Month: March 2019

Former Blues and Connacht coach Pat Lam is excited for the next challenge of his coaching career in the Premiership with Bristol Bears.

Lam, who made a big impact in Ireland when coaching the Connacht side to a PRO12 competition win, switched to Bristol in English rugby, taking the side out of the Championship last season ready for the Premiership this season.

As the English season gets underway, Lam admitted that starting with the side in the Championship had been a help in ensuring standards were set for the side.

“I’m happy with where we are at the moment, because it was such an important part of the plan to have everyone – players, staff, coaches – all understanding the directions we’re heading and the sense of our vision: ‘inspiring our community through rugby success’,” he told bristolbearsrugby.com.

“I’ve always said, for me, rugby has to be more than a game – it’s who you are and what you do, because that drives you every day and that’s what we’re trying to do with the players.”

Lam said Bristol wanted to be a Champions Cup team, they wanted their qualified players to play for England and they wanted to develop Bristol players.

“So, because I talk to a player about it before he signs, there’s no confusion and nothing takes them by surprise when we say, ‘we’re going to go to a community visit here’. Or ‘we’re going to go and coach Bristol Bears women’, it’s not a problem.

“So, 12 months later, it’s in a really good place. I wasn’t exactly pleased, when I arrived, that we were in the Championship, but it was a huge blessing in disguise because that part of setting up the vision and getting everybody working in the same direction was more important than being in the Premiership last season, so I now feel we have a stronger foundation to build our vision on,” he said.

Lam appears to have struck a chord with locals with season tickets reaching record sales and more than 16,000 tickets sold for the club’s opening game against Bath on August 31.

The community response was encouraging because, he said, “When you’re in the field and in the heat of battle, and you’re winning and hanging on with a minute to go, or you’re losing, and you’ve got to get in – what drives you more is the fact you’re playing for something more than the game, I’m playing for my friends, my family, my neighbours, my community.

“In professional rugby, we all come from different places but if we connect them to our community, they understand what it is – and that’s what I love,” he said.

There was a passion and hunger in Bristol for the team to succeed and that fitted in with what they were trying to achieve.

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Coach Steve Hansen says Rieko Ioane will remain on the wing for the All Blacks, despite having scored a hat-trick at centre in the ‘Game of Three Halves’.

As part of the ‘Game of Three Halves’, the All Blacks played Canterbury and Otago for 40 minutes each at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday night.

Although it was a pre-season friendly, it means Ioane has now scored consecutive hat-tricks in his last two All Blacks appearances. The 21-year-old has featured predominantly at centre for the Blues in Super Rugby this season.

But Hansen insists it was more about giving everyone a run than a conscious decision to play him there.

“He was all right but we have got enough of them,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen after the ‘Game of Three Halves’ in regard to how he felt Ioane played at centre.

“To give everyone a run the logical thing was to put him at centre. We didn’t really care where people played we just wanted them to play and experience burning lungs.”

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France’s rugby community are in mourning after the death of a young player during a second division pre-season fixture on Friday evening.

21-year-old Louis Fajfrowski, who played centre for Pro D2 outfit Aurillac passed away in his team’s changing room, the club revealed via their Twitter account.

Fajfrowski was replaced in the 60th minute after a tackle during Aurillac’s clash with Rodez.

He was stunned by the hit but got to his feet with assistance and left the field unaided but accompanied by a doctor.

Fajfrowski then lost consciousness several times but according to La Montagne newspaper, he passed away roundabout 20:00 local time despite the arrival of the emergency services.

An official investigation has been launched into the cause of death with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.

“We will find out why he died and if the tackle provoked his death,” the local prosecutor’s office said.

The prosecutor added that when Fajfrowski “left the pitch his condition did not appear to be alarming. He even wanted to return (to play) afterwards, but he then began to vomit.”

Tributes were made to the player, with French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte saying he was “devastated”.

Top14 clubs including Toulon, Stade Français and Racing 92 also sent their condolences.

Fajfrowski moved to Aurillac in 2015 after three seasons with Montpellier’s youth team.

