Rugby World Cup 99 DIARY

created by The Laird of Kitakyushu who also maintains the Unofficial Japanese Rugby Page

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RWC99 according to the Scotsman newspaper.

QUOTE OF THE DAY from Planet Rugby Daily

Articles in the Guardian and Observer about RWC99.Eddie Butler, former Wales, Pontypool and Cambridge number eight,is always worth reading. (He taught French and Spanish at the Laird's old school for a while, after the Laird left. They are almost the same age !)

Matt Cockbain (4 mins audio) says there was foul play on both sides in the RWC Final, but that it is all best forgotten about ("left on the paddock").The other Matt - Matty the Burke - is ecstatic (audio 5 mins) about the rugby but not his golf.

Andy Burton and Vassos Alexander (10 mins audio) review the RWC final.

Brian Meek of Scotland's Electronic Herald says the IRB must be disbanded. "Rugby is a professional sport these days - the running of it can no longer be left to the blazeratti." Amen to that !　He also agrees with Stephen Jones, and the Laird, that the 2007 Rugby World Cup should go to France ! ("Allons enfants...Le jour de gloire est arrive !") And for good measure Jones thinks RWC Ltd. should be wound up. Too true, blue !

Michael　Lynagh looks back on RWC 99. He has a little whinge about French rough play in the Final, but then he would, wouldn't he ? (Did the French do Olivier Magne's nose as well, Michael ?)

Vernon Pugh, President of the International Rugby Board, hails the RWC as a great success.

Some "final" thoughts: much has already been written elsewhere about the exorbitant ticket prices, correspondingly poor gates for some games and so on. The JRFU official page has also today noted the comment by Eddie Butler in a British newspaper (The Guardian) that the RWC closing ceremony was more exciting than the final itself ! Butler has a trenchant style which even Australians might envy. He concludes: "This was Australia's third World Cup triumph of the year. First came the cricket: forgettable. Now the rugby has been the same which makes their netball triumph the pick of the bunch. Comes to something..."

ITV answers criticisms of its coverage.

ITV Rugby World Cup

RWC 99 Statistics

The Times RWC 99

The All Blacks returned to New Zealand, to a more supportive welcome than was originally feared. Good ! Taine Randell is keen to carry on as captain - if given the chance.

So the Wallabies brought "Bill" back yesterday. Only 700 at the airport, methinks the French celebration was bigger, I wonder why...Still, lots of dosh for the ARFU !

French reaction to Australian complaints of rough play in the Final. Dominici says: "I find that the Australians were a lot more vicious than us during the final. They messed us up, provoked, irritated us. They stamped on us. Now, perhaps up front there were reactions...If we deserve a sanction we'll accept it, but at the banquet I didn't see a single Australian with an eye missing."

Nick Farr-Jones praises George Gregan and says scrap the third-place playoff.

Alan Watkins asks what Tony Blair and his spinning campbell think of RWC99. (A long time ago the Laird was at college with Alistair Campbell and has heard more than enough about Burnley F.C. as a result !)

Six deadly sins of RWC99

Never again

The Laird witnessed the homecoming of the French team yesterday (Sunday) after the Final. It was shown on Antenne 2, the French TV channel which can be seen once a day on NHK satellite TV in Japan. What incredible scenes: showers of champagne at Orly airport; 20,000 people by the Eiffel Tower all shouting, singing "allez les Bleus !" in a chorus led by captain Raphael Ibanez, and dancing; an open-topped double decker bus like the one used by the soccer team last year; and banners saying things like "Merci ! Nous sommes fiers de vous !" (Thank you ! We are proud of you !)

Stephen Jones discusses the Final. "The trick in the final of the World Cup is to win the damn thing, any way and anyhow...There is nothing for Australia to apologise for. But the truth is that large parts of their game have the same entertainment properties as drying paint. They played the game ponderously, they slowed it further whenever they could; they were handicapped dreadfully by the inadequacy of Steve Larkham at fly-half, whose only contribution all day was to kick the ball straight down French throats or lunge into the nearest tackler." In a second article Jones writes: "Great achievement. Great side? Not really. They are deserving world champions, they were the best team in the event by some margin. But they are neither of rarefied class nor of rich entertainment value. Indeed, they have been a bit of a bore."

Captain John Eales apparently complained about gouging incidents to the referee during the World Cup final and threatened to take his men off the field. Was this the John Eales who received a yellow card for punching in the same game ? Talk about having your cake and eating it ! However, Francois Pienaar writes: "Eales is as worthy a successor as any man could hope for." In that case I fear your standards are disappointingly low, Francois.

Bob Dwyer congratulates the Wallabies. Well he would, wouldn't he ?

Nov 7th Result of the RWC99 Final: Australia 35 France 12.

Verdict: BORING, in a word. This was what former Welsh rugby great J.P.R. (John Peter Rhys) Williams told Sky News after the game, and by Jove, the Laird cannot but agree. The blame for this lies partly with the voluble South African referee Andre Watson and his touch judges, especially pedantic Englishman Ed Morrison. (The Laird was gratified to see the officials were roundly booed at the medal ceremony after the match - just deserts indeed for their total failure to let the game flow, which would have made for a more exciting and more even contest.) The other portion of blame, in the Laird's view, lies with the worthy and efficient, but in the end utterly negative and uninspiring, way that "Fortress Australia" played the game. Yes, they have the best defence in the world. But they have little more than that. Jonah Lomu and Jeff Wilson may have their faults, but on a good day they can rip open defences like a tin can opener. Sadly neither France nor Australia managed to do that this time, though France threatened once or twice. (The Australian tries - two final nails in the coffin - came after the French had more or less given up in despair.)

