http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/ Chat about international friendlies and other competitions. en Fri, 24 May 2013 00:28:15 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/images/BP-White/misc/rss.png http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/ http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30940-Ali-Williams-retires-from-international-rugby&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 20:33:32 GMT http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/8...-Blacks-career

People will now speculate "did he retire, or was he going to be dropped?"

But I think that it doesn't matter either way.

At the end of the day, the guy has been a fantastic servant of NZ rugby, and that is what should be remembered.
That, and his play when he was in his prime, and some of the audacious stuff he used to do - like that cross field kick to Dougie Howlett(?) vs the Wallabies.

Great player, and by all accounts; a great guy too. ]]> General International Rugby FlukeArtist http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30940-Ali-Williams-retires-from-international-rugby http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30917-England-vs-Barbarians-26-05&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:05:39 GMT Kickoff: 01:00 local time Venue: Twickenham Barbarians team announced: 15. Elliot Daly (Wasps) 14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz) 13. Casey... Kickoff: 01:00 local time
Venue: Twickenham

Barbarians team announced:

15. Elliot Daly (Wasps)
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz)
13. Casey Laulala (Munster)
12. Mike Tindall (Gloucester, captain)
11. Timoci Nagusa (Montpellier)
10. James Hook (Perpignan)
9. Dwayne Peel (Sale)
1. Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing-Métro)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets)
3. James Johnston (Harlequins)
4. Jim Hamilton (Gloucester)
5. Marco Wentzel (Wasps)
6. Alessandro Zanni (Treviso)
7. Jonathan Poff (Wasps)
8. Imanol Harinordoquay (Biarritz)

16. Schalk Brits (Saracens)
17. Paul James (Bath)
18. Duncan Jones (Ospreys)
19. Dean Mumm (Exeter)
20. Sam Jones (Wasps)
21. Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)
22. Nick Evans (Harlequins)
23. Rowan Varty (DeA Tigers) ]]> General International Rugby psychic duck http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30917-England-vs-Barbarians-26-05 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30904-Japan-vs-Tonga-Pacific-Nations-Cup-25-05-13&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:47:33 GMT Japan vs. Tonga. Pacific Nations Cup. 25/05/13. 2:10 p.m. JST(UTC +9) @ Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan. Referee: Angus... Japan vs. Tonga. Pacific Nations Cup. 25/05/13. 2:10 p.m. JST(UTC +9) @ Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan.

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

The first game of the PNC will go from Japan this Saturday, with the Blossoms taking on Tonga. The 15th and 11th ranked teams in the IRB respectively. Line ups will be edited in later when they are known.

Japan

Starters

FB 15 Ayumu Goromaru
RW 14 Yoshikazu Fujita
OC 13 Male Sa'u
IC 12 Harumichi Tatekawa
LW 11 Hirotoki Onozawa
FH 10 Kosei Ono
SH 9 Atsushi Hiwasa
N8 8 Takashi Kikutani (c)
OF 7 Michael Broadhurst
BF 6 Hendrik Tui
RL 5 Shinya Makabe
LL 4 Hitoshi Ono
TP 3 Hiroshi Yamashita
HK 2 Takeshi Kizu
LP 1 Masataka Mikami

Replacements:

HK 16 Yusuke Aoki
PR 17 Takuma Asahara
PR 18 Kensuke Hatakeyama
LK 19 Shoji Ito
FL 20 Ryuta Yasui
SH 21 Keisuke Uchida
FH 22 Yuu Tamura
WG 23 Kenki Fukuoka

Tonga

Starters
1. EDMUND ‘AHOLELEI
2. ELVIS TAIONE
3. TAIONE VEA
4. JOSHUA AFU
5. TUKULUA LOKOTUI
6. HALE T POLE
7. NILI LATU (C)
8. PAULA KAHO
9. THOMAS PALU
10. FANGATAPU ‘APIKOTOA
11. WILL HELU
12. SIONE PIUKALA
13. SIALE PIUTAU
14. FETU’U VAINIKOLO
15. TEVITA HALAIFONUA

