..just a red card and broken cheekbone is all Chelsea can boast at the end of another disappointing league performance. John Terry is now a doubt for England's remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers after suffering a depressed fracture to a cheekbone. The news got worse for Chelsea as Didier Drogba was sent off, and Chelsea could not muster enough to beat a well organized Fulham side, who will also be disappointed that they didn't put away one of the chances they created. Avram Grant has some work to do ahead of the midweek trip to Valencia in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth and Reading shared 11 goals at Fratton Park, Pompey winning 7-4, in a game where every attack seemed to result in a goal. There was also some good saves from both keepers, plus Nicky Shorey missed a penalty for Reading, so a real end to end game.
Man Utd and Arsenal both won one nil away from home to keep up their impressive starts to the season. United are still not looking fluent, but they keep grinding out results, whilst Arsenal keep playing attractive football. The key for them will be if they can keep up the impressive results when their performance is not so impressive!
At the bottom of the league, the first relegation battle between Derby and Bolton ended one all, which really doesn't do either side any good. Both teams need to pick up some points quickly, or they will become adrift at the foot of the table, although the pressure at both clubs is extremely different. Derby aren't expected by manny to survive, or pick up many points this season, whilst Bolton have high expectations following several impressive seasons, and some big name players, like Anelka, Diouf, Campo and Nolan. Sammy Lee has some work to do, or he could be out of a job quicker than Iain Dowie last season, but not quite as fast as Les Reed!
Already the table is shaping up, with Man City doing well early on, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their position in the top 6. Let's hope we get some interesting games, suprising results, and a close run battle, at the top and bottom of the league this season. Bring it on!
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Saturday, 29 September 2007
And it's goodnight Wales...
Wales have been knocked out of the rugby world cup, after a 38 points to 34 defeat to Fiji, who in turn, now progress to the quarter finals. This was arguably one of the best games of rugby played at a world cup. It was fast, open, free-running rugby, with lots of tries, played on a clear sunny afternoon. The stakes added to the pressure, and made it all the more fascinating, with spectators not knowing which way the game would shift next, especially with the lead exchanging hand three times in the last 8 minutes.
Wales will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on making the quarter finals, and this was a game they should have. They started well enough, taking a 3 nil lead, but Fiji then struck back to take a 25 points to 3 lead, despite having a player in the sin bin. Wales pulled back a try before half-time, but missed a penalty through James Hook on the hooter. This was the story of Wales' day, with several missed kicks, including two Stephen Jones conversions in the second half rebounding off the post, costing Wales a quarter final berth.
Wales took the lead ten minutes in to the second half with 3 quick tries, but from then on it was a tight affair, the lead changing hands several times, before Fiji snatched a late try and held on to progress to the quarter finals for the first time.
This defeat for Wales was just another match in this world cup which depicted how far behind the northern hemisphere sides are behind the southern hemisphere, in terms of physicality, in terms of pace, in terms of ability. Fiji took on Wales in the physical stakes and battered them. Yes Wales had the technical advantage in the scrum, but every time Fiji took the ball up, they made yards, and Wales struggled to the live with them. And that is the story with every north v south encounter, and was also shown with the South Africa v England match. The South Africans had a dynamism, which comes from this increased physicality, which the northern hemisphere sides are struggling to keep up with. We are some way behind, and need to catch up before the gap becomes insurmountable.
Scotland also qualified for the last 16 with a close 18-16 win over Italy. Scotland boast an impressive record this tournament, having not missed a kick at goal so far.
Wales will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on making the quarter finals, and this was a game they should have. They started well enough, taking a 3 nil lead, but Fiji then struck back to take a 25 points to 3 lead, despite having a player in the sin bin. Wales pulled back a try before half-time, but missed a penalty through James Hook on the hooter. This was the story of Wales' day, with several missed kicks, including two Stephen Jones conversions in the second half rebounding off the post, costing Wales a quarter final berth.
Wales took the lead ten minutes in to the second half with 3 quick tries, but from then on it was a tight affair, the lead changing hands several times, before Fiji snatched a late try and held on to progress to the quarter finals for the first time.
This defeat for Wales was just another match in this world cup which depicted how far behind the northern hemisphere sides are behind the southern hemisphere, in terms of physicality, in terms of pace, in terms of ability. Fiji took on Wales in the physical stakes and battered them. Yes Wales had the technical advantage in the scrum, but every time Fiji took the ball up, they made yards, and Wales struggled to the live with them. And that is the story with every north v south encounter, and was also shown with the South Africa v England match. The South Africans had a dynamism, which comes from this increased physicality, which the northern hemisphere sides are struggling to keep up with. We are some way behind, and need to catch up before the gap becomes insurmountable.
Scotland also qualified for the last 16 with a close 18-16 win over Italy. Scotland boast an impressive record this tournament, having not missed a kick at goal so far.
England into last 16
An improving England side qualified for the quarter finals of the World Cup with a 36 points to 20 win over Tonga. The Tongans started well, taking a 3 nil, and then a 10-3 lead, and at this point, I thought that was going to be a tough ask to come back from that. However, a swift response followed from England; Jonny Wilkinson's cross field kick caught the Tongan defence short and Paul Sackey slid in to gather and ground and get England moving again. Jonny then kicked a customary drop goal, before Sackey took advantage of some poor hands from Tonga to pick up a loose pass and race home from 70 metres. Suddenly things were looking rosier. After the break, tries from Tait and Farrell allowed England to pull away and book their quarter final place. But will they be a match for the Aussies?
