dijous, 1 de desembre del 2011
dimarts, 22 de novembre del 2011
Edimbourg vs Racing Metro de París, el mejor partido de la Heineken
Edimbourg vs Racing Metro de París, 18 de noviembre 2011
J2 Hcup - Edimbourg v RM 92 - Le résumé por racingmetro92
J2 Hcup - Edimbourg v RM 92 - Le résumé por racingmetro92
divendres, 11 de novembre del 2011
Delon Armitage suspendido durante cinco semanas por dos incidentes
Earlier this week England and London Irish back Delon Armitage received two bans for incidents that took place in an Aviva Premiership match against Bath a few weeks back. He has now been suspended five times this year. His brother, Steffon, could also face suspension, following his lashing out at the procedure via Twitter.
Armitage, who was suspended during the Rugby World Cup for a high tackle on Scotland's Chris Paterson, has spent a fair amount of time off the park this year. A push on a doping officer in January earned him 8 weeks off - causing him to miss the entire Six Nations - and upon his return he was suspended for a strike on Northampton Saints flyhalf Stephen Myler.
Armitage pleased guilty to the dangerous high tackle, and was later found guilty of dropping the knee into lock Dave Attwood as he went over for a very well taken try in the corner. That happened in the same match, not long after Armitage returned to the field following his time in the sin-bin.
The RFU banned him for 5 weeks for the tackle, and 3 for the knee, but they will run concurrently. "We accept that both these incidents were reckless and not malicious," said Judge Jeff Blackett.
"However, in relation to the dangerous tackle on Tom Biggs there was the potential for significant injury and for that reason we believe that it was a mid-range entry level offence of six weeks. We increased it to eight because of concerns raised by the IRB about injuries caused by dangerous tackles and because of his poor disciplinary record.
"We then reduced the sanction to five weeks because of his guilty plea, his contrition and the impressive way he conducted himself at the hearing. In relation to the strike to which he also pleaded guilty, we decided that this was a low-end entry offence and for that we imposed a three-week suspension.
"Delon has unfortunately had several disciplinary issues this year and it is a shame that he once again finds himself not playing. However, we hope that he will learn from these events and we look forward to him resuming the game he quite clearly feels very passionate about," he added.
Meanwhile Delon's brother Steffon is under investigation from the RFU regarding comments he made about the rulings on Twitter. Steffon, who is capped by England, reportedly called the RFU 'dickheads' and said 'rugby is turning soft!!! U should have stuck with football!!!!'
Following the recent investigations and banning of Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu for similar comments on Twitter, you would think that there may be a second Armitage being suspended some time soon.
Below are the two incidents from the London Irish match against Bath. The second wasn't discussed by the match commentators as they were focussing on the try being scored, but you can see it briefly anyway. Delon will miss matches in both the Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership.
dijous, 10 de novembre del 2011
Richie Gray firma por Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks have signed Scotland lock Richie Gray on a three-year contract from Glasgow Warriors.
In a major coup for the Edgeley Park side, the 22-year-old, who was reportedly attracting interest from Bath and Saracens as well as clubs in France, will join the Sharks next June. Gray joins fellow Scots Fraser McKenzie, Richie Vernon and Alasdair Dickinson at the Aviva Premiership side.
Gray, regarded as one of the northern hemisphere's rising forward talents, was persuaded to join the Sharks by executive director of sport Steve Diamond, who also revealed an agreement to sign a second forward.
Diamond said: "Richie is the first to be announced of two who have already agreed to join us. Richie is only 22 but has the makings of a world-class forward and he has been courted by a number of Premiership clubs and several French clubs.
"But he has bought into our vision at Sale Sharks and wants to spend the next part of his career in Manchester."
Gray played in all of Scotland's games in the recent World Cup and has won 16 caps for his country. Diamond added: "Sale Sharks have a great relationship with Scottish players down the years from Bryan Redpath and Jason White through to Alasdair Dickinson, Richie Vernon and Fraser McKenzie.
"Our toughest two weeks are now over but we've now got to make sure we go into the next period of league games ensuring that we iron out those little errors.
"The aim now with all the guys back from the World Cup is to get everyone bedded in properly and get some consistency going into the next set of games."
Sale will look to bounce back from successive Aviva Premiership losses to Leicester and Saracens when they travel to play French club Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup on Saturday.
In a major coup for the Edgeley Park side, the 22-year-old, who was reportedly attracting interest from Bath and Saracens as well as clubs in France, will join the Sharks next June. Gray joins fellow Scots Fraser McKenzie, Richie Vernon and Alasdair Dickinson at the Aviva Premiership side.
Gray, regarded as one of the northern hemisphere's rising forward talents, was persuaded to join the Sharks by executive director of sport Steve Diamond, who also revealed an agreement to sign a second forward.
Diamond said: "Richie is the first to be announced of two who have already agreed to join us. Richie is only 22 but has the makings of a world-class forward and he has been courted by a number of Premiership clubs and several French clubs.
"But he has bought into our vision at Sale Sharks and wants to spend the next part of his career in Manchester."
Gray played in all of Scotland's games in the recent World Cup and has won 16 caps for his country. Diamond added: "Sale Sharks have a great relationship with Scottish players down the years from Bryan Redpath and Jason White through to Alasdair Dickinson, Richie Vernon and Fraser McKenzie.
"Our toughest two weeks are now over but we've now got to make sure we go into the next period of league games ensuring that we iron out those little errors.
"The aim now with all the guys back from the World Cup is to get everyone bedded in properly and get some consistency going into the next set of games."
Sale will look to bounce back from successive Aviva Premiership losses to Leicester and Saracens when they travel to play French club Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup on Saturday.
dimecres, 26 d’octubre del 2011
El mejor ensayo del año 2011
El ensayo del año 2011, Radike Samo, el último partido del Tres Naciones, Australia vs Nueva Zelanda, y este jugador que llevaba siete años sin ser convocado antes de este año 2011 consigue este magnífico ensayo en uno de los mejores partidos de la historia del rugby -para mí.
dimecres, 19 d’octubre del 2011
Nominados a mejor jugador del año 2011
Thierry Dusautoir (Francia)
Piri Weepu (Nueva Zelanda)
Jerome Kaino (Nueva Zelanda)
Ma'a Nonu (Nueva Zelanda)
David Pocock (Australia)
Will Genia (Australia)
Previous winners of the IRB Player of the Year Award:
2010 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2009 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008 - Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 - Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005 - Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2004 - Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 - Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 - Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 - Keith Wood (Ireland)
dimarts, 20 de setembre del 2011
Federados en todos los países que juegan el Mundial
Un gráfico interesante, donde se ve como Rumanía, Georgia y Namibia con unos mil jugadores seniors han conseguido entrar en el Mundial, mientras que en España, que creo que debe haber más jugadores no lo hemos conseguido, y ya durante años no lo estamos logrando.