The Laird also has a bone to pick with Aussie coach Rod Macqueen, not merely because of the "dull as ditchwater" playing style he has fostered (oops, no pun intended, honest ! ;-). He talks of passion, but he doesn't sound very passionate, does he ? It was also none of Macqueen's business to call before the game for the referee to watch out for rough play and take firm control early. Andre Watson duly did as bidden, and penalised every minor French transgression, thus killing the game as a spectacle. The bitter irony here was that the team responsible for most of the rough play (eg. Olivier Magne's cut nose) was the Wallabies. And even the "perfect" John Eales collected a yellow card in the first half - for punching ! Hardly a good captain's example, eh John ? In the second half the Australian timewasting was a disgrace, feigned injuries being the main sorry example - again Eales was a major culprit, sad to say.

All in all, the Laird will (grudgingly) concede that the better side won on the day, but if this is the future of rugby union then he'll have to take up tiddlywinks. (But thank heavens, two great semi-finals suggest there is no need for this !) The only real fireworks came after the game ended. The match itself was a hugely dull and disappointing damp squib. And why was Her Majesty the Queen dragged in to give out the medals ? Prince Charles (he is Prince of Wales after all) could have done the job adequately. Most, if not all, of the Australian team - including Captain Fantastic J. E. - apparently don't want her as head of state anyway.（Never mind, you can't win 'em all, cobber !）A strange day, rich in irony, and a hollow victory for the cheesily grinning men in green and gold, who were evidently determined to win regardless of the cost to the game as a spectacle and to their own reputations. Sour grapes, maybe - but this match was very vin ordinaire ("Chateau Chunder" even !) when the Laird had hoped for passion-filled "champagne rugby" !! To the Australian team and coach the Laird says: "Messieurs, Felicitations ! Vous avez, en effet, la victoire, mais sans panache, ni gloire !" (Congratulations, gentlemen ! You indeed have won, but with neither style, nor glory !)

1. Paul Ackford says nobody will begrudge Australia their moment of triumph. Hmmm...

2.Owen Slot says:"For the Australians, yesterday was all about the winning and not the manner of the victory." Precisely right !

3. Phil Kearns, hooker till injury sent him home, is very proud of what Australia has achieved.

4. Former French full back Serge Blanco has generous praise for the Australian defence.

5. Paul Ackford assesses RWC99 as a competition.

6. David Kirk considers options for the All Blacks.

7. Quotes about the final.

8. French coach Jean-Claude Skrela praises Australian organisation.

9. John Eales attacks French tactics even after he has won. I've heard of a poor loser, but this is ridiculous !

The RWC 99 Final will be played today: Australia v France. Which team will win ? The Laird hopes it is France, but only if they play at the absolute peak of their ability, and without any trace of rough play, so that everyone feels they deserve to win. No lingering doubts must be allowed to remain to spoil what should be pure and unalloyed joy at the end of the tournament. Australia are an extremely strong side, confident, well-disciplined, well-organised, fit, fast and formidable, both in defence and attack. They will take some beating. But it is high time that a northern hemisphere side won this, the world's premier rugby tournament. Allez les Bleus !!

French coach J-C Skrela plans to destabilise Australia. But Aussie coach Rod Macqueen is nobody's fool. (In this case 'nobody' is not John 'Nobody's perfect' Eales ! ;-)

John Hart has resigned as All Blacks coach, though it is apparently not yet clear when this will take effect. (His contract comes to an end on 6 December.) Sensible man ! The search for his replacement has already begun.

The Laird wishes a HAPPY GUY FAWKES DAY to all his readers. (Presumably this festival is not celebrated in New Zealand, but if it is the Laird thinks he knows whose effigy will go on the bonfire ! Anybody perceived to have betrayed the spirit of the All Blacks would be first, eh ?)

The Laird was up at the ungodly hour of 5am JST (Japan Standard Time) to watch the 3rd place playoff live. Result: South Africa 22 New Zealand 18. ITV statistics said that New Zealand "won" the handling errors count 18 to 15. Not a classic, but a respectable game, even with the errors. Now the Kiwis must qualify for the next World Cup which they are co-hosting with Australia. Ironic, really.

At the same time the Laird, as a northern hemisphere man through and through, thanks John Hart for further motivating the French by tipping Australia to win the final, and by suggesting that they had played dirty. (In fact the Laird thinks Mr. Hart is probably the best motivational coach the French team has ever had... ;-) But as French coach Pierre Villepreux said in a press conference yesterday, no NZ player or coaching staff member complained directly to the French after the game, so it's rather bad form to start now, n'est-ce pas?

Moreover, former All Blacks are critical of the present ones as soft whingers. Former AB full-back Fergie McCormick (dad of Andrew, lately captain of Japan) says: "What are we whinging about? The French were playing for keeps and they are in the final. Where are we? The Froggies have always been dirty little mongrels, even their pretty boys." (What, Thomas Castagnede a dirty little mongrel ?! Tu rigoles，Fergie, mon vieux !) Prop Richard Loe, once banned for eye-gouging, says: "If past All Blacks had their nuts pulled then someone would have got a big uppercut to the jaw or behind the ear." Precisely. Who says the art of plain speaking is dead ?

On the other hand, Greg Growden of the Sydney Morning Herald (yes, Sydney in Australia, not Sydney in Canada !) points the finger at the French. Did French prop Franck Tournaire get away with "clearly biting the face of All Black skipper Taine Randell" ? (If so, where are the bite marks ?) The Laird hopes desperately that the RWC final will not be marred by dirty play of any kind from either side, or poor refereeing. But as one might expect, the war of words is already well under way ! (Keep stoking that French volcano, Greg !)

