Studs On The 22

Heineken Cup: Race for the Quarter-Finals

2011-01-21T12:03:00.001Z

This weekend sees the final round of the Heineken Cup pool stages and with several pools wide open it looks sets to be a cracker. Northampton, Toulon and Toulouse have already booked their places in the quarter-finals but who will join them?

Leinster face a tough trip to Paris to take on Racing Metro 92 in pool two but the Irish province sit five points ahead of chasing Clermont and look set to qualify. Elsewhere, pool three is done and dusted with Munster and the Ospreys out of the running for the knock-out stages thanks to their defeats last weekend.

Toulon marchons from that group and are likely to be joined by last season’s losing finalists Biarritz from pool four. However, Ulster are locked on 17 points with the French side and will be praying Bath will do them a favour and beat their gallic counterparts to hand the Irish province a home quarter-final. Ulster will be eyeing a bonus point win at Aironi to secure passage to the last eight for the first time since they won the competition in 1998/99.

Pool five is the tightest pool to call, with Perpignan and Leicester locked on 17 points and the Scarlets just two points behind. After coming out on top in their tricky trip to West Wales, Leicester fans will have let out a huge sigh of relief, knowing that a home game against Benetton Treviso is all that stands between them and the knock-out stages. But can the Scarlets bounce back from last weekend’s xx trouncing to beat Perpignan in their own back yard and cause the upset of the round? It would be great for Welsh rugby but sadly I can’t see them sneaking a win at the Stade Aimé Giral.

Finally in pool six, reigning champions Toulouse have oozed class and progress to the quart-finals with five wins from five having done just enough in every game. They face second place Wasps at home who are effectively out of the running for one of the two runners up spots thanks to their defeat by Glasgow in the last round.

But who do you think will win this weekend and join the Saints, Toulon and Toulouse in the last eight? Here are my predictions, but as always please feel free to discuss and add yours in the comments below.

Racing Metro 92 v Leinster - Leinster by 9.
Saracens v Clermont Auvergne – Clermont by 7.
Aironi Rugby v Ulster – Ulster by 22.
Biarritz v Bath – Biarritz by 12.
Castres v Northampton – Northampton by 9.
Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues – Cardiff by 6.
Munster v London Irish – Munster by 7.
Ospreys v Toulon – Ospreys by 4.
Leicester v Benetton Treviso – Leicester by 30.
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Glasgow – Dragons by 8.
Perpignan v Scarlets – Perpignan by 12.
Wasps v Toulouse – Toulouse by 6.

If you're on Twitter you can follow me @Bamberio.

Heineken Cup Round 5: Previews and Predictions

2011-01-13T22:53:00.000Z

It's another huge weekend of Heineken Cup rugby with quarter-final places well and truly up for grabs. As ever, here are my previews of the key games and predictions for the rest.

Toulon v Munster

This is a do-or-die game for Munster who are on the verge of missing out on the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. If Toulon win they will top the pool which would deny Munster a straight passage into the last eight for the 13th consecutive season. Therefore it’s not overstating it when I say there is massive pressure on the visitors but Munster will take heart from last season’s trip to Perpignan. Their 37-14 win in the south of France shows what the men from Limerick can do when their backs are against the wall. Paul O’Connell is available for selection after serving his four-week ban for a flailing arm/face slap and could make his first start in nearly a year. If Munster are to come away from the Stade Mayol with a win the key area they need to tighten up on is discipline. They must reduce the number of penalties they give away and read how the referee is policing the breakdown and adapt their game accordingly. If they fail to do this and a certain Mr Jonny Wilkinson is wearing Toulon’s number 10 shirt they will be punished by multiples of three points all afternoon. Will the sum of Munster’s parts and wily ways be stronger than the superstars of big spending Toulon? It’s time for le crunch.

My prediction: It’s a really tough one to call. Munster always seem to pull it out of the bag when it matters the most so I’m going for Munster by 7.

Ulster v Biarritz

Ulster haven’t qualified for the last eight since they won the Heineken Cup in 1999. If Biarritz come out on top at Ravenhill the French side will top the pool making this another winner takes it all game. Stuart Barnes claimed this match is the biggest game for Ulster this century and I don’t think he is wrong. The home side claimed back-to-back wins over Bath in the previous two rounds to stamp their authority on this pool. However, Biarritz have won four of their last six away games to shatter the much peddled line that French teams are useless on the road. They also notched up an impressive 65-22 win over Agen last weekend. So will Ulster go into this game as favourites? Back-row Stephen Ferris is one of the key men for the Irish province with his pace from the base of the scrum. Half-backs Ian Humphreys and Ruan Pienaar will also have pivotal roles and have been a sensational combination for Ulster this season. However, this week they will once again face the guile, genius and amazing kicking game of scrum-half Dimitri Yachvilli. Clash of the day will no doubt be South African Pienaar versus the diminutive Frenchman.

My prediction: I’m not enjoying making my predictions this week. I would flip a coin to decide but it would probably land on its edge. I’m going to say Ulster by 4.

Scarlets v Leicester

Last weekend, Leicester reasserted their position of the top of the Aviva Premiership with a 27-16 win over Northampton Saints. The Scarlets are also in good shape and are currently second in the Magners league. When the West Walians travelled to Welford Road earlier in this competition, the ever hospitable Tigers served up a 46-10 thumping, running their visitors ragged in a six-try hammering. However, there is a certain hoodoo hanging over this game from a Leicester perspective: If the Scarlets win on Saturday they will knock Leicester out of the Heineken Cup at the pool stages for the second year in a row. Tigers fans, are you nervous? The West Walians have been playing well in the Heineken Cup this season, topping their pool after the first four rounds and scoring some sublime tries. However, they will need to combine their brand of attractive, expansive rugby with a hard, physical edge if they are to beat the Tigers and stack the odds in their favour of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time in four years. Can Leicester be as good away from their fortress in the East Midlands?

My prediction: Leicester have hit their stride but the Scarlets are playing some scintillating rugby. I’m going to stick my neck out and say Scarlets by 8.

Glasgow v London Wasps

Wasps are two points behind reigning champions Toulouse in Pool 6 and are gunning for qualification. However, a defeat for the Londoners means Toulouse will top the pool ahead of their trip to Adams Park, making this a must win game for Wasps if they want to keep their dreams of qualification alive. Can the Aviva Premiership side put away one of arguably the weaker teams in the Magners league this weekend? In the 17-10 loss to Quins seven days ago, Wasps had the lion’s share of the possession in the second-half but failed to convert it into points. It was a massive cause for concern for coach Shaun Edwards and as a result Dave Walder has to start in order to give Wasps their best possible chance of winning this crucial clash. Back-row forward Andy Powell has won much deserved praise for his performances in the past couple of weeks and if Wasps can shore up their scrum then the scintillating pace of scrum-half Joe Simpson, a new call up to England’s EPS squad, will rip Glasgow to shreds.

My prediction: I realise I’ve not mentioned Glasgow at all in the preview of this game – for good reason. I think Wasps will win this one easily. Wasps by 15.

Here are my predictions for the rest:

Cardiff Blues v Castres – Cardiff by 12.

Clermont Auvergne v Racing Metro 92 – Clermont by 6.

Northampton v Edinburgh – Northampton by 14.

Bath v Aironi Rugby – Bath by 16.

Benetton Treviso v Perpignan – Perpignan by 22.

Leinster v Saracens – Leinster by 6.

Toulouse v Newport-Gwent Dragons – Toulouse by 19.

London Irish v Ospreys – Ospreys by 7.

Aviva Premiership Round 13: Previews and Predictions

2011-01-07T09:00:00.001Z

Unlucky for some, it's round 13 of the Aviva Premiership. Yes, this means we are now halfway through the season but there are still plenty of league points up for grabs. This weekend sees a huge clash between leaders Leicester and local rivals Northampton, while elsewhere Leeds look to string together consecutive league wins after opening their winning account on New Year's Day.

Here are my previews and predictions:

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints

Undoubtedly the biggest clash of the weekend is between East Midlands rivals Leicester and Northampton. The Tigers climbed to the top of the Aviva Premiership last Sunday thanks to their win over Exeter, replacing the Saints who had been in pole position since round eight. The last six matches between these two sides have all been won by the home side on the day, including the 27-19 victory by Northampton at Franklin's Gardens in round one. Despite a slow start to the season and being plagued by injuries the Tigers have lost only one of their last seven matches in all competitions. Richard Cockerill’s men seem to be hitting their stride, both in Europe and in the Premiership. Last weekend the Saints slipped up at home to Harlequins but have not lost successive games since April. Add to this the fact they are unbeaten in their last five away games in all competitions and Northampton are in relatively good shape to do their first league double over the Tigers since 2003/04. I’m looking forward to an absolutely epic clash up front between arguably the two best front fives in the league. Throw in a couple of Tuilagi brothers and the magic of Chris Ashton and this game looks set to be a corker.

My prediction: I really have no idea. My heart says Northampton but my head says the championship winning mentality of the Tigers will win through. Leicester by 3.

Saracens v London Irish

For me, one of the highlights of round 12 was watching old man Mark Cueto dazzle a flailing Gavin Henson and crash over for a try. Welcome back, Gav. It pretty much summed things up at Saracens at the moment: showing great promise but not quite living up to it. Sarries’ league form has been patchy in the last few rounds. The 28-22 reversal at the hands of Sale means they have claimed three wins and three losses from their last six Premiership fixtures. However, that is nothing when you look at London Irish. The Exiles don’t do things by halves and look to have gone one step further from the end of last season when their form faded away like the popularity of an X-Factor winner. (Remember Leon Jackson? No, me neither). Irish’s form has plummeted off the edge of a cliff over recent weeks, having lost nine games in a row. The sight of head coach Toby Booth sitting with his head in his hands after Olly Barkley snatched a one point win last weekend said it all. London Irish have slipped from the top of the league table in round seven to now sit in fifth place, picking up just one league point in their last five matches. Look away Exiles fans, but this is your poorest run in the league since 1997/98.

My prediction: Saracens by 6.

Bath v Leeds Carnegie

Bath ended their five game losing run last weekend thanks in part to the goal kicking of Olly Barkley. The cool as a cucumber centre slotted a last-gasp penalty to help Bath nick a win over out of form London Irish. The smile on coach Steve Meehan’s face was a treat, but the man whose smile was beaming much more brightly (albeit behind closed doors) was Leeds coach Neil Back. New Year’s Day proved to be a fresh start for the Yorkshire side who are currently super-glued to the bottom of the Aviva Premiership table. Carnegie outmuscled Gloucester 15-13 to record their first league win of the season and their third consecutive win in all competitions. In Leeds terms, that is form. However, Back’s men haven’t won at the Rec for five years and Bath have beaten Leeds on their last six meetings. Saying that, Bath are hardly a team in a run of form despite Bruce Craig’s millions. Arguably there isn’t a better time for Carnegie to engineer a smash and grab job on their ninth placed hosts and come away with four points.

My prediction: A win for either of these teams could set the tone for a much needed revival. A great deal depends on the weather – if it stays dry and Bath’s backline is given the chance to shine then I think Leeds will come unstuck. Bath by 9.

Harlequins v Wasps

Harlequins pulled off the shock of round 12 when they defeated Northampton at Franklins Gardens. In doing so they became the first team to beat the Saints in their own back yard this season. Quins have now won their last four games in all competitions and their form at the Stoop is good. The last time they lost there was on 11 September, ironically to the Saints. A win over their London rivals Wasps would be another massive boost for Conor O’Shea’s men having not triumphed over their close rivals in more than two years. When these two sides met in round one the score was deadlocked on 29-all and Quins will see this weekend as a great chance to go one better. However, despite the cold weather the Wasps have stirred to life and have only lost one of their last eight games in all competitions. Sadly this was in the not too distant past in the infinitely forgettable 13-6 defeat by Saracens at Wembley on Boxing Day.

My prediction: Fly-half Nick Evans is in great form for Quins and with home advantage and a massive confidence boost from beating the Saints, I think it will be Harlequins by 9.

Gloucester v Exeter Chiefs

Exeter started their first season in the Premiership with a shock 22-10 win over the cherry and whites in round one when the two teams met at Sandy Park. The history books reveal that the Chiefs are winless at Kingsholm in their two previous visits but much has changed since their last loss there in 2002. Gloucester will be smarting from their defeat by basement boys Leeds last weekend and if they lose to Exeter they will have lost three in a row for the first time since November 2009. However, Gloucester are unbeaten in the league at home since October that year when Wasps were the visitors. Exeter’s form might have slipped from the opening few rounds but they have still managed to take at least one league point from six of their last seven matches.

My prediction: Gloucester will be desperate to stop the rot and in front of the Shed I think they will do just that. Gloucester by 7.

Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks

Strugglers Sale marked the departure of head coach Mike Brewer with a shock 28-22 win over Saracens last Sunday. That result, along with a win for Leeds means the Falcons - who have won just one of their last eight league games - must be glancing nervously over their shoulders. The Sharks won 35-18 when the two teams met in round one and are going for a first ever league double over the Falcons. However, Newcastle have won their last three home games in all competitions with their crucial clash against fellow relegation candidates Leeds called off over the festive period. If Sale can win at Kingston Park it will be quite an achievement – last year they only recorded one league win on the road.

My prediction: It’s a tricky one to call but I think Sale might edge this to heap more misery on Newcastle. Sale by 7.

Superstition Ain't The Way...

2011-01-05T16:53:00.000Z

I hate you Stevie Wonder

Happy New Year!

I know, I know, it’s five days late. Well, it’s taken me that long to recover. No, not from stuffing my face like a fat kid over Christmas or overindulging in one too many shots of sambuca on New Year’s Eve (ouch my head). The reason why I’ve not posted sooner is because I have simultaneously been singing from the roof tops but then stopping to shake my head and think about what I have done. You see, on 1 January, Leeds Carnegie achieved something they’ve been as desperate for as Sam Allardyce waiting for a call from Italy. Neil Back’s men banished the winter blues by sealing their first Aviva Premiership win of the season by beating Gloucester 15-13. Great eh? For me, as a huge Leeds fan, it was brilliant. The best start to the year I could have hoped for. Carnegie were fresh from back-to-back wins in the Amlin Cup after their Boxing Day clash with relegation rivals Newcastle was called off and boy did it show.

Except I wasn’t at Headingley to witness by beloved team notch up their first league win of the season. Instead I was sitting in the back of a Volkswagen Touran speeding along the M62. Not exactly how I saw that one going in my head if I'm honest. You see, I was on my way home from celebrating New Year’s Eve in Preston with my friends. I know, Preston. Hardly glamour central of the world and a bit of a random choice, but we went to a comedy club and it was all fine until that journey home. Why? I wasn’t hungover, none of use were. There was no chundering out of the window or grimacing about the previous night's antics as we had all been very well behaved. It’s because I was missing the game. Following the score and updates on Twitter just isn’t the same, especially when it’s accompanied by the sound of your friends singing ‘Crazy for You’ by Let Loose at the top of their voices.

As we sped past Huddersfield I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I’d picked Leeds to win by three points but it was more in hope than with belief. Gloucester were enjoying a run of good form in the league and in Europe so surely it couldn’t be? Well, Twitter was telling me it might, as the score poised on a tantalising 10-10 at half-time.

Now not one to throw a tantrum about missing the game I quietly sat in the back of the car. After some speedy driving my friend dropped me off home at 2pm. Kick-off had been at one so I knew if I rushed I might just make it to catch the end of the match. I jumped in the car knowing I faced a race against time. So why did I bother? I could have just watched the highlights with smiley-faced rugby-novice Craig Doyle on ITV4 later on that night. Not an option. You see, it’s one of my superstitions of supporting a team. Call me weird if you like, but I have two big match-day superstitions. I can’t go to a game wearing something I’ve bought after the start of the season as it brings bad luck. I did it once to a Leeds Rhinos game and they lost. I accidentally did it again the following week and they lost again. Facing the wrath of my then boyfriend and the mounting coincidence it quickly became a superstition I hold to this day. The Rhinos won every other live game I watched that season.

The only other superstition I have is if my team has been on a run of bad form but win when I’ve not been watching them I can’t go to another game until they lose. That is why I’ve been totally over the moon that Leeds claimed their first league win but totally bummed out at the same time. Being a good fan, I want my team to win all of their remaining games and climb to mid-table mediocrity. Being a season ticket holder, this is annoying. However, this is Leeds I’m talking about and the next home game in the league is Leicester Tigers. Chances of them winning that game? Low. Chances of them winning if I don’t go….?

Damn you superstition.

Heineken Cup Round 4: Previews and Predictions

2010-12-17T12:31:00.001Z

Round four sees the return legs of last weekend’s Heineken Cup fixtures. Depending on the results in certain pools, some sides could nail-on their progression to the knock out stages while others will fall by the wayside.

But what lessons will each team take from the games a week ago? Will we see different sides triumph or will it be more of the same from round three? Here are my previews and predictions.

Leinster v Clermont

Last Sunday, Leinster came away from Parc des Marcel Michelin with a losing bonus point in the 20-13 defeat by Clermont – a great effort when you consider their injury list. Sean O’Brien stood out in the back-row with 38 carries, repeatedly breaking the gain line and putting in tackle after ferocious tackle. The physicality of Isaac Boss at scrum-half helped to neutralise the threat of opposite number Morgan Parra around the fringes of the scrum, and Leinster fly-half Jonny Sexton was once again impressive at 10. The stand-off was key in creating Shane Horgan’s try and kicked his goals well. On the downside, Leinster did give away two tries due to missed tackles with Julien Malzieu, Anthony Floch and Aurélien Rougerie again showing they are an immense force in the Clermont backline. On paper, Clermont should beat Leinster again but away from France they are vulnerable. Will Brock James crumble under the pressure of returning to Ireland? The fly-half threw away 26 points in last year’s quarter-final at the RDS. However, this game takes places at the brand spanking new Aviva stadium so maybe he won’t have to wrestle with those particular demons on Saturday. Sadly for the home crowd there are question marks over the fitness of Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald are still ruled out.

My prediction: It’s boring but it’s true: French teams sometimes forget to turn up when they’re away from home. Leinster by 6.

Bath v Ulster

Ulster beat Bath 22-18 last Saturday at Ravenhill in a game that seesawed right until the final minute. The Magners league side is in a rich vein of form in Europe, having won all but one of their last five Heineken Cup games. They currently lie second in their pool, two points behind Biarritz. Brian McLaughlin’s men now have an excellent shout of qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the trophy in 1999. The fact that the Irish province have won all three of their previous meetings with Bath and are the form team away from home in the Magners league spells trouble for Steve Meehan’s men. However, Aironi’s shock win over Biarritz means progression from pool four is still up for grabs for both of these teams. Ruan Pienaar, Johann Muller, Stephen Ferris, Iain Humphreys and Andrew Trimble all impressed for Ulster last week. Can they lead Ulster to a double over a tepid Bath side who have won just one of their last six Heineken Cup games?

My prediction: Bath will need to step up and find another level of intensity to beat the in-form Ulster and I think they will find this at home. Bath by 5.

Toulon v London Irish

Toulon are the only side in their pool to get an away win, and if the Ospreys can beat Munster at the Liberty Stadium then Philippe Saint-André’s men will go top of pool 2. Last weekend the boot of Jonny Wilkinson kicked Toulon to a 19-13 win at the Madejski and London Irish boss Toby Booth has called the rematch a ‘do or die’ game for the Exiles’ Heineken Cup hopes. Toulon are a team packed full of superstars but last weekend the front row shone on a chilly day in Reading, with flanker Joe van Niekerk also putting in a great performance. The Exiles’ form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks and they are currently bottom of their pool. Toulon, on the other hand, have won three games in a row and look to be hitting their stride. However, a win in France would catapult London Irish into second spot if Munster do the double over the Ospreys.

My prediction: The Exiles fell short at home and I can’t see them overturning Toulon in the south of France. Toulon by 9.

Leicester v Perpignan

Perpignan battered Leicester up front in the scrum last Saturday but the French side are an entirely different proposition away from home. Confidence is key to their performance and whilst they will come to Welford Road buoyed by last week’s win they will face a much sterner test. Leicester have a real winning mentality at home and Perpignan’s cause won’t be helped by the fact that full-back Jerome Porical is out after he rediscovered his form last weekend. Leicester Tigers never say die, and this determination saw them sneak a losing bonus point last week – something which could be crucial when the pool stages reach their conclusion. Richard Cockerill’s men still head up pool five on 11 points, but both Perpignan and the Scarlets are breathing down their neck on 10 points each. Only a bonus point win and denying Perpignan any points will be good enough for the home fans.

My prediction: Last weekend’s game was close with Perpignan edging out Leicester by 5. This week I think Leicester will get the win by the same margin. Tigers by 5.

Here are the rest of my predictions:

Biarritz v Aironi Rugby: Biarritz by 25.

Racing Metro 92 v Saracens: Racing by 9.

Benetton Treviso v Scarlets: Scarlets by 33.

Ospreys v Munster: Ospreys by 4.

Toulouse v Glasgow: Toulouse by 26.

Cardiff Blues v Northampton: Northampton by 5.

Edinburgh v Castres: Edinburgh by 3.

Wasps v Newport-Gwent Dragons: Wasps by 9.

Heineken Cup Round 3: Previews and Predictions

2010-12-10T11:36:00.003Z

The Heineken Cup rolls into town this weekend to provide an early festive feast of rugby. I’ve picked out the key games for the previews but you can find the rest of my predictions below. In Pool One, Northampton hope to make it three wins from three against Cardiff Blues, while Pool Two sees Leinster travel to Clermont, the French side hoping to exact revenge after last year’s quarter final defeat at the RDS. Munster host the Ospreys in Pool three’s big clash and the final game I’ve chosen to focus on is Leicester’s trip to Perpignan – both huge games between the top teams in their respective pools. As always, please let me know what you think in the comments.

Northampton v Cardiff Blues

Northampton are almost unbeatable at the moment. I say almost as the only game they have lost this season was a league game at the hands of Saracens. The Saints are now on a run of nine unbeaten games in all competitions, which would probably have been 10 had their match against Leeds not been called off last weekend. Northampton nearly tripped up against Castres in the Cup in round one but now the Frankins Gardens based club looks like a much more organised and well-oiled machine. Prop Soane Tonga’uiha is joint top try-scorer in the league, and along with Dylan Hartley and Brian Mujati, the Saints front row is a dynamic, ball carrying unit that dominates at the set-piece. We all know what the Saints’ backline is capable of, even without England boys Ben Foden and Chris Ashton. This is a massive worry for Blues boss Dai Young, who will be without Wales centre Jamie Roberts, Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny, full-back Ben Blair, lock Deniol Jones and prop Rhys Thomas. It’s an extensive injury list but Cardiff will be boosted by the return of the seemingly never aging flanker, Martyn Williams and John Yapp from Barbarians duty. The visitors also have key man Xavier Rush at number eight, and along with Casey Laulala at centre Northampton could have a few problems – but probably not enough to derail them.

My prediction: It’s a brave man or woman who bets against the Saints at the moment, especially at home. Northampton to win by 12.

Clermont v Leinster

Who can forget last year’s quarter final between these two sides at the RDS? Clermont fly-half Brock James imploded and missed kick after kick after kick to let Leinster progress to the semi-finals. Clermont’s away form has been poor this season but they are fantastic at their home ground, Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin. Defensively Clermont are aggressive and they beat Top 14 leaders Toulouse 32-25 last weekend. ‘Petit Generale’ Morgan Parra will be the key man for the home side, especially now he has taken the pressure away from Brock James in the goal kicking department. Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip will need to neutralise the sniping scrum-half, and without Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald, and a big doubt over the fitness of Brian O’Driscoll, Leinster will be pleased to come away with a losing bonus point. As an interesting sideshow, this game has the extra frisson of seeing Leinster coach Joe Schmidt return to the club he left last season after a stay of three years.

