Kenya Cup Result 290212

Strathmore 3 Quins 17

Sonny Bill is a boxing champ

New Zealand's World Cup-winning star Sonny Bill Williams has become a boxing champion after a first-round knockout of Clarence Tillman.

The 26-year-old, who has represented his country in both rugby codes, stopped his American opponent just before the bell in the opening round to secure the vacant New Zealand heavyweight title.

Williams came off the bench in New Zealand's World Cup final win over France in October after converting to rugby union in 2008. Those following the best online rugby union odds will know just how good he is.

He began his rugby career with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL four years earlier and made an immediate impact in the 13-a-side code. He was tipped for great things but left the Bulldogs to join French side Toulon.
Not satisfied with being one of the most talented rugby players on the planet, Williams set about becoming a boxing champion and made his professional debut in 2009.

The Kiwi had won all four of his paid bouts heading into the clash with Tillman in Hamilton. The weigh-in saw fireworks between the two as Williams conceded a 21kg weight advantage to Tillman.

The American was made to regret aiming a punch at Williams during the build-up to the fight as the talented New Zealander pummelled Tillman with a flurry of blows on the ropes to stop the bout.

Williams is competing as a boxer on a part-time basis before he starts life with new club Waikato Chiefs in the Super 15 later this month.

He is widely expected to make the switch back to rugby league next year with the Sydney Roosters. Williams is reportedly bored with union and is keen for a fresh challenge in the NRL.

Williams is a rare breed of sportsman able to pick and choose which sport he plays. The new boxing champion has the sporting world at his feet.

Fitness Prevails for Wales!

It has been a great weekend for Wales who have climbed into the top five of the world rankings after clinching the RBS Six Nations Triple Crown with a 19-12 win over England at Twickenham on Saturday, as seen in the stan james review.

Warren Gatland believes that an improved level of fitness is one of the main reasons behind Wales' recent run of success.

The run of form comes on the back of a sensational run in the World Cup back in September where they reached the semi final, only to lose to France. Now the small nation lie behind only New Zealand, Australia, France and South Africa after putting themselves two home wins away from a second Grand Slam of Gatland's reign, and they are the bwin favourites for the tournament.

And Gatland believes that his side's supreme fitness, honed at punishing pre-World Cup and Six Nations training camps in Poland, has been a crucial factor in the upturn in results.

"I think we are pretty good conditioning-wise. I think that the fitter you get, your skills improve as well and your decision-making improves," he said.

"I have prioritised fitness for the whole four years really, and there have been times when the players have come into a Wales camp knowing they are not really in good enough shape to take on other teams.

"The significant turning point for us was the preparation for the World Cup, when we basically hammered home the conditioning and the fitness."

Gatland believes their tense Twickenham triumph, which was secured thanks to a late try from Scott Williams,shows that Wales are now able to step up on the big occasions.
"I think it is a significant result. To win and come through games like that does give you the self-belief, because it was a dogfight," he added.
"We've now come through two games like that in this championship, at Twickenham and in Ireland.
"Perhaps in the past we would have capitulated (at Twickenham) or lacked that self-belief, but there is an attitude now that the players back their conditioning and never give up.

Sarries fly the flag

Saracens will be England's last remaining hope when the Heineken Cup resumes in April.

The Premiership champions face French side Clermont in the last eight as they bid to reach the semi-finals for only the second time in their history.

Saracens came through a group containing Biarritz Olympique, Ospreys and Benetton Treviso with five wins and one defeat.

They are determined to make up for a disappointing return to the Heineken Cup last year, where they fell at the pool stages. Those following the best online heineken cup odds will be keeping a close eye on them.

England centre Brad Barritt said ahead of Sarries' final group game against Treviso: "We were disappointed last year about being knocked out so early. We've got huge ambitions this year to do well in the Heineken Cup.

"We'll take it step by step but it's a massive ambition for the club to be up there with the Munster's and Toulouse's of this world."

Saracens sealed a place in the quarter-finals with a 26-20 victory and attentions immediately turned to their clash with Clermont.

South African World Cup winning captain John Smit is relishing the prospect of facing his former club and is looking forward to a keenly-contested clash.

"I know from my time there that they always want to do well in the Heineken Cup. But at Saracens we are looking to create our own legacy with the squad of players we have. It should be a really exciting match," said Smit.

As well as striving for their first European title, Saracens are well positioned to defend their Premiership crown. They sit six points behind leaders Harlequins with seven rounds to play.

Everything is set for a rousing finish to the season for Saracens.

