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Ireland v. Italy: PreJudgement

Despite beating Australia in the biggest Rugby World Cup result in Irish history, the men in green still have it all to do against Italy in their final game in Group C this weekend.

Nothing is Created nor Destroyed...

...It is merely moved (transformed) from one being (team) to another. This phrase, we all know and it supports Einsteins 'Theory of Relativity' but us 'rugby jocks' may never have paid much attention to that stuff, I know I never did. It has now hit me like a 115kg centre on a crash ball.

Western Province Club Rugby: UCT Challenge Maties

The Ikeys started off the year by winning the Varsity Cup and it was well deserved. They however have had their sights set on something that's been a little more elusive than that, The WP Super A Trophy. The WP Super A league is the top club league in the Western Cape and this piece of silverware has eluded UCT since 1974. 37 years is a long time and that may change this Saturday at UCT.

The irony behind this final game is that they face Victorians, which for those who don't know are a Maties side and UCT's biggest rivals. 

Ikey's  made short work of newly promoted Belhar and secured a bonus point win in their second to last game of the season. They are now four points behind Maties and need a bonus point win this Saturday to win the league outright. Should they only win the game they will share the Super A League with Maties.

It is a tough game to call but UCT have been dominant over all Stellenbosch has to throw at them this season. I see UCT winning but whether it is with four tries or not is another question.

PreJudgement: UCT by 12 (4 Tries)

SA Club Champs Quarter Final Preview:

2010 National Club Champs- College Rovers (KZN)

With the first round of games completed at Stellenbosch University the Quarter Finals have been decided and things are pretty much according to plan. With Eight games tomorrow there will be two sets of quarter finals being played as the winners of the first round stay in the cup and the losers playing in plate finals.

World Cup: Fiji v South Africa Recap

Finally the 'Boks seemed to show the class that we all know thy have. I just want to know where the hell it has been hiding or who has been suppressing it for so long! Either way, it was out for all to see on Saturday as the South Africans showed some fight and determination as they took it to the large islanders from Fiji.

Australia v. Ireland: PreJudgement

The marquee game of Pool C sees two-time RWC champions Australia face off against Webb Ellis under-achievers Ireland in a rematch of their thrilling 17-16 win in 2003.

Players to Watch: Ireland

Jamie Heaslip:

It's tough to overlook Brian O'Driscoll for this pick, but in the context of this World Cup, Jamie Heaslip is the man to watch. Double Heineken Cup-winner with Leinster, and a Grand Slam winner with Ireland, Heaslip is already touted by many as the finest No. 8 in World rugby. Almost a certainty to be Ireland's next captain when BOD hangs up his boots, Heaslip already displays his leadership on the pitch from the first minute. He combines huge physicality with a great rugby brain, and his passion is little less than frightening. He is part of a strong Irish back row, and in a time when the Irish scrum is coming under increasing pressure, it will be vital for Heaslip to marshal his troops at the breakdown and keep their discipline. Ever ready to make a break through the middle, and with an eye for the whitewash, Heaslip is key to Ireland's chances in New Zealand.

A close contender is Ireland's brightest new prospect - Sean O'Brien. Defences across Europe struggled to take him down all last season, and his defensive ability is unquestionable. As pacy a flanker as you'll see, he's guaranteed to get his name on the scoresheet during the tournament.

Name: Jamie Heaslip

Age: 27

Position: No. 8

Teams: Leinster & Ireland

Test Caps: 38 (35 points)

Height: 1.92m

Weight: 109kg

Players to Watch: England

Jonny Wilkinson:

What can be said about Jonny Wilkinson that hasn't already been said? Mike Catt summed it up last month: "Jonny Wilkinson was put on this planet to win World Cups." It might be eight years since that drop goal that broke Australian hearts, but Wilkinson is still defying age to assist England yet again. It looked as though Toby Flood had secured the 10 jersey last summer, but some superb play from WIlkinson has taken it back. A place-kicker rivalled only by Dan Carter, Wilkinson adds an extra dimension to the tactical game when he takes the field - no English flyhalf in recent memory can read a game like him. Despite the trauma his body has suffered over the years, it is always on the line - he may be famous for drop goals with left and right boot alike, but watch how many try-saving tackles he gets back and makes to keep England in the tournament.
England enjoy the big occasion - we saw that in 2007 where they beat the odds to reach the final - if they are to step up to the plate again this year, there is no doubt as to who will lead them there. Enjoy Wilkinson's World Cup - it will be a long time before England see his like again.