My prediction: Both of these sides lie seventh in their respective leagues and this game will be a fascinating rematch after last year’s tense quarter-final. However, away from home and with injury issues, I think Clermont will come out on top by 9 points.

Munster v Ospreys

This is certainly one of the biggest fixtures of the round. The Ospreys travel to Thomond Park in search of their first Heineken Cup win over two time Cup winners Munster. The Welsh club have beaten the Irish province there in the league on the way to the title last season, and if they are to win this weekend they must take the wily Munster forwards on at the breakdown. Paul O’Connell looks set to make his comeback for the home side after missing most of 2010 - a massive boost for Munster at this crucial point in the season. However, things aren’t quite as rosy for the Ospreys. Full-back Lee Byrne is ruled out with a broken thumb after he kind of forgot to get it checked out not once, but twice. Shane Williams is also sidelined with a shoulder injury while back-row forward Marty Holah serves a one match ban. Last week, Munster beat Cardiff Blues 15-9 in the league to stay in top spot while the Ospreys beat Edinburgh in a convincing 33-16 performance at the Liberty Stadium.

My prediction: This is first plays second in Pool three and a win for either side would put them in a strong position to qualify. Can the Ospreys break the Heineken Cup hoodoo at Thomond Park? I don’t think so. Munster by 8.

Perpignan v Leicester

A win in Perpignan would show that Leicester are really starting to fire. The Tigers won their first league game away from home last weekend when they beat then second place London Irish 23-14 at the Madejski. It was the perfect preparation for Richard Cockerill’s men ahead of their trip to the south of France, leapfrogging the Exiles into second place in the Aviva Premiership and reminding themselves they can win on the road. Perpignan are a lowly 10th in the French Top 14 and lost 23-13 last week away at Castres. However, the Stade Aimé Giral is an intimidating place to go and the Tigers will need to be at full strength to wrestle any points from the Catalonian bear pit. England fly-half Toby Flood is fit and will play alongside Ben Youngs at half-back. But the big threat can be found in the forwards as the home side have an impressive pack. Leicester will need to match Nicholas Mas and chums at the set piece but looking at the way they demolished London Irish’s scrum last week, including being awarded a penalty try, they could be in good shape. However, watch out - Perpignan number eight, Henry Tuilagi, will be exerting massive force in the back row and looking to get one over his brothers Alesana and Manu.

My prediction: Travelling such a long way is tough and Perpignan will be a real test for the Tigers. However, I think Leicester might just nick this one and all but seal their progression from the pool stages. Leicester by 3.

And here's my predictions for the rest:

Glasgow v Toulouse – Toulouse by 5.

Aironi Rugby v Biarritz – Biarritz by 18.

Castres v Edinburgh – Castres by 9.

Saracens v Racing Metro 92 – Racing by 6.

Scarlets v Benetton Treviso – Scarlets by 8.

Ulster v Bath – Ulster by 10.

London Irish v Toulon – Toulon by 9.

Newport-Gwent Dragons v Wasps – Wasps by 8.

Exeter Aiming to Keep on Track

2010-12-03T13:02:00.001Z

Stay on TrackHave a gander at this video of Exeter Chiefs during an off roading team building session.

Skipper Tom Hayes, Jason Shoemark, Chris Budgen and head coach Rob Baxter all reflect on their season so far and look forward to this Sunday’s game against London Wasps.

If the Chiefs win at Adams Park they will leapfrog their hosts into sixth place in a remarkable start to their first season in the top flight.

Aviva Premiership Round 10: Previews and Predictions

2010-12-03T10:00:00.002Z

Wear your thermals this weekend...

It’s day six of the snow-induced chaos and already three Aviva Premiership games have fallen victim to the artic conditions. Both Friday night fixtures have been called off meaning Bath’s trip to Newcastle and Gloucester’s trip to Sale will have to be rescheduled. Leeds v Northampton has also been postponed due to health and safety fears about ice around the ground.

Here are my previews and predictions for the games that have survived the snowy weather (at the time of posting).

London Irish v Leicester Tigers

London Irish are having something of a mid-season wobble at the moment. The Reading based club has lost four consecutive games in all competitions since their league win over Sale a month ago. However, the Exiles’ home form in the league has been 100%, claiming four wins from four at the Majedski. The fact that Leicester, reigning champions and hot on Irish’s heels in third, have failed to win any of their away games this season will not have gone unnoticed. In this fixture last year, Irish ran out 18-12 winners, so home form and recent history looks to favour Toby Booth’s men. Saying that, the Exiles were outclassed in all areas against Northampton on a chilly night last Friday. Defensively they looked frail and a rampaging Soane Tonga’uiha destroyed them at scrum time and in the loose. I’m sure the Leicester pack will be salivating at the prospect of taking on a team following such a demoralizing defeat, even without key man Tom Croft who is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

My prediction: I’m tipping Leicester to start firing during the cold snap. Tigers to win by 12.

Saracens v Harlequins

This week the news from the Saracens camp all been focused on the departure of their controversial director of rugby, Brendan Venter. The former Springbok centre is set to return to South Africa and has moved into a newly created technical director role and is replaced by first-team coach Mark McCall. Whether this has damaged preparations for this weekend’s game or not remains to be seen, but I think it must have created at least some form of distraction. Saracens’ form has dipped slightly in the past month. The men in black have only claimed one win in their last three games which has seen them fall to fifth in the table. However, Sarries have won their last two games against Harlequins who arrive at Vicarage Road on the back of an emphatic 51-18 win over Leeds. The result was only the second time Quins have ever clocked up a half century in a league game – the other was the 60-14 hammering of Worcester in April last year. A win for Conor O’Shea’s Quins would be their first away from home in the Premiership since their trip to Leeds 12 months ago.

My prediction: Despite the off field shufflings at Saracens, I think they will edge this game. Sarries by 9.

London Wasps v Exeter Chiefs

Exeter are currently seventh in the league after a brilliant start to their first season in the top flight. Whisper it quietly, but a top six finish and Heineken Cup place must surely have crossed the mind of head coach Rob Baxter. If the Chiefs are to end the season in the top half of the table they need to beat teams like Premiership and European rugby stalwarts, Wasps. The two sides have already met this year in the LV= Cup. On that occasion Exeter ran out 29-6 winners at Sandy Park. However, after an unsteady start to their league campaign, Wasps have notched up three straight wins and have risen into sixth place. The Londoners’ only league defeat at home came at the hands of leaders Northampton on 24 October. Can Exeter pull another shock out of the bag? Quite possibly. The newly promoted side are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, and have not lost on their travels since the trip to title favourites Northampton on 2 October.

My prediction: This is the most difficult game for me to call this week. Exeter have been brilliant so far but Wasps are slowly coming to the boil. I’m going to go with home advantage and say Wasps to win by 5.

What do you think?

So long Mr Venty Spleen (sort of...)

2010-12-01T16:32:00.000Z

Last night it was revealed that Brendan Venter, everyone's favourite pantomime villain, is heading back to South Africa.

With a swoop of his cape and a maniacal laugh, the 40-year-old Saracens' director of rugby is exiting stage left and returning to his homeland citing "family reasons."

When you see the name Brendan Venter it is usually accompanied with the words "colourful", "headstrong" or sometimes even "arrogant." However, I will miss all the hoopla surrounding one of the most controversial figures in rugby when he jets off back to the southern hemisphere.

The former centre's knuckles must be red-raw from all the raps he's received during his 18-months at Saracens. Firstly, he was served with a four-week suspended sentence in January for criticising referee David Rose. Then he was slapped with a 10-week match-day ban in May for "provocative and inappropriate gestures and comments" towards opposition fans - also known as doing the wanker sign, allegedly.

This forced Venter to watch Saracens play, and subsequently lose, last season's Premiership final from the discomfort of his own living room. Add into the mix criticism for the way he ate a biscuit during a disciplinary hearing and the fine he was given last month for remarks made after a Heineken Cup tie, and you can see why the media is sad to see him go.

However, there does seem to be another side to Venter's personality. I saw an interview with him on The Rugby Club a few months ago which went some way to quash the image usually presented of the former Springbok. Sarries players spoke of him warmly and talked about how Venter, a qualified doctor, had visited them at their homes when their children were sick - such is the family focus at Vicarage Road.

It's not a side of Venter that is seen very often. I suppose it ruins his panto villain image and he can't be having that - especially at this time of the year when Z-list celebrities are dusting off their Widow Twanky costumes.

Therefore, I think it is real a shame that Venter is stepping down and moving into the newly created role of technical director. He will continue to advise from afar while first-team coach Mark McCall becomes director of rugby and Andy Farrell takes McCall's old job.

Vilified and commended for his style in equal measure, it is no doubt the Aviva Premiership will be a much duller place without the ever controversial Brendan Venter.

PS: He's behind you.

DAN! DAN! DAN!

2010-11-27T10:00:00.021Z

That's right, today is all about Dan Carter.

Carter lining up the kick which passed Mehrtens' record

Yeah, yeah, the blooming red rose of England is playing the wounded Springboks at Twickenham this afternoon, but let's be honest, today is all about one man.

Carter, New Zealand's first choice fly-half, only needs three more points to surpass Jonny Wilkinson's world record haul of 1178 in test match rugby. Unless hell freezes over, it looks certain the 28-year-old All Blacks star will achieve this feat against Wales today.

Regular readers of my blog will know I have a mild obsession with Dan Carter so I had to mark the day he will undoubtedly break Wilkinson's long-standing record.

Last November, I watched Carter pass Andrew Mehrtens' total of 967 points to become New Zealand's all time highest points scorer from my lofty perch in Twickenham's west stand. Today, I won't be at the Millennium Stadium to see him pull the strings and kick the points and probably guide New Zealand to yet another win. However, I will be recording the match so I can watch him work his irrepressible magic and cruise past another landmark.

Good luck Dan. You're an absolutely brilliant, world class player and you deserve all the plaudits you get.

Aviva Premiership Round 9: Previews and Predictions

2010-11-26T10:18:00.002Z

It's that time of the week again where I cast my beady little eye over the weekend's Aviva Premiership fixtures. There's a couple of tasty looking games, with first place Northampton playing host to second place London Irish. Saracens make the journey across the M4 to Gloucester with hopes of ending the cherry and whites' 17 game unbeaten home run, whilst lowly Leeds are looking to get their first league win of the season at The Stoop.

But who will win? Like a drunk bloke hoping for a bit of 3am nookie, here's my weekly stab in the dark:

Northampton Saints v London Irish

This looks set to be the clash of the weekend in the Aviva Premiership. First plays second. Northampton are flying high at the top of the league, a clutch of youngsters impressing in last week's 19-10 comeback over Sale at Edgeley Park. Nothing seems to be able to stop them at the moment but Toby Booth's Exiles are hot on their heels and might have something to say about that. The Saints have won on their last three meetings with Irish, whilst the Exiles' last victory at Franklin's Gardens was a narrow 21-20 win six years ago. And Northampton are now on an impressive run of eight consecutive wins in all competitions even though they are missing key players thanks to international call-ups. Strength-in-depth seems to be the order of the day for the Saints, which is all credit to the coaching team led by Jim Mallinder. Northampton's opponents, London Irish, slipped up against Wasps last Sunday. The 33-25 defeat was the first time the Exiles failed to take a league point from a Premiership game this season.

My prediction: The understrength Saints fought back in Stockport and ended Sale's winning run. Against London Irish at home? It's a tricky one to call. A little controversially, I'm going for Irish to win by 7.

Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks

This prediction is something of a shot in the dark (as if the rest of them aren't...) as Exeter and Sale have never met before in any competition. The Chiefs might be the Premiership's newest team but they

will not fear the Sharks this weekend. Instead, Exeter will start the game as favourites after rising to 7th in the league. They can also boast a four game unbeaten run in all competitions. Sandy Park is proving to be a tricky place to go - the Chiefs have only lost there once in the league this season, in a narrow 12-9 defeat by London Irish in round six. Last Friday, Sale deflated like a punctured spacehopper against Northampton, and the sorry statistic facing Sharks head coach Mike Brewer is that their only win in their last five Premiership matches was the turgid 6-3 victory at Leeds Carnegie a month ago. However, despite last week's home defeat, the Sharks' recent form as been good, winning three of their last four away games in all competitions.

My prediction: It's a long way from Manchester to Exeter and it is a trip into the unknown for Sale. Exeter by 9.

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

Both these sides got back to winning ways last weekend. The Tigers ended their four game losing run in all competitons with their 18-13 home win over Harlequins last Friday. Over at Kingston Park, Falcons fly-half Jimmy Gopperth outkicked Gloucester counterpart Freddie Burns to score all the points in their 12-6 win, only their second in the league this season. Leicester have won three of their last four games against Newcastle and even though international call ups have weakened their side they will be confident. The last, and in fact only time, the Falcons have won at Welford Road was almost 13 years ago. Are Newcastle going to pull a massive shock out of the bag this week and beat the Tigers? Not if the wonderful 36, aka Billy Twelvetrees, has anything to do with it. The Tigers stand-in stand-off has been in fine form in Toby Flood's absence and has been key in keeping the Tigers ticking over.

My prediction: Leicester by 12.

Gloucester Rugby v Saracens

Gloucester came away from a wintry Kingston Park with a losing bonus point last weekend, ending their four game winning run in the league. But fear not, cherry and white fans, they are unbeaten for more than a year at Kingsholm since Cardiff Blues won there in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on 8 November 2009. That's a 17 game unbeaten run - something which pantomime villain, the wonderful Saracens head coach Brendan Venter, will be looking to dash this weekend. Watch out Gloucester, he's behind you. And Gloucester really should watch out. Last weekend, Venter threw a load of youngsters into the mix against Bath where they fought back to claim a 17-13 win at the Rec. The star of the show was 19-year-old Owen Farrell, son of, you've guessed it, Great Britain rugby league and Saracens star, Andy Farrell. And Sarries' form is good. Their only loss in their last seven league games was at home to Exeter at the end of October. Can Gloucester maintain their home run or will Venter conjure up yet another win?

My prediction: Another tricky one to call. Part of me thinks Venter will do it again, but Gloucester's home record isn't to be sniffed at. Gloucester by 8.

Bath Rugby v London Wasps

Bath seem to be veering off the rails at the moment and look to be trying their best to replicate the woeful run of form from start of last season which saw them slump to 11th in the league. Their only win in their last six games of Aviva Premiership Rugby was the 31-16 win at home to Sale in round four. However, home form is becoming a huge issue as the men in blue, black and white have only won one of their last four games at The Rec in all competitions. That was the 29-19 win over Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup on 5 November.

After starting the season looking like shadows of their former selves, Wasps have started to string together some form and have now won three of their last four league games. Last weekend they outscored London Irish and a late Dave Walder penalty denied the Exiles a losing bonus point. Bath and Wasps have already met this season, the Londoners beating Steve Meehan's men 18-16 in the LV= Cup at Adams Park two weeks ago.

My prediction: Looking at recent form I'm going to have to plump for a Wasps win by 9.

Harlequins v Leeds Carnegie

As the weeks pass by it pains me more and more to write previews for any game involving my beloved Leeds. Why? Because it forces me to remember just how hopeless they've been this season. Winless in the league after the first eight rounds and seven points adrift at the bottom of the table, it's becoming increasingly hard to see where they will get their first win. And this weekend's task won't be an easy one. Harlequins have won their last four games against Leeds, whilst Carnegie haven't won at The Stoop since 2003.

But there is a glimmer of hope as Quins are winless in their last three league games. However, their home form is pretty good, as they have lost just one of their last 11 matches at The Stoop in all competitions. Leeds' problems are worse still as they only have one hooker available following injury to Andy Titterall and Steve Thompson's England call-up. This means head coach Neil Back has been left searching for cover and being forced to rely on former Leeds hooker, conditioning coach James Parkes, on the bench. I fully expect Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans to rip the visitors to shreds.

My prediction: Probably another big defeat for Leeds. Harlequins to win by 18.

But what do you think?

McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year... again

2010-11-25T21:07:00.003Z

Sod off, the trophy's mine.

Not really. Well, not yet anyway.

Yes, it's the that time of year where the powers that be at the International Rugby Board have announced the runners and riders for this year's IRB Player of the Year.

Joining reigning Player of the Year, New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw, on the shortlist are team-mate Mils Muliaina, France number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, Australian duo David Pocock and Kurtley Beale and South Africa's Victor Matfield.

It's an interesting, if slightly uninspiring selection. No doubt gap-toothed gypsy and Sky Sports pundit, Stuart Barnes, was salivating into his Cornish pasty when he saw his ultimate commentating wank-fodder, Biarritz and France back-row forward Harinordoquy, in the top six. McCaw's New Zealand team-mate, full-back Muliaina, has enjoyed a good season and starred in the All Blacks side that swept to an impressive clean sweep in this year's Tri-nations. Only a Bledisloe Cup loss to Australia in Hong Kong created an annoying blot on New Zealand's copy book this season. McCaw, along with Dan Carter, was the crucial cog in a well-oiled All Blacks machine.

Wallaby flanker David Pocock has been immense at the breakdown and his inclusion is the one I am most pleased about. The 22-year-old openside flanker has burst onto the international stage and it would be a brilliant achievement if he is the man to dethrone opposite number McCaw. Pocock has arms as wide as Tim Payne's waist, is rumoured to be able to bench press a Ford Mondeo and could probably pluck a plane out the sky if he could be arsed.

His fellow green and gold team-mate, Kurtley Beale, is a full-back brimming with blistering pace - something England found out to their peril a couple of weeks ago. To be honest, I expected Quade Cooper to beat him to the final list. Then again, the Australia fly-half tackles as effectively as an arthritic cat with mild depression, which probably ruled him out.

And then there's Victor Matfield. I have one question: Why?

But who do you think should win, and who would you have liked to have seen on the list? There's only one way to find out. I've created a poll which you can find on the right-hand toolbar. If there's someone you would have voted for but who isn't included, then please feel free to vent your spleen in the comments.

As for me? Well, it's got to be McCaw again, hasn't it?

Where Did it All Go So Right for England?

2010-11-24T16:44:00.000Z

With just days to go before England's final November showdown with South Africa, the media are collectively cooing about the resurgence of English rugby on the international stage. England swept aside the much-hyped Australia, sealing their second consecutive win over the Wallabies in a year before going on to out muscle Samoa last weekend. Whisper it quietly, but if Martin Johnson's men can beat the World Champions at Twickenham on Saturday then things seem to be coming together nicely for next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. But hush now, let's not talk about that yet. It's one game at a time don't forget.

OK, so England lost 26-16 at the hands of Richie McCaw's All Blacks in the opening Autumn fixture, but what a difference a year makes. This time last November I travelled down to Twickenham to watch England crumble at the hands of a lacklustre New Zealand side. Everything seemed to be rotten in the England camp, the team was booed off at half-time against Argentina after arguably the most depressing England performance in years before they scraped to an unimpressive 16-9 win. Even though England won that day, it was probably the lowest point of Johnson's reign. The day that rugby died. Calls were ringing out for heads to roll in the RFU, most notably that of Rob Andrew, England's elite Director of Rugby. The fans were angered by Johnson's staunch refusal to play arguably some of the most dazzling up and coming talents the country had in the form of Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden. In short, last year's Autumn Internationals were an unmitigated disaster.

However, new blood was finally introduced and started flowing in the England ranks this summer. In June, the side notched up their first win in Australia since the 2003 World Cup final and fast forward to the present to see England playing instinctively and on the front foot. Ben Youngs, Toby Flood and Chris Ashton were instrumental in putting the Wallabies to the sword again, this time on home turf. These are the same names the country was screaming out for this time last year.

So did Martin Johnson have his strategy right all along or was the former England skipper more than a little bit lucky? It's an interesting question, and I'm sure Johnson will argue his plan was to introduce young players when he did after setting the foundations of a solid England side. Don't forget, those foundations were built around ex-skipper Steve Borthwick, a towering presence in the line-out but hardly cast in the mould of a modern day dynamic second-row, like Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, or Courtney Lawes.

People utter the words "seed-change" and talk about a new England as if Martin Johnson has morphed into a grinning Tony Blair circa 1997, peddling his wares about a bright future and salivating over the prospect of getting his ginormous hands on the Webb Ellis trophy yet again.

To win a world cup a team has to be the best in the world for six weeks. Just six weeks. All these November tests and summer tours are mere canapes to the main course which kicks off at Eden Park, Auckland in nine months time. My old history teacher always used to tell me that history is written by the winners. No-one will remember England's successes from this month if they crash and burn in New Zealand next year. And expectations are high: England were World Cup winners in 2003 and losing finalists in Paris four years later. The tournament is being held in New Zealand and anything but the sight of a triumphant All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw clutching the precious gold trophy will spell a disaster for the home crowd. Another epic New Zealand Rugby World Cup choke.

But similar expectation is starting to build once again for England's hopes of being crowned World Champions. Fans are so eager to hope and dream that two, hopefully three wins this November signals the World Cup could be, just maybe, coming back home.

This week, England coach Johnson was keen to play down the resurgence of his team, despite the fact they will start as favourites over the Springboks even though they are one place lower in the world rankings.

"Things happen very quickly, expectations change," he told BBC Sport.

"A couple of weeks ago, on the Friday before we played Australia, everyone was talking about them as the best team in the world - and they had a point. By the Wednesday they'd lost two games and suddenly they were in crisis.

"What this autumn series has highlighted is any of these teams is capable of beating the other one."

I'll give him that. Teams are in a crucial stage of final testing and preparation before next year's ultimate showdown. Ireland stepped up a few gears last weekend against New Zealand and if they hadn't switched off at crucial moments the result could have been oh so different. And then to Murrayfield, where Scotland pulled off the shock of the weekend, edging past South Africa 21-17. Teams are starting to stake their claim for World Cup glory, but all are still facing the daunting task of toppling New Zealand, Tri-Nations champions and ranked number one in the world, from their seemingly insurmountable position at the top.

So has England's resurgence been timed to perfection and can they climb the mountain to the World Cup final next October? Has Martin Johnson had a plan all along or did he bow to public pressure and change the way England play? Under skipper Lewis Moody, England look vibrant, full of dynamism, instinct and passion. Shooting stars like Ashton, Foden, Youngs, Lawes and Dan Cole have all made the step up to international rugby to name but a few. But what if England lose on Saturday? Will we all be back to square one?

I don't think so. England have been in a period of transition for the past two years but signs are they are now leaping out of the pit of despair, let alone clambering up the side. The old guard is stepping aside for the new. Whether it was Johnson's strategy all along or if he lucked out in a major way - or even sold his soul to the Devil - I don't care. I'm starting to believe in England again, one game at a time.

Aviva Premiership Round 8: Previews & Predictions

2010-11-19T10:30:00.000Z

A crucial weekend for Leeds captain Marco Wentzel

With all eyes on the Autumn Internationals, the return of the Aviva Premiership might have slipped under your radar.

The LV= Cup has been in town for the last fortnight but now the league is back with instalment number eight.

Hopefully Chris Ashton and chums will rip up the Twickenham turf in another sensational England performance, but all the while the league rumbles on quietly in the background.

Here are my previews and predictions for all you punters out there:

Leicester v Harlequins

Harlequins make their second trip to Welford Road in a fortnight after beating the Tigers 34-25 in the LV= Cup two weeks ago. Leicester then slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions last weekend in the 46-13 thumping by the Ospreys at Rodney Parade.
That defeat marks the Tigers’ worst run of form since 2003/04. However, even though Quins have been enjoying a run of good form recently, they haven’t won on the road in the Premiership since their trip to Leeds last December. Conor O’Shea’s men have also never been victorious at Welford Road in the league.
After a two week break for the LV= Cup, Leicester have named a strong side, including a place on the bench for lock Geoff Parling who has missed the start of the season with a neck injury. Fly-half Nick Evans and full back Mike Brown return for Quins.

