 losses - 6 points
9. Reds - 1 win, 3 losses - 6 points
9. Sharks - 1 win, 4 losses - 6 points
12. Chiefs - 1 win, 3 losses - 4 points

Sharks pulled off the shock of the round, with a 36-24 win over the Brumbies. And everyone seems to be waiting for the Waratahs campaign to derail. Any time now...

Gyoza
April 2nd, 2005, 4:57 PM
Hurricanes 28 - 16 Chiefs @ Wellington, New Zealand
For Hurricanes:
Tries by Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Jimmy Gopperth
For Chiefs:
Try by David Hill
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Hill

Reds 16 - 23 Highlanders @ Brisbane, Queesnland, Australia
For Reds:
Tries by Chris Latham and Junior Palesasa
2 penalty goals by Julian Huxley
For Highlanders:
2 tries by Josh Blackie
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Ben Blair

Blues 17 - 0 Brumbies @ Auckland, New Zealand
For Blues:
Tries by Doug Howlett and Luke McAlister
2 conversions and a penalty goal by McAlister

Waratahs 27 - 33 Crusaders @ Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
For Waratahs:
Tries by Peter Hewat, Cameron Shepherd and Lote Tuqiri
3 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Hewat
For Crusaders:
2 tries by Rico Gear, tries by Chris Jack and Andrew Mehrtens
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Daniel Carter

Gyoza
April 11th, 2005, 3:38 PM
Lions Squad has been named

Backs:
Ian Balshaw (England and Leeds) - Fullback
Geordan Murphy (Ireland and Leinster) - Fullback
Gareth Thomas (Wales and Toulouse) - Fullback
Jason Robinson (England and Sale Sharks) - Fullback/Wing
Shane Williams (Wales and Neath-Swansea Ospreys) - Wing
Josh Lewsey (England and Wasps) - Wing/Fullback
Shane Horgan (Ireland and Leinster) - Wing
Denis Hickie (Ireland and Leinster) - Wing
Tom Shanklin (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Wing/Outside Centre
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland and Leinster, captain) - Outide Centre
Gavin Henson (Wales and Neath-Swansea Ospreys) - Inside Centre/Fly-half
Ollie Smith (England and Leicester) - Outside Centre
Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland and Leinster) - Inside Centre
Will Greenwood (England and Harlequins) - Outside Centre
Stephen Jones (Wales and Clermont Auvergne) - Fly-half
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland and Munster) - Fly-half
Charlie Hodgson (England and Sale Sharks) - Flyhalf
Matt Dawson (England and Wasps) - Scrumhalf
Dwayne Peel (Wales and Llanelli Scarlets) - Scrumhalf
Gareth Cooper (Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons) - Scrumhalf
Chris Cusiter (Scotland and Borders) - Scrumhalf

Forwards:
Simon Taylor (Scotland and Edinburgh) - No. 8/Flanker
Martin Corry (England and Leicester) - No. 8
Lawrence Dallaglio (England and Wasps) - No. 8/Flanker
Michael Owen (Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons) - No. 8/Second Row
Neil Back (England and Leicester) - Flanker
Martyn Williams (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Flanker
Lewis Moody (England and Leicester) - Flanker
Richard Hill (England and Saracens) - Flanker
Danny Grewcock (England and Bath) - Lock
Ben Kay (England and Leicester) -Lock
Malcolm O'Kelly (Ireland and Leinster) - Lock
Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland and Munster) - Lock
Paul O'Connell (Ireland and Munster) - Lock
Shane Byrne (Ireland and Leinster) - Hooker
Steve Thompson (England and Northampton) - Hooker
Andy Titterrell (England and Sale Sharks) - Hooker
Gordon Bulloch (Scotland and Glasgow) - Hooker
Graham Rowntree (England and Leicester) - Prop
Andrew Sheridan (England and Sale Sharks) - Prop
Matt Stevens (England and Bath) - Prop
Gethin Jenkins (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Prop
Julian White (England and Leicester) - Prop
John Hayes (Ireland and Munster) - Prop

mj the kid
April 12th, 2005, 2:43 AM
wilt wilt wilt

:nono:

Gyoza
April 12th, 2005, 5:09 AM
The squad looks very... beatable.

mj the kid
April 12th, 2005, 5:38 AM
I was talking bout tahs....

Gyoza
April 12th, 2005, 2:56 PM
Hahahaha. They've derailed. The Blues on the other hand have remembered how to win, and not only that, but it appears Doug Howlett has remembered how to score tries and Luke McAlister has remembered how to covert shots at goal. YUSS!

Hardcore Holly Fan
April 12th, 2005, 3:26 PM
Lions Squad has been named

Backs:
Ian Balshaw (England and Leeds) - Fullback
Geordan Murphy (Ireland and Leinster) - Fullback
Gareth Thomas (Wales and Toulouse) - Fullback
Jason Robinson (England and Sale Sharks) - Fullback/Wing
Shane Williams (Wales and Neath-Swansea Ospreys) - Wing
Josh Lewsey (England and Wasps) - Wing/Fullback
Shane Horgan (Ireland and Leinster) - Wing
Denis Hickie (Ireland and Leinster) - Wing
Tom Shanklin (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Wing/Outside Centre
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland and Leinster, captain) - Outide Centre
Gavin Henson (Wales and Neath-Swansea Ospreys) - Inside Centre/Fly-half
Ollie Smith (England and Leicester) - Outside Centre
Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland and Leinster) - Inside Centre
Will Greenwood (England and Harlequins) - Outside Centre
Stephen Jones (Wales and Clermont Auvergne) - Fly-half
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland and Munster) - Fly-half
Charlie Hodgson (England and Sale Sharks) - Flyhalf
Matt Dawson (England and Wasps) - Scrumhalf
Dwayne Peel (Wales and Llanelli Scarlets) - Scrumhalf
Gareth Cooper (Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons) - Scrumhalf
Chris Cusiter (Scotland and Borders) - Scrumhalf

Forwards:
Simon Taylor (Scotland and Edinburgh) - No. 8/Flanker
Martin Corry (England and Leicester) - No. 8
Lawrence Dallaglio (England and Wasps) - No. 8/Flanker
Michael Owen (Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons) - No. 8/Second Row
Neil Back (England and Leicester) - Flanker
Martyn Williams (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Flanker
Lewis Moody (England and Leicester) - Flanker
Richard Hill (England and Saracens) - Flanker
Danny Grewcock (England and Bath) - Lock
Ben Kay (England and Leicester) -Lock
Malcolm O'Kelly (Ireland and Leinster) - Lock
Donnacha O'Callaghan (Ireland and Munster) - Lock
Paul O'Connell (Ireland and Munster) - Lock
Shane Byrne (Ireland and Leinster) - Hooker
Steve Thompson (England and Northampton) - Hooker
Andy Titterrell (England and Sale Sharks)
Gordon Bulloch (Scotland and Glasgow)
Graham Rowntree (England and Leicester) - Prop
Andrew Sheridan (England and Sale Sharks) - Prop
Matt Stevens (England and Bath) - Prop
Gethin Jenkins (Wales and Cardiff Blues) - Prop
Julian White (England and Leicester) - Prop
John Hayes (Ireland and Munster) - Prop

Not the most impressive squad I’ve ever seen. Shame so many old and past it England players are in it I mean 20 England player and only 11 Irish and 10 Welsh. It’s a shame really Clive must be stuck in 2003 we could have had a much butter squad than that.

Gyoza
April 13th, 2005, 5:20 AM
I'm surprised Chris Paterson, Rhys Williams, Colin Charvis, Adam Jones and Brent Cockbain weren't selected, to be honest.

I forgot to mention this:
New Zealand now has a match against Wales on the 5th of November this year. Therefore, in 2005, there will be a Lions tour to NZ and a Grand Slam Tour at the end of the year, making this the biggest season in the history of New Zealand rugby.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40548000/jpg/_40548203_haka.jpg

Gyoza
April 21st, 2005, 5:26 AM
The new Perth Super 14 franchise has been named: they will be called Western Force, with a jersey that is blue and gold. They have already signed Nathan Sharpe from the Queensland Reds, who will be the captain, as well as Brendan Cannon and Lachlan MacKay from the NSW Waratahs. Former Brumby and Wallaby, Ben Darwin has been named as assistant coach.

Hmmm.

Gyoza
May 14th, 2005, 6:46 PM
Super 12 Semifinalists:

1. Canterbury Crusaders (Home semi-final, home final provided they win in semis)
2. NSW Waratahs (Home semi-final, away final if Crusaders win)
3. Blue Bulls (Away semi-final, home final if Crusaders lose)
4. Wellington Hurricanes (Away semi-final, away final)

The rest:
5. ACT Brumbies
6. Waikato Chiefs
7. Auckland Blues
8. Otago Highlanders
9. Western Stormers
10. Queensland Reds
11. Transvaal Cats
12. Natal Sharks

Gyoza
May 22nd, 2005, 9:17 PM
Super 12 Finals
Crusaders VS Waratahs - Jade Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand


Go Crusaders!

Gyoza
May 23rd, 2005, 5:23 AM
Heaps of news out of New Zealand

NZ Maori Squad to play Lions named

Forwards
Corey Flynn* (Canterbury) - Hooker
Scott Linklater (Waikato) - Hooker
Greg Feek^ (Canterbury) - Prop
Carl Hayman* (Otago) - Prop
Deacon Manu (Waikato) - Prop
Sean Hohneck (Waikato) - Lock
Paul Tito (Taranaki) - Lock
Jono Gibbes* (Captain, Waikato) - Flanker/Lock
Angus MacDonald (Auckland) - Flanker/Lock
Wayne Ormond (Bay of Plenty) - Flanker
Daniel Braid^ (Auckland) - Flanker
Marty Holah* (Waikato) - Flanker
Thomas Waldrom (Wellington) - Flanker

Backs
Piri Weepu* (Wellington) - Scrumhalf
Craig McGrath (North Harbour) - Scrumhalf
David Hill^ (Waikato) - Flyhalf/Inside Centre
Riki Flutey (Wellington) - Flyhalf/Fullback
Luke McAlister* (North Harbour) - Flyhalf/Inside Centre
Carlos Spencer* (Auckland) - Flyhalf/Fullback
Tamati Ellison (Wellington) - Centre
Rua Tipoki (North Harbour) - Centre
Rico Gear* (Nelson Bays) - Wing/Centre
Caleb Ralph^ (Canterbury) - Wing/Centre
Neil Brew (Otago) - Wing/Fullback
Leon MacDonald^ (Canterbury) - Fullback
Shannon Paku (Wellington) - Fullback

Two to be added later

* = 2004 All Black
^ = Former All Black

And here are the teams to play at the All Blacks trials. Key players such as Rico Gear, Marty Holah and Jono Gibbes are missing due to NZ Maori commitments, while Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino miss out due to selection in the Sevens Squad.

Probables

1. Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
2. Derren Witcombe (Auckland)
3. Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury)
4. James Ryan (Otago)
5. Ali Williams (Auckland)
6. Sione Lauaki (Waikato)
7. Craig Newby (Otago)
8. Steven Bates (Waikato)
9. Byron Kelleher (Waikato)
10. Nick Evans (Otago)
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato)
12. Tana Umaga (Captain, Wellington)
13. Mils Muliaina (Auckland)
14. Doug Howlett (Auckland)
15. Sosene Anesi (Waikato)

16. Keven Mealamu (Auckland)
17. Clarke Dermody (Otago)
18. Bradley Mika (Auckland)
19. Rodney So’oialo (Wellington)
20. Jimmy Cowan (Southland)
21. Andrew Mehrtens (Canterbury)
22. Seilala Mapusua (Otago)


Possibles
1. Saimone Taumoepeau (Auckland)
2. Andrew Hore (Captain, Taranaki)
3. John Afoa (Auckland)
4. Ross Kennedy (Wellington)
5. Kevin O'Neill (Canterbury)
6. Chris Masoe (Wellington)
7. Josh Blackie (Otago)
8. Nick Williams (North Harbour)
9. Steve Devine (Auckland)
10. Stephen Donald (Waikato)
11. Brent Ward (Auckland)
12. Ma’a Nonu (Wellington)
13. Conrad Smith (Wellington)
14. Scott Hamilton (Canterbury)
15. Ben Atiga (Auckland)

16. Tone Kopelani (Canterbury)
17. Carl Hoeft (Otago)
18. Tom Donnelly (Otago)
19. Jerry Collins (Wellington)
20. Jamie Nutbrown (Canterbury)
21. Jimmy Gopperth (Wellington)
22. Casey Laulala (Canterbury)

Not considered due to injury: Tasesa Lavea, Hoani MacDonald, Anton Oliver, Niva Ta’auso, Neemia Tialata and Anthony Tuitavake.

Unavailable due to Provincial commitments: Bernie Upton and Kevin Senio are with Bay of Plenty who play the Lions on June 4.

Further, players expected in the starting XV of the Canterbury Crusaders including those ineligible for NZ Maori are being rested, i.e., Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali'i, Justin Marshall, Daniel Carter and Aaron Mauger are also not available for the trial, but will most likely enter contention.

Gyoza
June 3rd, 2005, 11:26 PM
NZ Maori 22 to face Lions in Hamilton

Forwards
Daniel Braid - Openside flanker (Auckland and Blues)
Greg Feek - Loosehead prop (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Ross Filipo - Lock (Wellington and Crusaders)
Corey Flynn - Hooker (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Jono Gibbes (Captain) - Blindside Flanker/Lock (Waikato and Chiefs)
Carl Hayman - Tighthead Prop (Otago and Highlanders)
Marty Holah - Openside Flanker (Waikato and Chiefs)
Sean Hohneck - Lock (Waikato and Chiefs)
Scott Linklater - Hooker (Waikato)
Angus MacDonald - Loose Forward/Lock (Auckland and Blues)
Deacon Manu - Tighthead prop/Loosehead Prop (Waikato and Chiefs)
Wayne Ormond - Blindside Flanker (Bay of Plenty and Chiefs)

Backs
Neil Brew - Utility back (Otago and Highlanders)
Rico Gear - Winger/Outside Centre (Nelson Bays and Crusaders)
David Hill - Flyhalf/Inside Centre (Waikato and Chiefs)
Leon MacDonald - Fullback/Centre/Flyhalf (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Luke McAlister - Flyhalf/Inside Centre (North Harbour and Blues)
Craig McGrath - Scrumhalf (North Harbour)
Caleb Ralph - Winger/Outside Centre (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Carlos Spencer - Flyhalf/Fullback (Auckland and Blues)
Rua Tipoki - Centre (North Harbour)
Piri Weepu - Scrumhalf (Wellington and Hurricanes)

Expected XV and reserves
1. Deacon Manu
2. Corey Flynn
3. Carl Hayman
4. Ross Filipo
5. Sean Hohneck
6. Jono Gibbes (C)
7. Marty Holah
8. Angus MacDonald
9. Piri Weepu
10. Carlos Spencer
11. Caleb Ralph
12. David Hill
13. Rua Tipoki
14. Rico Gear
15. Leon MacDonald

16. Scott Linklater
17. Greg Feek
18. Wayne Ormond
19. Daniel Braid
20. Craig McGrath
21. Luke McAlister
22. Neil Brew

All Blacks Squad to face Fiji at Albany

Forwards
Jerry Collins - Blindside Flanker/No. 8 (Wellington and Hurricanes)
Chris Jack - Lock (Canterbury and Crusaders)
*Campbell Johnstone - Tighthead Prop (Cantebury and Crusaders)
Riche McCaw - Openside Flanker (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Keven Mealamu - Hooker (Auckland and Blues)
*James Ryan - Lock (Otago and Highlanders)
Greg Somerville - Tighthead Prop (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Rodney So'oialo - No. 8 (Wellington and Hurricanes)
Mose Tuiali'i - No. 8 (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Ali Williams - Lock (Auckland and Blues)
Tony Woodcock - Loosehead Prop (North Harbour and Blues)
*Derren Witcombe - Hooker (Auckland and Blues)

Backs
*Sosene Anesi - Fullback/Winger (Waikato and Chiefs)
Daniel Carter - Flyhalf/Inside Centre (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Doug Howlett - Winger/Fullback (Auckland and Blues)
Byron Kelleher - Scrumhalf (Waikato and Chiefs)
Justin Marshall - Scrumhalf (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Aaron Mauger - Flyhalf/Inside Centre (Canterbury and Crusaders)
Mils Muliaina - Fullback/Outside Centre (Auckland and Blues)
Ma'a Nonu - Centre/Winger (Wellington and Hurricanes)
*Sitiveni Sivivatu - Winger (Waikato and Chiefs)
Conrad Smith - Outside Centre (Wellington and Hurricanes)
Tana Umaga (Captain) - Centre (Wellington and Hurricanes)

* indicates new cap

Muliaina is on stand-by in case he recovers from injury. Anton Oliver is also within the All Blacks training camp while recovering from injury.

Likely XV + reserves
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Greg Somerville
4. Chris Jack
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerry Collins
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain)
8. Rodney So'oialo
9. Justin Marshall/Byron Kelleher
10. Daniel Carter
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Tana Umaga (Captain)
13. Conrad Smith
14. Douglas Howlett
15. Soseni Anesi

16. Derren Witcombe
17. Campbell Johnstone
18. James Ryan
19. Mose Tuiali'i
20. Justin Marshall/Byron Kelleher
21. Aaron Mauger
22. Ma'a Nonu

Gyoza
June 6th, 2005, 5:37 AM
Lions Squad to play Taranaki on Wednesday at New Plymouth

1. Graham Rowntree (England)
2. Andy Titterrell (England)
3. John Hayes (Ireland)
4. Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland)
5. Danny Grewcock (England)
6. Martin Corry (England, Captain)
7. Lewis Moody (England)
8. Michael Owen (Wales)
9. Chris Cusiter (Scotland)
10. Charlie Hodgson (England)
11. Denis Hickie (Ireland)
12. Ollie Smith (England)
13. Will Greenwood (England, Vice-Captain)
14. Shane Horgan (Ireland)
15. Geordan Murphy (Ireland)

16. Shane Byrne (Ireland)
17. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
18. Ben Kay (England)
19. Martyn Williams (Wales)
20. Gareth Cooper (Wales)
21. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
22. Gavin Henson (Wales)

All Blacks Squad to face Fiji at North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland
1. Tony Woodcock (North Harbour/Blues)
2. Derren Witcombe* (Auckland/Blues)
3. Greg Somerville (Canterbury/Crusaders)
4. James Ryan* (Otago/Highlanders)
5. Ali Williams (Canterbury/Crusaders)
6. Jerry Collins (Wellington/Hurricanes)
7. Richie McCaw (Canterbury/Crusaders, Vice-Captain)
8. Rodney So'oialo (Wellington/Hurricanes)
9. Byron Kelleher (Waikato/Chiefs)
10. Daniel Carter (Canterbury/Crusaders)
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu* (Waikato/Chiefs)
12. Aaron Mauger (Canterbury/Crusaders)
13. Tana Umaga (Wellington/Hurricanes, Captain)
14. Doug Howlett (Auckland/Blues)
15. Malili Muliaina (Auckland/Blues)

16. Keven Mealamu (Auckland/Blues)
17. Campbell Johnstone* (Canterbury/Crusaders)
18. Chris Jack (Canterbury/Crusaders)
19. Sione Lauaki (Waikato/Chiefs)
20. Justin Marshall (Canterbury/Crusaders)
21. Conrad Smith (Wellington/Hurricanes)
22. Soseni Anesi* (Waikato/Chiefs)

* indicates new caps

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 8th, 2005, 6:33 AM
Can’t believe Jonny Wilkinson is playing. All his kicks against Argentina where in front of the posts apart from the last one. Injured for two years and straight into the lions team what a joke. Id feel a lot more confidant with Steven Jones or Ronan O'Gara in the team.

Plus with Dallaglio crooked gives us the chance to have a bit of youth in the number eight position. Owen was one of the stars in the six nations and deserves to show what he can do.

Gyoza
June 8th, 2005, 6:43 AM
Damn. Taranaki lost to the Lions. Interestingly enough, Taranaki were actually ahead going into halftime. It was 7-6, but still, a lead is a lead is a lead.

Simon Shaw's call-up after the injury to Malcolm O'Kelly is one that calls for some headscratching. The last time Shaw played at the test level, he was getting redcarded for kneeing Keith Robinson in the back during a ruck at Eden Park, acting like a plonker and being a total pussy by attacking when he knows Robinson was unable to retaliate. Brent Cockbain on the other hand, was one of the better locks to emerge in the 6 Nations.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 8th, 2005, 7:31 AM
Is Brent Cockbain even in the lions squad? I thought he was until Wales destroyed USA on Saturday and he was playing I swear he was playing. Anyway we won that 77-3.

Gyoza
June 8th, 2005, 7:34 AM
Nope. Cockbain was overlooked. The locks initially slected were Paul O'Connel, Danny Grewcock, Ben Kay, Malcolm O'Kelly and Donncha O'Callaghan. O'Kelly got injured, and Shaw got the call-up ahead of Cockbain.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 8th, 2005, 7:42 AM
I really don’t think Clive looks to the now. It took him years and years to build that world cup team and that was just lucky that they had an amazing kicker like Wilkinson. That’s how we used to play hide behind Jenkins kicking. I don’t think they would have got anywhere with out him. Maybe that’s why the lions aren’t doing so well because when wilkos not 100% he doesn’t know what to do. Id much prefer if we played more fluent attacking rugby.

Gyoza
June 8th, 2005, 7:44 AM
New Zealand Maori Squad to face Lions in Hamilton

1. Deacon Manu (Chiefs/Waikato)
2. Corey Flynn (Crusaers/Canterbury)
2. Carl Hayman (Highlanders/Otago)
4. Ross Filipo (Crusaders/Wellington)
5. Sean Hohneck (Chiefs/Waikato)
6. Jono Gibbes (C, Chiefs/Waikato)
7. Marty Holah (Chiefs/Waikato)
8. Angus MacDonald (Blues/Auckland)
9. Piri Weepu (Hurricanes/Wellington)
10. David Hill (Chiefs/Waikato)
11. Caleb Ralph (Crusaders/Canterbury)
12. Luke McAlister (Blues/North Harbour)
13. Rua Tipoki (North Harbour)
14. Rico Gear (Crusaders/Nelson Bays)
15. Leon MacDonald (Crusaders/Canterbury)

16. Scott Linklater (Waikato)
17. Greg Feek (Cursaders/Canterbury)
18. Daniel Braid (Blues/Auckland)
19. Wayne Ormond (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)
20. Craig McGrath (North Harbour)
21. Carlos Spencer (Blues/Auckland)
22. Neil Brew (Highlanders/Otago)

viva_la_raza
June 8th, 2005, 11:16 AM
I really don’t think Clive looks to the now. It took him years and years to build that world cup team and that was just lucky that they had an amazing kicker like Wilkinson. That’s how we used to play hide behind Jenkins kicking. I don’t think they would have got anywhere with out him. Maybe that’s why the lions aren’t doing so well because when wilkos not 100% he doesn’t know what to do. Id much prefer if we played more fluent attacking rugby.

I understand what you mean, but it is not just about Johnny's kicking. He is a good fly half as well who is good at most aspects of his game. But when he is not playing I agree they don't look like they know what to do. Still, we won several games without him in the past.

I think we would have done fine without wilkinson, I mean we scored a great try in the world cup final and many of the other games, and in most of the games in that tournement it was the pack that dominated the game. Now they are gone it really shows. It really annoys me when people say that england only win due to johnny, it is in my opinion, bitterness from other countries. I had no complaints when Wales won the Six Nations. I just thought good one them and moved on, I don't make excueses as to why they did win. They played the best rugby in the tournement and so they won. Wilkinson was NOT the reason England were sucsessful a few years ago.

Gyoza
June 8th, 2005, 3:56 PM
I understand what you mean, but it is not just about Johnny's kicking. He is a good fly half as well who is good at most aspects of his game. But when he is not playing I agree they don't look like they know what to do. Still, we won several games without him in the past.

