Hamilton and Alonso have tussled for the lead in the Formula One Championship all season, and in the end, they both came away with nothing. Both McLaren drivers finished the season on 109 points, 1 behind eventual winner Kimi Raikkonen.
But what happened to Hamilton and Alonso. Did they get so engrossed in having a go at each other throughout the course of the season, that they forgot what they were racing for. It is true that Hamilton seemed to be coasting with two races to go, but after not finishing in the penultimate race, and Kimi getting max points, the pressure was suddenly on. Superb tactics by Ferrari prevanted Lewis from getting a good start, and when Alonso overtook Hamilton on the first corner on Sunday, he lost his nerve momentarily. He showed the signs of a quality driver though, by recovering quickly, but on lap seven, his championship all but deserted him. The car seemed to cut out, shifting in to neutral and not responding. After sorting the problem out, Lewis had lost 40 seconds on Raikkonen, Alonso, et al, and that as they say was that. Lewis needed a miracle to get himself up to the required 5th place that would give him enough points to overhaul Raikkonen should he win, but no miracle was forthcoming during the race.
However, it has transpired since the race, that BMW and Williams, which have cars which finished ahead of Lewis, had fuel temperature irregularities, which were investigated, but not punished with disqualification. It has been announced this evening, that McLaren will formally contest this issue, although Lewis has stated he doesn't want to win the title by default, and Alonso says it would embarrass the sport.
So, the outcome of that appeal will be known soon, but whatever happens, it has been a great first season for Lewis, lets hope he can produce the goods again next season.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Monday, 22 October 2007
South Africa are world champions
South Africa beat England by 15 points to 6 on Saturday in the 2007 rugby world cup final, in what was a closely fought contest. No tries were scored, although there was a controversial incident, with England wing Mark Cueto being denied a try by the video referee. England have surprised many with their return to form in this tournament, having been hammered 36 nil by South Africa 36 days before the final, many thought their tournament was over, but some soul searching and streetwise performances have lead the England team from zeroes to heroes.
Saturday was not to prove the fairytale ending for England however, but it was a fairytale ending for South Africa. Consistently the best side throughout the tournament, and with outgoing coach Jake White at the helm, South Africa oozed a confidence and physicallity deserving of world champions. Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and Francios Steyn one, to Jonny Wilkinson's two for england, but the turning point came when Matthew Tait stepped past Steyn and Habana, only to be hauled down just short of the line by man of the match Victor Matfield. Quick recycling got the ball out to Cueto who slid in at the corner for what seemed a certain try. However, the diving tackle of Dannie Roussouw put doubt in the referee's mind and he called for the video referee, Aussie Stuart Dickinson, to make the call. After much deliberation, Dickinson said no try, as Cueto's foot and just scraped the touch line. On such fine margins are games won and lost is a fair statement at such a time. The score was 9-3 at this time, and the try with conversion would have given England the lead. Instead a penalty got us back to 9-6, but that was the closest we got.
Instead, I would like to look the positive backline we ended the game with; Wilkinson, Cueto, Flood, Hipkiss, Sackey and Tait. Young, exciting and pacey. Rob Andrew has today said that the last three years have been a mess for England rugby. There are lots of new young players to come in to the England fold. Let's integrate them in now and reap the rewards in the years to come, with Ashton at the helm.
If England had won on Saturday, it would have papered over the cracks of a poor four years, performance and selection wise. Getting to the final does this partly anyway, but it is important for the public to realise that we stumbled through. In four years time, lets power through and despatch teams properly. We have a chance to build now, let's take it.
Well done South Africa on an awesome world cup, and thank you to France, for not only hosting a great world cup, but by providing much entertainment to many around the world by losing twice to Argentina!
Saturday was not to prove the fairytale ending for England however, but it was a fairytale ending for South Africa. Consistently the best side throughout the tournament, and with outgoing coach Jake White at the helm, South Africa oozed a confidence and physicallity deserving of world champions. Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and Francios Steyn one, to Jonny Wilkinson's two for england, but the turning point came when Matthew Tait stepped past Steyn and Habana, only to be hauled down just short of the line by man of the match Victor Matfield. Quick recycling got the ball out to Cueto who slid in at the corner for what seemed a certain try. However, the diving tackle of Dannie Roussouw put doubt in the referee's mind and he called for the video referee, Aussie Stuart Dickinson, to make the call. After much deliberation, Dickinson said no try, as Cueto's foot and just scraped the touch line. On such fine margins are games won and lost is a fair statement at such a time. The score was 9-3 at this time, and the try with conversion would have given England the lead. Instead a penalty got us back to 9-6, but that was the closest we got.
