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Rugby in Kenya

• Davies urges Cuthbert stay

  Posted: May 8, 2012, 7:23 pm by guestblogger

  
  Former Wales international Jonathan Davies has urged Grand Slam winner Alex Cuthbert to snub offers to play in France and to sign a new deal with his current side the Cardiff Blues.
  
  Cuthbert burst onto the scene earlier this season when he scored a brace against Racing Metro in the Heineken Cup and his consistent performances led to him making his international debut against Australia in December.
  
  His form continued and he was subsequently selected for all of his country’s games in their recent Grand Slam winning campaign, scoring the winning try in the decider against France.
  
  It has since been revealed that he is still only a development contract with the Blues, having only signed for them in summer 2011, leading to heavy speculation and plenty of rugby bets suggesting that he could be on the verge of accepting a lucrative offer to play in France for the next few seasons.
  
  Unlike in the British Isles, the French teams are unrestricted by salary caps meaning they can afford to offer players as much as they want, a policy which has seen the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, James Hook and Simon Shaw all move across the channel.
  
  However, former fly-half Davies has urged him to continue his development with Blues a she believes his defensive frailties could be exposed in France which could greatly affect the 22-year-old’s confidence – even if they rugby betting suggest the move will eventually happen.
  
  "It's not always the money which is best," Davies told Scrum V. "If they develop him in France and look at his defensive qualities, and they persevere with him and educate him, that's great.
  
  "But in Cardiff, if he stays in Wales with the Welsh coaches and now with Phil (Davies), it's a question of, right, we've got to work on his defensive capabilities.
  
  "The last thing he wants is to go to France and lose his confidence and then lose his (Wales) place," he added.
  
  

  
  

• Tahs must Improve - Barnes

  Posted: May 7, 2012, 4:29 pm by guestblogger

  Berrick Barnes has told his Waratahs teammates to forget about the Super Rugby play-offs, if they turn in another performance as bad as Saturday's against derby rivals, the Brumbies.
  
  The Sydney franchise was beaten 23-6 on a night to forget at Canberra Stadium, and now face the genuine possibility of missing the play-offs for the first time in three years.
  
  Asked whether he thought the Waratahs could still make the finals, Barnes, the Tahs’ five-eighth, said: "Not the way we are going at the moment."
  
  Barnes was guilty of knocking on a pass out of a scrum from his halfback, Brendan McKibbin, to kill an attacking opportunity, but was otherwise always on the front foot, in an effort to break the line.
  
  He held his hands up to admit his mistake, and said that there was no excuse for the side's failure to score a try against their hosts.
  
  The Waratahs now have just six remaining Super Rugby fixtures to respond, and to push for a shot at the play-offs. Visit the rugby previews website, for more information on upcoming games.
  
  Next up for New South Wales is the crunch visit to the Sydney Football Stadium, of South African Conference leaders, the Bulls, before a double-header in South Africa against the Stormers (May 19) and the Cheetahs (May 26), to complete May's fixtures.
  
  He added: "We have got to improve, and that's just an honest assessment; the Brumbies far outclassed us. We have two of our hardest games of the season [next], or three in a row. We've got the Bulls and then the Stormers away."
  
  A broken ankle sustained by in-form 24-year-old, Christian Lealiifano, to put his place in the Wallabies squad for the Tests against Scotland and Wales, next month, in doubt, marred the Brumbies win.
  
  If watching rugby union does not push all your buttons, check out rugby league live online for your sports fix.

  
  

• Mowen reveals frustration

  Posted: April 26, 2012, 5:25 pm by guestblogger

  A disappointed Ben Mowen felt Brumbies deserved something at altitude against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium but insisted they would take the positives out a 36-34 defeat.
  The men from Canberra, coached by former Springbok World Cup-winning coach Jake White, were labelled outsiders in the rugby previews  leading up to the match.
  They arrived for the round nine fixture having not won in Pretoria since 2006 when coming away with a 21-27 scoreline.
  A squad packed with players with little experience of touring in South Africawere notngiven much hope by punters placing online bets but they played with credit and the Australian side took two bonus points for their try-scoring effort and a narrow defeat.
  Henry Speight, Jesse Mogg, Andrew Smith, Ian Prior and Anthony Hegart all went over for the Brumbies and the manner of the tight defeat made it all the more frustrating.
  "A lot of positives come out of it," said Mowen, who left the field injured with a back/neck injury shortly after the start of the second half.
  He added: "One or two things go our way and we're away. I was really happy with our attacking game."
  Speight came close to winning the game for the Australian Conference leaders but dropped the ball over the try-line.
  "We've got some work left on our defence," said Bulls captain and eighth-man Pierre Spies, who was grateful for fly-half Morne Steyn's 26-point haul.
  The Brumbies stay at altitude for a game against the Lions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, on Friday, before returning to Australia for a May 5 fixture against the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.

  
  

• Lam wants winning return

  Posted: April 19, 2012, 3:50 pm by guestblogger

  Pat Lam has vowed there will be no backing down from his under-performing Blues players when they face the Highlanders in the rugby league live online clash at Dunedin on Friday night.
  Lam's men will be aiming to snap a four-game winless run at the end of what has been an emotionally-charged week in which the coach revealed he had been subjected to racist abuse by disenchanted fans.
  The omens do not look good - the Blues went through the entire Super 14 without beating the Sharks once and have lost the last seven games against their opponents, something punters who bet on rugby league will take note of.
  Lam says key to victory is combating the southerners' noted intensity at the breakdown and has demanded his players front up.
  "You have to be lower, you have to be physical and you have to get into it," he said on Wednesday.
  Hadleigh Parkes has been named at fullback and Lam said the 24-year-old deserved the No 15 shirt.
  "One of the things that's impressed us is that he is a 100 per cent man," he added.
  Lam also revealed he had handed the captaincy to loose forward Luke Braid, in the absence of hooker Keven Mealamu, after first consulting senior players Tony Woodcock and Ali Williams.
  Blues: Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Ma'a Nonu, Benson Stanley, Gareth Anscombe, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (capt), Chris Lowrey, Filo Paulo, Ali Williams, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Res: James Parsons, Tevita Mailau, Liaki Moli, Dan Braid, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, David Raikuna.
  Highlanders v Blues, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
  19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST

  
  

• Roach eyeing Ponting scalp

  Posted: April 17, 2012, 4:22 pm by guestblogger

  
  Kemar Roach has promised he will "keep coming" for principal target Ricky Ponting as West Indies attempt to level the three-match Test series against Australia at Port of Spain.
  
  The two famously first clashed in 2009 when 21-year-old top-flight newcomer Roach forced Aussie legend Ponting to retire hurt with a badly bruised elbow during a Test match at the WACA. It brought about a clamour from the world's top bowlers to target the combative Tasmanian with the short ball.
  
  They renewed hostilities in the first Test of the Baggy Greens' tour of the Caribbean when Roach claimed the prize wicket of Ponting, arguably the most uncompromising player of his generation, with an unstoppable delivery in the first innings in Trinidad.
  
  Punters who bet on Australian cricket backed the visitors to succeed and they certainly began well, ending day one of the second Test at Port of Spain on 208-5, having won the toss and deciding to bat.
  
  Ponting, playing in his first Test since losing his ODI place, knows he is under pressure to perform ahead of the home Test matches against South Africa in November and there a number of cricket bets being placed regarding the veteran and his battle with his young opponent, who says he is ready to capitalise on any doubts.
  
  The 23-year-old St Lucia-born star said: "Ricky Ponting's a great batsman, a legend of cricket. To get that wicket, on a difficult pitch, easy for batting, it's very good."
  
  "I'll keep coming at him, that's my job, and I want to do it to the best of my ability," Roach added. "I say he's a challenge, I won't say I have the wood on him, he's a great batsman, I respect what he's done in cricket, but I have a job to do for my team. If that's to run at him, then I'm going to do it."
  
  

  
  

• McCaw "progressing slowly"

  Posted: April 9, 2012, 7:09 pm by guestblogger

  
  
  Rugby previews:
  
  Richie McCaw's admission that he is "progressing slowly" means he is unlikely to play for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby match against the Stormers at Rugby League Park in Christchurch on Saturday.
  
  Hopes were high that the All Blacks superstar was closing in on a return to competitive rugby having not played since helping his country win the Webb Ellis trophy on home soil at the end of last year because of an ongoing foot injury.
  
  Six months of rehabilitation have passed but the 103 Test veteran is still not able train with his Crusaders team-mates and is short of match sharpness.
  
  "I've been progressing slowly," he told the Sunday Star-Times.
  
  The 31-year-old said he would not be putting himself under pressure to name his comeback date because he was still not up to the required fitness levels, although reports have suggested he might have to wait another month before making his long-awaited return.
  
  He added: "People ask when I'm going to be back and I'm reluctant to put time on it because I'm still not really 100 per cent sure.
  
  "It's just a matter of progressing as you need to.
  
  "From straight running to changing directions, I'm just doing that so hopefully before too long before I'll be back with boots on and training, getting match fit."
  
  McCaw would not be drawn on suggestions he could move to Italy later this season to take up an option of playing abroad under his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union, which runs until 2015.
  
  The Otago native said his priority was to get games under his belt but refused to rule out a future move.
  
  "There's no doubt, it's nice to have that option," he added.
  
  "If you're going to get through to the next world cup, then that's something that, if it means carrying on playing at the level I need to be at, could be quite important."
  
  Those wanting to bet on rugby league would do well to keep track of these developments.

  
  

• Cave targets Heineken Cup success

  Posted: April 6, 2012, 4:56 pm by guestblogger

  Ulster centre Darren Cave hopes that if he impresses in the Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Munster he can force his way into the Ireland team.
  The 25-year-old believes that if he, Paul Marshall, Dan Tuohy and Chris Henry play well in the game – where the rugby odds suggest they are outsiders -  they can earn a place in Declan Kidney’s squad for the summer tour of New Zealand.
  Ireland are scheduled to play three Tests against the All Blacks in June.
  "There are times when it does slip into your head," said Cave when asked about an international call-up.
  
  “But a lot of the players who have been on the fringes have sort of forgotten about it.
  “There is very much a feeling in the Ulster squad that there are players who have been unlucky with
  
  Ireland and we feel the only way to change that is to go and win something. We’re trying to beat Munster this weekend and win this competition."
  Cave has represented Ireland on just two occasions, against Canada and the USA in the 2009 Churchill Cup, but Keith Earls has been preferred ever since.
  Earls has already won 30 caps and scored 12 tries but has been helped by Cave’s poor recent injury record.
  Cave was only on the replacements bench for last year’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Northampton after suffering an ill-timed injury and earlier this year missed the entire Six Nations campaign when he had been backed to replace long-term injury victim Brian O’Driscoll.
  Ulster reached the last eight of the Heineken Cup by finishing second in Pool 4 behind Clermont while Munster topped Pool 1, which also included Scarlets, Northampton and Castres.

  
  

• Wyles keen to challenge on two fronts

  Posted: April 5, 2012, 4:59 pm by guestblogger

  Chris Wyles sees no reason why Saracens can’t seal a place in the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup for only the second time in the club’s history. Clermont Auvergne stand in last year’s Aviva Premiership Grand Final winner’s way but Wyles insists confidence is high in the Sarries camp, despite going into the game as outsiders in the rugby betting and last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Harlequins.
  Saracens missed out on the chance to go to the top of the Aviva Premiership table when they lost 24-19 to Quins in front of a world-record crowd for a club rugby union match of 83,761 at Wembley.
  Wyles said: “We’ve quickly shifted our focus to this weekend. It was a hard loss to take, but at the end of the day we didn’t play well enough and Quins deserved their victory.
  “It’s quite nice to be the last English team left in the competition and we just want to make sure we do as well as we can. I certainly think that our squad is strong enough to keep on challenging on two fronts.”
  Clermont have one of the best squads in European rugby but have never made it beyond the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup and have a reputation for being poor travellers.
  The two sides met in the pool stages of the competition last year, when the French side won both matches.
  Saracens welcome back centre Brad Barritt for the quarter-final after he was rested for the Harlequins game but former SouthAfrica skipper John Smit, who spent the 2007/08 season playing for Clermont, misses out through injury.
  

  
  

• Richie McCraw out for a month

  Posted: March 23, 2012, 4:32 pm by guestblogger

  
  
  Rugby previews:
  
  Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has suggested World Cup winner Richie McCaw faces another "three weeks to a month" on the sidelines before he can make his return to Super Rugby from a foot injury.
  
  The 31-year-old has missed the opening three rounds of the new season because of the ongoing problem and Blackadder says he no intention of putting a date on his much-needed return.
  
  The Christchurch-based club have struggled for consistency in the absence of the All Blacks favourite but Blackadder insisted he would not be rushed back.
  
  "We are still going to have to wait and see when we get back from South Africa, so he is still another three weeks to a month away from being considered," he said.
  
  Crusaders hit the ground running with a tight win against the Blues on the opening day of the Super Rugby season, but have since fallen to defeats by the Highlanders and the Chiefs.
  
  They are 10 points adrift of the Highlanders at the top of the New Zealand conference but have played one game less.
  
  Blackadder is refusing to panic and insisted Crusaders would get the win their performances have merited.
  
  "We're just off the pace, the last two weeks was really unlike us and we are a far better team than that," the coach told One Sport.
  
  "I look back and look at our focus we just weren't focussing on the critical things that are going to make a difference in those games but we are a better side and I think you will see that this Saturday."
  
  Crusaders play host to the Cheetahs at Rugby League Park on Saturday (06:35 GMT) – a game which could feature the return of All Blacks superstar Dan Carter from a groin injury.
  
  For those looking to bet on rugby league these developments should be noted.

  
  

• England must keep tabs on Henry

  Posted: March 19, 2012, 7:52 pm by guestblogger

  When the curtain finally falls on the Six Nations, the RFU's real tough task begins as they seek to appoint a permanent head coach for the England national side.
  
  But while it is who will fill the top position around which most speculation has mounted, there are other roles within the coaching hierarchy that are also vital. Those following the best rugby union betting need to remember this.
  
  One man who would have done an excellent job as part of a new England coaching team is former New Zealand boss Graham Henry.
  
  Henry went on record last year to say that he'd welcome an approach from the RFU, and it is staggering that they didn't take him up on his offer.
  
  Recently he has been appointed to an advisory role by the Argentinian RU, and the South American nation's gain is definitely England's loss, for Henry would bring so much to any national set-up.
  
  The former All-Blacks supremo has a winning mentality and is always striving to go bigger and better, even after tasting success.
  
  He isn't somebody who'll let loyalties cloud his judgement and aims to select players based on their form, not reputation.
  
  Henry is also a tough disciplinarian, but knows how to handle potentially volatile situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
  
  The calm and collected way in which he dealt with in-house issues during the 2011 World Cup, when New Zealand stars Cory Lane and Israel Dagg broke curfew, should have been food for thought for the English after the negative their own impact off-field problems had on performances during the tournament.
  
  Henry is also a great talent spotter and has a proven track record of turning lesser-known players into stars.
  
  Much like the great Sir Clive Woodward, the New Zealander is also an astute technician who is not too stubborn to learn from his own mistakes, as evidenced by the respective performances by the All Blacks in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
  
  That Henry has been snapped up by Argentina is a real shame for England, particularly when you consider that he'd expressed an interest in a role at Twickenham, but if the RFU have any sense then they'll be monitoring the 65-year-old's situation in Argentina very closely indeed.

  
  

• Wales close in on Grand Slam

  Posted: March 13, 2012, 9:52 pm by guestblogger

  Wales are one win away from a third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years after defeating stubborn Italy 24-3 in Cardiff.
  
