Thursday, August 26, 2010
Spurs to face defending champions on CL odyssey
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Schmidt sceptical of player availability
Schmidt's comments contradict those made on Tuesday by Irish team manager Paul McNaughton who told the Irish Times that the management scheme this season was not 'front ended' meaning:
"In the past there's been a situation where a lot of the players were not back until Magners League four or five. This year the vast majority of players will be back for Magners League one and all other players will be back by Magners League two."
But speaking at the league's launch in Cardiff yesterday, Schmidt seemed unconvinced by McNaughton's assurances: "I've been in pretty close talks with them (the IRFU), I would be surprised if that is the situation."
The New Zealander adding that: "They (elite internationals) are on a strength and conditioning phase, they're not even available to play rugby at the moment.
"They've been doing an eight-week pre-season, of which they're in week five, so if you do the maths they're not really training with us in the same way as the young players are, or the players returning from injury."
The report from the former Clermont Auvergne coach is directly contradicting the information given yesterday by McNaughton who said: "Barely eight or nine players will not start in Magners League one and then every player will play in Magners League two."
On Fridays pre-season defeat to Wasps, Leinster fielded a very youthful looking side with an extensive 11 man bench. Of those 26, only Luke Fitzgerald (returning from a 9 month injury layoff) could be considered a marquee name. While the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathon Sexton, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney were sitting comfortably in the stand.
"They're not sort of part of our group yet." admitted Schmidt, "That's as difficult as anything, getting rhythm in preparation."
Meanwhile, the fallout continues from the 'Bloodgate' inquiry into the actions of Harlequins in Leinster's 2009 quarter final win at the stoop.
Dr Wendy Chapman was found to have cut Quin's winger Tom Williams after he left the field feigning a blood injury to allow his teams drop-goal specialist to enter the action.
Chapman's malpractice now has put her in danger of being struck off the medical register. This week she is sat before a hearing of the General Medical Council and told them of her reaction when she realised the gravity of her action:
"I was horrified, just horrified. This is a very huge game and they cheated," said Chapman. "I was very ashamed that I gave into the pressure.
"They (Harlequins coaching staff) were all saying that there was a real injury, that is all real blood, I was just desperate. To be the one person to stand up and say 'It was not'... I did not know what to do.
"There was no justification, it was the wrong thing to do."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Six month layoff for Wright
The Cook Islander will now miss all six of the province's Heineken Cup pool matches on top of the Magners league fixtures scheduled before March.
The news could be good in the long term for Ireland and Leinster, as it should give Cian Healy and Mike Ross greater opportunity for game time in top level encounters.
However, following Wright's injury and the departure of CJ Van Der Linde back to South Africa, head coach Joe Schmidt today confirmed that Leinster have already contacted the IRFU to examine the possibility of drafting in a new prop from overseas.
Meanwhile, Munster have dismissed reports that Keith Earls has broken his ankle. The utility back was injured in a non-contact training session with the southern province yesterday. Today, it was revealed that no break was detected by the X-ray.
However Munster Rugby has stated: "Earls will need to undergo further medical examination later in the week to determine the exact extent of the damage."
Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who today has gathered a squad for international training, will be wishing Earls a speedy recovery after impressive showings last season.
Kidney will already be without Paul O'Connell for the upcoming autumn internationals, after the second row suggested the Christmas period as rough estimate for his return from a groin infection.
"I'll be setting my sights around December, and anything else would be a bonus," said Ireland's vice captain. "I went back running 10 days ago, and I've had no problems. I need to go about 12 weeks from when I stopped the antibiotics and get back into the heavy stuff, so I'm about eight and a half weeks into that now."
"It's flying along at the moment. It was really slow at the start, but it's getting quicker now and going very well."
Saturday, August 21, 2010
All Blacks snatch victory to retain southern crown
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| Dagg seals victory on his 5th cap |
The All Blacks needed just one point to claim the trophy, so that was never in doubt. But the game was. Watched by 94,000 people in the Stadium formerly known as Soccer City, South Africa produced an almighty display of high intensity rugby and led by five points with just three minutes to go.
