Scrumbag

As Asia launch their "Five Nations" tournament should Argentina consider a "One Nation" cup?

Poor Argentina, with Six Nations, Tri Nations and now an Asian Five Nations, the Argies remain stuck without a tournament.

The brand spanking new Asian Five Nations series kicks off in April, and will feature five 15-a-side Asian teams including top-ranked Japan, the Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong, South Korea and Kazakhstan. Whether the banned Borat makinis will be allowed for the Kazakhstan games, I can not be sure.

"The tournament is vital for the development and expansion of rugby throughout Asia and will give our elite players the chance to perform in front of a significantly expanded TV audience," Asian Rugby Football Union honorary secretary general Ross Mitchell told a news conference, as every in Argentina weeped about their loneliness.

Super 14 and stupid new laws kick off this weekend

This weekend, the Super 14 kicks off, which is always good news for us people who like to watch live rugby at 9am on Saturday mornings.  Not so good news is that they are trialling the new set of laws that for the most part seem particularly pointless.

Among the rule changes, quick lineout throws can go backward; free kicks, rather than penalty kicks, will be awarded for all offenses other than offside and foul play; backlines must be at least five meters (16 feet) behind the scrum line instead of level with the line; and if the ball is carried or passed back into the 22-metre zone and kicked into touch, the lineout will be held from where the ball was kicked.

Should these laws go well, the IRB has a eye on a worldwide trial next season. 

Do you think the game needs these new laws?  For mine, the passing back into the 22 rule looks OK, but the rest seem superfluous to requirements.

South Africa 21 New Zealand 20

So, finally, it turns out that New Zealand are fallible after all.  It took a late Andre Pretorius penalty, but South Africa finally ran out winners by a single point.  The win is as much testament to South Africa's tenacity as anything else - a late Joe Rokocoko try seemed set to deny them the victory, but having come so close, the Springboks refused to let their heads drop.  Pressure was applied, a penalty was conceded, and Pretorius stepped up to knock it over.

Even then the job wasn't quite done.  New Zealand came back at them, and attacked through the centre.  The attack ground to a halt when, of all people, Richie McCaw knocked the ball on in contact.  After a scrum, disrupted by a psyched-up New Zealand, South Africa forced the ball dead and ref Chris Whyte blew for full-time.  Tries were scored by Habana and Wannenberg for the Boks, and by Carter and Rokocoko for the All Blacks.  For South Africa, the next step is to try and gain a measure of revenge for their two recent defeats to Australia.  For New Zealand, the consecutive wins counter returns to zero, and they have to start making history all over again.

Springboks Ring Changes For New Zealand

South Africa coach Jake White has made numerous changes from last weekend's side to face New Zealand this weekend in Rustenburg.  The headline change is the dropping of Percy Montgomery, who after a poor tournament does not even make the bench as White moves Jacques Fourie from outside-centre to full-back.  Wynand Olivier takes the vacant no. 13 spot.  Andre Pretorius takes the number 10 shirt from Butch James, who will start on the bench as White looks to spark a set of backs who have as yet failed to convince during this season's tournament.

In the forwards, AJ Venter and Pedrie Wannenburg join the back row, while prop BJ Botha makes his full debut for the Springboks, having impressed from the bench last Saturday.  A much-changed All-Blacks side features ten changes, including a back three with Doug Howlett at full-back and Joe Rokocoko partnering Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings.  Jimmy Cowan is rewarded for his good form from the bench, replacing Piri Weepu at scrum-half, while Andrew Hore replaces Keven Mealamu at hooker.  It marks New Zealand's final Tri-Nations game of this tournament, and they'll be looking to go out on a high.  Despite the placings already being decided, a lot rides on this game for both teams.

South Africa 26 New Zealand 45

When you have a long-standing unbeaten record, there is no such thing as an unimportant game.  New Zealand, who had already sealed the Tri Nations title, found themselves trailing early on here to a Fourie du Preez try.  But, as often happens when you have the temerity to lead against the All Blacks, South Africa found themselves buried beneath a second-half onslaught that consigned them to another heavy defeat.