¿Dónde está el problema? ¿Cúal es la solución?
Rugby News
This blog has been designed to update the news in the world of rugby, spanish blogs and newspapers of the world.
Noticias de rugby
Este blog ha sido diseñado para actualizar las noticias más importantes del mundo del rugby, de blogs de aquí y periódicos de allí.
dimarts, 5 d’abril del 2011
El rugby, de nuevo una lección para el fútbol
Vibrant spectacle of the Heineken Cup is rugby's lesson for football
The next time Ian Wright fancies a day out at the rugby perhaps he should invite that smooth-talking Wayne Rooney along
If there was ever a week to persuade neutrals that rugby union is a more satisfying sport than football this is it. The Heineken Cup quarter-finals will spread the gospel to previously uncharted territory from Barcelona to Milton Keynes, offering as vibrant and enthralling a spectacle as European rugby can deliver. Even the Six Nations, in all its traditional glory, cannot provide quite the same kaleidescopic range of backdrops.
Will Leinster v Leicester be as good an occasion as Ireland v England in the same stadium last month? You would be unwise to bet against it. Perpignan v Toulon in the Catalan capital of Barcelona? Atmosphere-wise, it will make the Stade de France feel like a wet Sunday evening in Lowestoft. Even the Amlin Challenge Cup, once a decidedly second-tier competition, will serve up four games with a genuine edge.
A better matchday experience than football? It is, naturally, a subjective debate with strong arguments for and against. To disciples of either sport it is like comparing the relative merits of cats and dogs. Minds tend to be made up early and habits duly formed. But how interesting to hear on the radio on Saturday morning that the former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright had recently attended his first ever rugby game. His verdict? He could not believe how polite the supporters were towards each other and was positively staggered to discover that a) you could enjoy a drink while watching a Twickenham international and b) that fans are not segregated.
The X-Factor host Dermot O'Leary also told of his enjoyable visit to the Aviva Stadium for the England game last month, specifically the spontaneous applause from Irish supporters when an Englishman in their midst belted out a rousing solo version of Jerusalem. The next time Wright fancies a day out at the rugby perhaps he should invite that smooth-talking Wayne Rooney along.
But which of this week's four Heineken games would best help Wayne to escape his current angst-filled world? If he has never been to San Sebastián, home of Real Sociedad, he would be swiftly disabused of the notion that the north-west of England has the most passionate fans in Europe. The intense desire in the Basque country to see Biarritz beat the strolling players of Toulouse will ensure a contest with as much percussive forward power as any, particularly with Jean-Michel Gonzalez's team still hurting from their 41-13 defeat to Clermont at the weekend.
Or maybe he should head to the other side of Spain. Having been lucky enough to cover the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, I've always felt Heineken Cup rugby would be on fertile ground if Perpignan ever took a major home game to the Olympic Stadium. Now the blood-and-gold flag-waving fans have their wish. Jonny Wilkinson has played all around the world but this will be something else again, particularly with the Toulon president, Mourad Boudjellal, foaming at the mouth. Having criticised his players for losing at Castres, he is keen to goad them to the Top 14 title and, conceivably, the Heineken Cup as well. "I told myself: 'If I don't vex this bunch, if I don't humiliate them, they'll fall asleep,'" he said this week. "If they become champions of France by hating me, I'll be doing well."
Hmm, he sounds Wayne's type of guy in terms of using anger as a driving force. In that respect, Northampton's England contingent will also strike a chord. Ben Foden's late-night taxi altercation has demonstrated that rugby remains far from immune to off-field incidents and Saints' decline over the Six Nations period has merely upped the club's desire to finish the season as they started it. It matters not whether they are playing at Franklin's Gardens or their new temporary "home" venue, stadium:mk.
If I was Rooney, though, I'd board a plane and head for Dublin this Saturday. Leinster v Leicester offers an enticing sequel to Ireland's striking victory over a grand-slam chasing England. Will Ben Youngs and Toby Flood get their comeuppance again? Has Brian O'Driscoll got another European title in him? Will the Tigers scrum have the last laugh? Mix all the plotlines together and the stage is set, even on a packed sporting weekend, for a humdinger. A semi-final line-up of Northampton v Toulon and Leinster v Toulouse is my tentative prediction but one thing is certain: rugby's sense of self-worth will be higher by Monday morning.
Heineken Cup quarter-finals
Saturday, 9 April
3.30 Perpignan v Toulon, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona – Alain Rolland (Irl)
6.00 Leinster v Leicester, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – Nigel Owens (Wal)
Sunday, 10 April 2011
2.00 Northampton v Ulster, stadium:mk, Milton Keynes – Romain Poite (Fr)
4.30 Biarritz v Toulouse, Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastián – Wayne Barnes (Eng)
Semi-final draw:
Leinster or Leicester v Biarritz or Toulouse
Northampton or Ulster v Perpignan or Toulon
(To be played weekend of 30 April/1 May)
PROFIT WARNING
Strong words from the Sale Sharks owner, Brian Kennedy, in the current issue of Rugby Times. Kennedy says he questions his sanity "every day" having spent £15m on establishing Sale as a professional entity. "If the Premiership owners pulled out you'd have just four clubs left in England and that would put the RFU in a very funny position, wouldn't it? The whole financial dynamic of professional rugby union has to change and the RFU has to give us more financial support, otherwise the game will go bankrupt. Frankly if it wasn't for our fans and their support I'd have dropped this project years ago. The game is bust and the RFU has to do something about it." Not much room for misinterpretation there. Everyone with a stake in the English club game should heed his stark warning.
WORTH WATCHING THIS WEEK
Cian Healy (Leinster): The loosehead had a fine game for Ireland against England and now faces the ultimate challenge. Martin Castrogiovanni enjoyed a productive afternoon at Healy's expense in Rome back in February and both players will remember that particular fixture well. If Healy holds firm, Leinster will feel confident of reaching the last four.
