World Cup hosts New Zealand will face a nervous few weeks as they wait to see whether key players Kieran Read and Adam Thompson will be fit and ready to go, both suffering late injuries in last week’s defeat to Australia. The loss against the Aussies will have been one thing but Henry wouldn’t have wanted to lose two integral parts of his plans so soon to the start of the World Cup. Losing the two could well have an effect on the Rugby Union Betting odds.
Number-eight Read’s injury doesn’t look overly worrying, with last year’s New Zealand Player of the Year picking up a minor thigh strain against the Aussies. The 32-cap Read will now have just over a week to rest and recover ahead of the start of the tournament, although Henry is confident of having the powerful 25-year old had his disposal for the All Black’s opening group match against Tonga on the 9th. Those looking forward to the Rugby union world cup betting should be watching this player.
Henry is much less confident over whether or not Thompson will be able to take his place at flanker when the All Blacks take on the Tongans. The 29-year old hurt his elbow against the Aussies and the extent of the problem is not yet fully knows. The 17-cap loose forward had been in scintillating form for Highlanders this season and would be a major miss for the New Zealand forward pack. The signs don’t look good for Thompson though and it’ll now be up to the doctors to determine whether or not the flanker will be able to take his place in the squad.
"We're positive on Kieran, the doctor thinks he'll be able to play in the World Cup.”
"I don't think Adam's injured his arm before but it doesn't look good."
After such a dominant year, the recent double defeats will have knocked the All Blacks a little of their stride and Henry will need to pick the squad up before the World Cup gets under way. If New Zealand are anything other than fully focused against the Tongans then there is a very real chance of an upset.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
England End on a High
England’s stand-in skipper Mike Tindall hailed his side’s victory against Ireland as ‘massive’ after inflicting Ireland their fourth consecutive defeat from their summer friendlies. Tries from Manu Tuilagi and substitute Delon Armitage were enough to give England a comfortable looking 20-9 victory, although the reality was a touch different. While England may have had the upper hand for much of the match, the Irish did test their opponents defence with a series of attacks in the second half. Those looking towards the Rugby 2011 world cup betting should bear this in mind.
In what was a stop-start match, punctuated with a string of blatant penalty offences from both teams, it was England who won both the attacking and defensive battles though. Manu Tuilagi enhanced his growing reputation with another try scoring performance in an England shirt, breaking through a weak Irish defence in as early as the sixth minute to give the away side the advantage.
The Leicester Tiger looked dangerous throughout the match and now looks set to maintain his spot alongside Tindall in the centres. The 20-year old took his try well and could have had another if he had been able to finish off his interception in the closing stages of the first-half. Substitute Armitage got on the end of a Mike Tindall grubber-kick in the second half to score England’s second try, extending the visitors lead.
Ireland never managed to breach England’s staunch defence, even failing to take advantage of when the visitors were down to 14 men for 10 minutes, Chris Ashton sin-binned following a string of infringements from Martin Johnson’s men. That defence was the reason England claimed the victory, according to skipper Tindall, the centre delighted to finish the squad’s World Cup preparations on a high. It will be interesting to see how this game affects the Rugby betting odds.
"It's massive, especially a win here. Credit to our defence, I thought it was outstanding today. Whatever they hit us with we kept hitting them back and that's credit to the boys.”
In what was a stop-start match, punctuated with a string of blatant penalty offences from both teams, it was England who won both the attacking and defensive battles though. Manu Tuilagi enhanced his growing reputation with another try scoring performance in an England shirt, breaking through a weak Irish defence in as early as the sixth minute to give the away side the advantage.
The Leicester Tiger looked dangerous throughout the match and now looks set to maintain his spot alongside Tindall in the centres. The 20-year old took his try well and could have had another if he had been able to finish off his interception in the closing stages of the first-half. Substitute Armitage got on the end of a Mike Tindall grubber-kick in the second half to score England’s second try, extending the visitors lead.
