Calon Rugby

After something of a hiatus on the blogging front, Calon Rugby is back. Let’s be honest, how could we not comment after that weekend of rugby? Now that the dust has settled somewhat after Wales’ destruction of England (still sounds sweet, mind) the focus has shifted to the British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia.

Many pundits are choosing their XV’s for the Test matches, but really, there is a hell of a lot of rugby to be played between now and the first Test in Brisbane. So while it is only right for journalists and fans to be heaping praise on Wales’ Six Nations heroes, to select a Test side crammed full of Welshmen is a fraction premature.

A good Lions squad has good balance about it, not just in terms of skill sets but personality and character too. Sir Clive Woodward’s fatal mistake in 2005 was splitting the (huge) squad into midweek and Test setups. Every player in Warren Gatland’s squad should get on that plane with a chance of starting the Test matches. If Gats gets it right, there will be a real competition for places in the team. Players will be busting a gut in training and tour games to earn the right to pull on the famous red jersey in a Test.

But still, the speculation over who will make it on the plane is half the fun, so we’ll be getting stuck in and picking our provisional squad of Wallaby-slayers too. Watch this space.

After plenty of thrills and spills the dust has settled and the Six Nations is packed away for another year. There is now just over a year to go until the British and Irish Lions head for Australia to look for their first series win since 1997 in South Africa. We have a look at what players would make the cut - even though an awful lot can happen between now and then…

Full Backs - Leigh Halfpenny and Rob Kearney both had excellent 6 Nations and would expect to be there based on that form. Stuart Hogg has showed some real promise, while Ben Foden has returned to close to his best. Foden just shades Hogg based on experience and could cover 9 in an emergency (don’t laugh.)

Wings - Tommy Bowe was at his deadliest best during the tournament and has Lions experience. George North terrified defenders and is really establishing himself as a force in world rugby. Alex Cuthbert showed his predatory instincts as well as sheer power while neither England winger set the world on fire, although Charlie Sharples could well make a case going forward. Max Evans is an outside bet but his form has been stuttering.

Centres - A real area of strength at the moment, both Welsh centres Jamie Roberts and Jon Davies has fine tournaments, with the latter really impressing. Manu Tuilagi continues to cause problems in midfield, while Brad Barritt was very dependable but who could forget Scott Williams Twickenham heroics. Is there one final hurrah for Mr O’Driscoll, the romantics (including us) would certainly hope so. Gordan D’Arcy’s international career is surely heading to a close but Keith Earls is always a threat. What of Luke Fitzgerald though? So impressive in 2009 but will have to have a superb season to make the grade now.

Outside halves - Owen Farrell looks set to take the international scene by storm, while Jonny Sexton has made the number 10 shirt his own. His understudy, Ronan O’Gara is an outside bet based on his experience, while his Welsh look-a-like Rhys Priestland offers a very similar game.

Scrum halves - Mike Phillips seems someway back to his best and will be there injury permitting. The other places really are up for grabs though; Ben Youngs had a terrible start to the championship but finished strongly, while Lee Dickson impressed in places. Lloyd Williams and Conor Murray are two raw talents and either could make the plane. Mike Blair and Chris Cussiter both seem to be short of finding top gear but both have Lions touring experience.

Props - Gethin Jenkins and Alex Corbisiero both had fine tournaments and one can expect the latter to develop his game further over the next year, Irish tight-heads beware. On the tight side of the scrum, Adam Jones is still a rock and will be in Australia if he stays fit. Dan Cole also impressed but Ewan Murray still has all the attributes to take on the Aussies.

Hookers - Dylan Hartley had a fine tournament and could be a huge asset down under if his discipline doesn’t hold him back (the latest citing for allegedly biting Stephen Ferris). Matthew Rees has proven himself at this level and will hope to stay fit next year. Rory Best had a fine championship and did a fine job of captaining Ireland in BOD/POC’s absences. Ross Ford, too, looks comfortable as captain even if his side are struggling.

Locks - Huge strength in depth here. Donncha Ryan appears to be POC’s natural successor but the 2009 captain will relish the opportunity to take on the Wallabies. In Wales, Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris returned to fitness to impress, while Ian Evans was an undoubted star for the Grand Slam winners. Richie Gray was immense and looks set to be a true world class performer. Honourable mentions for Mauritz Botha, Jim Hamilton and Geoff Parling too.

