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Richard Thompson
For 10 years and six albums, the English couple Richard and Linda Thompson produced music that stood out like a British Army recruiter at a punk nightclub in Liverpool. Their records, from 1974's I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight through 1982's Shoot Out the Lights, spurned modern trends in favor of traditional Celtic-influenced melodies. Now, nearly three years after their marital and artistic divorce, Linda takes an unflinching look back at the breakup on One Clear Moment. Can't Stop the Girl is an upbeat avowal to survive and conquer the past, but most of the album is an examination of what happens to the emotional debris when love ends. The lyrics to Telling Me Lies are typically trenchant: "Should have seen you for what you are/Should never have come back for more...I cover my ears, I close my eyes/I still hear your voice and it's telling me lies." Linda has, for the most part, modernized her style. Best of Friends and Hell, High Water and Heartache for instance, could conceivably have been written by Carly Simon. Hugh Murphy produced One Clear Moment and he gave the record an uncluttered, incisive mood. Linda's voice is, as always, clear and ringing, conveying feeling without resorting to dramatics. On Richard's Across a Crowded Room (Polygram), he is as gifted and idiosyncratic as ever. The former guitarist-vocalist for the British folk-rock group Fairport Convention is still in the thrall of a decidedly different drummer. When the Spell Is Broken, a sad ballad about lost love, is dominated by his Celtic background, but Little Blue Number, with its pedal-steel guitar, is nearly blue-grass. On the livelier songs, such as Fire in the Engine Room, or the shuffle You Don't Say, Richard's dolorous vocal style makes him sound like a funeral singer moonlighting at a wedding ceremony. The most outstanding voice on Across a Crowded Room really belongs to Richard's guitar. The instrument soars, hitting note clusters that vividly amplify the mood of Richard's songs. Nearly all of Across a Crowded Room might have been staged on the dark side of the moon. Yet Thompson portrays his desolate landscape so poignantly that it is captivating.
Picks and Pans Review: Across a Crowded Room
updated 03/18/1985 AT 01:00 AM EST
•originally published 03/18/1985 AT 01:00 AM EST


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Welcome to Draper Investment Company
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subset: commoncrawl


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- Table View
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Access to Health (10th edition)by Rebecca J. Donatelle
Donatelle (public health, Oregon State University) challenges undergraduate students to think globally as they consider health risks and personal health decisions. New opportunities for self-assessment and behavior change are offered in this edition, in the form of behavior change contracts and boxes on tattoos, safer sex, and club drugs. There is expanded information on the mind-body connection and alternative medicine, as well as new coverage of contraceptive devices and weight management. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Access To Health (Fourteenth Edition)by Rebecca J. Donatelle Patricia Ketcham
For personal health courses. Motivating students to make healthy choices. Long known for its currency, research, and strength in behavior change, Access to Health provides key information through a consistent framework for motivating students to make healthy life choices. As a teacher, mentor, and researcher, Rebecca J. Donatelle knows the issues that are important to today's students. Through her friendly writing style, she addresses students' concerns and teaches them to be savvy and critical consumers of health information.
Healthby Rebecca J. Donatelle
It's current, it's accurate, it's user-friendly, and it's FUN! With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, the new Health: The Basics, Green Edition features compelling graphics and relatable content that bring health topics to life, keeping you hooked on learning and living well. Now enhanced with an even more comprehensive package of student support materials, this edition makes learning personal health easier than ever. TheGreen Editionincludes an environmental feature; new mini-chapters; a brand new art program with a new, lively design; and additional content on behavior chan>= in addition to a robust and expanded supplements package.
My Health: An Outcomes Approachby Rebecca J. Donatelle
The organization of the book into modules allows students to customize their study plan to fit their particular time constraints. Learning outcomes and "Check Yourself" review questions tied to these outcomes are part of each module, so students can learn the information and then test their understanding right away, getting immediate feedback on their progress. My Health's learning outcomes were developed and edited by instructors to ensure that they meet the course's needs nationwide.
Select your format based upon: 1) how you want to read your book, and 2) compatibility with your reading tool. To learn more about using Bookshare with your device, visit the Help Center.
Here is an overview of the specialized formats that Bookshare offers its members with links that go to the Help Center for more information.
- Bookshare Web Reader - a customized reading tool for Bookshare members offering all the features of DAISY with a single click of the "Read Now" link.
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congrats on your PHD brah!!
And yes, we do know about how returning skaters feel, because we have seen several of them in the past.
When I see a thread like this, I always think of Elaine Zayak's return to skating in 1994, when she was 29 or so. It had been 10 years since she skated competitively, and years since she had even competed professionally, and made her decision to keep going, month by month. She was competing for herself, not to make the Olympic team. She was thrilled to finish fourth, after Tonya Harding, Michelle Kwan & Nicole Bobek. Her goal was to get back in physical shape, to see whether she could manage triples again (and indeed, she got back her 3T, 3S, and 3Lp, which were the 3 triples she had in 1984. For all I know, Fumie skates to stay in shape, because it is the form of exercise she enjoys, and enters competitions to set a structure to her training year, which is pretty much what Elain was doing. The result was that she got some pro gigs in the year following Olympics, which is always when there are more pro gigs than other years.
It was a nice story. Here's her SP. Since it is 1994, the solo jump was a required double flip, AFAIR. The combination had to include a loop jump.
She even did a triple loop in combination, something I don't remember seeing her do in her prime.
Note how super supportive the audience is of her!
Last edited by dorispulaski; 11-08-2013 at 05:52 AM.
Um no, Karne. You have a lot of false assumptions, dear one. That's all I have to say to you. But have a blessed day. And Doris, shouldn't that go under a personal attack???? I thought we raised the bar over FSU??? This is just the same old same old.
I think what is a bit disconcerting about poor Fumie is that she seems to be dreaming the impossible dream. She talks about the Olympics, a medal. And I think any normal person in their mid 30s should be saying "Isn't it awesome that I am still sort of an elite? I don't train for medals, I train to keep my body slamming and to show how even in your 30s you can still strive for your best". That is the difference with Elaine's comeback, she outspokenly said she didn't come back for the Olympics or skating glory but to prove to herself she is still a champion in her heart, and man did she succeed in that. Her programs were WONDERFUL. And I believe you can be a champion even placing 9th in your regionals. Fumie appears to still be searching for a childhood dream. It is very sad, and if she changed her mantra to "I just love to compete and stay in shape" it would be IMO more palatable. Instead it is still all about the Olympics, the medal, the excuses for a poor showing, etc. It has made her a laughing stock.
If it makes Fumie happy to continue skating and she is not bankrupting anyone because of it, what is the harm? And if she is not unhappy because she is not reaching what she dreams of, why shouldn´t she do what she enjoys of doing? Fumie is the only person who has the right to decide what is best for her.
The Fumie Sorority : Fumie and??????? lmao
Thanks, Mathman! To dispel the Spokane gloom yesterday I lit a fire in the fireplace, made home made chili, a Margaretta, and put on the 2009 Worlds LA ladies long on the telly...one of the best ladies comps I ever attended...and I wondered what ever happened to Fumie....and found this thread.....it seems to have always taken awhile for her face to come alive in her programs but I really enjoyed watching your link!
Sorry for hijacking this Fumie thread. Hey, where is GS stalwart Seanibu, our resident Fumie fan club president?
or, in the case of this evening....the 2010 version of Mirai Nagasu....hang the URs.....I love this program....


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Kyocera 7135 Smartphone
Monday September 8, 2003:
The morphing of mobile phone, PDA and portable computer is seeing the release of increasingly powerful pocket-sized, multi-use devices like the Kyocera 7135 Smartphone - a combination phone and PDA running PalmOS4.1 that includes an onboard MP3 player and exceptional data download speeds of up to 144kpbs over 3G networks.
The slim-line clamshell design incorporates a 65,000 colour screen for web browsing and PC functionality - with 16MB of onboard RAM expandable via MMC/SD slot and a 33 MHz DragonBall MZ CPU - can be made more practical via the optional folding portable keyboard.
Download speed makes wireless emails with attachments a reality and the 7135 caters for HTML and other browsers and synchronises with standard email programs.
Additional features include the built-in MP3 player, GPS locator, Infrared (IR) transfer, voice-activated dialling and hands-free speakerphone.
The Kyocera 7135 is now available in Australia and costs AUD$1599. Follow the links below or contact Kyocera Wireless Australia on 1800 50 7000.
Gizmo recently trialled the 7135 Smartphone - stay tuned for our full review in coming weeks.


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HostBaby gives independent musicians, authors and artists powerful tools to grow their careers online. For $20 per month, musicians and authors can create their own beautiful websites, packed with powerful online promotion tools such as, event calendars, social media sharing buttons, email marketing, even sell your products in your own online store.
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"Beauty is as beauty does"


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Back in January, I started my own business, and didn't think much would happen. Well, I was wrong! I actually started taking off after about a month. By March, I was swamped with work. I hardly have time to do any of my columns, let alone fill the orders I have. I am very thankful though, because I know there are people out there that have a business that is failing.
