For he's a Jolly Good Fellow...

...& so say all of us!

For he is the reason why we first met!

The Richie Girls wish Richie a Happy 27th Birthday !

An overview of rugby in 2007

http://www.tv3.co.nz/Video/Anoverviewofrugbyin2007/tabid/317/articleID/42609/cat/70/Default.aspx?articleID=42609#video

3 News looks back at rugby in 2007 - it was a year that promised so much but will forever be remembered for the All Blacks quarterfinal exit at the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff.

Condictionning camp in Wellington in February.

McCaw keen to close off adverse 2007

the Press on Thursday, December 27th, 2007.
Scan by Izzy -Merci! (no typing for now -sorry!)

VF (en mini résumé) sur Eurosport.fr (merci Emilie) : http://www.rugbyrama.fr/tp_sto1424711.shtml

Rugby Hebdo (17.12.07)

Last Monday, there was a reference to this newspaper in the chatterbox. I have (at last) scanned it :

-right : All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will stay in NZ till the next World Cup. He extended his contract with the NZRU this week.
- left : it is said that Vern Cotter (former Crusaders staff member with Robbie Deans) was said to join Robbie at the NZRU (oups!) but his name was also heard to join Robbie again with the Wallabies -which wouldn't please AS Clermont Auvergne who let a coach leave in 2001 (it was a trauma for the club). Wait & see...

Keep smiling

Despite the very sad news I have just published (see below), I want you all to keep smiling & hope you will all spend a Merry Chritsmas with your family & friends!

and don't forget your last exam of the year ("Last Request", published on Friday 21st)

Sorry...

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1518741

Weiss posed happily with All Black skipper Richie McCaw before taking off but within hours the 59-year-old German was dead after his high performance glider smashed into a hillside near the northern end of Lake Wanaka.

Richie McCaw & the MoreFM Guys : what you missed

Richie on MoreFM Canterbury at 8.10am on Friday morning NZ Time i.e. Thursday night for the rest of the world...

Weather news : 13°C in town. Weird Christmas song by the Beach Boys (the guys said the worst Christmas song ever...I may agree with them!!) Sounded as if they were having an early (Champagne) celebration in the studio in Christchurch (but we love them, so we forgive them!!!)

Big Question : where is Richie? --answer after some (several!!!) commercials... & the interview started at 8.13am.
Answer : in the McKenzie County (his gliding spot). Flying for the last couple of years (flying licence) but gliding is new (this year).
Has his own glider (not cheap)... then something about the engine & Germany (didn't get if it came from Germany or had something to do with the war...sorry!)
Question : when you glide, make sure you can land somewhere -> problem to find airport? must know where you can land, coz the McKenzie county is pretty hilly

Question : Christmas tradition.
Answer : with family in Christchurch. Then going back to the McKenzie County.
Has bought Joana's present but Joana is in charge of the present for Mum&Dad. Is a terrible shopper, needs some ideas before shopping.

Question : 2007 was an enormous year
Answer : working all year long for one goal. France was a disappointment (Cardiff, actually -he corrected by himself! thank you very much!)

The other big question : what about the love life?
Answer : good. (guys surprised coz he never answered the question before, they are even being naughty with him!) Gives "the" name, Hayley Holt. Sounded very happy but won't dance at "Dancing with the stars" coz she hasn't taught him yet (even joking coz Si is to be a candidate or something like that)

Merry Christmas. 8.22am : end of the interview.

Surprise online if you follow this link....
http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/12/morefm-interview.html

Good night to half of the world & G'day to the rest of the world,
Love you,

Mary*L

---
added on Friday Morning : interview recorded by Sian (my French assistant!)http://boxstr.com/files/399250_hfhkp/rm_interview_morefm_20071221.mp3

The link directly on MoreFM Canterbury (who didn't publish our "here is our date" earlier this year)
http://content.mediaworks.co.nz/radio/morefm/christchurch/richie%20mccaw%2021%20dec.mp3

MoreFM Guys, THANK YOU!!!!!

Without the MoreFM crew (especially without the Canterbury crew), we'd be lost, wouldn't we?

Izzy's Alert :

"The guys on More FM are going to be chatting to Richie & other people tomorrow (Friday) morning (our time), as it is their last show for the year - they will be on holiday next week, so combining a Xmas/end of year show.
They are going to be talking to him about 8.10am, or thereabouts. Hope you can tune in and hear what he has to say."

If you go to this page, you'd have the whole schedule -including current Toulon play Andrew Mehrtens & PM Mrs. Clark (woaw!!!)http://canterbury.morefm.co.nz/BreakfastwithSiandGary/tabid/196/Default.aspx

And if you want to listen to the show, here is the direct link to MoreFM Canterbury

http://canterbury.morefm.co.nz/Portals/2/playerControl07.htm?tash=new

Around the Globe :

Friday 8.10am in NZ is 6.10am in Australia, Thursday 8.10pm (i.e. tonight) for Europe, 9.10pm for the UK and South Africa, 2.10pm on the East coast of the American continent.

--> if you want to correct my jet lag timetable, please do! Will try my best to be online tonight...

Have a nice day (morning people) & good night (nighty people)

Bisous

Mary*L

- Si&Gary pic on their MoreFM page in the Gallery

- Richie, meeting with the other captains, Paris September 2007.

