The Blues selected a below full strength team to face the out of form Scarlets. The result was a poor game with nothing much to write about. In fact the best thing about the game was how well the home pitch held up in the rainy conditions. The pitch is a mix of grass and artificial fibre that provides a good playing surface in all conditions. I think it is the only rugby pitch of its type in the UK. In between admiring the pitch the Scarlets scored two tries and controlled the second half to record their first win at Parc y Scarlets.
My man of the match: Martin Roberts
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Friday, 26 December 2008
Bath 24-20 Sale. 20 Dec. 2008
A chance to see how Dwayne Peel was settling in at Sale. He had a pretty good game and in typical Peel fashion took a quick tap penality to set-up the first Sale try. It was a fiesty game with Sale's Chabal and Bath's Justin Harrison stoking up both packs. Seabass was sin binned for foul play off the ball.
The home side are one of the form side's in the English Premiership at the moment but Sale more than matched them. It was also interesting to watch Bath's jumbo sized winger Matt Banahan. He's a converted forward and at about 6ft 7 ins and 17 stone he's one big lump in the Bath backline. Banahan played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. He was involved in both home tries. He lent his weight to a forward drive to the line and helped number 8 Browne score under the posts. Sale responded through Mark Cueto with two tries and it looked like they would run out deserved winners.
With very little time left Bath turned over ball in Sale's 22 and a neat kick-pass landed in Banahan's hands for a late winning try. If Banahan keeps on improving and gets a run in the England team he may even get selected for the Lions tour.
My man of the match: Matt Banahan
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Matt Banahan for England ? - http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A45309297
The home side are one of the form side's in the English Premiership at the moment but Sale more than matched them. It was also interesting to watch Bath's jumbo sized winger Matt Banahan. He's a converted forward and at about 6ft 7 ins and 17 stone he's one big lump in the Bath backline. Banahan played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. He was involved in both home tries. He lent his weight to a forward drive to the line and helped number 8 Browne score under the posts. Sale responded through Mark Cueto with two tries and it looked like they would run out deserved winners.
With very little time left Bath turned over ball in Sale's 22 and a neat kick-pass landed in Banahan's hands for a late winning try. If Banahan keeps on improving and gets a run in the England team he may even get selected for the Lions tour.
My man of the match: Matt Banahan
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Matt Banahan for England ? - http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A45309297
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Awards of the Year
Player of the Year - Shane Williams
Most improved player - Lee Byrne
Best game - Wales v Australia
Biggest disappointment - Not being at the Wales v Australia game
Worst moment of 2008 - Marc Stcherbina injury
Biggest hope for 2009 - Top players to hit peak form for Lions Tour
Six Nations champions in 2009 will be - Wales
Heineken Cup champions - Munster
Premiership champions - London Irish
Broadcasting highlight - Shane's tries in South Africa
Who should the 2009 Lions captain be - Ryan Jones
Your left-field Lions pick - Richard Hibbard
Who will win the Lions series - Lions
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Originally posted at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F12173056?thread=6178701&show=50
Most improved player - Lee Byrne
Best game - Wales v Australia
Biggest disappointment - Not being at the Wales v Australia game
Worst moment of 2008 - Marc Stcherbina injury
Biggest hope for 2009 - Top players to hit peak form for Lions Tour
Six Nations champions in 2009 will be - Wales
Heineken Cup champions - Munster
Premiership champions - London Irish
Broadcasting highlight - Shane's tries in South Africa
Who should the 2009 Lions captain be - Ryan Jones
Your left-field Lions pick - Richard Hibbard
Who will win the Lions series - Lions
---
Originally posted at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F12173056?thread=6178701&show=50
Dragons 30-24 Ospreys. 19 Dec. 2008
Welsh derby matches are usually scrappy games. The weather was poor with constant rain and a strong breeze. I wasn't expecting much of a spectacle but I was proved wrong. It was to be a night of surprises. The biggest of which was seeing Luke Charteris as Dragon's captain. Regular captain Willis was starting on the bench. I've never been a big fan of Charteris but obviously Paul Turner sees something in him. On the Ospreys side Henson and Mike Phillips were returning from injury.
The game saw six tries, Dragons got four for a bonus point. The Ospreys created a fine back line move with Bowe coming off his wing to create the extra man, then feeding to full back Henson to score a decent try. Gavin scored again in the second half after a powerful run from Sonny Parker. At that stage I thought the Ospreys would run out victors. The real story of the match was the Dragons defence and dominant pack performance. Captain Luke was excellent in the line-out and managed to nick a few Ospreys' throws. The crucial try came from a Colin Charvis cross kick that fullback Tovey caught. It was a smart bit of skill and rounded off a fine display by the home side.
In horrible conditions both sides played some excellent open rugby. One of the best Magners League games of the season so far.