I see DWPL misses me in the forums. However, I have been in the forums for a while. Usually in just the At War Forum. I decided not to disclose the state I am in, because I was being harassed, and basically stalked and had to call PMO, and they turned it over to NCIS. (Not really as cool as the CBS show by the way!) They notified my husbands command, and were very good about making sure no harm would come to my kids, or myself.
So anyway... I know I said I would try to update on Mondays, but I cant guarentee that. Thanks to all of the people who support me, and your kind emails. I really appreciate your thoughts, and prayers.


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There are so many reasons why Minnesota Vikings fans should be excited about 2013 that picking 10 is almost impossible to do.
From player development, to the addition of fresh faces, all the way to getting the chance to watch our star-studded rookie class perform, if one thing is clear, it's that 2013 should be a great year for those of us who worship this franchise.
In order to effectively select 10 reasons for excitement, I wrote this piece with as much balance as possible.
Factoring in some of the major offseason storylines with the growth of the team's younger players and topping it off with few tributes to greatness, below is the slideshow detailing 10 reasons why Vikings fans should be excited about 2013.
*All stats provided by Pro-Football Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.


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Lt. David Young said it wasn't clear if the robberies were connected.
The string of burglaries at Main Street Liquor at 340 South Main St. started Oct. 11 when approximately $6,000 and cigarettes were stolen after the front door was forced open, Young said.
The front door was pushed open again on Oct. 30, and nine bottles of alcohol, cigarettes and almost $3,000 were taken, according to the lieutenant.
The burglaries when through the back door during the last two robberies, Young said.
On Nov. 23, officers responded to an activated alarm at the store and found the back door smashed, later learning eight cigarette cartons were swiped, Young said.
And at around 6 a.m. Nov. 27, the rear door was smashed again and thieves took $250, Young said.
Related coverage
• Fire destroys building at Morristown National Historical Park
• More Morris County news: NJ.com/morris | Twitter | Facebook


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Latest News
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All the latest from the world of rugby
April 30, 2011
Henson and Beefy
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/30/2011
James Lawton compares the ailing career of Gavin Henson to one of the great hellraisers, and achievers, Ian Botham, in The Independent.
"It is way too late for Gazza, probably for Gavin Henson and possibly even Danny Cipriani, who is a mere 23 years old.
You've got to want it
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/30/2011
Tony Ward previews Leinster's Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse, and believes that their run to the cup is far more difficult than in 2009 in The Irish Independent.
"If the route to Edinburgh and outright success in 2009 was tough for Leinster, well two years on, it's all of that and quite a bit again. It's a measure of the increasing level of intensity of the Heineken Cup that the '09 champions' path to today's semi-final showdown at the Aviva Stadium has been rugged in the extreme.
A team for all seasons
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/30/2011
Mick Cleary analyses the weapons available to Toulouse prior to their Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster in The Daily Telegraph.
"Toulouse are a team for all-seasons, as capable of winning through hard-core scrummaging as they are of free-wheeling attack. They can slog it out or sling it wide, at ease in all elements and all situations.
Choose your battles
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/30/2011
Robert Kitson talks to Northampton and England lock Courtney Lawes about choosing your battles wisely in The Guardian.
"If you want to find out what makes a man tick, take a look at his watch. Courtney Lawes has one the size of a small satellite dish, studded with diamond and pearl and showing the time in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Paris. Even if you did not know him, you would guess the owner has global ambition and a desire to be noticed beyond Northampton. Lawes is also awaiting delivery of a new Range Rover and moves out of his parents' house to a bachelor pad next week. Life gets sweeter every day.
April 29, 2011
Greed shining through
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/29/2011
Brian Rudman analyses the financial implications of New Zealand hosting this year's RugbyWorld Cup in The New Zealand Herald.
"A year ago, organisers of the 2011 Rugby World Cup were admitting they faced losses of $39.3 million on the tournament. The political cheer leaders chose to duck this cold dose of reality, preferring to deal in the hard-to-define currency of "wider economic benefit". At the time, $500 million.
Jelly Roll
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/29/2011
David Kelly salutes one of rugby's great entertainers, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, prior to Toulouse's meeting with Leinster in the Heineken Cup semi-finals in The Irish Independent.
"The great entertainer, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, is back -- and it's been worth the 'weight'. He was at it again last weekend. In the midst of a Toulouse cruise against Bourgoin, Caucaunibuca combined neatly with Cedric Heymans as the aristocrats made another trademark burst.
A sinning Saint
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/29/2011
Mick Cleary talks to Northampton's sinning Saint, Ben Foden, in The Daily Telegraph.
"Foden, who was formally upbraided by the Rugby Football Union as well, also revealed that England manager Martin Johnson had given him a stern warning about the need for improved behaviour.
An end to French dominance?
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/29/2011
Shaun Edwards believes that we could see an Anglo-Irish Heineken Cup final in The Guardian.
"Many have had their fingers burned predicting the demise of Toulouse, but how about this for risking a whole hand: put your money on there being no French team in this season's Heineken Cup final.
April 28, 2011
Healy targets Toulouse
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/28/2011
Leinster prop Cian Healy will be desperate to exorcise some demons against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup semi-final on Saturday, according to the Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly.
"As Cian Healy's career unfolds, May 1, 2010 could well be flagged as a turning point.
Cheika backs Leinster
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/28/2011
The Irish Times' Mark Rodden talks with Leinster's former head coach Michael Cheika ahead of the Irish province's match against Toulouse
"Cheika, now the head coach of Stade Français, believes his former club have a much better chance of reaching the final this season.
Welsh duo to blame
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/28/2011
Writing in the Daily Telegraph Brian Moore says that Gavin Henson and Andy Powell must shoulder much of the blame for their recent off-field incidents.
"I was also aware that a few years earlier I had got into serious trouble in a Nottingham pub when, after the third time a drunk had had a go at me, I, wrongly, punched him and ended up with a conviction for assault. I know how trouble, that you do not start, can happen; I also know the starkly different outcomes that flow from how it is handled.
White hot on discipline
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/28/2011
In the Sydney Morning Herald Greg Growden reflects on the appointment of Jake White as the latest coach to attempt to revive the fortunes of the Brumbies.
"David Nucifora tried, and was shown the door. Andy Friend was more malleable, and was also shown the door. Now Jake White will attempt to transform the Brumbies from a province that once succeeded due to the influence of player power but is now struggling, into a more traditional football organisation where the coach is boss and the players follow.
Warning signs
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/28/2011
Jake White's move to Australia is one to lament for South African rugby, as well as warning sign, according to JJ Harmse in Sport24
"To me the "export" of White is sad in a different way.
April 27, 2011
Vintage Toulouse
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/27/2011
The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly warns that Toulouse cannot be underestimated ahead of Leinster's Heineken Cup semi-final clash with the reigning European Champions as he picks a number of the current squad in an all-time Toulouse XV.
"There are various pundits who reckon Leinster are not facing a vintage Toulouse side when they run out for the Heineken Cup semi-final at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
All Black hole
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/27/2011
Chris Rattue, writing in the New Zealand Herald, looks at reports that New Zealand are facing a NZ$500 million shortfall in hosting this year's World Cup
"A simple and sincere "thanks" would help. Because that's what the rugby chiefs owe the rate and taxpayers of New Zealand. Big time.
Cips set for axe?
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/27/2011
Danny Cipriani's defensive frailties have placed his position in the Rebels starting XV in jeopardy, says Jamie Pandaram in the Sydney Morning Herald
"A major problem for the Rebels defence has been the lone rush-up style by five-eighth Danny Cipriani, which has created holes either side that have been exploited heavily this season. But Waratahs coach Chris Hickey refused to identify Cipriani as a weak link.
Hore hungry for new role
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/27/2011
Andrew Hore talks about his new role as chief operating office at the Ospreys with to the Western Mail's Andy Howell.
"Kiwi Hore – who joined the Ospreys in February 2008 from the New Zealand RFU, where he had been high performance manager – said: "It's an exciting opportunity for me that I can't wait to get started.
April 26, 2011
Sky's the limit for carefree Leinster
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/26/2011
Leinster back-row Shane Jennings talks to the Irish Independent ahead of Saturday's eagerly-awaited Heineken Cup semi-final clash with Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium.
"A buttermilk sky may have enveloped Leinster's training session in UCD yesterday, but it didn't seem like there were any clouds in their world. All its hungry constituents are fighting fit for Saturday's Heineken Cup semi-final with multiple champions, Toulouse.
Why the RFU must appoint Sir Clive Woodward to the England set-up
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/26/2011
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mick Cleary argues in favour of drafting Sir Clive Woodward back into the England set-up.
"Fear not, Johnno, Sir Clive is not about to come trampling on your turf. Not that Martin Johnson ever shied away from telling Woodward when it was time to back off.
'Winning the Heineken Cup makes you hungry'
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/26/2011
Donald McRae of The Guardian talks to Leinster's talismanic centre Brian O'Driscoll about his still insatiable appetite for success.
"On an ordinary Tuesday night in Dublin, after a relaxed meal at home with his wife, Brian O'Driscoll settles down in his chair. Yet it soon becomes obvious why O'Driscoll has been the northern hemisphere's most extraordinary rugby player for more than a decade. He might be rich and feted but the enduringly brilliant outside-centre is ravenous and driven.
