Overhaul, or Under-thought?

How times change. Once famed for a lack of foresight, no ambition and a mammoth case of stubbornness, the decision-makers at the top of the Rugby Union tree are now in unbridled 'Think-Tank' mode. Imagine a Summer of Love for disciples of the oval-ball. Groovy.

I'll stop short of donning the flares for a second.

Revolution is maybe the wrong word. Indeed it would seem as though Northern Hemisphere Unions merely follow the lead of their counterparts Down Under, but changes are happening, whoever is calling the tune. Progression, yes, however it gives the impression that our game is in an almost constant state of flux.

Next on the list for 're-adjustment' could well be the Super 14. SANZAR chiefs will be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss expanding the competition further, with the possible inclusion of promotion and relegation. Participation from teams in Argentina and a combined Pacific Islands XV is also mooted. Conceptually, parts of this idea work. Realistically though, I feel this is a case of expansion just for the sake of it. In effect voluntarily downgrading arguably the most intense competition on the Rugby calendar.

Even with the help of generous TV money I'd say the whole thing was a definite non-starter. With new franchises planned in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, the only guarantee is a dilution of the quality of Rugby on show. In marketing circles, I believe this is known as commercial suicide. Would any side from Argentina honestly be willing to saddle themselves with possible financial ruin of what could be a farce of a competition, likewise the Pacific Islanders?

Funding in these parts of the World is hardly infinite. Player wages, travel, accommodation, it all adds up. Would these Unions be able to entice their marquee players to return home from England and France to play in a 'second-tier' competition? Thought not. The solution in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Argentina should rest on sound financial foundations. Forcing them onto the bandwagon of a fanciful notion is hardly viable. Even given their relative strengths at international level, the only way to build for the future is from the ground up. Anything else would do more harm than good.

If common sense were to reign supreme, surely the handbrake would be applied. Super 15? Super 18? The possibilities are endless, but a sudden mushrooming of the competition is a cast-iron guarantee of failure. New franchises need time to establish roots, years. Those who make the decisions seem to be under the illusion that new sides will instantly have an infrastructure which will facilitate overnight success. It just can't happen.

Incidentally, the most vocal supporter of this rather ill-advised scheme is none other than ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill. Infamous for his 'we all hate England' comments during last years World Cup, I get the feeling that clarity of thought may not be too high on his list of priorities.

Hello Again!

Howdy,

Huge apologies for the rather untimely break in communications. We are now back, hopefully better than ever.

Cheers
Ross

World Cup Quarter Final Previews

Saturday 6th October

Australia v England (14.00)

God loves a trier. Ask Wallabies chief John O'Neill, who is seemingly on a one-man mission to permanently destroy Anglo-Australian relations. His earth-shattering view is that the Aussies hate the Poms. Tell us something we don't know. Reading between the lines, I'd say that his comments were born from grudging respect rather than a need to offend.

However, the Wallabies just might have the ammunition to back up the mouth. Fortified by a new found tenacity in the forwards, the mixture of youth and experience is paying dividends. The performances of 21 Year-Old Fly-Half Berrick Barnes and the ever-consistent Flanker George Smith have been particularly eyecatching.

England's World Cup has been one of steady progression rather than dazzling endeavour. The poor performances against the US and South Africa are forgotten. Two tough tests in as many weeks against Samoa and Tonga seem to have ironed out any defensive shortcomings. More impressively, things have improved from an attacking perspective. What was once stale and predictable is now fresh and menacing. The return from injury of Jason Robinson will definitely enhance the potential of quite a vibrant backline

Once again, matters out of Ashton's control have conspired against him. The loss of Andrew Farrell to a calf injury is a huge blow. His strength in defence will be sorely missed. The conspiracy theorist in me can't help thinking that his omission from the squad may be down to more than injury, however, I sincerely hope this isn't the case.