I still have doubts over Barkley as an international inside centre. He seemed somewhat indecisive at times, and I think, especially with Tait as the outside centre, we need a more physical presence inside. Step forward Mr Farrell. He took his try ever so well, and will be hoping that Ashton promotes him to the starting line up for the quarter final. Cometh the game, cometh the man and all that. Barkley's case won't have been helped by the fact he missed a drop goal from 15 metres out!
Up front, we were definately helped by having Lewis Moody and his added pace, and I think Borthwick did well in place of Shaw. I still don't see why we need Dallaglio on the bench, leaving us with no second row replacement. And I think Vickery will have a job getting back in this side, with Stevens performing so well.
We do have a chance against Australia, and we are improving. The Aussies are still missing influential fly half Stephen Larkham, but England need to go out with all guns blazing, hope the decisions behind the scrum are good, and Jonny can kick his goals (hopefully the balls are sorted out - rugby balls that is!).
Come on England!
I still have doubts over Barkley as an international inside centre. He seemed somewhat indecisive at times, and I think, especially with Tait as the outside centre, we need a more physical presence inside. Step forward Mr Farrell. He took his try ever so well, and will be hoping that Ashton promotes him to the starting line up for the quarter final. Cometh the game, cometh the man and all that. Barkley's case won't have been helped by the fact he missed a drop goal from 15 metres out!
Up front, we were definately helped by having Lewis Moody and his added pace, and I think Borthwick did well in place of Shaw. I still don't see why we need Dallaglio on the bench, leaving us with no second row replacement. And I think Vickery will have a job getting back in this side, with Stevens performing so well.
We do have a chance against Australia, and we are improving. The Aussies are still missing influential fly half Stephen Larkham, but England need to go out with all guns blazing, hope the decisions behind the scrum are good, and Jonny can kick his goals (hopefully the balls are sorted out - rugby balls that is!).
Come on England!
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
England v Tonga preview
England have named their team for the must win encounter with Tonga on Friday night. Captain Phil Vickery is available again after suspension, but must be content with a place on the bench, as Matt Stevens has been impressive in the last two games at tighthead. Steve Borthwick replaces Simon Shaw, and Lewis Moody replaces Joe Worsley. At last some pace in the back row.
The backline remains the same, but I still doubt the effectiveness of Olly Barkley at 12. The 9, 10, 12 channel all need to move closer, especially if we want to play the flat running game that Ashton wants us too. I like the pace in the back four. It looks useful, and if Wilkinson and Barkley can provide a platform, Tait, Cueto, Sackey and Lewsey can take advantage of it.
Rumours are that Jason Robinson could make a sensational return for the possible quarter-final, should England beat Tonga, with Australia. Whether he would start or not is a different question, but it would be useful as he is a better full-back than Lewsey; the ability to kick the ball being a major advantage. Ashton once said he would never pick Lewsey at full-back again. Injuries, plus his own selection policy have forced his hand, and no doubt Lewsey has the running lines and pace, he does not have the boot to match.
England should beat Tonga on Friday, but should not under-estimate them. The Tongan's pushed South Africa all the way, and England won't want to be knocked out with an embarrassing defeat.
The backline remains the same, but I still doubt the effectiveness of Olly Barkley at 12. The 9, 10, 12 channel all need to move closer, especially if we want to play the flat running game that Ashton wants us too. I like the pace in the back four. It looks useful, and if Wilkinson and Barkley can provide a platform, Tait, Cueto, Sackey and Lewsey can take advantage of it.
Rumours are that Jason Robinson could make a sensational return for the possible quarter-final, should England beat Tonga, with Australia. Whether he would start or not is a different question, but it would be useful as he is a better full-back than Lewsey; the ability to kick the ball being a major advantage. Ashton once said he would never pick Lewsey at full-back again. Injuries, plus his own selection policy have forced his hand, and no doubt Lewsey has the running lines and pace, he does not have the boot to match.
England should beat Tonga on Friday, but should not under-estimate them. The Tongan's pushed South Africa all the way, and England won't want to be knocked out with an embarrassing defeat.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Man Utd and Chelski: plenty to discuss
On Sunday, it was Man Utd v Chelsea, in what was going to be the biggest game of the season so far. Then Mourinho left Chelsea, by mutual consent, and this game got a whole lot bigger. Then Chelsea appointed a relative unknown to take over from the special one, and it gets a whole lot bigger. Avrem Grant had a point to prove on Saturday, but Chelsea went into the game with one up front, and had three shots in the entire match, all from outside the box, and all off target. Says it all really. He has a lot of work to do, and that's before he get's to be a manager, as without his UEFA pro licence, he only has 12 weeks in charge of Chelsea, unless Chelsea get special dispensation from the FA. I wonder how long it will take Roman Abramovich to get his required licences. It seems he wants to be in charge of Chelsea now, on and off the pitch, which is said to be part of the reason why Jose was going to be pushed, so Roman could employ a puppet for him to control his team, which is in a way, what Grant is!
Let's make this clear about Grant, he is no Jose Mourinho, in many ways, least of all with his relationship with his team. Many of that Chelsea squad firmly believed in Mourinho. They were like his disciples, and will not be pleased he has gone, and Grant may not have it easy getting them to play like they did under the special one. Grant also won't be able to entertain the public and press with his statements and press conferences in the same way that Jose did, but lets hope Grant can do it on the pitch instead. Unfortunately, Sunday wasn't a good start in that department either.