The next time Ian Wright fancies a day out at the rugby perhaps he should invite that smooth-talking Wayne Rooney along
If there was ever a week to persuade neutrals that rugby union is a more satisfying sport than football this is it. The Heineken Cup quarter-finals will spread the gospel to previously uncharted territory from Barcelona to Milton Keynes, offering as vibrant and enthralling a spectacle as European rugby can deliver. Even the Six Nations, in all its traditional glory, cannot provide quite the same kaleidescopic range of backdrops.
Will Leinster v Leicester be as good an occasion as Ireland v England in the same stadium last month? You would be unwise to bet against it. Perpignan v Toulon in the Catalan capital of Barcelona? Atmosphere-wise, it will make the Stade de France feel like a wet Sunday evening in Lowestoft. Even the Amlin Challenge Cup, once a decidedly second-tier competition, will serve up four games with a genuine edge.
A better matchday experience than football? It is, naturally, a subjective debate with strong arguments for and against. To disciples of either sport it is like comparing the relative merits of cats and dogs. Minds tend to be made up early and habits duly formed. But how interesting to hear on the radio on Saturday morning that the former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright had recently attended his first ever rugby game. His verdict? He could not believe how polite the supporters were towards each other and was positively staggered to discover that a) you could enjoy a drink while watching a Twickenham international and b) that fans are not segregated.
The X-Factor host Dermot O'Leary also told of his enjoyable visit to the Aviva Stadium for the England game last month, specifically the spontaneous applause from Irish supporters when an Englishman in their midst belted out a rousing solo version of Jerusalem. The next time Wright fancies a day out at the rugby perhaps he should invite that smooth-talking Wayne Rooney along.
But which of this week's four Heineken games would best help Wayne to escape his current angst-filled world? If he has never been to San Sebastián, home of Real Sociedad, he would be swiftly disabused of the notion that the north-west of England has the most passionate fans in Europe. The intense desire in the Basque country to see Biarritz beat the strolling players of Toulouse will ensure a contest with as much percussive forward power as any, particularly with Jean-Michel Gonzalez's team still hurting from their 41-13 defeat to Clermont at the weekend.
Or maybe he should head to the other side of Spain. Having been lucky enough to cover the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, I've always felt Heineken Cup rugby would be on fertile ground if Perpignan ever took a major home game to the Olympic Stadium. Now the blood-and-gold flag-waving fans have their wish. Jonny Wilkinson has played all around the world but this will be something else again, particularly with the Toulon president, Mourad Boudjellal, foaming at the mouth. Having criticised his players for losing at Castres, he is keen to goad them to the Top 14 title and, conceivably, the Heineken Cup as well. "I told myself: 'If I don't vex this bunch, if I don't humiliate them, they'll fall asleep,'" he said this week. "If they become champions of France by hating me, I'll be doing well."
Hmm, he sounds Wayne's type of guy in terms of using anger as a driving force. In that respect, Northampton's England contingent will also strike a chord. Ben Foden's late-night taxi altercation has demonstrated that rugby remains far from immune to off-field incidents and Saints' decline over the Six Nations period has merely upped the club's desire to finish the season as they started it. It matters not whether they are playing at Franklin's Gardens or their new temporary "home" venue, stadium:mk.
If I was Rooney, though, I'd board a plane and head for Dublin this Saturday. Leinster v Leicester offers an enticing sequel to Ireland's striking victory over a grand-slam chasing England. Will Ben Youngs and Toby Flood get their comeuppance again? Has Brian O'Driscoll got another European title in him? Will the Tigers scrum have the last laugh? Mix all the plotlines together and the stage is set, even on a packed sporting weekend, for a humdinger. A semi-final line-up of Northampton v Toulon and Leinster v Toulouse is my tentative prediction but one thing is certain: rugby's sense of self-worth will be higher by Monday morning.
Heineken Cup quarter-finals
Saturday, 9 April
3.30 Perpignan v Toulon, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona – Alain Rolland (Irl)
6.00 Leinster v Leicester, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – Nigel Owens (Wal)
Sunday, 10 April 2011
2.00 Northampton v Ulster, stadium:mk, Milton Keynes – Romain Poite (Fr)
4.30 Biarritz v Toulouse, Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastián – Wayne Barnes (Eng)
Semi-final draw:
Leinster or Leicester v Biarritz or Toulouse
Northampton or Ulster v Perpignan or Toulon
(To be played weekend of 30 April/1 May)
PROFIT WARNING
Strong words from the Sale Sharks owner, Brian Kennedy, in the current issue of Rugby Times. Kennedy says he questions his sanity "every day" having spent £15m on establishing Sale as a professional entity. "If the Premiership owners pulled out you'd have just four clubs left in England and that would put the RFU in a very funny position, wouldn't it? The whole financial dynamic of professional rugby union has to change and the RFU has to give us more financial support, otherwise the game will go bankrupt. Frankly if it wasn't for our fans and their support I'd have dropped this project years ago. The game is bust and the RFU has to do something about it." Not much room for misinterpretation there. Everyone with a stake in the English club game should heed his stark warning.
WORTH WATCHING THIS WEEK
Cian Healy (Leinster): The loosehead had a fine game for Ireland against England and now faces the ultimate challenge. Martin Castrogiovanni enjoyed a productive afternoon at Healy's expense in Rome back in February and both players will remember that particular fixture well. If Healy holds firm, Leinster will feel confident of reaching the last four.
dimarts, 22 de febrer del 2011
No me gustan los ingleses, y es mejor decirlo que ser hipócrita
Os dejo una traducción libre de un artículo publicado en The Rugby Blog, el original está aquí.
¿Odian los franceses a los ingleses?
Los comentarios de ayer por el entrenador francés Marc Lievremont eran extraños, pero todo el mundo parece estar hablando de la última 'guerra de palabras ".
Lievremont dijo: "No me gustan los ingleses, y es mejor decirlo que ser hipócrita".
"Tenemos algunos problemas con los ingleses. Los respetamos - bien en mi caso por lo menos yo los respeto. Pero no se puede decir que tengamos la más mínima cosa en común con ellos. Agradecemos a nuestros primos italianos con los que compartimos la misma calidad de vida. Apreciamos a los celtas y su convivencia y con todas esas naciones tenemos algo en común. No nos gustan los ingleses ".