McCaw pays homage to NZ sporting icon

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/071217/10/3c47.html

Tuesday December 18, 10:27 AM

by Neil Reid

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has described Eric Tindill as a "legend"

- stating it is the efforts of the likes of the oldest living All Black who helped pave the way for modern-day players.

The double All Black today turns 97 - celebrating the achievement with family and friends in Wellington.

He is also the oldest living former test cricketer.

McCaw - who has played 59 tests since making his debut in 2001 - said there was no doubting that the current crop of All Blacks respected the achievements and sacrifices of the players who had gone before them.

And he said himself and his team-mates would be among the many of New Zealand sporting fans wishing the remarkable Tindill all the best for his 97th birthday.

"He is a legend. It is a great achievement," McCaw told Yahoo!Xtra.

"I think I would be speaking on behalf of all the All Blacks, former and current especially, in wishing him a happy birthday. I will definitely be wishing him all the best. He is the oldest living one. He is certainly a bit of a legend in our eyes. And he's a dual international."

McCaw said it was a stunning achievement to play for the All Blacks, let alone also play test cricket for New Zealand and then referee rugby internationals and become a test cricket umpire.

He added the side's past was something that wasn't lost on the modern-day All Black team.

Neither was the importance of the jersey, he said.

"There have only been 1000-odd All Blacks - it is a special club to be involved in," he said. Meeting guys like Fred Allen and guys like that, they are legends. They are All Black legends. In those days they travelled halfway around the world (on a boat) to play. And I have been lucky to cross paths with a lot of these guys. They are hell of good blokes."

****

Mister Tindill in 1937 -during the Tour in England & in 2005 when celebrating his 95th birthday. Pictures found on Google.

It's Lunch time!!!!

After Jaquie Brown in bed with Richie, it's now Lunch Time with Richie and other All Blacks...

A video of this meeting is published somewhere in the articles about Richie on Robbie's new job :)

Izzy -Thank you!

Pictures of the week.

As I was waiting for the ERCRugby Live Audio to start (which it never did!), I found these pictures of the week :

*official pictures of this year's Steinlager Awards -I don't want to change the previous article (lazy me!)

- M. & Mrs. Henry

- Richie & his "Scot" skin reaction to the sun... I'm so sorry! (It's fun to see that every year, the winner changes but not the skin colour... OK, I'm off...)

*& pictures taken during the New Zealand All Blacks golf day at The Grange Golf Club on December 13, 2007 in Auckland, New Zealand

- newly wed Andy Ellis ; Greg Somerville & Dan Carter (future colleague?)

- Richie (in action)

Enjoy...

Definitely looking forward to 2008...

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=7344

2007 Steinlager Rugby Award winners announced
13/12/2007

New Zealand rugby's pre-eminent awards - the Steinlager Rugby Awards - have been announced tonight (New Zealand time), with Auckland flanker Daniel Braid named Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old was presented with the Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Trophy at the awards show at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre in Auckland.

Daniel Braid, who was a key member of three of New Zealand rugby’s most successful sides – the Rebel Sport Super 14 semifinalist Blues, the unbeaten Junior All Blacks and the all-conquering Air New Zealand Cup Auckland side – was also named Maori Player of the Year. He was also a nominee for Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year.

The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to those who have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, was presented to former All Blacks manager and respected Auckland rugby administrator Ron Don.

Ron Don played rugby for the Grammar Club in the 1940s and 1950s before moving into administration. A vocal and passionate rugby supporter, he served on the Auckland Rugby Football Union management committee, the Eden Park Board of Control, the then New Zealand Rugby Union Council and, more recently, the NZRU Appeal Council. He was manager of the All Blacks 1976 – 1977 and also helped organise the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

In other awards, Steve Walsh, who refereed five Tests this year, including the Rugby World Cup semifinal between South Africa and Argentina, was named Referee of the Year.

New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes, who helped his team claim a remarkable seventh IRB Sevens World Series title in June, was named Sevens Player of the Year.

Auckland Storm and Black Ferns lock Victoria Heighway was named Women’s Player of the Year. She had been nominated three times previously for this award.

Highlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan was named Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year.

Hawke’s Bay winger Zac Guildford, who was part of the world champion New Zealand Under 19 side, was named NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year.

Zac Guildford’s Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand Under 19 teams were nominated for the adidas Team of the Year, which was won by the all-conquering Auckland provincial side.

Auckland achieved a rare rugby treble this year – they were unbeaten in the Air New Zealand Cup, won the competition overall and claimed the Ranfurly Shield.

Hawke’s Bay coach Peter Russell was named Coach of the Year beating off strong challenges from Auckland coach Pat Lam and New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens.

The Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year is outstanding Auckland pivot Isa Nacewa while rangy North Otago flanker Ross Hay was named AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year.

The New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year award, which honours the many volunteers who work in community rugby, was won by Robbie Ball from Northland’s Kaeo Rugby Club. A builder by trade, Mr Ball was instrumental in rebuilding the club’s facilities following devastating floods in the Northland region this year. His efforts were recognised earlier this year when he was named Administrator of the Year at the Far North Sports Awards.

The judges for the 2007 Steinlager Rugby Awards were former All Blacks captain and former NZRU President John Graham, NZRU Board member and former New Zealand Maori captain Paul Quinn, SKY Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett, veteran journalist and author Bob Howitt, and NZRU Professional Rugby Manager Neil Sorensen.