In Manu Tuilagi England have one of the most exciting young players around - pencilled in before his Test debut, he combines raw power and pace with clever hands and feet - look for him to be a star this World Cup.

Name: Jonny Wilkinson

Age: 32

Position: Flyhalf (Occasional Centre)

Teams: Toulon & England

Test Caps: 83 (1,141 points)

Height: 1.78m

Weight: 89kg

Players to Watch: France

Maxime Medard:

French rugby at its best oozes flair, and no player in the World Cup squad epitomizes that flair more so than Maxime Medard. Although still only 24, he has already won two Heineken Cups and one Top 14 title with Toulouse, and has proven himself as a French superstar.

With the ability to play at either wing or fullback, he brings a decidedly Southern Hemisphere counter-attacking skill to the French side when playing at 15, and his mazy runs have left defenders in his wake across Europe. Like team-mates Vincent Clerc and Cedric Heymans, he creates space from nothing and can dance past tackles with ease. Certain to move between wing and fullback throughout the tournament, he offers France versatility in their backs and can change a game in an instant.

A close contender is captain Thierry Dusatoir - a wrecking ball of a number 7 who leads from the front and powers the back row along with Imanol Harinordoquy.

Name: Maxime Medard

Age: 24

Position: Fullback/Wing

Teams: Toulouse & France

Test Caps: 16 (38 points)

Height: 1.80m

Weight: 89kg

Players to Watch: New Zealand

Israel Dagg:

Ever since I first saw Dagg playing for the Highlanders I knew the All Blacks were about to produce yet another superstar. Then to confirm my worst fears they sent him to the Crusaders to see if he really has the goods, and he does.
He is deadly under the high ball and his counter attacking is close to the best I have seen. He is quick, elusive and close on to 100kg's he can pack a punch in contact too. He always gains yards with ball in hand and will punish you if your defensive lines are not in order, coupled with the fact that he has the likes of Corey Jane and Zac Guildford outside him...it spells disaster for opposition teams. He is my pick for tournaments leading try scorer.
Other danger men would be Adam Thomson and Ma'a Nonu

Name: Israel Dagg
Age: 23
Position: Fullback/Wing
Teams: Crusaders & New Zealand
Test Caps:  7 (10 points)
Height: 1.86m
Weight: 95kg's

Muliaina is trying to keep him out of the #15 jersey for this World Cup

Players to Watch: Australia

Quade Cooper:

There is no doubting that this is the man who is red hot at the moment. The New Zealand born number 10 should be a no brainer pick for most people as the danger man when the Aussies take the field as the number two favorites for this years IRB Rugby World Cup.

There are some concerns around his defense and how he may buckle under pressure but one thing is for sure, when he is cooking he will even put Gordon Ramsay to shame. 

At only 23 years old he will be in the international set up for a long time to come and I can see him taking the Wallabies all the way.

Other close contenders: Digby Ioane, Kurtley Beale

Name: Quade S. Cooper

Age: 23

Position: Fly-half

Teams: Queensland Reds, Australia

Test Caps: 28 (55 Points)

Height: 1.86m

Weight: 93kg's

What Quade looks like to defenders

Players to Watch: South Africa

Heinrich Brussow:

If there is a player in the 'Bok team that will pester and worry the opposition it is this Bloemfontein flanker. He is well known in the Southern Hemisphere as the live-wire loose forward who could turn the ball over at any opportunity. 

Brussow has just recently returned from injury but has shown some great form against Australia and New Zealand in this years Tri-Nations. With only 15 caps for South Africa you would expect him to be around for a long time to come and still annoying the opposition.

