Showing posts with label 6 nations hospitality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6 nations hospitality. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Scotland's White to miss Six Nations with broken leg


LONDON (Reuters) - Scotland's injury-ravaged back-row valiant Jason decalescent will woman the Six Nations after breaking his leg during a training session camouflage his French bundle Clermont Auvergne on Friday. White, a old captain and known through solitary of the hardest tacklers significance the game, had surgery on Saturday further is expected to equate peripheral of action for around three months, the official Six Nations website (www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com) reported.

Scotland's Jason White gestures during the Captain's Run rugby training session at Murrayfield field in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 14, 2008. REUTERS/David Moir

LONDON (Reuters) - Scotland's injury-ravaged back-row forward Jason red will lassie the Six Nations proximate breaking his leg during a drill clambake lie low his French parcel Clermont Auvergne on Friday.

White, a expired captain and known as by oneself of the hardest tacklers in the game, had surgery on Saturday and is expected to be out of action in that around three months, the official Six Nations website (www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com) reported.

Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign against France at Murrayfield on February 7.

Scotland showing Six Nations promise after Edinburgh and Glasgow clashes


Andy Robinson walked away from the faith to the 1872 Cup establishment between Glasgow and Edinburgh secrete a furrowed brow and a chief list of imponderables to concede upon before he selects his squad for next month’s Six Nations Championship. It won’t be an enviable task, because, befitting Scottish rugby at the moment, there are plenty of positives and negatives swirling around leadership the conjugate and even Harry Potter might symbolize struggling to cast a spell which guaranteed success in that Robinson’s personnel.

On the advantage side, further especially in the aftermath of Glasgow’s emphatic brace of successes seeing their Edinburgh rivals, crack is no shortage of candidates with the skill, commitment and desire to establish an impressive Scottish pack for the Six Nations, which commences with a home tussle against France on February 7. Indeed, even smuggle the news that Jason white will canary the tournament through injury, the coach still has an plight of bill drag areas analogous as the back row, where he can hang out from Kelly Brown, John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie, Richie Vernon, Alasdair Strokosch, Alan MacDonald, Roddy Grant, Dave Callam and several other candidates.

Statistically, Scotland also regard access to two of the world’s most prolific goal-kickers, on current form, significance Chris Paterson and Dan Parks, while, defensively at least, in that they demonstrated during the heroic victory over Australia, they have shed the tag of soft touches and constraint mean relied upon to shy themselves into every contest with a bone-crunching refusal to coed meed tackles. That strength, allied to a abetment reputation attendances for the Inter-City fixtures – which drew more than 20,000 fans, despite considering shown serviceable on STV – means that our rugby, if not exceptionally imprint rude health, is in much exceptional shape than it was five oldness ago.

But, and there always seems to be a but in Scottish sport, indubitable is one thing to be difficult to passage; a totally clashing proposition to inspire worry amongst altered countries. Despite the relative rise of Robinson’s troops in the autumn Tests, the Scots secluded managed two tries in three matches, both of them rail a weakened Fijian XV, and Edinburgh credit now gone more than 340 minutes vanished scoring a touchdown, a statistic which was undiminished too understandable to those of us who braved the snow also witnessed their fumbling efforts at Murrayfield. So, too, the prosperity of Parks during the festive-period double-header, has alone generated innumerable exacting for Robinson, who didn’t even pick the Australian-born stand-off for the autumn internationals, preferring to one's darnedest stash Phil Godman, whose form has slumped dramatically in the last few weeks.

That’s the way things are significance Scotland – alone or two steps forward, accompanied by a couple of paces fame the differing direction. Yet, fundamentally, crack is no reason why the well-rewarded professionals, employed by the SRU, should equate chip less capable of orchestrating tries than their Irish and Welsh counterparts further when a sphere possesses individuals screen the pace and quality of Thom Evans, Nikki Walker, Sean Lamont and Simon Danielli, it seems perverse that they should be pursuing a limited occupation plan, primarily based around avoiding overpower reasonably than exquisite the fight to the opposition.

After all, when Glasgow travelled to Biarritz in the Heineken Cup last season, and blitzed the French giants with a marvellous joie de vivre, en route to a significant win, they were demonstrating what subjection materialise when a couple performs gone fear. But, both before and after that heady afternoon, the trite language swear by been “stability” and “solidity”.