Bench

16. ‘ILAISA MA’ASI
17. KAMALIELE SAKALIA
18. PENI FAKALELU
19. SAKURA ‘EMOSI KAUHENGA
20. VILIAMI FIHAKI
21. TANIELA MOA
22. KURT MORATH
23. VILIAME ‘IONGI ]]> General International Rugby Little Guy http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30904-Japan-vs-Tonga-Pacific-Nations-Cup-25-05-13 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30903-Canada-vs-U-S-A-Pacific-Nations-Cup-25-05-13&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:39:05 GMT Canada vs. U.S.A. Saturday, May 25th 2013 2:00 p.m. MDT( 4:00 p.m. EDT, 1:00 p.m. PDT), @ Ellersie Park Edmonton, Alberta. TV: Streamed live by... Canada vs. U.S.A. Saturday, May 25th 2013 2:00 p.m. MDT( 4:00 p.m. EDT, 1:00 p.m. PDT), @ Ellersie Park Edmonton, Alberta.

TV: Streamed live by Rugby Canada on their home page rugbycanada.ca (Special Note* I am not 100% sure if this is a capped game, I will be treating it as such until I get confirmation otherwise)

Referee: Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)

The PNC kicks off in Edmonton this weekend with a match between Canada and the U.S.A. the 14th and 16th ranked teams respectively in the IRB world rankings. Lineups are yet to be announced but the United States have announced a 24 man travelling squad which looks to be a decent strength side though not a 100% side.

Canada Lineup

Starters

#1 – Hubert Buydens, (Saskatoon Wild Oats/ Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
#2 – Ray Barkwill, (Oakville Crusaders/ Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
#3 – Jason Marshall, (Atlantique Stade Rochelais/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
#4 – Brett Beukeboom, (Plymouth Albion RFC) Lindsay, ON
#5 – Tyler Hotson, (London Scottish FC) Vancouver, BC
#6 – Tyler Ardron, (Brantford Harlequins/ Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON
#7 – John Moonlight, (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON
#8 – Aaron Carpenter, Captain, (Cornish Pirates) Brantford, ON
#9 – Sean White, (James Bay AA/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
#10 – Harry Jones, (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
#11 – Taylor Paris, (Glasgow Warriors) Barrie, ON
#12 – Pat Parfrey, (Swilers RFC/Atlantic Rock) St. John’s, NL
#13 – Nick Blevins, (Calgary Hornets/ Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
#14 – Ciaran Hearn, (Castaway Wanderers/Atlantic Rock) Conception Bay, NL
#15 – Connor Braid, (Doncaster Knights/ Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC

Bench

#16 – Ryan Hamilton, (Capilano RFC/Pacific Tyee) Vancouver, BC
#17 – Andrew Tiedemann, (FC Auch Gers/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB
#18 – Doug Wooldridge, (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON
#19 – Jon Phelan, (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue/Atlantic Rock) Montreal, QC
#20 – Cameron Pierce, (Section Paloise) Coldstream, BC
#21 – Nanyak Dala, (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
#22 – Phil Mack, (UVIC Vikes/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
#23 – Liam Underwood, (Queens University/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON


USA Squad

Starters

# 1 - Shawn Pittman
# 2 - Zach Fenoglio
# 3 - Eric Fry
# 4 - Brian Doyle
# 5 - Lou Stanfill
# 6 - John Quill
# 7 - Peter Dahl
# 8 - Todd Clever (Captain)
# 9 - Robbie Shaw
# 10 - Toby L'Estrange
# 11 - James Paterson
# 12 - Andrew Suniula
# 13 - Troy Hall
# 14 - Luke Hume
# 15 - Adam Siddall

Bench

# 16 - Tom Coolican
# 17 - Phil Thiel
# 18 - Nick Wallace
# 19 - Graham Harriman
# 20 - Liam Murphy
# 21 - Chris Saint
# 22 - Seamus Kelly
# 23 - Blaine Scully

While Canada have named a 45 man roster for the entire summer which was disscussed in more detail here...http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/s...and-RWCQ-games

Of the 45 man Canadian roster, the two James' Cudmore, Pritchard(both club commitments) along with DTH Van De Merwe, Jebb Sinclair(I have no idea why) and Conor Trainor(injury) are all unavilable I also rate Kleeberger as highly unlikely.