A player in close second to watch out for, would be Bismark du Plessis 

Name: Heinrich Wilhelm Brussow

Age: 25

Position: Flank

Teams: Free State Cheetahs & Springboks

Test Caps: 15 (1 Try)

Height: 1.8m

Weight: 102kg's

Just in case you never recognised him before, this will jog  your memory.

Tri-Nations Recap: Australia v New Zealand

I have yet to see a better first half of rugby from the Aussies. It was one of the best games in a long time. The Wallabies destroyed the All Blacks in the first half and managed to hold off the World Cup favorites in the second. A great try by Radiki Samo and a faultless performance from Adam Ashley-Cooper helped the Australians to their first Tri-Nations victory in 10 years under debut skipper James Horwill.

Tri Nations PreJudgement: Australia v New Zealand (Brisbane)

Suncorp Stadium is having its fair share of Finals this season, as today sees the last game of the 2011 Castle Tri-Nations and winner take all game between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand have come off a loss to the Springboks while Australia have had the luxury of a bye. The log sees both the All Blacks and Wallabies on top with nine points and today's game a winner takes all encounter which couples as a nice boost with less than 2 weeks to the World Cup.

Tri Nations Recap: South Africa v New Zealand

The Springboks have escaped a first ever win less Tri Nations by beating the All Blacks at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. The match saw only one try from the visitors with Richard Kahui crossing the whitewash in the 35th minute. The rest of the game belonged to SA and more notably Morne Steyn...

Tri Nations PreJudgement: South Africa v New Zealand (Port Elizabeth)

'Judge me on the World Cup' is the song that coach Peter de Villiers is singing to the South African public. What is a slight worry is that you don't just pitch up and all falls into place. You need to practice a few combo's and strategies leading into the IRB RWC. So, now that the Kiwi's are here on our home ground (and shamefully for us, it seems like a home game to them), what are we going to give them?

Canterbury Challenge: Andreas Pretorias

In the quest to get an unbreakable rugby jersey Canterbury have challenged a number of International Players to try and tear/break the new design jersey, This is Andreas Pretorias

Canterbury Challenge: Ross Ford

In the quest to get an unbreakable rugby jersey Canterbury have challenged a number of International Players to try and tear/break the new design jersey, This is Ross Ford

Canterbury Challenge: Jean de Villiers

In the quest to get an unbreakable rugby jersey Canterbury have challenged a number of International Players to try and tear/break the new design jersey, This is Jean de Villiers

A Challenge Accepted...

This is one of my favorite little pieces of psychological warfare that we see in Rugby. There is no doubting what the Haka does but how you respond is important. The best is Kaplan trying to sort it out at the end...

Canterbury Challenge: Andries Bekker

In the quest to get an unbreakable rugby jersey Canterbury have challenged a number of International Players to try and tear/break the new design jersey, This is Andries Bekker

Tri Nations Recap: South Africa v Australia

So, after all this is said and done, we, the supporters, are still stuck in the same place we were the last few years! We can see no clear direction that the Boks are taking and all the promise that there is a plan seems to be just smoke up our asses. There is one game left for us before we play in the World Cup! Surely by now we should be seeing some shape and positiveness! We are clearly going to NZ unprepared and hoping that by some grace of God we can do something. 
Now we can take a look at what happened in Durban last night as the most experienced Bok team to ever run on got beaten.

Canterbury Challenge: Bryan Habana

In the quest to get an unbreakable rugby jersey Canterbury have challenged a number of International Players to try and tear/break the new design jersey, This is Bryan Habana...

Springbok Photo Shoot

Leading into the Tri Nations and IRB Rugby World Cup all brands involved are trying to maximise their exposure by advertising and capitalising on the excitement. Watch and Enjoy as a few of the Springboks and Canterbury do a shoot.

The Songs That Make Rugby Great: Flower of Scotland

Scotland v Ireland from Murrayfield, enough said. 

Pub Crawl: &Union

This is the second of my posts on absolutely awesome places to watch Rugby. I have been fortunate enough to get a mate of mine to give me his story on why it rocks...simply because he is always there! It's that good.
You can visit them at 110 Bree Street Cape Town or go and check them out on www.andunion.com 
DO IT!!