Instead, I would like to look the positive backline we ended the game with; Wilkinson, Cueto, Flood, Hipkiss, Sackey and Tait. Young, exciting and pacey. Rob Andrew has today said that the last three years have been a mess for England rugby. There are lots of new young players to come in to the England fold. Let's integrate them in now and reap the rewards in the years to come, with Ashton at the helm.
If England had won on Saturday, it would have papered over the cracks of a poor four years, performance and selection wise. Getting to the final does this partly anyway, but it is important for the public to realise that we stumbled through. In four years time, lets power through and despatch teams properly. We have a chance to build now, let's take it.
Well done South Africa on an awesome world cup, and thank you to France, for not only hosting a great world cup, but by providing much entertainment to many around the world by losing twice to Argentina!
Sunday, 14 October 2007
England battle through
It was just that. A battle. England and France went head to head at the Stade de France in the world cup semi final last night, and England came out on top, by 14 points to 9, in a tense, pulsating victory, which was still in the balance right up until the end. Two Jonny Wilkinson kicks in the last 10 minutes, one penalty, and then a customary drop goal, pushed England from a point down, to 5 in front.
I know I have maintained thoughts throughout this world cup that England are not favourites for it, and that I was not in favour of the selection policy used, and I will maintain those views, but I am going to give a lot of credit to Brian Ashton and his coaching staff for turning the squad around and giving them the belief and game plan to go out and win. Our squad is playing to its strengths. It might not be glamorous, it might not be pretty, but it is mighty damn effective. We have shown a determination and steeliness since the South Africa defeat, something England have been lacking since winning the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. We now seem to be understanding a way of playing together, showing the power and pace that is needed at this level. If only Ashton could have got in the hotseat sooner, instead of wasting time with Andy Robinson, we might have been further on in our development, but nevertheless, we will defend our world title in the world cup final, to South Africa or Argentina (and it's a brave man who whould bet on a winner in the semi and the final, given the recent unpredictability of this tournament).
So credit to England and the coaching staff for turning the fortunes around. But last nights game was not the best by any stretch of the imagination, and France probably had the best of the play, but didn't make the most of the possession they had. My honest opinion is that last night was a case of "after the lord mayor's show". Both teams had their cup final last weekend, and then tonight was the next game that never lives up to billing. It was a bit scrappy, there were errors, the kicking from hand was not the best, an area England still need to improve on.
And what about the future for England Rugby. Next Monday, whatever the result in the final, offer Ashton a four year contract. Give him the chance to build the side he wants, with the players he wants over four years and let us really challenge in the next world cup, not as underdogs battling through, but as a quality team, who play attractive rugby. Ashton was given a poisoned challice. It was a no-hoper, surely, but Ashton has found the antidote to the poison. He has got something about him which the players respect. Let's make sure we keep hold of him. There needs to be a changing of the guard playing wise, and this team, this country and the players it has, have a great chance to do that. We're not being ungrateful for what the older players have done by talking about them moving on already, but need to look forwards. We have the younger players to take us forward, and of course, if Jonny stays fit, he will be available in four years time. Harry Ellis will be back at scrum half. Hipkiss looks a good outside centre, and maybe an outside bet for the final. Such pace and strength to stand up in the tackle. England does have a positive, rosy future. Let's hope the powers that be recognise it, thank the players who have got us here, and move on and look forward. World rugby is constantly moving, let's make sure we stay in touch.
As for who to play next Saturday, South Africa or Argentina, either way it will be a tough one, and tonights semi is too close to call. This has proved to be an open tournament, and what an exciting one its proving to be! C'mon on England! One phrase inparticular springs to mind, "no guts, no glory". We have shown guts, now let's go for the glory!