When the current streak of results that New Zealand find themselves on is finally punctuated by a defeat, it won't be because they've rested on their laurels.  With the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup tucked away in their rucksack, the laurels were substantial yesterday in Pretoria.  But a fine kicking performance from Dan Carter and some shocking tackling from the Springboks put the visitors in pole position, and they didn't need an invitation to speed away with the win.

After du Preez had scored an opportunist try from a New Zealand error, South Africa put the heat on their opponents, dominating the lineout, but failed to add to their 11-6 lead.  A warning shot flew across their bows when a kick ahead was chased into the in-goal area, but Toeava was unable to get the touch down.  This shot was ignored, and when Dan Carter put another kick behind the Springbok defence, Tialata got the score.  A Carter conversion saw NZ take the lead, and his amazing 62-metre penalty made it 16-11 at the break.  At this point, South African fans would already have wondered if the chance had been blown.

It hadn't yet, and even when Carter banged over another penalty there was still hope for South Africa.  It was when Ndungane broke clear and his kick ahead was fielded not by one of his own men but by Mils Muliaina, who fed Luke McAllister for the try, that the sun began to disappear behind the long white cloud.  When the Springboks were caught out twice in quick succession by quickly-taken tap penalties, it was over.  First Sivivatu profited from Jerry Collins' quick thinking, then McAllister reciprocated Muliaina's gift.

With 25 minutes left and the home crowd booing, it was time for the players to prove their worth.  Jacques Fourie got closest to doing so, with two tries that put a sheen on the scoreline.  But when Rico Gear chased and collected Jerry Collins' kick ahead to take New Zealand into the 40+ point bracket, it truly was all over.

Tuqiri Spear Overshadows New Zealand Triumph

As Scrumbag went un-updated on Monday, we completely failed to report on the Tri-Nations game at the weekend.  Apologies for that, here's a catch-up for those who were missing it.

New Zealand have retained their Tri-Nations crown after coming from behind to beat Australia in Auckland.  The All Blacks, who trailed 20-11 at half-time, have thus wrapped up the title with two games in hand, to be played in South Africa over the next two weekends.  Normally the best time to beat a seemingly unbeatable side, but somehow I don't think their current unbeaten run is something the ABs will give up cheaply.  Beneath the cut we deal with the real story of the game.

The game will be remembered more, though, for a spear tackle by Australia's Lote Tuqiri on Richie McCaw.  McCaw, who has been the player of the tournament so far in many people's eyes, seemed to be targetted for this treatment in order to nullify his influence on the game.  Tuqiri has since copped a five-match ban for the offence, of which only one game will be an international.  The ban seems unduly light for an offence which can end a player's career.  Flankers Rocky Elsom and Phil Waugh were also guilty of offences against McCaw, and given the player's recent form, it is unedifying to see such a cynical approach.

We here at Scrumbag have in the past (and, let's face it, present) been quick to lay into Tana Umaga for his similar, unpunished spear tackle on Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll last summer, and the New Zealand camp for their seeming insistence that nothing happened.  Regardless of who is performing the spear tackle, and who is being tackled, it is something that needs to be removed from the game.  Along with the equally sickening practice of pulling down a jumper at the line-out, the spear tackle is an offence which can have hideous consequences, the more so for the fact that a player's downward journey is not controlled. 

Both O'Driscoll and McCaw were able to comment on their experiences, but one wonders when a player of such profile might not be so lucky, given that this kind of tackle can leave a player paralysed or worse.  One wonders also whether this is what it might take to see the offence dealt with in the appropriate manner.  Hopefully not.  As rugby fans, we love the game for what it is.  Tough, bruising battles, even a little bit of blood in the right circumstances, give the game its edge.  Spear tackles, and worse, taking players out in the air, go against the spirit of the battle.  They are cowardly offences performed on unsuspecting sportsmen, and it is important that they are condemned from all sides.

Tuqiri's punishment is a joke.  As long as players feel they can get away with spear tackling, receiving at most a slap on the wrist, there will be players who are tempted to do it.  Neil Back was banned for six months for pushing a ref.  Inexcusable offence, but the ref was always going to stand up and walk away from it.  A punishment of similar severity, or longer, is needed for the clowns who drive or throw an opponent head-first towards the ground.  No excuse about the heat of the moment can mitigate the dangers of spear tackling.  And for all the excuses that might get offered up, it will happen less if moves are made to make it punishable by the harshest sanctions available.  Hopefully Tuqiri will take his time off to appreciate that he's being given a chance, and take that chance to never make another such tackle.

