Having made so many close friends in Japan, watching the devastation the earthquake caused to the northern part of the country on the news was very tough. Not being able to contact any of my mates left me feeling helpless here.
To know there are months, possibly years, of work ahead for so many people in Japan, all I can say is to all families suffering is that our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time in your lives. There are many training and playing venues around Tokyo that have uprooted and ruined.
Back onto other rugby matters, there have been some amazing results lately: Ireland beating England in Ireland and Cheetahs beating the Waratahs in Sydney, and winning for the first time in Australia, in particular. I did not see that one coming.
And of course, I did not feel good when the Reds thumped the Rebels. Yes, there were some surprising results for a few teams.
It’s going to be a tough game for the Rebels against the Hurricanes in Melbourne on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Waratahs up against the Brumbies in Canberra will not be an easy one to pick, while the Reds should have it over the Cheetahs.
But anything can happen.
The injury to my shoulder has been coming along very well, though there is still a bit of pain. But I am trying to push it as much as possible. That’s rugby for you! There are ups and downs.
That’s why we play.
kovana
Guest
Thanks for the update Mark. Hope you have been able to contact friends in Japan and that they are all right. Cheers, Malo aupito.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I think the Rebels will do better against the Hurricanes than they did V the Reds. I do not think that they will win but they will not be thrashed. The Brumbies leaving Giteau at flyhalf has given us a glimpse at the inexperience of Larkham as a coach, he was one of our best in that position and if he can't see that Giteau is making a hash of it no one can. They will be aided by Lealiifano at inside centre but I have my doubts about putting AAC back at Fullback, McCabe has been great in this position why not leave him there and give the Lealiifano AAC combo a whizz. Strange decisions??? Maybe it will gel, what would I know I'm just an armchair critic. Actually it would give me no pleasure to see either side win as I have a problem with the Brumbies and their player power arrogance and the Tahs with their silvertail type approach to the game (we don't have to work to win a game we'll just turn up) However I will tune in to see the match it will be curtains for the season for whoever loses the match IMO.