I’m going to star opinion blogging regularly as well as giving the up to the minute “Where to Watch” info. So I just thought I’d catch up on all the rugby news before heading to bed, so here are a few highlights.
Keith Wood thinks Eddie O’Sullian needs to learn lessons from the Rugby World Cup or face the sack. “Undoubtedly Eddie made mistakes at the World Cup,” said Wood. “Some of the selections he made for the squad didn’t give him the flexibility he needed.” No sh*t sherlock.
Looks like Stephen Jones may follow Wayne Peel out of Llanelli. He is sounding out other clubs as a clause in his contract allows him to leave at the end of the season even though it runs till 2009. Apparently Biaritz and Leicester are leading the pack. I wonder will Warren Gatland have to reconsider his home based player for a second time in a week.
John Smit thinks that Peter de Villiers is a great guy who wants the Boks to win. I’d hope a coach would want his team to win. “The guy wants what is best for the Springboks,” Smit told the Pretoria News. “If you are a South African rugby player or supporter you have to be encouraged by that.” Obvious statement of the day goes to Mr Smit.
With all play for in the Heineken Cup this weekend the BBC’s website has a full breakdown of the permutations.
Brian Aston claims that one training session turned England’s World Cup around. Despite Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt’s assertions that Ashton was out of his depth and player power turned fortunes around. “There was a good deal of talk, very honest talk, and everyone who wanted to make a contribution did so. Contrary to popular belief, there was no swearing that I can remember,” Ashton said. “What I do remember is a considerable amount of disagreement between the players themselves about things we’d done in the buildup to the tournament. What emerged was a need for clarity.” I believe you Brian, honestly, I believe you.
O’Gara will need to wear protective headgear on Saturday. He bears no grudges though – “I don’t really remember much to be honest,” he said. “I was on the ground expecting to get up and then I got kinda stood on. To be fair to their fellow, I think he was jumping. I’m not saying that he stood on my head by any means.” Last time someone kicked me in the head I did bear grudges and ended up with a broken thumb – ROGs way is better.
By the way here is the full lineup of rugby on Sky Sports over the next couple of months.
Super 14 is now of FS+ in the USA. I am watching the Sharks v the Brumbies right now and they showed the whole pre-show and have the Australian commentary. Looking forward to Directv pushing FS+ to HD.
