Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Rugby: Jonny Wilkinson
There's an interesting interview with Jonny Wilkinson on The Guardian's website. We have heard the story about how he is coming back to full form and fitness numerous times before, so only time will tell if we will see the last few years of his career pass off successfully and healthily in an England shirt. However, that he has found some level of peace of mind in his new surroundings is promising at least. It is also interesting that he has been advising Danny Cipriani. Having both players (or even just one of them) fit and in form would go a long way to restoring the fortunes of the England side.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Rugby: Gavin Henson
Gavin Henson is one of the biggest names in Northern Hemisphere rugby, yet in recent times he has been garnering more headlines for the amount of time he is spending off the field rather than on it. For all his celebrity, Henson has achieved very little on the field. He has appeared in two grand slam winning Wales teams, and was selected for the 2005 Lions tour, but for a player with such talent, and the subject of such hype and attention, his impact on the field really boils down to a handful of moments. This week, the news that he has been excluded from the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup squad has led to a couple of good pieces in the press, as his injury-induced indefinite leave from the game drags on.
As former Welsh international Mark Ring puts it in one article:
"What has he really done? Kick a long-range penalty to beat England and dump an 18-year-old kid [Mathew Tait, in that England match in 2005] on his backside. For a guy with so much natural talent it's not a great return."
Put simply, Henson has achieved little of substance despite a lot of fuss. Even in the 2005 grand slam, he was arguably no better than Tom Shanklin, his partner at centre, who lacks the modelling contracts and celebrity partner, and therefore gets much less attention. Yet he is clearly a genuinely talented player, with all the skills to be one of the best in the world.
Henson’s celebrity and diffident attitude has never really attracted much sympathy. However, if there has been one benefit of his time away from the game, it has been that it has allowed a more balanced assessment of his character, and a recognition that despite the way he has seemingly courted the limelight, in reality he is a somewhat conflicted personality, who has struggled with the pressures placed upon him. There may be something in the suggestion that he would be better off moving to another club, in order to find an environment where he can be more at ease. Perhaps moving to an English or a French club would suit him better. The French have a more laid back approach to the game, and he would be less well known over there, whilst in England, were he to sign for a London club for instance, he would be just one of many famous faces in a big city, and less likely to feel like he is in a goldfish bowl.
Henson appears to be at a crossroads then. Some of his problems are undoubtedly self-inflicted, especially his bad behaviour in public, but he has also suffered from ill-timed injuries that have affected his morale. He needs to decide whether or not he loves the game enough to carry on, and if he does, then he needs to accept that there are certain things required of him as a professional:
"Henson's misfortune is little compared to that suffered by Jonny Wilkinson since England won the 2003 World Cup, But whereas Wilkinson was born to be a professional sportsman, devoting most of his waking hours to rugby, Henson is a freer spirit who gets his satisfaction out of playing rather than preparation or talking about the game."
It is sad to see any player drift away from the game with their talent unfulfilled, especially one who has the potential to light up the biggest of stages, and aged 27, Henson realistically has a 5 year window to make his mark.
As former Welsh international Mark Ring puts it in one article:
"What has he really done? Kick a long-range penalty to beat England and dump an 18-year-old kid [Mathew Tait, in that England match in 2005] on his backside. For a guy with so much natural talent it's not a great return."
Put simply, Henson has achieved little of substance despite a lot of fuss. Even in the 2005 grand slam, he was arguably no better than Tom Shanklin, his partner at centre, who lacks the modelling contracts and celebrity partner, and therefore gets much less attention. Yet he is clearly a genuinely talented player, with all the skills to be one of the best in the world.
Henson’s celebrity and diffident attitude has never really attracted much sympathy. However, if there has been one benefit of his time away from the game, it has been that it has allowed a more balanced assessment of his character, and a recognition that despite the way he has seemingly courted the limelight, in reality he is a somewhat conflicted personality, who has struggled with the pressures placed upon him. There may be something in the suggestion that he would be better off moving to another club, in order to find an environment where he can be more at ease. Perhaps moving to an English or a French club would suit him better. The French have a more laid back approach to the game, and he would be less well known over there, whilst in England, were he to sign for a London club for instance, he would be just one of many famous faces in a big city, and less likely to feel like he is in a goldfish bowl.
