by Hendrik Cronjé 28/07/2010, 23:40
Richie McCaw admitted on Wednesday that he had operated outside the laws of the game against the Springboks on several occasions, but said that it’s all part of rugby.
The All Black captain was penalised five times against the Springboks in Wellington according to website ruggastats.com. This infuriated coach Peter de Villiers and a number of his senior players.
Irishman Alain Rolland was the referee who failed to punish McCaw with a yellow card for his transgressions at the breakdown and will again be the referee when the Boks play the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on August 28.
“I made a few mistakes. I think the important thing is to know what you will get away with. But I undoubtedly made mistakes,” said McCaw.
He says he will continue playing his way as long as it does not place pressure on the team.
McCaw also admitted prior to Saturday’s Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies in Melbourne that he was fortunate not to concede more penalties in Wellington.
He said he would be wary of South African referee Craig Joubert in the weekend’s match against Australia.
McCaw and his counterpart from the Wallabies, David Pocock, nevertheless showed that there is still place for fetching flanks in the mould of Heinrich Brüssow in test rugby irrespective of law changes.
Brüssow looks set to be available to join the Boks on their end-of-season tour to Europe.
McCaw also noted that Pocock had frustrated the Boks a lot at the breakdowns.
“He had a big impact there. The Springboks were also not as accurate as they would have liked to be,” said McCaw.
Pocock was penalised three times according to ruggastats.com.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Show your class, Jakey
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
Jake White could play a part in the World Cup preparations, even if it was advisory, but all he did on Sunday was further alienate himself.
De Villiers needs help and his employers have an obligation to give him this help, even if the coach doesn’t believe it necessary. He has to make difficult decisions and he needs an experienced soundboard before making those selection calls.
Those champion players who conquered the world in Paris in 2007 did not show their class in Australasia. And sadly on Sunday neither did their champion coach.
Show your class Jakey and give P Divvy a call. Extend a hand; don’t beg for a handout. You are better than that.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
MARK KEOHANE writes Jake White’s application for the Springbok job through the media on Sunday was ill-timed and unfortunate.
Come on, Jakey.
You have more class than putting the knife in when a guy is on one knee. I know you feel you were wronged in 2007 and that it hurts like hell that Peter de Villiers took your champion team and won the Lions series and 2009 Tri Nations. As I said back then you should have taken it as a compliment that he invested so much in those players who won you the 2007 World Cup.
Most, but those collared colourful characters at Saru, believed you should have been involved with the Boks post 2007. No one should ever doubt your coaching pedigree because you have the ultimate prize as a coach.
But you have been where De Villiers is now, and you would have been seriously annoyed had your predecessor told the media after the 2006 49-0 defeat in Brisbane, that he wants to apply for the Bok job again. I know you had the advantage that ‘Big Ears’ was your predecessor and his record was woeful in comparison to P Divvy’s, but you Jake have more class as a human being than what was displayed in the Sunday media.
It was equally disappointing to read the threat again that if they don’t appoint you then you will have to look overseas. Again this does you and your coaching CV no justice. You are better than that and at a time like this there is no one more qualified than you to sit with the Boks’ colourful coach.
You once said there is no coaching handbook when the wheels come off on an overseas Tri-Nations trip. You said only those who had experienced such a horror ride and survived were qualified to give insight to the next guy. You therefore are that guy and, in the interests of Springbok and SA rugby, the article should have been: ‘Peter … I am a phone call away if you want to chat’.
If De Villiers and South African rugby’s bosses then ignore your offer for help, even if that help is the offer of a telephone conversation with De Villiers, then you have done your bit and showed your class.
But to put your name in the hat for a job that may not even be available after 2011 was crass and an act of desperation when the last thing you should be, given your rugby success, is desperate.
De Villiers will go to the World Cup, whether we like it or not. He was appointed for two additional years following the success of last year’s Lions series and Tri Nations. It would cost Saru too much to get rid of him now, and De Villiers is not the only reason the Boks were shocking on tour. John Smit and his senior players are equally culpable and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir can’t escape the firing line if the guns are to be used.
De Villiers, clearly exposed (as were Gold and Muir) on this tour, needs every bit of guidance, input and support he can get. If we are all committed to South Africa’s success, this year and at the World Cup, then all egos have to be locked away and all the help has to be offered, and accepted.
Jake White could play a part in the World Cup preparations, even if it was advisory, but all he did on Sunday was further alienate himself.