[Note: Tournaire was later cleared.]

Peter Fitzsimons and the "mixed lollies" theory of why the Aussies are better at rugby than the Brits. (Revenge is also sweet, mon ami !) But what's this ? The Laird is alarmed to see that the Big Bertha of Australian folk music is to be wheeled out to sing "Waltzing Matilda" before the final. Rolf Harris, no less !

Today's ITV match preview quotes Joost van der Westhuizen and says that he really wants to win it for 33 year old fly half old Henry Honiball, whose swansong this will be. Jannie de Beer nobly stepped down so that Henry could play.

The stadium roof will stay open it seems. Rugby is not yet an indoor sport.

Looking at the AB selections for the 3rd place playoff today the Laird thinks they are not very inspired, and believes South Africa's "Rainbow Warriors" (oops ! ;-) will win comfortably, as Nick Mallett and co. are really "up for it" ! But then again, no team should ever be written off, should they, John (Hart) ? ;-)

Sean Fitzpatrick thinks nobody remembers who played the All Blacks in the third place play off in 1991. Well, the Laird does and maybe other Scots do also. "No disrespect to Scotland..." Really ? Don't worry Fitzy, the Laird also remembers who won ! Brendan Gallagher in the same paper has more appealing (to the Laird) views of the value of the encounter. After all, some people will have paid good money to see these professionals play ! And Stuart Barnes describes the game as "the most highly-charged third place play-off imaginable."

Prop Franck Tournaire has been cleared of alleged biting to face Australia. Were the French in fact playing dirty this time, or is their (well-earned) reputation for dirty play being used against them by poor losers ? Maybe a bit of both. You decide ! Meanwhile Australian coach Rod Macqueen has boldly (impudently ?) called on the final referee (SA's Andre Watson) to be strict on dirty play. Does this mean that he (a) believes the French were guilty last Sunday and (b) expects them to transgress more than Australia ?

Peter Fitzsimons thinks the French volcano has subsided. However, Sean Fitzpatrick observes:"If France do beat Australia, then it will have been one hell of a game. I might even enjoy it this time."

John Hart takes responsibility, as he must. He tips Australia to beat France, though why he would or should be concerned about that I'm not sure. Randell may lose captaincy, as he should.

So now we know. The Marseillaise is the French version of the haka. The words are a good deal more bloodthirsty at any rate. ”Let impure blood water our furrows...” Zut, alors ! It hardly compares for ferocity with a bloke hiding from his enemies and then climbing out of a hole in the ground, does it ? The Japanese national anthem is called Kimi ga Yo by the way.

Will the stadium roof be closed this time ?

Stuart Barnes says the grubber or chip kick is a forgotten art. Forgotten, that is, except by Guscott, Lamaison and the French coaches.

Peter Fitzsimons says the RWC is not the travelling tri-Nations show after all.

Former Welsh captain Gwyn Jones on the coming struggle: "If France find the mental focus for the final against Australia, then they will certainly cut through the best defence in the world. They remain an enigma, however, and it all depends on which French team turns up to play. The same 15 players can be dishevelled one week, devastating the next."

Some reactions from the engine room to France's victory.

As the dust settles on France's ground-breaking win, what would you do as NZ coach to prepare for the game on Thursday versus SA ? The Laird thinks he would transfer the captaincy to Jeff "Goldie" Wilson, a safe pair of hands if ever there was one, even if he is - with good reason - feeling pretty down at present. And for scrum leader (an old-fashioned idea ?) he'd probably appoint Josh Kronfeld, then bring in Ian Jones instead of Robin Brooke, and Dylan Mika for Taine Randell. Tana Umaga would be dropped from the wing for Glenn Osborne. Alatini would replace Ieremia in the centre. Tony Brown would come in instead of injury-plagued Andrew Mehrtens. Do you agree ?

"A pinch and a punch for the first of the month !" Well, the Laird certainly needed to pinch himself (but no more punches, thanks guys ;-) after that glorious upset of the All Blacks at the hands of the unfancied but magnifique French coquerels. France 43 New Zealand 31. Who would have thought it ? (Answer: Peter Fitzsimons, Tim Horan in the post match interview after Aus v SA, and the Laird in his wildest dreams.) The Australians will have to change their game plan for Saturday !

There is not enough space or time for the Laird to do justice to this win, so vital for northern hemisphere rugby (and therefore for the popularity and growth of the sport worldwide). He will confine himself, therefore, to a few brief observations.

First, we have now surely all learned, even the slowest among us, that it just won't do to write off the French. All that does is injure their pride and make them three times more dangerous than usual. And on their day, as Alex Wyllie said after the Pumas v France quarter-final, the French can indeed be the best in the world. (They can, by the way, also have their off days !)

Second, the All Blacks are indeed beatable by a northern hemisphere side, so as Clive Woodward observed recently, there really is no gap at all. Jeff Wilson said last week that over-confidence is not in the All Black dictionary. Wrong ! The Laird doubts if it is in Jeff's personal dictionary (he's too good a player, too bright and decent) but it is in the team's lexicon, and in coach John Hart's manual it is on page 1, right after Arrogance ! Josh Kronfeld speaking to Sky News after the game said the French had done their homework. Too right - and by inference the Blacks did not bother to do theirs, and paid the price. They probably thought they would breeze into the final !