Henson appears to be at a crossroads then. Some of his problems are undoubtedly self-inflicted, especially his bad behaviour in public, but he has also suffered from ill-timed injuries that have affected his morale. He needs to decide whether or not he loves the game enough to carry on, and if he does, then he needs to accept that there are certain things required of him as a professional:
"Henson's misfortune is little compared to that suffered by Jonny Wilkinson since England won the 2003 World Cup, But whereas Wilkinson was born to be a professional sportsman, devoting most of his waking hours to rugby, Henson is a freer spirit who gets his satisfaction out of playing rather than preparation or talking about the game."
It is sad to see any player drift away from the game with their talent unfulfilled, especially one who has the potential to light up the biggest of stages, and aged 27, Henson realistically has a 5 year window to make his mark.
Monday, 14 September 2009
NFL: Mr Relevant
One of the more lighthearted traditions in professional sport is the annual naming of the NFL’s “Mr Irrelevant”, the last player chosen in the seven round draft of college players made each spring. The exact number of players chosen in the draft varies year to year, but is usually between 250 and 260. That said, at least Mr Irrelevant is more relevant than the many players picked up as undrafted free agents.
It is good to see then, this year’s Mr Irrelevant not only made it through training camp and onto his team’s final roster, but that he is now starting in the NFL and kicking points for them as well, in spite of his unglamorous title.
It is good to see then, this year’s Mr Irrelevant not only made it through training camp and onto his team’s final roster, but that he is now starting in the NFL and kicking points for them as well, in spite of his unglamorous title.
Rugby: Argentina Join the Tri-Nations
Great news today that Argentina are to join the Tri-Nations tournament. It has long been an injustice that the Pumas have been deprived of guaranteed regular competition, instead relying on their ability to schedule tour matches in Europe every year. The major rugby nations had been for many years looking the other way, with the SANZAR nations arguing that the Argentineans should play in Europe, where most of their players are based, and the European teams arguing that they should play in the southern hemisphere. Neither party seemed to want to take responsibility for the Pumas, presumably worried about their own attendance levels and television contracts.
Nonetheless, it always made sense for them to play in their own hemisphere, allowing them to play at home in Argentina, and develop the game there. Playing matches in Spain would have done little in the long run for Argentinean rugby. Their domestic game is still amateur, so having regular international rugby in the southern hemisphere season could be a prelude to going professional at home.
The conditions in the agreement are worth noting, as they include suggestions that the Super 14 sides will home the Argentinean players, making sure they are playing in the right season, and hopefully bringing closer the prospect of an Argentinean side in an expanded Super 14.
Regular competition will do wonders for the game in what has become one of the most respected rugby nations outside of the big five of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and France. The chance to develop their national side against high quality opposition, regular access to their top players, and a greater fan and player base at home, will all make a huge difference. If the Pumas are capable of a third-placed finish at the Rugby World Cup without these elements, then it seems distinctly possible that a genuine World Cup challenge could be mounted in 2015, after the new deal takes effect.
The addition will also be great for the Tri-Nations. The tournament has added extra games in recent years, and has the highest standard of rugby in the world, but has suffered from a lack of variety. The same players and locations are seen week-in, week-out in the tournament and the Super 14, and that lack of variety is something that has been cited by players who have headed north to Europe. Adding Argentina will bring in new players, new fans, new locations and a different rugby culture, and should create a more expansive feel to the tournament.
Much is made of expanding the game of rugby into new territories, a key factor in the game’s drive for Olympic recognition. However, there are many existing rugby nations that need support from the international community first. Should this move go to plan, the rugby world can turn its attention to developing the prospects of the Pacific and eastern European nations, where there are real opportunities to develop into the professional game.
