By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Williams]Paul M Williams
There was more Ashes controversy on 21st November 1959 when Great Britain beat Australia 11-10 at Leeds
In 1959, the Kangaroos again thought they had won the elusive Ashes Trophy when Barry Muir scored a try under the posts but referee Gelder, to everybody's amazement, ruled forward pass. They felt particularly aggrieved because they also hit a post and also questioned the validity of a Great Britain try. After the match, Kangaroos centre Harry Wells angrily confronted Gelder, and said:
"You're a thief and you cheated us"
Gelder replied,
"I've got to live here lad"
Great Britain went on to win the third and deciding test 18-12 to win the series
The Lions thought they were "robbed" on 14th July 1962. The result was Australia 18 v Great Britain 17 in Sydney and Great Britain captain Eric Ashton described what happened.
"1962 was a great side. Even the Australians said it was the best side for years. We wrapped up the Ashes in the second test at Brisbane with a 17-10 win despite losing Alex Murphy early on which was a blow but Poynton came on and did very well. In the third, we were robbed. We were 17-11 up and had Mick Sullivan and Derek Turner sent off. We were penalised under the posts for 17-13 then they went in at the corner and converted to win by a point and the game didn't even kick off again. We would have been the only ever side to win a series 3-0 in Australia. However, that tour was the highlight of my career. To captain an Ashes winning side down under was fantastic."
Australia won the Ashes in 1973 and have retained them ever since
GB came close on November 10th 1990 with a score line of Great Britain 10 Australia 14 in Manchester
The Lions won the first test 19-12 at Wembley to end Australia's unbroken run of consecutive victories stretching back two tours. With injuries to key Australian players Bradley Clyde and Brad Fittler the Lions entered the second test with their best chance in twenty years to regain the Ashes.
The Kangaroos led 4-2 at half time following a Dale Shearer try with Paul Eastwood replying for the Lions with a penalty. Dixon scored for GB shortly after the break and they held onto this 6-4 lead until Cliff Lyon scored a great try with twelve minutes to go. The Kanagaroos led 10-6 and were controlling the game until a Ricky Stuart pass to Dale Shearer was intercepted by substitute Paul Loughlin who raced the length of the field to score. It was 10-10 with a kick to come and for a few moments the Ashes were on their way home. Unfortunately Eastwood missed the kick but the Lions took control of the game and were continually pressing the Australian line but in the last minute of injury time Ricky Stuart dummied Lee Jackson and broke downfield. Mal Meninga barged his way into position before taking a pass close to the line and crashing over for a dubious but match winning try.
Australia won the third test to retain the Ashes they had held since 1973 and have held them ever since. This was closest the Lions ever came On July 1992 in Mebourne a score line of Australia 10 v Great Britain 33 sent GB supporters delirious
After losing the first test 22-6 in Sydney and with injuries to key players Ellery Hanley and Andy Gregory The Lions were not given much chance. They chose an all Wigan pack and Shaun Edwards came in at half back for his first against Australia Despite their injuries and the poor weather, The Lions raced into a 22-0 lead with tries from Clark, Newlove and Schofield. The expected Kangaroo comeback saw tries from Lindner and Johns but the Lions pack held firm giving Graham Steadman and Martin Offiah the opportunity to score great tries.
They lost the decider 16-10 but the glorious night in Melbourne represented the best performance by Great Britain during their long Ashes drought
The "Great Escape" began on 7th November 2003 with a Great Britain 18 v Australia 22 result at Wigan
Adrian Morley had a reputation as the best forward in the world and he had played a big part for the Sydney Roosters in their drive to consecutive NRL Grand Finals. He was expected to continue in this vein for the GB Lions but to home supporter's dismay he was sent off by referee Steve Ganson after only twelve seconds of the first match at Wigan. The performance that followed from the twelve remaining players was top class. Phil Bailey and Trent Waterhouse scored tries for the Kangaroos and Brian Carney replied for the Lions to give them an 8-4 half time score line. A Keith Senior try and two Sean Long goals gave GB a 12-8 lead before a Craig Gower try and a brilliant conversion by Craig Fitzgibbon from the touchline gave Australia the lead but another Brian Carney try put the twelve man Lions 18-14 in front with less than ten minutes to go. Australia escaped when Darren Lockyear created and scored a match winning try and Fitzgibbon landed a last minute penalty.
Two other close and exciting matches followed with The Lions surrendering a good lead in the Second Test at Hull to see Australia win 23-20. Inspired by their captain Darren Lockyear The Kangaroos scored twelve unanswered points in the last four minutes at Huddersfield to win 18-12. Despite the 3-0 series victory for the Kangaroos the thirteen point difference in the aggregate score line tells the true story
Although the Kangaroos have been dominant in recent years, they are only slightly ahead in terms of series and Test matches won
Ashes Series won Australia 20 GB 19
Test Matches won Australia 59 GB 55
Apart from 1911/12, the Kangaroos were beaten in every Ashes series in Great Britain from 1908 until 1963. Even in Australia, the GB Lions triumphed in fourteen Ashes series between 1910 and 1970 The Kangaroos won just four times in 1920, 1950, 1954 and 1966
The GB Lions held the ashes for thirty years from 1920 - 1950
The Australian Kangaroos currently hold the Ashes although they have not been contested since 2003 and not on Australian soil since 1992.
Station Road, Swinton is a now a housing estate. In 1992, the then directors of the Swinton club sold the ground without consulting the Swinton supporters, the local commiunity or the RFL. It was an act of treachery and a terrible tragedy.