I think we would have done fine without wilkinson, I mean we scored a great try in the world cup final and many of the other games, and in most of the games in that tournement it was the pack that dominated the game. Now they are gone it really shows. It really annoys me when people say that england only win due to johnny, it is in my opinion, bitterness from other countries. I had no complaints when Wales won the Six Nations. I just thought good one them and moved on, I don't make excueses as to why they did win. They played the best rugby in the tournement and so they won. Wilkinson was NOT the reason England were sucsessful a few years ago.
You are correct about England's victory in the World Cup 2 years ago. England had a pack that had seen the highs and lows of test rugby, most of whom had survived the Tour of Hell in 1998. Many of the forwards became some of the best players in their postitions, not because of talent, but because of experience and sheer bloody-mindedness. Further, England was a very aggressive team that relied on brute strength and would batter teams into submission and enjoyed the presence of a charismatic leader in the form of Martin Johnson. That being said, Wilkinson did win the Webb Ellis Cup for England with that last minute drop goal against Australia.

England were then exposed in New Zealand after Martin Johnson retired from the international game. It did help that the new All Blacks coaching regime of Graham Henry, Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen and Sir Brian Lochore decided, unlike their predecessors, to allow the team to meet fire with fire and have the forward pack concentrate on the set-pieces. Case in point, All Blacks VS England at Carisbrook in Dunedin, last year. That being said, England will probably be a threat to us by around 2011. I don't see them taking the world cup in 2007. That tournament will come down to New Zealand, Australia, Wales and South Africa.

Gyoza
June 9th, 2005, 11:34 PM
Wallabies squad to face Samoa
1. Bill Young (Vice-Captain, ACT Brumbies)
2. Jeremy Paul (ACT Brumbies)
3. Matt Dunning (NSW Waratahs)
4. Mark Chisholm (ACT Brumbies)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain, Queensland Reds)
6. Rocky Elson (NSW Waratahs)
7. George Smith (ACT Brumbies)
8. David Lyons (NSW Waratahs)
9. Chris Whitaker (Vice-Captain, NSW Waratahs)
10. Matt Giteau (ACT Brumbies)
11. Clyde Rathbone (ACT Brumbies)
12. Morgan Turinui (NSW Waratahs)
13. Stirling Mortlock (ACT Brumbies)
14. Wendell Sailor (Queensland Reds)
15. Chris Latham (Queensland Reds)

16. Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds)
17. Nic Henderson (ACT Brumbies)
18. Hugh McMeniman (Queensland Reds)
19. John Roe (Queensland Reds)
20. Matt Henjak (ACT Brumbies)
21. Stephen Larkham (ACT Brumbies)
22. Mat Rogers (NSW Waratahs)

23rd Man: Scott Fava

Samoan Squad to face Wallabies
1. Justin Vaa
2. Jonathon Meredith
3. Cencus Johnston
4. Opeta Palepoi
5. Siuleo Lafaili'i
6. Simaika Mikaele
7. Falaiva Motusaga
8. Semo Sititi (Captain)
9. Lualua Vailoaloa
10. Tanner Vili
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Brian Lima
13. Terry Fanolua
14. Lome Fa'atau
15. Apoua Stewart

16. Trevor Leota
17. Jamie Parkinson
18. Daniel Lio
19. Paul Tupai
20. Notise Tauafao
21. Faletoese Talapusi
22. George Leaupepe

Springboks Squad to face Uruguay
1. Gurthro Steenkamp (Cats)
2. John Smit (Captain, Sharks)
3. CJ van der Linde (Cats)
4. Bakkies Botha (Bulls)
5. Albert van den Berg (Sharks)
6. Solly Tyibilika (Sharks)
7. Danie Rossouw (Bulls)
8. Jacques Cronje (Bulls)
9. Enrico Januarie (Test debut)
10. Jaco van der Westhuyzen (Vice-Captain, NEC)
11. Bryan Habana (Bulls)
12. Jean de Villiers (Stormers)
13. Marius Joubert (Stormers)
14. Tonderai Chavanga (Stormers)
15. Percy Montgomery (Newport-Gwent Dragons)

16. Hanyani Shimange (Stormers)
17. Os du Randt (Cats)
18. Juan Smith (Cats)
19. Joe van Niekerk (Stormers)
20. Fourie du Preez (Bulls)
21. Jaque Fourie (Cats)
22. Brent Russell (Sharks)

Fiji Squad to face All Blacks
1. Josese Baie (Marist [Suva])
2. Villame Gadolo (Lomaiviti)
3. Bill Cavubati (Masterton)
4. Akuila Matanibukaca (Nadi)
5. Isoa Domolailai (Marist [Auckland])
6. Ifereimi Rawaqa (World [Japan])
7. Aca Ratuva (Agen)
8. Sisa Koyamaibole (Taranaki)
9. Mosese Rauluni (Captain, Saracens)
10. Nicky Little (Saracens)
11. Sireli Bobo (Parma)
12. Seremaia Bai (Secom)
13. Villame Satala (Toyota-Shokki)
14, Vilimoni Delasau (Canterbury/Crusaders)
15. Norman Ligairi (Yamaha)

16. Sunia Koto (Marist [Suva])
17. Jone Railomo (NMA)
18. Seva Rokobaro (Gordon)
19. Sam Tabua (Randwick)
20. Jono Qovu (Senibiau)
21. Jocob Rauluni (Rotherham)
22. Epeli Ruivadra (World)

23rd Man: Jo Tora (Gaunavou)

Gyoza
June 10th, 2005, 5:11 PM
All Blacks 91 - 0 Fiji at North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Auckland
For New Zealand
Tries by Sitiveni Sivivatu (4), Tana Umaga (2), Doug Howlett (2), Daniel Carter, Greg Somerville, Aaron Mauger, Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo, Keven Mealamu and Malili Muliaina
5 conversions by Daniel Carter
3 conversions by Aaron Mauger
All Blacks were 50-0 ahead at half-time

There are one-sided romps, and there are one-sided romps. This falls into the latter category. 6 All Blacks were given their 1st test caps last night: James Ryan, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Derren Witcombe, Soseni Anesi, Cambell Johnstone and Sione Lauaki. Sivivatu, Ryan and Witcombe also really put their hands up for a spot in the squad to face the Lions. With Witcombe, he really needs to establish himself, since Anton Oliver's recovery is coming along nicely.

viva_la_raza
June 10th, 2005, 5:19 PM
You are correct about England's victory in the World Cup 2 years ago. England had a pack that had seen the highs and lows of test rugby, most of whom had survived the Tour of Hell in 1998. Many of the forwards became some of the best players in their postitions, not because of talent, but because of experience and sheer bloody-mindedness. Further, England was a very aggressive team that relied on brute strength and would batter teams into submission and enjoyed the presence of a charismatic leader in the form of Martin Johnson. That being said, Wilkinson did win the Webb Ellis Cup for England with that last minute drop goal against Australia.

England were then exposed in New Zealand after Martin Johnson retired from the international game. It did help that the new All Blacks coaching regime of Graham Henry, Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen and Sir Brian Lochore decided, unlike their predecessors, to allow the team to meet fire with fire and have the forward pack concentrate on the set-pieces. Case in point, All Blacks VS England at Carisbrook in Dunedin, last year. That being said, England will probably be a threat to us by around 2011. I don't see them taking the world cup in 2007. That tournament will come down to New Zealand, Australia, Wales and South Africa.

Yeah, those four have too be strong favourites along with maybe France considering that they are the host nation. I think england will probably maybe reach the knock out stages of the World Cup, but it would suprise me if they did.

You are right, wilkinson did win us the World Cup for us, I was not denying that, I just didn't like the fact that the other guy who posted said the ONLY reason we won the World Cup was because of him. But he did score the winner and get all the points in the semi, so he had a huge role to play in it.

When the England team has developed it will probably be around 2011 like you said. That said it will beinteresting to see how well they do in the upcoming Six Nations tests.

As things stand as present, I would say South Africa are one of the srongest favourites to win the rugby, but a lot can change in two years. Wales and NZ will definatly be there as will Australia. But it will be interesting to see which one of the southern hemisphere sides goes in as the main favourites, as NZ were in 2003.

Gyoza
June 11th, 2005, 4:06 PM
NZ Maori 19 - 13 British and Irish Lions in Hamilton, New Zealand
For NZ Maori:
Try by Leon MacDonald
2 penalty goals by David Hill
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Luke McAlister
For British and Irish Lions:
Try by Brian O'Driscoll
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Stephen Jones

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40614000/jpg/_40614260_lmacdonald_getty300.jpg

YES YOU LITTLE BEAUTY!!! HAHAHA WOOOOOOOO!

Andy Sheridan did quite well against Carl Hayman in the scrums, and in the end they came off Even Stevens. Sheridan outscrummed Hayman on a few occasions, and Hayman outscrummed Sheridan on a few occasions.

Wallabies 74 - 7 Samoa in Sydney, Australia
For Australia:
Tries by Wendell Sailor (2), Stirling Mortlock, Nathan Sharpe, Clyde Rathbone, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, Chris Latham, Morgan Turinui and Mat Rogers
5 conversions by Matt Giteau
2 conversions by Stirling Mortlock
For Samoa:
Try by Terry Fanolua
Conversion by Faletoese Talapusi

Springboks 134 - 3 Uruguay in East London, South Africa
For South Africa:
Tries by Tonderai Chavhanga (6), Bryan Habana (2), Jean de Villiers (2), Solly Tyibilika (2), Albert van den Berg (2), Marius Joubert, Enrico Januarie, Danie Rossouw, Gurthro Steenkamp, Jacques Cronje, Jaque Fourie and Jaco van der Westhuyzen
6 conversions and 1 penalty goal by Percy Montgomery
7 conversions by Jaco van der Westhuyzen
For Uruguay:
Penalty goal by Agustin Perez del Castillo

Gyoza
June 12th, 2005, 5:08 AM
All Blacks Squad to face British and Irish Lions

Forwards
Jerry Collins (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Flanker
Carl Hayman (Highlanders/Otago) - Prop
Chris Jack (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Lock
Campbell Johnstone (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Prop
Sione Lauaki (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flanker/No. 8
Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain, Crusaders/Canterbury) - Flanker
Keven Mealamu (Blues/Auckland) - Hooker
Anton Oliver (Highlanders/Otago) - Hooker
James Ryan (Highlanders/Otago) - Lock
Greg Somerville (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Prop
Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes/Wellington) - No. 8/Flanker
Mose Tuiali'i (Crusaders/Canterbury) - No. 8/Flanker
Ali Williams (Blues/Auckland) - Lock
Tony Woodcock (Blues/North Harbour) - Prop

Backs
Daniel Carter (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Flyhalf/Inside Centre
Rico Gear (Crusaders/Nelson Bays) - Winger/Centre
Doug Howlett (Blues/Auckland) - Winger/Fullback
Byron Kelleher (Chiefs/Waikato) - Scrumhalf
Leon MacDonald (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Fullback
Justin Marshall (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Scrumhalf
Aaron Mauger (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Inside Centre/Flyhalf
Malili Muliaina (Blues/Auckland) - Fullback/Centre/Winger
Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Centre/Winger
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs/Waikato) - Winger
Conrad Smith (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Centre
Tana Umaga (Captain, Hurricanes/Wellington) - Centre

Also training with the squad
Jono Gibbes (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flanker/Lock
Derren Witcombe (Blues/Auckland) - Hooker


New Zealand Juniors (New Zealand A)
Forwards
John Afoa (Blues/Auckland) - Prop
Steven Bates (Captain, Chiefs/Waikato) - No. 8
Josh Blackie (Highlanders/Otago) - Flanker
Ben Castle (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty) - Prop
Clarke Dermody (Highlanders/Southland) - Prop
Corey Flynn (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Hooker
Carl Hoeft (Highlanders/Otago) - Prop
Marty Holah (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flanker
Andrew Hore (Hurricanes/Taranaki) - Hooker
Jerome Kaino (Blues/Auckland) - Flanker/No. 8
Ross Kennedy (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Lock
Chris Masoe (Hurricanes/Taranaki) - Flanker/No. 8
Craig Newby (Highlanders/Otago) - Flanker
Kevin O'Neill (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Lock
Saimone Taumoepeau (Blues/Auckland) - Prop
Bernie Upton (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty) - Lock

Backs
Soseni Anesi (Cheifs/Waikato) - Fullback/Winger
Ben Atiga (Blues/Auckland) - Centre/Fullback
Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders/Soutland) - Scrumhalf
Steve Devine (Blues/Auckland) - Scrumhalf
Stephen Donald (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flyhalf
Nick Evans (Highlanders/Otago) - Flyhalf/Fullback
Scott Hamilton (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Winger/Fullback
David Hill (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flyhalf/Inside Centre
Casey Laulala (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Outside Centre
Luke McAlister (Blues/North Harbour) - Flyhalf/Inside Centre
Caleb Ralph (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Winger/Centre
Joe Rokocoko (Blues/Auckland) - Winger
Piri Weepu (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Scrumhalf

Since Justin Marshall is leaving at the end of the Lions tour, either Devine or Weepu will most likely be called up to the All Blacks for the Tri-Nations.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 12th, 2005, 11:02 AM
CANADA 3 WALES 60
CANADA - Derek Daypuck (Simon Pacey 65), Quentin Fyfee, Matt King, John Canon, Stirling Richmond, Ryan Smith, Morgan Williams (Pat Fleck 24-37, 75); Kevin Tckachuk (Cpt), Aaron Abrams (Pat Dunkley 46), Garth Cooke, Luke Tait, Jamie Cudmore (Josh Jackson 46), Mike Webb, Stan McKeen, Colin Yukes. Reps: Dan Pletch,Forrest Gainer, Ed Fairhurst.

WALES - Kevin Morgan, Rhys Williams, Mark Taylor (Cpt) (Matthew J Watkins 56), Ceri Sweeney, Chris Czekaj, Nick Robinson (Matthew Jones 67), Mike Phillips (Andy Williams 75); Duncan Jones (John Yapp 43), Rhys Thomas (Mefin Davies 65), Ben Broster, Luke Charteris (Brent Cockbain 56), Robert Sidoli, Jon Thomas, Colin Charvis (Robin Sowden-Taylor 56), Alix Popham. REFEREE: Matt Goddard (Australia) SCORERS CANADA: Pen: Derek Daypuck WALES: Tries: Mark Taylor, Colin Charvis, Ben Broster, Jon Thomas 2, Chris Czekaj, Kevin Morgan, Rhys Williams, Alix Popham; Cons: Ceri Sweeney 6; Pen: Ceri Sweeney

I know Usa or Canada are not really teams you can boast about wining against. but we have got such a young squad out there. 11 players missing with the lions and still we are thrashing teams.

With the under 21 wining the grandslam in very convincing style and the average age of our current crop of seniors I really think we have a very bright future ahead of us. I also think this year’s grandslam is just the iceberg. And we are going to get a hell of a lot better.

Gyoza
June 12th, 2005, 4:16 PM
Martyn Williams was the form openside of the 6 Nations tournament, and if he's the best openside that the Lions can offer, they are in pretty deep shit, especially considering how he was played out of the park by Marty Holah in the NZ Maori VS Lions match because Richie McCaw is the best openside in the world right now. Holah knows this, McCaw knows this, Graham Henry knows this, the whole world knows this. Even when he was very effectively contained by the Welsh defence in the All Blacks VS Wales match last year, the turnover rate was 2-1 in favour of the All Blacks, with McCaw being responsible for most cases of ball thievery.

eldanielfire
June 12th, 2005, 5:39 PM
CANADA 3 WALES 60



I know Usa or Canada are not really teams you can boast about wining against. but we have got such a young squad out there. 11 players missing with the lions and still we are thrashing teams.

With the under 21 wining the grandslam in very convincing style and the average age of our current crop of seniors I really think we have a very bright future ahead of us. I also think this year’s grandslam is just the iceberg. And we are going to get a hell of a lot better.


I think as the talent stands Wales have the brigest future of the big countries. Especially as they are working as a team already who can bett France, England and Ireland and defently claim they are going to get better.

N.E.R.F.
June 12th, 2005, 8:16 PM
Rugby is all Wales cares about :nono:

Gyoza
June 13th, 2005, 12:05 AM
I think as the talent stands Wales have the brigest future of the big countries. Especially as they are working as a team already who can bett France, England and Ireland and defently claim they are going to get better.
Ehem. *points to avatar


New Zealand's talent pool is more like a talent ocean.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 13th, 2005, 3:18 PM
I don’t think New Zealand really count though as they always have a strong team. When we played New Zealand last year in that test that was just the start of the rebuilding work.

Got to admit that was a hell of a good game fast paced rugby at its best. I just can’t wait till we play you in November should be even better.

I don’t think the way the loins play suits the Welsh players in the squad because they are used to a much a higher pace of play. The problem with the lions is they try to play more of a power game which isn’t working very well.

eldanielfire
June 13th, 2005, 3:43 PM
Ehem. *points to avatar


New Zealand's talent pool is more like a talent ocean.

Ah but Zew Zealand never really get any better or carry though to the finals of the big ones. When was the last world cup win for the All Blacks?

Lots of talent but never enough key players at the right time.

Wales on the otehr hand after a period of crapness have come through strong. teh way they play makes them seemingly impossible to beat though I'm looking forward to them facing the tri-nations.

Gyoza
June 13th, 2005, 4:05 PM
Ah but Zew Zealand never really get any better or carry though to the finals of the big ones. When was the last world cup win for the All Blacks?

Lots of talent but never enough key players at the right time.

Wales on the otehr hand after a period of crapness have come through strong. teh way they play makes them seemingly impossible to beat though I'm looking forward to them facing the tri-nations.
Yes, Wales has improved by leaps and bounds. On the other hand, New Zealand is one of three countries that have dominated in the age group levels and sevens levels since forever (the other two being South Africa and Australia in age groups and Fiji and England in sevens). And both are regarded as developmental systems for young players. Take a look at the average age of the Sevens players. Shit, the captain, Liam Messam, is part of the Under-21 team this year.

Gyoza
June 18th, 2005, 7:09 AM
Wellington 6 - 23 British and Irish Lions @ Wellington, New Zealand
For Wellington:
2 penalty goals by Jimmy Gopperth
For Lions:
Tries by Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Thomas
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Jonny Wilkinson

To be honest, the Lions were far from impressive against a weakened Wellington side who were playing without Neemia Tialata (injury), Ross Kennedy (New Zealand A duty), Jerry Collins (All Blacks), Rodney So'oialo (All Blacks), Tana Umaga (All Blacks) and Conrad Smith (All Blacks), all of whom are key players. The Wellington coach, John Plumtree has since stated that the All Blacks fielded against Fiji would have beaten Wellington by 50 or 60 points. 23-6 is a very flattering score for the Lions.

Otago 19 - 30 British and Irish Lions @ Dunedin, New Zealand
For Otago:
Try by Danny Lee
Conversion and 4 penalty goals by Nick Evans
For Lions:
Tries by Will Greenwood, Ryan Jones and Shane Williams
3 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Charlie Hodgson

The man of the match was Ryan Jones, by a mile. He's probably played his way into the squad to be fielded against the All Blacks next week, albeit most likely as a reserve. There was also a huge improvement by Martyn Williams, who had struggled in his previous outings, being given a difficult time by Nili Latu in the match against the BOP Steamers and Marty Holah in the match against the NZ Maori. Charlie Hodgson also had a decent game, while Ronan O'Gara appears to be struggling. It's becoming increasingly apparent that of the 4 fly-halves, O'Gara is becoming more and more redundant. Gordon D'Arcy has also probably played his way out of the test team, as has Michael Owen, both of whom have been thoroughly average thus far.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 20th, 2005, 12:49 PM
One more match before the first test tomorrow. Clive said anyone who plays tomorrow game will not be playing in the 1st test. Which leads to the shock desion to name Gavin Henson in the side which leaves the space open for a Johnny Wilkinson shock call-up

. If that happens I think the lions can kiss the 1st test goodbye.

Henson has been a form man all season and hasn’t really had a bad game with the lions. When they took him off against Wellington the Lions looked a lesser force in attack and defence with the Grand Slam-winning Welshman off the field.

I’m hoping personally that it’s a bluff to mess up the New Zealand plans But I really don’t think Clive is as good as a coach as he made out to be. Through the whole tour the welsh boys have proven why they won the grand slam and apart from a few other have carried the team and im not just saying that because im Welsh.

The English veterans just aren’t doing on the field and Clive just doesn’t have enough trust in the other players.

Gyoza
June 20th, 2005, 3:31 PM
Henson's ommission from the test side has caused some quarters to go "What the hell?" We also think that Wilkinson will be the one put in the no. 12 jersey, since he didn't look that sharp against Wellington in the no. 10 jersey. That will probably end up going to Steven Jones.

Gyoza
June 21st, 2005, 3:16 AM
All Blacks test squad to face British and Irish Lions

1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Justin Marshall - Crusaders/Canterbury
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland
15. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. Jono Gibbes - Chiefs/Waikato
19. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
21. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland
22. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays

Not many surprises here. MacDonald's form for the Crusaders and NZ Maori meant he pretty much forced his way into the squad, while Marshall has been playing some of the best rugby of his life this year. The only surprise is the ommission of James Ryan who had a pretty solid game against Fiji. If Williams plays like shit again, I won't be surprised if it's Ryan who gets the nod in Wellington. That being said, Gibbes deserves to be in the squad after his performance agains the Lions in Hamilton when he captained the Maori to victory.

Gyoza
June 22nd, 2005, 3:56 AM
British & Irish Lions squad to face the All Blacks in Wellington
1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales
2. Shane Byrne - Ireland
3. Julian White - England
4. Paul O'Connell - Ireland
5. Ben Kay - England
6. Richard Hill - England
7. Neil Back - England
8. Martin Corry (Vice-Captain) - England
9. Dwayne Peel - Wales
10. Stephen Jones - Wales
11. Josh Lewsey - England
12. Jonny Wilkinson - England
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Captain) - Ireland
14. Gareth Thomas - Wales
15. Jason Robinson - England

16. Steve Thompson - England
17. Graham Rowntree - England
18. Danny Grewcock - England
19. Ryan Jones - Wales
20. Matt Dawson - England
21. Will Greenwood - England
22. Shane Horgan - Ireland

The test team is very close to what I assumed would be fielded in Wellington earlier, with a few key differences. This time last week, I was sure Gavin Henson would be used as inside centre. And I was sure Shane Williams would be used as a left wing. I also felt Chris Cusiter had the raw potential to be used in the squad, and that Lawrence Dallaglio would be fielded as a loose forward, but Cusiter has been distinctively unimpressive, while Dallaglio went on got injured. That being said, the team screams "Beatable". Andy Sheridan is so far the only Northern Hemisphere prop that has given Carl Hayman a hard time, and he'll be sitting in the stands probably wishing it was him playing. In fact, between now and last year, only 1 Northern Hemisphere side troubled the All Blacks and that was Wales, in which the ABs won 26-25. So anyway, the last time Julian White came down here, he was in a squad that was completely humiliated by the All Blacks, as was Richard Hill, Josh Lewsey, Steve Thompson, Danny Grewcock and Matt Dawson. Each player was exposed by their opposite number, particularly Hill who was spectacularly unimpressive against McCaw and then Marty Holah. The hooking stocks are nothing to get excited about, as they don't really offer anything we don't already see down here on a regular basis. Neil Back is also well past his best, and while admittedly Back got the better of McCaw in the one-off test in 2003, it is worth noting that McCaw has improved by leaps and bounds ever since then. Hell, in the aforementioned test against Wales, while he had a relatively subdued game, he was still responsible for having the turnover rate in the game 2-1 in favour of the ABs. And I seriously doubt if any of the Northern Hemisphere boys have anything that can contain someone like Sitiveni Sivivatu, who Graham Henry rates as the best winger in the world - and for good reason.

When the Lions lose, I just know Steven Jones (the "journalist", not the Welsh flyhalf) will scramble for an excuse.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 22nd, 2005, 4:50 AM
Shocking just shocking. That could be one of the worst test teams I’ve ever seen :nono: I really hope they get thrashed. Terrible just terrible.

Shane Williams was the overall player of the six nations running circles around the other team. And Henson showed yesterday why they are going to miss him. The only player to play half decent at centre. Jason Robinson hasn’t scored a try since January for his club yet somehow gets a place.

Its interesting to see the breakdown of where the players are from too. From the 22 man squad.

