Scrumbag

Heineken Cup Semi-finals decided

A weekend of surprises has seen the end of all Irish and French involvement in this year's Heineken Cup - with the defending champions knocked out at the quarter-final stage for the second year in a row.

Friday night's game, at Stradey Park, saw group stage pace-setters Llanelli beat a Munster side left rudderless by the absence of captain Paul O'Connell.  A strong forward performance by the hosts, even pushing Munster off their own scrum ball at one point, sent them through by a 24-15 scoreline.  Leinster, also without their captain, took a real battering from a Wasps side who will be desperately hoping they can rescue a poor season  with a decent Heineken run.  35-13 was the final score as Ian McGeechan's men made it to the semi-finals.

Sunday's games were as bad for France as the previous ones had been for Ireland.  Leicester's victory over Stade Francais, secured by a late Tom Varndell try (crucially scored under the posts enabling Andy Goode to hit a simple conversion that gave the Tigers a 21-20 win) knocked out Stade Francais and secured Pat Howard's men a Walkers' Stadium semi-final against Llanelli.  More surprisingly, Northampton Saints helped their fans forget their side's bottom-of-the-table status at home - for 80 minutes at least - with a late Robbie Kydd try knocking out last season's runners-up Biarritz (7-6).  Saints will now face Wasps at Coventry's Ricoh Arena for a place in the final.

Argentian Head Coach Declines Leicester Tigers Offer

The president of the Argentinian Rugby Union, Alejandro Risler, has confirmed that Pumas head coach Marcelo Loffreda will not be taking up the position of head coach of the Leicester Tigers before the World Cup.

Doubt surfaced about whether the coach, who has taken Argentina to new heights, would remain with the international side when it emerged he had been in talks with the Tigers, whose current head coach Pat Howard leaves the club at the end of the season. But Risler confirmed Loffreda would remain for this Autumn's tournament, but could not confirm if Loffreda would remain following the World Cup.

"We are working with Marcelo Loffreda to reach Paris in September," Risler told the Ole newspaper. "All our efforts are concentrated on getting Argentina to our best-ever World Cup position. I'm sure that the Leicester's offer is in recognition of Loffreda's work with the Pumas in the last eight years. We are going to think about his successor after the World Cup."

We reported that Loffreda was in the frame a few months ago.

Gareth Jenkins furious at referee Chris White over "final lineout" blunder

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has spoken out about the confusion surrounding the final whistle in the Italy vs. Wales game. Wales were awarded a penalty and having checked with referee Chris White how much time was left, kicked the ball to touch to try and win the game with a final lineout. White, however, then blew his whistle to signify the end of the game and Wales' lost out on their chance of a final role of the dice to try and escape losing.

Wales head coach Jenkins said: "The instruction from the ref was clear that we had time to win the game. He then had a message in his ear to say time was over. If we had known that, we would have gone for the draw."

Chris White - normally the most reliable ref on the circuit - is said to be preparing to issue a statement later on today. More news when we have it.

Bristol's Jason Hobson cited for alleged Vickery punch

Bristol prop Jason Hobson has been cited following an alleged punch on England captain Phil Vickery. The incident, which took place at the weekend, has ruled Vickery out of England's forthcoming Six Nations game against France and handed the captains' armband to returning warrior Mike Catt.

Hobson has already been banned for a fortnight by his club and will face a full RFU hearing a week on Tuesday.

Ulster ask for proof in race row

Ulster Rugby have reacted to a complaint of racial abuse from Dragons wing Aled Brew by asking for further evidence to back up the reports.  UR chief executive Michael Reid said:  "We've spent a lot of time looking through a lot of tapes today and yesterday.  But at the moment, there's no clear evidence of anything taking place.  We've also talked to the stewards at the ground, the touch judges that were there and things are very unclear and unproven.  The one concern obviously is that is an individual said something that we're not aware of.  I've tried to get the Dragons down to specifics as to where it took place and when it took place."

Having checked out the Ulster Rugby Fans' Forum it seems the Ravenhill faithful believe Brew to have misheard a chant from the stands.  In a similar case a few months back, Ulster lock Matt McCullough was cleared of making a racist comment to London Irish's Delon Armitage when a remark made by McCullough was misinterpreted by the Exiles wing.  This is not to say, however, that Brew's complaint might not pertain to a separate remark made by a lone, cretinous individual.  Should this be the case, Ulster Rugby have promised to deal with the individual in the appropriate manner.

Eddie O'Sullivan quells anti-England talk

It seems the rugby world can't stop talking about this weekend's Ireland vs. England game, and plenty of discussion time has been dedicated to the idea of the "colonizing bastards" England (quote from Deputy Editor Paul, there) playing at the halt of Irish national pride, Croke Park. It has even been said in some quarters (Scrumbag Towers) that Ireland should do all they can to beat England 19-16, just to push the national war that bit further.

