Romania overcame a stiff second half challenge from Chile to win 26-20. At one point the scores were poised at 21-20 in the US's favor. The USA were relegated from the main Junior World Cup and are keen to reclaim their place. Romania on the other hand have been very controlled and very powerful throughout. For sure the final will be one to savour.
Kenya will face Chile in the 3rd/4th place playoff prior to the final.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
JWRT - Kenya 67 Cayman Islands 0
Kenya have won their match against the Cayman Islands convincingly. Initial jitters led to a 22-0 half time score. More purpose in the second half saw us get the additional 45 points. We go to the top of the pool for a couple of hours as we await the scores of the Namibia vs. USA match. As a matter of record we need the US to win without a bonus point.. ouch!
UPDATE: USA have weathered a fierce second half onslaught from Namibia to win 29-24, getting the required bonus point to get them into the final. Kenya finish in second place and will now play in the 3rd/4th place playoff on Sunday.
UPDATE: USA have weathered a fierce second half onslaught from Namibia to win 29-24, getting the required bonus point to get them into the final. Kenya finish in second place and will now play in the 3rd/4th place playoff on Sunday.
JWRT - Match Day 3
As usual the previews are pretty well covered here. I will also not go too much into the mathematics as that is adequately covered elsewhere. The mere fact that we have a chance makes today that much more worth it. And whichever way the results go, we are assured of a bonanza of rugby on Sunday with all the playoff matches.
For Chipu (interesting how the name of the tournament mascot was adopted by the team), their win against the US kept the flame alive. That the US got two bonus points in that game nevertheless made it that much more difficult. And the pool is now wide open, with only Cayman Islands out of the running. Once more Chipu will rely on their game breakers Ken Isindu, Patrice Agunda and now Collins Omae. I don't know how the shift of Agunda to outside centre will affect the game, but he has more than proved himself capable as an astute midfielder. The game will be a good run around for them as they prepare for a possible appearance in the finals.
For the pundits there will be two other very good matches. The USA vs. Namibia clash promises to be an excellent game since both team know it is a winner take all scenario. It's difficult to call this one, but I felt the USA were committing too many men to the rucks and this could be decisive. Their ball is secure but it limits their play off the phases, forcing them to mainly kick for territory (or for goal, their fly half is devastating in those). Namibia on the other hand will have to sort out their forward play as well. That a tiny pack like Kenya contained them and even won their line-out ball should be a cause of worry for them.
The other interesting match will be the Chile vs. Romania clash to decide the finalist in that group. Both teams are fairly large with Romania favouring tight play amongst their forwards. Their fly half is a good tactician and alternates between kicks to space and running the backs. I thin they have more options. Chile on the other hand favour a loose running game in their forwards. Quite devastating when given room, but I doubt the Romanians will do that. All in all a very interesting day.. oh, for a Wednesday.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left and have a good day.
For Chipu (interesting how the name of the tournament mascot was adopted by the team), their win against the US kept the flame alive. That the US got two bonus points in that game nevertheless made it that much more difficult. And the pool is now wide open, with only Cayman Islands out of the running. Once more Chipu will rely on their game breakers Ken Isindu, Patrice Agunda and now Collins Omae. I don't know how the shift of Agunda to outside centre will affect the game, but he has more than proved himself capable as an astute midfielder. The game will be a good run around for them as they prepare for a possible appearance in the finals.
For the pundits there will be two other very good matches. The USA vs. Namibia clash promises to be an excellent game since both team know it is a winner take all scenario. It's difficult to call this one, but I felt the USA were committing too many men to the rucks and this could be decisive. Their ball is secure but it limits their play off the phases, forcing them to mainly kick for territory (or for goal, their fly half is devastating in those). Namibia on the other hand will have to sort out their forward play as well. That a tiny pack like Kenya contained them and even won their line-out ball should be a cause of worry for them.
The other interesting match will be the Chile vs. Romania clash to decide the finalist in that group. Both teams are fairly large with Romania favouring tight play amongst their forwards. Their fly half is a good tactician and alternates between kicks to space and running the backs. I thin they have more options. Chile on the other hand favour a loose running game in their forwards. Quite devastating when given room, but I doubt the Romanians will do that. All in all a very interesting day.. oh, for a Wednesday.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left and have a good day.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
JWRT - Kenya vs USA
Thanks, Just a Fan and your contributors. There is not much I can add to what you have already said, but I'll just add a few comments. I will always be the first to admit that I was wrong and in this one, I was indeed wrong.
The game breakers as expected were Isindu and Agunda. Isindu not too much on the tackling or offensive, but was very alert in the line-outs and in general play. Agunda took heavy punishment in the first twenty minutes, the yanks ran everything through his channel, and he stood firm. One more game breaker, the impeccable finishing of the new Collo (Omae). The penultimate try was a real gem and the crisp handling in the backs for the last one was a joy to watch.
My take, the boys are punching way above their weight. We are physically inferior to the sides we are facing, but we are winning line out ball (even opposition), turning over ruck ball and keeping our continuity. This in effect means we are able to play what we want, when we want, so long as we start off with the ball. We are extremely exposed when we don't have the ball, especially the two soft tries we let in... almost at walking pace. However, to me, so far, all I have seen is very encouraging, and I will tackle that next.
Coach Mitch Ocholla has actually built a team for a change. At the beginning of this year, I was querying the rationale of having a host of Under 21 tournaments. True to my word, I did not write a single line in this blog about those tournaments. I had then thought the coach had requested for them in order to help him with SELECTING his team for the event. Suffice to say, I think no one consulted him on his plans. His final squad contained 17 out of 26 of the players that travelled to Tunis last year for the qualifiers. Of the nine missing ones, I am made to understand some are under-age for the event (did we cheat last year?). And the team has been practically together all that time. That there are deficiencies in the team is plain to see, but by their play, it shows it is better to build than to SELECT. I hope the Senior XV Coach is taking note. His only shortcoming is in his initial SELECTION. That a 6' 1" centre is the tallest person in the team is telling and our inability to SELECT beyond our comfort zones is also telling. We must spread the net far and wide and we must select suitable players for the various positions.
We wish the lads well in their last match tomorrow and also pray to the Gods for a favorable outcome in the other matches. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
The game breakers as expected were Isindu and Agunda. Isindu not too much on the tackling or offensive, but was very alert in the line-outs and in general play. Agunda took heavy punishment in the first twenty minutes, the yanks ran everything through his channel, and he stood firm. One more game breaker, the impeccable finishing of the new Collo (Omae). The penultimate try was a real gem and the crisp handling in the backs for the last one was a joy to watch.
My take, the boys are punching way above their weight. We are physically inferior to the sides we are facing, but we are winning line out ball (even opposition), turning over ruck ball and keeping our continuity. This in effect means we are able to play what we want, when we want, so long as we start off with the ball. We are extremely exposed when we don't have the ball, especially the two soft tries we let in... almost at walking pace. However, to me, so far, all I have seen is very encouraging, and I will tackle that next.
Coach Mitch Ocholla has actually built a team for a change. At the beginning of this year, I was querying the rationale of having a host of Under 21 tournaments. True to my word, I did not write a single line in this blog about those tournaments. I had then thought the coach had requested for them in order to help him with SELECTING his team for the event. Suffice to say, I think no one consulted him on his plans. His final squad contained 17 out of 26 of the players that travelled to Tunis last year for the qualifiers. Of the nine missing ones, I am made to understand some are under-age for the event (did we cheat last year?). And the team has been practically together all that time. That there are deficiencies in the team is plain to see, but by their play, it shows it is better to build than to SELECT. I hope the Senior XV Coach is taking note. His only shortcoming is in his initial SELECTION. That a 6' 1" centre is the tallest person in the team is telling and our inability to SELECT beyond our comfort zones is also telling. We must spread the net far and wide and we must select suitable players for the various positions.
We wish the lads well in their last match tomorrow and also pray to the Gods for a favorable outcome in the other matches. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
Monday, April 27, 2009
My unqualified assessment.
Kenya U-20
Scrum
10/10 the improvement from the game against Namibia was clear to all. We won practically all our scum’s and even managed to steal an American put in. Our scrum was solid and presented perfect balls to the scrum half. We were much smaller in size but boy didn’t we hold out our own in the scrums. That was pure genius from the technical bench. Hats off for the technical bench.
Lineout’s
8/10 although we retained most of our throw ins, most seemed lucky and not by design. We lost high pressure throws where there was a lot at stake. After kicking for good touch in the American 22, we then lost our own throws. Our hooker was more comfortable with short and medium length throws and hit his jumper cleanly, but had a messy long throw. More drills and variation required. I.e. progression of lineout’s into mauls.
Rucks,
4/10 we lost a lot of our own ball, although the ref’s decisions sometimes appeared to go against us our overall ball retention was pathetic. The few instances where quick clean balls were presented to the backs they looked dangerous i.e in the second half of the game. We only turned over two or three American rucks whist they turned our ball freely. When we contested the ruck we did not stay on our feet and were penalized.
