Six Nations Round Three Review: The French March On

It's an odd feeling when the Six Nations have finished for the weekend at 6pm on Saturday night. 

An odd feeling which I think I like. As I've previously said I'm a support of the Friday night game, over a Sunday mid-day game anyway. I would, however, liked a bit more entertainment. 

Not the greatest set of matches in round three of the years competition.

Both Saturday's matches were very tight affairs and were won by the team that managed to be more clinical. The Scots were very poor in Rome and the Italians fought and deserved their victory. 


Both Ireland and England had nothing much to shout about. I suppose Ireland have three tries and a win! England had a lot of possession but as we have been saying for many years could do nothing with it due to slow ball produced by the forwards and no imagination from the backs. When Wilkinson dropped a goal to take the lead towards the end of the game I thought they may scrap a victory but they were unable to hold on and got what they deserved really...nothing!

Friday nights match started slow, as France looked like they were walking it but the second half turned into a great show as the Welsh showed some fight. The French held on and it will take a lot for them not to march on towards the Grand Slam. 

It seems that this year's Six Nations maybe over as contest but anything can happen in the final stages as we have seen before...(think Cardiff) 

     

A risky decision to ditch the old guard at Twickers

A lot of talk ahead of England's clash with Ireland this weekend has been about whether will England drop Johnny Wilkinson after a below par performance against Italy in Rome 9 days ago.

That was never going to happen, it was just talk.

Less talk was made about who would be wearing the Irish number 10 shirt at Twickenham this weekend and most people will not be too shocked by Declan Kidney's choice for youth over experience after last years Grand Slam champions came undone in Paris in week two of this years Six Nations.

If it was not for injury Johnathan Sexton would have started the Six Nations against Italy. It would have been a good game for the promising youngster to get used to being Ireland's number one fly half. It would have given him a chance to find his feet in the competition.

England are not a team firing on all ciliniders but Twickenham is a big place, steeped in history and the pressure will be on the Leinster fly half - something that Martin Johnson's men will no doubt try and take of advantage.

Sexton may prove me wrong, he may rise to the occation but O'Gara could do that too...

Cipriani Rebels

There has been a lot of talk this weekend about Danny Cipriani's decision to leave Wasps and head down under to start a fresh with new Super 15 team the Melbourne Rebels.

Critics say the move means his England career is over. The 22 year old fly half has seven England caps to his name and some say he will get no more.

A new energy?

Stuart Barnes highlighted, on the Rugby Club, Cipriani's lack of "fight" in last weekend's Wasps victory over the Sale Sharks. The young man has talked about his depression since he was dropped out of the England set up - the move down under will be just what he needs to spark his talent back into his game.

Remember he is only 22. If he plays for the two years of his contract at the Rebels he will return to England still the right side of a sportsman's peak age, which some say is 27.

A learning curve?

The move away will be a great learning experience for him, he will move away from the club he has played at since he was 15 - learn new things and develop new skills (on and off the pitch). He will come face to face with the best in the business and be involved in a total different kind of rugby.

If all goes well England will be begging for him to be coming home to play for them.

I'm with Cipriani this is a really chance for him to prolong his England career, and a great move as long has he works hard and goes out to enjoy his game.

Wasps losing their sting?

The other questions that arise from this move is what is next for Wasps?

England winger Paul Sackey also announced he was leaving the High Wycombe based team at the end of the season for pastures new...

What is going on at the club?

Is it all change and rebuild? The club has lost it's grip on English rugby...and I still have to question the head coach role of Shaun Edwards and his commitments with the Welsh national team. They have enter the top four of the Premiership this weekend with a win against Saracens but it just doesn't seem right to me.

Did you see it coming?

POWELL KICK OUT OF WELSH SQUAD


One thing I remember about the immediate aftermath of the Wales - Scotland game this weekend was Andy Powell coming off the bench to congratulate his teammates - he looked like he had some mischief in his eyes....

the rest i guess now is history...


"Powell and another man were picked up at a service station at junction 33 of the M4 motorway, less than three miles from the Wales team headquarters at the Vale Hotel and Spa, on Sunday morning. Powell had spent Saturday night celebrating Wales's Six Nations victory over Scotland.

