Fantasy Sevens team - have your say…
Following the Cartoon XV published on Wednesday, Jon Hobbs has created his fantasy sevens team below. With so few places up for grabs, there is bound to be some debate.
1. Richie McCaw – Excellent turnover ability and link play, never misses a tackle, adequate pace.
2. Tom Rees – All of the above but more pace.
3. Luke McAlister – Always good to have a back in the forwards in sevens to add to the creativity on the pitch. Excellent running lines + stepping.
4. William Ryder – The best sevens player that has ever existed.
5. Brian O’Driscoll – Might not have the electric pace anymore but just needs to step through a gap and release the outside backs, also a tireless defender and an eye for flair.
6. Bryan Habana – Get the ball to him and watch him go.
7. Sitiveni Sivivatu (or a fit Rupeni Caucau) – Pace and finishing ability.
Subs:
Juan Smith – very quick, always in support, loves scoring tries
James Simpson-Daniel – a natural 10 with the pace of a winger, would dominate a sevens team
Matt Giteau – playmaker in case Ryder has to come off, decent pace
Have your say using the comment form below - is there anyone else who should be considered for this team?
Barbarians v South Africa
Twickenham plays host to a rugby party on Saturday as the greatest scratch team in the world takes on the winners of the Web Ellis Cup.
The All Star line up includes names such as Joe Rokocoko, Matt Giteau, Justin Marshall and Barnstaple legend Jerry Collins. Mark Regan captains the side after defying his employers, and Jason Robinson makes his last ever appearance on a rugby field.
With backs full of flair, the crowd can expect to see the traditional BaaBaas rugby as they throw the ball about and try not to kick it, and with Regan at the helm, the other tradition of drinking 15 pints the night before the game will probably survive as well.
Barbarians:
J Robinson (England), J Rokocoko (Blues & New Zealand), C Smith (Hurricanes & New Zealand), M Nonu (Hurricanes & New Zealand), I Neivua (Warriors & Fiji), M Giteau (Western Force & Australia), J Marshall (Ospreys & New Zealand), F Pucciarello (Munster & Italy), M Regan (captain, Bristol & England), S Ma’afu (Brumbies), B Cockbain (Wales), J Harrison (Ulster & Australia), R Elsom (Waratahs & Australia), M Williams (Cardiff & Wales), J Collins (Hurricanes & New Zealand).
Replacements: S Brits (Stormers), J D Moller (Stormers), T Flavell (Blues & New Zealand), M Owen (Dragons & Wales), T Shanklin (Cardiff & Wales), P Grant (Stormers), B Cohen (England).
South Africa:
R Pienaar, A Ndungane, J Fourie, F Steyn, B Habana, A Pretorius, E Januarie, CJ Van der Linde, B Du Plessis, J Du Plessis, J Muller (captain), J Ackermann, S Burger, J Smith, R Kankowski.
Replacements: T Liebenberg, H Van Der Merwe, A Van Den Berg, B Pietersen, W Olivier, W Julies, C Jantjes.
The Rugby Blog Player Watch - Ben Woods & Ollie Phillips
I floated the idea recently about starting a player watch – The Rugby Blog keeping its eagle eye on a select group of lesser-known English players starting to make a name for themselves in the Premiership or elsewhere, and got a wide array of potential subjects suggested to me.
In the wake of the world cup with every man and his dog giving not just their teams of the world cup, but also their predictions for the national team in four years, perhaps it is useful to study the breeding ground of today and look for some hidden gems. After all, who had genuinely heard of David Strettle, Danny Cipriani or indeed Dan Ward-Smith even two or three years ago? Granted, none of these made the world cup this time round for whatever reason but they have certainly grabbed their share of headlines in recent times and will all be in the hunt for Six Nations berths.
Perhaps the die-hard or their own well informed club fans saw the untapped potential of these and others long before they achieved recognition. Over the next few weeks/months/seasons The Rugby Blog will attempt to speed up and facilitate this process by highlighting those players we think may have slipped through the net unnoticed or without the plaudits they merit. Rumour has it Rob Andrew is a regular reader.
The criteria is selective but excludes no-one, dependant not on age, background, club or even league – just look at Nick Easter’s unconventional pedigree before Deano snapped him up and nurtured the big man into something approaching world class.