Passing,
5/10 though generally perfect, the low score is on account of one player - Our scrum half. His passing in both games has been pathetic. He placed our fly half under immense pressure. Many a times he missed him completely, passed too high or too low, such that he took time to bring the ball into control and the defense were quickly on him to reduce his options. This has been the weak link in both our games. His kicks from the base of the scrum/ rucks and mauls went straight into Namibian/American hands for counter attacks.
Kickoffs,
0/10 pathetic, it is unacceptable in 15 aside rugby to lose 90% of balls kicked into you at restarts. Three or two players went for the ball without coordination, resulting into fumbles and knock ons. The American coach is responsible for their loss for failing to utilize the high ball against us. Our players have been scared of high ball and do not attempt to take them and when forced to, knock ons are guaranteed. We did not lift jumpers to take kickoffs or secure the jumper when they came down with the ball.
Defense,
1/10 all tries against us have been as a result of missed tackles or not defending as a line. There are only two or three strong tacklers in the team. Among them being our open side flanker and first centre. Without the two we would have soaked in numerous tries. It’s a wonder how we beat America and how we lost by low scores against Namibia. The boys have to be taken through tackling drills like crazy. We also did not contest for the ball after the tackle. The tacklers did not get to their feet quickly to effect turnovers.
Attack,
Pack, 1/10 all gains by mauling against Namibia disappeared against America. The pack run in individually without support and received big hits that hurt from the terraces. They set a very poor platform for attack. They also lacked conviction in their runs except to the open side flanker or where there were breakdowns and opportunities for loose play.
Line, 8/10 the line mesmerized when the ball was flowed at pace, the Americans could not handle the pace of Collo, he was a revelation, so to was Agunda. The quins factory has happened on two brilliant players.
Positioning,
4/10 the fullback was woeful against Namibia and put up a better show against America although rarely put under pressure. The wingers in both games have been very poor in covering the pitch and weak attempts for touch troubled them due to their positioning.
Tactics
0/10 the high kicking by the fly half and scum half for most of the game was a tactical blunder. All they achieved was gifting procession to the Americans who launched counter attacks that resulted in tries. I wonder whether the decision to run the ball with 15 minutes left was made by the players or from instruction from the bench.
Technical bench
8/10 Poor tactics and late reading of the game brought down my score.
Otherwise. Yes we can.
Scrum
10/10 the improvement from the game against Namibia was clear to all. We won practically all our scum’s and even managed to steal an American put in. Our scrum was solid and presented perfect balls to the scrum half. We were much smaller in size but boy didn’t we hold out our own in the scrums. That was pure genius from the technical bench. Hats off for the technical bench.
Lineout’s
8/10 although we retained most of our throw ins, most seemed lucky and not by design. We lost high pressure throws where there was a lot at stake. After kicking for good touch in the American 22, we then lost our own throws. Our hooker was more comfortable with short and medium length throws and hit his jumper cleanly, but had a messy long throw. More drills and variation required. I.e. progression of lineout’s into mauls.
Rucks,
4/10 we lost a lot of our own ball, although the ref’s decisions sometimes appeared to go against us our overall ball retention was pathetic. The few instances where quick clean balls were presented to the backs they looked dangerous i.e in the second half of the game. We only turned over two or three American rucks whist they turned our ball freely. When we contested the ruck we did not stay on our feet and were penalized.
Passing,
5/10 though generally perfect, the low score is on account of one player - Our scrum half. His passing in both games has been pathetic. He placed our fly half under immense pressure. Many a times he missed him completely, passed too high or too low, such that he took time to bring the ball into control and the defense were quickly on him to reduce his options. This has been the weak link in both our games. His kicks from the base of the scrum/ rucks and mauls went straight into Namibian/American hands for counter attacks.
Kickoffs,
0/10 pathetic, it is unacceptable in 15 aside rugby to lose 90% of balls kicked into you at restarts. Three or two players went for the ball without coordination, resulting into fumbles and knock ons. The American coach is responsible for their loss for failing to utilize the high ball against us. Our players have been scared of high ball and do not attempt to take them and when forced to, knock ons are guaranteed. We did not lift jumpers to take kickoffs or secure the jumper when they came down with the ball.
Defense,
1/10 all tries against us have been as a result of missed tackles or not defending as a line. There are only two or three strong tacklers in the team. Among them being our open side flanker and first centre. Without the two we would have soaked in numerous tries. It’s a wonder how we beat America and how we lost by low scores against Namibia. The boys have to be taken through tackling drills like crazy. We also did not contest for the ball after the tackle. The tacklers did not get to their feet quickly to effect turnovers.
Attack,
Pack, 1/10 all gains by mauling against Namibia disappeared against America. The pack run in individually without support and received big hits that hurt from the terraces. They set a very poor platform for attack. They also lacked conviction in their runs except to the open side flanker or where there were breakdowns and opportunities for loose play.
Line, 8/10 the line mesmerized when the ball was flowed at pace, the Americans could not handle the pace of Collo, he was a revelation, so to was Agunda. The quins factory has happened on two brilliant players.
Positioning,
4/10 the fullback was woeful against Namibia and put up a better show against America although rarely put under pressure. The wingers in both games have been very poor in covering the pitch and weak attempts for touch troubled them due to their positioning.
Tactics
0/10 the high kicking by the fly half and scum half for most of the game was a tactical blunder. All they achieved was gifting procession to the Americans who launched counter attacks that resulted in tries. I wonder whether the decision to run the ball with 15 minutes left was made by the players or from instruction from the bench.
Technical bench
8/10 Poor tactics and late reading of the game brought down my score.
Otherwise. Yes we can.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
When Did the Colour of My Eyes Change?
My eyes were once blue and and startlingly blue they were. Though my skin was dark and my hair darker still, they stood out even more and I liked the way they looked. People looked at me funny, but those who took the time could see in them, the future that lay ahead.
I really can't tell, I really don't know, but somehow my eyes played a role in my fortunes. Looking into them, and looking out through them, it seemed like no wrong could I do! I couldn't take a false step, nor utter a false word. All my moves were guile as poetry and hence they called me the "Blue Eyed Boy"!
The powers that be, and those who mattered, recognised this in me. And any chance they got, they showed their gratitude. I got jobs and I got appointments. I got tenders and I got contracts. And in return, I covered their backs. When I heard ill spoken of them, I spoke up against it. When I saw evil in their name, I quickly covered it up, so no one else could see. And when I smelt mischief was afoot, I quickly moved in to neutralise it. After all, I was the "Blue Eyed Boy".
It was easy, and it was nice and sure enough I enjoyed my time. Standing back to back, we had each other. No one could come in between us. Ours was one to last and through my eyes, this I saw clearly. Our lives were set and we would be forever, for joint at the hip, people said we were. The future was bright and I could see it, for indeed I was the "Blue Eyed Boy".
One day my allies that were, were put to task. And suddenly, justify they had, and explain as well. After all it was not, a family affair and others existed who had to know. Had to know why it was, and how it was, that the colour of the eyes determined who it was! And determine they did, accept they had to, that there really was more than, one "Blue Eyed Boy".
What then mattered was not which boy, but suddenly it mattered, whose boy it was, that was wearing, the "Blue Eyed Contacts". And all of a sudden I was made to realise, that I no longer was, that "Blue Eyed Boy".
This post is dedicated to those defenders of the throne. Just because we say what you don't want to hear, doesn't mean it should not be said. We have been clear. We will say what you don't want to hear and keep saying it again and again. Coming here sporadically do "defend" your masters and then not answering our direct queries does not do well for you. And coming here at all is also your prerogative. If you don't like what we say, just keep away. And if you must "defend" your masters, then also answer our direct queries. And a friendly warning.. you will not always be the "Blue Eyed Boy/Girl".
Saturday, April 25, 2009
JWRT Results
Korea 14 Romania 65 Chile 50 Papua New Guinea 22 Cayman Islands 7 Namibia 104 Kenya 33 USA 32.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Junior World Rugby Trophy - Match Day 2
Match day two is tomorrow 24th April, 2009. Match times have been revised and you can find the details here. There is also a live link somewhere on that page and you can watch the matches live. The Kenyan Juniors "Chipu" will play the United States team at 4.30 p.m. I was not able to watch the Junior Eagles on Saturday, but their win against the Cayman Islands was pretty convincing. Means we have a very high hill to climb. Despite dominating most play against Namibia, we failed to put the final nail in the coffin and the game ran away from us.
I expect the USA to be more physical and definitely more structured than Namibia. Coach Mitch Ocholla for Chipu is using a good game plan. Quick ruck ball and moving the ball wide. If our nerves settle earlier than they did on Tuesday, we should be able to run away with more tries. Our defence was patient and gave away very few tries. However, defence always carries a fatigue element and I don't know how well we recover. I also do not feel captain Eric Kioko is carrying the load expected of him on the park. Back row player Isindu was outstanding in defence and offence and so was center Patrick Agunda. This will be the pillars the team will revolve around.
