Sanjay's Rugby World

In an exclusive with Total Rugby, Richie McCaw interview, the brilliant flanker rates his toughest opponents and talks about the World Cup in New Zealand.

It use to be that the Springboks v All Blacks was rugby’s greatest rivalry. In this current age, that rivalry is still strong, but it may not be the most anticipated clash on the rugby calendar that South African fans like to believe.

Talking to Total Rugby, Richie McCaw rates his toughest opponents.

George Smith of Australia and one of the French flankers are rated by McCaw, but it is interesting to note that no Bok is in his top 2.

Smith has been one of the best over the last decade, and perhaps it goes to show the Boks have not had a true world class opensider, perform consistently for a prolonged period of time?

In 2010, one of the largest debates around the Boks was the position of fetcher flank, and the glaring ommision of someone who could perform the role in the absence of Heinrich Brussouw.

Certainly it would be a compliment to the Boks to have a player rated as being the toughest opponent to one of the most influential players on the player, and provides an insight to the Boks in one area they desperately need to improve.

ESPN’s spanish website, ESPN deportes scrum, has published their 100 most memorable rugby photos for 2010

There is a northern hemisphere bias, but there are some great moments, (not enough Springbok ones!) and some of the bizarre, funny and best action shots for 2010.

To view the photos, go to ESPN’s rugby top 100 photo page.

The public can now vote for the 2010 IRPA (International Rugby Players Association) try of the year, which has been narrowed down to 18 candidates from the original selection of 230.

In conjunction with the IRB, IRPA has an award for the best try of the year, as determined by the rugby public.

The tries are selected from the following competitions:
The Six Nations
The Tri Nations
Women’s Rugby World Cup
IRB Pacific Nations Cup
IRB Nations Cup
The June and November internationals

Fans can log onto the IRB Website , where they can view the tries and then vote for their favourite.

Voting closes on January 17, 2011.

The shortlist is:

1: Shane Williams, Wales v France
2: Ben Foden, France v England
3: Shane Williams, Wales v Scotland
4: Dan Carter, New Zealand v Wales
5: Felipe Contepomi, Argentina v France
6: Gonzalo Tiesi, Argentina v Scotland
7: Mils Muliaina, Australia v New Zealand
8: Israel Dagg, New Zealand v South Africa
9: James O’Connor, South Africa v Australia
10: Danielle Waterman, England v USA
11: Cobie-Jane Morgan, Australia v Wales
12: Huriana Manuel, New Zealand v Australia
13: Chrysander Botha, Georgia v Namibia
14: Nikola Matawalu, Fiji v Japan
15: Juan Jose Imhoff, Argentina Jaguars v Italy A
16: Chris Ashton, England v Australia
17: James Hook, Wales, v South Africa
18: Adam Ashley-Cooper, New Zealand v Australia


Last year’s winner of the award was Fourie du Preez of South Africa. In looking at the shortlist of nominees for 2010, a noticable feature is the ommision of any Springbok.

New Zealand’s men and women players have 5 tries in the shortlist, whilst Australia, Wales and England are represented 3 times each. Even Argentina feature twice!

IRB Player of the Year in 2008, Shane Williams (Wales) is the only player to have 2 tries in the shortlist (for the 2nd year running).

The lack of a Bok nomination highlights once again how impotent the Boks have been on attack this year, and in particular scoring tries.

Considering how dominant the Bulls and Stormers were on attack in this year’s Super 14, (with the Stormers scoring my try of the year with a wonderful full team effort against the Chiefs in Hamilton) and the potent attacking quality available, it is a tragedy the Boks have been unable to score quality tries this year.

Well done to the candidates, but I hope the Boks can be better in 2011 and once again show the world how good they can be on attack!

After losing 24-21 to Racing Metro, Saracens Director of Rugby Brendan Venter gave one of the strangest interviews ever!

Venter has a reputation for not holding his opinion back, and has been fined on mulitple occasions for expressing his views.

He was fined 22000 pounds for comments made after Saracens second round Heineken Cup match earlier this year and has not given an interview for 2 months.

Is he getting his own back with this interview? Either that or he is seriously strange!

I believe giving interviews is a mandatory requirement, in this interview, Venter appears to be mocking the interviewer and his questions, answering very sarcastically.

In the latest IRB World Rankings the Springboks will end the year in third position, with the Tri-Nations sides firmly entrenched as 1, 2 and 3.

The Springboks finish the year in third position, just over 1 ranking point behind Australia in second.

