Misc news

Before leaving the country of koalas to attend tomorrow's final, our friend FSS sent me some scans (I think from Rugby News) about the semis, the final, the stats of this year's Super14 and about the ABs.
As they are pdf. files, I can't upload them here so if you are interested, email me at
marykoala@hotmail.fr ("FSS Scans")
Thank you =)
________

L'Equipe aujourd'hui (30.05.2008) :
*Très bel article sur Robbie Deans
*Canal+Sport diffusera la finale en direct (9h35-France) et la rediffusera vers 18h30

________

Enjoy the final, your weekend, anything =)
Bye for now,
Mary*L

it's the final countdown !!!

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/news/paulo-only-change-for-grand-final-starting-xv/233/news.aspx

The selection of hooker Ti’i Paulo (pictured), in place of the injured Corey Flynn, is the only change to the Crusaders starting XV that has been named today for Saturday night’s Rebel Sport Super 14 final against the NSW Waratahs.

Flynn fractured his right forearm during the 12th minute of last week’s 33-22 semi-final win over the Hurricanes, departing from the field at that point. The bone was operated on the following day, but he is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

While the injury is bad luck for the experienced hooker, it has presented another opportunity for his regular understudy, the 25-year-old Paulo, who has already experienced the busiest season yet in his representative career.

A Crusader since 2005, the former national age-grade captain had appeared for the side on just six occasions prior to featuring in 13 of the 14 matches played thus far on the 13th Crusade. His tally this season includes the first ‘starts’ of his career – against the Cheetahs, Lions and the Queensland Reds.

“It’s obviously bad luck for Corey, but we have every confidence in Ti’i,” Crusaders coach Robbie Deans says. “He’s played very well for us when given the opportunity, and I’m sure he will do so again.”

The injury has also allowed a promotion for Crusaders wider training group member Steve Fualau, who comes onto the bench as the only personnel change from last week’s match-day squad. The Linwood hooker has previously represented both Canterbury and Tasman in domestic provincial rugby.

If required to play, the 24-year-old would become the second member of the wider training group to feature for the Crusaders this year. He would also be the 128th player to appear for the Crusaders since the team was formed in 1996.

The front row aside, the Crusaders will otherwise field a settled combination for the ninth final the franchise has featured in.

“We’ve come through the semi-final well to give ourselves the opportunity,” Deans says, “but what’s gone before counts for nothing. The Waratahs have shown themselves to be a very resilient opponent. They are a team that has overcome their share of adversity to be peaking at the right time. As such, they are very definitely going to be the toughest challenge that we have faced this year, but that’s as it should be in the final.”

The two teams previously squared off in the 2005 decider when the Crusaders prevailed 35-25 to annex the last Super 12 title. Fullback Leon MacDonald, centre Casey Laulala, first-five-eighths Daniel Carter, No 8 Mose Tuiali’i, flankers Richard McCaw and Reuben Thorne and prop Greg Somerville remain from that playing roster, among the side that has been named today.

The Crusaders team to play the NSW Waratahs in the Rebel Sport Super 14 final at AMI Stadium, Christchurch on Saturday May 31, kick-off 7.35pm is:

15. Leon MacDonald ; 14. Kade Poki (Tasman) ; 13. Casey Laulala ; 12. Tim Bateman ; 11. Scott Hamilton ;

10. Daniel Carter ; 9. Andrew Ellis ;
8. Mose Tuiali’i ; 7. Richard McCaw (captain) ; 6. Kieran Read ; 5. Ali Williams (Tasman) ; 4. Brad Thorn (Tasman) ; 3. Greg Somerville ; 2. Ti’i Paulo ; 1. Wyatt Crockett.
Run on reserves:
16. Steve Fualau ; 17. Ben Franks (Tasman) ; 18. Reuben Thorne ; 19. Nasi Manu ; 20. Kahn Fotuali’i (Tasman) ; 21. Stephen Brett ; 22. Sean Maitland.

If not specified : Canterbury

Super 14 awards for the season

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4562719a2201.html
By TOBY ROBSON, The Dominion Post
Wednesday, 28 May 2008

HURRICANES

Player of the year:
Hooker Andrew Hore. And not just because his try-scoring antics paid for my kids' tuition?
We loved:
Lock Jason Eaton's wildman look and his decision to chop his locks and give the money to a cancer charity fund. Prop Neemia Tialata's suplex technique, perfect!
Special mention:
Jerry Collins. One of the most honest players the Hurricanes have had bowed out with a bit of style instead of announcing that he had been sold to the highest bidder.

CRUSADERS

Player of the year:
Openside flanker Richie McCaw (of course! who else?). Unlike the rest of us, Captain Fantastic put the World Cup behind him and moved on! Good on ya Richie.
We loved:
Ali Williams and Ross Filipo turning up to a media session dressed as The Phantom and Spiderman. I for one, would pay to watch a match where all the players were dressed as their favourite superheroes. How good would the stretchy guy in Fantastic Four be in the lineouts!
Special mention:
Coach Robbie Deans. Special contract for a special guy. Takes the Aussie job, keeps his Crusaders job, reaches the Super 14 final, picks an Australian test team, and has 2000 people wear Deans masks at his farewell do. Please don't go!

CHIEFS

Player of the year:
Wing Lelia Masaga. Someone tell me why he missed out on the All Blacks training squad?
We loved:
Ungainly first-five Stephen Donald's roller-coaster season. From missing easy goal kicks to fluky chip and chases, the knobby-kneed Chief was the model for perserverance.
Special mention:
The Chiefs' physio and doctor have been the busiest in the business for years. They thought the 60-hour weeks were over when Keith Robinson retired last year, but Jono Gibbes and the current side proved the Chiefs are as injury prone as ever.

HIGHLANDERS

Player of the year:
Wing Fetu'u Vainikolo, and not just for the brightly coloured boots.
We loved:
The team's haircuts. The Highlanders brought back the classic flowing southern mullet. It started with the self-proclaimed God Father of the Mullet, Tim Boys, and spread like gorse. Top efforts from big men Jamie Mackintosh, for the dreadlock mullet, Clint Newland, the flowing mullet, and Hayden Triggs, the Palmerston North special.
Special mention:
Adam Thomson's late season Magnum PI- slash-R18 movie genre moustache was a season highlight.

BLUES

Player of the year:
Jerome Kaino. The big man finally added workrate to his ball running prowess. Maybe he's been talking to JC?
We loved:
Wing David Smith's late season form and his decision to sign with Wellington and the Hurricanes for next season.
Special mention:
Coach David Nucifora. Anyone who can coach teams, bale out halfway through the season, then walk into another job is truly special.