My man of the match: Luke Charteris. Who would have thought it?
The game saw six tries, Dragons got four for a bonus point. The Ospreys created a fine back line move with Bowe coming off his wing to create the extra man, then feeding to full back Henson to score a decent try. Gavin scored again in the second half after a powerful run from Sonny Parker. At that stage I thought the Ospreys would run out victors. The real story of the match was the Dragons defence and dominant pack performance. Captain Luke was excellent in the line-out and managed to nick a few Ospreys' throws. The crucial try came from a Colin Charvis cross kick that fullback Tovey caught. It was a smart bit of skill and rounded off a fine display by the home side.
In horrible conditions both sides played some excellent open rugby. One of the best Magners League games of the season so far.
My man of the match: Luke Charteris. Who would have thought it?
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Scarlets 16-16 Ulster. 12 Dec. 2008
This Heineken Cup group match was effectively a dead rubber with both teams having very little chance of progressing beyond the group. The weather was filthy, heavy rain and swirly wind. It made for a forgettable match. There was alot of aerial ping pong with neither side able to exert any dominance. Ian Humphries for Ulster scored a good solo try. The Scarlets had enough possession but their attack lacked a cutting edge. Even the people that went to watch the game live won't have much more to say.
My man of the match: Ian Humphries.
My man of the match: Ian Humphries.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Perpignan 26-20 Leicester. 14 Dec. 2008
All eyes were focused on Dan Carter as he made his debut for Perpignan. The home side were very good in the first twenty minutes. Backs and forwards combined beautifully for a superb team try as blind-side Britz scored the opening try. The boot of Carter helped Perpignan to a 16-3 lead and Leicester needed to respond to stay in the game. Just before half time the Tigers scored a try to narrow the gap.
The second half saw less free flowing rugby. Britz scored his second try and Leicester were again chasing the game. Carter seemed to have settled easily at his new club. Enter Harry Ellis from the bench. Leicester were attacking and Carter tackled and held up the player in a grapple. Ellis comes crashing in to clear out Carter and picks up both of his legs and drops him. It was an awful bit of play by Ellis. Wholly intentional and extremely dangerous. Thankfully Carter landed safely. Alan Lewis the referee stopped the game. It was a yellow card offence at least, and could easily have been a red card. But no, Mr Lewis didn't show any card, he just give his pathetic "Be very careful" speech. I've always considered Alan Lewis to be a good referee but this fiasco has tarnished his reputation. Also what were the assistant referees doing? If there's any justice Ellis will be cited by a disciplinary commission.
The home side held on to win a tight game.
My man of the match: Nathan Hines. Strong in the set pieces and showed up well in open play.
The second half saw less free flowing rugby. Britz scored his second try and Leicester were again chasing the game. Carter seemed to have settled easily at his new club. Enter Harry Ellis from the bench. Leicester were attacking and Carter tackled and held up the player in a grapple. Ellis comes crashing in to clear out Carter and picks up both of his legs and drops him. It was an awful bit of play by Ellis. Wholly intentional and extremely dangerous. Thankfully Carter landed safely. Alan Lewis the referee stopped the game. It was a yellow card offence at least, and could easily have been a red card. But no, Mr Lewis didn't show any card, he just give his pathetic "Be very careful" speech. I've always considered Alan Lewis to be a good referee but this fiasco has tarnished his reputation. Also what were the assistant referees doing? If there's any justice Ellis will be cited by a disciplinary commission.
The home side held on to win a tight game.
My man of the match: Nathan Hines. Strong in the set pieces and showed up well in open play.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Blues 21-17 Biarritz. 5th Dec. 2008
It's not often a team concedes 2 tries, scores none and ends up winning but that's what happened to Cardiff in this game. It was a strange game. The Blues seemed to have alot of possession though they couldn't quite break the excellent Biarritz defence. The French team are currently struggling in their domestic competition but they showed admirable resistance on a cold night at the Arms Park. The first try came from turnover ball and the French backs finished off a neat move down the wing. In the second half Biarritz once again breached the home defence with a slightly soft try. The Biarritz outside half ran through some weak midfield defence to score under the posts. The Blues were definitely missing the injured centre Jamie Roberts.
Cardiff despite not scoring a try were never out of the game and picked up penalties and Nicky Robinson slotted two drop kicks. The French will probably wonder how they lost. The Blues were just pleased to scrape a win.
My man of the match: Ben Blair.
Cardiff despite not scoring a try were never out of the game and picked up penalties and Nicky Robinson slotted two drop kicks. The French will probably wonder how they lost. The Blues were just pleased to scrape a win.