Third, the Laird did not see a post match interview on TV, as is customary, with the losing captain or coach. A poor show, or no-show if you prefer. Say what you like about Joost van der Westhuizen and his questioning of referees' decisions on and off the pitch (and the Laird often does !), born no doubt of a fiercely competitive nature rather than malice. At least he had the courtesy and good sense, regardless of his massive disappointment, to appear before the cameras after the loss to Australia. That is the adult and proper thing to do. Taine Randell did not, and that is why the Laird hopes the Springboks beat the Kiwis in the third-place play-off - already described in the NZ press as meaningless - on Thursday. (If the All Blacks themselves think it is meaningless, the Boks might put 100 points on them ! But let's hope they don't, and that we see another cracker. ;-)

Fourth, the All Blacks offered very little on the day. We all know Jonah Lomu is a good player, and he scored two typical bullocking tries, but he, Wilson and Kronfeld can't carry a team on their own ! In contrast, every Frenchman tackled and gave his all for la gloire de la victoire. As France is Scotland's oldest ally in European history (since 1295), the Laird is particularly delighted, and likes to think that Scotland may have helped the French a little, both mentally and physically, with their fine second-half display against the All Blacks in the quarter-final. (Vive la France ! Vive l'Ecosse ! Here's tae the Auld Alliance ! ;-)

Fifth, the Laird loved the remark by a French lady supporter after the game that the French team would have to eat Aussie beef until November 6th (RWC final day). What would Marie Antoinette - born 244 years ago tomorrow - have said ? ;-)

Result of the first semi-final of RWC 99 Australia 27 South Africa 21 Australia: Burke 8 penalties, Larkham 1 drop goal (!). South Africa: de Beer 6 penalties, 1 drop goal. No tries scored. Six minutes of injury time played, and 20 minutes of extra time after scores level at end of full time.

Such are the bare facts, but they conceal a huge and gripping drama. As Steve Smith (ex-Sale and England scrum half) said commentating for ITV, Australia was made to win this game twice. Congratulations are due to them for their patience and disciplined approach. Where did referee Derek Bevan conjure 6 minutes of injury time from when the electronic board said only two ? The Laird thinks he either (a) lost his bottle or (b) was bending over backwards too far in an attempt to give South Africa a last chance. Frankly (a) seems more likely than (b). Whichever, surely it's time to take decisions about the length of games away from referees ?

Joel Stransky seems like a good loser.

Paul Ackford writes interestingly about Larkham's moment of magic, Clive Woodward, and referees: "The truth is that rugby is too technical, too dynamic, too ruddy complicated to be controlled by one man and two touch judges. The officials are not wholly to blame. It is the labyrinthine complexity of the sport which is at fault..."

David Kirk on France's chances (not Larry's carries !) against the All Blacks. "The 1999 version [of the French team] can look back at each of their three World Cup predecessors for inspiration, but it is to the 1987 team they should look for the hardness and quality that will be necessary to beat the All Blacks today." Owen Slot on recent problems in the French camp. But Peter Fitzsimons seems to give France a more-than-sporting chance, and to support them: "Bring it on, and allez les Bleus." Good on yer, mate !

Expert panel discussion on North v South divide. Stransky: "And we shouldn't forget some of the so-called lesser nations. Spain, Japan [!!?] and Uruguay have grown in stature during this World Cup and played some pretty enterprising rugby." At the end of the discussion, David Kirk looks forward to gloating after a southern hemisphere side has won the cup. (Is he joking ? If not it's a pretty silly and disappointingly ungenerous comment, particularly for someone who has captained a side which won the World Cup ! Is mean-spiritedness part of being an All Black ?)

A victory parade is already being planned in Auckland.

Joost asks Springbok supporters at Twickers to sing the whole SA anthem. Good ! And here is Wilson of the Wallabies, as opposed to Wilson of the All Blacks, Wilson of the Antarctic etc. There's a lot of it about. (Does anyone read this stuff ?)

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa says the Boks are representing the whole continent. That'll be news to the good people of Addis Abbaba I'm sure. Meanwhile the Australians, young and free and rejoicing, are looking for a higher gear, hopefully forward not reverse. Advance Australia fair!

Sean Fitzpatrick is not my favourite former All Black (that's Richard Loe ;-) but at least he speaks his mind clearly - rather like he used to do to referees if I remember correctly. Plus ca change... Peter FitzSimons, the former Wallaby lock, played club rugby in France for four years. Thank you gentlemen. By the way, is it really true that "Fitz-" is sometimes bestowed on the illegitimate sons of princes ?

Michael Lynagh on Larkham v de Beer; Alasdair Reid on wounded coquerels. Stephen Larkham speaks !

New Zealand to beat France (but as a NH man I hope que j'aurai tort !). Hooker Raphael Ibanez on British beef - but if I were him I'd be training up on lamb at present. Of course the French would win a culinary contest hands down, but alas not a Cullen-ary one. (Ouch ! ;-) By the way it seems that the All Black centre (formerly full back) has had a trotting horse named after him. Now then, they eat horses in France don't they ? Clutching at straws, sorry...Interestingly the Laird seems to remember that Peter Fitzsimons (the sharpest and funniest Aussie columnist in the Laird's view) gave the French an outside chance before the start of the RWC, but he can't locate the article any more. Jeff Wilson thinks Emil N'Tmack is the greatest thing since pain tranche, and says "over-confidence" is not in the All Black dictionary. (Neither is "ruthless" it seems - see Oct 28th entry below !).

Australia v South Africa - too close to call (but I'd prefer the Wallabies to win as they don't seem to claim the support of the Almighty, at least until after they've won, which makes them underdogs I suppose - or just a mite less arrogant ?). Here is folk singer John Williamson talking about "Waltzing Matilda" (audio). And Rod Macqueen on how the jolly swagman proposes to catch his jumbok.