"Le ganamos a Irlanda pero abandonamos Dublín con el apoyo de todos los irlandeses que nos dijeron que por piedad debíamos batir a los ingleses".
Johnno no quiso ser arrastrado a una respuesta, del mismo modo que no contestó las palabras de Gatland –entrenador de Gales, antes del partido ante los Dragones.
Johnno dijo ayer, "Se trata de la pasión y eso es lo que hace el torneo. Habrá un elemento de esto en el juego. Quieres participar en este tipo de cosas. Sí, puede haber un poco de una mentalidad de asedio en algunos chicos y, sí, me habría quedado un poco impresionado si un inglés hubiera dicho alguna cosa así. Pero todo está sobrevalorado. Esto sólo es un poco de charla.
"Esta semana no va a ser tranquila. Habrá mucho alboroto alrededor del partido. La mayor presión es externa, pero todo se reduce a manejar las cosas bien en el campo. Nada cambia en ese sentido. Y sólo porque lo manejamos bien en Cardiff, no significa que se maneje de la misma manera aquí. "
¿Odian los franceses a los ingleses?
Los comentarios de ayer por el entrenador francés Marc Lievremont eran extraños, pero todo el mundo parece estar hablando de la última 'guerra de palabras ".
Lievremont dijo: "No me gustan los ingleses, y es mejor decirlo que ser hipócrita".
"Tenemos algunos problemas con los ingleses. Los respetamos - bien en mi caso por lo menos yo los respeto. Pero no se puede decir que tengamos la más mínima cosa en común con ellos. Agradecemos a nuestros primos italianos con los que compartimos la misma calidad de vida. Apreciamos a los celtas y su convivencia y con todas esas naciones tenemos algo en común. No nos gustan los ingleses ".
"Le ganamos a Irlanda pero abandonamos Dublín con el apoyo de todos los irlandeses que nos dijeron que por piedad debíamos batir a los ingleses".
Johnno no quiso ser arrastrado a una respuesta, del mismo modo que no contestó las palabras de Gatland –entrenador de Gales, antes del partido ante los Dragones.
Johnno dijo ayer, "Se trata de la pasión y eso es lo que hace el torneo. Habrá un elemento de esto en el juego. Quieres participar en este tipo de cosas. Sí, puede haber un poco de una mentalidad de asedio en algunos chicos y, sí, me habría quedado un poco impresionado si un inglés hubiera dicho alguna cosa así. Pero todo está sobrevalorado. Esto sólo es un poco de charla.
"Esta semana no va a ser tranquila. Habrá mucho alboroto alrededor del partido. La mayor presión es externa, pero todo se reduce a manejar las cosas bien en el campo. Nada cambia en ese sentido. Y sólo porque lo manejamos bien en Cardiff, no significa que se maneje de la misma manera aquí. "
dimarts, 15 de febrer del 2011
Giteau al Toulon, ¿Henson vuelve a Gales?
Toulon sign Matt Giteau to put Gavin Henson's French future in doubt
Gavin Henson looks unlikely to stay at Toulon after his short-term contract ends in May, following the French club's signing of the Australia centre Matt Giteau.
The recruitment of the 28-year-old Giteau, who has 91 Australia caps, on an 18-month contract that will start after the World Cup in the autumn, will leave no room for the Wales centre Henson in the Toulon starting line-up, given the presence of England's Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half.
Henson joined Toulon from Saracens last month, hoping to play regularly at inside-centre and put himself into contention for a place in the Wales World Cup squad. He is set to make his debut against Agen this weekend, after recovering from a calf strain, as Wilkinson is on England duty and the Argentina fly-half Felipe Contepomi is injured.
Giteau, who said that he will return to the Brumbies in the summer of 2013, in order to be in contention to face the Lions that year, has been signed to operate in tandem with Wilkinson. Toulon have said they will decide whether to make Henson an offer after watching him play but he seems bound to return to Britain, especially as staying with the French club would put him in danger of not being released for Wales's pre-World Cup training camps.
Wasps' leading try scorer, Tom Varndell, is unlikely to play again this season. The former England wing has been ruled out for 12 weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in Sunday's Premiership defeat by Gloucester. The Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel, who also suffered an ankle injury in the match, will be out for between two and three weeks after a scan revealed he had not suffered a break.
The England team manager, Martin Johnson, has released Danny Care, the reserve scrum-half, to Harlequins this weekend. Care's club, who have only one other fit scrum-half, play Sale on Saturday.
Gavin Henson looks unlikely to stay at Toulon after his short-term contract ends in May, following the French club's signing of the Australia centre Matt Giteau.
The recruitment of the 28-year-old Giteau, who has 91 Australia caps, on an 18-month contract that will start after the World Cup in the autumn, will leave no room for the Wales centre Henson in the Toulon starting line-up, given the presence of England's Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half.
Henson joined Toulon from Saracens last month, hoping to play regularly at inside-centre and put himself into contention for a place in the Wales World Cup squad. He is set to make his debut against Agen this weekend, after recovering from a calf strain, as Wilkinson is on England duty and the Argentina fly-half Felipe Contepomi is injured.
Giteau, who said that he will return to the Brumbies in the summer of 2013, in order to be in contention to face the Lions that year, has been signed to operate in tandem with Wilkinson. Toulon have said they will decide whether to make Henson an offer after watching him play but he seems bound to return to Britain, especially as staying with the French club would put him in danger of not being released for Wales's pre-World Cup training camps.
Wasps' leading try scorer, Tom Varndell, is unlikely to play again this season. The former England wing has been ruled out for 12 weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in Sunday's Premiership defeat by Gloucester. The Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel, who also suffered an ankle injury in the match, will be out for between two and three weeks after a scan revealed he had not suffered a break.
The England team manager, Martin Johnson, has released Danny Care, the reserve scrum-half, to Harlequins this weekend. Care's club, who have only one other fit scrum-half, play Sale on Saturday.
dimarts, 8 de febrer del 2011
Twitter y rugby
Desde Scrum, cada cierto tiempo, nos dejan los Tweets más destacados del mundo del rugby, os pego este artículo de Scrum.
Tweet Treats - Volume XV
Back by popular demand (OK, a couple of people asked what had happened to it) is our semi-regular look at what rugby's leading names are saying on the social networking phenomenon that is Twitter.