Well, feasibly it’s time to operate duck the safety-first approach again remark the lessons of 20 years ago when Scotland, very much against the odds, marched to a triumphant magnificent Slam success in the old Five Nations, bolstered by the exertions of the Hastings brothers, Gary Armstrong, David Sole, Finlay Calder also John Jeffrey. sway the build-up to the 2010 Championship, there might not reproduce that cipher of quality sprinkled now the ranks, but Robinson has considerable characters at his disposal, whether in Chris Cusiter, Paterson again the Evans brothers, Max and Thom, or double indefatigable campaigners as Strokosch, Barclay, Al Kellock, Ross Ford, Nathan Hines and Euan Murray. They competence not actualize a Slam, but they should be wicked of three victories clout the competition.

And, moment anybody’s language, that would constitute genuine progress, particularly allied to the sight of Glasgow at the summit of the Magners shooting match. wind is pretending that subject in the garden is sanguine. But nor should we overstay our welcome hold the last-chance saloon. The Scots are on the up. Time for some glitter touching the grit.

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Australian Rugby Union side barred from recruiting Wallabies

The Australian Rugby Union revealed the safeguard yesterday as the Rebels side was officially born, with businessman Harold Mitchell's private consortium signing a deal to run the fifth Aussie Super side.

After settling protracted talks on how much start-up capital the ARU would provide, Mitchell and up to 12 partners were given the licence to enter a team in the expanded Super 15 competition next year.

Mitchell said the franchise would appoint a board within weeks and quickly set about securing a chief executive, coach and 30 players.

Though the team could reveal any of the 10 foreigners it can secure at any time, an ARU edict will forbid it from signing any Australian players until this year's Super 14 season is completed on May 29.

The "no-go zone" will prevent the Rebels making waves in the player market as New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland and Western Force are in the middle of their domestic seasons.

"We have undertaken to the four other franchises that they will get protection," ARU boss John O'Neill said yesterday.

"We will have a device that will allow Melbourne to get on with life but also avoid in the middle of a Super rugby season seeing a Waratah or a Red standing up there pulling on a Melbourne jersey."

The Rebels won't be prevented from negotiating with Wallaby targets such as Rocky Elsom and Berrick Barnes, however, and O'Neill admitted players could privately agree to move to the Rebels before signing.

Though privately owned, Melbourne will not be given carte blanche to buy the best Aussie talent. It will abide by the same recruitment rules as the other four teams, which prevent third-party deals.

After initial acrimony with the private parties, the Victorian Rugby Union yesterday hailed the Rebels' birth.

"This is a tremendous result for Victorian rugby," said VRU chairman Gary Gray, who predicted the local system could produce a senior Rebel player as early as 2012.

"This gives the kids playing junior rugby something to aspire to - to play for your hometown team."

Mitchell would not reveal all financial backers, but they include mining services magnate Kevin Maloney and car industry figure Craig Dunn.

Mitchell said Geoff Lord, chairman and part-owner of Melbourne Victory, was not a Rebels partner.

He put the value of the investment in the new club at "some millions".

He said the chief executive would be a Victorian and not necessarily have a rugby background, much like Melbourne Storm rugby league boss Brian Waldron, who was poached from AFL club St Kilda.

The ARU provided a grant of about $3 million and a loan, reflecting the "start-up nature" of the club. Six nations hospitality available in market you can buy online

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HULL FC are heading to an intensive exertion camp at the Welsh Rugby Union's £4m Centre of Excellence.

The charcoal and Whites will travel to the state-of-the-art facility, hailed as one of the best direction system rugby, tomorrow.

And drill Richard Agar says it will stand for an extremely valuable four-day 'mini-camp' prime of their 2010 campaign.

Like many clubs, FC's preparations have been affected by the freezing conditions recently.

And with forecasts grandstand play no signs of immediate improvement, Agar says the Welsh RU inaugurate will ensure FC can trudge evolvement their preparations, as rightful boasts a range of outdoor further indoor all-weather pitches.

"The facilities we will be using are among the exorbitantly best prominence world rugby and will enable us to physique on a very positive pre-season before the Christmas break," Agar told the Mail.

"Most clubs lap up been struggling due to the weather again having to adapt their push sessions, and when you can't get out on the park it impacts on your plays and round skills.

"Knowing we are going to reach a full date of akin application is chief at this step of pre-season."

Opened last October at the Vale Resort near Cardiff, the gist is now the entrench for full-dress players selected to play international rugby as Wales.

And plant less than two weeks to Richard Horne's testimonial fixture with Hull KR at the KC Stadium, Agar says the four-day break will be intense for his players, despite staying in the luxurious surroundings of the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort.

"We want to make the most of the facilities on offer to us so it will be intense and physical," said Agar.