  Wales went into half-time with a slender 9-3 lead courtesy of three Leigh Halfpenny penalties. Jamie Roberts calmed Welsh nerves with a long-range try early in the second half, before Alex Cuthbert added gloss on the scoreline late on.
  
  Warren Gatland’s side started brightly at the Millennium Stadium but were left frustrated by Italy’s determined defensive line. Halfpenny and Mirco Bergamasco exchanged penalties as the Azzurri settled into the match.
  
  Despite Italy’s resilience, Wales were doing most of the running and Halfpenny kicked two further penalties before the break. Those following the latest rugby betting odds will have been impressed.
  
  Wales effectively made the game safe ten minutes into the second half when they turned the ball over deep inside their own half and launched an incisive counter attack. Roberts received the ball just inside his own half, stepped between two Italian defenders and raced clear to finish under the posts.
  
  Halfpenny converted the try but his afternoon turned sour soon after when he was sent to the sin bin following a clumsy challenge on Italy captain Sergio Parisse.
  
  Italy enjoyed a spell of possession as they searched for a way back into the contest. Unfortunately for the visitors, they failed to make their man advantage count and Rhys Priestland extended Wales’ lead to 16 points with a penalty. Fans of the Heineken Cup odds will have been impressed by his efforts.
  
  Roberts was denied a second try when Rhys Webb was penalised for blocking. But Wales weren’t to be denied three minutes from time. Cuthbert showed speed and strength to finish in the corner after quick thinking by Gethin Jenkins.
  
  Wales will secure the Grand Slam and Six Nations title with victory over France in Cardiff on Saturday, while Italy face a Wooden Spoon clash against Scotland in Rome.
  

  
  

• Dupuy to clinch France chance

  Posted: March 9, 2012, 6:23 pm by guestblogger

  France scrum-half Julien Dupuy is determined to grasp his opportunity with both hands after he was recalled to the team to face England in Paris on Sunday.
  
  The 28-year-old fell out of favour under Marc Lievremont after the former coach described Dupuy as being too carefree in his approach. The Stade Francais star is keen to prove Lievremont wrong. Those looking at the Six Nations 2012 betting need to bear this in mind.
  
  "That annoyed me at the time. There is a difference between being not stressed and being nonchalant. When someone says that I don't care about anything, that is simply not true," said Dupuy.
  
  "I don't show it but that is not to say I am not thinking and that I am not taking in what is going on in terms of strategy during the match."
  
  Dupuy won the last of his seven caps in November 2009 and will return to the side alongside former club team-mate Lionel Beauxis.
  
  Dupuy and Beauxis formed the half-back pairing at Stade Francais between 2009 and 2011 and have been reunited at international level after Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh Duc failed to fire in the draw against Ireland. Fans of the rugby betting odds should remember this.
  
  Beauxis, too, has been out of favour in recent years and starts a game for the first time since 2009. The 26-year-old ended the 2007 World Cup as France's first-choice fly-half and will be keen to make the number ten position his own again when he lines up against England.
  
  Les Bleus must win at the Stade de France to set up a Six Nations title decider against Grand Slam hopefuls Wales on March 17.
  
  Beauxis and Dupuy have a point to prove this weekend and what better way to do that than against bitter rivals England.

  
  

• Scotland's white line fever

  Posted: March 8, 2012, 10:52 pm by guestblogger

  Three tries in three Six Nations matches suggests that Scotland’s capabilities near the try line have not been up where they should be, but what are the underlying factors?
  
  Many say that it is down to the players’ own attacking shortcomings, but should coach Andy Robinson also shoulder some of the responsibility, as well as his attack coach - and veteran of 80 caps - Gregor Townsend?
  
  The continued selection of Dan Parks at number 10 has frustrated many, who believe he lacks the creative spark needed to carve open a try-scoring opportunity.
  
  And, though that lack of creativity isn’t replicated elsewhere on the park, some reckon that the players on board who are capable of scoring points are not being used correctly.
  
  Prolific Glasgow Warriors try-scorer Sean Lamont, for example, has been utilised during the Six Nations as a crash centre, which many believe blunts his impact on the international stage.
  
  Another less tangible factor is confidence, and it doesn’t appear that Scotland have much of it at the moment. Those looking at the 2012 Six Nations betting should remember this.
  
  And if you were to take away even the most gifted of attacking teams’ confidence - the All Blacks in their pomp - they’d struggle to get over that whitewash.
  
  But, while it is more difficult to quantify, confidence surely comes from the top, and perhaps it is Robinson and the rest of his staff whose methods must again come into question.
  
  Of course there are many who place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the players, but isn't it is the job of the coaching staff to fill their men with confidence, and send their play-makers out on the field with attacking blueprints stuffed up both shirt sleeves.
  
  More pertinently, should all of this be enough to force the SRU to reshuffle their coaching hierarchy? Well, that’s another debate entirely, and probably one best saved until after the Six Nations dust has settled in just under two weeks time.
  
  The Scots have trips to face Ireland and Italy still ahead, so there is time yet for them to prove the doubters wrong.
  
  The Irish and the Italians have both leaked plenty of points already this this year, so it’s the perfect opportunity.
  

  
  

• England give youth a chance

  Posted: March 8, 2012, 7:00 pm by guestblogger

  Harlequins scrum-half Karl Dickson and Wasps lock Joe Launchbury have joined up with the England squad ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash with France in Paris.
  Dickson, whose brother Lee started at scrum-half in the 19-12 defeat to Wales, has been called up as cover for Joe Simpson.
  
  Launchbury will provide cover for Courtney Lawes, who is struggling with a shin problem. Those following the England Six Nations betting will be pleased to see youth being given a chance.
  
  Neither player is expected to feature in the squad to face France but England coach Stuart Lancaster believes the inexperienced pair will improve from being around the set-up.
  
  "We did it with Chris Brooker last weekend. It is all about the long-term evolution of the England team," Lancaster said.
  
  Ben Youngs is likely to remain on the bench for the game at the Stade de France with Lee Dickson expected to retain his place in the starting line-up.
  
  Youngs, who impressed for Leicester Tigers last weekend, has received the backing of Lancaster.
  
  "We've never lost any faith in Ben. He is a great young player and we are fortunate that we have some competition in the position," Lancaster added.
  
  Lancaster is not short of options at fly-half either. Owen Farrell is likely to start at number ten despite Charlie Hodgson's return from injury, while Toby Flood is also vying for a starting berth. Users of Betfair will be keeping a close eye on the selection.
  
  Scott Williams ended England's Grand Slam hopes at Twickenham but Lancaster was encouraged by his team's performance in defeat and expects a further improvement in Paris.
  
  "The irony is we played some of our best rugby and lost. The trick now is to build again and get ready for France," Lancaster said.
  
  A repeat of their 2008 victory in the French capital would keep England's slim Six Nations title hopes alive.

  
  

• Wales 'need to send a message'

  Posted: March 6, 2012, 8:04 pm by guestblogger

  Wales captain Sam Warburton has called on his side to send out a strong message to France ahead of a potential Six Nations decider on March 17.
  
  A win for Wales against Italy this weekend coupled with a French victory over England would set up a crucial clash on the final weekend of the championship.
  
  Ireland may have ended France's Grand Slam hopes with a 17-17 draw in Paris but Les Bleus could still lift the title with back-to-back victories. Those looking at the Wales Six Nations betting should remember this.
  
  Warburton has urged his side to be ruthless against Italy to show they are "not messing around".
  
  "A good impressive win over the Italians and trying to get some negative thoughts in their mind coming to Cardiff means a ruthless performance against the Italians would be good," said Warburton.
  
  Wales have had a blistering start to their Six Nations campaign – earning impressive victories in Ireland and England either side of a comfortable win over Scotland in Cardiff.
  
  A win against Italy, who have never beaten Wales at the Millennium Stadium, would take Warren Gatland's men to within one game of a third Grand Slam in eight years.
  
  Warburton has warned against complacency and expects a tough battle against a spirited Italian side. People Betting on Rugby Union need to bear this in mind.
  
  "When I have played against Italy, even though it might look comfortable from a spectator's point of view, you still have to work really hard on the pitch," added Warburton.
  
  "You really have to try to break them down. If you go out a bit complacent and they get their tails up - they beat France last season, remember - they have that performance in them.
  
  Wales have an immediate opportunity to put their World Cup disappointment behind them and seem determined to right the wrongs of New Zealand.

  
  

• Lancaster gets England job backing

  Posted: March 2, 2012, 8:18 pm by guestblogger

  England interim coach Stuart Lancaster has received praise from a former boss after an encouraging start to the Six Nations.
  
  England’s new-look side have exceeded expectations in this year’s championship, despite an agonising 19-12 defeat at the hands of Wales.
  
  Ashton, who coached England between 2006 and 2008, believes Lancaster has staked his claim for the job on a permanent basis. Fans of the Betfair 6 nations championship will know he has done very well.
  
  "He's made a very impressive impact on the England squad," said Ashton.
  
  "Could anyone have done a better job in these three weeks than Stuart's done? He's done almost everything everyone asked of him."
  
  Former England Saxons coach Lancaster stepped into the breach left by Martin Johnson after he quit in November following a disappointing World Cup campaign in New Zealand.
  
  It has been a case of out with the old and in with the new during the 2012 Six Nations, with eight players making their international debuts and Chris Robshaw leading the side for the first time.
  
  England handed Lancaster a winning start with hard-fought victories in Scotland and Italy before coming up just short against a strong Wales side.
  
  Ashton has been impressed with the way the 42-year-old has handled a difficult situation.
  
  "He's been put in a very unfortunate position. To have an interim coach job for five games must be incredibly difficult," said Ashton
  
  "But England have shown a lot of progress. They won two banana skin games away from home and almost beat what was a pretty rampant Wales team before Saturday."
  
  The defeat to Wales has left England with an uphill struggle in their bid to retain their Six Nations crown. They must beat Ireland and France and hope others slip up. Those looking at the Heineken Cup Betting odds will know this.
  
  Lancaster has two more games to convince the RFU he is the right man for the job.
  

  
  

• Sonny Bill is a boxing champ

  Posted: February 29, 2012, 7:13 pm by guestblogger

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  New Zealand's World Cup-winning star Sonny Bill Williams has become a boxing champion after a first-round knockout of Clarence Tillman.
  
  The 26-year-old, who has represented his country in both rugby codes, stopped his American opponent just before the bell in the opening round to secure the vacant New Zealand heavyweight title.
  
  Williams came off the bench in New Zealand's World Cup final win over France in October after converting to rugby union in 2008. Those following the best online rugby union odds will know just how good he is.
  
  He began his rugby career with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL four years earlier and made an immediate impact in the 13-a-side code. He was tipped for great things but left the Bulldogs to join French side Toulon.
  Not satisfied with being one of the most talented rugby players on the planet, Williams set about becoming a boxing champion and made his professional debut in 2009.
  
  The Kiwi had won all four of his paid bouts heading into the clash with Tillman in Hamilton. The weigh-in saw fireworks between the two as Williams conceded a 21kg weight advantage to Tillman.
  
  The American was made to regret aiming a punch at Williams during the build-up to the fight as the talented New Zealander pummelled Tillman with a flurry of blows on the ropes to stop the bout.
  
  Williams is competing as a boxer on a part-time basis before he starts life with new club Waikato Chiefs in the Super 15 later this month.
  
  He is widely expected to make the switch back to rugby league next year with the Sydney Roosters. Williams is reportedly bored with union and is keen for a fresh challenge in the NRL.
  
  Williams is a rare breed of sportsman able to pick and choose which sport he plays. The new boxing champion has the sporting world at his feet.

  
  

• Fitness Prevails for Wales!

  Posted: February 28, 2012, 11:44 pm by guestblogger

  It has been a great weekend for Wales who have climbed into the top five of the world rankings after clinching the RBS Six Nations Triple Crown with a 19-12 win over England at Twickenham on Saturday, as seen in the stan james review.
  
  Warren Gatland believes that an improved level of fitness is one of the main reasons behind Wales' recent run of success.
  
  The run of form comes on the back of a sensational run in the World Cup back in September where they reached the semi final, only to lose to France. Now the small nation lie behind only New Zealand, Australia, France and South Africa after putting themselves two home wins away from a second Grand Slam of Gatland's reign, and they are the bwin favourites for the tournament.
  
  And Gatland believes that his side's supreme fitness, honed at punishing pre-World Cup and Six Nations training camps in Poland, has been a crucial factor in the upturn in results.
  
  "I think we are pretty good conditioning-wise. I think that the fitter you get, your skills improve as well and your decision-making improves," he said.
  
  "I have prioritised fitness for the whole four years really, and there have been times when the players have come into a Wales camp knowing they are not really in good enough shape to take on other teams.
  
  "The significant turning point for us was the preparation for the World Cup, when we basically hammered home the conditioning and the fitness."
  
  Gatland believes their tense Twickenham triumph, which was secured thanks to a late try from Scott Williams,shows that Wales are now able to step up on the big occasions.
  "I think it is a significant result. To win and come through games like that does give you the self-belief, because it was a dogfight," he added.
  "We've now come through two games like that in this championship, at Twickenham and in Ireland.
  "Perhaps in the past we would have capitulated (at Twickenham) or lacked that self-belief, but there is an attitude now that the players back their conditioning and never give up.

  
  

• Sarries fly the flag

  Posted: February 28, 2012, 10:28 pm by guestblogger

  Saracens will be England's last remaining hope when the Heineken Cup resumes in April.
  
  The Premiership champions face French side Clermont in the last eight as they bid to reach the semi-finals for only the second time in their history.
  
  Saracens came through a group containing Biarritz Olympique, Ospreys and Benetton Treviso with five wins and one defeat.
  
  They are determined to make up for a disappointing return to the Heineken Cup last year, where they fell at the pool stages. Those following the best online heineken cup odds will be keeping a close eye on them.
  
  England centre Brad Barritt said ahead of Sarries' final group game against Treviso: "We were disappointed last year about being knocked out so early. We've got huge ambitions this year to do well in the Heineken Cup.
  
  "We'll take it step by step but it's a massive ambition for the club to be up there with the Munster's and Toulouse's of this world."
  
  Saracens sealed a place in the quarter-finals with a 26-20 victory and attentions immediately turned to their clash with Clermont.
  
  South African World Cup winning captain John Smit is relishing the prospect of facing his former club and is looking forward to a keenly-contested clash.
  
  "I know from my time there that they always want to do well in the Heineken Cup. But at Saracens we are looking to create our own legacy with the squad of players we have. It should be a really exciting match," said Smit.
  
  As well as striving for their first European title, Saracens are well positioned to defend their Premiership crown. They sit six points behind leaders Harlequins with seven rounds to play.
  
  Everything is set for a rousing finish to the season for Saracens.
  

  
  

• Western Force eye Cooper

  Posted: February 28, 2012, 4:20 pm by guestblogger

  
  Rugby previews:
  
  The Western Force could be set to make a move to recruit Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper as they look to add the final piece to their back-line. The club have been struggling in the five-eighth position since Willie Ripia’s controversial return to New Zealand last year. Scrum-half James Stannard has been tasked with filling in at 10 but that isn’t a move that the club will want to go with during the rest of the season, which could prompt the club to move quickly to plug the gaps.
  Still working his way back from injury, Cooper wouldn’t be ready straight way for the Force, even if any deal did transform. With just a year left on his current deal with the Queensland Reds, the 23-year old has remained tight-lipped over his future plans. His head coach at the Reds, Ewen McKenzie, has come out to claim he is confident of keeping the Australian international in Queensland.
  "I'm confident Quade is enjoying his time here and enjoying his footy," McKenzie said. "There are a lot of reasons to think he wouldn't want to change that."
  Those comments don’t look like stopping the Force in re-establishing their interest in Cooper, following an unsuccessful chase of the versatile back last year. The presence of best friend David Pocock at the Force could be a factor behind Cooper joining the club, although, there is the lucrative option of heading to Europe that will almost certainly be offered to the highly thought of youngster.
  