Time to scrap this madness
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/26/2011
In his weekly column in the Irish Independent, Tony Ward questions the thinking behind the International Rugby Board's (IRB) depowering of the scrum.
"The most sensible comment I have heard from any analyst in recent times came from former All Blacks hooking legend Sean Fitzpatrick when he was asked for his opinion on the unmitigated disaster area that is now the scrum.
April 25, 2011
Woodward return worth the risk
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/25/2011
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Brian Moore believes the return of Sir Clive Woodward is a gamble worth taking for the RFU.
"The schism between former chief executive Francis Baron and Woodward was toxic, which is often the case when intimates fall out of love. Not until Baron departed and John Steele took over was there any chance of Woodward returning, and there are still a number of people who do not want him. With some of Woodward's detractors it is simple: they don't like him and don't think he could accept not being in total charge of the national team.
Ireland youngsters claim U18 crown
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/25/2011
Ireland Schoolboys claimed a first FIRA-AER Under-18 European Championship with a 17-8 win over England in Tarbes, France. The Irish Times' John O'Sullivan reports.
"It exacted revenge for a 29-12 defeat to Saturday's opponents in the qualification process at Donnybrook last Christmas and followed up an impressive semi-final win over France. The Terry McMaster-coached team led 11-3 at the break with two penalties from outstanding scrumhalf and captain Luke McGrath with winger Conor McEllin crossing for a 26th-minute try.
Bulls at a tipping point
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/25/2011
The defiance in their eyes may still save them, but even the Bulls management must realise by now they are at a tipping point this season, so writes Supersport's Brendan Nel.
"The three-time champions returned home on Monday from a rough tour – where they suffered a whitewash against the Crusaders, were bamboozled by the Reds and pressed the self-destruct button against the Force to return home with their tails between their legs.
RFU step up efforts to snare Woodward
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/25/2011
The Rugby Football Union will this week accelerate its move to reinstall Sir Clive Woodward, coach of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, at the top of the English game, despite considerable resistance from members of the governing body's ruling council. The Independent's Chris Hewett reports.
"Many Twickenham backwoodsmen resent Woodward for the outspoken manner of his departure from the union in 2004, regard him as "uncontrollable", and fail to see how he can work alongside Rob Andrew, who beat him to a high-profile RFU position a little under five years ago and recently accepted the newly-created job of director of rugby operations. There is little love lost between the two men.
O'Driscoll skips Royal wedding for training
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/25/2011
Leinster talisman Brian O'Driscoll will skip Friday's Royal Wedding in favour of Leinster training ahead of their Heineken Cup showdown with Toulouse on Saturday. The Guardian's Donald McRae writes.
"Brian O'Driscoll has sidestepped his invitation to the royal wedding on Friday in favour of a Leinster training session and admitted that he would never have lived down the backchat from his team‑mates if he had put William and Kate ahead of a huge European match in Dublin.
April 24, 2011
Barnes showing the way
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/24/2011
Jamie Pandaram salutes the bravery of Berrick Barnes after the Waratahs playmaker publicised his recent head injuries in The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Berrick Barnes has been sitting on the sidelines, but that is why he should be considered the bravest Super Rugby player of the past month. By publicising his health fears after two separate head knocks, Barnes is helping to change a dangerous culture in contact sports and is providing an important example for youngsters.
Jack the lad
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/24/2011
Gregor Paul analyses the recent form of Crusaders lock Chris Jack, who is pushing hard for an All Blacks recall, in The New Zealand Herald.
"Chris Jack is making a spirited bid to regain his All Black jersey and a place in the World Cup squad.
Intelligence, not courage
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/24/2011
Neil Francis puts forward his view on what Leinster have to do to beat Toulouse in their massive Heineken Cup semi-final in The Irish Independent.
"The cracker croakers are coming to town. Courage in the face of adversity is always welcome but in this case probably not so necessary. If you want to win the Heineken Cup, more than likely you'll have to beat Toulouse at some stage in the competition. Best to meet them in a home quarter or semi. Courage is a fundamental, particularly in a battle of wills, but intelligence is the prime ingredient.
A whole new brawl game
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/24/2011
Eddie Butler offers his view on rugby's recent issues and the respective plights of Gavin Henson, Andy Powell and Ben Foden in The Guardian.
"Rugby is, it seems, bingeing its way into the headlines, and not just through the well-oiled conduit of booze. We have had a politico-poetic bust-up between Wales's defence coach, Shaun Edwards, and their sports scientist, Fergus Connolly, over an Irish folk song sung in Paris. We have had Delon Armitage rough-handling a doping officer after a London Irish game. Music and drugs; rugby is rock and roll.
More sweat, more girls
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/24/2011
Bath prop David Flatman weighs in on the summer rugby debate in The Independent.
"There are pros and cons for the larger gentleman when the British summer decides to kick in. Whether it is in the front row of a scrummage an hour into a rugby match or in a rattan chair outside a country pub, any significant jump in ambient temperature can have severe consequences. Increased likelihood of anti-social perspiration makes one's dress code more important than ever and any physical effort is made all the more gruelling by the heat.
April 23, 2011
Saints face testing time
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
Rules over the amount of rugby played by England's elite players could hinder Northampton in the Aviva Premiership run-in according to The Guardian's Rob Kitson.
"The Saints finally have their healthy contingent of England squad players back available but may yet be about to suffer for it. Under the terms of the elite player scheme (EPS) agreement with the Rugby Football Union, senior England players cannot play more than 160 minutes in the current block of three Premiership games.
Poignant lead-in to Cup for Henry
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
Graham Henry and Carisbrook began their All Black life together and they are set to resume their relationship later this year. The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray writes.
"Henry survived the 2007 World Cup fallout while Carisbrook has received several final test tributes without the fatal curtain call.
Hook prepares to say au revoir
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
James Hook's young son will lead the Ospreys out in probably his last game at the Liberty Stadium in what promises to be an emotional farewell in a must-win game against Munster this evening. The Western Mail reports.
"The Ospreys, the reigning Magners League champions, know they have to beat the league leaders, Munster, if they are to stand any chance of reaching this season's semi-final play-offs.
O'Neill says no thanks to bookies
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
The Australian Rugby Union will not follow its English counterparts and place bets with bookmakers on its team winning the World Cup this year. The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden reports.
"ARU chief executive John O'Neill said yesterday that in recent months they had been approached by several betting agencies, including one overseas firm. ''They came up with a product to sell to the major rugby bodies, which is an alternative to taking out an insurance policy. We haven't pursued it, and it is very unlikely we will,'' O'Neill said. ' 'We are looking at more traditional methods of laying off the risk, and have sought some quotes from insurance companies revolving around the possibility we will have to outlay a considerable amount of money in terms of bonuses. We are currently weighing up the risk-reward ratio, and the premiums aren't cheap. But we haven't locked anything away at this stage.''
Calmness under pressure sorts men from the boys
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Will Greenwood if we should we really be surprised when the professionals suddenly have their toddler moments?
"Sport, and especially rugby, is not just about actions, be they good or bad. It is all about the reactions. Control those and teams and individuals will flourish. Two fascinating examples of this have happened on a rugby field in the past couple of weeks, one from an individual perspective and one from a team view. Manu Tuilagi, of Leicester, is an incredible talent. Even though he is only 19, he needs to be included in Martin Johnson's 50-man England training squad.
Pro teams suffer from lack of direction
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
The Scotsman's Allan Massie laments the state of the Scottish pro clubs.
"The opening weeks of next season look like being miserable ones for Glasgow and Edinburgh, weakened by departures and the absence of players on World Cup duty, and without adequate reserves to replace them. Sean Lineen has some experience of making bricks without straw, but Glasgow's sorry position, languishing near the foot of the Magners League, shows that this is a tough demand, even for one of his invincible optimism.
Burns is definitely one to watch
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/23/2011
Writing in The Independent, Brian Ashton reflects on his recent stint with the ESPN TV crew.
"In my ESPN role, I had the pleasure of reacquainting myself with a couple of players from my time coaching England: Ben Kay, the Leicester lock who appeared in consecutive World Cup finals, and Austin Healey. Given the response Austin attracted from the supporters in the Kingsholm Shed, he is quite clearly a popular man in the West Country!
April 22, 2011
Shanklin will go down as a Welsh great
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
"At the end of a week that has seen Gavin Henson fall from grace once again, there is a sense of heightened frustration at the forced retirement of Tom Shanklin.
Pin-up boy picks on the wrong Jonny
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
Of all the stupid things Welshman Gavin Henson could have done to endanger his stay with French club Toulon, insulting Jonny Wilkinson was about the worst. Peter Bills writes in the New Zealand Herald.
"Henson, by general belief never the brightest spark in the electrician's box, was this week suspended for a week by the French club for alleged 'fights' with certain team-mates at a nightclub after the club's 21-9 victory over Stade Toulouse in Marseille last weekend.