I know I have maintained thoughts throughout this world cup that England are not favourites for it, and that I was not in favour of the selection policy used, and I will maintain those views, but I am going to give a lot of credit to Brian Ashton and his coaching staff for turning the squad around and giving them the belief and game plan to go out and win. Our squad is playing to its strengths. It might not be glamorous, it might not be pretty, but it is mighty damn effective. We have shown a determination and steeliness since the South Africa defeat, something England have been lacking since winning the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. We now seem to be understanding a way of playing together, showing the power and pace that is needed at this level. If only Ashton could have got in the hotseat sooner, instead of wasting time with Andy Robinson, we might have been further on in our development, but nevertheless, we will defend our world title in the world cup final, to South Africa or Argentina (and it's a brave man who whould bet on a winner in the semi and the final, given the recent unpredictability of this tournament).
So credit to England and the coaching staff for turning the fortunes around. But last nights game was not the best by any stretch of the imagination, and France probably had the best of the play, but didn't make the most of the possession they had. My honest opinion is that last night was a case of "after the lord mayor's show". Both teams had their cup final last weekend, and then tonight was the next game that never lives up to billing. It was a bit scrappy, there were errors, the kicking from hand was not the best, an area England still need to improve on.
And what about the future for England Rugby. Next Monday, whatever the result in the final, offer Ashton a four year contract. Give him the chance to build the side he wants, with the players he wants over four years and let us really challenge in the next world cup, not as underdogs battling through, but as a quality team, who play attractive rugby. Ashton was given a poisoned challice. It was a no-hoper, surely, but Ashton has found the antidote to the poison. He has got something about him which the players respect. Let's make sure we keep hold of him. There needs to be a changing of the guard playing wise, and this team, this country and the players it has, have a great chance to do that. We're not being ungrateful for what the older players have done by talking about them moving on already, but need to look forwards. We have the younger players to take us forward, and of course, if Jonny stays fit, he will be available in four years time. Harry Ellis will be back at scrum half. Hipkiss looks a good outside centre, and maybe an outside bet for the final. Such pace and strength to stand up in the tackle. England does have a positive, rosy future. Let's hope the powers that be recognise it, thank the players who have got us here, and move on and look forward. World rugby is constantly moving, let's make sure we stay in touch.
As for who to play next Saturday, South Africa or Argentina, either way it will be a tough one, and tonights semi is too close to call. This has proved to be an open tournament, and what an exciting one its proving to be! C'mon on England! One phrase inparticular springs to mind, "no guts, no glory". We have shown guts, now let's go for the glory!
Friday, 12 October 2007
Who would have predicted that...
So Australia and New Zealand both slump out of the world cup, suffering defeats by a mere 2 points. So near and yet so far. England took on the Aussies upfront and mullered them, but could not force a try. However 4 penalties from King Jonny saw us through, although he missed a couple, and England were lucky Stirling Mortlock didn't have his best game with the boot. Australia were much the better side behind the scrum, but didn't have what it took up front. England's victory suprised a lot of people, but I think another win against the French will suprise a lot more. France will not be such pushovers in the scrum, so England will have to show something behind the scrum to get somewhere. Of course, as an Englishman, I want England to do well and win, but even so, we will have our work cut out after the world cup. There will be lots of players who will call it a day, Dallaglio, Regan, Robinson, Catt, more than likely Corry and Gomarsall. There have also been so many players that could and should have been given more exposure with England over the past 4 years that it reeks of bad management we have all these 30+ players who we pitted everything on four years ago, and somehow they are struggling through again. Let's hope tomorrow that England turn up like they did last week, and make this into a cracking semi final.
Thursday, 4 October 2007
England v Australia: preview
Well this time yesterday, I was preparing to write a piece about how Andy Farrell's inclusion in the England side is a good thing, now I will have to rethink that. But a quick word about Farrell. I believe that his inclusion was a good thing, not necessarily because he is the best inside centre in the country, but because he is the best inside centre in England's world cup squad! Barkley hasn't inspired playing there, and Catt is very much past it, and Flood has been brought into the squad to replace Noon, who quite frankly, isn't international class. Flood could be brought in, in my view that would be the best answer, if he had been playing in the games already, but as he hadn't, it has to be Barkley, unfortunately. I do feel we would be lightweight in the backs and Hipkiss should be included, but the only way I think that will happen now is if Lewsey is moved to 12, a position he has played for Wasps. Well, we find out tomorrow what Ashton will do with his team now. The people I feel sorry for, are all the journos, as without Farrell in the team, who will they blame now when England get trounced!