All Blacks And Wallabies Make Changes

Both New Zealand and Australia have shuffled their packs prior to this weekend's Antipodean clash, which will see the hosts clinch the Tri-Nations title should they beat the Wallabies.  Graham Henry leaves out Leon McDonald, Rico Gear and Ali Williams, replacing them with Isaia Toeava, Doug Howlett and Jason Eaton.  Well, at least it's not the whole squad this time.

The Aussies' most notable change is the dropping of George Smith at openside for Phil Waugh, who played a major part in Mat Rogers' deciding try against the Springboks.  Clyde Rathbone replaces Mark Gerrard, and Jeremy Paul comes back in at hooker for Al Baxter.  It's a must-win game for Australia, and they'll have a huge percentage of the world's rugby fans cheering them on.  Point your browser here immediately after the match for reaction, whatever the result.

Springboks Call Up Uncapped Duo

South Africa have called up scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and prop Brendan Botha to their squad for the rest of the Six Nations.  Both players are uncapped, and Pienaar is also a capable fly-half which, given South Africa's recent poor tactical kicking, may be a large part of why he has been selected.  Fly-half Andre Pretorious has also been called up for the first time this season while centre Jean de Villies and lock Andre Roussouw return to the squad as the Boks look to win their first Tri-Nations game, against New Zealand on Saturday.

Wallabies Happy To Win Ugly

John Connolly made no pretence about the quality of Saturday's game, preferring to concentrate on the fact that the Wallabies chalked up the win.  In a poor game, particularly a dire first half, Australia failed to show the spark that has characterised their play under the new man - and Connolly was quick to admit it, saying "I guess that gives new meaning to the term winning ugly.  We're incredibly disappointed by the way we played but delighted we won.  We've played seven games in nine weeks and I guess we were a little flat." 

Connolly's opposite number Jake White was fairly disconsolate in the face of defeat:  "We showed a lot of character after the 49-0 drubbing three weeks ago but that doesn't make losing any easier to accept.  It was just one of those games that got away from us but full credit to Australia. It just showed, yet again, that they are a team that never say die."  He hasn't heard the voicemail George Gregan will be leaving Eddie Jones, then.

Eddie Jones Doubts George Gregan

Recently sacked Australian coach Eddie Jones has waded into the controversy over George Gregan's claims to the Wallabies' number nine jersey after the record-breaking scrum-half was roundly criticised for his performance in Australia's 20-18 win over South Africa.  Gregan's replacement Sam Cordingley played a key role in the winning try, leading many people to suggest that he should be first choice in the role.

Jones said: "I would not rule George out straight away, but there has to be another option.  Sam Cordingley is an option, and they should definitely look at (centre) Matt Giteau. He's an outstanding half-back."  Well, quite, Eddie.  If only there'd been someone like you at the helm of Australian rugby in the last few yea... oh.

South Africa 21 New Zealand 20

So, finally, it turns out that New Zealand are fallible after all.  It took a late Andre Pretorius penalty, but South Africa finally ran out winners by a single point.  The win is as much testament to South Africa's tenacity as anything else - a late Joe Rokocoko try seemed set to deny them the victory, but having come so close, the Springboks refused to let their heads drop.  Pressure was applied, a penalty was conceded, and Pretorius stepped up to knock it over.

Even then the job wasn't quite done.  New Zealand came back at them, and attacked through the centre.  The attack ground to a halt when, of all people, Richie McCaw knocked the ball on in contact.  After a scrum, disrupted by a psyched-up New Zealand, South Africa forced the ball dead and ref Chris Whyte blew for full-time.  Tries were scored by Habana and Wannenberg for the Boks, and by Carter and Rokocoko for the All Blacks.  For South Africa, the next step is to try and gain a measure of revenge for their two recent defeats to Australia.  For New Zealand, the consecutive wins counter returns to zero, and they have to start making history all over again.

