Grandstand's Alister Nicholson looks back at the weekend that was for the Queensland teams in the NRL, Super Rugby and AFL.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, rugby-league, nrl, rugby-union, super-14, australia
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Elsom 'dodges bullet' to target first Test
Updated May 31, 2011 14:28:00 Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom will play no more Super rugby this season but said his ankle injury could have been worse and hopes to be fit for Australia's first Test of the year against Samoa in July.
Elsom hobbled into the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) offices on crutches on Tuesday as he continued his rehabilitation from the high ankle strain he sustained when his leg was twisted in a ruck in his only outing for the Brumbies two weeks ago.
"I won't be playing for the rest of the Super rugby season but I probably dodged a bit of a bullet there," the flanker told reporters at the launch of the Wallabies 2011 season.
"One tendon copped a bit of damage but the other two aren't affected, so hopefully I'll be back for the first Test.
"It was a very awkward position to be caught in and it could have been worse."
The Wallabies play Samoa in Sydney on July 17 as a warm-up for this year's Tri-Nations, a tournament they have not won for a decade.
The big back row forward brushed aside the suggestion that the time on the sidelines was in some way a positive with the World Cup looming after the Tri-Nations.
"That's a pretty optimistic way of looking at it," he said, to laughter.
"You get the hand you are dealt. The amount of work I can get done before the international season is key.
"There's good and bad with everything but I certainly wouldn't have planned it that way."
After more than six months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Elsom's captaincy has been called into question - although he continues to receive the strong backing of coach Robbie Deans.
"Everyone has a right to their own opinion and there's not much you can do, especially when you're not playing," Elsom said.
"It comes with the job a bit. I can't ever remember being criticised before I took over the job."
ARU chief John O'Neill led a clarion call for Australians to unite behind the Wallabies under the slogan "One Team 2011" ahead of a season which he hopes will end the country's silverware drought.
"We haven't won the Bledisloe Cup, that mighty piece of silverware, since 2002," O'Neill said.
"We haven't won the Tri-Nations since 2001 - to say we are overdue for success is an understatement."
Elsom, injuries notwithstanding, was equally enthusiastic about embracing the challenge ahead.
"It's a culmination of what we've done. It's the ultimate measuring stick, it's obviously something we want and the time has come to deliver on that if we're good enough," he said.
"So in that sense, it's a good time."
-Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000 First posted May 31, 2011 14:06:00Weekend listening - sport on digital radio
With streaming and digital radio, we offer you a host of listening options over the weekend, in addition to what's on your radio.
From 7pm on Friday night you can hear NRL with Parramatta Eels vs St George/Illawarra Dragons at the Parramatta Stadium.This coverage is also on 702 Digital and Grandstand Digital.
On Grandstand Digital Extra you can find AFL from the MCG at 7.30pm with Essendon vs Melbourne.
If you'd like an option to the sport, you can hear The Coodabeens provide a tri-state Evenings show on our stream in Windows or AAC formats.
On Saturday, we'll have Grandstand with Simone Thurtell on your radio from midday then AFL at 2pm with Geelong vs Western Bulldogs at Kardinia Park before 5pm when we switch to the NRL and Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers at Robina Stadium and then, at 7.30pm, Sydney Roosters vs New Zealand Warriors at the Sydney Football Stadium.The same line-up is on 702 Digital and Grandstand Digital.
Grandstand Digital Extra features the Coodabeen Champions from 11am 'til 1pm and is followed by AFL with West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast Suns at Subiaco Oval from 2pm then the sporting chat of Saturday Night Spin at 6.30pm before more AFL with Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans at the 'Gabba from 7.30pm.
We have more NRL coverage on the radio from midday Sunday including the first half of Canberra Raiders vs Nth Qld Cowboys at the Canberra Stadium from 2pm then all of South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm at the Olympic Stadium from 3pm.At 6pm we have the Road to London with Gerry Collins.
This same line-up is on 702 Digital and Grandstand Digital.
On Grandstand Digital Extra we have all of the Raiders vs Cowboys game in the NRL from midday then the second half of the Rabbitohs vs Storm match and then the the Road to London at 6pm.
Cipriani still in limbo with Rebels
Posted May 31, 2011 17:22:00 Danny Cipriani's management are meeting with Melbourne Rebels officials to try and resolve a dispute between the Super Rugby club and the star player.
The English five-eighth was left behind from the Rebels' recent two-match tour of South Africa after repeated off-field disciplinary breaches.
Assistant coach Damien Hill said whether Cipriani would be considered for a home return on Friday night against the Stormers depended on the club reaching a satisfactory resolution with his management.
"The administration is in talking with Danny's management at the moment regarding his availability for this week," Hill said.
"It's not ideal, but that's just the way it is at the moment.
"You'll find out more about that tomorrow when we'll be announcing the team.
"There are issues there that need to be resolved and that's being handled by the administration."
Hill refused to elaborate on what Cipriani or his management needed to do to convince the club he should be allowed to play again.
Cipriani has not played for the Rebels since breaching a team pact following the loss to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on April 30.
Hill acknowledged the constant spotlight on the 23-year-old's off-field troubles had made the Rebels' inaugural year tougher.
"It's a distraction and I'd be lying if I said we couldn't have done without it," he said.
"But when you have any sort of club set-up where you've got 30-plus players, all new, a third of which are foreign, you're going to have issues that arise."
He said even if the Rebels' administration cleared Cipriani, there was no guarantee the match committee would select him.
On a positive note, hooker Adam Freier will finally represent the bottom-placed Rebels for the first time on Friday night, after recovering from back surgery, then a hamstring injury.
"It's been a long road and the timing of the year is insignificant as far as what the outcome will be for the season, but these three games mean absolutely everything to me," Freier said.
"Making it back so far, it's happy days for me at the moment."
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000Tahs' Kepu to miss Bulls showdown
Posted May 29, 2011 19:00:00 The injury-hit New South Wales Waratahs have lost in-form prop Sekope Kepu and possibly centre Ryan Cross for next weekend's crunch Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Pretoria.
Kepu lasted just 12 minutes and Cross 22 as both fell victim to knee injuries in the Waratahs' 26-21 loss to the Sharks in Durban on Sunday morning (AEST).
The Tahs led 21-13 with 25 minutes to go when full-back Kurtley Beale kicked a penalty awarded after Sharks flanker Jean Deysel was sin-binned for a choke hold on centre Tom Carter.
But the Sharks capitalised on the visitors' turnovers and poor discipline to score 13 unanswered points.
The result left the Waratahs wobbling on the finals tightrope with three rounds remaining.
The Sharks (47 points) displaced the Waratahs (46) from fifth with the Bulls (45) and Highlanders (44) still very much in contention.
Kepu suffered a medial ligament injury while Cross fell awkwardly after being hit by a high tackle off the ball.
"I think we are probably looking at three to four weeks for Sekope at his stage," New South Wales coach Chris Hickey said.
"Ryan Cross's problem isn't quite as severe as Sekope's but I think he would certainly be in doubt for the Bulls game."
New South Wales went into the match without a smattering of stars including its most dangerous back Drew Mitchell, star back rowers Wycliff Palu and Phil Waugh and five-eighth Berrick Barnes.
Barnes, who has suffered three head knocks this season, trained on Saturday and could be available to face the Bulls next Saturday morning (AEST).
Veteran Al Baxter will almost certainly replace Kepu.
Hickey was keeping his options open about the replacement for Cross, though he could switch Lachie Turner to outside centre and start Atieli Pakalani on the the wing.
Pakalani missed a glorious chance to push New South Wales ahead with eight minutes to go when he won the chase to a Beale stab kick, but knocked on over the line.
Five-eighth Daniel Halangahu, who moved into the team on Friday for Barnes, shaped as the hero.
He set up a 95-metre breakout try to Turner in the first half and scored himself in the second after beating three defenders from a scrum move.
The Sharks dominated possession in the second half and powered home in the final quarter.
Springboks winger JP Pietersen sprinted over 60 metres for a match-changing try after pouncing on a loose pass from Beale.
Promising five-eighth Patrick Lambie, who scored 21 points, including a first-half try, kicked two late penalties to secure victory.
"I think that we tried to play too much football in our own half and their defence was able to stop us there and we didn't build a lot of pressure on them," Hickey said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, south-africaWeekend Half Time
The show which aired 29/5/2011Download audio
(duration: 55:19; filesize: 25.2)
(duration: 55:19; filesize: 25.2)
Presented by Cameron Green and Sacha Mirzabegian
Work to do for Wallabies, says Deans
Posted May 31, 2011 20:44:00 Robbie Deans says his exciting Wallabies need to add starch and substance to give themselves a chance of Rugby World Cup glory later this year.
While coach Deans maintained his normal measured approach, Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill was happy to play some mind games and crank up the pressure on tournament hosts and favourites New Zealand.
"The good thing for us is there's no pressure but for the All Blacks there will be plenty," O'Neill said on Tuesday at the Sydney launch of the Wallabies' 2011 season slogan: "One Team 2011".
O'Neill made it clear he still had high expectations of the Wallabies and declared they had the talent to do "extraordinary things."
