Scrumbag

Having won the Grand Slam, could Ospreys do a job for The Lions?

Who needs international teams when you've got Ospreys right? The Swansea club side may only be plonked at number seven in the league, but they've won the Six Nations and The Grand Slam. More than can be said for high flying Leinster! So should these international Ospreys side now be given thee chance to take on the southern hemisphere and tour in the proud red of the Lions?

Unsurprisingly probable Lions boss Wazza Gatland thinks they should. He's claiming a fat 13 Wales players should roar with the Lions, most of them coming from the Ospreys camp. “Out of a British Lions squad of 30 players," croaked the Kiwi, "Wales could expect to have 13 players and possibly more.” I'd actually say more as things stand right now. Hell, why not take the whole 30!

Robinson Departure Finally Official

After more than two days of talks between Andy Robinson and the RFU, the announcement came today that Robinson has agreed to step down as England coach.  The departure, hinted at over the past month and demanded at the weekend after England's eighth defeat in nine games, was finalised today with Robinson claiming to still have the support of players and his fellow coaches.

"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team. In the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the RFU management board - do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach." said the former Bath man.  Loosely translated, I think he means Rob Andrew told him "It's not me who wants you out, it's those guys".

Quotes Of The Weekend

"Eight tries is not a bad way to say goodbye to Lansdowne Road"  Eddie O'Sullivan after Ireland's battering of the Pacific Islands.  Good thing it wasn't last year the work got underway - taking thumpings off Australia and New Zealand WOULD have been a bad way to say goodbye.

"It was a good day at the office for me."  Man of the Match Paddy Wallace.  Ronan O'Gara's day was disrupted by a nagging sense of doubt, on the other hand.

"We came out strong in the first 10 minutes, but you have to keep that up for 80 minutes." Scotland's Hugo Southwell.  Just look at it as eight blocks of ten, Hugo.

"We won't take any negatives out of this tour."  Australia coach John Connolly.  What, not even the tanking Ireland handed out to you?  Eh?  Eh?

"We don't feel we are behind Ireland going into the Six Nations.  You look through the Celtic League and Heineken Cup rugby and there's nothing to choose between the teams."  Wales wing Mark Jones loses sight of the fact that an Irish province currently holds the Heineken Cup, another holds the Celtic League title, and that Wales ARE behind Ireland going into the Six Nations.

"We got what we wanted out of the haka in our changing room. It was funny but we got it done."  New Zealand lock Ali Williams on the controversy sparked by a song and a dance.  There you go, Ali, you can do it in the changing room every game now and cut a few minutes out of the pre-game ritual.

Robinson Still Not Gone

On a day when it was widely predicted that Andy Robinson would bite his sword, fall on the bullet and resign his position as England coach, all interested parties went to sleep with the former Bath man still nominally in situ.  Stories emerged during the day that Robinson was meeting with RFU top brass, that he would be offered the same severance package whether he left of his own accord or was pushed.  He is now expected to leave his role officially on Tuesday.

It seems inevitable that Robinson will vacate his role, so one can only assume that the terms of his departure contain the fly that is holding up the delivery of the ointment.  Either that, or he really doesn't want to leave and has some serious dirt on some of the suits at the RFU.  If I were minded to start scurrilous rumours I might suggest that Robinson is feeling a literary urge which his current bosses are keen to suppress.  Whatever the hold up, if Andy Robinson is still England coach come Wednesday morning, there will be a team of cockroaches following him around on a fact-finding mission, keen to see how he's surviving this long.

Robinson "To Be Forced Out"

A "well-placed source" has indicated that yesterday's defeat by South Africa at Twickenham was Andy Robinson's last game as England coach.  Robinson's position has been under scrutiny for some time, with the autumn programme seen as crucial to his hopes of retaining the hot seat.  Three defeats from four games, and a marked lack of progress on the tactical front, would seem to have sealed Robinson's fate.

As far as replacing the former Bath coach goes, the RFU are reputedly looking to former England and Leicester captain Martin Johnson to take the team through the Six Nations and onward.  Johnson has so far not gone on the record regarding this possibility, but has been vocal with his opinion that Robinson does need to be replaced.  The coach, who only this year survived a major overhaul of the Twickenham coaching and management staff, is expected to leave the role this week.