Back row - More competition here - Sam Warbuton is probably favourite to skipper the team if he can shake off more injury problems, while his team-mates Lydiate and Faletau will both expect to tour - the former being voted player of the Championship. Tipuric and Ryan Jones provided more than able back-up too. Ferris and Heaslip toured in 2009 and have all the attributes to make the grade again, while Sean O’Brien’s physicallity could be a huge aid. Ben Morgan made his mark on the Six Nations and is likely to improve further in the next year and the same could be said for David Denton. Ross Rennie and John Barclay also played well in places and both are more natural 7’s than Ireland or England have to offer.

Full backs - Kearney (IRL), Foden (ENG), Hogg (SCO)

Wings - Halfpenny (WAL), North (WAL), Cuthbert (WAL), Bowe (IRL)

Centres - Earls (IRL), Roberts (WAL), J. Davies (WAL), O’Driscoll (IRL)

Outside halves - Sexton (IRL), Farrell (ENG), Priestland (WAL)

Scrum halves - Phillips (WAL), Murray (IRL), Youngs (ENG)

Props - Jenkins (WAL), Corbisiero (ENG), A.Jones (WAL), Cole (ENG)

Hookers - Ford (SCO), Best (IRL), Rees (WAL)

Second row - Ryan (IRL), Gray (SCO), Evans (WAL), O’Connell (IRL)

Back Row - Lydiate (WAL), Ferris (IRL), Warburton (WAL, Capt), O’Brien (IRL), Heaslip (IRL), Faletau (WAL), Morgan (ENG), Denton (SCO)

First and foremost, congratulations to all the players, management, medical staff and everyone else involved in Wales’ grand slam effort. It was an excellent championship and Wales thoroughly deserved to lift to the trophy in front of 75,000 adoring fans.

A lot has been made in the papers about Wales needing to kick on now and prove their mettle against the southern hemisphere giants.  There have been some well-balanced arguments (Brian Moore – Telegraph) and some one-eyed nonsense (Stuart Barnes) but one thing that will hold Wales in good stead in the summer is the leadership skills that the players have demonstrated.

Only two years ago, much was said about the regions reliance on experienced foreign players to bail them out of tight spots. The same could not be said now as the side is littered with players happy to lead from the front. Throughout the tournament, 3 captains were used by Warren Gatland – Sam Warburton, Gethin Jenkins and Ryan Jones. We all know about Warburton’s leadership skills and Jenkins will have been delighted to break his duck as skipper but Ryan Jones deserves special praise.

I’ve been critical of Ryan in the past and his performances prior to last year’s RWC left had been below par for a little while. However, he has had a wonderful Six Nations, putting in some great hits, offering a good line out option but above everything his attitude and professionalism has meant he has been as important to the squad as any of his highly praised team-mates. His ability to come in and out of the side, play in a number of positions and skipper the side epitomises the positive but competitive atmosphere that Gatland and his coaches have created in the dressing room.

There’s no doubt that Wales have a huge task ahead of them but if they can continue to show the kind of hunger and ambition that Jones has shown not just this year but also at the World Cup last autumn, then they have every chance of achieving great things in the future.   

Not much of a spectacle in Cardiff as Wales completed their fourth win of the Championship. Much more attritional than free-flowing, in part down to whistle-happy referee George Clancy. However, Wales managed to break down the well-organised defence to set up a Grand Slam showdown versus the French.

Here’s how the players rated

15 - Leigh Halfpenny - On the receiving end of a dubious yellow card decision ended his game but this shouldn’t undermine another accomplished performance from the Blues full back. Perfect kicking, composed with ball in hand and denied a try by a fine piece of defending from Sergio Parisse. Exudes class at 15.7/10

14 - Alex Cuthbert - Seems to enjoy playing in the capital, capping his second Millennium Stadium start with a second try on home turf. Looked menacing with ball in hand and looked for work all game long.8/10

13 - Jonathan Davies - Didn’t get the clean line breaks he would have wanted but looks menacing everytime he gets the ball, if there is a half-gap in front of him he’ll exploit it. Forming a formidable partnership with Roberts.7/10