  These are interesting developments for those wishing to bet on rugby league.
  

  
  

• Cipriani focused on recall

  Posted: February 28, 2012, 4:18 pm by guestblogger

  
  Rugby previews:
  Melbourne Rebels mercurial playmaker Danny Cipriani has reaffirmed his target of earning a recall into the England squad, admitting he is well aware that international recognition will only come if he performs well for the Victorians.
  
  The fly-half has seven England caps to his name, but that was before an apparent falling out with Martin Johnson lead to Cipriani putting his international future on hold and heading Down Under to Super Rugby.
  The 24-year old struggled at times to maintain his focus during his debut season with the newly-formed Rebels, but showed on the pitch that he is capable of being one of the world’s most creative and talented number 10’s.
  This year, Cipriani will need to be at his best if he is to keep his spot at fly-half, with young Aussie hero James O’Connor now at the club and more than able to slot into stand-off should the Englishman not be performing at the required standard.
  Cipriani has insisted he is fully focused on producing the goods on a regular basis this season, with a new-look England management team allowing the former Wasps star a chance at a fresh start.
  The fly half believes his task will be made easier by the spirit within this Melbourne squad, which gets its Super Rugby season under way, belatedly, against the Waratahs on Friday.
  "I've got extra motivation this year to make sure I get in the England side and to really improve on my performances from last year," Cipriani said.
  "I'm not going to change too much. Mistakes happen and stuff gets glamorised in the press.
  "This year, we've got a very tight group. There's a lot of things we're going to do and we're going to do them together. When we go off-field, we're going to make sure it's all as a team."
  
  These are interesting developments for those wishing to bet on rugby league live online.
  
  
  

  
  

• England Slip in World Rankings

  Posted: February 27, 2012, 9:19 pm by guestblogger

  It was a disappointing weekend for England after falling to defeat to Wales in the last 5 minutes of the game at Twickenham in the 6 Nations, and there is further bad news after they have fallen to sixth place in the new IRB world rankings.
  The fall in rankings gives England interim coach Staurt Lancaster and whoever takes up the role full time, a lot of work to do if England are to be one of the seeded teams at the next world cup, as they will need to be in the top 4 by the end of the year.
  That certainly looks like a tall order at the moment with England due to play South Africa four times, as well as France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. But betting on them reaching the top four might be worth a betvictor bet.
  
  
  New Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie will start interviewing for the permanent role of England head coach after the RBS Six Nations, but will be be buoyed by the improving performances of the young side under Lancaster.
  
  However, the RFU must be convinced that he is the man to lead England through to the 2015 tournament on home soil.
  
  Triple crown winners and World Cup semi-finalists Wales are the team to climb above England into fifth place in the rankings after a tremendous 6 months as the Bwin review shows.
  
  England need to start by winning the 6 nations and securing a manager which will give them confidence going into the rest of the year.
  

  
  

• England Vs Wales Teams Announced

  Posted: February 24, 2012, 5:14 pm by guestblogger

  
  Wales will travel to Twickenham on Saturday to face England in the Six Nations as the two teams battle it out to maintain their unbeaten records so far in the tournament.
  Despite having home advantage and winning their previous games on the road to Italy and Scotland, England are still the underdogs with stan james and victor chandler bets.
  This comes as more of a surprise when Wales have only won once at Twickenham since 1998 - however they will fancy their chances of securing the  triple crown on Saturday.
  
  Wales only just scraped to a win in Dublin when they come against Ireland but the World Cup Semi Finalists were far too strong for Scotland as they will be looking to repeat some of their World Cup form at the weekend.
  
  England have made four changes for the encounter - with Ben Morgan, Geoff Parling and Lee Dickson all set to make their first starts.
  
  Wales will be all too familiar with Manu Tuilagi who scored against Wales at Twickenham in the world cup warm up game last year as he the powerful centre steps into the team following a finger injury to Charlie Hodgson.
  
  Tuilagi, who missed the games against Italy and Scotland with a hamstring injury, had been expected to start on the bench, but he comes in after Owen Farrell was switched to fly-half.
  
  Tuilagi's Leicester team-mate Toby Flood does start among the replacements, though, where he is joined by Courtney Lawes and dropped duo Phil Dowson and Ben Youngs. Lock Tom Palmer misses out completely.
  
  Wales will be given a further boost with the news that captain Sam Warburton has been passed fit to play after pulling out of the game against Scotland with a thigh injury.
  Warburton replaces the unlucky Aaron Shingler as one of three changes.
  
  Fit-again Alun-Wyn Jones is preferred to Ryan Jones in the second row, while hooker Ken Owens makes his first Wales start as Huw Bennett and Matthew Rees are both injured.
  
  Here are the teams in full:
  England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manusamoa Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (capt), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
  Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Mike Brown.
  Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (capt), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
  Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.
  

  
  

• Can Wales win the Six Nations?

  Posted: February 24, 2012, 5:00 pm by guestblogger

  The 2012 Six Nations Championship kicked off on the 4th of February. Six great nations will be battling it out to win the 13th series of the Six Nations.
  
  The countries involved in the competition are as follows: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. This particular article is going to primarily focus on Wales. It will give some notable statistics, along with Wales' chances with regards to winning this year's prestigious title. Those looking at the 2012 Six Nations Betting need to bear this in mind.
  
  Wales' first fixture was an away match against the 2009 champions Ireland. It was an intensely close battle with the result ending in a 21-23 victory to the reputable Welsh side after a magnificent comeback.
  
  The Welsh side's second matchup was a home game against Scotland. The result ended in a substantial victory to the Welsh giants by 27-points to Scotland's 12.
  
  Both of the aforementioned victories have left Wales at the top of the table. In this year's tournament their most prolific player has to be Cardiff Blues' fullback Leigh Halfpenny. The 23-year-old Welshman has certainly made a massive contribution to his side's great results by being the top point scorer with a total of 30-points. Halfpenny is also the joint-top try scorer with a total of two tries. [betting.betfair.com]
  
  The Red Dragons' have won the Six Nations title twice with the last time being as recent as 2008. In 2008 the Welsh team managed to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament and ended the competition with a maximum of 12-points. The bookie's favourite for this year's Six Nations event remains to be Wales with best odds set at 11/8. On this occasion I would have to agree with the bookies. Their current coach Warren Gatland has some excellent players in his arsenal and looks certain to guide his prolific side to victory and claim the 2012 Six Nations championship.   
  

  
  

• Crusaders eye eighth title

  Posted: February 22, 2012, 3:27 pm by guestblogger

  
  Rugby previews:
  
  Crusaders scrum-half Andy Ellis has made it clear the New Zealand club will be going all out this season to claim their eighth Super Rugby title. The Canterbury-based club last lifted the league trophy in 2008, narrowly losing out on last year’s title in their final game of the season.
  The club will now go into the new campaign boasting a number of players who are coming off the back of the All Blacks World Cup triumph at the end of last year, something that could well give the Kiwi teams an advantage in the early stages of the season.
  The Crusaders will be forced to play their home games away from their Canterbury base following the horrific earthquake in the city. This season and the club will use the Rugby League Park in Addington, following last season where they were forced to travel to venues like Wellington, and even as far a field as Twickenham.
  Ellis is backing his side to use all the troubles the club have had to endure over the past 18 months as added motivation for this season’s challenge for the title. The club certainly have the personnel capable of mounting a real push for honours this season. 
  “Last year was tough for us with everything that went on with the earthquake in Christchurch and being unable to play at home.”
  “To have come so close to tasting something so special has given us a real hunger for this year.”
  “It has been a while since the Crusaders won the title - we've been there or thereabouts, losing a couple of semi-finals and then the final last year - so we feel that this is our time to win it back.”
  
  Followers of rugby league live online will be keeping up to speed with the Crusaders title push.

  
  

• Ospreys ring the changes

  Posted: February 16, 2012, 5:18 pm by guestblogger

  Head coach Sean Holley and director of rugby Scott Johnson have left Ospreys with immediate effect.
  
  Holley has left by "mutual agreement" after nine years on the coaching staff. Johnson was due to leave at the end of the season to join Scotland, but Ospreys have accepted his early resignation. The pair leave with Ospreys lying second in the RaboDirect Pro12 table.
  
  Ospreys director Mike Cuddy said it was time for a fresh approach. People following the best Heineken Cup betting may not have been totally surprised by the decision.
  
  Cuddy said: "Sean is in agreement with us that in order to move forward professionally, he too is now in a position where he needs a new challenge.
  
  "And by moving on with immediate effect, it allows both him and the Ospreys to draw a clear line under the past and move forward with a fresh impetus."
  
  Ospreys chief operating officer Andrew Hore was quick to praise Johnson, who felt it necessary to leave with Holley for the good of the region.
  
  "It was a gesture that he has made for the good of the Ospreys business and is typical of the way he has continuously put the region first during his three years as director of coaching," he said.
  
  In 2009-10, Holley and Johnson were part of the coaching team that led the Ospreys to the Magners League title with a play-off final victory over Leinster in Dublin.
  
  Holley said he is leaving Ospreys with a heavy heart, but is looking forward to a fresh challenge.
  
  "I am still only 41 and so I feel I've got a lot offer. I have learned a lot in my time here and achieved a lot too," said Holley.
  
  "I am now looking forward to exploring some new challenges and opportunities that have been presented to me and to enjoying the next part of my career."

  
  

• April return for McCaw

  Posted: February 15, 2012, 10:03 pm by guestblogger

  
  New Zealand’s World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw looks set to make a return to action in April after finally undergoing surgery on his long-term foot injury. Those watching rugby league live online saw the Canterbury Crusaders star played through the pain barrier as he led the All Blacks to World Cup glory last year, although, an operation had to wait until last week, which required the removal of a screw from the foot which had been inserted before the tournament.
  The flanker will now have to wait until April before making a return to competitive action, with McCaw admitting he was determined make sure he completely recovers from the injury before returning for the Canterbury club in their Super 15 campaign.
  “The foot is really good. I've just started back running.”
  “I'll progress over the next few weeks to hopefully get back out on the field soon, but hopefully it's all behind me.”
  “By March, I should be pretty close to knowing when I'll be back, but I'd say some time in April.”
  Now the target for the 31-year old will be for him to return to the fold in time for the Crusaders’ trip to South Africa at the beginning of April, where the Kiwis will take on the Lions (twice), the Bulls and then the Stormers on April 14. Playing in all four may be a step too far for McCaw, but the Crusaders will be hoping to have influential captain involved in some part of the mini-tour.
  After an impressive season last year, the Crusaders will be looking to go one better this time around and top the league. Having a fully fit McCaw available to them will be integral to those targets this season and is good new for those who have decided to bet on rugby league in the Crusaders favour.
  

  
  

• Parks blow for Scotland

  Posted: February 15, 2012, 7:29 pm by guestblogger

  Scotland's slim Six Nations hopes received a blow after fly-half Dan Parks announced his immediate retirement from international rugby.
  
  Parks played 67 times for his country, the last appearance coming in Scotland's 13-6 defeat to England last weekend. His 266 points, including 17 drop-goals, is a Scottish record.
  
  The 33-year-old decided to call time on his international career after a disappointing outing against the auld enemy on Saturday. His charged down kick led to Charlie Hodgson's only try of the game early in the second half. Fans of England Scotland rugby betting online odds will have been disappointed.
  
  Parks said: "I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England and being able to play was huge for me.
  
  "On reflection, after talking it over with family, I've come to the decision that now is the right time to retire."
  
  Parks, who will continue his club career with Cardiff Blues, is the third experienced Scotland player to retire following a disappointing World Cup campaign, after Nathan Hines and Chris Paterson called time on their international careers.
  
  Despite the loss of seasoned internationals, Parks believe the future of Scottish rugby is in good hands. He is proud of his time in a Scotland jersey.
  
  "There are some really talented guys coming through - Jacko, Greig (Laidlaw) and Duncan (Weir) - and although I'm sad to be finishing my international career I have some fantastic memories of playing for Scotland and what that has meant to me," Parks added.
  
  Life without Parks begins with a tough trip to Cardiff to face Wales on Sunday. It is time for the next generation of Scottish half-backs to stand up and be counted.
  
  Head coach Andy Robinson will be hoping to unearth a new star during the rest of the Six Nations campaign.
  

  
  

• Farrell will get 'Better and Better' - Foden

  Posted: February 14, 2012, 10:11 pm by guestblogger

  Saints and England scrum-half, Ben Foden, believes that Owen Farrell has the potential to be a linchpin in Stuart Lancaster's squad for years to come. The youngster, who is the son of England coach, Andy, has impressed so far in the Six Nations, scoring points against Italy and the 'Auld Enemy', Scotland.
  
  However, the Saracens fly-half faces stiff competition for his jersey from the rather more established duo of Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood, the recent absence of which allowed Farrell to break into the England side. The two players will be in contention for a place in Lancaster's squad for the resumption of the Six Nations, in a fortnight. Those looking at the 2012 six nations winning odds at betfair.com need to bear this in mind.
  
  England will play Wales on February 25, in what could prove to be one of the more interesting match-ups of the Six Nations, to date. The Reds will present England with an entirely different challenge from the two battles they have already fought; Wales are unbeaten, and one of the favourites to win the tournament overall.
  
  Wales' strength could, ultimately, result in Farrell being dropped from the team sheet, as Lancaster looks to strengthen his squad with battle-hardened players, such as Tuilagi. Ben Foden, in support of Farrell, said that the 20-year-old has “come straight in and delivered”, but Tuilagi and Flood have “earned their spurs” already.
  
  “He'll get better and better with every game he plays”, Foden added. “It’s amazing to think that 18 months ago he wasn’t really on the scene. He’s one of those guys who sort of grows into it.” The start of the Six Nations was Farrell's first-ever appearance in an England shirt; he would make his third cap, if selected for the Wales match. Fans of rugby winning odds at betfair should remember this.
  
  Toby Flood, who was left out of England's fixture with Italy, at the weekend, despite being fit to play, is a natural replacement for Johnny Wilkinson at fly-half, while Tuilagi, at 17st, serves as a pacey 'battering ram' for England. Lancaster could opt to drop Charlie Hodgson to keep Farrell in the side, should he favour Tuilagi and Flood.

  
  

• Lydiate, Jenkins Return for Wales

  Posted: February 13, 2012, 10:20 pm by guestblogger

  Gethin Jenkins has made a miraculous recovery, to paraphrase Wales Online, to put his name down for Wales' clash with Scotland, on Sunday. The imposing prop recovered from a knee condition a fortnight earlier than expected, and could take the field alongside Dan Lydiate, who has shaken off an injury of his own in recent days.
  
  The development is a huge boost for a Wales side that had, until mid-week, been missing both Lydiate and Jenkins, as well as Bradley Davies and World Cup hero, Sam Warburton. Davies was recently handed a seven-week ban for upending Ireland's Donnacha Ryan, on Sunday, while Warburton was struggling with a dead leg. Those following the in-play sports betting online should remember this.
  
  Jenkins will replace Rhys Gill at loose-head prop for Wales' match against Scotland. The change is just one of several alterations being prepared by the team's Kiwi coach, Warren Gatland. Lou Reed, of the Scarlets, is likely to start on the bench in place of the injured Justin Tipuric, while Lydiate could cover for Ryan Jones, who starts in the second row.
  
  Gatland spoke of Jenkins' "wealth of experience", as he welcomed the near-19st prop back into the Wales squad. The New Zealander was equally enthusiastic about Lydiate, whose return he described as "timely". Gatland was, however, cautious about the task facing Wales, at the weekend.
  
