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/Frontpagebanners/CyrilRWCWatch.jpgCyril takes a look at some players to watch at this years Rugby World Cup, he focuses his attention on the Romanian Hooker Marius Tincu and Welsh inside centre Scott Williams.Marius Tincu
Perpignan Veteran Leads Oaks in his Last Hoorah
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For the better part of a decade Marius Tincu has been the chiseled, hard-nosed grafter that has drawn plaudits and inspired compatriots within his homeland of Romania and beyond. The one player that has truly combined determination, power and genuine skill to become one of the best players in his position in the Northern Hemisphere; and takes over the reigns as captain of his country for the Rugby World Cup, following the former incumbent Sorin Socol's decision to controversially withdraw from the squad in March.
Now 33, Tincu must hold this month's global spectacle in New Zealand as his last meaningful foray in International rugby following a committed career for his country that has seen the hooker capped 46 times, score 14 tries and represent the Oaks at three previous World Cups.
It is a career has been bred and molded in France and taken to the top as a key part of the distinguished Perpignan side that won the French league ***le in 2009.
Before this rise to glory, Tincu had spells in the domestic lower leagues with La Teste and Rouen before being noticed in Pro D2 â€" France's second division â€" playing for Section Paloise. He subsequently won his first cap in 2002 after a string of prominent displays for the Pau-based club, despite being an unused member of Romania's World Cup squad for the World Cup in Wales three years previously.
As a result of his impressive performances in the French lower tiers and on the International stage Tincu earned a move to USAP in 2005, and has been a stalwart and mainstay in the first XV ever since; even becoming a dual citizen of Romania and France in 2007.
The expectation put on Tincu to produce lung-busting performances will put added pressure on the experienced hooker, as he will be looked to to replicate the form shown in the higher levels of competition of the Top 14 and Heineken Cup, and utilised as he leads his country into battle with England, Argentina, Scotland and Georgia in Group B.
When likening Tincu with a possibly more recognisable figure in world rugby, you would have to look no further to compare the Romanian with Clermont Auvergne veteran Mario Ledesma, whose star shone particularly brightly at the 2007 World Cup in France. There the wiley Argentine combined courage, dedication and dependable excellence at the set-piece that was an invaluable asset as the Pumas romped to a hugely impressive 3rd placed finish.
Now, Romania cannot possibly expect to compete on the same kind of level that Argentina did four years ago â€" going toe-to-toe with the world's greatest teams â€" but in their captain they at least have a figurehead who can illustrate similar physical aptitudes and draw from his own experiences against the best players in the world in order to influence and inspire; whilst adding workrate, mobility and unquestioned leadership skills to support the Oaks' fourteen other brave soldiers.
These will be made up from a blend of embattled experience and exuberant youth â€" with seasoned Internationals such as Silviu Florea, Ovidiu Tonita and Lucian Sirbu complimented by vigorous and buoyant prospects Floris Vlaicu, Ionel Cazan and Daniel Ianus.
One drawback has been the recent withdrawal from the squad of star winger Catalin Fercu who has stayed at home due to a fear of long-distance flights. Without him Romania are stripped of real pace and threat out wide with the potential to unlock defences, but nonetheless the team is bolstered by the fact that they will be marshalled by one of the nation's most decorated and respected rugby players.
Tincu will undoubtedly look to make his mark on the team and squad as a whole, as well as continuing a commendable World Cup record that saw him play in all four group games and score three tries in 2007; and it is this dogged determination that makes the inspirational hooker the perfect choice to lead Romania into combat on the rugby pitch, starting with Scotland on September 10.
World Cup Watch - Scott WilliamsScarlets Rookie Swaps Whitland for Wellington
When 20-year-old Scott Williams planned out the early stages of his professional career in rugby, he probably saw things going very differently.
As the 2011/12 season commences tonight with the opening weekend of the hideously-named RaboDirect Pro 12 kicking things off amongst the Celtic nations (and Italy), Williams must have thought this was a perfect time to make a real impression down at Parc y Scarlets.
With fellow centre Jonathan Davies at the World Cup for the next few weeks at least and the mercurial Regan King ending a 6-year association with the west Wales region by signing with French cherry-pickers Clermont Auvergne, the Carmarthen youngster must have spotted an opportunity to create a name for himself â€" starting on Sunday when the Scarlets begin their domestic campaign at home to Aironi.
The bad news for Williams is that he won't be getting that chance to prove himself to head coach Nigel Davies and his staff during the initial stages of the new season.