IRFU bet on Ireland's progress
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
The Irish Rugby Football Union has placed bets with a bookmaker on Ireland's progress at the forthcoming World Cup in New Zealand to cover the cost of player and coach win bonuses. The Irish Times' Gavin Cummiskey reports.
"Following the disclosure, in the Guardian newspaper, that the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) placed bets of up to €284,000 to cover England's progress to the semi-finals and beyond, the union confirmed to The Irish Times that it has laid similar bets at the previous three rugby World Cups.
Cipriani for the Waratahs?
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
Danny Cipriani's Randwick rendezvous has Waratahs tongues wagging according to the
"Danny Cipriani for the Waratahs? Surely not. Then again, strange things happen at Royal Randwick race meetings. Our snouts in Waratahland are adamant a NSW ''mover and shaker'' is interested in luring Cipriani from Melbourne, following Kurtley Beale's decision to go the other way. Apparently the Waratahs powerbroker was sighted palling around with the Rebels five-eighth at a recent Sydney race meeting shortly before it was announced the England Test pivot would play club rugby with Warringah this season. However, luring Cipriani to the Waratahs would be stridently opposed by several team officials due to doubts whether he would fit into their ''culture''. A common discussion point among the Waratahs is Cipriani's defensive frailties. He currently tops the Super Rugby statistics for the most missed tackles with 35. Maybe the Cipriani push simply involves marketing? We also hear several Force players - including a big-name forward - were interested in moving to the Waratahs but opted to stay put due to concerns about internal politics at NSW Rugby."
Long-lost hero
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
Scottish rugby's last link with the famous 1938 Triple Crown-winning side was believed to have been lost this week with the passing of Allan Roy, the former Waterloo and Scotland forward, but The Scotsman's David Ferguson has discovered that not to be the case.
"The Scottish Rugby Union, who keep the records of all former internationalists and invite them regularly to reunions, had lost all contact with Dr William Brewitt 'Bill' Young who left with his wife to become a missionary in Kenya. After attempts to contact him in later years failed, it was believed that he had passed away while in Africa.
Hot spring treatment
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/22/2011
The changing of seasons helps Premiership provide the perfect balance of running and attritional rugby, according to Shaun Edwards writing in The Guardian.
"Well, the referees have to be applauded, particularly for the way they have been controlling the contact area. Tacklers who do not release after the tackle and who try to strip out the ball before they have released their opponent are now being penalised ruthlessly, so the breakdown has become more clear-cut and the ball recycled faster.
April 21, 2011
Ignoring Father Time
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/21/2011
Ruaidhri O'Connor talks to Munster flanker David Wallace about his future plans in The Irish Independent.
"As each birthday passes and the big ticking clock moves through the 30s, the phrases 'age is only a number' and 'you're only as old as you feel' become as common as silly birthday cards.
Where did it all go wrong?
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/21/2011
Chris Hewett laments the recent slide of rugby in The Independent.
"Eighteen months ago, concerned that the "hooligans' game played by gentlemen" was fast becoming a hooligans' game played by hooligans – not to mention drug abusers, misbehaving tourists who refuse to help local detectives with their inquiries, and barefaced cheats who invent injuries with the aid of blood capsules administered by professional medical staff – the great and the good of the Rugby Football Union launched a public campaign aimed at re-establishing a sense of discipline, decency and dignity. Recent events suggest the "core values" initiative was not entirely successful.
Paying the price
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/21/2011
Former England hooker Brian Moore looks at the pros and cons of pay-per-view TV in The Daily Telegraph.
"Rugby demonstrates this point fully. When Sky won exclusive rights to show England's Five, now Six Nations Championship matches, the viewing figures were a fraction of the BBC numbers. The Home Unions Committee – France and Italy have separate deals – were alarmed by the decrease in exposure.
April 20, 2011
A surprise runner
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/20/2011
Former Wallaby Mark Gerrard has emerged as a front-runner for Australia's Super Rugby Player of the Year, The Sydney Morning Herald's Jamie Pandaram reports.
"Gerrard has enjoyed a fine season for the Melbourne Rebels despite playing just five games due to injury, and has bucked the trend of players fading away after heading overseas.
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/20/2011
Mark Reason, writing for stuff.co.nz, looks at the lack of action taken in ridding the game of high tackles.
"Slade, who had the other side of his face broken in a preseason "friendly", was depicted as having a glass jaw, as if somehow the injury was down to his own lack of manliness. Heaven help the antipodes if that is what passes for macho culture over here.
A phenomenon
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/20/2011
Gerry Thornley assesses the size of Leinster's task in overcoming the mighty Toulouse in The Irish Times.
"As Leinster discovered in their 14-year quest for the mountain top, which was reached with back-to-back wins over Euro giants Munster and Leicester, and then having run into Clermont and Toulouse last season, nothing comes easy in the Heineken Cup. And so it is again.
April 19, 2011
On path to dream final
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Munster and Leinster are setting the scene for a repeat of their historic 2001 Celtic League decider - Tony Ward writes for the Irish Independent.
"Hard to believe it is almost a full decade ago, but it was December 2001 when the inaugural Celtic League final was staged at Lansdowne Road. Over 30,000 fans saw Leinster defeat Munster in an absolute belter of a final.
Brisbane league team in talks with SBW
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
A Brisbane league franchise that doesn't have a ground, a name or a competition to play in, is in talks to sign All Black Sonny Bill Williams after the Rugby World Cup. The New Zealand Herald reports.
"Williams is contracted with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of the this season and can't play in the NRL until 2013 as he's still tied to the five year contract he signed with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2008.
O'Neill tips All Blacks-Wallabies final
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Australian Rugby Union shief executive John O'Neill believes the Wallabies have enough players with the crucial ''X-factor'' to at least make the World Cup final this year and to be in with a strong chance of winning it. The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden reports.
"Speaking before the annual general meeting next week, when the ARU will announce a $1.07 million surplus for last year, O'Neill said the Wallabies' World Cup prospects were ''really encouraging''.
Henson row sparked by 'Wilko taunts'
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
The nightclub incident which led to Gavin Henson's suspension by Toulon was allegedly sparked by the Welshman's criticism of team-mate Jonny Wilkinson, the Daily Telegraph's Gavin Mairs reports.
"French daily L'Equipe reported that Henson angered team-mates his criticising Wilkinson, and captain Joe van Niekerk, who was sin-binned during the game. The paper also alleges that Henson fought with Henjak, the Australian scrum-half.
Celtic League set to lose Magners as sponsor
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Magners are poised to end their sponsorship of the Celtic League at the end of this season, and Italian car giant Fiat is believed to be one of the front-runners to take over, The Scotsman's Gareth Black reports.
"The league, which was expanded this season to allow Italian pair Aironi and Benetton Treviso to join, has been sponsored by Magners for five years, but the cider company is ready to call time on its successful involvement.
Quade the Wallaby weak link?
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Sport24's Gary Boshoff bucks the trend and suggests that in-form Reds fly-half Quade Cooper may not be the Wallabies' most potent weapon.
"However, despite his incredible abilities, it is his combination and almost telepathic relationship with his halfback partner, Will Genia, which has been the secret element of his success. Genia, like George Gregan was to Stephan Larkham, is the one that is always scanning for attacking opportunities: he constantly checks where the defences are lined up; who is lined up in defence and on what side and then makes the decision to attack with either a flat or wide ball.
When is an eye gouge not an eye gouge?
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Varying punishments for eye-gouging are baffling according to The Independent's Peter Bills.
"The disciplinary officer has the powers, as we have seen, to impose swingeing punishments for the worst offences. And even if he deems such an incident to be only in the range of moderately dangerous, what is termed a mid-range sanction, the recommended starting ban is 18 weeks.
Bath call for summer rugby
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/19/2011
Bath owner Bruce Craig is the latest high-profile figure to stir the debate about the future of professional rugby union, writes The Guardian's Rob Kitson.
"Go away for a week and suddenly it is the late 90s all over again. The future shape of professional rugby union in Europe is back under the microscope, with the leading English club owners increasingly restless. Bath's ambitious Bruce Craig is the latest to stir the debate, warning that the rugby calendar needs radical revision. He would prefer league and European club rugby to be scheduled between March and November, with the international window running from December to February.
April 18, 2011
How do you spell 'culture' in Melbourne? C-a-s-h
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/18/2011
Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Growden argues that it is money, and money alone, which is attracting top players to the Melbourne Rebels.
"The Super Rugby scene has suddenly become a barrel of laughs. The first half of the Eden Park match on Saturday night was like watching an old TV episode of Batman, with ''Crash'', ''Bang'' and ''Kapow'' screaming across the screen every time a Waratah fell over, missed a tackle or knocked himself out.
A European league would throw up a host of problems
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/18/2011
Brian Moore of The Telegraph analyses the possible effects of disbanding the Premiership in favour of establishing a new European league.
"The rumblings about the Aviva Premiership salary cap are only a symptom of a wider and much more divisive issue, that of a European league formed by elite clubs in England and France and regions from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and possibly Italy.
Season's end heralds more poignant farewells
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/18/2011
In his weekly column in the Irish Times, Bob Casey admits that, with the end of the season approaching, it feels like the end of an era at London Irish.