Farrell deserved the chance to prove his detractors wrong. His size and tackling ability would have been perfect to repel the relentless metre-making of the likes of Mortlock and Giteau - two players with the skills to expose a weak English rearguard.

Into the side comes Mike Catt. Whilst this isn't a like-for-like replacement I feel that he is definitely the right choice to restore some stability to the Midfield area. His leadership skills will also be a huge asset.

The Forwards have once again been selected for a sustained tackling spree. Nick Easter and Lewis Moody offer some penetration from the Back-Row, but Simon Shaw, Ben Kay and Martin Corry are included for their defence. If it moves...smash it - will be their remit.

The Australians looked unstoppable for large parts of the game against Wales last month. A repeat see them win handsomely. However, this is an England side equipped with much more than brawn and predictability, a more open game from the underdogs would make things very interesting indeed.

Due A Big Game?

Lote Tuqiri - Considering the amount spent by the ARU to guarantee his services for the foreseeable future, the ex-Brisbane Bronco has looked a shadow of his former self of late. Few will forget his try against England in the 2003 Final. A return to the form of that period will make him a potential matchwinner.

New Zealand v France (20.00)
Some early-tournament jitters have denied Bernard Laporte's men the chance of an easier Semi-Final against Scotland. However, given the sheer unpredictability of the French, will they be better suited to the challenge of the All Blacks?

Or, will Gallic temperament lead - once more- to a severe case of stagefright?

As if to confuse us further, Laporte has opted for quite a measured gameplan, best demonstrated by the selection of Lionel Beauxis at Fly-Half over the capricious Frederic Michalak. The inclusion of Damien Traille at Full-Back is slightly baffling, but his kicking game and defensive strength will be huge assets in the Back Three

New Zealand swap the canter of the group stages for the all-out gallop to glory of knockout Rugby. A step up in pace made all the more difficult due to the erratic nature of their opponents. Sink or swim? Another step on the path to glory, or a repeat of 1999 heartbreak?

The All Blacks' strength in depth is quite staggering. Despite six tries in the competition so far, Winger Doug Howlett misses out altogether as Graham Henry goes for his 'A-Team' of Sivivatu and Rokocoko out wide. Dan Carter gets a start with understudy Nick Evans waiting in the wings. The Kiwis have the firepower, and an itchy trigger-finger.

Continuity is something the French have struggled with. It's quite clear that Laporte has no idea what his best team is. Although it is foolish to write them off completely, this is a French side with serious questions to answer, facing the toughest examination of spirit and ability in World Rugby.

Due A Big Game?
Fabien Pelous - One of the old guard. His selection in the starting 15 means Sebastien Chabal will see action from the bench. Big shoes to fill.

Sunday 7th October
South Africa v Fiji (14.00)
Can it really be as easy as it seems for South Africa?

If the pundits are to be believed, a place in the Final is all but assured. The general consensus is that Jake White's troops are on the 'easy' side of the draw. Things could have been a lot more difficult for the Springboks, but an uninterrupted march through the knockout stages is highly unlikely.

Few gave the Fijians a prayer against the Welsh last week. Rated as 750/1 outsiders pre-tournament, the bookmakers hardly had them pegged as World beaters. The Pacific Islanders obviously haven't read the script, and now find themselves three games away from the greatest prize of all...In theory that is.

In reality, this is where the Fijian dream ends. The loss of Fly-Half Nicky Little to a knee injury leaves them short of an International-standard goalkicker and desperately lacking cohesion in the midfield. Expect their usual brand of open, attacking Rugby, but don't expect miracles.

Maintaining focus is key for South Africa. They have the personnel to record a big win, but need to avoid opening up play too much. The Welsh opted for a sevens-style approach last weekend, and came unstuck as a result.

Of all the potential tournament winners, South Africa have been slowest come to the boil. A commanding performance on Sunday will remind the World of their intent.

Due A Big Game?
Schalk Burger - His go-forward can lay the foundations for a Springbok victory.