12 - Jamie Roberts - Wanted to impress following a disappointing performance at Twickenham and managed to cross the whitewash for a try along with the usual big carries and solid defence. Still feel like he can move up a gear to that devastating form of Lions tour in 2009 and RWC 2011.7/10

11 - George North - Italy sucessfully managed to shakle the mountainous teenager. Still made some huge carries and will be relishing the opportunity to avenge the RWC misery next week.6/10

10 - Rhys Priestland - Drew his man nicely to set up Roberts for his try but still doesn’t look comfortable at the moment, often getting snagged behind the gainline. Expect Gatland to stick with him for the big game though.5/10

9 - Mike Phillips - Orchestrated his forwards sucessfully and was a handful as always but made a few silly errors that he won’t be pleased with. Still looks in good nick and will be a key player against the French6/10

1 - Gethin Jenkins - Immense around the park as always, looking like an extra back row forward at times. His captaincy looked a little naive though and should have gone for the points rather than touch in first half. Got the job done and will be pleased to have broken his duck as skipper7/10

2 - Matthew Rees - Back in the number 2 jersey for the first time since last year’s championship. Effective around the field and throwing was ok but not his finest game for Wales. Gatland faced with a tough choice with Ken Owens playing well6/10

3 - Adam Jones - The rock in the Welsh scrummage as always, gave his opposite number a tough time and put a real shift in around the park.7/10

4 - Alun Wyn Jones - A little quiet from the usually talismanic lock but made a crucial steal to help set up Roberts’ try. Will be interesting to see if Gatland sticks with him with Charteris fit again6/10

5 - Ian Evans - Probably his quietest game of the tournament, has still added a real nasty edge to the pack and would be very surprised if he didn’t start next week.7/10

6 - Dan Lydiate - Top tackler yet again, constantly cutting off opposition attacks at the source (not that Italy offered much in that respect.) Is nailed on to the number 6 shirt at the moment8/10

7 - Justin Tipuric - Showed real glimpses of his spark in the loose, offers something very different to Warburton, although the home team missed the captain’s presence at the breakdown.7/10

8 - Toby Faletau - Some good carries and good off-loading along with the usual solid defence. Still awaiting the explosive breaks he is capable of, perhaps they’re being saved for the biggest stage…7/10

Replacements - All the bench got on to the field with Rhys Webb winning his first cap and looking lively. Paul James and Ken Owens put in steady shifts, while Ryan Jones continued his lively form. James Hook got a rare run out after recovering from chicken pox, while Twickenham hero Scott Williams had little time and ball to impress. The same couldn’t be said for departing Dragon Luke Charteris who made himself a real nuisance at the lineout and put in some fine tackles, including a crunching hit on Gonzalo Canale. Impressive stuff from the second row who will make sure Gatland and Edwards have to think long and hard about team selection

Another week, another incredible game in this year’s Six Nations Championship. England put up a terrific fight and showed some incredible spirit right up to the last minute, keeping Welsh fans hearts in their mouths. So who stood out for Wales and helped them to lift the Triple Crown for the first ever time at Twickenham?

15 - Leigh Halfpenny - Another excellent shift from Halfpenny, may not have been able to make the line breaks but some superb defensive work and close to perfect goal kicking, even a stint at outside-half for his troubles. One of the first names on the team-sheet 8/10

14 - Alex Cuthbert - A quiet one for Cuthbert, barely saw the ball as Wales seemed insistant on using Roberts down the 10 channel for the first half. Will want to get more involved against Italy if selected which he more than likely will be 6/10

13 - Jonathan Davies - Becoming a key player for Wales, kept himself busy all afternoon and enjoying making the number 13 jersey his own 7/10

12 - Jamie Roberts - Not his greatest performance in a red shirt. Used as a battering ram for first half but frustrated by some excellent England defence and gave away two penalties as a result. Still, all Welsh supporters will want to see him fit for the last two games. 6/10

11 - George North - Would have surely got on the score sheet early in the game if it wasn’t for a great tap-tackle from England winger Strettle. Would have liked a few more rampaging runs but looks dangerous all the time and made a huge contribution in defence 8/10