"There is no doubt professional sportspeople are a privileged caste for a variety of reasons and one fringe benefit is the number of invitations to events, across a broad spectrum. The key, where possible, is to be discerning rather than simply available. It is not a maxim adopted by all as there are one or two individuals who would find themselves in the same sentence as the words envelope and opening.
April 17, 2011
Premiership heading for a crisis?
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
The Sunday Telegraph's Paul Ackford believes the English Premiership is heading for a crisis as attendances and revenues fall.
"With the northern sides in meltdown, with major disagreements over the size of the league and the salary cap policy, with dilapidated stadiums, with only one English club through to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup, with attendances in decline and over half the Premiership still to operate profitably, and with issues of credibility looming over the relegation battle, is domestic rugby in England in crisis?
Cup beer price hike on cards
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
Rugby fans won't get much change out of NZ$10 (approx £5) when they buy a beer at Rugby World Cup matches according to the Sunday Herald's John Weekes.
"The Herald on Sunday has been told punters should expect to pay higher prices than normal for cans of Amstel Light or Heineken, the only beer allowed in the stadiums.
Irish jig is up
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
Irish rugby is managing to defy the country's broken economy to become the latest serious threat to New Zealand's player base, writes theSunday Herald's Gregor Paul.
"The offers made to John Afoa and Jared Payne to join Ulster were at never-before-seen remuneration levels.
Ulster fall short
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
The Irish Independent's Brendan Fanning reports from Leinster's Magners League victory over title rivals Ulster.
"Shortly before kick-off in the RDS last night, a man who knows Ulster fairly well was suggesting that how his side reacted to their defeat by Northampton last weekend would tell us if they had what it takes to be real contenders. He didn't sound confident.
Reds rack up sixth straight win
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
The Sydney Morning Herald's Phil Lutton reports from the Reds' latest Super Rugby success against the Bulls.
"When they trounced the Reds 30-6 in round two of the Super Rugby season, the Waratahs had every reason to feel satisfied with their night's work.
Surprise triumphs over Auld Enemy
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
If Andy Robinson thinks he has a problem with the paucity of players to choose from, he should try coaching one of the national age-grade teams who are selected from what is more a puddle than a pool of talent.The Scotland on Sunday's Iain Morrison writes.
"It makes winning tough and, just two years ago, the Scottish under-18s lost twin Tests against their English counterparts by a combined score of 138-0.
Bulls better...but stuffed
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
Sport24's Rob Houwing reflects on the Bulls latest Super Rugby defeat at the hands of the Reds.
"In certain respects, it might have been better if the Bulls had simply repeated their Timaru horror show last week and we could all have begun to suspect that there must be unrest of some sort in the champions' camp.
An unspoken code
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
Writing in the Independent on Sunday, Bath's David Flatman reflects on a Mark Cueto's ban for foul play and the warning issued to Ben Foden over his conduct.
"While not quite an omerta, I do believe there is an unspoken code among players in rugby union. This is not a vow of silence, but more a proverbial line in the sand. And actually I think this is a healthy thing. Like the senior players getting the best spaces in the club car park, there has evolved a real set of rules with regards to the behaviour of players the world over that, while not official, tends, for the most part, to keep the blokes in line.
Eighty-two points and no winner
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
The Guardian's Paul Rees reports from the thrilling 41-41 draw between Leicester Tigers and Gloucester at Welford Road.
"Leicester have traditionally been in the business of handing out lessons, but their pre-eminence in England has not helped them in Europe in recent seasons. Today showed why. Leicester have metamorphosed from a side adept at grinding out victories and wearing down opponents into one of greater ambition, but at times they need to play with control; they too often flick the wrong switches. Their opponents, Gloucester, are themselves a side for whom the word expanse now means more than the girth of their front-rowers.
Back to a bleak future
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/17/2011
Neil Back condemned himself to a life of eternal toil and occasional torment when he became coach of Leeds according to the Daily Express' Steve Bale.
"First, Neil Back's team have to gain sufficient points from tomorrow's game at Wasps, where they won last season, the Easter Day visit of Harlequins and the finale at Northampton to keep their status and so avoid relegation for a third time in four years.
April 16, 2011
Rise and fall of Lions king Phillips
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
The Western Mail's Delme Parfitt reflects on the imminent departure from the Ospreys of scrum-half Mike Phillips.
"He believes in his own mind he is the best, whether others share that opinion or not. He doesn't do modesty. Period.
Let's pitch All Blacks against the Rest
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray floats the idea of a trial match ahead of this year's Tri-Nations.
"Forget about Fiji and don't worry about getting Argentina to play the All Blacks at Carisbrook.
Reluctant nomad from Wagga Wagga
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
Leinster's Nathan Hines talks to the Irish Times Gerry Thornley ahead of his move to French club Clermont Auvergne.
"The man from Wagga Wagga, a remote marina army base in New South Wales, pitched up in Galashiels with a back pack to see the 1999 World Cup. It was meant to be a six-month Aussie "walkabout" yet, in a sense, he's still hereabouts.
Young players need a hand
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
We are failing to teach our young rugby players the power of using two hands according to former England international Will Greenwood in the Daily Telegraph.
"There are lots of things you can do with two hands that you can't do with one. Knitting, clapping, showing off some Paul Daniels magic tricks. You can add other things to the list, but one that needs to be near the top is a rugby player's ability to fix and bamboozle defenders.
Gala stalwart Bob Burrell dies
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
The Scotsman's Gareth Black reflects on the sad passing of Gala stalwart Bob Burrell.
"George Murray, former secretary of the South and a fellow referee, recalled: "Bob was a great humorist on and off the field and was a great one for encouraging the fun side of refereeing. He was an excellent referee and an inspiration to other referees.
Biarritz betrayed the imaginative spirit of Blanco
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
Writing in The Independent, Brian Ashton reflects on last weekend's Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
"Poor old Serge Blanco. What could the great man of Biarritz have been thinking as he watched the Basque side's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Toulouse on Sunday evening?
Sale up against it
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/16/2011
With three north-west clubs at Wembley, the big crowd envisaged for Sale's Premiership clash with London Irish at the Reebok Stadium is unlikely according to The Guardian's Paul Rees.
"It is typical of the misfortune Sale have suffered since winning the Premiership in 2006 that their plan to showcase rugby union in the north-west of England by taking Saturday's match against London Irish to the Reebok Stadium should be undermined by three teams from the area being in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
April 15, 2011
Beale signing points to Rebels' winning ethos
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/15/2011
Writing on Rugby Heaven, Adam Freier ponders the significance of Kurtley Beale's imminent move from the Waratahs to the Melbourne Rebels.
"No words can explain Kurtley Beale's decision to come to Melbourne more than his actual movement towards the Rebellion.
Post-World Cup player exodus may head Down Under this time
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/15/2011
In his weekly column in The Guardian, Shaun Edwards wonders if the timing of the tournament may see exhausted players head south as they take account of different seasonal demands.
"Just fancy this. After the emotional high of winning a World Cup - or even coming close - you are pitched into league rugby almost immediately, in the autumn, and then do not get a rest until May.
Humphreys running in the right direction
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/15/2011
Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys talks to the Irish Independent ahead of Saturday's pivotal Magners League meeting with Leinster at the RDS.
"When Sean O'Brien was reminded yesterday that the vast prairies of space into which he was ushered at Ravenhill when Leinster steamrolled to victory earlier this season may not be so inviting at the RDS tomorrow night, the Tullow titan responded forcibly.
Curtain draws down on some fine warriors
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/15/2011
Liam Toland of the Irish Times argues that Munster's success from the 1990s has been built on Shannon and co in sourcing and nurturing raw talent.
"Traditionally, Munster have done well in the market: Rob Henderson, John Langford, Doug Howlett and many more have graced the famous red jersey. But it is not their arrival that has created the success that Munster have enjoyed, it is the arrival of country talent from the province that moved somewhat by accident into Thomond Park. Ian Dowling, for one, wasn't sourced by Munster. Neither were other legends such as John Hayes, Mick Galwey or, dare I suggest, the greatest Munster man of them all, Anthony Foley.
April 14, 2011
Weeks or matches?
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/14/2011
Paul Rees questions the the wisdom in awarding bans over a period of weeks rather than matches in The Guardian.
"When Schalk Burger received an eight-week ban in 2009 for eye-gouging the Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald, the reaction outside South Africa was largely one of incredulity that he had been treated leniently for a heinous offence. The Italy No8 Sergio Parisse received the same suspension for committing a similar act on the New Zealand forward Isaac Ross and the uproar prompted the International Rugby Board to launch an investigation into crime and punishment.
Over the hill
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/14/2011
Duncan Johnston argues that South Africa's Rugby World Cup campaign will be undone by the age of their big names on stuff.co.nz.
"The Springboks won't be able to defend the World Cup because their core of stars are over the hill. The cracks began to appear last year and they are opening up in alarming fashion for Boks coach Pieter de Villiers during Super Rugby.
A look to the future
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/14/2011
Ian Bransfield reports on the future plans of Munster's retiring flanker Alan Quinlan in The Irish Independent.