For more information about International Rugby League visit the [http://rugbyleaguethoughts.blogspot.com]International RL Blog
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Australia-Dominate-the-Rugby-League-Ashes&id=6141436] Australia Dominate the Rugby League Ashes
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
The GB Lions Dominate the Rugby League Ashes
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Williams]Paul M Williams
The Ashes is the name given to the trophy awarded to the winner of a Rugby League test series between Great Britain and Australia. The format used is usually that three matches are played, with the winning team being decided on the basis of most matches won.
The team representing Great Britain were originally known as the Northern Union after the sport's govorning body and the team representing Australia were and still are known as the Kangaroos
The first ever Ashes Test Match took place on December 12 1908 when the Northern Union and Australia drew 22-22 in London. The English dominated the match early on and led by 14-5 at half-time. They seemed assured of victory when leading 17-5 early in the second half but Australia fought back with tries from Devereaux and O'Malley to bring the score to 17-15 to the Northern Union. The home side scored another try to lead 20-15 with time fast running out but with five minutes to go the great Dally Messenger intercepted near his own try line. He evaded the chasing defenders to within sight of the try line where he passed to Devereaux who crashed over under the posts. Messenger kicked the goal and the Kangaroos took the lead for the first time at 22-20. Unfortunately for them, the Northern Union were awarded a last minute penalty for obstruction and when they kicked the goal the match ended as draw. Australia won the Ashes for the first time on 1st January 1912 when they beat the Northern Union 33-8 in Birmingham. The 1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain was the second ever Kangaroo tour and was actually a tour by an Australasian team (it included four New Zealand players) rather than the Australian team alone. They became the first tourists to win the Ashes and the last to do so on British soil for over half a century. After 1922 the Great Britain RL team became known as the Lions which was many years before the RU team followed suit. In the same year they side beat Australia 6-0 at Salford to win back the Ashes. They would not be lost again until 1950.
In 1928, the City Tattersalls Club in Sydney, Australia donated The Ashes trophy
There was much controversy caused by a rare scoreless Test on January 4th 1930 when The Lions and Australia drew 0-0 at Swinton near Manchester. In the third and deciding Test, Australia's half-back Joe "Chimpy" Busch picked the ball up at the scrum base and ran 20 m for what seemed like a match winning and Ashes winning score. Busch and his team were ecstatic but referee Bob Robinson over-turned his original decision to award the try after consulting the touch judge. Things didn't improve for the Kangaroos when they were beaten 3-0 in 1933
Station Road, Swinton justified it's reputation as "The Aussie Graveyard" on 6th November 1948 when Great Britain beat Australia 17-6. Despite the baffling omission of their captain Len Smith, the Kangaroo tourists played their part in a great First Test matches as Great Britain won 23-21. Their form deserted them and they lost four games in a row before the Second Test at Station Road, Swinton. Before the game, the players paid homage at the corner of the ground where Joe "Chimpy" Busch had been famously been denied in 1930 but they lost the match and The Ashes 17-6. Station Road, once again proved to be the graveyard of the Aussies as it hosted another British Ashes triumph. A 23-9 win for Great Britain at Bradford resulted in only the second ever whitewash in Ashes history
Remarkable courage was showed by Lions captain Alan Prescott on 5th July 1958 when Great Britain beat Australia 25-18 in Brisbane
GB player Eric Ashton said:
"We'd lost the first test and, whether the tour was a success or not depended on the second game. We got off to a shocking start losing Dave Bolton and Jim Challinor and Alan broke his arm. We didn't know for certain it was broken but we guessed it was. He was asked to go to hospital at half time but refused because he reckoned he could still provide an obstacle for the Australians if he threw himself in front of them and he did just that. I don't know how he did it but he did. It was a double break from what I could gather afterwards and it finished his career really. Whether it was bravery or bloody madness, I couldn't make my mind up at the time! The third game was a question of doing it for Alan in his absence. We owed him something and came up with a big win."
For more information about International Rugby League [http://rugbyleaguethoughts.blogspot.com]CLICK HERE
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-GB-Lions-Dominate-the-Rugby-League-Ashes&id=6141399] The GB Lions Dominate the Rugby League Ashes
The Ashes is the name given to the trophy awarded to the winner of a Rugby League test series between Great Britain and Australia. The format used is usually that three matches are played, with the winning team being decided on the basis of most matches won.
The team representing Great Britain were originally known as the Northern Union after the sport's govorning body and the team representing Australia were and still are known as the Kangaroos
The first ever Ashes Test Match took place on December 12 1908 when the Northern Union and Australia drew 22-22 in London. The English dominated the match early on and led by 14-5 at half-time. They seemed assured of victory when leading 17-5 early in the second half but Australia fought back with tries from Devereaux and O'Malley to bring the score to 17-15 to the Northern Union. The home side scored another try to lead 20-15 with time fast running out but with five minutes to go the great Dally Messenger intercepted near his own try line. He evaded the chasing defenders to within sight of the try line where he passed to Devereaux who crashed over under the posts. Messenger kicked the goal and the Kangaroos took the lead for the first time at 22-20. Unfortunately for them, the Northern Union were awarded a last minute penalty for obstruction and when they kicked the goal the match ended as draw. Australia won the Ashes for the first time on 1st January 1912 when they beat the Northern Union 33-8 in Birmingham. The 1911-12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain was the second ever Kangaroo tour and was actually a tour by an Australasian team (it included four New Zealand players) rather than the Australian team alone. They became the first tourists to win the Ashes and the last to do so on British soil for over half a century. After 1922 the Great Britain RL team became known as the Lions which was many years before the RU team followed suit. In the same year they side beat Australia 6-0 at Salford to win back the Ashes. They would not be lost again until 1950.