We wish them well and will sing ourselves hoarse, being a Saturday and all. See you at the games. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
I expect the USA to be more physical and definitely more structured than Namibia. Coach Mitch Ocholla for Chipu is using a good game plan. Quick ruck ball and moving the ball wide. If our nerves settle earlier than they did on Tuesday, we should be able to run away with more tries. Our defence was patient and gave away very few tries. However, defence always carries a fatigue element and I don't know how well we recover. I also do not feel captain Eric Kioko is carrying the load expected of him on the park. Back row player Isindu was outstanding in defence and offence and so was center Patrick Agunda. This will be the pillars the team will revolve around.
We wish them well and will sing ourselves hoarse, being a Saturday and all. See you at the games. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
Weekly Ramble
Just what is our obsession with the RFUEA grounds? I know it's our home, and we feel we belong there, and anywhere else we go we will have to pay for the facilities ad infinitum. But it is surely stifling our growth and our ability to host major events. The recent weeks have seen bigger and bigger crowds turn up to watch rugby. The Bamburi Rugby Super Series final was an eye opener. That so many people can turn up just to watch rugby was amazing. Most did not even know the teams playing. Suffice to know they knew it was a final and the team called Cubs or something won. The after party also went on long into the night.
The reverse side was the stretch we saw in terms of facilities and ground management. The gates were woefully inadequate. That everyone waits for the last minute to appear at the grounds is not peculiar to rugby, or Kenyans. People tend to want to spend as little time in the stadium for a variety of reasons and will try to catch the kick off of the main match. With ten minutes to half time, there were long queues outside the grounds. The traffic I will not even mention.. Maybe adequate information was not sent out as to change of kick off times, but once the crowd appears, they must be managed appropriately. This did not happen and we are basically limited by the number of entries to the ground. That tickets ran out was just a sign of cost cutting and poor planning and monitoring of the situation. And once inside the grounds, the next problems arise. Nowhere to sit, no drinks to buy and nowhere to answer a call of nature. How frustrating it must have been especially for those who came with children. That the food vendors were also stretched meant you spent more time waiting for food than actually eating it and missed the game whilst at it. No wonder so many people were in a hurry to leave the grounds. And then the planned concert failed to take off, despite Jua Kali, Major and Toxic Dancers being spotted at the venue. I wonder why?
The buzzword in Kenya and world wide right now is business process outsourcing. It is supposed to reduce your costs, your overheads and your obligations. I will throw in another one here. Facility sharing. This serves a similar purpose and results in enjoyment of the game and the available facilities for all. Any memorable event remains in the minds of the attendees and ensures they remain your loyal customers, because that is what they are!
Now with the Junior World Rugby Trophy here for two weeks, we're seeing more of the same. Half the stands blocked off (and I fully understand after a fight broke out and the crowd joined in it last weekend!), no working toilets on the grounds, no running water and 8 teams from all over the world... The limitations of the grounds greatly hamper movement of people and security for everyone, players especially. Why don't we make our work and our lives easier? I finish with my opening line. Just what is our obsession with the RFUEA grounds?
The reverse side was the stretch we saw in terms of facilities and ground management. The gates were woefully inadequate. That everyone waits for the last minute to appear at the grounds is not peculiar to rugby, or Kenyans. People tend to want to spend as little time in the stadium for a variety of reasons and will try to catch the kick off of the main match. With ten minutes to half time, there were long queues outside the grounds. The traffic I will not even mention.. Maybe adequate information was not sent out as to change of kick off times, but once the crowd appears, they must be managed appropriately. This did not happen and we are basically limited by the number of entries to the ground. That tickets ran out was just a sign of cost cutting and poor planning and monitoring of the situation. And once inside the grounds, the next problems arise. Nowhere to sit, no drinks to buy and nowhere to answer a call of nature. How frustrating it must have been especially for those who came with children. That the food vendors were also stretched meant you spent more time waiting for food than actually eating it and missed the game whilst at it. No wonder so many people were in a hurry to leave the grounds. And then the planned concert failed to take off, despite Jua Kali, Major and Toxic Dancers being spotted at the venue. I wonder why?
The buzzword in Kenya and world wide right now is business process outsourcing. It is supposed to reduce your costs, your overheads and your obligations. I will throw in another one here. Facility sharing. This serves a similar purpose and results in enjoyment of the game and the available facilities for all. Any memorable event remains in the minds of the attendees and ensures they remain your loyal customers, because that is what they are!
Now with the Junior World Rugby Trophy here for two weeks, we're seeing more of the same. Half the stands blocked off (and I fully understand after a fight broke out and the crowd joined in it last weekend!), no working toilets on the grounds, no running water and 8 teams from all over the world... The limitations of the grounds greatly hamper movement of people and security for everyone, players especially. Why don't we make our work and our lives easier? I finish with my opening line. Just what is our obsession with the RFUEA grounds?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
JWRT - Kenya 17 Namibia 22
It took practically a last minute try for Namibia to deny us this win. The boys played with heart and passion. The Namibia pack was much bigger, much taller, much heavier and much more mobile than ours. But our boys held their own in the scrums, won some Namibia line out, and showed them what open running rugby is about. A slight downpour towards the end of the game was our saviour on several occasions only to end up being our undoing and giving Namibia 7 points they did not actually work to get, after denying them when they tried to build up play.
All in all a very good and gratifying game by the Kenya juniors. They were fitter and adequately structured on the day, a result of playing together consistently. We wish them well in their next game on Saturday against the USA.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
All in all a very good and gratifying game by the Kenya juniors. They were fitter and adequately structured on the day, a result of playing together consistently. We wish them well in their next game on Saturday against the USA.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
JWRT Results
Romania 50 Papua New Guinea 17 Chile 49 Korea 21 USA 64 Cayman Islands 15 Namibia 22 Kenya 17.
The Junior World Rugby Trophy - Nairobi April 2009
This event kicks off today. Details and Match Day 1 wrap up here. Kenya are in this tournament only by virtue of being the tournament hosts. We failed to qualify in the Africa round of the qualifiers last year, Namibia emerging the champions. Poetic justice or otherwise, they will be our first game from 4.15 p.m. today at the RFUEA grounds.
I'd like to support what I've been seeing in the media, that this is the most prepared team we have. However, just what does preparation involve? I get the distinct feeling that the coach is not being allowed to run his own programme and there is a puppeteer in place, pulling the strings from a distance, without taking ultimate responsibility for the team. And that does not bode well for the team. The management of the team decided to enter the team in the Chairman's cup competition. This is the second tier competition for players that do not make the Super Series teams. They played in the pool stages and did not play to the finals, despite winning all their matches, by huge margins. Was this good for them? Playing against meek opposition does not really help them much. They work on their offence against disorganised defences and don't get a chance to work on their defence. A window of opportunity opened when the Twigas of Tanzania withdrew and to me it would have made more sense to include "Chipu" as opposed to the Scorpions side. They would have been more competitive and more importantly, they would have gotten opposition close to what they could expect in the JWRT. The arrival of the teams for the event have given an inkling to what to expect, just going by the sheer size of the players, and to me it looks like someone did not do their homework. Part of preparation for competition is sizing up the opposition. We did not bother to do this. And ultimately, it will show.
To borrow from Ruggerbug's post, this tournament will be gauge by which we can measure our development, in terms of where we are, and how structured we are. Just the fact that we do not have a talent identification and nurturing programme means we will never get the best players to where we want them. The fact that we have a highly partisan coach with a partisan puppeteer means we will never even select the best out of the available players. I asked last year before the qualifiers, where are the upcountry players? The huge players we hear of in Western Province and Nyanza? Why are the bulk of the players from only two teams? And why is the management unwilling to get external assistance?
All in all, we wish the team well in their excursions and are still behind them, all the way.
Keep it here for breaking scores and results of all the matches.
I'd like to support what I've been seeing in the media, that this is the most prepared team we have. However, just what does preparation involve? I get the distinct feeling that the coach is not being allowed to run his own programme and there is a puppeteer in place, pulling the strings from a distance, without taking ultimate responsibility for the team. And that does not bode well for the team. The management of the team decided to enter the team in the Chairman's cup competition. This is the second tier competition for players that do not make the Super Series teams. They played in the pool stages and did not play to the finals, despite winning all their matches, by huge margins. Was this good for them? Playing against meek opposition does not really help them much. They work on their offence against disorganised defences and don't get a chance to work on their defence. A window of opportunity opened when the Twigas of Tanzania withdrew and to me it would have made more sense to include "Chipu" as opposed to the Scorpions side. They would have been more competitive and more importantly, they would have gotten opposition close to what they could expect in the JWRT. The arrival of the teams for the event have given an inkling to what to expect, just going by the sheer size of the players, and to me it looks like someone did not do their homework. Part of preparation for competition is sizing up the opposition. We did not bother to do this. And ultimately, it will show.