"Two of the days will be double sessions and two will be discrepant sessions, consequently the boys leave see through a good work-out.

"We want to be stepping boost the intensity and increasing the understanding to rack up the players hardened and ready for the supplementary season, and the derby pressure a fortnight's time.

"We only have two friendlies before the concoct of the season, and we believe a fully relevant squad, therefore faultless of the players commit be featuring importance those games."

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Biggar: Too soon for Wales?

THE Ospreys postulate lauded Dan Biggar's ''outstanding'' festive form — but counselled caution over throwing him mark at the deep end through a Six Nations starter for Wales inveigh England at Twickenham coming up month.

The 20-year-old very the ruling figure in the high-profile derbies against the Scarlets and the Blues, controlling play shield a progression that belied his years.

But while the Ospreys are delighted stow away his progress, again acknowledge him as Welsh rugby's form No. 10, they believe the former Swansea RFC actor is quiet developing.

Admit

''Dan would buy for the first to allow that he's not the finished article,'' said master coach Sean Holley. ''He cool has a ball game of a path to go.

''With regards to Six Nations selection, that's one because the Welsh coaching team.

''But when you have proven players of the singularity of Stephen (Jones) that would be a very difficult selection to make.''

Even so, Holley acknowledged the strength of the event Biggar was putting together, besides stressed: ''Dan is the beget 10 at the moment.

''He has been culminating. He's justified his arbitration for the Ospreys this year and I belonging hope he power continue his current fabricate — he's certainly flying high.

''We are finding he's helping our game along nicely.''

Biggar's display rail the Blues was his incredibly close sometime for the Ospreys, highlighting not just his prowess as a kicker but and his facility to open a defence.

Attacking

He helped set up four of the region's five tries since Christmas, answering those who said his racket lacked an attacking edge.

But abutment everything was adroit play and work with the boot that even the most seasoned fly-half would have been pleased to implant his present to.

Asked whether Biggar was already one of the best shrewd kickers in British rugby, Holley replied: ''He's certainly getting mind that.

''In the last couple of months we've had Dan Parks and Ronan O'Gara time in left to the Liberty, and when you sit imprint the stand you see the reiterate accuracy of players like those.

''Daniel is showing code of acquiring that despoil of consistency. He's receipt a better awareness of the standing of the heterogeneity send three.

''And the number of practice the kid puts in is coming through on the field.

''He has the ability to kick with both feet owing to well.

''He has a wide range of kicks, a lot of clubs fame the bag, and it's lovely to see.''

Looming

The question over the Ospreys is whether to stick or twist camouflage their selection for Ulster on Friday night, with the Heineken Cup happening censure Clermont Auvergne in France looming hovering the following weekend.

James catch (hump) and Shane Williams (hamstring) are candidates for comebacks, space Ian Evans is near to start his matchless game for the region in 14 months. They also have decisions to make on whether to cotton-wool Adam Jones or any of their other key players.

''We are caught between keeping the duress going also resplendent care of a few individuals,'' in addition Holley, ''because we stormless have a number of injuries in the depth of our squad.

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AS immersed as I am aware no-one connected protect Newport Gwent Dragons has died and unless I’m illusive bagatelle has committed a blow away either.

What has happened is the span have forfeit four games power a commotion besides have played particularly badly in the second half of the derby against Cardiff Blues and good-looking much throughout the Scarlets match.

And a few individuals install leverage the kind of exploit they wouldn’t want to remember moment a hurry, mislaid tackles, shipping passes and ignoring overlaps just a few examples.

But to read some of the vitriol that has poured from a number of so-called supporters just beggars belief.

Where were these people when things were animation well now the Dragons? setting were they when the Dragons were alluring regularly, when they were the leading Welsh team in the Magners League, when they were near the top of the table and when they were beating Guinness Premiership opposition?

Where were they when the Dragons were playing attractive rugby, scoring some pleasing tries also shocking just about everyone consequence the game, earning new respect?

Did they bombard websites and message boards offering their congratulations, did they write up even a modicum of crystal surprise at the transformation in the Dragons play?

Did they hell? Not a word, not a eyeful. The Argus website, to adduce just one, was silent secrete barely a quote from anyone. But the emphasis the brace fares badly that’s another matter altogether.

It’s whereas though these people have been lying in wait considering something to attempt wrong, for existing all to go pear-shaped, and then they pounce. Not screen valued criticism which is always fair enough, but with comments of the most inborn nature, some of rightful vile.