There appears to be no stopping the growth of the micro-blogging site and it continues to hit the headlines following Wales' decision to impose a Twitter ban during this year's Six Nations. Thankfully there is still plenty of banter going on out there but sadly it crosses the line on occasion.
Former England hooker and BBC commentator Brian Moore pulled the plug on his account (@brianmoorerugby) this week having had enough personal abuse aimed his way in the wake of the Six Nations opener in Cardiff. Love or loathe his style of delivery, his Tweets were often insightful and his concise analysis will be missed.
He's not the only one threatening to down tools in the face of some out-of-hand banter with former England star and ESPN analyst Austin Healey - never one to shy away from a verbal exchange - pondering his next move going by his latest post.
"@brianmoorerugby I think I'm going to just go back to abusing people in person has a much better feel don't you think"
He's still around, for now, and crops up again in our pick of what rugby's Twitterati have been Tweeting about of late:
"Home sweet home! Good journey with just @dannycare9 and myself on the team bus back home! Nursing a small but very worthwhile hangover!"
England's Ben Foden - aka the Most Unpopular Man in Wales - reveals that the rest of the England squad were lost in Cardiff - but they left their share of the beer.
"Back across the bridge...don't know where all the lads are there's only myself and @ben_foden on the coach! Weekend off to chill!!"
Danny Care was Tweeting on the way home too - great conversationalists obviously.
"Looking forward to a trip to Rome tomorrow for the BBC team along side Keith Wood. Any words you wanna see if I can squeeze in??"
Sidelined by injury, Ireland's Tommy Bowe gets his kicks as a pundit for his side's game against Italy - but my not get invited back.
"You always get the impression watching the French that if they cared a lot, all the time, they could literally do what they like #skills"
Bath's Oly Barkley was amongst those impressed by France's opening Six Nations victory over Scotland.
"Pulling into Paris plenty of traveling jocks(not in 1st of course) loads of banter 6 nations is great isn't it"
Former England interntional and ESPN analyst Austin Healey does his bit for Anglo-Scottish relations.
"@IamAustinHealey: If hartley snaps in cardiff and kills someone gatlands fault?"Bit of sledging never hurt anyone! you should know that"
Wales legend Jonathan Davies weighs in on the verbal jousting that preceded England's victory over Wales in Cardiff with this question to Healey.
"Let's take a breath, we won. Tomorrow we'll look at it closer, let's not shoot off out mouths now"
Injured Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip urges his followers not to make any rash judgements about his side's far-from-impressive opening victory against Italy in Rome.
"Can someone send me the words to the Welsh National anthem? Keen to join in. What a cracking song!!!"
Former England international and Sky Sports pundit Will Greenwood gets a little swept up in the emotion of Friday night's Six Nations opener in Cardiff.
"Wow! The history, the emotion, the brilliance of those who have gone before. It is the 6 Nations. Love it. Here's to a great Championship..."
Former England captain Will Carling auditions for a return to the pundits pool with one of many updates to his tens of thousands of followers during the Millennium Stadium clash.
Tweet Treats - Volume XV
Back by popular demand (OK, a couple of people asked what had happened to it) is our semi-regular look at what rugby's leading names are saying on the social networking phenomenon that is Twitter.
There appears to be no stopping the growth of the micro-blogging site and it continues to hit the headlines following Wales' decision to impose a Twitter ban during this year's Six Nations. Thankfully there is still plenty of banter going on out there but sadly it crosses the line on occasion.
Former England hooker and BBC commentator Brian Moore pulled the plug on his account (@brianmoorerugby) this week having had enough personal abuse aimed his way in the wake of the Six Nations opener in Cardiff. Love or loathe his style of delivery, his Tweets were often insightful and his concise analysis will be missed.
He's not the only one threatening to down tools in the face of some out-of-hand banter with former England star and ESPN analyst Austin Healey - never one to shy away from a verbal exchange - pondering his next move going by his latest post.
"@brianmoorerugby I think I'm going to just go back to abusing people in person has a much better feel don't you think"
He's still around, for now, and crops up again in our pick of what rugby's Twitterati have been Tweeting about of late:
"Home sweet home! Good journey with just @dannycare9 and myself on the team bus back home! Nursing a small but very worthwhile hangover!"
England's Ben Foden - aka the Most Unpopular Man in Wales - reveals that the rest of the England squad were lost in Cardiff - but they left their share of the beer.
"Back across the bridge...don't know where all the lads are there's only myself and @ben_foden on the coach! Weekend off to chill!!"
Danny Care was Tweeting on the way home too - great conversationalists obviously.
"Looking forward to a trip to Rome tomorrow for the BBC team along side Keith Wood. Any words you wanna see if I can squeeze in??"
Sidelined by injury, Ireland's Tommy Bowe gets his kicks as a pundit for his side's game against Italy - but my not get invited back.
"You always get the impression watching the French that if they cared a lot, all the time, they could literally do what they like #skills"
Bath's Oly Barkley was amongst those impressed by France's opening Six Nations victory over Scotland.
"Pulling into Paris plenty of traveling jocks(not in 1st of course) loads of banter 6 nations is great isn't it"
Former England interntional and ESPN analyst Austin Healey does his bit for Anglo-Scottish relations.
"@IamAustinHealey: If hartley snaps in cardiff and kills someone gatlands fault?"Bit of sledging never hurt anyone! you should know that"
Wales legend Jonathan Davies weighs in on the verbal jousting that preceded England's victory over Wales in Cardiff with this question to Healey.
"Let's take a breath, we won. Tomorrow we'll look at it closer, let's not shoot off out mouths now"
Injured Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip urges his followers not to make any rash judgements about his side's far-from-impressive opening victory against Italy in Rome.
"Can someone send me the words to the Welsh National anthem? Keen to join in. What a cracking song!!!"
Former England international and Sky Sports pundit Will Greenwood gets a little swept up in the emotion of Friday night's Six Nations opener in Cardiff.
"Wow! The history, the emotion, the brilliance of those who have gone before. It is the 6 Nations. Love it. Here's to a great Championship..."
Former England captain Will Carling auditions for a return to the pundits pool with one of many updates to his tens of thousands of followers during the Millennium Stadium clash.
dilluns, 31 de gener del 2011
El mejor ensayo del año 2010
Según la "International Rugby Players' Association" el mejor ensayo del año ha sido este de Chris Ashton con Inglaterra ante Australiana, no estoy muy de acuerdo, pero para gustos colores.