To borrow from Ruggerbug's post, this tournament will be gauge by which we can measure our development, in terms of where we are, and how structured we are. Just the fact that we do not have a talent identification and nurturing programme means we will never get the best players to where we want them. The fact that we have a highly partisan coach with a partisan puppeteer means we will never even select the best out of the available players. I asked last year before the qualifiers, where are the upcountry players? The huge players we hear of in Western Province and Nyanza? Why are the bulk of the players from only two teams? And why is the management unwilling to get external assistance?
All in all, we wish the team well in their excursions and are still behind them, all the way.
Keep it here for breaking scores and results of all the matches.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Finals
Excellent game by most standards. It started off slowly but quickly picked up. Maybe the exchange of blows just before half time stirred the blood but the second half was well worth the effort. The threat of a downpour did not deter the crowd and a super crowd turned up. The beauty of such a crowd is that they are not partisan and just enjoy a good game.
The Rhinos started off slowly and with the Buffaloes scoring at drop goal within the first two minutes, and from range, it looked like the Rhinos were choking again. They allowed Buffaloes to dictate the pace of this game for about half an hour and only came in strongly towards the end of the half. The second half saw them come in with more purpose, more determination and more control and the Buffaloes just had no answer to this. The points just kept piling and their frustration kept growing. I think this time the technical team read the game well and responded appropriately by sending the right messages and making the correct changes. And once more Buffaloes paid the price of being overrated, overconfident and under performing.
The 3rd/4th playoff was also an extremely thrilling affair. The lead kept changing hands and play ended with the Sharks in possession and the hooter gone. Any score would have changed the whole scenario. I think the Ugandans have worked hard and actually deserve whatever rankings they have. It's just us who think we are better without actually doing the hard work.
Once more the matches were live on SuperSport, a major feat and from what I hear, the word is spreading fast that there is quality rugby outside of South Africa.
The Rhinos started off slowly and with the Buffaloes scoring at drop goal within the first two minutes, and from range, it looked like the Rhinos were choking again. They allowed Buffaloes to dictate the pace of this game for about half an hour and only came in strongly towards the end of the half. The second half saw them come in with more purpose, more determination and more control and the Buffaloes just had no answer to this. The points just kept piling and their frustration kept growing. I think this time the technical team read the game well and responded appropriately by sending the right messages and making the correct changes. And once more Buffaloes paid the price of being overrated, overconfident and under performing.
The 3rd/4th playoff was also an extremely thrilling affair. The lead kept changing hands and play ended with the Sharks in possession and the hooter gone. Any score would have changed the whole scenario. I think the Ugandans have worked hard and actually deserve whatever rankings they have. It's just us who think we are better without actually doing the hard work.
Once more the matches were live on SuperSport, a major feat and from what I hear, the word is spreading fast that there is quality rugby outside of South Africa.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Rhinos It Is
A splendid and controlled second half second half performance saw the rhinos overcome initial jitters to win 35 13. Rwenzori won the 3rd place playoff 22 19.
The Balloon That is Rugby in Kenya
I just thought I'd get this out of the way before DataMiner starts hogging the space on Monday. From no rugby activity a few weeks ago we are about to become overwhelmed. As part of our brief on this blog, it is our responsibility to write what others don't want to hear. And hence the title of my post.
We are all euphoric at the moment, and the whole country believes that Kenyan Rugby is on an historic high. We are on top of the world and no one can touch us. And the belief is that we can only get better. The success of the 7's team can only pull up the rest of Kenyan Rugby and so, we are on the verge of greatness. I beg to differ. The success of the sevens team is just that, the success of the 7's team. Let no one try to ride on it. And even that is not forever. But we will talk about that another day.
Just what has the KRFU done to ensure that all of Kenya Rugby is at par? Are we really at the same levels? Are fitness levels at par across the board? Can we pick a player from a club, throw him into the Sevens team and expect him to fit in? Can we say all of Kenyan Rugby knows what it takes to be world beaters? A not so informed editor mentioned in the papers this week that perhaps the Under 20 team needs to play a friendly match against the 7's team to help bring them up to scratch! From a layman's point of view, but a valid point all the same. We need to share this "secret of success" throughout all of rugby. Otherwise we would have failed and will quickly regress. But who am I to say "WE".
This week the Junior World Rugby Trophy will begin. Expectations by the public and apparently by our team are extremely high. The team is highly motivated and "well prepared", whatever that means. I believe preparation is always relative and just reading from www.irb.com/jwrt and seeing the calibre of players we expect.. well I'll not go there. Mine today is just to sound an alert that the balloon that is Kenya Rugby is about to deflate. I will not call it a bubble, because a bubble bursts and gets destroyed. However, you can deflate a balloon, fill it up, and yes, even repair it and it continues to fly/float. It is not of anyone's doing, but it is just the reality that Rugby in Kenya still has a long, long, way to go.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Finals
Well, five weekends of high octane, abrasive and exciting rugby culminate in the 3rd/4th place playoffs and the finals tomorrow. Matches are poised to commence at 1.30 p.m. with the Nguvu Sharks taking on Rwenzori from Uganda. The finals will pit the KEBS Rhinos against the Buffaloes.
True to form this tournament has lived up to its reputation of being tough, challenging and unpredictable. In the past when only four teams took part, until the penultimate weekend, any of the four teams could have been in the final. And this year was no different. Teams missed out on qualifying for the semis by a whisker and the semis themselves did not go according to the bookmakers' expectations. However, we have the best two teams in the final and it will definitely be a game worth the money.
Rwenzori had a lot of expectations of themselves in this tournament. Despite not having all their players, a claim any of the other franchises can make, they still felt they were better than any of the Kenyan teams since they were the stronger of only two sides. What they lacked was the experience playing in such a tournament. With their abrupt (to them) departure from the main part of the tournament, I do not expect them to travel with a full strength side and will be token opposition for the Sharks. The Sharks on the other hand will enjoy their game. Without the burden/pressure of trying to get to a final with such a young and relatively inexperienced side, they will now play the free flowing rugby that characterises such sides. And I expect them to win this one by 10 points or more.
The finals is another kettle of fish. The deciding factor in the game could be if the Rhinos decide to use their 7's stars. This is actually a double edged sword and these players could either win the game for them, or lose it entirely. Myself being a firm believer in systems and structures, they should have built this over the last four weekends and changing key components in this structure at this stage could prove detrimental (any sense of deja vu here?). Both teams are fairly evenly balanced. They both have good ball carriers and play a similar game. The game breaker here could be Vincent Mose at full back for Buffaloes. He has changed virtually every game he has played in this event. I expect an extreme battle at the breakdown, both teams having more than capable backrow players. The difference will be in two places. In the backs and in the goal kicking. And this makes it a very difficult game to call. I expect a high scoring game, with end to end action. I'll call it Rhinos by 5 points, purely based on their level of experience in this tournament.
Do have a lovely rugby weekend. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left before it closes.
True to form this tournament has lived up to its reputation of being tough, challenging and unpredictable. In the past when only four teams took part, until the penultimate weekend, any of the four teams could have been in the final. And this year was no different. Teams missed out on qualifying for the semis by a whisker and the semis themselves did not go according to the bookmakers' expectations. However, we have the best two teams in the final and it will definitely be a game worth the money.
Rwenzori had a lot of expectations of themselves in this tournament. Despite not having all their players, a claim any of the other franchises can make, they still felt they were better than any of the Kenyan teams since they were the stronger of only two sides. What they lacked was the experience playing in such a tournament. With their abrupt (to them) departure from the main part of the tournament, I do not expect them to travel with a full strength side and will be token opposition for the Sharks. The Sharks on the other hand will enjoy their game. Without the burden/pressure of trying to get to a final with such a young and relatively inexperienced side, they will now play the free flowing rugby that characterises such sides. And I expect them to win this one by 10 points or more.
The finals is another kettle of fish. The deciding factor in the game could be if the Rhinos decide to use their 7's stars. This is actually a double edged sword and these players could either win the game for them, or lose it entirely. Myself being a firm believer in systems and structures, they should have built this over the last four weekends and changing key components in this structure at this stage could prove detrimental (any sense of deja vu here?). Both teams are fairly evenly balanced. They both have good ball carriers and play a similar game. The game breaker here could be Vincent Mose at full back for Buffaloes. He has changed virtually every game he has played in this event. I expect an extreme battle at the breakdown, both teams having more than capable backrow players. The difference will be in two places. In the backs and in the goal kicking. And this makes it a very difficult game to call. I expect a high scoring game, with end to end action. I'll call it Rhinos by 5 points, purely based on their level of experience in this tournament.
Do have a lovely rugby weekend. Please take time to vote in our poll on the left before it closes.