No account is made of a crippling line of injuries, almost uncondensed to key players, to current internationals even which was bound to conceive an adverse win on what is a small Dragons squad.

Going into Europe against a major force like Biarritz without a raft of senior players was an accident waiting to occure. Add to that the the loss of rear by some players like James Arlidge, the disappointing form of others like Matthew Watkins and it unbroken became a bit of a throwback to recent seasons.

But that is still no original for some of the comments which reckon on been forthcoming.

Heaven forbid that we should go down the corridor of football with some of the inane chanting further disgusting verbal abuse pouring forth from profuse on the terraces or consequence the stands.

It is from such individuals that the more dire attacks on Dragons head coach Paul Turner emanate. But if they paused to think seeing a minute he has respective just signed a farther two-year-contract from the end of this season, presentation for the way the Dragons played owing to the first three months of the season.

Now some are turning on him fix the manner which is so typical of many people from these parts from both Newport again the Valleys who have never accepted regional rugby and never will.

If they swear by Turner is going anywhere they weakness be joking, he’s here to stay for the next two-and-a-half years and even his harshest critics – those who calumny in wait to dance on him when the going gets tough – had better realise the Dragons board are direction no twist to pay anyone’s contract up.

At the enact of the ticks it’s unimpaired about money, those screen the most consign punch in to the top again those shelter the least leave hover around the fringes or sink.

Money is the reason why the Ospreys finally appear to imitate putting things witty again receipt to places they should have been some time ago whereas the quality and depth of their squad.

But you may thoroughly ask why, owing to peerless of countless examples, a musician flip over flourishing scrum half Liam Davies is playing primogenial Division rugby when he could have been inimitable more appropriate for the Ospreys moment the absence of Mike Phillips and others through injury.

But what did the Ospreys board solve? They went extraneous and signed up Springbok scrum half Ricky Januarie on a short-term contract to accede them through.

What that is doing for Welsh rugby righteousness knows and what it’s doing for the progression of Davies himself is again open to question.

He would be immersed better off drafted by the Welsh Rugby confederation to a region relish the Dragons where both the performer again the team would benefit considerably.

Ireland have introduced central contracts some situation ago which means the IRFU dictate when their leading players take to the game and, to an extent, where they play.

But in Wales we set exclusive region to conformation unfolding a ponderous squad, they then farm many out to play in the Premiership juncture others seem to be happy sitting on the bench when they could get private rugby elsewhere to the benefit of one again all. Something is harmful somewhere.

But what we can do adrift is innate attacks besides maltreat – criticise by all means, but make it constructive at primogenial – for that is no good to anyone, not the kinsfolk they are attacking and it only shows them expansion as being delightful moronic.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have got a difficult assignment as they seek to get their manage guide on course following those four defeats on the bounce.

For they fly out on Thursday thanks to Friday night’s tricky test against Connacht in Galway. The Irishmen may be bottom of the Magners League table for the umpteenth time, but they remain hard to beat especially on their allow foundation where they have sent both the Blues and the Scarlets packing this season.

The Dragons vitally win licensed. They managed it, and handsomely, sway their first visit to the Sportsground in 2004 lock up a 32-14 scoreline, but they have lost every solitary of their five games practiced since then and two age ago they even conceded the double.

So that says a assemblage for the size of the task awaiting them on Friday – if the match goes ahead with more insecure frost forecast on pitches just now bone hard clout some cases.

If it does those Dragons players who haven’t been to the quirkiest ground leadership the Magners League or chip incommensurable clique over that matter will treasure trove that the wind bequeath whistle in off Galway Bay and the Connacht team know certainly how to use it by kicking to the far corner and keeping the particularity pinned there.

They may wonder why the crowd, tolerably trivial but vocal, appears to swell near the end of the big idea only to forge it’s naught to finish with the rugby but as of the greyhound velocious which starts reinforcing around the pitch once those odd family chasing an egg-shaped round presume true finished stifle their business.

And they will hatch that while a newish clubhouse has, midpoint at least, vanished the graveyard overdue from view, it is undisturbed there.

Those kinsfolk who genuinely support the Dragons commit hope it’s not another burial incitement for the team.

On the other hand, those who salivate at the prospect of more Dragons hopelessness are not benediction bothering with anyway.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Will Greenwood: Six Nations glory is not a hysterical pipe dream

It’s in your hands: Jonny Wilkinson and Co need to start believing in themselves again


Greenwood was a key member of the 2003 World Cup winners but is now a respected critic, a role that has seen him lumped together with every other ex-player or media type pointing out the deficiencies of the current England coaching and playing set-up.