"We want to finish 2011 as the No.1 rugby nation in the world, we make no apologies for that ambition," O'Neill said.
The ARU boss also made it clear it was about time the Wallabies ended their major tournament drought.
"We have not won the Bledisloe Cup, that mighty piece of silverware, since 2002, we have not won the Tri Nations title since 2001," O'Neill said.
"To say we're overdue for success is an understatement."
New Zealand-born Deans has just a home Test against Samoa and four Tri-Nations matches against the Springboks and All Blacks to shave the rough edges off his exuberant world No.2 ranked side.
Asked what he needed to do to enjoy World Cup success, Deans said: "We did some good things last year, we've got to add some substance to that, some starch.
"I think that you're seeing that through Super Rugby with a number of the individuals.
"The key first of all is to get through Super Rugby.
"Hopefully one of our sides will be successful and then I guess if that is the case, then it's key to ensure that success doesn't create a time lag before they focus in on what's coming next and we get on and start producing some momentum of our own."
Deans could not be coaxed into providing a cheap headline about what it would mean to win the World Cup in the country of his birth.
Deans admitted Queensland's contingent in the first Test of the summer against Samoa on July 17 could be affected if the ladder-leading Reds make it all the way through to the Super final eight days earlier.
"We've got a Test match the following weekend, clearly (they) will have had a lot more rugby than the rest of the (Australian Super Rugby) group, so we'll make those decisions at the time," Deans said.
"It will depend on how the individuals are travelling."
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaReds outmuscle Crusaders
Brad Thorn of the Crusaders is hit in a tackle by Anthony Faingaa of the Reds during the round 15 Super Rugby match at Lang Park on May 29, 2011 in Brisbane.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealandSunday, May 29, 2011
Waratahs brace for Shark attack
Posted May 27, 2011 11:26:00 The Waratahs are focusing on overcoming a physical onslaught from the Sharks in a crucial Super Rugby clash in Durban on Sunday morning (AEST).
The fifth-placed Waratahs (45 points) have the Highlanders, Sharks (both 43) and Bulls (40) all trying to chase them down with four rounds remaining.
And the Sharks, who have struggled for consistency after starting the season with four straight wins, are expected to challenge the Waratahs with an abrasive style of play.
"What we're concentrating on is really the physical side of it," Waratahs lock and acting captain Dean Mumm said.
"The Sharks are an extremely physical side, they've got some wonderful ball carriers in Bismarck du Plessis and a number of other top forwards.
"With South African sides, if you don't front up physically then you're gong to struggle."
The South African leg of their campaign looms as a season-defining one for the Waratahs, who play the Bulls in Pretoria next week.
"If we do the job this weekend and the Waratahs lose to the Bulls, that puts them out," Sharks' coach John Plumtree said on his team's website.
Plumtree, whose side plays its last three games away to domestic rivals, said the Sharks could not afford to drop another match.
He will be missing Jannie du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Odwa Ndungane and Adrian Jacobs, but has regained the services of veteran front rower John Smit and number eight Keegan Daniel.
Following the firestorm of comment on the Waratahs' style of rugby and the feisty fans' forum last week, Mumm was not unhappy to be out of Sydney.
"It's nice to get away and have time and do what we want to do, without everything on the periphery," Mumm said.
Lock Sitaleki Timani returns to the run-on side for a NSW team striving to build on successive home wins over the Rebels, Force and Lions.
"I think we've got some momentum, we had to earn our wins," Mumm said.
He emphasised the Sharks were exceptional at scoring off turnovers.
Coach Chris Hickey also stressed the need for his competition-leading defence to minimise mistakes and retain discipline to starve promising five-eighth Patrick Lambie of goalkicking opportunities.
"Our defence is going to have to be very good because they are a strong attacking side," Hickey said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000Bulls edge closer to play-offs
Posted May 29, 2011 07:00:00 Northern Bulls scrum half Francois Hougaard snatched a stoppage-time try to give the title holders a bonus-point 32-21 triumph over Central Cheetahs in a rousing Super 15 clash.
A fourth consecutive victory lifted the Pretoria franchise one position to seventh, one point behind the Waratahs who visit Loftus Versfeld next weekend.
The top six finishers next month after the league phase of the southern hemisphere rugby union championship qualify for the play-offs with the Bulls chasing a fourth title in five seasons.
Defeat signalled the end of a four-match Cheetahs winning streak, but the injury-hit Bloemfontein team played their part in a typically physical and pulsating South African derby.
Success for the Bulls completed a great South African weekend with the Lions winning in New Zealand, the Western Stormers victorious in Australia and the Coastal Sharks overcoming the Waratahs in Durban.
Bulls started with the same fiery spirit that produced recent victories over Waikato Chiefs, Melbourne Rebels and Sharks and they were ahead within three minutes when left wing Bjorn Basson went over in the corner.
After securing ruck possession, fly half Morne Steyn and full-back Zane Kirchner handled slickly to create space and Springbok World Cup hopeful Basson eluded fullback Riaan Viljoen for his eighth try this season.
Steyn atoned for a rare poor conversion attempt that finished well left of the target by kicking two penalties to give the Bulls a 11-0 half-time lead while rival fly-half Sias Ebersohn missed two shots at goal, one a sitter.
A better Cheetahs showing early in the second half was rewarded on 51 minutes when livewire flank Ashley Johnson dotted down in the corner and Ebersohn converted.
Bulls quickly regained the initiative and replacement forward Danie Rossouw dotted down twice as they surged to a 25-7 advantage. He broke the line and charged over for the first try and seven minutes later strolled across.
Steyn succeeded with both conversions and the rattled Cheetahs appeared set for a hiding when loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen was sin binned after a dangerous tackle on Kirchner.
But the Bloemfontein franchise refused to bow and another break ended with Johnson going over under the posts and Ebersohn converted. Replacement Hennie Daniller felt he also scored a try but it was ruled out for an elbow in touch.
An Ebersohn try one minute from full-time which he converted set up a tense finale in which Cheeetahs were dispossessed as they sought a match-winning try and multi-phase pressure culminated in Hougaard diving over beside a post.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africaMedia Call: Ewen McKenzie
Published:Friday, May 27, 2011 12:52 AESTExpires:Thursday, August 25, 2011 12:52 AEST
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says the influence of Quade Cooper and Dan Carter will simply be dictated by the battle up in front in Sunday's mouth-watering clash between the Reds and Crusaders.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaWaratahs make just one change for Sharks
Posted May 26, 2011 08:26:00 The NSW Waratahs have made just one change to their starting side, with Sitaleki Timani coming into the second row for the Super Rugby clash with the Sharks in Durban.
Timani was a late scratching from last week's bonus point win over the Lions in Sydney, after failing to recover from a thumb injury sustained in round 12.
He returns to the run-on team to partner Dean Mumm in the second row, while Pat O'Connor retains his place on the bench.
The only other alteration to the match day squad is a forced one with rookie Tom Kingston called to national duty with the Australian U20s ahead of the IRB Junior World Championships.
Speedster Atieli Pakalani moves onto the bench for his first Super Rugby clash since suffering a hamstring injury during the round eight bonus point win over the Western Force in Perth.
It is a crucial match for the Waratahs as they attempt to secure wildcard entry into the Super Rugby playoffs.
Coach Chris Hickey said the squad had recovered well from the long trip to South Africa and were looking forward to this weekend's clash at the Shark Tank.
"Recovering from the flight to Johannesburg and then transferring to Durban is always a bit tricky but all of the guys seem to have pulled up well," said Hickey.
"They were out and about on Monday to adjust to the time difference and we had a pretty sharp session on Tuesday which provided a good indication as to where they are at both physically and mentally.
"Kings Park is one of the great venues in world Rugby and I know the squad is excited to be here.
"It's an important game against another finals contender so there's a lot on the line."
Hickey said the inclusion of Timani was a bonus for the squad with the Tongan-born lock one of the form players in the team over the last month.
"Sita's probably been better known as an impact player at Super Rugby level before this year but since getting an opportunity in the starting side he has given us a lot of go-forward," said Hickey.
"He trained well all of last week and was probably touch-and-go to play the Lions but we erred on the side of caution knowing the important run of matches we have coming up."
The Waratahs will train again on Thursday ahead of the captain's run on Friday before Saturday's clash.
Waratahs team: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Sosene Anesi, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm (c)), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Al Baxter, Pat O'Connor, Hugh Perrett, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu, Atieli Pakalani.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, south-africaFreier pulls his boots on again
Interview: Pat McCabe
Published:Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:27 AESTExpires:Friday, August 26, 2011 10:27 AEST
Brumbies full-back Pat McCabe told Grandstand's Nick Smith the Stormers' defence proved too strong in the visitors' 16-3 win at Canberra Stadium.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaLowly Lions stun Highlanders
Updated May 28, 2011 19:41:00 Wikus van Heerden destroyed the Otago Highlanders with a try on full-time as the lowly Lions upset Super 15 finals contenders the Highlanders 26-22 at Carisbrook on Saturday.