It is understood the buggy was taken from the Vale of Glamorgan resort. The other man was released without charge. Today, following discussions with the player himself, the Welsh management has decided to suspend Powell from the squad for the duration of the tournament, for behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct. "

(SOURCE telegraph.co.uk)

Powell is clearly a bit of a joker - anybody who has seen the behind the scenes DVD on the recent Lions tour would pick up on that...

So when I heard the story on Sunday I was not surprised and like John Indverdale who delivered me the news (not one on one you understand) I laughed.

Funny though it was, it was not a clever thing for the man to do.

Harsh Punishment?

I don't think Gatland and co where left with much option.

The former Wales number 8 Micheal Owen had a good point today Gatland brought Powell into the squad and gave him a chance - and this was not the right way for Powell to repay him.

The future for the backrow forward?

I'm guess the Cardiff Blues player will get another chance...wont he?

He really excelled when he came on the international scene at the beginning last season - but he has rather faded with the Welsh team ever since.

He is not a natural number 6 (where he has played this Six Nations campaign) and I expect Osprey's flanker Jonathan Thomas to step into that role and Powell won't be missed...

So time could be up for the former Newport and Scarlet's man.

Powell has come back before though...

After a bright start to his career at Newport he nearly gave up the game after failing to make a impact as a youngster in France and then at Leicester.

After a brief step back from the oval game at 23 he returned to Wales to join the Scarlets. He also struggled to reach his potential at West Wales' side - where he got into trouble by missing training and the like.

A move to the Cardiff Blues in 2005 and taking his chances when Xavier Rush got injured at the Blues he broke the international scene.

He came back bigger and better - and in his own words "matured". He may need to rethink that and maybe the game that has slipped away in the past couple of months maybe reborn.

It's a balancing tip really that could go either way.

Sunday Paper Review

A quick look at what the UK Sunday papers are saying after Saturday's action.

The Sunday Times

Magic moments fail to mask Wales's failing
Stuart Barnes

Barnes fairly argues that the Welsh miss Mike Phillips and lays into the his replacement Gareth Cooper and captain Ryan Jones.

Brian O'Driscoll dethroned by Mathieu Bastareaud
David Hands

Hand's claims that the Frenchmen out played his Irish opposite number. A fair assessment? Maybe...but other factors played more of a role in the french win. The dominance of the home sides half backs and the lack of quick ball for last years grand slam winners.

Scary fact - Bastareaud was 11 when BOD scored a hat trick at the stade de france.

Non Stop Emontion as Wales Finish on Top

Six Nations Reviewed

Wales 31 Scotland 24
Millennium Stadium - 13/2/2010

This is what the Six Nations is all about. Non stop emotion from start to finish.

The BBC often launch their Six Nations TV trails with emphasis on the "passion" and the "drama" that comes with one of Rugby's oldest competitions. The Cardiff crowd and those watching at home got exactly that this afternoon - passion followed by late drama.

"gutted"

The Scots will be gutted - they fought hard and played very well for most of the game to create a platform from which they should have gone on to win the game. They clearly were hurt by the injuries in their backline - both Chris Paterson and Tom Evans going off with injuries.

When replacement hooker Scott Lawson was sin binned with just under 10 minutes remaining the Welsh just out powered a tiring Scottish team - to add more problems Phil Godman was also sent to the sidelines in the final minutes. All this meant that the Scots could not close out the match.

Key Turning Point

Has to be Scott Lawson's sin bining. Momentum was already with the Welsh and this just increased it.

Top Players

Dan Parks played a great game. It was only before the tournament some where saying he would never play in a Scotland jersey again. He commanded the number 10 jersey like it had been his for years...or should have been.

On the red side, the Welsh wizard Shane Williams had a great game. Wales looked to him a number of times to magic something up and with the final try he did. James Hook also played well at 13 - backing the Scottish defence often.

Game Rating

9/10 - superb.

Questions still remain....

