England team to take on Argentina

By Gary Taylor, Rugby World reader

 

England kicked off their three game Autumn International series with a 18-9 defeat against Australia on Saturday. England struggled with the ball in hand against a patchwork Australian side and changes for the Argentina game seem likely.

 

Here is my team for Saturday’s game against Argentina:

Ben Foden – The Saints full-back has played every single minute of his teams solid start to the season and has been a consistent performer. Monye struggled to find space at full back against Australia and this could be Foden’s chance to shine.

Matt Banahan – Struggled to make an impact against the Aussie back line and was wrapped up everytime he got the ball. Made an instant impact against Argentina last year and will hope to do the same.

Dan Hipkiss – Very disappointing against Australia. Struggled with the physical impact of Ioane and was largely ineffective with the ball in hand. Will need a major improvement this weekend.

Shane Geraghty – Showed glimpses of magic with his quick turn of pace and kicking. Needed more help from Hipkiss in order to really let loose and hopefully we will see that on Saturday.

Ugo Monye – Started at full-back and was nowhere near his best on Saturday. Struggled to find space and found out that full back at International level is a different kettle of fish to the Premiership. Back on the wing for me where he does his damage.

Jonny Wilkinson – Scored all nine England points with the boot. Missed a few tackles in the second half which is very un-Jonny like but has been told to stay out of big contact in order to avoid injury. There were signs that partnership with Geraghty could be special in time to come.

Paul Hodgson – I would have started Hodgson against Australia as he is in great form right now. For me, a bit more composed and tactically astute compared to Care.

 Tim Payne – Scrummed well against Robinson and carried the ball well into contact when needed.

Dylan Hartley -  The Saints captain has started well this campaign had a slight injury going into the Australian game, hence not starting. If fully fit, a starter for me over club mate Thompson.

Duncan Bell –  Was harshly judged to have brought down a scrum late on which gave Giteau a penalty to put Australia ahead. But looked to have more presence that Wilson.

Steve Borthwick – A decent performance from the captain. Was pretty solid in the line out and carried the ball well into contact. Needs to keep playing like that more regularly.

Courtney Lawes –  I would start Lawes because he could be the fresh, young talent who can give the England pack a much needed lift later on in the game with his athletic ability to cover a lot of ground.

Tom Croft – Decent display but was up against Rocky Elsom, who had a very impressive game indeed. Was good at the line-out but struggled to break the Aussie defensive line in open play.

Steffon Armitage – Would get the nod over Moody for me because offers much more as an attacking threat. Maybe not as good defensively but has the ability to turn the ball over at rucks and get England attacking more.

James Haskell – Made a difference when he came on for Jordan Crane with his industry but England struggled in the second half to get out of their own half. Should be able to get on the front foot more often against Argentina.

 But what do you think? Who would you have in there?

 

 

 

Tales from the ‘Heath – Part 5

By Rugby World reader, Sam Perkins

At our level of rugby, a referee has to possess some discretion in decisions. Whether it’s at the breakdown, penalty calls or questionable tries, they do the best they can with what they have. A technique referee’s will use in the lower leagues is outline what they are looking for to the captain’s before the game. For example, “once the ball is lifted of the ground by the scrum half or acting scrum half, the play has begun.” Each referee interprets the rules differently, and this is just another variation.

However, witnessing England’s defeat at the weekend to Australia was a kick in the delicate area, and immediate blame goes towards the referee’s decisions. As any die hard fan, I have forgotten the reasons to back up my theory that he was to blame, however, I do remember that at the time I was very angry. Some of the verdicts were so laughable they could match X Factor’s Simon Cowell’s choice to lose Lucie over ‘the twins’. I say Cowell should referee our next international. That way the opposition will have as many bad calls as we do. Fair Game!

Let’s hope the standard of refereeing continues at our level, I certainly appreciate their contribution to the game.

England v Australia – Verdict

By Paul Morgan, Editor of Rugby World Magazine

Forget the 19-9 scoreline this was a much, much bigger victory for Australia than it suggests, but with the heart ripped out of the England squad by injuries (just five left from the side that started the last Six Nations game against Scotland!) nothing else was ever going to happen. England are 7th in the world for a reason (8th now) so when you take that many quality players out of the 7th best team they are going to lose to Australia.

