Rugby World Cup Week 3 Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

In last week’s preview, I alluded to the tournament’s need for a big shock to set the competition alight.

Well there was one result on Saturday that blew the 2011 Rugby World Cup wide open.

Ireland’s 15-6 win over Australia was not just a victory for the underdog; it was a result that could have long-term consequences for the knockout stages.

Had Declan Kidney‘s side lost in Auckland it would have created a much more treacherous path to the final with South Africa in the last eight and New Zealand in the semis.

Now if they secure top spot in Pool C with wins over Namibia and Italy then they will face Northern Hemisphere rivals Wales and then France or England in the last four – leaving the Wallabies facing the more daunting route.

This means there’s a real chance that a side from the Six Nations could find themselves with a place in the final come 23rd October.

However, there is plenty of rugby to be played before those permutations come into play, and many potential twists and turns in store.

For the home nations, while it was victories all round they were all greeted on different scales.

Ireland’s effort was nothing short of heroic, Wales’ narrow victory over Samoa was full of relief while England’s win over Georgia was greeted with criticism.

But it means that all three along with Scotland are well-placed at the halfway mark of the pool stages.

Week 2 Results:

Thursday 15th September

Russia 6-13 USA

Friday 16th September

Japan 7-83 New Zealand

Saturday 17th September

Argentina 43-8 Romania; Fiji 3-49 South Africa; Australia 6-15 Ireland

Sunday 18th September

Samoa 10-17 Wales; England 41-10 Georgia; Canada 19-46 France

Tuesday 20th September

Italy 53-17 Russia

Wednesday 21st September

Japan 18-31 Tonga

Pool A

Both New Zealand and France carried on their relentless push for the quarter finals with bonus points victories over the weekend.

The All Blacks became the first team to break the half-century barrier when they scored 13 tries against the hapless Japanese.

Les Bleus found it tougher against Canada and led by just 6 points with 15 minutes remaining before a late flourish inspired by winger Vincent Clerc, who helped himself to a hat-trick of scores.

Therefore this weekend’s clash between two of the big heavyweights of world rugby will be to mainly determine who will top the pool and secure a more comfortable passage in the knockout stages.

For those that win Pool A, they are set to face a potential line-up of Scotland and Ireland to get to rugby’s showpiece in four weeks time.

However, the runners-up are set to face South Africa and Australia, a path that will take an awful lot out of those forced down it.

Graham Henry’s side have fitness doubts over crucial duo Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, but will still be heavy favourites against Marc Lievremont’s French outfit.

In the week’s other game, Japan will be looking to salvage some pride in what has been a difficult campaign when they face the experienced Canadians on Tuesday, who hope to secure their second win and a top-three finish in the process.

Pool B

As anticipated, the three main contenders came to the fore in week two to leave this hugely physical pool finely balanced.

Argentina impressed in their bonus point win over Romania, with the Pumas outclassing the Romanians with some clinical finishing and overcoming the pack with relative ease.

For England, they did what they needed to do by beating Georgia and getting the winning bonus points, but an unconvincing display marked the end of a difficult week.

Newspaper headlines were dominated by the team’s outing to a dwarf-throwing contest in a Dunedin bar following their narrow win over Argentina.

Some of the players actions, in particular Mike Tindall, have come under close scrutiny with the decision to go out for a few drinks during such an important tournament being brought into question.

Now it’s up to coach Martin Johnson to put the criticism on and off the pitch behind the squad, and work to improve things against Romania this Saturday.

But the big game in Pool B comes in Wellington on Sunday when Scotland face Argentina knowing that a win will secure their place in the quarters.

Andy Robinson’s team have had ten days to prepare for this crucial encounter, and for the Pumas it is do or die having already lost to England.

A win for the Scots and it sets them up perfectly for the clash against their oldest rivals to try and win the pool the following weekend, but they will need to raise their game after struggling wins against Romania and Georgia.

The last game of the week sees Romania and Georgia face off to avoid the wooden spoon after some excellent showings against the more established nations.

Pool C

This pool has taken one enormous twist and thrown up plenty of intrigue following Ireland’s win over Australia.