Nonetheless, it always made sense for them to play in their own hemisphere, allowing them to play at home in Argentina, and develop the game there. Playing matches in Spain would have done little in the long run for Argentinean rugby. Their domestic game is still amateur, so having regular international rugby in the southern hemisphere season could be a prelude to going professional at home.
The conditions in the agreement are worth noting, as they include suggestions that the Super 14 sides will home the Argentinean players, making sure they are playing in the right season, and hopefully bringing closer the prospect of an Argentinean side in an expanded Super 14.
Regular competition will do wonders for the game in what has become one of the most respected rugby nations outside of the big five of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and France. The chance to develop their national side against high quality opposition, regular access to their top players, and a greater fan and player base at home, will all make a huge difference. If the Pumas are capable of a third-placed finish at the Rugby World Cup without these elements, then it seems distinctly possible that a genuine World Cup challenge could be mounted in 2015, after the new deal takes effect.
The addition will also be great for the Tri-Nations. The tournament has added extra games in recent years, and has the highest standard of rugby in the world, but has suffered from a lack of variety. The same players and locations are seen week-in, week-out in the tournament and the Super 14, and that lack of variety is something that has been cited by players who have headed north to Europe. Adding Argentina will bring in new players, new fans, new locations and a different rugby culture, and should create a more expansive feel to the tournament.
Much is made of expanding the game of rugby into new territories, a key factor in the game’s drive for Olympic recognition. However, there are many existing rugby nations that need support from the international community first. Should this move go to plan, the rugby world can turn its attention to developing the prospects of the Pacific and eastern European nations, where there are real opportunities to develop into the professional game.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Rugby: Saracens 19-16 Northampton
Saracens overcame Northampton in a gritty match on Saturday, in which defences were on top for much of the encounter. The match, the first club rugby game to be held at Wembley Stadium, drew an impressive crowd of 44,000, and generated a good atmosphere, but the fans were rewarded with a poor quality game.
In the first half, both sides seemed a little overawed by their surroundings, despite the number of international players on both teams, resulting in an-error strewn 40 minutes. Neither set of backs showed much penetration, with too much rugby being played in front of the opposing defences. Both Glen Jackson and Shane Geraghty struggled to kick some simple chances, whilst Jackson saw a ponderous drop-goal attempt charged down. However he eventually found his range and the home side went in 9-3 leaders at half time.
The second half was a livelier affair, and sparked into life within minutes, when Noah Cato’s tackle on Dylan Hartley not only stopped a promising Northampton attack, but also dislodged the ball, enabling the winger to pick up and run in a length of the field try. Moments later the tables were turned, as the visitors put together another attack, with Geraghty involved twice before Phil Dowson put Jon Clarke over in the corner.
A further exchange of penalties, followed by a second of the half for Geraghty saw Northampton draw within three points of Saracens, and the visitors were the ones playing the better rugby in the final quarter, finally getting some momentum and moving the ball downfield, especially with Saracens hooker Schalk Brits in the sin-bin. With minutes to go, Northampton prop Soane Tonga'uiha looked to have stolen a win, powering over the line from close range. However, after a lengthy look at the footage, the television match official ruled that the Tongan had knocked on, and after one last attack fizzled out, Northampton ran out of time.
Northampton will feel that they played the better rugby, but neither side played anywhere close to their best. Had the otherwise lively Geraghty kicked more accurately it might have been a different story, but Saracens will feel content to have come away with the points in front of such a large crowd. However, any new fans in attendance are unlikely to have been impressed by the standard of the rugby on offer.
In the first half, both sides seemed a little overawed by their surroundings, despite the number of international players on both teams, resulting in an-error strewn 40 minutes. Neither set of backs showed much penetration, with too much rugby being played in front of the opposing defences. Both Glen Jackson and Shane Geraghty struggled to kick some simple chances, whilst Jackson saw a ponderous drop-goal attempt charged down. However he eventually found his range and the home side went in 9-3 leaders at half time.