Springboks Ring Changes For New Zealand

South Africa coach Jake White has made numerous changes from last weekend's side to face New Zealand this weekend in Rustenburg.  The headline change is the dropping of Percy Montgomery, who after a poor tournament does not even make the bench as White moves Jacques Fourie from outside-centre to full-back.  Wynand Olivier takes the vacant no. 13 spot.  Andre Pretorius takes the number 10 shirt from Butch James, who will start on the bench as White looks to spark a set of backs who have as yet failed to convince during this season's tournament.

In the forwards, AJ Venter and Pedrie Wannenburg join the back row, while prop BJ Botha makes his full debut for the Springboks, having impressed from the bench last Saturday.  A much-changed All-Blacks side features ten changes, including a back three with Doug Howlett at full-back and Joe Rokocoko partnering Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings.  Jimmy Cowan is rewarded for his good form from the bench, replacing Piri Weepu at scrum-half, while Andrew Hore replaces Keven Mealamu at hooker.  It marks New Zealand's final Tri-Nations game of this tournament, and they'll be looking to go out on a high.  Despite the placings already being decided, a lot rides on this game for both teams.

South Africa 26 New Zealand 45

When you have a long-standing unbeaten record, there is no such thing as an unimportant game.  New Zealand, who had already sealed the Tri Nations title, found themselves trailing early on here to a Fourie du Preez try.  But, as often happens when you have the temerity to lead against the All Blacks, South Africa found themselves buried beneath a second-half onslaught that consigned them to another heavy defeat.

When the current streak of results that New Zealand find themselves on is finally punctuated by a defeat, it won't be because they've rested on their laurels.  With the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup tucked away in their rucksack, the laurels were substantial yesterday in Pretoria.  But a fine kicking performance from Dan Carter and some shocking tackling from the Springboks put the visitors in pole position, and they didn't need an invitation to speed away with the win.

After du Preez had scored an opportunist try from a New Zealand error, South Africa put the heat on their opponents, dominating the lineout, but failed to add to their 11-6 lead.  A warning shot flew across their bows when a kick ahead was chased into the in-goal area, but Toeava was unable to get the touch down.  This shot was ignored, and when Dan Carter put another kick behind the Springbok defence, Tialata got the score.  A Carter conversion saw NZ take the lead, and his amazing 62-metre penalty made it 16-11 at the break.  At this point, South African fans would already have wondered if the chance had been blown.

It hadn't yet, and even when Carter banged over another penalty there was still hope for South Africa.  It was when Ndungane broke clear and his kick ahead was fielded not by one of his own men but by Mils Muliaina, who fed Luke McAllister for the try, that the sun began to disappear behind the long white cloud.  When the Springboks were caught out twice in quick succession by quickly-taken tap penalties, it was over.  First Sivivatu profited from Jerry Collins' quick thinking, then McAllister reciprocated Muliaina's gift.

With 25 minutes left and the home crowd booing, it was time for the players to prove their worth.  Jacques Fourie got closest to doing so, with two tries that put a sheen on the scoreline.  But when Rico Gear chased and collected Jerry Collins' kick ahead to take New Zealand into the 40+ point bracket, it truly was all over.

Tuqiri Spear Overshadows New Zealand Triumph

As Scrumbag went un-updated on Monday, we completely failed to report on the Tri-Nations game at the weekend.  Apologies for that, here's a catch-up for those who were missing it.

New Zealand have retained their Tri-Nations crown after coming from behind to beat Australia in Auckland.  The All Blacks, who trailed 20-11 at half-time, have thus wrapped up the title with two games in hand, to be played in South Africa over the next two weekends.  Normally the best time to beat a seemingly unbeatable side, but somehow I don't think their current unbeaten run is something the ABs will give up cheaply.  Beneath the cut we deal with the real story of the game.

The game will be remembered more, though, for a spear tackle by Australia's Lote Tuqiri on Richie McCaw.  McCaw, who has been the player of the tournament so far in many people's eyes, seemed to be targetted for this treatment in order to nullify his influence on the game.  Tuqiri has since copped a five-match ban for the offence, of which only one game will be an international.  The ban seems unduly light for an offence which can end a player's career.  Flankers Rocky Elsom and Phil Waugh were also guilty of offences against McCaw, and given the player's recent form, it is unedifying to see such a cynical approach.