In 1928, the City Tattersalls Club in Sydney, Australia donated The Ashes trophy
There was much controversy caused by a rare scoreless Test on January 4th 1930 when The Lions and Australia drew 0-0 at Swinton near Manchester. In the third and deciding Test, Australia's half-back Joe "Chimpy" Busch picked the ball up at the scrum base and ran 20 m for what seemed like a match winning and Ashes winning score. Busch and his team were ecstatic but referee Bob Robinson over-turned his original decision to award the try after consulting the touch judge. Things didn't improve for the Kangaroos when they were beaten 3-0 in 1933
Station Road, Swinton justified it's reputation as "The Aussie Graveyard" on 6th November 1948 when Great Britain beat Australia 17-6. Despite the baffling omission of their captain Len Smith, the Kangaroo tourists played their part in a great First Test matches as Great Britain won 23-21. Their form deserted them and they lost four games in a row before the Second Test at Station Road, Swinton. Before the game, the players paid homage at the corner of the ground where Joe "Chimpy" Busch had been famously been denied in 1930 but they lost the match and The Ashes 17-6. Station Road, once again proved to be the graveyard of the Aussies as it hosted another British Ashes triumph. A 23-9 win for Great Britain at Bradford resulted in only the second ever whitewash in Ashes history
Remarkable courage was showed by Lions captain Alan Prescott on 5th July 1958 when Great Britain beat Australia 25-18 in Brisbane
GB player Eric Ashton said:
"We'd lost the first test and, whether the tour was a success or not depended on the second game. We got off to a shocking start losing Dave Bolton and Jim Challinor and Alan broke his arm. We didn't know for certain it was broken but we guessed it was. He was asked to go to hospital at half time but refused because he reckoned he could still provide an obstacle for the Australians if he threw himself in front of them and he did just that. I don't know how he did it but he did. It was a double break from what I could gather afterwards and it finished his career really. Whether it was bravery or bloody madness, I couldn't make my mind up at the time! The third game was a question of doing it for Alan in his absence. We owed him something and came up with a big win."
For more information about International Rugby League [http://rugbyleaguethoughts.blogspot.com]CLICK HERE
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-GB-Lions-Dominate-the-Rugby-League-Ashes&id=6141399] The GB Lions Dominate the Rugby League Ashes
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Future of the Scrum, Is It Ruining Rugby?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_W_Ellis_]William W Ellis
Rugby Union is a complex physical sport, which continually has talking points on how the game is played from a safety and entertainment point of view. The scrum is currently at the forefront and has raised many questions.
The scrum is regarded as a restart after an infringement but is a crucial part of the game and a dominant scrum can determine the winner of a game. This has made scrummaging more important and more competitive. Due to this tactics, players and laws have changed over the years with the large majority thinking at the detriment of the game of rugby.
The professionalism of rugby changed the game in many ways mainly training and the size of players. Props have shifted from short fat players to athletes such as Andrew Sheridan who is 6" 4 and nearly 19 stone. This has put more power and pressure on the scrum and the players involved.
The scrum has always been a controversial part of the game. Though a very low percentage, there have been serious injuries and deaths caused by scrummaging.
"The proportion of scrum injuries is tiny compared to those caused by the tackle." The "catastrophic" injury rate is 0.8 per 100,000 players, compared with 8.2 per 100,000 in gymnastics."
The rugby authorities are very aware of the dangers and have commissioned research and introduced new laws to hopefully reduce the risk of injury or worse.
In recent years the introduction of "Crouch, touch, pause, engage" has been implemented to control the engagement and stop charging in scrums. As a front row player myself, the touch aspect does control the distance between the two teams but the sequence as a whole doesn't work. If you have crouched and touched you are already pausing in a crouched position. The introduction of this law is to make the engage safer but in some aspects it has made it more dangerous. The front row has to hold the impending drive of the other 5 players behind until the exact time of the referees engage. This can cause early engagements as teams try to preempt the referees timing or struggle to hover in the crouch position with 5 players driving on them.
Rugby is played at many different levels and the scrum can raise different questions at the varied degrees of the game. At the professional level reffing is the main concern. As rugby players at the peak of the game compete in the scrum, many collapse and referees have the job to establish who the offender was. TV pundits and fans alike are confused by most decisions. These continued collapsed scrums are not just the referees fault but if they fail to control them a game can be spoilt. The scrum is an art form that unless you've played in the front row, you probably have no idea of what is going on. This makes referees ill equipped to adjudicate them. Do rugby boards need to consult ex props to discover how best to control and preserve the art of scrummaging?
At a junior level the main concern is safety, which is understandable. Some campaigners want scrums to be outlawed at age group level to avoid any injuries. Although this would be true until 16 or 18, I feel it would cause more in the long run. Only players with front row experience can play prop or hooker. How are players meant to gain this experience if not at junior level?
Through the age groups scrummaging is introduced slowly, firstly with only six players, then 10, then onto the full 16. This allows young players to learn how to scrummage under less pressure and by the time they are old enough they have the experience and strength to play open age. If a player who is classed as a prop at junior level then steps up to senior rugby, he would have to then learn how to scrummage or risk being seriously hurt.
Also another massive impact would be the players who prop. Rugby is known as a game for all shapes and sizes, abolishing scrums at junior level would leave the players of 'prop mould' on the sideline as their weight and size would no longer be an advantageous attribute. These players maybe lost from rugby altogether and thus we loose the games future props.
Scrummaging is an important part of rugby and to loose it at junior level would risk future injury and risk the future of the scrum its self.
