By Spiro Zavos
December 4th 2008 @ 2:50am
Let the mind games for the 2011 RWC begin
The dominant image of the official ceremony for the 2011 Rugby World Cup draw was a photo of a confident Richie McCaw, who is robed in a cloak of a Maori chief, striding into New Zealand’s Giant Rugby Ball facility in the heart of London, with a clocked Maori female dignitary on one side and a bald, stocky Jock Hobbes, wearing his NZRU tie, beside him.
Behind this leading group is the winning captain of the 2007 RWC tournament in France, John Smit, in his Springboks blazer, Stirling Mortlock, relaxed with his hand in his pocket and wearing the bemused look of someone who has gone through all this ritual before, and several other national captains.
After the chairman of the IRB Bernard Lapasset drew out the list of countries for the draw, a IRB media release was issued to newspapers and rugby journalists around the world in three languages, English, French and Spanish.
The ’story’ in the media release was that South Africa was in “arguably the toughest pool,” where they play Fiji “who nearly derailed their charge to the title in 2007″ and the 2008 Six Nations champions Wales.
The tournament hosts, the media release stated. “will be looking to avenge their RWC 2007 quarter final exit at the hands of France” with the two sides meeting in Pool A, while England “meet long time rivals Scotland” for the first time in the pool stages play and Australia, RWC champions in 1991 and 1999, face three European teams in Pool C, headed by Ireland and Italy.
The Australian media immediately made the claim that “the Wallabies have received the best draw imaginable.”
If results go according to plan (a big ‘if’ given the upsets in the 2007 RWC), the Wallabies will not run into the world champion Springboks or the top-ranked All Blacks until the final.
Wales should be their quarter-final opponents, Argentina or France in the semi-final, and then either South Africa or New Zealand in the final.
Ireland’s coach Declan Kidney expressed relief that his team had avoided “the kiss of death pool” which sank their hopes in the 2007 RWC. Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland’s captain, warned that Georgia and Romania would come hard at Ireland: “It’s hard to play against any side in a World Cup. I learnt that in 2007. No team makes up the numbers. They come to win.”
The Australian commentary also made the point that South Africa and New Zealand won’t be happy with their draw as they face the prospect of a semi-final against each other, and pool matches against France for New Zealand and Wales for South Africa.
This analysis is flawed.
With France being a bogey team for the All Blacks in the 1999 and 2007 RWC tournaments (and France in 1987), New Zealand would be happy to play Les Bleus in a pool round where the result isn’t a matter of staying in the tournament or not.
As Richie McCaw noted: “I quess there will be a bit of talk about the history between New Zealand and France at World Cups … Quarter finals are tough, as we found in 2007. Anything can happen in the play-off stages.”
Similarly, the Springboks are happy to play Wales in a pool round rather than in the knock-out finals stage of the tournament. John Smit, in fact, made the point that the tough pool the Springboks were in (with Fiji and Samoa as a two other difficult opponents) was “ideal preparation to battle harden the team” for the later stages of the tournament, if they progressed through.
This is what happened, Smit insisted, in the 2007 RWC.
Warren Gatland, the coach of Wales, endorsed Smit’s call on Pool D being “the toughest pool,” which he welcomed. “It is a great draw,” he said. “Look at the World Cup in 2007 – the winner came from the toughest pool.”
Frank Hadden, Scotland’s coach, was adamant that his team had been given “every chance” of reaching the finals after being paired with Argentina and England. He was relieved not to be facing one of the Tri-Nations teams.
England, too, were relieved that their poor run of form was not marked by having to play one of the Tri-Nations sides. The English media interpreted the draw as “much needed positive news after a difficult autumn.”
To my mind, most of this ‘analysis,’ which I’ve indulged in quite enthusiastically in past tournaments, is an exercise in trying to do the impossible and accurately predict the future.
There are four distinct phases to a Rugby World Cup tournament.
The first phase is the Phony War period when the draw is announced and the tournament is yet to start.
This phase is marked by enjoyable but ultimately meaningless chatter about “pools of death” and likely outcomes in the various pool matches. As not a kick has been fired in anger yet, and we have no real idea how precise the preparation of each side has been, the chatter is based on speculation rather than any reality.
No one had any idea, for instance, in the 2007 RWC that Ireland had botched their preparation for the tournament and never really looked like being contenders for anything, despite the fact that the team was highly-rated.
The second phase involves the pool rounds, which for the strong teams amounts to the Opening Skirmishes of the World Cup battle.