This will be an ongoing feature that will follow the progress of those it deems worthy and we welcome ideas from readers who can justify a particular player’s inclusion. Possible subjects in the frame are Tom French (Wasps), Richard Blaze, Tom Croft and Jordan Crane (Leicester), Nick Wood (Gloucester), Lee Thomas and Ben Foden (Sale), Andrew Higgins and Matt Banahan (Bath), Tom Biggs (Leeds), Danny Care and Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins), Rob Higgit (Bristol) and Chris Ashton (Northampton).
This week we turn our attention to the North-East and a pair of players who both earned their stripes for Durham University (one also subsequently gaining a Cambridge Blue) before being snapped up full time by the selectors at Newcastle.
Ben Woods, Flanker
Having had the misfortune to be born in Barnsley, the 25 year old Woods has recovered from an horrendous leg break in 2004 to establish a regular starting place in the Falcons back row. Not exactly a household name yet, Ben has represented England Saxons in the last two Churchill Cup campaigns.
A victim of an abundance of talent in the Durham back row and also his own versatility, Woods spent 2 years playing in the second row in the university 1st XV. Nevertheless, he was consistently spoken of as being the outstanding forward on the park, in the tight and loose, not to mention a committed team player, and has since become an out and out number 7 at both Cambridge and Newcastle.
Tom Rees took over from Magnus Lund as the openside of choice for England only to be usurped by two of the older, bigger, more experienced squad members at the World Cup. In this fiercely competitive position, Woods could arguably be the man to fit somewhere imbetween the two camps, a specialist with a bit of northern grit and a competitive spirit to match his engine. England have searched in vain for a worthy heir to Neil Back: watch this space.
Ollie Phillips, Wing
In the star studded Newcastle backline it is small wonder this pug-faced baldy has been overshadowed by his more glamorous team-mates. However, a streamlined lack of hair and a propensity for chewing wasps hasn’t stopped Phillips from quietly and effectively going about his business this season.
With a strike-rate of 6 tries from 9 appearances, including a hat-trick against Spanish giants El Salvador, Ollie has a sharp rugby brain and an eye for space which marks him out. In a show of solidarity with his mate Woods he went as far as sustaining a broken leg of his own in the same season, but bounced back to gain a call up to the England 7s squad from Mike Friday whom he had previously impressed in the Samurai invitational side.
Ever the dedicated professional, he sacrificed what could have been a promising drinking career to pursue the rugby angle, going tee-total whilst squatting prodigious weights in the Maiden Castle gym at Durham Uni. A stalwart of the University 1st XV he was prominent in the inaugural years of the Team Durham program and an influential member of the side that captured the BUSA title at Twickenham in his final year.
Despite complex and at one point very treacherous contract negotiations at the end of last season, having cemented his place this year during world cup absences he is currently the Falcons top scorer, one of the first names on the team sheet and definitely one to look out for in the future.
As a buddy I can (hopefully) afford to big him up in this abusive, flippant manner without him despatching Carl Hayman down on GNER to inflict some retribution, and in all seriousness we wish him and Woodsy a successful season and will continue to chart their development, good or bad!
By Rob Douglas
Fantasy Rugby - Cartoon Characters XV
Kemlo Longstaff begins a new series of fantasy rugby teams likely to be the subject of much debate. Have your say by leaving a comment at the bottom.
Whilst not a new concept, I fully embraced Fantasy XVs whilst on a stag do this summer touring round Europe. They helped to pass hangovers and were the subject of much animated discussion and full-blown arguments.
Honourable mentions must go to Joe Clapson (particularly on this XV) and Neil Chivers, but anyone who was on the Big Yellow Bus made a contribution of sorts.
This one was a popular choice and was one of the stronger XVs created. That said I think improvements can be made, particularly at 5 and possibly 15. Suggestions are more than welcome!
Cartoon Characters XV
1. Nanny (Count Duckula) – Not the most intelligent but powerful. Good West Country accent and a solid Cider drinker in the bar afterwards.
2. Donkey (Shrek) – More banter than Mark Regan and a good strike in the scrum.
3. Mr. Tickle – Just edges out the obvious candidate Mr. Strong. Long arms would have the opposition loose-head in all sorts of trouble with tight binds.
4. Inspector Gadget – A modern day versatile second row, the go-gadget arms and legs would be useful come line-out time. Would need Penny on the touch-line to oversee his game, however.