We here at Scrumbag have in the past (and, let's face it, present) been quick to lay into Tana Umaga for his similar, unpunished spear tackle on Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll last summer, and the New Zealand camp for their seeming insistence that nothing happened.  Regardless of who is performing the spear tackle, and who is being tackled, it is something that needs to be removed from the game.  Along with the equally sickening practice of pulling down a jumper at the line-out, the spear tackle is an offence which can have hideous consequences, the more so for the fact that a player's downward journey is not controlled. 

Both O'Driscoll and McCaw were able to comment on their experiences, but one wonders when a player of such profile might not be so lucky, given that this kind of tackle can leave a player paralysed or worse.  One wonders also whether this is what it might take to see the offence dealt with in the appropriate manner.  Hopefully not.  As rugby fans, we love the game for what it is.  Tough, bruising battles, even a little bit of blood in the right circumstances, give the game its edge.  Spear tackles, and worse, taking players out in the air, go against the spirit of the battle.  They are cowardly offences performed on unsuspecting sportsmen, and it is important that they are condemned from all sides.

Tuqiri's punishment is a joke.  As long as players feel they can get away with spear tackling, receiving at most a slap on the wrist, there will be players who are tempted to do it.  Neil Back was banned for six months for pushing a ref.  Inexcusable offence, but the ref was always going to stand up and walk away from it.  A punishment of similar severity, or longer, is needed for the clowns who drive or throw an opponent head-first towards the ground.  No excuse about the heat of the moment can mitigate the dangers of spear tackling.  And for all the excuses that might get offered up, it will happen less if moves are made to make it punishable by the harshest sanctions available.  Hopefully Tuqiri will take his time off to appreciate that he's being given a chance, and take that chance to never make another such tackle.

All Blacks And Wallabies Make Changes

Both New Zealand and Australia have shuffled their packs prior to this weekend's Antipodean clash, which will see the hosts clinch the Tri-Nations title should they beat the Wallabies.  Graham Henry leaves out Leon McDonald, Rico Gear and Ali Williams, replacing them with Isaia Toeava, Doug Howlett and Jason Eaton.  Well, at least it's not the whole squad this time.

The Aussies' most notable change is the dropping of George Smith at openside for Phil Waugh, who played a major part in Mat Rogers' deciding try against the Springboks.  Clyde Rathbone replaces Mark Gerrard, and Jeremy Paul comes back in at hooker for Al Baxter.  It's a must-win game for Australia, and they'll have a huge percentage of the world's rugby fans cheering them on.  Point your browser here immediately after the match for reaction, whatever the result.

Springboks Call Up Uncapped Duo

South Africa have called up scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and prop Brendan Botha to their squad for the rest of the Six Nations.  Both players are uncapped, and Pienaar is also a capable fly-half which, given South Africa's recent poor tactical kicking, may be a large part of why he has been selected.  Fly-half Andre Pretorious has also been called up for the first time this season while centre Jean de Villies and lock Andre Roussouw return to the squad as the Boks look to win their first Tri-Nations game, against New Zealand on Saturday.

Wallabies Happy To Win Ugly

John Connolly made no pretence about the quality of Saturday's game, preferring to concentrate on the fact that the Wallabies chalked up the win.  In a poor game, particularly a dire first half, Australia failed to show the spark that has characterised their play under the new man - and Connolly was quick to admit it, saying "I guess that gives new meaning to the term winning ugly.  We're incredibly disappointed by the way we played but delighted we won.  We've played seven games in nine weeks and I guess we were a little flat." 

Connolly's opposite number Jake White was fairly disconsolate in the face of defeat:  "We showed a lot of character after the 49-0 drubbing three weeks ago but that doesn't make losing any easier to accept.  It was just one of those games that got away from us but full credit to Australia. It just showed, yet again, that they are a team that never say die."  He hasn't heard the voicemail George Gregan will be leaving Eddie Jones, then.

Eddie Jones Doubts George Gregan

Recently sacked Australian coach Eddie Jones has waded into the controversy over George Gregan's claims to the Wallabies' number nine jersey after the record-breaking scrum-half was roundly criticised for his performance in Australia's 20-18 win over South Africa.  Gregan's replacement Sam Cordingley played a key role in the winning try, leading many people to suggest that he should be first choice in the role.