Tri Nations PreJudgement: South Africa v Australia (Durban)

Win or lose this game it is nice to see a strong Springbok team run out in Durban this Saturday. No matter what has happened over the last few weeks and years these next few games leading up to the IRB RWC will need to show growth and positiveness. If they don't, the shit will truly hit the fan for Springboks, the wrath from the Nation will be felt and I feel that nobody will be spared, whether your a World Cup winning Captain, the best lock pairing the world has seen, an out of form winger or the softly spoken but outrageously controversial Coach   .

The Songs That Make Rugby Great: Ireland's Call

There are a number of songs and dances that make rugby awesome. We all look forward to singing our own national anthem, but there are anthems that are a must see on home grounds.... 2007 Ireland v England from Croke Park would be one of them

Tri Nations: New Zealand v South Africa Recap

Can I open my eyes yet? Phew, last weeks game was sad and frustrating, I am however feeling a little better about the fact that its over and done with. Now, all Springbok fans can look forward to seeing what PDivvy is really planning for the World Cup with the last remaining fixtures of the Tri Nations.

Tri Nations PreJudgement: New Zealand v South Africa (Wellington)

After the Boks got there asses handed to them by the Aussies they decided to make some changes to the team. This was expected but they are more on the exciting side...for a change. Will the positional changes and new combo's stop us from getting destroyed again? I think so.

Pub Crawl: Mitchell's Scottish Ale House

When it comes to Rugby or any live sport for that matter, we want to experience it with others. Whether its in your home town or if your away from home. This is the first of a weekly 'Pub Crawl' feature that will  expose all those awesome places that we can watch a game at, from around the world. Please email me with your suggestions of places as I need your help with this, from New York to Three Sisters to Moscow I want them all. info@judgerugby.com

Tri Nations PreJudgement: Australia v South Africa ANZ Stadium, Sydney

The Tri Nations is finally here and after a fantastic and eventful SupeRugby tourney, its time to see if the International  coaches can capitalise on good form and use the correct combo's leading up to the IRB Rugby World Cup.

Quade Cooper teaching Lachie Munro a thing...

Quade Cooper single handedly destroyed the Blues on Saturday on the SupeRugby Semi-Final. The best part about this clip is watching the cameraman get dummied twice in the last view. Brilliant. Great move and brilliant work to set up the try. Take a bow Quade Cooper! 

SupeRugby Semi-Final PreJudgement:

Three games left and its all to play for. The four best teams have made it into the Semi-Finals and are playing for a spot in the final and two wins away from being crowned 2011 Champions. The games will be hosted in Brisbane and Cape Town with the Blues and Crusaders being the respective visitors. Click below to see my winners and why Cape Town will host the Final... 

Some more of this please Jaque...

I want to see more of this on Saturday...PLEASE

SupeRugby Knock-Outs Recap:

The first ever SupeRugby Wildcard Knock-Outs are complete and we have our four Semi-Finalists locked and loaded for this weekend.

• The Blues stepped up to the plate in fine form as they beat the Waratahs convincingly. All was pretty much said and done in the 62nd minute when the Blues were 23-8 ahead. The Waratahs just couldn't seem to get their game on and were beating by a very solid Blues. Blues winning 26-13
• The Sharks succumbed to the most successful team in SupeRugby history and I can only wonder how it would have turned out if the Sharks had not made so many silly mistakes in the first 20 minutes. Dan Carter was extremely solid and you felt the Crusaders were just biding their time and executing their game plan.  Crusaders winning 36-8

Team of the Week: Blues and Crusaders (No Brainer)
Player of the Week: Dan Carter
WTF of the Week: Bryce Lawrence's retarded call of dangerous play against Sharks scrum

Looking at the four teams in the Semi's, as a neutral, you can only be happy that the four top teams have made it.  This weeks games are going to be epic encounters and all the teams will be deserved finalists, whoever makes it.