Up stepped Richie McCaw, the captain leading by example as always, was credited with a controversial try to level the game. His foot hitting the touchline at the very same millisecond that he grounded the ball. South African TMO, Shaun Veldsman, told referee Nigel Owens: "There is no clear evidence the the player was in touch before he grounded the ball." much to the displeasure of his compatriots.
John Smit sat dejected after the final whistle, he had become only the second man to earn 100 Springbok caps, and this was one of the hardest earned. With the game level 22 all in the final minute, Maa Nonu showed no signs of tiring, bursting through props, Gurthro Steenkamp and CJ Van Der Linde, before looping a pass to allow Israel Dagg claim the glory of the win.
The opening quarter of this arm wrestle could not separate the sides, both powerhouses trundling forward and back from 22 to 22 as Dan Carter and Morne Steyn traded two penalties each.
The hosts were playing like underdogs, snapping and snarling at the visitors, who began as favourites tend to do: Doing just enough, taking time to get the swing of a game but never looked overly phased.
Suddenly the Boks found a breakthrough, Bryan Habana quick tapping a kickable penalty giving Schalke Burger a platform to crash across the try-line. The TMO was called for, but Irish assistant Alain Rollaind delighted the home crown by signaling a clean touchdown, he was right too.
Seven points clear, the Calabash was baying for Maori blood, their team huffed and puffed some more. Carter and Steyn drew another penalty apiece. But on 37 minutes the hosts looked like their extreme work rate had finally softened. Victor Matfield got a sniff of the ball, after burst of pace from Brad Thorne left him isolated on the left wing.
It was only a sniff though, McCaw stepped in to shield. From there, it took just five passes for the champions in waiting to traverse the pitch and allow that unfamiliar wing, Tony Woodcock, an easy run in to put the visitors within two at the break.
Once Steyn had increased the margin after 43 minutes, penalties became scarce in the second half. But the green maul drew another with 20 minutes to go, it was much needed. The All Blacks had been battering at the door but were constantly met by tackles from possessed men. Carter, having an indifferent day from placed kicks, came closest to picking the lock, knocking on within inches of the corner after being caught by JP Pietersen.
22-14 down, the visitors were encamped in enemy territory, and the longer time ticked by without a score, the more they tried to do things delicately, tiring against a brutish defence. That changed when Van Der Linde was pinged for blocking at a ruck inside his 22, allowing the black side of the scoreboard to move again reducing the deficit to five points, enough to win the trophy.
With his next kick Carter signaled the beginning of a dramatic finale, missing a straightforward 30 metre penalty. But with South African bodies limping from pillar to post having given every ounce of effort they had, McCaw popped up with Habana out of position and levelled the game and still time for Dagg to deliver the icing, Graham Henry was brave enough to introduce the youngster in place of the proven Joe Rocokoko when trailing by five points. Decision vindicated.
South Africa: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 5 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Butch James, 22 Wynand Olivier.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Josevata Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
SCORES:
South Africa: New Zealand:
Try: Burger Woodcock, McCaw, Dagg
Pen: Steyn (5) Carter (4)
Conv: Steyn Carter
Friday, August 20, 2010
Leinster badly stung
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| Fitzgerald's return some consolation |
A Gorgeous evening for rugby attracted a healthy crowd to Donnybrook. In such conditions Wasps were fitting opponents and they took little time to settle. Ben Jacobs evading Eoin O'Malley's tackle after just three minutes before unleashing Tom Varndell who, so early in the game had too much gas to be caught by David Kearney.
The writing was on the wall, and a bristling English outfit attacked the same channel straight away. This time Jacobs was hit by the tackle Luke Fitzgerald has been dreaming of making for the last nine months
Such was the heat prior to kickoff: Leinster headed to their Bective changing room sweating buckets. But all the heat from there on, was brought by the visitors, as the shadow of the main stand crept across the grass.