Gerald Davies on the amateurism of some so-called professional referees.

Martin Johnson talks to rugby legend Barry John about the north-south divide.

All Black coach John Hart selects Byron Kelleher of the Otago Highlanders at scrum half ahead of Justin Marshall for the NZ v France game. Here's your chance. Go for it, bionic Byron !

Bob Dwyer is always worth reading. He thinks Henry Honiball should have been selected for South Africa v Australia, not Jannie "we're only here for" de Beer. (Can Jannie repeat his 'droppies' and be a double diamond ? ;-) But there's nothing to stop Nick "Hammer of the English" Mallett from substituting Henry for Jannie at any time during the game, is there Bob ?

Stuart　Barnes on Australia's laid-back stand-off Stephen Larkham.

The Laird forgot to mention earlier that his (Japanese) wife thinks that Scotland's second jerseys (mandarin and black) are excellent and maybe even worth a point or two ! At least it is easy for Scots to see their teammates. The traditionally-minded Laird had his doubts at first but has now been converted to this snappy modern look.

　SRU shop

Van der Westhuizen speaks for joost a minute (oops, couldn't resist that one, sorry ! ;-): "I can't believe that last week the English were still going on about the (1997) Lions tour -- we always look to the future." Well, you'd want to forget that tour, wouldn't you Joost ?

Andre Gerhardus Venter, no shrinking protea he, explains what winning at rugby means. He also seems to think God is on the side of the Springboks: "We may have to play a limited game to retain our world title, but that does not worry us. In rugby, you do what is necessary to win, because the game is enjoyable only when you are victorious. World Cups are special; for many players one chance is all you have. Therefore, you make a special effort, you make special sacrifices. To a South African rugby player, winning is not everything. Winning is the only thing. And to win, you must have belief: belief in yourself and belief in God. I can say that in this side, the belief is very strong." Amen to that ! Ahem, by the way, what is your attitude to rough play, cheating and professional fouls ?

Nick Farr-Jones thinks the Wallabies are ready to roll on Saturday against the Boks.

Mon Dieu ! Abdel Benazzi wants revenge - for France against New Zealand.

John Hart backs Graham Henry and also calls for a Super 12 type competition in Europe. Moreover Hart wants the All Blacks to be "more ruthless". (Ye Gods, any more ruthless - defined in my dictionary as "cruel" or "unrelenting" - and they'll become the Waffen SS reincarnate. And they already wear black ! The Laird thinks Mr Hart means he would like their finishing to be more clinical when chances for tries present themselves. But then again what does the Laird know ? He's only an English teacher...;-)

From the Christchurch Press newspaper of October 21, 1999: a discussion about whether Graham (I thought it was Graeme ?) Bachop can sing the Japanese national anthem, Kimi ga Yo. And is Toddy Blackadder going to join NEC ? Look here.

For better or for worse, Rugby Union at the top level is no longer an amateur game. Japan needs a professional coach. Please resign and thereby take responsibility for the poor performance of Japan (3 heavy losses out of 3 games) in Rugby World Cup 99.

John Hart (audio) about France; Jeff Wilson (audio) says the All Blacks must improve against France.

France's assistant coach Pierre Villepreux on this Sunday's game, France v New Zealand.

Alison Kervin，rugby editor of the Times, on why England gets it wrong and the southern hemisphere gets it right. Michael Lynagh from the same paper is, as one would expect, a thought-provoking read.

Gary Teichmann speaks about the Boks' chances, with no trace of bitterness. Good for him. Lock Krynauw Otto sounds like a nice guy too. But Sale don't seem so enchanted with Jannie de Beer !

John 'Nobody' Eales (nicknamed Nobody by team mates because "Nobody's perfect") says that Australia are up against it. Is that kidology John, or do you really think that ?

Japanese Rugby in Crisis

3. A full-time professional coach should be appointed to coach the national side. Probably this should be a New Zealander, and if possible someone like Alex Wyllie. (The Laird thinks he might be available, and might well relish the challenge ! ;-)

Well done Martin Leslie on being awarded Scotland's best player of RWC99. What a terrific impact he and elder brother John have had on standards in Scottish rugby ! The venerable Laird can't remember a more exciting or purposeful Scottish team than the present one. And Ian McGeechan seems to agree. About the RWC quarter final he said: "All the best characteristics of the Scots came out. Dour defence, bravery in tackling, invention when it was needed and support. I have never seen a display like the second half from any Scottish team I've been involved with."

1. Wales 9 v Australia 24 I think Graham Henry did Wales no favours by stressing how strong Australia are. He should have bolstered still-frail Welsh confidence more, especially after the Samoa game when he was second-guessed by his former pupils and players (Leota, Tuigamala and Lam). But it is easy to be wise with hindsight. In the event Australia won but not in the style they would have liked, not to mention the dubious final 'try'. Wales will be a formidable team in the new Six Nations, provided they take the lessons of the RWC to heart. By the way, why wasn't the roof used to keep out the rain ?　Somehow it seems symbolic of under-used Welsh potential. And why wasn't the Welsh crowd in full voice supporting their team for the whole eighty minutes ?　

2. England 21 v South Africa 44 About as interesting as a steaming stodge pudding. Two behemoth teams kicking each other and the spectators to death - "territorial ping-pong" as Stuart Barnes so aptly describes it. Yet another controversial try，and an exhibition worthy of the Harlem Globe Trotters provided by the world record five drop kicks put over - clinically and cleverly it must be admitted - by Jannie de Beer. Why didn't England shut him down, or charge down the kicks ? Out of puff, I suppose. The South African team played more like a pack of scavenging hyenas than graceful springboks - and grinned over the English carcass at the end of the game. All in all the Laird thought it was a thoroughly unedifying spectacle.

