2010 Super 14 Season Review: Chiefs

  The most difficult post mortem that will come out of the Chiefs season is that many, including the team itself, would have expected the Waikato-based franchise to build on their maiden final appearance last year and again threaten for the title.   When they kicked off their season (without captain Mils Muliaina, who was rested for the early stages) and jumped out to record their best ever... 

2010 Super 14 Season Review: Hurricanes

  What is the missing ingredient for the Hurricanes?  Since 2003, they have reached five semi-finals, yet despite showing constant glimpses of their potential, have never really looked in the same class as a championship team such as the Crusaders or Bulls.   Everyone knows the team’s potential, most of all their own supporters.  Stacked with All Blacks, and capable of playing... 

2009/10 Heineken Cup Preview: Biarritz vs. Munster

  The only team in the final four not to have won a Heineken Cup will welcome a Munster side that could well lay claim to being the prominent specialist in European competition.   This is Munster’s 12th straight appearance in the finals, and on nine of those occasions has played in a Heineken Cup semi.    No matter what their condition, form or squad strength, the two time... 

2009/10 Heineken Cup Preview: Toulouse vs. Leinster

The penultimate round of the Heineken Cup gets underway with the reigning champions travelling to face the most decorated team in the history of Europe in what will be a mouth watering clash.   To say this is a difficult match to predict is a massive understatement.   On one hand, you have Stade Toulousain, whose trophy cabinet is more stacked than any team in France.  The 17 time French... 

What England’s Rugby Side Can Learn From France’s Artistic Experiment

No doubt French coach Marc Lievremont would have very much liked to raise a sarcastic eyebrow towards those who doubted his grand plan, as he toasts a Les Bleus Grand Slam.   Most thought that the crazed strokes of Lievremont’s scheme resembled more an abstract piece by noted American Jackson Pollock—all too expressive, and lacking the required graceful work that a French artist would... 

Italy Slowly Growing As They Eye Another Big Foe

While the Azzurri may have ended the Six Nations in fifth place, the third time in a row they have been positioned in the cellar, the Italians can reflect on a solid campaign.   Four losses may not constitute a success in typical terms, but there is no doubting that gradually Italian rugby is getting stronger, breaking a two-year losing streak in the Six Nations by defeating Scotland 16-12 this... 

Ireland’s Biggest Challenge Will Be the All Black

It is still too early to tell if the Irish will be able to successfully defend their Six Nations title. Two things are certain: there will be no Grand Slam, and they will need to rely on Italy or England to beat France if they are to win their 19th title (11 outright wins, 8 shared victories).   Ireland’s 33-10 loss to France at Croke Park was a vicious reality check for the current champions, who... 

For the Wallabies, This Year Is Decisive for the World Cup

In 2010, there will be usual interest in various tours, who wins the Six Nations and Tri Nations, and whether potentially the All Blacks and Springboks can achieve a touring Grand Slam.   But beyond it all will be how the big nations build towards a crucial World Cup countdown.   Naturally, it is too far out even to begin to accurately predict who will be at Eden Park when the final is played out... 

Sonny Bill and Mark Gasnier To Push for World Cup Berths?

It seems that two of the highest profile Australasian rugby league converts are set to return to their home countries, to make pushes for their respective national’s teams in time to represent both the All Blacks and Wallabies for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.   For Australia, it seems very likely that Mark Gasnier will be back home this year, with his Stade Francais contract set to expire at season’s... 

The Irish Debate: Ronan O’Gara vs. Jonathan Sexton

Declan Kidney has named Leinster’s Jonathan Sexton to take on England in Ireland’s visit to Twickenham this weekend.  Munster out half Ronan O’Gara was the only man to be dropped as such, with some believing he has been made a scapegoat for their French loss.   Geordan Murphy and Rory Best come into the Irish side, but replace injured Rob Kearney and banned Jerry Flannery respectively.  Donncha... 

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