  "We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland", Gatland warned. "The amount of possession and territory they had against England meant that they should have won the game, and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge." Scotland lost to England 6-13, while Wales beat Ireland by two points, 21-23.
  
  Scotland, like Italy and Ireland, are the underdogs in their respective Six Nations matches. Wales are 1/8 for the win, on Sunday, while Scotland are 6/1 to triumph. The bookies' favouritism towards Wales ostensibly stems from the Reds' performance in the World Cup, where they finished fourth overall.

  
  

• Dan Parks hands youth a chance

  Posted: February 9, 2012, 8:35 pm by guestblogger

  Dan Parks will no doubt be feeling pretty gutted that his last major contribution to his country and last significant appearance in a Scotland shirt was marred by one of his kicks being charged down and then converted into a winning try by England at Murrayfield, but the player will still be considered a massive legend by those north of the border.
  
  Holding an admirable Scottish record of 17 dropped goals since starting his international career, Parks has decided to set aside his bid for continued personal glory, doing the decent thing by handing youth a chance in a Betfair Six Nations 2012 tournament in which Scotland will be looking to secure anything but the dreaded wooden spoon.
  
  Having said that, Parks has come in for some criticism by opting to retire so close to the next match for Scotland in the Six Nations, with incoming players perhaps not granted quite enough time to prepare adequately for the step up. Anyone following the Betfair latest rugby betting odds needs to bear this in mind.
  
  With everyone all too aware that playing the key fly-half position for a Scotland side in need of a decent performance against a Wales team looking to pile on more pain on Scottish shoulders is a tough ask for any player, the one question that Parks may now have to answer is why he didn’t make his decision before the Six Nations began.
  
  That would certainly have allowed Andy Robinson the opportunity to spend more time thinking about how best to replace the veteran but at least now Scotland have the chance to prove that their youthful players are able to adapt well to difficult circumstances on the biggest stage of them all.
  

  
  

• Tomkins forced to wait

  Posted: February 8, 2012, 8:51 pm by guestblogger

  Cross-code convert Joel Tomkins has had to wait for another taste of rugby union action after a dream start to life at Saracens.
  
  The former England rugby league international scored two tries on debut in Sarries’ 41-14 LV= Cup win against Worcester on January 29, but has had to wait for another opportunity to impress following the postponed clash at Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend. Those looking to make a best online rugby bet should remember this.
  
  It is never easy moving codes, but Saracens coach Alex Sanderson believes Tomkins has what it takes to make it in the 15-a-side code.
  
  "Joel is an intelligent player and the more he plays the better he'll become. We have big hopes for Joel in the future, because he is a very talented lad," Sanderson said after Tomkins’ impressive debut at outside centre.
  
  The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Wigan Warriors and made his debut in 2005 at the age of 18.
  
  After a slow start to his Wigan career, he cemented a regular first-team place and became an integral part of their 2010 Super League success. Last season, he scored one of the best tries in Challenge Cup final history as the Warriors defeated Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.
  
  Tomkins is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton and represent England in both codes.
  
  "Playing for England is definitely a long-term goal. It's a long way away and a lot of hard work," Tomkins said after joining Saracens in November.
  
  Tomkins certainly has what it takes to make it in union. He has pace, power, size and skill – attributes that translate into either code.
  
  He should get the opportunity to build on his early success at struggling Wasps on Sunday. Tomkins will be keen to show his debut wasn’t a flash in the pan.

  
  

• England to Field Uncapped Players

  Posted: February 7, 2012, 7:36 pm by guestblogger

  At 5p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the England rugby team will play Scotland at Murrayfield. The fixture, only the second of an embryonic Six Nations tournament, will be notable for the inclusion of three debutants in the former side, namely Brad Barritt, Phil Dowson, and the Saracens' Owen Farrell.
  
  Dowson, who will bear the mantle of England's number eight in just over 24 hours time, plies his trade at the Northampton Saints. Those following the best betting should remember this.
  
  Described as "hugely experienced as a leader", the 30-year-old worked alongside the national coach, Stuart Lancaster, in the England Saxons, back in 2005.
  
  "He is a very good footballer", Lancaster said, of Dowson. "He has played lots of big games, and he is desperate to play for England. That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity." Dowson is one of nine 'new' players in the England side; only six remain from the side's disastrous World Cup campaign.
  
  Joining the former Falcon in Edinburgh is Brad Barritt, currently of the Saracens. Barritt, 25, will play at outside centre for England, with his Sarries teammate, Farrell, covering the inside. Lancaster, notably, is playing the two players slightly out of position; their roles are reversed at the Saracens.
  
  Farrell, the final newcomer, is the son of England coach, Andy. The 20-year-old has been lauded for his ability with the oval ball in recent days but his lack of experience on the main stage could prove a problem for an England side that is already lacking in battle-worn stars.
  
  Retired Scot, Andy Nicol, referred to England in 2012 as "the least experienced England side I can remember, and in many ways the least intimidating". Scotland have more than double the combined international caps of their opponents, with 501 to England's 236.
  
  Lancaster's decision to drop more than half of England's World Cup squad could be seen as an effort to distance the side from the disaster that was the national team's most recent campaign in New Zealand. However, it is questionable how effective a unit that has never played together competitively will be at the Six Nations.
  

  
  

• Wolves suffer injury blow

  Posted: February 2, 2012, 11:28 pm by guestblogger

  Warrington Wolves have suffered a major blow ahead of the new season with the news that second-rower David Solomona has broken his leg in training.
  
  The former Bradford and Wakefield man suffered the injury in the wolves final pre-season training camp in Australia and underwent surgery in the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney.
  Tony Smith’s side are currently ‘Down Under’ for a three week training camp before facing South Sydney on January 28th in what is sure to be a tough encounter. After that they will fly home and begin their preparations for the Super League opener on Sunday 5th February away at Hull FC.
  Despite the injury, it is rugby previews are reporting that the 33-year-old is back with the squad and remains in high spirits and will be doing all he can to speed up his recovery.
  "The operation was a success and David is now back with the squad and in good spirits," said a Warrington spokesperson.
  "The club's medical staff are happy with how everything has gone so far and David will remain with the team for the duration of the pre-season training camp in Australia.”
  The Wire have had a difficult time with injuries over the close season and the Kiwi is the second key payer to be ruled out for the opening of the season. Scrum-half Richie Myler dislocated his elbow in his side’s rugby league live online victory over Widnes on Boxing Day.
  Full-back Brett Hodgson is also out until March with an ankle problem and Tony Smith will be hoping hi s fringe players will be able to step up to plate and fill the gaps left his star absentees.
  

  
  

• Brown looking forward

  Posted: February 2, 2012, 11:23 pm by guestblogger

  Harlequins full-back Mike Brown says he has recovered from his difficult start to his England career and insists he will not be fazed if he’s handed the number 15 shirt in the upcoming Six Nations.
  
  Brown was recalled to the England set-up by interim coach Stuart Lancaster after a superb season for his club and live in-play betting  markets are buzzing with anticipation ahead of the Six Nations.  The 25-year-old previously played for his country in 2007 against South Africa and then a year later against New Zealand.
  All the games ended in heavy defeats leading the talented star to question whether he wanted further international recognition.
  However, he believes those experiences have helped him improve greatly and says he fears no-one.
  "I am a completely different player from when I played against South Africa and New Zealand," said Brown.
  "They are two of the best teams in the world and I have had to learn a lot of lessons from that.
  "I have no reason to be worried about any other teams now because I have played against two of the best in the world."
  Brown was recently named as the Aviva Premiership player of the month for December and several rugby previews are tipping him for further success. Brown admits that he’s glad to finally have all his hard work recognised. He says the next step is to establish himself in the England team and is hoping for his chance in the Six Nations.
  "It will mean everything to play in the Six Nations. I have been watching that tournament since I was about seven years old. That is why I have been working so hard over the last three years, to be a part of something like this," Brown said.
  "It is going to be a tough ask (to dislodge Foden) but that is why I have been working so hard and I will continue to do that and reach my goal of getting a starting position."
  
  

  
  

• Bookies suggest England are playing for pride, not to win

  Posted: February 2, 2012, 8:44 pm by guestblogger

  Bookies may not always be correct, but they generally don’t like to be proved wrong by punters. So, the fact that England have been chalked up as the third favourites to win the Six Nations tournament indicates that the English team will perhaps solely be playing for pride when they start their campaign against Scotland, providing a marked contrast to previous years, where this game has been regarded as a must-win for England in order to ensure that they can eventually fight it out seriously for the title. Anyone looking at the Betfair 6 Nations betting needs to bear this in mind.
  
  Regardless of that, however, it is now quite simply vital that England restore some sense of pride and belief in what has become a pretty beleaguered side when the tournament gets underway, despite the fact that the team will be facing a Scotland side who will be eager to do what they can to get the Murrayfield crowd on their side for the remaining games played at their famous stadium.
  
  Likewise, if England do manage to win the game despite the question marks hanging over the squad, they'll know that they will be guaranteed a strong and vocal backing when they next play at Twickenham, in the process allowing England to earn back some of the pride and honour so rapidly and dramatically lost while at the controversial and ill-fated New Zealand World Cup. Punters may want to read more on rugby betting previews before they decide how the side will get on.
  
  If England can at least enjoy a tournament they are clearly not properly equipped to win, rather than finding themselves constantly berated by the media and their unrealistic expectations, it'll be the first step on a long, long road to recovery for Stuart Lancaster and the boys.
  

  
  

• Ireland forced to make changes

  Posted: January 25, 2012, 7:06 pm by guestblogger

  Declan Kidney has added James Coughlan, Fionn Carr, Craig Gilroy and Jack McGrath to his training squad ahead of Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales.
  
  Kidney has been forced to draft in the four players as Leo Cullen, Luke Fitzgerald, Paddy McAllister and Andrew Conway are all struggling with injuries.
  
  Leinster winger Fitzgerald had been set to feature for the Irish Wolfhounds in their clash with England Saxons on Saturday, but a persistent neck injury means Munster's Simon Zebo, who scored a hat-trick of tries in the weekend Heineken Cup clash with Northampton Saints, has earned a call-up to Ireland's second-string squad. Anyone with rugby free bets should remember this.
  
  Carr, who moved to Leinster last summer after three years with Connacht, has yet to win a cap for Ireland despite being 26 while both McGrath and Gilroy could be promoted to the senior squad if they impress for the Wolfhounds.
  
  Kidney, who named no uncapped players in his initial 24-man squad, said: "There have been some strong performances by players with the provinces going really well.
  
  "It always gives the squad a good boost when we have teams with players playing well in Europe before we step back up into the international scene."
  
  Munster back-row Coughlan has been called into the training squad as Leinster lock Cullen faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery to repair his damaged Achilles.Cullen will now miss the entire Six Nations - although he is hoping to be back in time to feature in Munster's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues.

  
  

• Redpath 'delighted' to finish on a high

  Posted: January 23, 2012, 4:19 pm by guestblogger

  Gloucester head coach Brian Redpath was delighted with his side's impressive 34-24 victory against Toulouse, which saw the English club finish their Heineken Cup campaign on a high. Going into the game knowing qualification to the quarter-finals was already beyond them, Gloucester knew they could do their Premiership rivals Harlequins a favour by beating Toulouse; thus opening the door for Quins to sneak through to the knockout stage.
  
  While Harlequins failed to take their chance, Gloucester will be pleased with how they ended this season's European campaign, albeit tinged with more than a touch of disappointment that they couldn't have produced this sort of performance on a regular basis. Those looking at the Heineken Cup Betting will know they were never favourites to progress though.
  
  In front of a packed Kingsholm, Gloucester always managed to keep their noses in front, in what was a thrilling and open game. Full-back Jonny May helped himself to a pair of well taken tries, with winger Charlie Sharpless and Fijian flanker Akapusi Qera going over for a score each. Fly-half Freddie Burns was consistently accurate with the boot, kicking 14 points and controlling much of the impressive attacking play of the back-line. Anyone looking at the online betting will have been impressed.
  
  While the victory meant little at the end of the match, Redpath was overjoyed with what he had seen from his team.
  
  "It was a great performance," he said.
  
  "We knew they had picked a big, physical side and we showed them a lot of respect. I thought numbers one to 23 - our substitutes that came on made a big difference as well - were great."
  
  "I am delighted for the boys because we finished off the Heineken Cup in style."
  
  The Scot will be desperately hoping that this victory can be a catalyst for Gloucester to start putting together a decent league run. A poor start to the season has left the club down in eighth, something that Redpath and his staff will be hoping can be amended following this result.

  
  

• Wales hooker Burns to miss Six Nations

  Posted: January 13, 2012, 8:22 pm by guestblogger

  Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns faces a three-month lay-off with a neck injury that will force him to miss Wales' entire Six Nations campaign.
  
  The 27-year-old, who has won seven international caps, featured for Wales at last year's World Cup but is now expected to be sidelined until mid-April. The best rugby union betting odds reflect the fact his loss will be a blow to the side.
  
  "Lloyd has been advised to withdraw from rugby for at least three months in order to fully rehab his neck," confirmed Dragons' rugby director Robert Beale.
  
  "We are obviously disappointed for Lloyd, particularly with the Six Nations coming up, but Lloyd's safety and welfare has to be paramount."
  
  Wales coach Warren Gatland, who will confirm his Six Nations squad later this month, has a wealth of experience and talent to choose from at hooker. Huw Bennett and Ken Owens were involved in the World Cup but Matthew Rees and Richard Hibbard, who missed the tournament because of injury, are now playing again.
  
  Burns' Dragons and Wales colleague, lock Luke Charteris, is also set to miss the Six Nations because of injury, while Charteris' second-row colleague Alun-Wyn Jones is recovering from a toe problem that has threatened his participation.
  
  Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on 5th February.
  
  Meanwhile, flanker Sam Warburton says he will understand if he is not named as captain for the Six Nations.
  
  He impressed when handed the armband at the World Cup after Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees suffered an injury. However, Rees is now back in action, and Warburton admitted: "Matthew was captain for the last Six Nations campaign and did a brilliant job. It was only bad luck why he didn't end up being captain for the World Cup.
  
  "If I did it as a temporary thing I could completely understand that."

  
  

• England's problems mount

  Posted: January 12, 2012, 8:44 pm by guestblogger

  Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi looks set to miss England's Six Nations opener against Scotland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Tigers' recent victory against Worcester.
  
  Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill anticipates that the 20-year-old will be sidelined for at least a month so he seems unlikely to feature in the Calcutta Cup clash on 4th February. However, he could play in the following week's match against Italy.
  
  "Manu will be out for four to six weeks," confirmed Cockerill. "It may be a month depending on how his rehab goes."
  
  Meanwhile, England's off-field problems show no sign of disappearing as Danny Care has been told he will be left out of interim coach Stuart Lancaster's Six Nations squad after being arrested for drink-driving.
  
  England's World Cup campaign last year was beset by a series of scandals and Care has done little to improve the team's image after being arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day, three weeks after he had been fined by police for being drunk and disorderly. People following the best 6 Nations odds should remember this.
  
  The Harlequins scrum-half will plead guilty when he appears in court on 16th January.
  
  Lancaster confirmed: "I've met Danny and told him that he'll not be considered for selection. This is his second arrest in three weeks for alcohol-related offences and it is completely unacceptable.”
  
  Lancaster is due to name his Six Nations squad on 11th January 11.Care missed the World Cup with a foot injury but seemed certain to feature in the Six Nations after producing some fine recent performances for Harlequins.
  
  Quins have fined Care for his latest indiscretion and he will be required to work on their inner-city coaching programme until the end of pre-season 2012-13.