However, a lone voice in the wilderness comes in the form of Eddie O'Sullivan, who has talked down an anti-English protest at the game by simply saying: "With regards to the anthems, they have always been respected at Lansdowne Road. Our anthem has been respected wherever we've gone, and we hope that will be reciprocated. God Save the Queen' was respected the last time it was played at Croke Park, at the Special Olympics three years ago, and I expect it to be the same on Saturday."

Personally, I reckon the chances of the Irish standing still and silent whilst 'God Save The Queen' is about as likely as Ireland winning the World Cup. So nil, then (England miaow!)

England Saxons squad named

England Saxons' squad was announced today, and what's most notable is the names not on the list.  Andy Goode, Simon Shaw and Lawrence Dallaglio have clearly not done enough to convince new coach Brian Ashton of their worth to the side, and have missed out on both the full squad and the Saxons.  Whether this means an end to their international playing careers remains to be seen, but with two rookie fly halves (Toby Flood and Shane Geraghty) in the full squad, it certainly seems that Goode has a lot to do to gain inclusion in time for the World Cup.

Names in the squad include World Cup winners Ben Cohen, Ben Kay and Richard Hill, as well as rugby league convert Chev Walker.  Walker has been backed for a fast-track to the full England squad in time for this autumn's big event, and a few good performances for the Saxons will surely see him given a chance by the end of the Six Nations.

Ashton names first England squad

  Brian Ashton's first squad as England head coach contains a few surprises, with the return from international retirement of World Cup winner Jason Robinson, as well as the selection of Jonny Wilkinson after three years in the international wilderness.  Four potential new caps are named, those being Saracens' Andy Farrell, Wasps' Tom Rees, London Irish fly-half Shane Geraghty and Bristol forward Dan Ward-Smith.  Geraghty's inclusion is at the expense of Leicester Tigers' Andy Goode, who is out of the squad completely.

Ashton's policy seems to be based on the successful World Cup squad of 2003, with Steve Thompson and Mike Tindall back after an extended spell out of the squad, and London Irish's 35-year-old back Mike Catt continuing his extended Indian summer after touring Australia in the summer under Andy Robinson.  The Sale Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson misses out through injury, but can be expected to return to the squad when fit.

Eddie Jones Interested in England Job

In the light of last week's revelation that a new England head coach may not be appointed permanently until after next year's World Cup, Australian Eddie Jones is the first coach to break cover and say that he would be prepared to take the vacant position until then.  Jones, who coached the Australia team that finished runners-up to England in 2003, has said that he would be keen to get back into international coaching and feels that he could steer the England side to a semi-final berth at next year's showpiece event.

"Nobody wants to see England doing poorly because it is not in the interests of the game globally.  So if the RFU asked me to look at a 10-month contract through to the end of the World Cup, I would most definitely give it serious consideration." said Jones, who perhaps underestimates the strength of feeling towards England among many rugby fans.  Given that, prior to being sacked from the Australia post, Jones led the team to a series of defeats, England fans may not be overwhelmed at the prospect of him being appointed to succeed Andy Robinson

Andrew Not Keen On Coaching Post

England's Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew has distanced himself from the post vacated by Andy Robinson's departure by "mutual consent".  Andrew had been tipped by former England team-mate to take on the role of Head Coach, at least on a temporary basis.  The former Newcastle coach, appointed to his current role earlier this year, feels that it wouldn't be the correct step for him to take, saying "It's not the role I came in to do, and not the role I want to do."

Andrew also said that whoever took the job permanently was not expected to be in place before the Six Nations, and possibly not until after the World Cup next autumn.  This is in stark contrast to Robinson's appointment which came hot on the heels of Clive Woodward's departure.  Whether a year should be required to find the right man is surely debatable, but it's clear that the succession was rushed last time out, and that the RFU are keen to avoid the same mistake this time out.

Gareth Jenkins furious at referee Chris White over "final lineout" blunder

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has spoken out about the confusion surrounding the final whistle in the Italy vs. Wales game. Wales were awarded a penalty and having checked with referee Chris White how much time was left, kicked the ball to touch to try and win the game with a final lineout. White, however, then blew his whistle to signify the end of the game and Wales' lost out on their chance of a final role of the dice to try and escape losing.

Wales head coach Jenkins said: "The instruction from the ref was clear that we had time to win the game. He then had a message in his ear to say time was over. If we had known that, we would have gone for the draw."

Chris White - normally the most reliable ref on the circuit - is said to be preparing to issue a statement later on today. More news when we have it.

Bristol's Jason Hobson cited for alleged Vickery punch

Bristol prop Jason Hobson has been cited following an alleged punch on England captain Phil Vickery. The incident, which took place at the weekend, has ruled Vickery out of England's forthcoming Six Nations game against France and handed the captains' armband to returning warrior Mike Catt.

Hobson has already been banned for a fortnight by his club and will face a full RFU hearing a week on Tuesday.

Ulster ask for proof in race row

Ulster Rugby have reacted to a complaint of racial abuse from Dragons wing Aled Brew by asking for further evidence to back up the reports.  UR chief executive Michael Reid said:  "We've spent a lot of time looking through a lot of tapes today and yesterday.  But at the moment, there's no clear evidence of anything taking place.  We've also talked to the stewards at the ground, the touch judges that were there and things are very unclear and unproven.  The one concern obviously is that is an individual said something that we're not aware of.  I've tried to get the Dragons down to specifics as to where it took place and when it took place."