In that shade Eamonn Sheridan suffered a concussion midway through the first half. After laying on the 22 for a period he set off to take up his defensive position but staggered and veered back toward the physio who called on Ferguis McFadden.
That burst of pace and intensity temporarily improved the host's back line and Ian Madigan took both opportunities to kick his team in the lead.
But on the stroke of half time, Dave Walder took back that advantage with a simple 20 metre penalty. The other side of the break the visitors capitalised when Leinster became easily overstretched, Jacobs, the architect of Varndell's touchdown, this time had a free run.
Along with Fitzgerald, Sean O'Brien was returning from a long lay off was. As captain for the night he will at least take solace of 80 minutes action, but not with the result which was cut and dried by 55 minutes. After 15 minutes of the second period the hosts had found just found a rhythm, probing and driving to the roars of approval from Cian Healy, sitting in the main stand.
But when the move broke down with a penalty for crossing, Haughton burned off Fitzgerald to get underneath the posts the posts. And as both sides emptied the bench, the visitors continued unabated, tearing apart the crumbling blue walls.
The highlight for the home support was a massive hit from Dominic Ryan on Elliot Daly, but Daly had the last laugh as he put through Mark Van Gisbergen for a try. Haughton managed another before Christian Wade completed the rout with another five points.
Simon Shaw was issued a late, almost obligatory, yellow card. But it mattered little, the European champions of 2009 had conceded six tries in their opening warm up match.
Joe Schmidt and his team will seek a massive improvement when they travel to face Leicester Tigers next week.
SCORES:
Leinster:
Pen: Madigan (2)
Wasps:
Tries: Varndell, Jacobs, Haugton (2), VanGisbergen, Wade
Pen: Walder (1)
Conv: Walder (2) Simpson (2)
LEINSTER: 15: Luke Fitzgerald 14: David Kearney,13: Eoin O'Malley 12: Eamonn Sheridan 11: Isa Nacewa 10: Ian Madigan 9: Paul O'Donohoe 1: Heinke van der Merwe 2: Richardt Strauss 3: Mike Ross 4: Trevor Hogan 5: Devin Toner 6: Eoin Sheriff 7: Paul Ryan 8: Sean O'Brien CAPT
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Jason Harris-Wright 17: Jack McGrath 18: Stan Wright 19: Mariano Galarza 20: Dominic Ryan 21: Isaac Boss 22: Ian McKinley 23: Fergus McFadden 24: Ben Marshall 25: Michael Keating 26: Niall Morris
LONDON WASPS: 15: Jack Wallace 14: Richard Haughton 13: Ben Jacobs 12: Dom Waldouck 11: Tom Varndell 10: Dave Walder 9: Nic Berry 1: Zak Taulafo 2: Tom Lindsay 3: Phil Vickery 4: Marty Veale 5: Richard Birkett 6: Will Matthews 7: Serge Betsen 8: John Hart
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Rob Webber 17: Tim Payne 18: Ben Broster 19: James Cannon 20: Tom Rees 21: Joe Simpson 22: Riki Flutey23: Christian Wade 24: Simon Shaw 25: Sam Jones 26: Elliot Daly 27: Mark Van Gisbergen.
REFEREE: John Lacey (IRFU)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Brett to 'give it one more try'
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| “I have played 309 straight games, I can’t complain.” |
On Wednesday, Brett Favre confirmed that at 40 years of age he would play yet another season in the NFL.
The legendary quarterback first planned to retire in 2006, and eventually did so in 2008 leaving the Green Bay Packers, whom he served for 16 years.
But his retirement lasted about as long as Neale Fenn's, and he took the field with the New York Jets that year before moving on to the Minnesota Vikings last term.
He pushed the Vikings into the playoffs, where he got the better of Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboy's for the first time in his career.
However, in the ensuing NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints, Favre injured his ankle in the third quarter, affecting his balance and limiting his throwing ability.