The Highlanders were looking to firm up their top-six position with a home win against the bottom-placed Lions and appeared certain to achieve their wish when they won a defensive penalty while leading 22-19 and time almost up.
But fly half Lima Sopoaga failed to find touch with the crucial kick, allowing the Lions to storm back and the 32-year-old van Heerden crashed across to seal the outcome to the delight of his captain Doppies la Grange.
"It's an awesome feeling. Wikus is always a stalwart, he always plays with heart," the skipper said.
"Finally our hard work has paid off. The guys finally brought some attitude and played with heart."
It was only the third win of the year for the Lions while the Highlanders, who looked rusty in their first game back after a bye, are reliant on the outcome of other matches over the weekend if they are to remain in the top six.
The Lions also had the satisfaction of outscoring the Highlanders two tries to one in a match marred by a high penalty count from repeated breakdown infringements by both sides
Sopoaga, who had a sound game apart from his missed touchfinder at the end, landed five penalties for the Highlanders while the Lions' Elton Jantjies was successful with four from four attempts.
The lead changed six times in the match with the Highlanders striking first when the Lions turned over the ball from the kick-off and then conceded a penalty for Sopoaga to have his side on the board in the first minute.
Two penalties in quick succession to Jantjies gave the Lions a brief 6-3 lead before the Highlanders struck back with the only try of the first half.
Jamie Mackintosh turned down a shot at goal from a close range penalty and from a well-rehearsed backline move Shaun Treeby cut back on the angle to score.
Sopoaga landed the conversion and two more penalties for the Highlanders to turn with a 16-9 lead.
The Lions hit the front for the second time early in the second half when backrower Josh Strauss caught the Highlanders napping with a try from a quick tap penalty and Jantjies added the conversion and another penalty.
But as the ruck infringements mounted, Sopoaga added two more penalties and the Highlanders led 22-19 with the clock ticking down when van Heerdon produced his match-winning try.
Lions: 26 (J Strauss, W van Heerden tries; E Jantjies 2/2 conversions, 4 penalty goals)
Highlanders: 22 (S Treeby try; L Sopoaga 1/1 conversions, 5 penalty goals)
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealand, south-africa First posted May 28, 2011 19:36:00Lions stun Highlanders in Dunedin
Lions players celebrate during the round 15 Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Lions at Carisbrook on May 28, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandNuevo Como Crecer de Estatura 2011! Método Científico para Crecer
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Brumbies prepare for clash with Stormers
Published:Friday, May 27, 2011 7:22 AESTExpires:Thursday, August 25, 2011 7:22 AEST
The ACT Super Rugby side is chasing a third season win against the Stormers in Canberra.
Tags: rugby-union, act, canberra-2600Ludik leaps above Anesi
Louis Ludik claims the high ball from from Sosene Anesi during the Super Rugby match between Sharks and Waratahs at King's Park on May 28, 2011 in Durban.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, south-africaLambie seals close win for Sharks
Posted May 29, 2011 06:20:00 Two late penalty goals by Patrick Lambie enabled the Sharks to scrape home 26-21 in a Super Rugby clash with the Waratahs at King's Park on Saturday.
Fly half Lambie hit the left upright with his team trailing by a point 14 minutes from the end but made amends when he landed goals in the 70th and 79th minutes.
It was a hard-fought battle between two teams struggling to finish in the top six on the log and earn a place in the competition play-offs.
The Sharks win lifted them to fifth, one point and one place ahead of the Waratahs.
"We're playing for our lives every weekend," said Sharks captain and loosehead prop John Smit.
"When that kick hit the poles my heart nearly stopped."
Both teams scored two tries in remarkably similar fashion. Fly halves Lambie and Daniel Halangahu, a late replacement for the Waratahs, both went over for individual tries after breaking from scrums, while both teams scored long-range tries after turnovers.
The Sharks looked in control when they led 13-6 five minutes before half-time but after another break by Lambie they lost the ball five metres short of the Waratahs line.
Flank Dave Dennis grabbed the ball for the Australian team and Halangahu raced down the left touchline before passing to wing Lachlan Turner, who scored in the corner to make the score 13-11 at the break.
It was the Waratahs' turn to take the ascendancy after Halangahu's try in the second half.
They went eight points ahead when Sharks flank Jean Deysel was yellow-carded for an illegal tackle and full-back Kurtley Beale landed the resultant penalty.
With the Sharks down to 14 men, Beale led a Waratahs attack but lost the ball when he was tackled near the Sharks 22.
Wing JP Pietersen picked up the loose ball and sprinted 70 metres to score in the right corner. Lambie converted to set up a tense finish.
The Sharks produced most of the attacking rugby but the Waratahs had the better of the tight forward exchanges despite losing prop Sekope Kepu to a leg injury after 13 minutes.
Kepu's replacement, Al Baxter, had an impressive match alongside fellow Wallaby front-rowers Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Waratahs captain Dean Mumm blamed his team's defeat on "ill discipline and (playing) too much in our own half when it really mattered".
He said next weekend's match against the Bulls in Pretoria was crucial if the Waratahs were to retain control of their play-off destiny.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, south-africaShute Shield Round 9 Preview
Posted May 27, 2011 17:05:00
Updated May 27, 2011 17:44:00 Round nine of the Shute Shield features a replay of last year's Grand Final between Sydney University and Randwick at University's No.1 Oval.
Updated May 27, 2011 17:44:00 Round nine of the Shute Shield features a replay of last year's Grand Final between Sydney University and Randwick at University's No.1 Oval.
The ABC TV Match of the Week sees two of the most successful teams in the competition's history do battle again as they look to improve on their fourth and fifth positions on the ladder.
The Students are coming off back-to-back wins against Souths and Gordon but face a Randwick side which has at times shown the skill they are renowned for.
The Wicks have lost Waratahs flyer Atieli Pakalani, however he has been replaced by another speedster with Frankie Fainifo partnering Clinton Sills on the wing.
Join the ABC Grandstand commentary team of Steve Robilliard, Brett Papworth, John Morrison, Stephanie Brantz and Louise Ransome as they bring you all the action live from Sydney University No.1 Oval in NSW and the ACT at 3pm on Saturday May 28 on ABC 1. Interstate viewers can catch-up on every minute on ABC iView.
You can also follow the match live on Twitter @abcshuteshield or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/abcshuteshield
Sydney University: 1. Aldy King, 2. Ben Roberts, 3. Sam Talakai; 4. Tom Heslop, 5. Oliver Atkins; 6. David Hickey, 7. Jono Jenkins, 8. Trent Dyer; 9. Matt Schwager [c], 10. Dan Kelly; 11. Alex Rokobaro, 12. James McMahon, 13. Elih Baillie, 14. Michael Hodge; 15. David Dillon.
Randwick: 1. Marakai Toa, 2. Atonio Halangahu [c], 18. Justin Terry; 4. Tim Maxwell, 5. Geoffrey Ingram; 6. Seilala Lam; 7. Tim McGann, 8. Al McFarland; 9. Luke Parsons, 10. Toby Browne; 11. Clinton Sills, 12. Bevu Tuqiri, 13. Tim Wright, 14. Francis Fainifo; 15. Shaun Foley.
Referee: Angus Gardner
***Other Saturday matches***
West Harbour: 1.Rodney Blake, 2. Todd Pearce, 3. Vaughan Lomax; 4. Tom Hikila, 5. Damian Lloyd; 6. Tom Games, 7. Daniel Midghall, 8. Isaiah Pine; 9. Jeremy Su'a, 10. Shaun Treweek; 11. Macquire Tatola, 12. Nua Alone, 13. Henry Seavula, 14. Tito Mua; 15. Liam Windon.
Eastwood: 1. Simon Norris, 2. Bleddyn Gant, 3. Barry Fa'amuasili; 4. Mitch Lees, 5. Jared Barry; 6. Gareth Palamo [c], 7. Miles McCaffrey, 8. Tom Alexander; 9. Nic White, 10. Pierre Hola; 11. Mark Frost, 12. Sione Piukala, 13. Tim Bennetts, 14. John Grant; 15. Barney Wood.
Referee: Nathan Pearce
Penrith: 1. Peter Niumata, 2. Elvis Levi, 3. Richard Aho; 4. Kornelio Burgess, 5. Dale Shane; 6. Tavalea Takai, 7. Winnie Paulo, 8. Chris Aho; 9. Paula Katoa, 10. Tawhiri Walsh; 11. Tala Mapesone, 12. Henry Lilomaiava, 13. Lachlan Porteous, 14. Stan Tuionuku; 15. Fokolulu Taumalolo.
Parramatta: 1.Sione Taula, 2. Trent Hoscher, 3. Lamarn Ma'a; 4. Ryan Aniseko, 5. James Riddell; 6. Maile Latekefu, 7. Andrew Cox, 8. Sapu Hehea; 9. Lua Vailoaloa, 10. Ioane Sefo; 11. Iese Leota, 12. Toese Lealemanua, 13. Damien Fakafanua, 14. Mohd Roche; 15. Tyler Stevens.
