Comments on: A conversation with Stephen Larkham

By: joshf

joshf — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:24:13 +0000

I’m excited to see what Bernie can do with the young and exciting Brumbies backline when he sinks his teeth into coaching down in Canberra.

With Quade Cooper seemingly going to leave rugby at some stage I see Brumbies 20 year old fly half Matt Toomua growing into a brilliant, international standard 10. With Bernie and Giteau guiding him he could be better than both of them!

By: emosi

emosi — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:56:06 +0000

I am a 17year old student, attending a school situated at the capital city of FiJ. Well ijust want to say that he is a brilliant player with aot of enthusism and i am a big fan of his rugby techniques!

By: ohtani's jacket

ohtani's jacket — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:37:42 +0000

Larkham’s team was relegated last season and they’ve been playing in the Top League East 11, which they’re obviously too good for. The games will be tougher next season, as Ricoh vie for a mid-table spot like Kintetsu managed this year.

I agree with Larkham’s comments about tackling and the contact area. There’s a lot of tries scored in Japanese rugby. There’s also a lot of cards dished out. Practically every game has a sinbinning. Overseas flankers invariably become locks, to give you an idea of the size difference, and they score a hell of a lot more tries than back home from the lock position.

By: Who Needs Melon

Who Needs Melon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:00:32 +0000

I hope that the presence of players like Kefu and Larkham (and others I no-doubt am ignorant of) is attracting interest from spectators and also raising the level of the players over there.

Reading Larkhams comments, as well as good 10s, you’d think Japan would be able to churn out a few good 9s. Think of a job description of a scrumhalf… not too big, “not overly quick, just very agile, very fit, and have a good handling skill set” and “great footwork and agility”.

By: MarkH

MarkH — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:22:15 +0000

I dont think Japan should be included but I recon it would be a great little comp to have players develop in. Like anything if the IRB are serious they will help thses guys out. Keen is enough for me.

By: True Tah

True Tah — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:18:13 +0000

hayden

how many Japanese players have played professionally in Europe? Im only aware of one, whereas the likes of Argentina, Georgia, Tonga, Samoa, etc have had stacks more.

If, unfortunately, the new super rugby franchise is awarded to Japan as opposed to Melbourne/West Sydney, then the Jap side may as well be called the Tokyo Tuatara, as it would be a bunch of Kiwis, Islanders and maybe a few Aussies.

It would be a pathetic decision to be honest, and I hope that the ARU sees the light on this, and pushes for the team to be in Melbourne.

By: hayden

hayden — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:13:34 +0000

How much is the possible inclusion of Japan in the S14 actually going to do to develop rugby in Japan? As Larkham states, the physicality of the game Downunder will likely see Japanese teams thumped hard. In order to be competitive, they will need to further stock up with overseas players. How will Japanese fans perceive this? Will it lead to a situation where the Japanese national team is comprised entirely of expats plying their trade in Japan. I know this already happens to an extent, but to be competitive in a ‘real’ comp, it will likely only increase.

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:56:27 +0000

Bernie is playing fullback for Ricoh!

By: Brett McKay

Brett McKay — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:29:48 +0000

A quick question – is Bernie not playing fly-half for Ricoh, if he’s describing Kawano Yoshimitsu as “one of the best players I have ever seen in terms of being a 10″??

And I think I’ve read it right that Ricoh have been promoted to the Top League for this coming season..

By: MarkH

MarkH — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:57:05 +0000

Might be something for the S14 clubs to look into in terms of player development.

By: Spiro Zavos

Spiro Zavos — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:39:04 +0000

Stephen Larkham’s game was based on intelligence, skill, bravery and a mental toughness that allowed him to play his best rugby under the most intense pressure. He was the crucial missing link for the Wallabies in the 2007 RWC tournament and his absence from the quarter-final was a significant part of the loss to England. His insights into his fellow players in Japan and the way he has read the Japanese game suggests that there is a sensational coach here when his playing career is finished.