The injury proved a decisive moment in the game, as in overtime, the limping quarterback threw an interception with seven seconds remaining. Giving the Saints the first possession in overtime. Possession they used to full effect by scoring a game winning field goal. In the meantime though, the famous number four had put himself in the record books, overtaking Joe Montana's stats for playoff pass completion and passing yards.
Now, after undergoing surgery on his troublesome ankle, Favre is ready to aim for the Vince Lombardi trophy once more:
"I'd love to win a Super Bowl. But what happens if you don't? That was the tough part (of the decision)." Said Favre before giving a glimpse of the inner turmoil that drove him to tell teammates, just weeks ago, that he would not return due to the plodding rehabilitation of that left ankle.
"I could make a case for both playing, not playing," he said. "This is a very good football team, the chances here are much greater than other places. From that standpoint, it was always going to be easier (to return)."
"Part of me said it was such a great year, it would be easy to say, 'Hey can't play any better, why even try?' Then the other part is, 'Guys are playing on a high level. Why don't I go back out?' The expectations are high here, as they should be."
But when the great architect does eventually make his mind up, he is unequivocal about the trophy he so desperately wants to win for a second time.
"I owe it to this organization to give it one more try."
After that though, a 41 year old with twenty seasons behind him..... who knows?
Aviva date for Munsters revenge mission
Having already had their Heineken Cup road trip to Saracens moved to Wembley, Leinster will quickly become accustomed to playing in front of large crowds well before the latter stages of European competition.
On October 2nd their Magners league clash with Munster will be staged at Lansdowne Road followed by a Heineken Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne on December 18th.
The eastern province are able to make this move despite a long-term agreement to play a designated number of fixtures at the Ballsbridge venue.
"We have a 20-year arrangement with the RDS with a break clause after 10 years to play 13 matches a season there so, with the two extra Magners League games and the schools' cup (final) match, that takes us up to our quota." Chief executive Mick Dawson told the Irish Times.
That means it has become possible thanks to the addition of Italian teams, Aironi and Benetton Treviso, to what was formally 'the Celtic League'.
But Dawson refused to speculate on whether the 2009 European Champions would play an increased number of games across the canal at the Aviva. Instead focusing on attracting capacity crowds for the two fixtures already in place.
"At the moment it wouldn't be our intention to play any more games in the Aviva. We think two is about right and the reason for that is that we want to fill it out on both occasions.
"It is very important from a player's perspective that we get it full and that it has the right atmosphere in the place. The RDS is still our home and we are committed to them long-term."
That long term commitment could mean a redevelopment of the Horse show venue, to marginally increase capacity for regular fixtures while leaving the new Lansdowne as a stage for bigger games.
"In the long-term we would be hoping to knock down the Anglesea Stand and improve that stadium and get it up to about 23-24,000 which is probably about right.
"So, events here (in the Aviva) would be novelty events and we would hope that a lot of people who never get to an international here would take the opportunity to come and watch Leinster play."
Monday, August 16, 2010
South Africa considering split from SANZAR
Relations between the SARU and their counterparts in New Zealand and Australia have become strained in recent years. Particularly in relation to a disputed broadcasting deal which was eventually signed in last year.
But events on the field this year have further antagonised the springbok federation. Particularly the spate of yellow cards received in matches against New Zealand which prompted head Coach Peter DeVilliers to first; question the wisdom of appointing northern hemisphere referees in the southern competition. DeVilliers subsequently questioned the integrity of the referees themselves. Suggesting a conspiracy existed to allow the All Blacks win their games as a way of attracting larger crowds when they host the 2011 World Cup.
"I've got my own observations about the last two tests" said the Springbok coach in July. "Maybe I can't say it in public. But, they do have a world cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people."
When SANZAR charged DeVilliers with misconduct for these comments, SARU president Oregan Hoskins described it as "a declaration of war" and now they have launched their retaliation. Speaking to Johannesburg's Sunday Times, SARU chairman Dr. Jan Marais signaled their unsettled state of mind: "We won't automatically opt for a renewal of the current deal."