Referee: James Scholtens
Northern Suburbs: 1. Lawrence Hunting, 2. Scott Podmore, 3. Nick Lah; 4. Seti Tafua, 5. Ben Matwijow; 6. Mat Lamont, 7. Wil Brame, 8. Paulie Tuala; 9. Steve Evans, 10. Ben Murray; 11. Chris Moore, 12. Henari Veratau, 13. Samu Wara, 14. Corey Brown; 15. Cam Crawford.
Warringah: 1. Salesi Manu, 2. Luke Holmes, 3. David Hart; 4. Tristan Stanley, 5. Nicholas Hughes-Clapp; 6. Sam Ward, 7. Mark Porpiglia, 8. Jason Peseta; 9. Josh Holmes [c], 10. Maurice Kennedy; 11. Michael Dalton, 12. Joe Walsh, 13. Dylan Smouha, 14. Francesco Fronzoni; 15. Hugh Campbell.
Referee: Steve Hardy
Southern Districts: 1. Dennis Swann, 2. Nick Seymour, 3. Duncan Chubb; 4. Mick Kauter, 5. Luke Smart; 6. Sean Doyle, 7. Sam Latunipulu, 8. Lopeti Timani; 9. Chris Cusiter, 10. Jale Vatubua; 11. Denan Kemp, 12. Gareth Morton, 13. Ben Schreiber, 14. Ben Connolly; 15. Nicky Price.
Manly: 1. Dane Marakai, 2. Elvis Taione, 3. Eddie Aholelei; 4. Gareth Inches, 5. Cadeyrn Neville; 6. Ed Gower, 7. Kotoni Ale, 8. Neil Meyer; 9. Jack Rowntree, 10. Ben Seymour; 11. Damien Reti, 12. BJ Hartmann, 13. Peter Gilmore, 14. Chris Yarrington; 15. Marshall Milroy.
Referee: Ian Smith
*** Sunday 29 May 2011 ***
Eastern Suburbs: 1. Campese Ma'afu, 2. Tom Coolican, 3. Ofa Fainga'anuku; 4. Adam Byrnes, 5. Phil Mathers; 6. Pauliasi Taumoepeau, 7. Andrew Shaw, 8. Richard Stanford; 9. Luke Irwin, 10. Kurt Morath; 11. Ratu Ma'afu, 12. Matt Toomua, 13. Ed Stubbs, 14. Anton Lavin; 15. Eddie Paea.
Gordon: 1. Tobius Gukibau [c], 2. Stuart Vokes, 3. Travis Church; 4. Ben Paurini, 5. Mark Johnson; 6. Lex Fairley, 7. Mitch Greenway, 8. Jonno Broome; 9. Terry Preston, 10. Dave Harvey; 11. Eric Maroni, 12. Tom Mathews, 13. Barry Mansfield, 14. Matt McDougall; 15. Dion Berryman.
Referee: James Leckie
Tags: sport, rugby-union, nsw-club-rugby, australia, nsw, sydney-2000Interview: Stephen Moore
Published:Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:24 AESTExpires:Friday, August 26, 2011 10:24 AEST
Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore told Grandstand's Nick Smith the home side was simply outclassed in their 16-3 loss to the Stormers at Canberra Stadium.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaHougaard scores winner for Bulls
Francois Hougaard celebrates his winning try during the Super Rugby match between the Bulls and Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on May 28, 2011 in Pretoria.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africaThursday, May 26, 2011
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Rugby Union Explained
For many, the only way to identify Rugby Union teams is by looking at the colors of the shirts worn by players of a team. Sometimes, even avid fans of the sport do not really know what it's all about. Basically, it is defined as an outdoor sport played by two competing teams using an oval ball. The teams, which are composed of 15 players on each side, follow the rule or code of rugby football.
The term Rugby Union was first coined after a schism in 1895, which led to the formation of a separate set of rules for the rugby league. For the longest time, it was considered as an amateur sport. However, in 1995, the International Rugby Board declared the sport open, which means that there are no longer any restrictions with regard to the payments received by the players. Thanks to the lifting of payment restrictions, the Rugby Union became even more popular and fans from all over the world started to wear rugby shirts of their preferred teams.
The International Rugby Board, which is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the governing body of the Rugby Union. This sport is popular in countries such as England, Australia, France, Italy, South Africa, Ireland, Japan, Romania, and even in Samoa and Madagascar. Thus, it is not surprising to see raving fans wearing rugby shirts with the colors and logos of their favored teams in both national and international Rugby Union games in the above enumerated countries. Some other places that are starting to become interested in Rugby Union sports include Namibia, Canada, Russia, Germany, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and even the United States and Canada.
The most popular (and important) International Rugby Union competition is the Rugby World Cup. This is a men's sports tournament that occurs every four years. In the 2007 tournament in France, the South African team emerged as the champion, beating England which won the Cup in 2003. With the increasing popularity of the Internet, fans from all over the world can now buy merchandise, such as rugby shirts and paraphernalia, in many online stores.
There's more information on rugby shirts at Rugby Union Shirt.
Success Lessons From The Final Of The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup Part 14 - England Expects
On Saturday October 20th 2007, England played South Africa for the world cup. The English newspaper headlines quoted the famous order given by Nelson on a distant October day just before the battle of Trafalgar: "England expects!"
"England expects that every man will do his duty" was the full signal sent by Nelson from HMS Victory as the battle was about to begin on October 21, 1805. The victory at Trafalgar gave Britain and Ireland control of the seas.
However, one journalist at least who was commenting on the rugby battle in prospect, felt that England did not so much 'expect' as 'hope' for victory. Successful people tend to 'expect' victory rather than 'hope' for it although hope can keep you trying.
The opponents this time were not the French, as at Trafalgar, but the South Africans. Just 36 days after being humiliated 36-0 by the Springboks, could England shock the South Africans and the world and become the first side ever to win back-to-back World Cups?
Laurence Dallaglio, the England Rugby legend, later wrote in his book about the competition:
"In the early days of our preparation, there was a sign on the changing room wall at Twickenham that just said "STW"......Somewhere along the way, the Da Vinci code was cracked and "STW" was revealed as "Shock The World".
"Everyone thought it was a pretty clever message. Then Andy Farrell tapped me on the shoulder one evening and said: "Know what it should say?" "What?" "SOS," he said. "SOS?" "Yeah, Shock Our Selves."
Andy may have been right. Successful teams need to shock themselves, before they can shock the world. You have to shock and amaze yourself first if you plan on shocking and amazing others. Maybe, he also meant that England were in need of outside help! Aren't we all?
South Africa had beaten England in their last four games but the previous seven had all been won by England. Pienaar, a former Springbok world cup winning captain, was asked if he thought South Africa would defeat England in the Final. His reply was typical of his humility and common sense:
"If South Africa are complacent they will lose. England are a brotherhood; they are fighting for the ball. There is an edge to the team."
Brian Ashton, the England head coach, was asked: "Why did England beat France? What do you put it down to?" He replied:
"Tremendous determination from a group of players who just don't want to lose. They were hurt by the defeat by South Africa. We determined that nothing like that would ever happen again."
No one knows who will succeed for sure in any venture but the attitude that is most likely to succeed is one of whole hearted determination to let nothing stop you from achieving your goals.
Laurence Dallaglio said much the same thing: "The will to win can often beat the skill to win." Successful people also know that, if they want success badly enough, they can learn the skills necessary to achieve it.
Ashton mentioned the talent in the England team: "England have some top players. No 10 Jonny Wilkinson is one of them."
Jake White, the South African coach, also understood the value of Jonny Wilkinson: "Jonny doesn't have to play well. He gives others around him so much confidence."
Confidence or belief in one's ability to succeed is a huge factor in any success. The interviewer asked Ashton the sixty-four dollar question: "Are you going to win it?"
"It's a two horserace now isn't it? I hope they are going to make millions of people happy in England. "
Ashton, unlike Nelson, did not 'expect'. He only 'hoped'. Trafalgar, after all, was almost a two horse race - England versus the combined fleets of France and Spain.
Of course, to be fair to Ashton, no one can be sure of winning even a two horse race. Little things can change the course of a game. Francois Pienaar, commented shrewdly:
"In a rugby final, it is about the bounce of a ball and an ankle tap tackle. An ankle tap saved England from defeat by France. A bounce of the ball against Ireland sent them home."
Martin Johnson, the captain of the 2003 world cup winning English team commented: "Mistakes will happen. If they do, we have to sort them out with something good."
Johnson believes in action rather than words. Don't feel bad about your mistakes. Do something to make up for them.
One commentator said: "England have nothing to lose and they are beginning to believe. They are beginning to believe."
South Africa, too, had good reason to believe and to expect to win. They had an excellent record of victory after victory both before and during the world cup.
They also had a balanced team of youth and experience. Ominously for England, they had the best penalty kicker in the competition - Percy Montgomery and a long distance kicker in Steyn.
England kicked off and some of the team almost reached the South African line. A little later, Tait gave away a penalty right in front of the English posts. The writing was on the wall. Montgomery seldom misses. 3-0 to South Africa.
However, Jonny Wilkinson countered with a brilliant penalty kick. 3-3
After fourteen minutes, Moody gave away an unnecessary penalty as he tripped a fast running Springbok. "I saw that!" said the Irish referee, Alain Rolland. 6-3 in favour of South Africa. Pienaar commented rightly:
"Sticking your foot out can cost you the cup."
