Preview England vs New Zealand

England have only scored 20 points+ in 3 of the 10 games (ignoring Fiji) under Lancaster. The match with the most points scored  (27 against South Africa in 2nd Test in June) featured Flood at 10, Tuilagi at 12 and Joseph at 13. Joseph actually made more tackles that carries in that game but Ashton’s support running did assist 2 tries. Throughout 2012, a chargedown or breakaway still looks the most likely way England will score. An actual backs move that relies on handling, vision and the right decisions being taken still looks a way off and the oft hyped winger Ashton has failed to score in his last 11 Internationals.  His confidence looks shot but he remains in the team while Sharples and Monye have both been discarded. The desire to play at a quicker tempo compared to the Six Nations is evident but the execution is missing.

Visitors New Zealand were last defeated on 27 August 2011 by Australia and have won 19 of the 20 games since. They have won 12/13 games in 2012 by 34-12 and scored over 20 points in 12 of those games (drew the game they didn’t by 18-18). They have also crossed the line 47 times (so their 3.6 tries a match in 2012 favours comparably with England’s 1.3) and conceded 14 in that period.

With All Blacks games this season, the main betting question has usually revolved around how many points they will win by and nothing has changed for their final Test.  England were favourites for the Australia match, +1 on the handicap against the Boks, however they are  a whopping 10.0 to beat New Zealand  and have a +17 handicap available. The recent games at Twickenham between the sides have seen scores of 26-16, 19-6,32-6,41-20,and 23-19. As has already been covered, the hosts are averaging a score of 18-18 this year and the visitors 34-12.

New Zealand clearly edge the head to head record and despite possessing home advantage, England are under pressure. I can the All Blacks wanting to sign off with style and despite a black mark against them for a high number of handling errors in 2012, they dominate the rest of the stats. As usual these numbers are provided by the excellent Ruckingoodstats.

New Zealand steal (13.2%) more than double the amount of lineouts that they lose (5.5%), which could be interesting against a rookie hooker in Tom Youngs who struggled to connect with Tom Wood last week. If they revert to his club team mate Parling too often then surely that will become predictable.  As with a number of stats for England this year, a one-off performance skewers the averages – whereas New Zealand have been more consistent. In this case, they stole 33% of lineouts against Italy in the Six Nations. The All Blacks are favouring the middle (47%) and England the front (50%) so there should be too many surprises where the ball  is thrown. Bar one game against Argentina, New Zealand’s scrum has been pretty solid whereas again England have fluctuated between being penalised a lot (Wales, South Africa first 2 Tests in June, Australia) to having dominance (Ireland, Italy).

Both teams have seen less than 50% possession and territory, England’s numbers have improved per game since the 2nd June Test in South Africa which may point to this desire to improve the attack.  The difference as you’d expect is what they do with the ball when they have it – the All Blacks break 1 in 4.5 tackles compared to England 1 in 9.5 and offload 8.9 times a game as opposed to 3.9. They also make roughly double the amount of line breaks.

Without wishing to be too negative – I don’t think England have the creativity to score the requisite number of tries needed to beat the All Blacks, the balance in the backrow to handle McCaw nor the kicking game to keep them pinned back. It’s tough to see past the -15 available for the visitors even accounting for the stomach bug affecting them.

If you are looking for a reason to get behind the hosts then perhaps the declining All Blacks scores of 51,42,33 may act as the flimsiest of straws to clutch.


Who better to provide a rugby masterclass than New Zealand? Unbeaten in 2012 with 12 wins and one draw against Australia, they are playing at an astonishing level even by their own imperious standards.
Young blood in Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano and Julian Savea have eased into the starting XV without any concern, assuring that this All Blacks side did not peak when they finally recaptured the Rugby World Cup last October. If anything they have improved; stronger, faster and more clinical than that trophy-winning side.


England: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Mike Brown, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 David Paice, 17 David Wilson, 18 Mako Vunipola, 19 Courtney Lawes 20 James Haskell, 21 Danny Care, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 Jonathan Joseph.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie
Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 KevenMealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumunia, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Ben Smith.

When you possess the greatest skill set, set-piece, squad and attacking threats as New Zealand do, the game is relatively simple. For every injury to Carter, you have Aaron Cruden. For every suspension for Hore, you have Keven Mealamu.
Whatever your allegiance, there is no denying the superiority of this All Blacks side - after all, they have beaten every other side they've come across in 2012. A time will come when New Zealand are no longer the world's best and this vintage crop will be looked back on. Best to savour it while it lasts.

Strangely enough I like the reserves for England more than some of the starters.

Pete reckons New Zealand by 18

Dubai HSBC 7s Nov 30 and Dec 1

http://irbsevens.com/destination/edition=1/fixturesresults.html

The second leg of the 2012/13 HSBC IRB World Sevens Series comes from Dubai. We will be bringing you updates from the action throughout Day One.

Pool A (FIJ, KEN, ESP, SCO)
Kenya and Fiji both booked their places in the Cup quarter finals in Dubai with victories against Scotland and Spain.
The champions from the Gold Coast, Fiji, were made to work hard against Spain before running out 14-0 winners thanks to tries to Setefano Cakau and Maleli Belolevu Bula. Against Scotland, they won 22-14.
Two tries to flyer Collins Injera saw Kenya run out winners in their opening match over a determined Scotland 12-5, after the Scots led early through a try to Michael Fedo, before they beat Spain 10-7.
Spain then beat Scotland 12-7 thanks to a late try on the siren through Matias Tudela.
Pool B (NZL, ARG, WAL, RUS)
Wales claimed their spot in the Cup quarter finals with a commanding 22-5 win over Russia in their final match with captain Rhys Shellard crossing for a hat trick. This followed their 14-7 defeat over Argentina.
Argentina will now have to beat New Zealand if they are to have any chance of reaching the Cup Quarter Finals.
Earlier on in dreadful conditions, with the rain pouring down, New Zealand showed their class to overcome an early Ifan Evans try for Wales to score a 14-7 victory thanks to second half tries to Tomasi Cama and Kurt Baker.
A late try to Francisco Merello saw Argentina win 17-10 in their opening game over a committed and skilful Russian team who scored tries through Vladislav Lazarenko and Denis Simplikevich..
In the other match Russia threatened briefly to pull off a major upset before late tries to Cama and Milford Keresoma saw New Zealand defeat them 31-14.
Pool C (RSA, SAM, ENG, POR)
In one of the most dramatic matches in recent memory Portugal then defeated England 22-21, thanks to a Pedro Leal penalty goal seconds before the siren, to send them through to the Cup quarter finals. A stunning performance from the least favoured team in the pool.
Earlier, after losing to South Africa in their first match, 19-10, a gutsy England team, led through the brilliance of Dan Norton, hit back to defeat Samoa 19-17 and keep their Cup quarter final dreams alive.
Samoan speedster Lio Lolo notched up a hat trick as Samoa needed a late try to see off the impressive Portugal 24-19. But Portugal turned the pool on its head when they scored a try through their giant number one Aderito Esteves after the siren to upset South Africa 12-10.
In the final round of matches Portugal then played England and Samoa took on South Africa in virtual knock out matches with the winners going through to the Cup quarter finals.
Pool D (FRA, AUS, CAN, USA)
Canada confirmed their place in the Cup Quarter Finals with a strong 26-7 win over the USA in difficult conditions in their final pool match.
Earlier they had tied 28-28 with Australia in an enthralling encounter. Justin Douglas leveled for Geraint John's side as the buzzer sounded, completing a superb comeback from 28-14 down with less than two minutes remaining.
In their opening match Canada beat France 20-0 in the day's first match while Peter Lee crossed late on as Michael O'Connor's young Australian side defeated USA 19-12.
France bounced back from their loss to Canada with a hard fought 17-14 victory over the USA Eagles thanks to Renaud Delmas' decisive try.
In the final match in the pool France battled hard to defeat Australia 7-0 to join Canada in the Cup quarter finals.
Results/Fixtures:
France 0-20 Canada
Australia 19-12 United States
Fiji 14-0 Spain
Kenya 12-5 Scotland
New Zealand 14-7 Wales
Argentina 17-10 Russia
South Africa 19-10 England
Samoa 24-19 Portugal
France 17-14 United States
Australia 28-28 Canada
Fiji 22-14 Scotland
Kenya 10-7 Spain
New Zealand 31-14 Russia
Argentina 7-14 Wales
South Africa 10-12 Portugal
Samoa 17-19 England
Canada 26-7 United States
Spain 12-7 Scotland
Wales 22-5 Russia
England 21-22 Portugal
France 7-0 Australia
18:58 Fiji v Kenya
19:22 New Zealand v Argentina
19:44 South Africa v Samoa

Preview: Wales v Australia

 This from Planet rugby

Wales will be out to avoid looking the same colour of their jerseys for a seventh straight time when they host Australia in Cardiff on Saturday.