I will confirm the lineups as soon as possible though the US one looks fairly easy to piece together. ]]> General International Rugby Little Guy http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30903-Canada-vs-U-S-A-Pacific-Nations-Cup-25-05-13 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30886-Canada-announce-extended-roster-for-PNC-Ireland-and-RWCQ-games&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 21:07:04 GMT Rugby Canada released a preliminary roster of players that will form the squad at various points of the summer, sadly the list is lacking a little... Rugby Canada released a preliminary roster of players that will form the squad at various points of the summer, sadly the list is lacking a little specifics about what comps the players will be involved in, though it was mentioned that Pritchard, Cudmore, Sinclair and Van De Merwe will be unavailable for the first USA game along with Trainor being unavailable till the RWCQ's due to a broken ankle.

Senior Men’s Players

Tyler Ardron, (Brantford Harlequins/ Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON
Ray Barkwill, (Niagara, Oakville Crusaders/ Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
Brett Beukeboom, (Plymouth Albion RFC) Lindsay, ON
Nick Blevins, (Calgary Hornets/ Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
Connor Braid, (Doncaster Knights/ Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Hubert Buydens, (Saskatoon Wild Oats/ Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
Aaron Carpenter, Captain, (Cornish Pirates) Brantford, ON
Jamie Cudmore, (ASM Clermont Auvergne) Squamish, BC
Nanyak Dala, (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
Thyssen de Goede, (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC
Tom Dolezel, (London St. Georges/Ontario Blues) London, ON
Sean Duke, (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Matt Evans, (Cornish Pirates) Duncan, BC
Aaron Flagg, (Abbotsford RFC/Pacific Tyee) Abbotsford, BC
Mike Fuailefau, (Castaway Wanderers RFC/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Micha Gorvichen, (Burnaby Lake RFC/Pacific Tyee) North Delta, BC
Ryan Hamilton, (Capilano RFC/Pacific Tyee) Vancouver, BC
Jeff Hassler, (Okotoks RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) Okotoks, AB
Ciaran Hearn, (Castaway Wanderers/Atlantic Rock) Conception Bay, NL
Tyler Hotson, (London Scottish FC) Vancouver, BC
Nathan Hirayama, (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Richmond, BC
Harry Jones, (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Adam Kleeberger, (UVIC Vikes) White Rock, BC
Phil Mack, (UVIC Vikes/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Jamie Mackenzie, (UVIC Vikes/Ontario Blues) Oakville, ON
Phil Mackenzie, (London Welsh) Oakville, ON
Jason Marshall, (Atlantique Stade Rochelais/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
John Moonlight, (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON
Chauncey O’Toole, (Atlantic Rock) Belleisle, NB
Pat Parfrey, (Swilers RFC/Atlantic Rock) St. John’s, NL
Taylor Paris, (Glasgow Warriors) Barrie, ON
Jon Phelan, (Ste-Anne-de-Bellvue/Atlantic Rock) Montreal, QC
Cameron Pierce, (Section Paloise) Coldstream, BC
Benoit Piffero, (Burnaby Lake RFC/Atlantic Rock) Vancouver, BC
James Pritchard, (Bedford Blues) Parkes, Australia
Jebb Sinclair, (London Irish) Fredericton, NB
Andrew Tiedemann, (FC Auch Gers/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB
Conor Trainor, (Western University/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Liam Underwood, (Queens University/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON
DTH van der Merwe, (Glasgow Warriors) Regina, SK
Sean White, (James Bay AA/Pacific Tyee) Victoria, BC
Eric Wilson, (Meralomas RFC) Vancouver, BC
Jordan Wilson-Ross, (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Alliston, ON
Doug Wooldridge, (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON ]]> General International Rugby Little Guy http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30886-Canada-announce-extended-roster-for-PNC-Ireland-and-RWCQ-games http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30873-South-Africa-most-overrated-International-team!&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:33 GMT First of all you dont have to agree or not.... But i feel The Springboks are overrated, i feel we never really dominate games, we just get by... First of all you dont have to agree or not....