Jonny missed a drop kick from a good position. He was not at his best. Montgomery was. Francois Steyn missed a long range penalty. He would make up for this later.
The score stayed at 6-3 for South Africa for a long time. Just before half-time the Springboks were close to the English try line. Rossouw picked up the ball and drove for the line. He was held up a foot short. Sheridan entered the scrum from the side and gave away a penalty which possibly saved a try.
Montgomery did not miss the kick and South Africa were in the lead at half-time by six points. 9-3. In every World Cup final so far, the side who's been leading at half-time has gone on to win.
However, it would be silly to write England off. South Africa had not shown greater talent or aggression than England but they had not made the same number of mistakes as England and they were dominating the lineout.
Johnson said that England should: "Up the tempo and not go home with any regrets."
Four minutes after half time, England were not awarded a try which they seemed to have scored. Cueto had gone over the Springbok line close to the corner flag. Tragically for England, he had put his left foot about an inch into touch just before he reached the try line.
Small things change matches and you just have to live with them and not with what might have been. You can only play within the reality of your situation and not with the points you feel you should have gained.
England were, however, awarded a penalty for an earlier infringement, and Wilkinson converted from a tough angle. 9-6 to South Africa but England were catching up.
However, after fifty minutes, hands in the ruck from Corry handed a penalty gift to the Springboks. Montgomery brought his points tally to 12. South Africa 12 England 6.
There was only a converted try between the two sides. England could still win.
After fifty-seven minutes, England were looking dangerous and were starting to take risks. South Africa seemed content to contain them and wait for their mistakes.
Gomarsall sent a kick into the end-zone for Flood to chase but Montgomery got there first. He was rewarded by being pushed by Flood. into the advertising hoarding. He cleared this and banged heavily into a very solid metal camera.
My respect for Montgomery rocketed as he climbed back over the hoarding into the field of play without a single complaint even though he must have been in considerable pain.
After sixty two minutes, England were punished for an illegal block. Steyn kicked the penalty over from 48 metres. 15-6 to South Africa. The Springboks were nine points ahead.
Johnson had not given up: "Let's keep on going. Something might break. We might as well lose by 16 points as 9."
Nothing did break and, at full time, South Africa were world champions. They prepared to accept what was rightfully theirs - the world cup.
England had tried hard but had failed to beat a South African side who defended with determination and who punished England's errors ruthlessly. The Springboks had been the best team in the entire tournament. There were no complaints from the English players and commentators:
Martin Corry: "We played with heart and courage but it is so sad when it is all wasted. To be so close and not do it is so heartbreaking."
Jonny Wilkinson: "The South African team deserved to win. They've been fantastic all tournament."
There had been no surrender from England but they had just come up short and it hurt. In the end, the final was one match too far. Pienaar, as usual, had a generous comment: "The disallowed try was a huge moment."
Johnson said: "The back line gave it a go but it just wasn't good enough. England have done something special to get here. We had a chance to win it but didn't."
Laurence Dallaglio wrote later: "It pains me to say this but, given our preparation, getting to the final was a victory in itself and one that reflected great credit on some truly great players. The pain lies in the fact that second place should never be acceptable to an England player. We go to every tournament to win and, if we don't do that, we fail."
Fran Tarkenton, a former NFL quarterback, had a different view of success perhaps because he had reached the superbowl three times with the Minnesota Vikings and lost all three finals:
"Success, in my view, is the willingness to strive for something you really want. The person not reaching the top is no less a success than the one who achieved it, if they both sweated blood, sweat and tears and overcame obstacles and fears. The failure to be perfect does not mean you're not a success."
As for STW and SOS - England had already shocked the world and themselves by defeating Australia and then France. They were no longer a laughing stock and could leave France with their heads held high.
As usual, several important success lessons can be learned from this game:
Expect to succeed and, if you can't do that, hope to succeed. Hope will keep you trying.
Amaze yourself first, if you plan to amaze others. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a higher power.
Do not be complacent. Respect the opposition.
Show tremendous determination to achieve your success goals.
"The will to win can often beat the skill to win."
If you want success badly enough you can learn the skills necessary to achieve it.
Confidence or belief in your ability to succeed is a huge factor in any success.
Don't worry about your mistakes. Do something to make up for them.
You can only respond to reality and not to what you wish had happened.
Keep on going and something might break in your favour.
Don't be content with second place. Always aim for first place.
Strive with your blood, sweat and tears for what you really want. Overcome your obstacles and fears and you will be a success whether you come first or not.
After the competition, the winning South African head coach, Jake White, lost his job. The runner up, Brian Ashton, was given just one more year on his contract as England head coach and Eddie O'Sullivan, the head coach of the Irish team who had exited the competition early on, was given four more years in charge!
Brian Ashton, probably, did not receive enough appreciation for his flexible style of coaching which did not suit some of his players who preferred a clearer and more dictatorial style. He described a lesson he had learned from the competition which applies to us all:
"You just have to battle your way through on a daily basis."
John Watson is an award winning teacher and 5th degree blackbelt martial arts instructor. He has written several ebooks on motivation and success topics. One of these can be found at http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php
You can also find motivational ebooks by authors like Stuart Goldsmith. Check out http://www.motivationtoday.com/the_midas_method.php
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site but please include the resource box above
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Reds keep hold of Shipperley
Posted May 25, 2011 16:32:00 The Queensland Reds are breathing easier after striking a compromise with Australian Under-20s coach David Nucifora, enabling them to keep rising winger Dom Shipperley for their Super Rugby finals push.
Nucifora and the Australian Rugby Union have noted the importance of Shipperley to the Reds, allowing him to drop out of the squad for next month's Under-20 World Championships in Italy.
The decision is a major relief for Reds coach Ewen McKenzie, who had been facing a wing crisis with Rod Davies and Peter Hynes both on the long-term injured list following knee surgery.
With full-back Ben Lucas (shoulder) in serious doubt to play the Crusaders on Sunday, the robust Shipperley is the next cab off the rank to start at Lang Park, with in-form flyer Luke Morahan set to move to number 15.
Nucifora's final 26-man national squad will be formally announced on Thursday but Shipperley is the only original selection to be left at home.
The 20-year-old had been a fixture of the Reds' match-day 22 for the past month, starting once against the Hurricanes, but he did not meet the threshold of four starts (or eight squad appearances) required before this month to be off-limits for U20s selection.
McKenzie had previously feared the table-topping Reds' campaign could "die in a ditch" if they lost Shipperley, fellow contracted winger Kimami Sitauti and rising back-rowers Liam Gill and Ed Quirk to Australia's campaign.
He had started moves to contract a foreign-based winger short-term, before discussions between Nucifora and QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael produced a resolution.
"That's a fair middle-ground. Everyone has their needs and the compromise is a good one," McKenzie said.
"Our depth is very thin in the outside backs and (Shipperley) is very important."
In contrast to Shipperley, Brumbies flankers Colby Faingaa and Michael Hooper will both tour with Nucifora's squad despite meeting the four-start quota.
Well out of finals calculations, the struggling Brumbies have allowed the pair to play in the interests of their own careers.
Faingaa looms as the squad's likely captain, following in the footsteps of older brother Saia, who led the Australian U19s to the 2006 junior world championship title in Dubai with twin Anthony the vice-captain.
The fifth-placed New South Wales Waratahs will be forced to give up young winger Tom Kingston, who scored his first Super Rugby try in last weekend's 29-12 win over the Lions.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000Hickey targeting fourth spot
Posted May 25, 2011 14:38:00 New South Wales coach Chris Hickey believes his team can target fourth spot on the Super Rugby table if it wins its next two games in South Africa against close ladder rivals the Sharks and Bulls.
With four rounds remaining the Waratahs are fifth in the standings on 45 points, just two ahead of both the Highlanders and Sharks.
NSW would appear to have little chance of a top-three spot, as they are nine points behind Australian conference and overall ladder leaders Queensland, which hosts the fourth-placed Crusaders (48) in Brisbane on Sunday.
A Reds win combined with a NSW win over the Sharks in Durban a few hours earlier could lift the Waratahs up to fourth.
The Waratahs' following game is in Pretoria against the defending champion Bulls, the only other realistic contenders for a finals berth, who are currently eighth on 40 points.
"If we can pick up both those games I think even a fourth place is not out of the question," Hickey said.
"But one game at a time, so we'll just keep our focus on the Sharks and do our best to come away with a win that just puts us a little bit further away from them.
"This is one of those games I think that's pivotal to both teams.
"The Sharks coming off a loss (to the Bulls) last week will be a little bit sharper I'm sure and being so close on the ladder, the outcome will be a very important four or five points for both teams.
"The Bulls and the Sharks still have to play each other in the last round as well, so like most years, it could come down to the results over that last round."
With fly half Berrick Barnes cleared to play against the Sharks after suffering a third head knock in the current campaign, Hickey reported no injury concerns following last week's win over the Lions.