England - 13
Ireland - 4
Wales – 5
Scotland – 0

Gyoza
June 22nd, 2005, 5:24 AM
Just for the sake of reference, here's what I thought the Lions XV would look like at the start of the tour:

1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales
2. Shane Byrne - Ireland
3. Julian White - England
4. Paul O'Connell - Ireland
5. Ben Kay - England
6. Lawrence Dallaglio - England (replaced with Hill after the BOP match for obvious reasons)
7. Martyn Williams - Wales
8. Martin Corry - England
9. Chris Cusiter - Scotland
10. Stephen Jones - Wales
11. Shane Williams - Wales
12. Gavin Henson - Wales
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Captain) - Ireland
14. Jason Robinson - England
15. Gareth Thomas - Wales

10 out of 15 ain't too shabby. I got 5 people wrong, and my other error was in the right-wing/fullback combination. I also feel there's a better representation of the four nations that compose the Lions in my XV. To be honest, I agree with Clive Woodward about Martyn Williams. He may have been the form flanker in the 6 Nations, but in New Zealand, he's been played out of the park two out of three games, and by players who aren't as good as McCaw (not a swipe at Nili Latu and Marty Holah, it's just that they aren't as good as McCaw. But then again, McCaw is considered to be the best openside flanker in the world). He wasn't too bad against Otago, but that was because he got a lot of help from his teammates in the breakdown area. Otago went with the double openside thing, but there's only so much Blackie and Newby could do when the Lions were lying all over the ball and cheating "like buggery".

gypsyjackson
June 22nd, 2005, 9:30 AM
When the Lions lose, I just know Steven Jones (the "journalist", not the Welsh flyhalf) will scramble for an excuse.
I love Stephen Jones' writing - everything he says is to wind you Kiwis up. And you have to admit, New Zealand are a South Pacific representative side, similar to the Lions. In fact, they should really be called the Pacific All Blacks :p

Seriously, I think the whole series will depend on refereeing, and whether the Tests are officiated in the Super 12, glorified sevens way, or in the Northern Hemisphere, real rugby way. Hehehe.

Other thoughts:

The front row will have to get used to the reffing quickly, as we can't afford to give away early penalties.

The lineout is a big weakness for the Lions, so it's good that Byrne has shown a bit of form.

We will probably play 10 man rugby, with our backs limited to counter attacks. I think this is a mistake, as to beat the Kiwis, you need to attack. The French tried to playing a holding game and were demolished.

Lock is a real problem for the Kiwis. Chris Jack is excellent, but I don't rate Williams as world class yet. Our locks, unfortunately haven't been performing to the best of their abilities.

I'd have liked to have seen Umaga paired with Nonu.

Marshall is a cunt (no reasoning, I just don't like him).

Here is my favoured test squad for the Lions (based mainly on performances this tour):
15 Lewsey (why has Woodward swapped him back to wing?)
14 Thomas
13 O'Driscoll
12 Henson
11 Shanklin (I gather he was an injury risk)
10 Jones
9 Peel
1 Jenkins
2 Byrne
3 White
4 O'Connell
5 Kay
6 Easterby
7 Back
8 Corry

16 Thompson
17 Sheridan
18 Grewcock
19 Jones
20 Cusiter
21 Wilkinson
22 Robinson

I think that's the best squad available, or at least the one which would play the rugby I like.

Gyoza
June 22nd, 2005, 3:13 PM
I love Stephen Jones' writing - everything he says is to wind you Kiwis up. And you have to admit, New Zealand are a South Pacific representative side, similar to the Lions. In fact, they should really be called the Pacific All Blacks :p

Seriously, I think the whole series will depend on refereeing, and whether the Tests are officiated in the Super 12, glorified sevens way, or in the Northern Hemisphere, real rugby way. Hehehe.

Other thoughts:

The front row will have to get used to the reffing quickly, as we can't afford to give away early penalties.

The lineout is a big weakness for the Lions, so it's good that Byrne has shown a bit of form.

We will probably play 10 man rugby, with our backs limited to counter attacks. I think this is a mistake, as to beat the Kiwis, you need to attack. The French tried to playing a holding game and were demolished.

Lock is a real problem for the Kiwis. Chris Jack is excellent, but I don't rate Williams as world class yet. Our locks, unfortunately haven't been performing to the best of their abilities.

I'd have liked to have seen Umaga paired with Nonu.

Marshall is a cunt (no reasoning, I just don't like him).

Here is my favoured test squad for the Lions (based mainly on performances this tour):
15 Lewsey (why has Woodward swapped him back to wing?)
14 Thomas
13 O'Driscoll
12 Henson
11 Shanklin (I gather he was an injury risk)
10 Jones
9 Peel
1 Jenkins
2 Byrne
3 White
4 O'Connell
5 Kay
6 Easterby
7 Back
8 Corry

16 Thompson
17 Sheridan
18 Grewcock
19 Jones
20 Cusiter
21 Wilkinson
22 Robinson

I think that's the best squad available, or at least the one which would play the rugby I like.
Stephen Jones is full of shit when he calls the All Blacks a South Pacific representative side. All of the Fijian, Tongan and Samoan players have spent a significant part of their lives in New Zealand, if not born here. Players who were born overseas, like Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino were raised in New Zealand as well (I went to school with Rokocoko and Kaino, BTW, so I know for a fact that they've grown up in New Zealand). Even Sitiveni Sivivatu, who had to do a mandatory 3-year stand down period, went to school here.

As for the locks, I'm surprised that James Ryan has been rested. Graham Henry probably went with experience, since Williams has played a significant number of matches for the All Blacks since the 2002 end-of-year tour. However, most people would agree that James Ryan is the better player of the two.
Marshall deserves to be in the squad, considering how good he has been playing this year. While he did have the benefit of a complete squad (a dominant forward pack and a talented collection of backs) to work off of in the Super 12, he still played excellently and fully deserves his selection. Besides, after all the years he has devoted to the All Blacks, he deserves a good send-off like a winning series against the Lions.
As for Nonu, well, once again, it was one of those either or decesions. Gear is a fine player in his own right, and Nonu, while a fantastic and versatile player (he can play 11, 12, 13 and 14), he still sometimes plays like an absolute bone-head and makes basic errors.

eldanielfire
June 22nd, 2005, 5:27 PM
Stephen Jones is full of shit when he calls the All Blacks a South Pacific representative side. All of the Fijian, Tongan and Samoan players have spent a significant part of their lives in New Zealand, if not born here. Players who were born overseas, like Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino were raised in New Zealand as well (I went to school with Rokocoko and Kaino, BTW, so I know for a fact that they've grown up in New Zealand). Even Sitiveni Sivivatu, who had to do a mandatory 3-year stand down period, went to school here.




I love Stephen Jones' writing - everything he says is to wind you Kiwis up.


I think you missed the point.

Gyoza
June 22nd, 2005, 10:36 PM
I think you missed the point.
I see the point. Stephen Jones writes a whole load of bullshit to piss off the Souther Hemisphere crowd. It should be noted that people who know who he is generally see him as a fuckwit who continuously talks out of his ass, and is seen as a joke over here.

Gyoza
June 25th, 2005, 7:39 AM
New Zealand All Blacks 21 - 3 British and Irish Lions at Christchurch, New Zealand
For New Zealand:
Tries by Ali Williams and Sitiveni Sivivatu
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Daniel Carter
For Lions:
Penalty goal by Jonny Wilkinson

Holy shit, dudes. The Lions sucked the big one tonight. All week, people were like "Yeah, the Lions ought to get domination up front" and "New Zealand's tight five has weakened in recent years". To which I say, "are Gethin Jenkins, Shane Byrne and Julian White the best you have?" Byrne played his way into the test team with some solid displays at hooker during the mid-week games, and had the ability to throw straight. Now, he has played his way back into the mid-week team, and out of the test side, giving away 10 line-out throws to the All Blacks. The only bright spot in a depressing Lions performance was substitute Ryan Jones, who came on during the 1st half. He should be in the starting line-up in Wellington. Also of note is the fact that both Hill and O'Driscoll are now injured, with O'Driscoll only getting about 30 seconds of play before being felled with a dislocated shoulder.

1 down, 2 to go.

Christchurch
Wellington
Auckland

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 25th, 2005, 12:01 PM
I’m surprised you thought the match was going to be any different. Most people new this was one of the worst players to choose based on form. Only chosen because they know what it takes to beat New Zealand or in 2003 anyway. Boring boring lions. Its strange how the European game has evolved in the last two years and left England tactics lagging behind.

But on the plus side did I see Johnny Wilkinson tackle? Even though his kicking was abysmal I really have know idea why they didn’t change the kicking duties to Stephen Jones.I’m glad they got beat well so maybe we will see some players who deserve a play get a game in the next test.

Gyoza
June 25th, 2005, 4:29 PM
I thought the tight five would do a whole lot better than that, and that the players would you know, rise to the occasion. Instead, they all played like shit, with the exception of Ryan Jones who went out there and did the best he could. But hey, 1 good player and 15 useless lumps can not win a match.

Mind you, for all the talk about how the Northern Hemisphere scrums are superior and whatnot, not many people were actually worried about how the tight five would perform based on the test against France last year, where the French were reduced to asking for de-powered scrums.

I won't be surprised if Andy Sheridan is given a go in Wellington. Gethin Jenkins hardly troubled Carl Hayman last night, while Sheridan did in the Lions VS Maori match.

Here's what I assume the 15 will be in Wellington.

1. Andy Sheridan
2. Steve Thompson
3. Julian White
4. Simon Shaw
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Martin Corry (C)
7. Neil Back
8. Ryan Jones
9. Dwayne Peel
10. Steven Jones/Jonny Wilkinson
11. Shane Williams
12. Gavin Henson
13. Shane Horgan
14. Josh Lewsey
15. Gareth Thomas

The players I've named are either because there are a lack of others in that position, or because they've been the best I've seen in an otherwise unimpressive lot. The only exceptions are Andy Sheridan, Ryan Jones, Gavin Henson and Shane Williams who have actually impressed me with each appearance (in the case of Sheridan, I'm ignoring his brain explosion in the match agains the NZ Maori which put him in the bin and subsequently out of the match).

And for all the weaknesses of his performance last night, Wilkinson still was an effective tackler. He was admirable in defense. He needs a lot more time on the field, but there are occasinal flashes of the Wilkinson of old.

J
June 25th, 2005, 5:38 PM
The problem with Wilkinson is the fact that he is only showing it in flashes and that is not good enough for a Lions team, and then to play him in a different position is stupid. Personally I don’t think Wilkinson has done enough since the world cup to warrant selection for the tour never mind the test squad but then I am beginning to wonder if Woodward has watched Rugby since the world cup or is becoming too interested with the Southampton football team. Its hard to look at the game and pick out any hope for the next two games, I wasn’t confident with the selection leading into the game and I didn’t want to be proven right but New Zealand are a great team and to pick some of the players, especially the English lads, and leaving out some of the players that are in form seemed like suicide. Although it wouldn’t surprise me to see Jason Robinson playing the next game as well :nono:

Although you cant take anything away from the All Blacks as they were superb, especially the Sivivatu try which was brilliant play. The pass leading to the try (forgot who supplied it) would be a great pass in any match but when you consider the conditions it makes it even better. The only thing I didn’t like was the cheap shot at O’Driscoll at the start of the match. New Zealand knew what they were doing there, I was surprised though to see the Lions just let it go without hitting back in anyway, but throughout the game we didn’t look like we want to be there.

Gyoza
June 25th, 2005, 7:03 PM
O'Driscoll has come out swinging in regards to that late tackle which put him out of the rest of the tour. But then, when Umaga and Mealamu tackled him, it was when a ruck had formed, and it was right in front of the touch judge and referee. They did nothing about it, and they haven't been cited after the fact, so that suggests that there was nothing in it. Grewcock apparently bit one of the All Blacks, so he should be suspended for that.

It was kind of sad seeing Neil Back out there. Woodward said that he was confident that Back will give McCaw no end of troubles, based on how Back fared against him in Wellington two years ago. What Woodward failed to take into account is: Back has deteriorated since 2003 while McCaw has improved by leaps and bounds.

It was refreshing to see Corry basically state that the Lions played like shit and the All Blacks were bloody excellent out there. On the other hand, the Lions don't really have a whole lot to be optimistic about.

The biggest problem for the Lions, and there are many, is that they haven't played enough matches together. When you look at the All Blacks starting XV that were fielded, you'll notice that with a few exceptions, many of them have been in the team for ages. Woodcock, Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Williams, Collins, So'oialo, Carter, Mauger, Umaga and Howlett were all in the starting XV in that match against France last year, while MacDonald and Marshall have played in the All Blacks for a significant amount of time - particularly Marshall. Further, you have a freak of nature like Sivivatu on the left wing, and you've got a recipe for success. It also helps that Williams, Marshall and Howlett have rediscovered their form.

eldanielfire
June 25th, 2005, 8:02 PM
Man the Lion's were shit.

I agree where Wilkingson only shows flashes of what he once was. certainly his kicking is very average. Woodward was so bias in his selections. He can't live off the world cup forever. He's forgotton that the rugby world moved on. Wales are 6 nations champs and Ireland beat England. England have half a wilkinson, a new back line and no Johnson (Who I think is severly missed on many levels). Repicking the world cup squad, who have mostly been shit since was not a good idea with so many other on better form.

But Byrne. He was The all blacks man of the match. I've seen 11 year old children throw better than him.

wilson1234
June 25th, 2005, 9:20 PM
Anyone who though the Lions were actually going to come close to beating the All Blacks were either high or stupid! As a al black fan i would love to see it happene in the two remaining game s(which it prob will) Wilko needs to be the first five , henson in 2nd, williams to wing, robinson to wing and lewsey to fullback, your tight five got killed last night and neil back is too old esp when your playing a freak like mcaw!

Gyoza
June 26th, 2005, 5:06 AM
Man the Lion's were shit.

I agree where Wilkingson only shows flashes of what he once was. certainly his kicking is very average. Woodward was so bias in his selections. He can't live off the world cup forever. He's forgotton that the rugby world moved on. Wales are 6 nations champs and Ireland beat England. England have half a wilkinson, a new back line and no Johnson (Who I think is severly missed on many levels). Repicking the world cup squad, who have mostly been shit since was not a good idea with so many other on better form.

But Byrne. He was The all blacks man of the match. I've seen 11 year old children throw better than him.
It's not all Byrne's fault. He's usually a better thrower than he was on Saturday. It should also be taken into account that the line-out targets were also completely confused, and had no idea what they were doing. At one point O'Connell would look like he's preparing to jump, and then Ben Kay would start preparing to jump, and then it would go back to O'Connell and then Kay and then Corry and then back to Kay and then O'Connell and then back to Corry and then Kay again, etc. The tight five had no fucking clue what was going on at the line-outs. As a result, Byrne had no idea who to throw to, and the combination of Chris Jack and Ali Williams capitalised on it.

The Lions have now lost another player, this time due to disciplinary matters. Danny Grewcock is banned for two months after he decided to bite Keven Mealamu's fingers. He did this during a ruck, and he has once again shown he's an undisciplined plonker.

The Lions captaincy has now been given to Gareth Thomas.

In other news:

Australia 69 - 21 Italy at Melbourne, Australia
For Australia:
Tries by Lote Tuqiri (4), George Gregan, Matt Giteau, Mark Chisholm, Wendell Sailor, Mat Rogers, David Lyons and Jeremy Paul
6 conversions by Giteau
Conversion by Stirling Mortlock
For Italy:
Tries by Andrea Lo Cicero, Antonio Mannato and Mauro Bergamasco
3 conversions by Gert Peens

South Africa 27 - 13 France at Port Elizabeth, South Africa
For South Africa:
Tries by Bryan Habana (2) and Jean de Villiers
3 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Percy Montgomery
For France:
Try by Frederic Michalak
Penalty goal by Michalak
Penalty goal by Dimitri Yachvilli

J
June 26th, 2005, 7:18 AM
O'Driscoll has come out swinging in regards to that late tackle which put him out of the rest of the tour. But then, when Umaga and Mealamu tackled him, it was when a ruck had formed, and it was right in front of the touch judge and referee. They did nothing about it, and they haven't been cited after the fact, so that suggests that there was nothing in it.

Have you seen it? The ball was played away from the ruck when the two All Black players speared O'Driscoll, picked him up and slammed him down almost head first into the ground. O'Driscoll is right, they could have broken his neck, to say there is nothing in it is stupid.

eldanielfire
June 26th, 2005, 10:39 AM
It's not all Byrne's fault. He's usually a better thrower than he was on Saturday. It should also be taken into account that the line-out targets were also completely confused, and had no idea what they were doing. At one point O'Connell would look like he's preparing to jump, and then Ben Kay would start preparing to jump, and then it would go back to O'Connell and then Kay and then Corry and then back to Kay and then O'Connell and then back to Corry and then Kay again, etc. The tight five had no fucking clue what was going on at the line-outs. As a result, Byrne had no idea who to throw to, and the combination of Chris Jack and Ali Williams capitalised on it.


thats what amde the match so confusing. How can the best players of 4 great Rugby countries, mostly players who have won a world cup or six nations grandslam, with time to prepare, teams to practise against completly fail to organise for a throw?

They were completly clueless for each one. I think some of the stats shown 20-3 wins for the kiwi's in throws :wtf: How could they be so fucking bad? They didn't even learn and improve after half time.

Gyoza
June 26th, 2005, 3:57 PM
Have you seen it? The ball was played away from the ruck when the two All Black players speared O'Driscoll, picked him up and slammed him down almost head first into the ground. O'Driscoll is right, they could have broken his neck, to say there is nothing in it is stupid.
The All Blacks went in with the intention of firing Lions players right out of the rucks, mainly because they showed against Otago that if given half the chance, they'll go right in there and lie down all over the ball. O'Driscoll tried to get into the ruck, and he got thrown out of it by two very physcial players. Yes, the ball was already out, but then again, this happened behind Umaga and Mealamu's backs, so they most likely didn't see this. And it happened right in front of the touch judge, who did nothing, and an independent citing commissioner has looked at all the footage available on the incident, and has ruled that no further action will be taken because he feels that there was no malicious intent in it.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 27th, 2005, 11:55 AM
Worth noting that the suspended Danny Grewcock is being replaced by lock Brent Cockbain who I believe should have been with the squad in the first place. And also Scotland flanker Jason White replaces the injured Richard Hill.

Nice to see Gareth Thomas get the captaincy. Hess a proven leader and think will make a much better captain than Corry who I didn’t even know was captain till around halftime.

Gyoza
June 27th, 2005, 3:42 PM
Woodward spent all of yesterday calling several press conferences where he, O'Driscoll and Gareth Thomas sat there and bitched and moaned about the incident. One starts to feel that the Lions are trying to distract people from the fact that a) the Lions played like shit and b) the Lions have done similar things on occasion during the tour - Martin Corry doing the occasional one-two step on several people during the test match, Grewcock taking a bite out of Mealamu (and getting banned for the third time after a match with New Zealand, in as many visits here), Gordon D'Arcy doing a very dangerous tackle on NZ Maori centre Rua Tipoki (who would have fucked D'Arcy up if he wasn't on a short leash due to the fact that he has a bit of a reputation) and Andy Sheridan throwing a punch at Luke McAlister during that match with the Maori (and missing despite the fact that they were less than a metre away from each other).

Gyoza
June 28th, 2005, 5:23 AM
All Blacks squad to face Lions at Wellington on Saturday (and hopefully take the series)

1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. Jono Gibbes - Chiefs/Waikato
19. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Justin Marshall - Crusaders/Canterbury
21. Ma'a Nonu - Hurricanes/Wellington
22. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury

3 changes in the starting XV from the last test, all three among the backs. Kelleher, Gear and Muliaina get the nods ahead of Marshall, Howlett and MacDonald respectively. Marshall and MacDonald are both on the bench though, so expect to see them fielded at some point. James Ryan and Campbell Johnstone have yet to be named in any squads, while Anton Oliver is once again unavailable due to injury. However, I expect to see them fielded at Auckland in a week and a half.



Graham Henry has defended Umaga and Mealamu, and has accused Woodward of trying to use the incident to overshadow a very poor performance by the Lions in Christchurch.


Brian's a top player and a top person and we've a lot of sympathy... But there's no way that All Blacks players go out to maim the opposition. They never have done and they don't do it now. It's not part of team policy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4629003.stm
Both Umaga and Mealamu are definitely not dirty players, and this is most likely just a case of aggressive play gone bad. I mean, Umaga did receive an award from the IOC last year for fair play, and Colin Charvis would most likely agree with what Henry said, if given the opportunity.

Gyoza
June 29th, 2005, 6:23 AM
British and Irish Lions to face All Blacks at Wellington

1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales
2. Steve Thompson (Vice-Captain) - England
3. Julian White - England
4. Paul O'Connell - Ireland
5. Donncha O'Callaghan - Ireland
6. Simon Easterby - Ireland
7. Lewis Moody - England
8. Ryan Jones - Wales
9. Dwayne Peel - Wales
10. Jonny Wilkinson - England
11. Shane Williams - Wales
12. Gavin Henson - Wales
13. Gareth Thomas (C) - Wales
14. Jason Robinson - England
15. Josh Lewsey - England

16. Shane Byrne - Ireland
17. Graham Rowntree - England
18. Martin Corry - England
19. Martyn Williams - Wales
20. Matt Dawson - England
21. Stephen Jones - Wales
22. Shane Horgan - Ireland

Hm. A huge improvement on the last team, and it's hardly surprising that the new golden boy of the Lions - Ryan Jones - is in the starting XV. Shane Williams certainly deserves to be there, but I wouldn't read too much into the win over Manawatu. Manawatu is a mid-level team in the NPC second division, filled with amateur players who were back at work this morning.

And Umaga has finally spoken in regards to that tackle:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4633045.stm

It should be noted that noone gives a shit about this anymore in New Zealand, and maybe Clive should take a hint.

Hardcore Holly Fan
June 29th, 2005, 7:09 AM
Wow that’s a much better team. Forgot we actually had a few world-class players on the sidelines. Nice to see they have brought in a few changes maybe the backs will have a decent run out.

The only picks that don’t look very strong are Robinson and Wilkinson. I really don’t know how they retained there places. If your put in a side to kick you have to be in some sort of form Wilkos kicking was atrocious


This is what one of our papers on Sunday (New of the world)

“I could have broken my neck” Then if has a massive picture of the incident and the article slates the all blacks

Next story

WILKINSON back proving all his enemy’s wrong because he made some killer tackles!!! Let’s just forget his kicking was shite because he is god. (Im not joking that’s how it reads more or less got a massive 7-10 lions man of the match)

Until near the end it s says but the lions did play shit anyway.

gypsyjackson
June 29th, 2005, 11:34 AM
Woodward spent all of yesterday calling several press conferences where he, O'Driscoll and Gareth Thomas sat there and bitched and moaned about the incident. One starts to feel that the Lions are trying to distract people from the fact that a) the Lions played like shit and b) the Lions have done similar things on occasion during the tour - Martin Corry doing the occasional one-two step on several people during the test match...
That's almost certainly a result of Alistair Campbell being on tour. He's the master of Straw Man press tactics. I didn't notice Corry stamping in the test. Rucking, certainly, but you shouldn't be on the wrong side of the ball. Grewcock is a twat. If he could control his temper, and improve his line out, he could be world class. Shame, really.


Both Umaga and Mealamu are definitely not dirty players, and this is most likely just a case of aggressive play gone bad. I mean, Umaga did receive an award from the IOC last year for fair play, and Colin Charvis would most likely agree with what Henry said, if given the opportunity.
I've been thinking about that - it's right that Umaga isn't noted for foul play. In the match, though, he also dumped Josh Lewsey. I think he was just fired up. As for the O'Driscoll incident, they were just clearing out. He's hasn't been enough of a threat this tour to make it worthwhile taking him out. Unfortunate, that's all.

The next team is much better, but still no place for Sheridan...or Shaw, even, in O'Kelly's and now Grewcock's absence - Corry is an ok jumper, but I'd prefer a specialist on the bench.

The English press is gash when it comes to Wilkinson. Very frustrating. He is not the player he was 2 years ago, and still needs rehabilitation. I hope he is OK for the next Lions tour, but we'll probably have moved on by then(Terrible, really, that I'm already thinking about 2009!)

Another frustration has been our lock play. Before the tour, I'd have argued that we had much more depth of talent at lock than the Kiwis, but we have really struggled there.

Gyoza - do you play? If you went to school with Rokocoko, I'd imagine your coaches must be a bit good. Also, where do you read Stephen Jones? He writes here for the Sunday Times, and also in Rugby World. Is he big down there (so to speak)?

Gyoza
June 30th, 2005, 5:54 AM
That's almost certainly a result of Alistair Campbell being on tour. He's the master of Straw Man press tactics. I didn't notice Corry stamping in the test. Rucking, certainly, but you shouldn't be on the wrong side of the ball. Grewcock is a twat. If he could control his temper, and improve his line out, he could be world class. Shame, really.


