rugby

With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Twickenham took to its unusual role of hosting international rugby in August (anyone else think that sport just looks better played in the summer?) as Wales and England clashed in the first of a double header.

Whilst both teams showed changes to the ones that will likely run out in New Zealand for the start of the tournament, here are a few things I gleaned from the game...

1. Despite playing in the controversial black kit (haven't Wales been wearing black and the All Blacks white as away shirts for years - come on people, grow up!) England are at their best not trying to replicate the New Zealand brand of rugby and sticking to a game plan that uses Jonny Wilkinson's strength to the full. It might not be pretty or win new fans but this is a World Cup year - winning is all that counts.

2. However they are acquiring the talent (I like to call them South Zengland or New Engfrica) the England team have some strength in depth. Manu Tuilagi and Matt Stevens will be especially pleased with their performances and likely booked themselves on the plane to NZ (someone just make sure they leave the fist fights and drugs at home though yeah?!)

3. Wales, as has been the case since 2003, are a major threat out when allowed to play expansive rugby and have some flyers that will scare even the most one eyed Southern Hemisphere supporter. George North finished his tries with aplomb and is living up to the 'white Jonah Lomu' tag nicely. That said, they are fast overtaking Ireland in the plucky underdog stakes and Quarter Final heartache lies ahead.

4. England indiscipline will be a major concern for Martin Johnson. As with all World Cups, referees will be given a new directive on how to referee the games. Given this World Cup is being played in New Zealand, you can assume that this will be something that allows Richie McCaw to get away with murder and everyone else pinged for any indiscretion...just kidding. But England will have to careful as silly penalties were given away on Saturday.

5. I still can't see past a Tri-Nations victory. With New Zealand breezing past South Africa and Australia over the last two weekends, the red hot favourites are living up to the pre tournament billing but there is still a chance for someone to follow in the footsteps of George Gregan (with his infamous "four more years boys" at the end of the Wallabies semi final victory in 2003 to the All Blacks pack at full time) and continue the Silver Fern World Cup curse. The rest of us live in hope...

By Conan Jal

Has Martin Johnson gone mad? We're already getting the fear in place for the Investec International kick off between England and Wales this Saturday at Twickenham. Although rugby is one of England's better sports, those Welsh always put up a good fight.
Hooker George Chuter, wing pair James Simpson-Daniel and David Strettle, flanker Joe Worsley and No.8 Thomas Waldrom have all left the Rugby World Cup preliminary training squad. Johnson cited injuries and ability for players to participate in their club pre-season schedules as the main reasons for the cut in squad numbers at this stage.
Commenting on his choice of candidates to be cut from the squad, Johnson said, "We had 45, which was a decent number and you have to narrow that down at some point and we have to get to 30 obviously. Five have gone which is always a tough call." Continuing on Joe Worsley, "Joe Worsley - trying to get to his fourth world cup - was a tough call. Joe has had a few injuries and fought and fought to get back and get ahead of some of the other guys but didn't quite do it. So a tough call on Joe, but with any of the guys they could come back in and play for us tomorrow and do a job." On the other poor sods, Johnson added, "Dave Strettle trained really well, he was particularly disappointed and thought he'd done well, which he had. I said 'it's the same with James Simpson-Daniel, you guys can play, you've played Test matches, it's just got to be someone.'" Obviously it's a hard choice for any manager to make, but it's even harder for these players this close to the impending Rugby World Cup.
Talking us through this Saturday's test game, Johnson matter of factly commented, "This is a Test week, but also a pre-season week as well. Some guys won't be playing so they'll need to train very hard this week and get themselves ready for a chance next week. The team need to get the balance right of training and getting better but also tapering down to give themselves a shot to produce on Saturday." Concluding, on the England vs Wales test match the England Team Manager said, "We need to practice winning Test matches, that's what we're here for. When we get there it's England v Wales so the best thing you can do in that situation is try and win." So make sure you don your English roses this Saturday and let's hope we win.

Investec International at Twickenham Stadium Saturday 6th August, 2.30pm kick off.
For more Rugby news click here

WITH British (and Irish) Lions coach Ian McGeechan publicly announcing that his team needs to ‘get everything right' on next year's South Africa tour, we felt that he needed to get more specific. Here is a set of rules to be studied by every Lions player before taking the field as, let's face it, they're not going to work it out for themselves.
1.) You will be wearing RED jerseys, therefore only pass to players wearing RED. England's players should be able to get this. Just do what you do every time you play Wales.
2.) A Springbok is not a cute little antelope. It is a vicious animal capable of ripping holes in your defence. Treat with caution, and don't let feeble youngster Danny Cipriani near one unsupervised.
3.) The Natal Sharks have a midget riding a tiny fire engine as a mascot. Don't laugh at him. He's a hard little bastard and could probably take out half the squad with one hand tied behind his back.
4.) If any South Africans start giving it large about being the world's greatest rugby nation, don't mention the national embarrassment that is their rugby league team.
5.) You don't need to win every game. Just try and win one. Please.
The best of British (and Irish) to you all. You'll need it.

• ANOTHER one bites the dust. It's goodbye to Josh Lewsey, the second-to-last survivor from England's World Cup win, as the Wasps man called time on his international career.
The image of him stomping all over the French back line in the 2007 World Cup semi will remain forever in our hearts and minds as well as in the nightmares of France's Damien Traille, who lost Lewsey for the crucial opening try.
Phil Vickery now remains the only surviving World Cup winner at a time when the bulldog spirit of 2003 is needed more than ever.
Judging by England's current form, drastic measures could be needed. Is it really too late for a mass comeback?
Jason Leonard's still only 40, after all. And if Matt Dawson doesn't stop doing ‘A Question of Sport' and come back to the international fold we're going to invade the studio and batter him live on air.
It should bring in the ratings if nothing else.

• UNRESOLVED contract issues mean Wasps risk no less than nine contract rebels buzzing off before the start of the new season, and the club is in no mood to back down.
Danny Cipriani, James Haskell and Tom Rees are among the list of players who have been given a stern warning to ‘beehive' themselves and accept the terms of their new contracts. The mood in camp is said to be explosive, with some of the senior players seriously considering winding down their careers in the Italian league.
Swatting aside fan criticism, new chairman Steve Hayes is sticking to his guns. It remains to bee seen if this will come back to sting him.