Considering the strong state South African rugby found itself after the Super 14, it’s a disgrace to the Bok coaching staff who have underperformed.

The All Blacks deservely occupy top position, as they finished the year with a solitary loss in 14 test matches.

France move out of the top 5, and it signifies to me the state of world rugby.

It is weak!

The Aussies are in second spot, but they’ve also been hot and cold all year, but being the best of a bad bunch they get second spot by default.

If sides wish to challenge the All Blacks for the World Cup in New Zealand in late 2011, they have 10 months to start turning things around!

IRB WORLD RANKINGS

Full IRB World Ranking list

South Africa’s most capped player, Springbok captain Victor Matfield, has been shortlisted for the 2010 IRB player of the year award.

The Southern hemisphere dominates the main award, the IRB player of the year.

The shortlisted candidates are:

Richie McCaw (All Blacks)
Mills Muliaina (All Blacks)
Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
David Pocock (Australia)
Kurtley Beale (Australia)

All Black captain Richie McCaw is the only player to have won the award twice, and can become the first player to win the award for an unprecedented third time.

The 6 were chosen by an independent panel chaired by former Australian captain John Eales.

The full IRB Awards independent panel of judges were John Eales, Will Greenwood (Eng), Gavin Hastings (Sco), Raphal Ibanez (Fra), Francois Pienaar (SA), Agustn Pichot (Arg), Scott Quinnell (Wal), Tana Umaga (NZ) and Paul Wallace (Ire).

“The IRB Player of the Year Award is the greatest individual honour presented annually in our game” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset, in a statement issued on Thursday.

“The six players nominated have all enjoyed an exceptional year of international Rugby and have been judged on their performances in the RBS Six Nations, Tri Nations, June and November Tests.”

With Eales known to dislike the Boks immensely, I doubt Matfield will win the award.

Matfield was a colosus during the Super 14 and has produced some sublime moments such as his chip and chase in Bloemfontein, and his try against Wales.

The achievements of Matfield will no doubt be diminished by the poor season of the Boks.

Hardinordoquy, Pocock and Beale have been good at times, but lack the class, consistency and match winning ability required to win the award.

For that reason, I believe McCaw will win his third IRB player of the year award. He is consistently one of the best players in the world, and makes match winning contributions, whether for the All Blacks or Canterbury/Crusaders.

The winner will be announced on December 1, along with the coach of the year and team of the year winners.

Previous IRB player of the year winners:

2009: Richie McCaw (All Blacks)
2008: Shane Williams (Wales)
2007: Bryan Habana (Springboks)
2006: Richie McCaw (All Blacks)
2005: Dan Carter (All Blacks)
2004: Schalk Burger (Springboks)
2003: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002: Fabien Galthie (France)
2001: Keith Wood (Ireland)

With professionalism and advances in sport science, players and coaches are continually striving for the ‘edge’ that will make the difference.

There are a wide variety of products, techniques and beliefs that permeate throughout the rugby world, and the latest positive drug tests from Springboks Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson highlight the question of ‘just what should rugby players be doing/using?’

On Tuesday last week, Professor Tim Noakes stated that there are very few supplements that offer any significant value. He even mentioned that in the recent past a medical committee had recommended to the South African Rugby Union (SARU) that supplements should not be used by players.

Supplements have been popular since professionalism, with players using them to bulk up, maximise energy levels and the ability to train longer and harder for greater gains.

A few years back creatine was all the rage. From what I understand it helps players train harder for short duration exercise, and maximise gains. Why is it not as prevalent now?

OTHER PRODUCTS

Other ‘scientific’ products have also been popular. Take the pain gone pen, which is a non-pharmaceutical method to instantly cure pain e.g on the field.

But perhaps one of the biggest ‘crazes’ were the fingerless gloves. Designed to make handling the ball easier, they have even been promoted with the tag ‘the wetter the better’.

Rugby gloves

There have been other developments such as enhancements to the players’ jersey’s. Prior to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the Boks had different tops for the different positions, with the prop forwards, even having 1 long sleeve and 1 short sleeve (for binding in the scrums). And the All Blacks had the ‘sticky’ panel on the front of their shirt (which looked awful!)

Springbok 2007 RWC strip

COMMON SENSE

At the end of the day, you can’t beat the tried and trusted ice packs, hard training and common sense.

With professionalism and players able to concentrate exclusively on rugby, all sides and players train hard. Science may help give you that 1% difference but at the end of the day it’s the uncoachable factors that make the difference.

