New Zealand can handle pressure this time around October 20, 2011 IF SOMEONE had told me a few weeks ago that France would be in the World Cup final I would have said: ‘No chance’. They lost to Tonga in the pool stage and they probably should have gone out, yet they are 80 minutes away from lifting the trophy. It’s incredible. It is also very [...]
Johnson boost as Thomas leaves RFU and Cotton review scrapped November 2, 2011 EMBATTLED England manager Martin Johnson received a welcome boost last night with the news that a review to be led by Fran Cotton, one of his harshest critics, is to be scrapped following Rugby Football Union acting chief executive Martyn Thomas’ decision to step down. The 67-year-old’s position has come under increasing scrutiny in recent [...]
World Cup star Cueto defends Johnson reign as Carling predicts boss may quit October 18, 2011 ENGLAND wing Mark Cueto has leapt to the defence of manager Martin Johnson as uncertainty surrounds his future following a disastrous World Cup. Johnson’s men crashed out in the quarter-finals, equalling their worst ever campaign, and were dogged by off-field controversy. That has led to questions about the future of Johnson, who also stands accused [...]
THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS October 9, 2011 HOWLEY DARES TO DREAM WALES assistant coach Rob Howley admits he and the players are beginning to dream after arriving in Auckland with 80 minutes against France lying between themselves and the World Cup final. Speaking on the team’s arrival, Howley (inset) said: “Its a pretty special place to be. Auckland’s a pretty famous place [...]
THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS October 9, 2011 HOWLEY DARES TO DREAM WALES assistant coach Rob Howley admits he and the players are beginning to dream after arriving in Auckland with 80 minutes against France lying between themselves and the World Cup final. Speaking on the team’s arrival, Howley (inset) said: “Its a pretty special place to be. Auckland’s a pretty famous place [...]
Auckland salutes heroes as All Blacks parade cup October 24, 2011 NEW ZEALAND captain Richie McCaw admitted to being “blown away” yesterday after an estimated quarter of a million people lined the streets of Auckland to toast the World Cup winners. McCaw, head coach Graham Henry and the rest of the All Blacks paraded through the city with the Webb Ellis Cup less than 24 hours [...]
Lievremont happy to shun flair in bid to end on a high October 20, 2011 FRANCE coach Marc Lievremont insists he will be delighted to disappoint the purists if it means causing a major upset in Sunday’s World Cup final against New Zealand. Les Bleus, the overwhelming underdogs, have won few admirers with their style of play in an improbable run to the tournament’s climax in Auckland. But Lievremont, who [...]
QPR skipper Barton blasts Terry, Giggs and England rugby team October 17, 2011 OUTSPOKEN QPR captain Joey Barton has taken aim at England captain John Terry and Manchester United star Ryan Giggs for their off-field behaviour. Barton, who served two months in prison in 2008 after admitting assault and affray, criticised two of the Premier League’s most high-profile stars during a public speaking appearance yesterday in London. Of [...]
Duo boost for Wales semi clash October 10, 2011 WALES have received a fitness boost ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, a match that some within the camp are billing as the biggest in the country’s history. Lock Luke Charteris and fly-half Rhys Priestland were both forced off with shoulder injuries during Saturday’s quarter-final win over Ireland, but hopes are high the [...]
THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS October 5, 2011 BOTHA BLOW FOR BOKS SOUTH AFRICA’S vastly experienced lock Bakkies Botha has been ruled out of Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Australia after suffering a recurrence of an Achilles injury. There is also no place in the Springboks 22 for talismanic prop Tendai Mtawarira in a side that will be captained by hooker John Smit. Wings Bryan [...]