Ireland never managed to breach England’s staunch defence, even failing to take advantage of when the visitors were down to 14 men for 10 minutes, Chris Ashton sin-binned following a string of infringements from Martin Johnson’s men. That defence was the reason England claimed the victory, according to skipper Tindall, the centre delighted to finish the squad’s World Cup preparations on a high. It will be interesting to see how this game affects the Rugby betting odds.
"It's massive, especially a win here. Credit to our defence, I thought it was outstanding today. Whatever they hit us with we kept hitting them back and that's credit to the boys.”
Friday, August 26, 2011
History : 1984 Nairobi School "Patch Machine" finally rewarded John Andrews Sevens medals
Joe Muganda, captain of the 1984 Nairobi School side that won the 1984 John Andrews Memorial Sevens received his medal plus those of of his 1984 teammates from Ronnie Andrews at the 2011 John Andrews Memorial Sevens, Saturday, 25th June 2011, after 27 years.
The medals were never presented back in 1984 owing to administrative lapses on the part of the then Lenana School administration. The remarkable presentation on Saturday 25th June 2011 after 27 years was enabled by interactive discussions on social networks centred mainly on Kenya schools rugby in the 1980s & 1990s.
The 2011 medal presentation after 27 years is a tribute in no small measure to social media and to numerous individuals who continue to share their memoirs of those times. It is through these interactive discussions at different locations that it emerged that the winning Nairobi School side of 1984 never received their winners medals & this was set straight as mentioned, on Saturday, 25th June 2011. In true rugby spirit paying a due debt.
Patchie Kipenzi hakuna mwengine duniani.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Missed last week but was taking a break. My break may be extended slightly. Not really a sevens fan but the National Sevens Circuit begins this weekend with the Dala Sevens in Kisumu. A record number of teams have been registered and the organisers have tried to tier the competition in an attempt to make for higher quality matches, especially on day 1. Good intentions, and I like the idea of the best of the bottom tier having a chance at the main cup trophy Plaudits to the organisers. Especially since I see a team that in the past consistently made it to the main cup quarters grouped with the bottom lot of teams. My wonder is are these teams encouraged to play full fifteen-a-side rugby or are we content with them only playing sevens? If they are only playing sevens, are there enough tournaments for them to play in to keep the fit and busy year round? And if they are, is there an objective path to them being included in the top tier competition next time?
As an aside, I've not heard of a circuit sponsor. Sponsor fatigue or lack of value, or too many fights with host clubs, or just no insider to push the deal through? Will we see a drop in tournament hosting standards as a result or was the trickle down of the sponsorship a pittance anyway? Will there be any uniformity of quality/standards at the events or was there none to start with? Anyway, wishing the defending circuit champions Mwamba well and to all the challengers, put up a fight this time.
As an aside, I've not heard of a circuit sponsor. Sponsor fatigue or lack of value, or too many fights with host clubs, or just no insider to push the deal through? Will we see a drop in tournament hosting standards as a result or was the trickle down of the sponsorship a pittance anyway? Will there be any uniformity of quality/standards at the events or was there none to start with? Anyway, wishing the defending circuit champions Mwamba well and to all the challengers, put up a fight this time.
Friday, August 19, 2011
From bad to worse for the 'Boks
South Africa's World Cup preparations have gone from bad to worse, with another key player ruled out of the tournament with injury. Juan Smith is the latest member of the pack to have been struck by injury and the flanker has been forced to accept defeat in his battle to recover from his Achilles injury. The 30-year old went under the knife back in February to repair his torn Achilles tendon but hasn't recovered in time to be considered for selection.
Smith was an integral part of the Springboks side that lifted the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. The flanker was one of the 20-plus first team players left out of South Africa's Tri-Nations squad, with the focus being on recovering from his injury but Smith has taken the decision himself to withdraw from the squad, with his aim now being on returning to action at the start of next season. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting will know it's a big blow for the side.