I've been thinking about that - it's right that Umaga isn't noted for foul play. In the match, though, he also dumped Josh Lewsey. I think he was just fired up. As for the O'Driscoll incident, they were just clearing out. He's hasn't been enough of a threat this tour to make it worthwhile taking him out. Unfortunate, that's all.

The next team is much better, but still no place for Sheridan...or Shaw, even, in O'Kelly's and now Grewcock's absence - Corry is an ok jumper, but I'd prefer a specialist on the bench.

The English press is gash when it comes to Wilkinson. Very frustrating. He is not the player he was 2 years ago, and still needs rehabilitation. I hope he is OK for the next Lions tour, but we'll probably have moved on by then(Terrible, really, that I'm already thinking about 2009!)

Another frustration has been our lock play. Before the tour, I'd have argued that we had much more depth of talent at lock than the Kiwis, but we have really struggled there.

Gyoza - do you play? If you went to school with Rokocoko, I'd imagine your coaches must be a bit good. Also, where do you read Stephen Jones? He writes here for the Sunday Times, and also in Rugby World. Is he big down there (so to speak)?
Umaga has finally made statements in regards to the incident, and what he said was that it's a shitty thing to have happened, but hey, let's move on. He also said he'll contact O'Driscoll once the series is over and wants to have a talk with him about it, but right now his team is his priority. As to why he didn't go over to O'Driscoll when he was down? It was very early in the match, and once again, he felt that his team should be a higher priority.

As for the current team, I'm surprised that Sheridan is not selected again. Aside from his brain cramp during the match against the Maori, he's been one of the few players who has actually done a decent job. I can understand why Jenkins has been given the nod ahead of him, since Jenkins offers more around the field than Sheridan, but he should be worth having around on the bench.

I just don't see why they keep giving Wilkinson chance after chance after chance. Yes, he saved the Lions from a humiliating defeat to what was basically a third string Argentinian side, and has done some nice tackles. However, he's only showing his 2000~2003 form in flashes. Jones should have been given the no. 10 jersey.

As for the line-outs, you won't believe what Woodward has been saying now. The Lions line-out was shit, because apparently the All Blacks cheated. When they lose the next match, and thus the series, Woodward will probably talk about how, I dunno, Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Sir Brian Lochore used voodoo magic on key Lions players.

As for Stephen Jones, I occasionally read his columns on the Sunday Times webiste for shits and giggles. He's pretty much seen as a joke down here. After the test match last year against France, I remember he wrote something to the effect of "New Zealand, Australia and South Africa haven't produced any world class forwards." Our reaction was pretty much "Ahaha, what a stupid asshole." I guess in his fantasy world, people like Carl Hayman, Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, George Smith, Phil Waugh, David Lyons, Nathan Sharpe, Daniel Vickerman, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young, John Smit, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Pedrie Wannenburg, Joe van Niekerk and Jacques Cronje don't exist, and Schalk Burger definitely DIDN'T win the IRB Player of the Year award last year. No sir. That never happened, and those people don't exist. And the French were definitely not reduced to asking for uncontested scrums against New Zealand. Nuh-uh.

I did play some rugby at high school as a prop, but I didn't pursue it. Not because I sucked, (I did, but I had no pretentions of ever representing New Zealand anyway), but rather because I lived on the other side of Auckland, and it became a bit of a strain on my school work. In the 1999~2001 seasons, St. Kentigern College was a force to be reckoned with, with future All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino running wild. However, in 2002, all the students in the first XV graduated, except for 1. The coach then moved to a different school, after some conflict with the new headmaster. St. Kentigern College has since been relegated into a second-tier competition. It's quite ignominious, especially when thinking about how strong my school was only a few years ago.

Gyoza
June 30th, 2005, 6:46 AM
There has been a change in the All Blacks starting XV to face the Lions in Wellington.

1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Campbell Johnstone - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. Jono Gibbes - Chiefs/Waikato
19. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Justin Marshall - Crusaders/Canterbury
21. Ma'a Nonu - Hurricanes/Wellington
22. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury

Greg Somerville is a decent replacement for Carl Hayman, and Campbell Johnstone is a very good scrummager who forced his way into the team in the trial match, after spending most of the 2004 NPC and 2005 Super 12 seasons on the bench for Canterbury and the Crusaders, respectively, behind Greg Somerville. I doubt he's very well known among the Northern Hermisphere players. He's not even that well known over here.

Gyoza
June 30th, 2005, 4:55 PM
I found this on the BBC Rugby Union Scrum V message board:


Hi lads, have you all caught up with the latest press release?
Umaga 'out of credit'

All Black Captain Tana Umaga has redeemed himself from a week of controversy by phoning crocked Lions rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll to apologise for the 'spear tackle' that ended his tour, and revealed to O'Driscoll he would have called sooner but his mobile was 'out of credit'.

Umaga said he was 'real sorry' about O'Driscoll's injury, but reminded his opposite that rugby was a contact sport and that accidents happen, and if he didn't like it he shouldn't go trying to get the ball when the All Blacks want it.

O'Driscoll expressed his forgiveness to Umaga, explaining he thought The game was supposed to be played under touch rugby rules. He said it Was 'swell' of Umaga to call.

The apology has started a flood of similar calls between former rugby foes. Rua Tipoki of NZ Maori has revealed his relief at receiving a call from Lion Gordon D'Arcy to apologise for the late spear tackle he executed on the centre during the Lions match against NZ Maori earlier in the month.

A tearful Tipoki said "Bro, it's about bloody time, eh. I've been sat by the phone for weeks waiting for him to call. He could have bloody killed me, the barstard!".

Maori coach Matt Te Pou said he had intended to take a tape of the D'Arcy incident to the press after the Lions v Maori match to protest At the incident, but chose not to "'cos only a real fuckin' whinging loser would do that sort of shit, eh".

Wayne Shelford has confirmed a call from French Rugby Federation officials, apologising for the impromptu removal of his left testicle by the French forward pack in 1989. Johan Le Roux and Sean Fitzpatrick were seen today holding hands in an Auckland park, the pair apparently having made up for their differences from 1994 when Le Roux bit Fitzpatrick's left ear.

Le Roux endorsed the new trend of apologising for every single Physical act in a game of rugby. The former Springbok prop said that bottling up all that guilt over the years had made him feel all bad inside and it was good to get it out and reveal his true feelings for Fitzpatrick, Who he described as his hero.

Danny Grewcock admitted he "had a bit of ringing round to do".

Richard Loe's phone has been engaged all day.

da_man
July 2nd, 2005, 5:40 AM
48-18 to the referee :bigdeal:

Gyoza
July 2nd, 2005, 7:25 AM
48-18 to the referee :bigdeal:
Piss off and stop blaming the referee for the Lions series loss. The Lions were completely outplayed and the All Blacks showed why they are the number 1 ranked team in the world at the moment. The Lions played well, admittedly, it's just that the All Blacks were that much better.



New Zealand 48 - 18 British and Irish Lions
For New Zealand:
Tries by Daniel Carter (2), Tana Umaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Richie McCaw
4 conversions and 5 penalty goals by Carter
For British and Irish Lions:
Tries by Gareth Thomas and Simon Easterby
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Jonny Wilkinson

El Capitano Gatisto
July 2nd, 2005, 12:48 PM
Daniel Carter was fucking amazing. What an incredible athlete. He doesn't look particularly big, but tackles were bouncing off him all over the place, and his pace was incredible. His kicking was impeccable.

Can't argue with that loss, the All Blacks were superior. They are a cheating bunch of bastards, but they're also far too good.

Gyoza
July 2nd, 2005, 4:04 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41258000/jpg/_41258161_carter_pa300.jpg
:heart: :heart: :heart:

Gyoza
July 2nd, 2005, 5:40 PM
Australia 37 - 31 France at Brisbane, Australia
For Australia:
Tries by Morgan Turinui (2), Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor and Jeremy Paul
Conversion and penalty goal by Matt Giteau
Conversion by Mat Rogers
For France:
Tries by Cedric Heymans, Julien Laharrague, Damien Traille and Julien Candelon
4 conversions and penalty goal by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde

Gyoza
July 2nd, 2005, 10:24 PM
Both Carter and Mauger are out of the next test due to injury. It's a bit of a worry, but New Zealand are spoilt in the fly-half and centre positions. I expect Umaga to be fielded in the no. 12 jersey with either Mils Muliaina or Conrad Smith in the no. 13 jersey. If Muliaina plays as an outside centre, then Leon MacDonald will definitely be fileded as a fullback. As for fly-half, we have Nick Evans (Highlanders/Otago), Luke McAlister (Blues/North Harbour) and David Hill (Chiefs/Waikato) to choose from, so I'm not too worried. If someone new gets called up, it will probably be Nick Evans.

Oh and this:

British and Irish Lions squad to face Auckland at Auckland
1. Andy Sheridan - England
2. Gordon Bullock (Captain) - Scotland
3. John Hayes - Ireland
4. Simon Shaw - England
5. Ben Kay - England
6. Jason White - Scotland
7. Martyn Williams - Wales
8. Michael Owen - Wales
9. Matt Dawson - England
10. Charlie Hodgson - England
11. Denis Hickie - Ireland
12. Gordon D'Arcy - Ireland
13. Will Greenwood - England
14. Mark Cueto - England
15. Geordan Murphy - Ireland

16. Andy Titterrell - England
17. Matt Stevens - England
18. Brent Cockbain - Wales
19. Martin Corry - England
20. Chris Cusiter - Scotland
21. Ronan O'Gara - Ireland
22. Shane Horgan - Ireland

viva_la_raza
July 3rd, 2005, 7:34 AM
I think that wales winning the Six Nations has been put into perspective. Many Welsh people were saying that they could now challenge other teams in the world but it is now clear that the Southern Hemisphere is playing rugby in another dimension to the North.

New Zealand played well and deserved the victory. Sure the reff had an off game but still we should not have lost that heavily. I still think it was a bit unlucky that nothing happened with the O'Drisscol thing, and we were unlucky to have Wilkinson go off at the time he did. But there we go.

Pete Cash
July 3rd, 2005, 8:33 AM
Australia 37 - 31 France at Brisbane, Australia
For Australia:
Tries by Morgan Turinui (2), Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor and Jeremy Paul
Conversion and penalty goal by Matt Giteau
Conversion by Mat Rogers
For France:
Tries by Cedric Heymans, Julien Laharrague, Damien Traille and Julien Candelon
4 conversions and penalty goal by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde

I am not the biggest lover of rugby union but that was an exciting game. Although how soft was the defense on Larkhams try.

Hardcore Holly Fan
July 3rd, 2005, 3:06 PM
I think that wales winning the Six Nations has been put into perspective. Many Welsh people were saying that they could now challenge other teams in the world but it is now clear that the Southern Hemisphere is playing rugby in another dimension to the North.

New Zealand played well and deserved the victory. Sure the reff had an off game but still we should not have lost that heavily. I still think it was a bit unlucky that nothing happened with the O'Drisscol thing, and we were unlucky to have Wilkinson go off at the time he did. But there we go.


I can see where you’re coming from but all the best lions players have been Welsh throughout the tour. And when they have to play using outdated tactics from the 2003 they where never going to win. Last time we played New Zealand it was a really close game. It could be argued that New Zealand where playing there youngsters. But our team in only a young side too.

On November 5th I got a feeling its going to be one hell of a game.

Gyoza
July 3rd, 2005, 4:46 PM
I can see where you’re coming from but all the best lions players have been Welsh throughout the tour. And when they have to play using outdated tactics from the 2003 they where never going to win. Last time we played New Zealand it was a really close game. It could be argued that New Zealand where playing there youngsters. But our team in only a young side too.

On November 5th I got a feeling its going to be one hell of a game.
You also have to take into account that some of the Welsh players who were impressive in the Six Nations turned out to be duds in their test debuts. Shane Williams spent most of the test match in Wellington being pushed around by the All Blacks, usually being batted away like he was an insignificant irritation, while Gavin Henson seemed to spend most of the match looking stunned at an oncoming onslaught - aside from one try-saving tackle on Rico Gear. The only times these Welsh boyos have shone is when they played provincial sides that struggle every year like Southland or Manawatu, which is a second-tier union stocked with amateurs and part-timers. Even Wellington, who came second in last year's NPC competition was depleted, losing many key players to New Zealand Juniors and All Blacks duty, save for Ma'a Nonu who hadn't been named in the 22 at Chistchurch.

Gyoza
July 3rd, 2005, 11:25 PM
I found a photo that nicely sums up the test series thus far:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41261000/jpg/_41261327_wilcar_get_270.jpg

Hardcore Holly Fan
July 4th, 2005, 1:26 AM
It looks like Wilko has just woken up from an operation and found he’s in a lions test.

Gyoza
July 4th, 2005, 4:10 PM
It's hard to fault the commitment, guts and effort of Wilkinson. Even if he is injury prone, he's throwing himself in there and doing some nice tackles. However, he's going to have to start thinking about easing up on those big hits and whatnot - basically play like Norm Maxwell.

Maxwell's spine is all messed up after 10 years of first-class rugby, and he is now physically incapable of playing an 80-minute match. He also plays using his brain and only does what he needs to do as a lock, and doesn't try to extend himself too much.

Gyoza
July 6th, 2005, 6:50 AM
Auckland 13 - 17 British and Irish Lions
For Auckland:
Try by Isakeli Nacewa
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Brent Ward
For Lions:
Try by Martyin Williams
Penalty goal by Charlie Hodgson
3 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara

Hardly a convincing win by the mid-week team. Ben Kay is out of the test match, after coming off second best in a punch-up with Auckland inside centre Sam Tuitupou. He joins Ollie Smith, Andrew Sheridan and Charlie Hodgson on the "out of contention" list. Tuitupou has been cited for stamping on Gordon D'Arcy and is now out for six weeks. This is the second time he has faced similar charges, having done something similar to Richie McCaw in the Blues VS Crusaders match during this year's Super 12 competition. Graham Rowntree has also been cited, but he can play in the final test match, provided he gets selected (which he most likely will).


Finally,

All Blacks squad to face British and Irish Lions at Auckland
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
8. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
10. Luke McAlister - Blues/North Harbour
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
13. Conrad Smith - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Campbell Johnstone - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. James Ryan - Highlanders/Otago
19. Marty Holah - Chiefs Waikato
20. Justin Marshall - Crusaders/Canterbury
21. Nick Evans - Highlanders/Otago
22. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland

The changes in the starting XV are forced due to injury, with Leon MacDonald being fielded in the flyhalf position. While he is primarily a fullback, he played flyhalf in his season in Japan, and was the primary goalkicker for Yamaha, so he's not exactly inexperienced in that department. On the bench, James Ryan finally gets his shot against the Lions, taking Jono Gibbes' place on the bench, while Luke McAlister looks to be finally getting his debut test cap for the All Blacks, after missing out on playing during the 2004 end-of-year tour. The pairing of Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga is a reliable combination, at NPC, Super 12 and test level.

Edit: change in line-up after Richie McCaw and Leon MacDonald were both ruled out of the test. Marty Holah is on the bench with So'oialo playing openside and Lauaki taking the No. 8 spot. McAlister will now start as flyhalf, with Evans on the bench.

On the lions side, Jonny Wilkinson and Gavin Henson are both now ruled out of Saturday's test.

Gyoza
July 7th, 2005, 5:36 AM
British and Irish Lions squad to face All Blacks at Auckland

1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales
2. Steve Thompson - England
3. Julian White - England
4. Donncha O'Callaghan - Ireland
5. Paul O'Connel - Ireland
6. Simon Easterby - Ireland
7. Lewis Moody - England
8. Ryan Jones - Wales
9. Dwayne Peel - Wales
10. Stephen Jones - Wales
11. Josh Lewsey - England
12. Gareth Thomas (Captain) - Wales
13. Will Greenwood - England
14. Mark Cueto - England
15. Geordan Murphy - Ireland

16. Shane Byrne - Ireland
17. Graham Rowntree - England
18. Martin Corry - England
19. Martyn Williams - Wales
20. Matt Dawson - England
21. Ronan O'Gara - Ireland
22. Shane Horgan - Ireland


It's an unchanged forward pack and a re-shuffled backline. Dwayne Peel, Josh Lewsey and Gareth Thomas are the only players to be retained among the backs from the last test match. With a weakened All Blacks squad up against them, this should be an interesting contest. I expect the All Blacks to win anyway.

Gyoza
July 8th, 2005, 5:48 AM
So, with the final match to be played tomorrow, try making a top XV of Lions players from this tour.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales) - he truly has been the best Lions loosehead prop in this tour. While Andy Sheridan was the better scrummager, it was Jenkins who was a lot more impressive around the field.

2. Gordon Bulloch (Scotland) - he captained the midweek team to an undefeated tour, and has been an exemplary tourist. Aside from a few wobbly throws at line-out time, he has generally been solid and has done the basics right. Honourable mention goes to Steve Thompson.

3. Julian White (England) - because he sucked less than John Hayes, while Matt Stevens has hardly impressed. If White, Hayes and Stevens are the best tighthead props in Britain and Ireland, then you lot are in a lot of trouble.

4. Simon Shaw (England) - one of the few Lions locks that has actually impressed anyone. Still, he was confined to mid-week clashes. Has had some really good games.

5. Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland) - because he sucked less than Ben Kay and Paul O'Connel, while Brent Cockbain has hardly had a chance to do anything. Is it just that the locks on this tour failed to deliver, or is there a crisis developing in that area post-Martin Johnson?

6. Simon Easterby (Ireland) - very impressive. It's actually a wonder why this man was not among the 44+1 that was initially selected.

7. Lewis Moody (England) - because he was less unimpressive than Neil Back. Back was completely exposed as an ageing has-been trying to keep up with the young'uns. Moody on the other hand was completely outplayed by Richie McCaw in the second test, but still acquitted himself with honour. The form openside in the 6 Nations, Martyn Williams has completely left New Zealanders unimpressed.

8. Ryan Jones (Wales) - See Easterby, Simon. Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Taylor hardly got a chance to impress, while Martin Corry and Michael Owen were underwhelming.

9. Dwayne Peel (Wales) - He has been the form scrumhalf in what is admittedly a very well contested position. Still, more of Chris Cusiter would've been nice.

10. Charlie Hodgson (England) - He has been the surprise of the tour. Restricted to mid-week clashes, he still has impressed people with his creative plays and solid kicking game. Far superior to the out-of-sorts Ronan O'Gara, the blah Stephen Jones and underwhelming Jonny Wilkinson.

11. Shane Williams (Wales) - One of the few wingers that actually impressed people on the tour. Still, he's only selected because there's no one else. Complete non-factor in his one test match, unfortunately.

12. Gavin Henson (Wales) - See Williams, Shane (only replace "winger" with "inside centre"). Gordon D'Arcy was less impressive, while Henson at least had a good go in his mid-week matches.

13. Gareth Thomas (Wales) - Very effective and combative outside centre. A very good replacement for Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll himself has been underwhelming (that's been the theme of the tour), while Greenwood has been pretty much unseen.

14. Mark Cueto (England) - See Easterby, Simon. Jason Robinson has played like shit in his appearance as winger.

15. Josh Lewsey (England) - One of the few impressive players on tour. After a nightmare appearance last year against the All Blacks during England's tour to this part of the world, he has completely redeemed himself in my view. A class player that seized what chances he could to shine. Jason Robinson was a huge disappointment, while Geordan Murphy has hardly registered.

Hardcore Holly Fan
July 8th, 2005, 11:45 AM
There will be a minute's silence before Saturday's third Test between the Lions and New Zealand as a mark of respect for the victims of the London bombings.
"We do not believe it would be the right response to cancel the Test," said Lions tour manager Bill Beaumont.
"At times like this, the relative significance of sport is put into its proper perspective - it is not a matter of life and death.
"But the third Test is an important event to many people."
Beaumont said the Lions players and management had been following the events in London closely but none of the touring party had family or close friends directly affected.
"The British and Irish Lions condemn unreservedly those responsible for the London bombings," added Beaumont.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been killed and injured."
Prince William, who is currently in New Zealand following the tour, expressed his sympathy over the bombings.
And New Zealand coach Graham Henry began his final pre-match press conference with an expression of sympathy for the victims of the bombs.
"We would just like to pass on from the All Blacks our deep sympathies to the people affected by the terrorist attacks in London," he said.
"The game, really, doesn't seem that significant when these sort of things are going on in the world."
New Zealand rugby union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said security may be increased around some venues but that the tour would go on.
"It's a terrible tragedy, we absolutely sympathise with those who were affected but we're not going to bow to terrorism," he said.


I think they have made the right choice with continuing with the tour. I expect to see the Lions wearing black arm bands in memory of the victims of the bombing. I think its going to be a very emotional match and will be nice to see players from all the countries represented (except for Scotland).

gypsyjackson
July 8th, 2005, 4:45 PM
So, with the final match to be played tomorrow, try making a top XV of Lions players from this tour.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales) - he truly has been the best Lions loosehead prop in this tour. While Andy Sheridan was the better scrummager, it was Jenkins who was a lot more impressive around the field.

2. Gordon Bulloch (Scotland) - he captained the midweek team to an undefeated tour, and has been an exemplary tourist. Aside from a few wobbly throws at line-out time, he has generally been solid and has done the basics right. Honourable mention goes to Steve Thompson.

3. Julian White (England) - because he sucked less than John Hayes, while Matt Stevens has hardly impressed. If White, Hayes and Stevens are the best tighthead props in Britain and Ireland, then you lot are in a lot of trouble.

4. Simon Shaw (England) - one of the few Lions locks that has actually impressed anyone. Still, he was confined to mid-week clashes. Has had some really good games.

5. Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland) - because he sucked less than Ben Kay and Paul O'Connel, while Brent Cockbain has hardly had a chance to do anything. Is it just that the locks on this tour failed to deliver, or is there a crisis developing in that area post-Martin Johnson?

6. Simon Easterby (Ireland) - very impressive. It's actually a wonder why this man was not among the 44+1 that was initially selected.

7. Lewis Moody (England) - because he was less unimpressive than Neil Back. Back was completely exposed as an ageing has-been trying to keep up with the young'uns. Moody on the other hand was completely outplayed by Richie McCaw in the second test, but still acquitted himself with honour. The form openside in the 6 Nations, Martyn Williams has completely left New Zealanders unimpressed.

8. Ryan Jones (Wales) - See Easterby, Simon. Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Taylor hardly got a chance to impress, while Martin Corry and Michael Owen were underwhelming.

9. Dwayne Peel (Wales) - He has been the form scrumhalf in what is admittedly a very well contested position. Still, more of Chris Cusiter would've been nice.

10. Charlie Hodgson (England) - He has been the surprise of the tour. Restricted to mid-week clashes, he still has impressed people with his creative plays and solid kicking game. Far superior to the out-of-sorts Ronan O'Gara, the blah Stephen Jones and underwhelming Jonny Wilkinson.

11. Shane Williams (Wales) - One of the few wingers that actually impressed people on the tour. Still, he's only selected because there's no one else. Complete non-factor in his one test match, unfortunately.

12. Gavin Henson (Wales) - See Williams, Shane (only replace "winger" with "inside centre"). Gordon D'Arcy was less impressive, while Henson at least had a good go in his mid-week matches.

13. Gareth Thomas (Wales) - Very effective and combative outside centre. A very good replacement for Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll himself has been underwhelming (that's been the theme of the tour), while Greenwood has been pretty much unseen.

14. Mark Cueto (England) - See Easterby, Simon. Jason Robinson has played like shit in his appearance as winger.

15. Josh Lewsey (England) - One of the few impressive players on tour. After a nightmare appearance last year against the All Blacks during England's tour to this part of the world, he has completely redeemed himself in my view. A class player that seized what chances he could to shine. Jason Robinson was a huge disappointment, while Geordan Murphy has hardly registered.

Apart from 2, where I think Thompson shades it for his work around the field, and 5, where we don't have anyone really - O'callaghan has only had one good game in a mediocre tour, that's pretty much what I'd say.

For the final game, with the series lost, I'd have liked to seen Cusiter and Hodgson as the half back pairing. A shame about Hodgson's injury.

Gyoza
July 8th, 2005, 6:32 PM
Steve Thompson has had more games where he was mediocre than he has had where he was impressive though. And Bulloch deserves recognition for leading the midweek team to an undefeated tour. As for the locks, O'Callaghan's 1 impressive game is a lot more than what the others have provided.