5. Denver (the last dinosaur) - Heavyweight, adding ballast to the pack.
6. Desperate Dan – Option as an extra line-out jumper and a physical presence at blind-side.
7. Taz (the Tasmanian Devil) – Mental, with an incredible and tireless work-rate around the field. An animal come the drinking games in the bar afterwards.
8. He-Man - You know it (CAPTAIN)
9. Popeye – Diminutive but strong in a Byron Kelleher way (providing spinach is provided pre-game), Not afraid to mix it up.
10. Donatello (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) - Brains and an athlete, and no need for body armour
11. Roadrunner – Outrageous gas and a talent for winding up opposition wingers, particularly if they go by the name of Wile E. Coyote. Not the best handling skills though.
12. Lion-o (Thundercats) - Vision, speed and a fearless leader, forms a powerful centre partnership with Bravestarr.
13. Marshall Bravestarr – Lets just look at his basic skills: a) Eyes of the Hawk – All seeing approach to the game b) Ears of the Wolf – Could pick out all opposition calls and team-talks c) Strength of the Bear – Amazing in contact d) Speed of the Puma – Useful on an outside break. The thought of Bravestarr running a switch off Lion-o is mouth-watering.
14. Speedy Gonzales – Gives up a lot of kilos but a deadly finisher.
15. Tigger – Risky, but exuberant choice for full-back. Has a deadly, springing step akin to the Fijian winger Vilimoni Delasu.
HeMan - big guns and captain of the Cartoon XV
Rugby takes my breath away - Mrs Jonny’s Diary
I was feeling rather reluctant before last night’s training session, following the previous week’s freezing mudbath, but I was delighted when I stepped out of the car and realised it was actually rather mild outside and pretty much lacking in rain. Hurrah!
To add to my delight, our regular pitch was so waterlogged that we were ‘forced’ to train on a sort of sandy, spare pitch instead. As well as the consequent lack of muddiness, this suited me for two reasons: as I am yet to purchase some proper rugby boots (I can be a little disorganised…), I was in my element in my old, increasingly mouldy, astro-turf hockey boots; and secondly, a hard surface meant no tackling. Hurrah again!
So the forwards trundled off to spend the evening shoving their heads between each others legs and practising cryptic, Masonic line-out calls, whilst us backs ran around like excitable puppies for an hour and generally ignored the pleading of the coaches to exercise some discipline in our tactics.
It was all rather fun though – three teams of four, with one team sitting out, trying to score trys against each other, ostensibly to practise having a flat defensive line (the battle analogies keep on coming) or a steep attacking line. If you can’t see both ears and both bum cheeks, girls, you’re not far enough back!
Once a team scored a try, the other team had to run off, whilst the third team came on – without stopping play. It was truly knackering, but fun for the winning team who could just sprint back and score again if the new team wasn’t quick enough to sort themselves out.
Once more, my generally rubbish fitness became apparent. We were running around so much you could actually see the steam coming off of everyone’s foreheads, racehorse style. And although I scored a triumphant try, the sprint required – and then the sprint back to attempt another score at the other end – nearly caused me to keel over.
I am off to the gym tonight to start rectifying this. I’m starting to think that being on the wing might be cool (and it was my old hockey position – mainly so I could just charge up and down, shouting loudly but not actually having to touch the ball all that often), but I’m not sure I can deliver the required Forest Gump-like speed just yet…
Thank you so much for your comments last week – I promise not to be too grumpy in future! And I’m too chicken to play a match yet, but I’ll keep you posted. Various friends and family members have threatened to come and watch my first outing, so I may have to keep it secret…
Bournemouth Sevens - 31st May / 1st June 2008
Think Dubai sevens. Think Isle of Wight festival. Think Cartier Polo…
Now imagine the best bits of all those events combined into one weekend of sport, music, food, celebrities, drink and partying - that’s exactly what’s on offer at the Bournemouth Sevens 2008!
Roger Woodall, director of Diamond Sports Events, is turning this dream into reality by creating a rugby festival on a par with world tournaments such as Dubai, Hong Kong and Amsterdam.
This unique 2-day event will take place annually in the party capital of England, with two separate rugby sevens competitions, live music on the festival stage, family entertainment, fancy dress, a funfair and special guests from the world of International rugby, such as Lewis Moody, Austin Healey and many more.
The renowned band ZU2, the U2 tribute band on stage at this year’s Dubai Sevens, will be performing live along with a host of other bands and DJ’s, and with camping facilities for 3,000 people; it will certainly be a weekend to remember.