  
  

• Reds crop of 2011 gain recognition

  Posted: January 6, 2012, 5:10 pm by guestblogger

  Following last month’s Sports Team of the Year Award being handed to the Queensland Reds, the accolades have continued raining down for the Australian outfit with Ewan McKenzie this week receiving a personal award for the part he has played in coaching the side over the last twelve months.
  
  Last Saturday it was announced in the rugby previews that McKenzie would have the honour of ‘Coach Performer of the Year Award’ bestowed upon him following his team’s recent table-topping heroics, when he guided the Queensland Reds to their first Super Rugby championship, defeating the Crusaders 18-13 in the final at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane back on July 9th.
  
  The online poll included coached plying their trade across all of the country's leading sports, and as such is a huge accomplishment - but McEwan remained philosophical and was keen on keeping his eye on the bigger picture:
  
  “Clearly 2011 was an exceptional year for Queensland Rugby and the Reds. People are proud to call themselves Reds fans again and importantly Rugby has returned to a position of strength, not just in Queensland but across Australia.”
  
  Fans of the Reds and those who like to bet on rugby league will now be hoping that victory in last season’s championship will act as a catalyst for success in the region as McEwan continues to build upon the legacy that he’s built since joining the Reds in 2010. In his debut season he led his new side to fifth place in the league – missing out on a semi-final berth by just two points – but revenge was sweet when they claimed the title just twelve months later.
  
  The Reds will start the defence of their title on February 25th when they will face the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

  
  

• Pat of all trades

  Posted: January 3, 2012, 5:09 pm by guestblogger

  With just nine weeks until the start of the 2012 Super Rugby championship, Brumbies’ utility back Pat McCabe has revealed that neither he nor his new coach Jake White are entirely sure of the role he is set to play in the upcoming tournament.
  
  Following a disappointing 2011 season – in which the Brumbies finished 13th in thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife league with just four wins from their http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsixteen fixtures – McCabe went on to finish the year on a high after seemingly nailing down the No. 12 spot for his country at the World Cup. However, he has been offered no sort of guarantee that he will be handed the same honour for his regional side with Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano preferred at fly-half and inside centre. People who bet on rugby league should remember this.
  
  This would most likely mean a switch to outside centre when the Brumbies get the new campaign underway against Western Force in Canberra on February 24th – but as he admitted this week, it’s not a change that unduly concerns him. Those following the rugby previews need to bear this in mind.
  
  “From speaking with Jake, I'm not sure that I'll be playing 12 at the Brumbies. I asked the other day and he just said to make sure I know how to play 12, 13, 11, 14 and 15 so I have no idea yet – but I'm not too worried.”
  
  McCabe is still in his final stages of recovery following a shoulder injury sustained in New Zealand this autumn in the Wallabies’ World Cup match against USA, but is confident of being fully fit in time for the start of the new season, and should he rediscover the form that kick-started his international career, 2012 should be a far more successful season for the Brumbies.

  
  

• Crusaders experiencing nightmare move

  Posted: December 30, 2011, 12:07 am by guestblogger

  The news that the Crusaders’ temporary stadium will most likely not be available for their first home game of the new season has come as a blow to fans of rugby previews and players alike, but the team’s chief executive, Hamish Riach, has explained that the club are still exploring all options for their opening 2012 fixture against the Chiefs on March 9th.
  
  March 24th has been set as the new deadline for work to be completed, which would mean that the stadium should be completed in time for the Cheetahs to visit, but that still leaves a fortnight of the season in which the Christchurch side will be effectively homeless.
  
  Speaking this month to the Timaru Herald, Riach has mentioned that there is a strong possibility of playing those matches before the rebuilding at Rugby League Park has been completed at either Timaru or Nelson in a bid to keep the games within the franchise’s geographical boundaries – but has not ruled out moving the matches to Napier: “A decision will be made early in the new year on where the first home game will be held. This has been an ambitious programme from the start but we are delighted that we are getting closer to having home games in Christchurch.”
  
  The ground at Addington is expected to include a first-class sports and outdoor entertainment centre with state-of-the-art structures, new floodlights and brand-new turf upon completion, but the recent seismic activity in the region has created problems that put the start of the new Super XV season into perspective.
  
  Last season the Crusaders put those issues to one side; finishing third in the table and eventually only losing in the the inaugural Super Rugby final at the Suncorp Stadium to a Will Genia-inspired Reds side in a game that kept those who bet on rugby league greatly entertained!

  
  

• Wilkinson Retires from International Rugby

  Posted: December 16, 2011, 3:46 pm by guestblogger

  England's Johnny Wilkinson has become the latest high-profile figure to retire from Test rugby, in the aftermath of the recent World Cup. The Toulon fly-half follows in the footsteps of his compatriot and teammate, Lewis Moody, and Wales' Shane Williams, who have also hung their international boots up, in recent weeks.
  
  In an emotional statement, Wilkinson, whose career has been dogged by injuries and illness, including a torn kidney, a hernia, a fractured shoulder, and a swollen appendix, said that he "never, ever believed" that he could surrender to history "a dream, which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby". Those looking at the best betting odds online will know how good he was.
  
  Wilkinson's announcement has prompted a number of tributes from rugby players, both past and present. England's Mark Cueto described the 32-year-old as an "unbelievable player", while former Harlequins and Tigers man, Clive Woodward, said that Wilkinson's prowess on the rugby field "scared the opposition".
  
  The former Newcastle player, who received his England call-up at the age of eighteen, became a household name in 2003, when he kicked the winning goal for his country in the final of the Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson would notch up 1,179 points, over the next eight years, to become England's all-time highest scorer.
  
  Replacing the player at fly-half could prove to be Stuart Lancaster's first major challenge in his new role as England coach. However, the Tigers' Toby Flood is likely to assume at least some of Wilkinson's responsibilities on the pitch. Wilkinson and Flood famously competed for kicking duties, at the recent World Cup.
  
  Lancaster joined the chorus of characters paying tribute to Wilkinson, remarking that he is a "model sportsman - down to earth and hard-working".

  
  

• Huget Faces Two-year Ban

  Posted: December 15, 2011, 4:31 pm by guestblogger

  Yoann Huget, fullback for Orange Top 14 side, Bayonne, could receive a two-year ban from rugby union, today, if the French Rugby Federation (FRF) decides his habitual avoidance of drug tests is incompatible with a career in the sport. Huget missed three separate appointments, during the last season, a tally that contributed to his absence from the recent World Cup.
  
  The news represents a remarkable fall from grace for the 24-year-old, who had been hoping to meet France's new coach, Philippe Saint-Andre, at the Six Nations, in February. Huget played for his country in every Six Nations match that France featured in, earlier this year. However, due to a previous ban, lasting three months, he has not played for Les Bleus since March 19. Those looking at the Six Nations Betting Odds should bear this in mind.
  
  Huget, while currently free to play for both France and Bayonne, remains at odds with the French Anti-doping Agency (AFLD, in French), after he failed to inform the body of his whereabouts, during 2011. The agency requires that union players make their movements plain, so that it can administer drugs tests.
  
  Speaking to French 'paper, Midi Olympique, Huget said that he “hadn't worried” about the missed drugs tests, even after amassing two warnings. “I didn’t take it seriously enough. I was naïve thinking that it would sort itself out.” Huget added that the FRF and the AFLD need to improve their links with young players, to prevent other rugby stars making the same mistakes as he did. Anyone following the Rugby Union Betting should remember this.
  
  Huget has played just three matches for Bayonne, since returning from his most recent ban, against Top 14 sides, Biarritz and Sporting Union Agen, and against the London Wasps, in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The youngster scored in the latter two matches, points that could prove to be his swansong in rugby union, for the next two years, at least.

  
  

• Tough times ahead for England

  Posted: December 14, 2011, 9:28 pm by guestblogger

  England's World Cup disappointment means Martin Johnson was given the boot and it seems most likely they will attempt to defend their Six Nations crown in 2012 with a temporary coach in charge, but is that really the best way to get their fortunes back on track?
  
  A World Cup that was dominated more by off-the-field antics than results on them eventually saw England eliminated in the quarter-finals by their old adversary France. This gave England their worst showing since 1999 and the off-field antics eventually put pay to Johnson's tenure in charge. People looking at the rugby betting offers should remember this.
  
  Further embarrassments came courtesy of leaked documents from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Players' Association, and as a result the entire England camp seems split by infighting, money concerns and a major worry about the quality of coaching staff. Those placing England rugby bets should bear this in mind.
  
  The RFU continue to search for a successor to Johnson but an interim coach seems destined to lead England into the Six Nations, with names Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster tipped to lead the side on a short-term basis.
  
  With confidence low throughout the England camp and the team seemingly split in two, they need a good Six Nations performance to get them back into shape and there remains questions about whether that would come through an interim coach.
  
  A quick-fix rarely results in any massive changes but a lot could depend on whether the new man sticks to the old guard which failed so miserably at the World Cup or brings through a new generation of England stars for the future.
  
  Whatever happens the Six Nations is going to be a massive tournament for the England side and, given how impressive Wales, France and Ireland were through the World Cup, they look likely to face a titanic battle to hold onto their title.

  
  

• Fitzgerald continues to defy critics

  Posted: December 13, 2011, 6:38 pm by guestblogger

  When Ireland exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup at the hands of Wales at the quarter final stage, there will have been one man in green who despite the nation's obvious disappointment, will have felt the slightest twinge of vindication.
  
  Leinster's 24 year-old winger Luke Fitzgerald – who has missed out on not one, but two World Cup squads in his career – spent the autumn in stellar form for his club and left plenty of question marks over his exclusion from Declan Kidney's eventual thirty-man squad. Those looking at the latest 6 Nations betting should bear this in mind.
  
  Whilst he has 23 caps for Ireland under his belt already – as well as a Lions cap earned in Pretoria – his free-flowing and liberal attitude to playing rugby has left many to wonder whether he can be trusted on the biggest stage of all. The irony of course was that when Ireland found themselves being edged out of the World Cup in October, such a prodigious talent might have been just what was needed against tiring Welsh legs and minds.
  
  In the 2011 Six Nations, he was forced to play fresh off the back of an injury and out of position at full-back for four straight games – only to be dropped, not just from the starting line-up, but from the squad entirely.
  
  Clearly Kidney didn't feel that Fitzgerald offered something that his side would require – but to omit him form proceedings this year could be very foolish indeed. Fitzgerald however, remains philosophical about his World Cup snub and insists that the only thing he can do is continue to shine for Leinster, thereby making his case for inclusion unanswerable.
  
  "There have been a couple of disappointments but the key thing for me is how you bounce back from these things. That's something I'm really focused on," he said.When Ireland exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup at the hands of Wales at the quarter final stage, there will have been one man in green who despite the nation's obvious disappointment, will have felt the slightest twinge of vindication.
  
  Leinster's 24 year-old winger Luke Fitzgerald – who has missed out on not one, but two World Cup squads in his career – spent the autumn in stellar form for his club and left plenty of question marks over his exclusion from Declan Kidney's eventual thirty-man squad. Those looking at the latest 6 Nations betting should bear this in mind.
  
  Whilst he has 23 caps for Ireland under his belt already – as well as a Lions cap earned in Pretoria – his free-flowing and liberal attitude to playing rugby has left many to wonder whether he can be trusted on the biggest stage of all. The irony of course was that when Ireland found themselves being edged out of the World Cup in October, such a prodigious talent might have been just what was needed against tiring Welsh legs and minds.
  
  In the 2011 Six Nations, he was forced to play fresh off the back of an injury and out of position at full-back for four straight games – only to be dropped, not just from the starting line-up, but from the squad entirely.
  
  Clearly Kidney didn't feel that Fitzgerald offered something that his side would require – but to omit him form proceedings this year could be very foolish indeed. Fitzgerald however, remains philosophical about his World Cup snub and insists that the only thing he can do is continue to shine for Leinster, thereby making his case for inclusion unanswerable.
  
  "There have been a couple of disappointments but the key thing for me is how you bounce back from these things. That's something I'm really focused on," he said.

  
  

• Munster coach looks to fill hole

  Posted: December 9, 2011, 6:49 pm by guestblogger

  Munster coach Tony McGahan says he is confident one of his squad members will be able to fill the hole left by Doug Howlett’s injury.
  
  The Kiwi has been ruled out till the summer with an Achilles injury which he picked up in his team’s loss to Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro 12 last weekend.
  
  The Irish province has an abundance of young talent coming through and McGahan is hoping Simon Zebo can be the man to fill the number 14 jersey. The Australian can also call on the likes of Keith Earls and Felix Jones who have just returned from injuries. Fans of Betfair.com should bear this in mind.
  
  Earls has been out with a knee injury but is now back in full training while Jones is likely to be back in the new year after recovering from the ankle injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. Those looking at the betting tips should remember this.
  
  Zebo has impressed this season and looks as if he could be on the verge of making himself a regular in the side. McGahan has ruled out bringing in any new players into his squad despite the injury problems meaning the 21-year-old could be set for a run in the side."I think there is an option there [within competition rules] to allow you bring a player into the squad, I think one front row and one player during the pool stages," McGahan told the Irish Examiner.
  
  "But we are still hoping on [hooker] Mike Sherry that he might try and get back, we are still hoping that Felix Jones will get back at some stage, you are looking at those players existing in the squad to come back in and you are also looking at the availability of a player to bring in.
  
  "You cannot bring in anyone who has already played ERC rugby or Amlin Challenge this year so Europe really tightens that group."

  
  

• Wales Wrestle with Williams Replacement

  Posted: December 7, 2011, 10:27 pm by guestblogger

  The retirement of a favourite player is always a bitter-sweet moment for sports teams. The absence of experience in a crucial position can be a major concern for managers, but the opportunity to push younger athletes onto the pitch can be a boon for any club.
  
  With the retirement of Shane Williams, the Welsh rugby team is preparing to promote one of a new generation of superstars to the first team, but who, if anybody, will be able to fill the boots of a man whose sidestep has often been described as "devastating" to an opposition defence?
  
  The answer, at present, remains in the realm of conjecture. Names like Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams, Morgan Stoddart, and Tom James have all been mentioned in response to the question of who will replace Williams on the wing. However, a cocktail of youth and injury has prevented the quintet spending time at number eleven. Those following the Six Nations betting should remember this.
  
  Halfpenny, 22, a popular choice to support George North on the wing, has been moonlighting as a full-back in recent weeks, and looks set to remain in the position for Wales' Six Nations clash with Ireland, in February.
  
  Equally, Liam Williams, 20, has been hovering around the back line at his domestic side, Scarlets. The fact that Liam has been likened to rugby legend, J.P.R. Williams, a fullback, is perhaps further evidence that the youngster will remain in defence.
  
  Moving on; Alex Cuthbert, 21, was referred to as in "pole position" for Williams' vacant position, by Wales Online, based on the fact that the Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, favours large, powerful players on the sides; at 6ft 6in, and almost four stone heavier than Williams, Cuthbert could prove an interesting contrast to his predecessor. Fans of the rugby betting odds should bear this in mind.
  
  Stoddart, a player who missed the World Cup courtesy of a broken leg, is the oldest of the candidates for Williams' boots, at 27-years-old. He is likely to return to the professional game in time for the Six Nations. The Scarlets player was a feature of Wales' Six Nations campaign in 2011, a record that could stand him in good stead with Gatland, in February.
  
  Finally, Tom James has an awkward relationship with the number eleven shirt. The 24-year-old has never excelled in the position, despite preferring the wing for the Cardiff Blues, his domestic team. James has been known to lack some of the attributes demanded by the position, such as play-making.
  