De Villiers needs help and his employers have an obligation to give him this help, even if the coach doesn’t believe it necessary. He has to make difficult decisions and he needs an experienced soundboard before making those selection calls.
Those champion players who conquered the world in Paris in 2007 did not show their class in Australasia. And sadly on Sunday neither did their champion coach.
Show your class Jakey and give P Divvy a call. Extend a hand; don’t beg for a handout. You are better than that.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Daniel hat-trick helps Sharks to win (Wat sey Mr Roy...)
[www.supersport.co.za]
Keegan Daniel scored three tries to help the Sharks to a hard-fought 27-17 win (half-time 10-17) over the Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match at Absa Stadium in Durban on Friday.
Eighthman Daniel was one of the few shining lights for the Sharks as it took the much-fancied hosts until the 55th minute before they took the lead for the first time in the match.
The home side’s cause was not helped by a plethora of handling errors and turnovers that stymied their attacking ambitions while the Pumas turned in a magnificent defensive effort.
Daniel received admirable support from his hooker Craig Burden who carried the ball well and at times looked like a human pinball as he bounced his way out of tackles.
The Pumas’ effort was led by lock Eduan van der Walt who turned in a huge performance as he carried the ball strongly while also grabbing his share of lineout ball.
However, it would be churlish to single out just one Pumas’ player as the visitors risked life and limb as they threw themselves into the collision points with something approaching reckless abandon.
Daniel is in a rich vein of form and his hat-trick came on the back of the two tries he scored against the Bulls in the Sharks’ previous match.
The match had been evenly poised at 17-17 before Pumas’ replacement loose forward Jaco Bouwer earned himself a yellow card for killing the ball five metres from his own tryline.
The Sharks were quick to take advantage and Daniel scored his second try of the evening when he went over from the resulting lineout.
Bouwer’s return to the field was short lived and, with less than 10 minutes left in the contest, he earned himself his second yellow card, and thus a red, when he prevented the Sharks from taking a quick tap penalty.
With three minutes left in the match Daniel clinched his hat-trick, and his team’s bonus point for four tries, when he took a scoring pass from replacement lock Ross Skeate to wrap up the evening’s scoring.
The Pumas had been the first team to strike, in the 18th minute, when a quick tap penalty saw eighthman Christo Le Roux set off from just inside his own half.
The powerfully built loose forward shrugged off two tackles before scoring a wonderful individual try.
Try as they might the hosts were unable to breach their opponents defence but the last 10 minutes of the first half saw the match burst into life.
The Sharks, who had already turned down three kickable penalty attempts, finally achieved some success when Daniel was mauled over the Pumas’ tryline after the home side had kicked to the corner and won the resulting lineout ball to draw the scores level.
Two minutes later Pumas’ flyhalf Ricardo Croy nailed a long-range drop goal before Sharks’ inside centre Pat Lambie succeeded with his only penalty of the evening.
But the visitors were growing in confidence and, in the dying seconds of the half, loosehead prop Ronnie Uys barrelled his way over for a converted try as the underdogs went to the break holding a 17-10 lead.
The Sharks began the second half with far more intent and it took them less than five minutes to level the scores thanks to a converted try from Charl McLeod with the scrumhalf going over after yet another break from Burden.
Scorers
The Sharks - Tries: Keegan Daniel (3), Charl McLeod; Conversions: Patrick Lambie (2); Penalty: Lambie.
Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Ronnie Uys; Conversions: Ricardo Croy (2); Drop goal: Croy.
Keegan Daniel scored three tries to help the Sharks to a hard-fought 27-17 win (half-time 10-17) over the Pumas in their Absa Currie Cup match at Absa Stadium in Durban on Friday.
Eighthman Daniel was one of the few shining lights for the Sharks as it took the much-fancied hosts until the 55th minute before they took the lead for the first time in the match.
The home side’s cause was not helped by a plethora of handling errors and turnovers that stymied their attacking ambitions while the Pumas turned in a magnificent defensive effort.
Daniel received admirable support from his hooker Craig Burden who carried the ball well and at times looked like a human pinball as he bounced his way out of tackles.
The Pumas’ effort was led by lock Eduan van der Walt who turned in a huge performance as he carried the ball strongly while also grabbing his share of lineout ball.
However, it would be churlish to single out just one Pumas’ player as the visitors risked life and limb as they threw themselves into the collision points with something approaching reckless abandon.