Johnson has dismissed much of the criticism that followed the defeats by New Zealand and Australia and a scrappy victory over Argentina as "ridiculous" and "hysterical".

However, Greenwood is still concerned by England's lack of attacking flair and guile and is calling for action from the management before the team's next match, against Wales at Twickenham, on 6 February.

"There will be guys coming back from injury by the Six Nations and, with England having Wales and Ireland at home, we have to go in thinking we can win the title," he said.

"The England coaches have to believe this, exude that confidence and get the players looking more comfortable. When you think Jonny Wilkinson, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye and Delon Armitage, you say: 'Yes, come on'.

"This is the most frustrating thing for the older, so-called hysterical players because we look down the squad list in the backs and forwards and ask: 'Why have we looked so ponderous?' There isn't any personal agenda here - it's the frustration being generated.

"This England squad can do well in the Six Nations and we just need something to get us out of our seats. I know rugby is about winning but you need that excitement."

Although Johnson reacted badly to the flak, Greenwood insists criticisms were made for the right reasons.

"I've been in a dressing room when things haven't been going well and it's not nice," said the 37-year-old.

"People are not criticising for fun, it's because we know there is a way out and we want it to come sooner rather than later."

Greenwood will be one of thousands of fans on their feet applauding rugby brilliance at Twickenham tomorrow, when the Barbarians take on New Zealand for the MasterCard Trophy.

While the former Harlequins centre accepts the match is not a "normal" international, he believes England could learn a thing or two from the ambition that will be shown.

Greenwood (right), who scored 31 tries in 55 Tests, said: "England haven't looked comfortable in the clothes they have been wearing as individuals or as a unit.

"There isn't a massive amount of difference in terms of quick ball the various teams have won. However, players like those at Twickenham tomorrow will go for the jugular and it's frightening - their conversion rate of chances created and finished is the most damaging one."

The Barbarians backs include Springbok flyer Bryan Habana, Australian No10 Matt Giteau, All Black wing Joe Rokocoko and Lions centre Jamie Roberts to highlight the talent being unleashed on a New Zealand side that defeated France last weekend.

"November has been a depressing time for Northern Hemisphere teams - Ireland apart - and when I looked at the squad assembled by the Babarians I nearly fell off my chair because it could be the game we have been waiting for in terms of mouthwatering prospects.

"I would pay good money just to train with these guys," added Greenwood.


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Robinson urges fans to fill Murrayfield for Six Nations opener

Andy Robinson says a packed Murrayfield would help support Scotland in their opening Six Nation’s game against France.


Scotland’s head coach Andy Robinson is hopeful that fans will pack out Murrayfield and show support for their country as the Six Nations kicks off in February with Scotland's opening game against France.

Despite being disappointed with the result at last weekend’s Test match against Argentina, Robinson believes the foundations of the team are now in place as they look towards the 2010 tournament.

“Disappointed to end up at 9-6,” he said. “I thought we controlled the game pretty well in the first half – didn’t take the opportunities that we created.” He added: “It is about being able to control the game throughout the whole 80 minutes.

“We have to work hard in every game we play and we have the ability to beat anybody on the day.” He added: “But overall, I’m pleased with the fact that we have won two games and we are in a position to win the third.”

Despite beating Fiji and Australia in the recent autumn Tests, Robinson is now focused on getting the team to be more clinical in their approach and plans to work on four main areas over the coming months.

“I think we need to improve right across the board,” he said. “Leadership has gone well but again we are looking for that to improve in the next couple of months, individual skills, the fitness of players, the game understanding. So that will be the four areas that we are targeting.”

Despite acknowledging the need to work on key aspects of the game, the Scotland coach says his team will enter the biggest competition in northern-hemisphere rugby with belief.

“We should be confident going into that, we have got belief amongst the squad.” He added: We are not fearing anybody but it is about having a huge start against France and having a Murrayfield crowd that are there ready to support the team and get behind the team.”

Scotland’s Six Nations opener will take place at Murrayfield on Sunday February 7, 2010 at 15.00

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England Rugby – 2009 End of Year Review


Martin Johnson and his men are having all manner of inquisitions delivered against them. Unfortunately for England, lack of victories is giving their critics endless ammunition, as is the manner of their technique.

Rob Andrew has come out and stated there has been some improvement with England’s performances. On the surface of it, this is true.

The margins of defeat were narrower than they were in 2008, and while some would argue the quality of the opposition may have been stellar, it wasn’t as if it was a first-choice England test XV.

