Congratulations to the Springboks they are the Rugby World Cup Champions and to Kimi Raikkonen for demolishing the hopes of Lewis and Alonso.
Well done!!!!
N.B - There will be reviews coming soon so stay tuned.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Weekend Fireworks!!
Welcome Back Elmo!!! It is sure going to be a tantalizing weekend of sport all around. There are three rugby finals in two weeks, the Currie Cup next week and the NPC and the World Cup finals on Saturday. In soccer the English Premier League is back and the drama takes off with the Merseyside Derby leading up to back to back fixtures of rival clashes in the coming weeks like Liverpool vs Arsenal and Manchester United vs Arsenal. Finally, well at least on my sporting radar, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso battle it out for the Formula 1 title. It can be said that Hamilton has done to Formula 1 what Tiger did to golf.
But to stick to what has been keeping us on our toes the most we look at the Rugby World Cup. If you are looking to watch a game full of running, tries, big hits, expansive and attractive rugby don't miss France vs Argentina on Friday. No jokes people the words have been flying back and forth between players and the Frenchmen are out for revenge. Each side out not only to win but to thump the opposition and with a nothing to lose attitude both sides are going to be hungry, especially if you consider that most of the guys playing have not played many games in front of the home crowd don't miss it.
On the other hand if you are looking for a battle of forward play, kicking, kicking oh did I mention kicking and more kicking, that would ordinarily bore one into submission. Then don't miss the the final between England and South Africa. This is sure to be one crap game to watch but a nail byter nonetheless. As mentioned in St Elmo's fire England do have the upper hand when it comes to scrums, but the boks dominate the line outs. With the BOOT playing such a huge role in this socc....sorry rugby match England go up, although South Africa do have more kickers than England. I am honestly getting bored just writing about all this kicking so let me sign off.
Its going to be close and sadly sadly sadly determined by 10-man rugby - (I mean its the 6th World Cup and you telling me the game has gone back to where it started in fact they ran more 50 years ago than these teams do). Opportunistic tries will be as creative as these sides get but one thing that I will appreciate in the game will be the passion and the desire to win which England have shown more of in the last two games. England come in this game with experience and hunger, South Africa come into this game with desire and nerves and due to this I say that England will take it....but I really hope I am wrong.
But to stick to what has been keeping us on our toes the most we look at the Rugby World Cup. If you are looking to watch a game full of running, tries, big hits, expansive and attractive rugby don't miss France vs Argentina on Friday. No jokes people the words have been flying back and forth between players and the Frenchmen are out for revenge. Each side out not only to win but to thump the opposition and with a nothing to lose attitude both sides are going to be hungry, especially if you consider that most of the guys playing have not played many games in front of the home crowd don't miss it.
On the other hand if you are looking for a battle of forward play, kicking, kicking oh did I mention kicking and more kicking, that would ordinarily bore one into submission. Then don't miss the the final between England and South Africa. This is sure to be one crap game to watch but a nail byter nonetheless. As mentioned in St Elmo's fire England do have the upper hand when it comes to scrums, but the boks dominate the line outs. With the BOOT playing such a huge role in this socc....sorry rugby match England go up, although South Africa do have more kickers than England. I am honestly getting bored just writing about all this kicking so let me sign off.
Its going to be close and sadly sadly sadly determined by 10-man rugby - (I mean its the 6th World Cup and you telling me the game has gone back to where it started in fact they ran more 50 years ago than these teams do). Opportunistic tries will be as creative as these sides get but one thing that I will appreciate in the game will be the passion and the desire to win which England have shown more of in the last two games. England come in this game with experience and hunger, South Africa come into this game with desire and nerves and due to this I say that England will take it....but I really hope I am wrong.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
St Elmo's Fire
After a rather forced hiatus, it is with great pleasure that I announce the return of yours truly. My full week (and then some) of mourning is officially over and those black clouds that had become a burden on me have cleared and 'tis fair to say that life is a bit brighter!
So with great vigour , I will dissect the very interesting and rather unfancied World Cup Finalist. As always it is wise to give credit where it is due and these two teams are officially the best 2 in the world in my eyes and should be in everyone else's. For, a world cup is the true barometer with which we can truly find a world champion. That being said, too much emphasis has now been put towards the world cup being 'the holy grail' of rugby. Never mind the most consistent team in the history of the game that goes out with every intention to win every single game that they play. Never mind the team with a 42-6 win loss record over the last four years. All these stats i'm afraid amount to nothing now, for the 6 weeks of every four years this game have become the 'be all and end all.'
So what of the 'boks and the 'poms(note how only the Southern hemisphere teams have names of endearment,pumas,wallabies,abs and springboks).For me . these teams play very similar styles of rugby i.e Pound the opposition into submission in the forwards, play territorial football, forcing opposition to attack from deep within their halves and then takin any points on offer with the boot.
The 'boks however are different for they play a basic sit and wait till the opposition make a mistake and punish them style , while the poms are prepared to attack should the need arise.
So where are the weaknesses for both teams? Well for me the 'boks have a huge set piece problem and I would not be surprised if england tries to exert pressure especially at scrum time(as did the Pumas and quite effectively too) Except the poms are more adept in this department. We should see a lot of one off runners off the rucks and mauls as I beleive the poms will be silly to try spread it with the likes of Hapana Habana out wide.
For me the poms biggest weakeness will be the channels outside the inside centre and outside the centre. i don't think they have an accomplished centre pairing and Josh Lewsey will be sorely missed. The question is, will the boks venture out wide and open up the game? Simple answer to that will be no! for their same game plan has worked for them since Jake White took over so expect no changes at all.
In conclusion this will be become a kicking duel and I just have a gut feeling that some how the 'poms(who have 8 players from the previous world cup) might just fancy their chances and snatch the trophy again. Experience and B.M.T will count in this game and the 'poms have an abundance with that boy Johnny at the forefront!
