Rugby World Cup 2011: What If the All Blacks Don’t Win, Ridiculous as It Sounds?

What if the French were to score an upset, would it be the end of the world for New Zealand? Since beating the Wallabies, New Zealand has become a land abuzz with confidence. A country brimming in the glad anticipation of seeing a second All Black captain triumphantly hoist the William Webb Ellis Trophy. All that needs to happen is a repeat of what occurred in 1987 and for us to beat the French.  It’s... 

Rugby World Cup 2011 Final: Enough Is Enough, France Do Have a Chance

As a nation we’re collectively saying that the All Blacks have already played their final. Meanwhile the French continue searching for their best game. Is this the dangerous mixture that will make Sunday’s clash a closer affair than what many experts are predicting?  In New Zealand, the hype mill is starting to produce oodles of confidence that the host nation is finally going to win... 

Rugby World Cup Semifinals: All Blacks-Wallabies, Another Battle in This War

When asked which team they did not want to see win the 2011 World Cup, 80 percent of New Zealanders opted for the Wallabies. When it comes to rugby there exists a fierce rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, that has been stoked over the years. These two nations first played against each other in a battle of nations in 1903. A match the New Zealanders won 22-3 in Sydney. So in... 

Rugby: Australia vs. New Zealand, a Tale of Two Countries, a Clash of Confidence

“Four more years, boys.” Four innocuous words that still resonate loudly in the ears of many All Blacks fans. For these four words were uttered in the closing stages of the last match these two behemoths played at a Rugby World Cup. It was 2003. Sydney. A semifinal match that the Australians won 22-10. Australia and New Zealand have always shared an unusual relationship. To outside... 

Rugby World Cup 2011 Quarterfinals: Here’s the Stories That Won’t Make the News

Just before you get sick of reading reviews of the quarterfinals and start reading previews of the semis, here’s a list of unfeasible murmurings that definitely won’t make the newspapers. (1) After the Welsh performance against Ireland (with plenty of free-flowing rugby) the IRB have launched an enquiry to confirm if Wales (as in the country) is actually located in the Northern Hemisphere. (2)... 

Rugby World Cup 2011: Last Round for Martin Johnson’s England Rugby Team

Sorry England. As in, that was a “sorry England performance.” Where no team can beat England is column centimetres generated. However, the England headlines are usually headache creators rather than cause for celebrations. Off the field, on the field, offsides and online; this was a World Cup where England scored poor marks across all domains. One things for certain is that Eve (as in Adam... 

Rugby World Cup 2011: The Most Successful World Cup Ever?

Rugby World Cup has now entered the knock-out phases. There’s intense excitement around what lies ahead. However, rugby fans are also taking immense pleasure from the games that have already been played. Mike Miller, Chairman of the IRB (the sport’s governing body) has called this the best tournament ever. Without wanting to curse the rest of the tournament, it’s worthwhile... 

Rugby World Cup 2011: What to Watch for During Quarterfinals Weekend

This year’s Rugby World Cup is nearly five weeks old. We’ve seen 40 matches played thus far—a number of which will be etched in our minds for quite a while. Sadly we’ve now said goodbye to 16 teams, our streets void of the colour these fans brought to our world. Rugby fans across the country are already missing the midweek dosages of our favourite game. But the good news... 

Rugby World Cup: French Fail to Storm Eden Park Fortress as All Blacks Win 37-17

What a fantastic performance from the All Blacks. Accuracy. Efficiency. Every player turned up and demonstrated why they’ve been selected in the top team. The All Black’s impressive record at Auckland’s Eden Park remains intact. The last time they lost there was against the French in 1994. The current French selection showed no signs of being able to storm New Zealand rugby’s parade,... 

Rugby World Cup 2011: 10 Lessons Learnt, a Light-Hearted Review Thus Far

A New Zealand rugby fan shares what he’s learnt at this year’s rugby world cup. (1) A lot of teams are good at scrummaging. Someone somewhere has made a bundle selling scrum machines to minnow nations. (2) When it comes to rugby, Georgia are the masters—Russia the subservient. (3) Ryan Nicholas and James Arlidge are alive and well, both playing rugby in Japan. Good to see... 

Latest News

• Former England Manager Graham Taylor Dies at Age 72
• Bruce Arena Names USMNT January Camp Invitees
• Karamoko Dembele Makes England U15s Debut After Playing for Scotland in November
• USMNT Watch: Bobby Wood Nets 1st Bundesliga Goal Since September
• Rugby Player Bruno Andres Doglioli Banned 3 Years for Tackling Female Referee