Western Force eye Cooper

Rugby previews:

The Western Force could be set to make a move to recruit Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper as they look to add the final piece to their back-line. The club have been struggling in the five-eighth position since Willie Ripia’s controversial return to New Zealand last year. Scrum-half James Stannard has been tasked with filling in at 10 but that isn’t a move that the club will want to go with during the rest of the season, which could prompt the club to move quickly to plug the gaps.

Still working his way back from injury, Cooper wouldn’t be ready straight way for the Force, even if any deal did transform. With just a year left on his current deal with the Queensland Reds, the 23-year old has remained tight-lipped over his future plans. His head coach at the Reds, Ewen McKenzie, has come out to claim he is confident of keeping the Australian international in Queensland.

"I'm confident Quade is enjoying his time here and enjoying his footy," McKenzie said. "There are a lot of reasons to think he wouldn't want to change that."

Those comments don’t look like stopping the Force in re-establishing their interest in Cooper, following an unsuccessful chase of the versatile back last year. The presence of best friend David Pocock at the Force could be a factor behind Cooper joining the club, although, there is the lucrative option of heading to Europe that will almost certainly be offered to the highly thought of youngster.

These are interesting developments for those wishing to bet on rugby league.

Cipriani focused on recall

Rugby previews:

Melbourne Rebels mercurial playmaker Danny Cipriani has reaffirmed his target of earning a recall into the England squad, admitting he is well aware that international recognition will only come if he performs well for the Victorians.

The fly-half has seven England caps to his name, but that was before an apparent falling out with Martin Johnson lead to Cipriani putting his international future on hold and heading Down Under to Super Rugby.

The 24-year old struggled at times to maintain his focus during his debut season with the newly-formed Rebels, but showed on the pitch that he is capable of being one of the world’s most creative and talented number 10’s.

This year, Cipriani will need to be at his best if he is to keep his spot at fly-half, with young Aussie hero James O’Connor now at the club and more than able to slot into stand-off should the Englishman not be performing at the required standard.

Cipriani has insisted he is fully focused on producing the goods on a regular basis this season, with a new-look England management team allowing the former Wasps star a chance at a fresh start.

The fly half believes his task will be made easier by the spirit within this Melbourne squad, which gets its Super Rugby season under way, belatedly, against the Waratahs on Friday.

"I've got extra motivation this year to make sure I get in the England side and to really improve on my performances from last year," Cipriani said.

"I'm not going to change too much. Mistakes happen and stuff gets glamorised in the press.

"This year, we've got a very tight group. There's a lot of things we're going to do and we're going to do them together. When we go off-field, we're going to make sure it's all as a team."

These are interesting developments for those wishing to bet on rugby league live online.

England Slip in World Rankings

It was a disappointing weekend for England after falling to defeat to Wales in the last 5 minutes of the game at Twickenham in the 6 Nations, and there is further bad news after they have fallen to sixth place in the new IRB world rankings.

The fall in rankings gives England interim coach Staurt Lancaster and whoever takes up the role full time, a lot of work to do if England are to be one of the seeded teams at the next world cup, as they will need to be in the top 4 by the end of the year.

That certainly looks like a tall order at the moment with England due to play South Africa four times, as well as France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. But betting on them reaching the top four might be worth a betvictor bet.


New Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie will start interviewing for the permanent role of England head coach after the RBS Six Nations, but will be be buoyed by the improving performances of the young side under Lancaster.

However, the RFU must be convinced that he is the man to lead England through to the 2015 tournament on home soil.

Triple crown winners and World Cup semi-finalists Wales are the team to climb above England into fifth place in the rankings after a tremendous 6 months as the Bwin review shows.

England need to start by winning the 6 nations and securing a manager which will give them confidence going into the rest of the year.

Kenya Cup Results 25.02.12

Machine 28 Kisumu 11 Quins 55 Homeboyz 6 Strathmore 17 KCB 10 Nakuru 26 Mwamba 9 Nondies 38 Impala 0

England Vs Wales Teams Announced

Wales will travel to Twickenham on Saturday to face England in the Six Nations as the two teams battle it out to maintain their unbeaten records so far in the tournament.

Despite having home advantage and winning their previous games on the road to Italy and Scotland, England are still the underdogs with stan james and victor chandler bets.

This comes as more of a surprise when Wales have only won once at Twickenham since 1998 - however they will fancy their chances of securing the  triple crown on Saturday.

Wales only just scraped to a win in Dublin when they come against Ireland but the World Cup Semi Finalists were far too strong for Scotland as they will be looking to repeat some of their World Cup form at the weekend.

England have made four changes for the encounter - with Ben Morgan, Geoff Parling and Lee Dickson all set to make their first starts.