Some might say Chelski had some bad luck at Old Trafford. I say, what goes around, comes around. Before any Chelsea fans start moaning about diving, let me just say one thing; Liverpool away this season, Chelsea got a very, very dodgy pen, to get them a point, so let's have no complaining from the blues. I thought Ben Haim tripped Saha, and although Saha made a meal of it, it was a penalty. Maybe the FA should punish Saha now, or the referee could still have booked him for embelishment, even though it was a foul. Also, when the fourth official holds up the board with the stoppage time on it, on Sunday in the first half it was two minutes, this means a minimum of two minutes added time will be played, so he could play two minutes and 45 seconds, as that is a minimum of two minutes. If the fourth official put up three minutes, and then only played two minutes and 45 seconds, everyone would moan that he hasn't played enough stoppage time. I do not understand why there has been so much complaining about this stoppage time rule. It seemed fair enough to me. The sending off was harsh, but then United should have already had a penalty when Joe Cole brought down Evra, so its swings and roundabouts really. You take the rough with the smooth, although it isn't acceptable for referees to constantly make such poor decisions and hope they balance out.
Chelsea just missed so go forward drive. They didn't spend their money too wisely in the summer, and got rid of Robben, and having lost Duff 12 months ago, are short of natural width and creativity. They seriously miss Lampard and Drogba, who I reckon could be part of a mass exodus come January, not definately, but its a possibility. Chelsea also can't afford to play Shevchenko up top on his own. He doesn't have the legs for it, and needs to work in a pair with another striker.
All in all, Chelsea stop your moaning, and get on with it. Let's hope this week is better than last week for you!
Let's make this clear about Grant, he is no Jose Mourinho, in many ways, least of all with his relationship with his team. Many of that Chelsea squad firmly believed in Mourinho. They were like his disciples, and will not be pleased he has gone, and Grant may not have it easy getting them to play like they did under the special one. Grant also won't be able to entertain the public and press with his statements and press conferences in the same way that Jose did, but lets hope Grant can do it on the pitch instead. Unfortunately, Sunday wasn't a good start in that department either.
Some might say Chelski had some bad luck at Old Trafford. I say, what goes around, comes around. Before any Chelsea fans start moaning about diving, let me just say one thing; Liverpool away this season, Chelsea got a very, very dodgy pen, to get them a point, so let's have no complaining from the blues. I thought Ben Haim tripped Saha, and although Saha made a meal of it, it was a penalty. Maybe the FA should punish Saha now, or the referee could still have booked him for embelishment, even though it was a foul. Also, when the fourth official holds up the board with the stoppage time on it, on Sunday in the first half it was two minutes, this means a minimum of two minutes added time will be played, so he could play two minutes and 45 seconds, as that is a minimum of two minutes. If the fourth official put up three minutes, and then only played two minutes and 45 seconds, everyone would moan that he hasn't played enough stoppage time. I do not understand why there has been so much complaining about this stoppage time rule. It seemed fair enough to me. The sending off was harsh, but then United should have already had a penalty when Joe Cole brought down Evra, so its swings and roundabouts really. You take the rough with the smooth, although it isn't acceptable for referees to constantly make such poor decisions and hope they balance out.
Chelsea just missed so go forward drive. They didn't spend their money too wisely in the summer, and got rid of Robben, and having lost Duff 12 months ago, are short of natural width and creativity. They seriously miss Lampard and Drogba, who I reckon could be part of a mass exodus come January, not definately, but its a possibility. Chelsea also can't afford to play Shevchenko up top on his own. He doesn't have the legs for it, and needs to work in a pair with another striker.
All in all, Chelsea stop your moaning, and get on with it. Let's hope this week is better than last week for you!
World Twenty20 Final
It was always going to be a feisty affair India v Pakistan, but it also produced a great match, going down to the final over, with some great hitting, and some good bowling and plenty of wickets. India and Pakistan are the fiercest of rivals on the pitch, and this will have provided extra insentives going into the match.
Some tight bowling restricted India to 157 for 5, with Gambhir the mainstay of the Indian innings with 75. Unfortunately for India, Yuvraj was unable to fire today, and at the halfway point, I felt India were twenty runs light.
Most expected a tight finish, but at one stage, Pakistan were 70 odd for 6, losing star man Afridi for a first ball duck, and it looked as though India would stroll home. It was left to Misbah-Ul-Haq to rescue India, and he almost did it, bringing the equation down to 6 runs needed off 4 balls, but with just one wicket in hand. I don't know what made him attempt a flick over the keeper when having already hit 43, including several huge sixes, he didn't play proper cricket shots. The improvised stroke however was his downfall, but if he hadn't played that shot, I seem to think Pakistan would have won. However, it was India who came out on top, to win their first major trophy since the early eighties, and leave Pakistan deflated. Both teams can feel better about their efforts at this tournament, as opposed to results from the 50 over world cup earlier this year.
The Twenty20 world cup has proved a great success, in my humble opinion. The tournament has been fast paced, with lots of games in a short space of time, which helps add to the pace which is naturally derived from the high scoring nature of twenty20 cricket. Congratulations to the organisers for taking on board the points from this years world cup, which dragged on for so long it got boring in the end (infact I think it is still going on now)! It was also encouraging that a lot of the smaller cricketing nations seemed to have more competitive matches in this shorter format of the game, so hopefully they got more out of this tournament than they would from the 50 over version. It is also good to see 200 runs hit off 20 overs. Maybe this will help the scores of 50 over cricket continue to rise, which would help provide more interesting matches. Teams now know they can score consistently at 8, 9, or 10 runs an hour. Lets see them do it more consistently on the bigger stage!