"Alan Quinlan cut a slightly emotional figure yesterday as he announced his plans to retire at the end of this season, but he hinted that Munster supporters may not have seen the last of him.
Over reliance
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/14/2011
Peter Bills argues that the All Blacks' reliance on Dan Carter could come back to bite them at the Rugby World Cup in The Independent.
"South Africa can't get anywhere near matching that quartet of skill and quality. If either Jean de Villiers or Jaque Fourie loses form or fitness, the gap will be felt in the Springboks side. Juan de Jongh is an immensely talented young player but he lacks experience.
April 13, 2011
Warrior spirit
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/13/2011
Hugh Farrelly salutes Munster flanker Alan Quinlan, who will call time on his career at the end of the season, in The Irish Independent.
""To be a warrior is not a simple matter of wishing to be one, it is rather an endless struggle that will go on to the very last moment." - Carlos Castaneda
A bicycle wheel on a monster truck
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/13/2011
Toby Robson takes a light-hearted look at the latest Super Rugby action in The Dominion Post.
"Coach Todd Blackadder has fallen in love with small-town South Island."If I had my way, we would be going back every week to there [Timaru] and Nelson," he said, clearly enamoured with the former's Aigantighe Art Gallery and Nelson's Enriching and Wellness Day Spa.
Fears for the future
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/13/2011
Mick Cleary talks to Sale chief Brian Kennedy about the perils of running a top-flight rugby club in The Daily Telegraph.
"It has cost Kennedy £16million of his own money to shore up Sale since getting involved with the Cheshire club 11 years ago. In a valiant attempt to test out a new market, Kennedy has switched Sale's Premiership game against London Irish on Saturday from Edgeley Park in Stockport to Bolton's Reebok Stadium, where a crowd of 17,000 is hoped for.
April 12, 2011
Long in the tooth
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/12/2011
Gavin Rich faces facts and looks at the current poor form being shown by leading Springboks on supersport.co.za.
"Okay, so maybe now is the time to start getting worried. Up to now judgement has been reserved on issues such as the form of the Bulls and of some of the top Springboks on the basis that it is a long season and much can change between now and September, when the World Cup starts.
All to play for
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/12/2011
Hugh Farrelly assesses Ireland's options for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in The Irish Independent.
"It's 153 days until Ireland kick off their World Cup 2011 campaign against the US in New Plymouth.
Too early for Slade
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/12/2011
Dylan Cleaver looks at the anointing of Colin Slade as back-up to All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter in The New Zealand Herald.
"Sometimes you can want something so badly you talk yourself into it happening. It's a phenomenon so common they've got a term for it - self-fulfilling prophecy. And so it seems to be with the rugby media and Highlanders star recruit Colin Slade.
April 11, 2011
Bulls lucky to get zero
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
Sport24's JJ Harmse believes the Bulls were lucky to only lose 27-0 to the Crusaders in their latest Super Rugby clash.
"The one positive the Blue Bulls Company should take from yesterday's woeful Bulls performance is that they probably won't lose any players for the Currie Cup competition.
Elsom shrugs off Horan criticism
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
Rocky Elsom has rejected former Wallaby great Tim Horan's suggestion he is burdened by the test captaincy. The New Zealand Herald reports.
"Horan last month argued the task of leading the Wallabies would prevent Elsom living up to his reputation as arguably the world's most feared blindside flanker.
Ulster pay a heavy price for mistakes
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
The Irish Independent's Niall Crozier reports from Ulster's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Northampton in Milton Keynes.
"Ulster's Heineken Cup dream is over for this year. Yesterday afternoon at a sun-kissed stadium:mk they were beaten by opponents whose brawn ultimately made the difference.
Waratahs learn art of offload
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, John Eales reflects on the latest Super Rugby action.
"Offloads are a hot commodity in rugby and their poster boy is Crusader Sonny Bill Williams, who as of last week had made almost twice as many as anyone else in the competition. He had 24 and his nearest rival, teammate Dan Carter, 13, which in itself is a pointer to how the Crusaders play their game.
Freshwater becomes unlikely hero
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
Perry Freshwater, the England prop, will remember his decisive second-half try against Toulon for a long time, "a golden moment at the Olympic Stadium in the autumn of his career" according to the Daily Telegraph's Brendan Gallagher.
"He certainly upstaged former England Test colleague Jonny Wilkinson who was making his debut in a Heineken Cup knockout match.
Melrose end 13-year wait for sevens glory
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
The Scotsman's Scott Wight reports from the home side's long-awaited success at the latest staging of the Melrose Sevens.
"Craig Chalmers remembers vividly the squad he was a part of in 1996-97, when Melrose claimed a unique domestic "Grand Slam" of Scottish Division One, Scottish Cup, Border League and Melrose Sevens trophies.
Beaten at their own game
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/11/2011
Writing in The Independent, Hugh Godwin reports from Leinster's Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester in Dublin.
"Whatever it was that enabled Leicester to dominate European competition a decade ago, it was not playing to the letter of the law. That turn-of-the-century team waged the physical battle to its limits and had a few hard-eyed so-and-so's led by Martin Johnson capable of getting the rest of the job done with mental resourcefulness.
April 10, 2011
Woodward favourite for RFU job
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
Sir Clive Woodward is emerging as the only credible candidate for the performance director's job at the Rugby Football Union even though he has not applied for the position, writes the Sunday Telegraph's Paul Ackford.
"The RFU had hoped to establish a shortlist and start interviewing, but is not yet in a position to do so after several prominent contenders dropped out or were considered unsuitable.
Who I back to wear black
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
Writing in the Sunday Herald, Richard Loe picks his New Zealand squad for this year's World Cup.
"I'd take five locks, as I think this is potentially a problem area for us if injuries intervene. Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock are certainties, with Anthony Boric third choice at present.
Tigers sent home to lick wounds
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
The Irish Times' Carl O'Malley reports from Leinster's Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester in Dublin.
"The ground may be a little different but this was familiar territory for two old foes with a 10-game European Cup history equally shared into five wins apiece. The bragging rights had to fall in someone's favour this evening and it was Leicester, for so long the experts in trench warfare, who gave that inch as their hosts booked a home semi-final against Biarritz or Toulouse.
Reds on top of Super rugby table
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
The Reds have stamped themselves as genuine Super Rugby title contenders by upsetting the previously-unbeaten Stormers 19-6 in Cape Town. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
"It gave the Reds a 2-0 record from their two-week road trip to South Africa and put them equal with the Crusaders on top of the ladder (30 points), but in No.1 spot as they have enjoyed more wins.
Melrose in full bloom
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
Memories of a golden era have been rekindled in the Borders' pursuit of a league and cup double according to The Scotsman's Richard Bath.
"All eyes were on Melrose yesterday for the Sevens, and it's a feeling that the club will be getting used to over the next fortnight. In consecutive weeks the Borders side are back at Murrayfield for their fourth national cup final in a row where they will face Ayr, followed the week after by the visit of the same opponents to the Greenyards for a match which could see Melrose seal their first league title since 1997.
The Saint who has a date with destiny
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
The man mountain Soane Tonga'uiha has been a rock for Northampton this season and will be unmoved by Ulster tactics today according to the Independent on Sunday's Hugh Godwin.
"When Soane Tonga'uiha says it is destiny that Northampton will reach this season's Heineken Cup final, you are inclined to agree – and not just because a simple raise of the eyebrow from this huge son of the South Pacific might split the ceiling, cartoon-style, of the hospitality box where we meet. Whereas the Saints were knocked out at the quarter-final stage away to Munster in 2010, the Irish must come to them today, albeit Ulster travel to Milton Keynes rather than Franklin's Gardens. The winners are guaranteed a "home" draw in the semi-finals – Northampton would use the same venue – and Tonga'uiha says: "It's a massive plus for us. It's almost like it was destined for us to get to the final."
Authentic rugby in plastic surrounds
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/10/2011
The Heineken Cup quarter-finals have found lovelier stages than stadium:mk but the Northampton-Ulster match must be taken seriously according to The Observer's Eddie Butler.
"It is a landmark fixture that pitches former champion against former champion. Twelve years have passed for Ulster and 11 for Northampton since they were Heineken Cup winners, but this is a quarter-final that should be approached respectfully. You don't make the last eight in 2011 lightly.
April 9, 2011
Todd plays role of chosen one
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray charts the rise of Crusaders flanker Matt Todd.
"The Christchurch rugby club is the oldest in New Zealand with 32 All Blacks including five captains on their honours board.
Cullen fears 'pit bull' influence
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
Leinster skipper Leo Cullen is wary of the influence of Leicester coach Richard Cockerill ahead of their Heineken Cup showdown. The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly writes.
"Cockerill played hooker at Leicester for many years forming the renowned ABC front-row (the Tigers used to wear letters instead of numbers on their jerseys) with Rowntree and Darren Garforth and Cullen believes the Leicester coach is overseeing a team in his image -- direct and confrontational.
Tiger feats more than a provincial matter
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
Sharing 10 meetings with five wins apiece, Leinster's record against Leicester reflects their own European odyssey, writes the Irish Times' Gerry Thornley.