Zinzan Brooke Prescribes England Overhaul

Former All Black Zinzan Brooke has said that England require an overhaul in order to be in any way competitive for next year's World Cup, saying that the current set-up is in "disarray".  In Brooke's opinion, the side needs a new head coach and captain, though he did stress that Martin Corry should remain within the set-up

"I have been a big supporter of Corry but I think there seems to be a bit of cancer in the team. I think you could keep Corry in there but if you change the coach you should change the captain at the same time." said Brooke, adding that in terms of general play, England had been "rubbish" and that the recent win against South Africa papered over the cracks more than anything

Henry Annoyed At "Idiotic" Journalist

Graham Henry has responded with anger to an article written in a New Zealand newspaper which referred to Wales as the "village idiots" of world rugby.  The article, written by the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue, has caused controversy and enraged the Welsh press corps, who have advised current Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins to use it as his pre-match team talk.

Henry, who was himself coach of the principality between 1998 and 2002, has reacted with mild embarassment and promised to deal with Rattue on his return Down Under.  "I'm very embarrassed by the article. I was very annoyed and angry, I still am, and I'm going to sort the fellow out when I get home," stated Henry.  The article in full can be read by clicking on the link.  But you really needn't bother, as despite the fact that there's a pertinent, thought-provoking article ready to be written about Wales' under-achievement, Rattue is unlikely to write it.  The short (though not really short enough) op-ed piece is at best a poorly-conceived bit of joshing, and at worst the infantile proddings of a semi-educated chimp with a computer.  And I'm not even Welsh.

Ulster Aren't Run-Of-The-Mill Anymore

With a number of Ulster players beginning to break into the Ireland set-up, it's perhaps no surprise that the province has started to make an impact on European club rugby.  Not so long ago, there was a real danger they would be overhauled by Connacht as the main challenge to Munster and Leinster's dominance of the Irish provincial rugby scene.  But with a number of quality young players now making the grade, Ulster won the Celtic League last season, and are now looking to make the later stages of the Heineken Cup.  An opening weekend victory over Heineken experts Toulouse showcased the talents of players such as Andrew Trimble, and young scrumhalf Isaac Boss.  View below!

Hines Free For Wallabies Encounter

Nathan Hines will take the field for Scotland's test against Australia this weekend, after a 20-day ban for foul play in a French Top 14 game was suspended pending an appeal.

The Perpignan lock was cited by Stade Francais for an alleged kick to the face of their Canadian international Mike James, and he was initally found guilty and banned until December 11th.  The Scotsman has now appealed the decision, potentially leaving himself open to a longer punishment, but clearing him to play against the Wallabies.

"I am appealing this decision not because of any expediency, but because I genuinely believe I am innocent and have been hard done by.  I am hopeful my appeal will be successful."  said Hines, regarding suggestions that his appeal was driven by this weekend's game.  Time will tell whether the appeal was a gamble worth taking.

Jonathan Davies Predicts England Tactical Change

Leading BBC pundit Jonathan Davies has suggested that England will have to rein in the expansive game they were looking to play against South Africa in the light of Andy Goode's selection at fly-half.  Goode, whose accuracy and power with the boot has been a major part of Leicester's gameplan over the past year, is not so well known for his play in the loose, particularly in comparison to England's first-choice in the role, Charlie Hodgson.

Davies said "Andy isn't a running fly-half.  He's going to kick, and that cuts down England's options. He'll get you in the right positions, but the attacking threat is weaker."  England's other option for the number 10 role is Newcastle's Toby Flood, who has impressed as cover for the frequently-injured Jonny Wilkinson, but Goode's goal-kicking and experience would appear to have gained him the starting role.

Quotes Of The Weekend

"Eight tries is not a bad way to say goodbye to Lansdowne Road"  Eddie O'Sullivan after Ireland's battering of the Pacific Islands.  Good thing it wasn't last year the work got underway - taking thumpings off Australia and New Zealand WOULD have been a bad way to say goodbye.