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Best comedic performance:
Sharks flanker Epi Taione put on 50 minutes of slapstick humour in the semifinal loss to the Waratahs. All that was missing was a plank of wood and some canned laughter for Tonga's version of Buster Keaton.
Best hairdo:
The award goes to Sharks centre Frans Steyn for his Bret Michaels, 80s heavy metal special. It gets better by the week. Honorable mention to Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane for his outrageously big forehead award. Reds players Digby Ioane, the pseudo Samoan spike, and Rodney Blake for his soft and bouncy curly moo-lay were Australia's best.
Best use of technology:
Australian referee Paul Marks for his use of the TMO in the Hurricanes-Sharks match.
Best use of sarcasm:
Teamtalk's Best use of technology, in Teamtalk Awards, 2008.
Best quote:
"My question is just why, why wouldn't you?" – Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper on referee Paul Marks' decision not to use the TMO. Cooper was seen yesterday still mumbling to himself: "Why? Just why? I don't understand, why Paul? Why?"

Final news from the castle

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/news/final-tickets---when-they-go-on-sale---how-to-get-them/231/news.aspx

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/news/flynn-to-miss-rebel-sport-super-14-final/230/news.aspx

The ref (Mark Lawrence, from South Africa...why not Craig?) during England vs. Samoa in 2005 (3 pics of him during that match : 2 red cards! watch out guys!!!)

Well done guys!

Congratulations to the Top 2 teams of this year's Super 14 who are to play the finale next Saturday in Christchurch at the Jade Stadium (oups! sorry, yeah ... AMI ... but I like Jade!)

Of course, that'd been tougher for me to choose between the Crusaders and the Sharks (and yet?) -so thank you to the Waratahs!

Richie Pic sent by Izzy

Oz pic sent by French Sydney Sider

Thank you, Girls!

http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au/sport/super-14-final-a-coaching-battle-of-wits-20080525-2hz4.html

Super 14 final a coaching battle of wits
May 25, 2008 - 4:16PM

It's the ultimate Super 14 final: NSW's departing coach Ewen McKenzie trying to outwit the Crusaders' incoming Wallabies coach Robbie Deans to win world rugby's toughest provincial tournament.

The cagey Deans is leaving the Crusaders on his terms, hoping to lead his champion team to a seventh Super title before starting in the Wallabies coaching position two days after Saturday's dream final in Christchurch.

The meticulous McKenzie, the most successful NSW coach in Super history, is being forced out of the Waratahs after a controversial board decision, yet remains doggedly determined to steer his side to a first-ever tournament triumph.

Even Sharks coach Dick Muir agreed after watching his team succumb 28-13 to the power and will of the Waratahs in Saturday night's semi-final that "it's probably true to say that the best two sides in the competition are in the final. The team that takes their opportunities will win that one," Muir said.

And, as much as he insists the final "is not about individuals but about the sum of the parts", this is one opportunity McKenzie is relishing - the chance for the Australian Super 14 coach of the year to outsmart the man who beat him for the Wallabies job.

"He has obviously been the best coach in the competition," McKenzie said."I can't say what the win-loss record is. The ledger is well and truly in his favour. I look at it as a challenge from a coaching point of view ...if part of that strategy is to try and come up with a win, then that is my contribution to the game.(But) you have to have the players, the belief, the tactics. I think we have done that pretty well. But the Crusaders is the ultimate challenge. To get credibility, you have to be able to beat teams like that."

While the Crusaders dipped in form in the month heading into the playoffs, they shifted gears in a big way to overpower and outclass the Hurricanes 33-22 in Saturday night's first semi-final at Jade Stadium. The end scoreline flattered the Hurricanes, who trailed 33-8 before running in two late consolation tries.

"The Crusaders are the masters of doing what you have to do," McKenzie said."That is a tough game for them. They were coming off a loss. It is a tough local derby. I thought they were very methodical. It was trademark Crusaders. I don't get any confidence out of it. They just have this ability to play ... they find ways to win. That is why they are such a good team."

Deans, in the unusual position of having to coach one team on Saturday and then most likely pick the bulk of the opposition in his first Wallabies squad two days later, was playing down the irony.

"It's going to be another week, which is what we wanted. It's going to be a new week," was all the Crusaders mentor of nine seasons would offer about the emotional content of the coming days."It's just great to have this opportunity, but it's just another week essentially. I'm not sure why you say it's a huge week."

While the Crusaders have lost form hooker Corey Flynn with a broken arm, McKenzie is hoping to have a full contingent of Waratahs available after a receiving a promising medical report.
Key forwards Tatafu Polota-Nau (hand) and David Lyons (hamstring), who both missed the semi-final, and skipper Phil Waugh (cork) and hooker Adam Freier (sternum) have all pulled up better than expected.
The Waratahs, who finished 13th last season following a wretched run with injury, will leave for Christchurch on Wednesday aiming to complete the greatest revival in Super rugby history.

"I feel this is where we are supposed to be. I don't give a stuff about what people say about 2007 - 2007 wasn't us," McKenzie said."The last 12 months has been about us getting us back to where I thought we are good enough to be - in the finals, and we are. I don't feel lucky or whatever, that this is some magical or mystery fairytale. I just feel we should be here (like) we were there in '05, '06."

Crusaders answer every question

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4560069a2201.html

By PHIL GIFFORD, Sunday Star Times

Sunday, 25 May 2008

The Super 14 semifinal between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes answered a lot of key questions.

Could the Crusaders pull off one of the most difficult feats in rugby, and switch form from the mediocrity of recent weeks to the top bracket?
Hell yes.
Apart from the horror moment when Zac Guildford charged down a Daniel Carter kick, the match was dominated by one team, and it didn't come from Wellington.
At the front of the charge was Richie McCaw, so dynamic you suspect he may have changed not in the shed, but in a telephone box.

Is Daniel Carter back to his world beating best?
It's starting to look like it.
Much of his display last night was to be expected. It's hardly a news flash that he would pass beautifully, run well, and never miss a tackle. What was not so expected were some unusual touches, like the steal of a ball from Ma'a Nonu in a tackle, which was an example, often mentioned by his teammates, of how strong Carter is.
The only weird thing was his disconcerting habit of trying to kick the ball flat across the field to his wing.

Would the Hurricanes stay controlled?
Not enough.
Their discipline was very good as far as giving away penalties went, but in the first half especially the lack of control at kickoffs was crucial.

Jerry Collins or Kieran Read?
Read's night by a long way.
We know how good Collins is, but right now he has a young man breathing so close to the back of his neck it must feel like a hair dryer.