Daniel is in a rich vein of form and his hat-trick came on the back of the two tries he scored against the Bulls in the Sharks’ previous match.
The match had been evenly poised at 17-17 before Pumas’ replacement loose forward Jaco Bouwer earned himself a yellow card for killing the ball five metres from his own tryline.
The Sharks were quick to take advantage and Daniel scored his second try of the evening when he went over from the resulting lineout.
Bouwer’s return to the field was short lived and, with less than 10 minutes left in the contest, he earned himself his second yellow card, and thus a red, when he prevented the Sharks from taking a quick tap penalty.
With three minutes left in the match Daniel clinched his hat-trick, and his team’s bonus point for four tries, when he took a scoring pass from replacement lock Ross Skeate to wrap up the evening’s scoring.
The Pumas had been the first team to strike, in the 18th minute, when a quick tap penalty saw eighthman Christo Le Roux set off from just inside his own half.
The powerfully built loose forward shrugged off two tackles before scoring a wonderful individual try.
Try as they might the hosts were unable to breach their opponents defence but the last 10 minutes of the first half saw the match burst into life.
The Sharks, who had already turned down three kickable penalty attempts, finally achieved some success when Daniel was mauled over the Pumas’ tryline after the home side had kicked to the corner and won the resulting lineout ball to draw the scores level.
Two minutes later Pumas’ flyhalf Ricardo Croy nailed a long-range drop goal before Sharks’ inside centre Pat Lambie succeeded with his only penalty of the evening.
But the visitors were growing in confidence and, in the dying seconds of the half, loosehead prop Ronnie Uys barrelled his way over for a converted try as the underdogs went to the break holding a 17-10 lead.
The Sharks began the second half with far more intent and it took them less than five minutes to level the scores thanks to a converted try from Charl McLeod with the scrumhalf going over after yet another break from Burden.
Scorers
The Sharks - Tries: Keegan Daniel (3), Charl McLeod; Conversions: Patrick Lambie (2); Penalty: Lambie.
Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Ronnie Uys; Conversions: Ricardo Croy (2); Drop goal: Croy.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Boks woes continue......
Jaque Fourie has been suspended for four weeks for a dangerous tackle on Richard Brown.
The Springbok centre will miss two Currie Cup matches and the third Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at the National Stadium (formerly Soccer City) on August 21.
Fourie is the third Springbok in as many weeks to be suspended for foul play, and it is his second suspension in succession for a dangerous tackle after copping the same ban in 2009 for spear tackling Ma’a Nonu.
Meanwhile, Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has been forced to sit out for two weeks, also for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyn. He misses Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks as well as the one in Christchurch in a fortnight.
[www.keo.co.za]
The Springbok centre will miss two Currie Cup matches and the third Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at the National Stadium (formerly Soccer City) on August 21.
Fourie is the third Springbok in as many weeks to be suspended for foul play, and it is his second suspension in succession for a dangerous tackle after copping the same ban in 2009 for spear tackling Ma’a Nonu.
Meanwhile, Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has been forced to sit out for two weeks, also for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyn. He misses Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks as well as the one in Christchurch in a fortnight.
[www.keo.co.za]
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Good friends reunited as halfback pairing
Ruan Pienaar and Morné Steyn will finally play together again as the Springboks’ halfback pairing in what probably feels like an eternity to two very good friends.
The two were last halfback partners in 2005 when they played together for the South Africa under-21 side that won the Junior World Championship in Argentina.
And who was the coach back then? None other than Peter de Villiers.
Just why the coach waited for five years to re-unite the pair is a mystery, but it probably has something to do with their contrasting fortunes as flyhalves.
But every fairytale has a happy ending and for these two friends, who already played together as boys in Bloemfontein, their backyard Tests growing up in Fichardt Park will become a reality in Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium.
Pienaar will be in the No 9 jersey and Steyn at No 10.
Pienaar’s inclusion was inevitable and belated.
The man who was labelled the Tiger Woods of rugby by De Villiers has been playing his best rugby in years because he has been allowed to play in his favoured scrumhalf position.
He was the substitute in this position in a number of Tests this year, but had to kick his heels behind Ricky Januarie.
“I just want to concentrate on doing the basic things right. That includes getting the line away quickly, taking some pressure off Morné when necessary, and now and again look for the gap,” a satisfied Pienaar said before his 43rd Test. Only 16 of those Tests were at scrumhalf.