Smith revealed the news to Volksblad newspaper, admitting he didn't want to be in the squad if he wasn't fully fit.
"I am not 100 percent. I won't be able to give everything and realise I should put my team, team-mates and the Bok fans first."
"I've worked very hard to get back on the training field but I'm still some way from full fitness and have been training with quite a lot of pain."
Smith is just the latest in a number of withdrawals from the South African forwards and head coach Peter de Villiers has struggled at times to find players to fill positions during the recent Tri-Nations tournament. There has been some good news for de Villiers, with the news that captain John Smit's elbow injury isn't as serious as first though and the hooker will be ready in time for the World Cup. The news should be reflected in the Rugby Union Betting.
The pressure has begun to mount on the South African team following their calamitous Tri-Nations campaign. The second string side that de Villiers sent into the tournament were easily beaten in all of their games and the South African public hve been far from impressed with the squad's preparations.
Smith was an integral part of the Springboks side that lifted the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. The flanker was one of the 20-plus first team players left out of South Africa's Tri-Nations squad, with the focus being on recovering from his injury but Smith has taken the decision himself to withdraw from the squad, with his aim now being on returning to action at the start of next season. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting will know it's a big blow for the side.
Smith revealed the news to Volksblad newspaper, admitting he didn't want to be in the squad if he wasn't fully fit.
"I am not 100 percent. I won't be able to give everything and realise I should put my team, team-mates and the Bok fans first."
"I've worked very hard to get back on the training field but I'm still some way from full fitness and have been training with quite a lot of pain."
Smith is just the latest in a number of withdrawals from the South African forwards and head coach Peter de Villiers has struggled at times to find players to fill positions during the recent Tri-Nations tournament. There has been some good news for de Villiers, with the news that captain John Smit's elbow injury isn't as serious as first though and the hooker will be ready in time for the World Cup. The news should be reflected in the Rugby Union Betting.
The pressure has begun to mount on the South African team following their calamitous Tri-Nations campaign. The second string side that de Villiers sent into the tournament were easily beaten in all of their games and the South African public hve been far from impressed with the squad's preparations.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Wales hit by Rees blow
Wales' Betfair Rugby World Cup preparations have been dealt a major blow following the news that their captain Matthew Rees will undergo surgery on his continued neck troubles, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future. The British and Irish Lion had been given painkilling injections in a bid to subdue the problem, but with worries regarding Rees' future health now surfacing, surgery has been deemed the only option. The news comes after Morgan Stoddart and Gavin Henson were also ruled out of the tournament with their respective injuries during the recent two games against England.
Wales' medical performance manager Prav Mathema admitted the decision for Rees to undergo surgery was the only option to clear up the problem, with both the rest of the hooker's career in mind as well as his future health.
"The safety and longevity of Matthew's career is paramount. We are all very disappointed that Matthew will not be with us in the World Cup but his health is at the fore of our decision," he said.
While the World Cup is now out of the question for Rees, Wales will be hoping to have their influential skipper back in time for next year's Six Nations, but for the time being Richard Hibbard has been called up to challenge Hew Bennett, Lloyd Burns and Ken Owens for the number two jersey. Ospreys' man Hibbard will start Wales' final warm-up game this weekend against Argentina, with a perfect chance to impress Warren Gatland just before the head coach announces his final 30-man squad the following day. Anyone betting on rugby should keep an eye on the announcement.
Not only have Wales lost their talented hooker, they have also lost an experienced skipper and driving force behind the forward pack. Fellow front-rower Adam Jones has been handed the armband for this Saturday's match, although Sam Warburton is widely expected to be given the job during the World Cup. The flanker has captained Wales before when Rees has been missing and the 22-year old is widely viewed as the long term successor to the current skipper.
Wales' medical performance manager Prav Mathema admitted the decision for Rees to undergo surgery was the only option to clear up the problem, with both the rest of the hooker's career in mind as well as his future health.