Could Ma'a Nonu use the big occasion to push his All Blacks chances?
No. But not through any fault of his own.
When attack is the strongest feature of your game it's desperately hard to impress when you never see the ball. By the time he did there was a hint of panic in the Canes' approach.

How would the scrum contest go?
As tight as it gets.
For every scrum the Crusaders powered to the side of the field they wanted there was a power hit from the Canes that rattled the red and blacks.

Would a bet on Andrew Hore to score a try be as worthwhile as it has been all season?
No.
Hore is lethal close to the line. The Canes got near the line about as often as watching parliament makes you feel proud to be a Kiwi.

Who would push hardest for national selection?
He must have been in the squad anyway, but Leon MacDonald's form was incandescent. His second try - where he was too strong for two locks near the line - bordered on the surreal.
Would referee Stu Dickinson demonstrate that he's finally learned it's not all about him?
Of course not.

Did it seem weird that it wasn't possible to fill a gutted stadium?
Absolutely.
The game was everything the occasion demanded. The commitment from both sides was extraordinary. You saw it in the way a younger player like Jeremy Thrush smashed into his tackles, or how every time Jerry Collins ran with the ball a posse of Crusaders arrived at the gallop.

Do we now have a good idea who will win the final?
If it's not the Crusaders it'll be astounding. How much do you reckon the guy who bet $100,000 on the Crusaders to beat the Highlanders wishes he'd waited another week?

* Phil Gifford's rugby show Front Row

on Radio Sport

every Saturday from 8-10am.

Brad Thorn, left, celebrates a try in the Super 14 semifinal between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes that answered a lot of key questions

Cranky Crusaders tighten their discipline

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4558696a10295.html
By RICHARD KNOWLER, The Press
Saturday, 24 May 2008

There are few things the Crusaders coaches hate more than watching their men give away penalties.

Head coach Robbie Deans has a target of six per match, a threshold he does not want exceeded when the Crusaders face the Hurricanes in tonight's Super 14 semi-final at AMI Stadium.
Penalties could be the difference between advancing to next week's final or wondering what could have been.

Last week they were pinged 10 times in their 14-26 defeat to the Highlanders, three against lock Ali Williams. Deans has promised his charges will not be so ill-disciplined in the semi.

"That was an aberration and you won't see it this week," Deans said."It was possibly indicative of the mentality, I guess. Ill-discipline tends to come when you are looking for short cuts and you are not fully committed and prepared to do what is required."

Williams raised the ire of referee Keith Brown for not entering contact points through the gate, rulings that raised the lock's hackles.

"Yes, I was p...ed off at the weekend. I just get frustrated, they say one thing and do another thing," Williams said."One week it's acceptable and the next week it's not acceptable. I will get a big fine here for what I say, so I will have to watch it. I just get frustrated and I just have to channel that."

Williams' move south, which followed his dust-up with the Blues last year, has paid dividends for the Crusaders. His form has been sound and he will again be named in the All Blacks squad after the Super 14 final.

From the outside there have been no signs of the 27-year-old creating waves in the Crusaders, although Deans would have been less than pleased with the way he challenged Brown and risked being yellow carded.

For his part, Williams says he is aware of how much he can push officials before being punished and says there has been little need for his team-mates to remind him.
"My good mates know. `Ricko' (Richie McCaw) knows me. He doesn't even say to me anything now, he just sort of looks at me. But I think it's good once in a while - because if I didn't care I wouldn't show that emotion."

The result of tonight's contest could hinge on the tackled ball contest, an area where the Crusaders were strangely passive against the Highlanders, and the defensive lines will be unforgiving from both sides.

When the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 20-13 in Wellington in their round-robin match, Jerry Collins was fortunate to escape censure when he felled Kieran Read with a high tackle.
Williams is prepared for more of that aggression, noting the Hurricanes have fingered it as a integral part of their battle plan.

"That's a strength in their games, as a pack they are a bunch of wolves really. They come out and try and get into you. If you were them, why would you neglect a strength? For us, it's about not getting intimidated and trying to get back at them in that same regard."

A loss tonight, and it could be his final appearance in the Crusaders jersey.
With David Nucifora leaving the Blues to join the Australian Rugby Union as its high performance manager and Auckland coach Pat Lam favoured to take over his spot, Williams will be sorely tempted to move back to his home city.
For his part, however, he remains cagey on such prospects.

****
I don't want to point at a particular ref but I agree with Ali ("One week it's acceptable and the next week it's not acceptable"). Having -at last- seen the sin bin of Richie vs. the Highlanders, my first thought was : refs too make mistakes coz they too are human beings!
My second was : did he at least reckon he penalized the wrong player? ... unsure!
People in charge of discipline, you have one year to think about your new rules and why not adding the video (like in France) to "not-try-zones"?

RG Tess mission to Jaffa (S14 D10)

When we say "the Richie Girls are everywhere", it really means something! See FSS's missions over the Tasman Sea ; and now Tess's on the Eden Island ...

Part of Tess's email to comment on her mission

"I’ve FINALLY been able to get help to send these pics to you.
They are from the Round 10 vs. Chiefs match in Hamilton a few weeks back.Unfortunately, not the result we hoped for but it was a fantastic game! I’m surprised some of the shots weren’t blurred as I was shaking with excitement!!
Anyway, don’t know if you want to include some of them on the blog sometime, up, to you.

#’s 1 to 7 are warm-up shots, lots of stretching & a couple of gratuitous butt shots. Tried to get as close as I could to The Man(away from my seat) without seeming like a stalker! (and I had to put up with a group of wasted female “fans” calling out stupid comments to him as well-he was understandably NOT impressed! Very embarrassing!
#9 Group hug after warm up
#11 Just b4 kick off- Capt Mc Caw rallying his troops
#12-16 Action shots during the game inc the back of Steve Walsh (sorry, not his face)
#19 another group hug at the end of the game."

I have posted nb 2, 11, 13, 15 and 19 =)

Looking forward to the semi

again, I couldn't help myself sharing with you a mail from Izzy (only the "public" part of it, of course!)

"22.05.08 : another long link to a video - hope it works. Talking to some of the team today at training, about the big game on Saturday night. Richie's had a short hair cut.

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyDeansgivesCrusaderslineupanoverhaul/tabid/415/articleID/56798/cat/70/Default.aspx#top

Saturday nights game is far from a sell out - I think people must have heard the weather forecast. It's not supposed to be that flash, winter well and truly arrived today. I'm sure a lot of people will leave it to the last minute to buy their tickets, and I bet there will be a few Canes fans making their way down to Christchurch as well"

RGs will be there, honey! All of us ... mentally only but all there =)

Sorry to have missed the MoreFM interview this morning NZ time!