Kenya Rugby : A Whole Bouquet
The last few weeks haven't been easy on me. First I caught the flu while Kenya Rugby 7's were in Adelaide doing fantastic stuff on the pitch. I salute those boys as they sure made me and my mama feel proud. (I must thank my mama for nursing me throughout that difficult period. My clan in Keroka must have something to do with it through juju or voodoo. She has been wonderfully patient with me despite my stubbornness at times.)
Ayimba and your crew you have done well taking us to an IRB final. Now we want an okombe. No other team sport in Kenya can boast of having given so much success as your Kenya Rugby 7's have. My take on your squad is as follows: All played their hearts out and deservedly got the team to the final.
Even those on the bench like Kopo (whom I still believe you have underutilised as a strong power forward in your team and deserves to be a starter or at least give him more game time. He is truly awesome as a player and when he explodes he will carry the Kenyan flag higher. I think he will captain Kenya 7's after Khayange).
The other player who stepped up his game was Namcos. Hong Kong and Adelaide were simply a revelation. Dubai was a distant memory. The New Zealand All Blacks and the commentators will not forget him in a hurry. The Khayange-Injera express simply continues to motor in full steam.
Back to local rugby, I missed the Sharks putting away the Rhinos in what must have been an extremely good game. I was paying the price of being nursed at some weird but posh wedding. (I knew there was a catch). Then Easter found me in Naivasha but that was after the Sharks had lost narrowly to the Buffaloes in the semis. Well done Sharks, you have truly come of age. (I should have remained in Nairobi as I got stung by a bee in Naivasha. My mama this time cried with me.)
This weekend will be the Bamburi finals and I am trying to fnish assignments, read for CATS in Electric Circuit Theory ll, Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Theories. This is hard as my mind is actually on the rugby ahead. Sharks play Ruwenzori. I hope Kopo will play (I'm biased in his favour as Machine will then be in fully). Sharks should win that one as I don't know if the Ugandans can do 2 successive road games with ease.
The final (where we deservedly should have been) will be Rhinos versus Buffaloes. Either or the final result doesn't really matter to me but a Buffaloes win would pleasantly upset the apple cart and make many of us smile. All in all it will be a good rugby weekend.
The Junior World Rugby Trophy kicks of next week. I hope it will not turn out to be an anti-climax after the Bamburi Rugby. The weekday games are a bother as some of us will be busy with labs. I haven't seen much publicity but I hope the spark will be there.
Safe bet will be to watch the Kenya games and I do hope they will be inspired by the Kenya 7's performance. Our track record in these type or kinda tournaments doesn't say much. Anyway good luck to the Kenya JWRT team. I think you will need plenty of it. Though remember you are not Kenya 7's so the same adulation may not be there.
Let me head back to class as the academic burden denies one the opportunity to exhale and say TGIF.
See you in the stands tomorrow.
Ayimba and your crew you have done well taking us to an IRB final. Now we want an okombe. No other team sport in Kenya can boast of having given so much success as your Kenya Rugby 7's have. My take on your squad is as follows: All played their hearts out and deservedly got the team to the final.
Even those on the bench like Kopo (whom I still believe you have underutilised as a strong power forward in your team and deserves to be a starter or at least give him more game time. He is truly awesome as a player and when he explodes he will carry the Kenyan flag higher. I think he will captain Kenya 7's after Khayange).
The other player who stepped up his game was Namcos. Hong Kong and Adelaide were simply a revelation. Dubai was a distant memory. The New Zealand All Blacks and the commentators will not forget him in a hurry. The Khayange-Injera express simply continues to motor in full steam.
Back to local rugby, I missed the Sharks putting away the Rhinos in what must have been an extremely good game. I was paying the price of being nursed at some weird but posh wedding. (I knew there was a catch). Then Easter found me in Naivasha but that was after the Sharks had lost narrowly to the Buffaloes in the semis. Well done Sharks, you have truly come of age. (I should have remained in Nairobi as I got stung by a bee in Naivasha. My mama this time cried with me.)
This weekend will be the Bamburi finals and I am trying to fnish assignments, read for CATS in Electric Circuit Theory ll, Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Theories. This is hard as my mind is actually on the rugby ahead. Sharks play Ruwenzori. I hope Kopo will play (I'm biased in his favour as Machine will then be in fully). Sharks should win that one as I don't know if the Ugandans can do 2 successive road games with ease.
The final (where we deservedly should have been) will be Rhinos versus Buffaloes. Either or the final result doesn't really matter to me but a Buffaloes win would pleasantly upset the apple cart and make many of us smile. All in all it will be a good rugby weekend.
The Junior World Rugby Trophy kicks of next week. I hope it will not turn out to be an anti-climax after the Bamburi Rugby. The weekday games are a bother as some of us will be busy with labs. I haven't seen much publicity but I hope the spark will be there.
Safe bet will be to watch the Kenya games and I do hope they will be inspired by the Kenya 7's performance. Our track record in these type or kinda tournaments doesn't say much. Anyway good luck to the Kenya JWRT team. I think you will need plenty of it. Though remember you are not Kenya 7's so the same adulation may not be there.
Let me head back to class as the academic burden denies one the opportunity to exhale and say TGIF.
See you in the stands tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Weekly Ramble
On this week before the start of the Junior World Rugby Trophy, I will shift my focus slightly and revisit on of my old rambles. It is not in anyone's doubt that the JWRT is the biggest rugby event to be held in Kenya. It is bigger than the Elgon Cup and yes, bigger than the Safari Sevens. Given, we will not see the same crowds that grace the mentioned events but that is not entirely the fault of the event. The fact that it has not been advertised at all much means there is not much public attention to it. The spread of the games over two weeks also means we expect crowds only over the weekends and again, maybe not very large ones. And if Kenya does not get to the final, I'm not sure how many true rugby connoisseurs we have in the country who will go to watch purely due to the rugby spectacle. No passion, no euphoria and no Arigi in the stands! But I digress as usual. Mine today is about legacy.
For a major event to have an impact on the host, it is imperative that it leave behind a legacy. The 4th All Africa Games held in Nairobi left a huge legacy. The Moi International Sports Complex, the Nyayo (now Coca Cola) National Stadium, the City Park Hockey Stadium and a few others are all permanent structures that were built and left behind for Kenyans to enjoy. Twenty plus years later, the facilities are still in useable condition and a great asset to Sports in Kenya. I don't recall any other major event to take place in Kenya and my spheres of knowledge are limited so I will leave it there. However, one more point, when Mali hosted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, they built 4 new stadia just for the event. These were world class stadia and were built in the universities, spread over the country. That ensured that there were world class facilities, within reach of the "most active sports persons", all around the country. I will not even mention what the Olympics did to Beijing. Maybe that is reason enough to host a major world event.
Closer to home, rugby. The Safari Sevens. Fourteen years down the line, what legacy has it left behind? The easiest measure of legacy is infrastructure development. Sadly, I do not see much. In the first year there was an extension of the club house to create a gym/changing room/physio room, that is only used during the Safari Sevens. Since then, nothing to date, despite increased sponsorship and revenues from gate takings. An aerial picture I once saw of the RFUEA grounds taken in the 1950's shows the ground exactly as it is today! Nothing has changed. The stands are same and in fact one end of the "russia" stand, seating area was removed/replaced with flat grass to accommodate more hospitality tents during the Safari Sevens. The argument could be the amount of money paid for the tents, but to me increased seating space also means increased gate revenue, classic chicken and egg? So then, what legacy will the JWRT leave behind?
In the bureaucratic structures that now bedevil all rugby activity, ensuring that the "increased" revenue is aptly consumed without considering the "cash cows" as some commentators call them, there exists a Legacy Manager in the JWRT local organising committee. I presume his/her job is to ensure that the event does indeed leave a legacy. And I wonder what legacy? The playing surface of the RFUEA ground was to be improved, it did not look like it has been to me. However, the Impala Club playing surface has been improved! Good? For who? The gym/changing room/physio room has been converted into changing rooms and showers. Good? Again for who? The club house is undergoing major renovations. Good? Again for who? And I really wonder what legacy the event will leave for Rugby in Kenya as a whole, not just a select few. That much of the "legacy amount" has been channelled to promoting rugby in primary schools my be good. But again for who? Just what does promotion involve? Improved playing surfaces? Increased playing equipment? Improved/increased coaching?
I may be talking from a position of ignorance so maybe I need some enlightenment. But in the end a legacy should be plain for all to see, and I wait to see.
For a major event to have an impact on the host, it is imperative that it leave behind a legacy. The 4th All Africa Games held in Nairobi left a huge legacy. The Moi International Sports Complex, the Nyayo (now Coca Cola) National Stadium, the City Park Hockey Stadium and a few others are all permanent structures that were built and left behind for Kenyans to enjoy. Twenty plus years later, the facilities are still in useable condition and a great asset to Sports in Kenya. I don't recall any other major event to take place in Kenya and my spheres of knowledge are limited so I will leave it there. However, one more point, when Mali hosted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, they built 4 new stadia just for the event. These were world class stadia and were built in the universities, spread over the country. That ensured that there were world class facilities, within reach of the "most active sports persons", all around the country. I will not even mention what the Olympics did to Beijing. Maybe that is reason enough to host a major world event.