My prediction: I think the Tigers will be a much tougher challenge than two weeks ago. Leicester by 9.

Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints

Sale survived a second-half rally by Leeds Carnegie last Sunday in a 23-17 cup win at Headingley. This sealed two wins from two for the Sharks in the LV= Cup after an impressive 39-14 victory at home to London Irish a fortnight ago. In fact, Sale’s only defeat in their last six games in all competitions was the 26-39 loss to the Exiles in the league on 31 October. The Sharks’ form looks to be on the rise, having now won four of their last five home games. This confidence sees them give 19-year-old rugby league convert, Iain Thornley, his Premiership debut at outside centre after two appearances in the LV= Cup.
Northampton’s form has been solid so far this season with their only loss in any competition at the hands of Saracens in Aviva Premiership round four. The Saints tied 22-22 with Saracens in the LV= Cup before convincingly beating the Dragons 28-3 at Franklins Gardens last weekend.
The history books reveal that Sale have only beaten Northampton once in their last six meetings, a 24-18 league win at Edgeley Park back in April 2009. Can they add to that this weekend? I don’t think so.

My prediction: I’ll be impressed if Sale can pull this one out of the bag, but they will miss their England stars and that will be crucial. Northampton by 14.

Exeter Chiefs v Leeds Carnegie

Exeter have been the surprise package of the Aviva Premiership so far, winning three of their first seven league games and notching up a shock 34-19 away win over Bourgoin in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The Chiefs are now looking to seal a second successive league victory following their 23-9 win over Saracens in round seven – the perfect tonic after a scoreless second-half resulted in a frustrating 23-23 draw with Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup last weekend.
Exeter’s opponents, Leeds, have only won one game this season: the 23-9 win over Bucuresti Oaks in the Amlin Challenge Cup. However, Carnegie have won their last six matches against Exeter in National One since 2000/01. Sadly, this form counts for nothing now, and Saturday’s game at Sandy Park is a must-win fixture for Neil Back’s team who are currently superglued to the bottom of the table.

My prediction: Sorry Leeds. It’s a long way to Exeter and with the absence of star player Hendre Fourie and a crisis at hooker with Steve Thompson and Andy Titterall unavailable I think you will continue to struggle. Exeter by 8.

London Wasps v London Irish

The last four league meetings between these two London rivals have all been won by the home side on the day. The Exiles top the Aviva Premiership table after the first seven rounds but Toby Booth’s men have lost their last two outings – 25-16 at home to the Scarlets and 39-14 to Sale, both in the LV= Cup. However, Irish have suffered only one reversal in the Premiership so far this season which was the 13-20 defeat at Bath in round two.
Mark van Gisbergen’s six penalties handed Wasps an 18-16 victory last weekend in a lacklustre LV= Cup game against Bath. However, the Exiles will arrive refocused on the league and set on recording their second league win from 10 visits to Adams Park, and their first since April 2006.

My prediction: It’s a tough one, but I think it will be Irish by 7.

Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby

Newcastle are perilously close to the bottom of the Premiership table having only notched up one win at home to Wasps in round two. However, the Falcons have won two of their last three home games in all competitions, James Fielden the key man in the hard-fought 18-17 LV= Cup win over the Ospreys a fortnight ago.
The last five league meetings between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day, but Gloucester have not won at Kingston Park in the Premiership for almost three years.
However, the cherry and white’s form is improving, with their only defeat in their last five games against the Dragons on 4 November. Gloucester have sneaked up into third in the league, almost without being noticed. Despite this, their away form is a worry as they have only won one away game this season. Improving that statistic on a long trip to the north east will always be tricky.

My prediction: As the winter winds start to swirl at Kingston Park, I think Newcastle will win by 3.

Bath Rugby v Saracens

Bath’s form has been a bit, well, poor. Their only win in their last five league games was the 31-16 win at home to Sale in round four, seeing them slip into sixth place. Still, it’s not as bad as this time last season when Bath were competing with Leeds for the unwelcome title of strongest team in the league.
Exeter spoiled Saracens’ five match winning league run in the last round, but Brendan Venter will be buoyed by the knowledge that his team has won their last six away games played at their opponents’ usual home grounds. Both teams lost in the LV= Cup last week.

My prediction: Bath are in desperate need to find their form in the absence of their international stars but I think it will be Saracens by 6.

All Blacks Crossbar Challenge

2010-11-12T15:05:00.000Z

Do you remember the video that circulated a couple of months ago which showed the All Blacks performing an array of impressive rugby skills? If you haven't seen it yet then it's available here, along with the brilliant parody version by the Brumbies.

The ABs copped a bit of flack after that, with some people daring to suggest that camera trickery may have been at work. Surely not?

Anyway, New Zealand's finest are back, this time taking part in a crossbar challenge in a very windy Edinburgh.

But can anyone hit the bar from 40m?

Watch out Scotland.

Bottom of the Ruck

2010-11-10T21:32:00.000Z

I've been asked to help promote a brilliant new rugby charity night and I am more than happy to do so.

Bottom of the Ruck is a fantastic event aiming to raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer by checking out rugby players' bums.

Yes, you read that right.

What started as a cheeky chat on Twitter has developed into a star-studded awards ceremony to crown the Best Bottom in Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on Monday 29 November.

World Cup winner Austin Healey will be hosting the event and nominees Nick Kennedy, Delon Armitage, Topsy Ojo, Schalk Brits and Nils Mordt are amongst the players who will be attending.

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information you can visit at www.bottomoftheruck.com

Meet the All Blacks

2010-11-03T17:39:00.000Z

Dan Carter

Roll up, roll up. Who would like to meet the All Blacks?

Well, to be more precise Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu, Sam Whitelock, Conrad Smith and Sonny Bill Williams. Rugby fans and All Black supporters can meet them at the RFU Store at Twickenham Stadium between 11.30am and 12.30pm this Friday,

I know it's bonfire night, but if you go please, please resist the urge to fire rockets at them ahead of Saturday's game against England. Or just use small bangers.

As ever, Dan the man hopes plenty of All Black fans will turn out in force. Probably to protect him from being chucked on a bonfire.
He said “As a team we always look forward to the opportunity to get out and meet our fans and thank them for their ongoing support. Hopefully this Friday will be no different and they’ll be plenty of black jerseys out there ahead of Saturday’s match!”

Yeah whatever Dan.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it down to London as I'm revising for exams. However, I will be keeping an eye on the new Twitter page where NZ players will be interviewed during the tour. You can follow them at: www.twitter.com/adidasrugby_UK

Aviva Premiership Round 7: Previews & Predictions

2010-10-29T09:15:00.001+01:00

Can Wasps win this weekend in honour of the newly retired Phil Vickery?

Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons

Can anyone stop the Saints? OK, so Saracens beat them at Vicarage Road a month ago but since then Northampton have been unstoppable in both the league and Heineken Cup. The hallmark of a great team is grinding out a win from a poor performance, something Northampton showed against Castres before producing a get out of jail free card in their late comeback over Edinburgh. But Saints are also skilled in putting teams to the sword, making light work of Wasps in their 37-10 away win last weekend. However, international call ups will affect Northampton more than most and I think now could be the perfect time for the Falcons to strike. Saracens were lucky to win at Kingston Park last Sunday, a last-gasp Alex Goode penalty sealing the points in the 15-13 win. Newcastle will no doubt feel frustrated with only a losing bonus point after scoring the only try of the game, but even without Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden I think Northampton will have too much for their visitors to handle – especially as Euan Murray and Joe Ansbro could still feature for the Saints with Scotland’s Autumn Internationals only starting on 13 November.

My prediction: It’s a brave man or woman who bets against Northampton at the moment. Second plays 11t - it can only go one way, right? Saints by 12.

Saracens v Exeter Chiefs

Well, well, well, where do I start with Saracens? The future's bright, the fly half's orange? Of course the big news this week is everyone’s favourite tango-tanned rugby player has quickstepped over to Vicarage Road and signed a deal. I am of course talking about Gavin Henson, star of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, who will soon tripping the light fandango in Watford after not playing for 18 months. I can only deduce the signing has come about following fly-half Derick Hougaard’s Achilles injury which could rule him out for the rest of the season. Henson aside, Sarries are doing alright in the league thank you very much. Third behind Irish and Northampton, this week they do battle with Exeter who have slipped down to 10th despite some spirited performances. Last week, leaders London Irish pipped the Chiefs to the post in a very close game at Sandy Park, Gareth Steenson again scoring the majority of Exeter’s points. Sarries scraped a win against strugglers Newcastle last week, Alex Goode showing he can kick the points when the pressure is on. At home and with David Strettle and Brad Barritt released by England coach Martin Johnson, I can only see one winner.
My prediction: Saracens to sashay to a 16 point win.

Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers

Gloucester won this fixture last season and a win against the visiting Tigers would be their fourth successive win in the league and fifth Premiership win from seven this season. Not bad, not bad at all. Now, is it just me, or have Bryan Redpath’s cherry and whites been flying under the radar and quietly doing quite well for themselves? As ever, all eyes are on Leicester, Bath and Northampton. London Irish are leaders so they have been getting plenty of plaudits, and of course, pundits always spare a moment to take a cursory glance at the other end of the table, just to make sure Leeds are still there. But Gloucester, now fourth in the league, are starting to fire after a slightly shaky start, last week’s late Brett Deacon try seeing off a second-half comeback by Harlequins. After a poor couple of seasons by their own standards, are the cherry and whites getting back to their best? This week they will be without second-row Dave Attwood, prop Paul Doran-Jones and centre Mike Tindall who are all away on England duty, whilst Leicester will be without England half-back pairing Toby Flood and Ben Youngs, second row Tom Croft and prop Dan Cole. Hooker George Chuter will available after being released. Last week, Flood kicked all the points in the Tigers’ 21-15 win over Bath and will be missed. Can Billy Twelvetrees step into the breach once again? I imagine so, as strength-in-depth never seems to be a problem at Leicester. However, the Tigers haven’t won on the road in the league since round 20 last season. Add Gloucester’s great record at Kingsholm and I’m going for a home win.
My prediction: Hopefully this will be a high scoring game, and I’m sure Brett Deacon would love to get on the scoresheet against his former club. Gloucester by 7.

Harlequins v Bath Rugby

Fly-half Nick Evans was so nearly the star of the show for Harlequins last weekend, bagging 21 of his side’s 26 points against Gloucester with a try, two conversions and four penalties. However, it wasn’t enough as Brett Deacon broke Quins’ hearts with a late score. Over in the opposite corner to Evans this weekend is England cast-off Olly Barkley, a man who plays at 12 not 10 but has been on regular kicking duties for Bath. Last weekend, Barkley scored all of his side’s 15 points in their defeat at Welford Road and I imagine he will want to put in a performance to make his snub by the England selectors seem to be even more ridiculous. Of course, Sam Vesty is Evans’ opposite number and he will do well to match arguably one of the best fly-halves in the world. Bath look to have lost their way a bit this season, their Heineken Cup dreams already hanging by a thread after two rounds and only winning one of their last four league games. However, they will be boosted by the release of England skipper Lewis Moody for this game and will be looking to end the run of five defeats from their last five visits to the Stoop. David Wilson and Matt Banahan will not feature for Bath, and Quins stars Danny Care and Nick Easter are also kept in the England camp.
My prediction: On current form and at home I think Harlequins will win by 9.

Leeds Carnegie v London Wasps

If ever there was a team who could suck all of the joy out of watching a game of rugby, then at the moment that team is Leeds. It’s not easy for me to admit that as I am a big Leeds Carnegie fan, but their start to the season has been woeful. Six league games, six defeats, rooted to the bottom of the table with only two losing bonus points to show for it. Last Friday’s dire 6-3 home defeat by Sale was a new low – a game Leeds should have won after having the vast majority of possession and attack. Now, flanker Hendre Fourie and hooker Steve Thompson are away on England duty and this Sunday’s task looks set to be a tough one as the struggling Wasps are the visitors to Headingley. Wasps coach Shaun Edwards stated this week that losing to Leeds is not an option. The High Wycombe based club have only won two of their six league games and approach this match on the back of a 37-10 thumping at home by Northampton – their worst loss at Adams Park since 2004. Can they bounce back and get a win to mark the retirement of prop Phil Vickery? Wasps will be boosted by the return of England call ups Tim Payne, Dominic Waldouck and Dan Ward-Smith who have been released for this game, but they will be without Joe Worsley. Wasps beware, Leeds did the double over the Londoners last season, the first win kickstarting their climb off the foot of the table. Can Carnegie head coach Neil Back do it again?
My prediction: I doubt it. Leeds look like they are starting to gel but they are still lacking much needed spark in the backline. This one's for you, Raging Bull. Wasps by 8.

London Irish v Sale Sharks

Finally, leaders London Irish welcome Sale to the Majedski on Sunday afternoon. Both sides will be missing key players, with Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson being retained by England due to an injured Jonny Wilkinson. Prop Andrew Sheridan is another Shark who won’t be making the trip to Reading along with wing Mark Cueto. Irish will have to do without the guile of Delon Armitage as he bids to wrestle the number 15 shirt back from Ben Foden. Form wise, the Exiles are unbeaten at home in any competition this season and are on a four game winning streak. Sale, on the other hand, made hard work of beating Leeds in an 80 minute snore-fest under Friday night lights to win their third league game of the season. How well will Sale do without the Hodgson running their game? It’s a tough one, and London Irish are one of the teams you would prefer to avoid whilst your star players are bonding at Pennyhill Park. A lot rests upon which version of Ryan Lamb turns up on Sunday afternoon: will it be Ryan Lamb the enigma or will it be Ryan Lamb the assured fly-half? We will have to wait and see.
My prediction: London Irish by 18.

Inside the Minds of Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie...

2010-10-27T19:36:00.002+01:00

Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie, and yes that's me, looking like a ghost...

Last week, I met Leeds Carnegie duo Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie at an ESPN event.

The night, hosted by commentator Nick Mullins, turned out to be quite a cosy affair. Due to a marketing mixup, meaning the event was only promoted the day before, only four Leeds Carnegie fans turned up to meet Leeds skipper Wentzel and the wonderful Mr Fourie. Yes, you read that right - just four people. As a fan, the support shown on the night was pretty embarrassing and I dread to think what the two players thought, but in a way it was great as the formal Q&A session turned into a casual chat in a pub.

(Before I go on, I'll wait whilst you make a joke about the four of us making up Leeds' entire fan base...)

Done?

Then I'll continue. I'd been working in a sleepy town in Surrey for the week and had hot-footed it up the M1 in order to make it. I'm glad that I did, as it was a great chance to grill two of my favourite players for more than an hour.

Due to the limited audience, I had to resist the urge to whip out my dictaphone or take down a shorthand note in my trusty reporters pad. It wasn't really the time or place, but it was nice to hear the players speak so candidly without head coach Neil Back breathing down their necks and forcing them to toe the party line.

So what did we talk about? Plenty of things, from Leeds' woeful start to refereeing interpretations and even which players they would love to bring to the club.

It's no secret that Leeds' start to the season has been poor. Winless in the league, rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table with only two losing bonus points to show from the first six rounds. However, Wentzel refused to accept the poor performances can be blamed on the age old argument that Leeds are perennially slow starters. His analysis? They haven't been playing well enough, the backline is really struggling to fire and the injury crisis hasn't helped. Therefore, it came as no surprise that both Fourie and Wentzel agreed fly-half is the position they would target if they could make a dream signing for the club. Interestingly, they had different ideas on who they would pick and why. Wentzel opted for Leicester and England stand-off Toby Flood - a dynamic player with a great kicking game who he believes would breathe fire into the backline. Fourie chose a fit Derick Hougaard, the Saracens 10 who was kicking everything in sight and totally running the show with his tactical nous before he ruptured an Achilles tendon.

So what does that say to me? I think it's a glaring admission the players are as concerned as the fans that Leeds are missing a fly-half who can take charge of a game and be the crucial lynchpin. It was pretty telling, especially when Fourie revealed that Sale and England number 10, Charlie Hodgson, would have been odds on to pull on a Leeds shirt if Sale had been relegated last season. Fourie said he spoke to Hodgson during an England training camp and the Sale stand-off said Leeds would be his favourite option if Sale made the drop as he didn't want to move down south. Of course, it's all water under the bridge, but how different a season might Leeds be having now with the consistency of Hodgson at 10?

Marco Wentzel, doing a great job of towering over me.

Interestingly, Wentzel claimed the departure of second row partner, Erik "The Viking" Lund, wasn't a huge loss. That surprised me somewhat, as Lund and Wentzel formed arguably the best line-out partnership in the Premiership last season. Check out the Opta stats if you don't believe me. According to the Leeds skipper, Tom Denton has made the step up so well, Lund, in all his bearded glory, is hardly missed. In fact, Fourie went on to say he believes the only area to suffer from Lund's switch to Biarritz is a bit of extra power in the scrum - but Denton is getting there, so Fourie claimed.
Wentzel, who featured in last year's Opta team of the year with the most line-out steals, also admitted to being a total stats junkie. He revealed he studies opposition line-outs constantly in the week running up to a match, even on the morning of a game. Fortunately for the 6ft 5" South African lock, his wife doesn't mind - as long as she can watch America's Next Top Model...

In between being quizzed, Fourie and Wentzel had a rather amusing mini-tiff about he flanker's latest sinbinning. Talk about a difference of opinion, but Fourie wouldn't let it go, and it was all very amusing to watch the pair step into the captain and player relationship right before our eyes. I couldn't tell you who won of course, but thankfully it didn't get too heated and the pair didn't start arguing in Afrikaans as apparently they have in the past during minor "disagreements".

Referees were another hot topic, both the standard of refereeing in the Aviva Premiership and referee's perceptions of Leeds as a team. Wentzel admitted Leeds are in a vicious circle and need to get into the winning habit to stop referees seeing them at the bottom of the league making them more likely to penalise Leeds for perceived errors.

But which referees do they rate the most? For Wentzel, (and for me), Wayne Barnes is the top referee in the world, as he is cool, calm and more often than not gets most things right. Fourie opted for Chris White because he is one of the referees he can have a chat with on the pitch. It's funny, but before I met him, I didn't have Hendre Fourie down as a chatty type, but let me tell you, he really, really is - and he's pretty funny too.

Listening to Fourie talk of his parents' pride at him being picked for the England squad and anecdotes of the reactions he's had in South Africa was great. He is a man who is definitely passionate to play for his adopted country and came with none of the trappings of a man who has been bigged up by pundits and the media for his immense performances week after week.

Unfortunately, Fourie was taken off at half-time against Sale last Friday after suffering a rib injury, putting his involvement in next month's international fixtures in doubt. The latest news is that he could be fit and in contention for the first game against New Zealand on 6 November - the small matter of ousting England skipper Lewis Moody in order to get his hands on the number seven shirt.

Fourie's injury is somewhat ironic. The flanker revealed he only felt that he reached full match fitness against London Irish at the beginning of October after missing all of pre-season with injury. I hope he is back in action sooner rather than later, for Leeds and hopefully for England. Fourie is a class act on and off the pitch, and along with Wentzel he came across as being a lovely, down to earth bloke.

The only downside to the evening? It doesn't look likely that either Wentzel or Fourie will be making an appearance on Twitter any time soon. Despite my best efforts, Fourie admitted he spends way too much time on his Playstation to get into the whole tweeting thing, and Wentzel isn't even on Facebook. Looks like it's down to Leeds fullback Leigh Hinton to continue Twitter duties for the entire team.

That aside it was a fantastic evening. I just hope any future events will be publicised better by all concerned to at least get the attendance into double figures...

Sequins, Saracens and Squad Announcements

2010-10-27T15:45:00.001+01:00

I must apologise as I've been a bit rubbish on the blogging front recently. The Autumn Internationals are practically a heartbeat away and I've not even mentioned them. Then there's been so much in the news about my favourite Ronseal Woodstained player, Gavin "Quickstep" Henson, and how he set aside some time from his sequin-fuelled antics on Strictly Come Dancing to squeeze in a training session with Saracens. I said nothing. Not even a sarky quip about him tangoing across the 22. And then there was the night I met Leeds Carnegie duo Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie for a lovely chat and yet I didn't spill the beans. I didn't even load up the photos of me grinning like an idiot next to arguably two of my favourite players.

Why?

Well, sadly revision is taking over my life at the moment. Yes, I have turned into a social recluse and will stay that way for the next couple of week until my exams are over. Still, it's all good as the end game is in sight, which is both scary and exciting at the same time.

Saying that, I will try my best to get some more posts up. Just after I've done my law revision like a good girl...

Aviva Premiership Round 6: Previews & Predictions

2010-10-22T11:51:00.001+01:00

The Aviva Premiership is back after a two week holiday in Europe. As ever, it's predictions time...

Leeds Carnegie v Sale Sharks

Leeds are still searching for their first league win of the season after a tough start to their Aviva Premiership campaign. The Yorkshire team is currently four points adrift at the bottom of the table with the 23-9 win over Bucuresti Oaks in the Amlin Challenge Cup their only victory of the season. The pressure is starting to build at Headingley, but a strong performance against Stade Francais last Sunday hinted that things are finally starting to gel.
Now, Carnegie are looking to seal their second consecutive win against local rivals Sale after claiming their first ever victory in their most recent meeting at Edgeley Park last February.
Sale have been in fine form in the European competition, demolishing Petrarca 56-9 and running in 15 tries against Centransa El Salvador in a 97-11 hammering in South Manchester. However, the Sharks have not won away from home in the Premiership since they last visited Headingley Carnegie on 22 November 2009. Sale are struggling for league form this season with only the 21-17 win over Harlequins to their credit.

My prediction: Leeds Carnegie by 7.

Newcastle Falcons v Saracens

The Falcons’ last win was the 22-16 victory over Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup two weeks ago. Alan Tait’s men have only won once in the league so far this season which was against Wasps on 10th September. Last week they didn’t seem to turn up against Montpellier and slumped to a disappointing 32-8 defeat.
Sarries, on the other hand, have been victorious in four of their five Aviva Premiership clashes but the Fez heads approach this game following back-to-back defeats in the Heineken Cup. Cue a quick rant from Brendan Venter just so we know all is well in the world…
Saracens will still be the favourites when they run out at Kingston Park though and I am backing them to win with ease over 11th placed Newcastle. The Londoners have won four of their last five games in all competitions against the Falcons and been winners in their last five away league games played at their opponents’ regular home grounds.

My prediction: Saracens by 18.

Leicester Tigers v Bath Rugby

Leicester are unbeaten in their last seven clashes with Bath in all competitions, a statistic that goes back to when Bath won 25-21 at The Rec in November 2008.
The Tigers are the only side in the Heineken Cup with maximum points after the first two rounds, but they have made a slow start to their Premiership campaign by their own high standards, winning only their two home games from the five they have played. However, to wheel out the old sporting cliché, Welford Road remains a veritable fortress as Leicester have only lost one game there since September 2008 which was against Saracens on 8th May. Add to that last weekend’s scintillating 46-10 romp over the visiting Scarlets and the Tigers look to have finally found their momentum.
Last Saturday, Bath claimed a crucial 22-6 win at Aironi to keep their Heineken Cup dreams alive. However, Bath’s league form has looked a bit shaky, and the home defeat by Biarritz in the Heineken Cup was a massive blow. Their only previous league win at Welford Road was a nail biting 13-12 on 29 November 2003. Can Bath rediscover the league form that saw them finish with a flourish last season? Not just yet.

My prediction: Leicester by 12.

Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins

If Gloucester beat Harlequins they will be one step closer to celebrating a year’s anniversary since their last defeat at Kingsholm in the Premiership. Wasps were the last team to silence the Shed in a Premiership game on 24th October last year. The history books suggest the cherry and whites are in reasonable shape to win on Saturday, as believe it or not, Harlequins haven’t won at Kingsholm since 1999.
The last seven league games between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day. Like Gloucester, Harlequins have won three of their last four games in all competitions. Conor O’Shea’s men are targeting their third consecutive Aviva Premiership Rugby win for the first time since April 2009. If they can beat the Kingsholm hoodoo it would also mark their first league win on the road in 2010.

My prediction: Gloucester by 7.

Exeter Chiefs v London Irish

It is 10 years since the Chiefs last played London Irish and Saturday’s game will be the first time the sides have met at Sandy Park. Exeter will be hoping to continue their excellent start in the Aviva Premiership and claim their first Exiles’ scalp to add to their growing collection from the Premiership. The signs are ominous for league leaders London Irish as the Chiefs have won both of their home league games this season.
The Premiership new boys have also tasted success in Europe, ending a three game losing run with a shock 34-19 win in Bourgoin last Friday. London Irish have won four from five in the league and are currently top thanks to winning bonus points, but their four-game winning run in all competitions was ended by the Ospreys in Swansea on Friday, and the Exiles’ only away win so far this season was 46-12 at Newcastle in the Premiership in round four. This is a difficult one to call as Sandy Park is a tough place to go, but I think the class of Irish will shine through.

My prediction: London Irish by 12.

London Wasps v Northampton Saints

Northampton have started the season strongly and have only lost one game in all competitions – the 24-17 defeat by title rivals Saracens at the end of September.
A successful start in the Heineken Cup saw the Saints build on their narrow home win over Castres to record an excellent second-half comeback and beat Edinburgh 31-27 last Saturday. Stephen Myler was handed the kicking duties once again as the Saints continue to search for their best option at 10. The fly-half seemed to have all the answers and helped himself to a 16-point haul. However, the Saints have never won in their nine previous trips to Adams Park and Wasps haven’t lost there since Newcastle were the visitors on 3 January.
Wasps are also looking strong following a convincing 38-26 win over Glasgow in the Heineken Cup on the back of a hard-fought bonus point against Toulouse. The European break has definitely been a welcome boost for the High Wycombe-based side after they have struggled to come to the boil in the league. Will home advantage play? I’m not so sure.

My prediction: Northampton by 9.

Blood Bath?

2010-10-15T09:05:00.000+01:00

I have to admit I’ve had trouble sleeping this week. Hours and hours every night tossing and turning and waking up in a cold sweat. I just can’t shake a horrible image from my mind. An image so upsetting I’m surprised animal welfare organizations haven’t been protesting outside of the Rec.

What am I talking about?

This:

No, not Danny Grewcock.

Just how many poor, innocent skunks were brutally murdered in order to be plastered across Bath’s European shirt?

Please end this animal cruelty now.

Thank you.

Heineken Cup Round 2: Previews and Predictions

2010-10-15T09:01:00.001+01:00

As per usual, I'm back with my somewhat haphazard predictions for the weekend. It's Heineken Cup action again, and this week my predictions will be reaching a much wider audience on The Rugby Blog. No pressure then...

Pool 1

Castres v Cardiff Blues

Cardiff will be without the guile of the seemingly never aging Martyn Williams for a tricky trip to the south of France. The 35-year-old flanker was banned for two weeks after pleading guilty to kneeing Chris Paterson in the head during last Saturday’s 18-17 win over Edinburgh. Cardiff’s opponents, Castres, earned a surprise losing bonus point at Franklins Gardens in their opening Heineken Cup fixture last Friday. If Bruce Reihana and Shane Geraghty had slotted all of the penalties on offer it could all have been oh so different, but now Castres, currently languishing 10th in the Top 14, arguably have as good a chance of anyone to progress from the pool.
My prediction: Cardiff by 9.

Edinburgh v Northampton

Saints supporters will no doubt have spent countless sleepless nights over the woes at fly-half. Stephen Myler, Shane Geraghty and now Bruce Reihana all seem equally keen to take their turn wearing the wayward kicking boots. Five missed place kicks against Castres wasn’t enough to lose Saints the game but it was hardly a glittering start to their European campaign. Saturday’s trip to Murrayfield will be the first time Northampton have played Edinburgh in a decade, and it looks set to be a close match. Edinburgh’s losing bonus in a hard-fought game at the Cardiff City Stadium leaves pool one wide open but they must back this up with a home win against the Saints. Jim Mallinder’s men have only lost one of their Aviva Premiership games, to Saracens, whilst Edinburgh have only won twice in the Magners League from their opening five fixtures.
My prediction: Northampton by 12.

Pool 2

Racing Metro 92 v Clermont Auvergne

Heineken Cup new boys and Top 14 leaders Racing host last year’s Heineken Cup quarter finalists and reigning league champions, Clermont. Racing kicked off their tournament with a five try hammering by Leinster in a real baptism of fire at the new Lansdowne/Aviva/call it what you want Stadium last Saturday. However, Racing should not be underestimated, boasting players of the calibre of Sebastien Chabal, Lionel Nallet and Francois Steyn. Clermont eased to a 25-10 win over Saracens, France scrum-half Morgan Parra calling the shots and weighing in with two penalties and two conversions. However, lock Jamie Cudmore will not feature for the visitors after being slapped with a 10 week ban for kicking and trampling on Sarries’ flanker Jacques Burger. Racing beat Clermont 28-17 when the teams last met in the Top 14 on 1 September.
My prediction: Racing Metro 92 by 7.

Saracens v Leinster

Saracens, like Racing, are looking to get their first points on the board after failing to take anything from Clermont last weekend. However, the task facing Brendan Venter’s men will be tough as Leinster arrive hot on the heels of an electrifying bonus-point win in round one. The men from Dublin might not have started the league season in scintillating form with only two wins from five, but the 2008/09 Heineken Cup champions look to have saved their best form for Europe.
My prediction: Leinster by 8.

Pool 3

Ospreys v London Irish

The Ospreys were narrowly pipped to a win in the south of France thanks to a moment of magic from Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Sackey. However, a bonus point on the road in arguably the toughest pool is not to be sniffed at. London Irish opened with a 23-17 win over Magners league leaders and three time Heineken Cup winners Munster, fly-half Ryan Lamb pulling the strings in an assured performance which included four penalties and a drop-goal. A must win game for the Ospreys if they are to progress from the pool.
My prediction: Ospreys by 6.

Munster v Toulon

Munster’s never say die attitude saw them claim a last-gasp try and with it a losing bonus point at the Majedski last Saturday – something which could help swing the pool their way come January. Jerry Flannery could make his first appearance this season after being included in the squad following his recovery from a back and calf injury. However, Sam Tuitupou will not feature in the game at Thomond Park. The centre has been banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on London Irish scrum-half Paul Hodgson. Toulon made hard work of their home tie against last year’s quarter-finalists, the Ospreys, but can they go one better and claim a win at the cauldron that is Thomond? Possibly. This game has all the potential to be an absolute classic, if the French decide to turn up…
My prediction: Munster by 7.

Pool 4

Aironi Rugby v Bath

Aironi look like the favourites to wear the tag of whipping boys this year. The Italians, currently propping up the Magners League in their debut season, lost 30-6 to Ulster at Ravenhill last week. The lowlight? A kick-chase by Ian Humphreys and some poor defending which saw the Ulster fly-half touch down for a speculative score. Bath were left reeling on Sunday when four second-half penalties by Dimitri Yachvilli inspired Biarritz to a 12-11 win at the Rec. The less said about Bath’s drop-goal that never was the better. Losing a home game in the Heineken Cup really piles on the pressure which means nothing less than a bonus-point win will do for Bath.
My prediction: Bath by 18.

Biarritz v Ulster

Biarritz may have beaten Bath last weekend but they certainly weren’t firing on all of the cylinders that took them to the Heineken Cup final in Paris last May. Yes, as the old saying goes, French teams don’t travel well, so beware Ulster this weekend – the raucous Basque crowd will expect them to deliver. Ulster are fresh off the back of a convincing home win over Aironi and a bonus point would be a great result. Biarritz are currently eighth in the Top 14 so Ulster might fancy their chances after a strong start to their Magners league campaign. I just hope Stuart Barnes tones down his adoration of Imanol Harinordoquy…
My prediction: Ulster by 6.

Pool 5

Leicester v Scarlets

Could this be the game of the weekend? I think so. Last weekend the Scarlets were rampant against Perpignan, Rhys Priestland scorching over for two tries and Regan King dazzling the Parc y Scarlets crowd with an exquisite pass the almighty BOD would have been proud of. Leicester have started the league season slowly by their own high standards, but they sealed a late bonus point win in Treviso thanks to the rampaging power of centre Alesana Tuilagi. The Tigers will no doubt be boosted as fly-half Toby Flood looks set to make his comeback along with flanker Ben Woods. However, centre Dan Hipkiss is ruled out with a hamstring strain in yet another injury blow. This is a really tough game to call as the Scarlets are red hot but not many teams come away with anything from a trip to Welford Road.
My prediction: Leicester by 3.

Perpignan v Benetton Treviso

Perpignan claimed a losing bonus point in the 43-34 defeat by the Scarlets after running in five tries at Parc y Scarlets last Saturday. Treviso, in comparison, had to settle for a disappointing bonus point after Leicester snatched a late win. The Tigers scored five tries which is worrying for Treviso as Perpignan are just as capable of putting them to the sword. However, a game against Treviso does not mean a sure fire win as fellow Magners league sides the Dragons, Leinster and the Scarlets will testify. I expect the Italians to give Perpignan a good run for their money but I don’t think they will take any points from this game.
My prediction: Perpignan by 14.

Pool 6

Newport-Gwent Dragons v Toulouse

The Dragons are looking to bounce back from a 21-13 loss at Glasgow in their first home Heineken Cup game against, oh, tournament favourites and holders Toulouse. The French side boasts international stars from one to 15, but the Dragons could be boosted by the return of Wales forwards Luke Charteris and Gavin Thomas. Despite this, Dragons head coach Paul Turner claimed the match-up is like Preston North End taking on Real Madrid. So he’s confident then. Last weekend, David Skrela kicked all 18 points in Toulouse’s hard-fought win over Wasps in monsoon-like conditions. If it’s dry in Wales this weekend there’s every chance we might be treated to some magic from a certain Mr Yannick Jauzion. Or Clement Poitrenaud. Or ….
My prediction: Toulouse by 16.

Wasps v Glasgow

Wasps fly-half Dave Walder almost inspired the High Wycombe based club to a historic win against European giants Toulouse in last Sunday’s clash. The torrential rain levelled the playing field with Wasps just falling short in the 18-16 defeat. Wasps’ prop Tim Payne will sit this one out after a receiving a two week ban for a handbag waving session with Brett Deacon and stamp on Jim Hamilton in the Aviva Premiership game with Gloucester last month. Glasgow ended their four game losing streak last weekend with a win over the Dragons at Fir Hill, Ruaridh Jackson slotting three penalties and a conversion. I think Wasps will win this one though – they know how to grind out results and securing a bonus point against Toulouse will have massively boosted their confidence.
My prediction: Wasps by 9.

What do you think?

Heineken Cup Round 1: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

2010-10-10T18:16:00.000+01:00

The Heineken Cup didn't fail to deliver in the opening round. So much top quality rugby on display and I've had a brilliant weekend watching it.

But who shone amidst the cream of Europe, and who tried their best to secure their place on the "Brock James Heineken Cup Wall of Shame"?

Wonder no more...

The Good

The try of the weekend came courtesy of some unbelievable skill by Regan King. Awesome.

Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Sackey linking up to seal a late win for Toulon with this:

Dimitri Yachvili, who kicked four second-half penalties to break Bath's hearts at the Rec.

Dave Walder. Where would Wasps be this season without their underrated fly-half? He almost single-handedly won them the game away at Toulouse. OK, I'm going to overlook his last minute penalty miss as the rest of his game management was that good.

Topsy Ojo. The London Irish wing is back to full fitness and is on fire, scoring a great interception try in the win over Munster.

The Bad

Goalkicking success (or the lack thereof) at Franklins Gardens. Bruce Reihana and Shane Geraghty seem to be passing the "let's be inconsistently shit" baton between themselves at the moment. Come on boys, no-one wants to be called the new Brock James, so pull yourselves together, please. There are big problems in the goalkicking department for Northampton Saints, but this only falls into the Bad category as they did beat Castres.

Not quite what happened on Friday...

Erik Lund in Biarritz colours. Not nice to see as a Leeds fan. As for Iain Balshaw? Couldn't care less.

London Irish drifting off. A great win against European rugby supremos Munster, but the Exiles failed to close out the game and let the men from Limerick steal a last-gasp try to seal a losing bonus point. What do bonus points make? All the difference, that's what. Toby Booth's men have made progression from arguably the toughest pool all the more difficult by not slamming the door in Munster's face.

The Ugly

Bath's failure to take a late drop-goal, bang in front of the posts, to regain the lead from Biarritz and win the game. As it was, Olly Barkley didn't shout loud enough and Michael Claassens ignored him. A Biarritz win, a home defeat for Bath and progression from the pool looking very tricky for Steve Meehan's men.

Stuart Barnes' nauseating man love for Biarritz number eight, Imanol Harinordoquy. Listening to Barnes bleat on about his "amazing hands" made me sick in my mouth. Twice.

Any more to add?

Heineken Cup & Amlin Challenge Cup Round 1: Predictions

2010-10-07T12:23:00.004+01:00

This weekend is packed full of rugby as both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup kick off for the new season.

There are 22 games in total, so I'm not going to do previews for them all as that would take hours, and quite honestly, I'm supposed to be working. However, the games I am most looking forward to are: Toulon v Ospreys, Aviva Premiership leaders London Irish v Magners league table toppers Munster, Clermont Auvergne v Saracens and reigning champions Toulouse v Wasps, all in the Heineken Cup, and, of course, Bucuresti Oaks v my beloved Leeds Carnegie in the Amlin. You can read my preview of that game here.

Here are my SportGuru predictions for the opening round:

Heineken Cup:

Glasgow v Newport-Gwent Dragons - Newport Gwent Dragons by 6
Northampton v Castres - Northampton by 5
Ulster v Aironi Rugby - Ulster by 9
Benetton Treviso v Leicester - Leicester by 21
Cardiff Blues v Edinburgh - Cardiff by 12
Clermont Auvergne v Saracens - Saracens by 7
Leinster v Racing Metro 92 - Leinster by 3
London Irish v Munster - London Irish by 6
Scarlets v Perpignan - Perpignan by 7
Toulon v Ospreys - Toulon by 12
Bath v Biarritz - Biarritz by 9
Toulouse v Wasps - Toulouse by 16

Amlin Challenge Cup:

Newcastle v Bourgoin - Newcastle by 12
Stade Francais v Rugby Parma - Stade Francais by 16
Agen v Gloucester - Agen by 3
Brive v Petrarca - Brive by 9
Sale v Cetransa El Salvador - Sale by 18
Bucuresti v Leeds Carnegie - Leeds Carnegie by 6
Cavalieri Prato v Connacht - Connacht by 6
Exeter v Montpellier - Exeter by 9
Rovigo v La Rochelle - La Rochelle by 6
Bayonne v Harlequins - Harlequins by 5

We'll see how I get on.... What do you think?

Strictly Wooden

2010-10-07T11:41:00.000+01:00

I didn't watch last Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing because I was out and about in Manchester. Foolishly I forgot to record the BEEB's glittering dance show so I could cringe at Welsh rugby "star", Gavin Henson, as he creaked around the dancefloor with all the charisma of a plank of wood.

However, I'm reliably informed (by my Mum) that he was actually pretty good. This annoys me. In my mind, Gav glides across the dancefloor with all the skill and agility of an IKEA wardrobe.

I do intend to watch the show this weekend, so before Gav shatters my illusions with an impeccable cha cha cha, here is what I imagine what he actually looks like on the show:

Best photoshopping ever.

Creak.

Amlin Challenge Cup Preview: Bucuresti Oaks v Leeds Carnegie

2010-10-07T11:05:00.000+01:00

Mike MacDonald takes on Bucuresti Oaks

I know this article will have limited appeal as it's a preview for a game between a cobbled together Romanian side and Leeds Carnegie. Hardly a glamour tie. However, I wrote this preview for Rugbynetwork and thought I might as well post it on here...

Bucuresti Oaks will be no strangers to Leeds Carnegie when the two teams clash in their opening Amlin Challenge Cup game on Saturday.

The Yorkshiremen sealed back-to-back wins against the Romanian outfit in last season’s Cup campaign, paving the way for five wins from six in all competitions from December to early January. In the same fixture last season, Leeds recorded a hard-fought 10-6 victory at a snowy Arcul de Triumf, a late Rhys Oakley try saving Carnegie’s blushes. Neil Back’s men followed up this win with a convincing 47-0 hammering of Bucuresti at Headingley Carnegie a week later.

Leeds approach this game looking for a much needed boost after recording five straight defeats in the Aviva Premiership. This matches Bucuresti’s current form of five losses from five, with an injury crisis threatening to derail their chances of securing their first win of the season. Oaks have 10 players ruled out with injury for Saturday’s clash from their squad of 28. This has forced them to draft in two replacements in line with competition regulations.

Carnegie will be without Danny Paul after he was ruled out with a rib injury. The number eight picked up the knock in his first start in nearly a year against London Irish last Saturday. Prop Phil Swainston is also out with a wrist injury and number eight Alfie To’oala is sidelined whilst he recovers from an operation to correct an adductor muscle.

Despite shipping 40 points in both of their last two league games, there is hope for Leeds. A ridiculously high penalty count was instrumental in their demise at the Majedski Stadium last Saturday, where the Exiles punished the visitors for their mistakes. However, Leeds did score two tries and the game was more hard-fought than the result suggests. It is clear that Carnegie need to tighten their defence and banish errors, especially around the ever controversial breakdown, if they are to improve their points difference. With two points scored against them for every point they notch up, it doesn’t take a mathematician to work out Leeds are giving teams at least a 15 point head start.

Carnegie have been trying to play a more attacking brand of rugby this season but they are still missing that vital cutting edge. Maybe a game against a limping Bucuresti will allow them to fine tune this game plan and return home to face Stade Français with renewed vigour and an all important win? And yet, rumours of splits in the Leeds camp does not make happy reading for Carnegie fans, and a defeat against a patched together Bucuresti side could threaten to derail Leeds’ season altogether.

However, I am positive. Leeds are renowned for being slow starters and I think a win in Romania will help to kick-start their season.

My prediction: Leeds by 6.

Heineken Cup Flashback

2010-10-06T15:22:00.000+01:00

European Cup rugby is back with a bang this weekend with both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup kicking off for a new season.

I would be lying if said I wasn't a bit excited about it. OK, if I'm honest, I cannot wait. But will the French clubs dominate for the second year in a row? Big-spending Biarritz and Toulouse battled out the Heineken Cup final last May whilst Toulon faced Cardiff Blues in Marseille in the second tier competition, the Blues eventually spoiling the all-French love in.

France also sealed an impressive Six Nations Grand Slam last season. Not a bad year for our Gallic neighbours, eh? Well, if you put the slightly embarrassing defeats by Argentina and South Africa aside...

Here are a couple of my Heineken Cup highlights from last season which sum up why I love this tournament so much.

First up, Takudzwa Ngwenya's amazing try for Biarritz in their quarter-final win over the Ospreys:

For my second choice, I almost went for a clip of Yannick Jauzion weaving his magic, but then I remembered just how much I loved this game. The quarter-final between Leinster and Clermont Auvergne at a pulsating RDS was one of the most exciting games of rugby I have ever seen. Enjoy. (PS: Brock James, look away now...)

Roll on Friday night and Northampton v Castres...

Aviva Premiership Round 5: Previews and Predictions

2010-10-01T10:45:00.001+01:00

Yes, seriously.

I think I must be getting ill. Why? Because I'm getting quite excited about the Ryder Cup - and I don't even like golf. Or so I thought. Watching a curly-haired Northern Irish boy battle it out with a tainted Tiger at soggy Celtic Manor, Wales, surprisingly looks like it's going to take over my weekend viewing.

Well, with the big exception of tomorrow night, when I will be at Old Trafford to watch the Engage Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Wigan Warriors. As a Leeds Rhinos fan it's difficult to support either team, so instead I'm going to support Pat Richards (Wigan) and Jon Wilkin (Saints), the game of rugby league. And of course, beer.

Therefore, rugby union is taking somewhat of a back seat in my sporting agenda this weekend. I'm even going to miss tonight's massive derby clash between Bath and Gloucester as I'm going to a gig. I am recording it though, just in case it's a classic.

Anyway, here are my predictions for this week.

I think Wasps will come away with a win under the Friday night lights of Edgeley Park, and looking at their current form I expect Bath to win at the Rec. Quins looked efficient against Exeter in their 40-13 win last week and Newcastle were humbled by London Irish at home so I see that one going Harlequins' way. The Exiles, currently top of the league, host bottom club Leeds at the Majedski on Saturday in a game that will probably see more one way traffic crashing over the Leeds' try line following last week's 48-6 hammering by Leicester. The Tigers will hope to put their injury woes to the back of their minds on their trip to Vicarage Road, where makeshift fly-half Billy Twelvetrees, or 36, needs to get the better of kicking maestro Derick Hougaard. The Sarries number 10 kicked 55-metre drop goals for fun in last Sunday's 24-17 win over Northampton and controlled the game with ease. Take note Northampton Saints, with a misfiring Geraghty/Myler you will probably still beat teams like Exeter with ease, but against the big boys and in the Heineken Cup you will have to solve the issues at fly-half if you are to win. So no pressure for next week when the HCup rolls into town then...

Sale Sharks v London Wasps: Wasps by 3
Bath v Gloucester Rugby: Bath by 9
Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons: Harlequins by 21
London Irish v Leeds Carnegie: London Irish by 26
Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs: Northampton Saints by 16
Saracens v Leicester Tigers: Saracens by 9

Aviva Premiership Round 4: Previews and Predictions

2010-09-24T11:28:00.002+01:00

Laughing it up at the top of the table: Dylan Hartley

Dark clouds have been rumbling in the skies above Leeds this week heralding the start of autumn. Today we wave goodbye to summer and welcome the onset of dark nights, muddy pitches and freezing your arse off in stadiums up and down the country. But will the season of falling leaves and woolly hats signal a return to the tedious kick-fest we had to endure at the start of the last Premiership season?

Well, with the new laws surrounding the tackle area, hopefully not, although my favourite gap-toothed pundit, Stuart Barnes, did raise an excellent point on Rugby Club last night. The benefit of the doubt at the breakdown is now with the attacking team which is a good thing as it promotes quicker ball and a more fluid game. However, the rules which require the defence to stop and get back to their feet before challenging for the ball allows players on the attacking side to clear them out by flying over the top of the ruck. Will last year's fears of being caught in possession be replaced by ELVs to even it up for the defence? For once in my life, I agree with Barnes: strong and clear refereeing is needed in this area, now more than ever.

That issue aside, last weekend we were treated to a masterclass of rugby by table-toppers Northampton. The Saints brushed aside Bath in impressive style to remain the only unbeaten Premiership team. Then there was the last gasp win for Wasps over rivals Leicester. A Dave Walder inspired fightback in the second-half saw Wasps triumph in an electric game which finished 37-30 in their favour. Exeter continued to make the step up to the Premiership look easy by recording their second win of the season, beating Newcastle 22-17. However, on a personal level, last weekend was a massive disappointment. Leeds slipped to a 13-0 half-time deficit at home to Saracens which put them out of contention for the rest of the match. 26-14 the final score. I was not happy.