********
The full list of winners at the 2007 Steinlager Rugby Awards is as follows:

NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year : Zac Guildford (New Zealand Under 19, Hawke’s Bay)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year : DJ Forbes (Auckland)

NZRU Referee of the Year : Steve Walsh (North Harbour)** in 2003 with Referee Paul Honiss. Both refereed in this year's RWC in France.

Women’s Player of the Year : Victoria Heighway (Auckland)

New Zealand Rugby Volunteer of the Year : Robbie Ball (Northland)

Rebel Sport Super 14 Player of the Year : Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders)

adidas Team of the Year : Auckland

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year : Daniel Braid

AA Rewards Heartland Championship Player of the Year : Ross Hay (North Otago)

Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year : Isa Nacewa (Auckland)

New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year : Peter Russell (Hawke’s Bay)

Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby : Ron Don

Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year : Daniel Braid (Blues, Junior All Blacks, Auckland)

***

2001 and 2003 Steinlager Awards for the captain-to-be.

Done. And gone....

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=7346

NZRU congratulates Robbie Deans on appointment
14/12/2007

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) today congratulated Crusaders coach Robbie Deans on his appointment to the position of Wallabies coach and confirmed that he will remain as coach of the Crusaders for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14.

NZRU CEO Chris Moller said while it was disappointing to lose a coach of Robbie’s calibre to another country, the NZRU Board and Management understood his desire to coach at the international level.
“In an ideal world, we would be able to retain all of our top coaches in this country but we have seen over a number of years that the depth and talent of coaching in this country means we can’t keep all of them coaching in New Zealand and still meet their aspirations for higher coaching opportunities,” he said.

“Robbie has made a substantial contribution to New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby as a player, manager and coach over a long period of time. We believe it is only fair that he be given this opportunity, despite the obvious concern about losing one of our best coaches to another country’s national side.”

The Board of the NZRU, at its meeting on Wednesday, decided that in the event he was successful in his application to the Australian Rugby Union, Robbie Deans would be allowed to remain as coach of the Crusaders in 2008, subject to a number of protocols being agreed and the resolution of contractual terms.

“We will work through a process with the Crusaders and with Robbie and his management to ensure those protocols, which are intended to protect the interests of New Zealand rugby, are understood and agreed,” said Mr Moller.

Crusaders Chairman Murray Ellis said the Crusaders were pleased with the outcome, which is the result of a lot of hard work from all parties to reach an understanding that works for everyone.

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the Crusaders were saddened to be losing Robbie Deans from their environment given all of his years of service and the incredible list of achievements he has helped deliver to the Crusaders.

“There’s no doubt we would want Robbie to continue coaching here with the Crusaders beyond 2008. But we appreciate that he wants to grow and develop as a coach, particularly at the international level. We wish him and his family the very best in Australia.”

***

Robbie & Richie, May 2006.

Mark Hammett (& Tony Marsh, November 2003.) : favorite to be Robbie's substitute.

****

Campbell Live

http://www.tv3.co.nz/Video/CampbellLivetalksexclusivelytoAustralianRugbyUnion/tabid/317/articleID/41735/cat/72/Default.aspx?articleID=41735#video

Let Richie do what he does best

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/blogs/swollengrill/2007/12/12/let-richie-do-what-he-does-best/

Sandy Hunt in Swollen Grill

3:46 pm 12 December 2007

OK, I’m a parochial bloke when it comes to me footy and I’m slowly getting over me disappointment of seein’ the best man lose out on the All Blacks position.
So it’s time to swing in behind Ted and hope he can get the mighty ABs back to where they were a year or two ago.
But I’ve got a few early worries about what The Great Survivor has already been saying with regards to the shape of things to come.
Me top cause of concern would be this talk I’m hearing of switching Richie McCaw to blindside.

Why on earth would we want to do that?
Yeah, openside is a tough job but Richie’s as tough as nails and there’s no need to preserve his choir boy looks any more - they are long gone.
Seems to me we’d be trying to solve a problem that doesn’t’ exist - and that’s at blindside.
Don’t’ we have the hardest rooster in the game running around there in Jerry Collins?
Why would we need Richie and Jerry sharing that job? Jerry’s already made it plain that he’s over rotation.
He’s a guy who loves to pull his boots on week after week and it seems to me that’s what we should be doing with most of these blokes in the wake of all that swimming and kayaking we watched them doin’ not so long ago in France…
And when you look around the New Zealand scene there are plenty of other good blindsides around - Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Troy Flavell and Craig Newby are just a few who have shown they have the games to succeed there.
But we ain’t exactly blessed with supreme talent at No 7 now that Marty Holah and Josh Blackie have taken the big bucks on offer overseas.
Chris Masoe’s a solid soldier and Daniel Braid has shown what it takes to survive as a specialist. But no one’s in Richie’s class and for my money, that’s where he’s got to stay.
He’s still quick and strong and he’s the best “cheat” we’ve got.
And let’s face it, “cheating” is an acknowledged skill for No 7s these days.
You push the limits all the way and there are few better players skilled at that than Mr McCaw.
If we’re goin’ to be playin’ this turbo-charged game under these new rules, then Richie’s just the guy we want roamin’ around like a bloodhound. Heck, if I had to transform Richie into something new, I’d do it off the back of the scrum at No 8.