"It was a good day at the office for me."  Man of the Match Paddy Wallace.  Ronan O'Gara's day was disrupted by a nagging sense of doubt, on the other hand.

"We came out strong in the first 10 minutes, but you have to keep that up for 80 minutes." Scotland's Hugo Southwell.  Just look at it as eight blocks of ten, Hugo.

"We won't take any negatives out of this tour."  Australia coach John Connolly.  What, not even the tanking Ireland handed out to you?  Eh?  Eh?

"We don't feel we are behind Ireland going into the Six Nations.  You look through the Celtic League and Heineken Cup rugby and there's nothing to choose between the teams."  Wales wing Mark Jones loses sight of the fact that an Irish province currently holds the Heineken Cup, another holds the Celtic League title, and that Wales ARE behind Ireland going into the Six Nations.

"We got what we wanted out of the haka in our changing room. It was funny but we got it done."  New Zealand lock Ali Williams on the controversy sparked by a song and a dance.  There you go, Ali, you can do it in the changing room every game now and cut a few minutes out of the pre-game ritual.

Robinson Still Not Gone

On a day when it was widely predicted that Andy Robinson would bite his sword, fall on the bullet and resign his position as England coach, all interested parties went to sleep with the former Bath man still nominally in situ.  Stories emerged during the day that Robinson was meeting with RFU top brass, that he would be offered the same severance package whether he left of his own accord or was pushed.  He is now expected to leave his role officially on Tuesday.

It seems inevitable that Robinson will vacate his role, so one can only assume that the terms of his departure contain the fly that is holding up the delivery of the ointment.  Either that, or he really doesn't want to leave and has some serious dirt on some of the suits at the RFU.  If I were minded to start scurrilous rumours I might suggest that Robinson is feeling a literary urge which his current bosses are keen to suppress.  Whatever the hold up, if Andy Robinson is still England coach come Wednesday morning, there will be a team of cockroaches following him around on a fact-finding mission, keen to see how he's surviving this long.

Robinson "To Be Forced Out"

A "well-placed source" has indicated that yesterday's defeat by South Africa at Twickenham was Andy Robinson's last game as England coach.  Robinson's position has been under scrutiny for some time, with the autumn programme seen as crucial to his hopes of retaining the hot seat.  Three defeats from four games, and a marked lack of progress on the tactical front, would seem to have sealed Robinson's fate.

As far as replacing the former Bath coach goes, the RFU are reputedly looking to former England and Leicester captain Martin Johnson to take the team through the Six Nations and onward.  Johnson has so far not gone on the record regarding this possibility, but has been vocal with his opinion that Robinson does need to be replaced.  The coach, who only this year survived a major overhaul of the Twickenham coaching and management staff, is expected to leave the role this week.

Zinzan Brooke Prescribes England Overhaul

Former All Black Zinzan Brooke has said that England require an overhaul in order to be in any way competitive for next year's World Cup, saying that the current set-up is in "disarray".  In Brooke's opinion, the side needs a new head coach and captain, though he did stress that Martin Corry should remain within the set-up

"I have been a big supporter of Corry but I think there seems to be a bit of cancer in the team. I think you could keep Corry in there but if you change the coach you should change the captain at the same time." said Brooke, adding that in terms of general play, England had been "rubbish" and that the recent win against South Africa papered over the cracks more than anything

Henry Annoyed At "Idiotic" Journalist

Graham Henry has responded with anger to an article written in a New Zealand newspaper which referred to Wales as the "village idiots" of world rugby.  The article, written by the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue, has caused controversy and enraged the Welsh press corps, who have advised current Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins to use it as his pre-match team talk.

Henry, who was himself coach of the principality between 1998 and 2002, has reacted with mild embarassment and promised to deal with Rattue on his return Down Under.  "I'm very embarrassed by the article. I was very annoyed and angry, I still am, and I'm going to sort the fellow out when I get home," stated Henry.  The article in full can be read by clicking on the link.  But you really needn't bother, as despite the fact that there's a pertinent, thought-provoking article ready to be written about Wales' under-achievement, Rattue is unlikely to write it.  The short (though not really short enough) op-ed piece is at best a poorly-conceived bit of joshing, and at worst the infantile proddings of a semi-educated chimp with a computer.  And I'm not even Welsh.