Wales will be all too familiar with Manu Tuilagi who scored against Wales at Twickenham in the world cup warm up game last year as he the powerful centre steps into the team following a finger injury to Charlie Hodgson.

Tuilagi, who missed the games against Italy and Scotland with a hamstring injury, had been expected to start on the bench, but he comes in after Owen Farrell was switched to fly-half.

Tuilagi's Leicester team-mate Toby Flood does start among the replacements, though, where he is joined by Courtney Lawes and dropped duo Phil Dowson and Ben Youngs. Lock Tom Palmer misses out completely.

Wales will be given a further boost with the news that captain Sam Warburton has been passed fit to play after pulling out of the game against Scotland with a thigh injury.
Warburton replaces the unlucky Aaron Shingler as one of three changes.

Fit-again Alun-Wyn Jones is preferred to Ryan Jones in the second row, while hooker Ken Owens makes his first Wales start as Huw Bennett and Matthew Rees are both injured.

Here are the teams in full:
England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manusamoa Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (capt), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Mike Brown.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (capt), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.

Can Wales win the Six Nations?

The 2012 Six Nations Championship kicked off on the 4th of February. Six great nations will be battling it out to win the 13th series of the Six Nations.

The countries involved in the competition are as follows: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. This particular article is going to primarily focus on Wales. It will give some notable statistics, along with Wales' chances with regards to winning this year's prestigious title. Those looking at the 2012 Six Nations Betting need to bear this in mind.

Wales' first fixture was an away match against the 2009 champions Ireland. It was an intensely close battle with the result ending in a 21-23 victory to the reputable Welsh side after a magnificent comeback.

The Welsh side's second matchup was a home game against Scotland. The result ended in a substantial victory to the Welsh giants by 27-points to Scotland's 12.

Both of the aforementioned victories have left Wales at the top of the table. In this year's tournament their most prolific player has to be Cardiff Blues' fullback Leigh Halfpenny. The 23-year-old Welshman has certainly made a massive contribution to his side's great results by being the top point scorer with a total of 30-points. Halfpenny is also the joint-top try scorer with a total of two tries. http://betting.betfair.com/rugby-bet/

The Red Dragons' have won the Six Nations title twice with the last time being as recent as 2008. In 2008 the Welsh team managed to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament and ended the competition with a maximum of 12-points. The bookie's favourite for this year's Six Nations event remains to be Wales with best odds set at 11/8. On this occasion I would have to agree with the bookies. Their current coach Warren Gatland has some excellent players in his arsenal and looks certain to guide his prolific side to victory and claim the 2012 Six Nations championship.   

Weekend Games

Kenya Cup Rugby Action resumes this weekend.  Two top of the table clashes and a tricky mid table one means a lot of realignment will take place in the standings this weekend.  The highlight game is Strathmore vs KCB most probably at the Lions Den.  Others are Nakuru at home to Mwamba, Homeboyz hosting Quins at ..er Quins, Impala cross the railway to Jamhuri Park to face Nondies and Machine welcome Kisumu from the lakeside.

This is not a good season for me, but here goes.  KCB over Strathmore by 5, Mwamba over Nakuru by 3, Quins over Homeboyz by 10, Nondies over Impala by a solitary point and Machine over Kisumu by 5.

Do have a good weekend and do enjoy your rugby.

Crusaders eye eighth title

Rugby previews:

Crusaders scrum-half Andy Ellis has made it clear the New Zealand club will be going all out this season to claim their eighth Super Rugby title. The Canterbury-based club last lifted the league trophy in 2008, narrowly losing out on last year’s title in their final game of the season.

The club will now go into the new campaign boasting a number of players who are coming off the back of the All Blacks World Cup triumph at the end of last year, something that could well give the Kiwi teams an advantage in the early stages of the season.

The Crusaders will be forced to play their home games away from their Canterbury base following the horrific earthquake in the city. This season and the club will use the Rugby League Park in Addington, following last season where they were forced to travel to venues like Wellington, and even as far a field as Twickenham.

Ellis is backing his side to use all the troubles the club have had to endure over the past 18 months as added motivation for this season’s challenge for the title. The club certainly have the personnel capable of mounting a real push for honours this season. 

“Last year was tough for us with everything that went on with the earthquake in Christchurch and being unable to play at home.”

“To have come so close to tasting something so special has given us a real hunger for this year.”

“It has been a while since the Crusaders won the title - we've been there or thereabouts, losing a couple of semi-finals and then the final last year - so we feel that this is our time to win it back.”

Followers of rugby league live online will be keeping up to speed with the Crusaders title push.