In addition to a corporate hospitality marquee, there will be huge beer tents, a pitch-side Jacuzzi, cheerleaders and a fun fair offering entertainment for all the family.
The event will encourage more and more people to get involved in rugby, and will feature a road-show from the RFU, the sport’s governing body. Children will be able to get involved in the rugby clinics learning the basic skills of the game with experts on hand to nurture the international stars of the future.
The picturesque Bournemouth Sports Club will be descended upon by 10,000 people, with several universities organising reunions at the event, as well as sports clubs up and down the country arranging end of season tours to coincide with the festival.
For more information, visit www.bournemouthsevens.com
Guinness Premiership Roundup
Following a productive European fortnight for most of England’s clubs, the Guinness Premiership resumed this weekend with Gloucester and Bath looking to keep going where they left off, sitting at the top of the league.
The weekend began with Sale’s visit to Worcester and the debut of perhaps the most surprising of all the Southern Hemisphere signings, Luke McAlister. It is well known that McAlister is (was?!) thought to be a permanent fixture in the All Blacks three-quarters until the next world cup and he showed why on Friday night. He and Hodgson combined like port and cheese to trouble Worcester’s back line regularly. However it was full-back Foden who shone the brightest, scoring an improbable try using Robinson-esque footwork to round off a very capable performance. Sale won 34-15.
Saturday saw Gloucester, Leicester and Bath all record wins to keep them in the play-off race. The manner of Gloucester’s victory will be very encouraging to the cherry and white faithful because it seems that this season they have become more than a one trick pony (that trick being a “flair-at-all-costs” mentality). They came from 13-25 down at half-time to win 27-25 against Quins.
Leicester inflicted a heavy defeat on Leeds but missed out on a bonus point. Varndell scored two and Andy “the Victorian Villain” Goode notched up 4 penalties to help Leicester to a 29-6 victory.
Bristol may have still been suffering from a European hangover (and quite right too!) as they slumped to a 28-13 defeat by Bath. Bath’s man-mountain winger, Matt Banahan, seems to be scoring for fun and it will be interesting to see how he fares on the sevens circuit in December. He only took up rugby three years ago, turning his back on hockey for the benefit of the oval-ball game.
On Sunday Wasps took on Newcastle, both sides keen to carry on their European form. It was Wasps who dominated proceedings, bringing their current run to 4 wins in a row. The back-line, led by man-of-the-match Cipriani, again stole the show with tries for Flutey, Sackey (2) and Cipriani (2).
Saracens keep within touching distance of Bath and Gloucester with their close win over London Irish. Sarries fly-half Jackson decided to throw caution to the wind and instead of going for the posts with a penalty in the last minute of the match he opted to kick to the wing, where Haughton managed to gather the ball and score the winning points. He claimed he did it to ensure Irish would have to score a try to win the game but secretly he did it because he knows everyone loves a showboat.
The stop-start Premiership campaign is once again put on hold for three weeks leading up to Christmas with first the EDF Cup, then the Heineken Cup stealing the limelight.
By Jon Hobbs
Update on the campaign to make rugby the new national sport
The campaign has been given new momentum since the failure of the football team to qualify for the European Championships, and their lacklustre display against Croatia that left us wondering whether or not they care.
The purpose of the campaign is not to argue that rugby is better than football; it is simply to raise the profile of rugby, to encourage more and more people to get involved so that they learn the values inherent with the sport, such as pride, passion, teamwork and respect.
I believe that rugby players would be better role models for the youth of Britain than some of the high-profile footballers, and perhaps through rugby, we can improve the nation!
Dreaming of the Lions
Stu Peel clearly has a lot of time on his hands and has spent the afternoon pondering a Lions XV.
“Gerald Davies has just been appointed Lions manager and we’re at the midway stage between tours, which leaves me wondering who would make the team if there was a Lions test match tomorrow.”
Please help him out with your suggestions for selection, since he goes on to say, “I’m thinking of picking myself at 15.”
Four years ago today
I can’t let the day pass without a salute to the boys of 2003 that won the World Cup on this day four years ago.
That momentous night in Sydney will never be forgotten, but let’s hope we can build on some solid foundations over the next four years and recapture the Web Ellis Cup.
Here’s to you Clive, Martin, Jonny, Lawrence, Will et al.
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