The hosts need to return to winning ways in order to avoid a November whitewash of four defeats and to preserve their place among the world's top eight-ranked teams prior to Monday's 2015 World Cup draw in London.
If they win or draw, Wales will stay seventh.
Easier said than done as their rugby-mad supporters have discovered, seeing as they were last treated to a win way back in June when Wales beat the Barbarians.
Since then the Six Nations champs suffered a 3-0 series defeat Down Under, were shocked by Argentina and Samoa in their opening two games this month before going down to New Zealand.
But it could all have been so differently scripted a year ago, after a flamboyant Welsh side performed so well at the World Cup and then went on to win a third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years.
Consistency has well and truly deserted Wales, a loss for whom on Saturday would represent their worst run of defeats since 2003. Indeed, the Welsh are starring down the barrel and Australia - assured of a top seeding for the World Cup draw - have their finger on the trigger.
Pride and morale will also no doubt be low in the Wales camp especially coming in a season in which many players are looking to stake their claims for places in next year's British & Irish Lions squad.
"I think the game is massively important from a Welsh perspective, in terms of confidence and building on last week," said Wales coach Warren Gatland, who will lead the Lions to Australia next year.
"From a Lions point of view, it's about some of the Welsh players putting their hands up in terms of selection. There are maybe a couple of lines going through a couple of names and they need to re-establish themselves."
Gatland, however, isn't too concerned about the ramifications regarding the upcoming World Cup draw.
"If anyone is looking at us, when it comes around to 2015 and having had the preparation time together, I don't think any team particularly fancies getting Wales in their group," he said.
"We were in a really tough group last time. It is luck of the draw."
The Wallabies, meanwhile, have silenced their critics (albeit temporarily) following their opening match on tour in Paris, and have rebounded well heading into ths clash. They squeezed past Italy 22-19, having held on to beat England 20-14 the previous Saturday and will be confident of ending their trip to Europe on a high note.
After a turbulent season of mixed results and innumerable injuries, the Wallabies not only need to beat Wales for a fourth time this year, but do it with style to keep coach Robbie Deans' small army of doubters reasonably quiet over the holiday period.
However, as coach Deans put it earlier this week: "Cornered beasts are always the most dangerous; they have nowhere else to go but straight ahead."
In a recap of team news, Deans has named David Pocock in his starting XV. The openside flanker who led Australia to the three-Test clean sweep in June has recovered from a knee injury that has ruled him since the Wallabies' opening match of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand in August.
Wales have made four changes, all in the pack, to their run-on team. Gatland notably bringing in Scott Andrews for injured tighthead prop Aaron Jarvis, while lock Ian Evans replaces Bradley Davies, who was ruled out after being felled by the now-banned Andrew Hore in Wales' 33-10 defeat by the All Blacks last weekend.
Ones to watch:
For Australia: The player making headlines this week out of Australia's camp is undoubtedly flank David Pocock, who makes his long awaited return to the Test arena. Above anyone else, the Wallabies chief pilferer could well be the real difference between the two sides. His presence also serves as a powerful motivating factor for the visitors - he's a strong leader, both through actions and words.
For Wales: Wales will be relying on Gethin Jenkins to bolster their scrum up front against the ever-improving Wallabies pack. The Toulon front-rower is a powerful scrummager and a strong ball-carrier, often enabling crucial front-foot ball through a solid hit or carry that forces the defence on their heels - handy attributes for any prop.
Head to head: The line-out tussle between Luke Charteris and Nathan Sharpe will be an interesting aerial duel with both tasked to nullify the other's influence. The vastly experienced Sharpe is never intimidated though and will be looking to end his long and extinguished career with a bang. Pocock's breakdown battle with Sam Warburton will also be a fierce contest. This match-up is a matter of the Wales skipper, who is starting to rediscover his form, doing really well if he can match the Aussie's work rate and effectiveness in the loose.
Recent results:
2012: Australia won 20-19, Sydney
2012: Australia won 25-23, Gold Goast
2012: Australia won 27-19, Brisbane
2011: Australia won 24-18, Cardiff
2011: Australia won 21-18, Auckland
2010: Australia won 25-16, Cardiff
2009: Australia won 3012, Cardiff
2008: Wales won 21-18, Cardiff
2007: Australia won 32-20, Cardiff
2007: Australia won 31-0, Brisbane
2007: Australia won 29-23, Sydney
2006: Match drawn 29-29, Cardiff
2005: Wales won 24-22, Cardiff
Prediction: This should be another close encounter with Australia creeping ahead before another Wales revival. But alas it will once again be too little too late for the hosts. Australia by five!
The teams:
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Ian Evans, 3 Scott Andrews, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Scott Williams.
Australia: 15 Berrick Barnes, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Michael Hooper, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Mike Harris, 23 Digby Ioane.
Date: Saturday, December 1
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Venue: Millennium Stadium
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Greg Garner (England)
Television match official: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)

Pete reckons the margin will be greater.
Wales have lost their attacking ways. Even when they have been attacking they have not taken on the opposite line thus allowing opponents to simply slde across to defend.
of course there is much debate about how Robbie Deans has changed the attacking style of Aussies. There is much truth about this, but as it is the last game for Aussies I expect them to go out with an attacking game.
They have some remarkable runners. Heck their reserves would normally be in the starting 15.
Aussies by 18

Great article from Telegraph newspaper.

It is not just that defeat would toss them out of the top eight in the International Rugby Board’s rankings, condemning them to tier three in Monday’s 2015 World Cup draw.

It is more than that. Defeat would be their seventh on the trot. There was more intensity in the loss to New Zealand last weekend, but still the scoreline read 33-10, and that is a thumping. Add on the defeats by Argentina and Samoa and it truly has been an autumn of discontent for Wales .

The grand slammers could become the grand shams. Another false dawn might well be added to the roster. This was the team who were supposed to have been able to break the southern-hemisphere hegemony.

Yes, injuries have been cruel, but what about Australia's problems? A glance at the starting XV who beat Wales a year ago in Cardiff reveals only five names remaining. That is a turnover rate of which David Pocock would be proud.

As captain Sam Warburton said this week: “It has got to the stage where enough is enough.” The bending of the knee to the southern hemisphere must stop. Wales have still not beaten New Zealand since 1953, they have defeated South Africa only once (in 1999) and they have won against Australia only twice (with a draw in 2006) in their past 22 meetings. Defeat today would be the sixth against them in just over a year.

Warburton made his Wales debut in 2009 but already he has lost 10 times to the Sanzar countries. “I said to the players before the New Zealand game that I’ve only been involved [with Wales] for three or four years,” he said, “and it is already getting on my nerves, this whole southern-hemisphere scalp thing.”
Warburton, like his team-mates, has copped much flak during this campaign, but he was back to near his best against the great Richie McCaw and faces another titanic challenge against Pocock.
“It will be a fierce contest,’’ Wales coach Warren Gatland said. “You have got two quality world-class sevens. Pocock is a different player to Richie McCaw – a different threat. Pocock does compete on the ball and plays differently to McCaw.”
In too many areas last week Wales were not sharp enough, as acknowledged on Friday by defence coach Shaun Edwards: “There was a glaring stat that we made six line breaks and they [New Zealand] made three,” he said. “From those three they scored three tries. It just shows how clinical a team like New Zealand can be. .”
Edwards, though, was quick to point out that the other northern-hemisphere sides have hardly been tearing up trees either. “You cannot deny that the strength of rugby is in the southern hemisphere,” he said, “as it probably has been throughout the professional era, except for one period when England dominated around 2003. If we beat Australia it would be a big feather in our cap.”
As for the rankings, Edwards was not hiding from their significance. “They are obviously an issue,” he admitted. “We want to stay in the top eight if possible. Hopefully it won’t be fatal. But we had the toughest group at the last World Cup and did OK. If we’re not in the top eight this time it could be tougher. But there are two ways of looking at that. Some teams have been in a relatively easy group and have then gone into the quarter-finals a little bit under-cooked. If we dropped out of the top eight then that definitely wouldn’t be an issue, but obviously making the quarter-finals would be all that more difficult.”
Wales tackled the All Blacks with invention in mind. It was a shame that two Rhys Priestland penalty kicks to touch went dead in the first half. Otherwise the 13-man line-out that yielded a second-half try would have received an earlier airing.
Have Wales any special plans for Australia? “We might try it again, I don’t know,” Edwards smiled.
There is no doubt that Wales will need something special for victory.