  Warren Gatland has little more than nine weeks to name Williams' successor, if Wales are to be prepared for their upcoming match with Ireland, in 2012.

  
  

• Warriors Concerned as Injuries Mount

  Posted: November 30, 2011, 4:42 pm by guestblogger

  The Worcester Warriors are facing a uphill struggle to refill their ranks, after their most recent match against Bath cost both sides dearly, in terms of how many players returned to the dressing room in one piece.
  
  In a fixture described as “brutal” and “bruising”, the Warriors lost their prop, Matt Mullan, and flanker, Neil Best, to injury. Mullan damaged his shoulder, while Best picked up the arguably more painful injury, a broken forearm. Worcester's Shaun Perry was subbed at half-time, but the club's coach, Richard Hill, insists that he was not hurt.
  
  Bath and England's Lewis Moody was removed from the field, during Friday's encounter, with an injury similar to that picked up by Mullan. It was the second time that Moody had been forced from the pitch; earlier, a collision with Worcester's Marcel Garvey resulted in a blood injury for the 33-year-old.
  
  “The two positions where we could have done without injuries was in the back row and at loose-head prop”, Hill told the BBC. “It was a brutal game [on Friday], and quite a few Bath players went down too.” Worcester were already without Ceri Jones (shoulder), George Porter (appendicitis), and Oliver Tomaszczyk (hamstring), prior to last week's clash. Even fans of online 6 Nations betting will know how bad things are.
  
  Hill now faces a desperate race against time to find a new forward for Saturday's away fixture against Exeter, though it is unclear whether he intends to pluck a player from the reserves, or bring in entirely new blood.
  
  The Warriors will no doubt be hoping to capitalise on last weekend's victory over Bath, when they play the southerners at Sandy Park. However, at fifth in the Aviva Premiership with four wins from nine, Exeter are in much better shape than Worcester, at second-bottom.

  
  

• McGeechan still an option for the Lions

  Posted: November 29, 2011, 8:24 pm by guestblogger

  Ian McGeechan could yet return as the British and Irish Lions head coach for their 2013 tour of Australia, despite the Scot previously stating 2009 would be his last tour with the squad. McGeechan, currently in charge of Bath, is just one of a number of possible options available to the Lions' bosses, according to Andy Irvine.
  
  The former Scotland full-back will act as tour manager for the 10-match trip, starting with a clash against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, before their three Tests against Australia. Fans of online rugby betting should remember this.
  
  With all the current bosses of the home nations, Andy Robinson, Warren Gatland and Declan Kidney all reportedly among the shortlist, Irvine has confirmed the head coach position will be appointed with "a completely open mind." Irvine also revealed that the Lions most successful head coach McGeechan could well return to the role once again.
  
  "We have a completely open mind for the 2013 tour on who it (coach) will be," he said.
  
  "Whoever the coach is will be taking a year out. He does not have to come from the home unions and we could look worldwide, but ideally the head coach will come from a union associated with the Lions."
  
  "Ian McGeechan has not ruled himself out entirely. He did indicate that 2009 would be his last tour, but he has said nothing definitive and he has to be an option."
  
  McGeechan would be the obvious choice of many, but that isn't to say the Scot would accept the job at this stage in his career. Gatland would be the next logical choice and the Kiwi has experience with the Lions, something that would possibly give him the edge.

  
  

• Johnson defends England’s World Cup campaign

  Posted: November 25, 2011, 10:15 pm by guestblogger

  Former England rugby coach Martin Johnson has defended his reign at team manager, in particular his role in England’s controversial World Cup campaign.
  
  Led by Johnson, England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by France, but as those over at CasinosOnline.com will tell you this was just one of the problems with the tournament in South Africa.
  
  There were a number of off the field controversies with regards to player behaviour and then to top everything off, controversial documents were leaked this week which criticised England coaching staff and the attitude of the players.
  
  The documents were meant to be part of a private review into what went wrong in South Africa, but have turned into a public attack on Johnson, his coaching staff and English rugby in general.
  
  Speaking for the first time since the documents were leaked, Johnson said: “It is not a true reflection of the squad. They are opinions, certainly not truths. They were written in an emotive time for everyone post-tournament.”
  
  “The way they have been leaked is detrimental to the game. The way it has been reported, the imbalance, is one of the worst things.”
  
  As for his own thoughts on the campaign, including the off the field incidents, Johnson admitted that they affected the team’s performances and overall focus.
  
  He continued: “Certain actions by certain players did let the group down and led us to be portrayed as something we weren't and something they aren't but we didn't help that at the time so of course there were frustrations.”
  
  "How much that affected things on the field, it's difficult to judge.I know it probably affected certain individuals and would have had an effect on the team and eroded a little bit of trust.”
  
  “But, as a coaching group, we didn't feel it was having a huge effect on us as we went through to the final games. Some players were clearly frustrated early in the trip and that was dealt with.”
  
  “I spoke with them after the Queenstown incident and left them in no uncertain terms as to where I thought they were at that point and after that there wasn't an issue until the end of the tournament.”
  
  “If I had my time again I'd do things slightly differently but I know why I did what I did."
  
  "I'm disappointed because we could have gone a lot further in the tournament but what's been reported is nowhere near the truth of it. That is a fact. That's not what happened.”
  
  The future is now unclear for English rugby and indeed for Johnson. He has stepped down from the role of team manager of course and it remains to be seen what his next move will be.

  
  

• Henson targets December return

  Posted: November 25, 2011, 8:58 pm by guestblogger

  Gavin Henson is targeting a return to action in December where he hopes to make his debut for Cardiff Blues in one of their Heineken Cup ties against Edinburgh.
  
  Henson joined the Blues from RC Toulonnais after a short spell with the French side, where he was released from his contract earlier in May.
  
  The 29-year-old dislocated his wrist whilst playing for his country against England in August during Wales 19-9 victory over Martin Johnson's side. The injury ruled the Welshman out of this year's World Cup in New Zealand and has delayed his debut for his new club.
  
  Henson will have his competition in the Blues back-line with Casey Laulala and Jamie Robert both in good form this season. Those following the most up to date sports betting will know this.
  
  Gareth Baber will have the option of using Henson as a fly-half, but Dan Parks has made the number 10 shirt his own this year.
  
  Cardiff have made a great start to their Heineken Cup campaign after winning their opening two games of their group, first against Racing Metro in Paris and then at home to London Irish.
  
  Baber's side have also made a solid start to the RaboDirect Pro12 season, winning five of their opening eight games. The Blues sit in third place, just one point behind leaders Ospreys.
  
  The Welsh side will play host to Edinburgh in the European completion on December 9, they will then travel up to Scotland for the return fixture a week later. Both sides are unbeaten so far in the group so it is likely decide the winners of Pool 2.
  
  The Scottish side have a one point advantage going into the double-bill after picking up a bonus point in one of their two victories.

  
  

• Warriors tie up Cusiter

  Posted: November 23, 2011, 8:22 pm by guestblogger

  Glasgow Warriors have announced the news that British and Irish Lions scrum-half Chris Cusiter has signed a new long term deal with the club.
  
  The former Scotland captain has agreed a deal to stay with Sean Lineen’s side to at least May 15th and now his future is sorted he’ll be looking to help the team drive forward as they look for success at both home and aboard.
  
  Cusiter joined the club in 2009 following a spell with French side Perpignan and says he is delighted to have signed the deal with a side that is clearly moving forward. Fans of betting should remember this.
  
  He told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to have signed for another three years, and I'm genuinely excited about what we're in a position to realise here during that period of time.
  
  “I'm personally very ambitious. I want to perform to a very high level with the Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup, helping the team achieve success, and I'm also determined to establish myself as the first choice scrum-half for Scotland."
  
  For a number of years, the Warriors were seen as also-rans in both the RaboDirect PRO12 league and the Heineken Cup. However, they have got off to a strong start in both competitions this season and with a number of talented youngsters coming through the ranks they look like they could be on the verge of something special. Those looking at the free sports betting should bear this in mind.
  
  This is the result of a long-term plan put in place by the vision and Cusiter says these ambitious steps were part of the reason he agreed to stay.

  
  

• Wales legend set for swansong

  Posted: October 31, 2011, 1:29 am by guestblogger

  By Will Taylor
  
  Shane Williams is expected to play his last ever international game for Wales against Australia.
  
  The game against the Wallabies will take place in Cardiff on December 3, and Williams has made it clear that he would love to be involved.
  
  The 34-year-old record try scorer announced that he would retire from the international game at the end of the World Cup.
  
  But the chance to play his farewell game on home soil in front of Welsh fans would be an opportunity he could not turn down.
  
  “I am going to make myself available for this game,” Williams, who has 86 caps for his country said. “If selected, I want to play.
  
  “If I am picked, I will treat it in the same way I have always treated Wales’ games – but it will be a sad day for me. In fact, I’ll be devastated.
  
  “But to bow out in front of Welsh fans and my family and friends would be like a dream.”
  
  Sports betting pundits note how the Welsh enjoyed a hugely successful World Cup, in which they exceeded the expectations of many.
  
  Williams helped guide his side to a fourth place finish, after they were knocked out by runners up, France.
  
  The World Cup has been a happy hunting ground for him down the years, as he took his total to a record of 57 scores.
  
  Ahead of the bronze medal match against Australia, Williams said he was being persuaded to put off his retirement until December’s game against the Wallabies.
  
  And having been beaten in a thrilling encounter with the Australians, he knows that there would be no sweeter revenge than beating them at the Millennium Stadium.
  
  He admitted that his decision to retire was not taken lightly, and was made so he could prolong his club career with Ospreys, with whom he is contracted until 2013.

  
  

• Rugby player attacked by crocodile

  Posted: October 31, 2011, 1:20 am by guestblogger

  Kenya was at the heart of an astonishing rugby story this week when British born rugby player Antony Blackmore revealed he was attacked by a crocodile while teaching in Africa – but didn’t tell his team-mates when he returned.
  
  Blackmore was airlifted to a hospital in Kenya to be treated for the life threatening attack that occurred in Lake Malawi last year.
  
  The 27-year-old only revealed his story when interviewed for a television documentary while playing for Melksham.
  
  He said: “It was a boiling hot day and I decided to go out on my own for a swim. I was about 100 yards off the shore treading water and without any sort of warning I just got ripped down and started to get rolled around.
  
  “It was a very strange feeling, one part of my brain was quite sure I was going to die at that point, I was thinking ‘this is it now’.
  
  “By chance I struck it (the crocodile) around the eye with my other foot. I felt it slow down, ripped my foot out of its mouth and swam to the surface.”
  
  Surgeons in Kenya saved his foot and 60 stitches later he was mend, and while he is back playing rugby, it’s not without a few comments from his team-mates.
  
  “Since they found out there’s been a lot of mickey-taking, I’ve had a lot of stick, but it’s all been light-hearted stuff. They said ‘you can fight off a crocodile but you can’t get anywhere near the ball’, that sort of thing.”
  
  He added: “The programme describes the pressures of rising populations and the fact that more and more people are taking tourist trips around the world. I didn’t mind talking about it because I feel I was incredibly lucky.”
  
  For a free bet head to big free bet – the best place for free bets!

  
  

• Tigers Clobber Sale; Flood on Form

  Posted: October 31, 2011, 4:35 pm by guestblogger

  The Leicester Tigers, playing in silver, dispatched the Sale Sharks yesterday night, scoring 34 to their opponents 13. The victory was heralded as a return to form for the Welford Road-based team, who are languishing in ninth place in the table, with just two wins from seven games.
  
  Both Leicester and Sale had an opportunity to open the scoring, early in the first half. The Tigers' Tom Croft led a spirited charge at the Sale defence, only to be smothered before he could make it count. A few moments later, the Sharks' Nick MacLeod booted a penalty wide, to keep the score goalless, all-round.
  
  The first points came at the 11th minute, with a Toby Flood penalty. However, the goal did nothing to dampen the Sharks' resolve; Steve Diamond's men returned to the offensive immediately, and almost had their aggression rewarded, when Rob Miller beat a path down the left flank. Pundits like Will Greenwood will have been impressed.
  
  MacLead was given a chance at redemption at the half hour mark. He kicked two successful penalties to give Sale the lead, heading into the break. The Sharks' Tom Brady, who had a try ruled out earlier in the game, put the memory behind him, scoring a try in the final few minutes of the first half. The score at half-time; 13-3, in Sale's favour.
  
  The Tigers' half-time orange had a brilliant effect on the Midlanders. Unfettered by his missed kick in the first few moments of the second half, Flood scored a penalty, before setting up another try for the visitors in the 58th. Trys from Argentine monster, Martin Castrogiovanni, and Flood, once again, quickly ended Sale's first half advantage. Those looking for betting tips will have been impressed.
  
  Marcos Ayerza, another South American, sealed the match for the Tigers, in the 70th minute. The result will no doubt give Leicester the confidence to salvage their season, after injuries and a string of World Cup call-ups decimated their squad. The final score; 34-13, a resounding victory for the Tigers.

  
  

• World Cup winner backs Johnson

  Posted: October 28, 2011, 6:21 pm by guestblogger

  Former England star Josh Lewsey has backed his former team-mate Martin Johnson to remain in charge of the national team and enjoy success in the future.
  
  The World Cup-winning captain is under severe pressure to step down from his position, after a disappointing display in New Zealand which saw the 2003 winners crash out at the quarter-final stage.
  
  It was the manner of their exit and a string of poor performances that has led for calls for Johnson to go, with the Rugby Football Union reviewing matters before deciding what to do.
  
  Despite winning the 2011 Six Nations, many pundits feel England are not going in the right direction under Johnson although that is not a opinion shared by Lewsey. Those looking at the UK sports betting should remember this.
  
  The ex-Wasps back said: "I know he will be hurting hugely from the performances on the field and some of the alleged behaviour off it.
  
  "He is a good man and was a phenomenal captain and a good guy and I have no doubt that if given long enough he would ultimately have success."
  
  Lewsey also feels though that former coach Sir Clive Woodward could still have a part to play within the Rugby Football Union, after quitting his role as coach in 2004. People following the betting online need to remember this.
  
  Some reports suggest Woodward, currently British Olympic Association Director of Elite Performance, could be in line for the position of as director of rugby.
  
  Lewsey added: "Clive is a very professional guy and has always been very innovative in his ideas. He is exceptional and is a visionary but there is a review taking place that will come to its own conclusions."

  
  

• 'Wiggy' Out for Nine Months

  Posted: October 27, 2011, 7:43 pm by guestblogger

  Saracens scrum-half, Richard 'Wiggy' Wigglesworth, has been sidelined for the rest of the season with a serious injury. The rugby player hurt his anterior cruciate ligament during the Saracens' match against the Exeter Chiefs, on Sunday. He underwent surgery on Wednesday, to correct the problem.
  
  However, despite the success of the operation, Wigglesworth has been ruled out of professional competition for nine months.
  
  The anterior cruciate ligament is so frequently mentioned in reference to sports injuries that rarely is anything more than the acronym, ACL, needed to identify the body part. Tears or ruptures to the ACL, which is located in the knee, are caused by landing stiff-legged, when jumping, and, most frequently, making sharp changes in direction, without regard for the position of the joint. Pundits like Will Greenwood will be wishing him a speedy recovery.
  
  Wigglesworth, who was an active member of the England World Cup squad, was described as one of the country's "stand-out players" by Mark McCall, chief at the Saracens. "It's a big blow for Wiggy. He has worked so hard in the past 18 months to get himself back in the England side." The 28-year-old will now miss the Six Nations tournament, which begins in February, next year. People looking at the onlinebetting will be wondering what impact this will have.
  