6 Naciones 2011, Escocia
XV tipo: Jacobsen, Ford, Murray, Hamilton (McLeod), Kellock, Brown, Barclay, Beattie; Lawson, Parks; Lamont, Dainielli, Ansbro, Walker; Southwell.
Australia, Suráfrica, Irlanda, Argentina y Samoa figuran en la lista de víctimas recientes de la nueva Escocia de Andy Robinson. El ex técnico de Bath está trabajando duro para solventar el gran déficit de los del cardo, la consecución de ensayos y generar rugby ofensivo. Muchos señalan al joven Ruaridh Jackson como la llave para solventarlo, aunque su aparición, que no parece inminente, no cambiará el libreto de juego: apertura de larguísimo pateo táctico (especialmente defensivo), powerhouse demoledor (sobre todo en el tigh five) y defensa pegajosa que se cobra los errores del rival en forma de golpes.
Revisando la convocatoria de Robinson encontramos un par de regresos notables. John Beattie y Simon Dainielli. Hombre por hombre, Escocia vuelve a presentar una delantera potente, con una primera de hierro forjado (Jacobsen-Ford-Murray) y la tercera más dinámica de los últimos tiempos: Brown-Barclay- Beattie. Parece que en los medios el maridaje Lawson-Parks ha convencido y el 9 está gobernando bien al paquete en el juego cerrado, además de sacar pelotas limpias y cómodas para rentabilizar el cañón que exhibe en su pierna el apertura. Su talón de Aquiles es la línea de tres cuartos, experimentada pero de cohesión dispersa pese a llevar años jugando juntos: De Luca, Soutwell, Nikki Walter, Morrison (que será baja por lesión), Sean Lamont... Si se centran, tienen un equipo más que decente. Se dice que los partidos los gana la delantera y los tres cuartos deciden por cuanto. En este caso, los partidos los gana la delantera y los tres cuartos los ayudan a perder. La falta de talento creativo, un game player, es un escollo para los prosaicos tres cuartos hibernios. Si Robinson encuentra acomodo a Ruaridh, la solución podría empezar por ahí. Pero no se engañen, Escocia nunca será Nueva Zelanda. Ni falta que les hace. La capitanía ha pasado de un medio melé (Blair, Cusiter y Lawson) al segunda Al Kellock, el guerrero de Glasgow, lo que ha operado una inesperada sinergia emotiva en el grupo, según confiesan sus compañeros. A Kellock le cambió la vida el día que se cruzó en Edimburgo con el mítico Todd Blackadder, ex capitán All Black, quien le dijo: "Oiga si a sus 27 años usted piensa seguir ahí sentado esperando, no llegará a ninguna parte en el rugby. Salga a partirse la cara". Y sabe Dios que lo hizo...
Australia, Suráfrica, Irlanda, Argentina y Samoa figuran en la lista de víctimas recientes de la nueva Escocia de Andy Robinson. El ex técnico de Bath está trabajando duro para solventar el gran déficit de los del cardo, la consecución de ensayos y generar rugby ofensivo. Muchos señalan al joven Ruaridh Jackson como la llave para solventarlo, aunque su aparición, que no parece inminente, no cambiará el libreto de juego: apertura de larguísimo pateo táctico (especialmente defensivo), powerhouse demoledor (sobre todo en el tigh five) y defensa pegajosa que se cobra los errores del rival en forma de golpes.
Revisando la convocatoria de Robinson encontramos un par de regresos notables. John Beattie y Simon Dainielli. Hombre por hombre, Escocia vuelve a presentar una delantera potente, con una primera de hierro forjado (Jacobsen-Ford-Murray) y la tercera más dinámica de los últimos tiempos: Brown-Barclay- Beattie. Parece que en los medios el maridaje Lawson-Parks ha convencido y el 9 está gobernando bien al paquete en el juego cerrado, además de sacar pelotas limpias y cómodas para rentabilizar el cañón que exhibe en su pierna el apertura. Su talón de Aquiles es la línea de tres cuartos, experimentada pero de cohesión dispersa pese a llevar años jugando juntos: De Luca, Soutwell, Nikki Walter, Morrison (que será baja por lesión), Sean Lamont... Si se centran, tienen un equipo más que decente. Se dice que los partidos los gana la delantera y los tres cuartos deciden por cuanto. En este caso, los partidos los gana la delantera y los tres cuartos los ayudan a perder. La falta de talento creativo, un game player, es un escollo para los prosaicos tres cuartos hibernios. Si Robinson encuentra acomodo a Ruaridh, la solución podría empezar por ahí. Pero no se engañen, Escocia nunca será Nueva Zelanda. Ni falta que les hace. La capitanía ha pasado de un medio melé (Blair, Cusiter y Lawson) al segunda Al Kellock, el guerrero de Glasgow, lo que ha operado una inesperada sinergia emotiva en el grupo, según confiesan sus compañeros. A Kellock le cambió la vida el día que se cruzó en Edimburgo con el mítico Todd Blackadder, ex capitán All Black, quien le dijo: "Oiga si a sus 27 años usted piensa seguir ahí sentado esperando, no llegará a ninguna parte en el rugby. Salga a partirse la cara". Y sabe Dios que lo hizo...
divendres, 28 de gener del 2011
James Hook se va a Perpignan, pero continuará jugando con Gales
JAMES HOOK has underlined his “huge aspirations” to continue playing for Wales after securing a reputed £1m deal with French club Perpignan.
Hook is set to make his Perpignan debut after the World Cup in New Zealand later this year, having agreed terms until 2014.
His three-year contract, which officially starts in July, includes release for all pre-World Cup training with Wales, plus tournament warm-up Tests during August against England (twice) and Argentina.
The 25-year-old will also be available for all matches covered by the International Rugby Board Test windows, although anything outside of that would require Perpignan’s approval.
Hook’s agent, former Wales lock Derwyn Jones, said: “There aren’t clauses in the contracts where you have, say, that extra game (Test match) in the autumn. It is down to the goodwill of the club, down to the relationship of the club and the player.
“We have had assurances that James will be available for all international matches. He will join up with Perpignan after the World Cup.
“There are no certainties. It is the same for James Hook, Jonny Wilkinson and every player playing in France.
“When you are making a move like this, you can’t base a decision on that you will be playing for Wales in two or three years’ time or the availability for one (extra) international a season.”