Kenya Cup Results 180212

Impala 13 Strathmore 8 Mwamba 12 Nondies 23 KCB 6 Homeboyz 3 Kisumu 18
Nakuru 33 Quins 42 Machine 0

Weekend Games

Only local rugby action for us today.  Most likely the 7s players are on mandatory rest so we will not see them in action at home.  However, that leaves nothing out of the menu for the weekend.  League leaders Strathmore are away to Impala, Mwamba host Nondies, Homeboyz travel to the Lion's Den to meet KCB, the Western Derby has Nakuru in Kisumu and Quins host Machine.

My calles Strathmore over Impala by 10, Mwamba over Nondies by 10, KCB over Homeboyz by 5, Nakuru with a bonus point over Kisumu and Quins by 10 over Machine.

Do have a good weekend and enjoy your rugby.

Ospreys ring the changes

Head coach Sean Holley and director of rugby Scott Johnson have left Ospreys with immediate effect.

Holley has left by "mutual agreement" after nine years on the coaching staff. Johnson was due to leave at the end of the season to join Scotland, but Ospreys have accepted his early resignation. The pair leave with Ospreys lying second in the RaboDirect Pro12 table.

Ospreys director Mike Cuddy said it was time for a fresh approach. People following the best Heineken Cup betting may not have been totally surprised by the decision.

Cuddy said: "Sean is in agreement with us that in order to move forward professionally, he too is now in a position where he needs a new challenge.

"And by moving on with immediate effect, it allows both him and the Ospreys to draw a clear line under the past and move forward with a fresh impetus."

Ospreys chief operating officer Andrew Hore was quick to praise Johnson, who felt it necessary to leave with Holley for the good of the region.

"It was a gesture that he has made for the good of the Ospreys business and is typical of the way he has continuously put the region first during his three years as director of coaching," he said.

In 2009-10, Holley and Johnson were part of the coaching team that led the Ospreys to the Magners League title with a play-off final victory over Leinster in Dublin.

Holley said he is leaving Ospreys with a heavy heart, but is looking forward to a fresh challenge.

"I am still only 41 and so I feel I've got a lot offer. I have learned a lot in my time here and achieved a lot too," said Holley.

"I am now looking forward to exploring some new challenges and opportunities that have been presented to me and to enjoying the next part of my career."

April return for McCaw

New Zealand’s World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw looks set to make a return to action in April after finally undergoing surgery on his long-term foot injury. Those watching rugby league live online saw the Canterbury Crusaders star played through the pain barrier as he led the All Blacks to World Cup glory last year, although, an operation had to wait until last week, which required the removal of a screw from the foot which had been inserted before the tournament.

The flanker will now have to wait until April before making a return to competitive action, with McCaw admitting he was determined make sure he completely recovers from the injury before returning for the Canterbury club in their Super 15 campaign.

“The foot is really good. I've just started back running.”

“I'll progress over the next few weeks to hopefully get back out on the field soon, but hopefully it's all behind me.”

“By March, I should be pretty close to knowing when I'll be back, but I'd say some time in April.”

Now the target for the 31-year old will be for him to return to the fold in time for the Crusaders’ trip to South Africa at the beginning of April, where the Kiwis will take on the Lions (twice), the Bulls and then the Stormers on April 14. Playing in all four may be a step too far for McCaw, but the Crusaders will be hoping to have influential captain involved in some part of the mini-tour.

After an impressive season last year, the Crusaders will be looking to go one better this time around and top the league. Having a fully fit McCaw available to them will be integral to those targets this season and is good new for those who have decided to bet on rugby league in the Crusaders favour.

Weekly Ramble

Not very regular at this any more, so maybe should stop calling it Weekly.  Though Ramble may also be too short and not convey much.  My sources have dried up, no more juicy mails.  "Our Turn to Eat" perhaps?  I really can't tell.  My co-bloggers also seem to have lost their mojo.  Not to worry, it's been a good ride.

My thoughts on what is happening.  The local league has proved to be  real eye-opener.  Despite many naysayers, there is always some good in affirmative action.  I don't think anyone really doubted it, but maybe just the way it was done is what caused tempers to rise.  Each game is now nearly a cliff hanger and no one wants to be the tail of the league, even with guaranteed non-relegation.

For the Kenya Sevens, we have turned the corner, or so it seems.  But to what end?  We'll drag the same players on crutches to the Olympics in 2016?  Or are we only thinking of the here and now?  One of my co-bloggers broke the news of the IRB review, and he toook lots of flack for unsubstantiated reports.  But the response of the board and management showed it was quite real.  And now confirmed that there will be qualifiers and promotion/relegation to and from core status.

Do have a good week and do enjoy your rugby.