"This is probably about the first week I think that we haven't had someone that's been ruled out of the game," Hickey said.
The Sharks will be without winger Odwa Ndungane and prop Jannie du Plessis, while centre Adrian Jacobs will undergo a fitness test on an ankle.
On the plus side, front row stalwart John Smit and number eight Ryan Kankowski could both return from injury.
The Waratahs boast the meanest defence in the competition and Hickey expected that quality to be tested by the Sharks' attack.
"They are a strong attacking side and against them it's particularly important to be able to control possession from the start and then to play at the tempo we want to play," Hickey said.
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, nsw, sydney-2000Brumbies' White adds reinforcements
Posted May 25, 2011 16:01:00 New Brumbies coach Jake White has re-signed second-rower Peter Kimlin and snared promising Northern Suburbs back Cam Crawford to two-year deals as the former Springbok mentor begins the process of turning around the struggling franchise.
Kimlin, who played two Tests for the Wallabies in 2009, will bolster the Super Rugby club's depleted back row stocks as a result of losing France bound Mark Chisholm and Mitch Chapman, who is headed for Japan in 2012.
Outside-back Cam Crawford - tipped to play full-back next season - will debut for the Canberra-based franchise after starring last year for Northern Suburbs in Sydney's Shute Shield competition.
The 2011 Brumbies Academy member was second top try-scorer in the Sydney club competition, and at 99 kilograms and 193 centimetres, will add bulk to the Brumbies backline.
The Brumbies are enduring their worst season since the competition began 15 years ago, with two wins, nine losses and a draw so far in 2011.
It is hoped White, who takes over from current coach Tony Rea in July, can turn the club's fortunes around like he did for the South African national team when he took the helm in 2003, ultimately overseeing victory at the 2007 World Cup.
Crawford said he had knocked back offers in order to play under White.
"There was an offer from another Super Rugby team to make a move, but with Jake White coming in and the club looking to move forward, I felt that the Brumbies was the right fit for me," the 22-year-old said.
Kimlin said he had also chosen the Brumbies, despite interest from other clubs.
"I'm from the ACT and it's been a pleasure to have played all my Super Rugby here, I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years," he said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600O'Connor out of depleted Force side
Posted May 25, 2011 11:06:00 Wallabies star James O'Connor is one of four prominent Western Force backs ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.
Scrum half Brett Sheehan, fly half Willie Ripia and centre Gene Fairbanks will also miss the trip across the Tasman due to injury, leaving the struggling Force to field a makeshift backline.
Coach Richard Graham said O'Connor had picked up several injury niggles in the past month and he had decided to rest him for a week after speaking with medical staff and a specialist.
The calf injury to Ripia means the New Zealander misses the chance to play against his former Super Rugby team and leaves the Force very short in the playmaker role where O'Connor has also appeared this season.
With regular starter Sheehan out of action, the Force called up Manly captain Chris Cottee from Sydney club rugby to their tour squad.
Fortunately the Force's all-time leading try-scorer, full-back/winger Cameron Shepherd, returns to action while centre Mitch Inman has also been included.
Up front Graham has the majority of his forward pack with former Hurricanes prop Tim Fairbrother coming into the squad in place of Pek Cowan who was ruled out after sustaining a broken cheekbone in last weekend's draw with the Brumbies.
The Force have also drafted in young loosehead prop Tetera Faulkner from Sydney club rugby on a short term injury replacement deal, having recently signed him for next season.
Graham said the injured quartet would be monitored to determine their availability should any of the tour party come under a fitness cloud ahead of the match against the Highlanders in Dunedin the following weekend.
"Obviously losing several quality performers in the backline, in particularly from half-back, isn't ideal but you play the hand you're dealt and well continue to prepare well for a big game against the Hurricanes on Friday night," Graham said.
"Nothing changes in terms of our expectations, we go into this game with the intent to perform to our best and get a positive result."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, wa, perth-6000Elsom's Brumbies career over
Updated May 25, 2011 11:00:00 Rocky Elsom has played his last game for the Brumbies after he was ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season with an ankle injury.
Elsom will miss four to six weeks due to a syndemosis injury.
The news comes as a blow to Brumbies fans as Elsom is widely expected to leave the Super Rugby franchise at the end of the season.
Elsom returned from a six-month hamstring injury lay-off against the Force last Saturday, only to get injured in what looks to be his final game for the Canberra side.
Brumbies coach Tony Rea says Elsom's focus will now turn to September.
"I don't think we'll see him again," Rea said.
"He just needs to get himself ready for the World Cup now.
"It's just disappointing for him - he's worked so hard to get back and he only got himself back for one [game]."
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600 First posted May 25, 2011 10:43:00McCaw inks new All Blacks deal
Updated May 25, 2011 10:03:00 All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has signed a four-year deal to stay in New Zealand after this year's Rugby World Cup.
In a widely anticipated move, the talismanic skipper joined star fly half Dan Carter in re-committing to the All Blacks and Super 15 team the Canterbury Crusaders.
"I'm pleased to confirm that I have re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) for four more years," the 30-year-old said in a statement.
"I still have the hunger and desire to continue to play for the All Blacks and the Crusaders and there are still things I want to achieve as a player."
The deal means McCaw will have played his entire career in New Zealand, even though the 93-Test veteran and two-time IRB player of the year could command a huge pay packet from cash-rich overseas clubs.
However, like Carter, he has a "sabbatical" clause built into his latest contract allowing him to play overseas if the lure of the riches on offer outside New Zealand becomes too tempting.
With McCaw's signing and last week's retention of Carter, the NZRU has managed to keep its top two players, easing fears of an exodus after the World Cup, which will be played in New Zealand from September 9-October 23.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, new-zealand First posted May 25, 2011 09:46:00Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Media Call: Ewen McKenzie
Published:Tuesday, May 24, 2011 2:58 AESTExpires:Monday, August 22, 2011 2:58 AEST
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says the Reds will not be placing too much focus on Sonny Bill Williams in Sunday's clash with the Crusaders at Lang Park.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaMason set for Twickenham debut
Posted May 24, 2011 21:14:00 Rugby league convert Willie Mason is set to make his rugby union debut playing for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on Sunday.
The 31-year-old forward made six appearances for Hull KR in England before his failure to obtain a Tongan passport led to him being de-registered.
He has since agreed to join big-spending French club Toulon for the 2011/12 season.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, rugby-union, united-kingdom, englandFiji Rugby Union board concerned about player sanctions
Last Updated: Tue, 24 May 2011 16:32:00 +1000
The Fiji Rugby Union has called on the International Rugby Board to relocate the Sevens World Series away from Australia and New Zealand.
The Fiji Rubgy Union (FRU) board has written to the world rugby body, voicing Fiji's concern about sanctions being placed on players with connections to the Fiji Military Force.
The FRU says the national side's performance in London over the weekend showed that when Fiji Rugby is able to select players on merit, they perform well.
Australia and New Zealand imposed heavy travel sanctions on Fiji following the coup in which Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power in 2006.
Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup Part 8 - Allez Les Bleus!
In the first of the quarter finals, on Saturday, October 6th, England had conquered the unconquerable Australians. Could France, later on the same day, stop the unstoppable All Blacks and send them home, like the Australians, to watch the semi-finals on TV?
Bernard Laporte, the French coach, banned the use of the name 'All Blacks'. They must just be called 'New Zealand' instead. This was a wise move. The name 'All Blacks' has been associated for years with victory. Many teams surrender to them before the game even starts.
Successful people like to create their own realistic image of the difficulties ahead. The French needed to change the popular image of the All Blacks as unbeatable.
The French also insisted on wearing their traditional blue colours. They argued: "We don't say 'Come on les whites!' We say 'Come on les bleus!' 'Allez les Bleus!'
This meant that the All Blacks could not even wear their famous black colours which might look too much like the blue of the French. They ended up without their beloved black uniforms and probably did not feel like themselves at all. At least, they no longer looked invincible!
Most successful people realize that the way you look can raise or lower your self-confidence. Looking the part leads to actions that suit the part.
The French, however, also had a handicap. This quarter final would be played in Wales instead of France to reward Wales for supporting the French as hosts for the 2007 world cup.
No one was sure what would happen since the French have a history of not doing what they are supposed to do! They had also beaten New Zealand before in the semi-finals of the 1999 world cup. However, New Zealand were still the overwhelming favourites to win.
The New Zealand Haka was performed with the usual gusto. At the same time, the French team faced up to the All Blacks right on the half way line. This symbolized their commitment to not yielding an inch of territory and took the sting out of another All Black victory symbol.
The score was 0-0 after seven minutes. After twelve minutes, New Zealand led by 3-0. New Zealand nearly scored a try after fifteen minutes but a foot had gone into touch. Two minutes later they scored an outstanding try.
There was individual brilliance but also great support. Carter converted the try. 10-0 to New Zealand. The New Zealand environment turns good players into great players.
Successful people like to mingle with other successful people to pick up their mindset and habits. The All Blacks are supremely successful rugby players.
They let the ball 'live'. They keep the momentum of their attacks flowing by passing and catching the ball before it goes dead. Both backs and forwards are big and fast. Train with them and you could become like them.