"The safety and longevity of Matthew's career is paramount. We are all very disappointed that Matthew will not be with us in the World Cup but his health is at the fore of our decision," he said.
While the World Cup is now out of the question for Rees, Wales will be hoping to have their influential skipper back in time for next year's Six Nations, but for the time being Richard Hibbard has been called up to challenge Hew Bennett, Lloyd Burns and Ken Owens for the number two jersey. Ospreys' man Hibbard will start Wales' final warm-up game this weekend against Argentina, with a perfect chance to impress Warren Gatland just before the head coach announces his final 30-man squad the following day. Anyone betting on rugby should keep an eye on the announcement.
Not only have Wales lost their talented hooker, they have also lost an experienced skipper and driving force behind the forward pack. Fellow front-rower Adam Jones has been handed the armband for this Saturday's match, although Sam Warburton is widely expected to be given the job during the World Cup. The flanker has captained Wales before when Rees has been missing and the 22-year old is widely viewed as the long term successor to the current skipper.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Weekly Ramble
A lot has been said in all manner of places regarding the new KRU board and a lot is still to be said. I said it on the election day itself I did not expect much from them, expecting the tide to be ever upwards as I assumed when you're down there is no further place to go. Well I'm not going to be the judge on that one, but suffice to say it will take them time to get back to my ground zero. The one thing I give them full marks for is moving some matches to a more spacious venue for the spectators. Suffice to say it was a different venue, but rugby has and will continue to be played in a soccer stadium and on a pitch with a running track around it. Facilities for spectators at rugby matches have been appalling and this was a real change.
The return of the Tuskers in nothing more than a PR gimmick as if it is difficult enough to get matches for our own National XV, who will we get to play the Tuskers? And how many times will they play in a year? And what do we want to achieve with the Tuskers? We are yet to create a competitive enough "provincial" competition so why go over the National teams, who are not strong enough anyway? Do we have any idea really on how we are to improve our rugby and qualify for a Rugby World Cup? Do we honestly believe that by simply playing more rugby our rugby will get better? But I forget, we believe in playing hard and with psych! Even our grassroots structure is more about quantity than quality. And we get shocked when national players make basic errors, but they are the best we have, no doubt. And when we can't teach them, we choose others we think will be better. I'm digressing.
It started out with the old committee fighting sale of t-shirts, and claiming they were the only ones allowed to do anything with the word Rugby in this country. Well, it is slowly going to become clear exactly what the union can control, and cannot control. The so-called mandate they have does not define this, nor do they specify it, but use it as a blanket authority to use a name, that in all intents and purposes is an English word!
Initially I thought a two-year term was too short for someone to make a mark in Kenyan Rugby. Never have I been so wrong. Do enjoy the remainder of your week.
The return of the Tuskers in nothing more than a PR gimmick as if it is difficult enough to get matches for our own National XV, who will we get to play the Tuskers? And how many times will they play in a year? And what do we want to achieve with the Tuskers? We are yet to create a competitive enough "provincial" competition so why go over the National teams, who are not strong enough anyway? Do we have any idea really on how we are to improve our rugby and qualify for a Rugby World Cup? Do we honestly believe that by simply playing more rugby our rugby will get better? But I forget, we believe in playing hard and with psych! Even our grassroots structure is more about quantity than quality. And we get shocked when national players make basic errors, but they are the best we have, no doubt. And when we can't teach them, we choose others we think will be better. I'm digressing.
It started out with the old committee fighting sale of t-shirts, and claiming they were the only ones allowed to do anything with the word Rugby in this country. Well, it is slowly going to become clear exactly what the union can control, and cannot control. The so-called mandate they have does not define this, nor do they specify it, but use it as a blanket authority to use a name, that in all intents and purposes is an English word!