But as I keep sayin’, I reckon Ted’s got bigger problems to worry about than with trying to preserve his skipper.
To my way of thinking it’s about time we sorted out this centre position once and for all.
Poor old Tana must have been cringing when he saw another makeshift No 13 line out in the World Cup quarter-final.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Mils Muliaina’s game. I reckon he’s the most consistent back we’ve got. But he’s a fullback.
So Ted, concentrate your binoculars on the No 13s running around in the Super 14 and keep an eye on the second fives while you’re at it.
The midfield is lookin’ like the area that needs the most attention at the moment.
Don’t worry about Richie, he won’t let you down!

What are the captain's thoughts on the situation of the Red&Blacks? Two other articles...

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/071213/2/3a9y.html

Crusaders will cope without Deans - McCaw
Newstalk - Thursday December 13, 03:23 PM

Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw is confident his Super 14 side can take a change of coach in its stride.
Robbie Deans is likely to be named Wallabies coach either today or tomorrow, and he is then likely to be stripped of his Crusaders coaching job.

McCaw says that is not ideal for the Crusaders, but they will cope. He says to find a new coach now would be tough, but if it happens, it happens. McCaw says he would fully support Mark Hammett if he was elevated to the Crusaders head coach role.

McCaw says Robbie Deans has handled the whole application process very professionally and you would not even know anything was going on.

****
McCaw: Deans not a distraction
Dec 13, 2007

All Blacks and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw is full of praise for the way Robbie Deans has handled the current coaching process.
Dean is contracted as Crusaders coach for the Rebel Sport Super 14 next year, but if he gets the Wallabies job as expected tomorrow, he'll probably be prevented from fulfilling his Crusaders gig.
But McCaw says it's not affecting the team's preparation for next year's competition.
He says Robbie Deans has been with the Crusaders and you wouldn't even know anything else was going on.
He goes on to say he'd fully support Mark Hammett if he was elevated to the Crusaders head coach role.

McCaw insists the Crusaders aren't distracted about the uncertainty of Robbie Deans' future with the Rebel Sport Super 14 franchise.
After meeting with the Australian Rugby Union this week, Deans is the hot favourite to be appointed the new Wallabies coach.

McCaw says the team's just knuckling down and continuing with its preparation for next year's Super 14.
He says whatever happens the team has just got to get on with it and there hasn't been a lot of talk about not having Deans in charge.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1320238/1503142

****
Plus : Crusaders CEO concerned about Deans http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/454218/1499632

(not a Richie news but still ...)

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=7341

13/12/2007
NZPA

Sir Brian Lochore has stepped down from his role as the All Blacks rugby selector. Former All Blacks great Lochore, 67, was employed up until this year's World Cup and said he was never likely to go on any further in the role.

"I was there to assist them, having a bit of World Cup experience I suppose," Lochore told Radio Sport. "It's an appropriate time to end my involvement."

Henry and his assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith will remain as the All Blacks' three selectors.

The only man to coach a victorious New Zealand World Cup team -- in 1987 -- Lochore agreed with last week's reinstatement of Henry for another two years despite the All Blacks' quarterfinal exit two months ago.

He couldn't fault Henry's coaching, believing the players were physically and mentally primed for the game against France in Cardiff. The criticism of the team since the tournament had been grossly unfair in his eyes.

"Some of the stuff I've heard and read, I've been very disappointed with. It hasn't been very well researched," Lochore said. "Having been in the team, I had a fair idea of what we were trying to do and how fit we were prior to that game, physically and mentally. There were a lot of issues in that game that caused us to be beaten by a very fine margin."

A lack of a hard game in pool play was singled out by Lochore as one intangible that counted against the All Blacks. The positives from the last four years under Henry was the quality and successful nature of the rugby players, Lochore said.

"A lot of the stuff we did was first class," he said. "It's always very disappointing when you spend a lot of time and energy and don't get the goal that you set out to do."

Lochore played 68 games for New Zelaand at lock and No 8 between 1963 and 1981 and was captain 46 times.

***

Rugby has changed over the past 40 years, it will keep changing but people like Sir Lochore are here to remind us that it may have changed ON the field, but won't change OFF the field : R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is the basics of rugby --may the media & other critics hear our request.

Enjoy your retire Sir Lochore, at your farm, with your family! The NZRU already misses you -& so do I...

Richie -back to business? Not completely!

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1501859



Robbie leaving? What are the captain's thoughts?


Deans - the wait is almost over (2:00)
Robbie Deans insists his passion for the Wallabies is real. Will the most talked about deal in world rugby be signed and sealed tomorrow?


****
Awards : was not the captain's year this year....

Congratulations to Stephen Brett (a newby for some, a confirmation for others...)
I decided to post them on my blog & not here since Richie didn't get any award

http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/12/crfu-awards-winners-08.html

http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/12/nzrpa-announce-ing-player-award-winners.html


****
Pics & links sent by Izzy (as always I should say!)

- Richie at a Corporate Event on Melbourne Cup Day, something to do with the NZRU or NZPA



- some pics from another corporate fishing trip event, again some link with NZPA (note the "I'm hidding my drink-pose" ... I'm so sorry! I couldn't not mention it!)