The good news is that he is going to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Williams will not be making the trip as a water boy or as the lucky winner of a 'once in a lifetime' competition, but as part of Warren Gatland's 30-man squad that will wrestle with South Africa, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia in the sport's global showpiece that kicks off in little over a week./forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1228&d=1315230092Williams impressed for the Scarlets last season Such has been Williams' display of skill, commitment and desire over the past year that Gatland has felt compelled to give the youngster his chance on the world stage ahead of more senior and experienced options available to him like Andrew Bishop of the Ospreys or Cardiff Blues back Dafydd Hewitt.
It has been a whirlwind process for the Scarlets centre, and one that must have left him scratching his head and wondering just how he got here so fast.
He arrived at the Scarlets just short of two years ago, signing a development contract in 2009 after playing his youth rugby at local club Whitland RFC. He had already represented Wales at under 16 and under 18 levels, but he perhaps first caught the eye of the wider Welsh rugby public playing a key role of the under 20s in their 2010 6 Nations campaign. During the series Williams put in a number of hugely impressive performances, but stood out most with two sensational solo tries in the win over France at Cardiff Arms Park that illustrated the ferocious strength and speed that he possesses.
As a result Williams was called up into Wales' wider training squad for the 2010 Invesco Perpetual Autumn Series â€" a tactic Gatland has used a number of times during his tenure as national coach in order to familiarise young talent with the International set-up and to show what is expected of a Welsh player. Whilst Williams was not selected for any of the test squads during November, the experience gained and his introduction to a top-class rugby environment provided him with invaluable experience and, more importantly, the hunger to be part of that level of competition in future.
He has continued making waves in a senior capacity over the past few months with some solid performances for the Scarlets, making 22 appearances, scoring 2 tries in the 2011 season and gaining some glowing references west of the Loughor Bridge.
With Willliams' potential and good form impossible to ignore the 15 stone centre was again called up to the national squad in preparation for the summer test against the Barbarians in early June.
Despite starting the game among the replacements, Williams got his chance to shine â€" coming off the bench for the returning Gavin Henson for a short but sweet 15 minute appearance and first Welsh cap that saw him tackle well and create openings in the opposition defence with two scything breaks through the heart of the Baa-Baas' midfield.
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Williams pushed his claim for a World Cup spot after an accomplished performance against England in CardiffImmediately following the final whistle he found himself part of Wales's 45-mantraining squad for the World Cup, that would endure two intensive fitness camps in Spala, Poland, play three warm-up games against England and Argentina and ultimately be whittled down to a final squad of 30.
Williams continued to catch the eye of the coaching team whilst out in Polandâ€" his levels of fitness, resolve and energy standing out in front of the management, along with other squad newcomers scrum-half Lloyd Williams and back-row Justin Tipuric.
Following a further test appearance in a narrow loss at Twickenham, Williams played the better part of an hour in the return fixture against England a week later, again replacing Henson in midfield. Undeterred by his comparative lack of experience at the highest level Williams once again displayed spirit and an organised and composed rugby brain that provided a suitable foil to battering-ram-in-chief Jamie Roberts.
Indeed Williams appeared a far more dependable and useful option than his regional colleague Jonathan Davies who, the following week against Argentina, persisted in treating the ball like a wet bar of a soap and his team-mates like forgotten relatives he hadn't spoken to in years. When you consider his opponent in the outside centre channel was the equally inept Marcelo Bosch, and Davies stil could not make a favourable impression you wonder how he will fare when pitted against uncompromising road-blocks Albert VuliVuli, Seilala Mapusua and the wonderful Jaque Fourie at the World Cup? Will Williams get a sooner-than-expected shot at the Welsh starting XV?
With four extremely tough fixtures for Wales to complete in the pool dubbed the 'Group of Death', it is certainly not out of the question that Williams may play a prominent role in the final match of the group againt Fiji in Hamilton on October 2. Who knows â€" fate and circumstance may even dictate a quicker introduction to the World Cup in Wellington, facing the defending champions South Africa on September 11 - something Williams is finding difficult to comprehend at present - “All this is a bit unreal right now, I'm living the dream.â€
Due to the make-up of the squad, the Scarlet finds himself as the primary back-up option for Roberts and Davies in the centre, meaning an injury to either would probably see him elevated to the first team,and this is something that Williams could use to his and Wales's advantage.
“Going out there being a bit of an unknown quantity might work in my favour... Hopefully I can surprise the opposition a bit.â€
Well, he has surprised quite a few already with how good he has been. How good he can be remains to be seen, but if things go to plan Scott Williams might not be such an 'unknown quantity' to many once the World Cup is done and dusted in October.