Having checked out the Ulster Rugby Fans' Forum it seems the Ravenhill faithful believe Brew to have misheard a chant from the stands.  In a similar case a few months back, Ulster lock Matt McCullough was cleared of making a racist comment to London Irish's Delon Armitage when a remark made by McCullough was misinterpreted by the Exiles wing.  This is not to say, however, that Brew's complaint might not pertain to a separate remark made by a lone, cretinous individual.  Should this be the case, Ulster Rugby have promised to deal with the individual in the appropriate manner.

Eddie O'Sullivan quells anti-England talk

It seems the rugby world can't stop talking about this weekend's Ireland vs. England game, and plenty of discussion time has been dedicated to the idea of the "colonizing bastards" England (quote from Deputy Editor Paul, there) playing at the halt of Irish national pride, Croke Park. It has even been said in some quarters (Scrumbag Towers) that Ireland should do all they can to beat England 19-16, just to push the national war that bit further.

However, a lone voice in the wilderness comes in the form of Eddie O'Sullivan, who has talked down an anti-English protest at the game by simply saying: "With regards to the anthems, they have always been respected at Lansdowne Road. Our anthem has been respected wherever we've gone, and we hope that will be reciprocated. God Save the Queen' was respected the last time it was played at Croke Park, at the Special Olympics three years ago, and I expect it to be the same on Saturday."

Personally, I reckon the chances of the Irish standing still and silent whilst 'God Save The Queen' is about as likely as Ireland winning the World Cup. So nil, then (England miaow!)

England Saxons squad named

England Saxons' squad was announced today, and what's most notable is the names not on the list.  Andy Goode, Simon Shaw and Lawrence Dallaglio have clearly not done enough to convince new coach Brian Ashton of their worth to the side, and have missed out on both the full squad and the Saxons.  Whether this means an end to their international playing careers remains to be seen, but with two rookie fly halves (Toby Flood and Shane Geraghty) in the full squad, it certainly seems that Goode has a lot to do to gain inclusion in time for the World Cup.

Names in the squad include World Cup winners Ben Cohen, Ben Kay and Richard Hill, as well as rugby league convert Chev Walker.  Walker has been backed for a fast-track to the full England squad in time for this autumn's big event, and a few good performances for the Saxons will surely see him given a chance by the end of the Six Nations.

Ashton names first England squad

  Brian Ashton's first squad as England head coach contains a few surprises, with the return from international retirement of World Cup winner Jason Robinson, as well as the selection of Jonny Wilkinson after three years in the international wilderness.  Four potential new caps are named, those being Saracens' Andy Farrell, Wasps' Tom Rees, London Irish fly-half Shane Geraghty and Bristol forward Dan Ward-Smith.  Geraghty's inclusion is at the expense of Leicester Tigers' Andy Goode, who is out of the squad completely.

Ashton's policy seems to be based on the successful World Cup squad of 2003, with Steve Thompson and Mike Tindall back after an extended spell out of the squad, and London Irish's 35-year-old back Mike Catt continuing his extended Indian summer after touring Australia in the summer under Andy Robinson.  The Sale Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson misses out through injury, but can be expected to return to the squad when fit.

Eddie Jones Interested in England Job

In the light of last week's revelation that a new England head coach may not be appointed permanently until after next year's World Cup, Australian Eddie Jones is the first coach to break cover and say that he would be prepared to take the vacant position until then.  Jones, who coached the Australia team that finished runners-up to England in 2003, has said that he would be keen to get back into international coaching and feels that he could steer the England side to a semi-final berth at next year's showpiece event.

"Nobody wants to see England doing poorly because it is not in the interests of the game globally.  So if the RFU asked me to look at a 10-month contract through to the end of the World Cup, I would most definitely give it serious consideration." said Jones, who perhaps underestimates the strength of feeling towards England among many rugby fans.  Given that, prior to being sacked from the Australia post, Jones led the team to a series of defeats, England fans may not be overwhelmed at the prospect of him being appointed to succeed Andy Robinson

Andrew Not Keen On Coaching Post

England's Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew has distanced himself from the post vacated by Andy Robinson's departure by "mutual consent".  Andrew had been tipped by former England team-mate to take on the role of Head Coach, at least on a temporary basis.  The former Newcastle coach, appointed to his current role earlier this year, feels that it wouldn't be the correct step for him to take, saying "It's not the role I came in to do, and not the role I want to do."

Andrew also said that whoever took the job permanently was not expected to be in place before the Six Nations, and possibly not until after the World Cup next autumn.  This is in stark contrast to Robinson's appointment which came hot on the heels of Clive Woodward's departure.  Whether a year should be required to find the right man is surely debatable, but it's clear that the succession was rushed last time out, and that the RFU are keen to avoid the same mistake this time out.

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.