Because teams can drop games in the pool round and survive, not too much pressure is placed on the strong sides and the outcomes of their matches. The news they convey to the other teams can be deceptive.
In 1993, for instance, England lost the opening match of the RWC tournament to New Zealand but went through to the Final where they gave Australia a tough game.
In 2007, France lost the opening game of the tournament to Argentina and went on to put New Zealand out of the tournament in the Quarter-Final.
France lost to England in the Semi-Final of the 2007 RWC, despite the fact that England had been thrashed by South Africa in a pool round match.
The Quarter-Finals and the Semi-Finals resemble the Set Piece Battles before the final push.
The Final is the Decisive Battle to establish the winner of the tournament, which is not the same as being the best team in the tournament.
In my view, the Set Piece Battles phase and Decisive Battle final phase are where the RWC contest becomes the real thing. And we are not going to find out the outcomes of these phases until they happen.
But we can be certain of one thing: the outcome will be different from what the conventional wisdom leading up to the 2011 RWC says will happen.
In other words, there is a big difference between the RWC mind games and real games played out in the finals.
Vive la difference!
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Worlds Biggest said | December 4th 2008 @ 6:30am | Report comment
If the Wallabies do win there pool and play Wales in a Quarter Final that will be a hell of a game if both teams keep progressing. Wales have so much talent at the moment, can they maintain that till 2011 ?. The other area they will need to really improve is there away record. The Welsh are notoriously bad tourists so they will need to rectify that. They can start that by selecting there strongest team next time they tour down under.
Just watching the Baa Baa’s game. That missile hit by TPN on Jerry Collins was great. It’s a pity TPN wasn’t developed as a Prop. His general play is outstanding.
Blue Sue said | December 4th 2008 @ 7:51am | Report comment
Great game this morning. Our guys really wanted to win this, and whilst on paper it appeared they would be smashed, their tackling and defence was outstanding. It had shades of Crusaders all over it, huge defence, wait for the turnover and then pounce.
The Wallas now have not been beaten by the Baa Baas since 1976.
George Smith was the MOTM but AAC was a standout at 12 both in attack and defence. Robbie Deans should be well pleased with the performance against quality opposition, and yes, some will say that the Baa Baas only had very limited preparation but this team had all the young guys playing. The big thing was that they weren’t intimidated by the guys in front of them. Lots of potential here!
Hope you all set the recorder so that you can watch it when you get home tonight.
Colin N said | December 4th 2008 @ 7:58am | Report comment
Good article Spiro (I can’t believe I’m saying that), but you’re right, there’s no point in predicting what is going to happen in three years time. You never know, we (England might actually be quite good by then, but judging by what has happened in the last 5 years, it’s debatable.
Worlds Biggest said | December 4th 2008 @ 8:27am | Report comment
This morning’s game was a cracker. The Wallabies Defence was just awesome, big hits alround. Yes the Baa Baas were cobbled together for a week but the team had World class players throughout. No complaints with Smith as MOM despite AAC having a blinder. The Pommy commentators ( both very good ) see things a little differently when awarding MOM awards. I thought Pocock was outstanding when he came on, would have like to have seen more of him on this tour. O’Connor looks an exciting player. Cooper had some wayward kicks but he is a tough nut, has a crack against the big boys. Still would have liked the backs to run it more but no doubt under instruction from Dingo. A good win.
Homer said | December 4th 2008 @ 8:33am | Report comment
Good article, and a great thinking view of the pools. I am very worried about Wales in the quarters. Although we are rebuilding under Deans they are rebuilding under Gatland and have already pout together a very formidable squad. there depth willbe the big test though and the WC is a long way off.
How did our scrum go this morning and how were Cooper and O’conner?
jam said | December 4th 2008 @ 8:46am | Report comment
How good was the long pass from Burgess and Mitchell’s lines he ran to set up Turner in the 75th minute?!!
Burgess frustrates me (like everyone) at times with his fiddling about and sidestepping, but if he can do things like that more often then I think there is value in sticking with him. Perhaps with some better long-term back-up like Ben Lucas and Josh Holmes they could hook him if he’s having a real shocker. I think after a full season of Super 14 next year he will come on strong and regain the confidence he needs to be a real weapon.