But i feel The Springboks are overrated, i feel we never really dominate games, we just get by scraping most games.

We hardly ever really win by big scores(over 15points) especially over NZ and AUS. The last time we ever really dominated was in 2009, ever since then we've never really done much. We dont have any cup to prove it too to make my point. I feel we are a bit off in terms of skills to NZ and AUS(sorry im only comparing us to them, but to be the best you have to beat the best.) To be honest too i doubt we'll ever be better than NZ, AUS maybe. We are too inconsistent, probably ONE of the most inconsistent teams on the International stage

This might sound like im trolling, but im not before you all jump on my case! Just saying whats on my mind. ]]> General International Rugby kusta http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30873-South-Africa-most-overrated-International-team! http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30871-quot-One-More-Year!-quot-O-Driscoll-to-Play-Until-End-of-June-2014&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 09:35:18 GMT http://www.thescore.ie/brian-odrisco...11349-May2013/
If he's gonna go that far, he might as well stay for the World Cup. :p

He's got one more shot at another Grand Slam as well as the ABs though, which would surely be a perfect end to his career. ]]> General International Rugby RWC2011Fan http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30871-quot-One-More-Year!-quot-O-Driscoll-to-Play-Until-End-of-June-2014 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30868-IRB-Nations-Cup-and-Tbilissi-Cup&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 16:47:02 GMT *IRB Nations Cup - Bucharest, Romania *08.06.2013 Romania - Russia Emerging Italy - Argentina Jaguars 12.06.2013 Romania - Argentina Jaguars... IRB Nations Cup - Bucharest, Romania
08.06.2013
Romania - Russia
Emerging Italy - Argentina Jaguars

12.06.2013
Romania - Argentina Jaguars
Emerging Italy - Russia

16.06.2013
Argentina Jaguars - Russia
Romania - Emerging Italy

IRB Tbilisi Cup - Tbilissi, Georgia
07.06.2013
Uruguay - South African President´s XV
Georgia - Emerging Ireland

11.06.2013
Emerging Ireland - South African President´s XV
Georgia - Uruguay

16.06.2013
Uruguay - Emerging Ireland
Georgia - South African President´s XV

Squads

IRB Nations Cup
Romania
Props:
Hookers:
Locks:
Back row:
Scrum halves:
Fly halves:
Centres:
Wings:
Full backs:

Russia
Props:
Hookers:
Locks:
Back row:
Scrum halves:
Fly halves:
Centres:
Wings:
Full backs:

Emerging Italy
Props: Dario Chistolini (Gloucester Rugby), Andrea De Marchi (Zebre Rugby), Pietro Ceccarelli (Stade Rochelais), Ornel Gega (Petrarca Padova), Nicola Quaglio (FemiCZ-Rovigo)
Hookers: Tommaso D'Apice (Gloucester Rugby - 10 caps), Giovanni Maistri (Benetton Treviso)
Locks: Marco Fuser (Benetton Treviso - 1 cap), Michael Van Vuuren (Zebre Rugby), Leandro Cedaro (Stade Rochelais), Saverio Colabianchi (Mantovani Lazio)
Back row: Nicola Belardo (Zebre Rugby), Filippo Ferrarini (Zebre Rugby), Emiliano Caffini (Zebre Rugby), Frederico Conforti (Petrarca Padova), Enrico Targa (Petrarca Padova)
Scrum halves: Guido Calabrese (FemiCZ-Rovigo), Jean-Marcelin Rorato (Rugby San Dona)
Fly halve: James Ambrosini (Benetton Treviso), Andrea Menniti (Petrarca Padova), Carlo Canna (Fiamme Oro)
Centres: Andrea Pratichetti (Benetton Treviso - 1 cap), Francesco Menon (FemiCZ-Rovigo), Giulio Besigni (Mantovani Lazio), Alessandro Tartaglia (Mantovani Lazio)
Wings: Andrea Bachetti (FemiCZ-Rovigo - 2 caps), Alex Morsellino (Petrarca Padova), Alessandro Castaglioni (Rugby Reggio)
Full backs: Alberto Benettin (Zebre Rugby - 1 cap), Ruggero Trevisan (Zebre Rugby)