So with great vigour , I will dissect the very interesting and rather unfancied World Cup Finalist. As always it is wise to give credit where it is due and these two teams are officially the best 2 in the world in my eyes and should be in everyone else's. For, a world cup is the true barometer with which we can truly find a world champion. That being said, too much emphasis has now been put towards the world cup being 'the holy grail' of rugby. Never mind the most consistent team in the history of the game that goes out with every intention to win every single game that they play. Never mind the team with a 42-6 win loss record over the last four years. All these stats i'm afraid amount to nothing now, for the 6 weeks of every four years this game have become the 'be all and end all.'
So what of the 'boks and the 'poms(note how only the Southern hemisphere teams have names of endearment,pumas,wallabies,abs and springboks).For me . these teams play very similar styles of rugby i.e Pound the opposition into submission in the forwards, play territorial football, forcing opposition to attack from deep within their halves and then takin any points on offer with the boot.
The 'boks however are different for they play a basic sit and wait till the opposition make a mistake and punish them style , while the poms are prepared to attack should the need arise.
So where are the weaknesses for both teams? Well for me the 'boks have a huge set piece problem and I would not be surprised if england tries to exert pressure especially at scrum time(as did the Pumas and quite effectively too) Except the poms are more adept in this department. We should see a lot of one off runners off the rucks and mauls as I beleive the poms will be silly to try spread it with the likes of Hapana Habana out wide.
For me the poms biggest weakeness will be the channels outside the inside centre and outside the centre. i don't think they have an accomplished centre pairing and Josh Lewsey will be sorely missed. The question is, will the boks venture out wide and open up the game? Simple answer to that will be no! for their same game plan has worked for them since Jake White took over so expect no changes at all.
In conclusion this will be become a kicking duel and I just have a gut feeling that some how the 'poms(who have 8 players from the previous world cup) might just fancy their chances and snatch the trophy again. Experience and B.M.T will count in this game and the 'poms have an abundance with that boy Johnny at the forefront!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The Underdogs
Will this be the year of the underdogs in the Rugby World Cup? England take on France in the first semi-final and they are clear underdogs (again) and after recent results against France there is no way anyone is giving them a chance. But then again that's what happened with Australia.
Argentina play the Boks and the Pumas are clear underdogs a lot of people are not really giving them a chance. Stats say that this will be win number 12 out of 12 for South Africa but need I remind you that stats said New Zealand does not miss out on semifinal action but alas.
All I can say is that a lot of people, particularly in South Africa, are looking at the final and not concentrating too hard on the semi's. Argentina have two players in the running for world player of the year. This means they have been tipped as the best players IN THE WORLD this year now you cannot ignore that. Hernandez has been a revelation at the World Cup for Argentina and with his dad being a former Argentinian soccer player it is understandable why his kicking game is so on point.
Dubes Says:(my predictions have been so crap thus far but anyway) -
France are going to have trouble against the English who have improved game to game. And in all honesty France did not have to do much against New Zealand in terms of creating attacking options they just kicked and capitalised on errors, its going to be a different game this time out which England will take with Jonnies boot.
Argentina are going to come out guns blazing and this is going to be a serious soccer match like you have never seen. Both teams are going to be scared to run it in their own half...(unless Fourie du Preez is in control)... and as a result it will be a goal kicking competition and tries will be scored two ways, through forward play from a line-out close to the try-line or through some opportunistic play and fortuitous bounces. No real phase play and not too much running rugby. The boks won't mind this as they usually struggle to be creative in the backline., a guy like Habana needs space and without Jean de Villiers he isn't getting much. It will be tight but I give it to the Boks as they are more experienced in playing boring defensive rugby.
Argentina play the Boks and the Pumas are clear underdogs a lot of people are not really giving them a chance. Stats say that this will be win number 12 out of 12 for South Africa but need I remind you that stats said New Zealand does not miss out on semifinal action but alas.
All I can say is that a lot of people, particularly in South Africa, are looking at the final and not concentrating too hard on the semi's. Argentina have two players in the running for world player of the year. This means they have been tipped as the best players IN THE WORLD this year now you cannot ignore that. Hernandez has been a revelation at the World Cup for Argentina and with his dad being a former Argentinian soccer player it is understandable why his kicking game is so on point.
Dubes Says:(my predictions have been so crap thus far but anyway) -
France are going to have trouble against the English who have improved game to game. And in all honesty France did not have to do much against New Zealand in terms of creating attacking options they just kicked and capitalised on errors, its going to be a different game this time out which England will take with Jonnies boot.
Argentina are going to come out guns blazing and this is going to be a serious soccer match like you have never seen. Both teams are going to be scared to run it in their own half...(unless Fourie du Preez is in control)... and as a result it will be a goal kicking competition and tries will be scored two ways, through forward play from a line-out close to the try-line or through some opportunistic play and fortuitous bounces. No real phase play and not too much running rugby. The boks won't mind this as they usually struggle to be creative in the backline., a guy like Habana needs space and without Jean de Villiers he isn't getting much. It will be tight but I give it to the Boks as they are more experienced in playing boring defensive rugby.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Should've, Would've, Could've
What a SHOCKING! weekend in the Rugby World Cup. Australia and New Zealand are going home and the Boks are the new favourites closely followed by France. What we all want to know is what happened to Australia and the ABs. Well the only people that can tell you that are the people who were on the field. England were just the hungrier side in game one and the ABs just did not play their game and made too many errors, but credit to France for forcing and capitalising on the errors in game two. This weekend marked a historic moment in New Zealand rugby, it is the first time they have not been able to make the semifinals, and the funny thing is that the class of '07 had been put up there with the greatest All Black side of all time.
Honestly the World Cup -for the ABs- has become like that girl who got away in High School. The one you bump into every now and then and you flirt with her but nothing happens at the end of the day. The Abs have been favourites how many times and flirted with the Trophy for so long but they are still waking up alone. Its one of those things you feel that when it happens it is going to be like a wedding. You finally get the girl and you are together for a long time. The question is when is it going to happen because I really hope it happens in my lifetime.