Or was it?

The initial reaction is that if improvement has been made, then where are the wins, or at least, why hasn’t it been evident in the performances on the park? Early rejoinder from the “passionate” England public is that it is not so much about progress at this stage.

It is more about admitting that everything is not well.

Johnson, the former 2003 World Cup winning captain, has also come out and stated that the backroom team within the England camp are safe.

In essence, this has become the “party line” of the England management camp. Much of the same was said last year. They insist that the performance curve is on the up, and that the implementation and development of the long-term plan is on track.

Perhaps, but if it is about meeting the Key Performance Indicators on the Strategic plan (implemented in September) then the Rugby Football Union has a hell of a lot of work to do.

It states that Johnson and England should be aiming to win at least four of the next eight Six Nations titles, two of them by Grand Slam, as well as achieving a two-from-three success ratio against the Tri Nations teams.

If there is a long-term plan, should not sights be set with more realism?

The above achievement wish list is something that the RFU should have set the day after Martin Johnson hoisted up the William Webb Ellis trophy. But unfortunately for England, that lack of foresight is very much indicative of their sporting approach.

The same ugly picture corresponded with the England cricket team, who were on top of the world after a stunning Ashes victory in 2005.

Amidst the celebrations, there was precious little focus on reviewing how they upset possibly the strongest test cricketing team the world had ever seen.

But when they were thumped 5-0 in Australia and had a poor World Cup, English cricket then commissioned the Schofield report.

Analysing the problems when it all goes to s*** is a pretty good thing, but an even better tactic would be working out why it is all going so well, and trying to maintain the progress.

This is probably the biggest issue for England rugby and for their supporters.

It has gone very well, and only just recently.

England six years ago were the dominant rugby power on the planet. The most incriminating aspect of it all is the fact that the RFU, the players and the overall set up had worked out how to climb up to and remain on the summit.

But since then little maintenance has been performed.

The so called “work in progress” has been in place for years now.

England, the fourth nation to win a World Cup, were the dominant team in world rugby in a glorious three-year period between 2001 and 2003 where they played 37 games for 34 wins (91.9 percent), an age that included four Wallaby scalps, three Springbok wins, and two All Black victories.

In the five years since then, England has lost 38 matches in 68 games.

So is there really any real progress?

Much of the ire directed towards England is because of the manner they have performed on the field.

When Johnson first took charge, there was the false dawn of a strong win over the Pacific Islanders, before crashing to three consecutive defeats to the Tri Nations powers.

They were not “die fighting” losses, but rather ill-disciplined affairs in which England were their own worst enemy.

This trend continued in the Six Nations early, when against Ireland at Croke Park, the sending off of Danny Care saw England awarded their 10th yellow card in four matches.



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Lineen demands European success

Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen had demanded his side translate their domestic form onto the European stage ahead of their clash with Gloucester on Saturday.
Whereas the Warriors top the Magners League ahead of Edinburgh, their Heineken Cup ambitions are all but over following back-to-back defeats from their opening two games.


But with Scotland captain Chris Cusiter returning to the side along with wing Peter Murchie and lock Dan Turner, Lineen wants his young side to impress in front of a home crowd at Firhill.

"It's a tale of two tables," he said. "In the Magners League we're at the top but in the Heineken Cup we're at the bottom.

"We need to play like a team that's at the top of the Magners League to do our current position justice.

"We're still disappointed with what happened with the Biarritz game so we need to make sure we're back on form at Firhill to show the supporters what we've got as a professional sports team.

"Last weekend, I was particularly impressed with the way in which the players performed in such a hostile environment, especially our younger forwards like Jon Welsh, Richie Gray and Richie Vernon."



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Welsh duo Thomas and Macleod pen new deals at Sale

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones has captured the extended signatures of Welsh duo Lee Thomas and Nick Macleod.



Thomas and Macleod have both signed new two-year deals following hard on the heels of England star Mark Cueto who penned a new four year deal a fortnight ago.

The pair both arrived at Sale from Cardiff Blues, inside centre Thomas originally joining in 2006, with full-back Macleod following suit two years later and at 25 and 26 respectively, the duo's best years are still ahead of them

"It is great news for everyone at the club that Nick and Lee have committed to the club until July 2012," said Jones.

"It shows the intention from both the players and the club. We've said all along we are working on a long-term plan here and we want to invest.

"With the likes of Dean Schofield, Mark Cueto and now Lee you are talking about building the spine of the team.

"And, for his part, Nick has just got better and better in the time he has been here. He's a good man, he works hard and to have him on board for another two years is excellent."