Argentina v Scotland (20.00)
It may have been dubbed the Pool Of Death. but for the Argentinians, qualification from Pool D at the expense of quietly fancied Ireland was a just reward for hard work. From a personal point of view, I would say it was a declaration of intent that the Rugby World should heed with caution.

Patience, strength, tenacity and gamebreakers, the Pumas are tough to play against. Defensively they are very well-drilled, and from an attacking perspective, they possess flair and innovation, and, unlike many of the big-guns, they have effectively been playing elimination Rugby from day one.

Scotland's qualification was more down to Italian unreliability in front of goal, however, I'm sure Frank Hadden would rather it were down to his meticulous preparation. Selecting a second-string side for the clash against the All Blacks was a controversial move, but Hadden was merely looking at the bigger picture. He played the system, but Lady Luck reaped the dividends as the Scottish edged out the Azzuri for second place in the Pool with an 18-16 success last Saturday evening.

Those hoping for a points-fest will be disappointed. Expect the pedestrian over the superlative. Scotland have the rumbling forwards and the radar boot of Chris Paterson, whereas the Pumas have a fantastic front-eight and the sublime combination of Pichot and Hernandez calling the shots behind the scrum.

Argentina are a team with the steely gaze of unwavering confidence. I am a believer.

Due A Big Game?
Chris Paterson - Needs to shake the inconsistency and offer a consistent threat with ball-in-hand.

The Welsh Way (Home)

The only problem with the underdog winning is that somebody always pays the price.

Fiji made a mockery of the 20-point start handed to them by most bookmakers, to record a famous 38-34 victory over Wales on Saturday, in the shock of the Tournament so far.

For Fiji - A place in the last eight, and hopefully some long-overdue recognition.

For Wales - An all-too familiar game of coaching musical chairs.

In a knee-jerk reaction which is sadly par-for-the-course for WRU heirarchy, the services of Coach Gareth Jenkins are no longer required. Lets face it, few can say they didn't see it coming.

Jenkins' plight had a lot in common with that of Brian Ashton. Both left to carry the can, not only for the performances of their respective teams, but also the downright failure of the systems put in place by the Home Nations. Unfortunately for Jenkins, few have shown him any support whatsoever. Nor was he afforded the luxury of matters improving on the field.

The Welsh are guilty of wanting too much. In reality, a Quarter-Final spot was the best they could hope for. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, and it wasn't as if they were guilty of a poor performance, they were simply outplayed.

Jenkins is the perfect scapegoat. Now roundly despised by the same members of the press who were hailing him as the 'Saviour of Welsh Rugby' just over a year ago. Short memories indeed.

The writing was on the wall shortly after the 62-5 thumping by England. A freak result which was treated as a National crisis. In a Country where Rugby is all-important, Jenkins was crushed by weight of expectation.

If there is a list of potential successors, it is likely to be quite small. The WRU have a fanciful notion that they still have the pulling power to attract top names from around the World. This isn't the case. In all reality, the most position will probably go to another Welshman.

Will he be granted the time needed? Or will he be judged strictly on impossible short term goals?

I know what my guess is...

Vindication!

England beat Tonga!

Pre-World Cup, many would have expected the above statement to be a foregone conclusion. However, those England fans who have endured the uncertainty of the past couple of weeks must be breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Without romanticising what has simply been below standard, England have faced their demons, and are now a stronger unit because of it.

The performance may not have been vintage, but it was an improvement. There was ability to match the effort, and a sense that lessons have been learned. Tonga were enthusiastic, England were pragmatic. Another game, another step forward, and more momentum.

It was a case of movement. The lateral lines that were evident against the South Africans were replaced by exciting angles. The pack were constantly in motion rather than static. Tonga were eager to open the game up, England decided to fight fire with fire - and it worked.

The press had their knives sharpened in preparation for an English disaster. It never came.

Even Andrew 'The Human Dartboard' Farrell got in on the act, crossing for a try which was a just reward for a measured display from the bench. Not even the most hardened hack could find fault with his performance, although some will probably try.