Honestly the World Cup -for the ABs- has become like that girl who got away in High School. The one you bump into every now and then and you flirt with her but nothing happens at the end of the day. The Abs have been favourites how many times and flirted with the Trophy for so long but they are still waking up alone. Its one of those things you feel that when it happens it is going to be like a wedding. You finally get the girl and you are together for a long time. The question is when is it going to happen because I really hope it happens in my lifetime.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
France vs New Zealand
Game Two
Lionel Beauxis - Key man for France
As a Frenchmen said earlier this week, they (the organisers) should have made the quarterfinal for France in Paris regardless of whether they come first or second in the group. I agree 100% with that and unfortunately it is not the case. The game being played in Cardiff will be seen as neutral ground although the french support should be greater. This is historically been a battle of two sides that have similar styles of rugby and it is never a game to miss especially at the World Cup. The french with their unpredictability always try something different against New Zealand and in 1999 it worked like a dream using a more kicking game which blind sided the ABs and they came up short. This time around Laporte has gone for the relatively unknown Lionel Beauxis. I personally have never seen him play but he helped the France U21 side lift the World Cup last year. Yes this 22yr has been thrown in the deep end and faces his biggest challenge in rugby to date and he has the opportunity to make his name in one game that is why he is the Key man as he has X-Factor for France.
Richard Hugh 'Richie' McCaw - Key man for New Zealand
Well well well they are back in the driving seat at yet another World Cup, favourites once again and they are up against the unpredictable Frenchmen who can turn it on especially when they are the underdogs. Pressure comes with the territory being when you play for the All Blacks as they are expected to have 100% performances and win every match but its a different kid of pressure when it comes to World Cup time. They are in top condition I would say the fittest side in the tournament they can play at high intensity for the full 80 minutes but some teams slow down coming to the end of the game. They have the ability we all know the high skill level shown by the New Zealanders at all levels and they are groomed with the correct skill set. There is one variable that is the determining factor for the All Blacks, the mind which was discussed in the Teaser with Buck Shelford. That is why my Key man for the ABs is Richie McCaw undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time to don the number 7 for the All Blacks. His influence on the team not only through his play but more importantly off the field and while the game is static will be crucial to the teams performance.
Stats Say: The All Blacks - after an explosive start they have racked up almost double the points, double the amount of tries and conceded less points...only just. Consistently the better side although still to be tested unlike France
History Says: The All Blacks - they have beaten France 2 out of 3 times '87 final and 03 3rd place playoffs ( if you can count that) and lost just the once in the 1999 World Cup.
Dubes Says:The All Blacks - Geez!!! what a game it is going to be. The french are coming into this one having been tested by both Argentina and Ireland so their
speed to the breakdown and sharpness around the field may shock the All Blacks in the first couple of minutes of the game may be might go in ahead at halftime. But as the game develops and the ABs catch up in terms of awareness the tables will turn and the Abs will go through to the semi's to play Australia.
Lionel Beauxis - Key man for France
As a Frenchmen said earlier this week, they (the organisers) should have made the quarterfinal for France in Paris regardless of whether they come first or second in the group. I agree 100% with that and unfortunately it is not the case. The game being played in Cardiff will be seen as neutral ground although the french support should be greater. This is historically been a battle of two sides that have similar styles of rugby and it is never a game to miss especially at the World Cup. The french with their unpredictability always try something different against New Zealand and in 1999 it worked like a dream using a more kicking game which blind sided the ABs and they came up short. This time around Laporte has gone for the relatively unknown Lionel Beauxis. I personally have never seen him play but he helped the France U21 side lift the World Cup last year. Yes this 22yr has been thrown in the deep end and faces his biggest challenge in rugby to date and he has the opportunity to make his name in one game that is why he is the Key man as he has X-Factor for France.
Richard Hugh 'Richie' McCaw - Key man for New Zealand
Well well well they are back in the driving seat at yet another World Cup, favourites once again and they are up against the unpredictable Frenchmen who can turn it on especially when they are the underdogs. Pressure comes with the territory being when you play for the All Blacks as they are expected to have 100% performances and win every match but its a different kid of pressure when it comes to World Cup time. They are in top condition I would say the fittest side in the tournament they can play at high intensity for the full 80 minutes but some teams slow down coming to the end of the game. They have the ability we all know the high skill level shown by the New Zealanders at all levels and they are groomed with the correct skill set. There is one variable that is the determining factor for the All Blacks, the mind which was discussed in the Teaser with Buck Shelford. That is why my Key man for the ABs is Richie McCaw undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time to don the number 7 for the All Blacks. His influence on the team not only through his play but more importantly off the field and while the game is static will be crucial to the teams performance.
Stats Say: The All Blacks - after an explosive start they have racked up almost double the points, double the amount of tries and conceded less points...only just. Consistently the better side although still to be tested unlike France
History Says: The All Blacks - they have beaten France 2 out of 3 times '87 final and 03 3rd place playoffs ( if you can count that) and lost just the once in the 1999 World Cup.
Dubes Says:The All Blacks - Geez!!! what a game it is going to be. The french are coming into this one having been tested by both Argentina and Ireland so their
speed to the breakdown and sharpness around the field may shock the All Blacks in the first couple of minutes of the game may be might go in ahead at halftime. But as the game develops and the ABs catch up in terms of awareness the tables will turn and the Abs will go through to the semi's to play Australia.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Australia vs England
Game One
Chris Latham - Key man for Australia
This game is going to be a lot closer than some may think. All teams playing on Saturday have annouced there teams except Australia.....what are they waiting for. They just do not look the same without key players like Larkham and Mortlock, and the loss of Lyons does not help anything. I am not saying those guys are not playing I am saying that Aus need those guys badly. On the other hand they have the inform Drew Mitchell who is one try away from equally the top trty scoring record and the unpredictable Chris Latham who has a major role in this game as a leader and who can win a game single handedly. When Latham is good he is unstoppable but when he is bad you just don't want to watch. Thats why he is my Key Man vs England.