Nov 30 Newsletter

I just sent this out to my newsletter list.
If you want to get info via newsletter please email me;
pedanticpete@gmail.com.
I'm a total newbie to any sort of website/blog so I don't have a sign up on my blog....yet.

In this diatribe

a) Live rugby from Big Johns

b) International 7s rugby in Houston Feb 2013

c) Other news.

a) Live rugby

Big Johns at 6150 Wilcrest will show free of charge the last 2 International games

England vs New Zealand 8.30am Live

Wales vs Australia 11am Replay

The geniuses at IRB have scheduled the last two games at the same time.

And, arguably, these are 2 of the most anticipated games.

Is it possible for the greatest game to be saddled with such incompetence time and time again.

I haven't been able to get out as much as I'd like because of health issues. But if you guys want to encourage the owner to spend many thousands of dollars to show 6 Nations then please get out and support. One cannot bank on internet during 6 nations. The digital rights management people are out in force policing the internet and shutting down sites.

It costs him quite a bit to open early on Saturdays and have all the ingredients for an Irish/English breakfast. His regular clientele does not eat English bangers, Heinz baked beans or black pudding.

b) International 7s rugby

Friday 1st and Sat 2nd Feb from midday both days.

It looks like all the fieldside tickets have already been sold.

Rugby sevens is party time. Go to You t*ube to see what a great time is had by all.

I found this on you tube by Googling Hong Kong 7s crowd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlt9q1YqnAc&feature=share&list=PL58B7C2BE673E1BC2

You'll have to copy and paste as many corporate email clients dislike hyperlinks, particularly YT.

My missus, Becci, exec director of BABC, is working with a few companies on sponsorship deals.

I hear they are dirt cheap with the added bonus of many free tickets. Company and client party?

Call her on work # 832 351 3940.

Next week I'll outline all the deals.

c) Other news

South Africa’s Bryan Habana has won the International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA) try of the year award for his score against New Zealand in September, it was announced Thursday.

Here are the 4 tries which were nominated. You decide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNcncFY6-qQ

Habana has been one of my favs for years. Not only is he a prolific scorer who would undoubtedly have score three times as many tries had he played for All Blacks, but he is always looking for work.

In other news....the alternative international rugby awards have finally acknowledged what I have been saying for years....namely

Worst Coach
a) Andy Robinson: Worst capitulation in IRB rankings in a single year.
b) Rob Howley: For enabling Wales to slip down the rankings faster than Warren Gatland falling from a ladder.
c) Robbie Deans: Consistently making the worst attempts to win a Bledisloe Cup.
d) Heyneke Meyer: For best attempt to make Springbok fans nostalgic for the good old days when P-Divvy was in the power seat.
e) Martin Johnson: for worst attempt at a Rugby World Cup campaign.

Yep....Andy Robinson is officially the worst coach.

The collegiate sevens is being held at Texas A &M today and tomorrow.

I'll get details out asap, with details on how to watch. I remember seeing Espn 3 showing finals tomorrow.

I must zoom to a docs appointment.

Thanks for enduring my diatribes.

Regards Pete

PS: all this weekend's rugby games will be on my quick blog;

http://allblacks-rugby.blogspot.com/

 

 

Decorative artists. www.kandpinteriors.com
Founder www.katyrugbyclub.com
and www.katyrugby.org
British American Business Council
www.babchouston.org
Mobile 281 701 8449


"The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice."
--Mahatma Gandhi

The Alternative International Rugby Awards

With another rugby season just about done and dusted, and with the IRB Awards looking to be the usual overly political, foregone conclusion, it’s time to celebrate those who have actually provoked the most debate and excitement in season 2012.
Nominees for the Alternative IRB awards are:
1. Worst Refereeing Howler
a) Wayne Barnes and Dave Pearson: For being too close, or too far away to spot Bradley Davies spear tackle on Donncha Ryan.
b) Craig Joubert: Worst unlikely contribution to New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
c) Bryce Lawrence: Worst brazenly obvious contribution to New Zealand’s rugby world cup campaign.
d) Alain Rolland: Worst timing for a referee to actually punish a tip tackle while having a French sounding name.
e) Jonathan Kaplan: For “Keep your eye on the ball… the ball… not around the ball…the ball. Now, JK, which ball was used in the quick throw? The game ball from row Z in the stands? Or another one?”
2. Worst Coach
a) Andy Robinson: Worst capitulation in IRB rankings in a single year.
b) Rob Howley: For enabling Wales to slip down the rankings faster than Warren Gatland falling from a ladder.
c) Robbie Deans: Consistently making the worst attempts to win a Bledisloe Cup.
d) Heyneke Meyer: For best attempt to make Springbok fans nostalgic for the good old days when P-Divvy was in the power seat.
e) Martin Johnson: for worst attempt at a Rugby World Cup campaign.
3. Worst Act of Thuggery
a) Aurélien Rougerie on Richie McCaw: For worst eye gouge on an opposition captain in a Rugby World Cup final.
b) Dean Greyling on Richie McCaw: For worst attempt to subtly imply to a referee that a flanker might be offside.
c) Sam Warburton on Vincent Cleric: For worst attempt to get away with a tip-tackle.
d) Andrew Hore on Bradley Davies: For worst attempt to nonchalantly knock out an opponent.
e) Bradley Davies on Donncha Ryan: For least appropriate way to suggest a player is bound correctly to a ruck in the future.
4. Worst Team Performance
a) England for Rugby World Cup 2011: otherwise known as Mike Tindall’s stag.
b) Fiji: For all of 2011/2012.
c) France: For worst performance by a finalist in a Rugby World Cup pool.
d) New Zealand: For that draw in Brisbane.
e) Wales: For the tour of Australia they backed themselves to win 3-0.
f) Ireland: For losing to New Zealand 60-0 after being an injury time drop goal shy of a win the week before.
5. Worst off Field Indiscretion
a) Mike Tindall: For getting caught on video with another woman in a bar, two weeks after getting married.
b) Manu Tuilagi: For worst waterborne attempt to escape from the England team environment.
c) James Haskell, Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley: For “the hotel walkie-talkie incident”.
d) Quade Coope : For worst contribution to dressing room solidarity.
c) Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono: For worst adherence to Godwin’s law on a social media platform.
6. Worst Kit
a) England: For wearing All Black to a rugby competition, in New Zealand.
b) Ireland: For wearing an All Black away strip, at home after losing 60-0 to the All Blacks.
c) England: For the purple jump suit.
d) New Zealand: For being a bunch of money grubbing sell outs and defiling rugby’s proudest icon with a sponsor’s logo.
7. Worst Commentary/Pundit
a) Ian Smith: For introducing the defeated French Captain as “Thierry Henry” in the Rugby World Cup post match interview.
b) Murray Mexted: Occupying all Google’s top 10 hits for the search phrase “rugby commentary howler”.
c) Zinzan Brooke: For ending every sentence on Sky TV with the word “here”.
d) Brian Moore: The only thing more reliable than a referee ignoring a crooked scrum feed is that Brian Moore will talk for 20 minutes about it. Every. Single. Time.
e) Phil Kearns: For suggesting every act of foul play perpetrated by a Wallaby should be legalised by the IRB.
f) John Inverdale: For most tenuous segue to mention Jonny Wilkinson’s 2003 drop goal during every single match commentary.