But what of this weekend? As ever, here are my previews and predictions:

Saracens v Northampton
The clash of the weekend. Likely to be a bruising grudge match after Saracens won both of the crucial games against the Saints at the back end of last season to take themselves all the way to the Premiership final at Twickenham. Will Brendan Venter start Derrick Hougaard at fly-half as he did last weekend against Leeds? Saints wing Chris Ashton should be back after hobbling off against Bath, a game which saw him bag two tries. Ashton v Sarries new boy David Strettle will be the battle to watch. My prediction: Northampton by 7.

Bath Rugby v Sale.
Bath need to tighten up on the basic mistakes they made last week and I expect them to do this against Sale, the side who engineered a thrilling late comeback against Harlequins last weekend. Sale's away form is woeful. The Sharks have notched up eight losses in a row and just one win, against Leeds last November, in their last 17 trips on the road. My prediction: Bath by 12.

Gloucester Rugby v London Wasps.
Gloucester are yet to splutter into life this season whilst Wasps displayed their mental toughness in their fightback against Leicester on Saturday. Wasps have won their last five games against the cherry and whites in all competitions, but a trip to Kingsholm is never easy. My prediction: It will be a tough game, but Wasps to win by 7.

Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs.
Quins committed rugby hari-kari last weekend at Edgeley Park, throwing away a win over Sale due to second-half indiscipline. Conor O'Shea's men are the only side other than Leeds still searching for their first win and it will be tough against the Chiefs. The clash between Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson, top Premiership points scorer, and opposite number Nick Evans will test the calibre of the Chiefs' young stand-off and will be a fascinating contest to watch. My prediction: Harlequins by 6.

Leicester Tigers v Leeds Carnegie
Is now the best chance Leeds will get to take the scalp of the Champions? The Tigers look to be lacking a bit of cohesion this term but they are still dangerous in attack and Leeds will do well to contain them. Carnegie are making yet another slow start to the season and are rock bottom of the table with only one consolitary bonus point from the 22-21 loss at Gloucester. My prediction: Leicester by 18.

Newcastle Falcons v London Irish
Kingston Park is a tough place to go as the nights start drawing in, but the Exiles will make the trip in buoyant mood after beating Gloucester with relative ease last week. Again, I see this game being a battle of the fly-halves: Jimmy Gopperth, named at 10 in last year's Opta team of the year, versus nearly-man Ryan Lamb. My prediction: London Irish by 9.

Aviva Premiership Round 3: Previews and Predictions

2010-09-17T11:44:00.002+01:00

Skivington: tall

I'm not very good at this results predictions malarkey. I've only got a poor 41.67% success rate after round two, but, undeterred I'm giving it another shot this week. As D:Ream once said, things can only get better, right?

Round three's standout game is Wasps v Leicester, a battle of the arch-rivals who have won 15 Premiership titles between them. The extra spice this year comes in the form of George Skivington, the towering second-row who made the switch from Adams Park to Welford Road this summer. The 27-year-old England Saxons skipper is only the third player to make the move from Wasps to rivals Leicester. Quelle controversy.

Leicester were almost handed their arses on a plate by new boys Exeter last Saturday after trailing 20-10 at half-time. Luckily for the champions their class shone through in the final quarter to seal a 37-27 win. A real shame for the Chiefs and a shock to the system for Richard Cockerill's men. Likewise, Wasps came off second best against Newcastle, the Falcons holding their visitors to a scoreless second half to run out 29-17 winners. Even though this weekend's fixture is a home tie for Wasps, Shaun Edwards' men need to drastically improve their shoddy defensive effort from last week if they are to take any league points from the Tigers. I'm not sure they can do it.

The other big game of the round is tonight at Franklins Gardens. Northampton Saints host Bath in a top-of-the table clash between the two remaining unbeaten sides in the league. It's a tough one to call, but I'm going for a home win. Why? Because I like Dylan Hartley.

Elsewhere, I'm mentally preparing myself for the Leeds v Saracens game on Sunday. Last Saturday's 22-21 loss at Gloucester was a bitter pill to swallow as a Leeds fan, but unless coach Neil Back has been employing some kind of black magic in the bowels of Headingley Carnegie, I can't see us beating Saffacens this weekend. However, Christian Lewis-Pratt and James Tincknell both had a very good game against the cherry and whites, so there are still reasons for me to be cheerful.

Here are my predictions:

Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby: Northampton by 5.
Sale Sharks v Harlequins: Harlequins by 6.
Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons: Exeter Chiefs by 6.
London Wasps v Leicester Tigers: Leicester Tigers by 10.
Leeds Carnegie v Saracens: Saracens by 12.
London Irish v Gloucester Rugby: London Irish by 9.

Lunch Box

2010-09-16T16:23:00.005+01:00

Ever since Joe Worsley claimed he ate 20 chicken breasts a day, part of me has always wondered what your average professional rugby player chows down on.

According to Twitter, the overwhelming answer seems to Nandos: up and down the country, players just can’t get enough of the Portuguese peri-peri spice-fest with a side order of disappointment. I mean, is it just me or does a trip to Nandos invariably end in spending about £20 only to come home still feeling slightly peckish?

Not that hunger pangs would ever be a problem for a well-paid sportsman. They probably eat a whole chicken in one mouthful then rack up the Lemon and Herb chicken-wings and get balls deep in an epic grease-fest. Oops, there goes my overly active imagination again.

But what does a peckish prop-forward do when there is a severe lack of overpriced Portuguese poultry in the vicinity?

Well, today I found out.

I was minding my own business on my daily pilgrimage to the northern mecca of supermarkets, Kirkstall Morrisons, when I chanced upon not one, but two Leeds Carnegie prop-forwards.

Gomez: Ravenous

Juan Gomez and Miguel Alonso were happily chatting away in Spanish as they picked up their lunchtime goodies.

Naturally, being a Leeds Carnegie fan, I decided to go and wish Juan all the best for Sunday’s Premiership clash with Saracens. The fact this gifted me the opportunity to eyeball his shopping was an added bonus.

But what was in Juan’s basket?

Quiz time:

a) Three cheese and pickle pork pies, a pint of milk, two jars of gherkins and a coconut macaroon.
b) A chubby ham and cheese baguette, a bunch of grapes and a BabyBel cheese multi-pack.
c) A large salad box containing two boiled eggs, savoury rice and some grated carrot.
d) A whole chicken and a bottle of Nandos peri-peri sauce. Extra hot.

The answer is c. I was pleasantly surprised/a bit disappointed there were no pies involved.

Aviva Premiership Round 2: Previews and Predictions

2010-09-10T11:55:00.000+01:00

Gloucester will host Leeds

So what did we learn from the opening round of the Aviva Premiership last weekend? A few things...

Firstly, Exeter aren't quite the pushovers everyone outside of Sandy Park expected following their shock 22-10 win over Premiership stalwarts Gloucester.

And then there was an opening day defeat for the champions, Leicester Tigers, who fell to a 27-19 loss at the hands of Midlands rivals Northampton, losing key man Toby Flood to injury in the process.

I also learnt that Leeds are still in danger of being a 40 minute team as I watched them fall to a 32-16 home defeat by Bath after being only 10-9 down at half-time.

But it's a marathon not a sprint and no-one is running away with anything just yet.

Here are my previews and predictions for round two:

Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs

Even with Tigers fly-half Toby Flood ruled out with knee ligament damage, Leicester at Welford Road is a much tougher challenge for the newly promoted Chiefs than Gloucester at home.
Exeter became only the second team to win their debut Premiership game after Leeds achieved the feat in 2001 but it is unlikely they will claim the scalp of the reigning champions. The Chiefs have not beaten Leicester since a 6-0 victory way back in 1966 6-0 and the Tigers have only lost one of their last 34 games in all competitions at Welford Road.
However, the Tigers stumbled to a 27-19 loss at Franklins Gardens on Sunday and will be looking to bounce back against the Premiership new boys to avoid slipping to two successive defeats at the start of the season for the first time in 24 seasons.
Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson, who kicked 17 points in last Saturday's win over Gloucester, will be key if the Chiefs are to take any league points from fortress Welford Road.

My prediction: It would be less of a fairytale and more of a miracle for Exeter to take anything from this game. Leicester by 18.

Saracens v Sale Sharks

The opening round saw a reversal of fortunes for last year's (almost) all conquering Saracens and relegation battlers Sale. Sarries find themselves in the unusual position of propping up the Premiership table following their second-half whipping by London Irish on the way to a 33-16 defeat. Sale, on the other hand, recorded a comprehensive 35-18 win over Newcastle to end their four game losing run in the Premiership.
However, the Sharks need to remember not to try to run before they can walk. Last season they only managed one win on the road, 24-17 at Leeds last November, and have only won once in 14 previous visits to Vicarage Road.
In contrast, Sarries have won their last three games against Sale and notched up a 58-15 win over Newcastle in their most recent home game.

My prediction: A pretty close game as Sale look to build on last week's win and Saracens aim to get their season started. Saracens by 6.

Gloucester v Leeds Carnegie

Gloucester and Leeds are both searching for their first win of the campaign after losing out to Exeter and Bath respectively in the opening round.
The cherry and whites have won their last six games against Leeds, whilst the Yorkshiremen's only previous victory at Kingsholm was 33-15 on 9 April 2005. If Carnegie win on their travels it will consign Gloucester to back-to-back losses at the start of a season for the first time since 2000/01. However, it will be a big ask, as Gloucester are unbeaten at Kingsholm in any competition since Cardiff Blues won there in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on 8 November.
A sorry stat for Leeds is that they have not won any games in rounds one or two of the Premiership since 2002/03, something coaching duo Neil Back and Andy Key will be keen to fix as they celebrate signing one year extension deals at the club.

My prediction: Gloucester were ripped apart by Exeter last weekend and will need to shore up their defence if they are to win. Leeds will take the battle to them up front, but I expect the class of wing James Simpson-Daniel will give the home side the edge in the try-scoring stakes. Gloucester by 10.

Bath Rugby v London Irish

Bath are chasing their 100th victory at the Rec in their first home game of the season when they host early Premiership leaders Londoon Irish on Saturday.
The men in blue, black and white have won 12 of their last 13 regular season Premiership matches, beating Leeds 32-16 at Headingley last weekend.
Irish defeated Premiership runners-up Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday after a sensational second-half performance.
Despite only losing once in their last five visits to the Rec, the Exiles' away form was poor last season and is an area they need to build on to mount a realistic title bid this term.

My prediction: Last weekend Bath matched Leeds in the forwards battle before their backs outclassed them after the break. Similarly, Irish's back three turned on the afterburners to scorch Sarries into submission in the second-half. The belief at Bath is such at the moment that I can't see them losing at home. Bath by 7.

Harlquins v Northampton Saints

The Saints are looking to end a six season hoodoo against Quins after failing to beat them at the Stoop since September 2004.
Northampton look to have picked up where they left of last season, beating reigning Premiership champions, Leicester Tigers, 27-19 at Franklins Gardens on Sunday. However Jim Mallinder's men have not won back to back games at the start of a season since the 2004/05 season and they need to decide on the man to fill the number 10 shirt. Myler, Geraghty or even Joe Ford? Whoever gets the nod needs to start nailing all their kicks and start turning in consistent performances.
Quins boss Conor O'Shea is adamant this season heralds a new start for the west London club. With the tiresome Bloodgate saga now behind them, the Quins will be looking to record their sixth consecutive win at home and go one better than the 29-29 draw with Wasps in last Saturday's London Double Header.

My prediction: A tricky one. The last four games between the clubs has been won by the home side on the day. Saints still have some work to do and Quins need to tighten up their defence. Harlequins to win by 6.

Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps

Newcastle's record against Wasps is hardly glittering. The northern club's only victory in their last nine meetings was a 12-6 pack-led win at a bitterly cold day at Adams Park last January.
Saturday's game might be up at Kingston Park, but the pitch will still be firm and Wasps will be able to play their more expansive brand of rugby.
Wasps drew with Quins in a 58-point thriller at Twickenham whilst the Falcons were busy licking their wounds after Sale sent them packing in a comprehensive defeat in the opening Premiership game last Friday.
The Londoners have a strong record at Kingston Park, winning on their last five visits and I think Saturday will see them adding their sixth.

My prediction: Wasps to win by 16.

But what do you think?

Back and Key commit to Leeds

2010-09-09T15:30:00.001+01:00

Andy Key and Neil Back: sticking around

Today is an excellent day for Leeds Carnegie fans like me. Why? Well because coaching duo Neil Back and Andy Key have pledged their future to the club by signing one-year contract extensions.

The new deals will see head coach Back and director of rugby Key both stay at Headingley until 2012.

I like this for many reasons. Firstly, Backy and Kiwi have instilled a harder, more professional edge at the club since they dragged it up by its bootstraps in 2008.

Call it a Leicester mental toughness, call it what you like, but the pair, who joined from the Tigers, steered Leeds to promotion from the Championship before securing the club's position in the Premiership last term. Now they are looking to consolidate and build and seal a top six finish complete with a Heineken Cup spot.

The fact the duo have committed their future to the club beyond the end of this season speaks reams about their dedication to the club and their vision for it.

I love a bit of positivity. This pair are the best thing to happen to Leeds since the shock Powergen Cup win back in 2005.

And I'm not the only one who is excited by their new deals.

"This is an exciting time to be involved with Leeds," Back told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I am pleased to have agreed a new contract. Andy and I have a long-term vision for the club.

"We're two steps along the road in the first two years, and everyone is working tremendously hard to raise the additional finance so we can build a squad that can compete at the highest level.

"We need the support of the Yorkshire people as they can contribute to our success and bums on seats at our next home game are critical for raising the funds we need to buy the players that are necessary to compete at the top of the table.

"We see the infrastructure is in place to do that, we just need people to support and buy into it so they can contribute to our success."

Here here. Without getting all Delia Smith about it, come on people of Yorkshire, start supporting your one and only Premiership rugby team.

What Gav did next...

2010-09-08T22:31:00.003+01:00

Gavin Henson has been in the news twice today in two equally mystifying stories. Put them together and the whole Henson Show veers into territory of the totally ridiculous. I didn't think I could lose any more respect for the man who had such a bright rugby career ahead of him, but today has been a watershed in the fame-hungry quest of a player who was arguably one of the most talented in his generation.

Gav pulls on a Wales shirt for the first time in 18 months...

...before donning a glittery matador outfit and coating himself in Ronseal woodstain.

First up, the sometime Wales and Ospreys centre is the face of the Welsh Rugby Union's new shirt launch. Pretty laughable as he hasn't represented Wales for a year and a half. Still, I suppose it was a nice photo opportunity and gave him the chance to have his glowing orange face emblazoned on a 100ft poster which was draped across the Millennium Stadium.

So does this mean Henson is targeting a return to rugby after 18 months of unpaid absence from club and country?

Er, not any time soon. The grand unveiling of the new kit coincided with Gav prancing out from behind a pair of crushed velvet curtains to be officially announced as one of the sequin-clad "stars" of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. What a piece of timing that was. The WRU must be thrilled, and they're not the only ones.

For starters, Gav's (former) Wales team-mates were perplexed by his Welsh rugby poster-boy status. Jamie Roberts, his one-time centre partner, said: "Is this an insult to current Welsh international players... wonder what the Welsh public will think?!"

Speedy Welsh hobbit Shane Williams echoed the sentiment: "It is a little bit strange for us really having not seeing a lot of Gav, especially on the rugby field and training paddocks."

Yes, it is Shane. And do you know why? It's because Gav has been far too busy trekking up fjords and slapping on the fake-tan for ITV1's new show for fame hungry Z-listers, 71 Degrees North, which just so happens to air this Saturday. Oh and who can forget the televisual gold that was Gavin Henson: Human Guinea Pig? A show which could have seen him electrocuted if Bravo been slapdash with health and safety.

To my untrained eye it seems that Henson is stalking fame like a rabid Big Brother contestant who was tossed out of the house in the first week. The former Mr Charlotte Church is hardly the most charismatic of sportsmen - if you read my review of his frankly quite dire Human Guinea Pig show you will know I think he is the personification of a fence: covered in a teak woodstain finish, just as wooden and probably about as bright.

By my calculations, if twinkle-toed Gav does go the distance with Strictly and makes it to the final, he will only have nine months to revive his rugby career before the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Is nine months long enough for a rugby rebirth? Who knows, but if Henson is to stand any chance of getting on the plane to New Zealand he better quickstep back to training and stop fandangoing about trying to get in the limelight.

Just saying.

Cipriani to Conquer America?

2010-09-03T12:59:00.001+01:00

Another day, another twist in the underwhelming sporting career of everyone's love-to-hate-him fly-half, Danny ~~Celebriani~~ Cipriani.

Today, ESPN.com reported that "rugby ace" Cipriani is keen to try his luck in Major League Soccer after training with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Move aside David Beckham and Thierry Henry, the 22-year-old former Wasps stand-off has apparently been dazzling the yanks with his footballing skills following a brief stint training with Championship side Queens Park Rangers this summer.

Rapids communication manager, Jason Gilham, believes Cipriani could be serious about switching to the round ball on a more permanent basis.

"He is keen to explore opportunities in soccer in general and with the Rapids in particular," Gilham told The Times.

"I think he is looking at the possibility [of securing a contract with the franchise]. It is something that is being looked at from both sides."

However, Cipriani has signed with new Super 15 outfit the Melbourne Rebels for next season, and coach Rod Maqueen still expects the overly-hyped 10 to move to Australia.
"He is absolutely on board," Macqueen said. "We have seen no evidence to say that he is not coming. We are expecting him in about three weeks."

Well good luck with that. The Cipriani media circus rumbles on... Oh and is he still dating Alexandra Burke? Quite frankly, who cares?

Summed up in a Sentence

2010-09-03T11:28:00.001+01:00

Stuart Barnes: Everyone's favourite gap-toothed rugby pundit

With the start of the new Aviva Premiership season almost upon us, journos, pundits and bloggers alike have been eager to assess each team's championship winning pedigree or hopes of survival.

I have to admit I have cast my beady little eye up and down the league, looked at all the summer signings and departures and made a few predictions of my own. Tea leaves not required.

However, instead of banging on for hours about the positives and negatives of each team, I decided that a more concise approach was the way forward.

Therefore without further ado, here are my thoughts on each Aviva Premiership club in one handy sentence.

Ahem.

Leicester: Steamrolling their way to a third consecutive championship.
Bath: The cream of the West country will rise to the the runners up spot.
Saracens: Dazzling biscuit munchers but falling just short.
Northampton: Always the bridesmaid...
London Irish: Woefully inconsistent.
Harlequins: Occasionally inspiring, mostly frustrating.
Wasps: Dogged but lacking the crucial cutting edge.
Leeds: Most improved but just falling short of the top six.
Gloucester: Another season of mid-table mediocrity.
Newcastle: Dull.
Sale: Unexciting.
Exeter: DOOMED.

Of course I could be totally wrong as I ain't no Stuart Barnes. Thank God. But I will say this: it's going to take a minor miracle for anyone to beat Leicester to the Premiership title this season. I think Bath and Sarries will push them all the way but they will fall short as they lack that crucial championship winning mentality.

The gulf in class between the Premiership and division one will be shown in stark contrast and I think Exeter will become regular whipping boys (I hate that phrase) and find themselves playing Doncaster and Rotherham again next season.

But who knows? Just don't call me Stuart.

Aviva Premiership Round 1: Previews & Predictions

2010-09-03T10:43:00.001+01:00

It's here: the eagerly awaited and brand spanking new Aviva Premiership season. It's difficult to predict which teams will fly out of the blocks, fired up and ready to build on last year's performances. Likewise, with only the form of pre-season games to go on it's tricky to work out which teams will sleepily stretch their way through their first game like a bunch of bears waking from hibernation.

Regardless, it's time for me to wheel out my previews and predictions for another season. This year I've got a certain element of added pressure as I've signed up to the SportGuru prediction league. This means my haphazard predictions and punditry success will be there for all the world to see. I suppose I shouldn't be worried, after all I won a three month's supply of Yazoo milkshakes for coming out on top with my Six Nations predictions. I kid you not.

Anyway, moving swiftly on. Here are are my predictions for Round 1:

Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons

The new Aviva Premiership Rugby season kicks off at Edgeley Park for the second consecutive year. Cast your mind back and you might remember Sale beating Leicester 15-12 this time last September.
At the end of last season, both the Sharks and Falcons found themselves thrashing it out at the bottom end of the table, embroiled in the closest relegation dogfight for years. As a result, both sides have a new chief this term in a backroom shake-up. Mike Brewer is arguably Sale's most crucial signing of the summer and he will look to lead Sale to their first win over Newcastle since the 14-9 win at Kingston Park back in September 2008.
The Falcons, now coached by Alan Tait, have won on three of their last four visits to Stockport, most recently in the penultimate round last year where they ran out 32-30 winners. However the absence of New Zealand prop Carl Hayman who moved to Toulon in the summer will hurt the Falcons, as will the return of Sale and England loosehead Andrew Sheridan.

My prediction: Still pretty evenly matched but I think a newly invigorated Sale will shake off last season's woes and claim their first win. Sale by 6.

London Irish v Saracens

The first of two games to be played at Twickenham on Saturday in the wonderfully billed "London Double Header".
Saracens' form was sparkling last season and Brendan Venter's men made it all the way to the Premiership final. However Sarries were left wearing runners-up medals thanks to a late Dan Hipkiss try which sealed a 33-37 win for Leicester in the best final in years, if not ever.
This loss added another blot to Saracens' record at HQ, which reads two wins and four defeats. However the fez heads have a slightly better record in previous London Double Headers, winning three and losing three.
In contrast, Irish's season petered out last term, slipping out of the top four in a lacklustre finish which saw them fall to three straight defeats. The most notable of these was their woeful 23-13 loss at home at the hands of Leeds in April.

My prediction: History and last season's form don't count for much on the opening day, but I think Saracens will pick up where they left off. Saracens by 9.

London Wasps v Harlequins

Game two in the double header sees Wasps clash with Quins. Wasps have won on their last three encounters with Harlequins and also ran out victors on both the previous occasions when the clubs met at Twickenham.
In fact, Harlequins are winless in their last three visits to Twickenham since their 24-21 victory over Saracens in September 2008. Last season was fairly inconsistent for the Quins and new boss Conor O'Shea is no doubt relishing his first full season in charge after picking up the reigns mid-way through last term.
With the seemingly never ending Bloodgate saga hopefully done and dusted, I think Quins, under the watchful eye of O'Shea will be pushing the top four all the way this season.
Wasps on the other hand, will undoubtedly miss the talent and work-rate of second-row George Skivington who left Adams Park to join reigning champions Leicester this summer. Paul Sackey and a certain Danny Celebriani also parted company with the club, but the return of a fully fit Riki Flutey from Brive will bolster the backline.

My prediction: A tough one to call for the opening round as both sides ended up pretty much honours even last year. Wasps to win by 6.

Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester

The first Premiership game at Sandy Park sees the cherry and white troops of Gloucester descend this Saturday afternoon.
It's going to be a tough season for the Chiefs as they embark on their fight to stay in the top flight. Along with Leeds they have less cash at their disposal than the other clubs and as a result have not been able to attract any big name signings over the summer. Of course they are an unknown quantity and could throw up a few surprises, but I think they will be few and far between.
Gloucester failed to win anything last season, plummeting to seventh in the Premiership table and falling to Northampton in the LV= Cup final. However, boss Brian Redpath's side will be too experienced for the Premiership new boys, and I expect an easy win for the visitors which will set the tone for the rest of Exeter's season.

My prediction: Gloucester by 12.