Andy Farrell - Key man for England
If there was ever a time to use the quote commeth the man commeth the hour, well in this case 80minutes, it is now. I know nothing of this guy and I have never seen him playing Union until the Springbok game a couple of weeks ago but all I can say is that if he plays half as good as his best league game then it is game on. He is the X-factor for England as people on the world scene do not know to much about what he can do.
Stats Say: Australia - they have a better: points difference, defensive record, level of cosistency in the tournament.
History Says: England -they have beaten England twice in the last three World Cups 2003 final and 1995 Quaterfinal.
Dubes Says: Australia - England have been handed a life line after their thumping against the Boks and with Robinson, Wilkinson and Vickery back they will try and get the job done with a kicking game. Farrell is crucial and needs to run the ball and get involve unlike the Bok game but that is what they will do and they will try and keep it tight. Australia have scored 30 tries but conceded 4 and depending on their starting lineup it will either be 12 point win or a 4 point win but they should come through.
Chris Latham - Key man for Australia
This game is going to be a lot closer than some may think. All teams playing on Saturday have annouced there teams except Australia.....what are they waiting for. They just do not look the same without key players like Larkham and Mortlock, and the loss of Lyons does not help anything. I am not saying those guys are not playing I am saying that Aus need those guys badly. On the other hand they have the inform Drew Mitchell who is one try away from equally the top trty scoring record and the unpredictable Chris Latham who has a major role in this game as a leader and who can win a game single handedly. When Latham is good he is unstoppable but when he is bad you just don't want to watch. Thats why he is my Key Man vs England.
Andy Farrell - Key man for England
If there was ever a time to use the quote commeth the man commeth the hour, well in this case 80minutes, it is now. I know nothing of this guy and I have never seen him playing Union until the Springbok game a couple of weeks ago but all I can say is that if he plays half as good as his best league game then it is game on. He is the X-factor for England as people on the world scene do not know to much about what he can do.
Stats Say: Australia - they have a better: points difference, defensive record, level of cosistency in the tournament.
History Says: England -they have beaten England twice in the last three World Cups 2003 final and 1995 Quaterfinal.
Dubes Says: Australia - England have been handed a life line after their thumping against the Boks and with Robinson, Wilkinson and Vickery back they will try and get the job done with a kicking game. Farrell is crucial and needs to run the ball and get involve unlike the Bok game but that is what they will do and they will try and keep it tight. Australia have scored 30 tries but conceded 4 and depending on their starting lineup it will either be 12 point win or a 4 point win but they should come through.
Teaser
The key for Quater-final success....THE MIND.
Buck Shelford - Comments on All Blacks:
"I think they've got the ability and they've shown that they're fit enough to last the 80 minutes. They haven't been tested at all so I think from next week onwards the game has got to be played upstairs. They're physically capable and they have the skills, they just have to manage the mental side of things. That's the same thing for any top sportsperson. It comes down to the athlete or player managing the pressure of the situation"
- source: http://nz.blogs.yahoo.com/buckshelford/94/time-to-spark-things-up-a-bit
Everybody knows its a mind game...or do they? And I think Buck hit the nail on the head with his view and the thing is it does not only apply to the ABs but to all 8 teams. Ability can only take you so far you mind has to kick in and take over. Two perfect examples of this are the '87 winner the ABs and the '95 winners the Springboks. These were two sides playing for divided countries at the time and they pulled through due to strength of mind.
Buck mentions the ability to be fit enough to last 80 minutes and I think that is crucial. yes all the sides can play an 80 minute game but at what level of intensity? The sides that struggle to keep up will be the sides the fade in the dying moments of a tight game unless the mind overcomes the matter. Perfect case was seen in the first round when the minnows (as they have been referred to) have battled well for 20, 30 even the whole first half but fade in the last 30 minutes of the game. Sure it is easy to think that the remaining teams are on the same level but I beg to differ.....to be continued in the Crunch Time Preview.
Buck Shelford - Comments on All Blacks:
"I think they've got the ability and they've shown that they're fit enough to last the 80 minutes. They haven't been tested at all so I think from next week onwards the game has got to be played upstairs. They're physically capable and they have the skills, they just have to manage the mental side of things. That's the same thing for any top sportsperson. It comes down to the athlete or player managing the pressure of the situation"
- source: http://nz.blogs.yahoo.com/buckshelford/94/time-to-spark-things-up-a-bit
Everybody knows its a mind game...or do they? And I think Buck hit the nail on the head with his view and the thing is it does not only apply to the ABs but to all 8 teams. Ability can only take you so far you mind has to kick in and take over. Two perfect examples of this are the '87 winner the ABs and the '95 winners the Springboks. These were two sides playing for divided countries at the time and they pulled through due to strength of mind.
Buck mentions the ability to be fit enough to last 80 minutes and I think that is crucial. yes all the sides can play an 80 minute game but at what level of intensity? The sides that struggle to keep up will be the sides the fade in the dying moments of a tight game unless the mind overcomes the matter. Perfect case was seen in the first round when the minnows (as they have been referred to) have battled well for 20, 30 even the whole first half but fade in the last 30 minutes of the game. Sure it is easy to think that the remaining teams are on the same level but I beg to differ.....to be continued in the Crunch Time Preview.
Crunch Time!!!
Well most of the stories posted on the blog right now are about the Rugby World Cup, well there are only three more weeks of the tournament and we are going to have to wait another four years for it to come around again so keep the stories coming.
Quarter - final time people, and all the bookies are making predictions, analysing each team and each player, comparing stats, identifying consistency from game to game as well as highlighting whose hot and who is not. As all that goes on I will be give you my thoughts on this weekends games. Now I was totally wrong in the Ireland vs Argentina game and St Elmo's Fire was not scared to point that out, so my credibilty is on the line.
Keep an eye out for Saturday's predictions:
FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND.........coming soon!!