Richie McCaw for Dummies... just kidding!

Richie McCaw for Dummies... just kidding!

click on the link :)

Our position in the cyberworld...

Number 2 on Google France but (apparently) number 1 on the English-speaking version : THANK YOU!!!!

It's been a while I haven't posted a traffic report, so here is the one of Saturday December 8th :

Richie Mccaw

Site Summary

Visits

Total ....................... 74,727

Average per Day ................ 280

Average Visit Length .......... 2:46

This Week .................... 1,961

Page Views

Total ...................... 133,321

Average per Day ................ 459

Average per Visit .............. 1.6

This Week .................... 3,213

He extended his contract for one reason...

In this article about Graham's re-appointment http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10481266&pnum=0 , it is "revealed" that :

"While some New Zealanders remain sceptical about the validity of these claims, All Black captain Richie McCaw revealed last week at a conference in the UK that

he would not have re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union this year had it not been for the conditioning programme.

McCaw said most leading players were wary of how big a toll test football was taking and that they welcomed initiatives that saw their workloads carefully managed."

If anyone has read/seen/attended/heard this conference, please let us know : marykoala@hotmail.fr

The pic of Graham is the pic of the article ; the caricature below was sent by Izzy (and so was the link to the article).

The schedule for the Red&Blacks

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,111,2428,0,html/It-s-All-On-Again-from-Friday-February-15

The Crusaders full schedule for

the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 is:

Feb 15: v ACT Brumbies, Jade Stadium
Feb 22: v Bulls, Pretoria
Feb 29: v Stormers, Cape Town
Mar 9: v Western Force, Perth
Mar 15: v Cheetahs, Jade Stadium
Mar 21: v NSW Waratahs, Jade Stadium
Mar 28: v Hurricanes, Wellington
Apr 12: v Lions, Jade Stadium
Apr 18: v Chiefs, Hamilton
Apr 25: v Blues, Jade Stadium
May 2: v Sharks, Jade Stadium
May 10: v Queensland Reds, Brisbane
May 17: v Highlanders, Jade Stadium
May 23/24: Semi-finals
May 31: Final

Matches at home. Yes, the "old" Jade Stadium is now the "new" AMI Stadium ; yet it will remain here as the "Jade Stadium". Thank you for your understanding :)

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/41387/cat/70/Default.aspx#video

Bittersweet farewell to AMI Stadium's east stand (TV3)

What future for the Crusaders?

If Robbie leaves to the other side of the Tasman sea, what are the Crusaders gonna do? His disappointment is understandable but his departure wouldn't be good for the Red&Blacks...

Whether you follow me or not, please let us know your opinion : post a comment in the comments section below ;)


http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb-THexqPTw

Video sent on April 22nd, 2007.
Mix of the Crusaders Super 14 2007 actions -yes, the captain didn't play a lot this year, but I'm sure we will see him more next year :)

Opening match : February 15th at home vs. the Brumbies.
Go Crusaders !!

Rugby: McCaw could be moved to number six jersey

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/41061/Default.aspx#video
Richie McCaw’s days as openside flanker could be numbered.
Following the reappointment of Graham Henry, it has been hinted that McCaw could be moved to the blindside in order to lengthen his career and improve his ability to communicate with referees.
The other reason to move McCaw to the number six jersey is to increase his ability to play back-to-back games.
French openside Thierry Dusatoir made a remarkable 38 tackles in Cardiff, but was no where to be seen a week later in his team’s semi-final loss in Paris.
There was also good news today for Jerry Collins. Henry’s admission that the reconditioning and rotation did not work is exactly the message the flanker wanted to hear.

****
I honestly don't see a big difference between #7 or #6 --since sometimes, Richie McCaw plays #6. It's not like they were thinking about him as #10 or #15 -positions where I am quite sure he could play quite well !!!

Another point : that's great to :
a. see the reference to a French player in this report! (Thierry Dusautoir from Stade Toulousain -playing with Byron Kelleher now. Thierry has some common points with Richie, including their passion for flying.)

& b. understand that Richie is likely to keep the "second greatest job" i.e. captain.

And last --but not least :

congratulations to Graham Henry!

to Robbie Deans : We want you for the 13th Crusade!!!!!!!!!

So...who will get the BIG JOB ????

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyHenryfightstoholdcoachingjob/tabid/317/articleID/40968/cat/71/Default.aspx#video

Rugby: Henry fights to hold coaching job

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:19p.m.

UPDATED 10:30PM

Graham Henry is making his case to the New Zealand Rugby Union board in Wellington, in a fight to stay on as All Blacks coach.

It has been two months since his team’s defeat in Cardiff and Henry has just one last chance to convince the NZRU board he deserves a second chance.

Henry’s number one challenger, Robbie Deans, appeared relaxed when he entered rugby headquarters, despite being slightly late for his interview.

Deans emerged late this afternoon, happy with the hearing he received from the board.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster and his Hurricanes colleague Colin Cooper area both outsiders for the top job.
However, Cooper could become Dean’s forward coach if he is successful, after the pair worked together at the Crusaders.
Graham Henry emerged around 8:30pm, following his two hour meeting at NZRU headquarters and says he does not have a problem with the process.

It is not yet known when a decision will be announced, but it could come as early as tomorrow.