Argentina Jaguars
Props: Nahuel Tetaz (Stade Français - 1 cap), Ramiro Herrera (Hindú Club), Ignacio Saenz Lancuba (San Cirano), Roberto Tejerizo (Tucumán Lawn Tennis)
Hookers: Emiliano Coria (Lince RC), Gonzalo Manso (Tucumán RC)
Locks: Matías Alemanno (La Tablada), Tomás Borghi (SIC), César Fruttero (Jockey Club de Villa María)
Back row: Rodrigo Bruno (Jockey Club de Villa María - 1 cap), Lisandro Ahualli de Chazal (Universitario Tucumán), Martín Chiappesoni (Atlético del Rosario), Javier Ortega Desio (SIC), Francisco Panessi (Jockey Club Córdoba)
Scrum halves: Pedro Imhoff (Duendes RC), Santiago Méndez (SIC)
Fly halves: Joaquín Díaz Bonilla (Hindú Club), Sebastián Poet (Atlético del Rosario)
Centres: Juan Ignacio Brex (San Cirano), Juan Cappiello (Pucará), Juan Pablo Estelles (Atlético del Rosario)
Wings: Facundo Barrea (Córdoba Athletic - 1 cap), Dan Isaack (Jockey Club Rosario), Matías Masera (Belgrano Athletic), Macario Villaluenga (Huirapuca)
Full backs: Gonzalo Gutiérrez Taboada (Club Newman)

IRB Tbilisi Cup
Georgia
Props: Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier HR - 11 caps), Davit Kubriashvili (RC Toulon - 28 caps), Levan Chilachava (RC Toulon - 3 caps), Irakli Mirtskhulava (Tarbes PR - 2 caps), Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français - 2 caps)
Hookers: Irakli Natriashvili (CA Brive - 37 caps), Shava Mamukashvili (Army Tbilissi - 10 caps)
Locks: Giorgi Chkhaidze (Tarbes PR - 63 caps), Konstantin Mikautadze (RC Toulon - 10 caps), Lasha Lomidze (Montpellier HR - 1 cap), Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes PR - 25 caps)
Back row: Vito Kolelishvili (ASM Clermont - 18 caps), Dimitri Basilaia (Edinburgh Rugby - 26 caps), Shalva Sutiashvili (RC Massy - 33 caps), Beka Bitsadze (Army Tbilissi - 5 caps)
Scrum halves: Giorgi Begadze (Batumi - 10 caps), Vazha Khutsishvili (Kharebi - 3 caps)
Fly halves: Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Tbilissi - 19 caps)
Centres: Davit Kacharava (Stade Rodez - 61 caps), Merab Sharikadze (Hartpury College - 13 caps), Tedo Zibzibadze (CA Périgueux - 67 caps)
Wings: Tamaz Mchedlidze (Stade Montois - 5 caps), Giorgi Pruidze (Aia Kutaisi), Irakli Machkhaneli (Armazi - 63 caps)
Full backs: Merab Kvirikashvili (AS St Junien - 69 caps), Beka Tsiklauri (Lokomotiv Tbilissi - 5 caps)