Some tight bowling restricted India to 157 for 5, with Gambhir the mainstay of the Indian innings with 75. Unfortunately for India, Yuvraj was unable to fire today, and at the halfway point, I felt India were twenty runs light.
Most expected a tight finish, but at one stage, Pakistan were 70 odd for 6, losing star man Afridi for a first ball duck, and it looked as though India would stroll home. It was left to Misbah-Ul-Haq to rescue India, and he almost did it, bringing the equation down to 6 runs needed off 4 balls, but with just one wicket in hand. I don't know what made him attempt a flick over the keeper when having already hit 43, including several huge sixes, he didn't play proper cricket shots. The improvised stroke however was his downfall, but if he hadn't played that shot, I seem to think Pakistan would have won. However, it was India who came out on top, to win their first major trophy since the early eighties, and leave Pakistan deflated. Both teams can feel better about their efforts at this tournament, as opposed to results from the 50 over world cup earlier this year.
The Twenty20 world cup has proved a great success, in my humble opinion. The tournament has been fast paced, with lots of games in a short space of time, which helps add to the pace which is naturally derived from the high scoring nature of twenty20 cricket. Congratulations to the organisers for taking on board the points from this years world cup, which dragged on for so long it got boring in the end (infact I think it is still going on now)! It was also encouraging that a lot of the smaller cricketing nations seemed to have more competitive matches in this shorter format of the game, so hopefully they got more out of this tournament than they would from the 50 over version. It is also good to see 200 runs hit off 20 overs. Maybe this will help the scores of 50 over cricket continue to rise, which would help provide more interesting matches. Teams now know they can score consistently at 8, 9, or 10 runs an hour. Lets see them do it more consistently on the bigger stage!
Guinness Premiership update
I was fortunate enough to see a great collection of English rugby talent on display in Watford on Sunday. Youngsters such as Ryan Lamb, Anthoney Allen, Olly Morgan, Adam Powell and Dave Seymour, along with some more experienced campaigners, Kevin Sorrell, Dan Scarbrough, Alex Brown, James Simpson-Daniel, Andy HazellIain Balshaw and the one and only, evergreen, Richard Hill. The match was Saracens vs. Gloucester. It was open, some great running rugby, 7 tries, some good goal kicking, especially from young fly half Lamb, and it reminded us that good English players do exist. This game was far more entertaining than any England match for some time, and the display of talent was encouraging for the future of English rugby. All we need now is a coach who is willing to pick such individuals and not 30 something has beens (you know who I mean)!
Sarries started brightest, going 14-3 ahead, and in fairness, it should have been more, but Gloucester are not league favourites for no reason. Infact, it was when openside flanker Andy Hazell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Sarries skipper Neil de Kock, did the visitors pick up their game, and after 40 minutes, it was the visitors who lead by 19 points to 14.
Sarries needed to score first after the break, and did so, to retake the lead 21-19 with a Kevin Sorrell try, but an interception try by Ryan Lamb, plus a Luke Narraway effort put Gloucester clear. Ed Thrower got Sarries within touching distance again, but Olly Morgan's bonus point try sealed it.
Rugby league convert Lesley Vainakolo (the Volcano) could not get on the scoreboard in this match, despite 5 tries at Headingly last week. He limped off with a neck injury in the second half which we hope is not serious.
It was disappointing to see Sarries lose, but it was an entertaining game, and great to see some English players on display. Definately club over country at the moment!
Sarries started brightest, going 14-3 ahead, and in fairness, it should have been more, but Gloucester are not league favourites for no reason. Infact, it was when openside flanker Andy Hazell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Sarries skipper Neil de Kock, did the visitors pick up their game, and after 40 minutes, it was the visitors who lead by 19 points to 14.
Sarries needed to score first after the break, and did so, to retake the lead 21-19 with a Kevin Sorrell try, but an interception try by Ryan Lamb, plus a Luke Narraway effort put Gloucester clear. Ed Thrower got Sarries within touching distance again, but Olly Morgan's bonus point try sealed it.
Rugby league convert Lesley Vainakolo (the Volcano) could not get on the scoreboard in this match, despite 5 tries at Headingly last week. He limped off with a neck injury in the second half which we hope is not serious.
It was disappointing to see Sarries lose, but it was an entertaining game, and great to see some English players on display. Definately club over country at the moment!
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Adeus Jose
There have been rumours for a long time about the future on Jose Mourinho, but no-one thought it would actually happen, especially like this. Just after 1.45am this morning, it was announced the Jose Mourinho was leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. So Jose wasn't sacked, nor did he resign. That's the official word, but as is so often with the "mutual consent" line, it comes down to the board saying they want him gone, but not letting it be known in public that's what they want. The fact that Mourinho is apparently set to claim £25 million in compensation shows it wasn't him who walked away!
So why has Jose gone? This is the man who has won 6 trophies in 3 years, who brought the league title to Stamford Bridge after a 50 year wait! But when someone like Abramovich pumps that much money in to a football club, and he says them stuttering, struggling to win games, not playing good football, and a half empty home ground, then maybe it was expected.
We, the public, had become used to the fact that various managers would be linked with Jose's position, Sven being the main one, but there was a never a true threat because of the success he had brought to the club. Now, all of a sudden, on the night of the Premiere of a dvd depicting the success of the last three years and how it happened, Jose has parted company with Chelsea, and in all honest opinion, whatever you think of the special one, the premiership will be a poorer place without him!
So why has Jose gone? This is the man who has won 6 trophies in 3 years, who brought the league title to Stamford Bridge after a 50 year wait! But when someone like Abramovich pumps that much money in to a football club, and he says them stuttering, struggling to win games, not playing good football, and a half empty home ground, then maybe it was expected.