3. Argentina 26 v France 47 A fine and exciting contest with lots of elegant running and rucking rugby from the good old days before professionalism, big hits and gang tackles. Well done both teams. Argentina with only five full-time professional players have done themselves proud, and provided the shock of the tournament. Much of the credit for that must go to Kiwi coach Alex Wyllie. France now carries the northern hemisphere banner into the semi-finals. They have improved immeasurably as the contest has gone on, and let's hope for more "rugbi methode champenoise" against New Zealand in the semi-final. Allez les Bleus !!

[Note: A telling and shrewd comment by Alex Wyllie in the post-match TV interview was that Argentina could improve further if more players went to play overseas (i.e. in professional leagues). The Laird has recently been saying the same thing about Japan and Japanese players (see below). And furthermore the Laird thinks that the experiment of packing foreigners into the national team has been proved a failure. Non-Japanese who want to play for Japan should be required to show the commitment of changing nationality. Long-time Japan resident Ramos Rui, the J-league soccer player who loves Japan and is totally fluent in Japanese, changed from Brazilian to Japanese to play soccer for the country, so there is at least one precedent. Several others in sumo have done the same. Why should rugby be different ?]

4. Scotland 18 v New Zealand 30 A marvellous spectacle (yes, I'm biased ;-) with 105% effort from both teams, and the mainly Scottish crowd of just under 60,000. I was so proud of Scotland, particularly in the second half, and very happy that coach Jim Telfer and captain Gary Armstrong, Alan Tait and Paul Burnell (others also maybe) can go into well-earned retirement on such a high. Lang may their lums reek ! The All Blacks captain Taine Randell was gracious as ever in victory (he gets a lot of practice ! ;-). Congratulations to all on a match which I shall keep on video till the day I die.

David Kirk gives Scotland almost no chance. (Thank you, David, that's the way we Scots like it ! ;-)

The Laird's team talk for the Scottish squad:

"Fellow Scotsmen, at last the great day has dawned. The enemy is at the gates. There is no bigger stage, and no more powerful opponent, not since the days of proud Edward's army. History has given you bravehearts the task of doing the whole Northern hemisphere (which of course includes not just the Six Nations but also such countries as Canada, Romania, Spain, the USA and Japan) a huge favour and sending the black monster "homeward tae think again".

Australia has recently shown in the Tri-Nations that these All Blacks are not invincible. Yes, they are superb, but they can be beaten. No doubt you will have studied the Australia v New Zealand game in detail from videos, to see how they did it. One hint was offered by - of all people - the All Black fly half on the day (Andrew Mehrtens) who apparently said after the game "we were outpassioned."

The empty page is before you. The pen is in your hands. I call on you all - replacement players included - to write the most glorious chapter in Scottish rugby history, as only you, the Flower of Scotland can. Now is the hour. Make Scots and their descendants all over the world watching live on TV proud of you, and let them walk tall. It is do, or die. Carpe diem ! (Seize the Day !)"

Japan Championships schedule (in English)

Ruck and Roll party time

The New Zealanders seem pretty confident about the result v Scotland. But I see a chink in their armour. They apparently think the game is to be played on Monday ! Well, I know it's just a matter of different time zones and that New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of the UK, but a bit of unopposed rugby on Sunday 24 October at 6.00 pm GMT at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh might suit Jim Telfer very nicely thank you ! ;-)

Scotland squad profiles

New Zealand squad profiles

Australia v Wales　 If Graham Henry was being slightly disingenuous in talking up Japan　- even though he has apparently coached at Waseda University and therefore knows Japanese rugby at first hand - he is quite right to praise Australia as a strong team.　But Henry has gone too far if he has written Wales off. Rod McQueen is unlikely to be fooled.　Nor is the Laird, who tips Wales to win a close encounter by 5 points or so.

England v South Africa. Despite injuries picked up in the Fiji match - one of which was the rather insulting "Robocop" label supplied by losing coach Brad Johnstone (a case of sour Chinese gooseberries ? ;-) the Laird thinks that England will beat South Africa which has looked thoroughly out-of-sorts recently, perhaps due to, er, personnel problems.

France v Argentina. With a kicker like "do-the-funky-chicken" Quesada, a grizzly bear for a coach and a pack of baby elephants, the Laird thinks the Pumas will devour les Coquerels Sportifs who were, let's face it, not hugely impressionant against Fiji.

Scotland v New Zealand. See below. Today the Laird learned from the Japanese newspapers that the All Blacks have published their schedule all the way to November 6th ! Come on Scotland, send them homeward…tae think again.

Scots take heart for All Blacks showdown

John Beattie writes:

　　 The Laird suspects that the New Zealanders have a soft spot or two for the Scots, in whom they may recognise kindred spirits (i.e. small countries, similar scenery, the Otago connection etc.). It was, after all, former British Lions coach Ian McGeechan who said that New Zealanders are Scotsmen who have learned how to win. C'mon boys, it's time to turn the tables. Seek out those soft spots and exploit them as ruthlessly as the Blacks have yours in the past. Remember Bannockburn ? Nobody gave us a chance then either…;-)

Well done England, Scotland and especially Argentina - the revelation of the RWC ! Match comments and previews later, when I have more time (!), but the Laird is gratified to note that the quarter final line-up is exactly as he predicted except he thought Samoa would be there to play France instead of Argentina.