Gyoza
July 8th, 2005, 11:42 PM
Springboks squad to face Wallabies at Sydney
1. Os du Randt
2. John Smit (Captain)
3. Lawrence Sephaka
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Danie Rossouw
8. Jacques Cronje
9. Enrico Januarie
10. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
11. Bryan Habana
12. De Wet Barry
13. Marius Joubert
14. Jean de Villiers
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Joe van Niekerk
20. Fourie du Preez
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Brent Russell

Wallabies squad to face Springboks at Sydney
1. Bill Young
2. Jeremy Paul
3. Al Baxter
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. David Lyons
9. George Gregan (Captain)
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Matt Giteau
13. Morgan Turinui
14. Wendell Sailor
15. Mat Rogers

16. Stephen Moore
17. Matt Dunning
18. John Roe
19. Phil Waugh
20. Chris Whitaker
21. Mark Gerrard
22. Drew Mitchell

Gyoza
July 9th, 2005, 7:24 AM
New Zealand All Blacks 38 - 19 British and Irish Lions at Auckland
For New Zealand:
Tries by Tana Umaga (2), Conrad Smith, Ali Williams and Rico Gear
5 conversions and penalty goal by Luke McAlister
For British and Irish Lions:
Try by Lewis Moody
Conversion and 4 penalty goals by Stephen Jones


Note: it's not worth reading too much into the penalty count against the All Blacks. The referee, Jonathan Kaplan and the touch judges had an absolute shocker, with a series of dubious and downright ridiculous calls.


The All Blacks have now completed a 3-0 whitewash agains the Lions and have set the benchmark for themselves. Hopefully they can maintain this momentum and take the Tri-Nations, and then a successful Grand Slam tour later this year.

Gyoza
July 9th, 2005, 5:04 PM
Australia 30 - 12 South Africa at Sydney, Australia
For Australia:
Tries by Matt Giteau (2), Stephen Larkham, Mat Rogers and Drew Mitchell
Conversion and penalty goal by Giteau
For South Africa:
4 penalty goals by Percy Montgomery



Is Matt Giteau's kicking really shit right now, or what?

Gyoza
July 10th, 2005, 6:04 AM
All Blacks Squad for the 2005 Tri-Nations Cup Tournament

Forwards
John Afoa - Tighthead Prop, Blues/Auckland
Jerry Collins - Blindside Flanker/No. 8, Hurricanes/Wellington
Carl Hayman - Tighthead Prop, Highlanders/Otago
Marty Holah - Openside Flanker, Chiefs/Waikato
Chris Jack - Lock, Crusaders/Canterbury
Sione Lauaki - Blindside Flanker/No.8, Chiefs/Waikato
Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Openside Flanker, Crusaders/Canterbury
Keven Mealamu - Hooker, Blues/Auckland
James Ryan - Lock, Highlanders/Otago
Greg Somerville - Prop, Crusaders/Canterbury
Rodney So’oialo - No.8, Hurricanes/Wellington
Ali Williams - Lock, Blues/Auckland
Derren Witcombe - Hooker, Blues/Auckland
Tony Woodcock - Loosehead Prop, Blues/North Harbour

Backs
Dan Carter - Flyhalf/Inside Centre, Crusaders/Canterbury
Rico Gear - Winger/Outside Centre, Crusaders/Nelson Bays
Byron Kelleher - Scrumhalf, Chiefs/Waikato
Luke McAlister - Flyhalf/Inside Centre, Blues/North Harbour
Leon MacDonald - Fullback/Flyhalf, Crusaders/Canterbury
Aaron Mauger - Inside Centre/Flyhalf, Crusaders/Canterbury
Malili Muliaina - Fullback/Outside Centre/Winger, Blues/Auckland
Joe Rokocoko - Winger, Blues/Auckland
Sitiveni Sivivatu - Winger, Chiefs/Waikato
Conrad Smith - Outside Centre, Hurricanes/Wellington
Tana Umaga (Captain) - Centre, Hurricanes/Wellington
Piri Weepu - Scrumhalf, Hurricanes/Wellington

The new cap here is John Afoa, a powerful prop to emerge from the champion 2001 St. Kentigern College First XV (which included Joe Rokocoko). His selection ahead of Campbell Johnstone who was utilised in the Lions series is a move by the coaching regime to increase the depth of the talent pool in New Zealand.

While Kelleher most likely moves up to the position of primary scrumhalf (which was previously occupied by Justin Marshall), it is apparent they selectors are looking at Piri Weepu to be the man to sit on the bench.

Gyoza
July 23rd, 2005, 9:31 PM
South Africa 33 - 20 Australia at Johannesburg, South Africa
For South Africa:
Tries by Jean de Villiers, Andre Pretorius and Jaque Fourie
3 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Percy Montgomery
For Australia:
Tries by David Lyons, Stirling Mortlock and Jeremy Paul
Conversion by Mortlock
Penalty goal by Matt Giteau


South Africa never looked like they were in trouble, and the tries by Mortlock and Paul were merely consolation tries at the last minutes.



Tri-Nations Fixture List
Saturday, 30th July:
South Africa VS Australia - Pretoria

Saturday, 6th August:
South Africa VS New Zealand - Cape Town

Saturday, 13th August:
Australia VS New Zealand - Sydney

Saturday, 20th August:
Australia VS South Africa - Perth

Saturday, 27th August:
New Zealand VS South Africa - Dunedin

Saturday, 3rd September:
New Zealand VS Australia - Auckland

Gyoza
July 27th, 2005, 2:57 PM
Tri-Nations Match 1:
South Africa VS Australia at Pretoria, South Africa

Line-ups
South Africa
1. Gurthro Steenkamp
2. John Smit (C)
3. CJ van der Linde
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Joe van Niekerk
7. Juan Smith
8. Jacques Cronje
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Andre Pretorius
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Breyton Paulse
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Gary Botha
17. Lawrence Sephaka
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Schalk Burger
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Wayne Julies
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen


Australia
1. Bill Young
2. Jeremy Paul
3. Matt Dunning
4. Daniel Vickerman
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. John Roe
7. George Smith
8. David Lyons
9. George Gregan (C)
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Matt Giteau
13. Morgan Turinui
14. Wendell Sailor
15. Chris Latham

16. Stephen Moore
17. Al Baxter
18. Mark Chisholm
19. Phil Waugh
20. Chris Whitaker
21. Stirling Mortlock
22. Drew Mitchell

Gyoza
July 30th, 2005, 3:07 PM
South Africa 22 - 16 Australia
For the Springboks:
Try by Breyton Paulse
Conversion, 3 penalty goals and dropped goal by Percy Montgomery
Dropped goal by Andre Pretorious
For the Wallabies:
Try by George Smith
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Matt Giteau


At least the Wallabies can leave with 1 bonus point. However, it's a bad start for them, having squandered a 13-6 lead at half-time.

Next Week, it's the ABs VS the Boks.

Gyoza
August 4th, 2005, 5:47 AM
Springboks Squad to face All Blacks at Cape Town
1. Os du Randt
2. John Smit (Captain)
3. CJ van der Linde
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Joe van Niekerk
9. Ricky Januarie
10. Andre Pretorius
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Breyton Paulse
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. Gurthro Steenkamp
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Jacques Cronje
20. Fourie du Preez
21. Wayne Julies
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen

All Blacks squad to face Springboks at Cape Town
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Carl Hayman
4. Chris Jack
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerry Collins
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain)
8. Rodney So'oialo
9. Byron Kelleher
10. Daniel Carter
11. Malili Muliaina
12. Aaron Mauger
13. Tana Umaga (Captain)
14. Rico Gear
15. Leon MacDonald

16. Derren Witcombe
17. Greg Somerville
18. James Ryan
19. Marty Holah
20. Piri Weepu
21. Luke McAlister
22. Joe Rokocoko

Gyoza
August 7th, 2005, 5:36 AM
South Africa 22 - 16 New Zealand at Cape Town, South Africa
For South Africa:
Try by Jean de Villiers
Conversion and 4 penalty goals by Percy Montgomery
Dropped goal by Andre Pretorius
For New Zealand:
Try by Rico Gear
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Daniel Carter


Carter was decidedly average, while McCaw seemed very subdued. Overall, it was a very underwhelming performance by the ABs, and they are capable of much, much better.

The South African defense was absolutely brilliant, but on attack they seemed to lack imagination and was very one-dimensional, particularly Pretorius, who went for a dropped goal every time he got the ball within range of the AB goal posts.

The All Blacks at least don't leave empty handed, as they take a bonus point.

Gyoza
August 10th, 2005, 5:17 AM
All Blacks and Wallabies squads to play at Sydney on Saturday (Home team first)

Australia
1. Bill Young - ACT Brumbies
2. Jeremy Paul - ACT Brumbies
3. Al Baxter - NSW Waratahs
4. Daniel Vickerman - NSW Waratahs
5. Nathan Sharpe (Vice-Captain) - Queensland Reds
6. John Roe - Queensland Reds
7. George Smith - ACT Brumbies
8. David Lyons - NSW Waratahs
9. George Gregan (Captain) - ACT Brumbies
10. Matt Giteau - ACT Brumbies
11. Lote Tuqiri - NSW Waratahs
12. Morgan Turinui - NSW Waratahs
13. Stirling Mortlock - ACT Brumbies
14. Mark Gerrard - ACT Brumbies
15. Drew Mitchell - Queensland Reds

16. Brendan Cannon - NSW Waratahs
17. Matt Dunning - NSW Waratahs
18. Mark Chisholm - ACT Brumbies
19. Phil Waugh - NSW Waratahs
20. Chris Whitaker - NSW Waratahs
21. Elton Flatley - Queensland Reds
22. Clyde Rathbone - ACT Brumbies


New Zealand
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Piri Weepu - Hurricanes/Wellington
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Joe Rokocoko - Blues/Auckland
12. Aaron Mauger - Cruaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain)/Conrad Smith - Hurricanes/Wellington (both)
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. James Ryan - Highlanders/Otago
19. Marty Holah - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Kevin Senio - Chiefs/Bay of Plenty
21. Luke McAlister - Blues/North Harbour
22. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury


Since it is unknown whether Umaga will be able to play or not, he has been bracketed with Conrad Smith. If he can't play, the captaincy will go to Richie McCaw, with Aaron Mauger most likely becoming his deputy.


Further, the sacked Natal Sharks coach, Kevin Putt (who is now the coach of the Counties Manukau NPC side) has claimed that Victor Matfield places a metal plate under all that taping on his arm.

Gyoza
August 14th, 2005, 2:42 PM
Australia 13 - 30 New Zealand at Sydney, Australia
For Australia:
Try by Drew Mitchell
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Matt Giteau
For New Zealand:
Tries by Piri Weepu, Richie McCaw and Joe Rokocoko
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Daniel Carter
Conversion by Luke McAlister


Daniel Carter leaves the match injured, but there will be a 2 week rest period between this match and the All Blacks VS Springboks match at Carisbrook. Australia must now contend with the possibility of losing Matt Giteau, Morgan Turinui and Jeremy Paul for the next match. Giteau and Paul had to leave the field before the end of the first half due to injury, while Turinui is most likely suffering a concussion.

mj the kid
August 14th, 2005, 11:18 PM
Injuries ripped us apart before and during the game.

:nono:

Gyoza
August 15th, 2005, 4:26 AM
Dan Carter broke his leg, unfortunately. The silver lining is that he is expected to recover sometime between 6 to 12 weeks. But then, that's what was said about Anton Oliver.

Luke McAlister, Leon MacDonald and Aaron Mauger are expected to step into the no. 10 jersey. McAlister had a fine game against the Lions in Auckland, MacDonald was decent as the flyhalf for Yamaha in Japan and Mauger was OK in the no. 10 jersey against the Baabaas last year.



I wonder who will replace the injuered Wallabies for this week's game. Adam Freier will likely be one of them.

Despite the three losses in a row for the Aussies, it's never smart to write them off. They are A) on home turf and more importantly, B) they seem to step up when their backs are up against a wall. I believe Bob Dwyer called it the "rat up the drainpipe" theory - the Wallabies will not perform until the rat is well and truly causing havoc in the waterworks - and if they are going to perform, it had better be pretty damn soon.

Gyoza
August 17th, 2005, 5:20 AM
Wallabies to face Springboks at Perth
1. Bill Young
2. Brendan Cannon
3. Al Baxter
4. Daniel Vickerman
5. Nathan Sharpe (VC)
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Phil Waugh
8. David Lyons
9. George Gregan (C)
10. Matt Giteau
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Morgan Turinui
13. Clyde Rathbone
14. Mat Rogers
15. Drew Mitchell

16. Stephen Moore
17. Matt Dunning
18. Mark Chisholm
19. George Smith
20. John Roe
21. Chris Whitaker
22. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Springboks Starting Line-up
1. Os du Randt
2. John Smit (C)
3. CJ van der Linde
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Joe van Niekerk
9. Enrico Januarie
10. Andre Pretorious
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Breyton Paulse
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. Gurthro Steenkamp
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Jacques Cronje
20. Fourie du Preez
21. Wayne Julies
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen


This is the first unchanged Springbok 22 since the 1999 World Cup. While Gerrard has been named at right wing, don't expect him to play, since he hasn't recovered from injuries sustained during the Bledisloe Cup test at Sydney. In fact, Flatley, Giteau and Turinui were also at one point in doubt for this game. On the other hand, this Wallabies squad is now up against a wall and have no more room to manouevre, and history has shown that Australia is at their most lethal in those circumstances. Basically, write them off at your own peril. It's also the test that will most likely determine Eddie Jones' future with the team.

Edit: In fact, Mark Gerrard has been dropped, with Rogers slotting in at right wing. Adam Ashley-Cooper of the ACT Brumbies has got the call-up and is on the bench.

Edit 2: Now Elton Flatley has been dropped due to blurred vision, meaning John Roe is promoted to the bench at no. 20 - meaning the Wallabies have 5 forwards and 2 backs on the bench. Rathbone comes in at 13. Personally, I would've moved Rogers to 13 and Rathbone to 14, but hey.

deadbeater
August 17th, 2005, 7:28 PM
Ah yes, Rokocoko is back, NZ has a golden chance for the Tri-Naitions, and all is right in the world.

Almost right that is; it is hard to replace Carter's golden foot, which should belong in the American NFL.

Meanwhile, I am concerned that the Boks may not be as energetic on foreign pitches as they are in front of Nelson Mandela. They might finish off the crippled Wallabies, but their brillant defense might be lost with the luggage in Wellington.

Gyoza
August 20th, 2005, 5:52 AM
Leon MacDonald was somewhat decent as the 1st 5 for Canterbury today against Bay of Plenty. Luke McAlister had a mixed bag for North Harbour against Wellington. He missed a few tackles, but once he got going in the second half, he was quite good. McAlister should have the inside running though, since he has experience at the test level in the no. 10 jersey.

Gyoza
August 20th, 2005, 2:53 PM
Wallabies 19 - 22 Springboks
For Australia:
Try by Clyde Rathbone
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Mat Rogers
Penalty goal by Matt Giteau
For South Africa:
2 tries by Bryan Habana
3 penalty goals by dropped goal by Percy Montgomery



Well, the Wallabies have no chance of winning the Tri-Nations at all. On the other hand, the Boks failed at getting a bonus point, which means the All Blacks still have a shot. The ABs MUST win at Dunedin against South Africa and at Auckland against the Wallabies.

Gyoza
August 23rd, 2005, 1:56 AM
All Blacks squad to face South Africa in Dunedin, this weekend.
Number. Name - Super 12 side/NPC side
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Piri Weepu - Hurricanes/Wellington
10. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Joe Rokocoko - Blues/Auckland
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. James Ryan - Highlanders/Otago
19. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Kevin Senio - Chiefs/Bay of Plenty
21. Luke McAlister - Blues/North Harbour
22. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland


It's a mostly unchanged 22, aside from 2 - one forced (MacDonald for Carter) and one unforced (Lauaki for Holah). After having taken part in the NPC games last weekend, the forward pack shouldn't be as rusty as they were in Cape Town. They also have several factors working for them, such as the fact that they got a 2 week break from test rugby (but not provincial rugby), while the Boks have had to travel from Cape Town to Perth and then to Dunedin, which should take a bit out of a side that doesn't travel well anyway. This is a must win game for both sides, as the Boks can wrap up the series with a win, or even a bonus point. Interestingly, John Afoa once again fails to make the 22, which means he will either A) remain unused in the series or B) make his debut at Eden Park against Austrailia. Further, while Marty Holah is an excellent ball winner, it's clear to see that the selectors have gone for the bulk and sheer impact of Lauaki, who could potentially win them the game.

Gyoza
August 24th, 2005, 5:23 AM
Springboks starting line-up to face All Blacks at Dunedin this weekend.

1. Os du Randt
2. John Smit (Captain)
3. CJ van der Linde
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Joe van Niekerk
9. Enrico Januarie
10. Andre Pretorious
11. Bryan Habana
12. De Wet Barry
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Jean de Villiers
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. Eddie Andrews
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Jacques Cronje
20. Fourie du Preez
21. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
22. Marius Joubert

Only change in the starting XV is de Villiers moving to 14, with Barry coming into 12 - a forced change due to Breyton Paulse getting suspended. Elsewhere, Joubert makes the bench for the first time in the Tri-Nations. It's quite a fall for the man who became the first person to score a hattrick of tries agains the All Blacks in over a decade last year.

28-Man Australia Squad to come to Auckland
Forwards:
Al Baxter - Prop, NSW Waratahs
Brendan Cannon - Hooker, Western Force
Mark Chisholm - Lock, ACT Brumbies
Matt Dunning - Prop, NSW Waratahs
Rocky Elsom - Flanker, NSW Waratahs
Scott Fava - No. 8, Western Force
*David Fitter - Prop, ACT Brumbies
*Alex Kanaar - Lock, NSW Waratahs
Stephen Moore - Hooker, Queensland Reds
John Roe - No. 8, Queensland Reds
Nathan Sharpe (Vice-Captain) - Lock, Western Force
George Smith - Flanker, ACT Brumbies
Phil Waugh - Flanker, NSW Waratahs
Bill Young - Prop, ACT Brumbies

Backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper - Utility Back, ACT Brumbies
Elton Flatley - Flyhalf, Queensland Reds
Mark Gerrard - Fullback, ACT Brumbies
Matt Giteau - Flyhalf, ACT Brumbies
George Gregan (Captain) - Scrumhalf, ACT Brumbies
Matt Henjak - Scrumhalf, Western Force
*Lloyd Johansson - Centre, Queensland Reds
*Lachlan MacKay - Flyhalf, Western Force
Drew Mitchell - Utility Back, Queensland Reds
Clyde Rathbone - Winger, ACT Brumbies
Mat Rogers - Fullback, NSW Waratahs
Lote Tuqiri - Winger, NSW Waratahs
Morgan Turinui - Centre, NSW Waratahs
Chris Whitaker - Scrumhalf, NSW Waratahs

* indicates uncapped player

deadbeater
August 24th, 2005, 10:57 PM
So how does an away team get a bonus point? Keeping the margin 7 or less?

Gyoza
August 25th, 2005, 4:46 AM
Either score 4 or more tries or lose within 7 points.

Gyoza
August 27th, 2005, 7:17 AM
New Zealand 31 - 27 South Africa
For All Blacks:
Tries by Joe Rokocoko (2), Leon MacDonald and Keven Mealamu
3 conversions and penalty goal by MacDonald
Conversion by Luke McAlister
For Springboks:
Tries by Bryan Habana, Enrico Januarie and Jaque Fourie
3 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Percy Montgomery


Hot diggity goddamn, THAT's a motherfucking test match.

Current Tri-Nations Standings
1. South Africa - 3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss - 1 bonus point - 13 points
2. New Zealand - 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss - 2 bonus points - 10 points
3. Australia - 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses - 2 bonus points - 2 points

New Zealand have also defended their world number 1 ranking by winning this game. A victory in Auckland against Australia will give them the Tri-Nations. For the Springboks, they have an anxious week to look forward to, as the All Blacks prepare to take on a Wallabies side ravaged by injuries and players out of form at Eden Park, where they haven't lost since 1994.

P.S. The new Haka will take some time to get used to, but all in all, it's not too bad.

deadbeater
August 27th, 2005, 4:54 PM
This is going to be fun viewing this great game on Fox Soccer Channel (now why do they call it that when they had a perfect name before in Fox Sports World?).

I have to believe the NZ coaches are kicking themselves for leaving 'Coko out of the first game. I know that his cousin Sivivatu was great on defense, and Rico is Rico, but still...

So how does this work out? If NZ wins next Saturday, they are co-champs? Or how are tiebreaks otherwise decided?

Gyoza
August 27th, 2005, 11:19 PM
Since the All Blacks got that vital bonus point, a win regardless of whether there is a bonus point will make them Tri-Nations champions. It goes like this:
a win = 4 points
a draw = 2 points
a loss = 0 points
Bonus points are awarded when a) a team scores 4 or more tries or b) loses with a margin of 7 points or less. A win against the Wallabies will give the All Blacks a total of 14 points, 1 point ahead of South Africa, and therefore their sixth Tri-Nations title.

Gyoza
August 29th, 2005, 9:46 PM
All Blacks squad to face Australia at Auckland
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Piri Weepu - Hurricanes/Wellington
10. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Joe Rokocoko - Blues/Auckland
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Derren Witcombe - Blues/Auckland
17. Greg Somerville - Crusaders/Canterbury
18. James Ryan - Highlanders/Otago
19. Marty Holah - Chiefs/Waikato
20. Kevin Senio - Chiefs/Bay of Plenty
21. Luke McAlister - Blues/North Harbour
22. Conrad Smith - Hurricanes/Wellington

Barely any changes from the starting XV that beat the Sprinboks last weekend. Gear, who has failed to impress so far is dropped in favour of Doug Howlett, while predictable, Sione Lauaki comes in at blindside flanker to replace Jerry Collins, who was banned for punching Jaco van der Westhuyzen of the Springboks. On the bench, since Howlett is in the starting 15, Conrad Smith is brought into the 22, while Holah returns to the squad. This will be Smith's first game for the All Blacks since the third test against the British and Irish Lions earlier this year. John Afoa and Jerome Kaino, who were both broght into the squad miss out on playing.

Gyoza
August 31st, 2005, 4:35 AM
Wallabies squad to face All Blacks at Eden Park
1. Bill Young - ACT Brumbies
2. Brendan Cannon - Western Force
3. Al Baxter - NSW Waratahs
4. Mark Chisholm - ACT Brumbies
5. Nathan Sharpe (Vice-Captain) - Western Force
6. Rocky Elsom - NSW Waratahs
7. Phil Waugh - NSW Waratahs
8. George Smith - ACE Brumbies
9. George Gregan (Captain) - ACT Brumbies
10. Mat Rogers - NSW Waratahs
11. Lote Tuqiri - NSW Waratahs
12. Morgan Turinui - NSW Waratahs
13. Clyde Rathbone - ACT Brumbies
14. Mark Gerrard - ACT Brumbies
15. Drew Mitchell - Queensland Reds

16. Adam Freier - NSW Waratahs
17. Matt Dunning - NSW Waratahs
18. Alex Kanaar - NSW Waratahs
19. John Roe - Queensland Reds
20. Chris Whitaker - NSW Waratahs
21. Lacklan MacKay - NSW Waratahs
22. Lloyd Johansson - Queensland Reds

deadbeater
August 31st, 2005, 11:18 PM
Wait wait. How is it that the Blues of Aukland get 4 guys plus Rokocoko in the national squad, while 'Coko allegedly performed so poorly in the Super 12, partly because the Blues passing was so underwhelming they couldn't even hand the ball to him without causing knock-ons?

Man, the All-Black coaches are strict. One mediocre game and you're out, as Rico learned.

Gyoza
September 3rd, 2005, 7:13 AM
All Blacks 34 - 24 Wallabies at Auckland
For New Zealand:
Tries by Doug Howlett (3) and Richie McCaw
Conversion and penalty goal by Leon MacDonald
3 penalty goals by Luke McAlister
For Australia:
Tries by Mark Chisholm, Mark Gerrard, Lote Tuqiri and Lloyd Johansson
2 conversions by Mat Rogers

First test caps awarded to Kevin Senio (New Zealand), Lloyd Johansson, Lachlan MacKay and Alex Kanaar (all Australia)

Final Tr-Nations standings
1. New Zealand - 3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss - 3 bonus points - 15 points
2. South Africa - 3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss - 1 bonus point - 13 points
3. Australia - 0 wins, 0 draws, 4 losses - 3 bonus points - 3 points

New Zealand retains the Bledisloe Cup in emphatic fashion and are Tri-Nations Champions for the 6th time in 10 years (96, 97, 99, 02, 03, 05).