Pienaar is looking forward to being re-united with Steyn. “We have not played together for a while, so I’m looking forward to it. It feels good to be able to play with him,” he said.
Pienaar is determined not to put too much pressure on himself.
“I just want to enjoy it. I have nothing to prove, so just want to run out and play. Hopefully all goes well,” he said.
Pienaar realises that his tactical kicking may be vital.
“With Morné and Fourie du Preez, the Boks were very accurate in putting other teams under pressure last year. Hopefully I can help with that. I want to put in additional work this week to make sure that my kicks are accurate,” said Pienaar.
He expects a fast game, but believes it’s important for the Springboks to determine the tempo.
“We will stick to what worked for us in the past, but will try to retain possession for longer. We had New Zealand under heavy pressure at times in the second half by keeping the ball.”
Pienaar is looking forward to the duel between the halfbacks.
“I thought (Will) Genia and (Quade) Copper were the best halfback pairing in the Super 14 and caused problems for many teams. Morné and I have a tough task ahead, but we’ll have to put pressure on them if we want to stand a chance.”
[article taken from www.supersport.com]
The two were last halfback partners in 2005 when they played together for the South Africa under-21 side that won the Junior World Championship in Argentina.
And who was the coach back then? None other than Peter de Villiers.
Just why the coach waited for five years to re-unite the pair is a mystery, but it probably has something to do with their contrasting fortunes as flyhalves.
But every fairytale has a happy ending and for these two friends, who already played together as boys in Bloemfontein, their backyard Tests growing up in Fichardt Park will become a reality in Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium.
Pienaar will be in the No 9 jersey and Steyn at No 10.
Pienaar’s inclusion was inevitable and belated.
The man who was labelled the Tiger Woods of rugby by De Villiers has been playing his best rugby in years because he has been allowed to play in his favoured scrumhalf position.
He was the substitute in this position in a number of Tests this year, but had to kick his heels behind Ricky Januarie.
“I just want to concentrate on doing the basic things right. That includes getting the line away quickly, taking some pressure off Morné when necessary, and now and again look for the gap,” a satisfied Pienaar said before his 43rd Test. Only 16 of those Tests were at scrumhalf.
Pienaar is looking forward to being re-united with Steyn. “We have not played together for a while, so I’m looking forward to it. It feels good to be able to play with him,” he said.
Pienaar is determined not to put too much pressure on himself.
“I just want to enjoy it. I have nothing to prove, so just want to run out and play. Hopefully all goes well,” he said.
Pienaar realises that his tactical kicking may be vital.
“With Morné and Fourie du Preez, the Boks were very accurate in putting other teams under pressure last year. Hopefully I can help with that. I want to put in additional work this week to make sure that my kicks are accurate,” said Pienaar.
He expects a fast game, but believes it’s important for the Springboks to determine the tempo.
“We will stick to what worked for us in the past, but will try to retain possession for longer. We had New Zealand under heavy pressure at times in the second half by keeping the ball.”
Pienaar is looking forward to the duel between the halfbacks.
“I thought (Will) Genia and (Quade) Copper were the best halfback pairing in the Super 14 and caused problems for many teams. Morné and I have a tough task ahead, but we’ll have to put pressure on them if we want to stand a chance.”
[article taken from www.supersport.com]
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
'Geech' backs England's WC chances
British and Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan has praised England after their memorable win over Australia in June, and believes that Martin Johnson's side could be surprise contenders for the World Cup next year.
Bath's new performance director hailed England's 21-20 triumph over a southern hemisphere power as a "major step forward" and said he thought that they were best placed of all the Northern Hemisphere contingent to mount a serious challenge for the William Webb Ellis trophy in a year's time.
"England, of all the sides at the moment, have probably got the best mix of established, experienced players and enthusiastic, quality younger players," McGeechan told the Daily Telegraph.
"If that continues to evolve over the next 12 months then they will probably be in pretty good shape for the World Cup.
'Geech', who selected Johnson to captain the Lions' triumphant tour of South Africa in 1997, said that the England manager knows what it took to win on the big stage and hoped that England would kick on from the Wallaby triumph.
"Johnno knows what he wants and he knows what it takes to create a winning environment.
"The key is for him to see that what they achieved in that last Test against Australia is just a staging point rather than the finishing line.