I only saw the last 20 minutes but liked what I saw in the defensive work, even with some of the messy handling. Is it too late to turn TPN into a tighthead? He has power beyond his weight and height. If only he could get his throwing right he would make a perfect impact player a la Jeremy Paul. BTW what position was he playing when he and Freier were on the field? I also think he’d make a good 6 or 8 even though that would remove a jumping option in the lineout.
Ben C said | December 4th 2008 @ 9:30am | Report comment
Jam – Dunning and Kepu both went down injured within moments of each other and it meant Frier and Polota-Nau packed a front row with uncontested scrums.
Generally a great game with both sides willing to play some expansive rugby while still trying to keep a solid, disciplined structure. Who says teams can’t play a tight game and a wider, looser game as the circumstances dictate?
I would describe the coverage by channel 10 as shambolic, except that it would mean overlooking the chance to describe it as diabolical, insulting, woeful and a disgrace to sports journalism.
Worlds Biggest said | December 4th 2008 @ 9:57am | Report comment
Finally we got some good commentators this morning with Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes. Barnes was berating Steyn for his drop goal attempts which is not in the spirit of the Baa Baa’s and he is right. Great way for the Wallabies to finish the tour.
Hoy said | December 4th 2008 @ 10:40am | Report comment
I was going to write an article on this mornings game, but don’t quite have it in me. How good was it to watch a game like that?
Granted scrappy at times, however the running and defence of both sides made it a great game to watch. It makes me realise why club rugby is often great. The spirit of the game.
When two sides play running rugby like that, it is great to watch. It certainly beats the pants off the world cup final last year.
I noticed yet again, players not releasing the tackled player on the ground to allow him to play the ball.
stillmissit said | December 4th 2008 @ 10:51am | Report comment
What a great game this morning. Best of the season from my view. Sure there were messy bits and the kicking apart from O’Connor was at best OK but the overall result was very promising for the Wallabies.
O’Connor – This kid is going to be one of the all time greats. Exceptionally composed and great defence. We will forget the kick in defence in 2nd half.
Pocock – Another who will be an all time great. He was the standout player when he came on until the end. A phenomenal talent.
Turner – Real speed and good hands.
Ioane – going from strength to strength.
Palatau Nou – Great game and showed real class – NO! he is not a prop and shouldnt consider the change.
Cooper – Mostly good game and did some excellent things and some dumb ones but that is his game at the moment.
Would have liked to see more of Kimlin but, as it was, the youngsters all looked impressive and good on Deans for exposing these guys at this level.
I noticed one of the BA BA’s forwards had a go at O’Connor and he stood his ground he is a gutsy young guy.
Tuquiri, AAC, Mitchell, Dunning and Kepu all had strong games and it was a pity to lose both props and have to go uncontested but the game was totally gripping to me.
Roll on 2009.
Spiro – sorry mate cant get excited about the draw this morning.
All in all the
James Mortimer said | December 4th 2008 @ 10:57am | Report comment
Hey everyone,
Where was the Baa-baa’s game to be watched??
I looked in Fox Sports and Setanta and couldn’t find it – was it a last minute admission.
Personally, I thought McCaw looked great in his Maori chief’s cloak. Like a superhero……
I think the single factor people are missing with this World Cup is that it is in the All Blacks backyard. Choking in Cardiff or Sydney is one thing – doing it in Eden Park is another altogether.
A bit one eyed I may be – but it’s going to take the mother of all performances to deny the Blacks this one.
I like the way McCaw and the lads are talking about France in the pools. They sound hungry. It’s a good start.
jam said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:18am | Report comment
OK, granted TPN is not a prop. I’m looking forward to when he gets his throwing right.
James, I’ll admit the ABs deserve the favourites tag and beating them at home will take an almighty effort, and the precedent of 1987 doesn’t make it look any easier.
However, as we’ve seen, anything can happen at World Cups and the ABs seem to be on track to peak next year or maybe in 2010, again in the middle of the World Cup cycle! I also think it’s a little early to make too many predictions, given that there are three more 3Ns and two more sets of NH tours before then, and a lot can happen in that time.
The new generation of Wallabies do offer a lot more than the Eddie Jones class, and that gives me a lot of hope for the future, especially as Deans has the guts to give them a run. I’m fairly happy with his choices as a selector in hindsight. Eddie’s unwillingness to change combinations and players who clearly weren’t performing was infuriating in comparison.
jam said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:20am | Report comment
How did Rodney Blake go for the Baa-Baas? Unless he’s become a lot fitter I wouldn’t have thought it was his style of game.