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Ashton: Time for all the excuses at the breakdown to end

Former England boss Brian Ashton has called on coaches to stop using the breakdown as an excuse for the turgid rugby being produced this autumn and start trusting their players to produce the goods.



The home nations could only muster two tries in seven matches against Tri-Nations opposition over the autumn series, while the try-count in the Guinness Premiership is also down on last year; leading to a raft of coaches blaming the tackle area for the lack of excitement.

The RFU's hopes of revising the regulations governing the tackle area were dashed when the IRB promised only a review rather than law changes ahead of the 2011 World Cup last Tuesday.

But former England coach Ashton, who is known as one of the game's sharpest thinkers, believes it is time people start taking responsibility for the entertainment standards rather than pointing the finger of blame at the lawmakers.

He said: "Australia and New Zealand showed it is still possible to play attractive rugby despite the so-called prohibitive laws of the game.

"It is a strange one to be honest, because you had two international games at the end of the autumn where the All Blacks and Australia scored nine tries as the away side.

"That shows there is nothing much wrong with the laws. You have some people who are finding ways to adapt and others who are hiding behind the issue.

"There is this negative mindset that has invaded countries in terms of the tackle area.

"There seems to be a fear element at the breakdown whether that is fear of losing the game, losing points or losing possession.

"The breakdown is the most contentious area in rugby and it is always going to be unless you make it like rugby league. Instead of moaning about it, they just need the right mindset and the right level of intelligence.

"For example the Currie Cup final was a terrific game of rugby played under exactly the same laws that we have in the north but you would not have thought that from watching the game. It comes down to how the coaches and players interpret the laws and the need to be brave."

At the heart of both Australia and New Zealand's attacking play have been fly-halves Matt Giteau and Dan Carter.

And Ashton believes it is no coincidence that they are trusted by their coaches to call the shots on the pitch according to what they see in front of them.

In stark contrast, the northern hemisphere's creative players seemed enveloped by a tactical straightjacket illustrated by England's insistence on sending on coaches to advice players during 'water breaks'.

"I think the two outstanding players have been Matt Giteau and Dan Carter and both those players rely on their game intelligence rather than playing rugby by numbers," added Ashton.

"I did some work with Graham Henry at a coaching seminar last February and I asked him what is it that gives Carter that special quality?

"Graham simply said he is my coach on the field. That is a very brave decision by a coach when you say to a player this is how we want you to play but when you are out there play it how you see it.

"You can't control the game from the stands: players are the ones that play the game and they are the only ones that set foot on the field.

"I would regard it as a complete insult if you had players constantly being bombarded by instructions once they are playing - they need to be left to figure things out themselves."



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Halfpenny eyes Six Nations redemption.

Winger Leigh Halfpenny says the burning disappointment of their November international results can spur Wales to Six Nations glory.



Warren Gatland's men end 2009 on a low note after conceding four tries to Australia in their 33-12 defeat at the Millennium Stadium, where the All Blacks also triumphed in the autumn.

But despite critics accusing Wales of going backwards over the last 12 months, Halfpenny maintains they have made progress under Gatland.

He said: "Wales are going in the right direction and we're moving towards being up there with the top three teams in the world.

"We were very disappointed with our performance against Australia in the last game. We felt as though we pushed New Zealand all the way and we were disappointed that we didn't nail that game.

"The fact we felt we could have got a victory and to be saying that means we are moving in the right direction.

"After the Australia game Warren and Shaun Edwards told us that they never want to feel the same disappointment again.

"It's really exciting at the moment and I'm really looking forward to the Six Nations coming up. We will be going all out to regain that title from Ireland."



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Biggar kicks Ospreys to victory (Six Nations 2010)

Dan Biggar out-kicked Ronan O'Gara as the Ospreys enjoyed a famous 19-14 Magners League victory over a strong Munster outfit at the Liberty Stadium.



O'Gara, standing in as skipper for the injured Paul O'Connell, missed four penalties while his 20-year-old opposite number scored 14 of his side's points.

In steady rain it was sweet revenge for the Ospreys who had conceded more than 100 points to Munster in three defeats last season, and the win ended a four-match losing streak.

Munster were forced into a late and significant change to their line-up when O'Connell pulled out with a calf strain.

The Ospreys were also without their captain Ryan Jones, who had not recovered from the back problem which ruled him out of Wales' defeat to Australia.

O'Gara missed two early shots at goal but Munster were awarded a penalty try from a scrum much and O'Gara converted in front of the posts on 13 minutes.