At what ever level the scrum is an important part of the game and for safety and the spectacle of the game it does need addressing. There is no obvious answer as this would have been implemented long ago. The result will have to keep the competitive art of scrummaging alive but at the same time ensure the safety of players and keep the game flowing for paying spectators. The suggestion of eradicating the 'hit' has been suggested, this may have long term benefits to the bodies of players and reduce the amount of collapsing engages that hinder the game at the moment. The 'hit' is one of the scrums oldest factors and is a skill in it's self. If it was to disappear it may be the start of the end of scrums and no one wants to see a rugby league scrum in union, do they?
For more Articles and Rugby news go to http://www.KooGa-Rugby.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Future-of-the-Scrum,-Is-It-Ruining-Rugby?&id=6151153] The Future of the Scrum, Is It Ruining Rugby?
Rugby Union is a complex physical sport, which continually has talking points on how the game is played from a safety and entertainment point of view. The scrum is currently at the forefront and has raised many questions.
The scrum is regarded as a restart after an infringement but is a crucial part of the game and a dominant scrum can determine the winner of a game. This has made scrummaging more important and more competitive. Due to this tactics, players and laws have changed over the years with the large majority thinking at the detriment of the game of rugby.
The professionalism of rugby changed the game in many ways mainly training and the size of players. Props have shifted from short fat players to athletes such as Andrew Sheridan who is 6" 4 and nearly 19 stone. This has put more power and pressure on the scrum and the players involved.
The scrum has always been a controversial part of the game. Though a very low percentage, there have been serious injuries and deaths caused by scrummaging.
"The proportion of scrum injuries is tiny compared to those caused by the tackle." The "catastrophic" injury rate is 0.8 per 100,000 players, compared with 8.2 per 100,000 in gymnastics."
The rugby authorities are very aware of the dangers and have commissioned research and introduced new laws to hopefully reduce the risk of injury or worse.
In recent years the introduction of "Crouch, touch, pause, engage" has been implemented to control the engagement and stop charging in scrums. As a front row player myself, the touch aspect does control the distance between the two teams but the sequence as a whole doesn't work. If you have crouched and touched you are already pausing in a crouched position. The introduction of this law is to make the engage safer but in some aspects it has made it more dangerous. The front row has to hold the impending drive of the other 5 players behind until the exact time of the referees engage. This can cause early engagements as teams try to preempt the referees timing or struggle to hover in the crouch position with 5 players driving on them.
Rugby is played at many different levels and the scrum can raise different questions at the varied degrees of the game. At the professional level reffing is the main concern. As rugby players at the peak of the game compete in the scrum, many collapse and referees have the job to establish who the offender was. TV pundits and fans alike are confused by most decisions. These continued collapsed scrums are not just the referees fault but if they fail to control them a game can be spoilt. The scrum is an art form that unless you've played in the front row, you probably have no idea of what is going on. This makes referees ill equipped to adjudicate them. Do rugby boards need to consult ex props to discover how best to control and preserve the art of scrummaging?
At a junior level the main concern is safety, which is understandable. Some campaigners want scrums to be outlawed at age group level to avoid any injuries. Although this would be true until 16 or 18, I feel it would cause more in the long run. Only players with front row experience can play prop or hooker. How are players meant to gain this experience if not at junior level?
Through the age groups scrummaging is introduced slowly, firstly with only six players, then 10, then onto the full 16. This allows young players to learn how to scrummage under less pressure and by the time they are old enough they have the experience and strength to play open age. If a player who is classed as a prop at junior level then steps up to senior rugby, he would have to then learn how to scrummage or risk being seriously hurt.
Also another massive impact would be the players who prop. Rugby is known as a game for all shapes and sizes, abolishing scrums at junior level would leave the players of 'prop mould' on the sideline as their weight and size would no longer be an advantageous attribute. These players maybe lost from rugby altogether and thus we loose the games future props.
Scrummaging is an important part of rugby and to loose it at junior level would risk future injury and risk the future of the scrum its self.
At what ever level the scrum is an important part of the game and for safety and the spectacle of the game it does need addressing. There is no obvious answer as this would have been implemented long ago. The result will have to keep the competitive art of scrummaging alive but at the same time ensure the safety of players and keep the game flowing for paying spectators. The suggestion of eradicating the 'hit' has been suggested, this may have long term benefits to the bodies of players and reduce the amount of collapsing engages that hinder the game at the moment. The 'hit' is one of the scrums oldest factors and is a skill in it's self. If it was to disappear it may be the start of the end of scrums and no one wants to see a rugby league scrum in union, do they?
For more Articles and Rugby news go to http://www.KooGa-Rugby.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Future-of-the-Scrum,-Is-It-Ruining-Rugby?&id=6151153] The Future of the Scrum, Is It Ruining Rugby?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rugby World Cup 2011 - Pool A Teams
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hesketh]Paul Hesketh
Rugby World Cup Teams Profiles - Pool A
The Rugby World Cup 2011 starts on the 9 September until the 23 October 2011. The following article is an outline of the teams that will be featuring from pool A.
Canada - Maple leafs
Canada have competed at every World Cup since the tournament was first staged in 1987, the only North American team to do so. Canada achieved their best result at the World Cup in 1991; they achieved a quarter-final match. They are the dominant power of North American rugby and considered second only to Argentina in the Americas. The strong group Canada is in will make progressing to the next round very tough, don't under-estimate though how far an excellent team spirit may get them. Star player is James Pritchard.