Parks blow for Scotland

Scotland's slim Six Nations hopes received a blow after fly-half Dan Parks announced his immediate retirement from international rugby.

Parks played 67 times for his country, the last appearance coming in Scotland's 13-6 defeat to England last weekend. His 266 points, including 17 drop-goals, is a Scottish record.

The 33-year-old decided to call time on his international career after a disappointing outing against the auld enemy on Saturday. His charged down kick led to Charlie Hodgson's only try of the game early in the second half. Fans of England Scotland rugby betting online odds will have been disappointed.

Parks said: "I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England and being able to play was huge for me.

"On reflection, after talking it over with family, I've come to the decision that now is the right time to retire."

Parks, who will continue his club career with Cardiff Blues, is the third experienced Scotland player to retire following a disappointing World Cup campaign, after Nathan Hines and Chris Paterson called time on their international careers.

Despite the loss of seasoned internationals, Parks believe the future of Scottish rugby is in good hands. He is proud of his time in a Scotland jersey.

"There are some really talented guys coming through - Jacko, Greig (Laidlaw) and Duncan (Weir) - and although I'm sad to be finishing my international career I have some fantastic memories of playing for Scotland and what that has meant to me," Parks added.

Life without Parks begins with a tough trip to Cardiff to face Wales on Sunday. It is time for the next generation of Scottish half-backs to stand up and be counted.

Head coach Andy Robinson will be hoping to unearth a new star during the rest of the Six Nations campaign.

Farrell will get 'Better and Better' - Foden

Saints and England scrum-half, Ben Foden, believes that Owen Farrell has the potential to be a linchpin in Stuart Lancaster's squad for years to come. The youngster, who is the son of England coach, Andy, has impressed so far in the Six Nations, scoring points against Italy and the 'Auld Enemy', Scotland.

However, the Saracens fly-half faces stiff competition for his jersey from the rather more established duo of Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood, the recent absence of which allowed Farrell to break into the England side. The two players will be in contention for a place in Lancaster's squad for the resumption of the Six Nations, in a fortnight. Those looking at the 2012 six nations winning odds at betfair.com need to bear this in mind.

England will play Wales on February 25, in what could prove to be one of the more interesting match-ups of the Six Nations, to date. The Reds will present England with an entirely different challenge from the two battles they have already fought; Wales are unbeaten, and one of the favourites to win the tournament overall.

Wales' strength could, ultimately, result in Farrell being dropped from the team sheet, as Lancaster looks to strengthen his squad with battle-hardened players, such as Tuilagi. Ben Foden, in support of Farrell, said that the 20-year-old has “come straight in and delivered”, but Tuilagi and Flood have “earned their spurs” already.

“He'll get better and better with every game he plays”, Foden added. “It’s amazing to think that 18 months ago he wasn’t really on the scene. He’s one of those guys who sort of grows into it.” The start of the Six Nations was Farrell's first-ever appearance in an England shirt; he would make his third cap, if selected for the Wales match. Fans of rugby winning odds at betfair should remember this.

Toby Flood, who was left out of England's fixture with Italy, at the weekend, despite being fit to play, is a natural replacement for Johnny Wilkinson at fly-half, while Tuilagi, at 17st, serves as a pacey 'battering ram' for England. Lancaster could opt to drop Charlie Hodgson to keep Farrell in the side, should he favour Tuilagi and Flood.

Lydiate, Jenkins Return for Wales

Gethin Jenkins has made a miraculous recovery, to paraphrase Wales Online, to put his name down for Wales' clash with Scotland, on Sunday. The imposing prop recovered from a knee condition a fortnight earlier than expected, and could take the field alongside Dan Lydiate, who has shaken off an injury of his own in recent days.

The development is a huge boost for a Wales side that had, until mid-week, been missing both Lydiate and Jenkins, as well as Bradley Davies and World Cup hero, Sam Warburton. Davies was recently handed a seven-week ban for upending Ireland's Donnacha Ryan, on Sunday, while Warburton was struggling with a dead leg. Those following the in-play sports betting online should remember this.

Jenkins will replace Rhys Gill at loose-head prop for Wales' match against Scotland. The change is just one of several alterations being prepared by the team's Kiwi coach, Warren Gatland. Lou Reed, of the Scarlets, is likely to start on the bench in place of the injured Justin Tipuric, while Lydiate could cover for Ryan Jones, who starts in the second row.

Gatland spoke of Jenkins' "wealth of experience", as he welcomed the near-19st prop back into the Wales squad. The New Zealander was equally enthusiastic about Lydiate, whose return he described as "timely". Gatland was, however, cautious about the task facing Wales, at the weekend.