Rebel Sport Super 14 wider training groups announced (abs.com)

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=7326
06/12/2007

The wider training groups for the five New Zealand teams in the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 have been announced.

The players named in the wider training groups form the back up for each of the Rebel Sport Super 14 squads, which were named last month. They will train part time with the full squads and provide injury cover.

The Rebel Sport Super 14 wider training squads for 2008 are:

Blues: Taranaki hooker Laurence Corlett, Auckland outside back Jarek Goebel, Auckland prop Chris Heard, Auckland loose forward Chris Lowrey, Auckland first five-eighth Lachie Munro, North Harbour lock / loose forward Chris Smith and North Harbour halfback Chris Smylie.

Chiefs: Waikato halfback David Bason, Bay of Plenty loose forward Colin Bourke, Waikato lock Mark Burman, Waikato midfielder Roimata Hansell-Pune, Waikato hooker Vern Kamo and Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Murray Williams. One to be added.

Hurricanes: Hawke’s Bay first five-eighth Matt Berquist, Taranaki halfback Brett Goodin, Wellington hooker Tone Kopelani, Wellington lock / loose forward Api Naikatini, Hawke’s Bay loose forward George Naoupu, Wellington prop Anthony Perenise and Hawke’s Bay midfielder Jason Shoemark.

Crusaders: Canterbury halfback Steve Alfeld, Canterbury hooker Steve Fualau, Canterbury midfielders Vince Mellars and Ben Nowell, Tasman wing Afeleke Pelenise, Tasman flanker Jonathan Poff and Tasman prop Sakaria Taulafo.

Highlanders: Southland lock Josh Bekhuis, Otago lock Ross Kennedy, Otago hooker Jed Vercoe, Otago hooker Peter Mirrielees, Otago halfback Sean Romans, Otago centre / wing Ben Smith, Otago centre / wing Matt Saunders, Otago fullback Glen Horton and Southland first five-eighth Blair Stewart.

New Zealand Rugby Union Professional Rugby Manager Neil Sorensen said the wider training groups were important back-ups for the Rebel Sport Super 14 squads. “It’s going to be fantastic for these guys to be involved in next year’s competition. A number of them have Rebel Sport Super 14 or Air New Zealand Cup experience and those who haven’t have been identified by their Franchises and the NZRU as having the potential to step up in the future.”

New laws to be used in 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 (abs.com)

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=7318
04/12/2007

Spectators and fans will witness a quicker and more exciting brand of rugby in 2008, following a decision by SANZAR to adopt a range of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 competition.

The variations adopted by SANZAR for the 2008 Super 14 relate to the Laws governing:

• Posts and flags around the field
• Inside the 22 metre line
• Lineout
• Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)
• Scrum
• Sanctions

The primary aim of the ELVs is to keep the ball in play longer, with fewer stoppages and more running rugby, thereby creating a more free-flowing, faster and exciting style of play.

The ELVs also make the game simpler to understand, for players and spectators alike.

Developed at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, the ELVs have already been successfully trialled in the Stellenbosch Hostel League, New Zealand’s provincial Men’s B competition, Australian Rugby Championship, Sydney and Brisbane club competitions and the UK.

Australian Rugby Union Deputy CEO, Matt Carroll said the decision by SANZAR to adopt a number of the ELVs for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 will ensure the competition is at the forefront of the game.

“The 2008 Super 14 presents an exciting opportunity to trial the IRB Experimental Law Variations so as to add significantly to the quality of the competition,” he said.

“The ELVs we are trialling have received very favourable reviews in all of the trials conducted so far and the 2008 Super 14 is a unique chance to expose spectators and fans across the globe to the benefits of the new laws.”

“Most importantly, the ELVs will make the tournament more enjoyable and entertaining for all involved.”

New Zealand Rugby Union Deputy CEO, Steve Tew said: “The IRB asked SANZAR to trial the ELVs and we are happy to do that. It will be the highest level of rugby competition at which they have been trialled, which is exciting.”

“The trial of the ELVs in our Men’s B competition saw a more open game and the variations we are trialling were positively received by our players, coaches and referees.”

South African Rugby Union Managing Director, Jonathan Stones said: “The South African Rugby Union welcomes the ELVs for the 2008 Super 14. The move to play under the ELVs will be very beneficial for the game and will create a greater and much more exciting spectacle.”

The 2008 Super 14 kicks off on Friday, 15 February.

Experimental Law Variations to be applied in the 2008 Super 14

Posts and flags around the field
1. Posts and flags around the field (ARC variation)

a. Corner posts will be positioned at the outside junction of the goal line and the touch line.

i. If a player is in possession of the ball and touches a corner post he will not be in touch unless he touches the touchline or the ground beyond the touchline.

ii. If the ball is not being carried by a player and it touches the corner post the ball will be deemed to be touch in goal.

Inside the 22 metre line
2. When a defending player receives the ball outside the 22 metre line and passes, puts or takes the ball back inside the 22, the following can occur.

a. If the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.

b. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed and the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is where the ball crossed the touch line.

Lineout
3. On a quick throw in, the ball can be thrown straight or backwards towards the defenders goal line, but not forward towards the opposition goal line.

Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)
4. Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.

5. Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.

6. The half back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.

Scrum
7. The offside line for players who are not in the scrum and who are not the teams scrum half, is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.