"England need to say, 'Right, that is what we have to hold on to now. Where do we want to go next?' "
England's resurgence has come on the back of the introduction of young and exciting new players such as Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton, and McGeechan believes the emergence of 20 year-old Youngs, in particular, has had a massive influence in the side's turnaround.
"Sometimes making just one change affects the way others play and I think Johnson's decision to play Ben Youngs was critical for England," McGeechan said.
"The way Youngs played had an impact on what happened around him and that drew slightly different games out of other players. He has really impressed me and if the Lions tour was this year I probably would have brought him.
"Youngs is one of a number of younger players that have come through and got the experience of winning in the southern hemisphere, while England Saxons also did well in the Churchill Cup.
"When a World Cup comes around, you just have to be there or thereabout as a team, with the right players fit, and then you get momentum in a tournament.
"England definitely suffered last November with injuries. But most of those players are fit again now and that gives Johnno a core group to develop, while I think Lewis Moody has also done well as captain. They look in good shape."
[Article taken from Rugby365]
Bath's new performance director hailed England's 21-20 triumph over a southern hemisphere power as a "major step forward" and said he thought that they were best placed of all the Northern Hemisphere contingent to mount a serious challenge for the William Webb Ellis trophy in a year's time.
"England, of all the sides at the moment, have probably got the best mix of established, experienced players and enthusiastic, quality younger players," McGeechan told the Daily Telegraph.
"If that continues to evolve over the next 12 months then they will probably be in pretty good shape for the World Cup.
'Geech', who selected Johnson to captain the Lions' triumphant tour of South Africa in 1997, said that the England manager knows what it took to win on the big stage and hoped that England would kick on from the Wallaby triumph.
"Johnno knows what he wants and he knows what it takes to create a winning environment.
"The key is for him to see that what they achieved in that last Test against Australia is just a staging point rather than the finishing line.
"England need to say, 'Right, that is what we have to hold on to now. Where do we want to go next?' "
England's resurgence has come on the back of the introduction of young and exciting new players such as Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton, and McGeechan believes the emergence of 20 year-old Youngs, in particular, has had a massive influence in the side's turnaround.
"Sometimes making just one change affects the way others play and I think Johnson's decision to play Ben Youngs was critical for England," McGeechan said.
"The way Youngs played had an impact on what happened around him and that drew slightly different games out of other players. He has really impressed me and if the Lions tour was this year I probably would have brought him.
"Youngs is one of a number of younger players that have come through and got the experience of winning in the southern hemisphere, while England Saxons also did well in the Churchill Cup.
"When a World Cup comes around, you just have to be there or thereabout as a team, with the right players fit, and then you get momentum in a tournament.
"England definitely suffered last November with injuries. But most of those players are fit again now and that gives Johnno a core group to develop, while I think Lewis Moody has also done well as captain. They look in good shape."
[Article taken from Rugby365]
Aussies announce team to face Boks.......
Benn Robinson is back in the Wallabies front row and will look to extend his dominance over the Springboks this Saturday.
The Australian loosehead tormented John Smit when the Bok skipper played No 3, and there’s little doubt that Smit’s move back to hooker will help the Bok scrum. BJ Botha has been selected at tighthead for this clash and, along with Smit and Gurthro Steenkamp, will pack down against Robinson, Saia Faingaa and Salesi Ma’afu.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has included Stephen Moore on the bench in this his comeback match from a broken jaw. Veteran Nathan Sharpe also returns in the second row.
Quade Cooper and Rob Horne will start their first Tri-Nations Test in Brisbane, while scrumhalf Will Genia is back from a hand fracture. Adam Ashley-Cooper is picked at fullback with James O’Connor preferred on the wing.
Wallabies -15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Fainga, 1 Benn Robinson.
Sub: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
The Australian loosehead tormented John Smit when the Bok skipper played No 3, and there’s little doubt that Smit’s move back to hooker will help the Bok scrum. BJ Botha has been selected at tighthead for this clash and, along with Smit and Gurthro Steenkamp, will pack down against Robinson, Saia Faingaa and Salesi Ma’afu.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has included Stephen Moore on the bench in this his comeback match from a broken jaw. Veteran Nathan Sharpe also returns in the second row.
Quade Cooper and Rob Horne will start their first Tri-Nations Test in Brisbane, while scrumhalf Will Genia is back from a hand fracture. Adam Ashley-Cooper is picked at fullback with James O’Connor preferred on the wing.
Wallabies -15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Fainga, 1 Benn Robinson.
Sub: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
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