France - Les Tricolores
France has competed at every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987, though they have never won the competition. France have played in the quarter-final stages of every tournament, and have twice reached the final but never triumphed. Les Tricolores are the third highest World Cup point's scorers of all time, and hold the reputation as great rugby entertainers. A crunch earlier tournament game against New Zealand is one game not to miss! The French always step up a gear against the All Blacks and the game's are classics, with their quality and style France are always considered as possible champions. Currently coached by Marc Li�vremont, Star player to watch is Morgan Parra.
Japan - Brave Blossoms
Japan has participated in every World Cup since its start back in 1987. Despite appearing in every tournament so far, they have experienced little success, with just one solitary victory over Zimbabwe in 1991, and one draw with Canada in 2007. Pool A is tough for the brave blossoms but what they traditionally lack in pack size is offset with agile and quick play a feature of their style. Just like Canada and Tonga they will struggle to get out of pool A, games against these two teams will be key. Star player - Takashi Kikutani(c).
New Zealand - All Blacks
The All Blacks have won a record 75 percent of all rugby matches they have ever played since 1903 and they were named the International Rugby Board (IRB) team of the Year in 2005, 2006, 2008 and a record fourth time in 2010. The 2011 tournament is in their back yard and with a home crowd behind them lifting the World Cup for only the 2nd time since its inception is a strong possibility for the players in the All Black shirts. New Zealand has for the past decade always been tournament favorites but they have never produced the big performance required to go on to win the World Cup; a huge expectation 2011 will change that. In a team full of super stars fly half Daniel Carter stands out as there Star Player with the golden boot amassing 1,188 points from 79 Tests so far.
Tonga - Sea Eagles
Tonga's World Cup performances always seem to improve and in the 2007 World Cup Tonga won two of their pool matches and nearly defeated the eventual champions South Africa; it was one of the most memorable and exciting games of the tournament; Tonga eventually going down 30-25. The Sea Eagles eventually finished third in their pool but failed to advance to the Quarter Finals due to losing another hard-fought pool match against players wearing the rel=nofollow [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/england-rugby-shirt-long-sleeve-classic/invt/ae00810/]England rugby shirt. Games against Japan and Canada are must wins and anything against the French or New Zealand will be a massive plus. Star Player - Finau Maka (c).
The first match of pool is the 9 September 2011 20:30
New Zealand v Tonga Eden Park, Auckland Eden Park
Visit Cotton Traders for a great selection of [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/page/rugby-shop]Rugby Shirts.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rugby-World-Cup-2011---Pool-A-Teams&id=6126016] Rugby World Cup 2011 - Pool A Teams
Rugby World Cup Teams Profiles - Pool A
The Rugby World Cup 2011 starts on the 9 September until the 23 October 2011. The following article is an outline of the teams that will be featuring from pool A.
Canada - Maple leafs
Canada have competed at every World Cup since the tournament was first staged in 1987, the only North American team to do so. Canada achieved their best result at the World Cup in 1991; they achieved a quarter-final match. They are the dominant power of North American rugby and considered second only to Argentina in the Americas. The strong group Canada is in will make progressing to the next round very tough, don't under-estimate though how far an excellent team spirit may get them. Star player is James Pritchard.
France - Les Tricolores
France has competed at every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987, though they have never won the competition. France have played in the quarter-final stages of every tournament, and have twice reached the final but never triumphed. Les Tricolores are the third highest World Cup point's scorers of all time, and hold the reputation as great rugby entertainers. A crunch earlier tournament game against New Zealand is one game not to miss! The French always step up a gear against the All Blacks and the game's are classics, with their quality and style France are always considered as possible champions. Currently coached by Marc Li�vremont, Star player to watch is Morgan Parra.
Japan - Brave Blossoms
Japan has participated in every World Cup since its start back in 1987. Despite appearing in every tournament so far, they have experienced little success, with just one solitary victory over Zimbabwe in 1991, and one draw with Canada in 2007. Pool A is tough for the brave blossoms but what they traditionally lack in pack size is offset with agile and quick play a feature of their style. Just like Canada and Tonga they will struggle to get out of pool A, games against these two teams will be key. Star player - Takashi Kikutani(c).
New Zealand - All Blacks
The All Blacks have won a record 75 percent of all rugby matches they have ever played since 1903 and they were named the International Rugby Board (IRB) team of the Year in 2005, 2006, 2008 and a record fourth time in 2010. The 2011 tournament is in their back yard and with a home crowd behind them lifting the World Cup for only the 2nd time since its inception is a strong possibility for the players in the All Black shirts. New Zealand has for the past decade always been tournament favorites but they have never produced the big performance required to go on to win the World Cup; a huge expectation 2011 will change that. In a team full of super stars fly half Daniel Carter stands out as there Star Player with the golden boot amassing 1,188 points from 79 Tests so far.
Tonga - Sea Eagles
Tonga's World Cup performances always seem to improve and in the 2007 World Cup Tonga won two of their pool matches and nearly defeated the eventual champions South Africa; it was one of the most memorable and exciting games of the tournament; Tonga eventually going down 30-25. The Sea Eagles eventually finished third in their pool but failed to advance to the Quarter Finals due to losing another hard-fought pool match against players wearing the rel=nofollow [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/england-rugby-shirt-long-sleeve-classic/invt/ae00810/]England rugby shirt. Games against Japan and Canada are must wins and anything against the French or New Zealand will be a massive plus. Star Player - Finau Maka (c).
