Rugby
Unexpected Rugby MatchesThat Have Gone Down In History!
Rugby was established in the UK. It is difficult to establish the exact year. However, we know it was in the early 1800s. Most of us accept the year assigned by The Football Association which is 1862 as the first organized and actual football game. But, there are records of townspeople playing a game that seems to be rugby as early as the 1500s.
Rugby
Rugby got its start at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England in 1823. They were playing the UK version of Football when William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and run with it. Some folks take issue with this historical account, but since the Rugby World Cup Trophy is now named “The Webb Ellis Cup” that seems to be enough for most people to agree.
The Rugby game is a cross between the UK football game and the Canadian Football Game. The ball is the oblong football rather than the round UK football and the match is 80 minutes, 2 halves of 40-minutes each with a 10-minute half-time break. You can click here to compare the two sports.
Rugby Wins That Nobody Expected!
We just cannot talk about unexpected rugby events without mentioning the recent Leicester City Premier League Championship. Leicester City, with odds of 5,000/1 was crowned Premier League champions after Tottenham failed to beat Chelsea. Leicester’s win has caught the country off-guard and has been described as the “most unlikely triumph in the history of team sports”. No one was more surprised than the bookies! With odds like that they were not expecting the people who were willing to lay down their money on their favorite team. This ended up costing the bookies millions!
Who doesn’t want to see the “little guy” take their place in the spotlight sometimes? We all get excited when we hear of an “underdog” who beat the odds and came out a winner.
The experts and our friends at Lottoland know a thing or two about odds. They are the UK’s largest offshore and online betting company. They have more than 6,000 clients who come to them to bet on lotteries, sports, races, and play casino-type games. This story caught their attention. For more odds, here is an article by Lottoland that you are sure to enjoy.
2015 Rugby World Cup
Japan vs South Africa
Embed from Getty ImagesThis was not expected to be a close match. Japan was competing with the mighty, South Africa. This match went down in history as one of the greatest rugby upsets of all time. Japan was expected to do well. They were expected to maybe win a trophy and perhaps to win third place if they were lucky. However, South Africa was the clear favorite.
Experienced South Africa seemed to overlook the “fight back” that was rising during the second half. Karne Hesketh took action and he was luckier than a lottery winner. He executed the winning play and that sent fans of Japan into orbit! The team that had won only a single World Cup game before this game, left Springboks licking their wounds. Japan won the game over South Africa, 34-32, and won the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
1991
Samoa takes on Wales
Millennium Stadium
Everyone expected a good game, and everyone expected Wales to be victorious. Wales had been through some minor setbacks recently, but nothing that would be of concern for this match. Nothing had prepared the fans or the team for what was coming.
October 6, 1991, the proud nation of Wales was taken totally off guard by the “underdog”, the Western Samoan team. It was a World Cup pool match at Cardiff Arms Park, which Wales had fully expected to win. The result meant that they failed to make it out of their group.
In 1999, Wales once again went down to the South Sea Islands, which were then competing solely as Samoa. It was the World Cup again, and Wales were the hosts, so after the last two failures, they were determined to do better. Graham Henry was the coach and Rob Howley captain. Sadly, they were defeated with a score of 31-38.
2007
Argentina Defeats France
Embed from Getty ImagesParis, France
France was happy to entertain the thought of winning over Argentina on the home turf in 2007, but that was not how things were going to turn out. Argentina took the lead early. Ignacio Corleto scored the only try in the 27th minute. However, Contepomi missed the conversion and hit the post. At half-time, the score was Argentina – 17, France – 9 with all of France’s points coming from penalties scored by David Skrela.
France did better in the second half, but Argentina held a strong defense. They were not able to close the lead enough when Skrela scored his fourth penalty of the match in the 60th minute. Skrela and Frederick Michalak (his replacement) both missed penalties and that destroyed the chances for France to create a comeback. It is the first time that the French has lost in the pool stages of the World Cup.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup Pools
Embed from Getty ImagesFans have been waiting to find out when the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pools will begin, Well, wait no more, we have that information right here.
Below you will find the full 2023 Rugby World Cup Pools. The 2023 RC will take place from 8, September to 21, October. They will take place at nine venues.
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Americas 1, and Africa 1.
Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia / Pacific 1, and Europe 2.
Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1, and Final Qualifier Winner.
Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1 and America 2.
The All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup three times: the inaugural competition in 1987 and both titles in 2011 and 2015.
Rugby is an exciting sport and millions of fans all over the world follow their favorite teams. One of the reasons fans are so drawn to rugby is because it takes everything a player has. You can never predict what will happen in a match because you never know when a player will pull out a new skill or a burst of energy that will change everything. This promises to be an exciting year for the sport, so whatever you do, don’t look away. In a moment’s time, you can miss everything.
The All Blacks are not underestimating the challenge of facing Argentina in Mendoza and would look to do the simple things right in front of a hostile crowd said first five-eighths Richie Mo’unga, ahead of the opening Lipovitan-D Test against Argentina on Sunday morning (NZT).
Argentina’s confidence would be high: they beat the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time last year, beat England at Twickenham, and put 50 points on Australia in one of their Tests.
He said they were worthy rivals and definite contenders both for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
“Playing Argentina in Argentina, and in Mendoza, could be considered in the same light as playing South Africa at Ellis Park. This is a rugby city, the Argentinians are pumped to be playing here and they deserve all the respect they get.”