Quarter - final time people, and all the bookies are making predictions, analysing each team and each player, comparing stats, identifying consistency from game to game as well as highlighting whose hot and who is not. As all that goes on I will be give you my thoughts on this weekends games. Now I was totally wrong in the Ireland vs Argentina game and St Elmo's Fire was not scared to point that out, so my credibilty is on the line.
Keep an eye out for Saturday's predictions:
FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND.........coming soon!!
Monday, October 1, 2007
St Elmo's Fire
Sport has an incredible way of turning unknowns into superstars, heroes into villains, the famous into infamy but once in a while sport does trascend all the virtues of what its meant to achieve excite, elate, sadden, disappoint, and shock, then it goes round all over again. Once in while it becomes the very basis upon which men, women and children are viewed and judged on a political platform. The most disconcerting of all is when sport becomes a powerful tool which splits a country along racial lines.
This has been prevalent for many years in America with the likes of the 1962 Heavyweight Gold Medalist Muhammad Ali originally known by his 'slave name' Cassius Clay, former NFL star and Hall of Famer OJ Sipmson spring to mind.
Down under we have a sporting star simply known as The Man and he has tormentend the hearts of a nation for so long with loud mouth opinionated antics which havent won him any friends at all except those of his colour who have always been protective of their own regardless of their shortcomings. This man has had stellar careers in two very high profile sports which have been heavily dominated by the white majority but he has managed to reach the pinnacle at different times of both sport yet still very proud and constantly acknowledging his heritage.
He was simply the best as a Rugby League star and later became and still is a World Boxing, all this with the full knowledge that very few people wanted or better still beleived he could do it. So he tormented them , told them he was the best and followed that up by proving he was the best in both sports. He talks faster than he can punch and even then its too late for the opponents never see it coming.
He has embraced the under dog tag for so long and yet plenty of times this tag brought victory, recognition and yet even more fury from those who resent who he is and what he stands for.Many have wished the worst but have probably all colluded in bringing the best out of him. At a time when very little of any good is mentioned about the Aboriginal Communities of Australia it is fair to say he is a demi-god in showing the path way upon which many of his creed should follow.He is the ultimate underdog who draws strength from being denied the recognition that he so fully deserves.
His name is Anthony 'The Man' Mundine
This has been prevalent for many years in America with the likes of the 1962 Heavyweight Gold Medalist Muhammad Ali originally known by his 'slave name' Cassius Clay, former NFL star and Hall of Famer OJ Sipmson spring to mind.
Down under we have a sporting star simply known as The Man and he has tormentend the hearts of a nation for so long with loud mouth opinionated antics which havent won him any friends at all except those of his colour who have always been protective of their own regardless of their shortcomings. This man has had stellar careers in two very high profile sports which have been heavily dominated by the white majority but he has managed to reach the pinnacle at different times of both sport yet still very proud and constantly acknowledging his heritage.
He was simply the best as a Rugby League star and later became and still is a World Boxing, all this with the full knowledge that very few people wanted or better still beleived he could do it. So he tormented them , told them he was the best and followed that up by proving he was the best in both sports. He talks faster than he can punch and even then its too late for the opponents never see it coming.
He has embraced the under dog tag for so long and yet plenty of times this tag brought victory, recognition and yet even more fury from those who resent who he is and what he stands for.Many have wished the worst but have probably all colluded in bringing the best out of him. At a time when very little of any good is mentioned about the Aboriginal Communities of Australia it is fair to say he is a demi-god in showing the path way upon which many of his creed should follow.He is the ultimate underdog who draws strength from being denied the recognition that he so fully deserves.
His name is Anthony 'The Man' Mundine
St Elmo's Fire
Buckle up people, the rugby world cup has just woken from a month long stupor! Lets face it there has been a certain predictability in the round robin but now............ throw in a bouyant Fiji team(pronounced FeeJee, Ryan) and those Argentinians and we have ourselves any possibilities. The world cup is alive and kicking now.
First I will start with the Pumas, seeing as my fellow scribe didnt have that much faith in the teams ability , I took it upon myself to get up at 4am this morning to analyse this team and see what potential if any they had. What I found was astounding because I learnt a few things about this team which if not for lack of technical nouse would make them Championship contenders. I learnt two very impressive characteristics which are not always shown even by the mighty ABs. The Pumas are very astute footballers, they know how to protect a lead(i.e they had great commitment in defence) but more importantly when it mattered they knew how to shut those gates on their opposition(see how they made sure the only place Ireland could attack from was within their own half!). Thats clever finals football and I am now positive they will be in the semi final against the Boks so Scotland will be beaten.
Fijians are only to be written off at the Boks peril, for if they sniff any opportunity it will be taken.Pity bout their playmaker Nicky Little being injured though. Aussies should ease into the semis although there is a bit of doubt regarding Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock.
Which brings me to the match up of the 1/4s in Cardiff. Suffice to say the French have robbed us of a dream final whichever way the result ends up tilting. This is it for one of these teams and it will be a sad day in world rugby when either of them bow out. Now this match could and will go either way! Although they are playing at a neutral ground, I wouldnt be surprised at all if there is more support for the ABs. Tension is mounting .........
Lastly , there was a guy out here who put $2000 on Fiji to beat Wales and so walked away with $nz16000 as they were 1:8 favourites to win. Not such a bad return on investment.
However this weekend when the ABs play France if you think the average Kiwi supporter will be tense think about the bloke who has invested $6 000 000 Nz on the ABs to win the world cup! Put yourself in his shoes.................
First I will start with the Pumas, seeing as my fellow scribe didnt have that much faith in the teams ability , I took it upon myself to get up at 4am this morning to analyse this team and see what potential if any they had. What I found was astounding because I learnt a few things about this team which if not for lack of technical nouse would make them Championship contenders. I learnt two very impressive characteristics which are not always shown even by the mighty ABs. The Pumas are very astute footballers, they know how to protect a lead(i.e they had great commitment in defence) but more importantly when it mattered they knew how to shut those gates on their opposition(see how they made sure the only place Ireland could attack from was within their own half!). Thats clever finals football and I am now positive they will be in the semi final against the Boks so Scotland will be beaten.