"We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland", Gatland warned. "The amount of possession and territory they had against England meant that they should have won the game, and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge." Scotland lost to England 6-13, while Wales beat Ireland by two points, 21-23.

Scotland, like Italy and Ireland, are the underdogs in their respective Six Nations matches. Wales are 1/8 for the win, on Sunday, while Scotland are 6/1 to triumph. The bookies' favouritism towards Wales ostensibly stems from the Reds' performance in the World Cup, where they finished fourth overall.

Kenya Win Plate in Las Vegas

A gritty performance saw us edge out Argentina 21-7.  Well done Kenya 7's.

Kenya Cup Results 110212

KCB 29 Machine 20 Kisumu 6 Quins 20 Homeboyz 15 Impala 30 Nondies 5
Nakuru 14 Strathmore 19 Mwamba 13

Las Vegas Sevens Updates: Kenya 17 Scotland 14 and Kenya 38 Brazil 0

So far so good.  Last game against England tonight.  Seems we'll make the main cup quarter finals.

Weekend Games

Other than the 7s team in Las Vegas this weekend, Kenya Cup action continues.  Hopefully with the usual spills and thrills that have characterised this season thus far.  Just wondering if/when the first round first leg matches will be replayed as they did not take place during the go slow/boycott by "elite" clubs.

The top billed match has Strathmore hosting Mwamba. KCB are away to Mean Machine, Nondies at home to Nakuru, Quins travel to Kisumu and Homeboyz host Impala.  My calls are Mwamba over Strathmore by 5, KCB over Machine by 10, Quins with a bonus point victory over Kisumu and Impala by 3 over Homeboyz.

My 7s call still stands, a main cup quarter final followed by a plate semi final exit.

Do have a good weekend and do enjoy your rugby.

Dan Parks hands youth a chance

Dan Parks will no doubt be feeling pretty gutted that his last major contribution to his country and last significant appearance in a Scotland shirt was marred by one of his kicks being charged down and then converted into a winning try by England at Murrayfield, but the player will still be considered a massive legend by those north of the border.

Holding an admirable Scottish record of 17 dropped goals since starting his international career, Parks has decided to set aside his bid for continued personal glory, doing the decent thing by handing youth a chance in a Betfair Six Nations 2012 tournament in which Scotland will be looking to secure anything but the dreaded wooden spoon.

Having said that, Parks has come in for some criticism by opting to retire so close to the next match for Scotland in the Six Nations, with incoming players perhaps not granted quite enough time to prepare adequately for the step up. Anyone following the Betfair latest rugby betting odds needs to bear this in mind.

With everyone all too aware that playing the key fly-half position for a Scotland side in need of a decent performance against a Wales team looking to pile on more pain on Scottish shoulders is a tough ask for any player, the one question that Parks may now have to answer is why he didn’t make his decision before the Six Nations began.

That would certainly have allowed Andy Robinson the opportunity to spend more time thinking about how best to replace the veteran but at least now Scotland have the chance to prove that their youthful players are able to adapt well to difficult circumstances on the biggest stage of them all.

Tomkins forced to wait

Cross-code convert Joel Tomkins has had to wait for another taste of rugby union action after a dream start to life at Saracens.

The former England rugby league international scored two tries on debut in Sarries’ 41-14 LV= Cup win against Worcester on January 29, but has had to wait for another opportunity to impress following the postponed clash at Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend. Those looking to make a best online rugby bet should remember this.

It is never easy moving codes, but Saracens coach Alex Sanderson believes Tomkins has what it takes to make it in the 15-a-side code.

"Joel is an intelligent player and the more he plays the better he'll become. We have big hopes for Joel in the future, because he is a very talented lad," Sanderson said after Tomkins’ impressive debut at outside centre.

The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Wigan Warriors and made his debut in 2005 at the age of 18.

After a slow start to his Wigan career, he cemented a regular first-team place and became an integral part of their 2010 Super League success. Last season, he scored one of the best tries in Challenge Cup final history as the Warriors defeated Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.

Tomkins is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton and represent England in both codes.

"Playing for England is definitely a long-term goal. It's a long way away and a lot of hard work," Tomkins said after joining Saracens in November.

Tomkins certainly has what it takes to make it in union. He has pace, power, size and skill – attributes that translate into either code.

He should get the opportunity to build on his early success at struggling Wasps on Sunday. Tomkins will be keen to show his debut wasn’t a flash in the pan.

IRB Las Vegas Sevens: Local Timings

Kenya are in Pool D with England, Brazil and Scotland.  We kick off with Scotland on Saturday morning at 04.28 a.m. followed by Brazil at 07.24 a.m.  The final pool game will be against England at 00.28 on Sunday morning.

