Archive for July, 2007


World Cup Bloggers Competition

We’ll ever since we got into blogging we’ve noticed that South African rugby, and more recently the World Cup are hot topics in the local blogosphere. There are some really good bloggers in SA and we figured we’d give you all a chance to get rewarded for your efforts.
Hence the World Cup Bloggers Competition. We […]

Dave’s Pick #10: Stirling Mortlock

Doc Craven would be turning in his grave if he knew that I still hadn’t selected my frontrankers. He always used to say that the two most important players in the team are the tighthead prop, and the reserve tighthead.
There is no danger of Gareth picking a prop on the flank, but there is a […]

Rugby World Cup Dream XV

Fan website Sportingo recently ran a column containing what author Hamish McBrearty felt are the best players - and performances - of the previous World Cups…let us know what you think:
Fullback: John Gallagher (New Zealand) It was tempting to select Christian Cullen in this position, but Cullen only appeared in the 1999 World Cup, where […]

1987 Rugby World Cup

Here are some highlights of the All Blacks at the 1987 World Cup:

Gareth’s pick # 9: Schalk Burger

I don’t really need to say to much about this selection. Burger is a freak talent and i’m elated to have him in my side.
Anyone keen to go fiddling in the ruck with Hayman, Bakkies, Schalk and Collins on the loose?
I thought not.
Gareth’s World XV
1. Tony Woodcock (7)
2. Keven Mealamu (6)
3. Carl Hayman (3)
4. […]

Gregan arrested

The Wallabies chances in Saturday’s Tri-Nations decider have been narrowed since George Gregan was arrested…

Dave’s Pick #9: Bryan Habana

I’m really pleased with the way my back three have taken shape. And there are a couple of options in the number 11 role - Shane Williams of Wales and All Black, Smokin Joe! But Habana is an easy choice for me. There are few players that can win a Test match in an instance…Habana […]

Gareth’s pick # 8: Sitiveni Sivivatu

Left wing is the last position left where one of us hasn’t selected a player and I’ve elected to pick the best left wing in the World for my XV.
Sivivatu continues to impress for the ABs with his blistering pace, swerve and acceleration.  He is difficult to mark and has a far better all round […]

Politicians and sport

Reading the Economist - as one does - one of our readers, Cab, found a passage in an article about European football, but which applies well to our rugby situation:
“Politicians like the notion of equality. Sportsmen should beware it. Politics is about majorities, averages, and keeping lots of people happy. Sport is about individuals, excellence […]

Paulse gets a tongue-lashing

I saw the following post in the New Zealand Herald. I think maybe someone - ie journalist Chris Rattue - is still somewhat bitter about a certain solo performance which condemned the All Blacks to finish fourth at the 1999 World Cup:
That bog-awful rugby test in Christchurch can be summed up in two words. Breyton […]