**Note about the blog in the upcoming weeks**

Thursday was my last day at uni. Exam session from June 4th to June 16th.
There will be delay during this period, I'm sorry but you know how it works : keep emailing me things and when I have time, I can post them or if I forget, remind me when I'm back.
Thank you very much for your understanding,
Mary*L

Armand's request

he'd like to know if you have any suggestion for the blog (new skin? new links to be added?)

either you post your suggestion in comments here or you email me (i'll forward)

thanks =)

Wednesday May 21st : Baby Richie turns 2!!!

**

**Lissie from Australia**

**

Come on Richie fans, let us give a cheer
In celebration to, the blog we hold so dear.
Baby Richie is now two
And here is what i wish for you...
May it continue to bring joy to all
Us RG's still chat and have a ball.
Where we resume to gather and unite
Plus get our Rugby and Richie insight.
And now this brings us to Mary
Our hardworking Fairy!
I want to tell you "Thank you"
But it doesn't seem enough
Words don't seem sufficient
For all your tireless effort and stuff.
Please know we all have deep feelings
About your generous act.
We really appreciate you
You're special, and that's a fact!

**

** Elwya from France**

**

I'd like to thank you for this website. Great job ! Must be theonly one which doesn't just display pictures of Richiewith some "He's so cute ! I wanna marry him someday !"or "Too bad those stupid cheese-eating frogs cheatedon the Blacks ! We love Richie we hate Paris !", orall those incredibly smart stuff I usually read. Atlast a website giving facts on this great player !
(...)Congrats again and I wish u all thebest for the future !

**

** Ségolène from France **

**

Happy Birthday!! Hope there'll be lots more to come .. an awesome blog for one of the greatest rugby players ! A big thank you to Queeny and the contributors.

**

** Izzy from New Zealand **

**

A is for All Black No.1014
B is for Brother, to younger sister Joanna
C is for Captain of the Crusaders, & the AB’s
D is for Diving - another sport you enjoy
E is for Educated - an A+ student
F is for Flanker, openside
G is for Gliding - what you love to do
H is for Hugh - your middle name
I is for Ireland - where you played your first AB test in 2001
J is for Jim - your W.W.II pilot Grandfather
K is for Kurow - where you went to primary school
L is for Loyal - to NZ rugby
M is for Mazda 323 - your first car
N is for New Years Eve baby - born 31/12/1980, in Oamaru, NZ
O is for Omarama - where you love to glide
P is for Pilot - Cessna’s, gliders (& DC3’s)
Q is for Queenstown - where you sometimes frequent
R is for Rugby Park - where the Crusaders train
S is for Seven - our favourite number
T is for Tries a plenty, for the AB’s & Crusaders
U is for University, Lincoln - where you studied
V is for Venison - what you love to cook
W is for Wales - where your first captained the AB’s in 2004
X is for Xcited - what we get when we watch you play
Y is for YouTube videos galore of Richie, & the AB’s
Z is for Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz what we don’t mind losing, to watch you play those late night games in a different time zone!

**

** Franciska from Singapore **

**

I want to say happy 2nd birthday to the blog. You have done a fantastic job running it, with local spy help. Before the blog, I used to google for richie's news but since i found the blog, this has been the place to go to for me for all Richie's news.
And it's so great for me to able to talk rugby with other girls who are passionate about the game. coming from a non rugby country, I have no one else :( I have one colleague in NZ but unfortch he doesn't share my admiration for richie :( (alas, he's a wellington supporter).
The blog and the chat have always been very positive. And I like what you wrote once, humour is the second quality to have when you read the blog, the first being supporting Richie. and that's so true!!!
In this two years, the blog has united rugby/Richie fans all over the world and that's no small feat. thank you and keep up the good work, queeny and cheers to all the RGs!

**

** Mary from France **

**

A year ago today, the blog turned one ; and two years ago, one crazy frog in NZ decided to start this big adventure!The crazy frog's official name is Armand and though he never visits us (or at least, he doesn't show he is there!), everytime I am online on this blog I think about him so :

MERCI ARMAND !!!

M AVOIR OFFERT CE MAGNIFIQUE

CADEAU A CHANGE MA VIE...

So without Armand, no Richie Blog (maybe someone else would have started it but as I may not have taken part in it, then, it wouldn't have had the same impact on my life!)

What a pleasure, not only to follow Richie's results, share the tears (of joy or of pain), share our passion for rugby around the globe but also to have met (and still meet) great people! Whatever the time, there is always a Richie Girl online, always someone to warn us about any rugby or world news -from "RIP Sir Edmund Hilary" to "Welcome Home DC !"

Thank you very much to Rose -the American voice of wisdom- for naming us the "Richie Girls" ; our whanau needed a name and this one is a. easy to remember, b. funny and c. approved by all the RGs (even the newbies! and even if Armand preferred "ladies" but since he is not here ...)

Thank you to Izzy, aka "the Local Spy", aka "You-Know-Who" : I have already said it, but it may be more appropriate here, so let's write it again. Without Bee Izzy, no local Richie news, no scan from the Ch-ch star, no life on the blog! For (to me) what gives its specifity to our Baby Richie is that we have news coming from the source (careful : I don't say Izzy works for the Saders though sometimes I thing she has her own spies --just kidding!) and not online e-news, e-pics, e-everything that everyone can e-find!

If I start by naming the RGs, I think I'm gonna forget some so I will stop here and just tell you all "You know how much you mean to me -and not only on the blog- God bless the Internet and Armand!"

My wishes for Baby Richie turns 3? Richie to stay Richie, Baby Richie to stay Baby Richie, and the Richie Girls to stay who they are!

Love from the Castle,
Queeny, aka Nanny Mary.

ps : forgot to mention all the princes (Brian, Fred, Shaun, Ruan, Luke, Byron, Juan, Andy, Johny, the Nesians, Bobby, Pierre, Vincent, Ali, Matty, Steve, Craig, the Men in Kilt, Steven, Dan, ...) now living at the RGs castle who thank Richie for being away a lot and allowing them to have fun at the castle
this statement can be understood by some RGs only -and I won't apoligize :P

ps 2 : here are the pics I asked for and put into a video (not posted on YT for private reasons)
http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2008/05/baby-richie-turns-2-my-contribution.html

**
** Chill from South Africa **
**

It’s been over a year since I have found this fantastic homage to the great Richie McCaw, and while the man himself is a great person to pay tribute to, the secret to the success of this blog is the people who contribute to it on a daily basis. One of the best aspects is to meet new people from all round the globe; we’re different with different backgrounds, but our love of rugby and our admiration for the All Black captain makes us the same on that level. It has constantly amazed me to see how knowledgeable the rugby supporters on this blog are; every conversation or topic that arises is dealt with in an incredibly mature manner and the insights are enlightening. I enjoy coming on and seeing what people are thinking on the chatterbox – sometimes it’s light-hearted, other times its more serious, but it’s intriguing and thought provoking, with everyone’s comment valuable and appreciated. Its one of my favourite places on the internet and its been fun watching it grow.