Carter kicked a penalty for the All Blacks. 13-0 Dan Carter's dad had put up rugby posts in the garden when Dan was a boy so that he could practise regularly. Most successful people put in hours of practice at the skills they need to reach the top.
In the stadium, the 30,000 New Zealanders were happy with the score. The 25,000 strong French crowd were not so happy. Nor were the French team.
The French instinct is to run with the ball but the orders from the bench were to kick. The French missed a second penalty but then Beauxis kicked the next one over. 13-3
As a boy, Lionel Beauxis, watched his father, Patrick, kick the ball 60 metres in his bare feet, and decided to develop the same power and prowess. His father had, like Dan Carter's father, put up rugby posts in his garden when Lionel was only twelve years old.
Beauxis had also been inspired by the great All Black fly half, Andrew Mehrtens, who never seemed to miss a kick: Beauxis commented:
"The first match I saw when I was very small, I especially remember a penalty by Andrew Mehrtens. I was always kicking a ball. If there was only a flower on the field, I would kick it."
Successful people look at someone who is outstanding and take steps to become like them. The unsuccessful tell themselves they will never be as good.
At half time, Thomas Castaignede, the French commentator, said: "If the French continue the way they are playing they will lose but if they play entertaining football they might win."
France started the second half with some determined attacks down both flanks. The players seemed to have been given permission to run with the ball rather than try to kick it at every opportunity.
A penalty for obstruction went to France who gained another three points. 13-6
Carter tried a drop goal and missed. Thierry Dusatoir of Toulouse, on the other hand, scored a try and Beauxis converted it. 13-13 France were now looking to play rugby!
France had had a taste of success and began to feel they could score and even go on to beat the New Zealand team. The All Blacks who looked like they could score at will in the first half were now finding it hard to get points.
They had failed to kill off the French when they had the chance. Successful people do not cruise when they are on top of things. They push on to keep the momentum and the victory going.
France, the tournament hosts, were now head to head with the tournament favourites. The Northern Hemisphere were stacking up much better than
expected against their Southern Hemisphere opponents.
New Zealand came back at the French and scored a try. They now had a narrow lead of five points. 18-13.
Frederic Michalak was sent on after 67 minutes to rescue the quarter final for France. He replaced Beauxis.
One minute later, Michalak sprinted 25m and spun round as the tacklers closed in. He gave the ball to Yannick Jauzion who scored a try which sent the French fans into ecstasy.
Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, the French scrum half, converted the try and France were in the lead for the first time. 18-20 with ten minutes to play.
Sometimes things just go your way. French winger Vincent Clerc was going nowhere and took a swing at the ball. It sailed 60m and took a lucky bounce into touch. The French crowd rejoiced! Fate was on their side.
New Zealand attacked desperately and even tried a drop kick which failed. The French defence held firm against attack after attack and France had won the match!
October 6th 2007 will go down in history as one of the great days in rugby. Two underdogs, England and France, had beaten two favourites - the invincible Australians and the unbeatable All Blacks!
This was a happy day for all who feel like underdogs. There is hope for us all!
The joy of France contrasted with the misery of New Zealand. The All Blacks now have to wait another four years to get another shot at the world cup.
No one thought France would do it but they did. They played with passion and skill and then shut the game down to win by two points.
Thomas Castaignede celebrated: "If we can beat the All Blacks we can win the world cup."
Like a true Frenchman, he had the courtesy to say 'Sorry' to Sean FitzPatrick, the New Zealand commentator, for knocking his team out of the tournament!
Martin Bayfield who presented the game summed up the whole day: "The much maligned Northern Hemisphere found its heart today. Green and gold and all black were overshadowed by white and blue today. It feels pretty good to me."
In Paris there was ecstasy. People hugged each other, danced and sang in the streets. Back in England, I was delighted and could hardly believe what had happened. If the world cup had ended on that Saturday, I would not have minded. I now knew for certain that miracles are possible!
Both England and France had proved that you can do the impossible not once but twice and that miracles still do happen in the 21st century.
What success lessons can we learn and apply to our own lives? I need these lessons as much as anyone else.
Create your own image of the difficulties ahead. Don't exaggerate them or let others exaggerate them. Exaggerating problems is one way to stop your dreams dead.
Realize that the way you look can raise or lower your self-confidence. Take steps to look the part whatever it is.
Mingle with successful people to pick up their mindset and habits
Put in hours of practice at the skills you need to reach your goals.
Look at someone who is outstanding and take steps to become like them. Don't tell yourself that you will never be as good.
Do not take it easy when you are on top of things. Push on to keep the momentum and the victory going.
Believe that you can do the impossible and you just might achieve not just one but two or more miracles.
Remember Saturday, October 6th 2007 for the rest of your life! Allez les blancs et les bleus!
John Watson is an award winning teacher and 5th degree blackbelt martial arts instructor. He has written several ebooks on motivation and success topics. One of these can be found at http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php
You can also find motivational ebooks by authors like Stuart Goldsmith. Check out http://www.motivationtoday.com/the_midas_method.php
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site but please include the resource box above
Injury ends Elsom's run with Brumbies
Published:Tuesday, May 24, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Monday, August 22, 2011 7:23 AEST
An ankle injury has forced ACT Brumbies player and Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom out of the remainder of the Super Rugby competition.
Tags: rugby-union, australia, actSBW won't be Reds' centre of attention
By Luke PentonyUpdated May 24, 2011 16:51:00 Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says it will be reckless of the Reds to focus too much attention on Sonny Bill Williams in Sunday's blockbuster clash against the Crusaders at Lang Park.
Williams has been a revelation in his debut Super Rugby season, the former rugby league international proving to be a massive attacking threat at inside centre for the Crusaders, who sit in fourth place on the overall standings.
It has been Williams' ability to pass in the tackle that has troubled opposition defensive systems the most, the 26-year-old topping the competition for off-loads with 43, well clear of the second-placed Quade Cooper's 24.
He and Cooper share top billing on the list of linebreak assists with nine each, a statistic reflective of their ability to commit more than one tackler when they have ball in hand and therefore creating holes in the defensive line for their support players.
Williams missed the Crusaders' 25-19 win over the Chiefs in Napier last Saturday night because of a bruised knee, but is expected to take his place in the midfield against the ladder-leading Reds in the round 15 encounter.
McKenzie feels the Reds cannot afford to concentrate too heavily on shutting down Williams, as there is so much class in the Crusaders line-up that also includes the likes of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
"They've got good players, so we won't spending all our time on one player," he said.
"We will be spending our time coming up with the right strategy for us and making sure we understand how we will think they will play.
"They've got many different ways to play. We saw a kicking-orientated, field position game last week. We've seen them run the ball side to side, so we've got to make sure we address that all in our training."
While an admirer of Williams' skill set, McKenzie notes that the four-Test All Black can be contained, as the Cheetahs proved in their 33-20 upset win over the Crusaders in Bloemfontein in round 13.
"He's got a good off-loading game, but those off-loads don't always come off," he said.
"There's also a bunch of turnovers that come with them, so you've got to get in there and teams have proved in recent weeks, the Cheetahs did a very good job.
"You go through the stats and you work out some games he was very effective and some games he wasn't in terms of off-loading."
Scrum battle
An area of the Crusaders' game where McKenzie has placed significant attention is their scrum.
The seven-time Super Rugby champions possess arguably the strongest scrum in the competition, as illustrated in the triumph over the Chiefs where they stole a tighthead.
The Reds have struggled at scrum time during the season and McKenzie knows his pack will be given a thorough examination on Sunday afternoon.
"They've (Crusaders) got one of the best performing scrums in the competition, that's a challenge in itself," he said.
"We did a bit of scrummaging last week, we will continue that this week. That will be a good test for our young guys, that's definitely a feature of their game."
The Crusaders pack has been a dominant force at the breakdown too and they may consider playing McCaw at blindside flanker so as to accommodate the impressive Matt Todd at openside.
Todd made his debut for the Crusaders against the Blues in round one in place of the then-injured McCaw and has used his 'on the ball' skills to great effect in his 11 appearances so far this season.
Reds openside flanker Beau Robinson, whose form this year may earn him a World Cup berth for the Wallabies, concedes two scavengers could be overkill for the Crusaders, as they already have more than one "pest at the breakdown" without the inclusion of both McCaw and Todd.
"They're whole team, one to 15, across the park is quite on the ball," he said.
"So, that's something we have taken notice of and we'll apply ourselves accordingly."
Meanwhile, healthy ticket sales for Sunday's match could see the Australian Super Rugby attendance record of 42,237 broken, that mark set when the Reds met New South Wales at Lang Park in 2004.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000 First posted May 24, 2011 16:24:00Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup Part 6 - Crazy Horse
Rugby, like all sports, can teach anyone how to achieve competitive success and how not to achieve it! It can also teach basic principles that apply to achieving success of any type.
On Friday 28th Sept 2007, England played Tonga in another must win pool game.
The Tongans have a reputation as the wild men of world rugby but they don't agree with this image of themselves. They have, however, been given more cards for fouls than any other team in the 2007 world cup.