Leeds Carnegie v Bath Rugby

My beloved Leeds. Zero wins from four in pre-season but who's counting? These sides last met at the Rec in the final round last season where the boys in blue, black and white demolished Premiership survivors Leeds 39-3.
In fact, Bath have won their last five matches against Leeds in all competitions but despite a poor pre-season Carnegie finished strongly last season, winning three of their last four home games.
Sunday will be the third time Bath have visited Headingley in round one. In 2001 they lost 10-6 before recording a 44-32 win in 2003. Possibly the most memorable game between these two sides was in November 2004, where an Olly Barkley try in the dying seconds saw Bath came from behind to win 30-28.
New faces for Bath in the guise of former Leeds wing Tom Biggs and England captain and ex-Leicester flanker Lewis Moody will add a bit of extra spice to proceedings, but Leeds have England hooker Steve Thompson in their ranks now. If the game involves any form of pie-eating contest then I think we'll know who will be the winners.
Leeds have not won on the opening weekend of a Premiership season since they defeated Leicester 26-13 at Headingley in 2002.

My prediction: A new season and time for Leeds to kick on. I hate predicting the result for my team, but in round one I'm going to be positive. Leeds by 3.

Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers

Last but by no means least, it's the East Midlands derby between reigning Premiership Champions Leicester and last year's somewhat surprise package Northampton.
The Saints' home form was outstanding last season. They fell to only two home defeats in all competitions last term, interestingly both by Saracens in their last two matches.
Add to that the fact Northampton have won their opening Premiership game every year since 2002 with only one blip in 2005, a 32-0 loss against Leicester no less, and their case for a win is strong.
Leicester, have in fact lost their opening game of the season in three of the last four years and their only other visit to Franklin's Gardens in round one was in 1999 when the Saints won comfortably by 46-24.
However everyone knows just how irritatingly good the Tigers are. They're not back-to-back Premiership Champions for nothing.

My prediction: Another really tough one to call. Leicester might have lost England captain Lewis Moody to Bath over the summer but they have strength in depth from one to 15. Leicester to win by 6.

Man of the Month: September

2010-09-01T16:15:00.000+01:00

September's man of the month is all round nice guy, comedy genius, tweeter and Bath beardy back-row forward, Luke Watson.

Luke has been handed the captaincy at Bath this term which comes as no surprise if you follow him on Twitter. He is on a one-man inspirational tweeting mission, spreading news about team-mate Nick Abendanon's strange eating habits along with the word of God and a dash of rugby . In fact, Luke is giving resident Aviva Premiership God-botherer Euan "The Reverend" Murray a run for his church collection money with his religious ruminations.

However, you can't get away from the fact that Luke is an all round nice guy. And what a player. He made a massive impact last season from the base of the scrum and is an excellent ball carrier. I like captains to be a member of the pack so they can discuss the intricacies of the scrum with the ref, and I think Watson will flourish in his new role, linking up with last season's skipper, scrum-half Michael Claassens.

It's a big step up, but with former Leicester stalwart Lewis Moody alongside him in the back-row I think Watson will quietly get on with his business and help Bath build on last year's semi-final spot.

I'm back...

2010-09-01T15:22:00.001+01:00

Powering into the new season...

It's been a while since I've blogged and good while since the end of last season.

I'd like to say I've spent the summer months doing something worthwhile, like trekking through Borneo and helping to set up a Orangutan sanctuary. However that would be a lie. Instead I've spent the off season gallivanting around East Yorkshire and watching Leeds Rhinos get ritually humiliated in the Challenge Cup Final. Oh, and seeing my fantasy football team plummet to the bottom of my office mini-league after the first three weeks...

Well never fear. The brand spanking new Aviva Premiership starts this weekend and I couldn't be more excited.

Picking up where they left off last season, my beloved Leeds Carnegie play Bath at Headingley this Sunday. The fact that Leeds have failed to win one of their pre-season fixtures is not a massive issue. I mean, they played against the might of teams like the Ospreys, Ulster, Agen, Doncaster.... Let's gloss over that.

I'll get back on the prediction horse later this week and tomorrow I will analyse each Aviva Premiership teams' chances for this season in one sentence. I am nothing if not concise.

T minus two days 'til it all kicks off. Happy days.

New Zealand 20 - 10 Australia: Full time Report

2010-08-07T10:28:00.001+01:00

The All Blacks powered to victory in Christchurch to claim their eighth consecutive Bledisloe Cup and put them in touching distance of their tenth Tri-nations win.

First half tries from Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith saw Australia coach Robbie Deans witness his side slump to a record equalling ninth consecutive defeat against New Zealand with just over a year until the World Cup.

The Wallabies looked confident and had the majority of early possession but a quick line out by the All Blacks set up Mils Muliaina for the opening try. Excellent hands from Piri Weepu and Joe Rokocoko allowed the full back to race down the touchline and score with Dan Carter adding the conversion.

However the Wallabies hit back immediately when David Pocock grabbed Carter’s spilled ball and offloaded to Kurtley Beale who sprinted 60 metres to score. Matt Giteau slotted the extras to level the scores 7-7 in a breathless opening 11 minutes.

In the blistering first quarter the All Blacks responded just four minutes later with a try for centre Conrad Smith. Carter’s break allowed New Zealand to work the ball to Smith and his try in the left corner was awarded by the Television Match Official. Carter again converted from the touchline.

A Giteau penalty kept Australia in touch but Will Genia gifted the All Blacks their first penalty in the 33rd minute for holding on, Carter extending New Zealand’s lead to 17-10 at half time.

The electrifying pace settled down after the break but Smith nearly scored his second in the 50th minute when a perfectly weighted Carter kick forced the Wallabies defence to scramble on their line.

However the first and only score in the second half came in the 70th minute when another Dan Carter penalty made Australia pay for sloppy work at the breakdown giving New Zealand an unassailable lead.

Summer Sevens

2010-07-15T19:42:00.001+01:00

Bored of the off season? Longing for some rugby action?

Well dust off your replica shirts, it's Premiership Rugby Sevens time.

The first J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Sevens series kicks off at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday 16 July at 7:30pm. All 12 Aviva Premiership teams will be in action over four consecutive Friday nights with Harlequins, London Wasps, London Irish and Saracens battling it out in Friday's opener to try and win Group A and book their place in the final on 6 August.

Fellow premiership rivals Leicester Tigers, Leeds Carnegie, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks will face off at Welford Road on Friday 23rd, before Northampton Saints host Exeter, Gloucester and Bath on the 30th July.

How much? £10 for adults, £5 for children plus a booking fee. Not bad.

But is this just a cash cow to milk the rugby loving public?

Maybe not. Today the RFU broke new ground by awarding ten Sevens players central contracts in a bid to help with preparation for the Commonwealth games. Maybe they are starting to take Sevens rugby more seriously?

Either way, it's a chance to catch a bit of rugby before the Premiership return at the start of September. It's just a shame the games aren't being held on Saturdays as more people might have been able to make it.... like me, for example.

If you go, please let me know if it was any good, ta.

For more details you can visit http://www.premiershiprugby.com/

Gavin Henson: Hardly Electrifying

2010-07-02T12:30:00.003+01:00

When you were young did you ever try to create a giant battery using an orange and a couple of electrodes hooked up to a lightbulb? Well last night, TV channel Bravo tried to do exactly that - with 750,000 volts of electricity and everyone's favourite satsuma-skinned rugby player, Gavin Henson.

Gavin Henson: Human Guinea Pig - a show which seemingly had the ultimate aim to let its host, ex-BBC news presenter Dermot Murnaghan, electrocute the Wales and Ospreys centre.

How? By convincing the sometime rugby player, or to quote Murnaghan, "superstar", to take a direct hit of 750,000 volts of electricity to his head from a Tesla Coil - a specially designed mega-generator.

First, to build the anticipation, we watched a tent burst into flames after a direct hit from the Tesla lightening bolt. Then we saw Gav start to sweat as he witnessed a shed explode after the electrifying treatment.

In an effort to convince our Gav that taking almost a million volts to the head was an excellent idea, scientist Greg Foot jumped into a telephone box and survived a lightening strike. I mean, surely Gav's hair gel alone would protect his, erm, intelligence?

'Daredevil' physicist Foot constantly dumbed down his science speak to the increasingly vacant Henson, who had less charisma than the now smouldering wooden shed.

Only when Gavin uttered the fateful words "I don't want to mark this face" did it seem that the reality of his quest for fame had finally hit home.

However, Foot persuaded the father of two to jump into a clapped out Rover Metro and be struck by a bolt from the Tesla. Gav nervously awaited the 750,000 volts and in an effort to protect himself he put on his seatbelt. Bless.

The question on everyone's lips was: "Would he sit in the hot seat and take a direct hit?"

Of course he would. Our Gav wasn't going to chicken out of the potentially lethal experiment now, was he?

After a few more minutes of Murnaghan annoyingly trying to build the tension, it was finally time for the pièce de résistance.

Henson, clad in a ridiculous 16th century chain mail outfit and sweating under the studio lights, sat on a solitary chair and waited for almost a million volts to land on his orange little head.

The studio audience lined up like witnesses to a US style death row execution.

The Tesla machine fired up.

Henson practically sharted himself. Murnaghan rubbed his hands together in eager anticipation.

The blue bolt of electricity crackled towards Henson's head and landed on his bonce.

As if by magic, the electricity was dispersed by his natty metal outfit, and shock horror, he was fine.

So was it an anticlimax?

A bit, although it was obvious that nothing too dramatic was going to happen. Not even a singed eyebrow.

However, it does beg the question - what on earth is Gavin Henson doing? With this and his recent exploits in the Arctic Circle for ITV, he's certainly not playing rugby.

Please Gavin, get back to the game that made your name and stop titting about.

Fancy a Flutter?

2010-07-02T10:57:00.003+01:00

If there is any proof needed that you can bet on anything then this is it. Place your bets for the wedding of Ireland international Brian O'Driscoll and Amy Huberman.

O'Driscoll will tie the knot with his actress girlfriend in Leitrim today and if you fancy a flutter there is a whole host of big day betting specials.

Bookies Paddy Power are offering odds of 4/7 that the Ireland skipper will start blubbing during his speech and a controversial 10-1 that his old flame, model Glenda Gilson, will turn up at the wedding.

Then of course there is the traditional bet on the the length of the best man's speech. Just how long will Damien O’Donoghue talk about Ireland's favourite son? More than 10 minutes pays out at 9/4.

Another bet that could grab your imagination is who will catch Amy's bouquet. Rob Kearney, Brian's Leinster and Ireland teammate, might be sweating as current squeeze Susie Amy is looking likely with odds of 8-1. Kearney's ex-girlfriend, Ruth O'Neill, will also be jostling for position at 12-1. Then again if you fancy an outside bet you could plump for Ms Gilson at 100-1 - if she turns up that is.

Finally, if you're feeling fruity, why not have a punt on when the happy couple will have their first baby? With odds of 6/5 that we will hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet sometime next year it seems the bookies think it's almost a certainty.

All this is very romantic I'm sure you'll agree. Still, the newlyweds could be laughing all the way to the betting shop in a few years' time as the bookies have given them two free €100 bets - the first will pay €100,000 if their first daughter wins an Oscar while the second will pay €10,000 if their first son follows in his dad’s footsteps and plays rugby for Ireland.

Betting aside, I would like to wish Brian and Amy a lovely day and a long and happy marriage. Aw.

Man of the Month: July

2010-07-01T10:52:00.000+01:00

Following today's sad news, Thom Evans is my Man of the Month for July.

The 25-year old Scotland and Glasgow wing has been forced to retire from rugby after medical advice following a spinal injury he suffered during the Wales v Scotland clash in this year's Six Nations.

Evans had to be stretchered from the field after colliding with Wales full-back Lee Byrne in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in February. Team doctor James Robson later revealed that Evans' vertebra was so badly knocked out of alignment that if it had been moved by just one more millimetre he could have been paralysed or even died.

Now, according to The Scotsman, Evans has taken on board medical advice that he would not be able to return to the mobility required to play at the highest level, and has told friends and family he will hang up his boots.

It's a sad day for such a young and talented player and I for one wish Thom all the best in whichever career he chooses next.

Ready to Perform?

2010-06-30T21:19:00.001+01:00

The fixtures are out, pre-season training has started and clubs are snapping up the finishing touches to their squads.

Yes, that's right - the new Guinness Premiership season is approaching fast.

In one of the biggest stories of the off-season, today it was revealed that Sir Ian McGeechan will be joining Bath Rugby as a "Performance Director". No, he's not going to be treading the boards and auditioning the squad for a burly version of "Romeo and Juliet". Or is he? After all, what does a performance director actually do?

According to Bath coach Steve Meehan, apparently Geech's job is to cover all the support systems behind the first team and academy and look at all the things needed to recognise talent, develop it, and then use it at the very highest level.

OK then. So that's clear. But will there not be an overlap between Meehan's coaching and McGeechan's performance directing jazz-hands?

Meehan also stressed there would be no clashes between himself and McGeechan as they share the same philosophy. Now, is it just me or does that immediately make you suspect there will be the odd 'disagreement' at the Rec?
And isn't a head coach/performance director pretty much the same thing? It will be interesting to see how this off-pitch relationship develops and if Geech's aim of taking Bath back to the success of their 1980s glory days will materialise. It will be great if it does. I respect Lions legend Sir Ian more than any other coach and I would love to see him succeed in whatever he does.

Roll on the 4 September and the start of the new season. And who are Bath playing first up? Why, my boys, Leeds Carnegie.

With their new performance director hoping for some all singing and all dancing performances, I'm sure Bath will break a leg. Not literally, mind...

All Quiet on the Blogging Front...

2010-06-25T15:41:00.004+01:00

First of all I would like to apologise. I've been pretty quiet on this blog for couple of weeks and haven't been giving the summer rugby tours the attention they deserve.

Why?

Well, I'm spending most of my free time trying to organise a big rugby event for charity. There is so much to do and as a consequence my blogging has given way. I will let you know the details of the fundraiser as soon as I can...

However, I would like to say a big, belated congratulations to England for beating Australia, in Australia, for the first time since the 2003 World Cup final. Brilliant game boys and a very well deserved win.

Here are my predictions for this weekend's games:

Australia v Ireland

Australia will be looking to lick their wounds after failing to put England to the sword in last weekend's 21-20 defeat. Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom looked like he'd been presented with a kangaroo poo last Saturday, and rightly so. Meanwhile, Ireland will be looking to bounce back after being hammered 66-28 by the All Blacks before suffering narrow 31-28 loss to New Zealand Maoris last Friday.

My prediction: Australia to win by 15

Argentina v France

Argentina are getting better, but two home defeats by Scotland does not bode well ahead of their clash with Grand Slam champions France. However, there is still the chance that Marc Lievremont's men will flounce off on strike in homage to their footballing counterparts. Probably not though.

My prediction: France to win by 9

New Zealand v Wales

New Zealand will be buoyant after demolishing Warren Gatland's Wales last weekend and humiliating Ireland the week before. Dan Carter showed the world's media why they should stop focusing on a certain Mr Wilkinson with a sublime performance at 10 last Saturday. Wales, on the other hand, will want to forget all about the 42-9 drubbing in Dunedin. Apparently therapy helps, boys.

My prediction: New Zealand to win by 30

South Africa v Italy

Finally, South Africa will be wanting a much tighter rematch against Italy, who they beat 29-13 last Saturday. I expect more of the same from the Springboks who chalk up yet another win.

My prediction: South Africa to win by 18

But what do you think?

The Axis of Power: Weekend Predictions

2010-06-18T11:31:00.003+01:00

Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau.

Is this the new axis of power in international rugby?

Australia scrum-half Genia is back to face England in Saturday's clash at Sydney's ANZ Stadium after recovering from a knee ligament strain. He will link up with club mate Quade Cooper to form a Queensland Reds half-back pairing with Matt Giteau returning at inside centre in place of Berrick Barnes.

It's not a bad 9, 10, 12 combination is it?

Genia burst onto the international scene last year with some sniping performances and has already been hailed as world class. Cooper is a constant threat with the ball in hand, and Giteau is the running fly-half/centre that England fans could only dream Danny Cipriani would be.

Genia's opposite number is Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs who makes his first start for England. No pressure then, Ben.

It's great that Youngs has been given the chance to shine and show off his undoubted talent against the top scrum-half in world rugby.

Courtney Lawes also makes the XV, pushing veteran second-row Simon Shaw to the bench.

Other than that, England have made no changes to the side which crashed to a 27-17 defeat by the Wallabies in the first Test in Perth last week.

The positive from that game was England's domination at the scrum which reaped two penalty tries. However, England's backline failed to fire and looked limp in attack against the green and gold wall. I wonder how coach Martin Johnson has tried to remedy this in training this week?

My prediction: More of the same. Australia to win by 12.

Elsewhere, Wales take on New Zealand in Dunedin in their tour opener.

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 and have never won on New Zealand soil - something Warren Gatland, Wales' Kiwi coach, wants to fix.

The men in red's last victory over one of the Tri-Nations superpowers in the southern hemisphere was in New Zealand, when they beat Australia 22-21 in Rotorua in the third-place play-off for the 1987 World Cup.

The last match between Wales and the All Blacks in New Zealand was in Hamilton in 2003, when the home side won by a record 55-3 score, one of 22 Test victories for the Kiwis in 25 matches between the sides.

History does not give Wales reasons to be cheerful then - especially as the All Blacks demolished Ireland 66-28 last weekend.

Ospreys lock Alun Wun Jones is back to face off with Brad Thorn at line-out time and the performance of Wales' tight five will go a long way to determining the result of this match. Wales' line-out has been an area of weakness which was again exposed by Victor Matfield in the 34-31 defeat by a second string South Africa earlier this month. Add to that a sub-par back row, and Wales will have their work cut out for them as they face off against the All Blacks.

My prediction: New Zealand by 26.

Meanwhile, Scotland have made one change for their second and final Test against Argentina following their 24-26 win last weekend.

Wing Simon Danielli replaces Nick de Luca in a move that sees Max Evans switch from wing to centre for Saturday's game in Mar del Plata.

The inclusion of Danielli is an obvious bid by coach Andy Robinson to get some tries on the board. The Scotland boss hopes Danielli's try-scoring form will break down Argentina's defence after all Scotland's points in the first Test came from the boot of in-form fly-half Dan Parks.

My prediction: Scotland to win by 6.

Finally, the other game to be played tomorrow sees South Africa take on the ever improving Italy. Despite the Azzurris' stronger performances in this year's Six Nations, I can't see the result of this game being anything other than a cricket score in the Springboks' favour.

My prediction: South Africa to win by at least 50.

News just in: Ireland lost 31-28 to the New Zealand Maoris at Rotorua.

Flying the Flag: Weekend Predictions

2010-06-09T14:11:00.000+01:00

There's a small tournament starting in South Africa this Friday. Something to do with a round ball and Wayne Rooney...

David "Call me Dave" Cameron, the botox-faced British Prime Minister, is flying the St George's cross above 10 Downing Street for a few weeks. Apparently it's something to do with the sporting shenanigans in the Rainbow Nation, but don't believe that for a second. Johnno and the boys: it's all for you.

This does however, suck if you are Welsh or Scottish. Apparently, Dave doesn't care what happens in New Zealand and Argentina this month.

Anyway, as we all know, the summer rugby tours are where it's at, and as usual I'm going to have a go at predicting the results.

I'm off on holiday tomorrow, so sadly I won't be able to watch any of the games. This also means that I've not had much time to write this post, so apologies as it's only a quickie.

However, I do have time to say that I am thrilled Phil Dowson, Northampton Saints' back-row forward, has been promoted to the senior England squad. Sadly this was due to an injury to Hendre Fourie, as the Leeds Carnegie flanker picked up a calf strain in the 28-28 draw against the Australian Barbarians yesterday.

Speaking of the Baa-Baas game, from all reports it sounded like England's second string side were lucky to grab a draw. I'm not sure how much we can take from this result, as the teams that run out on Saturday will be vastly different.

Well, maybe with the exception of Australia's 19-year old points scoring machine, James O'Connor. An individual points haul of three tries, two penalties and two conversions isn't too shabby - especially when Berrick Barnes was the only other person to get on the scoreboard for Australia with one successful penalty.

The South Africa v France games looks set to be a clash of the titans. France are the best team in the northern hemisphere right now, and they will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a Springboks side who nearly came up short against Wales.

So without further ado, here are my predictions:

Argentina v Scotland - Scotland to win by 6
Australia v England - Australia by 12
New Zealand v Ireland - New Zealand by 9
South Africa v France - South Africa by 6

What do you think?

Warren Gatland's Sh*t Sandwich

2010-06-06T18:12:00.001+01:00

Warren Gatland must be furious.

The Wales coach was forced to watch his side sandwich an error-strewn, poor performance between a strong start and a grandstand finish,

Again.

Wales raced to a 16-3 lead over a weakened Springboks side at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, only to see their lead eroded to 16-14 at half time.

A poor lineout teamed with defensive errors and missed tackles saw South Africa run out 34-31 winners, despite Wales' now famous Lazarus-style comeback in the last 10 minutes.

A frustrated Warren Gatland said: "Ill-discipline let them back in and we gave them the game on a plate."

And what a tasty dish it was too.

I kind of wish I had used my Formula 1 viewing technique for this match as it would have made it much more enjoyable:
Watch the start and the first few laps (generally quite exciting as the potential of someone rear-ending Lewis Hamilton is quite high), doze off through the middle of the race and then wake up to see final lap.

All the action, none of the boredom and a refreshing nap thrown in for good measure.

Still, at least Gatland is staying positive ahead of his team's two test match trip to his native New Zealand this month.

He said: "We played the world champions today. Guys who played in the Super 14 final last week, and the Stormers and the Bulls are two of the best teams in the world.

"The thing from today is you feel like you are not too far away and you are not turning up thinking we hope to have a good day and they have a bad day and we can cause an upset.

"We know if we are more clinical we are capable of beating anyone. Today was an opportunity we didn't take."

Quite true. But if Wales don't sort out their basic game and set piece, Richie McCaw and chums will take the plate containing Gatland's sh*t sandwich and hand it back to him with his arse on it.

Tuck in, boyos!

Wales v South Africa: Preview and Prediction

2010-06-04T11:31:00.001+01:00

Saturday 5 June, k.o. 2:30pm, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The start to Wales' summer of rugby has been overshadowed by the club v country row over Butch James.

Bath centre James, included in the Springboks side after a two year absence, was forced to return to his club when Premier Rugby insisted the game does not fall within the international playing window.

The South African Rugby Union had hoped to secure James' release by virtue of clauses in his contract, but their request was rejected by Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for England's Premiership clubs

James' absence sees uncapped Juan de Jongh start, Victor Matfield comes into the team to replace injured Andries Bekker, and Zane Kirchner has also been called up as a replacement.

Both Matfield and Kirchner played in the Bulls Super 14 final win over the Stormers last weekend.

Elsewhere, Andy Powell, Wales' golf-buggy loving satsuma-skinned back row forward, has seen his return to the international fold scuppered by a torn thigh muscle.

Powell was axed from the Wales squad in February following his drunken antics in a golf buggy after a boozy post-match celebration.

He was recalled to the bench but injury has put his return on hold, and he will now also miss the summer tour to New Zealand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has shocked Wales fans by picking James Hook at outside centre. Hook is not touring with the squad, instead going under the knife for a shoulder op.

Ospreys scrum-half Mike Phillips partners Stephen Jones at half-back, and with Jamie Roberts at 12 and Hook outside him, the Wales backline looks strong. Leigh Halfpenny and Tom Prydie start on the wings with Lee Byrne at fullback. With a backline like this, Wales have got to run in a hatful of tries, right?