Wallythefly said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:29am | Report comment
James, channel 10! Dont know why Fox didn’t have it,
stillmissit said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:32am | Report comment
Jam – Rodney Blake went OK and looks a lot fitter than he ever did whilst in OZ. He was a replacement and then was replaced with about 15mins to go – I think. Gregan also went OK well within his limits but not bad for all that.
McCaw, Burger and Collins were everywhere and it took a guts effort to stop them particularly Collins. Steyn killed the game for the Baba’s and I was surprised that White didnt pull him. Habana played his normal great game but was kept under control. One tackle when I thought he was away was around his bootlaces and it was Pocock who picked him up on the touchline before he had totally lit the after-burners. Great tackle by Pocock.
James Mortimer – It was on FTA Ch 10 at 6am. They may do a replay but dont count on it. Not bad coverage either, much beter than Ch 7 was.
ohtani's jacket said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:34am | Report comment
The most curious thing to me about the 2011 World Cup is how the Wallabies will fare at Eden Park.
James Mortimer said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
BUGGER!!!!!
I didn’t even think to check Channel 10. I think after I watched the Italy Wallabies game with that atrocious English commentator that I hot wired my TV to never get channel 10 again.
Does anyone remember? He called Dunning the world’s best prop. Constantly referred to the Australian’s playing Super 12, and said that Australia has the best tactical kickers in the world – despite Burgess having I think three kicks charged in the first half.
He also said it was a shame Mark Ella wasn’t selected for the game, and that David Campese should be on the bench (OK, I made that last bit up).
Dissapointed though, must have been a shining game.
But then really, who wakes up at 6 AM?
James Mortimer said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
I think a McCaw Burger Collins backrow is potentially one of the best loose forward combinations ever.
van der Merwe said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:11pm | Report comment
Steyn’s kak kicking, the uncompetitive scrums for most of the second half, and Deans’s cynical tactics (in a supposedly “fun” game, of all places) stopped this match from being a true spectacle.
The Burger/McCaw combo was truly awesome to behold, though.
Amateur Hour said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
Why, as far as I could tell, was this game not played under the full ELVs? This would have been the perfect opportunity to run them up the falg pole in a northern hemisphere bastion. The vast majority of the players were from the southern hemisphere and would have been familiar with the rules and accustomed to the faster pace. Every time a full-arm penalty was awarded and a kick was opted for, the crowd groaned and rightfully so. An opportunity lost in my books.
No replay on 10. And Fox didn’t pick it up because it wasn’t a sanctioned test match.
A big wrap needs to go to Mark Chisholm who, at one point in the first half, seemed to be making every tackle within our 22.
Who Needs Melon said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
stillmissit,
I haven’t seen the game yet but happy we won and some of the young uns went well.
No shock that AAC had a good game in the centres where he belongs.
Regarding O’Connor, he played at fullback didn’t he? I think in S14 he was playing as a centre. Where do you think he will end up? As a centre, he obviously has some tough competition in Barnes and Giteau yet we seem to be in need of a decent fullback. Does he have the kicking game required?
Can’t wait to see the game.
Cheers.
Homer said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
O’Conner is even smaller than Gits so it would be a brave coach to have two 85kg players in the midfield to tackle Burger et al.
Greg Russell said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
I agree with most that Spiro writes, especially the point that a likely QF against Wales may be a difficult assignment for the Wallabies if the current Welsh upturn continues. Then again, how often do Wales play well in the southern hemisphere?
One point Spiro neglects to make is that the RWC has never been won by a team that has lost in pool play. Thus while pool matches are not elimination matches, one might argue that de facto they are. It will be interesting to see if there is any media hype over this point in the buildup to the NZ-France pool clash in 2011, which is likely to be the tournament’s opening match.
ohtani's jacket said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
It’s worth noting that the Welsh rugby union are busy organising extra Test fixtures against the SH sides for the next two years. They’re taking this seriously.
Worlds Biggest said | December 4th 2008 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
stillmissit, that Pocock cover tackle was a cracker, he then got up and made the next tackle, just a classy play. Burger was the best forward for the Baa Baa’s, he was everywhere and a handful to bring down every time. To see Burger, McCaw and Smith all on the paddock in the same game was a treat we probably wont see again. The 3 best open sides of this decade, just awesome. Then to see the future heir to Smith’s throne in Pocock was icing on the cake. The commentators gave Smith the MOM but AAC or Burger could have won it. O’Connor is slight but is only 18 and will beef up ove the years, he looks good.
stillmissit said | December 4th 2008 @ 2:53pm | Report comment
Amateur Hour – Great idea pity it didnt come up as a topic PRIOR to this game starting and maybe it could have been argued for in the media.