The win for Declan Kidney’s men puts them firmly in the driving seat, but they will know there is plenty of work to be done.

There is still a threat posed by Italy and if Nick Mallett‘s side were to beat the Irish in their final pool game it would not only stop Ireland from winning the pool, but also could see them go out.

So there is no room for complacency when they face Russia on Sunday, and a win with four tries or more could make a big difference in a group where every point is critical.

Meanwhile the Wallabies have been licking their wounds, with Robbie Deans and his squad having to deal with plenty of criticism from the Australian public and media.

There’s no doubt that when they unleash their backline, Australia can carve apart the very best of opposition.

But there seems to be growing belief that they struggle for a Plan B; if they get drawn into a war of attrition, Quade Cooper and co don’t seem to have an answer.

While they should overcome the United States on Friday, they need to add substance to their style to keep their World Cup dreams alive in the long-term.

As for the Italians, their schedule has been unkind with two midweek games in their pursuit of a top-two finish.

Victory over the USA on Tuesday is essential if they are to avoid another disappointing early exit in the pool stages.

Pool D

After last weekend’s results, we now know who are best-placed to qualify from the pool of death.

South Africa made real strides following an unimpressive win over Wales by overpowering Fiji in Wellington.

For Wales themselves, they knew defeat against Samoa would have been catastrophic for their World Cup chances and showed great character in getting a gritty win.

Not only did they have to come from behind to get the four points, but they also had to survive a huge physical bombardment by the Samoans to get their first victory of the tournament.

Warren Gatland’s side face Namibia on Monday knowing that five points will set them up perfectly when they face the Fijians in the final weekend of the group stages.

By then, the Springboks may have secured a comfortable win over the unfortunate Namibians when they face them tomorrow.

The big game of the weekend in Pool D sees the clash of the Pacific Islanders as Fiji and Samoa look to end each other’s chances of qualification.

Samoa need to pick themselves up after their disappointment last Sunday and if they overcome their rivals then they will have a chance going into their final game with the Springboks.

However, a win for Fiji could give them a real opportunity to repeat their heroics of 2007 when they knocked out Wales to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

With this intrigue in store, don’t be surprised to see more twists and turns this weekend.

What do you think? Will the home nations take a giant step towards the quarter finals? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Should the Rooney rule be introduced by the FA?

By Tony Alvarez

 There has been much press recently regarding the Rooney rule, for those of you who are unaware what the Rooney rule is, it does not relate to the England and Manchester United hit man Wayne but American Football side the Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney.

In essence the Rooney rule requires all teams to include at least one black or ethnic minority candidate in interviews for senior management posts.

People are calling for this rule to be introduced by the Football Association due to a severe lack of black or ethnic managers and coaches in the Football League.

At present the only managers of black or ethnic minorities in the Premiership or Football Leagues are Birmingham’s Chris Hughton and Charlton Athletics Chris Powell.

Out of the 92 sides just two managers is a ridiculously low amount, I could understand if it had been proved that Black or Ethnic minorities did not have the skill level required to be managers at the highest levels, but I know there is no way that has ever been proved, could ever be proved or no way it is possibly true.

Without any research I know that a black manager has won the Champions League the greatest prize in club Football, in 2006 when Frank Rijkaards Barcelona lifted the trophy inParis. I’m sure other ethnic managers have won major honours but a I said Rijkaard came to mind instantly.

To the best of my knowledge even in the past as a nation our diversity on managers has been worse than poor, that come to mind I can only remember Jean Tigana, Ruud Guiltt and Paul Ince who have managed in the Premier League and although I am sure there is more the only other Black manager I can think of in the Football leagues is the late Keith Alexander.

In my personal opinion the Rooney rule should not be forced upon Football clubs, or for that matter any industry employment should be a matter of the best man for the job and potential employees should not be forced upon people.

However I am not in agreement with the number of non White managers in professional Football, I am unsure how this can be rectified but I defiantly think it should be.

Whether all clubs employee someone of an ethnic minority as a coach or even to manage the youth sides and see if they have the ability to work their way up.

 I am of course talking about qualified people being employed I do not want to see minorities without qualifications being employed purely because of their skin colour, that would be discrimination which is the one thin the Rooney rule is being mentioned to eradicate.