The first match of pool is the 9 September 2011 20:30
New Zealand v Tonga Eden Park, Auckland Eden Park
Visit Cotton Traders for a great selection of [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/page/rugby-shop]Rugby Shirts.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rugby-World-Cup-2011---Pool-A-Teams&id=6126016] Rugby World Cup 2011 - Pool A Teams
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Rugby World Cup Team Profiles - Pool B
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hesketh]Paul Hesketh
Argentina- Los Pumas
Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British Isles team, as of March 2011 they rank 8th in the world by the IRB. They have competed at every Rugby World Cup staged since the inaugural tournament of 1987, and while football is still dominant the interest in rugby grows impressively year on year. At the last World Cup held in 2007 Los Pumas finished the competition 3rd beating the hosts France and remaining unbeaten in their group before losing to eventually winners South Africa. Since the turn of the millennium Argentina's impressive form have now merited them inclusion into an expanded tri nations from 2012. With a ferocious hard tackling pack and star players like Felipe Contepomi keeping the game flowing with their kicking, Argentina should again prove to powerful for teams like Romania and Georgia. England and Scotland will go looking for a result against the Los Pumas but they have a game on. Both will have this down as their toughest pool game. Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
England- Red Roses
England has contested at every Rugby World Cup since it began in 1987, reaching the final three times and winning it once. England are current holders of the six nation's tournament recently winning this for the first time since 2003, also the year they last won the World Cup. Despite not being considered potential winners back in 2007 England managed to get to the final losing against South Africa 15-6. There is wide spread belief that England performances start to peak around the World Cup and current form suggests this is the case. Young players like Chris Ashton have set the rugby world light with scintillating recent performances, and England's big name players have started to deliver. It's expected that if the red roses continue their positive momentum going into the tournament they will up there as favorites once the first tackle hits. Star Player: Toby Flood. Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Georgia- The Lelos
Rugby union is one of the most popular sports in Georgia yet the IRB class Georgia as a third tier rugby country. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Georgia performed strongly, holding Argentina 6-3 at half time and in the next match did even better, just losing to Ireland 14-10, a controversial disallowed try, three missed drop goals; Georgia spent the last 5 minutes just metres from the Irish line pushing for the win. In 2007 Georgia secured its first World Cup win with a convincing 30-0 victory over Namibia. Georgia are going to this World Cup as current European Nations Cup champions, buoyed by a clean sweep of results seeing them fail to loss a tournament game. Pool B will be tough for the Lelos to even register a win out of; but if they take heart from the last World Cup performance than a result is not unlikely against Romania even on a very good day running the Scottish very close. Star player: Iraki Abuseridze (c). Head Coach: Richard Dixon
Romania - The Oaks
The Oaks of Romania have qualified for every world cup since 1987; failure to get out of the group stages though has been the underlying theme throughout. Romania generally win the solitary game in their group and expect the 'derby' against Georgia the one they realistically look to win. Romania like Georgia is the dominant team in European rugby outside those who compete in the six nations often trading winning the European Nations Cup with each other. Romania have a long rugby heritage and while their current team is not quite up there with that of 1980's one, expect a tough test for the other teams in pool B with Scotland and Argentina wary of the Oaks. Star Player: Sorin Socol (c). Head Coach: Steve McDowell
Scotland - The Thistle
Scotland has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. Their best finish was fourth in 1991, since then they have qualified from the group stage of every tournament but have never gone further than the quarter finals. Scotland are a team that have been in transition for the past few years, recently though they have started to show glimpses of past performances recently recording there first win against Australia for 27 years. The recent close games against the old enemy England in the Six Nations are further evidence to back this up but despite some strong performance Scotland failed to challenge again. Under Andy Robinson the structure of the team is more balanced and fluid so if we are to see the rel=nofollow [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/scotland-rugby-shirt-long-sleeve-classic/invt/ae90000/]Scotland rugby shirt in the quarter finals a result against Argentina or England will be vital. Star Player: Dan Parks. Head Coach: Andy Robinson
The first match of pool B is on the 10 September 2011 13:00
Scotland v Romania Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Visit Cotton Traders for a great selection of [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/page/rugby-shop]Rugby Shirts.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rugby-World-Cup-Team-Profiles---Pool-B&id=6179063] Rugby World Cup Team Profiles - Pool B
Argentina- Los Pumas
Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British Isles team, as of March 2011 they rank 8th in the world by the IRB. They have competed at every Rugby World Cup staged since the inaugural tournament of 1987, and while football is still dominant the interest in rugby grows impressively year on year. At the last World Cup held in 2007 Los Pumas finished the competition 3rd beating the hosts France and remaining unbeaten in their group before losing to eventually winners South Africa. Since the turn of the millennium Argentina's impressive form have now merited them inclusion into an expanded tri nations from 2012. With a ferocious hard tackling pack and star players like Felipe Contepomi keeping the game flowing with their kicking, Argentina should again prove to powerful for teams like Romania and Georgia. England and Scotland will go looking for a result against the Los Pumas but they have a game on. Both will have this down as their toughest pool game. Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
England- Red Roses
England has contested at every Rugby World Cup since it began in 1987, reaching the final three times and winning it once. England are current holders of the six nation's tournament recently winning this for the first time since 2003, also the year they last won the World Cup. Despite not being considered potential winners back in 2007 England managed to get to the final losing against South Africa 15-6. There is wide spread belief that England performances start to peak around the World Cup and current form suggests this is the case. Young players like Chris Ashton have set the rugby world light with scintillating recent performances, and England's big name players have started to deliver. It's expected that if the red roses continue their positive momentum going into the tournament they will up there as favorites once the first tackle hits. Star Player: Toby Flood. Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Georgia- The Lelos