When I look at the best rugby players in the world, the Victor Matfield’s, Richie McCaw’s, Fourie du Preez’s etc, I see players that are not necessarily the biggest or fastest. I see the smartest, most determined players with the biggest hearts.

The awareness, the ability to read a game, the willingness to train hard and push oneself, and the desire to win. Most people will agree, defence/tackling is all about attitude. It doesn’t matter how big and strong you are or what supplements you have taken, when you are required to perform it’s the will to succeed that will make the most difference!

In the latest IRB World Rankings the Springboks have slipped back to third place whilst allowing Scotland move into the top 6.

The Springboks had briefly regained second spot last week, courtesy of Australia losing to England rather than proving their pedigree.

With a loss to Scotland, the Springboks move back to third, and a further loss this weekend to England leaves them dangerously placed to fall down the ladder.

The Boks, are losing further ground over the All Blacks who by beating Ireland have opened a larger lead at the top.

Scotland move into the top 6, not sure if that is the first time they’ve enjoyed such a high ranking, back if they can display their passion and determination as they did against the Boks on a consistent basis, they can remain there.

The Scots pushed Ireland and Argentina each down a spot.

IRB WORLD RANKINGS

Full IRB World Ranking list

The autumn internationals have shown that the new law interpretations have changed the way rugby is being played, and the Boks have failed to adapt.

The Boks need to embrace running rugby

In an effort to create greater attacking rugby, and more tries, the laws were re-interpreted. The 2010 IRB Tri-Nations report, showed that the ball is in play longer, there are more tries (especially compared to penalties), and the rules favour the attacking side.

All 4 home nations, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England have shown so far this autumn, they have adapted their game plans and are favouring holding onto possession and trying to run the ball more (The All Blacks and Wallabies generally do this regardless of the rules).

They’ve outplayed the Boks, looking more decisive on attack, having more options, and creating more space and opportunities.

It’s stretched the Boks, who despite having one of the most feared packs in world rugby with great set-pieces, have generally come off second best in the possession stakes this year.

It’s not because the set-pieces are so poor, and the Boks struggle to win any ball, it’s because they Boks only ever kick it away, and fail to take it through phase play.

That was find in 2009, you could kick for field position, and wait for penalties to come with strong defence and getting your hands on the opposition ball.

In 2010, it’s a struggle to turnover the ball as the laws favour the side on attack, and sides can build phases and test the defence multiple times, sapping the energy out of the opposition. At least that’s what all the sides are doing to the Boks, and it’s working.

THE BOK BLUEPRINT

The Boks conversely have gone back to 10 man rugby. Whenever the Boks fall under pressure, it seems they revert to tight, unimaginative, ‘percentage’ rugby.

Look at Nick Mallet, Harry Viljoen, Rudolph Straeuli and even Jake White. When the going get’s tough, it’s back to big, strong forwards, and crash and bash rugby.

Unfortunately it doesn’t work. The opposition know what’s coming, and if they can defend like trojans, they can negate the Boks. By ‘playing’ rugby, and running the ball, building phases, they can keep it away from the Bok forwards for long enough periods to ensure their defence has time to get organised, and is not subject to long periods of pressure.

To be a successful sportsmen requires having multiple strings to one’s bow. A cricket batsmen must be able to play all around the wicket and have a shot for every delivery. It doesn’t mean they have to play every shot in the book, but when you only play the one shot, the opposition can make plans to counter it.

Rugby is not dissimilar, the Boks are failing to utilise 15 men, and pacy, skilful players out wide who can vary the Bok attack, and create confusion and unpredictability to the opposition defence to allow it to be penetrated more easily.

The Bulls and Stormers showed in the Super 14, South Africa has the players to not only play the expansive game, but lead the way. Unfortunately for the Boks, we may have the wrong coaches with Peter de Villiers, Gary Gold and Dick Muir.

Until we get someone strong enough, intelligent enough and determined enough, we may find ourselves left behind like we did at the 2003 World Cup.

In the latest IRB World Rankings the Springboks have moved back into second position in what was 1 of 3 changes to the top 10.

The Springboks win over Wales, has seen them leapfrog the Wallabies who slip back to third after their loss to England.

England meanwhile have overtaken France for 4th spot. They have finally started to look dangerous under Martin Johnson, built around a strong forward pack. If they can get Jonny Wilkinson fit again, they’ll be a real threat to the top 3 sides.

Argentina’s narrow victory over Italy has seen them move past Scotland who somehow still remain ahead of Wales.