RaboDirect Pro 12 weekend Dec 1 and 2

RaboDirect Pro 12

Fri 30 Nov
Ospreys v Cardiff Blues 19:05 (local) 13:05 (Houston)

Sat 1 Dec
Benetton Treviso v Newport Gwent Dragons 15:00 (local) 08:00 (CST)
Connacht Rugby v Edinburgh  17:00 (local) 11:00 (CST)
Leinster v Zebre  18:00 (local)  12:00 CST
Munster v Glasgow Warriors 19:45 (local) 13:45 (CST)

Sun 2 Dec
Scarlets v Ulster 16:05 (local) 10:05 (CST)

Aviva Premiership games weekend Dec 1 and 2

Fri 30 Nov
Harlequins vs Worcester Warriors 19:45 (local) 13:45 (Houston)
Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints Nov 19:45 (local) 13:45 (Houston) 

Sat 1 Dec
Leicester Tigers v Bath  12:30 (local)  06:30 (Houston) 
Exeter Chiefs v London Wasps  17:30 local) 11:30 (Houston)

Sun 2 Dec
London Welsh v London Irish  15:00 (local) 09:00 (CST)
Saracens v Gloucester Rugby 15:00 (local) 09:00 Houston

French Top 14 games weekend Dec 1 and 2

Fri 30 Nov
Perpignan v Agen 20:50 (local) 13:50 Houston

Sat 1 Dec
Toulouse v Clermont Auvergne  15:00 local 08:00 (Houston)
Biarritz v Bordeaux Begles  18:30 (local) 11:30 (Houston) 
Mont-de-Marsan v Castres 18:30 (local) 11:30 (Houston) 
Montpellier v Bayonne   18:30 (local) 11:30 (Houston)
Racing Metro 92 v Stade Francais  18:30 (local) 11:30 (Houston) 
Toulon v Grenoble  18:30 (local) 12:30 (Houston)

2 day special ticket pricing for women's 7s Houston Feb 2013

This from USA Rugby. (A copy of my newsletter and FB notice)

The special is only available today and tomorrow.

Link at bottom. I've removed hyperlink in case some company email systems will reject. So copy and paste please.

Pre-Sale: International Rugby Women's Sevens World Series

International Rugby Returns to Houston!
The International Rugby Board and USA Rugby have awarded Houston a multi-year deal to host Round 2 of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series. Twelve international women’s teams will compete at the event, scheduled for February 1 & 2, 2013, at BBVA Compass Stadium.
This historical two-day International Series, the second stop on a new Women’s World Series Rugby Sevens global tour, the first of its kind for women, and an Olympic qualifier series, will take place annually in Houston through 2015. Rugby Sevens will debut as one of the new Olympic sports at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Catch all the hard-hitting action as Australia, Canada, England, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States take on Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Argentina, and Trinidad & Tobago in 7-minute, adrenaline-filled increments stretched over 14 total hours.
As a supporter of rugby & BBVA Compass Stadium, we are extending an exclusive pre-sale offer beginning Tuesday, November 27th at 10 a.m. through Thursday, November 29th at 11:59 p.m. Get your 2-day passes starting at just $15. The event will donate $1 per ticket to the Houston Area Women’s Center. To access pre-sale offer, click here.
Tickets for the International Women’s Rugby Sevens World Series will go on-sale to the general public beginning Friday, November 30 at 10 a.m. and will be available online at www.axs.com or www.bbvacompassstadium.com or by calling 888-929-7849.

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Rankings blow for England and Wales

Rankings blow for England and Wales

November 25, 2012

England's ambitions of winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup have taken a blow with the confirmation they will not be in the top-four seeds for the tournament that they will host.

But the stiutaion could be significantly worse for Wales. Warren Gatland's side face a crunch clash with Australia on Saturday at the Millennium Stadium, where a defeat would see them relegated to the third tier of seeds for the World Cup draw which will take place in London on December 3.

The International Rugby Board will reveal the latest world rankings tomorrow with New Zealand, Australia, France and South Africa occupying the top spots. And with the rankings gap between them and the rest too big to be overturned by next weekend's internationals, those four teams will be the top four seeds for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

England face the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday but defeats to Australia and South Africa this autumn have already scuppered their hopes of securing a top seeding, which could have led to a favourable draw for the 2015 World Cup.

Wales' hopes of gate-crashing the top four was ruined by defeats to Argentina, Samoa and the All Blacks. But victory over Australia at the Millennium Stadium will secure their place alongside England, Samoa and Ireland in the second band.

However defeat would see Wales, who finished fourth at the World Cup in New Zealand a year ago, drop into the third tier of seeds along with Italy, Scotland and Tonga with Argentina taking their place in the second band of seeds.

Wales' surprise defeats to Argentina and Samoa earlier this autumn - when Gatland was granted time away to focus on preparations for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia next summer - could therefore prove decisive in their chances at the 2015 World Cup.

The official IRB world rankings will be released on Monday.

Provisional rankings:

1. New Zealand - 92.91

2. South Africa - 86.94

3. Australia - 86.31

4. France - 85.07

5. England - 81.07

6. Ireland - 80.22

7. Wales - 78.95

8. Samoa - 78.71 (78.709236088306938 to 15 decimal places)

9. Argentina - 78.71 (78.708853582562098 to 15 decimal places)

10. Italy - 76.24

11. Tonga - 76.10

12. Scotland - 75.83

So, its official...finally....Northern hemisphere style rugby cannot keep pace with the Southern hemisphere style. Yes we suck.

Finally Andy Robinson, coach of Scotland has gone. Scotland now have a chance to progress.
I have been saying for years that the guy is absolutely the worst coach in pro rugby.

International Matches Nov 24

All times GMT so deduct 6hrs for Houston

 

International Matches

Saturday , November 24
Italy vs Australia 14:00

Ireland vs Argentina 14:00
England vs South Africa 14:30
Scotland vs Tonga 15:00
France vs Samoa 17:00
Wales vs New Zealand 17:15

Also 5am Houston time

Georgia vs Fiji

and 8am Houston time

Romania vs USA

Pete reckons

Australia by 18

Ireland by8

South Africa by 5

Scotland by 18

France by 12

New Zealand by 21

No team sheets for Georgia vs Fiji.

I reckon both Georgia and Fiji will have the few pros that normally play for them unavailable so they can play for club sides.

Fiji should still win by 10

USA should bt Romania. USA have at least 5 good pros vs Romania's 3. USA also has a couple of ex pros. New USA coach is trying to play a good style of rugby. Expansive with offloading in the tackle.

USA by 18


A few quick observations and facts
 
ABs vs Wales
The All Blacks have won 24 consecutive test matches against Wales over the last 59 years, and that is the longest sequence of wins for any international team where both sides have had at least one victory over the other.

This weekend's test will be the 90th Wales have played at the Millennium Stadium. They have a 53 percent winning record against all nations on this ground, but have never beaten the All Blacks in the seven tests played there since 2002. The All Blacks average points spread per game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium is 39 for and 14 against.

Wales have scored 23 tries against the All Blacks, which is a long way short of the 108 tries the All Blacks have scored against them.

The All Blacks have managed not to concede a try against Wales on 14 occasions, the most recent time being June 2010, at Carisbrook. The last time the All Blacks kept Wales try-less in Cardiff was in 2009.

It is 10yrs to this month that New Zealand last lost a test match in Europe. Since the loss of 31-28 to England in 2002 they have won a straight 27 games in Europe.

The ABs are now unbeaten in 19 matches against all teams.
 
If a small island of just 4 million people can win so many games, how come we all aren't playing this style of rugby?
Although ABs are without Carter they should still win by 21 against a demoralized Welsh team that has lost it's way

Italy vs Aussie
Italy's national side is practically the Benetton Treviso team which so far this year has played 8 in Rabo Direct league and only won 3.
The remainder of the side come from Zebre who have played 7 and not won a game yet.
How on earth the wallabies do not score quite a few tries will be beyond me.
I have Aus by 18 and even that should be too little.
The Italians have a few top class pros. Namely Masi who is really fast and plays for Wasps and Castrogiovani who plays for Leicester. Orquero and Parisse are also top class. But that is it. If the other players were of suitable quality, they too would have moved up to better teams in France and England.

Ireland vs Argies
Once again the Argies field 5 amateurs in their starting line up. How on earth can amateurs do well against full pros. If they were that good they would already have a contract with a top club.Argies have played well for each other. But if a team plays an adventurous and expansive game game against them the Argies will buckle. You just can't play a game where you simply run into them ala Northern Hemisphere style.

Scotland vs Tonga.
Tonga have 5 first class pros and 2 good pros plying their trade in ITM Cup in NZ. My view is that any of D1 sides in ITM cup could compete well with the top clubs in UK.
So, with Tonga fielding 8 amateurs in their starting lineup, you have to hope that the Scots can run up a good score. The Scots' only handicap is their English Coach.... Robinson.