"Nothing quite defines Leinster's 15-year history in the Heineken Cup quite like the 10 meetings with Leicester, especially the first and last. They have five wins apiece, dating back to 1996 when Leicester came to Lansdowne Road and won 27-10, and most recently when Leinster reached their Holy Grail in the Murrayfield final two seasons ago.
Death knell sounds for 'Gatland Law'
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
The Western Mail's Delme Parfitt believes James Hook's move to France signals the end of 'Gatland's Law' that favoured players based in Wales.
"The implication is that Gatland's Law now only applies to those players who are deemed indispensable, in other words enforcing it is down to a subjective standpoint rather than the application of a specific rule.
Wilkinson enters the unknown
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson will compete in his first Heineken Cup quarter-final on Saturday - the Daily Telegraph's Brendan Gallagher previews their clash with Perpignan.
"Remarkably, after 14 seasons as a professional, it will be the first time the England fly-half has played in a Heineken Cup knockout game, having missed out on Newcastle's solitary quarter-final appearance against Stade Francais in Paris in 2005 with a knee ligament injury.
Raising skill levels
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
Writing in The Independent, Brian Ashton looks ahead to this weekend's Heineken Cup clashes.
"One would expect all eight quarter-finalists to enter the arena with an overview – in other words, a clear idea of how they might dominate field position and impose their will on the opposition. But there is an ever-present danger when fixtures as important as these come around. All too frequently, coaches and players clutter up the overview with so much detail that the performance becomes robotic. Instead of people manoeuvring their way through situations as and when they arise, they fall back on the so-called "game plan" memorised during the week's preparation. Do the wonderful footballers of Spain allow themselves to be locked into a pre-ordained plan? I think not.
Wilson relishes Ulster reunion
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/09/2011
Former Ulster No.8 Roger Wilson has warned his Northampton team-mates to be wary of their Irish rivals ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final clash. The Guardian's Paul Rees reports.
"The No.8 spent six years with Ulster before joining Northampton in 2008 and, while the Saints are unbeaten in Europe since losing at Munster in last season's quarter-final, they have only just returned to form after a mid-season wobble.
April 8, 2011
Scrum like it hot
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/08/2011
Greg Growden looks at the recent strides made by Australian franchises at the scrum in The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Over the years, Australian front-rowers have grown accustomed to being laughed at for resembling puffed-up pillows.
Granny's nationality
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/08/2011
Hugh Farrelly isn't a fan of the 'grandmother rule' in international rugby, and tells us as much in The Irish Independent.
"Grandad Farrelly was from Clare. He was born in Tulla in 1904 and we buried him there in 1989 after driving all the way down from the Dublin funeral mass with a Garda escort.
Newfound threats
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/08/2011
Chris Hewett looks at Ulster's recruitment drive in The Independent.
"Outmuscled financially by the French – the Eurozone may be falling apart in the real world, but on Planet Rugby it goes from strength to strength – the last thing England's beleaguered Premiership clubs need as they attempt to restore their Heineken Cup credibility is a fresh threat from Ireland. Which is precisely what they face.
Europe on the move
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/08/2011
Shaun Edwards previews the weekend's Heineken Cup action, and is looking forward to some tribal warfare, in The Guardian.
"This is one of those weekends when rugby's tribes are on the move. Possibly even more than in the Six Nations, this is when the truly committed fan hits the road.
April 7, 2011
Polota-Nau needs to be wrapped
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Paul Cully casts his eye across the Super Rugby stage with one eye on the World Cup.
"If the ARU were to book a significant delivery of cotton wool to Waratahs HQ every Monday morning with a polite but insistent note reading, "For the immediate and/or future use on one Mr. T Polota-Nau" it could hardly be blamed.
Don't take the party out of Party Central
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
A New Zealand Herald editorial hopes that fans' needs are not over-looked at Queens Wharf in Auckland.
"With cruise ships at Queens Wharf and its Shed 10 refurbished, the basic elements for a good time will be there. New Zealanders, as they have shown at events overseas, rather like a rustic old barn with minimum comforts for their social base. If the heavily timbered wharf shed is weather-proofed and equipped with big screens, bars for the provision of beer, wine, snack food and good coffee, it's probably all rugby fans will need in September and October.
Famous try lives again as art
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
A bronze sculpture of All Black great Michael Jones has been given the go-ahead for Eden Park - but its subject may be too shy to have a close-up look. The New Zealand Herald's Isaac Davison reports.
"The 1.5 scale statue, constructed by fine arts graduate Natalie Stamilla, has finally been confirmed for the Rugby World Cup's base.
Wales are slow and cumbersome
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
Robert Jones has aimed a no-holds barred broadside at Wales and urged Warren Gatland to come up with new tactics or risk World Cup humiliation. The Western Mail's Andy Howell reports.
"But Jones warned that unless Gatland bins the structured approach he insists upon adopting, Wales will continue to under-achieve after their bleak fourth place finish in the Six Nations.
Blair quits pro rugby for teaching
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
The Scotsman's David Ferguson talks to Edinburgh's David Blair following his decision to quit the pro game.
"It is easy to state that Blair simply did not cut it in pro rugby, and few Edinburgh supporters may curse his departure, hoping, of course, that a better stand-off takes his place. But Blair is not the only one wondering "what if". What if he had not been cruelly kneed in the back after just taking over from Sale's injured fly-half Charlie Hodgson four years ago, and enjoyed a lengthy run in the hard school of the English Premiership?
200 not out for Terblanche
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/07/2011
Sport24 reports that Stefan Terblanche is set to become the first player in the history of Sharks and Natal rugby to represent his province in 200 games.
"Since making his debut in South African rugby for Boland in 1994, the man who hails from Swellendam has played an incredible 400 first class games.
April 6, 2011
Contingency plan
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/06/2011
Paul O'Connell's latest injury setback is deeply worrying for Ireland's World Cup aspirations, so what are the options if the unthinkable happens and Declan Kidney's forward colossus is ruled out? Hugh Farrelly of the Irish Independent looks at the alternatives.
"When Paul O'Connell was being helped off the pitch after 46 minutes of Munster's pulsating victory over Leinster last weekend, the cameras cut to the crowd and those pictures carried their own narrative.
April 5, 2011
The big one
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/05/2011
Tony Ward argues that Munster v Leinster is now the biggest club fixture of them all in The Irish Independent.
"The clock was turned back at Thomond Park on Saturday night as Munster and Leinster produced a match of passion in what is now the biggest club fixture in world rugby.
Tribalism and colour
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/05/2011
Mick Cleary digs out the differences between the Heineken Cup and Super Rugby one last time in The Daily Telegraph.
"Super rugby is sport as entertainment, a high-tempo exhibition of skill played out before a predominantly home-grown audience. Heineken Cup rugby in the knockout stages is a different experience: the seething, raucous backdrop is invariably an element in the drama of the day. Confronting the opposition is the prime task. But taking on the crowd is very much part of the challenge, too.
Rugby's lesson for football
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/05/2011
Robert Kitson previews the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and comes over all misty-eyed in The Guardian.
"If there was ever a week to persuade neutrals that rugby union is a more satisfying sport than football this is it. The Heineken Cup quarter-finals will spread the gospel to previously uncharted territory from Barcelona to Milton Keynes, offering as vibrant and enthralling a spectacle as European rugby can deliver. Even the Six Nations, in all its traditional glory, cannot provide quite the same kaleidescopic range of backdrops.
April 4, 2011
A clash of styles
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/04/2011
Wynne Gray ponders the respective World Cup styles of the All Blacks and Springboks after the Bulls' win over the Hurricanes in The New Zealand Herald.
"Fast forward to October. The All Blacks want to play a fast-paced, ball-in-hand style of rugby at the World Cup.
Try this for size
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/04/2011
Greg Growden brings up the idea of widening the field in order to increase the number of tries scored in The Sydney Morning Herald.
"When Manly rugby league coach Des Hasler last week suggested extending the size of the field as a way to cut down injuries, some thought he had misread his calendar and believed it was April Fools' Day. But Hasler was serious, explaining that by widening the field, ''there is more space to run into so the hits are less''.
The big one
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/04/2011
David Kelly examines the wreckage after Munster's supercharged Magners League win over Leinster in The Irish Independent.
"Something for everyone in a Thomond theatre charged with electricity. The Magners League's superlative clash thus far allowed Munster to exorcise some pressing local issues of concern, while also enabling them to set their sights on foreign fields with renewed confidence.
A different type of contest
Posted by Huw Baines on 04/04/2011
Brian Moore offers his thoughts on the difference between Super Rugby and Test matches in The Daily Telegraph.
"It is correct that the game was one of the best examples recently seen at Twickenham of teams, particularly the Crusaders, giving an exhibition of running rugby, sleight of hand and the basics of running and support play. However, the automatic assertion that this is how the Tri-Nations teams play is wrong and any proper and disinterested comparison of the facts shows this.
April 3, 2011
Feeling the heat
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/03/2011
Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul analyses which current All Blacks are most at risk of missing out on inclusion in the squad for this year's World Cup.
"There is a special kind of agony felt by those who get so close. The pain of being an All Black regular, a virtual World Cup certainty, then coming up short carries an element of humiliation. To be dumped two years out hurts. To be dumped two weeks out hurts much more.