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Ospreys’ Moldovan international prop Gheorghe Gajion has been ruled out of action for up to six months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

The 25-year old, a new addition to the squad this summer damaged a hamstring in training and Chris Towers, Medical Performance Manager, confirmed today:

“Gheorghe suffered a significant hamstring injury which required surgery to repair it. He could be out for up to six months.”

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Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has recovered from injury in time to face New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup after being named in a trimmed down squad.

The skipper hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring issue in the first Test against Ireland, but his return is a timely boost for head coach Michael Cheika.

He joins uncapped duo Jack Maddocks and Tom Banks in the 28-man group while Reece Hodge has moved closer to the number 13 jersey.

Waratahs centre Curtis Rona loomed as Hodge’s major competition for the role but he was one of eight players cut from the squad six days out from the Test opener.

Israel Folau is the only other possibility for the spot, though Cheika has been adamant he prefers him in the 15 jersey.

Cheika said after the Wallabies trial at Leichhardt Oval that Hodge or Rona would be the most likely 13 options for the opening Bledisloe.

Despite the signs all pointing to the Rebels utility stepping up to that spot, Hodge was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked about the prospect on Sunday.

“There’s still a few guys in the squad who can play 13,” he told rugby.com.au.

“Izzy’s (Folau) still an option as well. At the moment, throughout the preparation, the last few weeks has been about trying as many combinations we can get comfortable playing next to everyone who’s in the squad and I think it’s going to be really important for us come game one.

“Getting that game time a couple of weeks ago to try out those combinations under a match situation and then throughout training as well.

“It’s important to be able to play depending on who’s where. Cheik’s still got a week to change his mind about selections, so who knows where it’s going to up but we’re prepared as best we can be for Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Banks and Maddocks will be likely competing for a Test debut in the clash – the only two uncapped players left in the squad after Jordan Petaia, Billy Meakes, Folau Faingaa and Jermaine Ainsley missed the cut.

Scott Sio (shoulder) has also been passed fit, while Rory Arnold, Caleb Timu, Billy Meakes and Sefa Naivalu are the others who missed the cut after a week-long camp in Cessnock.

Australia’s 28-man squad for Rugby Championship opener:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou

Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua

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Ahead of the 2018 Rugby Championship, we preview the teams looking to get their hands on the coveted silverware. Next up, it is South Africa.

After declining form towards the end of the Heyneke Meyer era and two barren years under Allister Coetzee, Rassie Erasmus will lead the new-look Springboks into the Rugby Championship buoyed by a wave of optimism in the country.

Erasmus’ appointment as coach was met with mixed reactions. While the former Munster director of rugby is well-respected in South Africa, supporters of Coetzee were unhappy with the manner in which he was dismissed. However, after a 2-1 series win over England under the captaincy of Siya Kolisi – the first black player ever to lead the Springboks – Erasmus has momentarily silenced the critics.

Last year: It’s easy to forget that the Springboks headed into last year’s Rugby Championship riding a wave of optimism similar to the one created by Erasmus. Having seen off France 3-0 in the 2017 mid-year Test series, they further excited supporters with back-to-back wins over Argentina and a creditable away draw against Australia.

Coetzee stoked up tensions ahead of South Africa’s clash with New Zealand at North Harbour Stadium by suggesting that the All Blacks were “vulnerable”. However, his side capitulated in calamitous fashion in Auckland, crashing to a 57-0 loss. Another draw with the Wallabies followed before the tournament ended in a far more valiant defeat to New Zealand on home soil, leaving the Springboks third on the end-of-tournament table.

This year: Erasmus, who was South Africa’s director of rugby at this time last year, will be in charge of their bid for a first Rugby Championship title since 2009.

2018 began with chaos for the Springboks as Coetzee – the second person of colour in history to coach the side – revealed his frustration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for offering him what he alleged was a “ceremonial” role under Erasmus should he refuse to give up the coaching reins.

This revelation did not go down well with transformation activists, but at least Erasmus’ team selection has left them satisfied for the time being. As well as appointing South Africa’s first ever black captain, the former Cheetahs and Stormers coach can also claim credit for handing test debuts to several promising players of colour – chief among them S’busiso Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi.