Congratulations to Tana Umaga and his troops for a hard-fought victory against a Wallabies side that never gave up until the last second.

Gyoza
September 28th, 2005, 5:58 AM
England squad for Autumn Internationals
Name (club) - position

Forwards:
*Perry Freshwater (Peripignan) - Prop
Andy Sheridan (Sale Sharks) - Prop
Matt Stevens (Bath) - Prop
Phil Vickery (Gloucester) - Prop
*Lee Mears (Bath) - Hooker
Steve Thompson (Northampton) - Hooker
*Alex Brown (Gloucester) - Lock
Danny Grewcock (Bath) - Lock
Tom Palmer (Leeds Tykes) - Lock
Simon Shaw (London Wasps) - Lock
Chris Jones (Sale Sharks) - Flanker/Lock
Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers) - Flanker
Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors) - Flanker
Joe Worsley (London Wasps) - Flanker
James Forrester (Gloucester) - No. 8/Flanker
Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers, Captain) - No. 8/Flanker

Backs:
Matt Dawson (London Wasps) - Scrumhalf
Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) - Scrumhalf
*Peter Richards (Gloucester) - Scrumhalf
Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks) - Flyhalf
Andy Goode (Leicester Tigers) - Flyhalf
Stuart Abbott (London Wasps) - Centre
Mike Tindall (Gloucester) - Centre
Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons) - Centre
Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers) - Centre
James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester) - Winger
Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) - Winger
Josh Lewsey (London Wasps) - Winger/Fullback
Iain Balshaw (Leeds Tykes) - Fullback
*Mark van Gisbergen (London Wasps) - Fullback


* indicates uncapped player


Of this, the First XV I expect is:
1. Sheridan
2. Thompson
3. Vickery
4. Shaw
5. Grewcock
6. Worsley
7. Moody
8. Corry (C)
9. Dawson
10. Hodgson
11. Lewsey
12. Tindall
13. Abbott
14. Cueto
15. van Gisbergen

Gyoza
October 12th, 2005, 5:49 AM
Wallabies Squad for the end-of-year tour

Al Baxter - Prop, NSW Waratahs
Matt Dunning - Prop, NSW Waratahs
*David Fitter - Prop, ACT Brumbies
*Greg Holmes - Prop, Queensland Reds
Brendan Cannon - Hooker, Western Force
Adam Freier - Hooker, NSW Waratahs
*Tatafu Polota-Nau - Hooker, NSW Waratahs
Mark Chisholm - Lock, ACT Brumbies
Hugh McMeniman - Lock, Queensland Reds
Nathan Sharpe - Vice Captain, Lock, Western Force
*Adam Wallace-Harrison - Lock, ACT Brumbies
Rocky Elsom - Flanker, NSW Waratahs
George Smith - Flanker, ACT Brumbies
Phil Waugh - Flanker, NSW Waratahs
*Scott Fava - No. 8, ACT Brumbies
*Leroy Houston - No. 8/Flanker, NSW Waratahs
John Roe - No. 8/Flanker, Queensland Reds
George Gregan - Captain, Scrumhalf, ACT Brumbies
Matt Henjak - Scrumhalf, Western Force
Chris Whitaker - Scrumhalf, NSW Waratahs
Matt Giteau - Flyhalf/Inside Centre, ACT Brumbies
*Digby Ioane - Centre, Western Force
Lloyd Johansson - Centre, Queensland Reds
Morgan Turinui - Centre, NSW Waratahs
Wendell Sailor - Winger, NSW Waratahs
*Cameron Shepherd - Winger, Western Force
Lote Tuqiri - Winger, NSW Waratahs
Mark Gerrard - Fullback/Winger, ACT Brumbies
Chris Latham - Fullback, Queensland Reds
Drew Mitchell - Fullback/Winger/Centre, Queensland Reds
Mat Rogers - Fullback/Winger/Centre/Flyhalf, NSW Waratahs

* indicates uncapped player

Gyoza
October 22nd, 2005, 6:30 PM
All Blacks squad for Tour of United Kingdom and Ireland
Forwards
Andrew Hore (Hurricanes/Taranaki) - Hooker
Keven Mealamu (Blues/Auckland) - Hooker
Anton Oliver (Highlanders/Otago) - Hooker
*John Afoa (Blues/Auckland) - Prop
Carl Hayman (Highlanders/Otago) - Prop
Saimone Taumoepeau (Blues/Auckland) - Prop
*Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Prop
Tony Woodcock (Blues/North Harbour) - Prop
*Jason Eaton (Taranaki) - Lock
Ali Williams (Blues/Auckland) - Lock
Chris Jack (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Lock
James Ryan (Highlanders/Otago) - Lock
*Angus MacDonald (Blues/Auckland) - Loose Forward/Lock
Jerry Collins (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Flanker
Sione Lauaki (Chiefs/Waikato) - Flanker/No. 8
*Chris Masoe (Hurricanes/Taranaki) - Flanker
Richie McCaw (Crusaders/Canterbury, Vice-Captain) - Flanker
Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes/Wellington) - No. 8
Mose Tuiali'i (Crusaders/Canterbury) - No. 8

Backs
Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders/Southland) - Scrumhalf
Byron Kelleher (Chiefs/Waikato) - Scrumhalf
Piri Weepu (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Scrumhalf
Daniel Carter (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Flyhalf
Nick Evans (Highlanders/Otago) - Flyhalf/Fullback
Aaron Mauger (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Inside Centre
Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes/Wellington) - Centre/Winger
Conrad Smith (Wellington) - Outside Centre
Tana Umaga (Hurricanes/Wellington, Captain) - Centre
Rico Gear (Crusaders/Nelson Bays) - Winger/Centre
Doug Howlett (Blues/Auckland) - Winger/Fullback
Joe Rokocoko (Blues/Auckland) - Winger
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs/Waikato) - Winger
Leon MacDonald (Crusaders/Canterbury) - Fullback/Flyhalf
Mils Muliaina (Blues/Auckland) - Fullback/Centre/Winger
*Isaia Toeava (Auckland) - Utility Back

* indicates uncapped player (NB: John Afoa was named in a previous squad, but was never fielded)

The usual suspects are there, but the ommission of Kevin Senio is a bit startling, considering how highly Graham Henry regards him. Isaia Toeava is the biggest surprise here, and I'm pretty sure no one saw his selection coming.

Edit: Luke McAlister has been ruled out of the tour due to a knee injury he suffered in the NPC semi-final against Auckland. Nick Evans has been added to the squad as cover.
Greg Somerville has also been ruled out due to injury sustained in a game with Auckland in the NPC round robin. He has been replaced by Saimone Taumoepeau.

Gyoza
October 22nd, 2005, 6:55 PM
Springboks squad to Argentina, Wales and France

Forwards
Gary Botha (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Hooker
Hanyani Shimange (Stormers/Investec WP) - Hooker
John Smit (Sharks/Natal Sharks, Captain) - Hooker
Eddie Andrews (Stormers/Investec WP) - Prop
Os du Randt (Cats/Vodacom Cheetahs) - Prop
CJ van der Linde (Cats/Vodacom Cheetahs) - Prop
Lawrence Sephaka (Cats/Lions) - Prop
Bakkies Botha (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Lock
Victor Matfield (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Lock
Albert van den Berg (Sharks/Natal Sharks) - Lock
Schalk Burger (Stormers/Investec WP) - Flanker
Solozomi Tyibilika (Sharks/Natal Sharks) - Flanker
Danie Rossouw (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Flanker
Pedrie Wannenburg (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Flanker
Jacques Cronje (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - No. 8/Flanker
Juan Smith (Cats/Vodacom Cheetahs) - No. 8/Flanker

Backs
Michael Claassens (Cats/Vodacom Cheetahs) - Scrumhalf
Bolla Conradie (Stormers/Investec WP) - Scrumhalf
Fourie du Preez (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Scrumhalf
Andre Pretorius (Cats/Lions) - Flyhalf
De Wet Barry (Stormers/Investec WP) - Inside Centre
Jean de Villiers (Stormers/Investec WP) - Centre/Winger
Jaque Fourie (Cats/Lions) - Centre/Winger
Wayne Julies(Cats/Natal Sharks) - Centre
Tonderai Chavhanga (Stormers/Investec WP) - Winger
Bryan Habana (Bulls/Vodacom Blue Bulls) - Winger/Centre
Conrad Jantjies (Cats/Lions) - Fullback
Percy Montgomery (Natal Sharks) - Fullback

Hardcore Holly Fan
October 25th, 2005, 1:58 PM
Welsh squad named for Autumn Internationals

Backs:

L Byrne (Llanelli Scarlets)*
G Thomas (Toulouse, capt),
K Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
C Czekaj (Cardiff Blues)
S Williams (Ospreys)
M Taylor (Sale Sharks)
S Parker (Ospreys)
M Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets)
C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons)
S Jones (Clermont Auvergne)
N Robinson (Cardiff Blues)
D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets)
G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons)
M Phillips (Cardiff Blues)

Forwards:

D Jones (Ospreys)
J Yapp (Cardiff Blues)
A Jones (Ospreys)
R Thomas (Cardiff Blues)
M Davies (Gloucester)
H Bennett (Ospreys)
B Cockbain (Ospreys)
I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons)
R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues)
L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons)
C Charvis (Newcastle)
J Thomas (Ospreys)
M Williams (Cardiff Blues)
R Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues)
M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons, vice-capt)
A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets)

* indicates uncapped player

Ceri Sweeney and Steven Jones unlikely for first match against New Zealand due to injuries. Also Gavin Henson, Tom Shanklin, Gethin Jenkins, Ryan Jones and Dafydd Joneswill miss the whole tour doe to injury.

Gyoza
October 25th, 2005, 2:47 PM
Ryan Jones and Gethin Jenkins getting injured is quite a shame, really. I was looking forward to seeing them play against the All Blacks again, particularly Jones.

Gyoza
October 25th, 2005, 3:44 PM
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/10/24/wallabiesjersey_rugbyheaven__350x244.jpg

Here's the new Wallabies jersey, modelled by new Wallaby, Cameron Shepherd (that's Trevor Allan in the back, wearing the 1949 jersey). Ugh, Canterbury, what the fuck are you lot doing?

Gyoza
October 26th, 2005, 9:27 PM
Revised England squad after injuries and bans

Forwards:
*Perry Freshwater (Peripignan) - Prop
Andy Sheridan (Sale Sharks) - Prop
Matt Stevens (Bath) - Prop
Phil Vickery (Gloucester) - Prop
*Lee Mears (Bath) - Hooker
Steve Thompson (Northampton) - Hooker
Steve Borthwick (Bath) - Lock
*Louis Deacon (Leicester) - Lock
Danny Grewcock (Bath) - Lock
Simon Shaw (London Wasps) - Lock
Chris Jones (Sale Sharks) - Flanker/Lock
Andy Hazell (Gloucester) - Flanker
Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers) - Flanker
Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors) - Flanker
James Forrester (Gloucester) - No. 8/Flanker
Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers, Captain) - No. 8/Flanker

Backs:
Matt Dawson (London Wasps) - Scrumhalf
Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) - Scrumhalf
*Peter Richards (Gloucester) - Scrumhalf
Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks) - Flyhalf
Andy Goode (Leicester Tigers) - Flyhalf
Olly Barkley (Bath) - Flyhalf/Centre
Mike Tindall (Gloucester) - Centre
Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons) - Centre
Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers) - Centre
Ben Cohen (Northampton) - Winger
Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) - Winger
Tom Voyce (London Wasps) - Winger/Fullback
Josh Lewsey (London Wasps) - Winger/Fullback
*Mark van Gisbergen (London Wasps) - Fullback

* indicates new cap

Gyoza
October 28th, 2005, 6:28 AM
New Zealand Super 14 squads

Blues:
Forwards:
Tim Dow* (Northland) - Hooker
Keven Mealamu# (Auckland) - Hooker
John Afoa (Auckland) - Prop
Mike Noble* (North Harbour) - Prop
Tony Woodcock# (North Harbour) - Prop
Greg Rawlinson (North Harbour) - Lock
Ali Williams# (Auckland) - Lock
Troy Flavell**# (Auckland) - Flanker/Lock
Kurtis Haiu* (Auckland) - Flanker/Lock
Angus Macdonald (Auckland) - Flanker/No. 8/Lock
Anthony Boric* (North Harbour) - Flanker/Lock
Daniel Braid# (Auckland) - Flanker
Justin Collins (Auckland) - Flanker
Nick Williams (North Harbour) - No. 8

Backs:
Steve Devine# (Auckland) - Scrumhalf
David Gibson (Auckland) - Scrumhalf
Tasesa Lavea (Auckland) - Flyhalf
Luke McAlister# (North Harbour) - Flyhalf
Ben Atiga# (Auckland) - Centre/Fullback
Rua Tipoki** (North Harbour) - Centre
Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour) - Centre
Doug Howlett# (Auckland) - Winger
Joe Rokocoko# (Auckland) - Winger
Vili Waqaseduadua* (North Harbour)
Isa Nacewa# (Auckland) - Fullback/Winger/Centre
George Pisi* (North Harbour) - Fullback
Brent Ward (Auckland) - Fullback/Winger


Chiefs:
Forwards:
Aleki Lutui# (Bay of Plenty) - Hooker
Tom Willis# (Waikato) - Hooker
Ben Castle (Bay of Plenty) - Prop
Simms Davison (Waikato) - Prop
Deacon Manu (Waikato) - Prop
Nathan White* (Waikato) - Prop
Jono Gibbes# (Waikato) - Lock/Flanker
Sean Hohneck (Waikato) - Lock
Kristian Ormsby (Counties Manukau) - Lock
Bernie Upton (Bay of Plenty) - Lock
Marty Holah# (Waikato) - Flanker
Nili Latu (Bay of Plenty) - Flanker
Sione Lauaki# (Waikato) - Flanker/No. 8
Liam Messam* (Waikato) - Flanker/No. 8
Steven Bates# (Waikato) - No. 8

Backs:
Byron Kelleher# (Waikato) - Scrumhalf
Jamie Nutbrown (Bay of Plenty) - Scrumhalf
Stephen Donald (Waikato) - Flyhalf
David Hill (Waikato) - Flyhalf
Sam Tuitupou# (Auckland) - Inside Centre
Mark Ranby# (Waikato) - Centre
Niva Ta’auso* (Counties Manukau) - Centre
Anthony Tahana* (Bay of Plenty) - Winger
Sitiveni Sivivatu# (Waikato) - Winger
Lelia Masaga* (Counties Manukau) - Winger
Loki Crichton (Waikato) - Fullback
Sosene Anesi# (Waikato) - Fullback/Winger
Malili Muliaina# (Waikato) - Fullback/Winger/Centre


Hurricanes:
Forwards:
Andrew Hore# (Taranaki) - Hooker
Luke Mahoney* (Wellington) - Hooker
Tim Fairbrother (Wellington) - Prop
Joe McDonnell# (Wellington) - Prop
John Schwalger* (Wellington) - Prop
Neemia Tialata (Wellington) - Prop
Luke Andrews (Wellington) - Lock
Jason Eaton* (Taranaki) - Lock
Ross Kennedy (Wellington) - Lock
Paul Tito (Taranaki) - Lock
Jerry Collins# (Wellington) - Flanker/No. 8
Ben Herring (Wellington) - Flanker
Chris Masoe (Taranaki) - Flanker
Rodney So’oialo# (Wellington) - No. 8
Thomas Waldrom (Wellington) - No. 8

Backs:
Brendan Haami** (Wellington) - Scrumhalf
Piri Weepu# (Wellington) - Scrumhalf
Jimmy Gopperth (Wellington) - Flyhalf
David Holwell** (Northland) - Flyhalf
Tamati Ellison* (Wellington) - Centre
Conrad Smith# (Wellington) - Centre
Tane Tu’ipulotu (Wellington) - Centre
Tana Umaga# (Wellington) - Centre
Ma’a Nonu# (Wellington) - Centre/Winger
Lome Fa’atau# (Wellington) - Winger
Hosea Gear (Wellington) - Winger
Shannon Paku (Wellington) - Fullback
Isaia Toeava* (Auckland) - Fullback/Flyhalf


Crusaders:
Forwards:
Corey Flynn# (Canterbury) - Hooker
Tone Kopelani (Canterbury) - Hooker
Wyatt Crockett* (Canterbury) - Prop
Ben Franks* (Canterbury) - Prop
Campbell Johnstone# (Canterbury) - Prop
Greg Somerville# (Canterbury) - Prop
Craig Clarke* (Canterbury) - Lock
Ross Filipo (Wellington) - Lock
Chris Jack# (Canterbury) - Lock
Bradley Mika# (Auckland) - Lock
Kevin O’Neill (Canterbury) - Lock
Tanerau Latimer* (Bay of Plenty) - Flanker
Johnny Leo’o (Canterbury) - Flanker
Richie McCaw# (Canterbury) - Flanker
Reuben Thorne (Canterbury) - Flanker
Mose Tuiali’i (Canterbury) - No. 8

Backs:
Kevin Senio# (Canterbury) - Scrumhalf
Andrew Ellis* (Canterbury) - Scrumhalf
Daniel Carter# (Canterbury) - Flyhalf
Cameron McIntyre (Canterbury) - Flyhalf
Aaron Mauger# (Canterbury) - Inside Centre/Flyhalf
Casey Laulala# (Canterbury) - Centre
Steven Yates* (Canterbury) - Centre/Winger
Rico Gear (Nelson Bays) - Winger
Scott Hamilton (Canterbury) - Winger
Tony Koonwaiyou (Auckland) - Winger
Caleb Ralph (Canterbury) - Winger
Leon MacDonald# (Canterbury) - Fullback/Flyhalf


Highlanders:
Forwards:
Jason Macdonald* (Otago) - Hooker
Anton Oliver# (Otago) - Hooker
Clarke Dermody (Southland) - Prop
Carl Hayman# (Otago) - Prop
Chris King (Otago) - Prop
Nick White** (Auckland) - Prop
Tom Donnelly (Otago) - Lock
Filipo Levi (Otago) - Lock
Hoani MacDonald (Southland) - Lock
James Ryan# (Otago) - Lock
Josh Blackie (Otago) - Flanker
Andrew Blowers**# (Auckland) - Flanker
Tim Boys* (Southland) - Flanker
Craig Newby (Otago) - Flanker
Hale T-Pole** (Southland) - Flanker

Backs:
Jimmy Cowan# (Southland) - Scrumhalf
Chris Smylie* (Otago) - Scrumhalf
Ryan Bambry* (Otago) - Flyhalf
Nick Evans# (Otago) - Flyhalf/Fullback
Neil Brew (Otago) - Centre
Seilala Mapusua (Otago) - Centre
Ben Smith* (Southland) - Centre/Winger
Vilimoni Delasau# (Canterbury) - Winger
Roy Kinikinilau** (Wellington) - Winger
Matt Saunders (Otago) - Winger
Ben Blair# (Canterbury) - Fullback
Paul Williams** (Auckland) - Fullback
Callum Bruce* (Otago) - Utility Back


* indicates new player
** indicates return to competition after a season or more's absence
# indicates test match experience


(Note: some players new/returning to the competition played in 2004 as back-ups to injured players, e.g. Rua Tipoki with the Blues last season)

Gyoza
November 1st, 2005, 2:06 PM
All Blacks squad to face Wales at Cardiff
Name - Super 12/NPC

1. Neemia Tialata* - Hurricanes/Wellington
2. Anton Oliver - Highlanders/Otago
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. James Ryan - Highlanders/Otago
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Chris Masoe* - Hurricanes/Taranaki
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Joe Rokocoko - Blues/Auckland
12. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
13. Conrad Smith - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Rico Gear - Crusaders/Nelson Bays
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Andrew Hore - Hurricanes/Taranaki
17. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
18. Angus Macdonald* - Blues/Auckland
19. Richie McCaw - Crusaders/Canterbury
20. Jimmy Cowan - Highlanders/Southland
21. Ma'a Nonu - Hurricanes/Wellington
22. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury

* indicates new cap

Overall, a very strong squad. It's surprising to see Chris Masoe in the starting XV ahead of McCaw, who is by far the best openside flanker in the world, while Tialata is being fielded ahead of the current premiere loosehead prop in test rugby, Tony Woodcock. That being said, both were in impressive form for their respective provinces this year, and they are both being grouped with quality players, so there shouldn't be much to worry about.

Gyoza
November 2nd, 2005, 5:49 AM
Welsh squad to face All Blacks at Cardiff

1. Duncan Jones - Ospreys
2. Mefin Davies - Gloucester
3. Adam Jones - Ospreys
4. Brent Cockbain - Ospreys
5. Robert Sidoli - Cardiff Blues
6. Jonathan Thomas - Ospreys
7. Colin Charvis - Newcastle Falcons
8. Michael Owens (Vice-Captain) - Newport-Gwent Dragons
9. Mark Phillips - Cardiff Blues
10. Stephen Jones - Clermont Auvergne
11. Shane Williams - Ospreys
12. Ceri Sweeney - Newport-Gwent Dragons
13. Mark Taylor - Sale Sharks
14. Kevin Morgan - Newport-Gwent Dragons
15. Gareth Thomas (Captain) - Toulouse

16. Rhys Thomas - Cardiff Blues
17. Chris Horsman - Worcestor Warriors
18. Luke Charteris - Newport-Gwent Dragons
19. Robin Sowden-Taylor - Cardiff Blues
20. Gareth Cooper - Newport-Gwent Dragons
21. Nicky Robinson - Cardiff Blues
22. Lee Byrne - Llanelli Scarlets

Gyoza
November 4th, 2005, 9:04 PM
Wallabies squad to face France at Marseille
1. Matt Dunning
2. Bendan Cannon
3. Al Baxter
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Phil Waugh
8. George Smith
9. George Gregan (Captain)
10. Matt Giteau
11. Mat Rogers
12. Morgan Turinui
13. Lote Tuqiri
14. Wendell Sailor
15. Chris Latham

16. Stephan Moore
17. Greg Holmes
18. Hugh McMeniman
19. John Roe
20. Chris Whitaker
21. Lloyd Johansson
22. Drew Mitchell


France squad to face Australia
1. Olivier Milloud
2. Dimitri Szarzewski
3. Pieter de Villiers
4. Fabien Pelous (Captain)
5. Jerome Thion
6. Yannick Nyanga
7. Thomas Lievremont
8. Remy Martin
9. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
10. Frederic Michalak
11. Cedric Heymans
12. Yannick Jauzion
13. Florian Fritz
14. Aurelian Rougerie
15. Julien Laharrague

16. Sebastien Bruno
17. Sylvain Marconnet
18. Lionel Nallet
19. Gregory Lamboley
20. Sebastien Chabal
21. Yann Delaigue
22. Thomas Castaignede


Springboks squad to face Argentina at Buenos Aires
1. Os du Randt
2. John Smit (Captain)
3. CJ van der Linde
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Solly Tyibilika
7. Juan Smith
8. Jacques Cronje
9. Bolla Conradie
10. Andre Pretorius
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Conrad Jantjes
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. Eddie Andrews
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Schalk Burger
20. Michael Claassens
21. De Wet Barry
22. Brent Russell

Gyoza
November 6th, 2005, 4:42 AM
Argentina 23 - 34 South Africa in Buenos Aires
For Los Pumas:
Tries by Manuel Leguizamon, Francisco Leonelli and Manuel Contepomi
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Felipe Contepomi
For Springboks:
Tries by Percy Montgomery, Jaque Fourie and Juan Smith
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Montgomery
Penalty goal by Andre Pretorius

France 26 - 16 Australia in Marseille
For France:
Tries by Cedric Heymans and Remy Martin
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
Penalty goal by Frederic Michalak
For Wallabies:
Try by Drew Mitchell
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Mat Rogers

Wales 3 - 41 New Zealand in Cardiff
For Wales:
Penalty goal by Stephen Jones
For All Blacks:
Tries by Rico Gear (3) and Daniel Carter (2)
5 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Carter

Gyoza
November 6th, 2005, 2:26 PM
England squad to face Australia at Twickenham
1. Andy Sheridan - Sale Sharks
2. Steve Thompson - Northampton Saints
3. Phil Vickery - Gloucester
4. Steve Borthwick - Bath
5. Danny Grewcock - Bath
6. Pat Sanderson - Worcestor Warriors
7. Lewis Moody - Leicester Tigers
8. Martin Corry (Captain) - Leicester Tigers
9. Matt Dawson - London Wasps
10. Charlie Hodgson - Sale Sharks
11. Ben Cohen - Northampton Saints
12. Mike Tindall - Gloucester
13. Jamie Noon - Newcastle Falcons
14. Mark Cueto - Sale Sharks
15. Josh Lewsey - London Wasps

16. Lee Mears - Bath
17. Matt Stevens - Bath
18. Louis Deacon - Leicester Tigers
19. Chris Jones - Sale Sharks
20. Harry Ellis - Leicester Tigers
21. Olly Barkley - Bath
22. Mark van Gisbergen - London Wasps

Gyoza
November 8th, 2005, 2:52 PM
All Blacks squad to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road in Dublin
1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. John Afoa - Blues/Auckland
4. Jason Eaton - Taranaki
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Sione Lauaki - Chiefs/Waikato
7. Richie McCaw (Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Mose Tuiali'i - Crusaders/Canterbury
9. Piri Weepu - Hurricanes/Wellington
10. Nick Evans - Highlanders/Otago
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Ma'a Nonu - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland
15. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury

16. Andrew Hore - Hurricanes/Taranaki
17. Saimone Taumoepeau - Blues/Auckland
18. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
19. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
20. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
21. Jimmy Cowan - Highlanders/Southland
22. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

New caps are: John Afoa and Jason Eaton

It's noteworthy that Henry has overhauled the entire starting XV from Cardiff and gone with 5 forwards and 2 backs on the bench as well.