Who Needs Melon – O’Connor went amazingly well at full back when you consider what was involved in that game and his age. Maybe he could make it there as he has a good kick on him and runs and steps well as we already knew. Putting him at centre, as you say, puts him up against too much competition and we are short of full backs. This kid could do anything.
Worlds Biggest – Yes it was an absolute treat to watch the back row battles that went on, it was a game within a game. Collins doesnt seem to be missing much in impact or speed. Pity my dvd recorder is on the blink and I dont have a copy of the game. Would love to watch it again.
Certainly NOT a classic BABA’s game more of a test match. The most enjoyable game (from an Aussie point of view) this year. Bring on the future guys it looks pretty rosy at the moment.
Tarpo said | December 4th 2008 @ 4:45pm | Report comment
O’Connor has played most of his rugby at 10. Wouldn’t mind seeing him have run there for the Force with Gits out one to 12.
B Johnson said | December 4th 2008 @ 4:50pm | Report comment
The Final is the Decisive Battle to establish the winner of the tournament, which is not the same as being the best team in the tournament.
Spiro, nice article but that comment puzzles me. Who would you rate as a better team in the last World Cup that England and South Africa. Surely not NZ, Australia or France as they all lost?
James Mortimer said | December 4th 2008 @ 5:19pm | Report comment
Those looking for a precious few minutes of Baa’s baa’s game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MZEzR_93ZA
mick said | December 4th 2008 @ 9:43pm | Report comment
Just had a look at the you tube clip. Was it just the poor picture or did the Baa Baa’s all play with the same socks. I thought the players traditionally played in their local club socks.
I remember as a young bloke watching a baa baa game with my dad on tv and seing Steve Cutler wearing his Gordon socks. The very socks I wore on Saturdays. I was a proud little Gordon boy that day. I couldn’t believe my humble club socks could make it all the way to England. I have loved the tradition ever since.
I didn’t see the game this morning so I’m not sure what they were wearing. Am I right in thinking that this has been lost from the Baa Baa’s? If so I’m a bit dissapointed.
JonnyP said | December 4th 2008 @ 9:55pm | Report comment
Mick, I think they were all wearing the socks of Cornwall County to commemorate the Australia v Cornwall match in the Olympics(1908 I think)
mick said | December 4th 2008 @ 9:59pm | Report comment
thanks Jonny, you’ve saved me from being dissapointed and educated me at the same time. Fine commemoration to wear Cornwell County socks. I love that sort of stuff.
bennalong said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:16pm | Report comment
Don’t like being a spoiler but apart from the need to celebrate the breadth of Rugby around the world, I think the World Cup has created a political problem for coaches that has impacted negatively on the game. I admit I cack myself looking at the AB record, but I think looking at the AB record shows what a festival occasion it is. Not the real deal and to be treated lightly. Failure certainly shouldn’t ruin careers. Give me a return to three test series anytime. More drama and tension per game and a better measure of two teams than any WC one off.
The game this morning was a cracker and showed the sort of game from the Wallabies you’d have seen against Wales with a less suppressive referee performance. Sure the kicking was excessive and frequently erratic but the commitment was relentless and total from the entire team. FULL-ON
Did we miss Gits? I don’t think so. This sort of game plan allowed Quade Cooper to replace him effectively. It also made me appreciate Cooper’s ability and add him to Beale and Barnes as better candidates for 10.
Adam A-C showed what a fantastic talent he is when not asked to kick all the time, and Drew Mitchell took up where he left off against Wales with some beautiful, beautiful lines and steps, ball in hand. YYYYAAAYYY!!!
Lote too showed he’s still got passion. Maybe Robbie can convince him to watch Drew and run not ‘at’ but ‘by’ opposing players without taking his foot off the gas. He doesn’t realise how big he is!
George was great. Is he bionic? ……………………….Roll on 2009. ………..MERRY CHRISTMAS Mr. DEANS!
mcxd said | December 4th 2008 @ 11:27pm | Report comment
strangely i never thought id say this but Sheehan had a cracker of a game then early in the second half burgess came on did three or more absolutely useless kicks that went no where but up and down and on one lost ground ? what on earth was he thinking ? i know i was thinking of putting Sheehan straight back on. He really played with agression and some smart rugby.