SupeRugby PreJudgement: Crusaders v Sharks

V

The Sharks take on the Crusaders in Nelson on Saturday to break a hoodoo that borders on the impossible. The Sharks have never beaten the Crusaders in a 'home' game in 15 years. The Crusaders have never lost a home knock-out game in their history. Record Breakers or Record Holders?                                                

The Tackle of the Tournament

This is one of the best try saving and close to the biggest tackle of the season. Round 18 saw the Crusaders hosting the Hurricanes in Wellington. The Crusaders were playing for premium play off position and the Hurricanes for pride. Aaron Cruden is 5m out and decides to go on his own but Tom Marshall of the Crusaders had a different idea.

The clip is a 2 minute highlight of the game but if you don't have time skip to the 1m37s mark and have a look see.

SupeRugby Prejudgement: Blues v Waratahs

V

SupeRugby Qualifier from Auckland, New Zealand

This is it for the rest of the season, Do or Die. Quite a daunting task but that's what all the teams play for, The Final and eventually the Trophy. The Blues host the Waratahs in the first of the new format knock-outs. Who will walk off winners?

What motivates these teams in the Knock Outs?

With the qualifiers and wild cards sorted I am taking a little look at the past and what it really means for the teams in the next few weeks. Besides the Trophy and money, the international selection for each player, these teams have either won it or come second, besides the table toppers, the Reds. They want it and they want it bad! All the following stats exclude Super 10 (Pre-SANZAR).

The Reds:

There is no doubting that they are having the best season in their history. Coach Ewen McKenzie has been working his magic for them since late 2009 and it seems to be paying dividends...but for how long? There half back pairing has been the main focus this season as Will Genia and Quade Cooper have been destroying the opposition. The have finished top this season and have earned a week off. The Reds have been losing semi finalists three times in their history, the last being in 2001, and will be looking to cap a top of the log season off with the trophy.

The Stormers:

It is great to see that they have built on their good performance from last year. They are looking much better and their combinations and depth will help. They have lacked the deadly finishing of Bryan Habana but they have been able to cope without him... and he aint done yet. They look solid up front and look deadly out wide... Cape Town has been patiently waiting for this trophy for some time. Losing finalist in 2010, they will be looking to go one better and have set themselves up perfectly for it.

The Crusaders:

The seven time champions have made it into the knock out stages...yet again. Their experience on this end of the tournament will be crucial to them making the final. The have had by far the most disruptive and emotional season ever and their is no doubt that they will want to prove to everyone that they can overcome it and win this tournament, not only for themselves but in memory of all those who lost their lives in that tragic earthquake. They have produced some of the best running rugby this season and will have to thank their powerhouse forwards for that clean ball. Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean     are all desperate for this.

The Blues:

They dominated in the first two years but since then have played second fiddle to the Crusaders. They have turned their season around and will be looking to take their forward momentum and capitalise. The have struggled at fly half but Stephen Brett seems to be settling nicely with Luke McAlister  outside him. Jarred Payne and Kevin Mealamu have both had solid seasons. With three wins and one runner up they will be looking to win and start challenging the Crusaders.

The Waratahs:

Two times runners up, the Sydney based Waratahs have sneaked into the knock out phases of the tournament. Fair enough they needed some results to go their way but they're in and are going to show their true fight now. They have been playing second fiddle to the Brumbies in the Australian SupeRugby pissing contest and we all know how big that rivalry is. With the nerves of the last week gone and the focus of the Blues this weekend who knows what they will dish up.

The Sharks:

They did their utmost to finish seventh this season after a great start. Eventually head coach John Plumtree knocked some sense into the players and they sneaked into the wildcard spot, I just don't think sneaked is the correct word here. If ever the Durban boys needed any motivation or belief they got it last weekend against the Bulls. They have a solid team with a few of the bigger names only coming into their own now. The young shoulders of Pat Lambie have been carrying this team the entire season. They will never forget and will be looking to make amends for their last minute loss to the Bulls in 2007. If they are to do it they are going to take the toughest road traveled as they won't be playing at home again this season.

Tweet

SupeRugby Round 18 Recap:

The SupeRugby madness is finally over, now we can settle down and wait for these mouth watering knock out finals to arrive. The big talk is that of the Sharks beating the Bulls at Loftus and the Stormers secured 2nd place overall and get a week off this week.