Australia basically butchered four try-scoring opportunities and I’m sorry to say England failed to create a genuine try-scoring chance themselves in the whole of the second half. As Rocky Elsom admitted after the game Australia were never stretched or put under pressure at Twickenham.

The reality though is that the cupboard is bare. 

Of the new faces I thought David Wilson was one of the few who showed that he could have an international future. It’s such a shame he got injured, but I can see exactly why the England management think so much of him. He scrummaged well, was hard-working around the field, although he does need to get his hands on the ball more.

Typically Jonny Wilkinson was England’s stand out performer and got England ahead, a lead they kept until the second half. He also tackled himself to a standstill. Remarkable performance from a bloke who was dropped for Danny Cipriani in the 2008 Six Nations.

But putting those injuries aside as none of them are going to be fit for next Saturday Martin Johnson needs to give youth its head, so he can at least learn something about players. If they pick the same team and lose again they’ll learn nothing.

Courtney Lawes must start against Argentina.

James Haskell must start against Argentina

Ben Foden must start against Argentina, with Ugo Monye moved back to wing.

Dylan Hartley must start against Argentina

All those players will give the squad a lift and will feed off the impressive players like Wilkinson, Moody and Monye, who portray the spirit that England need.

If England play like they did against Australia they will lose to Argentina, so they need to be sure about where they are going. If they go into their shells next week and opt for safety first they will lose.

On the plus side against Australia today:

Jonny Wilkinson: Simply the best and has no equal in the world game, even behind a pack that got him such slow ball

Lewis Moody: The turnover king against Australia, he is back to his best and aren’t England lucky to have him.

But what do you think? Who would you have in the team to play Argentina?

Leicester v South Africa – remarkable win!

By Paul Morgan, editor of Rugby World

Leicester have enjoyed some big victories in their illustrious history, but this one will rank up there with the best. A South African side packed with Super 14 and Test players were humbled and don’t be fooled by the 22-17 scoreline and the pressure that South Africa put on the Leicester line in the final minutes. This was a convincing win for the Tigers, that they never looked like losing. Leicester in contrast to the experienced South Africans had a side full of young Academy players and others out of position, although they were crucially able to field a very experienced front row in Stankovich, Mefin Davies and Castrogiovanni, who destroyed their Springbok counterparts and set the platform for this win.

Castrogiovanni was my man of the match, not just for the way he dismantled the Springbok scrum, but for his work around the park, where he led the Leicester pack into some ferocious work at the breakdown.

Other players to stand out

Manu Tuilagi: The newest member of the legendary Tuilagi family. He’s only 18 but is an extraordinarily powerful runner and a big hitter in defence. I’d like to see him try and run round defenders once in a while but at 18 what a prospect!

Calum Green – It’s remarkable to think the Tigers lock made his first team debut last weekend. Composed and with Geoff Parling and Dan Hemingway ensured a tough night at the office for the Springbok lineout.

Boris Stankovich – He’ll be England qualified next June and Martin Johnson should be on the phone already. One you could and should play for England. But did you watch the match? Who was your man of the match?

Tales from the ‘Heath – Part 4

By Sam Perkins, Blackheath player and Rugby World reader

I was once told a rugby player is fitter, stronger, harder and prettier than any footballer could be. I like to look at myself and see a typical piece of evidence to this suggestion. Rugby players are up there with the fittest of athletes. Alongside boxers, swimmers and decathlon participants, rugby demands testing dedication and fitness. I saw this in my recent viewing of the ‘Lion’s Tour of South Africa.’ I was disappointed to have missed the spectacular excursion our boys did in the summer, however, thanks to a certain ‘Centre’ teammate of mine, I was leant the DVD and on my way to witnessing (and on some level undergoing with them) the battle and union they went through.

