The News Review:
- France is up to the challenge
- All Black Howlett joins Munster
- Lawrence Dallaglio: from singer to sportsman
- Sackey a happy underdog – Rugby News Results Fixtures and Features…
France is up to the challenge
NEWS.com.au – Aug 31, 2007
I still think England could give the Springboks a shake when the two sides meet in the pool stages. But that will be about all there is for the Sweet Chariot fans to cheer about. Successive losses to France have shown they will not have the consistency to play at least three monster matches in the knockout stages and survive to keep the Webb Ellis trophy they won four years ago. As for Ireland my gut feeling is that they like New Zealand have peaked too early. The Irish were looking great for a while. They smashed England earlier this year they were playing with real flair behind a workman-like pack and they had those special qualities of their captain outside centre Brian O’Driscoll. He was missing last week when they almost crashed to Italy and it proves how vital O’Driscoll is to the Irish on-field psyche and leadership… On top of that Ireland are in France’s pool at the World Cup. Did they honestly think there was not going to be some sort of "softening up" from the Bayonne boys?Back to the main game and World Cup chances and there is a lesson for the European nations England in particular if things go pear-shaped for them over the next two months. European rugby bosses like to think the game there has the toughest club competitions in the world with the Heineken Cup virtually on a par with Super 14. But those improvements to some extent have been the result of foreign importation. There are so many overseas nationals holding key positions at English clubs that it has to have a detrimental effect on the national team. That has been part of their downfall. They do not have young guys coming through being given opportunities.
All Black Howlett joins Munster
BBC News – Aug 31, 2007
Howlett told Munster’s website: “I have had an amazing rugby career in New Zealand and I am grateful to every person who has contributed to that. “I consider Munster a fantastic opportunity to experience a different lifestyle with my family. Howlett who has scored 43 tries for the All Blacks will join former Heineken Cup champions Munster on 1 January 2008. Munster Rugby director of coaching Declan Kidney said: “We are delighted to have someone of Doug’s calibre and quality joining the squad. Howlett joins fellow All Blacks Carl Hayman Chris Jack Luke McAlister Byron Kelleher Aaron Mauger and Rico Gear in moving to Europe. All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “Doug is a quality international player who has proven his ability at the highest level. “Although it is disappointing to see a player of his class go overseas we’ll remember the outstanding contribution he has made to New Zealand rugby.
Lawrence Dallaglio: from singer to sportsman
Daily Mail – Aug 31, 2007
“Coming from Shepherd’s Bush I should be a QPR supporter but mydad liked Chelsea because Peter Bonetti played for them. “From the moment I saw them I was hooked. I went to the FA CupFinal in May to see Chelsea win and then led Wasps to win theHeineken Cup the next day at Twickenham so that was a pretty goodweekend for me. “I particularly respect John Terry and Frank Lampard becausethey are the fabric of the club and they drive the teamforward. That of course echoes Dallaglio’s role for England. Despitehis team’s underdog tag in the forthcoming World Cup he is asexcited about the games ahead as ever. “Rugby players are not quitters.
Sackey a happy underdog – Rugby News Results Fixtures and Features…
Planet Rugby – Aug 31, 2007
“The backs haven’t shown our true potential yet but we’ve got so much talent it’s just a matter of time. “Once we get the balance between the forwards and the backs right we’ll be on fire. ” The Heineken Cup winner has been recovering from a knee operation since the end of last season and now has his sights set on a starting role alongside Robinson in France. “Now my injury’s starting to clear up I’m feeling a little bit fresher again so I just can’t wait to get out to France” he added. “All I can do is train well but I honestly don’t know what the coaches are thinking at the moment. “My goals are to do well for England and win the World Cup and obviously secure a spot in the first XV for the next couple of years. ” England have been drawn in Pool A in France and begin the defence of the Webb Ellis trophy against USA on September 8… “All I can do is train well but I honestly don’t know what the coaches are thinking at the moment. “My goals are to do well for England and win the World Cup and obviously secure a spot in the first XV for the next couple of years. ” England have been drawn in Pool A in France and begin the defence of the Webb Ellis trophy against USA on September 8.