The Welsh at points looked very lost...what has happened to the side of 2008...on paper they look exceptional but seem to be missed firing or misguided.

BUT

Could this be the turning point for the Welsh as lady luck shines on them...

Rugby Mad Final Thought

Some of Warren Gatland's pre match negativity against his opposition (this included slating England and Scotland) doesn't help his team's cause when they play badly. I have a lot of respect for the kiwi but he frustrated me this week.

Stats

Wales
Tries - Lee Bryne, Leigh Halfpenny, Shane Williams.
Cons - Stephen Jones (2)
Pens - Stephen Jones (4)

Scotland
Tries - John Barclay, Max Evans
Cons - Chris Paterson
Pens - Dan Parks (2)
DG - Dan Parks (2)
Sin Bin - Scott Lawson, Phil Godman.

Att: 70,000
Ref: George Clancy (Ireland)

Pride Restored

South Africa 9 - 28 British and Irish Lions
3rd Test - Ellis Park, Jo'burgh

Ok the Bok's made 10 changes to the team that won the 2nd test and took the series after 12 years of hurt last weekend but for the Lions a wins and win in this style.


Three ties to nil, and a points gap that showed it (21 points). At the home of South African rugby this is a victory that all the Lions that donned the shirt this summer can be proud of.


The unity in the side was clear to see throughout the tour but yesterday in the Jo'burgh sun you could see that these players from four different countries have built friendships that will last a lifetime.


This is what the Lions is all about.

Those voices that doubt the future of the Lions, I have never personally met one, have now surely been silenced.

Reflection on the Game:


The Best Bit


Matthew Rees' tackle on winger and South African's fastest man Odwa Ndungane with the score at 3-3, metres short of the try line. A tackle a hooker should never make. It was exceptional in a game in which had a lot to shout about for Lions fans.


The Bad Bit


The South African's wore white arm bands with Justice written on them, referring the ban handed to lock Bakkies Botha, revived for a tackle on Lions prop Adam Jones in the 2nd test. Another ill judged decision from the Bok's, even if Botha has a case. Jones looks to be set out long term because of the incident. No need.


Man of the Match

Steve Phillips dominated again. All over the park, great in defence. Moved to centre with half an hour left and continued his good work.

Entertainment Rating

8/10 - The series may have been won for the Bok's but it was a great battle. The first two tests were potentially the best two international tests for a long while but this was pretty good too.

Two Games of Four Halves

So the Springboks have got the revenge they were after, 12 years on.

But with comparison to their last tour, the Lions can take lot of pride from their performance, and they have still have one test left to take something home with them.

We will asses the tour over the next couple of weeks, but the first thoughts lie in the quality of rugby and the contest that these two teams have produced.

Both games were games of two halves.

The Facts:

1st half 1st test - Boks 19 - 7 Lions - HALF WINNERS - Boks
2nd half 1st test - Boks 7 - 14 Lions - HALF WINNERS - Lions

FULL TIME 1st test - Boks 26 - 21 Lions
GAME WINNERS - BOKS

1st half 2nd test - Boks 8 - 16 Lions - HALF WINNERS - Lions
2nd half 2nd test - Boks 20 - 9 Lions - HALF WINNERS - Boks

FULL TIME 2nd test - Boks 28 - 25 Lions
GAME WINNERS - BOKS

So two halves each, the key was the Springboks were able to express their dominance with more dominance and more precision.

The mark of the world champions and a team that have played together as a unit many teams before.

People talk about the idea of the Lions being in doubt....are they joking?

Two of the best international rugby games in a long time. Long live this great tradition!

Did anything Emerge from last night?

Not the greatest game of the tour.

Credit must be given to the Emerging Boks.

My prediction of the the Lions by seven was looked pretty good until a cheap pen (the Ref said "Hands out, Hands out, Hands out" Callaghan did NOT listen) was given away at the breakdown by the Lions.... again.

And the rest is history.

After the whistle, I felt any hope of a Lions fightback in the Test Series quickly evaporate. The look of Rohan O'Gara face when he led the team off the pitch showed how important, for the squad, a victory was.

Anyone make a case for a test spot?