In fact the whole Asutralian team played with aggression the whole game. Where was this during the year ? It was absolutely fantastic. Lote was in there belting people (legally) and doing all the right things..McCaw got belted by Chisholm..who would have thought ? In fact if you had to compare McCaw with Smith, Smith without a doubt got the better of McCaw on the night.
AAC played brilliantly at inside -c attack and in defence, shame he wasnt given that opportunity early in the year. No aimless kicks from him last night.
It was a shame about the uncontested scrums.
Probably my fav Wallaby game of the year and considering it was full of young guys as the englsih commentators said it really holds well for Aus rugby future. ..but before i get ahead of myself, one game doesnt make a season.
pothale said | December 5th 2008 @ 7:42am | Report comment
Interesting article. however, if you look at the outcomes of the last few world cups, there have been very few surprises at the pool stages. The Ireland V Argentina battle has been one battle, but very few others. Knockout stages have had more surprises. Based on this draw, I would see most going according to the draw in who will go forward. NZ and France from Group 1; SA and Wales from Group 2; Ireland and Australia from Group 3; and England/Argentina from Group 4.
Who gets first and second is more open to debate. I’d reckon NZ will want to get off to a cracking start and if France is their first match, they should win it. Unless SA go downhill before 2011, they should win out over Wales. Ireland and Australia is more difficult to call – their last WC matches have been settled by a point. Ireland could beat them. For England and Argentina the result may get decided by their results against Scotland, rather than each other.
Anyway, it’s three years off. Lots to play for, and seedings to be changed. And they will.
Who Needs Melon said | December 5th 2008 @ 8:45am | Report comment
I got to watch the first 8 minutes and then my recorder crapped out. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Homer said | December 5th 2008 @ 8:47am | Report comment
Is there any footage of TPN’s tackle on Collins that anyone know’s about?
jools-usa said | December 7th 2008 @ 1:37am | Report comment
Hey Stillmissit, Sheek, bloggers, et al.
Saw some of the Ulster vs Scarlets yesterday & Ulster brought on a large OZ prop, but I forget his name.
He’s about 20 & commentator said Wallabies should look at him.
Any clue who he is & why he’s in Europe?
Thanks
Jools-USA
pothale said | December 7th 2008 @ 3:45am | Report comment
The subs for Ulster were:
19. Kieron Dawson 67′
17. Tom Court 52′
21. Niall O’Connor 72′
18. Matt McCullough 69′
20. Isaac Boss 52′
22. Mark McCrea 69′
Maybe you are referring to Tom Court who replaced Fitzpatrick at No 1. He plays for Ulster as a tighthead and loosehead prop. Court was born in Brisbane, Australia and began his sporting career as a shotputte]. He was Australian University Champion for three years running and had Olympic trials in 2002. He started playing rugby in 2004 and has represented Manawatu and Queensland Reds as well as Ulster.
He represented Ireland A in 2006 Churchill Cup before he had played his first game for Ulster. He qualifies to play international rugby for Ireland through his grandfather, who was born in County Limerick. He was also played as sub in the 2008 Churchill Cup squad. He made his full Ireland debut in an uncapped match against The Barbarians at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester.
bob heron said | May 12th 2009 @ 1:30am | Report comment
ranking before RWC 2007:
1 NEW ZEALAND 94.59
2 FRANCE 85.87
3 AUSTRALIA 85.50
4 SOUTH AFRICA 84.69
5 IRELAND 84.67
6 ARGENTINA 79.07
7 ENGLAND 78.61
8 WALES 76.87
9 SCOTLAND 76.73
10 SAMOA 73.72
and as you can see they were no use whatsoever in predicting the result. Clearly it was a slow news day and you just had to post something Spiros.
captain nemo said | August 4th 2009 @ 9:48am | Report comment
current rankings
1(1) SOUTH AFRICA 90.98
2(2) NEW ZEALAND 89.42
3(3) AUSTRALIA 86.06
4(4) IRELAND 83.27
5(5) FRANCE 81.48
6(6) ARGENTINA 81.29
7(7) ENGLAND 81.23
8(8) WALES 80.74
9(9) FIJI 76.52
10(10) SCOTLAND 75.23
adam said | August 19th 2009 @ 8:50pm | Report comment
there was a world cup in 93 ? In 1993, for instance, England lost the opening match of the RWC tournament to New Zealand but went through to the Final where they gave Australia a tough game.