That broadcasting deal means no changes will be made until 2015 but Marais has indicated that his union are already examining alternatives.
"We can't do anything about the current agreement because we are locked in until the contract expires. However, there is the strong feeling that we should at least look at possibilities we can explore at the conclusion of our current broadcasting deal."
Hoskins, despite his war cry, tried to pour cold water on the situation, hinting things may just carry on in the status quo:
"Tri Nations rugby is a robust game and we have robust conversations in the boardroom and occasionally knock each other down and have to pick each other up, dust ourselves off and get on with it."
"The bottom line is that this is the toughest rugby competition in the world and we're fully part of it with our neighbours."
"In that spirit, we'll be having discussions with New Zealand and Australia when they're over here and after that we'll get on with ensuring we continue to produce the best rugby tournaments in the world."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Que Sera, Sera: Leinster are going to Wembley
The Aviva Premiership side has moved the fixture to the 90,000 capacity London venue in expectation of increased demand for tickets. Saracens play the majority of their games at Vicarage road. A ground seating 20,000, which they share with Watford Football Club.
However, after four successful visits to the national stadium last season, including a win over the touring World Champions, South Africa, Sarries are now ready to return down Wembley Way, which will be hosting a Heineken Cup match for the first time in its history.
Leinster's official website has proclaimed that the move "makes travel easier for supporters" due to its proximity to the centre of the capital. Travel (via tube) from Heathrow Airport will take just 90 minutes for fans seeking to reclaim the crown they won in 2009. Full travel advice is available on www.leinsterrugby.ie.
Along with the Heineken Cup clash, Saracens have also announced that their 'Boxing Day' tussle with London Wasps will also be played under the arch.
"Saracens at Wembley has quickly become synonymous with a great family day out" Said chairman, Nigel Wray: "Including great rugby and great entertainment for a great price at a great venue.
"We are delighted to take these two matches to Wembley, and we look forward to two more fantastic occasions."
Leinster begin their Heineken Cup campaign at home to Racing Metro on October 9th before facing Saracens a week later. With French opponents comprising half of pool two, Ireland's eastern province must target a win at Wembley to put them on the front foot when visiting Clermont Auvergne in December.
Monday, August 9, 2010
O'Neill sensationally departs Villa hotseat
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| Martin waves goodbye to Villa |
O'Neill took over the Birmingham club in 2006 and has led them to a sixth place finish in three consecutive seasons.O'Neill (58) is thought to be unhappy at having to sell his best players while unable to spend large sums to replace them. Particularly in the case of James Milner, whose move to Manchester City now seems imminent.
Speaking to Sky Sports news former Villa midfielder Paul Merson lamented the Irishman's predicament: "He can't build a team, every time someone does well, their off!"
With their best players coveted by big spending clubs, Villa have also failed to recruit any players this summer. This combination is the most likely factor to have forced O'Neill's hand. As reported earlier today on kellcosport.com, the Derry native had identified Aiden McGeady as a top transfer target but was forced to wait until the Milner sale generated some cash, that wait has now appeared to have gone on too long.
A small squad has been a hindering factor in past seasons for the Villains. Pushing for a Champion's League place in February and march, they have become known for becoming fatigued in April and May, limping over the finish line.
The former Celtic manager made a statement on the clubs website but as yet no official reason has been given for his decision.
"It's obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club." O'Neill said, "I would like to pay tribute to the Villa players, my coaching staff and the Villa supporters for all the support and encouragement they have given both the club and me personally during my time as manager. I wish them all the best for the future."
Peter Faulkner, chief executive with the claret and blue's, used the statement to thank O'Neill (on behalf of the club) for his achievements in the past four years:
"He has helped to establish the club in the upper echelons of the Premier League, has taken us to Wembley and we have also qualified for European competition for the past three seasons under his management. We wish him the best in the future."