In many blogs to come I shall refer to the ‘Tour’ on my subjects, starting with our current topic of fitness. I thought props were meant to be fat?! Sheridan, Vickery and Jones don’t have an ounce on them. Sheridan is a man mountain, shoulders wider than my bed posts and a grudge to go with it. Phil Vickery; now there’s a man who gets pumped up for a game. Respect goes fully to these legends. Which brings me to my prop fitness…I’m lacking! Looks like I need to get a lot fitter, have a bit more vigour, and gain some general ability if I’m going to start playing like the English front row. Last Saturday I got a chance to play at flanker. There I am thinking, “My chance to not run around so much, props have to do a lot more running than these fellows, right? Nope.” Probably more in fact. There’s no getting out of it, I’m going to have to start running in games, and maybe lose the dinosaur movement that has been dubbed to my jogging technique.

Still no try, don’t worry it’ll come soon.

Leicester v Northampton verdict

By Rugby World editor, Paul Morgan

In a battle of the sides seriously affected by international call-ups Leicester’s strength in depth just held sway so they could win the East Midlands derby.

And with the news coming out of the club that Lote Tuqiri will be joining Leicester this week they look a potent force this season.

It was cruel, cruel, cruel on Northampton to see them leave Welford Road without even a bonus point, but they only have themselves to blame as they self-destructed. Leicester’s Lucas Amorosino swooped to run 80 metres when Stephen Myler threw a hopeful pass to no one and late in the game Anthony Allen intercepted a looping Barry Everitt pass to do the same, this time from 30 metres.
Northampton were missing three tightheads through either injury or disciplinary reasons and it showed as the Tigers props Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni ran riot to put their team on the front foot.
Those who impressed me were:

Martin Castrogiovanni – My man of the match and a great performance from the Argentinean tighthead, who ran the show for Leicester.

Calum Green – Came in on the day of the game when Richard Blaze dropped out. Clearly one for the future and needs a little more bulk to really make an impression, but showed some great touches and a never say die attitude that is Tigers through and through.

Lucas Amorosino – He knows he needs to work on his defence, but after being thrust into the Tigers team to solve their injury crisis has shown what a great runner he is.

Chris Ashton – Starting to prove the promise he had shown in National One and prove those who say he is nothing but a finisher, wrong. 

But what do you think? Were you there or watching on tv. Who was your man of the match

Wasps v Leeds verdict

By Paul Morgan, Editor of Rugby World

All those people at clubs like Bath, Glouceter, Worcester and Newcastle who hoped the Guinness Premiership relegation battle was a one-horse race are in for a shock after Leeds recorded their first away win for four years and their first win against Wasps in their history. And all power to them as they really toughed it out here at Adams Park.

It certainly wasn’t a classic, but Leeds dug deep and dug again to win the game thanks to the boot of Ceiron Thomas. Wasps were poor, but Leeds put them under pressure, particularly at the breakdown and lineout time, and thoroughly deserved their win.

Shaun Edwards’ admission that Wasps were a ‘dry weather team’ certainly raised a few eyebrows in the press conference after the game, especially as it is 1 November, and we may be in for some non-dry weather games in the next few months! The downpour before the game did seem to upset Wasps’ rhythm, but that is no excuse for a team of their experience!

Leeds contested every lineout and every scrum, which seems to shock Wasps and that pressure led to mistakes. But when you are at the bottom you have to contest every lineout and I’m not sure why teams at the top don’t feel they need to either.

The only shame was that the unnecessary demands of Sky Tv meant the game kicked off at the ludicrous time of 1.15pm was inaccessible for Leeds fans, so only a handful made the trip. Premier Rugby needs to stand up to the demands of tv companies!

For me the stand out performers were.

Erik Lund – There are few better second rows in the Premiership and Erik (brother of Magnus) has brought his fitness levels up considerably since Leeds were last in the Premiership.

Ceiron Thomas – The England qualified Welshman was spot on with the boot on a day when Leeds had precious few chances to win this game.

Hendre Fourie – The work rate of three men, Fourie, who is also England qualified, ensured Wasps never got any easy possession at the breakdown.

Andy Gomarsall – The scrum-half rolled, who is at his seventh top flight club – rolled back the years with an accomplished performance. His kicking game pinned Wasps back at vital times.