France vs Samoa
I correctly called Samoa vs Wales. Samoa have a side of good pros with a couple of amateurs in the starting line up and will give the French a good run. But I still think Froggies will win by at least 12.

England vs SA
This is a hard one. As an Englishman I so want to have an England side I can support.
Lancaster has been trying to play a more expansive game, but still goes back to conservative style every now and again. Case in point was against Aus last week. Tuilagi and Ashton hardly touched the ball all day, and they are superb players in the backs.
The Bok will run hard at England and will only get the ball out wide as a last resort. But anyone who has played against a Saffie knows they are a hard bunch.
So, depending upon which England team shows up I predict a Bok win by at least 5.
No Habana for Bok, so they have lost one of the hardest workers in the game.

Aviva Premiership Nov 23 - 25

Aviva Premiership All times GMT. Deduct 6 hrs for Houston

Friday , November 23
Bath vs Harlequins 19:45
Worcester vs Saracens 20:00

Saturday , November 24

Gloucester vs Sale 12:00
Northampton vs London Welsh 13:00

Sunday , November 25
Wasps vs Leicester 14:30
London Irish vs Exeter 15:00

I reckon;

Bath by 3. Actual Bath won 21-18. The whole game was just penalties. Terrible.

Sarries by 2. Worcester won by 9

RaboDirect PRO12 Nov 23 - 25

RaboDirect PRO12 All times GMT. Deduct 6 hrs for Houston time
Friday , November 23
Benetton Treviso vs Ulster 18:05 
Newport-Gwent D'gons vs Connacht 19:00
Edinburgh vs Ospreys 19:05

Glasgow vs Leinster 19:35

Sunday , November 25
Zebre vs Cardiff Blues 14:00
Munster vs Scarlets 17:15

 

I reckon;

Ulster by 2  Actual .....Treviso 15-16 Ulster

Dragons by 2 Actual   Dragon 14-3 Connacht

Ospreys by 3 Actual Edinburgh finally win 23-13

Glasgow by 5 and they sucked as usual Leinster won 6-0. What a terrrible game.

England v South Africa, November 24

England v South Africa, Twickenham, November 24
   
New-look England eye unchanged Boks

England will renew their search for a major southern hemisphere scalp when they welcome South Africa to Twickenham on Saturday.

Much was expected of Stuart Lancaster's men when they came up against an injury-ravaged Wallabies XV last weekend but Robbie Deans' charges rallied and claimed a 20-14 victory that leaves England without a win against either New Zealand, Australia or South Africa since 2010.

The England side came in for some criticism post-match with the decision to run three penalties rather than opting to kick for the posts featuring prominently but Lancaster refused to point the finger of blame. But it does not get any easier for England.

South Africa have won both of the games on their tour of the northern hemisphere. They have already recorded wins over Ireland and Scotland, both immensely physical matches which at times turned into an arm wrestle, and will be looking to make it three from three on Saturday. There will also be some familiar faces in the Boks' side with Bath's Francois Louw and Saracens' Schalk Brits both in their matchday squad.

And hanging over the autumn internationals is the draw for the 2015 World Cup which is scheduled for December 3. England are looking to force their way back into the top four and secure a top seed for the draw while South Africa are already nicely positioned in that elite group.

England - Player to Watch: Ben Youngs is back at scrum-half at the expense of Danny Care and will look to put down a marker to the England backroom staff. He came in for some criticism following his decision to tap and go when England were awarded a very kickable penalty against the Wallabies and will hope to make amends.

England - Team News: England have made six changes ahead of the match with Youngs replacing Care at scrum-half. Wasps' Joe Launchbury is handed his first Test start in the second row with club-mate Tom Palmer making way. London Irish's Alex Corbisiero also returns to the starting line-up at loose-head prop in the place of Quins' Joe Marler while Northampton's Tom Wood is another to benefit from the England re-shuffle with a promotion to the blindside flanker berth at the expense of Exeter's Tom Johnson. The other change up front sees Gloucester's Ben Morgan named at No.8 instead of Leicester's Thomas Waldrom. And in the backs, Mike Brown starts on the wing instead of Charlie Sharples while Jonathan Joseph, James Haskell and Mouritz Botha come on to the bench.

South Africa - Player to Watch: Willem Alberts had a stormer against Scotland last weekend and will look to continue in the same vein on Saturday. He has enjoyed playing against England in the past with two of his four tries coming against the red rose side.

South Africa - Team News: Heyneke Meyer has named an unchanged XV from the one that beat Scotland but makes two changes to the bench. Pat Cilliers and Elton Jantjies are both included, at the expense of CJ Van der Linde and Morne Steyn.

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth canters through, Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, Scotland, November 17, 2012
Eben Etzebeth retains his place in the second-row for the Boks © Getty Images
Enlarge

Key Battle: Chris Robshaw will be hoping to bounce back after he was dominated by Australia's Michael Hooper last weekend but it will not get any easier for the England skipper. He will come up against Bath's Francois Louw who was, like Hooper, named Man of the Match last weekend - it should be a titanic battle.

Trivia: Jean de Villiers will captain the side from the centres and he will become the fifth most-capped Springbok of all time and the most-capped member of the 2012 squad in what will be his 84th Test.

Stats: Jean de Villiers, Francois Hougaard and Jannie du Plessis will end the season having started in all 12 Tests in 2012 for the Boks.

Quote Unquote:

"There were some tight calls, which is what you want as coaches, but the players we have brought in to start have been training well, will bring a real motivation to make the most of their opportunity and will suit the challenge we face against a tough and physical South African team."
- England boss Stuart Lancaster

Prediction: England need a bit of magic from somewhere and if they get that spark, then they could come away with the win but I am going for a Boks victory by at least 5

My rugby newsletter Nov 16 with viewing details

Apologies... for getting this out late. I only got the call from Big Johns at lunchtime and I was nowhere near a computer.

International Matches All times GMT deduct 6 hrs for Houston.
Today, November 16
Wales vs Samoa 19:30 Samoa won quite easily 26-19

Tomorrow Saturday , November 17

Georgia vs Japan.... IRB says 15:00 KO. But fails to state if this is local time or GMT. Could be either. If it is local then KO is -10 hrs which would be 5am here. If 15:00 GMT then KO is 9am here. I'll bet the former. Should be a good game. Japan playing some nice rugby.
Italy vs New Zealand 14:00
Scotland vs South Africa 14:30
England vs Australia 14:30
Ireland A vs Fiji 17:30
USA vs Tonga 18:00 from Wales

France vs Argentina 20:00

Canada vs Russia 20:15 from Wales

Preview is on my blog;

http://allblacks-rugby.blogspot.com/

Big Johns will show;

England vs Ireland @ 08.30am

Ireland vs Fiji @ 11.30am

Scotland vs South Africa as a replay from 08:30am @ 13:30 hrs.

I was told they will have a computer hooked up to get Italy vs New Zealand @ 08.00am

AND

France vs Argentina @2pm

Big Johns is located at 6150 Wilcrest, just south of Harwin.

All games will be free again. Big John's owner is picking up the tab for the PPV games coming from Premier Sports.

He is still trying to gauge the interest and enthusiasm level before spending thousands of dollars for 6 Nations.

For what its worth.

There was never more than 15 at any one game last week. The largest contingents were the Aussies and Kiwis, followed by English.

Although I didn't mange to get to pub until Aussie/France game, I am reliably informed that there was no sign of Scots or Irish at all.

So, its not looking as though 6 Nations will be bought. We have time to convince owner that we are a viable group.

Next week I'll have some great news on the women's International sevens being held here in Houston in Feb of next year.

These International 7's tournaments are a great excuse to get dressed up, apply the war paint and knock back a pint (or several).

Becci of BABC fame is on the organizing committee and as soon as IRB give the go ahead, she will be able to announce some unbelievably cheap

sponsorship packages with brilliant perks.

I'll also let you know of a special Scottish Highland Games party on Nov 28. I'd like to say we'll show a repeat of a Scottish rugby game, but the combination of bellowing bagpipes and sloppy Scots rugby might induce a few suicides.

Hope to see some of you out tomorrow.