Sanctions
8. For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10-Foul Play, the sanction is a Free Kick.

The All Blacks' guide to New Zealand

I'm so sorry about the delay -I was supposed to post it like a month ago and I forgot -merci Christine for reminding me of it!

Note : I decide to add some colours to the interview because it didn't look very well without : so here is the "Rainbow Interview"...

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/destinations/new_zealand/article2794005.ece
From Times Online
November 2, 2007

New Zealand's rugby stars divulge their secret hot spots in the North and South islands

Richie McCaw

What is your favourite New Zealand location?

My favourite place in New Zealand is down in Central Otago, North Otago, and Omarama which is in the MacKenzie Basin. It’s got lakes, where I do a bit of water skiing and I also do a bit of flying and gliding there. I grew up down that way and I love getting there whenever I can. There aren’t a lot of people around and it’s a great place to get away from it all.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My first love is flying. But I also enjoy a bit of fishing and water skiing. I’m always pretty keen on diving and fishing and love getting out into the Pacific and chasing around crayfish and cod.
How would you describe New Zealand to people overseas?
I think even as New Zealanders we don’t realise the beautiful scenery and what we’ve got in our own back yard. We have beautiful mountains, lakes and it’s green. It’s not crowded and you can go away and not see any houses or people for miles or you can be in a city within a very short space of time.

Where would you take someone on a first date in New Zealand?

I think I would take someone on a ride in a glider over the Southern Alps to see what a beautiful country we’ve got.

Anton Oliver

Where are your favourite places in New Zealand?

I guess like most New Zealanders my favourite places are in a natural setting. I like space, and I like grandeur, and I like silence. And therefore I like places up in Central Otago, in the Mackenzie Basin, where there aren’t many people. I’ve got my pilot licence and I’ve been flying down the northern aspects of Fiordland, flown into Queenstown a few times and around Wanaka and into the Mackenzie Basin. It is just massive miles of nothing but it’s full of everything that I need, so looking at it from the air is a different perspective.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

As well as flying, I enjoy fly-fishing. For me it’s pure and almost meditative, where you’re just out on the water and nothing else really exists, you’re in tune with the sun and the wind and what’s happening on the water and what nymph life or insect life is happening. Other interests include collecting antiques, but also buying New Zealand contemporary art. I like to scuba dive and I read a lot of literature and New Zealand poetry. I’ve got a small, mudbrick cottage in Central Otago, so I go there and rusticate.

Reuben Thorne

What is your favourite holiday spot in New Zealand?

My favourite holiday spot is Kaiteriteri, at the top of the South Island. It’s just a beautiful beach, golden sand, nice water and there’s great fishing. Also there are lots of places to go walking through the bush. It’s just a very peaceful, beautiful part of the country.

What do you do in your spare time?

My family and I like to go camping up around the Abel Tasman National Park or go tramping through the bush. We get out on our friend’s boat if we can, it’s a great place.

Is there one special place in New Zealand you would take your wife on holiday?

There’s a little place in a town called Akaroa, just out of Christchurch. Akaroa is like a little French seaside village; it’s beautiful and quite romantic. The place I love is called Tree Crop Farm. It has little rustic villas and it’s just beautiful, peaceful, quiet and secluded.

Tana Umaga

What do you do in your spare time?

My favourite activity is definitely bungy down in Queenstown, the home of bungy. I like going out and doing out-doorsy things, fishing tramping and camping. It’s right on your doorstep…and you can do it any time, any place.

Where would you take someone on a first date in New Zealand?

I always recommend they come to Wellington. It’s got a great feel about it, with nightlife, Cuba St and a very welcoming atmosphere. I also recommend golf - we’ve got thousands of golf courses here. Being a golf player myself, I'm always telling people to get out there and go for a hit.

Sean Fitzpatrick

Where would you take someone on a first date in New Zealand?

Opua car ferry and Russell – Northland. I always knew the Christmas holidays had started when I arrived at the car ferry at Opua. Then it's a long summer at Long Beach Russell.
I'd also recommend: Wairakei Golf Course - Taupo, Waikopou Bay - Waiheke Island, Milford Track - Fiordland National Park, the drive to Taupo, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland for water skiing and fishing

New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011. For more information about New Zealand visit http://www.newzealand.com/

Players' Player of the Year nominees named

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/071205/3/30a4.html

Nominees for the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association's leading awards for 2007 are:

Provincial union player of the year:

- Steven Brett,

- Stephen Donald

- and Isa Nacewa.

Young player of the year:

- Zac Guildford,

- Steven Brett

- and Brendon Leonard.

Players player of the year:

- Stephen Donald, Richie McCaw and Steven Brett.

The winners will be announced on December 7.

***

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4313317a22363.html

Brett proves popular with his peers

(photo related to this article)

Technical problem

Due to some cyberworld secrets, last night (European time), the blog was unavailable. I am sorry, but I don't know the reason...
This may happen again, so just be patient & don't worry :)

Photo sent by Izzy who wrote :

" in the latest NZ Rugby World, and features an article on Lincoln University and players that have come thru to provincial level & beyond after attending/playing for the university, and talks about scholarships etc.... It makes mention of Andy Ellis, and also Richie's sister Joanna. A similiar page is on Otago, & Canterbury Uni as well"

'Super' Seven Newcomers Signed Up for 13th Crusade

http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,517,2489,0,html/Super-Seven-Newcomers-Signed-Up-for-13th-Crusade

October 30, 2007

There are seven newcomers in the Crusaders squad that has been named today to prepare for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14.