Hook, a high-class operator at fly-half, centre or full-back, is poised to win his 48th cap in next week’s Six Nations opener against England.
And he revealed he had spoken with Wales coach Warren Gatland and national team backs coach Rob Howley about his desire to play in France.
“I still have huge aspirations to play for Wales, and I want to be involved in as many games as I can,” said Hook, who announced his Perpignan move at a press conference in the picturesque village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd.
“I have spoken to Warren and expressed my desire to go over there, and in fairness he has been great and said he is not going to hold me back.
“Ultimately, it was my decision, but Warren and Rob have been great, and the Ospreys coaches have also given me support after I announced my decision to leave.
“The last few months I have known in my head I was going. It is a huge decision. It is not just me involved, it is my fiancee Kim and my little boy Harrison. Obviously, it is a rugby decision as well, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.”
Perpignan, Heineken Cup quarter-finalists this term, are set to make Hook possibly the highest-paid player in Welsh rugby history, with his deal expected to exceed £1m over three years when he moves from the Ospreys.
Jones added that Hook, a member of the 2009 British and Irish Lions squad in South Africa, had been considering his options for the past 12 months.
He said: “Perpignan approached the Ospreys last season and offered to buy him out of his contract. The Ospreys quite sensibly said they wanted to keep it.
“We have spent time going to France to see clubs. Perpignan is a wonderful location – the weather is great, the rugby is fantastic, they have great support.
“And you look at the track record of players like Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas (ex-Toulouse) who have gone to France and done exceptionally well and possibly come back better players.
“I am not saying there is going to be an exodus of players to France, but certainly now and again it can benefit a player’s career, and hopefully it will be a great experience for James.
“He is young, he has a young family and if there is a time to do it, it is probably now.”
As for which position Hook might fill at Stade Aime Giral, the player added: “I am just going to go out there, try to express myself and see what the coach thinks.
“Everyone knows 10 is my preferred position – I have really enjoyed having game-time there in the last couple of weeks for the Ospreys.”
Hook is set to make his Perpignan debut after the World Cup in New Zealand later this year, having agreed terms until 2014.
His three-year contract, which officially starts in July, includes release for all pre-World Cup training with Wales, plus tournament warm-up Tests during August against England (twice) and Argentina.
The 25-year-old will also be available for all matches covered by the International Rugby Board Test windows, although anything outside of that would require Perpignan’s approval.
Hook’s agent, former Wales lock Derwyn Jones, said: “There aren’t clauses in the contracts where you have, say, that extra game (Test match) in the autumn. It is down to the goodwill of the club, down to the relationship of the club and the player.
“We have had assurances that James will be available for all international matches. He will join up with Perpignan after the World Cup.
“There are no certainties. It is the same for James Hook, Jonny Wilkinson and every player playing in France.
“When you are making a move like this, you can’t base a decision on that you will be playing for Wales in two or three years’ time or the availability for one (extra) international a season.”
Hook, a high-class operator at fly-half, centre or full-back, is poised to win his 48th cap in next week’s Six Nations opener against England.
And he revealed he had spoken with Wales coach Warren Gatland and national team backs coach Rob Howley about his desire to play in France.
“I still have huge aspirations to play for Wales, and I want to be involved in as many games as I can,” said Hook, who announced his Perpignan move at a press conference in the picturesque village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd.
“I have spoken to Warren and expressed my desire to go over there, and in fairness he has been great and said he is not going to hold me back.
“Ultimately, it was my decision, but Warren and Rob have been great, and the Ospreys coaches have also given me support after I announced my decision to leave.
“The last few months I have known in my head I was going. It is a huge decision. It is not just me involved, it is my fiancee Kim and my little boy Harrison. Obviously, it is a rugby decision as well, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.”
Perpignan, Heineken Cup quarter-finalists this term, are set to make Hook possibly the highest-paid player in Welsh rugby history, with his deal expected to exceed £1m over three years when he moves from the Ospreys.
Jones added that Hook, a member of the 2009 British and Irish Lions squad in South Africa, had been considering his options for the past 12 months.
He said: “Perpignan approached the Ospreys last season and offered to buy him out of his contract. The Ospreys quite sensibly said they wanted to keep it.
“We have spent time going to France to see clubs. Perpignan is a wonderful location – the weather is great, the rugby is fantastic, they have great support.
“And you look at the track record of players like Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas (ex-Toulouse) who have gone to France and done exceptionally well and possibly come back better players.
“I am not saying there is going to be an exodus of players to France, but certainly now and again it can benefit a player’s career, and hopefully it will be a great experience for James.
“He is young, he has a young family and if there is a time to do it, it is probably now.”
As for which position Hook might fill at Stade Aime Giral, the player added: “I am just going to go out there, try to express myself and see what the coach thinks.
“Everyone knows 10 is my preferred position – I have really enjoyed having game-time there in the last couple of weeks for the Ospreys.”
dijous, 27 de gener del 2011
Análisis del 6 Naciones 2011. Inglaterra
XV tipo: Sheridan, Hartley (Thompson), Cole, Lawes (Shaw), Palmer, Croft (Haskell), Moody (Worsley), Easter; Youngs, Flood; Cueto, Hape, Tindall, Ashton; Fodden.
Inglaterra parece haber encontrado el camino. Su victoria ante Australia demostró dos cosas: una, le tienen tomada la medida a los wallabies; dos, por primera vez en mucho tiempo tienen una línea de tres cuartos con el suficiente talento como para desequilibrar un partido con Ashton, Cueto y un zaguero que, a su dominio táctico, suma una notable producción ofensiva. Flojea en los centros, donde Tindall es demasiado mayor para la intensidad que impomen los Tri Nations; y a Shontayne Hape se le sigue esperando. Ahora, por fín, pueden jugar con los balones recuperados y los rivales se pensarán dejar dentro los balones. El comodín es Banahann, que más allá de su estrambótico físico, a mí no me parece jugador para el XV de la Rosa.
Personalmente creo que si Inglaterra tiene un problema es en los medios. Por calidad y por cohesión. Flood es un buen jugador, pero no un first class. Tampoco lo es ninguno de sus compañeros en la bisgara, ni Youngs, ni Hodgson, ni Care. Y eso es lo que les pesa en los partidos. Wilkinson era un metrónomo, su lectura de los partidos y de las defensas eran inmejorables. Inglaterra ahora no tiene esa capacidad de análisis. Flood, pateador notable, no tiene esa capacidad táctica y sus medios melés no ayudan mucho. Hace años que no tienen un 9 de renombre mundial. Y a mi juicio, eso puede hipotecar sus opciones en este VI Nations y en el Mundial.