Closer to home, rugby. The Safari Sevens. Fourteen years down the line, what legacy has it left behind? The easiest measure of legacy is infrastructure development. Sadly, I do not see much. In the first year there was an extension of the club house to create a gym/changing room/physio room, that is only used during the Safari Sevens. Since then, nothing to date, despite increased sponsorship and revenues from gate takings. An aerial picture I once saw of the RFUEA grounds taken in the 1950's shows the ground exactly as it is today! Nothing has changed. The stands are same and in fact one end of the "russia" stand, seating area was removed/replaced with flat grass to accommodate more hospitality tents during the Safari Sevens. The argument could be the amount of money paid for the tents, but to me increased seating space also means increased gate revenue, classic chicken and egg? So then, what legacy will the JWRT leave behind?
In the bureaucratic structures that now bedevil all rugby activity, ensuring that the "increased" revenue is aptly consumed without considering the "cash cows" as some commentators call them, there exists a Legacy Manager in the JWRT local organising committee. I presume his/her job is to ensure that the event does indeed leave a legacy. And I wonder what legacy? The playing surface of the RFUEA ground was to be improved, it did not look like it has been to me. However, the Impala Club playing surface has been improved! Good? For who? The gym/changing room/physio room has been converted into changing rooms and showers. Good? Again for who? The club house is undergoing major renovations. Good? Again for who? And I really wonder what legacy the event will leave for Rugby in Kenya as a whole, not just a select few. That much of the "legacy amount" has been channelled to promoting rugby in primary schools my be good. But again for who? Just what does promotion involve? Improved playing surfaces? Increased playing equipment? Improved/increased coaching?
I may be talking from a position of ignorance so maybe I need some enlightenment. But in the end a legacy should be plain for all to see, and I wait to see.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Semi Finals
I think these were a true spectacle of East African Rugby. The airing of the both matches on SuperSport (though not on a prime channel) ensured that the games went out to all of Africa and maybe further. Kudos to the Bamburi Committee for that. To the matches.
Sharks vs. Buffaloes. A real stormer of a game. Greatly entertaining and both teams hungry for the chance to appear in the finals. Buffaloes were quicker off the mark and kept Sharks playing catch up whole game. This left them (Sharks) unable to deliver the killer blow and two quick tries in the last five minutes put paid to their chances. Possibly overconfident, possibly overrated, they paid the ultimate price for coming to a game ill-prepared.
Rhinos vs. Rwenzori. An equally entertaining affair, though a game played in phases. Rhinos started on fire and at one point it looked as though they would put down a record score against our Ugandan visitors. Inability to maintain this fire allowed Rwenzori back into the game and a suspect refereeing decision almost made the game a cliff-hanger whilst it was quite safe for the Rhinos. Once more I think overconfidence and overrating played a role, but also that Rwenzori played away for the first time and at this stage of the tournament could not have helped them.
General. It keeps getting better, the players keep working harder. Except the goal kickers. Going into the final, this is going to play a crucial role and spending too many hours on kicking at this point may prove counteractive. With such standards of play, I don't think I want to even watch any Kenya Cup matches after this!!
100% call on the results, but this time by going against my gut and listening to my head. I'll try and analyse the teams a bit more closely going into the finals and make my call. It's going to be an explosive final.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left before it closes. Have a good week.
Sharks vs. Buffaloes. A real stormer of a game. Greatly entertaining and both teams hungry for the chance to appear in the finals. Buffaloes were quicker off the mark and kept Sharks playing catch up whole game. This left them (Sharks) unable to deliver the killer blow and two quick tries in the last five minutes put paid to their chances. Possibly overconfident, possibly overrated, they paid the ultimate price for coming to a game ill-prepared.
Rhinos vs. Rwenzori. An equally entertaining affair, though a game played in phases. Rhinos started on fire and at one point it looked as though they would put down a record score against our Ugandan visitors. Inability to maintain this fire allowed Rwenzori back into the game and a suspect refereeing decision almost made the game a cliff-hanger whilst it was quite safe for the Rhinos. Once more I think overconfidence and overrating played a role, but also that Rwenzori played away for the first time and at this stage of the tournament could not have helped them.
General. It keeps getting better, the players keep working harder. Except the goal kickers. Going into the final, this is going to play a crucial role and spending too many hours on kicking at this point may prove counteractive. With such standards of play, I don't think I want to even watch any Kenya Cup matches after this!!
100% call on the results, but this time by going against my gut and listening to my head. I'll try and analyse the teams a bit more closely going into the finals and make my call. It's going to be an explosive final.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left before it closes. Have a good week.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bamburi SS - It's Buffaloes vs Rhinos.
Cheetahs 27 Lions 15 Buffaloes 21 Sharks 11 Rhinos 30 Rwenzori 20.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Bamburi Rugby Super Series - Week 4
The weekend has begun so let me get this out of the way before it gets overtaken by happenings. Semi final time and a I was wrong on the pairings so I now become an neutral observer of this (I wish). Last weekend was a classic in terms of rugby. Cheetah's lost out by maybe five minutes and are now consigned to a 5th/6th place playoff, yet they could easily have been semi finalists.
Anyway, to the action now. Supersport have come to the party and will be televising the semi finals live!! Hurrah for rugby. The downturn of this is that you now play by their timings! Let me be kind to the sponsors today for a change. SDV Transami Cheetahs play Lions at 11:30 a.m. in the 5th/6th playoff. Nguvu Sharks play Buffaloes at 1:30 p.m. The top billing will go to the KEBS Rhinos vs Rwenzori at 3:30 p.m.
I expect all games to be good. I will call the Cheetahs over the Lions by 5 points. The Buffaloes over the Sharks by 8 points. And the Rhinos over Rwenzori by 10 points.
Do have a great rugby weekend. Updates as usual from Russia. Don't forget to votee in our poll on the left.
Anyway, to the action now. Supersport have come to the party and will be televising the semi finals live!! Hurrah for rugby. The downturn of this is that you now play by their timings! Let me be kind to the sponsors today for a change. SDV Transami Cheetahs play Lions at 11:30 a.m. in the 5th/6th playoff. Nguvu Sharks play Buffaloes at 1:30 p.m. The top billing will go to the KEBS Rhinos vs Rwenzori at 3:30 p.m.
I expect all games to be good. I will call the Cheetahs over the Lions by 5 points. The Buffaloes over the Sharks by 8 points. And the Rhinos over Rwenzori by 10 points.
Do have a great rugby weekend. Updates as usual from Russia. Don't forget to votee in our poll on the left.
Weekly Ramble
What next for Rugby in Kenya? We have scaled the heights and are on top of the World. So the logical question is the rhetoric one I just asked. We need to maintain sobreity and think about this seriously. It is easier to get to the top of a mountain than to stay there. And that now seems to be the only challenge. However to me, the biggest challenge is getting ALL of rugby up that mountain!
I have read several articles online this week and some by very renowned rugby commentators. Whilst they all agree with me that 7-a-side rugby is supposed to be the path to full 15-a-side rugby, they also recognise that rugby 7's is a unique sport and should perhaps be considered as a sport on it's own. They enumerate the several 7's greats who never made any impact in the longer code, even failing to secure professional contracts, but they also recognise that they remain huge stars all the same. Most of the articles use Kenya as an example. A country that can beat the All Blacks in the shorter code, but would soak in 100+ points in a full match. And that is the drive for it to become a separate sport on it's own. With it's own stars, where anyone can win, and World Rankings don't matter. That it is spectator friendly and the stadium atmosphere cannot be replicated in any other sport is another selling point and going by our exploits specifically, rugby is almost certain to become an Olympic sport by 2013!
What does this hold for Kenya? If rugby becomes an Olympic sport, we now officially become affiliated to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) and become eligible for funding from them and the government indirectly. The flow of funds to rugby will now increase and we hope therefore everything else to do with the game, given prudent management. For sure we will now also see the sharks ready to take up "selective" positions on the board to efficiently channel the funds. And I ask again, what will happen to rugby in Kenya?
Will the funds be specifically for Rugby 7's? Will there be a complete division of code amongst the players? If funds are used for player welfare (let's not call them salaries), will only 7's players be eligible for this? If a player is called up to the 15's squad, does his status change? And lastly with this regular flow of funds, will we still seek sponsorship for the rest of rugby activities? On the question of sponsorshp, do sponsors understand what they are sponsoring? Is anyone keen on telling them what they are sponsoring? Case in point is the Ksh. 4M loud silence of the Orange logo on shorts of the rugby 7's? team. My biggest question is do we have the capacity to manage all this? How can we keep the 7's team where they are and slowly or quickly bring the 15's team up to that level? It has only taken 4 years for this to work for the 7's, do we have such a plan for the 15's? Or do we just play it by ear?