Perpignan Veteran Leads Oaks in his Last Hoorah
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For the better part of a decade Marius Tincu has been the chiseled, hard-nosed grafter that has drawn plaudits and inspired compatriots within his homeland of Romania and beyond. The one player that has truly combined determination, power and genuine skill to become one of the best players in his position in the Northern Hemisphere; and takes over the reigns as captain of his country for the Rugby World Cup, following the former incumbent Sorin Socol's decision to controversially withdraw from the squad in March.
Now 33, Tincu must hold this month's global spectacle in New Zealand as his last meaningful foray in International rugby following a committed career for his country that has seen the hooker capped 46 times, score 14 tries and represent the Oaks at three previous World Cups.
It is a career has been bred and molded in France and taken to the top as a key part of the distinguished Perpignan side that won the French league ***le in 2009.
Before this rise to glory, Tincu had spells in the domestic lower leagues with La Teste and Rouen before being noticed in Pro D2 â€" France's second division â€" playing for Section Paloise. He subsequently won his first cap in 2002 after a string of prominent displays for the Pau-based club, despite being an unused member of Romania's World Cup squad for the World Cup in Wales three years previously.
As a result of his impressive performances in the French lower tiers and on the International stage Tincu earned a move to USAP in 2005, and has been a stalwart and mainstay in the first XV ever since; even becoming a dual citizen of Romania and France in 2007.
The expectation put on Tincu to produce lung-busting performances will put added pressure on the experienced hooker, as he will be looked to to replicate the form shown in the higher levels of competition of the Top 14 and Heineken Cup, and utilised as he leads his country into battle with England, Argentina, Scotland and Georgia in Group B.
When likening Tincu with a possibly more recognisable figure in world rugby, you would have to look no further to compare the Romanian with Clermont Auvergne veteran Mario Ledesma, whose star shone particularly brightly at the 2007 World Cup in France. There the wiley Argentine combined courage, dedication and dependable excellence at the set-piece that was an invaluable asset as the Pumas romped to a hugely impressive 3rd placed finish.
Now, Romania cannot possibly expect to compete on the same kind of level that Argentina did four years ago â€" going toe-to-toe with the world's greatest teams â€" but in their captain they at least have a figurehead who can illustrate similar physical aptitudes and draw from his own experiences against the best players in the world in order to influence and inspire; whilst adding workrate, mobility and unquestioned leadership skills to support the Oaks' fourteen other brave soldiers.
These will be made up from a blend of embattled experience and exuberant youth â€" with seasoned Internationals such as Silviu Florea, Ovidiu Tonita and Lucian Sirbu complimented by vigorous and buoyant prospects Floris Vlaicu, Ionel Cazan and Daniel Ianus.
One drawback has been the recent withdrawal from the squad of star winger Catalin Fercu who has stayed at home due to a fear of long-distance flights. Without him Romania are stripped of real pace and threat out wide with the potential to unlock defences, but nonetheless the team is bolstered by the fact that they will be marshalled by one of the nation's most decorated and respected rugby players.
Tincu will undoubtedly look to make his mark on the team and squad as a whole, as well as continuing a commendable World Cup record that saw him play in all four group games and score three tries in 2007; and it is this dogged determination that makes the inspirational hooker the perfect choice to lead Romania into combat on the rugby pitch, starting with Scotland on September 10.
World Cup Watch - Scott WilliamsScarlets Rookie Swaps Whitland for Wellington
When 20-year-old Scott Williams planned out the early stages of his professional career in rugby, he probably saw things going very differently.
As the 2011/12 season commences tonight with the opening weekend of the hideously-named RaboDirect Pro 12 kicking things off amongst the Celtic nations (and Italy), Williams must have thought this was a perfect time to make a real impression down at Parc y Scarlets.
With fellow centre Jonathan Davies at the World Cup for the next few weeks at least and the mercurial Regan King ending a 6-year association with the west Wales region by signing with French cherry-pickers Clermont Auvergne, the Carmarthen youngster must have spotted an opportunity to create a name for himself â€" starting on Sunday when the Scarlets begin their domestic campaign at home to Aironi.
The bad news for Williams is that he won't be getting that chance to prove himself to head coach Nigel Davies and his staff during the initial stages of the new season.