Phillips will play opposite Ricky Januarie, who spent three months at the Ospreys this season when Phillips was sidelined by injury.

My prediction: This is as good a time as any for Wales to beat the Springboks. Wales were the kings of high drama in this year's Six Nations but they will need to stop the 'Boks from getting a head start of 20 points. Warren Gatland's men can't afford to give South Africa such a luxury. Wales to win by 6.

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Tom Prydie (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys); Paul James (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Deiniol Jones (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Blues), Ryan Jones (capt, Ospreys).

Replacements: Huw Bennett (Ospreys), John Yapp (Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Richie Rees (Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys).

South Africa: Frans Steyn (Racing Metro); Gio Aplon (Stormers), Jaque Fourie (Stormers), Juan de Jongh (Stormers), Odwa Ndungane (Sharks); Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Ricky Januarie (Stormers); CJ van der Linde (Leinster), John Smit (Sharks, capt), BJ Botha (Ulster), Danie Rossouw (Bulls), Victor Matfield (Bulls), Francois Louw (Stormers), Dewald Potgieter (Bulls), Joe van Niekerk (Toulon).

Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Alistair Hargreaves (Sharks), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Meyer Bosman (Cheetahs), Zane Kirchner (Bulls), Bjorn Basson (Cheetahs).

Butchgate

2010-06-02T10:55:00.002+01:00

First we had 'Bloodgate', then we had 'Biscuitgate'.

Now, in the newest rugby farce, we have 'Butchgate'.

Butch James, Bath centre, is being wrapped up in a ridiculous amount of red tape to stop him from playing for South Africa against Wales this Saturday.

James, who hopes to reignite his international career ahead of next year's World Cup, was named in the Springboks team to face Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

But Premier Rugby, the umbrella organisation for English Premiership clubs, ordered Bath to recall their player as the match does not fall within the International Rugby Board playing window.

And to make matters worse, there is no fuss about Saracens' Schalk Brits playing for the Baa-Baas against Ireland this Friday.

What a double standard.

Sure, rules are rules, but what are Premier Rugby playing at?

Fans are fighting against the ruling and a Twitter campaign has been launched to back Butch's bid to play.
If you search for #letbutchplay you will find hundreds of tweets calling for Premier Rugby to back down.

The fans have a point. Bath's season ended over two weeks ago and the only other thing on James' agenda at the moment is probably enjoying a cocktail or two on a sun-drenched beach.

Will this move force James to leave Bath in order to keep his World Cup dreams alive?

That is the fear of supporters.

Let's hope this farce doesn't come to that. Please let Butch play!

Man of the Month: June

2010-06-01T08:07:00.001+01:00

June's Man of the Month is Players' Player of the year and all round nice guy, the ever smiling Schalk Brits.

Along with this award, voted by his peers, the Saracens hooker was also named player of the year on this humble blog, polling more than a third of all votes.

During only his first season in the Guinness Premiership, Brits scooped countless man of the match awards and was also named in the Opta Team of the Year. He made more than twice as many metres as any other hooker and also beat more defenders than any other forward in the top flight. Brits was also successful with more line out throws than any other player in the league.

I like Schalk Brits. Not only is he an explosive forward with the pace and step of a centre, but Brits always plays the game with a big smile on his face.

A worthy winner.

With one of many Man of the Match awards

In training for Saracens

The Guinness Premiership Final: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2010-05-30T11:08:00.003+01:00

What a game! The Guinness Premiership final between reigning champions Leicester and pretenders to the throne Saracens was a pulsating match and the best I have seen in years.

The lead changed hands five times during the course of the game. Just when Saracens thought they had snatched the win as Glen Jackson slotted over a penalty with four minutes on the clock, Leicester conjured a try from the resulting restart and substitute Dan Hipkiss stormed over to clinch the cup.

33-27 was the final score. Breathless rugby. It's almost impossible to sit here and write "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" for this game, because as finals go it was top drawer entertainment.

But here goes anyway.

The Good

Toby Flood: One of the key men for Leicester, and he delivered in spades. Only missing one kick from the tee, Flood controlled the game well.

Dan Hipkiss - The Tigers centre has been sidelined with injury of late, but he made the biggest impact in the match when he came on from the bench and steamrollered his way over for the winning try.

Geordan Murphy - Who stepped aside when it was time to lift the cup and gave the captains honour to departing stars Lewis Moody and Ben Kay. I thought that was really sweet.

Attacking rugby - Both teams played expansively and threw everything into the game. It was refreshing to see teams almost forget it was a final and go out and play. Take note Toulouse and Biarritz.

Ernst Joubert - Two tries for the Sarries skipper, which sadly for his side, was just not enough.

The Bad

No Brendan Venter - Saracens' director of rugby (and everyone's favourite panto villain) was forced to watch the game at home after failing to get his ban overturned. A real shame. Venter has been one of the real characters this year, adding colour and spice to the game. I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think he is brilliant.

Defence - But who cares when it gives you entertainment like that? Well, the defence coaches might I suppose...

Not respecting the kicker - Sarries' fans booed when Flood lined up a couple of his kicks. I know it's not the done thing, but in such a massive game and when they thought they had been hard done by, I can't really blame them.

The Ugly

I can't think of anything. No really, I can't. This game was everything I wanted a final to be.

Oh there is one thing: the fact that I will have to wait until September until the league starts again for the new season.

Leicester Tigers v Saracens: The Guinness Premiership Final

2010-05-28T13:36:00.001+01:00

The Guinness Premiership reaches its climax this Saturday, where reigning champions Leicester Tigers will battle it out with Saracens in a bid to get their hands on the prized silverware.

The 81,600 sell out crowd at Twickenham will see six-time finalists and three time winners, Leicester, play Sarries, who haven't won a trophy since the Tetley Bitter Cup back in 1998.

Brendan Venter, Saracens controversial director of rugby, is banned from team involvement at Twickenham on finals day after failing to get his 14 week ban overturned.

However, Venter's ban, hardly a shock after his needling of opposition, referees and the establishment this season, will no doubt galvanise his team further.

England skipper Steve Borthwick returns at lock for Saracens after a two-month injury absence but number eight Ernst Joubert retains the captaincy.

Should Sarries fans be worried that Borthwick is back? After all, they have seen their team play some expansive rugby with flair during his stint on the sidelines. Probably not.

Elsewhere, Sarries' Kiwi half back pairing, Glen Jackson and Justin Marshall, hope to end their careers on a high before retiring.

Over in the Leicester camp, coach Richard Cockerill will be in the stands after escaping with a slap on the wrists from an RFU hearing. The Tigers supremo took his frustration out on a wall during the semi-final game against Bath. I can only assume that he had left his Olly Barkley voodoo doll at home.

Speaking of Bath, the final will be Lewis Moody's last game for Leicester before joining up with the men in blue, black and white next season.

In other team news, Tigers flanker Craig Newby is available for the game after he was cleared of a dangerous tackle in the semi-final.

But who will win?

This is a real tough one to call. Leicester are the most consistent Guinness Premiership team and are strongest at the scrum and line-out. They put on a master class of how to use the set-piece to smother their opponents, Bath, into submission two weeks ago. They will look to target the throw of players' player of the season, hooker Schalk Brits, and put pressure on him at scrum-time.

Toby Flood will be key for the Tigers both with his kicking and running of the game. His battle with opposite number Glen Jackson will be crucial in deciding which team will lift the trophy when the clock goes red.

As for Saracens, I expect to see yet more from full-back Alex Goode who impressed in the semi-final against Northampton Saints. Flanker Andy Saull is in a rich vein of form, and there is the power of Ernst Joubert and that man Brits.

If Saracens can hold their own at the set piece then they have every chance of lifting the cup.

Don't forget, they beat Leicester 32-23 at Welford Road in the final round of the regular season, crushing the Tigers' bid to be unbeaten at home in the campaign.

However, Leicester we missing key men that day, including the instrumental Toby Flood.

My prediction: On paper I would have to say Leicester Tigers due to their big match experience and league winning pedigree. However, I have the sneaking feeling that Saracens might just do them again. It would be a fitting finale to the season for Brendan Venter's team - and I would have to say that they would deserve it, after adding a lot of colour and spice to this season.

Saracens to win by 9.

Baa-d Selection?

2010-05-26T13:06:00.006+01:00

Charlie Hodgson will slip on the crucial number 10 shirt and make his first start for England in two years when he lines up to play the Barbarians this Sunday.

Nick Easter will skipper England against the Baa-Baas in the MasterCard Trophy clash at Twickenham, k.o. 5pm, in the absence of Lewis Moody. The Leicester flanker is unavailable as he plays with the Tigers against Saracens in the Guinness Premiership final on Saturday.

And in a reshuffled side, Easter is one just of 10 survivors from the squad that finished the RBS 6 Nations in Paris.

But the real headline grabber is a start for Charlie Hodgson, Sale Sharks fly-half, who has not played for England since 2008.

Hodgson has fallen from favour in recent years, and critics thought he had kicked his last chance on the international stage firmly into touch.

However, Johnson has given him another go - aruguably at the expense of Northampton Saints' Stephen Myler, who is in the Saxons squad but is surely a better option at 10?

Jonny Wilkinson, Hodgson's main rival at stand-off, is not in the side after collapsing with an injury in the Amlin Cup final last Sunday, and Toby Flood is also unavailable due to the Guinness Premiership final.

But there is a refreshing number of uncapped players blended with experience in the 22 man team.

Hodgson lines up with uncapped centre Shontayne Hape (Bath Rugby), Mike Tindall is Hape's partner at outside centre and there is an exciting back three of Ben Foden (Northampton Saints), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) and David Strettle (Harlequins), who returns after a two year absence.

The forwards include uncapped prop Jon Golding (Newcastle Falcons) and lock Dave Attwood (Gloucester Rugby), with Dan Ward-Smith (London Wasps) on the bench. Tight head prop Paul Doran-Jones makes his first appearance in England colours since his debut against Argentina last November and uncapped Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson takes a seat on the bench.

However, there is no place in the 22 for Northampton wing Chris Ashton, and Bath's form centre, Olly Barkley, is only a replacement.

Despite that, I'm pretty happy with this team. The game against the Baa-Baas is a non-cap game and gives the England management the chance to mix things up a bit.

And it looks like they have grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

My only real worry is the selection of Hodgson at fly-half. I'm still beating the "Stephen Myler for England" drum. It's a real shame he's only in the second-string Saxons. In fact, I might launch a campaign...

England Team to face the Barbarians

15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)
14 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
13 Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby)
12 Shontayne Hape (Bath Rugby)
11 David Strettle (Harlequins)
10 Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins)
1 Jon Golding (Newcastle Falcons)
2 Steve Thompson (CA Brive)
3 Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester Rugby)
4 Dave Attwood (Gloucester Rugby)
5 Tom Palmer (Stade Francais)
6 James Haskell (Stade Francais)
7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish)
8 Nick Easter (Harlequins) CAPTAIN

Replacements

16 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby)
17 Tim Payne (London Wasps)
18 Dan Ward-Smith (London Wasps)
19 Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
20 Joe Simpson (London Wasps)
21 Olly Barkley (Bath Rugby)
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks)

But what do you think?

Glee and the Guinness Premiership Final

2010-05-26T11:13:00.002+01:00

Leicester Tigers and Saracens are the last teams standing in the Guinness Premiership race to Twickenham, where the two rivals will meet in the final on Saturday.

This is the sixth final in a row for reigning champions Leicester who finished the regular season in top spot.

Saracens, on the other hand, were league leaders until the halfway point, thanks to a controlled and uninspiring kicking game. But then, fastforward a couple of months, and a team trip to Brighton and a couple of controversies later, Brendan Venter's team is thrilling to watch and racking up the tries.

Saturday's clash should be a corker.

But what do Leicester stars Geordan Murphy, Ben Youngs and Jordan Crane think of their chances?

Do Sarries' Brad Barritt and Andy Saull think they can get their hands on the silverware?

And more to the point, which one of these is a closet fan of Glee?

All is revealed...

Le Finale

2010-05-25T22:26:00.000+01:00

I have to be honest with you. I didn't actually watch the Biarritz v Toulouse Heineken Cup final.

Well, it's ready and raring to go on my Sky+ planner, but I haven't found the time to watch it just yet .

That's one of the perils of staying at my parents for the weekend - it's a Sky Sports free zone.

However, I did watch the determined Cardiff Blues battle Toulon at Marseille's sun-drenched Stade Velodrome to claim the Amlin Challenge Cup.

It was the Blues' first silverware in Europe and was a well deserved win. But, it could have been very different if Sonny Bill Williams had crossed for Toulon from the kick off. That would have started the game on a different foot, and let Toulon get out of sight.

Of course, despite Cardiff's win, most of the headlines went to Jonny Wilkinson, the England and Toulon fly-half, who collapsed in a very worrying heap after kicking a penalty.

Will he be fit for England's summer tour of Australia?

Who knows?

All that aside, it's back to the domestic game this week.

Bristol play Exeter in the Championship playoff final tomorrow, Leicester and Saracens face-off in the Guinness Premiership final at Twickenham, and Leinster and the Ospreys do battle in the Magners League Grand Final, both on Saturday.

And then you can have a little breather before the summer tours start...

Phew.

Heineken & Amlin Cup Final Previews and Predictions

2010-05-21T11:17:00.000+01:00

European Cup rugby is set to reach its climax in both the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cup this weekend.

Biarritz will face Toulouse in the Heineken Cup Final in Paris on Saturday, and Sunday will see Cardiff Blues, the only non-French finalist, do battle with Toulon in Marseille.

French teams have dominated the Heineken Cup this year, with the Irish contingent, champions Leinster and two-time winners Munster, dumped out in the semi-finals.

But why have the French dominated in 2009/10?

Along with cup rugby success, France scooped an impressive Six Nations Grand Slam this season.

Fingers have been pointed towards the cash being splashed in the French Top 14, although a salary cap is being brought in next year.

But is this the only reason for their success? French teams start their season a month before the Guinness Premiership and Magners league, and whilst GP and Celtic teams are warming up in pre-season training, they are gaining match fitness and that elusive edge.

Or is it down to the rigours of a British and Irish Lions tour last summer taking it out of the top players from the home nations before the start of this season?

Simply put, French teams could just be better. But with millions more Euros to spend on players, who wouldn't be?

But never mind all that - we are set for some cracking finals this weekend. Here are my previews and predictions:

Biarritz v Toulouse

Three time winners Toulouse play their third all French Heineken Cup final when they face Biarritz on Saturday.

Toulouse, who play their sixth final this weekend, last won this competition in 2004/05 when they pipped Stade Francais to the prize after extra time at Murrayfield. Biarritz have only been to one final, losing 16-13 to Munster at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in the following year. The last time Toulouse has the silverware in their sights was in the 2007/08 season, falling to Munster, the Irish giants claiming the cup in a close 16-13 win.

But what of this year? At times, both these sides have played some sublime rugby, no more so than the dazzling Yannick Jauzion of Toulouse.

Centre Jauzion has caused commentators to wax lyrical about his vision and glittering playmaking. But Toulouse are by no means a one man team.

France skipper Thierry Dusautoir is back, and will be looking to add a Heineken Cup winners' medal to his collection, after missing out with Biarritz in 2006 and Toulouse in 2008. Wing Cedric Heymans could feature in his sixth Heineken final, while four other Toulouse players - hooker William Servat, prop Jean-Baptiste Poux and flanker Jean Bouilhou - could play in their fifth, along with a certain Mr Jauzion.

Biarritz also have plenty of stars on display. Hard man Imanol Harinordoquy, who played the semi-final at number eight with a broken nose and rib injury, is expected to start. Also possibly lining up for the Basque team is a trio of England internationals - full-back Iain Balshaw, centre Ayoola Erinle and flanker Magnus Lund. However, centre Damien Traille is out with a broken arm.

Toulouse have to be the favourites ahead of this game due to their European Cup pedigree. Toulouse ended the Top 14 season in 4th, whilst rivals Biarrtiz only managed 7th place. Add to that the fact that Toulouse swatted aside rugby giants Stade Francais and champions Leinster in the knockout stages and they are looking formidable. Will they show up Biarritz's occasionally fragile defence?

My prediction: It should be a cracker. Toulouse to win by 6.

Cardiff Blues v Toulon
Cardiff Blues are taking their bid to become the first Welsh side to win a European trophy all the way to the final at Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Sunday.

Claiming their first silverware won't be an easy task for the Blues, as they face a star-studded Toulon, the team who finished second in the French Top 14 this season.

Of course, all eyes will be on Toulon's Jonny Wilkinson, Felipe Contepomi, Sonny Bill Williams and Tana Umaga - but don't write off the Blues.

The Welsh side have been boosted by the return of scrum-half Richie Rees and have done well on their travels this year.

And Cardiff might find themselves with a few more fans for the day - although they will be wearing red. If the Blues win, Wales will gain a fourth Heineken Cup place which will go to the Scarlets.

However, if Toulon triumph, Gloucester will take the 24th and final spot.

My prediction: I can't see Cardiff out muscling Toulon in the sunny south of France. Toulon to win by 12.

But what do you think?

Arse of the Year?

2010-05-19T20:45:00.004+01:00

You'll never guess what. James "Publicity Machine" Haskell is up for an award.

The England and Stade Francais back-row forward has been nominated for "Rear of the Year".

And the pumped-up Johnny Bravo lookalike is taking it very seriously. In fact, has even found time in his hectic England training schedule to launch a voting appeal on Twitter.

But seriously James, why on earth do you want to bag such a low-brow prize? Are you really that competitive?

Last year, the award was scooped by operatic warbler Russell Watson - the man second on my "Annoying Celebrities who I would like to punch in the face" list, behind the constantly irritating John Barrowman.

(L) If only Barrowman hadn't "Made it through the rain"

(R) Haskell looking buff in the buff for Dieux du Stade

And what if you don't win James? Russell's hardly got buns of steel and yet his saggy arse was voted numero uno in 2009.

Now that would be embarassing for you...

James, basically what I'm saying is this: Not all publicity is good publicity. Everyone knows you have a rocking body thanks to the wonderful ~~porn~~ artistry of the Dieux du Stade calendars.

However, with the England summer tour to Australia just a few weeks away, surely it's time to focus on this instead of a bum beauty pageant?

Just saying...

Skillz

2010-05-18T11:55:00.000+01:00

Guinness Premiership finalists Leicester and Saracens are both pretty slick when it comes to ball handling, lineouts, scrum time and racking up the points.

But which team is better at, say, throwing balls through the sunroof of a Landrover?

I wonder...

There's only one way to find out.

First up, Leicester Tigers:

Hmm, pretty poor. Can Sarries do any better?

We have a winner.

But are these skillz a pointer to who will win the final?

Of course not. Don't be silly.

The Final Shakedown

2010-05-18T11:19:00.000+01:00

After Sunday's epic Guinness Premiership semi-finals we have a tasty clash between Leicester Tigers and Saracens to look forward to at Twickenham on May 29.

Leicester smothered Bath into submission in a 15-6 tryless affair, whilst Sarries squeaked past Northampton Saints 21-19 at Franklins Gardens.

Each game was packed with twists, controversy and bucket loads of irony.

Who can forget one-time Sarries bound Soane Tonga'uhia steaming over for a Saints try on the stroke of half time? Did Toby Flood's high flying penalty really count for the Tigers?

And then there were the subplots: The extra needle between Saints and Sarries after Celebrationgate, the alleged tapping up of Northampton prop Brian Mujati by Saracens, Brendan Venter's misconduct charge.

All the extra needle created an afternoon of high drama, and I for one, loved it.

The final results? Heartbreak for Saints and Bath, heaven for Leicester and Saracens.

And it should be a storming final in a couple of weeks.

My faith in English club rugby has been fully restored. Roll on Twickenham in two weeks time.

I, for one, cannot wait.

Saints Stars look ahead to Saracens Semi-Final

2010-05-14T14:22:00.000+01:00

Northampton Saints host Saracens in their much anticipated Guinness Premiership semi-final this Sunday.

Here, Saints stars Ben Foden, Stephen Myler and Lee Dickson talk about the game.

Guinness Premiership Semi-Finals: Previews & Predictions

2010-05-13T22:54:00.003+01:00

The run up to the Guinness Premiership semi-finals has been packed with more drama than an over the top soap opera.

Saracens overturned both Northampton and Leicester on the road in the last two rounds, crushing both clubs' hopes of an unbeaten home campaign in the league.

In the process, Sarries riled the Saints by singing and celebrating too loudly - much to the annoyance of Northampton skipper Dylan Hartley.

And then it was the turn of Brendan Venter, Saracens director of rugby, who caused a furore when he allegedly pushed a female fan during the game at Welford Road. He swiftly followed this up by criticising Martin Johnson's selections for the England tour to Australia, apparently vexed that none of his squad were being given a plane ticket down under.

Elsewhere, Bath continued their amazing run of form when they swatted aside Leeds Carnegie to seal their semi-final spot. Richard Cockerill's Leicester will be back to face them after Sarries put them to the sword.

As semi-finals go, these are really tough to call. Here goes nothing.

Leicester Tigers v Bath Rugby

It is ominous for Bath that their only loss in their last 12 league games was at the hands of Leicester. The men in blue, black and white were outclassed 43-20 at Welford Road by the reigning champions on 3 April.

However, Bath were missing key players that day. There was no Luke Watson or Danny Grewcock for starters.

In the last few weeks Bath have been sublime. Switching the point of attack, Olly Barkley has been everywhere. Nick Abendanon can attack from all over the pitch, and that man Watson is a dynamic ball carrier with a deft offload.

It will be interesting to see if Steve Meehan's men will follow their recent game plan and start this match at 100mph. If Bath are to win they need to get on top of Leicester, front up in the forwards and stop the Tigers' pack from smothering them and controlling play.

The Tigers will target Bath's lineout as an area of weakness, and veteran Danny Grewcock will need to marshal the forwards in this crucial set piece.

As I said at the start of this post, Leicester's six game winning run in the Guinness Premiership ended at the hands of visiting Saracens on Saturday. However, the Tigers will have put that to the back of their mind. They are well used to the business end of the season - this is the sixth straight year they have been in the playoffs.

Worryingly for Bath, Leicester have won their last eight semi-finals in all competitions since Wasps beat them in the Powergen Cup at Millennium Stadium in March 2006. The Tigers' most recent semi-final defeat at Welford Road was way back in April 1995, again to Wasps but this time in the Pilkington Cup.

This is Bath's third semi-final appearance in a row - a remarkable achievement after lying 11th in the Guinness Premiership table at the half-way stage of the season.

As for the winner of this game? It's a tough one to call. Leicester have the home advantage, forward power and set piece domination. Bath are riding on the crest of a wave and have dangerous play makers in their backline.

My prediction: My heart says Bath but my head says it will a home win for the Tigers. The team with the biggest heart will win. Bath by 6 points.

Northampton Saints v Saracens

If Bath are riding on the crest of a wave then Saracens are surfing right alongside them.

Sarries grabbed a moral-boosting 28-27 win over Northampton in the penultimate round of the regular Guinness Premiership season, and added insult to Saints' injury by celebrating a bit too much for their rivals' liking.

Now, Northampton are gunning for both a place in the final and a good dose of revenge.

Brendan Venter's team is red hot at the moment. Gone is the rugby-by-numbers kicking game from the first half of the season, and in its place is expansive, offloading play.

Key men for Sarries are wonder-hooker Schalk Brits and full back Alex Goode. Goode has been fantastic in recent weeks, gliding onto the ball and popping up in all the right places. Brits' skills have been showcased week after week - he is my tip for the player of the year.

But what of Northampton? Last week's 31-7 win over London Irish secured the home semi-final after back to back defeats. When asked if his side were tired, skipper Dylan Hartley angrily denied it, saying he was sick of hearing it and it just wasn't true.