The second half was a livelier affair, and sparked into life within minutes, when Noah Cato’s tackle on Dylan Hartley not only stopped a promising Northampton attack, but also dislodged the ball, enabling the winger to pick up and run in a length of the field try. Moments later the tables were turned, as the visitors put together another attack, with Geraghty involved twice before Phil Dowson put Jon Clarke over in the corner.
A further exchange of penalties, followed by a second of the half for Geraghty saw Northampton draw within three points of Saracens, and the visitors were the ones playing the better rugby in the final quarter, finally getting some momentum and moving the ball downfield, especially with Saracens hooker Schalk Brits in the sin-bin. With minutes to go, Northampton prop Soane Tonga'uiha looked to have stolen a win, powering over the line from close range. However, after a lengthy look at the footage, the television match official ruled that the Tongan had knocked on, and after one last attack fizzled out, Northampton ran out of time.
Northampton will feel that they played the better rugby, but neither side played anywhere close to their best. Had the otherwise lively Geraghty kicked more accurately it might have been a different story, but Saracens will feel content to have come away with the points in front of such a large crowd. However, any new fans in attendance are unlikely to have been impressed by the standard of the rugby on offer.
NFL: The 2009 Season
The NFL season got underway on Thursday night with a gritty win for the reigning champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, overcoming last season’s early season pacesetters, the Tennessee Titans in overtime.
With the regular season now up and running, it’s worth taking a quick look at the contenders. The beauty of the NFL is how open it is. Around half the teams in the league will fancy themselves for at least an outside run at a place in the Superbowl. After all, if last year’s runners up, the Arizona Cardinals can do it, after years as the butt of everyone’s jokes, then nothing is impossible
Genuine contenders:
New England, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Tennessee, Baltimore, San Diego, Minnesota, Arizona, Dallas.
Outside bets:
Carolina, Chicago, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Green Bay, Seattle.
Of those outside bets, it seems a little early for the new regimes in Seattle or Indianapolis, with the latter being tipped for a disappointing season, although one should never write Peyton Manning off. Meanwhile Carolina have failed to string winning seasons together, Chicago need to develop, and New Orleans and Green Bay need to prove their new defences are as good as their offences.
Of the favourites, the reigning Steelers still look good, but may struggle with everyone gunning for them, and with their ongoing offensive line problems. The Patriots look very strong with Tom Brady back from injury, but need to prove the worth of their new-look defensive line-up. Dallas are, for once, a low profile team, and could break their 13 year playoff win drought, although the big prize is probably too much for them given their lack of playoff experience. Philadelphia look very strong, especially after last year’s run, but they have rebuilt. If the new players can gel with the veterans, and Michael Vick can help the offence rather than disrupt it, they could win the whole thing, however it might take another season for the younger players to settle in. The Giants have to prove they can score touchdowns without the imprisoned Plaxico Burress – last year they struggled badly once he was ruled out. The Titans and the Ravens need to show that there’s more to their games than defence and a powerful ruining game, but both sides, especially the Ravens with their veteran leadership, could go all the way. Of all the contenders, the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers probably have the best all round teams. For the Vikings, the question is, can Brett Favre integrate into their side, and can he still perform to the championship-winning level of his earlier career? For the Chargers, a side who have flirted with success in recent years, its time to step up and make a serious challenge. With star linebacker Shawn Merriman back from injury, they have no excuses. Another playoff failure and coach Norv Turner could find himself out of a job, as the owners have proved impatient in the past with coaches who have failed to take this talented squad on to the next level.
This column’s prediction: New Orleans to be this year’s Arizona, coming up on the rails and surprising the NFC to beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game and progress to the Superbowl, where they’ll lose to the Chargers, who will have overcome the Ravens in the AFC. A side note though, neither of those sides has ever won the Superbowl, and new sides do not win very often. The last first-time winner was Tampa Bay in 2002. However, the Chargers have as good a chance this year, as they have ever had.
With the regular season now up and running, it’s worth taking a quick look at the contenders. The beauty of the NFL is how open it is. Around half the teams in the league will fancy themselves for at least an outside run at a place in the Superbowl. After all, if last year’s runners up, the Arizona Cardinals can do it, after years as the butt of everyone’s jokes, then nothing is impossible
Genuine contenders:
New England, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Tennessee, Baltimore, San Diego, Minnesota, Arizona, Dallas.