• The Blues beat the Highlanders in what was a clear season of two halves for the Highlanders. They were sitting pretty but just didnt' have the depth and mental strength to pull through. The Blues were fighting for a top 2 spot and did all they could to secure it. Luke McAlister looked good again this week. Blues winning 33-16
• The Force eventually closed this game out and beat the newbies 27-24. The first half was rather boring but four tries in 13 minutes (two tries each) kick started this battle in the 62nd minute. Willie Ripia kicking the winning penalty with two minutes to play. James Stannard at pivot for the Force looked good again.
• The Chiefs hosted the log leaders in what proved to be a good old fashioned battle. The Reds were in control but nearly let it slip. Reds winning 19-11
• The Crusader won a relatively uneventful game against the Hurricanes in Wellington. One try scored by Robbie Fruean the rest of the games points came off the boot. Crusaders winning 16-9
• The Waratahs needed a win and really needed to take five points out this game, they were facing the unpredictable but poor Brumbies. Boy, were they poor. The writing was on the wall as early as the 2nd minute when Turner went over for the 'Tahs. Five tries, five conversions and two penalties ended a forgettable season for the Canberra based side and was a fitting farewell for Kurtley Beale. Waratahs winning 41-7
• Game of the day. Not many people would have put money on the Sharks winning their first game at Loftus since 2008. The Sharks, it must be said, executed their game plan to perfection and really took it to the Bulls. The game finished two tries a piece but 'was edge of your seat stuff' for the full 80 minutes. Patrick Lambie at fullback and Frederic Michalak at 10 were the difference. Sharks winning 26-23 and qualifying for the knock out stages.
• The fans were given an eight try bonanza in Bloemfontein as both teams dished up bonus points but the Stormers eventually running out winners by 10 points. The Stormers were looking at securing the number 2 spot which will give them a week off and a bye this week. They did it with ease and even though they have been struggling with injuries the did the job. A hat trick of tries by Rayno Benjamin for the Cheetahs was a great way for him to end his season. Stormers winning 44-34   

Player of the Week: Frederic Michalak
Team of the Week: the Sharks
WTF of the Week: The Cheetahs are the second highest points scorers for the season, 1 point behind the Crusaders.

What ever happened to Lote Tuqiri?

We all remember Lote but since his discipline issues has wondered off the map. Well, after his stint with Leicester Tigers he went back to Rugby League, where his promising career started.
Tuqiri had a three year stint at the Brisbane Bronco's and now is signed for Wests Tigers. He became the first code-crosser to play test rugby league for Australia a second time after returning from rugby union.
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Ireland name World Cup Preseason Training Squad:

A 43 man squad has been named by the IRFU and there are no real surprises there. They will be playing in the Guinness Summer Series as pre-world cup preparations. 
The fixtures are as follows:

Guinness Summer Series

August 6th: Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

August 13th: France v Ireland, Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux

August 18th: Ireland Select XV v Connacht, Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin

August 20th: Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

August 27th: Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Declan Kidney, Irish Head Coach, had the following to say: 

“This is the first step in preparation for the Rugby World Cup and the group called into our first camp shows that there is competition for places right across the board. There are players who we have identified as part of the larger Rugby World Cup squad who will not be in the first camp and will be based with their provincial and club fitness staff, but that may change as we go through June and July, so none of that larger group are necessarily out of contention for the final squad”.

“The aim three years ago was to deepen the strength of the squad and there are a number of players that have come through in that time either playing with their provinces or with the Wolfhounds and the Ireland team. There are big challenges ahead for the group with the coming preseason and then five games in August”.


Forwards:                                                         
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)                                    
Tony Buckley (Sale Sharks)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Leinster)
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Jennings (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Michael Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Damien Varley (Garryown/Munster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)


Backs:
Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster)
Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
Conor Murray (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

SupeRugby Round 18 PreJudgement:

So, This is it, it's do or die for the Bulls, Sharks and Waratahs this weekend. The Stormers are hoping the Reds slip up and they can take top spot. The Blues are looking at securing a home semi final if other results go their way. However, there is one thing that is a given, one team will fall out of contention for this years SupeRugby Trophy. Who will it be?