Regards Pete

Decorative artists. www.kandpinteriors.com
Founder www.katyrugbyclub.com
and www.katyrugby.org
British American Business Council
www.babchouston.org
Mobile 281 701 8449


"The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice."
--Mahatma Gandhi

Preview of International games Saturday Nov 17

GEORGIA vs JAPAN

Saturday, November 17, 15:00 local, Tbilisi (deduct 10 hrs for Houston time)

Georgia see their first action of November as they attempt to reclaim the 15th spot in the IRB rankings that Japan earned in victory over Romania last weekend. Though they are missing a couple front line forwards, they are close to full strength and feature three forwards who ply their trade in the French Top 14 league. Chief among them is monstrous number eight Mamuka Gorgodze, who should cause the smaller Japanese back row huge problems with his brutal ball running. The Romanian scrum destroyed the Cherry Blossoms in Bucharest and the Lelo forwards, led by Clermont prop Davit Zirakashvili, are even more adept in that area.

The only change in the Japanese side is, significantly, at tighthead prop where Kensuke Hatakeyama trades places with Hiroshi Yamashita, who drops to the bench. This might help a little, but it won’t be enough to fix a vital mismatch at the set piece. While Japan have the superior backs and will move the ball quickly through scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka, the Georgian pack should grind out a victory in their home stadium. Lelos by 2. I would like the Japs to win. They play a good brand of expansive rugby. My heart says Japs but at home I would have to say Georgia, but barely.

GEORGIA
Irakli Kiasashvili; Irakli Machkhaneli, Davit Kacharava, Merab Sharikadze, Sandro Todua; Merab Kvirikashvili, Irakli Abuseridze (capt.); Davit Khichagishvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Davit Zirakashvili; Giorgi Nemsadze, Levan Datunashvili; Shalva Sutiashvili, Viktor Kolelishvili, Mamuka Gorgodze. RES: Irakli Natriashvili, Mikheil Nariashvili, David Kubriashvili, Vakhtang Maisuradze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Giorgi Begadze, Lasha Khmaladze, Tedo Zibzibadze.

JAPAN
Ayumu Goromaru; Toshiaki Hirose (capt.), Tomohiro Senba, Harumichi Tatekawa, Hirotoki Onozawa; Kosei Ono, Fumiaki Tanaka; Yusuke Nagae, Shota Horie, Kensuke Hatakeyama; Hitoshi Ono, Luke Thompson; Hendrik Tui, Takashi Kikutani, Michael Leitch. RES: Haruki Ota, Takuma Asahara, Hiroshi Yamashita, Michael Broadhurst, Koliniasi Holani, Atsushi Hiwasa, Yu Tamura, Go Aruga.

ITALY vs NEW ZEALAND

Saturday, November 17, 14:00 GMT, Rome (8am Houston_)

Jacques Brunel has handed Francesco Minto, normally a flanker, his first cap at lock in one of eight changes to the Italian side that defeated Tonga. Martin Castrogiovanni returns at prop, and there is a new halfback combination in Edoardo Gori and Luciano Orquera. The Azzurri lineup has been chopped and changed so many times it’s difficult to figure out exactly who is first choice anymore, but barring a couple names this is close.

The All Blacks have rolled out almost an entirely new starting XV, with only first-time captain Kieran Read retained from the Scotland match. Manawatu teammates Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden are the new playmakers, and have first choice centres Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith outside them. With perfect weather being forecast in Rome on Saturday, expect another superlative-laden festival of tries as New Zealand coast to a 35 point victory.

ITALY
Andrea Masi; Giovanbattista Venditti, Tommaso Benvenuti, Alberto Sgarbi, Mirco Bergamasco; Luciano Orquera, Edoardo Gori; Andrea Lo Cicero, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni; Antonio Pavanello, Francesco Minto; Alessandro Zanni, Simone Favaro, Sergio Parisse (capt.). RES: Davide Giazzon, Alberto de Marchi, Lorenzo Cittadini, Quintin Geldenhuys, Mauro Bergamasco, Robert Barbieri, Tobias Botes, Luke McLean.

NEW ZEALAND
Beauden Barrett; Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina; Brodie Retallick, Ali Williams; Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (capt.). RES: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Dan Carter, Cory Jane.

ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA

Saturday, November 17, 14:30 GMT, London (08.30am Houston)

England will be hopeful of winning their third match in a row against Australia, something they haven’t achieved since 2002 in the build up to their famous World cup victory over their hosts. Ugo Monye makes way for Chris Ashton in the only change to the match day squad from a week ago. The Wallabies meanwhile have recalled Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Digby Ioane, and Berrick Barnes in the hopes of recouping some form following a thorough pasting at the hands of France.

It’s hard to see where Australia can improve enough to win in such a short time. The four changes will strengthen the team’s resolve but England have a significant edge in confidence and will have no fear of an alarmingly predictable Wallaby attack compounded by a weak scrum. Expect a closer game than the debacle in Paris, but the home side to take this by 12 points.

ENGLAND
Alex Goode; Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Charlie Sharples; Toby Flood, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole; Tom Palmer, Geoff Parling; Tom Johnson, Chris Robshaw (capt.), Thomas Waldrom. RES: David Paice, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Joe Launchbury, Tom Wood, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown.

AUSTRALIA
Berrick Barnes; Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ben Tapuai, Nick Cummins; Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps; Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander; Sitaleki Timani, Nathan Sharpe (capt.); Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu. RES: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Brett Sheehan, Mike Harris, Drew Mitchell.

SCOTLAND vs SOUTH AFRICA

Saturday, November 17, 14:30 GMT, Edinburgh (08.30 Houston)

Scotland played about as well as anyone could have expected against the All Blacks, and will look at the Springboks as a far less daunting challenge, particularly given the close result in Dublin. Andy Robinson has shored up his scrum by adding Euan Murray at tighthead, and with Ross Rennie out injured David Denton is recalled at number eight. The starting side is otherwise unchanged. John Barclay will look to make an impact from the bench, and there is a potential first cap for Glasgow fullback Peter Murchie.

South Africa have opted for Juan de Jongh instead of Jaco Taute at centre, and Gurthro Steenkamp is fit enough to start at loosehead prop in the only changes to the side that narrowly escaped against the Irish. The Springboks underperformed at the Aviva and coach Heyneke Meyer will have been very forthright with them during the week, so expect a more disciplined approach from them this week. Scotland have a chance if SA continue to play crash and bash one dimensional rugby, but one feels that they’ll have to be near-perfect to pull it off. South Africa should win this easily though. They will be emboldened to run the ball wide...by 21 pts
SCOTLAND
Stuart Hogg; Sean Lamont, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser; Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Euan Murray; Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton; Alasdair Strokosch, Kelly Brown (capt.), David Denton. RES: Dougie Hall, Kyle Traynor, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock, John Barclay, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Peter Murchie.

SOUTH AFRICA
Zane Kirchner; J.P. Pietersen, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (capt.), Francois Hougaard; Patrick Lambie, Ruan Pienaar; Gurthro Steenkamp, Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis; Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger; Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Duane Vermeulen. RES: Schalk Brits, Heinke van der Merwe, C.J. van der Linde, Flip van der Merwe, Marcell Coetzee, Morne Steyn, Jaco Taute, Lwazi Mvovo.

TONGA vs UNITED STATES

Saturday, November 17, 18:00 GMT, Colwyn Bay (Midday Houston)
This game should also be available on Universal Sports channel on Direct TV or Dish.

The Ikale Tahi didn’t perform badly against the Italians and were perhaps a bit unlucky in defeat, but will have to pick up the pace a bit on attack if they want to ensure victory against a game US Eagle side. The return of exiled captain Nili Latu, in the side for the first time since 2009, is a big boost to their chances. The Americans also show only one change, as the unavailability of Chris Wyles gives Zach Pangelinan his first cap at fullback.

The key to victory against the Russians was a dominant performance in the contact area by the US back row in particular, but the Tongans are a different kettle of fish. They will relish the collisions and have the horses up front to make the hard yards required. The Eagles will put up a good fight but in the end the war of attrition goes to the big men from the South Pacific. Tonga wins by at least 15
TONGA
Vungakoto Lilo; Fetu’u Vainikolo, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Sione Piukala, Viliami Helu; Fangatapu Apikotoa, Taniela Moa; Sona Taumalolo, Elvis Taione, Halani Aulika; Joe Tuineau, Lua Lokotui; Steve Mafi, Nili Latu (capt.), Viliame Ma’afu. RES: Ilaisa Ma’asi, Tevita Mailau, Kisi Pulu, Josh Afu, Hale T-Pole, Eddie Paea, Alipate Fatafehi, Viliame Iongi.