Leicester's and Leinster's Heineken meeting is a delicious prospect
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/03/2011
Eddie Butler of The Guardian looks ahead to Leinster's mouth-watering Heineken Cup showdown with the Leicester Tigers.
"It is certain that neither Leinster nor Leicester will have lingered for a second longer than it takes to utter a brief phrase of praise or consolation to their international players in the wake of what happened on the final Saturday of the Six Nations, when Ireland upset England's grand slam pretensions and there began a public inquiry into what this meant for victor and loser with regard to the World Cup. For in Dublin and at Welford Road province and club had to get on with the business of completing the remaining weeks of the season.
Nick hits wall but proves he is Rock hard
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/03/2011
In his regular column in The Independent David Flatman salutes the bravery of Bath fullback Nick Abendanon in last weekend's clash with Leicester Tigers.
"Now, just for the benefit of those who did not see Bath's match against Leicester last week, Nick was smashed more times than I have ever seen anyone smashed in one game before. And what makes it even worse is that the blokes smashing him seemed invariably to be called Tuilagi. When the younger brother, Manu, hit Nick for the first time, the whole game stopped; we expected the grim reaper to appear in his cloak and offer to take him home. But no, Nick popped up right as rain and got on with it. Then again. And again.
In a business you don't dread anything if you plan properly
Posted by Mark Doyle on 04/03/2011
After writing a controversial article on the state of Munster rugby in January, Brendan Fanning of the Sunday Independent decides to talk to chief executive Garett Fitzgerald to see where the province is headed.
"BF: There is a perception - perhaps outside Munster - that the organisation got lazy in the good times and are not equipped for a downturn. Is this fair?
April 2, 2011
Rugby is no laughing matter
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
Colourful Harlequins prop Joe Marler insists rugby is no laughing matter - he talks to The Guardian's Rob Kitson.
"When people meet Joe Marler they generally form an opinion before they shake his hand. With his salmon-pink mohawk resting on a slab of cranial granite, he does not exactly blend into the background. The big prop is too young to remember Mad Max 2, the Australian road warrior movie released 30 years ago, but he is a dead ringer for Wez, the mad leather-clad biker intent on slaughtering Mel Gibson.
Schmidt's troops can hit Munster for six
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly previews the Magners League showdown between Irish rivals Munster and Leinster.
"Tonight's task is followed swiftly by their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leicester and then another tricky game against Ulster. If those results go against Joe Schmidt's side, they could suddenly find themselves out of Europe and under severe pressure to secure a league play-off.
Why Adam Ashley-Cooper left the Brumbies
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
The Sydney Morning Herald's Chris Dutton reveals why Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper swapped the Brumbies for the Waratahs.
"Matt Giteau reckons the changes in Adam Ashley-Cooper are as simple as the clothes he wears and ''that strange fringe he's growing''.
Atwood looking to England
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
Disgraced Dave Attwood hopes England will still come calling after ban for stamping - the Daily Telegraph reports.
"Attwood has had plenty on which to reflect, notably the fallout from a stamping incident in December against La Rochelle that led to a nine-week suspension.
Pro teams need more clout
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
Ahead of the forthcoming performance review to be conducted by Scottish Rugby, The Scotsman's Allan Massie offers his views on where things are going wrong at an international and club level.
"Edinburgh and Glasgow need to be bolstered by the recruitment of a couple of battle-hardened players each from the southern hemisphere. All their rivals have such players. Ulster's Springbok star Rudi Pienaar beat Glasgow almost by himself last week. The time when Edinburgh came closest to matching the best was when they had Todd Blackadder and Brendan Laney in their team. Somehow the SRU must find the cash to secure comparable recruits. Aren't there businesses or rich individuals who might be ready to pay for them?
Super 15 dynamos raise the bar
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/02/2011
Writing in The Independent, Brian Ashton reflects on the impression left by the recent Super Rugby clash at Twickenham.
"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Where do the die-hard critics of Super 15 rugby go now, following the fast-flowing splendour of the Crusaders-Sharks game at Twickenham last Sunday? I spent some time at the annual National Schools Sevens tournament this week and bumped into no end of people – from Joe Public on the one hand to international coaches and players on the other – who had been blown away by the standard of play produced by Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and the rest of the southern hemisphere cast.
April 1, 2011
Slade starts push for World Cup place
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever reports as All Blacks hopeful Colin Slade prepares for his season bow.
"The Highlanders meet the Brumbies in Invercargill in a match between two franchises seemingly headed in different directions.
Still a huge amount to play for
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
This season will be registered as a disappointing one because Munster were knocked out of the Heineken Cup. That's the reality, as Anthony Foley tells the Irish Times Anthony Foley.
"While it must be difficult for the Munster fans to get their heads around not being in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1998, making almost everything else this season seem a little anticlimactic, they still have a huge amount to play for.
Scottish failure not down to funding - McKie
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports as Scottish Rugby announce a performance review - the first since 2007.
"Gordon McKie turned the spotlight firmly on the merits of professional rugby in Scotland yesterday, and insisted that he could only guarantee the future of Edinburgh and Glasgow up to 2014 unless changes resulted in success.
Joost's back... or is he?
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
Sport24's Rob Houwing reports as former Springbok scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen makes a TV comeback following a much-publicised sex-tap scandal.
"The former Springbok scrum-half and (mostly Afrikaans-language) television rugby commentator and pundit got the boot from the Randburg-based organisation in 2009 after being at the centre of a "sex tape" scandal. He had been a long-time studio sidekick on the SuperRugby chat show to anchor Kobus Wiese, a colleague in the 1995 World Cup-winning Bok team.
Wilhongi ban criticised as 'wholly unacceptable'
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
The Independent's Chris Hewett reflects on the four-month ban handed to Sale prop Karena Wilhongi after failing a drugs test.
"At the beginning of the year, two Springboks – the wing Bjorn Basson and the hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle – were exonerated by a South African Rugby Union panel after testing positive for precisely the same substance. Indeed, the SARU chief executive, Jurie Roux, apologised to the players. "The banned stimulant was in a supplement given to the players in the warm-up before the Test against Ireland," he said at the time. "The product had been used by the Springboks before, without any adverse analytical findings. No responsibility attaches to the players."
Relegation no longer a devastating blow
Posted by Graham Jenkins on 04/01/2011
Writing in The Guardian, Wasps coach Shaun Edwards believes that relegation from the Premiership is no longer the crushing blow it may have been in the past.
"Once upon a time there were sceptics (and I may have been among them) who wondered about the wisdom of promotion and relegation. Those sceptics thought the thrills and spills of sides coming up to the Premiership or leaving it might have been more than offset by the harm such turmoil did to the foundations of professional rugby in England. It was easy to argue that without guarantees of long-term survival, clubs found it hard to build business plans to take to their backers or their bankers, along with plans to refurbish their old ground or build a new one.


text:
We all know by now that drinking and driving don't mix. But let us examine this issue further: when a person drinks then chooses to drive; a bad decision may go from a loss of license and a monetary fine to a catastrophic event which will change your life.
So during this season of merriment, keep your wits about you — have a designated driver.
Listed below are the current penalties and fines for driving under the influence in the State of New Jersey.
If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or greater; you are driving while intoxicated.
The only scientific way to determine whether a driver is under the influence is through blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Your BAC can be tested with a state-certified breath test.
Being convicted of a DWI is a serious offense. In this instance, consulting with an attorney is a good idea, because the penalties are mandatory and quite severe.
The penalties for driving while intoxicated include fines, fees, surcharges, jail time and community service.
For example, if your drug related DWI is greater than 0.08 percent but less than 0.10 percent, you could face a three-month loss of license, a fine of $250- to $400, up to 30 days in prison and 12 to 48 hours of community service.
If your blood alcohol level is greater than 0. 10 percent, license loss is now seven months to a year.
And that is not the worst of it. What if a fatality also occurs?
An event of this nature changes not only your life, but that of your family and the family who has just lost their loved one.
There are also other related offenses to be aware of.
(1). Driving with an open container in a vehicle results in a fine of $200 as a first offense and $250 as a second offense.
(2). Driving with a DWI suspension results in an additional loss of license for one to two years, a $500 fine with a $250 per year surcharge for three years, and a prison term from 10 to 90 days.
(3). Driving while possessing drugs includes a two-year loss of license with a minimum $450 fine.
Next week, YLC addresses hosting a holiday party — know your responsibilities regarding alcohol consumption and distribution at the event.
Submit your questions to Victoria M. Dalton Esquire, of Hoffman DiMuzio, by mail at 4270 Route 42, Turnersville, NJ, 08012; by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone at (856) 637-3000.


text:
A shitty place that has nothing fun to do in it.
Man that town was a Berkeley Springs times two.
by JMang August 09, 2006
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
Top Definition
A shit hole town where you can only do drugs or sports. Nothing goes on in Berkeley Springs and everyone seems to know everything
"Hey want to go to Berkeley Springs today?" "I'd rather lick your asshole"
by ShitFuckTits7 January 21, 2012