**
** Tess from New Zealand **
**

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

ON THE MARVELLOUS MILESTONE REACHED FOR “BABY RICHIE”
HERE’S TO A HUGE 2nd YEAR!
WE ARE BLESSED WITH THE MOST INFORMATIVE,COMPREHENSIVE,FUN &FITTING
TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL INTELLIGENT PLAYER, (ALREADY) A RUGBY LEGEND,
HANDSOME HERO AND ALL-ROUND DECENT KIWI BLOKE!HUGE THANKS TO ALL
THOSE WONDERFUL RG’S WHO KEEP ITS POPULARITY ALIVE.IT’S AN ABSOLUTE
CREDIT TO YOU OUR “QUEENY & NANNY”.CAPTAIN MAC IS HUMBLED BUT
HONOURED I’M SURE.KEEP ON SPREADING THE GOOD WORD THOUGHOUT THE
CYBER WORLD!

Semis

CRUSADERS vs. HURRICANES
Christchurch

WARATAHS vs. SHARKS
Sydney

Match vs. Highlanders sur Canal+Sport

D'après le programme,

demain (mardi 20 mai) à 16h55,

Canal+ Sport (11) diffuse le match

Crusaders vs. Highlanders.

FAQ article

FAQ article

Highlanders stun Crusaders

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/super14/highlanders-stun-crusaders/2008/05/17/1210765253171.html

Marc Hinton, rugbyheaven.co.nz
May 17, 2008 - 7:50PM

It's official. The Crusaders have some major problems ahead of the Super 14 finals, the runaway competition leaders stunned by the Highlanders 26-14 in their final round-robin hitout at AMI Stadium.All week the Robbie Deans farewell tour had been in full flow around Christchurch, the master coach waved goodbye officially as his city gathered to pay tribute to him ahead of his departure to take the reins of the Wallabies.

So whether the normally cast-iron Crusaders were distracted, or just plain bored by a match that had nothing riding on it (they had well and truly secured home advantage for the finals, regardless of what happened here), the upshot was that they were not ready for this match – and paid the price.

The Highlanders brought all the urgency and commitment, not to mention accuracy, to the occasion and as a result they secured the victory that – to be fair – had been brewing for a month now as these Crusaders have gone well and truly off the boil.

It was a fabulous win for the Highlanders, too, three tries to one as the southern men farewelled one of their own loyal servants in spectacular fashion. Given that it was just their third victory of the season, and the first over the Crusaders since 2001, it was just the sendoff that skipper Craig Newby deserved.

But rather than what it would have done for the Highlanders, who are always rapt to secure a victory over their highly-rated neighbours, the stunning upset of the season will have sent shockwaves through the Crusaders camp ahead of next weekend's semifinal assignment on the same ground.

Ever since they were knocked over by the Chiefs in Hamilton – their only other defeat of the season – the red and blacks have been treading water, at best. They were lucky to beat the Blues at home, struggled in the wet to knock over the Sharks and then got out of jail last weekend in Brisbane when they had to overcome a 13-point second-half deficit to narrowly defeat the Reds.

But the Highlanders had been paying attention, and noticed what the Reds did to unsettle the six-time champions.
"We watched the Reds game last week and thought what they did was pressure their tight five, their loosies got put under pressure and they couldn't get the front-foot ball," said a rapt Newby."That's what we tried to do, and I guess it paid off."

That it did, and the Highlanders wouldn't have cared a jot that the game rather lost its shape in the second half, a lone Mike Delany penalty the only act of scoring in a fairly scrappy second 40.

It didn't matter to the Highlanders who ended a 12-year wait for their second win in Christchurch and capped a frustrating year, in which they'd been competitive throughout but failed to nail the results they possibly deserved, in the sort of style that will have the franchise's critics struggling for a response.

For a side that took a 12-point lead at the top of the table into the final round of the regular season, the Crusaders sure struggled through the opening 40 minutes against a spirited Highlanders outfit. In fact, struggled is probably being generous to the hosts who conceded three tries to one and a 14-23 deficit at the break. Considering this was No 1 playing 12 on their home track that was some form turnaround.

But there was no denying the Highlanders, who showed by far the greater urgency, spirit and endeavour, were worthy of their advantage through the first spell. They scored tries to fullback Paul Williams, after just six minutes, halfback Tony Morland, eight minutes from the break, and flanker Adam Thomson, four minutes shy of the interval. And, frankly, make the raging competition favourites look like chumps in the process.

Williams' score was a beautiful read of a Dan Carter crosskick which the Highlanders No 15 (and Canterbury draft player) swooped on and showed excellent skill and strength to gather and dash clear. Morland had the creativity of five-eighth Daniel Bowden to thank for his score after the Highlanders No 10 slipped clear of Mose Tuiali'i's loose tackle and found his halfback expertly; while Thomson managed to wriggle over as the Crusaders were punished for loose play in their own 22 as the visiting forwards got the drive going.

The Crusaders had actually opened the scoring in just the fifth minute when hooker Corey Flynn was driven over from a set move off the lineout, but after that three penalties from Carter was all the competition's top team had to show for their efforts. We kept expecting the Crusaders response in the second 40, but it never came. Instead the errors kept flowing as the home side were probably lucky just to concede the lone Delany penalty.

Newby had a mighty match for the Highlanders in his last outing before heading to join Leicester, Thomson confirmed his status as one of the new stars on the New Zealand scene, while lock Hayden Triggs and openside Tim Boys threw themselves into the fray splendidly. Morland did well in a rare start at No 9, wing Paul Williams continued a splendid comeback season while the midfielders ran hard and straight and wing Fetu'u Vainikolo caused plenty of problems for the Crusaders defence.

For the All Black-laden Crusaders this was a match they would probably rather forget, epitomised by the late sinbinning for skipper Richie McCaw who trudged off the field shaking his head in wonderment. It was hard to say if that was more over the decision, or the performance of his team. OUPS!

For the first time in four years the Crusaders failed to pick up a single point at home. It was just the performance that will have the other semifinalists, whoever they may be, smiling to themselves.