Erasmus’ tenure started off with a 22-20 loss to Wales, and the Springboks looked set for more heartbreak when they fell 24-3 down in the early stages of their first Test against England. However, they showed world-class resilience to bounce back and claim a 42-39 victory, followed up by another comeback win in Bloemfontein (23-12). Although they lost the third match 25-10, South Africa will be tremendously pleased with their start to the year.

The Springboks still head into the tournament as underdogs in comparison to the All Blacks and the Wallabies, but should be seen as a dark horse with renewed spirit and the potential to beat anyone on their day.

Ones to watch: All eyes will be on Siya Kolisi as he looks to lead South Africa to an historic tournament victory.

Elsewhere, Handré Pollard and Elton Jantjies are locked in perennial battle for the number 10 jersey, which is the subject of heated debate in South Africa, with Damian Willemse also an option for Erasmus. Meanwhile, Aphiwe Dyantyi will be looking to continue his dream start to life in a Springbok jersey.

Prediction: They probably aren’t quite good enough to go all the way just yet, but South Africa certainly boast the quality to stand up to the best in the world. There are few more unpredictable teams in world rugby, but their grit against England suggested that the old Springbok determination has returned – albeit with a new face leading the charge. Second.

Fixtures:

Saturday, 18 August: vs Argentina (home)
Saturday, 25 August: vs Argentina (away)
Saturday, 8 September: vs Australia (away)
Saturday, 15 September: vs New Zealand (away)
Saturday, 29 September: vs Australia (home)
Saturday, 6 October: vs New Zealand (home)

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Ahead of the 2018 Rugby Championship, we preview the teams looking to get their hands on the coveted silverware. First up, it is Argentina.

Disappointment has been followed by upheaval with the resignation of Daniel Hourcade and the appointment of Mario Ledesma as head coach. After an unacceptable couple of years under the stewardship of Hourcade, the legendary front-rower has a mammoth challenge on his hands.

Two wins in 18 has seen Los Pumas plummet down the rankings while their June defeats to Wales and Scotland was symptomatic of a side low on confidence and seemingly unsure of their game plan.

Much was expected of the Argentines heading into the mid-year Tests, with the Jaguares enjoying a fine Super Rugby campaign, but those same players were unable to replicate that at international level. The franchise’s former coach, ex-hooker Ledesma, has therefore assumed command of the national team and they will look for a vast improvement on recent displays.

There are questions over the quality of their squad in comparison to the rest of the Rugby Championship teams but, if they can at least claim one win, it will be regarded as progress.

Last year: Following three successive years of claiming a victory in the tournament, Argentina went winless for the first time since 2013. It was arguably their most disappointing performance in the Rugby Championship having failed to get within 15 points of any opponent.

It looked ominous even before they had clashed with the best the southern hemisphere had to offer after suffering a 2-0 series defeat to a second-string England outfit in June. Although they were close in both Tests, the visitors played with more assurance and, in the big moments, often had the edge, leading to a frustrating month for Hourcade’s charges.

Matters failed to improve in August when they succumbed 37-15 to a relatively unconvincing South African side before they lost the reverse fixture 41-23. Los Pumas arguably produced their best display against New Zealand, ‘only’ going down by 17 points, but they followed that up with further defeats to Australia (twice) and the All Blacks.

This year: Argentina will certainly hope that they will be far more competitive this time around, but it very much depends on how much influence Mario Ledesma can have. The players will be used to his methods, having had a good Super Rugby season under his guidance, but you question whether their unique system can work.

Having the same squad at both franchise and international level breeds continuity but does it also hamper them when facing the top countries in the world? Playing for the national team often offers a release for individuals, providing them with a fresh approach away from the potential banality of club rugby, but the Argentinians do not get that.

Certainly, their intensity was lacking in the June series and supporters will hope the so far unsullied Ledesma can bring that passion back to Los Pumas. They will need it if the 2015 World Cup semi-finalists are to claim at least one victory in the Rugby Championship. South Africa probably offers them their best opportunity but the Springboks appear revitalised with Rassie Erasmus at the helm.