Delante, las piezas comenzaban a encajar hasta que las lesiones han echado por tierra todo. La aparición de Courtney Lawes ha sido una de las grandes noticias de los últimos meses. No había ningún segunda de sus características en Inglaterra. Dominante arriba, agresivo en el breakdown y cubre mucho campo. La pareja perfecta para Palmer o Shaw, más parecidos en su juego, que ahora formarán pareja. La primera línea es de garantías con la fiabilidad de Sheridan, el incansable trabajo de Hartley, un talonador de manos rápidas, y los aportes de Cole y Wilson. El set-piece, por tanto, parece competitivo. Pero en la tercera también hay malas noticias, Moody está renqueante. Y eso es un gran problema, porque era el referente físico de un back row en el que Easter sigue ofreciendo un interesante rendimiento y Croft palía su lentitud con iniciativa ofensiva y un buen trabajo a la hora de ganar la línea de ventaja. Es una tercera experimentada, pero que difícilmente podrá aguantar el nivel físico que imponen los búfalos del Tri Nations. Y eso tcreo que ya lo he dicho antes. Si Haskell se centrara, tendría que ser no sólo titular, sino el referente. Pero... Dependerá mucho de las sensaciones que transmita en el partido inaugural en el Millenium. El mejor retrato del estado de Inglaterra lo hace su nuevo director ejecutivo del rugby inglés, John Steele, quien ha manifestado que "el objetivo es acabar entre los dos primeros". En otro tiempo habría sido el Grand Slam o el Grand Slam.
Inglaterra parece haber encontrado el camino. Su victoria ante Australia demostró dos cosas: una, le tienen tomada la medida a los wallabies; dos, por primera vez en mucho tiempo tienen una línea de tres cuartos con el suficiente talento como para desequilibrar un partido con Ashton, Cueto y un zaguero que, a su dominio táctico, suma una notable producción ofensiva. Flojea en los centros, donde Tindall es demasiado mayor para la intensidad que impomen los Tri Nations; y a Shontayne Hape se le sigue esperando. Ahora, por fín, pueden jugar con los balones recuperados y los rivales se pensarán dejar dentro los balones. El comodín es Banahann, que más allá de su estrambótico físico, a mí no me parece jugador para el XV de la Rosa.
Personalmente creo que si Inglaterra tiene un problema es en los medios. Por calidad y por cohesión. Flood es un buen jugador, pero no un first class. Tampoco lo es ninguno de sus compañeros en la bisgara, ni Youngs, ni Hodgson, ni Care. Y eso es lo que les pesa en los partidos. Wilkinson era un metrónomo, su lectura de los partidos y de las defensas eran inmejorables. Inglaterra ahora no tiene esa capacidad de análisis. Flood, pateador notable, no tiene esa capacidad táctica y sus medios melés no ayudan mucho. Hace años que no tienen un 9 de renombre mundial. Y a mi juicio, eso puede hipotecar sus opciones en este VI Nations y en el Mundial.
Delante, las piezas comenzaban a encajar hasta que las lesiones han echado por tierra todo. La aparición de Courtney Lawes ha sido una de las grandes noticias de los últimos meses. No había ningún segunda de sus características en Inglaterra. Dominante arriba, agresivo en el breakdown y cubre mucho campo. La pareja perfecta para Palmer o Shaw, más parecidos en su juego, que ahora formarán pareja. La primera línea es de garantías con la fiabilidad de Sheridan, el incansable trabajo de Hartley, un talonador de manos rápidas, y los aportes de Cole y Wilson. El set-piece, por tanto, parece competitivo. Pero en la tercera también hay malas noticias, Moody está renqueante. Y eso es un gran problema, porque era el referente físico de un back row en el que Easter sigue ofreciendo un interesante rendimiento y Croft palía su lentitud con iniciativa ofensiva y un buen trabajo a la hora de ganar la línea de ventaja. Es una tercera experimentada, pero que difícilmente podrá aguantar el nivel físico que imponen los búfalos del Tri Nations. Y eso tcreo que ya lo he dicho antes. Si Haskell se centrara, tendría que ser no sólo titular, sino el referente. Pero... Dependerá mucho de las sensaciones que transmita en el partido inaugural en el Millenium. El mejor retrato del estado de Inglaterra lo hace su nuevo director ejecutivo del rugby inglés, John Steele, quien ha manifestado que "el objetivo es acabar entre los dos primeros". En otro tiempo habría sido el Grand Slam o el Grand Slam.
Los 5 mejores del 2010 en el mundo del Rugby
To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.
Next up is our pick of rugby's most valuable talents - not necessarily the best players in the world. With the Rugby World Cup looming we think these guys are pivotal to their side's chances. They may not all be potential World Cup winners but must perform if their teams are to reach their potential.
1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - The talismanic All Blacks captain is so often the driving force behind his side and is key to their hopes of reclaiming the sport's biggest prize on home soil. His superb all round game is complimented by his record-breaking leadership prowess. Without him the All Blacks are just not the same.
2. Dan Carter (New Zealand) - Arguably equally as valuable to the All Blacks as his skipper, Carter appears to be playing a different game to the rest of the world at times such is his ability to find time and space when others struggle for composure. His playmaking ability is the key to unleashing New Zealand's formidable back division.
3. James Hook (Wales) - The hugely-talented Hook is a potent game-breaking threat for Wales and will be central to their Six Nations and World Cup hopes. An undoubted world-class talent, the 25-year-old's versatility has worked against him at times but such is his ability to conjure a piece of magic you can rest assured he will play a central role no matter his position.
4. David Pocock (Australia) - Pocock's star continues to rise with 2011 set to provide yet further evidence that the Wallabies' flanker is destined for greatness. His ability to dominate all comers at the breakdown - including even McCaw - makes him an inspirational presence for Australia.
5. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland) - The strong-running No.8 is another world-class talent and an inspirational figure for province and country. A rock in defence, it is perhaps his industry and hunger for the ball in attack that makes him an extra special talent. His team-mate Brian O'Driscoll may have the magic touch but Heaslip will happily lead the line in defence and attack.
Do you agree with our selection? Be sure to let us know...
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