Wishing the team all the best.

England to Field Uncapped Players

At 5p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the England rugby team will play Scotland at Murrayfield. The fixture, only the second of an embryonic Six Nations tournament, will be notable for the inclusion of three debutants in the former side, namely Brad Barritt, Phil Dowson, and the Saracens' Owen Farrell.

Dowson, who will bear the mantle of England's number eight in just over 24 hours time, plies his trade at the Northampton Saints. Those following the best betting should remember this.

Described as "hugely experienced as a leader", the 30-year-old worked alongside the national coach, Stuart Lancaster, in the England Saxons, back in 2005.

"He is a very good footballer", Lancaster said, of Dowson. "He has played lots of big games, and he is desperate to play for England. That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity." Dowson is one of nine 'new' players in the England side; only six remain from the side's disastrous World Cup campaign.

Joining the former Falcon in Edinburgh is Brad Barritt, currently of the Saracens. Barritt, 25, will play at outside centre for England, with his Sarries teammate, Farrell, covering the inside. Lancaster, notably, is playing the two players slightly out of position; their roles are reversed at the Saracens.

Farrell, the final newcomer, is the son of England coach, Andy. The 20-year-old has been lauded for his ability with the oval ball in recent days but his lack of experience on the main stage could prove a problem for an England side that is already lacking in battle-worn stars.

Retired Scot, Andy Nicol, referred to England in 2012 as "the least experienced England side I can remember, and in many ways the least intimidating". Scotland have more than double the combined international caps of their opponents, with 501 to England's 236.

Lancaster's decision to drop more than half of England's World Cup squad could be seen as an effort to distance the side from the disaster that was the national team's most recent campaign in New Zealand. However, it is questionable how effective a unit that has never played together competitively will be at the Six Nations.

Kenya Cup Week 9

Was miles off on some and goes to show the unpredicability of the league.  Are the minnows catching up.  Are they learning?  Are the strong not as strong as they think they are?  Is the length of the league taking it's toll?  Are clubs struggling with depth?  Maybe they were right.  Maybe we need a 14-18 team league to finally improve our rugby.  But we also need to build these 14-18 teams to the Kenya Cup standard.

Kenya Cup Results 040212

Kisumu 28 Nondies 25 Machine 26 Impala 20 Quins 22 KCB 15 Strathmore
19 Nakuru 18 Homeboyz 9 Mwamba 41

Wellington Sevens Update: Kenya 14 Scotland 5

We meet Wales in the Semis

Weekend Games

Was not so badly off last week.  And maybe my feelings on the Kenya Sevens were also not far off.  Anyway, Strathmore play Nakuru at Impala, Mean Machine play Impala at Campus grounds, Homeboyz play Mwamba at Jamhuri Park, Kisumu play Nondies at their Polytechnic and Quins play KCB at RFUEA grounds.

I give Strathmore over Nakuru by 5, Impala by 8 over Machine, Mwamba over Homeboyz by 10, Nondies over Kisumu by 15 and Quins over KCB by 3.

Do have a good weekend and do enjoy your rugby.

Wellington Sevens Updates: Kenya 17 France 26 and Kenya 14 Canada 21

Quick fire in the first game then could not seem to match up. Good play all round though.

Wellington Sevens Results: Kenya 35 Australia 10

Fantastic display by the lads, captain leading from the front. Dataminer??

Wolves suffer injury blow

Warrington Wolves have suffered a major blow ahead of the new season with the news that second-rower David Solomona has broken his leg in training.

The former Bradford and Wakefield man suffered the injury in the wolves final pre-season training camp in Australia and underwent surgery in the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney.
Tony Smith’s side are currently ‘Down Under’ for a three week training camp before facing South Sydney on January 28th in what is sure to be a tough encounter. After that they will fly home and begin their preparations for the Super League opener on Sunday 5th February away at Hull FC.
Despite the injury, it is rugby previews are reporting that the 33-year-old is back with the squad and remains in high spirits and will be doing all he can to speed up his recovery.
"The operation was a success and David is now back with the squad and in good spirits," said a Warrington spokesperson.
"The club's medical staff are happy with how everything has gone so far and David will remain with the team for the duration of the pre-season training camp in Australia.”
The Wire have had a difficult time with injuries over the close season and the Kiwi is the second key payer to be ruled out for the opening of the season. Scrum-half Richie Myler dislocated his elbow in his side’s rugby league live online victory over Widnes on Boxing Day.
Full-back Brett Hodgson is also out until March with an ankle problem and Tony Smith will be hoping hi s fringe players will be able to step up to plate and fill the gaps left his star absentees.