My man of the match: Ben Blair.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Barbarians 11-18 Australia. 3 Dec. 2008
Played at Wembley the Barbarians fielded a very strong team inlcuding players such as McCaw, Smit, Burger, Habana and Jerry Collins. As is the way in the professional era and at this time of the season the BaBas were entirely made up of Southern hemisphere players. Although Mark Regan and Ollie Smith were on the bench. These two players always get selected for some reason.
In the first half the BaBas threw everything at Australia. Burger and Collins were rampaging in attack though Australia was equal to the test. In fact the Oz defence was awesome. Captain George Smith was leading from the front and everyone was having a big game in defence. Gold two stood out with some mighty hits and one superb behind the back pass. Australia scored a fine break away try after turn over ball and the Babas were left wondering how they were going to score a try themselves.
The second half heralded the arrrival of newly crowned IRB World Player of the Year Shane Williams. Go Shane! He didn't manage to change the result of the game but he did contribute to a fine try for Jerry Collins. Come final whistle Australia emerged as more than worthy winners. Not quite the game most people were expecting though still enjoyable to watch.
My man of the match: George Smith
In the first half the BaBas threw everything at Australia. Burger and Collins were rampaging in attack though Australia was equal to the test. In fact the Oz defence was awesome. Captain George Smith was leading from the front and everyone was having a big game in defence. Gold two stood out with some mighty hits and one superb behind the back pass. Australia scored a fine break away try after turn over ball and the Babas were left wondering how they were going to score a try themselves.
The second half heralded the arrrival of newly crowned IRB World Player of the Year Shane Williams. Go Shane! He didn't manage to change the result of the game but he did contribute to a fine try for Jerry Collins. Come final whistle Australia emerged as more than worthy winners. Not quite the game most people were expecting though still enjoyable to watch.
My man of the match: George Smith
Monday, 1 December 2008
Wales 21-18 Australia. 29 Nov. 2008
Wales record a thrilling win in a great test match. The best game I've seen all season. Wales were on fire in the first ten minutes playing a high tempo off loading game to dramatic effect. Shane Williams crossed in the corner on five minutes after an excellent team try and some fine build up through the backs and forwards.
The game took an unexpected turn when Wales lost an attacking line out and Chisholm the Australian lock sprinted half the length of the field for a try. Totally against the run of play. Australia then had a decent fifteen minutes and Gitteau added a drop kick. Wales bounced back though and showed some classy play. Shane Williams was at the heart of the second try and found Lee Byrne on a superb angle for him to run in and score.
The first half was entertainment of the highest order and predictably the second was a more edgy affair. Stephen Jones missed two kickable penalties and we all began to wonder if things were going south again. Andy Powell was having another excellent game. He really has added some go forward to the Wales team. Gatland made a big call on 60 minutes to take Powell off. He had just given away a couple of soft penalties and in hindsight it was a good call by the coach to bring Daffyd Jones on. Wales showed real grit in the second half and Stephen Jones landed a difficult drop kick to push Wales into a five point lead. Australia fought back hard and looked to be on the brink of scoring five metres out from the Welsh line but they gave away a penalty. This spurred the home team on and shortly afterwards great chasing from Shanks and Mark Jones forced a penalty from Australia. With only three minutes to go Stephen Jones slotted the penalty and Wales had the game in the bag. Australia scored a late try but Wales ran out deserved winners.
My man of the match: Lee Byrne. Outstanding performance. A rock in defence. One of his clearance kicks from his own 22 was a highlight of the game. Superb in attack. Very pleasing to see him score a try.
The game took an unexpected turn when Wales lost an attacking line out and Chisholm the Australian lock sprinted half the length of the field for a try. Totally against the run of play. Australia then had a decent fifteen minutes and Gitteau added a drop kick. Wales bounced back though and showed some classy play. Shane Williams was at the heart of the second try and found Lee Byrne on a superb angle for him to run in and score.
The first half was entertainment of the highest order and predictably the second was a more edgy affair. Stephen Jones missed two kickable penalties and we all began to wonder if things were going south again. Andy Powell was having another excellent game. He really has added some go forward to the Wales team. Gatland made a big call on 60 minutes to take Powell off. He had just given away a couple of soft penalties and in hindsight it was a good call by the coach to bring Daffyd Jones on. Wales showed real grit in the second half and Stephen Jones landed a difficult drop kick to push Wales into a five point lead. Australia fought back hard and looked to be on the brink of scoring five metres out from the Welsh line but they gave away a penalty. This spurred the home team on and shortly afterwards great chasing from Shanks and Mark Jones forced a penalty from Australia. With only three minutes to go Stephen Jones slotted the penalty and Wales had the game in the bag. Australia scored a late try but Wales ran out deserved winners.
My man of the match: Lee Byrne. Outstanding performance. A rock in defence. One of his clearance kicks from his own 22 was a highlight of the game. Superb in attack. Very pleasing to see him score a try.
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