Shane Williams – What a last try for the Ospreys – or is it?

Shane Williams the Welch International famous for blistering attacking runs down the wing has decided to retire. Playing in his last game for the Ospreys he scored another fantastic try. I’ve posted a clip on You Tube and all I can say is ‘Don’t try this at home ‘.

Shane Williams quit test rugby in December, scoring 58 tries in 87 games. Being only 5ft 7ins Williams bucked the trend for powerhouse wingers and was named Player of the year in 2008.

With Ospreys safe in the top four, a home semi final spot is all but assured, which means that we actually might be seeing Shane again, for yet another farewell match. To quote Williams: -

"I'm not injured, which is great, and I'm there in contention for selection. I would never say no. If selected, great," said Williams. "It’s not the end of the line yet even if I'm not selected by the Ospreys because I'm involved with the Barbarians.

"But, if selected, I will certainly give my utmost in all the games,"

6 Nations 2012 – Short Videos

I’m really enjoying the 6 nations Rugby and at the time of writing Wales are at the top of the table with 3 wins out of 3. England’s youthful team have shown great promise and Owen Farrell looks to be a possible replacement for aging Jonny Wilkinson.

I thought I would include a few videos from the first few matches.

England vs. Scotland – 6 Nations 2012

This was one of those moments when you think that’s going to hurt in the morning. Charlie Hodgson takes a knee in the chest, scooping up a loose ball.

Ireland vs. Wales – 6 Nations 2012

A great try from Wales playing good expansive rugby, but the tackle shown is a shocker. The rules are if you lift the player then it’s your responsibility to return him safely to the ground.

England vs. Scotland

I had to watch this try a few times but I think the TMO (television match official) does make the right decision. The player has to apply pressure onto the ball for a try to be awarded, the ball cannot be dropped.

More Videos can be found on my YouTube channel

All Blacks show their superiority

Just got the chance to write this blog as I’ve got a bit of spare time. Sunday’s game was awesome – well the All Blacks were.

The Haka always gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end, but the play shortly afterward kept them there. The All Blacks were simply outstanding – right from the kick off they were showing their superiority and the pressure showed with Quade Cooper making dubious kicking decisions.

Over the weekend he must have thought it would be better to perhaps not have picked the Wallabies instead of this home country. The intensity and the physicality was at some points jaw dropping and in one instance I had to replay a couple of hits just to see the impact.

However, none, in my humble opinion, match this one that Chabal is famous for against Amon Armath.

No doubt the final will see New Zealand show their superiority again but they have been known to bottle it before.

Here’s to the weekend!

What can Martin Johnson do?

Bit late writing this blog as I’ve been manic at work with an important project but have found a bit of time to put some thoughts together.

England were woeful and I would have liked to be a fly-on-the-wall in the dressing room at half time. Looking at the TV coverage he looked very animated speaking to the players and I bet a few choice words were said.

Still not convinced with Matt Stevens at number one and I think Alex Corbisiero gives a better option and of course it is a shame that Sheridan is ruled out as we could do with his experience and pure strength.

Scotland of course were revved up for the game and you could see that in the energy they were putting into the rucks, tacking and early scrums.  Our result at the weekend to Fleetwood was even worse and I’m too embarrassed to give out the score but all I can say is that I scored the only try for our team.

On Monday, I did get an email from Rugby Store which made me smile...it was a link to the half price Scottish Rugby World Cup 2011 kit... http://www.rugbystore.co.uk/collections/clearout/scotlandclear

Fisherman's Friends? - no just Fleetwood away

Off to Fleetwood RUFC http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/fleetwood/ on Saturday for the 2nds – playing number 4 and looking forward to scoring another try if possible.

Never played at Fleetwood and looking forward to going to the club. Apparently a few players from Fylde have joined Fleetwood, so it should be interesting to see if any of last year’s 1^st XV have dropped down to the 2nds.

Anyhow we have a strong team with additional subs, so we have a good chance of a win –fitness is good and confidence is growing as we gel as a team. Forgot to mention that I’ve recently joined from Old Bedians.

If England get a good win on Saturday it will also gee us up a little bit. Probably won’t post again now until Monday – depending if we win or not!

Under armour mouthguard – dubious about its claims.

Just come across this little fella online while looking around for some new gear.

http://www.jjbsports.com/under-armour-performance-pack-mouthguards//shop/fcp-product/23612

Supposedly it helps athletes such as myself, ahem, giving them better performance and strength. Not sure how this is done but the science behind is to do with the jawbone. More on that can be read here http://www.dentalwatch.org/questionable/ua.html

I’d be interested if anyone else has given this a go. If it works – it works. There’s certainly a lot of reviews on it on You Tube but they look like they’ve be supported by Under Armour.

Anyhow if anyone does know somebody who has used it would be grateful if you could let me know. Might be useful for my run outs with 2^nd XV with Rochdale.

England vs Scotland – always a good game and the stakes are high.

For my first blog, I had trouble thinking about what to write about, but thought this would be a better topic than any – England vs Scotland in the Rugby World Cup.  I’m looking forward to a full bloodied battle on Saturday morning as Scotland have more to lose than we do but I don’t expect it to be a straightforward victory. In fact it might be a very nerve racking match.

Ben Youngs feels confident and some of the media have said, slightly arrogant but the lads will be definitely fired up for the match, and as a player there’s nothing better than a derby match to get the adrenaline going.

Scotland will also be looking for a victory and they do have dangerous players in the squad, which is coached ironically by Andy Robinson, an Englishman, who was capped eight times for England and toured with the British Lions.

Johnson’s squad is strong and I’m sure the dressing room will be buzzing. As a forward, I personally want to see Haskell dominating the match and it will be good to see Simon Shaw get a run out. Tom Croft will be useful as will Mad Dog Moody and it will be interesting to see if Thompson is preferred instead of Hartley as the starting hooker.

They’ll do all the work, while the show pony backs will get the glory – however you can’t really direct a comment like that at Jonny Wilkinson who is a great player and bloke.

Whatever happens – it’s bound to be a brilliant match. Come on lads!!