Fijians are only to be written off at the Boks peril, for if they sniff any opportunity it will be taken.Pity bout their playmaker Nicky Little being injured though. Aussies should ease into the semis although there is a bit of doubt regarding Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock.
Which brings me to the match up of the 1/4s in Cardiff. Suffice to say the French have robbed us of a dream final whichever way the result ends up tilting. This is it for one of these teams and it will be a sad day in world rugby when either of them bow out. Now this match could and will go either way! Although they are playing at a neutral ground, I wouldnt be surprised at all if there is more support for the ABs. Tension is mounting .........
Lastly , there was a guy out here who put $2000 on Fiji to beat Wales and so walked away with $nz16000 as they were 1:8 favourites to win. Not such a bad return on investment.
However this weekend when the ABs play France if you think the average Kiwi supporter will be tense think about the bloke who has invested $6 000 000 Nz on the ABs to win the world cup! Put yourself in his shoes.................
Friday, September 28, 2007
Weekend Preview
Whats on this weekend to look forward too well the biggest match-up at the Rugby World Cup has this weekend has to be Ireland vs Argentina. All eyes will be on that game with their similar style of play it looks like their are going to be serious battles from the front row all the way to full back. A battle to watch will no doubt be Brian O'Driscoll up against the Contepomi brothers.....yes Brian is that good. Its going to be a humdinger and if you get time this weekend you must watch ( the schedule is in the bottom right corner of this page). For me I think.......geez its a tough one....but Ireland will be eventual winners.
Yes many can say that Argentina beat France so they should beat Ireland but I don't think it will happen that way. If you look at Argentina's performances none of them have been as high pressure as this one they have just put 'balls to the wall' and gone out there and played.
What is common with sides that are facing this kind of game for the first time or that have lack of experience in pressure matches of this calibre they change their tactics and end up playing right into the hands of the more experienced opposition, Samoa vs Tonga case in point. Samoa felt they had a chance against England and thought they did pretty well against SA which they did so they changed their tactics in the game against Tonga to prepare for the England game and then look what happened. It is basically do or die for Ireland and I think they will win it but they will not get enough tries or enough points so they will still go out and Argentina will end second and France first.
If there are any Springbok supporters reading this they are probably hoping I am wrong because if France finish top then in all likelihood they will meet the Boks in the Semi-finals. But word on the street (well if you read Elmo's post) the New Zealanders would like it if France won then the ABs can play them in the 1/4 finals, Australia in the semi-final and the Boks in the final....if they get that far and then they will undoubtedly be worthy Champions.
Yes many can say that Argentina beat France so they should beat Ireland but I don't think it will happen that way. If you look at Argentina's performances none of them have been as high pressure as this one they have just put 'balls to the wall' and gone out there and played.
What is common with sides that are facing this kind of game for the first time or that have lack of experience in pressure matches of this calibre they change their tactics and end up playing right into the hands of the more experienced opposition, Samoa vs Tonga case in point. Samoa felt they had a chance against England and thought they did pretty well against SA which they did so they changed their tactics in the game against Tonga to prepare for the England game and then look what happened. It is basically do or die for Ireland and I think they will win it but they will not get enough tries or enough points so they will still go out and Argentina will end second and France first.
If there are any Springbok supporters reading this they are probably hoping I am wrong because if France finish top then in all likelihood they will meet the Boks in the Semi-finals. But word on the street (well if you read Elmo's post) the New Zealanders would like it if France won then the ABs can play them in the 1/4 finals, Australia in the semi-final and the Boks in the final....if they get that far and then they will undoubtedly be worthy Champions.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Who is this guy?
His name is Takudzwa Ngwenya, Taku for short. Well if anyone watched the Samoa vs USA game last night they would have seen an awesome try from this young man originally from Zimbabwe and currently playing and studying in USA. He showed some serious off the mark gas!
There is a link below that shows Taku's profile and you will see that he is currently studying radiology....mmmmmm? Anyway congrats to the 22yr old youngster he is representing, not many Zimbabweans can say they scored a try at the Rugby World Cup!
http://web.usarugby.org/viadesto/natteams/mnt/headshots/2007/takudzwa-ngwenya.gif
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Is it Grant or is Van Basten?
What the hell is going on at Chelsea? If those guys are not careful they will be in trouble tonight in the Carling Cup against Hull, ok they should win, but hey thats what we said against Villa and look what happened. I watched the game from the weekend and Chelsea did not look to bad but they have become individuals again trying to take the challenge on by themselves and it is a scary thing (for Chelsea fans anyway). Not anyone can just bring a team of stars together especially if you don't even have a coaching license.....oops did I say that. No seriously Roman is losing it!
Yah Chelsea can deny all they want about Van Basten but I mean really he was sitting right behind The boss at the game even I picked that out now what was he doing there? This Premier League is shaping up to be all that we hoped and more.
Carling Cup Action
I see Torres collected his first hatrick ball, he had to haggle for it but he eventually got it...stingy refs!! Congrats and that should ring bells in Benitez's head that that kid is star quality and he must be the first choice stricker he can rotate the others, but hey who am I?
Arsenal did the job again, damn! this is getting boring for them. There is just such a good vibe about the club and Venger is not as involved in other clubs business so its working, whatever they are doing its working. They put away Newcastle 2 - 0 impressive as Newcastle are not a bad side this season. I guess in the famous words of Murray Mexted - 'the ebb and flow of psychic energy is with them'.
United play Coventry tonight and Chelsea take on Hull. Oh if you wondering why don't speak about anyone besides the top four well, one, think about it, who would listen? And two, get over it!
What the hell is going on at Chelsea? If those guys are not careful they will be in trouble tonight in the Carling Cup against Hull, ok they should win, but hey thats what we said against Villa and look what happened. I watched the game from the weekend and Chelsea did not look to bad but they have become individuals again trying to take the challenge on by themselves and it is a scary thing (for Chelsea fans anyway). Not anyone can just bring a team of stars together especially if you don't even have a coaching license.....oops did I say that. No seriously Roman is losing it!