I don't think Shane Williams did enough, he didn't get the chance really. I would still go with Ugo Monye, the power against the Boks.

Simon Shaw, gave a good reason to replace Alan Wyn Jones on Saturday. Nothing against the Welsh Second Row, but a good point was made by Stuart Barnes in the commentary the power that Shaw posses behind the front row at the scrum could be the answer to the first half problems experienced in Durban.

Again I was surprised that Martyn Williams got all 80 minutes. It looks now, unlikely that he will start on Saturday.

If I was picking the team:

15 - Rob Kearney (Is Bryne fit? He is report to be taking pain injections)
14 - Tommy Bowe
13 - Brain O'Driscoll
12 - Jamie Roberts
11 - Ugo Monye
10 - Stephen Jones
9 - Mike Phillips
8 - Jamie Heaslip (If Williams had not played all 80mins, I would have picked him at 7 and maybe Wallace at 8)
7 - David Wallace
6 - Tom Croft
5 - Paul O'Connell (c)
4 - Simon Shaw
3 - Adam Jones
2 - Matthew Rees
1 - Gethin Jenkins

A Table Topping Performance Needed

British and Irish Lions vs. Emerging Springboks
23th June 2009
KO 7.10 Local Time
Newlands, Cape Town

All eyes on Newlands, Cape Town tonight as the British and Irish Lions prepare for the final mid-week game of the tour against the Emerging Springboks.

Lions' coach Ian McGeechan has underlined the importance of this game, to get the Lions tour back on track after the disappointing defeat on Saturday.

A loss tonight under Table Top Mountain could be disastrous for the Lions confidence ahead of a make or break game against the senior Boks on Saturday.

Key Lion:

I was surprised to see Martyn Williams in the starting line up. If Geeks was thinking of starting him on this Saturday, I doubt he would have started him. But the McGeechan has given Welsh veteran a chance to prove his worth. He will be key to the game tonight and a solid performance may get Geek's to rethink.

Who else is pushing for a place?

The whole front row! Well nearly all. Who will start with Gethin Jenkins on Saturday? Anything is up for grabs.

Shane Williams? Some magic from the IRB player of the year could give him a chance to make at least the bench on Saturday.

Alan Wyn Jones test is place could be up for grabs. All three second rowers will be pushing.

The Emerging Springboks

The Emerging Springbok's are a team made up of uncapped South African future stars.

The side includes Earl Rose and Morgan Newman, who are currently in the South African squad.

One to Watch:

Full Back - Zane Kirchner - One of the shining lights of the Blue Bull's Super 14 winning team. The 24 year old was unlucky to miss out on the senior squad.

Prediction

A tough first half battle, which the Lions will come through by 7 points.

The Blues are Ready

On Sunday the Cardiff Blues take on the Leicester Tigers at the Millennium Stadium, in the regions first Heineken Cup semi-final under the banner of the Blues. (Cardiff RFC got to the final in the first ever Heineken Cup in 1996).

After they demolished Gloucester in the EDF Energy Cup final the Blues take an air of confidence into the game.

They have struggled in recent years, but under the careful leadership of head coach Dai Young the promise of the young sqaud is starting to show.

After the defeat of Gloucester by 50 -12 at Twickenham the rugby world has stood up and took note. The fear for the Blues is that they bolt under this new found pressure.

Sunday will be their biggest test...

Rugby Mad have been in the Blues camp this week to see how preparations for the game are going.

Fronting Up
Head Coach Dai Young is expecting a tough and tight game, that will be 'won and lost upfront'.

He outlined that it is key that the Blues have a good start to game and get points on the board early.

He is weary of the threat that the Leicester will give but believes that if the Blues go out to win the game they can play the kind of rugby that took them to victory at Twickenham.



A big day out
Martyn Williams is looking forward to playing the game at Wales' national stadium.

The veteran flanker, who got the call for the Lions last week, says the winning in contact area as a key part to whether the Blues will be able to come out and perform on Sunday.



Impact Player
Number 8, Andy Powell will be on the bench come Sunday the big Welsh man has been kept out of the starting fifteen by the return from injury of New Zealander Xavier Rush.