The Tasman trio: halfback Kahn Fotuali’i, winger Kade Poki and lock Ali Williams have been joined by Canterbury winger Sean Maitland, loose forwards Tavake (more regularly known as Nasi) Manu and George Whitelock, and five-eighths Hamish Gard, among the playing cast for the 13th Crusade.

Poki, Maitland and Manu, who all made their Air New Zealand Cup debuts earlier this year, were members of the victorious New Zealand side at the last world Under-19 championships in the United Arab Emirates in March.

The 19-year-old Poki is the second member of his family to have made the Crusaders. His step brother Hayden Pedersen, a winger from Marlborough, made one appearance as a replacement against the Stormers at Cape Town in 2003 before going on to appear for the Highlanders, Otago and New Zealand Maori later in his career.

Fotuali’i was a member of the Crusaders wider training group earlier in the year, and sat on the reserves bench for the match against the Chiefs in Christchurch, but was not pressed into the action.

Whitelock, who featured in 10 matches for Otago this year, transferred to Canterbury in the off-season to join his younger brothers, Adam and Sam, who are both in the Canterbury development programme. The oldest of the Whitelock boys, George captained the New Zealand Under-21 side against Canada in 2007 after previously leading the New Zealand Under-19 side in 2005.

Williams is new to the Crusaders, but has appeared in 52 Super rugby matches for the Blues since his debut in 2002.

He recently linked with Tasman as has the 2003 All Black Brad Thorn, who returns to the Crusaders after making the most recent of his 37 previous Super rugby appearances in 2004.

A dual rugby and rugby league international, Thorn played his maiden Super 14 in 2001.

Other features of the squad include a fifth consecutive Crusade for the Wellington-based All Black lock Ross Filipo, who debuted for the squad in 2004, as well as a 12th season for his international colleague Reuben Thorne.

The former All Black and Crusaders skipper is one of three squad members who debuted during the second Super 12 in 1997 – with threequarter Caleb Ralph and fullback Leon MacDonald being the others.

To put their longevity in perspective, the squad’s youngest member – Poki – was just nine years old when his Tasman team-mate Ralph played his first match at this level.

Thorne, with 121 matches currently to his name, is the most capped Crusader of all-time. Ralph, Somerville and MacDonald have also exceeded a century of competition matches, with MacDonald starting the 13th Crusade on 99 appearances for the franchise.

While the squad has a core of experience along with a strong blend of youth, and includes seven members of the 2007 All Black World Cup squad – who will be with the team from the outset this time – coach Robbie Deans acknowledges that the competition ahead will be typical of the annual challenge Super rugby provides.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” Super rugby’s longest serving coach, who raised his 100th game in the competition earlier this year, says.

“While we are obviously going to be able to have our group together from the start as we get down to work next year, the key will be bringing everyone together and ensuring we consider and cater for what is required to be competitive first and then raise those standards.”

The bulk of the Crusaders squad will assemble for the strength and conditioning phase of the preparation in late November, although the Rugby World Cup participants are not due to return until the start of the new Year.

Although the disappointment of the World Cup will provide the background to the country’s preparations for the next Super 14, Deans says that tournament will have no motivational relevance for the Crusaders.

“Individually some of the players may find additional motivation in that, it is not something we will focus on at all as a team,” Deans says.

For all that, Deans acknowledges that the South African threat, which proved so potent earlier this year, has only been given added momentum ahead of the third Super 14 by the result from France.

“It [the World Cup outcome] has obviously given the South Africans a huge boost. We saw in this competition earlier in the year how much value a bit of an injection of belief can add, both in terms of how the South African teams travelled overseas, and also in how they performed at the business end of the competition,” Deans says.

With Filipo a Crusader by choice after four years of service, the squad is free of draft players. The roster has been selected from entirely within the catchment area, with four players from this year’s side which reached the semi-finals – prop Ben May, fullback Paul Williams, locks Isaac Ross and Kevin O’Neill – having been secured by other franchises.

Canterbury flanker Hayden Hopgood and former Tasman winger Lucky Mulipola are other players who will be with other franchises next year that have previous experience within the Crusaders set up.

Loose forward Peter Nixon, who was with the side in 2007, was not considered due to injury.

The Crusaders squad for the 2008 Rebel Sport Super 14 is: Richard McCaw (Canterbury), Tim Bateman (Canterbury), Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Andrew Ellis (Canterbury), Ross Filipo (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), * Kahn Fotuali’i (Tasman), Ben Franks (Canterbury), * Hamish Gard (Canterbury), Scott Hamilton (Canterbury), Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury), Casey Laulala (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), * Sean Maitland (Canterbury), * Tavake (Nasi) Manu (Canterbury), Ti’i Paulo (Canterbury), Michael Paterson (Canterbury), * Kade Poki (Tasman), Caleb Ralph (Tasman), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Tasman), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury), Mose Tuiali’i (Canterbury), * George Whitelock (Canterbury), * Ali Williams (Tasman)

Coaches: Robbie Deans, Mark Hammett

Manager: Tony Thorpe

* denotes new Crusader