Uruguay
Props: Mario Sagario (RC Massy - 24 caps), Alejo Corral (San Isidro Club - 19 caps), Juan Rombys (Trébol - 16 caps), Rodolfo De Mula (PSG - 11 caps)
Hookers: Arturo Avalo (Carrasco Polo - 13 caps), Nicolás Klappenbach (Champagnat - 21 caps)
Locks: Mathias Palomeque (Trévol - 6 caps), Cristofer Soares de Lima (MVCC - 10 caps), Mateo Sanguinetti (Los Cuervos - 2 caps), Diego Magno (MVCC - 24 caps)
Back row: Franco Lamanna (Carrasco Polo), Agustín Alonso (MVCC - 2 caps), Juan Gaminara (Old Boys - 5 caps), Fernando Bascou (PSG - 8 caps), Rodrigo Espiga (Old Christians - 1 cap)
Scrum halves: Alejo Durán (Trébol - 8 caps)
Fly halves: Rodrigo Silva (Carrasco Polo - 3 caps)
Centres: Juan De Freitas (Champagnat - 15 caps), Joaquín Prada (Los Cuervos), Santiago Core (Old Boys), Alberto Román (PSG - 11 caps)
Wings: Santiago Gibernau (Carrasco Polo - 12 caps), Leandro Leivas (Old Christians - 16 caps), Francisco Bulanti (Trébol - 13 caps)
Full backs: Jerónimo Etcheverry (Valpolicella Rugby - 18 caps)

Emerging Ireland
Props: Michael Bent (Leinster - 2 caps), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Ricky Lutton (Ulster), Martin Moore (Lansdowne RFC)
Hookers: Sean Cronin (Leinster - 26 caps), Robert Herring (Ulster)
Locks: Lewis Stevenson (Ulster), David Foley (Munster), Niall Nagle (Munster)
Back row: Rhys Ruddock (Leinster - 1 cap), Robbie Diack (Ulster), Eoin McKeon (Connacht), Dominic Ryan (Leinster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster)
Scrum halves: John Cooney (Leinster), Michael Heaney (Ulster)
Fly halves: Ian Keatley (Munster - 2 caps), Cathal Marsh (Dublin University)
Centres: Mike Allen (Ulster),Eoin Griffin (Connacht), Brendan Macken (Leinster)
Wings: Niall Morris (Leicester Tigers), Tiernan O'Halloran (Connacht), Dave Kearney (Leinster)
Full backs: Andrew Conway (Leinster)

South African President´s XV
Props: Martin Dreyer (Leopards), Ivann Espag (Pumas), Vincent Koch (Pumas), Khwezilokusa Mkhafu (Border Bulldogs)
Hookers: Ashton Constant (Boland Cavaliers), Frank Herne (Pumas)
Locks: Marius Coetzer (Pumas), Giant Mtyanda (SWD Eagles), Brendon Snyman (Leopards)
Back row: Renaldo Bothma (Pumas), Jaco Bouwer (Pumas), Uzair Cassiem (Pumas), Vincent Gwavu (Valke), Zandré Jordaan (Boland Cavaliers), Brian Shabangu (Border Bulldogs)
Scrum halves: Ntando Kebe (Boland Cavaliers), Inus Kritzinger (Griffons), Sinovuyo Nyoka (Border Bulldogs)
Fly halves: Carl Bezuidenhout (Pumas), Ricardo Croy (Boland Cavaliers)
Centres: Adriaan Engelbrecht (Leopards), Wilmaure Louw (Pumas), Jerome Pretorius (Pumas)
Wings: Alshaun Bock (SWD Eagles), Joe Seerane (Border Bulldogs), Rosco Speckman (Pumas)
Full backs: Jacquin Jansen (Boland Cavaliers), Hoffman Maritz (Leopards) ]]> General International Rugby Croket66 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30868-IRB-Nations-Cup-and-Tbilissi-Cup http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30862-Joe-Ansbro-Forced-to-Retire&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 09:38:38 GMT http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/24984.php#.UZNW16JuRi0 Ow, that sucks.:( http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news...p#.UZNW16JuRi0
Ow, that sucks.:( ]]> General International Rugby RWC2011Fan http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30862-Joe-Ansbro-Forced-to-Retire http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30858-France-tour-of-New-Zealand&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 08:15:53 GMT This afternoon Philippe Saint-André will announce the squad of 35 that will play 3 tests against the All Blacks and one mid-week game against the... This afternoon Philippe Saint-André will announce the squad of 35 that will play 3 tests against the All Blacks and one mid-week game against the Auckland Blues. A few uncapped players are expected to tour, though the squad will, in all likelihood, be a strong one. One of the novelties may be the inclusion of more foreign players, following the selection of South African Antonie Claassen during the Six Nations. There are about 50 players that are being mentioned, of which only 35 will be selected. I think that PSA will try to limit the number of players from the four semi-finalists as much as possible, to be able to train with as many players as he can from day 1.
I think the squad will look like:

Loosehead props: Thomas Domingo, Eddy Ben Arous, Vincent Debaty (Raphaël Chaume, Yannick Forestier, Sébastien Taofifenua)
Tighthead props: Nicolas Mas, Luc Ducalcon, Rabah Slimani (Daniel Kotze, Clément Ric)
Hookers: Dimitri Szarzewski, Benjamin Kayser, Jean-Charles Orioli (Mickaël Ivaldi, Guillhem Guirado)
Locks: Yoann Maestri, Romain Taofifenua, Sébastien Vahaamahina, Chistophe Samson, Alexandre Flanquart (Jocelino Suta)
Backrowers: Thierry Dusautoir, Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Antonie Claassen, Wenceslas Lauret, Yannick Nyanga, Damien Chouly (Alex Toulu, Bernard Le Roux, Benoît Guyot, Alexandre Lapandry)

Halves: Maxime Machenaud, Morgan Parra, François Trinh-Duc, Frédéric Michalak, Camille Lopez (Rémi Talès, Jean-Marc Doussain, Jonathan Wisniewski)
Centers: Wesley Fofana, Mathieu Bastareaud, Florien Fritz, Henry Chavancy (Maxim Mermoz)
Outside backs: Yoan Huget, Marc Andreu, Maxim Médard, Virimi Vakatawa, Brice Dulin (Romain Martial, Marvin O'Connor, Vincent Martin, Alexis Palisson, Noa Nakaitaci)

Foreigners mentioned here are: Kotze, Claassen, Le Roux (South Africa), Tulou (Samoa), Nakaitaci and Vakatawa (Fiji). It is not my intention to start ye old debate, but I don't think that the FFR should allow the selection of players just under the criteria of the IRB. Kotze and Tulou should not be near the squad. Nakaitaci and Vakatawa arrived as relatively young players (~18 yo) and have refused selection for Fiji. I'm torn about their case, tbh, as they seem keen to play for France, but their place is with the Fiji national team...
To explain the type of "foreign" player that I'd be happy to see wearing blue, I'll give you the example of Gerhard Vosloo, South African flanker playing for Clermont. He will not play for France, as he's already 33, but he's someone that arrived 7 years ago, and decided quite quickly that he would stay. He enrolled his kids in a French school (not an "international" one), made investments in France and made his father move from South Africa to France. In December last year he and his entire family received a French passport. He speaks perfect french as well. I consider him as French as any of my neighbors. Claassen is a similar case, though I'd liked him to obtain a french passport before playing for France. ]]> General International Rugby ZeFrenchy http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30858-France-tour-of-New-Zealand http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30855-First-All-Black-training-squad-for-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 00:05:41 GMT Blues: Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Piri Weepu and Ali Williams. Chiefs: Ben Afeaki,... Blues: Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Piri Weepu and Ali Williams.

Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Victor Vito.

Crusaders: Dominic Bird, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Taylor and Samuel Whitelock.

Highlanders: Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock.

Hate to say I told you so but I notice one Tom Taylor's name on the list :p Obviously doesn't mean he will make the full squad but at least that he is in contention and seen as an option. Fairly interesting squad, lots of new names, down side is the lack of interesting selections at hooker.

chiefs a bit hard done by with only 6 where the Canes have 8 and the landers have 6 figure that one out. Only explanation is the number of chiefs regulars currently injured. and also maybe Renee's rotation selection policy which only really allows a small group to perform every week.

By Position:

Props:
Ben Afeaki, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock

Hooker:
Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles

lock:
Ali Williams, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock

loosies:
Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brad Shields, Victor Vito, Kieran Read

9:
Piri Weepu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith

10:
Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter

midfield:
Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu

outside backs:
Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Julian Savea, Israel Dagg, Hosea Gear

Utility backs:
Ben Smith, Tom Taylor ]]> General International Rugby Larksea http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30855-First-All-Black-training-squad-for-2013 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30838-If-you-could&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 15:07:02 GMT ...pick ONE player at a position you feel your national side lacks a bit, from any other side in the world, who would you choose ? Obviously... ...pick ONE player at a position you feel your national side lacks a bit, from any other side in the world, who would you choose ?