The Weekend’s results did bring about change to the top 10, but highlighted for me the difference in class and consistency between the top 5 and the top 10 and then the rest.

Sadly in my view the only sides capable of winning the Rugby World Cup in 2011, are the top 5.

There may be the odd upsets, but realistically the semi-finalists will be 4 of these 5.

World Cup matches are typically tighter affairs, with defence predominating over attack, thus I question the ability of the Australians to win 3 play-off matches with their powder puff forward pack.

That leaves just 4 contenders for the 2011 Rugby World cup!

IRB WORLD RANKINGS

Full IRB World Ranking list

No it’s not a real scoreline, but is it the way we are heading?

The latest statistics have shown that there are more tries, and more time in play during rugby matches, giving the spectators more of what they want?

I am not sure why rugby has to continually change or interpret the rules differently. At times the game has got it right, and at times it has been silly (like changing penalties for the short arm free kick).

When we have it almost right, we do we mess with it?

On Thursday, South African Rugby Union (SARU) refereeing manager André Watson said he thought 2010 had “seen rugby at its healthiest yet”.

He said the statistics prove rugby is becoming more attractive and producing better quality rugby.

This is a result of referees being stricter in the ‘Big 5 focus areas’ which includes the breakdown and scrum management.

LESS GREY AREAS BY REFS

The IRB are trying to stop the differences between referees in the southern and northern hemispheres.

Watson believes there has been a “decrease in grey areas”.

“There will always be grey areas. But this year a highway with five lanes, which represent grey areas, was decreased to two lanes.”

From where I watch, the refereeing has been just as bad as ever. The Kevin Mealamu headbutt incident has also shown there is no consistency in the judicial system, so I would have to disagree with Watson.

BETTER QUALITY RUGBY?

The results this year have seen

• A 6% increase in tries
• A 15% decrease in penalty and free kicks
• A 16% decrease in kicks in general play
• A 24% decrease in reset scrums
• A 20% decrease in penalty kicks at rucks developed after tackles

“Everything isn’t 100% but we are already seeing more space and tries. On the whole, spectators, players and referees can feel that this kind of rugby is closer to what they want” said Watson.

Is more tries a better thing? Is it what the spectators want?

We live in an age where ‘more is better’. Cricket has shown us that a large proportion of the public want more action in a shorter time. They want the ‘boring bits’ taken out of the game.

DON’T MESS WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS

I have no problem with the ball being in play more, but I do have a problem with the fundamentals of the game being threatened.This year we have seen the rules favour the attacking side, and it can be very difficult for a defending side to get their hands on the ball. Whilst it helps more tries to be scored, the ability to contest possession is an important facet of the game.

The quest for physical dominance is also important. Allowing sides to remain in the contest when their scrum is poor, and they are losing the physical battle threatens some of the core principles of the game.

The 2010 Tri-Nations stats show that scrums and lineouts now number about 14 and 22 respectively (down 50-60 from 31 and 52). Like most people I don’t like to sit and watch reset scrums all day, but I don’t want one of the key aspects of the game to be devalued or forgotten.

And more tries is not necessarily better. This is not basketball after all. Good quality, well constructed tries are great, but seeing try fests like the Lions v Chiefs (65-72) match at Ellis Park this year where the defence was non-existent is also not good quality rugby.

One of the best games I have ever seen was the 1995 Rugby World Cup final where the Springboks won 15-12. It was fantastic because it was like a game of chess. There was tension, drama, and high quality rugby. Defences were good, each side tried to find chinks in the opponents armour, and most importantly it was a massive physical battle.

I just hope that the fundamentals of the game remain, and rugby remains rugby!

All Black hooker Kevin Mealamu has had his 4 week ban for headbutting English captian Lewis Moody, reduced to 2 weeks.

The ludicrous decision was made following an appeal hearing on Friday in Edinburgh.

This means Mealamu will miss the All Blacks matches against Scotland and Ireland, but will be available for the grand slam finale against Wales in 2 weeks time.

Once again the All Blacks have been granted preferential treatment as they are treated differently to any other side.

The fact that the All Blacks would even appeal the decision is laughable. The All Blacks have tried Mealamu’s actions with All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen earlier in the week saying, “What we are talking about here is a guy whose character is being questioned and it shouldn’t be. Everyone is disappointed and gutted for Kevvy, everyone knows it is not in his nature to do that.”

Well he did do it, it was a disgraceful act, and he should accept the consequences like a man.