Rugby union is one of the most popular sports in Georgia yet the IRB class Georgia as a third tier rugby country. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Georgia performed strongly, holding Argentina 6-3 at half time and in the next match did even better, just losing to Ireland 14-10, a controversial disallowed try, three missed drop goals; Georgia spent the last 5 minutes just metres from the Irish line pushing for the win. In 2007 Georgia secured its first World Cup win with a convincing 30-0 victory over Namibia. Georgia are going to this World Cup as current European Nations Cup champions, buoyed by a clean sweep of results seeing them fail to loss a tournament game. Pool B will be tough for the Lelos to even register a win out of; but if they take heart from the last World Cup performance than a result is not unlikely against Romania even on a very good day running the Scottish very close. Star player: Iraki Abuseridze (c). Head Coach: Richard Dixon
Romania - The Oaks
The Oaks of Romania have qualified for every world cup since 1987; failure to get out of the group stages though has been the underlying theme throughout. Romania generally win the solitary game in their group and expect the 'derby' against Georgia the one they realistically look to win. Romania like Georgia is the dominant team in European rugby outside those who compete in the six nations often trading winning the European Nations Cup with each other. Romania have a long rugby heritage and while their current team is not quite up there with that of 1980's one, expect a tough test for the other teams in pool B with Scotland and Argentina wary of the Oaks. Star Player: Sorin Socol (c). Head Coach: Steve McDowell
Scotland - The Thistle
Scotland has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. Their best finish was fourth in 1991, since then they have qualified from the group stage of every tournament but have never gone further than the quarter finals. Scotland are a team that have been in transition for the past few years, recently though they have started to show glimpses of past performances recently recording there first win against Australia for 27 years. The recent close games against the old enemy England in the Six Nations are further evidence to back this up but despite some strong performance Scotland failed to challenge again. Under Andy Robinson the structure of the team is more balanced and fluid so if we are to see the rel=nofollow [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/scotland-rugby-shirt-long-sleeve-classic/invt/ae90000/]Scotland rugby shirt in the quarter finals a result against Argentina or England will be vital. Star Player: Dan Parks. Head Coach: Andy Robinson
The first match of pool B is on the 10 September 2011 13:00
Scotland v Romania Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Visit Cotton Traders for a great selection of [http://www.cottontraders.co.uk/page/rugby-shop]Rugby Shirts.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rugby-World-Cup-Team-Profiles---Pool-B&id=6179063] Rugby World Cup Team Profiles - Pool B
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Great Rugby Clothing Including Cheap Rugby Shirts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_Pelletier_Jones]William Pelletier Jones
A good sports clothing outfit requires many different elements. Firstly you have to think about what specific sport you are playing as quality sports clothing is designed with a specific sport in mind. Designing a sports clothing item for one specific sport means that the clothing can boost your performance in that sport as all the features the clothing will possess will be engineerd with that sport in mind.
We are going to take a close look at Rugby and what makes a good rugby outfit. A good rugby outfit includes the four essentials: shirt, shorts, socks and boots however there are other things to think about with under armour, head guards, under shorts, gum shields and sweatbands being very popular in the professional game.
The shirt is the most eye catching of the outfit and of course you want a good style and design for your shirt but the main area to focus on is what materials is it made with. If you are a rugby player your shirt needs to be durable and also contain quick drying materials. Synthetic materials are usually used for rughby shirts as they grab the sweat from the body and allow it to evaporate quickly leaving the shirt light and comfy. One of the most popular rugby shirts out is the official rel=nofollow [http://www.sportsclothingstore.co.uk/product-18357-126547088_enland-rugby-home-jersey-shirt.html]England rugby shirt because of its classy design. Cheap rugby shirts are in demand but can be difficult to find, the internet is the best way to go as there are so many options.
Shorts have to fit well and wearing shorts from leading rugby brands like Canterbury, Asics, Optimum, Nike and Adidas are a good way to go as they fit well and also contain high quality materials that are tough but can also stretch which allows a player his full range of movement and means the shorts can withstand the tackles, scrums and trys.
Socks are a simpler one as there is plenty of choice in shops and on the net and as long as they fit well you can't go to far wrong.
Rugby boots are being designed to be more unique and to stand out more. When watching a professional game you will see players boots stand out more then they used to as image has become increasingly important in all sports. Once you have found a design you prefer you need to think about what pitches you will be playing on. Hard pitches require firm ground moulds or blades where as soft, boggy pitches require long studs usually each boot contains six to eight.
A terrific place to look for an ideal rugby outfit is SportsClothingStore.co.uk as they have a great range in their rugby section including rugby shirts for men and women.
Cheap rugby shirts for men and women including the England rugby shirt at http://www.sportsclothingstore.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Rugby-Clothing-Including-Cheap-Rugby-Shirts&id=6197548] Great Rugby Clothing Including Cheap Rugby Shirts
A good sports clothing outfit requires many different elements. Firstly you have to think about what specific sport you are playing as quality sports clothing is designed with a specific sport in mind. Designing a sports clothing item for one specific sport means that the clothing can boost your performance in that sport as all the features the clothing will possess will be engineerd with that sport in mind.
We are going to take a close look at Rugby and what makes a good rugby outfit. A good rugby outfit includes the four essentials: shirt, shorts, socks and boots however there are other things to think about with under armour, head guards, under shorts, gum shields and sweatbands being very popular in the professional game.
The shirt is the most eye catching of the outfit and of course you want a good style and design for your shirt but the main area to focus on is what materials is it made with. If you are a rugby player your shirt needs to be durable and also contain quick drying materials. Synthetic materials are usually used for rughby shirts as they grab the sweat from the body and allow it to evaporate quickly leaving the shirt light and comfy. One of the most popular rugby shirts out is the official rel=nofollow [http://www.sportsclothingstore.co.uk/product-18357-126547088_enland-rugby-home-jersey-shirt.html]England rugby shirt because of its classy design. Cheap rugby shirts are in demand but can be difficult to find, the internet is the best way to go as there are so many options.