Powell believes he is a good impact player and enjoys coming off the bench. Recently picked in the 37 heading out to South Africa in the summer Powell told Rugby Mad that after the injury to Munster's Tomas O'Leary, meaning he will miss the tour, the worry of injury will be at the back of all the Lions players heads before the board the plane in the summer.



There is little doubt that confidence is high in the Blues camp, there is no doubting that, but they are all aware of the big task ahead of them...

Take Care Who You Pick On

Six Nations Round Three Review

A lot of talking points spring up from last weekend's Six Nations.

Ireland - England, a dire game on the whole.

Lets start with the English....well, well, well.

First of all if you have not seen the BBCs post-match interviews with Martin Johnson and Steve Borthwick then I recommend them. Borthwick's manner is very interesting and you begin to feel sorry for the man.

My problem, however, is everyone pointing the finger at Danny Care. What he did was very stupid but he was not the only one giving stupid pens away. Phil Vickery, can't stop giving away pens in his own 22. Come on! Ten yellow cards in four games! This in not one or two players fault, everyone in the set up have to look at themselves and think about what they are doing.

I watched both England and Wales train in front of the media ahead their game in Cardiff, the contrast between the two sides was unbelievable. Gatland's boys were organised and well drilled. They came out as a team did what they were meant to do, like professionally.

England on the other hand, came out in drips and draps (I walked down the tunnel with Andy Goode and Paul Sackey bantering away), it all seemed to be easy and relaxed. I guess there is nothing wrong with that, rugby is fun enjoy it, but when you look at their performances and lack of discipline on the pitch that can be reflected in their lack of discipline in training. At points Johnno just looked like one of the lads! I not knocking his leadership, that is unprecedented and I realise he is not the coach but the manager. I am, however, questioning this approach because it doesn't seem to be working.

The Irish Slam

I still doubt that Ireland will go on to win the Grand Slam. I can not see them winning in Cardiff, but my confidence in the Welsh has come back to haunt the dragons in the past.

Friday Night Highlight

I think that the Friday night game worked really well. I am in agreement with Jonathan Davis, a Friday night game works better then a Sunday game. Kicks off the weekend in style.

It was all helped by a great game of rugby.

On my twitter feed I didn't say - "If the Welsh turn up, they could give the French a lesson in how to play rugby." I am not sure the Welsh totally turned up. There were points when they dominated but the French did too. Wales could have won it but they made too many mistakes and lack calmness.

The French were powerful and got their tactics right, they were all playing for their under pressure coach.

Scots Bore

Well done to Scotland, Frank Hadden's boys needed the win, they got it, not in style but a win is a win. I am concerned for the Italians. A few years ago it looked like they were about to really break into the Six Nations but this year they have offered very little, their strength in depth seems a problem.

All in all yet again the Six Nations is delivering. Great tournament so far.

Time for England to Man Up?

England captain Steve Borthwick is has asked ahead of this weekends game against Ireland that 'we hope that Joubert referees both sides equally.'

Is this a excuse of a losing side or are England really being targeted by officials?

Most people in the rugby world, love beating the English more then any other nation. Is it possible that referees have this mentally embedded in theirs views of a game?

Surely this is hard to believe?

Nobody picked up on this when England we on top of the world in 2003...or did they? Some interesting decisions were made in the scrum in the RWC final that pushed the game all to the wire...

Should the English just accepted that they have a slight harder up hill battle, that is just part of being English and they should man up.

Or maybe just stop infringing clearly and stupidly in front of the ref.

A Magners European Delight

The Heineken Cup was reignited into action this weekend with style setting up a great final weekend of the pool stage next week.

Four results really stood all that show the promise of the Magners League.

Toulouse 26 - 33 Glasgow

We got to start with Glasgow's beating of Toulouse, to add to it in France. The greatest Heineken Cup Shock? A great win for the Scottish side that showed some real heart. Coach Sean Lineen described Dan Park's as 'outstanding'. His performance will please Frank Hadden ahead of the Six Nations and could change the balance in the Godman - Parks debate (more of I am sure in the coming weeks on this issue).