Blues v Highlanders (Auckland)
Quite possibly the last time we will see Tony Brown playing SupeRugby but will the Highlanders send him off with a win? The Blues are extremely strong towards the end of this season and will be eyeing the number two spot and get a four try bonus point. I can't see the Blues slipping up here but we all know the Highlanders have it in them, they have nothing to lose...
PreJudgement: Blues by 5

Rebels v Force (Melbourne)
The Rebels bid fair well to there first ever season. They ruffled a few feathers and can definitely take some positives out of this season. The Force just look much stronger on paper. I am looking forward to the Stannard v Cipriani battle. I think Stannard is going to expose Cipriani's defensive frailties and the Force will dominate with Pocock, Brown, Sheehan, Stannard and Smith on the wing.
PreJudgement: Force by 19

Chiefs v Reds (Hamilton)
This is going to be a tough game for the Reds who will be looking forward to the knock-out stages and a well deserved week off next week, as long as they don't lose that is. This game is tough to call and there is still lots to play for for the Reds. The Chiefs are bidding fair well to a number of legends but are out of contention for this years tourney.
PreJudgement: Reds by 4

Crusaders v Hurricanes (Wellington)
This is going to be an epic battle up front but let us not forget the quality that makes up both backlines. I think we are in for a rather special battle here and the backlines are going to give us a great show. The Crusaders are eyeing out the number two spot and will be hoping to leapfrog the Stormers into a week off.
PreJudgement: Crusaders by 9

Waratahs v Brumbies (Sydney)
Massive clash between these two arch rivals. The Brumbies have had a very poor season but will never back down against the Waratahs. The 'Tahs however will be playing to keep their tournament alive. The Bulls and Sharks will be hoping the Brumbies do them a favour by destroying the Waratahs. This is a knock out game for the 'Tahs.
PreJudgement: Brumbies by 2

Bulls v Sharks (Pretoria)
The Sharks all but destroyed their SupeRugby chance last week by drawing to the Cheetahs. Now its do or die time for both teams. The Bulls have had an awesome second half of the season and the defending champs are setting themselves up nicely for the knockouts. How do bet against the Bulls at home? You just can't! I think the Sharks are going to all be wearing Brumbies Jerseys in the warm up. Unfortunately the Sharks will need that sort of help to progress.
PreJudgement: Bulls by 8

Cheetahs v Stormers (Bloemfontein)
The Stormers should take this but you never know what the Cheetahs will bring to the table this week. The Stormers are by far SA's best team this season and have enough experience to close this out. Injuries are however trying hard to derail their season. Peter Grant makes a welcome return but there is a cloud over scrum half Dewaldt Duvenhage. Jean de Villiers is on the right wing with Juan de Jongh starting at 12.
PreJudgement: Stormers by 9

Great Try...its rugby league I know but it's a quality finish

I would normally not ever venture into Rugby League but I saw this try and it is brilliant. The quality of the video is not ideal but it is a great effort. Enjoy.

Japanese Fly-Half suspended for growing a 'Mo'

Ryohei Yamanaka took the wrong tonic

One Test wonder and IRB RWC 2011 hopeful has been sent home for testing positive for taking a banned substance. There has been a cloud around why he initially was sent home but the silence has been broken.
The Culprit is...wait for it....'Hair Tonic'. Yes, that's what has been blamed for the unnamed banned substance that was picked up in a random dope test.
If you thought that was all, I have news for you. It was not a hair tonic for that big bushy mop he sports it is actually a tonic to help him grow a 'tach. First Fail is admitting that, second Fail is quite simply....YOU  ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GROW YOUR MO UNTIL NOV 1!!
In all seriousness, if this story is the case I hope he gets through his B sample test safely and gets onto the park to sport the MO of the World Cup later this year...

Midweek Funnies:

This clip is brilliant! It shows some certain tries that have been totally butchered! I remember some of them but the last one is an absolute pearler. Look at his face in the replay as he is in the air! FAIL!!