Bookmakers, never slow to speculate, have installed Ajax coach, Martin Jol as the favourite to take the reigns at Villa Park. It may prove a greater temptation than the Fulham role he turned down just weeks ago.
Reserve team coach, Kevin McDonald, will take over as caretaker manager but Randy Lerner and the club will hope to find a replacement sooner rather than later. Along with the looming Premier League opener against West Ham, they have a Europa League qualifier against Rapid Vienna to navigate, a competition which could provide crucial funds to the club.
Irish Bhoys in transfer roundabout
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| 21 year old Cillian Sheridan may be heading east |
The Irish winger was reportedly waiting to see whether reported interest from Aston Villa would materialise but has now grown frustrated. The midlands club had lined up a move for McGeady as a replacement for James Milner, but Manchester City have yet to meet the £30M asking price for the England midfielder and so McGeady is left with only the Russian offer on the table.
The former Scottish player of the year now appears to have given up on a move south of the border after Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed he has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad to allow him sort out his future.
"We let him go and make what he must do," said Trapattoni, adding: "Maybe he will go to Russia but at the moment he is not with us."
Current Celtic boss Neil Lennon yesterday confirmed that McGeady was on his way out saying:
"He was in yesterday and more or less said his goodbyes really, so we'll see how that develops over the next one or two days but I would probably think it will be Moscow."
Meanwhile, another Irish international could be leaving the Hoops and crossing the shadow of the old iron curtain. Cillian Sheridan (pictured), who has won two senior caps this summer, has received an offer from CSKA Sofia. Lennon again confirmed the interest: "There's been an offer from a Bulgarian club and we've given him permission to go over and see what he thinks."
Sheridan has found himself on the periphery of the Celtic first team since the departure of Gordon Strachan, who threw him in at the deep end in a Champions League encounter with Manchester United. Since then, the Cavan man has been shipped out from the struggling Celtic side. Loaned by Tony Mowbray to Plymouth Argyle and St Johnstone before making his international debut in May's 2-1 win over Paraguay in the RDS, now Lennon is ready to let the striker go for good.
Sofia are set to face Welsh side TNS (who knocked out Bohemians) in the Europa League qualifying play off. The Bulgarians could well last longer in the competition than Sheridan's current club, who face FC Utrecht in the same stage of the competition later this month.
Yet another link in the Celtic and Aston Villa transfer chain is Liam Lawrence. The Stoke City winger is expected to replace his international teammate (McGeady) once his move out of Scotland is complete.
"I think you've hit the nail on the head there" Lawrence said when asked if the James Milner saga had indirectly impacted his transfer.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Robinson rejects England recall
Blackburn's goalkeeper had not played for is country for three years, since England's 2-1 defeat to Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium. Now, less than 24 hours after being named in a squad to face Hungary the 30 year old stopper has made the decision to call time on his England career.
Robinson told BBC Sport: "I feel it in the best interest of myself and my club Blackburn Rovers that I concentrate solely on my club football."
The former Tottenham Hotspur number one was first choice for England at the 2006 world cup. But after conceding those two Roman Pavlyuchenko goals in 2007 he fell out of favour and subsequently found himself behind David James, Joe Hart, Rob Green and Ben Foster. That position in the hierarchy did not appeal to Robinson as he says: "I don't see myself as a number three or four keeper and find that role very frustrating."
Questions will be asked as to why Robinson did not retire before now, but it appears the goalkeeper had put international caps to the back of his mind, a decision not required until he was in with a chance of playing: "Only now have I been able to make this decision as previously I haven't been in contention for selection."
Sam Allardyce had vociferously defended his 'keeper when he had been omitted from the World Cup squad saying that Capello: "has made the biggest mistake of his selection process."
'"There's not a better English goalkeeper who has consistently performed as well as he has. So it clearly can't be anything else other than something that Fabio has against him."
Robinson's recall had come at the expense of Green and James, but the FA have confirmed that Robinson will not be replaced in this squad. James has recently moved to Bristol City and the 40 year old's time in his countries rearguard now seems at an end. Green on the other hand looks to have been scapegoated for his howler against the USA when he allowed Clint Dempsey's weak effort to sneak through in a 1-1 draw.