Ireland squad to face All Blacks
1. Marcus Horan - Munster/Shannon
2. Shane Byrne - Saracens
3. John Hayes - Munster/Bruff
4. Donncha O'Callaghan - Munster/Cork Constitution
5. Malcolm O'Kelly - Leinster/St. Mary's College
6. Simon Easterby (Captain) - Llanelli
7. Johnny O'Connor - London Wasps
8. Denis Leamy - Munster/Cork Constitution
9. Peter Stringer - Munster/Shannon
10. Ronan O'Gara - Munster/Cork Constitution
11. Anthony Horgan - Munster/Cork Constitution
12. Shane Horgan - Leinster/Lansdowne
13. Gordon D'Arcy - Leinster/Lansdowne
14. Tommy Bowe - Ulster/Belfast Harlequins
15. Geordan Murphy - Leicester Tigers

16. Rory Best - Ulster/Belfast Harlequins
17. Simon Best - Ulster/Belfast Harlequins
18. Matt McCullough - Ulster/Ballymena
19. Neil Best - Ulster/Belfast Harlequins
20. Kieran Campbell - Ulster/Dungannon
21. David Humphreys - Ulster/Dungannon
22. Girvan Dempsey - Leinster/Terenure College

New caps are: Rory Best and Neil Best

Gyoza
November 10th, 2005, 1:42 PM
Wallabies to face England at Twickenham
1. Matt Dunning - NSW Waratahs
2. Brendan Cannon - Western Force
3. Al Baxter - NSW Waratahs
4. Nathan Sharpe - Western Force
5. Hugh McMeniman - Queensland Reds
6. John Roe - Queensland Reds
7. Phil Waugh - NSW Waratahs
8. George Smith - ACT Brumbies
9. George Gregan (Captain) - ACT Brumbies
10. Mat Rogers - NSW Waratahs
11. Drew Mitchell - Queensland Reds
12. Morgan Turinui - NSW Waratahs
13. Lote Tuqiri - NSW Waratahs
14. Mark Gerrard - ACT Brumbies
15. Chris Latham - Queensland Reds

16. Tafatu Polata-Nau - NSW Waratahs
17. Greg Holmes - Queensland Reds
18. Mark Chisholm - ACT Brumbies
19. Scott Fava - Western Force
20. Chris Whitaker - NSW Waratahs
21. Matt Giteau - ACT Brumbies
22. Lloyd Johannson - Queensland Reds

Gyoza
November 13th, 2005, 2:23 AM
The weekend's major results:
Wales 11 - 10 Fiji in Cardiff
For Wales:
Try by Michael Owen
Penalty goal and dropped goal by Nick Robinson
For Fiji:
Try by Ifereimi Rawaqa
Conversion by Julian Vulakoro
Dropped goal by Seremaia Bai

Ireland 7 - 45 New Zealand in Dublin
For Ireland:
Try by Marcus Horan
Conversion by David Humphreys
For New Zealand:
Tries by Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Doug Howlett (2) and Piri Weepu
4 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Nick Evans

England 26 - 16 Australia at Twickenham
For England:
Tries by Ben Cohen and Mark Cueto
Conversion, 2 penalty goals and dropped goal by Charlie Hodgson
Conversion and penalty goal by Olly Barkley
For Australia:
Try by Drew Mitchell
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Mat Rogers

Scotland 19 - 23 Argentina at Murrayfield
For Scotland:
Try by Dan Parks
Conversion, 3 penalty goals and dropped goal by Chris Paterson
For Argentina:
Try by Francisco Leonelli and penalty try
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Federico Todeschini

Gyoza
November 15th, 2005, 2:16 PM
All Blacks XV to face England at Twickenham

1. Tony Woodcock - Blues/North Harbour
2. Keven Mealamu - Blues/Auckland
3. Carl Hayman - Highlanders/Otago
4. Chris Jack - Crusaders/Canterbury
5. Ali Williams - Blues/Auckland
6. Jerry Collins - Hurricanes/Wellington
7. Richie McCaw (Vice-Captain) - Crusaders/Canterbury
8. Rodney So'oialo - Hurricanes/Wellington
9. Byron Kelleher - Chiefs/Waikato
10. Daniel Carter - Crusaders/Canterbury
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu - Chiefs/Waikato
12. Aaron Mauger - Crusaders/Canterbury
13. Tana Umaga (Captain) - Hurricanes/Wellington
14. Doug Howlett - Blues/Auckland
15. Malili Muliaina - Blues/Auckland

16. Andrew Hore - Hurricanes/Taranaki
17. Neemia Tialata - Hurricanes/Wellington
18. Jason Eaton - Taranaki
19. Mose Tuiali'i - Crusaders/Canterbury
20. Piri Weepu - Hurricanes/Wellington
21. Joe Rokocoko - Blues/Auckland
22. Leon MacDonald - Crusaders/Canterbury


Overall, a very strong squad. The front-row battles should be interesting.

Gyoza
December 5th, 2005, 4:28 PM
I just came back from Japan, and I've learned that the All Blacks have achieved the Grand Slam. Hahaha yes!

Rip
December 5th, 2005, 4:37 PM
Hate to say it but you deserved it as well............

takahara_v1
December 8th, 2005, 6:46 PM
yes...well done on the grand slam....although...i reckon that if scotland found that spark and got a good kick up the buttocks that they would be a fantastic team to watch again...maybe if they returned to there old school roots instead of trying all these new plays...just got to hit the opposition hard and score tries

Gyoza
December 8th, 2005, 11:50 PM
I watched the game the other day on videotape (thank Jebus for timer recording) and it was clear that a) the travel had taken it's toll on the team and b) they were phoning it in against a team they knew they could beat anyway. Mssrs. Taumoepeau, Oliver, Afoa, Jack, Ryan, Macdonald, McCaw, Lauaki, Weepu, Evans, Rokocoko, Umaga, Smith, Gear, Toeava, Hore, Tialata, Eaton, Tuiali'i, Cowan, MacDonald and Nonu are capable of much better.

Gyoza
January 31st, 2006, 4:32 AM
New Zealand Sevens Squad for the Wellington Tournament announced

Forwards
Edwin Cocker (Otago)
D.J. Forbes (Auckland)
Tafai Ioasa (Captain, Hawke's Bay)
James Maher (Counties Manukau)
Alondo Soakai (Otago)
Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a (Auckland)

Backs
Charles Baxter (Bay of Plenty)
Craig Hudson (North Harbour)
Nigel Hunt (Wellington)
Cory Jane (Wellington)
Zar Lawrence (North Harbour)
Lachie Munro (Auckland)
Lote Raikabula (Wellington)
Hayden Reid (North Harbour)
Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato)
Amasio Valence (Hawke's Bay)

Gyoza
January 31st, 2006, 2:04 PM
Scotland XV to face France in Edinburgh
1 Gavin Kerr - Leeds Tykes
2 Dougie Hall - Edinburgh Gunners
3 Bruce Douglas - Border Reivers
4 Alastair Kellock - Edinburgh Gunners
5 Scott Murray - Edinburgh Gunners
6 Jason White (Captain) - Sale Sharks
7 Allister Hogg - Edinburgh Gunners
8 Simon Taylor - Edinburgh Gunners
9 Mike Blair - Edinburgh Gunners
10 Dan Parks - Glasgow Warriors
11 Sean Lamont - Northampton Saints
12 Andrew Henderson - Glasgow Warriors
13 Marcus Di Rollo - Edinburgh Gunners
14 Chris Paterson - Edinburgh Gunners
15 Hugo Southwell - Edinburgh Gunners

16 Scott Lawson - Glasgow Warriors
17 Craig Smith - Edinburgh Gunners
18 Scott MacLeod - Border Reivers
19 Jon Petrie - Glasgow Warriors
20 Chris Cusiter - Border Reivers
21 Gordon Ross - Leeds Tykes
22 Simon Webster - Edinburgh Gunners

Ireland Team to face Italy in Dublin

1. Marcus Horan - Shannon/Munster
2. Jerry Flannery - Shannon/Munster
3. John Hayes - Bruff/ Munster
4. Malcolm O'Kelly - St. Mary's College/Leinster
5. Paul O'Connell - Young Munster/Munster) 29
6. Simon Easterby - Llanelli Scarlets
7. David Wallace - Garryowen/Munster
8. Denis Leamy - Cork Constitution/Munster
9. Peter Stringer - Shannon/Munster
10. Ronan O'Gara - Cork Constitution/Munster
11. Tommy Bowe - Belfast Harlequins/Ulster
12. Gordon D'Arcy - Lansdowne/Leinster
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Captain) - Blackrock College/Leinster
15. Geordan Murphy - Leicester Tigers
14. Shane Horgan - Lansdowne/Leinster
15. Geordan Murphy - Leicester Tigers

16. Rory Best - Belfast Harlequins/Ulster
17. Simon Best - Belfast Harlequins/Ulster
18. Donncha O'Callaghan - Cork Constitution/Munster
19. Johnny O'Connor - London Wasps
20. Eoin Reddan - London Wasps
21. David Humphreys - Dungannon/Ulster
22. Andrew Trimble - Ballymena/Ulster

England Squad to face Wales at Twickenham
1. Andrew Sheridan - Sale Sharks
2. Steve Thompson - Northampton Saints
3. Matt Stevens - Bath
4. Danny Grewcock - Bath
5. Steve Borthwick - Bath
6. Joe Worsley - London Wasps
7. Lewis Moody - Leicester Tigers
8. Martin Corry (Captain) - Leicester Tigers
9. Harry Eliis - Leicester Tigers
10. Charlie Hodgson - Sale Sharks
11. Ben Cohen - Northampton Saints
12. Mike Tindall - Gloucester
13. Jamie Noon - Newcastle Falcons
14. Mark Cueto - Sale Sharks
15. Josh Lewsey - London Wasps

16. Lee Mears - Bath
17. Julian White - Leicester Tigers
18. Simon Shaw - London Wasps
19. Lawrence Dallaglio - London Wasps
20. Matt Dawson - London Wasps
21. Andy Goode - Leicester Tigers
22. Tom Voyce - London Wasps

Wales XV to face England
1. Duncan Jones - Neath-Swansea Ospreys
2. Rhys Thomas - Cardiff Blues
3. Adam Jones - Neath-Swansea Ospreys
4. Ian Gough - Newport Gwent Dragons
5. Robert Sidoli - Cardiff Blues
6. Colin Charvis - Newcastle Falcons
7. Martyn Williams - Cardiff Blues
8. Michael Owen - Newport Gwent Dragons
9. Dwayne Peel - Llanelli Scarlets
10. Stephen Jones - ASM Clermont Auvergne
11. Shane Williams - Neath-Swansea Ospreys
12. Matthew Watkins - Llanelli Scarlets
13. Hal Luscombe - Llanelli Scarlets
14. Mark Jones - Llanelli Scarlets
15. Gareth Thomas (Captain) - Toulouse

16. Mefin Davies - Gloucester
17. Gethin Jenkins - Cardiff Blues
18. Gareth Delve - Bath
19. Alix Popham - Llanelli Scarlets
20. Gareth Cooper - Newport Gwent Dragons
21. Ceri Sweeney - Newport Gwent Dragons
22. Lee Byrne - Llanelli Scarlets

Gyoza
February 2nd, 2006, 4:08 AM
The new Wallaby coach and replacement for Eddie Jones is John "Knuckles" Connolly.

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/john_connolly_appointed_head_coach_of_qantas_walla ,40617.html/section/21893

Gyoza
February 4th, 2006, 3:33 PM
Ireland 26 - 16 Italy at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland
For Ireland:
Tries by Jerry Flannery and Tommy Bowe
2 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara
For Italy:
Try by Mirco Bergamasco
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Ramiro Pez
Penalty goal by Paul Griffen


England 47 - 13 Wales at Twickenham, London, England
For England:
Tries by Mark Cueto, Lewis Moody, Mike Tindall, Lawrence Dallaglio, Matt Dawson and Tom Voyce
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Charlie Hodgson
2 conversions by Andy Goode
For Wales:
Try by Martyn Williams
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Stephen Jones

turdpower
February 4th, 2006, 4:00 PM
Are you the only person that posts in here then? :D

Gyoza
February 5th, 2006, 2:54 PM
Scotland 20 - 16 France at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland
For Scotland:
Tries by Sean Lamont (2)
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Chris Paterson
For France:
Tries by Julien Bonnaire and Sebastian Bruno
2 penalty goals by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde



What the hell? Upset of the tournament, surely.

N.E.R.F.
February 5th, 2006, 2:57 PM
Scotland were brilliant first half and just about hung on, if France played the second half like they're capable of doing they'd have had no problem winning the game. Well played to Scotland though.

Badger
February 5th, 2006, 3:25 PM
Lamont is a quality player, his pace and ball control is something else.

Scotland vs England for Grand Slam showdown maybe? :)

Gyoza
February 9th, 2006, 8:00 PM
Giant sized post:
Blues to be fielded VS Hurricanes at Eden Park tonight
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu (Captain)
3. John Afoa
4. Ali Williams
5. Greg Rawlinson
6. Nick Williams
7. Daniel Braid
8. Angus Macdonald
9. John Senio
10. Tasesa Lavea
11. Joe Rokocoko
12. Luke McAlister
13. Ben Atiga
14. Doug Howlett
15. Isakeli Nacewa

16. Tim Dow
17. Saimone Taumoepeau
18. Kurtis Haiu
19. Justin Collins
20. Steve Devine
21. Rua Tipoki
22. Brent Ward

Hurricanes Squad:
1. Joe McDonnell
2. Andrew Hore
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Luke Andrews
5. Jason Eaton
6. Jerry Collins
7. Chris Masoe
8. Rodney So'oialo (Captain)
9. Piri Weepu
10. Jimmy Gopperth
11. Ma'a Nonu
12. Tana Umaga
13. Conrad Smith
14. Lome Fa'atau
15. Isaia Toeava

16. Luke Mahoney
17. Tim Fairbrother
18. Paul Tito
19. Thomas Waldrom
20. Brendan Haami
21. David Holwell
22. Shannon Paku

Western Force squad to face ACT Brumbies
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Brendan Cannon
3. David Fitter
4. John Welborn
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain)
6. Luke Doherty
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. Scott Daruda
11. Digby Ioane
12. Lachlan McKay
13. Junior Palesasa
14. Scott Staniforth
15. James Hilgendorf

16. Tai McIsaac
17. David Te Moana
18. David Pusey
19. Richard Brown
20. Chris O'Young
21. Josh Graham
22. Cameron Shepherd

ACT Brumbies to face Western Force
1. Bill Young
2. Jeremy Paul
3. Nic Henderson
4. Alistair Campbell
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Daniel Heenan
7. Julian Salvi
8. George Smith
9. George Gregan
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Mark Gerrard
12. Matt Giteau
13. Stirling Mortlock (Captain)
14. Clyde Rathbone
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

16. David Palavi
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Adam Wallace-Harrison
19. Jone Tawake
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Gene Fairbanks
22. Joel Wilson

Cheetahs squad to face Bulls
1. Wian du Preez
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Corniel van Zyl
5. Barend Pieterse
6. Kabamba Floors
7. Juan Smith (Captain)
8. Ryno van der Merwe
9. Michael Claassens
10. Meyer Bosman
11. Sinethemba Zweni
12. Barry Goodes
13. Ronnie Cooke
14. Giscard Pieters
15. Bevin Fortuin

16. Trevor Leota
17. Os du Randt
18. Ockie van Zyl
19. Frans Viljoen
20. Noel Oelschig
21. Willem de Waal
22. Gaffie du Toit

Bulls squad to face Cheetahs tonight
1. Jaco Engels
2. Kobus van der Walt
3. Danie Thiart
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Francois van Schouwenburg
6. Danie Rossouw
7. Johan Wasserman
8. Jacques Cronje
9. Fourie du Preez (Captain)
10. Derick Hougaard
11. Bryan Habana
12. Wynand Olivier
13. JP Nel
14. Akona Ndungane
15. Johan Roets.

16. Chilliboy Ralepelle
17. Wessel Roux
18. Pedrie Wannenburg
19. Pierre Spies
20. Heinie Adams
21. Morné Steyn
22. Riaan van der Bergh

The Force VS Brumbies match and Cheetahs VS Bulls match will no doubt be under a lot of scrutiny, since they're the new teams in the expanded Super 14 competition.

mj the kid
February 9th, 2006, 8:44 PM
Cmon the Tahs!!!!!!

Gyoza
February 9th, 2006, 9:30 PM
Giant sized post 2
Crusaders squad to Face Highlanders in Christchurch
1. Greg Somerville
2. Corey Flynn
3. Campbell Johnstone
4. Chris Jack
5. Ross Filipo
6. Reuben Thorne
7. Richie McCaw (Captain)
8. Mose Tuiali'i
9. Kevin Senio
10. Daniel Carter
11. Scott Hamilton
12. Aaron Mauger
13. Caleb Ralph
14. Rico Gear
15. Leon MacDonald

16. Tone Kopelani
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Kevin O'Neill
19. Johnny Leo'o
20. Andrew Ellis
21. Cameron McIntyre
22. Casey Laulala

Highlanders squad to face Crusaders
1. Clarke Dermody
2. Anton Oliver (Captain)
3. Carl Hayman
4. Tom Donnelly
5. James Ryan
6. Craig Newby
7. Josh Blackie
8. Filipo Levi
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Nick Evans
11. Roy Kinikinilau
12. Seilala Mapusua
13. Neil Brew
14. Vilimoni Delasau
15. Ben Blair

16. Jason Macdonald
17. Nick White
18. Hoani MacDonald
19. Hale T-Pole
20. Chris Smylie
21. Callum Bruce
22. Richard Kahui


Queensland Reds squad to face NSW Waratahs in Brisbane
1. Greg Holmes
2. Sean Hardman
3. Rodney Blake
4. Mark Connors
5. Hugh McMeniman
6. Mitchell Chapman
7. David Croft
8. John Roe (Captain)
9. Sam Cordingley
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Elton Flatley
13. Julian Huxley
14. Tim Atkinson
15. Chris Latham

16. Stephen Moore
17. Tom Court
18. James Howill/Cameron Treloar
19. Tom McVerry
20. Nic Berry
21. Lloyd Johansson
22. Henari Veratau

NSW Waratahs
1. Matt Dunning
2. Adam Freier
3. Al Baxter
4. Will Caldwell
5. Daniel Vickerman
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Phil Waugh
8. David Lyons
9. Chris Whitaker (Captain)
10. Tim Donnelly
11. Peter Hewat
12. Morgan Turinui
13. Lote Tuqiri
14. Wendell Sailor
15. Sam Norton-Knight

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Benn Robinson
18. Alex Kanaar
19. Wycleff Palu
20. Stephen Hoiles
21. Shaun Berne
22. Daniel Halangahu

Cats to face Stormers in Johannesburg
1. Pietman van Niekerk
2. Lukas van Biljon
3. Marius Hurter
4. Trevor Hall
5. Jannes Labuschagne
6. Cobus Grobbelaar
7. Wikus van Heerden (Captain)
8. Ernst Joubert
9. Enrico Januarie
10. Tiaan Snyman
11. Jorrie Muller
12. Wayne Julies
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Wylie Human
15. Earl Rose

16. Delarey du Preez
17. Lawrence Sephaka
18. KleinJan Tromp
19. Willem Stoltz
20. Jano Vermaak
21. Doppies La Grange
22. Grant Esterhuizen

Stormers to face Cats
1. JD Moller
2. Hanyani Shimange
3. Eddie Andrews
4. Ross Skeate
5. Andries Bekker
6. Luke Watson
7. Schalk Burger
8. Adri Badenhorst
9. Bolla Conradie
10. Peter Grant
11. Rayno Benjamin
12. Jean de Villiers
13. De Wet Barry (Captain)
14. Jonghi Nokwe
15. Werner Greeff

16. Schalk Brits
17. Attie Winter
18. Henk Eksteen
19. David Hendricks
20. Neil de Kock
21. Naas Olivier
22. Justin Peach

Sharks to face Chiefs in Durban
1. Heinke van der Merwe
2. Skipper Badenhorst
3. Brendon Botha
4. Johan Ackermann
5. Johann Muller
6. Warren Britz
8. Jacques Botes
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Percy Montgomery
11. Henno Mentz
12. Andries Strauss
13. Gcobani Bobo
14. Dusty Noble
15. JP Pietersen

16. Jody Jenneker
17. Brent Moyle
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Daniel Farani
20. Sandile Nxumalo
21. Bradley Barritt
22. Brent Russell

Chiefs squad to be finalised later

Gyoza
February 10th, 2006, 4:01 PM
Chiefs squad to face Sharks in Durban:
1. Simms Davison
2. Tom Willis (Captain)
3. Ben Castle
4. Sean Hohneck
5. Bernie Upton
6. Steven Bates
7. Marty Holah
8. Sione Lauaki
9. Byron Kelleher
10. Stephen Donald
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Sam Tuitupou
13. Niva Ta'auso
14. Sosene Anesi
15. Malili Muliaina

16. Aleki Lutui
17. Deacon Manu
18. Kristian Ormsby
19. Liam Messam
20. Jamie Nutbrown
21. Mark Ranby
22. Loki Crichton


And last night/this morning's results
Blues 19 - 37 Hurricanes in Auckland
For the Blues:
Try by Ben Atiga
Conversion and 4 penalty goals by Luke McAlister
For the Hurricanes:
Tries by Lome Fa'atau (2), Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu and Jerry Collins
2 conversions and penalty goal by Jimmy Gopperth
Conversion and penalty goal by Dave Holwell

Western Force 10 - 25 ACT Brumbies in Perth
For Western Force:
Try by Scott Fava
Conversion and penalty goal by Scott Daruda
For ACT Brumbies:
Tries by Mark Chisholm, Joel Wilson and Matt Giteau
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Stirling Mortlock

Cheetahs 18 - 30 Bulls in Bloemfontein
For Cheetahs:
Tries by Eddie Fredericks and Ronnie Cooke
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Willem de Waal
For Bulls:
Tries by Akona Ndungane, Johan Roets, Wynand Olivier and Bryan Habana
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Derrick Hougaard


Damn. All three home teams (including the 2 new franchises) were soundly beaten.

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 9:47 AM
This is fucking terrible.

JP
February 11th, 2006, 9:51 AM
19 - 0 after 20 minutes.

Not good.

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 9:54 AM
France are playing well but their tries have come from nothing really. It's stupid.

JP
February 11th, 2006, 10:06 AM
You're right, 3 tries from lucky bouces and little mistakes.

For whatever reason they seem devoid of confidence.





Make that 4 tries from nowhere.

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 10:08 AM
FUck this shit. Wooden spoon this year.