OTAGO HIGHLANDERS 26 (Paul Williams, Toby Moreland, Adam Thomson tries; Mike Delany con 3 pens)
CANTERBURY CRUSADERS 14 (Corey Flynn try; Dan Carter 3 pens)
Referee: Keith Brown (NZL)
AAP

Super 14. Day 14. Results

Blues v Hurricanes 19 - 17
Western Force v Brumbies 29 - 22
Crusaders v Highlanders 14 - 26
Reds v Waratahs 11 - 18
Lions v Stormers 13 - 22
Cheetahs v Bulls 20 - 60
Sharks v Chiefs 47 - 25

If you were Queeny, you'd get tones of mails like this one

'Would love to have been at the farewell for Robbie tonight, in our Town Hall, but sadly with it still being a week night/work tomorrow couldn't interest anyone in going along to say a big "BYE" to Robbie (...)

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyCrusadersannouncenewlineup/tabid/415/articleID/55930/cat/70/Default.aspx#top
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1781581 there's a link to a video clip from this page (a chat with Richie, Reuben & others).

Hope you enjoy the article & video links.

Izzy'

****

It was like a 'Welcome to my life' article, but just "like"coz I love my life & I love how my bees work :P so I keep them just for me!!!

Please do not forget to send me your favorite pics of Richie (for my part of "Baby Richie turns 2")

Or even if you took part in any RGs meeting, feel free to share your experiences (who you met? where? would you that again?) It may give ideas to those who are silent RGs and never post! --and that will be our next common article after my exams =)

Mary*L

ps : humour is the second quality to have when you read the blog ; the first being supporting Richie!

Super 14 2008. Week 14. Preview

Blues v Hurricanes
16/5 17:35

Western Force v Brumbies
16/5 21:05

Crusaders v Highlanders
17/5 17:35

Last meeting: Crusaders 38-3 in Dunedin, round 11, 2007
With a 12-point lead over their closest rivals and already assured of a home semi-final, the Crusaders' biggest danger could be complacency. Coach Robbie Deans has rung the changes in putting close to his full-strength team on the park for the South Island showdown. Five-eighth Daniel Carter makes his starting return from injury after a brilliant cameo against the Reds on Saturday. Fellow All Blacks Corey Flynn, Ali Williams and Andy Ellis are also back starting as the six-time champions warm up for the playoffs. The gritty Highlanders are coming off a 40-15 thumping by the Blues and will do well to keep the scoreline respectable against their all-conquering neighbours.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Caleb Ralph, Stephen Brett, Sean Maitland, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Kieran Read, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tim Bateman, Casey Laulala
Highlanders: to be named

Reds v Waratahs
17/5 19:40

Lions v Stormers
17/5 23:00

Cheetahs v Bulls
18/5 01:05

Sharks v Chiefs
18/5 03:10

Rugby: Cleary gets some coaching tips off Deans

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyClearygetssomecoachingtipsoffDeans/tabid/317/articleID/55644/cat/70/Default.aspx

While they are already assured of a home semi-final the Crusaders have some local business to take care of this week, with that South Island derby against the embattled Highlanders.

And they have prepared this week with an extra set of eyes at training, another coach keen to learn about winning on the road.

Robbie Deans and Ivan Cleary are two of the country's most high profile coaches but they have very different records in 2008.
Robbie Deans has guided his side to wins in South Africa and Australia this Super 14.
In contrast Ivan Cleary's Warriors are winless away from Mt Smart this NRL season, including a 52-6 thumping by Manly at Brookvale Oval.

Right now the Crusaders are preparing for a last home game against the Highlanders and a home semi-final after that.

With Deans sure lessons were learnt from the side's only away loss, to the Chiefs in Hamilton.
After two days with Super 14 rugby's most successful team, Cleary left Christchurch to prepare the seventh-placed Warriors for Sunday’s clash with Penrith, knowing they must break their away hoodoo if they are to make the play-offs.

=> don't miss the video !!!!

****
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4521564a10295.html Ex AB cold shouldered over offer to return to NZ

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4525197a2201.html NZRU on the ball with their Marshall law

Crusaders not cocky, says McCaw

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4521885a1823.html

By RICHARD KNOWLER, The Press
Monday, 12 May 2008


Richie McCaw denied his men's minds were fixed on the play-offs after almost being embarrassed by the Queensland Reds.

While the desperate scrap for the remaining three Super 14 play-off spots resembles a flock of starving seagulls fighting over a potato peel, the Crusaders prepared for the Reds' match knowing they could lose that match and next weekend's fixture against the Highlanders and still qualify for a home semifinal.
Judging by the way they continually turned the ball over with sloppy passing and handling errors on Saturday night, it seemed the Crusaders already had their minds on the hurdles ahead.
It was a charge McCaw denied, saying the memories of last year's defeats to the Brumbies and Chiefs in the final two rounds, were still fresh.

"I don't think so. We talked all week that we saw it last year, if you don't keep looking at the performance each week you'll come unstuck. We wanted to go out and put a performance together we were happy with. There were still some good bits we could take out of it."

Despite hogging most of the possession and clocking up 1224 attacking metres compared to the Reds' 577, the Crusaders needed the fire and guile of replacement players Dan Carter, Ali Williams and Andy Ellis to spark them into life.
The lowly Reds, who have only won three matches this season, were not expected to trouble the Crusaders and McCaw admitted that the early try to Kade Poki and finding so much space out wide could have contributed to their concentration lapses.

"Shortcuts is probably the right word, we were over-running, we weren't urgent to the breakdown and we were chucking away balls when we had them under pressure. We didn't score the points and they got back down the other end and scored and they lifted because of that."

***
Henry: We're desperate to keep Carter
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4523676a1823.html

Pic related to the article not published but whose link you have above -links of both articles and pic sent by You-Know-Who =)

French Sydney Sider's mission to Brisbane

MERCI !!!!

More pics to come in a video (after the exams)

Super 14. Day 13. Results & ranking

Results on RugbyHeaven Australia

Hurricanes v Western Force 21 - 10
Bulls v Brumbies 28 - 17
Highlanders v Blues 15 - 40
Reds v Crusaders 21 - 27
Sharks v Cheetahs 33 - 14
Lions v Chiefs 33 - 27
Stormers v Waratahs 13 - 13

****
Ranking

Crusaders ; Hurricanes ; Waratahs ; Stormers ;
Sharks ; Blues ; Chiefs ; Brumbies ; Western Force ; Bulls ; Reds ; Highlanders ; Cheetahs ; Lions.

Pic sent by Izzy

Who's the boss ???

From what I 'heard', Dan was the man last night ; that's why he got the bigger pic =)

Happy NZ Mother's day !!!