Yah Chelsea can deny all they want about Van Basten but I mean really he was sitting right behind The boss at the game even I picked that out now what was he doing there? This Premier League is shaping up to be all that we hoped and more.
Carling Cup Action
I see Torres collected his first hatrick ball, he had to haggle for it but he eventually got it...stingy refs!! Congrats and that should ring bells in Benitez's head that that kid is star quality and he must be the first choice stricker he can rotate the others, but hey who am I?
Arsenal did the job again, damn! this is getting boring for them. There is just such a good vibe about the club and Venger is not as involved in other clubs business so its working, whatever they are doing its working. They put away Newcastle 2 - 0 impressive as Newcastle are not a bad side this season. I guess in the famous words of Murray Mexted - 'the ebb and flow of psychic energy is with them'.
United play Coventry tonight and Chelsea take on Hull. Oh if you wondering why don't speak about anyone besides the top four well, one, think about it, who would listen? And two, get over it!
St Elmo's Fire
What do you know?............... Well this raving madman of a critic must have made some sort of impression on Mr Sports-Crazy as I have been given the Keys to his City. My piece will be known as the aforementioned title. I will attempt with the permission of The Man, to dissect and offer my point of view(suffice to say it could be rather Fiery!) on all sorts of topics but first my Introductory thesis:
Alot infact too much has been said about the ABs strength and reconditioning programme in the last few months. What people dont realise is that this is not the first time a team or athelete has been audacious enough to do the extraordinary to ensure peak physical and mental toughness required to conquer all. The Pele led Brazilian team of the 70s spent 20 weeks in high altitude conditions before the '72 world cup to do just that:prepare to win. Roger Federer spends his entire off season playing in +45 deg sweltering heat of the Dubai desert.Most of you are probably wondering now what I'm aimimg at.
The permutations at the current RWC are such that the ABs may meet France in the 1/4s(if Argentina beat Ireland) then it would be Oz in the semis and then the Boks in the Final. Now if this doesnt require physical and (more importantly)mental toughness, then I dont know what does.
Well personally im salivating at the thought of the ABs running riot over all the Pretenders to the Throne and this would show that they are Pound for Pound deserved World Champions.These guys are always the best team every 3 of the 4 years so this would truly 'shut those gates' and cement their position in Rugby Folklore
I geuss all I can say now is Go Argentina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ka Mate!
Alot infact too much has been said about the ABs strength and reconditioning programme in the last few months. What people dont realise is that this is not the first time a team or athelete has been audacious enough to do the extraordinary to ensure peak physical and mental toughness required to conquer all. The Pele led Brazilian team of the 70s spent 20 weeks in high altitude conditions before the '72 world cup to do just that:prepare to win. Roger Federer spends his entire off season playing in +45 deg sweltering heat of the Dubai desert.Most of you are probably wondering now what I'm aimimg at.
The permutations at the current RWC are such that the ABs may meet France in the 1/4s(if Argentina beat Ireland) then it would be Oz in the semis and then the Boks in the Final. Now if this doesnt require physical and (more importantly)mental toughness, then I dont know what does.
Well personally im salivating at the thought of the ABs running riot over all the Pretenders to the Throne and this would show that they are Pound for Pound deserved World Champions.These guys are always the best team every 3 of the 4 years so this would truly 'shut those gates' and cement their position in Rugby Folklore
I geuss all I can say now is Go Argentina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ka Mate!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Fresh Off The Block!!
Ok this is a little something I thought I would include in my blog since
there were complaints that I am stating the obvious with my stories
( I mean really like I am a journalist I already have critics). Anyway
we aim to please. So I am starting a section called, Fresh Off The Block which basically is useless info like everything else ( and since I have had not comments I am probably te only one reading this well me and my Nemisis/critic).
Moving on my very first FOTB news is about Orene Aii. Former Blues
flyhalf and New Zealand 7's player, tiny dude with a super-dooper,
bamboozling sidestep of note yip him. Well he has released an album
or single not too sure which one. I thought is was the funniest thing.
Well if you don't believe me check out what these crazy maori's have to say about it and fyi I would buy it.
http://nz.messages.yahoo.com/nz-news/rwc/1351/
I'm Back!!!
Hey guys I have been away so I am just catching up with all that happened this weekend so give me time to get all the info. So far I see that 20/20 is not the format for the Aussies and what did I tell you India vs Pakistan final pity it was not in Durban. At one stage India were out, but pulled it out of the bag with 3 brilliant performances to win the final. Well Pakistan redeemed themselves after a distater of the One Day World Cup and congratulaions to India. One World Cup down one to go.
Springboks 30; Tonga 25 can someone tell me what really happened besides the biting and the poor kicking? The ABs still seem to have it in check judging from their result but I need to see that game as well. Aussies looking good as well as France Boks and the ABs need to watch out for these teams if they meet in the semi-finals. But do not overlook the Pumas for top spot in Group D yet they still play Ireland which is going to be a humdinger of a match.
Well if there was ever a time to play against Chelsea it is now. Again I have not watched the match but what a result for a United side that seems to be on the right track. Five is the magic number as Arsenal kept top spot after chowing derby 5-0 and they are looking dangerous maybe Henry bouncing was a blessing in disguise because those guys I super blazing. Shock result in the Liverpool game though I really think Benitez needs to smell the coffee and realise that he has a championship winning side and his team rotation may work in Europe but does not work in the Premier League.
Anyway guys I am out I need to catch up with all that I missed, later.
Springboks 30; Tonga 25 can someone tell me what really happened besides the biting and the poor kicking? The ABs still seem to have it in check judging from their result but I need to see that game as well. Aussies looking good as well as France Boks and the ABs need to watch out for these teams if they meet in the semi-finals. But do not overlook the Pumas for top spot in Group D yet they still play Ireland which is going to be a humdinger of a match.