UNITED STATES
Zach Pangelinan; Cornelius Dirksen, Paul Emerick, Andrew Suniula, Luke Hume; Toby L’Estrange, Robbie Shaw; Shawn Pittman, Chris Biller, Eric Fry; Brian Doyle, Louis Stanfill; Scott LaValla, John Quill, Todd Clever (capt.). RES: Derek Asbun, Nick Wallace, Zach Fenoglio, Inaki Basauri, Peter Dahl, Mike Petri, Roland Suniula, Gearoid McDonald.

IRELAND XV vs FIJI

Saturday, November 17, 17:30 GMT, Limerick (11:30am Houston)

Declan Kidney has rung the changes for this non-cap international at Munster’s famous home ground Thomond Park. David Kilcoyne and Iain Henderson earn their first senior Irish starts, while Paddy Jackson looks to lead a completely new backline. Fiji meanwhile have drafted in London Irish prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa to help solve their scrum woes, and have moved Apisai Naikatini into the second row to make room for Iliesa Ratuva on the flank. The more traditional kicking game of Jonetani Ralulu is preferred at flyhalf, while Metuisela Talebula moves to fullback.

This is a winnable match for Fiji, but only on paper. In reality they look unprepared and directionless, and even if the scrum improves the forwards will come off second best. There’s every reason to believe the backs can put a couple over the tryline, but the Irish will play to their strengths and keep the Fijians on the back foot, claiming a 15 point victory in an entertaining match in Limerick.
IRELAND XV
Denis Hurley; Fergus McFadden, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; David Kilcoyne, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Donncha O’Callaghan, Dan Tuohy; Iain Henderson, John Muldoon, Jamie Heaslip (capt.). RES: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Michael Bent, Donnacha Ryan, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Zebo.

FIJI
Metuisela Talebula; Simeli Koniferedi, Vereniki Goneva, Josh Matavesi, Watisoni Votu; Jonetani Ralulu, Nikola Matawalu; Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Viliame Veikoso, Deacon Manu (capt.); Leone Nakarawa, Apisai Naikatini; Iliesa Ratuva, Malakai Ravulo, Nemani Nagusa. RES: Tale Tuapati, Setefano Somoca, Manasa Saulo, Apisai Ratuniyarawa, Josefa Domolailai, Kelemedi Bola, Saula Radidi, Timoci Matanavou.

CANADA vs RUSSIA

Saturday, November 17, 20:15pm GMT, Colwyn Bay (14:15pm Houston)
Check Universal sport on Direct and Dish as this may also be covered.

Canada are the only team yet to announce their side for Saturday’s match in what has become an annoyingly recurrent trait in recent months. Regardless they will be without injured starters Sean White and Matt Evans, but will have Jebb Sinclair back from South Africa at last. After a disappointing effort against Samoa the rest of the lineup is anyone’s guess, including, it seems, coach Kieran Crowley. The Russians have made one change, with Dimitri Gerasimov replacing injured centre Alexei Makovetskiy.

Whatever side Canada puts out should be well capable of defeating a very underwhelming Russian team coming off a loss to the Americans. The Bears did look dangerous out wide, but showed little willingness to put the ball there against the Eagles until late in the game. That said the Canucks struggled in the contact area against the physical Samoans, and hardly showed anything themselves until the dying minutes of the match. As such both sides should have a little more zip to their step for this one, with Canada showing just a little bit more to take a 7 point win.
CANADA
…will be updated when announced…

RUSSIA
Igor Kliuchnikov; Denis Simplikevich, Vasili Artemiev, Dimitri Gerasimov, Vladimir Ostroushko; Sergey Sugrobov, Alexei Shcherban; Grigori Tsnobiladze, Valeri Tsnobiladze, Evgeny Pronenko; Alexander Voytov (capt.), Kirill Kulemin; Andrei Temnov, Pavel Butenko, Viktor Gresev. RES: Vladislav Korshunov, Alexei Kolkov, Innokenty Zykov, Andrei Garbuzov, Yuri Vengerov, Gleb Babkin, Ramil Gaisin, Sergei Trishin.

FRANCE vs ARGENTINA

Saturday, November 17, 20:00 GMT, Lille (14:00pm Houston)

The most anticipated game of the weekend is appropriately the last, as Argentina, fresh off a famous victory in Cardiff, collide with a French side that looked superb in all aspects last week against Australia. The Pumas have made three changes, all coming in the backs as Marcelo Bosch, Horacio Agulla, and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino get their opportunity to impress. France has made just one change as Yoann Maestri has recovered from injury to claim his second row spot from new cap Jocelino Suta.

This one has all the makings of a classic, but with temperamental Latin sides you never quite know what you’re going to get. If Argentina play as they did in the second half against Wales they can certainly win, but if they first half version shows up, they could be beaten soundly. France, and particularly mercurial flyhalf Frederic Michalak, has a tendency to yoyo in form very rapidly, but there is an unusual feeling of composure emanating from the French camp at the moment. Expect a real battle between these two combatants on Saturday.
One last point. I've been so wrong about the Argies in practicularly every game. They play with 5 or 6 amatuer club players and yet they are able to play well against full time pros. They even beat Wales with 5 amatuers on the walk on side. Tomorrow they start with 6 provincial Argentinian club players and one Pro D2 France club player.
The Argies will once again give their all, but I think the French may have looked at how the All Blacks easily put some 50+ points against them in Argentina, and will resist the temptation of simply running into them.

France should win easily by 25

FRANCE
Brice Dulin; Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Maxime Mermoz, Vincent Clerc; Frederic Michalak, Maxime Machenaud; Yannick Forestier, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas; Pascal Pape (capt.), Yoann Maestri; Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles. RES: Benjamin Kayser, Thomas Domingo, Vincent Debaty, Jocelino Suta, Damien Chouly, Morgan Parra, Francois Trinh-Duc, Yoann Huget.

ARGENTINA
Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Horacio Agulla, Gonzalo Tiesi, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Eusebio Guinazu, Juan Figallo; Manuel Carizza, Julio Farias Cabello; Juan Fernandez Lobbe (capt.), Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Leonardo Senatore. RES: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Francisco Gomez, Tomas Vallejos, Tomas de la Vega, Tomas Cubelli, Gonzalo Camacho, Joaquin Tuculet.

Internationals weekend Nov 16, 17

International Match

All times GMT  deduct 6 hrs for Houston 

Friday , November 16

Wales vs Samoa    19:30

Saturday , November 17

Italy vs New Zealand    14:00
Scotland vs South Africa    14:30
England vs Australia    14:30
Ireland A vs Fiji    17:30
France vs Argentina    20:00

2nd tier
USA vs Tonga 1600 GMT From Wales
Georgia vs Japan 13.00 GMT from Tiblisis

I don't have any details of coverage from Big Johns as of Friday morning. As soon as I am informed I will pass on.

Internationals Friday Nov 16

Wales vs Samoa

Only six days after the decisive loss to the Pumas, Wales must regroup to face an in-form and physically menacing Manu Samoa on Friday. Coach Rob Howley has made drastic changes to the side, retaining only three forwards and dropping his captain. While he might blow them off as simple squad rotation, it is clearly more than that. It is a wake up call. Anything short of victory would be a massive blow to Welsh confidence, and Samoa is anything but an easy game.

Chief amongst the casualties is benched captain Sam Warburton, replaced by Ospreys all-action man Justin Tipuric. Ryan Jones is once again called upon to lead Wales, and does so for a record 29th time, replacing injured Josh Turnbull on the blindside. Alun Wyn Jones’ shoulder injury sees Bradley Davies return to the number four jersey, while Richard Hibbard moves up from the bench in place of Matthew Rees, dropping out of the match day squad completely. Ken Owens takes Hibbard’s bench position. Paul James swaps with Gethin Jenkins at loosehead, with Scott Andrews covering tighthead. Luke Charteris is the remaining forward reserve, leaving no room for Ryan Bevington or Rob McCusker.

Ineffectual halfbacks Tavis Knoyle and Rhys Priestland have both been demoted to the reserves as Mike Phillips is restored to the starting lineup along with a resurgent Dan Biggar. Scott Williams makes way for Ashley Beck, with Williams taking namesake Liam’s spot in the number twenty three jersey. Jamie Roberts has recovered sufficiently from slight concussion to retain his centre position, but there is no place for James Hook. Giant wingers Alex Cuthbert and George North have been retained despite very quiet performances against their much smaller opposites on the weekend.