Quota of a different kind:

Being a World Cup year brings all sorts of crazy feelings to rugby fans and players alike. One thing we mustn't forget is that the Southern Hemisphere boys have a small matter of the Tri-Nations to fight for beforehand. I have been keenly watching the Springbok Squad selection and the management team have recently cut a few players which brings me to my quota concern. It's not the usual crap about quota's that you have heard for the last couple of decades but the 'There is no replacement for experience' quota's. 

Basically, are we  going to fall into same trap that the FIFA world cup champions (France & Italy) did? Are we going to be knocked out in the first round because we sent the experienced players instead of inform players? So many questions that are burning me right now and I wish I had answers for them!

Judging by the team that has been announced I see way too many of our inform players playing second fiddle to the older more experienced (and slightly off form) guys and sadly some inform players being dropped. Firstly I would like to briefly tackle the two players that have been dropped from the squad and I think should still be there:

Bjorn Basson and Keegan Daniel:

What else do they need to do in order to move into the International set up? Both have had an awesome season and both have been overlooked by players that are either injured or not playing well at all. 

You can't please every "coach" on squad selections but I think these two have something to offer and will be missed.

Secondly I am worried we will have the likes of Andries Bekker, Bismark du Plessis and Lwazi Mvovo playing behind guys that are not in form or being played out of position. I understand there needs to be a squad in place to help the entire Tri-Nations and IRB RWC campaign but when it comes too big games are we going to pick game breakers or settle for the rugby we saw 4 years ago? The rugby 4 years ago was great...4 years ago. Now that the rugby powers have evolved and changed their game are we going to be able to compete with new innovation or hope to get by on old experience?

SupeRugby Round 17 Recap:

And then there were seven fighting for six places. The only real surprise out of this weekend were the Lions. They came at the Sharks so hard that it took them about an hour to recover from the initial shock. This weekends games are going to be massive as the Bulls, Sharks and 'Tahs fight for two positions. The rest are fighting for prime positioning on the log.

• After all the controversy surrounding the Hurricanes this week it was good to see the players in the middle of it stepped up. It was however a rather tame game but you would have thought the chiefs would have finished the 'Canes off with a 10 point half time lead. It was however not to be and the 'Canes fought back well for a draw. Points level at 18 all.
• The Brumbies made short work of the Rebels at Canberra. The Rebels were never really in it apart from a tiny little burst around the 60th minute. The Brumbies however never lost control and ran in five tries to the two from the Rebels. Brumbies winning 32-17.
• The Crusaders too the Blues down in Timaru to take top spot in the NZ conference by one point. The Crusaders were briefly behind in the early parts of the first half but pulled it together and never looked back. Crusaders winning 23-16.
• Both the Waratahs and the Highlanders were in a battle to secure a play off position when they clashed in Sydney. It was the Aussies that clearly wanted it more as they ran in five tries to one. Tom Carter scored a hat trick of tries as he was clearly enjoying his new position at outside centre. Waratahs winning 33-7
• What an epic battle this game was. The Force were in a great position to shut out the table toppers but just could not withstand the pressure that they were put under. The Force deserved the win but the Reds earned it. It was a great game and the result came down to missed conversions by the Force. reds winning 24-21
• The Sharks might as well have been on the bus for the first 40. That is the only way to explain why they only started playing from the 53rd minute. The Lions were great and they showed why I believe they will be a great outfit next season. They made one mistake though, and that was when the Sharks woke up after 53 minutes it seemed that the opposite happened to the home team. The Lions did not register a single point after the 48th minute and leaked 21 points to allow the Sharks to earn a draw. I fell the Sharks have thrown their season away with this result but lets see the fighting spirit against the Bulls. 30-30
• Although there were only two tries in the game it was one of the most exciting games to watch. The first half was as boring as they come with only three penalties kicked in 40 minutes but the second half came alive albeit only from the 65 minute. Bryan Habana nearly stole the show in the dying seconds but could not escape the pace of Bjorn Basson. Bulls winning 19-16

This weeks action is going to be heartbreaking for some as there is a fight for the top two positions as well as just a place in the knock outs. What will SupeRugby deliver for us this week, the last of the league stages?

Player of the Week: Tom Carter
Team of the Week: The Lions
WTF of the Week: The Sharks seemingly flushing the competition down the toilet.