Initially I thought a two-year term was too short for someone to make a mark in Kenyan Rugby. Never have I been so wrong. Do enjoy the remainder of your week.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
OPINION : What's your take on the new KRU Chairman Mwangi Muthee so far?
OPINION : Whats your take on the new KRU Chairman Mwangi Muthee so far?
Lets have it and lets hear it from you the rugby fan so far. He has done his 100 days.
What's your verdict? No holding back. Give it as it is.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
All Blacks to end 24 years of hurt
Despite their strengths New Zealand have struggled during World Cup tournaments and have a tendency to choke, but is this year going to be their chance to get that monkey off their back?
Rather shockingly the All Blacks have not won a World Cup since the inaugural tournament took place all the way back in 1987 and have lost out despite going into many World Cup's as the hot favourites in the Rugby World Cup betting.
New Zealand currently top of the International Rugby Board rankings and are going into the World Cup on home soil, meaning many think this is the year they finally record that second World Cup win, some 24 years after their last.
Four years ago they were favourites going into the tournament but slipped out of the competition to France, and New Zealand know they are going to be the focus of massive attention this time around as people will be second-guessing if they are to fail again. Those placing rugby bets will have to remember this.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick is one who thinks they will succeed this time around, as he thinks the coaches "learnt a huge amount" from their failures four years ago and that experience will play dividends this time around.
"We've got a great blend of youth and experience, they have mentally toughened over the last 12 months and hopefully, with a little momentum going forward, they can finally do the job," he told talkSPORT.
New Zealand will have the chance for revenge against France as the two have been paired in Pool A for the World Cup, but the All Blacks should face little challenge to make it through as Canada, Japan and Tonga make us the rest of the group.
Rather shockingly the All Blacks have not won a World Cup since the inaugural tournament took place all the way back in 1987 and have lost out despite going into many World Cup's as the hot favourites in the Rugby World Cup betting.
New Zealand currently top of the International Rugby Board rankings and are going into the World Cup on home soil, meaning many think this is the year they finally record that second World Cup win, some 24 years after their last.
Four years ago they were favourites going into the tournament but slipped out of the competition to France, and New Zealand know they are going to be the focus of massive attention this time around as people will be second-guessing if they are to fail again. Those placing rugby bets will have to remember this.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick is one who thinks they will succeed this time around, as he thinks the coaches "learnt a huge amount" from their failures four years ago and that experience will play dividends this time around.
"We've got a great blend of youth and experience, they have mentally toughened over the last 12 months and hopefully, with a little momentum going forward, they can finally do the job," he told talkSPORT.
New Zealand will have the chance for revenge against France as the two have been paired in Pool A for the World Cup, but the All Blacks should face little challenge to make it through as Canada, Japan and Tonga make us the rest of the group.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Breaking News : Another KRU Director leaves office
Branko Ng'inja, Kenya Rugby Union director, resigns citing work pressures.
True story is Mwangi Muthee is just a difficult man to work with it seems as days go by.
Kenyans for Kenya
No pun or twist in today's post. Just decided that there are some ways we too at Rugby in Kenya can participate in CSR activities. For this weekend, our homepage will be dedicated to the Kenyans for Kenya initiative and will be unavailable for normal use. If you are able to search the blog however, you can still get the posts in the background and make any comments you please. We are in total solidarity with the Kenyans facing starvation at this point in time and will in our own small way, contribute what we can.
BO13DH143
BO13DH143
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Progress at last. We have moved from the 2nd tier under 19 competition to the top tier. Last year we were last in this top tier hence our dropping to the 2nd tier. I don't know if the format of this competition makes sense as in does it truly test and give us the best contestant to go to the Junior World Rugby Championship. Tiering in rugby in Africa is understandable due to cost constraints, etc. but I believe both tiers played in the same country at the same time. Would it not be possible to pool the teams and let the top teams go into a playoff to determine the representative? Given that form is temporary, that is the reason there are qualifiers each year and the representative not based on rankings or other subjective rule. Would a tier 2 team be able to beat a tier 1 team on the day? Congratulations all the same to the entire team of players, and the technical team as well. And kudos to the sponsors Toyota for the support.