PS: The other loud silence is the Junior World Rugby Trophy that begins in slightly over a week. That such a huge event is taking place in Kenya should be on everyone's lips. And a successful hosting of such an event can only lead to bigger things. Can we hear something/anything about this event?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Adelaide and going forward.
We got to the final last week by contesting and retaining our kickoffs, where Khayange put Wales and Argentina under pressure resulting in the games being played mostly in the opposition half. We also counter racked legally turned over the ball and disrupted play of the opposing teams. A major improvement was a few switches executed by first and second receiver, this created gaps aplenty especially against Argentina and resulted in trys.
My main highpoint was Injera’s revelation at centre in the pool match against SA. This is such a complete player, from his tackles where he gets quickly on his feet to contest for the ball, to his counter racking, and how he committed defenders and offloaded at the tackle to leave the players on his outside on the clear or in one or one situations. I wish others did the same for him. Also i might add "Ashioya is back", and he sure looks hungry for action.
However our lineouts were still pretty shaky and not crisp and clean. We did not contest lineout throws of our opponents. Our loss in the final was mainly as a result of poor retention of SA kickoffs. This has been our weakest area in the entire series and does not seem to be improving. Tackling was also poor; Injera had to literally cover the whole pitch to make up for missed tackles of other players. How fit is this guy!! Our defensive line was messed by individual rushes by players who did not nail the attacker creating yawning gaps.
We still are deficient in our set plays, and that was why Asego gave a clean pass to a south african in our 22. Our reading of the game was also suspect, especially where Nyambu persistently took the ball in and lost it always when we were seven against five South Africans.
Over to the coaches,
We still have the best players in the world and I still do not understand why we do not have the best team. As fans, we have always and still expect, nothing short of outright victory in any tournament we participate in.
You have to step it up because only God knows how long these players will be available to you. Given that we do not seem to be developing others to step up to their level. You are responsible for reading the game, and where players do not follow the agreed strategy and it is costing us a game, you should take the required measures.
I still think you are riding on the success/achievements of the players. And that any technical inputs you have in games save for making substitutions is yet to be seen. Playing Injera at centre was forced as a result of an injury to Asego, SA could not cope with our changed formation. Such changes do not have to be forced by injury but may be made tactically to throw off our opponents and win matches.
But, however much as i would like to place the entire blame on the coaches, it all falls squarely on the union. You have to give your technical bench proper contracts with proper pay coupled with performance benchmarks. You have to reap where you sow. we cannot hold our technical bench accountable where they operate in a Jua kali manner in regards with their contracts and technical aids. You have to show them the money. We do not care where you get this money, because you pledged to fulfill this in your election campaign. That is why you are in office. If the union is now bankrupt, then you should allow others who can guarantee a surplus to run it.
The union strategy has been to build on the profile of the game by concentrating on sevens which requires less investment and can achieve quicker returns, Brilliant strategy given the constraints on resources.
However the same union sees to it that sevens rugby is played only in one month of the year whereas fifteens is played throughout the rest of the year. Where do they expect their next crop of sevens players to come from? You cannot have your cake and eat it. If we decide to strategically focus on sevens then common sense dictates that sevens should be played for most of the rugby season.
That you made promises, of good rewards to the players related to their performance is perfect. However you should start looking for the money prior to the event and not only after they have actually won. It shows either lack of belief in the squad, lack of planning or seriousness. Attempts have to be made to secure a rewards and compensation scheme immediately, that is fully funded, not only for the two remaining legs but also for next years series way before hand.
My main highpoint was Injera’s revelation at centre in the pool match against SA. This is such a complete player, from his tackles where he gets quickly on his feet to contest for the ball, to his counter racking, and how he committed defenders and offloaded at the tackle to leave the players on his outside on the clear or in one or one situations. I wish others did the same for him. Also i might add "Ashioya is back", and he sure looks hungry for action.
However our lineouts were still pretty shaky and not crisp and clean. We did not contest lineout throws of our opponents. Our loss in the final was mainly as a result of poor retention of SA kickoffs. This has been our weakest area in the entire series and does not seem to be improving. Tackling was also poor; Injera had to literally cover the whole pitch to make up for missed tackles of other players. How fit is this guy!! Our defensive line was messed by individual rushes by players who did not nail the attacker creating yawning gaps.
We still are deficient in our set plays, and that was why Asego gave a clean pass to a south african in our 22. Our reading of the game was also suspect, especially where Nyambu persistently took the ball in and lost it always when we were seven against five South Africans.
Over to the coaches,
We still have the best players in the world and I still do not understand why we do not have the best team. As fans, we have always and still expect, nothing short of outright victory in any tournament we participate in.
You have to step it up because only God knows how long these players will be available to you. Given that we do not seem to be developing others to step up to their level. You are responsible for reading the game, and where players do not follow the agreed strategy and it is costing us a game, you should take the required measures.
I still think you are riding on the success/achievements of the players. And that any technical inputs you have in games save for making substitutions is yet to be seen. Playing Injera at centre was forced as a result of an injury to Asego, SA could not cope with our changed formation. Such changes do not have to be forced by injury but may be made tactically to throw off our opponents and win matches.
But, however much as i would like to place the entire blame on the coaches, it all falls squarely on the union. You have to give your technical bench proper contracts with proper pay coupled with performance benchmarks. You have to reap where you sow. we cannot hold our technical bench accountable where they operate in a Jua kali manner in regards with their contracts and technical aids. You have to show them the money. We do not care where you get this money, because you pledged to fulfill this in your election campaign. That is why you are in office. If the union is now bankrupt, then you should allow others who can guarantee a surplus to run it.
The union strategy has been to build on the profile of the game by concentrating on sevens which requires less investment and can achieve quicker returns, Brilliant strategy given the constraints on resources.
However the same union sees to it that sevens rugby is played only in one month of the year whereas fifteens is played throughout the rest of the year. Where do they expect their next crop of sevens players to come from? You cannot have your cake and eat it. If we decide to strategically focus on sevens then common sense dictates that sevens should be played for most of the rugby season.
That you made promises, of good rewards to the players related to their performance is perfect. However you should start looking for the money prior to the event and not only after they have actually won. It shows either lack of belief in the squad, lack of planning or seriousness. Attempts have to be made to secure a rewards and compensation scheme immediately, that is fully funded, not only for the two remaining legs but also for next years series way before hand.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Wind Beneath My Wings?
Sometime last year, Benjamin Ayimba came to me and told me he now has the team to win the World Cup Sevens. Now, I've known Benja for a long time and he's known to flights of fancy. I mean, winning the World Cup, we've never even been to the second round! Most times I pass by the pitch when they are training, they just seem to be doing light work and basically having fun. Nothing serious, and I know the gym at Sadili is nowhere near World Class. I mean we have a 3 year strategic vision and winning the World Cup does not feature anywhere near at this time. Our vision as the Union is merely to be competitive at World level and that is good enough for us. The occasional win against Australia, France and England is testimony of our competitiveness and that is all. We cannot even expect to get through the quarter finals of the IRB series where competition is less than in the World Cup. How was I to respond to the young man?
I threw the challenge back at him. "Win me any of the World Series tournaments and I will give each player half a million shillings". I knew this would never come to pass, but no harm in humoring the coach. I did not know what I had gotten myself into. The team then left for the London leg of the IRB Sevens and Benja repeated those claims to the World press. Needless to say we had a dismal outing and were the laughing stock of the television commentary team. Nobody in their right minds would put money on this motley crew and mine was safe!
A few months later, the team left for the Dubai leg of the circuit. This was now only four months to the World Cup and the performance there would be a pointer to how well we could expect to do in the World Cup as all teams would use the tournaments to prepare for the event. The boys had their normal performance, coming close to beating New Zealand but eventually overwhelmed. In George they even failed to pick up a single point. My money was still safe.
However, apparently, money is a serious motivator to some people, and maybe they were just setting me up. They soon left for the Wellington and San Diego legs of the event. In Wellington they beat the Springbok 7's team and in San Diego they beat the mighty All Blacks. And I suddenly realised what was happening. The team had formed a clique and all the players were readily available for virtually all legs of the circuit. They were improving game by game and their fitness was now spoken about as one of the highest in the competition. I suddenly felt my money was at risk.
Since our return from San Diego, I now knew I had to put my money where my mouth was. And since I did not have the money myself, I had to look for it. I started with an appeal in both the print and electronic media, directed at my lawyer friends and people of my ilk. Since I needed a substantial amount, I asked for a minimum of Ksh. 20,000.00. This would cover any money I had to fork out for the World Cup, just in case they actually won. I had hoped that my learned friends would come through for me, but apparently I had not taken into account the Global Credit Crunch, the death of the NSE and lack of any commissions of inquiry! Luckily my work during the Safaricom IPO was noted and Michael Joseph came to my rescue with a huge incentive. That Shaka did not explain to him the intricacies of team sports is not really my fault. I thought he knew that there is no "I" in TEAM! But that is a story for another day. I survived the World Cup and my money was still safe!