Samoa, by contrast, will be brimming with confidence following their thrashing of Canada in Colwyn Bay, and no doubt have enjoyed the extra day’s recovery. Coach Stephan Betham has nonetheless made six changes to the run-on side, lauding the impressive squad depth of the island nation.

Perpignan lock Daniel Leo is one of two changes in the pack that performed so well, taking the place of the less physical Fa’atiga Lemalu. The other sees pacy flanker Tivani Foma’i drop to the bench to allow Harlequins powerhouse Maurie Fa’asavalu to make his mark. Ole Avei retains the starting hooker spot despite the addition to the squad of Ti’i Paulo, previously unavailable with club commitments in Clermont.

Despite an excellent match against Canada, scrumhalf Jeremy Su’a must settle for a reserve spot as Kahn Fotuali’i is recalled to form an impressive halfback partnership with Tusi Pisi. Similarly four-try scorer Robert Lilomaiava makes way for fit-again captain David Lemi, while Paul Williams replaces injured Setaimata Sa at inside centre. With outstanding goal kicker James So’oialo out due to suspension, Fa’atoina Autagavaia is brought back in at fullback.

Only twelve players out of the thirty that started the 17-10 World Cup victory for Wales a year ago return to start this time, so don’t expect the same result. The Manu showed against Canada that they are more than just a crash and bash side, they showed improvement in just about every aspect of their game, and have added some key veterans to the side this week. They will know that the Welsh are up against it, and will be determined to make up for the narrow defeat to Scotland in June.

Wales will hope to redeem themselves after their poor outing against Argentina, but with little continuity and no form to speak of, the task might just be too much. With so much of the Welsh game plan dependant on imposing physicality and winning the battle at the gain line, the ferocity of the Samoans and the six day turnaround will take its toll and ultimately lead them to another famous victory at the Millenium Stadium. Manu Samoa win by 5.

WALES
Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Ashley Beck, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis; Bradley Davies, Ian Evans; Ryan Jones (capt.), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau. RES: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.

SAMOA
Fa’atoina Autagavaia; Paul Perez, George Pisi, Paul Williams, David Lemi (capt.); Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali’i; Sakaria Taulafo, Ole Avei, Census Johnston; Daniel Leo, Filo Paulo; Ofisa Treviranus, Maurie Fa’asavalu, Taiasina Tu’ifua. RES: Ti’i Paulo, Viliamu Afatia, James Johnson, AN Other, Tivani Foma’i, Jeremy Su’a, Johnny Leota, Robert Lilomaiava.

Small update to rugby viewing Sat Nov 10

So, heres the revised games line up at BJs for this weekend. Just one game added.
Saturday
England v Fiji, Twickenham, 08.30, LIVE
Wales vs Argentina immediately following England game on tape delay.
Ireland v South Africa, Aviva Stadium, 11.30 LIVE
France v Australia, Stade de France, 13.45 LIVE

Sunday
Scotland vs New Zealand 08.30am LIVE

When I wrote earlier BJs had not found a way to record the Wales game from the Premium sport feed because it was being shown at the same time as England game.
I am assured that a cable specialist has set it up so they can now show the Wales game on tape delay in between the end of England game and before the Ireland game.

I am also informed that Direct TV ch 490 is also showing the Ireland, France and New Zealand games. I had heard the rumour during the week so I checked out their website. It was not showing. I then called a CSR and was actually told they were not showing. Go figure. A friend with Direct TV

says it is available with the 'Choice' package or higher.

Direct TV have not been our friends in the past and have messed us around. They carried the Currie Cup all year, but then failed to show the final. Go figure.

Anyway, hopefully you'll come out to BJs if you can, and support the new owner. We really want him to invest in 6 Nations and B & I Lions tour next year. It will be expensive, and if he doesn't get the support when it is free, then I doubt he will buy the other packages and we'll be without even one bar in town showing the rugby. That will be a shame. It will be so much more difficult to get another bar to pay this kind of money if we fail here.

I am told he will be on his 'A' game for International breakfasts. I have no idea what this is. Hopefully it will be similar to the old Irish/English breakfasts.

I would presume the breakfast might be; Fried egg. Back bacon from UK/Ireland. Sausage from UK/Ireland. Black and/or white pudding. Heinz baked beans. Quick fried/saute tomato. Fried bread. HP sauce.

That is also my ideal breakfast.

USA womens rugby

Watch LIVE RUGBY this Friday and Sunday as teams from around the country compete in the 2012 Emirates Airlines USA Rugby Women's Club Championships!
Games will be streamed live on USARugby.org and commentated by legendary Eagles Phaidra Knight and Ines Rodriguez.

Get Involved and GIVE.

Almost all of the players on the Women's European Fall Tour will be competing this weekend in the Club Championships. Before they depart this Tuesday, they're asking you to take part in the 5 Day Challenge.   
A generous and anonymous supporter has agreed to match up to $4,000 for gifts received today through November 13th! This could almost double what’s been given to date, and bring the Eagles very close to reaching the $25,000 goal.

Watch the competition this weekend and make a gift today to support our athletes.

• Donate: www.usarugby.org/womenseagles
• Watch: www.usarugby.org
• Follow: @USAEaglesRugby
  
• Support: #wrugby and the #5DayChallenge!
• Women's Fall Tour Info: EyeontheEaglesWomensFallTour

Further Information:
Laura Gill | Communications Manager | USA Rugby | lgill@usarugby.org

Does rugby make better football players?

Thanks to Joe Sorrell for finding this.

Where to watch rugby Internationals in Houston

Here is my newsletter I have just sent out.

It has all the details.

Hi All,

November Internationals are upon us.

Lotsa info on my blog;

http://allblacks-rugby.blogspot.com/

Viewing info

Big Johns on Wilcrest just south of Harwin is showing everything they can for free.

BJs for those with GPS is: 6150 Wilcrest Drive Houston, TX 77072

Premium Sports is charging the bar, but BJs will not charge you.

Trevor, the new owner has said he will absorb the cost this weekend.

I think he is trying to gauge the response and enthusiasm for watching rugby, because there were no guarantees for next weekend.

I checked with Richmond Arms during the week and apart from getting the usual "up yours, I'm too busy to talk" attitude, I was able to find out that they update schedules on website on Wednesdays. As of now there is no mention of rugby on their website...just many soccer games. The woman at Richmond Arms also said, with what seemed like pride, that the Arms will no longer do any pay per view. If you know of another pub in Houston showing the games please email or call. Its only fair we support as many as possible.

But once again Big Johns has come through, if only for a while.

Tomorrow, Saturday, has games running at same time.

Premium sports runs over internet so they can only show one game at a time.

At 8.30am we have England vs Fiji AND Wales vs Argentina.

The owner has elected to show England vs Fiji simply because there might be more England supporters.

This is a shame as Wales vs Argentina should be a far better game.

BJs is installing a new WiFi system so it may yet be possible to show both games without picture degradation, but I won't be able to email again to keep you updated.

So, heres the games line up at BJs for this weekend

England v Fiji, Twickenham, 08.30,
Wales vs Argentina on tape delay. Game actually ran at same time as England game, but I am assured it can be recorded for replay.
Ireland v South Africa, Aviva Stadium, 11.30
France v Australia, Stade de France, 13.45

Sunday

Scotland vs New Zealand 08.30am

If you have Universal Sports on Direct TV or Dish you can watch USA play Russia in 30 mins.

Or, if you're like me and only have Comcast then watch from the selection of broadcasters at wiziwig dot tv and/or vipboxsports dot eu

Please email and call your friends to let them know Big Johns is making a great effort to get us rugby.

I wouldn't bank on BJs going the extra mile again for the rugby community if there is no support.

Remember, 6 Nations costs the bars a fortune each year, so if you want BJs to make the investment then please support or they may go the same way as Richmond Arms and Bull and Bear. Soccer will rule.

Kinda depressing thought.

Regards Pete

Decorative artists.

www.kandpinteriors.com
Founder www.katyrugbyclub.com
and www.katyrugby.org
British American Business Council
www.babchouston.org
Mobile 281 701 8449


"The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice."
--Mahatma Gandhi