Richie and his parents 2 years ago (when he was officially appointed All Blacks captain)

Kronfeld talks about All Black contenders

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4516634a1823.html

By JIM KAYES, The Dominion Post
Friday, 09 May 2008

Josh Kronfeld chuckles as he spends about two seconds thinking about it.

"Well, you can't really go past Richie," he says when asked to given his views on the contenders to be among the All Blacks loose forwards.

That's Richie McCaw - All Blacks captain and the name printed in ink on Graham Henry's team sheet. Kronfeld, who played 54 tests for New Zealand and works as a physiotherapist in Dunedin, likes the look of most of the loose forwards in the Super 14.
He loved Scott Waldrom's combative approach for the Hurricanes last week and was delighted to see McCaw outplayed by Tanerau Latimer when the Chiefs upset the Crusaders a few weeks ago.

"Everyone's offering something. Daniel Braid is going reasonably well for the Blues and I loved watching Waldrom last week. He really got amongst it," Kronfeld said."And Latimer reminded Richie you need to be pushing all the time when you are playing in the big games.It's great when you see these other faces starting to shine, but they are not in Richie's class. He's still the best."

Kronfeld is just as convinced that Chris Masoe should not be McCaw's understudy, though he concedes the Hurricanes loose forward's ability to play all three positions helps.

"Masoe's not the answer if Richie's not there. He is not a No7, but with him covering all three positions he does allow the coaches to have more cover elsewhere."

Kronfeld is also firmly of the view that test jerseys are not there to be given out willy-nilly. There are, he thinks, too many one-test wonders.It's why he agrees with former All Blacks skipper Todd Blackadder that Crusaders flanker Kieran Read has been playing well, but disagrees that he should be picked ahead of Jerry Collins.

"I've liked what Read has been doing but maybe he needs to wait till he's really playing better than Jerry, or Jerry is injured.We don't need to be picking players just so we can try them out."

Like most people, Kronfeld was impressed with Sione Lauaki's performance against the Crusaders, which mirrored his tremendous game for the Chiefs against them last year. But he also wonders why the No8 can't reproduce that sort of form every week.

"If you could get him to play as he does against the Crusaders every week, he would be the All Blacks No8, but Rodney [So'oialo] is just so consistent.You're better having a guy like him, who plays well every week and does something really special sometimes, than a guy like Lauaki."

The same, he says, applies to the Crusaders' Mose Tuiali'i.

"He's a bit bulkier and playing a more physical game than he has before, a bit like Rodney."

But Kronfeld is not convinced that the status quo for the black jerseys numbered six, seven and eight needs to change.

CONTENDERS
- Richard Loe's front row: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville
- Ian Jones' locks: Ali Williams, Brad Thorn
- Josh Kronfeld's loose forwards: Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins

Various links

http://nz.news.yahoo..com/080509/2/5c1g.html Umbrellas allowed back into AMI Stadium

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4518616a1823.html Tackling rugby's player drain

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10509218 The great AB exodus

This is not about politics, it's "just" about having a heart !

Links sent by Marni -thank you!

Of course, all these are NZ links but I'm sure you'll find your own country actions online via the following sites too --see the bottom part

Pic from e-NYTimes

MYANMAR CYCLONE DONATIONS

Unicef – http://www.unicef.org.nz/

World Vision Ph: 0800 800 776, visit http://www.worldvision.org.nz/or call 0900 4 4673 (0900 4 HOPE) to give an instant $30 donation.

TEAR Fund Ph: 0800 800 777 or visit http://www.tearfund.org.nz/

Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.nz/or at any New Zealand Red Cross office

Save the Children NZ Ph: 0800 167 168, visit http://www.savethechildren.org.nz/

Oxfam Call 0900 600 20 to make an instant $20 donation or go to their website http://www.oxfam.org.nz/

ShelterBox Donations received at any National Bank branch in New Zealand http://www.shelterbox.org/

INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION IN MYANMAR

AlertNet – http://www.alertnet.org/
Red Cross – http://www.ifrc.org/
Aung San Suu Kyi's website - http://www.dassk.com/
Reuters – http://www.reuters.com/
CNN – http://www.cnn.com/
BBC – http://www.bbc.co.uk/
ReliefWeb - http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/dbc.nsf/doc100?OpenForm
IRIN - http://www.irinnews.org/
Amnesty International – http://www.amnesty.org.nz/
Burma Campaign UK - http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/pm/news.php

After the t-shirt, please welcome the BADGE !!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Pins-badges-patches/Pins-badges/auction-154082127.htm

Super 14. Day 13.

Hurricanes v Western Force

9/5 17:35

Bulls v Brumbies

10/5 03:10

Highlanders v Blues

10/5 17:35

Reds v Crusaders

10/5 19:40

Sharks v Cheetahs

10/5 23:00

Lions v Chiefs

11/5 01:05

Stormers v Waratahs

11/5 03:10

***Carter on bench for Reds clash***


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/super14/carter-on-bench-for-reds-clash/2008/05/08/1210131109516.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1



All Blacks maestro Daniel Carter will return to Super 14 action off the bench against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

In news that will warm the hearts of all New Zealand fans but make the battling Reds' assignment even tougher, the Test five-eighth will play his first match for the table-topping Crusaders in six weeks following an ankle injury.

Newly-appointed Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will announce his team tomorrow morning before flying to Brisbane but it's understood the classy 26-year-old will be named as a reserve.

Understudy Stephen Brett will retain the No.10 jersey ahead of the in-demand Carter who is being chased by several cashed-up European clubs. The Reds don't expect any solace from the decision with coach Phil Mooney rating Brett an All Blacks five-eighth in waiting.

"There's not a lot between them," Mooney said. "Brett would have to be in the mix for the All Blacks."

Deans is also expected to rest up to four senior players in the penultimate match before the play-offs. Queensland were today forced to make a late change to their team with Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes doubling as back-up halfback after Will Genia was ruled out of the rest of the Super 14.

Genia underwent exploratory surgery on a lingering ankle problem after injuring it a fortnight ago in the 32-20 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton. With veteran halfback Sam Cordingley (calf) also sidelined and in doubt of returning this season, Mooney said inside centre Barnes would also cover the specialist position at Suncorp Stadium.

Impressive youngster Ben Lucas, who started the year as a five-eighth in the Queensland academy, is the only fit halfback in the Reds squad and will aim to play out the match against the Crusaders. Former Brisbane Broncos utility Barnes has never played halfback in rugby before but his younger brother Jock is a No.9 for Brisbane club Wests and has trained in the position this year.