Putting things into perspective, it will be tough for England to progress past Australia and a place in the Semi-Finals. England's hunger is matched and bettered by Australian flair and an unrelenting belief. As unpatriotic as it may seem, I think the Wallabies will triumph, and go some way to laying the ghosts of 2003 to rest for good.

Moving In The Right Direction?

No baffling mathematic equations. No hardcore number-crunching. For England, it's simple - Win and you're in.

Victory over Tonga on Friday evening, and a place in the last-eight is assured. The optimism - which for a while was replaced by furious head-scratching - is slowly returning. This England side are steadily withdrawing from the brink of abject failure.

Qualification has been far from the formality predicted by some, more of a laboured slog through the murky waters of uncertainty. A lacklustre performance against the USA, and the 'back on track' victory over Samoa came either side of a shocker against the Springboks. Has Mr Ashton steadied the ship?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Like it or not, this has been a World Cup of transition for England. A much needed jolt to the system for many. The game has evolved since 2003 and the English mindset hasn't. Only now - under Ashton - are things moving in the right direction, albeit slowly.

And so onto Tonga. Yet another test of hearts and minds, and a dose of the physicality similar to that served up by the Samoans last week. After being edged out by South Africa last time out, they have another chance to crash the party.

The main threat lies in their forward unit, who allied size with speed and can attack with flair. Impressive Back-Rower Finau Maka is the embodiment of the Tongan ethos - powerful yet tenacious, reckless yet reliable. Such contradictions add to the almost cryptic nature of the task facing England.

Once again Ashton has tinkered with the side, although this time it is done with a clear vision. The fact that Matt Stevens is preferred to Phil Vickery in the Front Row indicates that players are now being picked according to the here-and-now as opposed to the way back when. Tom Rees once again misses out, but Lewis Moody adds some much needed dynamism to the Back Row.

The Backline remains untouched. The Gomarsall/Wilkinson axis will surely become the number one combination at 9 and 10. Lack of size in the Centres is a worry, but both Tait and Barkley are elusive and intelligent enough to cause problems for even the most well-drilled of defences.

England have rediscovered their ability to tough it out, and perform for the full 80 minutes. Victory is far from assured, but more than possible.

Simplify And Reap

Functional, yet lacking a killer touch. That was the verdict of New Zealand's 40-0 drubbing of a weakened Scottish side on Sunday. A performance which provided more questions than answers for some.

For myself, it only served to reinforce the fact that the All Blacks are exactly where they want to be as they bid to become World Champions. Cool, unforgiving and totally dominant was how I would describe it. Low Risk? - Yes, but very effective.

Graham Henry has his troops looking at the bigger picture and has instilled a stubborn winning mentality into the team. It's not about entertainment, it's sheer hunger. There are still many people clinging to the vain hope that the tag of 'Overwhelming Favourites' will not sit well with the Kiwis. I fear they could be wrong.

This All Black vintage have pace, flair and the power to match. However, a new found maturity is their most impressive attribute. There are many subtleties to their game nowadays, teams aren't just killed off with tries - but game management.

On a personal level, I feel that England's 2003 triumph set the trend. Under Sir Clive Woodward, structure ruled. The Forwards relentlessly made metre after metre, and - when in range - Wilkinson and his boot did the rest. Predictably, the Australians weren't impressed, but in the end it was an overwhelming success.

Before I'm accused of talking nonesense, I will say that McCaw and co aren't offering up a stodgy version of the game, but they do possess a clinical edge evident in all World Cup winning teams. With territory and possession comes points, it may sound simple, but all the greatest plans are.

As if to mirror their dominance of the game in recent years, the All Blacks are merely taking things to the next level. Forward intensity is cranked up another notch, potency in the backs is amplified, there are more options and fewer teams capable of stopping them.

This pragmatic approach isn't likely to win many friends, but the New Zealanders have travelled to France to collect the silverware. Their focus is ominous.