Ulster 21 - 10 Quins

Horrible conditions for this game, but that ain't no excuse. After two great performances against Stade in the previous rounds of matches Quins were shocked by this one. Ulster again nothing to lose and didn't. Quins still through as results go there way, just result really.

Munster 37 - 14 Sale

This was not the result but the manner of it. Bish bash bosh. The reigning champs showed the English who is boss. Six try bonus point win, thought to the next round. NEXT.

Gloucester 12 - 16 Cardiff Blues

Blues down to 14 men after getting winger Tom Jones sent off for head butting but were able to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament but edging the West Country boys. Not a classic match in terms of rugby (unlike the fixture earlier on in the season) but the grit and determination shown by the 14 men blues was super. Gloucester just didn't look like they wanted it.

What do these four fixtures show us? The strength the Magners has to offer and highlights yet again an argument I have touched upon before, the Magners League has great potential but the organisers and schedules are messing it up.

This weekend is another example of the potential for the league, something needs to be done.

Rugby Mad - Review of the Year

As 2008 ends, its time to give a quick review of the year past.

With so much focus on the World Cup these days the first year after a World Cup seems to be a re-building stage for many on the international scene, there are plenty examples of this throughout. The recent Autumn Test series demonstrates the changes in the international game since the end of the last year.

The introduction of the ELVs caused a great deal of a stir amongst everyone in the game. Some of the rules have been understandable and work well, the little changes. Some are still work in progress and I am not sure improve the game.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

In the Super 14, the Crusaders dominated again and Munster were victorious in Europe. As a whole, the domestic game goes from strength to strength, especially in Europe with an influx of south hemisphere talent. Questions still remain over the benefits this will have on the youngsters coming through in Europe. The questions also remain on the domestic front around the scheduling and structure of the EDF and the Magners league.

The Best of the Best 2008

Rugby Moment of the Year

Munster vs. the All Blacks. What real tour rugby is all about.

Team of the Year
Grand Slam......Wales. Beating England at Twickenham and the Irish at Croke Park, an amazing turn around from the team that went out to Fiji in the RWC.

Coach of the Year
For the same reason, Warren Gatland.

Player of the Year
Richard McCaw demonstrated why he is the best in the world yet again, missed so much by the All Blacks when he was injured but came back to show them to victory in the TriNations and a Grand Slam in the Autumn Tests.

What will 2009 bring....

Rugby World Cup Draw - Why so early?

I am a supporter of using the IRB rankings to shape the seedings for the Rugby World Cup, but why so earlier?

Any thing can happening in three years, just look at Wales. One minute they are chucked out of the RWC by Fiji and the next they are Grand Slam champions. We just have to look at England to see the reverse.

I am with Zinzan Brooke, who when speaking to the BBC said - "I'd like to see a situation where the draw is done a year before the World Cup begins. By doing that you will avoid mismatches in the pool stages. "

The only reason I can think of that makes the draw so early is a matter of qualifying, for those who have to do it. I am not sure the logistics of the process but surely it does not take three years to sort out qualifiers.

Even if it does there must be a way round such an early draw.

Do the qualifying in stages, the teams in the lower ends of the world rankings have to start qualifying earlier and the system works its way up until a year before the event.

For Example
Teams ranked - lets say for the sake of argument - 50th (at that point) and below start qualifying 3 years before the RWC.
X number of those teams progress to play teams ranked 25th and below 2 years before RWC.
X number of those teams progress to play teams ranked 13th and below 1 year before.
Who ever comes through, clearly this will have to be regionally divided too, will then be placed in a draw with the top 12 teams (that did not need to go through qualifying, they could at this point be 13th or below in the rankings), and the pools decided with IRB rankings at that point.

Does that make sense? Does that work? Or am I complete wrong and confusing things more?

What happened to the Wallabies?

First of all, well done Wales.

Restored some pride into Northern Hemisphere Rugby.

But my question is, what happened to the Wallabies?