Shorts have to fit well and wearing shorts from leading rugby brands like Canterbury, Asics, Optimum, Nike and Adidas are a good way to go as they fit well and also contain high quality materials that are tough but can also stretch which allows a player his full range of movement and means the shorts can withstand the tackles, scrums and trys.
Socks are a simpler one as there is plenty of choice in shops and on the net and as long as they fit well you can't go to far wrong.
Rugby boots are being designed to be more unique and to stand out more. When watching a professional game you will see players boots stand out more then they used to as image has become increasingly important in all sports. Once you have found a design you prefer you need to think about what pitches you will be playing on. Hard pitches require firm ground moulds or blades where as soft, boggy pitches require long studs usually each boot contains six to eight.
A terrific place to look for an ideal rugby outfit is SportsClothingStore.co.uk as they have a great range in their rugby section including rugby shirts for men and women.
Cheap rugby shirts for men and women including the England rugby shirt at http://www.sportsclothingstore.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Rugby-Clothing-Including-Cheap-Rugby-Shirts&id=6197548] Great Rugby Clothing Including Cheap Rugby Shirts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Wales Rugby Shirts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joe_King]Joe King
The new Wales Rugby Shirt is out in the stores which marks the start of another great season of rugby. A true global sport, Rugby is followed by people from all over the globe. Before the popularity of rugby spread around the world it was seen as a rough sport confined to Europe but it wasn't long before it spread to South Africa and other remote parts of the globe. Fans of rugby and sports in general soon began wearing the shirts and shorts of the team they supported and as the game got more popular this activity became even more common.
Rugby merchandise was soon easily available everywhere, waiting for the fans to pick them up and show their support for their favourite team. These team shirts have become popular all over the world for all sports and are worn by fans to show their support for their favourite teams in every sport possible. The shirts look and feel exactly like those worn by the team players and they give you the feel of being part of the team even when you're just sitting at home and watching them on television.
The new Wales Rugby Shirts are made in the same way as those worn by the professional players who line up for their country. The Wales Rugby Replica Short Sleeved Home Shirt 2010/11 is the newest shirt out on the stands and streets. With a red and white appearance, this rugby shirt features the Heatgear technology from Under Armour that makes sure that the body stays at the perfect temperature at all times, making sure players can perform at their best everytime they pull the shirt on. The shirt has a dragon-scale pattern across the front as well as the back of the shirt, making it look exactly like the shirt worn this season by Captain Ryan Jones and his team.
The Wales Rugby shirt comes with the Large Admiral Sponsor Logo right in the middle of the shirt as well as the Under Armour logo which is located on the right chest side. The team crest is placed to the left of the shirt. This makes it identical to the shirts that are worn by your favourite players during all their home games.
Using the traditional red colouring these rel=nofollow [http://walesrugbyshirt.org.uk]Wales Rugby shirts are totally authentic and true to the spirit of the team. You can get sizes up to X/Large and XX/Large, allowing you to choose a shirt that will fit you perfectly and make you feel comfortable. What more could you ask for in a rugby shirt? If you want to show your support for your team this season pick up the Wales Rugby Shirt today!
If you want to know more about the all new shirt head to the [http://walesrugbyshirt.org.uk]Wales Rugby Shirt website right now.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wales-Rugby-Shirts&id=6242055] Wales Rugby Shirts
The new Wales Rugby Shirt is out in the stores which marks the start of another great season of rugby. A true global sport, Rugby is followed by people from all over the globe. Before the popularity of rugby spread around the world it was seen as a rough sport confined to Europe but it wasn't long before it spread to South Africa and other remote parts of the globe. Fans of rugby and sports in general soon began wearing the shirts and shorts of the team they supported and as the game got more popular this activity became even more common.
Rugby merchandise was soon easily available everywhere, waiting for the fans to pick them up and show their support for their favourite team. These team shirts have become popular all over the world for all sports and are worn by fans to show their support for their favourite teams in every sport possible. The shirts look and feel exactly like those worn by the team players and they give you the feel of being part of the team even when you're just sitting at home and watching them on television.
The new Wales Rugby Shirts are made in the same way as those worn by the professional players who line up for their country. The Wales Rugby Replica Short Sleeved Home Shirt 2010/11 is the newest shirt out on the stands and streets. With a red and white appearance, this rugby shirt features the Heatgear technology from Under Armour that makes sure that the body stays at the perfect temperature at all times, making sure players can perform at their best everytime they pull the shirt on. The shirt has a dragon-scale pattern across the front as well as the back of the shirt, making it look exactly like the shirt worn this season by Captain Ryan Jones and his team.
The Wales Rugby shirt comes with the Large Admiral Sponsor Logo right in the middle of the shirt as well as the Under Armour logo which is located on the right chest side. The team crest is placed to the left of the shirt. This makes it identical to the shirts that are worn by your favourite players during all their home games.
Using the traditional red colouring these rel=nofollow [http://walesrugbyshirt.org.uk]Wales Rugby shirts are totally authentic and true to the spirit of the team. You can get sizes up to X/Large and XX/Large, allowing you to choose a shirt that will fit you perfectly and make you feel comfortable. What more could you ask for in a rugby shirt? If you want to show your support for your team this season pick up the Wales Rugby Shirt today!
If you want to know more about the all new shirt head to the [http://walesrugbyshirt.org.uk]Wales Rugby Shirt website right now.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wales-Rugby-Shirts&id=6242055] Wales Rugby Shirts
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