Ulster Aren't Run-Of-The-Mill Anymore

With a number of Ulster players beginning to break into the Ireland set-up, it's perhaps no surprise that the province has started to make an impact on European club rugby.  Not so long ago, there was a real danger they would be overhauled by Connacht as the main challenge to Munster and Leinster's dominance of the Irish provincial rugby scene.  But with a number of quality young players now making the grade, Ulster won the Celtic League last season, and are now looking to make the later stages of the Heineken Cup.  An opening weekend victory over Heineken experts Toulouse showcased the talents of players such as Andrew Trimble, and young scrumhalf Isaac Boss.  View below!

Hines Free For Wallabies Encounter

Nathan Hines will take the field for Scotland's test against Australia this weekend, after a 20-day ban for foul play in a French Top 14 game was suspended pending an appeal.

The Perpignan lock was cited by Stade Francais for an alleged kick to the face of their Canadian international Mike James, and he was initally found guilty and banned until December 11th.  The Scotsman has now appealed the decision, potentially leaving himself open to a longer punishment, but clearing him to play against the Wallabies.

"I am appealing this decision not because of any expediency, but because I genuinely believe I am innocent and have been hard done by.  I am hopeful my appeal will be successful."  said Hines, regarding suggestions that his appeal was driven by this weekend's game.  Time will tell whether the appeal was a gamble worth taking.

Jonathan Davies Predicts England Tactical Change

Leading BBC pundit Jonathan Davies has suggested that England will have to rein in the expansive game they were looking to play against South Africa in the light of Andy Goode's selection at fly-half.  Goode, whose accuracy and power with the boot has been a major part of Leicester's gameplan over the past year, is not so well known for his play in the loose, particularly in comparison to England's first-choice in the role, Charlie Hodgson.

Davies said "Andy isn't a running fly-half.  He's going to kick, and that cuts down England's options. He'll get you in the right positions, but the attacking threat is weaker."  England's other option for the number 10 role is Newcastle's Toby Flood, who has impressed as cover for the frequently-injured Jonny Wilkinson, but Goode's goal-kicking and experience would appear to have gained him the starting role.

Three Debutants For Ireland

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named a much-changed (by his standards anyway) XV for Ireland's final Autmun International against the Pacific Islands this weekend.  Among the changes are three debuts for much-heralded youngsters, including Luke Fitzgerald of Leinster.  Fitzgerald, not even on the radar at the time of the Summer tests, has played so well for his province and at A level that O'Sullivan has named him to start on the wing.

Fitzgerald's Leinster team-mate Jamie Heaslip is another player getting his debut, replacing Denis Leamy at Number 8.  With O'Sullivan knowing all he needs to know about the Munster ball-carrier, it's a chance for a player who has been on the fringes of Ireland's squad to show that he can step up and play at full International level.

In a radically-changed back row, Ulster's Stephen Ferris will make his debut, replacing David Wallace, while Neil Best drops out to be replaced by the former incumbent at blind-side Simon Easterby.  Among the other changes, Rory Best steps down from the hooking role to allow Frankie Sheahan a shot.  With two wins from two, Ireland will hope to round off the Autumn programme with a clean sweep of wins, while uncovering a few more contenders for the World Cup squad.  One year hence, any of these new players may be treasuring memories of a successful tournament.  Here's hoping, anyway.

Andy Goode To Start Against Boks

Leicester's Andy Goode will get the chance to make the England number 10 jersey his own, as Andy Robinson has picked him to replace Charlie Hodgson for the final game of England's autumn programme.  With Jonny Wilkinson (still) injured (again), and Hodgson now ruled out for the season, a good performance may see Goode take the shirt for the 2007 Six Nations.

In other changes, Phil Vickery comes in to replace Andrew Sheridan at loose-head, while Sale's Chris Jones will play in the second row alongside Tom Palmer.  Bath hooker Lee Mears replaces George Chuter, who has already played the maximum three games for his country this autumn.  Should Goode not have the best of days, expect Andy Robinson to hook him after about 45 minutes for either Newcastle's Toby Flood or Wasps' Mark van Gisbergen.