The super 14 vs The European Cup

The contrast between the two tournaments could not be greater. Is this because the super 14 franchise is not rooted in the community such as Munster or Perpignan?

What to do with a problem like Danny?

The six nations finished a couple of weeks ago and the overwhelming issue has been the impotence of the English back line. Danny Cipriani came off the bench yesterday and immediately made an exciting impact. This is what the English back line needs. Is Martin Johnson afraid of Cavalier spirit in his backs? Lets hope when Cipriani gets back from his year in Australia a better player and full of confidence that the English back line needs.

The Six Nations 2010

Originally this Six Nations Championship I was going to blog round by round however this was not possible due to my own rugby commitments. This even restricted my own watching of the grand old championship. However I saw enough to offer some comment on each team.

France: Although in the final game against England they were clinical rather than exciting, they got the job done. Far and away the best team in the championship. This achievement of a grand slam should not be under estimated, this is a French side that Mark Lievermont has put together through trial and error. This team is now performing and performing with flair and excitement as you would expect but also has a steel like spine that helps them win games.

Ireland: The grand slam hangover season and possibly the end of the greatest era in Irish rugby history. The side played up and down rugby but their are signs of hope especially with the emergence of Jonny Sexton at 10. The provincial system seems to be producing good players without the stress that English game puts on the players.

Wales: With golf buggies on the motorway being one of the stranger sights of the Welsh six nations championship. The Welsh are not really sure where they are. Without a doubt the most exciting back in the six nations championship is Shane Williams, James Hook is the most natural ball player and Lee Byrne is a brilliant full back. However, the lions tour acted like a tremendous anchor on them depriving them of their best forwards especially in the front row next season willl be the true indication on how far the welsh have progressed.

Italy: Progress was made in the back division and the forwards held their own again a win against the Scots was just rewards and the progress on the rugby field has to be measured on their worth in the six nations. Without a doubt the Italians are worth their place in the six nations. The improvement in the club structure is dramatic with back play being the major weakness.

Scotland: Most improved. Andy Robinson has developed a pack of forwards capable of competing with any body in the six nations a win against Ireland and a draw against England shows improvement. The key for the Scottish improvement will be keeping the pack together.

Finally the English question what  is wrong in Twickenham? The component parts would seem to be there from the premiership clubs. What happens when the players put on the red rose of England? The front five looked toothless the back row was functional without being dynamic. The lack of a proper old fashioned open side was obvious especially in open play where the lack of continuity was painful. The back play was painful and did not improve until Ben Foden was included.