Mo’unga said the atmosphere in Argentina was akin to that for football with plenty of passion, and that was more the case in Mendoza, a rugby city where the crowd at games could be hostile in their support of their side.
“You can get caught out if you haven’t played here before or understand what it means to them to play in a city like Mendoza against the All Blacks.”
While they loved their rugby, they also loved the All Blacks, and they received a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Argentine first five-eighths Nicolas Sanchez was rated highly by Mo’unga. He was a fine goal-kicker but underrated by many. But with improving stocks in the position, he was sure whoever was selected would thrive because of the speed and physicality in their forwards and the flair of the backs, which was always dangerous.
While Argentina had lost contact with New Zealand sides with the changes to Super Rugby and the loss of the Jaguares, Mo’unga said they were still playing top rugby in sides in Europe and were bringing that back to their Test preparations, which would help them.
“Whenever you play the Argentinians you expect the best Argentinian side and that’s what you should do. You give them more respect. And they’ll be fizzed for it because they will be playing in Argentina against the All Blacks.
While the All Blacks could see how players performed individually through video analysis, they could also reflect on how they did things in the past, which was relevant because the same coaching personnel were still involved.
“You assume things, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to get, it so you have a plan. But sometimes you’ve got to play heads up footy too, and I’m sure we’ll get both cases this week – getting what we assume but them showing some things that are a little different, and we’ve got to be prepared for that as well.”
MATCH DETAILS: All Blacks v Argentina, Sunday July 9, 7.10am NZT, Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza, Argentina. Live on Sky Sport NZ.
Vern Cotter is the new Head Coach of the Blues, signed on a two-year deal placing him at the Blues helm through until the end of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby season.
Cotter, who starts with the Blues this week, will be joined by new Assistant Coach, Jason O’Halloran, also on a two-year deal, working alongside members of the existing Blues coaching team.
Cotter is an experienced Head Coach at both domestic and international level and was most recently Head Coach of Fiji from 2020-22.
He was also Head Coach of Scotland from 2014-2017 – where he joined forces with O’Halloran – the pair taking the team from tenth to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings and credited with having a strong impact on the culture and performance of the team.
Cotter said he is both honoured and enthused to be named Head Coach of the Blues.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me,” said Cotter.
“I’ve watched this club thrive in recent years and I’m excited by the challenge of taking them forward and building on what is a very strong base.”
“It’s great to have Jason joining me at the Blues. Since our time in Scotland we’ve remained firm friends and often pick up the phone to discuss current trends in the game – I know he’ll add real value to an already strong coaching team.”
Cotter has a history of success, under his guidance European club side Clermont Auvergne reached lofty heights, making three Grand Finals before winning the coveted French Top 14 title in 2010 – the first title in the club’s history. The team also won a European Challenge Cup under Cotter’s guidance in 2006.
He said his experiences overseas can help in taking the Blues forward.
“When you take a new role it’s important to acknowledge what’s been going well for a team, while constructively challenging aspects you feel could improve. I think I can add fresh thinking, informed by my broad and varied coaching experiences to date.”
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the Blues and I’m energised to be back in New Zealand coaching at Super Rugby level.”
Blues Chairman Don Mackinnon said Cotter’s vast experience, partnership with O’Halloran and history of winning were key factors in bringing him to the Blues.
“We’ve been in communication with Vern for a while now and what shone through in our conversations was his desire to drive the club forward while building on the strong culture we’ve developed at the Blues over the last few years. He’s an experienced and driven coach, has a history of success and I believe is the right fit for the role.
“Vern and Jason have proven they work well together, and we believe the pair will provide some fresh thinking and energy to take the club forward.
“We’re really happy with our coaching mix for 2024 and beyond and believe Vern is the right man to set the direction for our coaching group and continue the development of some excellent younger coaches.”
Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, was equally impressed by the latest additions to the coaching group.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Vern and Jason to our team. We feel they will fit seamlessly into our coaching group and wider business,” said Hore.
Those thoughts were echoed by New Zealand Rugby Manager, Professional Rugby, Simon Simmers.
“Vern’s appointment is a great example of our home-grown coaching talent gaining valuable experience offshore, before returning to New Zealand to continue their contribution to the development of our people and competitions.
“Vern’s coached internationally at Rugby World Cups and knows what it takes to win titles in Europe. He will bring all those insights and knowledge back to the Blues and Super Rugby Pacific. It’s great to have Vern home.”
Former Gloucester full-back Jason Woodward joins Sale Sharks ahead of 2022/23 Premiership season
Sale Sharks have signed versatile full-back Jason Woodward on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.
The former Bristol Bears and Gloucester man, who can also play on the wing and in the centre, put pen to paper today and will join Alex Sanderson’s squad ahead of their opening pre-season clash against Caldy RFC on August 19.
Jason signed for Bristol from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in 2016, before joining Gloucester the following year after Bristol’s relegation from the Premiership. He went on to make made 67 appearances and score 90 points for the Cherry and Whites.
The 32-year-old represented New Zealand at U20 level but qualifies for England through his grandmother and was called into a training camp by Eddie Jones in 2017.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “After speaking with Jason it was clear he was still motivated to perform at the highest level, and he was keen for a move North to join the Sharks.
“Jason is a proven Premiership performer who will add a great deal of quality and experience to what is a young squad here.
“He has the ability to play in a number of positions and that’s a massive bonus for us with such a busy schedule ahead.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
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