Ones to watch: It is hard to look beyond their captain Agustin Creevy and fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, who are crucial to their chances. While Pablo Matera – another key player – skippered the Jaguares during the recent Super Rugby campaign, the hooker has retained the armband for the national team.

Creevy may well be 33 but the front-rower is still playing at a high level and is powerful in both the loose and the tight. If he and Matera can use their athleticism to lay a platform then that will give Sanchez an opportunity to play on the front foot. The fly-half has been in fine form and will look to end his time in Argentina on a high note after signing for Top 14 outfit Stade Francais.

There are also some talented young players coming through and Marcos Kremer established himself as one of the best forwards in Super Rugby. Although his form tailed off slightly towards the end of the campaign, the lock or flanker should be a crucial component in the squad. Behind the scrum, Bautista Delguy transferred from Sevens at the start of the year and was arguably the Jags’ best back in the second half of the Super Rugby season.

Prediction: Ledesma’s appointment is a positive but it is difficult to see them getting the better of their opponents over the next two months. Being competitive would be a start and if they could potentially snatch a win it would represent an excellent return, but even that is doubtful. If they don’t finish bottom, it would be a huge surprise. Fourth.

Fixtures:

Saturday, August 18: vs South Africa (away)
Saturday, August 25: vs South Africa (home)
Saturday, September 8: vs New Zealand (away)
Saturday, September 15: vs Australia (away)
Saturday, September 29: vs New Zealand (home)
Saturday, October 6: vs Australia (home)

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All Blacks selector Grant Fox has confirmed that two-time World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett will wear the fly-half jersey against Australia.

Richie Mo’unga has put Barrett’s position under threat following a fine Super Rugby campaign for the Crusaders, but Fox says that the 24-year-old will have to wait for his chance.

“Beauden is the established 10 who has done nothing wrong in an All Blacks jersey, and we have done pretty well in the last little while with him steering the ship around,” he told RadioLIVE.

“Richie will get his opportunity – the only way for him to get the experience that Beauden has is to be given a run at some stage.”

Meanwhile, backs Sonny Bill Williams and Nehe Milner-Skudder have remained in New Zealand after the All Blacks squad was trimmed to 32.

Williams is unavailable with a shoulder injury while Milner-Skudder was seen as an unlikely starter for the first game of the 2018 Rugby Championship.

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Former England international Nick Easter has taken up a coaching role with the Sharks for the upcoming Currie Cup season, according to RugbyPass.

Easter confirmed his departure from Harlequins recently for ‘personal reasons’, where he had been defence coach since 2016, having retired with a record-breaking 281 appearances for the club prior to that.

The 39-year-old played in three World Cups for England, winning 54 caps.

Easter now looks to advance his coaching career abroad and emulate the likes of Joe Worsley, Ian Vass and Rory Teague.

The Sharks kick off their Currie Cup campaign with a clash against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park in Durban on August 25.

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Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia has rated the Bledisloe Cup as an even greater prize than the World Cup, describing it as rugby’s ‘pinnacle’.

The Wallabies face the All Blacks on Saturday in Sydney in the opening match of a trans-Tasman series, which doubles as the opening match of the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies have endured 16 long years without tasting Bledisloe series success and Genia, who has been a part of seven of those, is desperate to achieve what he believes is rugby’s greatest challenge.

“To me, I’d have to say it’s the pinnacle,” Genia told the Guardian.

“The World Cup is obviously up there, but how often do you get to play the best team in the world three times and have to win two out of three to win a trophy?

“I’ve been trying for a while now so I’m really looking forward to another crack.

“I haven’t won a World Cup so I’m not going to say it’s harder.

“But for me it’s the number one priority… it would make it incredibly special if we’re fortunate enough to do it.”

Michael Cheika’s men will take confidence from the fact that they won the last Bledisloe encounter between the sides, although it was a dead rubber, and Genia said they wanted to replicate that form.

“It’s just being relentless in the pressure you apply on them, with and without the ball, and bringing that physicality as well,” he said.

“That was a big trademark of our game when we played them last time in Brisbane (a 23-18 win).”

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