We, the public, had become used to the fact that various managers would be linked with Jose's position, Sven being the main one, but there was a never a true threat because of the success he had brought to the club. Now, all of a sudden, on the night of the Premiere of a dvd depicting the success of the last three years and how it happened, Jose has parted company with Chelsea, and in all honest opinion, whatever you think of the special one, the premiership will be a poorer place without him!
Monday, 17 September 2007
Watford top of the league!
It might not be the Premiership, but Watford are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship after an impressive start to the campaign. But it took two late goals from substitute Darius Henderson to give them a 3-2 win over a battling Southampton at Vicarage Road yesterday.
After going one nil up, the Saints struck back right on half time, and then a splendid goal from y0ung winger Nathan Dyer gave the away side the lead. Watford then piled on the pressure, and Henderson scored two poachers goals from inside the 6-yard box.
However, suprise of the season goes to Bristol City, who lie second at the moment. An impressive start for them, and already talks of successive promotions are being banded about. Manager Gary Johnson will have to work hard to make sure his players keep their feet on the ground.
Sheffield Wednesday are rooted to the bottom of the league without a win this season, with QPR and Preston occupying the other relegation places.
After going one nil up, the Saints struck back right on half time, and then a splendid goal from y0ung winger Nathan Dyer gave the away side the lead. Watford then piled on the pressure, and Henderson scored two poachers goals from inside the 6-yard box.
However, suprise of the season goes to Bristol City, who lie second at the moment. An impressive start for them, and already talks of successive promotions are being banded about. Manager Gary Johnson will have to work hard to make sure his players keep their feet on the ground.
Sheffield Wednesday are rooted to the bottom of the league without a win this season, with QPR and Preston occupying the other relegation places.
Toby Flood replaces Jamie Noon...
Newcastle Falcons utility back Toby Flood has replaced his injured club colleague Jamie Noon in England's World Cup squad. Flood had an impressive start to the Guinness Premiership season on Sunday and the fresh face and blood to the squad will hopefully liven things up a bit.
I bet Brian Ashton is wondering if he could call in some more young players and replace the old guard who simply don't have what is required to add any dynamism to this squad.
England's defence coach Mike Ford has dug himself into a very large hole, and probably put himself out of a job at the end of the world cup. That's not to do with the amount of points England are conceding, but the public criticism he levelled at his supposed friend Andy Farrell, and Mike Catt, following defeat to South Africa last Friday. Ford has reportedly said that Farrell is probably too old to get very far with rugby union, whilst saying that Mike Catt was always going to find it difficult to play fly-half on Friday, and would probably not be able to step up straight away. This will not help morale in the England camp, and Ford has probably helped the RFU with some difficult decisions post world cup by digging his own grave. I thought it was always, prasie and defend in public, and criticise or discipline in private.
England's world cup defence is no more than a farce at the present time!
I bet Brian Ashton is wondering if he could call in some more young players and replace the old guard who simply don't have what is required to add any dynamism to this squad.
England's defence coach Mike Ford has dug himself into a very large hole, and probably put himself out of a job at the end of the world cup. That's not to do with the amount of points England are conceding, but the public criticism he levelled at his supposed friend Andy Farrell, and Mike Catt, following defeat to South Africa last Friday. Ford has reportedly said that Farrell is probably too old to get very far with rugby union, whilst saying that Mike Catt was always going to find it difficult to play fly-half on Friday, and would probably not be able to step up straight away. This will not help morale in the England camp, and Ford has probably helped the RFU with some difficult decisions post world cup by digging his own grave. I thought it was always, prasie and defend in public, and criticise or discipline in private.
England's world cup defence is no more than a farce at the present time!
Formula One is getting very interesting...
...and it's not just because there is a British driver doing well for a change! The recent spying row between McLaren and Ferrari lead to a £50 million fine for McLaren, and there has been some constant back-biting between the two drivers, Fernando Alonso and star Brit Lewis Hamilton, seemingly always at each others throats, and things took another turn after yesterdays Grand Prix in Belgium.
Hamilton claims that his team-mate tried to force him off the track at the start of the race, and only stayed in the race because there was a run-off area which he moved into before re-joining the main race track.
Kimi Raikkonen won the race, with Alonso 3rd, and Hamilton 4th. The Brit leads the table by just two points from Alonso, with Raikkonen still thirteen points behind, but with three races to go, it is all to fight for, and it looks as if the tension is already starting to take effect. Just keep your cool, Lewis!
Hamilton claims that his team-mate tried to force him off the track at the start of the race, and only stayed in the race because there was a run-off area which he moved into before re-joining the main race track.
Kimi Raikkonen won the race, with Alonso 3rd, and Hamilton 4th. The Brit leads the table by just two points from Alonso, with Raikkonen still thirteen points behind, but with three races to go, it is all to fight for, and it looks as if the tension is already starting to take effect. Just keep your cool, Lewis!
South Africa crush England for the second time in three days!
South Africa produced a clinical bowling performance to defeat England in their first Super 8 match of the Twenty20 World cup.
England also bowled well against the hosts, but poor fielding, including three dropped catches, allowed the hosts to get their score up to 154 for 8. The hero for South Africa with the bat was all-rounder Albie Morkel, who hit three successive sixes of leg-spinner Chris Schofield.
England started poorly, as they have in all their matches in the tournament, losing Luke Wright, who had been promoted to opener, for a fourth ball duck. Kevin Pietersen was controversially run out, and Paul Collingwood then went for a golden duck, but credit must go to the South African bowlers and fielders, who didn't allow the England batsmen to get the ball and keep the required run rate managable.