10 - Rhys Priestland - By far his worst game for Wales, missed touch with penalties, kicked away good ball, had a clearance charged down and spent 10 minutes in the cooler. Will be disappointed and hope for better in a fortnight’s time against the Italians 4/10

9 - Mike Phillips - Plenty of hustle and bustle from the scrum half. Gave his opposite number a hard time and managed the game superbly when Priestland was in the sin bin 8/10

1 - Gethin Jenkins - More solid stuff from the ever-reliable prop, dependable in the tight and full of energy in the loose. Will have reminded Blues fans what they’ll be missing when he swaps Cardiff for Toulon 7/10

2 - Ken Owens - A few miss-throws aside, the Scarlets man had a good day at the office. For a fourth choice hooker he acquitted himself very well, giving Gatland another nice dilema when Rees and Bennett return from injury 7/10

3 - Adam Jones - An absolute rock for Wales, gave Corbisiero a real head-ache at scrum time and his work rate is second to none. Class act through and through 8/10

4 - Alun Wyn Jones - Effective performance on his return to the side. Helped to ease a few of Wales’ line-out woes but that is still an area of concern for the team. 7/10

5 - Ian Evans - Determined to cement his place in the Welsh side. More relentless tackling, mauling and all round skulduggery from the big lock, making up for lost time 8/10

6 - Danny Lydiate - Does so much work around the park, would tackle all day long, pivotal player in the back row 8/10

7 - Sam Warburton - Leading from the front, the skipper had an excellent game, epitomised by ‘that’ tackle on Manu Tuilagi, leading to comparisons with Richie McCaw. Will have no doubt enjoyed his first taste of silverware as captain of Wales 9/10

8 - Toby Faletau - A little quiet by his usual high standards but as dependable as ever in defence even if England managed to keep him from his rampaging best 6/10

Replacements - Ryan Jones seems to be enjoying a real resurgence during this Championship even when missing out on the starting XV as he did on Saturday. No doubting the star of the subs though, Scott Williams is a bright talent with an exciting future ahead but whatever happens, his try will go down in folklore, not unlike his namesake Mr Gibbs over a decade ago.

Wales are playing exhilarating rugby, two wins in the bag in this year’s Six Nations and a potential Triple Crown to be won in just a few days – Welsh rugby couldn’t be in a better place could it? Well, as is always the case with Welsh rugby, there’s always something lurking in the background. In 2005 there was the contract row (plus whatever else) that ultimately cost Mike Ruddock his job. Not long after the 1988 Triple Crown diminutive fly-half, speedster and all-round genius Jonathan Davies headed north to play Rugby League.

Some 24 years later and a host of Welsh stars are leaving the Valleys once again. This morning, Gethin Jenkins agreed a move to Toulon, seeing him join the likes of Mike Phillips, James Hook, Luke Charteris, Aled Brew and Lee Byrne on the other side of “la Manche”. Coach Warren Gatland expects to see Huw Bennett leave the Ospreys at the end of the season too.

 But does it matter? Is there anything wrong with players becoming more Gallic than Gaelic? Stephen Jones furthered his game massively by playing in Top 14 with Clermont Auvergne and Gareth Thomas was a deemed a terrific success while playing for Toulouse. I personally think that a player can develop his game hugely by playing in other leagues, however, the mass exodus that seems to be occurring at the moment could be a real worry for the regional game.

There are two main worries for me – firstly, seeing the stars leave the regions will see gate receipts dwindle further.  The regions must look at innovative ways of getting families down to the grounds at the weekends. The Scarlets have been a success story in this regard recently, but they are playing free-flowing rugby with some hugely-exciting young talent. The Blues on the other hand have struggled to do the same at the City of Cardiff Stadium and they are the sole Welsh presence in Heineken Cup quarter finals. Take Warburton, Roberts, Jenkins, Cuthbert and Lloyd Williams out of the team and are people going to watch them? I would hope so, but with a proposed move back to the Arms Park much mooted, it must be a concern if the trend of leaving Wales continues.

Secondly, can the regions actually compete without these players? Gethin Jenkins has been a rock for Wales and the Blues for the best part of a decade, a replacement for him is not an easy thing to do. One can’t expect the academy prop to step into his shoes and compete at regional level immediately.