  McCall has played down concerns about the Saracens squad, insisting that the St. Albans-based side are "not looking to recruit", in order to fill the void left by Wigglesworth. "It's a blow for us, but we are lucky to have two very good players in Neil de Kock and Ben Spencer, who have both performed so well, this season."
  
  Worryingly, Wigglesworth is not the only England player to have returned from the World Cup in a less-than-ideal condition. Leicester Tigers player, Ben Youngs, picked up a knee problem in June, but, following corrective surgery, was able to play as normal. The condition was somehow renewed during his international 'call of duty'.
  
  Leicester's director of rugby, Richard Cockerill, was suspicious: "He left us four months ago fully fit and has come back with a pretty average knee, so we need to get on top of that."

  
  

• Wales in rankings slump

  Posted: October 27, 2011, 2:52 am by guestblogger

  Welsh Rugby fans will no doubt have been pleased with their performance during the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and eventually finishing in fourth place.
  
  However they received a huge shock when the latest IRB World Rankings were announced, as they slipped from sixth to eighth.
  
  New Zealand unsurprisingly maintained their first place position, having defeated France in the final last Sunday.
  
  Australia were again positioned second, while the French were the highest ranked Northern Hemisphere side in third, after an heroic tournament.
  
  South Africa may have been surprised to end up in fourth, but were certainly below par at the World Cup, while England completed the top five.
  
  But while Wales' World Cup performance in New Zealand was a massive boost to the sport in the country, news of their latest ranking will come as a surprise.
  
  During the group stages, they pushed former world champions, South Africa all the way before eventually qualifying for the knock out stages.
  
  There they put in another impressive performance to send home their six nations rivals Ireland, recording a 22-10 win in the quarter final, before eventually succumbing to France, who they will feel hard done-by not to have beaten.
  
  Despite their brave performances at the World Cup, Warren Gatland's side were the only top 10 side to slip down the rankings. Even English fans wearing a Bath Jersey will tell you that this is a little strange.
  
  Their slip in the rankings should be of no major significance, though, with their confidence no doubt having been significantly boosted.
  
  They have quite a wait until their next game, but when they take on Australia in December it will be the chance to show the world they are better than their ranking of eighth.
  
  One side that Wales defeated during the tournament, Ireland are above them in the rankings, in sixth place.
  
  That meant they leapt above the Welsh, while Argentina did the same, as they moved up to seventh position.
  
  In the new year they come up against the Irish once more, and will surely be looking to hand them a beating to prove they should be above them in the IRB rankings.
  
  Tonga were ranked ninth, while Scotland completed the top 10.

  
  

• World Cup final not as simple to predict as many think

  Posted: October 21, 2011, 10:33 pm by guestblogger

  The majority of the rugby world seem to have written the World Cup final off as a no-contest and declared New Zealand the winners, but the France side reckon that dismissing them could be a dangerous thing to do.
  
  You can understand the logic behind Les Bleus critics, they are the only team to ever reach the final having lost two matches in the pool stage and, while the loss to All Blacks was not a surprise, their defeat to Tonga was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. People looking at the rugby world cup betting should remember their not invincible.
  
  France being France they came out of this catastrophic period to put on a stylish show to knock England out before scraping through a semi-final against a Wales team who were one man down from the 18th minute onwards.
  
  Marc Lievremont has the team playing rigid rugby and the flair of France of old has gone, while New Zealand have looked strong and have comfortably strode their way to the World Cup final.
  
  The All Blacks are massive favourites in the rugby betting but there are some who think this criticism will make France stronger.
  
  Prop Fabien Barcella reckons France are a team that “cultivates contrasts” and can shock the hosts, while he adds the shocks have made them “stronger mentally” and they can draw inspiration from the bad times.
  
  France coach Lievremont adds: “The players have been laughing a lot at the headlines for a while now. That's helped them pull together as well."
  
  The World Cup has oozed excitement and drama so far so it would be a fitting send-off if the final was a classic encounter with quality rugby, rather than the damp squab and easy victory for the All Blacks that many expect.

  
  

• Deans will continue to build

  Posted: October 18, 2011, 10:50 pm by guestblogger

  Australian Rugby Union officials say they will stick with coach Robbie Deans for at least another two years, as the Wallabies look to make the transition from challengers to winners.
  
  An erratic World Cup, which included defeat to Ireland and victory over South Africa, has pretty much summed up the Australia squad over the last four years, with the Deans' men reaching a crossroads.
  
  Many saw Australia are the main challengers to New Zealand for the Webb Ellis Trophy, but their semi-final defeat at Eden Park showed they are still some way behind their near rivals. Those following the mobile betting will know this.
  
  The ARU board will form a review of the World Cup display over the next couple of months and the likely conclusion will be like so many school reports – "can do better".
  
  ARU chief executive John O'Neill said: ''We'll have a good assessment of where we can improve. The board said a pass mark was making the semis. So we got a pass mark, but we didn't get an A plus. We didn't win it, but it's not slit-your-wrists time."
  
  Having won the Tri-Nations, all be it a weakened tournament ahead of the World Cup, the mix of exuberance and raw talent looked to be gelling together. People following the online betting will be keeping an eye on them to see how they get on.
  
  Deans stuck with the enigma that is Quade Cooper throughout the tournament and he failed to deliver the goods in the semi-final against the All Blacks.
  The highly-talented James O'Connor showed sparks of his ability, but ultimately could set the tournament alight, while full-back Kurtley Beale showed more potential and was missed against the hosts.
  
  Wallabies fans will now hope the bosses stick by these young hopefuls and that the players live up to expectations ahead of the next World Cup in England in 2015.

  
  

• Tuilagi Fined for Ferry Incident

  Posted: October 11, 2011, 5:21 pm by guestblogger

  England's recent Rugby World Cup campaign looks set to go down in infamy as one of the most controversial in the team's history. Unfortunately, the side's list of inglorious incidents continues to grow, despite the fact that England were eliminated from the competition on Saturday, courtesy of underdogs, France.Suspensions, harassment, and violent fouls; the illegal swapping of rugby balls,

  
  

• Wales improving game after game

  Posted: October 10, 2011, 10:40 pm by guestblogger

  Wales have been one of the most impressive outfits at the Rugby World Cup and many are now asking the question, 'can Wales actually win the Webb Ellis trophy?'.The Welsh came out of the most difficult group in the competition and were so close to beating defending champions South Africa in their opening game of the World Cup.Warren Gatland has created a real bond among the Welsh camp – something

  
  

• Gatland recalls Lydiate and Williams

  Posted: October 6, 2011, 6:30 pm by guestblogger

  The Welsh rugby team are to shuffle their line-up for their upcoming World Cup match against Ireland, on Saturday. The union side will make sweeping changes to the squad that crushed Fiji 66-0 on October 2, a move that seems to contravene that ancient law on team selection; 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.Shane Williams and flanker, Dan Lydiate, have been recalled following an 'all-clear' on

  
  

• Aussies fully focused

  Posted: September 29, 2011, 4:48 pm by guestblogger

  Australia's star fly-half Quade Cooper has admitted his side are fully focused on not underestimating any opponent at this tournament, ahead of the Aussies' final Pool C match against Russia. Ireland stunned Australia in the second game of the group campaign, claiming a famous 15-6 victory at Eden Park. The Tri-Nations champions will now likely have to face defending champions South Africa in

  
  

• Namibia crash out

  Posted: September 28, 2011, 9:42 pm by guestblogger

  Namibia crashed out of the Rugby World Cup with a crushing defeat to Wales. The men in the Namibian 2011 RWC Shirts were demolished 81-7 in their Pool B clash in New Plymouth, which signals the end of a disappointing tournament.The minnows have now lost their four matches in New Zealand and have conceded 266 points in total.Their heaviest defeat was against their rivals and role models South

  
  

• Wales unsure whether to stick or twist

  Posted: September 26, 2011, 3:30 pm by guestblogger

  Following their spirited 17-10 victory over bogey-team Samoa last weekend, opinion is divided in Wales as to how they should approach their next Pool D match against Namibia on Monday. On one hand, there is the argument that continuity breeds confidence, and as Wales move into the latter stages of the competition such self-belief and autonomy would be of great benefit to them; but the other side

  
  

• Do or die for Tonga

  Posted: September 22, 2011, 10:34 pm by guestblogger

  The Rugby World Cup is dominated by the teams such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, France and Wales but the matches involving the so-called lesser nations offers hope of more competitive tournaments in the future.In the 2011 tournament so far we have seen promising performances from teams such as the Argentina, the USA and Canada but the games played by Tonga has also provoked

  
  

• What next for Team England?

  Posted: September 20, 2011, 4:10 pm by guestblogger

  White water rafting, Bungee jumping, Helicopter riding, Midget wrestling and beds that are too soft. Are England in New Zealand to play rugby or to see who can be involved in the most unusual front page headline ?After disappointing performances against Argentina (in the now famous Black England Shirt) and Georgia you would think that the focus should be on performances on the pitch, not Mike

  
  

• All Blacks with decision to make at fly-half

  Posted: September 15, 2011, 6:08 pm by guestblogger

  New Zealand were this week handed the least welcome news possible, when it was revealed that their talismanic fly-half Dan Carter will most likely be forced to sit out their next Pool A encounter against Japan at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in September 18th. Having made 84 appearances for the World Cup hosts in his eight year international career whilst scoring a record-breaking 1,238 points

  
  

• Tonga facing uphill battle

  Posted: September 12, 2011, 3:32 pm by guestblogger

  Following their defeat in the opening match of the 2011 World Cup campaign, Tonga now know exactly what they have to do if they want to qualify for the knock-out stages of the completion: namely, beat all the other sides in their group. Having played the toughest fixture of their Pool A opponents – and arguably the toughest opponents that any side will face this autumn given the strong home

  
  

• Ashton: rugby players can learn from the cricketers

  Posted: September 9, 2011, 12:59 am by guestblogger

  By William TaylorFormer England coach, Brian Ashton says that Martin Johnson’s men can take inspiration from the country’s cricketers if they are to be successful.Writing in his column in The Independent, Ashton noted the impact that Eoin Morgan has had on the side, and said England could do with a rugby player in his creative mould.He wrote: “Eoin Morgan strikes me as a cricketer of this (

  
  

• Wilkinson hails Flood influence

  Posted: September 7, 2011, 8:15 pm by guestblogger

  Jonny Wilkinson knows what it takes to be a Rugby World Cup hero for England and he reckons Toby Flood can definitely fill that role this time around. The 32-year-old is entering his fourth World Cup but will always be known as the man who hit a last-minute of extra-time drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final as England beat Australia. He is now behind fly-half rival Flood in the pecking order

  
  

• Henry Sweats Over Injured Duo

  Posted: August 30, 2011, 7:38 pm by guestblogger

  World Cup hosts New Zealand will face a nervous few weeks as they wait to see whether key players Kieran Read and Adam Thompson will be fit and ready to go, both suffering late injuries in last week’s defeat to Australia. The loss against the Aussies will have been one thing but Henry wouldn’t have wanted to lose two integral parts of his plans so soon to the start of the World Cup. Losing the

  
  

• England End on a High

  Posted: August 30, 2011, 5:57 pm by guestblogger

  England’s stand-in skipper Mike Tindall hailed his side’s victory against Ireland as ‘massive’ after inflicting Ireland their fourth consecutive defeat from their summer friendlies. Tries from Manu Tuilagi and substitute Delon Armitage were enough to give England a comfortable looking 20-9 victory, although the reality was a touch different. While England may have had the upper hand for much of

  
  

• From bad to worse for the 'Boks

  Posted: August 19, 2011, 5:06 pm by guestblogger

  South Africa's World Cup preparations have gone from bad to worse, with another key player ruled out of the tournament with injury. Juan Smith is the latest member of the pack to have been struck by injury and the flanker has been forced to accept defeat in his battle to recover from his Achilles injury. The 30-year old went under the knife back in February to repair his torn Achilles tendon but

  
  

• Wales hit by Rees blow

  Posted: August 16, 2011, 10:29 pm by guestblogger

  Wales' Betfair Rugby World Cup preparations have been dealt a major blow following the news that their captain Matthew Rees will undergo surgery on his continued neck troubles, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future. The British and Irish Lion had been given painkilling injections in a bid to subdue the problem, but with worries regarding Rees' future health now surfacing, surgery

  
  

• All Blacks to end 24 years of hurt

  Posted: August 9, 2011, 9:51 pm by guestblogger

  Despite their strengths New Zealand have struggled during World Cup tournaments and have a tendency to choke, but is this year going to be their chance to get that monkey off their back? Rather shockingly the All Blacks have not won a World Cup since the inaugural tournament took place all the way back in 1987 and have lost out despite going into many World Cup's as the hot favourites in the

  
  

• Mostert shocked to earn call-up

  Posted: August 2, 2011, 5:39 pm by guestblogger

  South African second-row Gerhard Mostert has revealed his shock at being called up to the Springboks side, only days after arriving in Paris following his move to Stade Francais. The 26-year old is one of the last second-row options available to Springboks' coach Peter de Villiers, who has seen a number of locks ruled out of the upcoming World Cup. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting

  
  

• Kearney back for the Irish

  Posted: July 28, 2011, 6:23 pm by guestblogger

  Full-back Rob Kearney is looking to put his disappointing season behind him and earn a spot in Declan Kidney's World Cup squad in September. The 25-year-old missed the final eight months of the season after suffering a knee injury during last year's autumn international against the All Blacks. The damaged cartilage sustained by Kearney forced the Leinster man to undergo surgery, which resulted in

  
  

• Senior looks for Wildcats move

  Posted: July 27, 2011, 10:31 pm by guestblogger

  Keith Senior has revealed he would consider a move to the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats following the collapse of his proposed move to the Crusaders.Senior has played for the Leeds Rhinos for the last 12 years but after suffering a serious knee injury, revealed he had not been offered a new deal by the Rhinos and would me moving on. This saw the Welsh franchise snap him up and it appeared the centre

  
  

• Stevens edges closer to completing full circle

  Posted: July 26, 2011, 5:47 pm by guestblogger

  England prop Matt Stevens is close to completing full circle from international rugby player, to outcast in the wilderness for two years and back again. The 28-year-old is part of Martin Johnson's World Cup preliminary squad for this autumn's tournament, with the Saracens man widely expected to be among the 30-players named to represent England in New Zealand starting in September. After

  
  

• Hoeata to take All Blacks bow

  Posted: July 21, 2011, 7:28 pm by guestblogger

  The All Blacks have handed a debut to Highlanders' lock Jarrad Hoeata for the one-off test with Fiji in Dunedin on Friday.The former sevens star will be joined in the engine room by veteran Ali Williams who starts his first game for the side since November 2008 and both will be looking to establish themselves in the side ahead of the team's Tri-Nations opener against South Africa in Wellington on

  
  

• Giteau still has 'big part'

  Posted: July 20, 2011, 5:54 pm by guestblogger

  Matt Giteau still has a "big part to play" in the Australia squad, according to coach Roobe Deans, despite being dropped for the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.The fly-half was part of the Wallbies team that suffered a shock 32-23 defeat to Samoa and he has paid the price ahead of the clash with the Springboks. Those looking at the rugby betting will be wondering if the side can bounce

  
  

• Samoans stun Wallabies

  Posted: July 19, 2011, 9:45 pm by guestblogger

  Samoa caused quite a stir amongst the world of rugby as they recorded an unlikely victory against two-time World Cup winners Australia on Sunday. A victory in itself would not have been so surprising, Samoa along with a number of other Pacific Island sides have gained a great deal of credibility over the last decade, but the relatively comfortable 32-23 score-line will have shocked the majority

  
  