England also sent in Jeremy Snape, playing his first game of the tournament at the expense of Darren Maddy, ahead of Dimi Masceranhas, which, in my opinion, was a poor decision, seeing as the required rate was approaching 12 an over.
Hopefully we will learn from these errors, improve our fielding, and top order batting, and have more success against New Zealand on Tuesday!
England also bowled well against the hosts, but poor fielding, including three dropped catches, allowed the hosts to get their score up to 154 for 8. The hero for South Africa with the bat was all-rounder Albie Morkel, who hit three successive sixes of leg-spinner Chris Schofield.
England started poorly, as they have in all their matches in the tournament, losing Luke Wright, who had been promoted to opener, for a fourth ball duck. Kevin Pietersen was controversially run out, and Paul Collingwood then went for a golden duck, but credit must go to the South African bowlers and fielders, who didn't allow the England batsmen to get the ball and keep the required run rate managable.
England also sent in Jeremy Snape, playing his first game of the tournament at the expense of Darren Maddy, ahead of Dimi Masceranhas, which, in my opinion, was a poor decision, seeing as the required rate was approaching 12 an over.
Hopefully we will learn from these errors, improve our fielding, and top order batting, and have more success against New Zealand on Tuesday!
Sunday, 16 September 2007
England lucky to get nil...
Well, it was as expected. South Africa completed a very classy and clinical win over England, pushing England in to deep trouble, and making it clear for all to see the problems that Brian Ashton faces in the coming weeks.
There's no need to perform open surgery on the match. I was optimistic, I always try to be, I had a small glimmer of hope. Maybe the South Africans would have a bad day at the office and we could sneak it, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and 36 nil scoreline was pretty fair.
Our best performer was Jason Robinson, and there is now a distinct chance that he won't play again in the tournament due to injury, thus being a very sad end to a glittering career. He had a pace, and a determination that seemed to escape many others in the side. It was always going to be a sad moment to see such a terrific rugby player leaving the field for the last time, but the way it happened is not how Jason, or anyone, would have wanted it to happen.
My quarms with the English selection go back a long way. So far, it was November four years ago. Yes, straight after the world cup win. We needed to start afresh from that point. If you were not going to be available to play in four years time, then you should have called it quits then, and let a new breed of team develop. Instead, we went on with some of the old guard, then some called it a day a year or 2 ago (Matt Dawson is one), and then some have come out of retirement to play again (Robinson, Dallaglio), and some are still knocking around now (Mike Catt at 36 anyone). We needed to be aware of what was happening in world rugby. Just take a look at the New Zealand and South African sides now. They are both in great form, with players who have had time to gel as a unit, as a team, as a squad, whereas England and are a bunch of players who don't know where they stand, and come from unsuccessful clubs (I'll come back to this point shortly). The New Zealand and South Africa teams have pacey, multi-talented players , who are not just players who play in and fill a position, they are players who have the skills to be 15 players on the pitch and take teams apart clinically. There skill and fitness levels are high. They are creative and are good to watch. Four years ago, we won the world cup with a brand of rugby that was going out of fashion, but that we had mastered, and had the players to execute it with. That time has gone, and it's high time the coaches, the selectors, and the RFU noticed that. This world cup was never going to happen for us. We are not a cohesive unit, and we never will be unless we start again from scratch.
I think it would be harsh call to dismiss Brian Ashton from his position after the world cup. Six months ago, he was put in charge of a sinking ship, the fall-out of the Andy Robinson era. On the other hand, maybe a culling is what is needed. A big clear out, get rid of the deadwood, only then can we start afresh and plan for four years ahead, and let's forget about short term stop gaps once and for all! And then we pose the question, not of who to bring in, but who would relish the challenge, who would be big enough to fill the position and impose themselves on the English national set up
There are two possible candidates that I personally feel could have what it takes, but both are currently under contract. One, is Dean Richards. The Harlequins Director of Rugby has sucessfully brought them back from National Division One, and now they look a solid unit, a force to be reckoned with, having watched their game against London Irish at Twickenham yesterday. Richards has an impressive CV, and a strong reputation, and a positive but hard attitude.
The other, is Eddie Jones. The coach of the losing finalists, Australia, four years ago. International experience and a fresh eye to look over this England side and selection. His current techincal role with South Africa seems to be doing wonders for them, but Saracens have got him in charge of their Academy, and they will not want to let him go!
So it's on one of those two choices in my opinion, or back Ashton to the hilt and tell him he has at least four years at it. It is a about time we took the bull by the horns and got a grip of ourselves!
Now back to the point I raised earlier; why play players from unsuccessful teams? Newcastle didn't have a great season last time out, in fact they haven't for several seasons, but players like Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait (I would say Jonny as well, but he has hardly player) are always selected. Bath always have players in the squad, yet they haven't performed for several seasons now. We should make our squad up of players from the top teams, who scored the most points, who have the best defensive records. Selection needs an overhaul! Look's like the whole damn thing needs an overhaul!
There's no need to perform open surgery on the match. I was optimistic, I always try to be, I had a small glimmer of hope. Maybe the South Africans would have a bad day at the office and we could sneak it, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and 36 nil scoreline was pretty fair.
Our best performer was Jason Robinson, and there is now a distinct chance that he won't play again in the tournament due to injury, thus being a very sad end to a glittering career. He had a pace, and a determination that seemed to escape many others in the side. It was always going to be a sad moment to see such a terrific rugby player leaving the field for the last time, but the way it happened is not how Jason, or anyone, would have wanted it to happen.