Before today's retirement Robinson won 41 caps for the Three Lions and now, 10 years younger than David James, will have plenty of time to extend his club career.
When England return to action against Hungary on Wednesday Ben Foster will be the senior goalkeeper at Capello's disposal. However, he must see off stiff competition from Joe Hart, the man he replaces between the sticks at Birmingham City.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Dogged Aussie's make All Blacks wait for southern hemisphere crown
Australia have now stretched their unwanted run of defeats to the All Blacks to nine, a subservience going back to 2008. Robbie Deans return to Lancaster Park was supposed to add more fuel to the fire but, the Wallabies refused to cough up possession and with New Zealand facing the unfamiliar proposition of 15 opponents for 80 minutes they could not demolish the dogged visitors.
Despite dominating possession and a typical never say die approach. The Aussie's met a black wall at almost every turn. The tackles were unflinching, and with over ten minutes still on the clock the statsmen had counted 118 from the hosts. The Wallabies were visibly running out of ideas, phase after trundling phase bought them little distance.
When the chips were down; 100% Dan Carter Kicking was the difference. His two penalties and conversions added up to give his side the 10 point victory. Tries from Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith in the first half gave the required lift off but for the two thirds of the game Australia dominated.
Kiwi captain Ritchie McCaw was satisfied with the effort, but his demeanour would suggest he, like the crowd would have preferred more possession and tries.
"We had to do a lot of defending, the guys dug in cos when you haven't got the ball it takes a bit out of you. but we stuck at it and forced critical turnovers"
"Last week was a bit of an open game, perhaps didn't get our flow right even though it didn't show on the scoreboard. Tonight it was a really big game and all the things you work on have to make sure you get them right and winning a test match against Australia you've got to be happy about that."
Australian skipper Rocky Elsom looked to have drained every ounce of energy from his body by the time he reached the post match interview and despite a spirited performance, was gutted to be beaten.
"We came here to win and we didn't do that. I think the effort from the guys was obvious, I'm proud of that and proud of the energy they brought to the game but we were after a win."
"We did well holding the ball but we needed to score points and getting over the line was something that cost us in the end."
Just like last weeks bun-fight, the sides traded early seven pointers. A superb counter attack gave Muliaina his thrilling opening try. That, however, was cancelled out when Australia turned the ball over in their own half. giving Kurtley Beale a 50 metre dash to the line.
This New Zealand outfit consistently looked just minutes away from scoring and after both props earned a talking to for early engagement, the scrum provided the next scoring platform. Two tackles and one phase later, Conrad Smith was at the end of sweeping move. Carter, again the catalyst, refusing to die with the ball and offloading to continue a perfect move.
It took 35 minutes for Jonathan Kaplan to award the hosts a penalty, 45 metres out on the angle, Carter kicked his third goal of the match to cancel out Giteau's 19th minute 3 pointer. And the sides settled for 17-10 at the halfway point.
But the game hung in the balance for the second half, far from the formality expected by the hosts. They could not get hands on the ball. Having benefited from yellow carded opposition in all their games in this years competition; Tony Woodcok was fortunate not to see yellow after he cynically drove into the back of Saia Faingaa trying to get up and walk away from a ruck. Like Michael Corleone, just when Faingaa thought he was out, they drove him back in.
Australia came closest midway through the second period but Adam Ashley Cooper was penalised for holding on just five meters from the line.Both sides were feeling the mileage in their legs but knew with a seven point gap, a maximum score would swing the game in either direction.
Carter's final penalty on 70 minutes put more than one score between the sides. The clock was run down by the gold shirts, relentlessly holding possession, terrified of giving it to a try hungry All Black.
NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Maa Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Alby Mathewson, Aaron Cruden, Benson Stanley.