• Versatility the key for Priestland

  Posted: July 13, 2011, 5:33 pm by guestblogger

  Scarlets youngster Ryhs Priestland hopes versatility will be the deciding factor which earns him a spot in the Welsh squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.The 24-year old has made his name at fly-half, but Stephen Jones' presence in the national side has often resulted in Priestland dropping to full-back. Indeed, he made his international debut for Wales wearing the number 15 shirt, coming off the

  
  

• Young seeks brighter future

  Posted: July 5, 2011, 7:42 pm by guestblogger

  Dai Young has made it clear he is looking to lead Wasps back into the big time after deciding to take the role as the London club's new director of rugby. The Welshman has joined the Premiership side after spending nine years in charge of the Cardiff Blues. The challenge will now be on the new boss to return silverware to Adams Park, following a disappointing few seasons. After spending five

• Youngs makes risky pre-World Cup move

  Posted: July 4, 2011, 9:33 pm by guestblogger

  Ben Youngs has definitely taken a risk undergoing knee surgery only a couple of months before the Rugby World Cup, as even if he does return fit he will have missed a huge chunk of England's preparations. The Leicester scrum half has had keyhole surgery to get cartilage trimmed from his left knee, but he is hoping this planned trip under the knife will not put his World Cup participation in doubt

• Robinson finalises World Cup plan

  Posted: July 1, 2011, 4:12 pm by guestblogger

  With the Rugby World Cup edging closer and closer, Scotland coach Andy Robinson has revealed that he knows 25 of the 30 players who will make up his squad for New Zealand.This means there are 14 players from the preliminary squad fighting it out for the final five places and they will get the chance to impress in August with two warm-up tests.Speaking about Scotland’s preparations, Robinson said:

• Flood has faith in Tuilagi

  Posted: June 23, 2011, 4:50 pm by guestblogger

  England fly-half Toby Flood has insisted that centre Manu Tuilagi has what it takes to make the grade at International level.The Tigers' centre has had a stand out début season and has been selected for Martin Johnson's provisional 45 man World Cup training squad ahead of the tournament in New Zealand which begins on September 9th.Tuilagi's season was slightly marred after he was found guilty of

• Ireland name preliminary squad

  Posted: June 22, 2011, 5:56 pm by guestblogger

  Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has named his preliminary 43-man World Cup squad, including a number of players battling back from long-term injuries. The squad will meet up to go through a conditioning program ahead of their pre-World Cup warm-up games this summer, before being whittled down to the 30 players that will travel to New Zealand to take on the world's best. Long-term injury victims

• Stevens gets England call ahead of World Cup

  Posted: June 21, 2011, 6:18 pm by guestblogger

  Matt Stevens has been rewarded for his fine form in the Churchill Cup with a recall to England's 45-man provisional squad ahead of the World Cup.The prop was instrumental in the England Saxons' recent victory in the tournament, regularly dominating his opponents at scrum-time as well as providing impetus in the loose.Stevens returned to the game in January after serving a two-year ban failing a

• Shane Horgan ruled out of Rugby World Cup

  Posted: June 20, 2011, 6:29 pm by guestblogger

  Irish veteran Shane Horgan's hopes of forcing his way back into Ireland's World Cup squad after being ruled out of the entire build-up to the tournament. The winger has had somewhat of a resurgence this season, scoring nine tries in 26 appearances for Leinster, as well as helping the side to their second Heineken Cup title after starting in the 33-22 final victory over Northampton. Those betting

• New Zealand face selection challenge

  Posted: June 16, 2011, 7:51 pm by guestblogger

  New Zealand face selection challengeNew Zealand boss Graham Henry believes he and the All Black selectors face an uphill battle to ensure all their squad receive enough time on the field ahead of the World Cup. The hosts play five tests ahead of the tournament which begins September 9th with their match against Tonga in Auckland and Henry believes the selectors will have to balance naming their

• Leicester bolster their ranks

  Posted: June 15, 2011, 5:16 pm by guestblogger

  Aviva league winners Leicester have boosted their ranks with a triple signing of three of England's most exciting prospects. Kieran Brookes, Graham Kitchener and Micky Young will all link up with their new club after competing for England Saxons in the Churchill Cup after agreeing to move to Welford Road. The youngsters are all highly thought of by their clubs and by their country and Leicester

• Barnes seeks neurologists help

  Posted: June 13, 2011, 11:17 pm by guestblogger

  Waratahs centre Berrick Barnes has sought the help of a neurologist amidst fears his career could be cut short because of the headaches he suffers with.The Wallabies player has endured a difficult season and has had to sit through prolonged spells on the sidelines because of a knock to the head he suffered against the Queensland Reds in February.Since then Barnes has been forced from the field

• Williams seeks All Blacks spot

  Posted: June 13, 2011, 10:16 pm by guestblogger

  Ali Williams believes he can force his way into New Zealand head coach Graham henry’s thinking ahead of the World Cup later this year.The lock has endured a torrid time over the past 18 months after a succession of serious Achilles injuries left his career hanging in the balance, but now is he is back playing with the Blues, the All Black insists he has what it takes to make the final squad – an

• England needs to break Heineken Cup hoodoo

  Posted: June 9, 2011, 7:36 pm by guestblogger

  English rugby union sides have not succeeded in the Heineken Cup in recent years, but Harlequins full-back Mike Brown reckons this will come to an end next season. Wasps were the last English side to win the competition back in 2007 but since then Munster, Leinster and Toulouse succeed in the following three competitions. In the 2011 competition it was Leinster again who came out victorious,

• Kenya restore pride with England and Russia wins

  Posted: May 24, 2011, 7:24 pm by guestblogger

  Kenya’s rugby 7’s side made amends for a poor opening to the London 7’s tournament with an excellent day two performance that saw them overcome England and Russia in quick succession.While Kenya were understandably ecstatic with their determined showing that saw them come back from 17-0 down, England were left to wonder what might have been as the crashed out of the London leg of the 7s

• Tuilagi gets just deserts

  Posted: May 23, 2011, 3:16 pm by guestblogger

  Manu Tuilagi deserves every punishment he gets after striking England winger Chris Ashton in the Aviva Premiership semi-final. Tuilagi, who has since received a five-week ban, struck Ashton on the face with a trio of blows after the winger pushed him to the ground during the heated exchange in the first half of big free bet favourite Leicester’s 11-3 victory over Northampton.The Tigers centre

• Tuilagi still in with World Cup hope

  Posted: May 20, 2011, 10:17 pm by guestblogger

  Manu Tuilagi has been given a World Cup reprieve following the RFU's decision to only ban the Leicester back for five-weeks. The 20-year-old has been the focus of this week's rugby headlines following his 'altercation' with Northampton's Chris Ashton last weekend, in which both were sin-binned even though Tuilagi was the only one doing the altercating. With many in the media – albeit not many

• Tuilagi banned for five weeks

  Posted: May 19, 2011, 6:20 pm by guestblogger

  Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi has been banned for five weeks after punching England international Chris Ashton last week. He will now miss the Premiership final against Saracens. The ban was initially 10 weeks, but has been reduced because of a push from Ashton that contributed to the incident becoming ugly. This is arguably a strange decision, especially when you consider that Tuilagi is sti...

• Time running out for Leeds

  Posted: April 19, 2011, 5:38 pm by guestblogger

  If Leeds are going to pull off another great escape, then they are going to need to perform much better than they managed at the weekend against Wasps. The league's bottom side were blown away by the Londoners in a comprehensive 51-18 defeat at Adams Park, with the hosts running in seven tries.Wasps never gave Leeds a chance of getting into the game with a confident all-round display with Joe

• Scotland wary of a rampant England

  Posted: March 9, 2011, 9:17 pm by guestblogger

  Scotland have announced they are going to target Chris Ashton when they play England in the Calcutta Cup, but they could be punished by others if they focus all their attentions on one man.The two teams could not have had contrasting fortunes in the Six Nations so far, as Scotland are staring at the prospect of the derided 'wooden spoon' after their three losses, while they travel to Twickenham

• Pressure is England's biggest test

  Posted: March 1, 2011, 9:38 pm by guestblogger

  A further solid victory over France at Twickenham on Saturday is leaving Martin Johnsons England team in great shape ahead of the this Septembers World Cup and a potential Grand slam, as they head into the remaining Six nations games with Scotland and Ireland on the back of three convincing wins.The excitement and buzz around Twickenham at the full time whistle on Saturday, is a result of an

• Dogged England keep on winning

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 11:21 pm by guestblogger

  Given the rugby World Cup is still seven months away the fact England haven’t quite reached their peak performance yet is reason for optimism.The added fact the side are still winning despite not hitting top gear has got supporters and players alike brimming with excitement and confidence.Saturday’s 17-9 win over France at Twickenham was workmanlike but effective and keeps Martin Johnson’s men on

• Ferris misses out of Scotland game

  Posted: February 21, 2011, 4:21 pm by guestblogger

  Ireland's flanker Stephen Ferris has been handed a further blow in his bid to recover from his knee injury. The Ulsterman will undergo another scan on the problem but it looks as though Ferris could miss the rest of the tournament. The influential forward will definitely be out of the trip to Murrayfield as the Irish look to bounce back from a difficult start to this year's tournament. Declan

• Winner takes all at Twickenham

  Posted: February 17, 2011, 10:54 pm by guestblogger

  France's Sebastien Chabal has admitted the match against England will decide the winners of this year's Six Nations tournament. Both sides will go into the match unbeaten but England are clearly the in-form side in the competition and will go into the game as clear favourites.Experienced back rower Chabal has come off the bench in France's opening two games so far and the former Sale Shark has

• Henry looks to prepare players for World Cup

  Posted: February 16, 2011, 11:14 pm by guestblogger

  New Zealand head coach Graham Henry is hoping to manage his resources as he looks to prepare his squad for the rugby World Cup later this year on home soil. Henry is hoping to manage how many games his players compete in, in the lead up to the tournament to ensure they are fully fit in time for their opening match on September 9th.Henry caused controversy in 2007 when he withdrew all of his squad

• Ashton the hero as England set up titanic clash with France

  Posted: February 14, 2011, 7:51 pm by guestblogger

  With perennial wooden-spooners Italy arriving at Twickenham on Saturday England knew only a convincing win would do. Certainly a victory in a better manner than their stumbling 17-12 win in Rome last year was the minimum target.Eight tries later and Johnson's men were celebrating a fine victory that puts them on course for the Grand Slam as well as setting up a huge clash with current Six Nations

• Where now for Ireland?

  Posted: February 14, 2011, 6:13 pm by guestblogger

  Before Ireland faced France in Dublin, the talk was of a possible Grand Slam decider, at the same venue, against England in the final round of matches. Optimism abounded despite an unconvincing last-gasp victory against Italy first up. Now the best that Ireland can hope for is surely the Triple Crown, and even that will take some doing.France were mediocre, even less convincing than in their

• England bring in back-up for Italy

  Posted: February 9, 2011, 9:13 pm by guestblogger

  England will be fully aware that they will need to forget about last week's opening game victory against Wales and be fully focused on their next game against Italy at Twickenham. The defeat of Wales have given England a great chance of lifting their first Six Nations trophy since 2003 but Italy proved in their opening match against Ireland that they aren't going to be the tournament's whipping

• How to solve the Hook issue

  Posted: February 4, 2011, 4:57 pm by guestblogger

  Warren Gatland has managed to find a place for the mercurial James Hook by handing the Ospreys man the number 15 shirt for Wales' opening game of this year's Six Nations. The head coach has admitted it was a case of "finding a spot" for Hook and that it had taken plenty of discussion amongst the management over where to play the talented 25-year-old. The decision to play Hook at full-back mean

• Clash of styles set up mouth-watering Six Nations tie

  Posted: February 3, 2011, 6:26 pm by guestblogger

  Come Friday all the talking will have been done, not that the pre-match hype hasn’t been entertainment in itself. Warren Gatland ensured there will be an extra kick in an already spicy match by his persistent criticism of England hooker Dylan Hartley; a move which riled Martin Johnson to join in the war of words and accuse his counterpart of trying to cover his own sides recent poor form. “they

• Wood faces tough debut

  Posted: February 2, 2011, 7:33 pm by guestblogger

  As debuts go a Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff is up there with one of the toughest around.But that is the task facing Northampton flanker Tom Wood who has been named in Martin Johnson's starting XV for Friday night's titanic tussle. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the live score goalwire and Wood will be under a lot of pressure.The former Worcester star wasn't in the original squad

• Johnson responds to Hartley criticism

  Posted: January 27, 2011, 10:02 pm by guestblogger

  England head coach Martin Johnson has responded to criticism of England hooker Dylan Hartley, and believes the Northampton man will prove his worth on the pitch.Wales head coach Warren Gatland criticised Hartley earlier in the week and suggested that when the two teams meet, Hartley will be a weak link in the England side. The former Wasps coach criticised Hartley and said he was likely to

• Can Italy upset Ireland?

  Posted: January 27, 2011, 9:53 pm by guestblogger

  Italy and Ireland start the 2011 Six Nations Championship with different aims and expectations. The Azzurri, or at least their coach Mick Mallett, are not expecting to win every game, while the men in green believe a second Grand Slam in three years is achievable.Ireland start their campaign against the continental teams and will expect to face France in Dublin on 13th February as table-toppers.

• Phillips looking over his shoulder

  Posted: January 27, 2011, 7:47 pm by guestblogger

  Wales have maintained they still have full faith in Mike Phillips despite the scrum-half recently being dropped by his club side Ospreys in their Heineken Cup match against London Irish. With Dwayne Peel returning to the Welsh squad for the first time in nearly a year, the pressure will be on Phillips to produce on the pitch from the very start of next week's Six Nations. Anyone who has placed a

• England need to push on under Johnson

  Posted: January 26, 2011, 7:10 pm by guestblogger

  Three years into the job and Martin Johnson will need to prove England have gone forward under his leadership. 2011 will be the perfect chance for Johnson's side to show exactly where they stand in world rugby, firstly in the Six Nations before the World Cup later on in the year. At the end of the year Johnson won't be able to talk about his transitional side still gelling together, those excuses

• Gatland turns up heat on England ahead of Six Nations clash

  Posted: January 25, 2011, 6:11 pm by guestblogger

  Wales coach Warren Gatland has begun the war of words with England ahead of their opening Six Nations clash in Cardiff on February 4th.The game is vital to forging the direction of their respective Six Nations campaigns and whether intentional or not Gatland – who deliberately kept quiet about the opposition last year - struckthe first psychological blow by highlighting what he sees as England's

• Robinson names Scotland squad

  Posted: January 20, 2011, 5:33 pm by guestblogger

  Andy Robinson has named his 32-man squad that will take part in a three day training camp at St Andrews before next month's Six Nations. The head coach has picked three uncapped players in the squad, the trio have been promoted from Scotland's A side that beat the USA in November. The three are 23 year old Bath back Jack Cuthbert, 24 year old prop Jon Welsh and 20 year old loose forward Robert

• Johnson deals with another injury blow

  Posted: January 19, 2011, 8:05 pm by guestblogger

  England head coach Martin Johnson has been dealt another major injury blow to his squad, with the news that captain Lewis Moody looks set to miss out on his side's first three matches in next month's Six Nations with a knee injury. The flanker suffered the knee ligament injury after an hour of Bath's 55-16 Heineken Cup win over Aironi and tests have revealed the full extent of the injury. Anyone

• Williams not afraid to do it his way

  Posted: January 18, 2011, 6:10 pm by guestblogger

  New Zealand Centre Sonny Bill Williams has insisted he will make his own mind up over his career goals after media speculation regarding his future in rugby union.Williams caught the attention of the public after a string of excellent performances in New Zealand’s tour of the Northern Hemisphere, but the exciting Canterbury Crusaders centre has raised doubt over his future after perusing a career

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Yet more fish cakes

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The end of the fish cakes