My quarms with the English selection go back a long way. So far, it was November four years ago. Yes, straight after the world cup win. We needed to start afresh from that point. If you were not going to be available to play in four years time, then you should have called it quits then, and let a new breed of team develop. Instead, we went on with some of the old guard, then some called it a day a year or 2 ago (Matt Dawson is one), and then some have come out of retirement to play again (Robinson, Dallaglio), and some are still knocking around now (Mike Catt at 36 anyone). We needed to be aware of what was happening in world rugby. Just take a look at the New Zealand and South African sides now. They are both in great form, with players who have had time to gel as a unit, as a team, as a squad, whereas England and are a bunch of players who don't know where they stand, and come from unsuccessful clubs (I'll come back to this point shortly). The New Zealand and South Africa teams have pacey, multi-talented players , who are not just players who play in and fill a position, they are players who have the skills to be 15 players on the pitch and take teams apart clinically. There skill and fitness levels are high. They are creative and are good to watch. Four years ago, we won the world cup with a brand of rugby that was going out of fashion, but that we had mastered, and had the players to execute it with. That time has gone, and it's high time the coaches, the selectors, and the RFU noticed that. This world cup was never going to happen for us. We are not a cohesive unit, and we never will be unless we start again from scratch.
I think it would be harsh call to dismiss Brian Ashton from his position after the world cup. Six months ago, he was put in charge of a sinking ship, the fall-out of the Andy Robinson era. On the other hand, maybe a culling is what is needed. A big clear out, get rid of the deadwood, only then can we start afresh and plan for four years ahead, and let's forget about short term stop gaps once and for all! And then we pose the question, not of who to bring in, but who would relish the challenge, who would be big enough to fill the position and impose themselves on the English national set up
There are two possible candidates that I personally feel could have what it takes, but both are currently under contract. One, is Dean Richards. The Harlequins Director of Rugby has sucessfully brought them back from National Division One, and now they look a solid unit, a force to be reckoned with, having watched their game against London Irish at Twickenham yesterday. Richards has an impressive CV, and a strong reputation, and a positive but hard attitude.
The other, is Eddie Jones. The coach of the losing finalists, Australia, four years ago. International experience and a fresh eye to look over this England side and selection. His current techincal role with South Africa seems to be doing wonders for them, but Saracens have got him in charge of their Academy, and they will not want to let him go!
So it's on one of those two choices in my opinion, or back Ashton to the hilt and tell him he has at least four years at it. It is a about time we took the bull by the horns and got a grip of ourselves!
Now back to the point I raised earlier; why play players from unsuccessful teams? Newcastle didn't have a great season last time out, in fact they haven't for several seasons, but players like Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait (I would say Jonny as well, but he has hardly player) are always selected. Bath always have players in the squad, yet they haven't performed for several seasons now. We should make our squad up of players from the top teams, who scored the most points, who have the best defensive records. Selection needs an overhaul! Look's like the whole damn thing needs an overhaul!
Friday, 14 September 2007
Twenty20 update: England qualify for Super 8s
England have qualified for the super 8 series in the Twenty20 World Cup, despite an eight wicket defeat to Australia this afternoon. Both the Aussies and England qualify at the expense of Zimbabwe because of net run rate.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka posted the highest score in a twenty20 international, hammering a massive 260 for 6 from their 20 overs against Kenya. Most sides would be happy with that from 50 overs, let alone 20. Kenya were dismissed for 88, a record margin of 172 runs.
Other cricketing news is that Rahul Dravid has resigned as the India captain in both forms of the game. Dravid, who has led the Indian side to test series wins over the West Indies, and more recently England, still wants to play for India, and hopes the relinquishing the captaincy will allow him to concentrate on his batting. With many of India's senior players in the their mid thirties, it may be the choice of the selectors to go for a younger option, with Yuvraj Singh or VVS Laxman among the favourites. India's biggest worries has to be that their older, experienced players all decide to call it a day before their replacements have had a chance to become experienced with international cricket.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka posted the highest score in a twenty20 international, hammering a massive 260 for 6 from their 20 overs against Kenya. Most sides would be happy with that from 50 overs, let alone 20. Kenya were dismissed for 88, a record margin of 172 runs.
Other cricketing news is that Rahul Dravid has resigned as the India captain in both forms of the game. Dravid, who has led the Indian side to test series wins over the West Indies, and more recently England, still wants to play for India, and hopes the relinquishing the captaincy will allow him to concentrate on his batting. With many of India's senior players in the their mid thirties, it may be the choice of the selectors to go for a younger option, with Yuvraj Singh or VVS Laxman among the favourites. India's biggest worries has to be that their older, experienced players all decide to call it a day before their replacements have had a chance to become experienced with international cricket.
Massive task for England
We are three hours away from one of the biggest challenges an English rugby union side has faced recently. England go into tonight's game with South Africa without a recognised fly half after an injury last week to Jonny Wilkinson, and then reserve Olly Barkley went down with a hip injury this week. Both do expect to be fit for next week's match but tonight's game was going to be a good marker of what to expect from England in this tournament. Mike Catt, will wear the number 10, contrary to earlier reports. Not that it matters. Both Catt, and centre Andy Farrell will share the playmaker duties, with Farrell taking over the kicking duties.
Let's hope England can put on a display that does show what they can do, and gives us supporters cause for optimism for the future of the tournament.
Let's hope England can put on a display that does show what they can do, and gives us supporters cause for optimism for the future of the tournament.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Barkley out...Farrell In
Andy Farrell will start at fly-half on Friday in England's big match with South Africa, after Olly Barkley was ruled out with a hip injury.