"He's trained there and the one thing that stands him in good stead is that he was a dummy-half in rugby league and they are similar roles," Mooney said. "And he loves it. I wouldn't have a problem playing Berrick at halfback."

Speedster Brando Va'aulu, originally dropped after Wallabies fullback Chris Latham was named to start, has rejoined the bench. Latham is one of four changes to the Reds squad after overcoming a knee ligament strain that has sidelined him for the last four weeks.

Goalkicker Clinton Schifcofske moves to the wing to make room for Latham, forcing the tackle-busting Digby Ioane back to the bench. With former skipper John Roe out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, versatile back-rower Tasi Luafutu has replaced Scott Higginbotham at blindside flanker.

Teenage prop Ben Daley, the son of former Kangaroos and Manly rugby league front-rower Phil Daley, is set to make his Super 14 debut off the bench, facing up against veteran All Black Greg Somerville following the suspension on Rodney Blake.

Queensland: Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, Berrick Barnes, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, David Croft, Poutasi Luafutu, James Horwill (capt), Van Humphries, Dayna Edwards, Stephen Moore, Ben Coutts.
Res: Sean Hardman, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue, Scott Higginbotham, Brando Va'aulu, Charlie Fetoai, Digby Ioane.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland, Stephen Brett, Kahn Fotuali'i, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, George Whitelock, Andrew Ellis, Daniel Carter, Caleb Ralph

Slow Brain Queeny was her name!

About the interview on RadioSport, after the written version (cf. crfu link and article posted previously), here is the radio interview with Izzy's instructions :

"The Richie chat on Radio Sport

http://www.radiosport.co.nz/AudioBank/WeekOnDemand/Default.aspx
Saturday Midday-Midnight

Timeslot 12.00 -12.15pm

chat starts about 11minutes 20secs, & goes to the end of this timeslot

Timeslot 12.15 - 12.30pm

rest of chat starts at the begining of timeslot and goes for several minutes."

Personal request for next time : can't they just interview Richie for 15m and start at a sharp time? Just kidding -thanks guys! and thank you so much Izzy!!!!!

Izzy who by the way, forgot to remind us that her first post on the chatterbox was on May 3rd! Happy anniversary, Local Spy!!!

And you, do YOU remember the day you first posted?

Bad RGs -I don't either, but I am the Queen so it doesn't count :P

Anyway, back to serious, still You-Know-Who sent this to me :

(I quote) 'The pic of Richie is from a little local, community newspaper. Pic recently taken at Papanui High School. The Crusaders no doubt will have been 'involved" with the schools First XV, but funny (again) how it's the girls who seem to be taking such an interest, in Richie at least."

And to end up this random article, and to complete my answer to Fiona who wondered how could I run a blog so efficiently from France : Fiona, the only way to raise Baby Richie (ie the blog) is to have its aunties around the globe, working like e-bees (I once called myself the Bee-Queen, I liked it!) and any of them would be mad at me if I ever named Izzy (known as our "Local Spy" or even "You Know Who") the real Bee-Queen! Once again, Izzy, merci!

***

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day for WW2 in France so again, thank you to all those who served to save us from tyranny.

***

Enjoy the rest of the week,

Mary*L

Richie McCaw : Remember last year!

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/news/mccaw-remember-last-year/220/news.aspx

Sunday, 4 May 2008

Richard McCaw (pictured) has a simple piece of advice for those of his team-mates who might be tempted not to extend themselves beyond the full throttle over the next two weeks.

Remember last year.

While by-standers might attach little importance to the league-topping Crusaders’ final two ties of the round robin, now that home semi-final qualification is assured; the skipper argues that the matches away to the 10th-placed Queensland Reds, and at home against the 11th-placed Highlanders; have become pivotal.

Speaking to Willie Lose on Radio Sport, McCaw said the next two weeks provided the Crusaders with a critical opportunity to build momentum.

“This time last year, we didn’t have it, and that impacted on us in the semi-finals,” McCaw said.

Despite leading the tournament standings for much of the 12th Crusade, back-to-back losses to the ACT Brumbies and the Chiefs saw the Crusaders head into the semi-finals on a downer.

It showed as the side lost 12-27 to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, to be eliminated at the semi-final stage for the first time in the franchise’s history.

“It did impact on our confidence a little bit, heading over to Pretoria, having lost those last two games,” McCaw said.“This is the time of the competition where you really need positive momentum. By that, I mean you want to be looking to add to your game, and to extend yourself as a team beyond what has already been achieved.”

The Crusaders, who claimed their 10th success from 11 matches in hard fought fashion during Friday night’s 18-10 win over the Sharks, have the opportunity to build on that as they head to Brisbane to face the Reds.

While Queensland fell 22-35 at home to the Blues last Friday night, and has won just three and claimed a draw from 11 so far in the competition, McCaw knows the task that is waiting for his team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night won’t be insignificant.

“They’re never easy over there,” McCaw warned.“We’ve had some really tough times when we’ve had to play them away in the past.”

Although the Crusaders have won on each of their last five visits to the SunshineState; a run which started with the upset 28-22 win in a 1999 semi-final, the games have seldom been one-sided.

Prior to the Crusade’s most recent visit in 2006, the team’s biggest winning margin in Brisbane was eight, from the 27-19 success in 2000.

Two years ago, the Crusaders seemingly coasted home 47-21, but that scoreline doesn’t accurately portray a game that was actually much more closely fought, with the Reds leading 14-11 at halftime before a late collapse blew the score out.

Regardless of what the Reds may or may not bring to the table this time, McCaw is demanding more consistency, and a continuation in the upward curve of his own side’s performance, after the Crusaders were guilty of putting themselves under unncessary pressure at times against the Sharks.

“We had a good first 20 minutes and created a lot, but we didn’t take our opportunities as well as we probably should have, and that let them back into the game,” McCaw told Radio Sport.

As a result, the Crusaders led just 13-10 at halftime, and were even minus their captain for the first nine minutes of the second half as they battled in conditions that McCaw described as “the most atrocious” he had experienced in his playing career.

“We knew that we had to be disciplined playing into the wind and rain,” he said.“Fortunately we showed a level of patience that hadn’t always been there in the first half. That allowed us to secure some vital turnovers at key times.”

So, the Crusaders eventually earned a pass mark, although McCaw was not prepared to give himself the big tick, publicly acknowledging the error which led to his 39th minute sin-binning for illegally playing the ball in a tackle.

“I got it a little bit wrong, going in from the side,” McCaw confessed to Radio Sport.“I was probably just a little bit angry that the guy had initially got passed me!”

The captain has learned his lesson.

The next two weeks may tell us whether the Crusaders, as a team, have learned theirs!