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Topical articles and commentary on rugby events around the world.
Eddies RWC Final ReviewEddie Jones analyses the All Blacks’ first World Cup win in 24 years and where they edged France.Historically, World Cup finals have one or two tries in them, and this was no different. I’m sure many supporters were optimistic of a convincing attacking display from New Zealand, but that was never going to be true to history.
All Blacks Victory ParadeAll Blacks Rugby World Cup 2011 Victory Parade in Wellington.
RWC 2011 FinalMany congratulations to the All Blacks on their thrilling victory over France in the RWC 2011 Final. Despite ridiculous odds from bookmakers predicting a convincing All Black victory, RWC history suggested that a tight game was always likely. However, few would have anticipated the titanic battle which took place at Eden Park.
The All Blacks are not to be deniedIts unimaginable that the Men in Black can fail, but not because they are overconfident. There are many more important factors at play: are the home nation, suffering in the adversity of the Christchurch earthquake, without a RWC since 1987, clearly the best side on form, young and hungry and above all they owe the French a hiding.
A Letter from a French FanDear New ZealandThe ABs v OZ semi was one of the best rugby games I have seen in my life. Conrad as reliable as ever, Cruden and his drop, Richie, Jane and the high balls and awesome Weepu. So much engagement, so much blood. They added one of the most beautiful chapters to the black jersey legend.
IRB Player of the YearMark Reason looks at the IRB nominations for the player of the year and feels a hot flush coming on.So what do you think of the nominations for the IRB player of the year? The six players put forward are Thierry Dusautoir, Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu, David Pocock and Will Genia. It looks an unfortunately biased selection to me.
JG's World Cup MusingsIt would be a shame if the abiding memory of Wales’ contribution to RWC 2011 is the red card received by Sam Warburton for his tip tackle on Vincent Clerc. Alain Rolland correctly applied the IRB guidance to such situations. Some say it spoiled the game, but perhaps it made a contest of an encounter that Wales would have run away with, if they had 15 players on the field for the 80 minutes.
Quarter FinalsThe beaten quarter finalists from RWC 2011 are now home or nearly there. It is a sudden and brutal end to the dream for players, some of whom are amongst the greatest the game has seen. It seems appropriate to look at the 4 most recently departed teams and assess their contribution to the tournament and to acknowledge some legends that have played in their last world cup.
A disappointed EnglishmanAs the World Cup quarter finals approach we in England seem more excited by Wales and Ireland, the two form teams in the tournament. We all knew New Zealand was a very complete side and that Australia was the flair side with great counterattack potential. But no one thought that the Celtic Tigers could realize their potential, such a shame they meet at the weekend. In my book they are semifinal sides at least.
JG's World Cup MusingsOur undercover man’s musings on Rugby World Cup happenings, featuring: pool highlights, Ireland’s victory, the 6 Nations bonus point debate, the volume of tries per pool, super fan awards, England’s tournament disappointment, injury impact on the quarters and JG’s Team of the Pool Stages.