Simon Shaw – Looked good and back somewhere near his best when he came on in the second half. Wasps could mount a rolling maul when he came on, at least!

What’s hot and what’s not in October

From Rugby World reader, Larissa Falls

Got any to add?

Hot:

Sevenss Olympic Inclusion…A wonderful thought for grass roots rugby, global exposure, and spectator entertainment! Just think; Fiji with the gold, New Zealand the silver and Kenya with Bronze!   

Jonny Wilkinson…He’s back and he’s lost nothing. Ferocious tackling, sound decision-making, deft kicking, an unquestionable desire…and now he’s even scoring tries! He’s fit, stringing games together and enjoying his rugby. So thanks Toulon and welcome back Jonny!

Southland…Tenacity, pressure and fierce defence propelled Southland past Canterbury. They may have entered as underdogs, but left as gallant victors, with heads held high, beaming smiles and the ‘Log of Wood’ underarm.

Heineken Cup…Treviso produced a shock defeat over Perpignan. Stade fought back against Bath whilst Saints held on against Munster. Half the games ended within four points or less…and they wonder why it’s the pinnacle of club rugby!

England’s Purple Strip…You’ll either like it or you won’t, but thumbs up from me. Back to the jacket colour of the 80’s and hopefully its winning ways as well.

Not:

Geech no longer a Lion’s coach…He was eventually going to wave goodbye the coaching mantle on the Lions tour, but no supporter really thought how hollow it would feel. What’s a Lions tour without the Lion’s Master? Hope to see you McGeechan in Australia 2013…coaching!

 

RWC Budget Blow-out…Whilst no one could foresee the economic problems of late, many could have seen a loss coming from NZ hosting the 2011 RWC. But close to $NZ30m…

 

Anglo-Welsh Cup…Whilst the competition hasn’t started yet, is there much point to it, or need for it. We’ve got players injured left, right and centre (just ask England), and a competition we could do fine without whilst protecting the welfare of players.

No Nick Kennedy… How he was left out of England’s Elite Player Squad only Martin Johnson knows. Constantly impressing with stand out performances and should at least have made the England bench next weekend. 

Tales from the ‘Heath – Part 3

By Sam Perkins, Blackheath player and Rugby World reader

Four weeks into training and I already have to use all 9 fingers and 10 toes to count the amount of injuries I have suffered. Don’t worry, the missing finger was one of the injuries, lets just say collapsing the scrum – not a good idea, putting your hand in the line of fire – even worse idea.

 I woke up this morning with chronic back ache, a throbbing thigh muscle (accompanied with an attractive limp) and a swollen shoulder that makes me look like He-Man, just without the good looks and the sword. Being a university student, I then have to suffer all these ‘tough man’ injuries, say to myself in the morning ‘MAN UP!’ (a term frequently used in the fourths side when we aren’t pulling our weight) and go into lectures with a smile on my face and walking stick in hand.

 Although I have all these aches and pains, body parts in irregular places and a side order of arthritis, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Rugby is a rough sport, but one that I love to play, and getting hurt just means its working. I’m the real thing, a rugby player.

 

Tales from the ‘Heath – Part 2

By Sam Perkins, Blackheath player and Rugby World reader

Tournaments are well known for holding some fantastic rugby. We all know leagues are the base for an enjoyable sport; however, it is the cup competitions that see the unexpected and the outrageous.

Now with a couple of games under my belt, I cannot wait to start the local cup competitions with Blackheath. Of course, I am currently playing for the fourth’s, meaning the term local really means local, I don’t expect to walk further than 100 yards to get to a tournament. That’s a good thing though, after 80 mins of crazy, hard tackling, head crushing rugby, I’ll be hailing down a taxi from the locker room.

The rugby sevens at Twickenham this year was a great event, with major teams preparing productively for the coming season. London Irish came out victorious with a superb performance. It was this tournament that made me realise I wanted to get back into rugby again. Let’s hope Blackheath can have success in tournaments such as these. Please don’t be ‘sevens’ though, I struggle with 15 as it is!