The other contentious issue, is recalling Phil Vickery. Yes he is the official captian, but that doesn't give him a right to be in the team. Matt Stevens has been playing really well, and will be gutted to have lost his place. And also, what has Tom Rees done wrong? Only natural openside flanker in the squad, and he can't get a game. Oh well, that's England for you!
My real hope is that we don't get beaten too badly (you never know, we might win, shocks happen), and then we can move on from this world cup, and Ashton is allowed the chance to build his own team for the future and shift out the dead wood once and for all. Let's get some young exciting English players in the team and see what they can do! The modern game is all about pace and power. Let's embrace it and move forwards!
The other contentious issue, is recalling Phil Vickery. Yes he is the official captian, but that doesn't give him a right to be in the team. Matt Stevens has been playing really well, and will be gutted to have lost his place. And also, what has Tom Rees done wrong? Only natural openside flanker in the squad, and he can't get a game. Oh well, that's England for you!
My real hope is that we don't get beaten too badly (you never know, we might win, shocks happen), and then we can move on from this world cup, and Ashton is allowed the chance to build his own team for the future and shift out the dead wood once and for all. Let's get some young exciting English players in the team and see what they can do! The modern game is all about pace and power. Let's embrace it and move forwards!
Monday, 1 October 2007
Jenkins pays the penalty
Gareth Jenkins once said, "Judge me on the world cup", so the WRU did, and sacked him! 20 odd games in charge and only 6 wins, one of those against England last March, and the rest against smaller nations, no offence to Canada and the like!
Unfortunately, I think Jenkins has paid a big price for what is not necessarily a result that is all down to him. Look at the players on the field. They missed 5 kicks at goal. That isn't going to help. And with the current set up of the Celtic League, narrowing down teams into regions, the WRU along with their Irish and Scottish counterparts, have totally devoid their national sides of a player pool. Maybe this is a reason why they have struggled this world cup.
The Celtic League also doesn't offer massive competition. There is no relegation. League games don't matter so much. A lot of the Fiji side that won against Wales on Saturday ply their trade in England or France, where the competition in the league is a lot fiercer than it is in the Celtic League.
Maybe the WRU should look more closely at themselves before dismissing their coach and shifting all the blame on to him.
The Irish were also eliminated today, losing 30-15 against Argentina, who ended up topping their group. They will play Scotland in the quarter finals, and will now be favourites to reach a semi final, whilst France, the hosts, will have to go to Cardiff, to play New Zealand.
It looks very much like its going to be a southern hemisphere semi final, further illustrating how far behind the northern hemisphere has fallen. Let's hope things improve before the next world cup, or even the quarter finals next weekend. If we don't improve soon, we will be years and years behind!
Unfortunately, I think Jenkins has paid a big price for what is not necessarily a result that is all down to him. Look at the players on the field. They missed 5 kicks at goal. That isn't going to help. And with the current set up of the Celtic League, narrowing down teams into regions, the WRU along with their Irish and Scottish counterparts, have totally devoid their national sides of a player pool. Maybe this is a reason why they have struggled this world cup.
The Celtic League also doesn't offer massive competition. There is no relegation. League games don't matter so much. A lot of the Fiji side that won against Wales on Saturday ply their trade in England or France, where the competition in the league is a lot fiercer than it is in the Celtic League.
Maybe the WRU should look more closely at themselves before dismissing their coach and shifting all the blame on to him.
The Irish were also eliminated today, losing 30-15 against Argentina, who ended up topping their group. They will play Scotland in the quarter finals, and will now be favourites to reach a semi final, whilst France, the hosts, will have to go to Cardiff, to play New Zealand.
It looks very much like its going to be a southern hemisphere semi final, further illustrating how far behind the northern hemisphere has fallen. Let's hope things improve before the next world cup, or even the quarter finals next weekend. If we don't improve soon, we will be years and years behind!
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