Last weekend was the pride of the nation however. The team performed wonders and beat everyone, including the eventual winners but failed to win the trophy. Listening to the public and the pride in which everyone considered the team, I realised then that this team does not belong to me. Neither does it belong to the union nor the rugby fraternity. This team belongs to all Kenyans. And it is with this in mind that I am now appealing for donations from all Kenyans to help in rewarding the team for this outstanding performance. And the only way I could do it is once more with Mike's help. So please, all willing to support the team, send a contribution by M-Pesa to 07XX-XXXXXX.
I thank you for your indulgence and your patriotism and await your kind contribution.
Yours sincerely
Richard Omwala
President - Kenya Ragby Football Union.
Disclaimer: This is a tongue in cheek letter about the way the KRFU has handled public input into the welfare of the team, aptly covered in many posts summarised here. It is no way meant to portray any individual in negative light but is meant to applaud the powers that be that they are finally beginning to understand that they are beholden to the public. It is also gratifying to know that the KRFU does read this blog. A pat on the back to all you contributors.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Weekend Games
Lost more money as I expected. But at least I'm brave enough to call it. The ones that didn't go my way could have gone either way actually and that is what I expected, close hard fought matches. You can get the pool standings here. A review of the matches played in Uganda is here. The depth of the reporting is not very good, but you can glean a few ideas from there. I expect the Buffaloes/Victoria match was a dull affair, with not much happening either wary. But the Cheetahs/Rwenzori must have been quite a battle. The early scores by Rwenzori implies they played a tactless, heavy defending game as they could not capitalise on that early lead. Whilst the Cheetahs must have been frustrated at every turn, possibly even in just trying to remain in the Rwenzori half. The group of death thus found its victors and the semi finalists in Rwenzori and Buffaloes, the Cheetahs losing out.
In Nairobi, the first Scorpions/Lions match went much as expected. I've never seen much flavour in a wooden spoon competition but credit to the Scorpions. Their ability to score tries shows they can string their attack together, maybe just not able to sustain it or support it with effective defending. To the Lions, they avoided the embarrasment of coming from defending champions, to not winning a single match. The Sharks/Rhinos game was a see saw affair and heart stopping to the very end. I've never seen so many attempted kicks come off the sticks. Some decision making was suspect in this game, but the better organised and structured team won this one. Hailed for making brilliant substitutions a week ago, the Rhinos technical team made woeful ones this time round and I'm sure they regretted it in the last ten minutes.
In general, the standard of play keeps going up. I will never stop to imagine what a spectacle we would have if the Super Series was post instead of pre-season, when players are at their fittest and playing at their best. Once more the kicking was terrible and don't call me a prophet of doom, but I did predict a team would regret not having a good kicker on the field!
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left. Do have a good week.
IRB Adelaide 7's
Well, well, we did get out of the rut and in what style. A 100% run until the final then a loss to the current series leaders is a feat worth celebrating. And on the way defeating both the World Champions and the Runners' Up enroute goes to show what class we were in over the weekend. We're all passionate about the game and believe we could have even won that final, however, it is what we commonly refer to as "A Bridge Too Far". The effect of having the same set of players for the better part of the season is finally paying off. Now maybe it is upto the management to become street smart and learn that you cannot play the same way for two or even three days. Someone somewhere has been watching you and will adopt to your play.
All the same a big well done from me and maximum respect. And we wish you well in the last two legs of the circuit.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Adelaide 7's Final
We lost to South Africa 26-7. Kopo never played but the Ayimba boys have done us proud.
Bamburi Results
Buffaloes 10 Victoria 3 Rwenzori 13 Cheetahs 10 Lions 34 Scorpions 7 Sharks 8 Rhinos 6
Adelaide 7's
Kenya 17-5 winners over Argentina to reach first ever final. Kopo still on bench but kudos to the Ayimba boys.
Adelaide 7,s
Kenya beat world champions Wales 33-14 to move into semis. Argentina are next. Will Kopo get a chance to play?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Update from Adelaide 7's
Kenya have this morning beaten Cook Islands 27-0 and South Africa 15-14 to qualify top in their pool at the 6th leg of the IRB World Sevens Series. In the South Africa match, we effectively failed to take advantage of being two men extra to score a try with slightly over a minute to go. We then had to hang on for dear life as we awaited the final hooter.
Teams are seeming to prefer running directly at us and the inclusion of Ashioya in the starting line up has shiftes some focus/reliance from Injera. We play Wales tomorrow in the Semi Finals.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Bamburi Rugby SS - Week 3
After only two weekends of action, the front runners for the Semi Finals are already clear. Pool A has the Rhinos and the Sharks whilst Pool B has Rwenzori. Pool B however is not one for the faint hearted. Only Victoria who have lost two games are out of the running. The other three teams are still playing for a place in the Semis. Buffaloes have it presumably easy, though I expect a totally changed Victoria side that could shock them.. vagaries of travel or unavailability of players.. I don't know. The Cheetahs on the other hand also must win, and away at that to secure their place in the semis. The weekend sees two games in Kampala and two games in Nairobi. In Kampala, the Buffaloes take on Victoria at 2.00 p.m. with Rwenzori and the Cheetahs fighting it out at 4.00 p.m. In Nairobi at the RFUEA grounds, the battle for the wooden spoon is between the Scorpions and the Lions at 2.00 p.m. before the Sharks and the Rhinos battle it out at 4.00 p.m. to see who will have the easier? semi final.
Last week, lost some money and this week I see myself losing some more, however, here goes. The Buffaloes over Victoria by 8 points. The Cheetahs over Rwenzori by a score. The Lions over the Scorpions - bonus point game for them. The Rhinos over the Sharks by 8 points.
Please take time to vote in our poll on the left.
Let's all have a good rugby weekend.
Update from Adelaide 7's
Kenya have gone past Japan 12-5. A try in each half by Collins Injera and Humphrey Khayange were enough to see us through though we seemed not to get out of first gear. Exposed today was our reliance on broken down play and (Collos?) individual brilliance. Next up, Cook Islands tomorrow.
Adelaide Rugby Sevens
We kick of against Japan, the play Cook Islands and finish off with current circuit leaders South Africa. Do we have what it takes to get out of the rut, or will we continue along it? Let's wait and see. Updates here barring technology failure like last week.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Weekly Ramble
This week my muse has deserted me. Maybe being gainfully occupied for the better part of the day has sapped my energy. Maybe writing is a profession and maybe one needs to be paid, and well, to do it continuously. The mental blocks, the fatigue and the general feeling of wanting to do nothing all come up against your muse. But write we must for we have a role.
I didn't get many comments on my suggestion on the two rugby teams, but today I will pose another suggestion. With the Bamburi Super Series round the half way bend and 3 teams emerging as the front runners, maybe it is time to rethink the structure of the whole thing. I don't recall but I may have thrown this suggestion in last year, no harm in revisiting it. I think by far the Rhinos is the strongest and only true franchise. The other true franchise is the Sharks. The rest are by and large dominated by one team and hence the selection is not competitive. For many years the Lions were dominated by KCB, with only a handful of players making the team from Mombasa. They were very strong since they were largely an unchanged side from the one that played the Kenya Cup year in, year out for so many years. I had mentioned it last year but was not sure myself, that attrition would get the better of the team and that has come to pass. From a team that was in the finals for five consecutive years, winning one, to now be relegated to the early playoff stages is a wonder. Maybe most visitors to this blog support the Lions, but the poll to the left still has them in the lead for the cup!
I will just mention in passing the Buffaloes, made up largely of Nakuru and lastly the Cheetahs, a genuine mix of Impala and Nondies, however the calibre of the players is not that high. What then needs to be done to keep/maintain/revive the ideals of the Rugby Super Series, if ever there were some?
This other controversial post set the tone for this and now I will take it up. We need to completely de-link the Super Series teams and management from the existing club structures. That this exist and permeate the structure of the Super Series is not in doubt. Even supposedly non-partisan Super Series meetings are filled with undertones of club rivalry. What is my proposal? Let the Super Series start afresh, a re-birth if you will. In the first year, let the Super Series Committee own the franchises (I don't really care how many). Let them ask for expression of interest for the various posts - Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers, Team Managers, Physios, Coaches. Let them vet these and allocate as they see fit to the various franchises. Then let them give the selectors (if they exist) work. Let the selectors come up with a list of 100 (or 150) names and put them in a pool. If any franchise is interested in a player not on the list, let them add the name to the list. Then use a draft process, 1st pick with the luck of the draw. This ensures every franchise has an almost equal chance at picking the best players available. That will be year one.
From year two going forth, players remain in their franchises. Movement should be discouraged, but allowed with strict rules (punitive?). Players no longer available are dropped, new players are put in a pool once more. And the draft process takes place.. every year. That ensures equity (equality) in selection options, and hopefully will balance out the franchises and kill the club cliques. And this will now lift the Super Series to an entirely different level. I hope someone is listening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