I think it’s important to not blame the players for being greedy in this situation. Really, they have to look after their own interests. The money that rugby players earn is not comparable to the fortunes reaped by their footballing counterparts. While professional rugby can be a lucrative career, it is a short one and can be cut short at anytime. Take the cruel luck of Ben Lewis, a fine young talent capped at all age grades for Wales but hampered by injury for years only to suffer a career-ending neck problem on his return to the Osprey’s team.

Regional rugby has never been everyone’s cup of tea and I can understand why. I, for one miss the Gwent derbies between Newport and Ebbw Vale. What about the tough away trips to grounds like Sardis Road, Brewery Field or The Gnoll? All those things went into making Welsh club rugby special, but close to 10 years since the regions formed and the national side has seen two Grand Slams and come as close to a RWC final as anyone could have imagined. It is important that the regions continue to develop and keeping top Welsh players is a part of that. I just only wish I had the answer to this dilemma.

The first rest weekend in Six Nations is always a slightly strange one, as we look for entertainment away from the tournament. There was a round of Pro 12 games of course, the FA Cup and a rather bizarre bout of boorish brawling in Munich.

Dereck Chisora, for all his histrionics before and after his WBC title fight with Vitali Klitschko appeared to have gone some way to redeeming himself with a performance discribed by most on-lookers as brave. Thankfully, the Welsh rugby side has not seen too many drunken scraps of late, the kind of scraps that had us making the headlines for the wrong reasons. What we have seen, though, is plenty of brave performances; however, these performances have tended to be valiant loses. Think back to the outstanding showing in Wellington against South Africa, the intensity, the commitment, the bravery but not the result. The semi-final at Eden Park too, even after losing their talismanic captain, 14-man Wales pushed France all the way, making tackle after tackle, hitting ruck after ruck but ultimately short of a World Cup final. But is that what endears the neutrals to Wales? Sure, they play some entertaining rugby but don’t seem to have the final 1% to challenge rugby’s top table.

Fast forward five months from RWC and Wales are once again in fine form, great wins over Ireland and Scotland, setting up a chance to lift the Triple Crown at Twickenham for the first time ever. Now is the time to banish the tag of valiant losers, Wales go to “HQ” as favourites for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. Now is the time to put England to the sword, pick up the win, the Triple Crown and move closer to a Grand Slam. A loss here is not likely to be seen as a brave one but as a poor result, so when Saturday comes, Wales can prove that not only can they handle the favourites tag but that they deserve it. How can they beat England? Simple, more of the same, fast-paced, intense, powerful rugby with the commitment and heart they have shown thus far. No doubt bravery will be required too but it wouldn’t it be great to talk of a brave Welsh victory for once? Especially at you know where…

Following on from last week’s epic battle in Dublin, Wales played host to Scotland in front of a packed Millennium Stadium. Close to 74,000 supporters braved the cold to watch the home side beat a determined and spirited Scotland side, let down by a lack of discipline. Here’s how the players rated…

15 – Leigh Halfpenny – Two tries, great place kicking, good running lines and fine scramble defence. The Blues speedster is looking every inch the class act at full-back at will be interesting to see where he features against England in a fortnight. 9/10

14 – Alex Cuthbert – Following a bit of a unspectacular start against Ireland, the giant winger got his first international try and set up another. Looked a nuisance every time he got his hands on the ball and will be hoping to make the 14 jersey his own. 8/10

13 – Jonathan Davies – Another decent game from Davies, looked sharp and is deceptively quick. A few occasions he looked to go on his own when there was support but seems to be enjoying playing alongside Roberts. 7/10

12 – Jamie Roberts – Some big hits both in defence and attack, almost linked up with Davies to score early in the game. Still only 25 but vastly experienced and a key figure in Wales’ monstrous backline. 7/10

11 – George North – So much expected from “Gorgeous George” – as Eddie Butler called him this week and it will worry all Wales fans to see the youngster hobble off. Still managed a few impressive before succumbing to the ankle injury that will keep us holding our breath until Twickenham. 6/10

10 – Rhys Priestland – As with last week, a few strange kicks seemed to undermine his game a little. However, his ability to not only shift the ball but unlock defences means he’s sure to start the England game at 10. 7/10