So if Northampton aren't tired, are they ready? Most definitely. Everyone knows about top try scorer Chris Ashton on the wing, the power and carrying ability of prop Soane Tonga'uhia and the amazing skills and versatility of back row Phil Dowson. But what of the crucial number 10 shirt? Will this be filled by Stephen Myler or Shane Geraghty on Sunday? In my opinion, it's got to be Myler. He will control the game much better than Geraghty and will bang over the kicks.

This game is going to be fascinating. If Northampton can throw everything at Sarries as they did when Munster made the trip to Franklins Gardens then they'll stand a great chance of making the final. But despite all the controversy, Sarries are the team bang in form, and beating them will be a tough ask.

My prediction: It's another head v heart battle to call the winning team. My heart says Northampton, and I would really love for Jim Mallinder's men to go all the way to the final. However, my head says Saracens, especially after their wins over the Saints and Leicester in the last couple of weeks. Don't hate me Saints fans. Saracens to win by 9.

But what do you think?

Venter's Venting Again...

2010-05-13T13:52:00.002+01:00

Brendan Venter, Saracens' shy and retiring director of rugby, is at it again.

But who is on the end of his latest tongue lashing?

None other than England coach, Martin Johnson.

The cause of Venter's rant is Johnno's failure to include any Sarries stars in England's 44-man squad to tour Australia and New Zealand this summer.

And if that wasn't enough, Venter is also furious that only three players, Alex Goode, Brad Barritt and Andy Saull, have been selected for the Saxons to play in the Churchill Cup.

He said: "If Brad isn't in the best 44, then England have some unbelievable players.

"To suggest [as the England hierarchy are said to have done] that he is too small is absurd."

Not one to keep his opinions to himself, the former South Africa centre continued:

"I said to Martin that's one place where they've got it wrong. Brad has a very low error rate, he passes beautifully, kicks well out of hand and he's a great communicator. He was our best player against Leicester last weekend. The three best teams in the Premiership have been Leicester, Northampton and Saracens, and for us to have three individuals out of 70 is amazing."

Erm, isn't that because there are only three English guys in the entire Saffacens squad?

Hell hath no fury like a director of rugby scorned eh....?

Stats Off for the Creme de la Prem

2010-05-12T11:57:00.001+01:00

I love statistics I do. When I saw that stats gurus Opta had revealed their Guinness Premiership team of the season I almost yelped with excitement.

Why do I love number crunching so much?

Well, stats might never paint the full picture, but they also never lie.

So which players have been at the top of their game based on all 22 rounds of the league?

Here is Opta's team of the year:

15 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
13 Ben Jacobs (London Wasps)
12 Brad Barritt (Saracens)
11 Bruce Reihana (Northampton Saints)
10 Jimmy Gopperth (Newcastle Falcons)
9    Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1    Soane Tonga'uiha (Northampton Saints)
2    Schalk Brits (Saracens)
3    Carl Hayman (Newcastle Falcons)
4    Erik Lund (Leeds Carnegie)
5    Marco Wentzel (Leeds Carnegie)

6 Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)

7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish)

8 Dan Ward-Smith (London Wasps)

If you want to get down to the nitty gritty of the numbers, then have a look at this excellent article. I couldn't have put it better myself.

It's clear from the stats that Northampton's success has come from the strength and running of their forwards, shown by the inclusion of Dowson and Tonga'uhia, with their pacey backs, Ashton and Reihana, making up the metres and bagging tries.

And Leeds Carnegie's dominance in the set piece is shown with skipper Marco Wentzel crowned top lineout stealer. His second row partner, Erik Lund, also features for his line breaking and tackling stats.

I could go on all day and bore you with the numbers, but if you're interested in all that you can click the link above and read all about it.

One thing I will say - it really is true that stats never lie. Four of the five nominees for Guinness Premiership player of the season make it into the team. Brits, Dowson, Armitage and Tonga'uhia are all there. Only Sarries' Ernst Joubert misses out.

I wonder if Martin Johnson is regretting his crazy decision not to take Phil Dowson to Australia this summer yet?

Looking at the numbers, I know I would be if I was in his (humongous) shoes...

England Squad for Trip Down Under: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2010-05-11T10:58:00.001+01:00

Martin Johnson had a few tricks up his sleeve today when he named his England squad to tour Australia this summer.

Along with nine uncapped players, the England coach made some, erm, interesting recalls.

Skipper Steve Borthwick misses the tour because of a knee injury meaning Lewis Moody looks set to retain the captaincy.

But which other selections were inspired, which were dodgy, and which will make England rugby fans hold their heads in their hands and sob uncontrollably?

The Good:

Hendre Fourie: I'm thrilled the Leeds flanker has been called up after a fantastic season at a so-called "unfashionable club". I wonder if the words of Johnno's ex-Leicester chum, Neil Back, had anything to do with his inclusion?

Olly Barkley: Since returning from a broken leg, Barkley has helped inspire a resurgent Bath to a Guinness Premiership semi-final spot. He is in the form of his life at the moment. A worthy recall.

Dominic Waldouck: Nice to see Johnno giving the talented Wasps centre a chance.

No Louis Deacon: Hang on, the terrible Leicester second row has been dropped? A miracle.

The Bad:

James Haskell: Did he even play in the Six Nations? I'm not sure, as he had about as much an impact on me as the tedious film "The Men Who Stare At Goats". Hours of my life, wasted.

No Jon Clarke: I don't really understand why one of England's most dangerous centres will be left at home this summer.

The Ugly:

Charlie Hodgson. One word: WHY?!

And come to think of it, why is Stephen Myler only in the Saxons squad instead of choker Charlie who will travel to Oz?

No Phil Dowson. What does the versatile Northampton back row forward have to do to be included in the England tour down under? Solve the Greek financial crisis and broker World peace? Or does he simply have to plait sawdust and knit fog? It is a travesty that he hasn't been handed a plane ticket and will only be given the chance to star for the Saxons.

The Full England squad, who will venture to the land where women glow and men plunder:

Backs: D Armitage (London Irish), C Ashton (Northampton), M Banahan (Bath), O Barkley (Bath), D Care (Harlequins), M Cueto (Sale Sharks), T Flood (Leicester), B Foden (Northampton), S Geraghty (Northampton), S Hape (Bath), C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), U Monye (Harlequins), J Simpson (Wasps), D Strettle (Harlequins), M Tait (Sale Sharks), M Tindall (Gloucester), D Waldouck (Wasps), R Wigglesworth (Sale Sharks), J Wilkinson (Toulon), B Youngs (Leicester).

Forwards: S Armitage (London Irish), D Attwood (Gloucester), D Cole (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), P Doran-Jones (Gloucester), N Easter (Harlequins), D Flatman (Bath), H Fourie (Leeds Carnegie), J Golding (Newcastle), D Hartley (Northampton), J Haskell (Stade Francais), C Lawes (Northampton), L Mears (Bath), L Moody (Leicester), T Palmer (Stade Francais), G Parling (Leicester), T Payne (Wasps), C Robshaw (Harlequins), S Shaw (Wasps), S Thompson (Brive), D Ward-Smith (Wasps), R Webber (Wasps), D Wilson (Bath), J Worsley (Wasps).

England Saxons squad for the Churchill Cup:

Backs: N Abendanon (Bath), A Allen (Leicester), B Barritt (Saracens), J Clarke (Northampton), A Goode (Saracens), P Hodgson (London Irish), S Myler (Northampton), J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), O Smith (Montpellier), T Varndell (Wasps), M Young (Newcastle).

Forwards: D Bell (Bath), N Catt (Bath), A Corbisiero (London Irish), P Dowson (Northampton), G Kitchener (Worcester), S Hooper (Bath), T Lindsay (Wasps), L Narraway (Gloucester), D Paice (London Irish), T Rees (Wasps), A Saull (Saracens), G Skivington (Wasps), R Vickers (Newcastle), N Wood (Gloucester), T Wood (Worcester).

VOTE NOW! Guinness Premiership Player of the Season

2010-05-09T15:17:00.007+01:00

The Guinness Premiership season has all but finished, and with only the title deciding playoff games to go it's time to see which players have made the biggest impact.

Leicester host Bath and Saracens travel to Northampton in the semi-finals after a thrilling final round.

And it's no coincidence that these teams feature some of the most outstanding players to grace the league this campaign.

But who is your player of the season?

Here is the cream of the crop. Well, in my opinion anyway...

Schalk Brits (Saracens)

Everything the Sarries hooker touched turned to gold this season. Pacey, powerful and with a step that would make Yannick Jauzion jealous: Brits has it all. OK, so his line out throwing has been a little hit and miss, but when he starts running with ball in hand he rips defences apart. This has been his first season in the Guinness Premiership and arguably Brits has made the biggest impact of any player. With only three South Africa caps to his name it is unbelievable to think he won't add to this tally in next year's World Cup. Second only behind full back Alex Goode in the number of metres he has made at Sarries, 28-year old Brits is also in the club's top three for carries and tackles.

Brendan Venter, Saracens coach, said: "Brits is a special player, who does things that can't be coached. He's so talented with the ball in hand - but then you look at his stats and see how many tackles he makes. He has to go to the World Cup."

Olly Barkley (Bath)

Centre Barkley returned to Bath after a brief sojourn at rivals Gloucester, only to miss Bath's difficult first half of the season with a broken leg. Steve Meehan's team were battling the fallout from the drug scandal that rocked the club, and at the half way point in the season they had plummeted to the foot of the table. But the return of Barkley and fly-half Butch James inspired Bath to an amazing run of 11 wins from 12 to secure a semi-final spot. In this time, 28-year old Barkley has been sublime. His passing, breaks, kicking game and points from the boot has been at the heart of Bath's success. Surely he must be very close to grabbing a ticket to Australia for England's summer tour?

Steve Meehan, Bath coach, said: "He would be a certainty for the tour if I was on England's selection committee. I think the 12 months he had away from here has done him a hell of a lot of good. He feels that he has nothing to prove to anybody, and his rugby is showing that."

Phil Dowson (Northampton)

Flanker and Saints vice-captain Dowson is undoubtedly one of the first names Northampton coach Jim Mallinder writes on his team sheet. The Franklins Gardens' favourite has been a force to be reckoned with this season. A powerful player with an incredible work rate, Dowson does so much excellent work that often goes unnoticed. Well, not when he is thundering over the try-line as he often has this season. The 28-year old's leadership qualities along with his excellent rugby skills must be making Lewis Moody sweat for his England starting place. Martin Johnson has to pick Dowson to go to Australia next month.

The ever modest Dowson said: "It's probably not suitable to target the England tour but rather make sure that I'm playing well and I'm sorting out the roles that I'm doing with the coaches,"

"If [Saxons coach] Stuart Lancaster or [England forwards coach] John Wells gave me a call I'd be keen as mustard to go along. At the moment I'm concentrating on getting the best out of myself for the Saints."

And that is why everyone at Franklins Gardens loves him.

Chris Ashton (Northampton)

Rugby league convert Chris Ashton has enjoyed unbelievable success this season. The 23-year old wing from Wigan, Lancashire, has crossed the whitewash 16 times in the league and is the top try scorer. Electric pace combined with the strength and power of a back-row forward has seen Ashton destroy defences and link up with Saints full-back Ben Foden to devastating effect. A well deserved call up to England for the final Six Nations game against France saw Ashton kick "that chip" - a move which squandered a try scoring chance the talented winger would have snapped up without second thought for his club. That one blemish aside, Ashton is the future of England speedsters, and a strong contender for player of the season.

Jim Mallinder, Northampton Saints coach said: "His try-scoring has been remarkable, but it’s his general play and understanding of where to turn up that has really improved.

“He understands the game and where the weak points of defences are. He is a natural try-scorer”

Soane Tonga'uiha (Northampton)

Prop Tonga'uiha spent a few weeks of the season entangled in a Saints v Saracens tug of war after confusing contract negotiations. However that was all agreed amicably, with Saints securing the 28-year old Tongan's services for next season. The battle for his signature is understandable: "Tiny" has been a huge force in Northampton's front row and is the form loosehead in the league. The sight of the massive forward steaming up the field has become a recurring sight - Tonga'uiha is tenth in the list of top carriers. Not bad for a front row, who also picked up man of the match awards in the LV= Cup semi-final and final.

But what do the fans say about the man?

"He has just been unstoppable"

"Who can forget the break through & dash in the LV= final?"
"Has been outstanding this season, especially in the LV= Cup Final."
"An amazing player, a truly nice guy and a fans favourite."
"Man mountain demolishes almost everything in his path."
"His displays in the semi final and final were awesome."
"Fabulous performance after fabulous performance."

Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie)

Last but by no means least is Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie. Fourie has been the stand out player for relegation battlers Carnegie, and despite playing for a so-called "unfashionable" club, the 30-year old back row forward forced his way into the England squad for the Six Nations. The Leeds number seven qualifies for England due to residency, and has been tipped to play for England by his coach, Neil Back. Always snapping around the fringes of the breakdown, Fourie is a fierce tackler - topping the Opta stats for his club - as well as being a powerful ball carrier. "Shrek" is a firm favourite of the Headingley Carnegie faithful and will always be the first name on the team sheet if he is fit.

Neil Back, Leeds head coach, said: "I believe Hendre will go with the full England squad to Australia,"

"He is now maximising his potential and on the back of that he is now, for me, the outstanding number seven in the Premiership.

"Because of that he has now played for the Saxons and been involved in full England training. I believe he will now go on the summer tour and go on from there with England."

So who is your Guinness Premiership player of the season?

Vote now in the poll, which you can find on the sidebar. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bath Time

2010-05-07T14:18:00.001+01:00

Bath play Leeds Carnegie tomorrow and a win will guarantee them fourth place and a semi-final against Leicester Tigers.

Here, Bath's Danny Grewcock, Butch James and Michael Claassens look ahead to the game.

Guinness Premiership Previews & Predictions: Round 22

2010-05-07T12:12:00.001+01:00

Round 22 is the final instalment of this season's Guinness Premiership before we enter into the top of the table playoffs.

Leicester have already secured a home semi-final and Worcester's relegation was confirmed in the last round.

But who will grab the other home semi-final? Will it be Jim Mallinder's Northampton or Brendan Venter's resurgent Sarries?

Which team will complete the top four to book a trip to Welford Road? Bath, Wasps and London Irish are still in with a semi-final shout.

And can Gloucester keep hold of 7th spot to keep their Heineken Cup dreams alive?

Here are my previews and predictions:

Leicester Tigers v Saracens

Could this be a dress rehearsal for the Guinness Premiership Final on May 29th?

Quite possibly.

Leicester have already secured top spot in the Guinness Premiership and this is their sixth successive season in the playoffs. Title rivals Saracens need a win from this game to stand any chance of grabbing the other home semi-final. A win would also crush the Tigers' attempts to go through an entire Premiership campaign unbeaten at home for the fifth time.

The history books show that Leicester have won their last four games against Sarries, whilst Brendan Venter's men have never won at Welford Road in 32 previous visits in all competitions.

But Sarries have already won five games on the road this season, including their last two trips to Sale and Northampton.

My prediction: A real top of the table clash which will go some way to showing who could be crowned champions. If Sarries give the ball to hooker Schalk Brits then anything is possible, but I think Leicester will just about have the edge. Leicester to win by 6.

London Irish v Northampton Saints

London Irish's form seems to be slipping away from them at the crucial time. Losses to Gloucester and Leeds in the last two rounds all but ended their quest for a playoff place, but a win against Northampton would give them a chance - depending on other results.

The Saints will be gunning for a win after they also suffered back to back defeats which out a home semi-final under threat. A win over Irish would ensure the playoff game will be played at Franklins Gardens - a loss leaves them hoping Leicester do them a favour.

As for the history books, the Saints have won three of their last four meetings with London Irish, but have lost on their last three visits to the Madejski Stadium.

My prediction: Who wants to win more? It's got to be Northampton. Irish looked tired in their last two defeats whilst the Saints were pipped by a single point on each occasion. Northampton to win by 9.

Bath Rugby v Leeds Carnegie

If Bath beat Leeds they will grab the last playoff place and secure a semi-final trip to Welford Road to take on Leicester Tigers.

But if Neil Back's Leeds can pull a third consecutive win out of the locker then Steve Meehan's men will be left to sweat on other results.

Bath are the form team and have win 10 of their last 11 Guinness Premiership matches. Not bad for a side that was languishing in 11th place in the table at the halfway point of the season.

Carnegie's Premiership survival was secured with their win over Worcester Warriors so they have nothing to lose at the Rec.

However, I can't see the visitors taking any points from this game against the red hot Bath.

My prediction: With Butch James and Olly Barkley firing in the Bath backline, the home side will shift the point of attack and stretch Leeds to breaking point. Bath to win by 16.

Harlequins v Sale Sharks

Sale have won their last four meetings in all competitions with Harlequins since the Sharks won this fixture 38-20 last season.

Quins are currently 8th in the table and have lost their last two league games at the hands of semi-finalists Saracens and Leicester.

But Harlequins are unbeaten in their last seven Premiership matches at the Stoop, since Sarries won there in September.

Sale, on the other hand, retained their Guinness Premiership status despite losing their last three league games. The Sharks' only away victory in the Premiership since January 2009 was at Leeds in November 2009.

My prediction: Changes are being made at Edgeley Park but it's too late for a Sale renaissance this season. Harlequins to win by 9.

Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps

Mathematically speaking, Wasps can still clinch the final playoff spot if they beat the Falcons.

However, when people start getting out their calculators to see if a team can make it you know they are unlikely to progress.

When Newcastle faced Wasps at Adams Park in the league on 3 January they beat them 12-6, and if a semi-final isn't enough an incentive for Wasps to win then revenge certainly is.

I've got to admit that a win for the visitors looks likely, as Newcastle's only victory in their last six home games was the 25-23 win over Gloucester in the Premiership on 31 March.

My prediction: Even if Wasps ace their Maths exam and get through to the playoffs, I can't see them making it to the final. But Shaun Edwards will be working the old cliche of one game at a time, and that should win them this game. Wasps to win by 12.

Worcester Warriors v Gloucester Rugby

Worcester's swansong in the Premiership following their relegation at Leeds in the last round is by no means a dead rubber.

The Warriors will be playing for pride in front of their home fans and Gloucester need a win to ensure 7th place - a position that could see them included in next season's Heineken Cup if Toulon win the Amlin Challenge cup in a couple of weeks.

Worcester achieved the Premiership double over Gloucester last season, but drew 13-all when the two teams met at Kingsholm in round 12.

My prediction: Gloucester will have too much for the Warriors. Gloucester to win by 12.

Bye Bye Borthwick - Hello Courtney Lawes?

2010-05-05T18:56:00.007+01:00

England captain Steve Borthwick has been ruled out of Saracens' Guinness Premiership title bid due to injury and is likely to miss England's summer tour down under.

Wonky-nosed Steve has lost his battle against a knee problem which saw him miss England's showdown with France in the Six Nations.

A new bout of tendinitis has scuppered his return to training with Saracens and put his inclusion in England's June tour to Australia and New Zealand in doubt.

It has been revealed today that the lock needs another two months of conditioning and rest to return to full fitness.

Bothers was targeting a return against Leicester this Saturday - a match which could dictate if Sarries will grab a home semi-final.

But has his absence been a bad thing?

Some of his critics have linked Borthwick's stint on the sidelines with Saracens' recent impressive and explosive play. Sarries have been doing very well without him, thank you very much, and England seemed to cope just fine in his absence.

OK, so England lost to France, but under skipper Lewis Moody they were a much hungrier and dynamic force.

So with one of England's first choice second rows laid up, it looks like there'll be a space in the starting line-up.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The World Cup is but months away.

Courtney Lawes anyone?

Yes I think so.

But we'll probably just get Louis Deacon again...

Awesome.

Saracens Aim for Home Semi-Final

2010-05-05T15:41:00.005+01:00

Saracens take on Leicester Tigers at Welford Road this Saturday, and only a win will give Sarries the chance of a home semi-final against Northampton Saints.

But winning at Welford Road is a tough ask - no team has beaten the Tigers on home soil in the league this season.

However Brendan Venter's Saracens did grab a 28-27 victory over title rivals Northampton at Franklins Gardens two weeks ago. This result denied the Saints an unbeaten Premiership home campaign and added fire to the forthcoming semi-final clash between the two sides.

The venue of this game is still up for grabs and it rests on the results of Northampton's trip to London Irish and Saracens' game against the Tigers.

Here, Sarries' trio Adam Powell, Andy Saull and Brad Barritt chat about Saturday's game:

Man of the Month: May

2010-05-03T21:17:00.004+01:00

April's man of the month was Leeds Carnegie captain, Marco Wentzel. And guess what? No sooner had he been bestowed with this wonderful honour he promptly led Leeds Carnegie to another season in the top flight.

Hurray!

Therefore, with this in mind, I have been very careful with my choice for May.

This month sees the Guinness Premiership playoffs and final - and the question on everyone's lips (well, some people's lips) is which team will lift the trophy on May 29th?

Leicester, Northampton, and Saracens have already booked their playoff spots, and Bath will join them if they can see off Leeds next weekend.

If I had to choose a winner from the remaining four it would be tough.

Leicester Tigers have the pedigree, Sarries are playing some superb rugby, Bath are enjoying a storming second half to the season, and Northampton Saints have been the all round surprise package.

But if I had to choose a team it would be Northampton Saints.

Why?

A few reasons I guess.

Everyone loves an underdog. Northampton are not a fashionable team. Well, maybe they are now, but before the start of this season? Not a chance. Jim Mallinder, Dorian West and Paul Grayson have done an excellent job of building the Saints up from relegation in 2006/07 and transforming them into this season's LV= Cup winners, Heineken Cup quarter-finalists and Guinness Premiership semi-finalists.
They play exciting rugby and have done all season. I'm not saying that Leicester, and more recently, Bath and Sarries haven't been mesmerising crowds with magical ball skills, but this season, at times, Northampton have been sublime.
I fancy Dylan Hartley. There. I said it. The Northampton captain might not be everyone's cup of tea but I think he's lovely. Yeah, so he might look a bit like Chunk from the Goonies but I wouldn't mind seeing his truffle shuffle. (And before you say it, I don't even know what that innuendo means).

Dylan says he is often mistaken for Chris Ashton, his Northampton and England team mate, when doing his weekly supermarket shop. Responding to this, Ashton said: "That's ridiculous because I'm much better looking. And thinner."

Thinner, yes. But better looking? Nah.

Therefore, all this can only mean one thing.

Yes, May's Man of the Month is England and Saints hooker Dylan Hartley.

A good choice I think.

With that I'm going to wish good luck to Dylan and all the Northampton Saints for the rest of the season!

Our Friends in the North

2010-04-30T14:03:00.000+01:00

Just when you thought that the lesser-spotted Gavin Henson was finally starting to focus on rugby, it turns out he's been galavanting around Norway for a new reality show.

The long term Ospreys absentee has been jumping into fjords and trekking up glaciers for ITV's 71 Degrees North - the Arctic Circle version of I'm a Celebrity Get Me in the Papers.

Henson lines up alongside stellar names such as cockney wide-boy and Nolan fancier Shane Richie, operatic warbler Leslie Garrett, and Rob Kearney's girlfriend Susie Amy.

The question is why? Maybe Gavin was feeling a bit strapped for cash after his lengthy spot of unpaid leave? Or maybe he thought climbing snowy mountains would be a good way to get back in shape? Then again, he could have been answering the call of the Norwegian Tourist Board - the Northern Lights have been lacking a certain orange glow of late.

Whatever the case may be, I hope that Mr. Charlotte Church will be back next season with his eyes totally on the game and not halfway up some fjord in Norway.

Lykke boyo!