Farrell who has played just one union match at fly-half, that a Saracens 'A' leage match 11 months ago, will also take on the kicking duties.
The injuries to Wilkinson and Barkley may leave head coach Brian Ashton rueing the decision not bring Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty or Andy Goode as fly-half cover.
Farrell shouldn't be fazed by the situation. He is a player of great experience, and played as first receiver a lot in rugby league, and has acted as first receiver in union games too.
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, maybe 'Faz' can bring something to the party which has been lacking with England. His defence is good, so the channels around him should be secure. Let's hope it works!
Farrell who has played just one union match at fly-half, that a Saracens 'A' leage match 11 months ago, will also take on the kicking duties.
The injuries to Wilkinson and Barkley may leave head coach Brian Ashton rueing the decision not bring Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty or Andy Goode as fly-half cover.
Farrell shouldn't be fazed by the situation. He is a player of great experience, and played as first receiver a lot in rugby league, and has acted as first receiver in union games too.
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, maybe 'Faz' can bring something to the party which has been lacking with England. His defence is good, so the channels around him should be secure. Let's hope it works!
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
England's rugby team need a kick up the backside
And not a metaphorical one at that. Saturday's match against the USA was a great chance for us to develop some confidence, get some tries and points under our belts, and generally show the public what we could do. Unfortunately, it was a typically inept English performance. We lacked direction in midfield, and this was nothing to do with the absence of one Jonny Wilkinson. His replacement Olly Barkley had a good game, but those around him did not cover themselves in glory. Shaun Perry looked laboured and continually slowed the game down, whereas when Peter Richards came on he tried to put some pace in the game. Mike Catt and Jamie Noon were fairly annonymous all match, despite Catt's kick which put Robinson in for his try, which you feel any player could have made there was that much space! I also failed to follow the thinking of playing a wing at fullback, and two players who can play fullback, on the wing. At least Ahston has sorted this scenario by moving Robinson to fullback and bringing Sackey in on the wing.
One new problem to emerge is that of an injury to Olly Barkley in training, which puts him in doubt for Friday's game with South Africa. Who would play fly-half with Jonny out as well. You would imagine Mike Catt as he has experience there, or possibly Josh Lewsey also has some experience there, but you wouldn't throw Andy Farrell in there, or would Ashton do that. To be honest, no-one knows! The other doubt is Phil Vickery, the captain, after he was cited for foul play in the USA game. Let's hope he is available, as we need some experience and brute force out there against the very physical Boks.
Up front we were also slow and laboured, which did contribute somewhat to the slow service by Perry. Dallaglio and Worsley have been dropped, and Nick Easter, who should have started on Saturday is in at number 8, with Martin Corry restored to the side at blindside flanker. I hope Easter will improve things, but I am not sure about Corry. Tom Rees at openside had a storming game, and will look to continue with where he left off. He offers pace and aggression, something we don't have much of.
All in all, good luck England. We're going to need it!
One new problem to emerge is that of an injury to Olly Barkley in training, which puts him in doubt for Friday's game with South Africa. Who would play fly-half with Jonny out as well. You would imagine Mike Catt as he has experience there, or possibly Josh Lewsey also has some experience there, but you wouldn't throw Andy Farrell in there, or would Ashton do that. To be honest, no-one knows! The other doubt is Phil Vickery, the captain, after he was cited for foul play in the USA game. Let's hope he is available, as we need some experience and brute force out there against the very physical Boks.
Up front we were also slow and laboured, which did contribute somewhat to the slow service by Perry. Dallaglio and Worsley have been dropped, and Nick Easter, who should have started on Saturday is in at number 8, with Martin Corry restored to the side at blindside flanker. I hope Easter will improve things, but I am not sure about Corry. Tom Rees at openside had a storming game, and will look to continue with where he left off. He offers pace and aggression, something we don't have much of.
All in all, good luck England. We're going to need it!
Cricket springs the suprise
I don't think I was the only one who anticipated England winning the test match series and India winning the one day series. Well I was wrong, and so was anyone who thought the same. After surviving by a solitary wicket in the first test, India somehow found strength from somewhere to take England by storm. Terrific bowling performances from the likes of Zaheer Khan and RP Singh, coupled with some poor England batting, led to India being one up with one to play. England were not able to pull it back in the final test
Then came the one day internationals. After their defeat in the one day series to the West Indies earlier in the summer, the England management had said to judge their team at the end of the summer, and a good judgement has been cast. England now have a young exciting team with bags of potential, players who know how to play one day cricket, players who can score runs quickly, players who can take wickets, players who can save runs in the field and take outstanding catches; just what English cricket has been crying out for! Some excitement!
And who knows, maybe we can spring another suprise at the Twenty20 World Cup. That gets underway today, with the hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies. England's first match is on Thursday, and I believe we can give a good showing, especially because of the Twenty20 experience held within our squad.
Then came the one day internationals. After their defeat in the one day series to the West Indies earlier in the summer, the England management had said to judge their team at the end of the summer, and a good judgement has been cast. England now have a young exciting team with bags of potential, players who know how to play one day cricket, players who can score runs quickly, players who can take wickets, players who can save runs in the field and take outstanding catches; just what English cricket has been crying out for! Some excitement!
And who knows, maybe we can spring another suprise at the Twenty20 World Cup. That gets underway today, with the hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies. England's first match is on Thursday, and I believe we can give a good showing, especially because of the Twenty20 experience held within our squad.
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