What are your thoughts? Is the possible introduction of the Rooney rule a good idea? Are you for the employment of more ethnic minorities within coaching and managerial roles? Why do you think the amount of minority managers has always been so low in England? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts

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Does Rooney deserve a 2 game ban for swearing into the camera?

By Tony Alvarez

Another day another footballing controversy- The FA have announced that subject to appeal Wayne Rooney will serve a 2 match ban for “using offensive language” during his sides 4-2 victory at Upton Park on Saturday.

The title of this article is very deliberate because although he has been given the suspension for using offensive language I would be shocked if every player on the pitch did not swear in one language or another at some point during that football match Rooney was just stupid enough to do it in front of a camera.

I understand emotions were high he had just completed his hat trick and in doing that potentially won a game for his club and possibly proved a lot of doubters over his form this season wrong.

Should United choose to not appeal the ban handed to Rooney he will miss the fixtures at home to Fulham and the Manchester Derby FA cup Semi final.

Thankfully for them due to Fulham’s recent form a ban for Rooney should not damage the clubs title challenge too much, also its not as if United lack cover, with both Hernandez and Berbatov out scoring Rooney this term you would not imagine they will struggle to put the ball in the back of the net although his energy and creativity will be tough to replace.

The bigger miss will be for the game against City at Wembley, City notoriously defend deeply and as a tight unit against the bigger sides a spark of magic beat them at Old Trafford and United were unable to break down their rivals at Eastlands. This is where Rooney’s vision and passing ability could be a huge loss.

As the FA generally judge any appeal against a ban as frivolous thus gaining the appealer an extra game ban I doubt Rooney will appeal at the risk of being suspended for an extra fixture (Newcastle away) unless they decide to overturn the ban which would be highly unlikely as it was not a ban received from a red card but something the FA decided themselves Rooney will miss the Semi final against City anyway so no point in appealing.

Back to the question in hand should the ban of been received? As mentioned above everyone swears in a Football match fans, players and dare I say it officials, the argument I have heard is that he is a role model to young people so should not be seen to be behaving in such a manor, however up and done the country parents will have watched Football with their kids and swore. In most cases to a young boy growing up no one is more of a role model than their father.

I am all for camping down on abusing officials and other players but Rooney’s language was not aimed at anyone so there for as it can be seen as foul language but it certainly was not abusive.

I can certainly see why he was banned but I do sympathise with him some what, if a player was banned for 2 games every time he was caught swearing then there would be a suspension every week, as an Arsenal fan I remember Robin Van Persie scoring at Eastlands a few years ago and quite clearly swearing into the crowd in his celebration. It was caught on camera but not directly into the camera…..this seems to of been Rooney’s downfall.

What are your thoughts? Does Rooney deserve a ban? Should United consider an appeal? Will Rooney be greatly missed should he miss these two fixtures? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Under the spotlight: Will Bayley

By Tony Alvarez

Following up on our series of interviews with Table Tennis players, i have conducted an interview with the World number 2 in paralympic band 7. I wanted to find out how he trains and what difficulties he had in his life. If you have anything you would like to know leave the questions as a comment and i will forward them to the man himself.

I hope you enjoy

PLAYER PROFILE
Full name; William John Bayley
Date of birth; 17/01/88
Place of birth; Poole
Height; 5;8
Current club; National Centre (York gardens)
GETTING TO KNOW ‘Will Bayley’

Most famous person on your mobile?

Ummmmm no one to be honest,, were all about as unknown as each other.

What’s guaranteed to make you mad?

People moaning about how much of a struggle life is.

Best place you’ve ever been too?

Rio de Janeiro or Las Vegas

Favourite television program?

Sky Sports News

Who was/is your favourite sportsman?

Ali, best sportsman that’s ever lived and inspirational in his belief in himself and the way he put it across.

Best Film Ever?

 Forrest Gump, I like the way he overcomes a lot and turns out to be very successful against all odds.
Who would you sing on stars in your eyes?  

Ummmm I think Kanye West, I could pull it off.

What’s your signature dish?

Chicken and rice surprise.