As an aside, is there a defined path for these boys, apparently full of talent to eventually play for the senior national sides? Is there a process of monitoring their progress, improving their weaknesses and building on their strengths? But as usual, I am talking to myself.
In unrelated news, Rugby is the fourth most popular sport in the country with 5.1% following, after Soccer, Athletics and Volleyball and slightly ahead of Basketball. Food for thought.
As an aside, is there a defined path for these boys, apparently full of talent to eventually play for the senior national sides? Is there a process of monitoring their progress, improving their weaknesses and building on their strengths? But as usual, I am talking to myself.
In unrelated news, Rugby is the fourth most popular sport in the country with 5.1% following, after Soccer, Athletics and Volleyball and slightly ahead of Basketball. Food for thought.
KRFU breach contract as SuperSport battle in court corridors
SuperSport International Limited has obtained temporary orders stopping the 
“The damage to the reputation and standing of the plaintiff (SuperSport) cannot be quantified or compensated in monetary terms and in any event, the plaintiff’s substantial monetary investment and expenditure in Kenyan rugby based on the existence of the licence agreement are about Sh299 million,” the firm’s advocate, Mr Anthony Njogu, said.
He informed the judge that SuperSport and KRU were parties in an exclusive licence agreement dated April 4, 2010, in which the firm had acquired rights for transmission of audio visual or audio signals of matches.
According to the agreement, SuperSport was to distribute all content and programmes exclusively in respect of the pay broadcasting platform for certain rugby matches to be broadcast throughout Sub-Saharan
SuperSport claims KRU has proceeded to breach the terms of the licence agreement by appointing a third party to transmit the match between Kenya and Zimbabwe (Victoria Cup) held at Nyayo Stadium on July 23, 2011.
It seems that in the coming weeks KRU will be scrimmaging more in the corridors of justice as other parties intend to take them to court on more rugby related matters and conflict of interest cases that touch on the conduct of some of the new KRU directors.
"Impossible is a word only found in the Dictionary of Fools. Napoleon Bonaparte"
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Mostert shocked to earn call-up
South African second-row Gerhard Mostert has revealed his shock at being called up to the Springboks side, only days after arriving in Paris following his move to Stade Francais. The 26-year old is one of the last second-row options available to Springboks' coach Peter de Villiers, who has seen a number of locks ruled out of the upcoming World Cup. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting odds should bear this in mind.
Mostert admitted he had just started settling into his new home in Paris when he received the call telling him his World Cup dreams could well be alive. The former Sharks' forward got on the first plane to New Zealand and will now line up alongside his compatriots in this weekend's Tri Nations campaign.
"I was in Paris for five days, settling in, and I had most of my attention there getting to know the guys and then I got a call."
De Villiers has seen Andries Bekker ruled out of the tournament with injury, with replacements Flip van der Merwe and Johann Muller also now facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup. Both players have returned home from the Springboks' Tri-Nations campaign and will now undergo treatment on their respective injuries, hopefully for de Villiers, returning to action in time for September's World Cup start.
Mostert admitted he had just started settling into his new home in Paris when he received the call telling him his World Cup dreams could well be alive. The former Sharks' forward got on the first plane to New Zealand and will now line up alongside his compatriots in this weekend's Tri Nations campaign.
"I was in Paris for five days, settling in, and I had most of my attention there getting to know the guys and then I got a call."
De Villiers has seen Andries Bekker ruled out of the tournament with injury, with replacements Flip van der Merwe and Johann Muller also now facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup. Both players have returned home from the Springboks' Tri-Nations campaign and will now undergo treatment on their respective injuries, hopefully for de Villiers, returning to action in time for September's World Cup start.
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