Outside bets:
Carolina, Chicago, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Green Bay, Seattle.
Of those outside bets, it seems a little early for the new regimes in Seattle or Indianapolis, with the latter being tipped for a disappointing season, although one should never write Peyton Manning off. Meanwhile Carolina have failed to string winning seasons together, Chicago need to develop, and New Orleans and Green Bay need to prove their new defences are as good as their offences.
Of the favourites, the reigning Steelers still look good, but may struggle with everyone gunning for them, and with their ongoing offensive line problems. The Patriots look very strong with Tom Brady back from injury, but need to prove the worth of their new-look defensive line-up. Dallas are, for once, a low profile team, and could break their 13 year playoff win drought, although the big prize is probably too much for them given their lack of playoff experience. Philadelphia look very strong, especially after last year’s run, but they have rebuilt. If the new players can gel with the veterans, and Michael Vick can help the offence rather than disrupt it, they could win the whole thing, however it might take another season for the younger players to settle in. The Giants have to prove they can score touchdowns without the imprisoned Plaxico Burress – last year they struggled badly once he was ruled out. The Titans and the Ravens need to show that there’s more to their games than defence and a powerful ruining game, but both sides, especially the Ravens with their veteran leadership, could go all the way. Of all the contenders, the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers probably have the best all round teams. For the Vikings, the question is, can Brett Favre integrate into their side, and can he still perform to the championship-winning level of his earlier career? For the Chargers, a side who have flirted with success in recent years, its time to step up and make a serious challenge. With star linebacker Shawn Merriman back from injury, they have no excuses. Another playoff failure and coach Norv Turner could find himself out of a job, as the owners have proved impatient in the past with coaches who have failed to take this talented squad on to the next level.
This column’s prediction: New Orleans to be this year’s Arizona, coming up on the rails and surprising the NFC to beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game and progress to the Superbowl, where they’ll lose to the Chargers, who will have overcome the Ravens in the AFC. A side note though, neither of those sides has ever won the Superbowl, and new sides do not win very often. The last first-time winner was Tampa Bay in 2002. However, the Chargers have as good a chance this year, as they have ever had.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Rugby: Medical Ethics in the Harlequins Scandal
The most serious allegation in rugby’s fake blood scandal was that Tom Williams’ lip was deliberately cut after the game in order to make the faked injury look realistic.
It is unsurprising then, that the General Medical Council have decided to investigate the conduct of Dr Wendy Chapman in the affair. Whilst the rest of the scandal matters only to the rugby world, the question of medical ethics is of greater concern, and it is worrying that a doctor was able to be pressured into harming a patient (albeit in a minor way), to help her employer. Dr Chapman was clearly put under a lot of pressure in a hostile and rushed situation, and took action at the behest of the player himself, but if there is one area of that saga that must not be repeated, it is this, otherwise it is a slippery slope from here on in.
Hopefully other medical professionals in the sporting world have taken note, and will learn the important lesson from Dr Chapman’s case. After all, although it would be nice to think that those involved had a higher duty to the game of rugby, in truth only the doctor had a formal duty to anyone other than her employer.
It is unsurprising then, that the General Medical Council have decided to investigate the conduct of Dr Wendy Chapman in the affair. Whilst the rest of the scandal matters only to the rugby world, the question of medical ethics is of greater concern, and it is worrying that a doctor was able to be pressured into harming a patient (albeit in a minor way), to help her employer. Dr Chapman was clearly put under a lot of pressure in a hostile and rushed situation, and took action at the behest of the player himself, but if there is one area of that saga that must not be repeated, it is this, otherwise it is a slippery slope from here on in.
Hopefully other medical professionals in the sporting world have taken note, and will learn the important lesson from Dr Chapman’s case. After all, although it would be nice to think that those involved had a higher duty to the game of rugby, in truth only the doctor had a formal duty to anyone other than her employer.
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