Favourite drink?

 J20 orange and passion fruit

Career questions

For those who don’t know you you’re a Paralympian having competed in Beijing, What class do you play in? What are the specifications for this class?

I play in class 7 which usually means the restriction of 2 limbs, in my case I have all 4 limbs affected. Sometimes classification is flexible to how well you can cope with your disability. My disability is arthrogryposis which stiffens all 4 joints and restricts movement in them.

You have competed in the Paralympics, how did it feel to play in the World’s biggest multi sports games?

1 word AMAZING, I want more, I train everyday to achieve in my career as best I can,, but without a medal in a Paralympics my career will always be missing something, I could win every international competition with every player in the world competing, but without a Paralympic medal it would count for very little in my opinion, I judge players on major success not international success. 

What’s been the best moment of your career so far, of course playing in the Paralympics is huge, is it bigger than winning international events?

Playing in the Paralympics was a truly great experience. However I was very young and even more inexperienced. I think winning 3 international tittles last year was amazing. And to be world ranked no2 is a great achievement and deserved.

You have overcome so much in your life so far, as you have had such huge pressures off the table do you feel there is no pressure on the table?

 As a young boy growing up I overcame cancer and was given a 50% chance of survival at the age of 7 so I forgot about my disability and concentrated on getting better. I feel all that has helped me achieve in sport as I no I can push harder than anyone else and dig deeper when I need to. Pressure is just a word and everyone feels pressure at a time in there life or at a competition but I feel you can use it in a positive way and you know your opponent is feeling just as pressured as you if not more.

What was the lowest moment of your career so far?

In 2007 I was re classified from being the best player in class 6 to being an average class 7 player it was a hard time for me! It’s taken me 3 years to get my ranking and standard up to what it was in the previous class.
 
As you have been so dedicated to table tennis do you ever feel you missed out on a social life or growing up like a “normal” kid?
 Sometimes I feel it might have done, but it’s worth it when you win things, there is no feeling like it, I am hungry for 2012. Then hopefully I can live the rest of my life as a champion.

Your currently 2nd in the world, do you find it a shame that you can be the 2nd best in the World at something and the average person doesn’t know who you are?

 Not really I feel there are loads of people that deserve credit and publicity, i.e. soldiers, doctors, nurses they deserve it more than I do.

 

Where do you see yourself in say, four years time?

Preparing to go into the Rio Olympics as the raining champ!
 
Whilst on the topic of the future, let’s move forward 20 years time. Do you still wish to be involved in Table Tennis or do you see yourself in a different career?
 To be honest I feel it is very difficult to make money out of being a Paralympic athlete in table tennis. I feel the sponsors are no were near as supportive as they are to able bodied athletes and the RESPECT is not there its very sad but very true. So no matter what I achieve I will probably not ever make a living out of it although that is the dream.
Is it possible for you to make a living out of Table Tennis or will you need another job along side Table Tennis?
 As I have just explained it is very hard to make a living out of Paralympic table tennis, I mean If I was 250 in the world in able bodied sport I would probably get more sponsorship deals than I do being world no2 in Paralympic sport but that’s life. I think it’s great that sports get support in able bodied competition I just feel it should be fairer but I am very biased. So yeah I will need a job to support my career in the future although at the moment all my focus is on training for London 2012.

You have obviously worked hard to get to where you are, what sort of training do you do?
 I train 6 hours per day in Sheffield institute of sport. We also do physical training and footwork training.

How many times a week do you train and how long is each session generally?

Mainly 2 times per day for 3 hours a time.
 
Do you do both physical and on the table training?

Yes I think its important, I think if you feel fitter stronger faster than the other player you will have a mental edge.
 
You previously trained at Filton academy in Bristol, but are now at the national academy in Sheffield, How much of an influence was Filton on your career?

 I currently train in Sheffield and have done for 1 year, Bristol was amazing for me and I loved it, Kevin Satchill was an inspirational coach and I cannot thank him enough for what he was done for me. It was the 1^st time I’ve moved away from my family and he was a father to me, hopefully I will repay him one day with Olympic gold.
 
Thank you for your time we wish you all the best in the future.