Obviously everybody would like a Fijian winger, or one of those kiwi centers...but just one guy, who would you like specifically for your national team ? ]]> General International Rugby yoe91 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30838-If-you-could http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30830-Classic-All-Blacks-vs-Fiji&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 11:14:18 GMT Confirmed members of the Classic All Blacks squad so far to face Fiji on June 12 in Suva as part of Fijian 100 year celebrations. Joe Rokocoko... Confirmed members of the Classic All Blacks squad so far to face Fiji on June 12 in Suva as part of Fijian 100 year celebrations.

Joe Rokocoko (2003-10, 68 caps, 46 tries)
Sitiveni Sivivatu (2005-11, 45 caps, 29 tries)
Chris Masoe (2005-07, 20 caps, 3 tries)
Jerome Kaino (2006-11, 48 caps, 8 tries)
Jerry Collins (2001-07, 48 caps, 5 tries)
Daniel Braid (2002-10, 6 caps, 1 try)
Justin Marshall (1995-05, 81 caps, 24 tries)
Carlos Spencer (1997-04, 35 caps, 14 tries, 291 points)
Sam Tuitupou (2004-06, 9 caps, 1 try) ]]> General International Rugby psychic duck http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30830-Classic-All-Blacks-vs-Fiji http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30829-Pre-Lions-tour-arrogance&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 10:42:31 GMT http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Lions-in-impaled-Bok-gaffe-20130508 *Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer* Cape Town – The British and... http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Lions...gaffe-20130508

Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer

Cape Town – The British and Irish Lions, preparing for their looming tour of Australia, have been forced to retract a tweet gloating over their final-Test triumph against South Africa in 2009. The Guardian newspaper (www.guardian.co.uk) revealed that the official Lions Twitter account was forced earlier this week to delete a tweet showing a springbok impaled on a railing, accompanied by the words: “Isn’t this what @lionsofficial did to Springboks in the 3^rd Test in Johannesburg 2009?”
The post reportedly lasted some 90 minutes before being withdrawn, and a subsequent tweet issued saying: “@lionsofficial would like to apologise for any offence caused by recent and inappropriate tweets.”
South Africans –\- just as much as Australians, no doubt - are likely to be bemused more than irked by the cheeky gremlin, considering that the tweet conveniently forgot to note that the Lions’ 28-9 victory at Ellis Park came in a dead-rubber clash, as John Smit’s Boks had already won the first two of the three contests.
At the time, coach Peter de Villiers controversially selected a greatly weakened Bok side for the last fixture, cocooning certain players for the later Tri-Nations, which South Africa again won.


Pathetic, may they be raped by a rabies Wallaby (in rugby terms) ]]> General International Rugby Gena_ZA http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30829-Pre-Lions-tour-arrogance http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30822-Wtvr-ever-happened-to-Fiji-!&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 18:59:35 GMT Hey fellas,
I imagine there are known causes for this, really well known ones but I'm just not aware of them simply...

Anybody has some good insight as to just wtf went wrong ? Coz it's a clear decline...dunno exactly starting when but...seeing they have an excellent record historically against Samoa n even more Tonga is surprising based on these current days...

I mean, they got beaten brutally the past RWC...out of recent memory, they got smashed by England, and then simply obliterated by Ireland A....

In the top 14 and even the Premiership from what I've seen, there's bound to be a Pacific Islander at the wing(s)/center and there are so many quality try-scorers from there...how did they sink so low, so fast...?
I'm sure the Welsh on here specifically will reminisce Wales losing to Fiji just 5 yrs ago in the '07 RWC...and then 66-0 in the '11 RWC... ]]> General International Rugby yoe91 http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?30822-Wtvr-ever-happened-to-Fiji-!