They believe that rugby is a contact sport for men and dish out their own form of punishment to the opposition: "You stamp on the soft tissue but you don't stamp on the head or the crown jewels." They believe in limited violence!
Belief in God also plays its part big time in the Tongan psyche. They pray as a team nightly. Their team preacher tells them: "Our Lord can do any things, especially impossible things."
The Tongans believe in angels as well: "All the angels in heaven are supporting us."
Certainly the French crowd were supporting them!
Lewis Moody had returned to the English team. He is called 'Crazy Horse'. Crazy Horse was the Lakota war leader involved in the battle of the Little Big Horn where Custer was killed. Every successful team needs an inspired warrior to lead them in competition or in battle.
Martin Johnson, England's world cup winning captain, was pleased by Moody's return:
"He will bring a huge amount of energy to the game. We showed against Samoa that we can hit these guys too. At some point tonight, it is going to come head to head It is about winning those collisions We need to step up the intensity and tempo of this game. We need to out work and out hit these guys and then they will have no where to go."
The Tongans performed their haka or siva tau and moved forward staring right into the faces of the England team. The England fans sang "Swing Low Sweet Chariot!" at the same time and almost drowned out the sounds of the siva tau.
It was a case of England winning or going out. If they won, they would go to Marseilles for the quarter finals to meet Australia as the underdog but an underdog which was beginning to bite.
Tonga scored a penalty 3-0. Then Jonny Wilkinson scored one for England 3-3. Next Tonga slid over the line on the greasy surface to score a try. 10-3
England came back with an amazing try as Wilkinson kicked to Paul Sackey who caught the ball after it hit him in the face. Paul landed on his knees and got the ball down just before he slid over the dead ball line. 10-8
Barkley missed a drop kick but Wilkinson didn't. 10-11 to England. Then Wilkinson scored another three points with a penalty kick. 10-14. Things were going England's way. Wilkinson seldom misses because he practices kicking
for hours on end. Successful people realize the need for constant, regular practice.
Sackey, the English winger, intercepted a ball and streaked away to score. It is fair to say that he was enjoying his world cup. He had rediscovered his zip and try scoring ability.
England led 10-19 at half time but Tonga never give up. Greenwood was concerned: "We are inviting Tonga back in to the game. No wonder Brian Ashton has no blooming hair left."
Tonga kicked a penalty. 13-19 Tonga still believed they could win. They had good reason to believe. They had beaten the USA and Samoa and had pushed South Africa all the way.
Mathew Tait scored a try for England which was converted. 13-26.
Tonga were looking tired. Andy Farrell scored another try for England between the posts. This was the first try for this ex Rugby league man. Jonny converted it. 13-33
Jonny then scored a drop goal. 13-36. Tonga finished the game with another sliding try which was brilliantly converted. 20-36
Australia would now be waiting and licking their vengeful lips at the opportunity to defeat England in the quarter finals. They had waited four years to avenge their defeat by England in the finals of the last world cup.
The Tongan players gathered for a prayer. They could leave this world cup with their heads held high and their reputation enhanced.
Jonny Wilkinson commented on England's victory: "It's satisfying but we have a long way to go."
Lewis Moody had nearly knocked himself out several times chasing the ball and tackling ferociously. He had fully justified his name of 'crazy horse' and had inspired the whole England team and the spectators with his courageous example.
England had maintained their record of always reaching the quarter finals of the world cup and it looked like the team had started to enjoy the game of rugby again.
When you get to the knockout stages anything is possible.
Wales, however, did not make it to the quarter finals. Fiji beat Wales in one of the most exciting games of the world cup. The final score was Wales 34 Fiji 38.
Wales went out of the world cup. Gareth Thomas, the skipper, felt he had let the nation down and the coach, Gareth Jenkins, was sacked the following day.
Scotland did better than Wales in their next game against Italy. The wily Scottish coach who had rested his best players against the All Blacks said that a good start gives you the confidence to do well in the rest of the game.
The Scots started with a bang and ended up with a narrow victory thanks to consistent kicking by their main goal kicker, Chris Paterson, who is probably one of the best two kickers in world rugby. He kicked six penalties to allow Scotland to win 18-16 even though Italy was the only side to score a try.
Scotland were now through to the last eight.
France beat Georgia convincingly 64-7 on Sunday 30th September. They had scored nine tries. France were now on top of Pool D but needed Ireland to beat Argentina if they wanted to stay there and avoid playing the All Blacks in Cardiff next week in the quarter finals.
Another key match took place on that Sunday. Underperforming Ireland faced Argentina. The Irish had the full support of France. Thomas Castaignede was wearing a green hat: "Argentina can send us on the road to hell."
If Ireland did not beat Argentina, France would end up enduring the hell of playing a fierce and talented All Black team in a foreign land (Wales).
A French placard said: "Allez Les Verts!"
An Irishman commented: "We have to play much better than we have been doing and we need to take our opportunities when they come."
The Irish captain, O'Driscoll, said: "If we are to die, we must die fighting."
However, Argentina have the best defensive record in the whole world cup and they won the battle of the anthems. They were singing with tears running down their faces. Back home, the whole nation was following their progress.
Ireland went for it in the first seven minutes. Their minds were focused on scoring the four tries they needed to get to the quarter finals. They camped in the Argentinian half but did not score.
Now Argentina came back and had a good spell. They scored a try which was a stake in the heart of Irish ambition. 5-0 Then Ireland scored a penalty goal 5-3. Argentina countered with a drop goal 8-3
Argentina were starting to look good The crowd were all for Ireland but the Argentinians didn't care. These were difficult moments for Ireland. They had to stay positive and hope that things would open up for them later.
The Irish had to dent Argentina's self belief as well as ignite their own. O'Driscoll did just that by scoring Ireland's first try.
Ireland 10-8 Now there was a totally different feel to the game. You could almost see the Guiness flowing and feel the belief in the Irish camp.
Hernandez, the brilliant Argentinian kicker, scored a drop goal to prick Ireland's bubble. 10-11 Argentina were winning by a narrow margin.
Argentina scored a try. 10-18. The pumas were smelling the sweet aroma of being in the last eight teams of the world cup. They were half way to four tries and the bonus point which would put them in the quarter final whatever Ireland did.
For Ireland, this game was always going to be a cliff hanger. Their finger tips were being removed from the edge of the cliff one by one
After half time, Argentina scored another three points 21-10
Then Irish back, Jordan Murphy, scored a try. 21-15 Once more, the dream flickered alive for Ireland.
Argentina must keep their momentum going and win if they wanted to go far in the world cup. They scored through a penalty.
15-24 for Argentina. Another penalty for a high tackle 15-27 to Argentina
Hernandez scored a drop goal off his left foot - a hat trick. 15-30
Argentina could now go back to their hotel believing anything was possible. This has been a definitive win and they had laughed in the face of the D word (the pool of death).
Ireland had never been beyond the quarterfinals of a world cup before. They did not even get that far this time. France would now have to play the All Blacks in Wales.
Thomas Castaignede said: "We have done it before, eight years ago. I hope we can do it again. Argentina have sent us on the road to hell. So let's do it."
Eddie O'Sullivan, the Irish coach commented: "It's been a tough world cup for us. It's not for the want of trying but that's the way it goes."
Augustin Pichot, the Argentinian captain summed up their achievement: "We just wanted to win the four games and we did it." Successful people make a plan and stick to it."
Paul Wallace commented "The Irish can leave with their heads held high. They just need to get back on their horse and then start looking to the next world cup."
Seam Fitz Patrick, the former All Black Captain was not so kind: "They've been living on past glories and not doing it out in the pitch. They had an opportunity and have lost that opportunity."
Successful people continue to seek fresh glory rather than rely on past victories for their reputation.
Francoise Pienaar, the former South African Captain, was equally blunt: "They were not facing the truth and were looking for excuses."
Successful people ignore possible excuses and focus on winning..
Several success lessons can be learned from the rugby games described above.
God or the Universe can do any thing, especially impossible things. With God's help so can you.
If you believe that God and the angels are on your side, they will be.
Dr. Robert Anthony wrote: "All our experiences have led us to believe certain things about ourselves. Whether these beliefs are true or not really doesn't matter because if we accept them as true then they are true for us."
Every successful team needs an inspired warrior or 'crazy horse' to lead them in competition or in battle. If necessary, become the 'crazy horse' yourself and fight like mad to achieve your goals and dreams. Others will follow you.
If you are the underdog make sure you are an underdog who bites hard.
Realize the need for constant, regular practice. Daily repetition even if it is tough and boring brings mastery.
If you face death and/or disaster you might as well go out fighting!
Stay positive in tough times and hope that things will open up for you later.
Dent the self belief of your competitors but ignite your own.
Make a plan and stick to it.
Seek fresh glory rather than rely on past glories.
Do not make excuses for your poor performances. Get back on your horse immediately and try again.
John Watson is a fifth degree martial art instructor who has written articles and ebooks on the life and success lessons you can learn from sports whether you like sport or not. One of his ebooks on this theme can be found at: http://www.lifelessonsfromsport.com
His motivational ebooks can be found at http://www.motivationtoday.com
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