AUSTRALIA: Kurtley Beale; James OConnor, Adam Ashley Cooper, Anthony Faingaa, Drew Mitchell; Matt Giteau, Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Saia Faingaa, Salesi Maafu, Dean Mumm, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom (captain), David Pocock, Richard Brown.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Matt Hodgson, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Cameron Shepherd.
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa).
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Athleticism and intelligence of Clarke to reignite Down glory days
26 minutes gone in Croke Park and Kerry have just scored four unanswered points. The opening 10 minutes of this match where Down raced to a 1-3 lead seems an awful long time ago. The Gooch is floating over scores with his left and right boot using minimal effort. It looks like the hare is tiring, only a matter of time before the hound makes its kill.
Hold on. Martin Clarke has just rocked the Kingdom on their heels! Two expertly taken points have stemmed the tide, the first a 45 from the right hand side. Then, like the second jolt of a defibrillator, another arrives: A drilled effort from the tight angle in his left corner forward position. Kerry must wait for another day to banish this peculiar hoodoo.
The Mourne Men will not be of a mind to complain, but all the talk in the wake of their quarter final victory over the reigning champions has speculated upon the longevity of the green and gold rather than the rekindling of Down magic lost for almost two decades. This was a victory of style over the stylish, no recriminations of "puke football" here. And despite only dissecting the posts once from play, Clarke was justly named man of the match.
Returning to the round ball game after two years plying his trade in Melbourne. Clarke is reaping the benefits of professionalism and that makes him stand out from the crowd. His physique makes him look and move like an athlete, a spring in his step more akin to David Gillick than the average corner forward. Amateur status means that Gaelic Footballers, although fit enough for 70 minutes of Championship action, are odd shaped, failed by part time dietitians and weight trainers giving conflicting advice. Or worse, sweeping advice for an entire squad, rather than individual program's. Clarke breaks the mould, proving the template of a burly "bomber" type centre forward flanked by nippy, cute wee fella's is long out of fashion.
Clarke is able to combine his natural talent, with a relentless work rate. After his brace of retaliating scores, Kerry still went probing. And after having a goal disallowed (for what replays show was a good hand pass) they looked to have worked their way though again on the stroke of half time, until a long arm reached out to intercept on the edge of the big square. It was Clarke, supposedly playing 'top of the left' he was now the last line of defence. Danger still lurked, the 22 year old raced Colm Cooper to the loose ball and won again. He passed to safety while wincing in pain after sustaining a flying shoulder from Gooch.
The result of that intervention was that down took an unassailable 1-7 to 0-4 lead through half time, at that point RTE pundit Joe Brolly, himself an all star full forward in the northern province, hinted at big things to come from the former Collingwood rookie
"I've seen him three times in the league this year and I thought on each occasion: the man is no doubt touched with a bit of greatness."
It is much more than athleticism or the skill in his left boot that sets him apart, Clarke uses these attributes to compliment outstanding spacial awareness, patience and imagination traits Brolly also highlights:
"He knows how to influence the game just by moving the ball along. His positional sense, his general composure..He doesn't hang around with the ball, you'll never see him being blocked down or anything like that. His movements been excellent."
Brolly is not one to be lost for words, but was fast running out of compliments to pay the young man and had to cut himself short, summing up:
"he's just blessed with that natural ability that ordinary footballers don't have."
Two years and 46 appearances in the AFL must surely take some credit for that swiftness of thought in open field. Australia's incarnation of football requires perpetual motion for both man and ball, the tackle is more vicious and you need not wait long with the ball before being nailed to the deck, a Rugby style tackle that would never be accepted by GAA lawmakers.
Clarke, who hails from the An Riocht club, in Kilkeel, the east coast of the county, was awarded man of the match for his link play and four points against Kerry. The Croke Park stage evidently suits a player of his skill, and with Kildare the opposition for Down's first All Ireland Semi final since 1994. Both the Lilywhites and the Mourne's will feel a place in September's showpiece final is theirs for the taking. But only one side will have the magic of Clarke in their arsenal.
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