Through out this international series I have been harping on about the strength of Robbie Deans' side. A lot of commentators and fans in the North, who clearly didn't watch the TriNations, have been saying the Aussies are worst of the TriNations sides. That's what the IRB rankings say, but not what the TriNations table says. Looking back on the Wallabies performances over the last couple of weeks compared to the Boks and the All Blacks, clearly I have got it all wrong.

Ok they beat the English and French. The English ran them close compared to their next two games! And if Skerla could kick, the French could have taken that game.

So what has happened to the team that I saw in all but one game of the TriNations, play so much attractive attacking rugby?

They seemed to play a totally different type of rugby unable to advertise to North Hemisphere fans the ability that Robbie Deans has pumped into what looked like a new look Wallabies side.

Are they tired?
The slight change in the rules?
Beating the English was good enough for them?

What has happened?

Pick of the Games this Weekend

Game to Watch:

Wales - Australia (Saturday 29th November 2008, 2.30 pm GMT)

There is an aura of expectation in Wales this weekend. After last weekends fine first half performance by the Grand Slam Champions and the 'winning' of the haka stand off, their seems to be a buzz surround the Welsh squad.

The only unforced change coach, Warren Gatland, has made is the removal of Leigh Halfpenny for Mark Jones. Gatland claimed it was to give the 19 year old a rest while giving the in form, prior to an injury, Jones a chance to show what he can do. I say fair shout.

Welsh fans should hope that if Stephen Jones, at fly-half, is playing as well as he was against the All Blacks, Gatland keeps him on. Hook is out of form and out of touch. I was very impressed by both Lee Byrne and Jason Roberts last weekend, they need to keep firing.

The under estimation of this Wallaby side throughout this tour by the media and fans a like has played into the Aussies hands. The Wallabies under Robbie Deans', baring one or two performances, have been very impressive.

The interesting one for me is George Smith on the bench. Phil Waugh is a valuable replacement, but I would say he is on his way down, while in the TriNations this season Smith was exceptional. I would like to know Deans' reasoning behind that choice.

If Matt Giteau is able to dictate the game and Stirling Mortlock, Ryan Cross and Drew Mitchell & co get a heavy involved in the game, Wales' defence is going to have to be up for it.

Planet Rugby have predicted Wales to win by five.
Green and Gold Rugby have predicted a Wallabies win by ten.
Welsh Rugby Blog are saying Wales 22 - Australia 19.

I find this one very difficult to call, but I am going with a Australia win by 5 pts.


Game One Liners

England - New Zealand: Can't see anything more then a All Blacks win, maybe not as heavy as everyone is predicting.
(Saturday 29th Nov, 2.30pm GMT)

Magners League is back - Remember that one?

This weekend the Magners League returns. The last round of games occurred over a month ago.

So is it back for a bit I hear you ask?

No, just the one week. Then two weekends of European fixtures.

Furthermore, no Welsh Internationals will be involved in the fixtures as they have the small matter of the Wallabies (another issue altogether).

Something is wrong here!

The Magners League is a relatively new set-up, and potentially a real good competition (especially with the introduction of the play-off system next season), however, I feel that this stop and start scheduling is doing it no favours at all.

Prior to the month break we have just had, the competition was gathering a head of stream now it will have to rebuild that all over again, for players and fans alike.

But hold on everyone, we only have one week of it.

Pin-pointing Cipriani. A good decision?

So Cipriani dropped and Kennedy returns. Is that not what I said to do last week Johnno?

Easy for me to say.

Regarding Cipriani. A bold decision by the former England captain, I will give him that. Even more so because of his decision to keep all the other backs in. That, I think, is a poor decision, as it now looks like he is pin-pointing Cipriani. No doubt he is partly to blame for the dire performance by England at the weekend, but he was not the only back off their game. You could argue for the removal of any one of them.

I would not mind seeing Danny Hipkiss in the centre instead of Jamie Noon?

But I say again too all England fans, if give Johnno a chance.

Sir Clive Woodward said he need two years. Lawerance Dallaglio has come out today linking parallels with Woodward's England heavily losing to the Boks in 1997 in one of Woodward's first games and then going on the win the world cup SIX years later.