Brown looking forward

Harlequins full-back Mike Brown says he has recovered from his difficult start to his England career and insists he will not be fazed if he’s handed the number 15 shirt in the upcoming Six Nations.

Brown was recalled to the England set-up by interim coach Stuart Lancaster after a superb season for his club and live in-play betting  markets are buzzing with anticipation ahead of the Six Nations.  The 25-year-old previously played for his country in 2007 against South Africa and then a year later against New Zealand.
All the games ended in heavy defeats leading the talented star to question whether he wanted further international recognition.
However, he believes those experiences have helped him improve greatly and says he fears no-one.
"I am a completely different player from when I played against South Africa and New Zealand," said Brown.
"They are two of the best teams in the world and I have had to learn a lot of lessons from that.
"I have no reason to be worried about any other teams now because I have played against two of the best in the world."
Brown was recently named as the Aviva Premiership player of the month for December and several rugby previews are tipping him for further success. Brown admits that he’s glad to finally have all his hard work recognised. He says the next step is to establish himself in the England team and is hoping for his chance in the Six Nations.
"It will mean everything to play in the Six Nations. I have been watching that tournament since I was about seven years old. That is why I have been working so hard over the last three years, to be a part of something like this," Brown said.
"It is going to be a tough ask (to dislodge Foden) but that is why I have been working so hard and I will continue to do that and reach my goal of getting a starting position."

Bookies suggest England are playing for pride, not to win

Bookies may not always be correct, but they generally don’t like to be proved wrong by punters. So, the fact that England have been chalked up as the third favourites to win the Six Nations tournament indicates that the English team will perhaps solely be playing for pride when they start their campaign against Scotland, providing a marked contrast to previous years, where this game has been regarded as a must-win for England in order to ensure that they can eventually fight it out seriously for the title. Anyone looking at the Betfair 6 Nations betting needs to bear this in mind.

Regardless of that, however, it is now quite simply vital that England restore some sense of pride and belief in what has become a pretty beleaguered side when the tournament gets underway, despite the fact that the team will be facing a Scotland side who will be eager to do what they can to get the Murrayfield crowd on their side for the remaining games played at their famous stadium.

Likewise, if England do manage to win the game despite the question marks hanging over the squad, they'll know that they will be guaranteed a strong and vocal backing when they next play at Twickenham, in the process allowing England to earn back some of the pride and honour so rapidly and dramatically lost while at the controversial and ill-fated New Zealand World Cup. Punters may want to read more on rugby betting previews before they decide how the side will get on.

If England can at least enjoy a tournament they are clearly not properly equipped to win, rather than finding themselves constantly berated by the media and their unrealistic expectations, it'll be the first step on a long, long road to recovery for Stuart Lancaster and the boys.

Weekly Ramble

My first in a long time.  My Muse had deserted me and so had my mojo.  Saw a random comment on website that maybe we have been compromised.  Maybe I have.  Maybe I see nothing, hear nothing, hence say nothing.  Maybe I'm just tired.  Beating a drum makes a difference if someone is dancing.  If people are just watching it becomes tiresome.  The same people who criticised us for having no locus standi to point fingers at them, are now asking us to point fingers at the newbies!  Irony, isn't it.  Have we suddenly become credible or is our noise now palatable since it is not directed at them.  I came across this phrase online and I wish I was more widely read as I would have used it a long time ago.

Protections for anonymous speech are vital to democratic discourse. Allowing dissenters to shield their identities frees them to express critical minority views . . . Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. . . . It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation . . . at the hand of an intolerant society.  

That was not really my topic for today.  I digress as usual.  A new old look Sevens team has been named for the next two legs of the HSBC IRB Sevens Rugby Circuit for Wellington and Las Vegas.  Excitement is rife that this team may finally give us what we have been craving.  My question is how will they do that?  These are the same players we were so sick of last year that we asked for a complete overhaul of the team.  We sang praises of the new team and were full of hope for the new young talent.  Whereas it was clear to any observer that we did not have the players to replace the old crop especially after Mwamba looked better than them at the Safaricom Sevens, we somehow had hope.  Sometimes our patriotism dims our senses and we get lulled.  I know it happens to me.  So why would we now expect the team to perform better?  Are they fitter, stronger?  Most people are just happy familiar names are on the team.  Have they trained harder, more consistently?  Why then all this hope?

To me it is simple.  The technical team have showed the players they can do without them.  And that alone will make them play much harder, and hopefully much better.  I'm not looking for a podium finish in these two legs as fundamentally, nothing has changed.  I am however hopeful of a bowl final appearance in Wellington and a plate semi final finish in Las Vegas. 

Do have a good week and let us support the boys to the hilt.