Jones said: "I would not rule George out straight away, but there has to be another option.  Sam Cordingley is an option, and they should definitely look at (centre) Matt Giteau. He's an outstanding half-back."  Well, quite, Eddie.  If only there'd been someone like you at the helm of Australian rugby in the last few yea... oh.

Australia 20 South Africa 18

There's only one word to describe how the Springboks will have felt at the final whistle of this game - like the dog said when asked what it was like to wipe his nethers on sandpaper, they'd say "rough".  A second-half comeback seemed set to relieve the sorrow surrounding two previous defeats in this season's Tri-Nations, only for Mat Rogers to slide over for a late try to level the scores, and Stirling Mortlock to rub salt, sand, human waste and nails into the wound by stroking over a touchline conversion via the goalpost.  Somehow I think church attendance will have been down on previous weeks in South Africa yesterday.

The first thirty minutes of this game gave a graphic illustration of the phrase "plumbing new depths".  With only a Mortlock penalty breaking the utter tedium - apologies to any fans of aimless tactical kicking, but Jeeeeeeeeeeeezus - Australia led 3-0.  They were lucky to have three, and the Boks were lucky to have nil.  Percy Montgomery showed everyone the perils of buying Bruce Reihana's Kicking Masterclass DVD, missing two easy penalties and causing people to wonder aloud why Butch James wasn't hitting the place-kicks.  On 31 minutes he gave them their answer.  An audacious attempt at a cross-field kick to Brian Habana went what keen cliche-merchants like to call "somewhat awry" and was fielded by Aussie wing Mark Gerrard.  Gerrard had time to return home, switch the oven off and get his hair cut before scuttling over for the game's first try.

Nonetheless, James was handed the job of place-kicker for the second half, and Percy Montgomery's legs were welded together to stop him even thinking about trying it.  James proceeded to knock over two penalties, look at Montgomery, and shake his head sadly.  The successful kicks meant that when Jacques Fourie capitalised on ... wait for it ... Keystone Cops-style play from the Aussies to score the Boks' first try, it put his side 13-10 ahead.  An Aussie scrum creaked, Wycliff Palu passed to the sixteenth man (Thin Air), du Preez kicked ahead and Fourie managed to hold in his laughter at Larkham's attempt to field the loose ball just long enough to touch down.  Textbook.

James converted the try, Mortlock replied with a penalty to bring the game level.  Then with ten minutes to go, James found Montgomery with a killer pass, and the blond full-back was driven over the line by his team-mates.  He wasn't being tackled or anything, they just didn't trust him to run and carry the ball at the same time.  A tricky conversion was Montgomeried by James, and the South Africans would regret this with just under five minutes left.  As the ball threatened to go loose at a ruck, replacement Aussie scrum-half Sam Cordingley flipped the ball up from the ground and into the hands of replacement flanker Phil Waugh.  Waugh burst into space and threw a delightful pass to replacement (yep) full-back Mat Rogers, who skated away to level the scores.  Inhabitants of Lesotho, the land-locked country within Australia, were then deafened by the collective moans of anguish as Mortlock's conversion went over despite hitting the post.  Memo to Jake White - that short cut to the ground that takes you under several ladders really isn't worth the five minutes it saves you.  Trust me.

Australia vs South Africa Preview

Sydney's Telstra Stadium is the venue for what people are already calling the "second/third place play-off" in this season's Tri-Nations series.  With both teams having lost to the All Blacks, a win tomorrow is essential to keep alive any hopes of toppling Graham Henry's men.  Both teams have given encouraging performances in defeat, but in South Africa's case a defeat at home would in all likelihood condemn them to last place, and Jake White to the dole queue.

Both teams have named two changes to the sides which lost to the Slytherins last time out, with Australia reinforcing their pack by bringing in Tai McIsaac at hooker and Wycliff Palu in the back row.  South Africa call up wing Akona Ndungane and lock Johann Muller in a few minor tweaks to the side that gave the All Blacks a scare.  The Australian selection is a testament to the fact that the forward battle is of vital importance tomorrow - if the Wallabies win it, their backs will be too much for Jake White's men.  Starve them of the ball, and South Africa should post their first win of the tournament.  It should be quite a game.

PREDICTION: Australia by six points