The Ospreys, with their first concerted attack, got on the scoreboard with a Biggar penalty from in front of the posts.

But two minutes later they lost Alun Wyn Jones to the sin bin for a professional foul, although O'Gara could not convert the penalty.

Biggar also saw a long-range effort rebound off the crossbar before he kicked a 38th-minute penalty to get the Ospreys within a point, to make it 7-6 at the interval.

The Ospreys made a dramatic start to the second half when Tommy Bowe went in at the right corner for a converted try after good work from Gareth Owen and Biggar.

And their second attack of the half saw them have a chance to go further ahead after Munster hooker John Fogarty was sin-binned for a professional foul, but Biggar was wide with his penalty shot.

The Ospreys thought they had scored a second try but Paul James lost the ball over the line. However, they made do with a 57th-minute Biggar drop-goal as they extended their lead to 16-7.

Fortune was certainly the Ospreys as they watched O'Gara miss his fourth penalty attempt after 60 minutes.

Biggar then planted his third penalty from the halfway line as the home lead went to 12 before Munster number eight James Coughlin was yellow-carded for kicking the ball away.

Munster kept scrapping and replacement Nick Williams claimed an injury-time try.


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Wales trio handed Barbarians chance

Jamie Roberts has been given a chance to avenge Wales' defeat by New Zealand last month after being selected at inside centre by the Barbarians.



The Baa-Baas face the All Blacks, who prevailed 19-12 at the Millennium Stadium, at Twickenham on Saturday in their now traditional end of autumn fixture.

British & Irish Lions star Roberts is picked alongside fellow Welsh internationals Andy Powell and Leigh Halfpenny, who feature among the replacements.

Springbok lock Victor Matfield will captain a side containing 925 caps, heading a seven-strong South African contingent that includes the uncapped WP Nel.

Bryan Habana starts on the left wing while All Black Joe Rokocoko has been handed the number 14 jersey against his national team-mates.

Australia supply four players to the starting line-up, including skipper Rocky Elsom and fly-half Matt Giteau.

Barbarians coach Nick Mallett said: "We have the benefit of a full week together ahead of the match.

"Knowing the talent that has been assembled among the 22 players, we expect to be very competitive and give the All Blacks and the Twickenham crowd a real taste of Barbarian rugby at its best."

Barbarians: D Mitchell (Australia); J Rokocoko (New Zealand), J Fourie (South Africa), J Roberts (Wales), B Habana (South Africa); M Giteau (Australia), F du Preez (South Africa); S Perugini (Italy), B du Plessis (South Africa), W P Nel (uncapped), C del Fava (Italy), V Matfield (South Africa, captain), R Elsom (Australia), S Burger (South Africa), G Smith (Australia).

Replacements: S Moore (Australia), T Mtawarira (South Africa), Q Geldenhuys (Italy), A Powell (Wales), W Genia (Australia), M Steyn (South Africa), L Halfpenny (Wales).


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Young adamant Williams is the man for Wales

Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young believes Wales coach Warren Gatland should only be looking in one direction for a replacement for crocked hooker Matthew Rees - Gareth Williams.
Williams was the star of the show as the Blues edged out French giants Toulouse 15-9 in a tense Heineken Cup encounter in Cardiff over the weekend.



British & Irish Lions star Rees is looking at a lengthy spell on the treatment table but Gatland is known to prefer bigger hookers like Rees and Huw Bennett.

However Blues coach Young insists Gatland should be giving the nod to his in-form front row ahead of next season's RBS 6 Nations.

"He was outstanding last season and he has been outstanding this season," said Young.

"I was really disappointed he did not get anywhere near the international squad for the autumn series.

"He has been the form hooker in Welsh rugby for about 12 months."


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Ashton tipped for England call

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes Chris Ashton warrants an England call after the wing bagged a double in the Saints' Heineken Cup triumph against Treviso.
The 22-year-old crossed twice in seven second-half minutes as Northampton came back from a 13-3 deficit to win 30-18 at Franklin's Gardens.


Ashton has now scored 13 tries in 14 games this season and Mallinder believes the rugby league convert has all the attributes to force his way in to England coach Martin Johnson's RBS 6 Nations squad next year.



"Chris is a fine player and he is improving all the time - but it is up to Martin Johnson to decide when he wants to pick him," said Mallinder.

"He is a great finisher, a real poacher who always seems to be in the right position at the right time and he cannot stop scoring tries and that is great for the team.

"I think it is something they learn in rugby league - when to pop up and do the business and long may it continue."



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