Japan rugby owes McCormick a great deal, not least leading the team to its first ever Pacific Rim championship - a major triumph, especially bearing in mind that all the other five participating countries (Canada, Fiji, Tonga, USA and Samoa) went to the World Cup, and two of them (Fiji and Samoa) progressed beyond the qualifying rounds.　If this achievement had come in a year when there was no World Cup, it would have received more recognition and well-merited praise than it in fact got. The Laird wishes Andrew Fergus ("Angus") McCormick all the best, and a happy retirement !

The Times report of Japan v Argentina written by John Hopkins states: "An entirely predictable contest was dominated by the thunderous kicking of Gonzalo Quesada, the Argentina fly half, and it was effectively over midway through the opening period, by which time the Pumas were 11 points clear. It was a game that belonged in the 1980s or even the 1970s and served as a reminder of how much faster and thrilling the modern game has become."

Martin Johnson in the Telegraph is quite funny about the same game.

Open letter to Mr Shigeru ("Shiggy") Konno, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union

　　Last night I witnessed the Japan v Argentina "game". As a mere spectator and fan I tell you frankly that my emotions went consecutively as follows: frustration, disbelief, shock, anger and finally overwhelming sadness. If a spectator feels this about the team he supports passionately, something is very wrong. So what are the main problem areas ?

1. Andrew McCormick has been a good club captain for Toshiba Fuchu, and for Japan in the Epson Cup　（Pacific Rim Championship）, but has not managed to step up to the level demanded by the World Cup. Too much hesitation, not enough fire !
2. Seiji Hirao has failed to instil passion or urgency into Japanese players, despite his obvious intelligence. He is the wrong man to coach Japan now. His way of thinking is probably too sophisticated, and he does not reach the inner souls of his charges in the way that his former Kobe Steel and Japan team mate Atsushi Oyagi so clearly does with schoolchildren. A coach more in the mould of Oyagi is desperately needed.
3. You are now 77 years old, I believe. You have been a loyal and devoted servant of Japanese rugby since your Doshisha University days. I don't know how long you have been President, but it is surely time to step down and make way for a younger man. A man in his fifties such as Shukuzawa-san (former Japan coach) would be a worthy successor.

Well done Scotland on beating Spain 48-0.　

1. Argentina v Japan, Saturday October 16^th 7pm in Cardiff

At the end of the Spain v South Africa game Bobby Skinstad was awarded a highly suspect try, and the USA certainly did not get the rub of the green against Australia. Gavin Hastings was commentator at both games, and at the end of the second one expressed the view that referees appear to be favouring the more fancied sides. After watching these games and the Wales v Samoa game - in which Wales were clearly the lesser side but were awarded not one but two penalty tries in very brisk fashion - I can only agree with Gavin, and thank him for speaking up frankly.　(And while we're on the subject, long and accurate quick passing as demonstrated by the All Blacks is great to watch, but some of it looks a trifle forward to me. If there is any doubt, the whistle should be blown.)

Oct 14^th Zut, alors !!　The official French RFU site looks very slick and full of flair - but can their team match it ?

Oct 11^th Congratulations to Spain for their determined resistance to South Africa. When they came to Japan this summer (see below) they showed that they were a strong defending side…　Nick Mallett may feel that nothing is gained from such encounters, but I for one enjoyed watching South Africa being made to work for their tries !　Watch out Scotland…　

Oct 10^th The Laird's Post-match analysis

Well, the Welsh were just too strong, as expected. But Japan played far better than in the previous game against Samoa. Both Japanese tries were fine efforts, well executed. The problem - as Andrew McCormick observed after the game - was mainly in the defence, which could not put any big hits on the Welsh to force turnovers, or keep the big men out for eighty minutes.

As it seems unlikely that a professional club structure will be established in Japan any time soon, the Japanese will have to follow Samoa and Argentina in encouraging some of their best players to go to New Zealand, England and other centres of professional excellence around the world to play full-time rugby. Wataru Murata is to join France's Bayonne after the World Cup. He is the first Japanese to take the very difficult plunge, and he deserves to succeed. The Laird hopes we will see more of him in the remaining pool game against Argentina.

Oct 9^th Wales v Japan - preview by Graham Jenkins

WALES v JAPAN

Oct 8^th　Japan's team v Wales

Quinnell to be rested

Into the cauldron: Wales v Japan

The big game looms large at last. The rampant Dragons stand ready to devour the Cherry Blossoms. Neil Jenkins - the modest and quiet-spoken man from Church Village，Rhondda - has Michael Lynagh's world points kicking record in his sights. All of Wales has bought tickets and the stadium will be packed with partisan and knowledgeable Welsh rugby fans in full and mellifluous chorus. Can Japan avoid a rout, and what are their chances of turning things around ?

It will take something special and extraordinary from Japan to win this game. A start like the one Scotland's John Leslie provided in this year's Five Nations against Wales would be something to set the game alight. Although it may be unfair to place too much expectation on one man's shoulders, on past performances captain Andrew McCormick - by coincidence another Kiwi centre and son of a famous All Black (a good omen ?) - is certainly the man to provide the spark with which to ignite his team.

The fire-breathing Dragons may feel bullet-proof - and the Laird still tips them to win the RWC - but they are not yet the team they threaten to become. They are all full-time professional players, whereas there are currently no Japanese professionals. They have a huge pack and big, mobile backs. They are the form team and have home advantage. Their coach is one of the best - if not the best - in the world. But they have weak points like everyone else, and it is Japan's job to find them. It is, as Australians say, a "big ask", but it is not impossible.