9 – Mike Phillips – Solid rather than spectacular from Phillips, got involved in a battle with the Scottish back row and they managed to shackle him for parts of the game. However, great play to set up Halfpenny’s second try and he’s looking in fine form. 7/10

1 – Gethin Jenkins – Tough luck on Rhys Gill to miss out after a good performance at Lansdowne Road but Jenkins looked as though he’d never been away, instrumental as always, around the park and gave the Scottish front row a tough time in the tight. Late sin-binning slight blip to his otherwise impressive return. 7/10

2 – Huw Bennett – Blood-binned in the first half before missing the second half with a calf injury. Had a tough time throwing in to the lineout which seems to be Wales’ main concern (as it has been for 15 years). Will be hoping for another crack against England but faces a race against fitness while Matthew Rees is close to a return. 6/10

3 – Adam Jones – Having committed his future to the Ospreys, fans at the Liberty can look forward to seeing the colossus of a prop for years to come. Another solid performance in the scrum and plenty of tackles in defence 7/10

4 – Ryan Jones – Equalling Ieuan Evans’ record of 28 caps as skipper of Wales, the stand-in captain had an impressive game in the slightly unfamiliar position of lock. Tasked with two giants as opposite numbers Jones didn’t look out of place there and made some important tackles and carries, although should probably have told Halfpenny to shoot for goal early on given Wales’ shakey line-out. 7/10

5 – Ian Evans – Really making up for lost time with another fine performance in the second row. Niggly, spirited and full of heart, he seems determined to keep hold of his place in the team and if he can help appease the lineout problems, stands every chance of doing so. Testament to the environment that Gatland and Edwards have created in the dressing room.  7/10

6 – Danny Lydiate - Back from another injury and with his ankle heavily strapped, Lydiate was at his tree-chopping best in defence. Tackle after tackle after tackle, he does everything that a good number six should and will give Gatland a selection headache with AWJ, Tipuric and Warburton returning from injuries. Picked up MOM award despite Halfpenny’s great effort. 9/10

7 – Aaron Shingler -  11^th hour call up to make his first appearance, put in a real shift for the home side, despite having not played a huge amount of rugby at 7. Not his fault but Wales missed the destructive breakdown play that Warburton or Tipuric would have offered to combat the hugely impressive Ross Rennie. Still a good first outing. 7/10

8 – Toby Faletau – Made some huge carries along with the tackling we’ve come to expect from the Dragons eight. Looking more and more impressive with every game. 8/10

Replacements – Hook slotted in comfortably at full-back when North left the field, Paul James made another solid cameo, as did Powelly while Lou Reed took a break from recording his new album to make his debut. The lineout definitely improved with the introduction of Ken Owens who didn’t looked phased despite coming on at a crucial period of the game.

What a day for sports news! This morning, few would have expected the conclusion of Harry Redknapp’s trial to have been bumped from the headlines but alas it has happpened. The big news of the day (aside from Jason Tovey’s decision to head down the road and join the Blues) is Fabio Capello’s resignation.

Now, you may well ask why this is getting coverage in a blog about Welsh rugby and you’d be right to. The reason is simple; “national side left rudderless going into major tournament.” Ring any bells? Thought so. For so long, our team had a monopoly on this headline.

This could have been the case very easily going into last year’s World Cup. It seems hard to believe now but Warren Gatland was on the receiving end of some fierce criticism little over twelve months ago. Not just from the voices of the late 606 forum but from the media also. Gareth Llewellyn and John Devereux to name but two who questioned Gatland’s decisions.

If the WRU were to have listened to the disgruntled voices in late 2010 then we would surely have lost the Kiwi to his homeland. As it was Roger Lewis and co had the balls to back their man and secure him until RWC 2015. This was a gutsy move and gave Welsh rugby the stability and consistency off the pitch that had been missing for decades.

It’s easy to get carried away based on what happened in New Zealand and the fantastic win in Dublin but none of this would have been possible without sensible planning from WRU.

Gatland thinks that this is just the beginning for his talented young side and let’s hope he’s right, but whatever happens he’s delivered one Grand Slam, RWC semi-final and some rugby that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.