“Everyone knows that if Kevvy said he didn’t do it, he didn’t do it. This is a case we’ll go to the death on. His reputation, which he is very, very proud of has been put under the spotlight and we believe wrongly so” continued Hansen.

I could say exactly the same about Bakkies Botha who is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet off the field. The fact is, if you do the crime, you have to do the time. Regardless of whether you meant to do it, were provoked or simply had a brain implosion.

NOT THE FIRST TIME

It’s not the first time Mealamu has been involved in controvesy. In 2005 he and Tana Umaga performed a dangerous spear tackle (in the first minute of an important test series) on Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll, dislocating his shoulder, and ending his tour.

As we’ve become accustomed to with All Blacks, the independent citing commissioner found neither Mealamu nor Umaga had a case to answer at the time due to inconclusive evidence (later the IRB described the tackle as ‘unacceptably dangerous’ with instructions to suspend players for 3-6 months for such offenses).

THE ALL BLACKS GET PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

Bakkies Botha got 9 weeks for a similar headbutt. Where is the consistency?

The All Blacks were the most penalised side in the 2010 Tri-Nations, yet got the least yellow cards. In the test in Wellington between the All Blacks and South Africa, All Black captain was warned 5 times and got no yellow card. Danie Rossouw performed one harmless backhand and gets 10 minutes in the bin.

Can anyone dispute the fact the All Blacks are given preferential treatment and face a rugby law unto their own?

I for one would like to see Paddy O’Brien sacked as head of the International Rugby Board’s Referee Board, and maybe that will hinder the favoritism handed to the All Blacks!

New Zealander Sonny Bill Williams poses an enormous threat to opposition sides in the international arena.

Many were critical of Williams for walking out on his rugby league contract with the Sydney Bulldogs to play rugby in France for Toulon.

However perhaps it was a morally correct decision as the Bulldogs were embroiled in controversy off the field for their questionable ethics and behaviour.

Williams gained experience in France before moving to New Zealand to play for Canterbury as he aims to fulfil his ambition to play for the All Blacks.

Having never seen him play in a game, I wondered what all the hype was about? Surely this is just another league recruit destined to fail making the switch to the more complex intricacies of rugby?

Having seen a short highlights clip of his season for Canterbury in the ITM Cup, I can see this guy is the real deal.

At 108kg, he possesses the physique of a Jonah Lomu, pace to burn and tremendous ball skills.

Whilst he has pace and power that could torment his opponents, it’s his ball handling skills and ability to offload in the tackle that will set him apart.

His offloading skills remind me of Bob Skinstad in his prime, and if he is half as good look out!

Like Lomu, South African sides can make life difficult for Sonny Bill by preventing adequate first phase possession with forward dominance, keeping him on the back foot and ensuring he has no space to work in.

The Springboks had a great record, with Lomu never being able to score a try against us.

Let’s hope we can do the same to Sonny Bill otherwise the consequences will be devastating!

All Black hooker Kevin Mealamu copped a 4 week ban on Tuesday for head butting English captain Lewis Moody during Saturday’s test match between the All Blacks and England.

Mealamu has 48 hours to appeal the decision, and has not indicated yet whether he is likely to do so.

Mealamu was found guilty of deliberately striking an opponent with his head, and the punishment was at the lower end of the scale.

Considering Bakkies Botha (who does have a long record) got 9 weeks for the same offence, one could argue (and I certainly do!) that Mealamu got off lightly.

I feel 6 weeks was more appropriate, but at the end of the day it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference as Mealamu can no longer take part in the grand slam tour.

The jury is still out in my opinion on whether the All Blacks get preferential treatment…

All Black Hooker Kevin Mealamu was cited for a headbutt on English captain Lewis Moody following the All Blacks 26-16 win at Twickenham on Saturday.

Television footage clearly shows Mealamu grabbing Moody’s jersey and then diving forward with his head with the aim of making contact.

All Black coach Graham Henry seemed surprised the IRB were pursuing the matter and defended his hooker by saying, “(Mealamu is) probably the cleanest player in the world isn’t he? It was purely accidental as far as I know.”

IRB judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar will hear the case at a date and venue to be confirmed.

It will be interesting to see just what sort of punishment (if any) is handed out to Mealamu. In my mind the evidence is cut and dried. Mealamu is guilty. It’s just a case of how many weeks.

Considering Bakkies Botha got 9 weeks for his headbutt on Jimmy Cowan (granted he has a poor disciplinary record so probably deserves longer than Mealamu), I think Mealamu deserves a minimum of 6.