Well if there was ever a time to play against Chelsea it is now. Again I have not watched the match but what a result for a United side that seems to be on the right track. Five is the magic number as Arsenal kept top spot after chowing derby 5-0 and they are looking dangerous maybe Henry bouncing was a blessing in disguise because those guys I super blazing. Shock result in the Liverpool game though I really think Benitez needs to smell the coffee and realise that he has a championship winning side and his team rotation may work in Europe but does not work in the Premier League.
Anyway guys I am out I need to catch up with all that I missed, later.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Eish Proteas!!
Oh well it happened again. How many times do the Proteas get there look good but don't quite make it. I mean these guys must have thought that all they needed to do is pitch up but alas. Credit to India those guys blazed. Their batting was awesome and I am not an avid cricket fan so the names run away from me but that guy who was given his chance to open ( I remember the commentators said that) did superb. To add to that I don't think I have every seen such fielding from India, like I said I am not big on Cricket but I have always known them for being very slack fielders and in the past that is what let them down but not this time (oh and I heard they got help from a poor wicket...hmmmmm are these excuses?)
Proteas top order cost the team and the way their fielding session ended played a major role. I wonder how the host nation not being in the tournament will affect the mula that these grounds are making. You can only hope for two scenarios - one Australia make it to the final beacuase as much as SA supporters hate to see them win they love to see them lose, and two, it must be a Pakistan - India final played in Durban......full house garuanteed!!
Hard luck Proteas I really thought they were doing well. But aren't these tournaments funny Australia lost two games and they are in the semi-finals whereas the Proteas first loss last night determined their fate.
Proteas top order cost the team and the way their fielding session ended played a major role. I wonder how the host nation not being in the tournament will affect the mula that these grounds are making. You can only hope for two scenarios - one Australia make it to the final beacuase as much as SA supporters hate to see them win they love to see them lose, and two, it must be a Pakistan - India final played in Durban......full house garuanteed!!
Hard luck Proteas I really thought they were doing well. But aren't these tournaments funny Australia lost two games and they are in the semi-finals whereas the Proteas first loss last night determined their fate.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Who will take the Premier League '08
Yeah yeah yeah its too soon to say but from early form who would bet against the big four in particular Arsenal and Liverpool. Those guys have raced off the starting blocks and they are looking very good. Thisis the first time in a very long time that I can say Liverpool are in real contention.
Chelsea and Man U both had shaky starts and they are equal on points on the log. Bothe teams are going through a phase of not being able to score goals but I must say having your coach stick around is a good after six games is a positive for United unlike Chelsea. Jose has bounced!!! Where did that come from? should we really be surprised? Roman the big kid is not having fun because he is not winning 'I want to win boohoo' well that is junk if you ask me.
Mourinho is one of the best coaches to have coached in Europe and he is letting him go for not winning the Champions League I mean really!! Well I would like to see who he has next in line because looking at Mourinho's record the next dude has a tough job on his hands. Deschamps needs to think twice and not just think about the 'kching' which i am sure he will be offered well that is if he is next?
We will wait to hear to full story...oh and keep an eye on Sven and Man City
Chelsea and Man U both had shaky starts and they are equal on points on the log. Bothe teams are going through a phase of not being able to score goals but I must say having your coach stick around is a good after six games is a positive for United unlike Chelsea. Jose has bounced!!! Where did that come from? should we really be surprised? Roman the big kid is not having fun because he is not winning 'I want to win boohoo' well that is junk if you ask me.
Mourinho is one of the best coaches to have coached in Europe and he is letting him go for not winning the Champions League I mean really!! Well I would like to see who he has next in line because looking at Mourinho's record the next dude has a tough job on his hands. Deschamps needs to think twice and not just think about the 'kching' which i am sure he will be offered well that is if he is next?
We will wait to hear to full story...oh and keep an eye on Sven and Man City
The ABs will take it home?
Well is this another case of the same story different song and will it lead to another dissapointing World Cup year for the all blacks? I don't think so the are just too good. The ABs are in peak condition they are play fluent rugby ( when they get going ) and one thing that puts them above the rest (particularly th Boks) is that they are able to play at a high level of instensity for the longest period of time.
Autralia, who we can never count out, are not up to scratch and will go down before the final. Either in the semis to the All Blacks but they still need to battle against England (well thats if they make it past the group stages).
Boks looking OK people can't get too excited about the way those guys are playing and their emphasis on strong defence and with all three back rowers trying to get to every ruck they are always going to tire before the 80mins and this usually happens at about 60 - 65mins (same time as Os takes his stroll off the field)
France well I would usually say if anyone can take down the ABs it them but they are just not looking the part this year. Yes they had a convincing win the other night but if you watched the game they were all over the place and when under pressure they turn to themselves and become agroup of individuals - Argentina game cas in point. Well les bleu will take out the Boks in a semi-final clash if they top their group and will bow out if they come second and meet the ABs quaters.
Check this out Justin Marshall agrees with me: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2009955.html#marshall+picks+all+black+trophy+grab
Autralia, who we can never count out, are not up to scratch and will go down before the final. Either in the semis to the All Blacks but they still need to battle against England (well thats if they make it past the group stages).
Boks looking OK people can't get too excited about the way those guys are playing and their emphasis on strong defence and with all three back rowers trying to get to every ruck they are always going to tire before the 80mins and this usually happens at about 60 - 65mins (same time as Os takes his stroll off the field)
France well I would usually say if anyone can take down the ABs it them but they are just not looking the part this year. Yes they had a convincing win the other night but if you watched the game they were all over the place and when under pressure they turn to themselves and become agroup of individuals - Argentina game cas in point. Well les bleu will take out the Boks in a semi-final clash if they top their group and will bow out if they come second and meet the ABs quaters.
Check this out Justin Marshall agrees with me: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2009955.html#marshall+picks+all+black+trophy+grab
Welcome!
Well there are no prizes for guessing what my blog is all about. Being very opinionated about sport and a crazy enthuisast I only thought it would be right to have my say instead of moaning at home to my nonresponsive wife. So here we go!!!
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