Bright spots for Japan must include the fact that the pitch is bigger than the Wrexham ground, which should allow the team more space to run and unchain their back line. It is, moreover, do-or-die in the sense that a huge loss like the Massacre of Bloemfontein (1995) would further accelerate the retreat of Japanese high schools from rugby noted by　JRFU　President Shiggy Konno, causing untold long-term damage to the game in Japan.

Wales team v Japan (October 6^th)　It seems Graham Henry is employing his standard technique of talking up the opposition.

Henry's　dilemma

Henry　prays for rain to slow Japan down - but don't they plan to use the roof on the Millenium Stadium ?

The NZ factor

October 2^nd. Japan succumbed with barely a whimper to Samoa. There was hardly any fight in the side. The coach (Seiji Hirao) failed to make any worthwhile tactical substitutions. The much-vaunted foreigners supplied none of the fire that the Samoans had. Can somebody please explain why they look so dynamic in games played in Japan, and then somehow look as overwhelmed as their Japanese team mates when they go to the World Cup ?　

Gerald Davies on Japan v Samoa

Scotland showed some fire and played well at times, but could not sustain the effort against South Africa for the full and unforgiving eighty minutes. Gregor Townsend made numerous basic errors (failing to find touch from penalties, long overhead passes going astray) and looked lost when John Leslie went off injured. I felt quite sorry for Gary Armstrong in the post-match interview. He acknowledged the team had made too many errors, especially in the second half, and no doubt feels as fed up as I do.

Japan　ｖ　Samoa (preview)

A　Family　Affair

Andrew　McCormick　interview

Japan's coach speaks out (September 27)　

Japan　Team in Cheltenham (September 23)

So how does the Laird rate Japan's chances in the Cup ? Pool D looks to be an exciting free-for-all, with the host nation Wales likely to come out on top. Of the other three (Argentina, Western Samoa and Japan) it can be said that they all stand a fair chance of going through to the next stage. （And who knows if Japan may not improve on the 1983 result v Wales ?!）

While Japan beat Samoa narrowly in the Epson Pacific Rim championship this year and defeated Argentina by a substantial margin last September (see below), these results guarantee nothing whatsoever.　Argentina are renowned for their scrummaging, Samoa for their tackling. Japan's strengths have always tended to be in the quicksilver speed of their attacks and quick interpassing.

One thing that seems fairly certain is that Japan will be able to avoid the humiliation and disappointment of the last RWC when a world record loss was suffered against the All Blacks.

For more RWC punditry see here.　As for my tip: I think the final will be between New Zealand and Wales, and that the home side will win. Because of the importance of penalties and conversions in the modern game, a reliable kicker is essential. There are none better than Andrew Mehrtens and Neil Jenkins !

Matthew　Burke　and John Eales are right up there too, but it looks as though Australia will have to get past Wales in the quarter finals.　(Of course they could do it, and with veteran players like Kearns and Horan available they might.) Jonny Wilkinson kicks well for England, but they have a discipline problem (mainly stemming from the captain) which might see more points conceded than scored from penalties !

Finally we should not forget Keiji Hirose who is joint world record holder with Mehrtens for the number of penalties kicked in one game. He actually got the record before Mehrtens. (Of course I would prefer a final between Japan and Scotland, but that game may well happen at an earlier stage in the competition… !)

Samoa (Manu Samoa) is owned by a company. Here is the official website.　The draw for the RWC is kindly provided too.　

Graham　Henry's　site looks full of interest. "A man is not finished when he is defeated, but is finished when he quits."

Jeremy　Walker's　view of Japan's chances. He writes about sports (soccer and rugby) for the Daily Yomiuri. However the articles only seem to stay on the website for about three days.

Rugby　World　Cup　Preview

Japan's squad for RWC '99 (announced August 4, 1999):

Detailed player profiles are now available in English.　

Here is the line-up in Japanese. The five New Zealanders (Gordon, Smith, Joseph, Bachop and McCormick) and the Fijian (Tsuidraki) qualify under the three year residence rule. They all speak Japanese, and live and work here in Japanese companies. They have earned the right to represent Japan.

Japan is in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup beginning on October 1, 1999.　They look quite happy to be there, don't you think ?　

Date, Teams, Kick-off time, Where

Friday 1st Oct ; Wales v Argentina ; 15:00 ; Millenium Stadium, Cardiff

Sunday 3rd Oct ; Samoa v Japan ; 13:00 ; Racecourse Ground, Wrexham

Sunday 10th Oct ; Argentina v Samoa ; 13:00 ; Stradey Park, Llanelli

Here's a rather good unofficial Welsh Rugby page: Gwl@d!

Why this site ? - an introductory explanation and greeting. Please read !

1. Hot News. Also the Electronic Telegraph's rugby page is here.
2. General Links - JRFU address etc.
3. Company Rugby Teams - the pinnacle of Japanese rugby. "Hired foreigners" = Professionalism in disguise.
4. University Rugby Teams - feed the company teams.
5. High Schools and Rugby Schools - includes unbeaten Tour of Scotland, March 1997
6. Club Teams - vast numbers of these !
7. Top Foreign Players Currently in Japan - including 15 former All Blacks
8. Some Quotations of Interest - book by Ian Williams.
9. Other Rugby Pages - includes major world, Japan-specific and miscellaneous sites.

Last but not least: Womens' Rugby - includes Liberty Fields club !

Go to Ian Ruxton's Ernest Satow page.
Go to Ian's Miscellany page.
Go to Ian's bookmarks.
Go to Ian's home page.
Go to the Ruxton web page.
Go to the Old Cheltonian page
Go to Ian's Cheltenham links page

Go to the Department of Human Sciences home page.
Go to K.I.T. official home page.