The good news is that he is going to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Williams will not be making the trip as a water boy or as the lucky winner of a 'once in a lifetime' competition, but as part of Warren Gatland's 30-man squad that will wrestle with South Africa, Samoa, Fiji and Namibia in the sport's global showpiece that kicks off in little over a week./forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1228&d=1315230092Williams impressed for the Scarlets last season Such has been Williams' display of skill, commitment and desire over the past year that Gatland has felt compelled to give the youngster his chance on the world stage ahead of more senior and experienced options available to him like Andrew Bishop of the Ospreys or Cardiff Blues back Dafydd Hewitt.
It has been a whirlwind process for the Scarlets centre, and one that must have left him scratching his head and wondering just how he got here so fast.
He arrived at the Scarlets just short of two years ago, signing a development contract in 2009 after playing his youth rugby at local club Whitland RFC. He had already represented Wales at under 16 and under 18 levels, but he perhaps first caught the eye of the wider Welsh rugby public playing a key role of the under 20s in their 2010 6 Nations campaign. During the series Williams put in a number of hugely impressive performances, but stood out most with two sensational solo tries in the win over France at Cardiff Arms Park that illustrated the ferocious strength and speed that he possesses.
As a result Williams was called up into Wales' wider training squad for the 2010 Invesco Perpetual Autumn Series â€" a tactic Gatland has used a number of times during his tenure as national coach in order to familiarise young talent with the International set-up and to show what is expected of a Welsh player. Whilst Williams was not selected for any of the test squads during November, the experience gained and his introduction to a top-class rugby environment provided him with invaluable experience and, more importantly, the hunger to be part of that level of competition in future.
He has continued making waves in a senior capacity over the past few months with some solid performances for the Scarlets, making 22 appearances, scoring 2 tries in the 2011 season and gaining some glowing references west of the Loughor Bridge.
With Willliams' potential and good form impossible to ignore the 15 stone centre was again called up to the national squad in preparation for the summer test against the Barbarians in early June.
Despite starting the game among the replacements, Williams got his chance to shine â€" coming off the bench for the returning Gavin Henson for a short but sweet 15 minute appearance and first Welsh cap that saw him tackle well and create openings in the opposition defence with two scything breaks through the heart of the Baa-Baas' midfield.
/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1229&d=1315230152
Williams pushed his claim for a World Cup spot after an accomplished performance against England in CardiffImmediately following the final whistle he found himself part of Wales's 45-mantraining squad for the World Cup, that would endure two intensive fitness camps in Spala, Poland, play three warm-up games against England and Argentina and ultimately be whittled down to a final squad of 30.
Williams continued to catch the eye of the coaching team whilst out in Polandâ€" his levels of fitness, resolve and energy standing out in front of the management, along with other squad newcomers scrum-half Lloyd Williams and back-row Justin Tipuric.
Following a further test appearance in a narrow loss at Twickenham, Williams played the better part of an hour in the return fixture against England a week later, again replacing Henson in midfield. Undeterred by his comparative lack of experience at the highest level Williams once again displayed spirit and an organised and composed rugby brain that provided a suitable foil to battering-ram-in-chief Jamie Roberts.
Indeed Williams appeared a far more dependable and useful option than his regional colleague Jonathan Davies who, the following week against Argentina, persisted in treating the ball like a wet bar of a soap and his team-mates like forgotten relatives he hadn't spoken to in years. When you consider his opponent in the outside centre channel was the equally inept Marcelo Bosch, and Davies stil could not make a favourable impression you wonder how he will fare when pitted against uncompromising road-blocks Albert VuliVuli, Seilala Mapusua and the wonderful Jaque Fourie at the World Cup? Will Williams get a sooner-than-expected shot at the Welsh starting XV?
With four extremely tough fixtures for Wales to complete in the pool dubbed the 'Group of Death', it is certainly not out of the question that Williams may play a prominent role in the final match of the group againt Fiji in Hamilton on October 2. Who knows â€" fate and circumstance may even dictate a quicker introduction to the World Cup in Wellington, facing the defending champions South Africa on September 11 - something Williams is finding difficult to comprehend at present - “All this is a bit unreal right now, I'm living the dream.â€
Due to the make-up of the squad, the Scarlet finds himself as the primary back-up option for Roberts and Davies in the centre, meaning an injury to either would probably see him elevated to the first team,and this is something that Williams could use to his and Wales's advantage.
“Going out there being a bit of an unknown quantity might work in my favour... Hopefully I can surprise the opposition a bit.â€
Well, he has surprised quite a few already with how good he has been. How good he can be remains to be seen, but if things go to plan Scott Williams might not be such an 'unknown quantity' to many once the World Cup is done and dusted in October.