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 10:32 AM
This is pathetic.

JP
February 11th, 2006, 10:36 AM
Stopped watching as first half pissed me off. Take it it's just got worse?

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 10:57 AM
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

JP
February 11th, 2006, 11:00 AM
The FUCK?

When the fuck did all that happen?

El Capitano Gatisto
February 11th, 2006, 12:46 PM
Bit disappointed we didn't win now.

N.E.R.F.
February 11th, 2006, 12:47 PM
Italy are playing well. Tough game.

JP
February 11th, 2006, 12:49 PM
Again.

Was impressed with the way they performed against Ireland last week and they were unlucky not to win and they're unlucky not to be in the lead at the moment.

It's taken some time, but they do look as if they may become quite a force to reckon with come the World Cup.

N.E.R.F.
February 11th, 2006, 1:31 PM
Thank god for that. 24-9 with 12 minutes left. Should hold on.

JP
February 11th, 2006, 1:42 PM
That was a stunning running try.

Gyoza
February 11th, 2006, 4:25 PM
6 Nations
France 43 - 31 Ireland in Paris
For France:
Tries by David Marty (2), Cedric Heymans (2) Aurelien Rougerie and Olivier Magne
5 conversions and a penalty goal by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
For Ireland:
Tries by Ronan O'Gara, Gordon D'Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and Andrew Trimble
4 conversions and a penalty goal by O'Gara

Italy 16 - 31 England in Rome
For Italy:
Try by Mirco Bergamasco
Conversion, penalty goal and 2 dropped goals by Ramiro Pez
For England:
Tries by Make Tindall, Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto and James Simpson-Daniel
4 conversions and a penalty goal by Hodgson

Super 14
Crusaders 38 - 15 Highlanders in Christchurch
For Crusaders:
Tries by Reuben Thorne, Kevin Senio, Rico Gear and Casey Laulala
3 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Daniel Carter
For Highlanders:
4 penalty goals by Ben Blair
Penalty goal by Nick Evans

Queensland Reds 12 - 16 NSW Waratahs in Brisbane
For Queensland Reds:
4 penalty goals by Elton Flatley
For NSW Waratahs:
Try by Rocky Elsom
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Peter Hewat

Cats 12 - 23 Stormers in Johannesburg
For Cats:
4 penalty goals by Tiaan Snyman
For Stormers:
Tries by Bolla Conradie and Jean de Villiers
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Peter Grant

Gyoza
February 11th, 2006, 7:55 PM
Super 14
Sharks 30 - 21 Chiefs
For Sharks:
Tries by Percy Montgomery (2) and Ruan Pienaar
3 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Montgomery
For Chiefs
Tries by Sione Lauaki and Soseni Anesi
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Stephen Donald

Badger
February 12th, 2006, 12:27 PM
Scott Murray you wanker! :nono:

Manicss
February 12th, 2006, 12:28 PM
Wales are bouncing back like Alan Partridge.

Badger
February 12th, 2006, 12:31 PM
They're not doing well, we've just been ultra-pish from the word get-go.

The amount of fuck-ups that led to their first try.

Badger
February 12th, 2006, 12:57 PM
Least we got a couple of tries at the end.

If only we hadn't been so stupid at the start.

Gyoza
February 12th, 2006, 2:57 PM
Wales 28 - 18 Scotland in Cardiff
For Wales:
Tries by Gareth Thomas (2), Robert Sidoli and penalty try
4 conversions by Stephen Jones
For Scotland:
Tries by Hugo Southwell and Chris Paterson
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Paterson

Gyoza
February 14th, 2006, 10:05 PM
Wales Coach Mike Ruddock's left in the middle of the the 6 Nations. Bad news for the Welsh boyos...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4714378.stm

Gyoza
February 17th, 2006, 3:49 PM
Highlanders 25 - 13 Blues at Carisbrook, Dunedin
For Highlanders:
Tries by Tom Donnelly, Vilimoni Delasau and Roy Kinikinilau
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Nick Evans
For Blues:
Try by Nick Williams
Conversion by Luke McAlister
2 penalty goals by Tasesa Lavea

Cats 21 - 16 Chiefs at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
For Cats:
6 penalty goals by Tiaan Snyman
Penalty goal by Earl Rose
For Chiefs:
Try by Sam Tuitupou
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Stephen Donald

Gyoza
February 17th, 2006, 9:52 PM
Bulls 21 - 27 ACT Brumbies at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
For Bulls:
6 penalty goals and a dropped goal by Derrick Hougaard
For Brumbies:
Tries by Clyde Rathbone, Daniel Heenan and Stirling Mortlock
3 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Mortlock

deadbeater
February 17th, 2006, 11:19 PM
What the hell...no rugby on Fox Socccer Channel?? How in the hell I can watch union and league in the states??

Gyoza
February 18th, 2006, 4:02 PM
Hurricanes 29 - 5 Western Force at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
For Hurricanes:
Tries by Jason Eaton (2), Andrew Hore and Lome Fa'atau
3 conversions and penalty goal by Jimmy Gopperth
For Western Force:
Try by Scott Staniforth

Queensland Reds 21 - 47 Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
For Reds:
Tries by Drew Mitchell and Chris Latham
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Elton Flatley
For Crusaders:
Tries by Daniel Carter (2), Leon MacDonald, Casey Laulala, Rico Gear and Aaron Mauger
4 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Carter

Sharks 26 - 27 Cheetahs at Absa Stadium, Durban
For Sharks:
Tries by Percy Montgomery, Albert van den Berg and Bradley Barritt
3 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Montgomery
For Cheetahs:
Tries by Giscard Pieters (2), Gaffie du Toit and Kabamba Floors
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Meyer Bosman

Gyoza
February 18th, 2006, 8:50 PM
Stormers 26 - 32 NSW Waratahs at Newlands, Cape Town
For Stormers:
Tries by Jongi Nokwe and Bolla Conradie
2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Peter Grant
Dropped goal by Werner Greef
For Waratahs:
Tries by Chris Whitaker, Morgan Turinui, Daniel Halangahu and Sam Norton-Knight
3 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Peter Hewat

Gyoza
February 23rd, 2006, 4:10 AM
France side to face Italy at Stade Francais
1. Olivier Milloud
2. Raphael Ibanez
3. Pieter De Villiers
4. Fabien Pelous (Captain)
5, Jerome Thion
6. Yannick Nyanga
7. Thomas Lievremont
8. Olivier Magne
9. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
10. Frederic Michalak
11. Christophe Dominici
12. Damien Traille
13. Florian Fritz
14. Aurellien Rougerie
15. Thomas Castaignede

16. Sebastien Bruno
17. Sylvain Marconnet
18. Lionel Nallet
19. Julien Bonnaire
20. Dmitri Yachvili
21. David Marty
22. Cedric Heymans

Italy side to face France
1. Salvatore Perugini
2. Fabio Ongaro
3. Carlos Nieto
4. Carlo-Antonio Del Fava
5. Marco Bortolami (Captain)
6. Josh Sole
7. Mauro Bergamasco
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Paul Griffen
10. Ramiro Pez
11. Ludovico Nitoglia
12. Mirco Bergamasco
13. Gonzalo Canale
14. Pablo Canavosio
15. Cristian Stoica

16. Carlo Festuccia
17. Andrea Lo Cicero
18. Martin Castrogiovanni
19. Valerio Bernabo
20. Alessandro Zanni
21. Simon Picone
22. Ezio Galon

Scotland to face England at Murrayfield
1. Gavin Kerr
2. Dougie Hall
3. Bruce Douglas
4. Scott MacLeod
5. Alastair Kellock
6. Jason White (Captain)
7. Allister Hogg
8. Simon Taylor
9. Mike Blair
10. Dan Parks
11. Sean Lamont
12. Andrew Henderson
13. Marcus Di Rollo
14. Chris Paterson
15. Hugo Southwell

16. Ross Ford
17. Craig Smith
18. Nathan Hines
19. Jon Petrie
20. Chris Cusiter
21. Gordon Ross
22. Simon Webster

England Side to face Scotland
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. Steve Thompson
3. Julian White
4. Steve Borthwick
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Joe Worsley
7. Lewis Moody
8. Martin Corry (Captain)
9. Harry Ellis
10. Charlie Hodgson
11. Ben Cohen
12. Mike Tindall
13. Jamie Noon
14. Mark Cueto
15. Josh Lewsey

16. George Chuter
17. Perry Freshwater
18. Simon Shaw
19. Lawrence Dallaglio
20. Matt Dawson
21. Andy Goode
22. Tom Voyce

Ireland side to face Wales at Lansdowne Road
1. Marcus Horan
2. Jerry Flannery
3. John Hayes
4. Donncha O'Callaghan
5. Malcolm O'Kelly
6. Simon Easterby
7. David Wallace
8. Denis Leamy
9. Peter Stringer
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Andrew Trimble
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Captain)
14. Shane Horgan
15. Geordan Murphy

16. Rory Best
17. Simon Best
18. Mick O'Driscoll
19. Johnny O'Connor
20. Eoin Reddan
21. David Humphreys
22. Girvan Dempsey

Wales side to face Ireland
1. Duncan Jones
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Adam Jones
4. Ian Gough
5. Robert Sidoli
6. Colin Charvis
7. Martyn Williams
8. Michael Owen (Captain)
9. Dwayne Peel
10. Stephen Jones
11. Dafydd James
12. Matthew Watkins
13. Hal Luscombe
14. Mark Jones
15. Lee Byrne

16. Mefin Davies
17. Gethin Jenkins
18. Jonathan Thomas
19. Gareth Delve
20. Mike Phillips
21. Gavin Henson
22. Barry Davies

Gyoza
February 23rd, 2006, 3:20 PM
Super 14
Hurricanes side to face Cats in Wellington
1. Joe McDonnell
2. Andrew Hore
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Paul Tito
5. Jason Eaton
6. Luke Andrews
7. Chris Masoe
8. Rodney So'oialo (Captain)
9. Piri Weepu
10. David Holwell
11. Hosea Gear
12. Tana Umaga
13. Ma'a Nonu
14. Lome Fa'atau
15. Isaia Toeava

16. Luke Mahoney
17. Tim Fairbrother
18. Jerry Collins
19. Thomas Waldrom
20. Brendan Haami
21. Jimmy Gopperth
22. Shannon Paku

Cats side to face Hurricanes
1. Pietman van Niekerk
2. Lukas van Biljon
3. Daniel Muller
4. Trevor Hall
5. Willem Stoltz
6. Gerhard Vosloo
7. Wickus van Heerden (Captain)
8. Ernst Joubert
9. Enrico Januarie
10. Tiaan Snyman
11. Jaque Fourie
12. Wayne Julies
13. Grant Esterhuizen
14. Wylie Human
15. Earl Rose

16. Delarey du Preez
17. Lawrence Sephaka
18. KleinJan Tromp
19. Cobus Grobbelaar
20. Jano Vermaak
21. Doppies la Grange
22. Jorrie Muller


Western Foce side to face Chiefs in Perth
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Brendan Cannon
3. David Fitter
4. David Pusey
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain)
6. Luke Doherty
7. Richard Brown
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. Brock James
11. Digby Ioane
12. Scott Daruda
13. Scott Staniforth
14. Cameron Shepherd
15. James Hilgendorf

16. Tai McIsaac
17. David Te Moana
18. John Welborn
19. Matt Hodgson
20. Chris O'Young
21. Haif Sare
22. Taijohn Mailata/Josh Graham

Chiefs side to face Western Force
1. Ben Castle
2. Aleki Lutui
3. Simms Davison
4. Jono Gibbes (Captain)
5. Sean Hohneck
6. Kristian Ormsby
7. Marty Holah
8. Sione Lauaki
9. Byron Kelleher
10. Stephen Donald
12. Sam Tuitupou
13. Mark Ranby
14. Soseni Anesi
15. Mils Muliaina

16. Tom Willis
17. Deacon Manu
18. Bernie Upton
19. Steven Bates
20. Jamie Nutbrown
21. Loki Crichton
22. Leila Masaga


Stormers side to face ACT Brumbies in Cape Town
1. JD Moller
2. Schalk Brits
3. Eddie Andrews
4. Ross Skeate
5. Andries Bekker
6. Luke Watson
5. Schalk Burger
8. Adri Badenhorst
9. Bolla Conradie
10. Peter Grant
11. Rayno Benjamin
12. De Wet Barry (Captain)
13. Jean de Villiers
14. Jonghi Nokwe
15. Werner Greeff

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. Neil Fullard
18. Hank Esksteen
19. Justin Melck
20. Neil de Kock
21. Naas Olivier
22. Gus Theron


Crusaders side to face Sharks in Christchurch
1. Greg Somerville
2. Corey Flynn
3. Campbell Johnstone
4. Chris Jack
5. Ross Filipo
6. Reuben Thorne
7. Richie McCaw (Captain)
8. Mose Tuiali'i
9. Kevin Senio
10. Daniel Carter
11. Caleb Ralph
12. Aaron Mauger
13. Casey Laulala
14. Rico Gear
15. Leon MacDonald

16. Tone Kopelani
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Brad Mika
19. Johnny Leo'o
20. Matt France
21. Cameron McIntyre
22. Scott Hamilton

Sharks side to face Crusaders
1. Deon Carstens
2. Skipper Badenhorst
3. BJ Botha
4. Johann Muller
5. Albert van den Berg
6. Solly Tyibilika
7. AJ Venter (Captain)
8. Jacques Botes
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Tony Brown
11. Brent Russell
12. Andries Strauss
13. Waylon Murray
14. Odwa Ndungane
15. Percy Montgomery

16. Bismark du Plessis
17. Brent Moyle
18. Johan Ackermann
19. Daniel Farani
20. Sandile Nxumalo
21. Brad Barritt
22. Craig Burden


Queensland Reds side to face Blues in Brisbane
1. Greg Holmes
2. Stephen Moore
3. Rodney Blake
4. Mark Connors
5. James Horwill
6. Hugh McMeniman
7. David Croft
8. Mitchell Chapman
9. Sam Cordingley
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Elton Flatley
13. Julian Huxley
14. Henari Veratau
15. Chris Latham (Captain)

16. Sean Hardman
17. Tom Court
18. Cameron Treloar
19. Tom McVerry
20. Josh Valentine
21. Lloyd Johansson
22. Caleb Brown

Blues side to face Queensland Reds
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu (Captain)
3. John Afoa
4. Ali Williams
5. Greg Rawlinson
6. Troy Flavell
7. Daniel Braid
8. Nick Williams
9. Steve Devine
10. Tasesa Lavea
11. Joe Rokocoko
12. Rua Tipoki
13. Anthony Tuitavake
14. Doug Howlett
15. Isakeli Nacewa

16. Tim Dow
17. Saimone Taumoepeau
18. Anthony Boric
19. Kurtis Haui
20. John Senio
21. George Pisi
22. Viliame Waqaseduadua


Brumbies side to be finalised on game day.

Gyoza
February 25th, 2006, 3:30 PM
6 Nations
France 37 - 12 Italy in Paris
For France:
Tries by Thomas Lievremont, Yannick Nyanga, Pieter de Villiers, Aurelien Rougerie and Frederic Michalak
3 conversions and a penalty goal by Dmitri Yachvili
Penalty goal by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
For Italy:
3 penalty goals and a dropped goal by Ramiro Pez

Scotland 18 - 12 England in Edinburgh
For Scotland:
5 penalty goals by Chris Paterson
Dropped goal by Dan Parks
For England:
4 penalty goals by Charlie Hodgson


Super 14
Hurricanes 29 - 16 Cats in Wellington
For Hurricanes:
Tries by Lome Fa'atau (2), Chris Masoe and Isaia Toeava
2 conversions and a penalty goal by David Holwell
Conversion by Jimmy Gopperth
For Cats:
Try by Grant Esterhuizen
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Earl Rose

Stormers 15 - 15 ACT Brumbies in Cape Town
For Stormers:
5 penalty goals by Peter Grant
For ACT Brumbies:
Tries by Alister Campbell and Adam Ashley-Cooper
Conversion by Mark Gerrard
Penalty goal by Stirling Mortlock

Western Force 9 - 26 Chiefs in Perth
For Western Force:
3 penalty goals by Cameron Shepherd
For Chiefs:
Tries by Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mark Ranby and Malili Muliaina
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Stephen Donald

Bulls 26 - 17 NSW Waratahs in Pretoria
For Bulls:
Tries by JP Nel and Bryan Habana
2 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Derrick Hougaard
For NSW Waratahs:
Tries by Rocky Elsom and Peter Hewat
2 conversions and a penalty goal by Hewat

Crusaders 22 - 20 Sharks in Timaru
For Crusaders:
Tries by Rico Gear and Caleb Ralph
3 penalty goals and a dropped goal by Daniel Carter
For Sharks:
Tries by Percy Montgomery and Odwa Ndungane
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Montgomery

Queensland Reds 20 - 21 Blues in Brisbane
For Queensland Reds:
Try by Berrick Barnes
4 penalty goals by Elton Flatley
Dropped goal by Chris Latham
For Blues:
Tries by Rua Tipoki and Doug Howlett
Conversion and penalty goal by Tasesa Lavea
2 penalty goals by Isakeli Nacewa

Cheetahs 12 - 17 Highlanders in Bloemfontein
For Cheetahs:
4 penalty goals by Meyer Bosman
For Highlanders:
Tries by Roy Kinikinilau and Richard Kahui
2 conversions by Ben Blair
Dropped goal by Nick Evans

Gyoza
February 26th, 2006, 3:29 PM
6 Nations
Ireland 31 - 5 Wales in Dublin
For Ireland:
Tries by David Wallace, Shane Horgan and Peter Stringer
2 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Ronan O'Gara
For Wales:
Try by Mark Jones

biggav65
February 28th, 2006, 10:30 AM
Scotland v England... best game eveeeeeer.

Or at least the best Scottish performance since totally outclassing France in Paris in 99. I'd tend to agree with the Sportswriter who said it was the best defensive performance by anyone since the Lions in 97 also.

Gyoza
March 4th, 2006, 7:03 PM
New Zealand Sevens squad for Commonwealth Games in Melbourne named:

Forwards:
Tafai Ioasa (Captain, Hawke's Bay)
Josh Blackie (Highlanders/Otago)
Tanerau Latimer (Crusaders/Bay of Plenty)
Liam Messam (Chiefs/Waikato)
Onosa’i Tololima-Auva’a (Blues/Auckland)

Backs:
Sosene Anesi (Chiefs/Waikato)
Tamati Ellison (Hurricanes/Wellington)
Doug Howlett (Blues/Auckland)
Nigel Hunt (Wellington)
Cory Jane (Wellington)
Alfred Pelenise (Canterbury)
Lote Raikabula (Wellington)

Gyoza
March 5th, 2006, 2:39 PM
Super 14

Chiefs 35 - 17 Queensland Reds in Hamilton
For Chiefs:
Tries by Soseni Anesi, Stephen Donald, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Loki Crichton
3 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Donald
For Queensland Reds:
Tries by Drew Mitchell and Caleb Brown
2 conversions and penalty goal by Elton Flatley

ACT Brumbies 28 - 7 Cats in Canberra
For ACT Brumbies:
Tries by Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Gerrard and Stirling Mortlock
Conversion and 3 penalty goals by Gerrard
Conversion by Matt Giteau
For Cats:
Try by Earl Rose
Conversion by Rose

NSW Waratahs 31 - 16 Sharks in Sydney
For NSW Waratahs:
Tries by Shaun Berne, Lote Tuqiri and Stephen Hoiles
2 conversions and 4 penalty goals by Peter Hewat
For Sharks:
Try by Percy Montgomery
Conversion and 2 penalty goals by Ruan Pienaar
Penalty goal by Montgomery

Crusaders 39 - 10 Blues in Christchurch
For Crusaders:
Tries by Richie McCaw (2) and Johnny Leo'o
Conversion and 6 penalty goals by Daniel Carter
Conversion by Cameron McIntyre
For Blues:
Try by Doug Howlett
Conversion and penalty goal by Isakeli Nacewa

Stormers 15 - 30 Highlanders in Cape Town
For Stormers:
Tries by Rayno Benjamin and Naas Olivier
Conversion and penalty goal by Peter Grant
For Highlanders:
Tries by Roy Kinikinilau (2) and Richard Kahui
3 conversion and 3 penalty goals by Ben Blair

Cheetahs 27 - 25 Hurricanes in Bloemfontein
For Cheetahs:
Tries by Os du Randt, Bevin Fortuin and Ryno van der Merwe
3 conversions and penalty goal by Meyer Bosman
Dropped goal by Noel Oelschig
For Hurricanes:
Tries by Andrew Hore, Shannon Paku and Ma'a Nonu
2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Jimmy Gopperth

Gyoza
March 8th, 2006, 2:51 PM
6 Nations
France squad to face England at the Stade de France
1. Sylvain Marconnet
2. Raphael Ibanez
3. Pieter de Villiers
4. Jerome Thion
5. Fabien Peolous (Captain)
6. Yannick Nyanga
7. Thomas Lievremont
8. Olivier Magne
9. Dimitri Yachvili
10. Frederic Michalak
11. Christophe Dominici
12. Damien Traille
13. Florian Fritz
14. Aurelien Rougerie
15. Thomas Castaignede

16. Dimitri Szarzewski
17. Olivier Milloud
18. Lionel Nallet
19. Julien Bonnaire
20. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
21. Ludovic Valbon
22. Cedric Heymans


England squad to face France
1. Matt Stevens
2. Steve Thompson
3. Julian White
4. Steve Borthwick
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Joe Worsley
7. Lewis Moody
8. Martin Corry (Captain)
9. Matt Dawson
10. Charlie Hodgson
11. Ben Cohen
12. Mike Tindall
13. Jamie Noon
14. Mark Cueto
15. Josh Lewsey

16. Lee Mears
17. Andrew Sheridan
18. Simon Shaw
19. Lawrence Dallaglio
20. Harry Ellis
21. Andy Goode
22. Tom Voyce


Scotland side to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road
1. Gavin Kerr
2. Dougie Hall
3. Bruce Douglas
4. Nathan Hines
5. Scott Murray
6. Jason White (Captain)
7. Allister Hogg
8. Simon Taylor
9. Mike Blair
10. Dan Parks
11. Sean Lamont
12. Andrew Henderson
13. Marcus Di Rollo
14. Chris Paterson
15. Hugo Southwell

16. Scott Lawson
17. Craig Smith
18. Alastair Kellock
19. Jon Petrie
20. Chris Cusiter
21. Gordon Ross
22. Simon Webster


Wales side to face Italy at the Millennium Stadium
1. Duncan Jones
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Adam R Jones
4. Ian Gough
5. Robert Sidoli
6. Colin Charvis
7. Martin Williams
8. Michael Owen (Capain)
9. Dwayne Peel
10. Stephen Jones
11. Shane Williams
12. Matthew Watkins
13. Hal Luscombe
14. Mark Jones
15. Lee Byrne

16. Mefin Davies
17. Gethin Jenkins
18. Jonathan Thomas
19. Alyx Popham
20. Mike Phillips
21. Gavin Henson
22. Nicky Robinson

Ireland and Italy sides yet to be named.

Gyoza
March 9th, 2006, 3:38 PM
6 Nations
Ireland side to face Scotland at Lansdowne Road
1. Marcus Horan
2. Jerry Flannery
3. John Hayes
4. Malcolm O'Kelly
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Simon Easterby
7. David Wallace
8. Denis Leamy
9. Peter Stringer
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Andrew Trimble
12. Gordon D'Arcy
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Captain)
14. Shane Horgan
15. Geordan Murphy

16. Rory Best
17. Simon Best
18. Donncha O'Callaghan
19. Jonny O'Connor
20. Eoin Reddan
21. David Humphreys
22. Girvan Dempsey


Italy side to face Wales at the Millennium Stadium
1. Salvatore Perugini
2. Fabio Ongaro
3. Carlos Nieto
4. Santiago Dellape
5. Marco Bortolami (Captain)
6. Josh Sole
7. Maurizio Zaffiri
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Paul Griffen
10. Ramiro Pez
11. Ludovico Nitoglia
12. Mirco Bergamasco
13. Gonzalo Canale
14. Pablo Canavosio
15. Ezio Galon

16. Carlo Festuccia
17. Andrea Lo Cicero
18. Martin Castrogiovanni
19. Carlo-Antonio Del Fava
20. Alessandro Zanni
21. Simon Picone
22. Christian Stoica