The All Blacks are the darlings of world rugby, defended to the hilt by IRB referees boss Paddy O’Brien, and always escaping punishment.

If Mealamu gets less than 6 weeks, it’ll prove once and for all, the Springboks are unfairly victmised!

The latest IRB World Rankings as of the 1st November 2010.

IRB World Rankings – The top 10

The Wallabies have closed the gap on the All Blacks at the top of the World Rankings. Whilst the other 8 sides have not changed their rating points, by virtue of their clash in Hong Kong, the Wallabies were able to take full advantage.

It’s the first time they’ve beaten the All Blacks in their last 11 matches, and they gained 1.92 rating points and narrowed the gap from 9.21 to 5.37!

Meanwhile they opened a 2.26 gap on the Springboks, who now face a crucial game against Ireland if they want to make sure they don’t suffer the embarrassment of slipping amongst places 4-6!

Full IRB World Ranking list

The International Rugby Board (IRB) will be trialling a change to the substitution law during November test matches.

The new change was approved by the IRB Executive Committee and is designed to make it easier for officials to keep track of players coming and going during a match, and ensure teams do not field 16 players at any stage during a match.

Substituted players will have to have completely left the field of play (which includes the in goal area) before a replacement player takes the field. The replacement player will be required to enter the field from the touchline at halfway.

Referees have been reminded to be vigilant should a team have more than 15 players on the pitch at any time for whatever reason. As per current Law, the Referee will award a penalty kick against the offending team and order the captain to remove the additional player from the field of play.

The only exception to this rule is if player is injured and needs to be escorted from the field of play. The replacement player can take the field before the injured player has crossed the touchline, goal line or dead ball line.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset explained, “The modern Game includes multiple substitutions and the aim of this protocol trial during the November Tests is to bring greater efficiency to the procedure, making the area better for all involved in the Game.”

The change is a trial only and applies during the November test period (and Bledisloe Cup match on October 30th) at this stage.

After the trial period, feedback will be provided to the IRB council to determine whether the changes should be adopted on a permanent basis.

The full IRB documentation regarding the trial protocol can be found in this IRB document.

The latest IRB World Rankings as of the 25th October 2010.

IRB World Rankings – The top 10

The All Blacks have opened a substantial gap at the top of the world rankings, and it’s interesting how the Wallabies have managed to climb to second over the Boks who had all the World’s major trophies in the cabinet 12 months ago.

Considering the Wallabies have very little other than the Nelson Mandela plate, I struggle to see how the Wallabies have overtaken the Boks.

The best northern hemisphere side is France in 4th place, and Scotland interestingly are in 7th spot ahead of Wales and Argentina.

On looking at the full list IRB Rankings, it is a shame that countries ranked from 8 to 20 don’t play more top level rugby.

If they can’t play games against the top 6 nations, surely the IRB must look at these sides either touring the top 6 nations, or playing each other in more meaningful, prolonged competitions like the 6 Nations and Tri-Nation competitions. Otherwise how will they ever get better?

If the IRB truly wanted to grow the game, and gain a larger pool of competitive nations, they must put their money where it matters most, and that is to develop the second tier!

Full IRB World Ranking list

New Zealand’s All Blacks have extended their lead at the top of the latest IRB world rankings, increasing the gap on Australia and South Africa.

By winning their last Tri-Nations match against the Wallabies 23-22 at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday, the All Blacks ensured they have opened a massive gap on the rest of the field, and created further humiliation for the Springboks.

Over the course of the Tri-Nations, the Springboks have plummeted by 4.24 points to 3rd spot, being overtaken by the Wallabies. The All Blacks meanwhile gained 3.09 points, and the Wallabies 1.15.

Considering just how dominant the Boks were last year, it is an embarrassment that the Wallabies are even close, let alone ahead of the Boks.

Top 20 IRB world rankings:

1. New Zealand 94.77

2. Australia 85.56

3. South Africa 85.22

4. France 82.75

5. Ireland 82.03

6. England 81.82

7. Scotland 79.81

8. Argentina 79.70

9. Wales 78.58

10. Fiji 74.39

11. Italy 72.97

12. Samoa 72.74

13. Japan 72.49

14. Canada 69.43

15. USA 67.86

16. Tonga 67.06

17. Georgia 66.38

18. Russia 65.80

19. Romania 65.10

20. Namibia 62.69

Although it’s still early in the year, Australian Rugby show, “The Rugby Club” bring us their plays of the year.

Featuring the best plays from the Super 14, Tri-Nations, International season, ITM Cup and more!