Goodbye Jonny Wilkinson

Wilkinson kicked England to World Cup glory

English Rugby lost of the finest players of a generation yesterday when Jonny Wilkinson announced his retirement from test rugby.  The mercurial Fly-Half will no doubt forever be remembered for that drop goal in Sydney in 2003, bringing the World Cup back to these shores after defeating hosts Australia in the final.

However he was much more than that.  From a young age he was tipped for the very top, while his training routines, and more importantly kicking practises, are notorious.  He was not only a tremendous goal kicker, the best for many years, his offensive distribution was also second to none whilst defensively he was equally as solid.  Just hear some of the stories from opponents he has faced over the years,  he was an all round Fly-Half, arguably transforming the position with each performance. 

It was no coincidence that when he was playing his best rugby so were England, just cast your mind back to a shoulder that was once in full working order.  Some of the performances he has put in over the years have just been immense, and it is justified that many people connected to the game have been falling over themselves to heap praise on the Toulon star.

Lewis Moody, an ex international team mate, said to Radio 5 live: 
"Jonny is one of the most professional individuals I have ever worked with.
"He put everything into what he did, it was incredible to watch him."
He added:  "It's a real shame he's decided to retire, but what he's given to English rugby is immense.
"He was ferocious in the tackle, it was one of the things that made him so special at fly-half.
"He brought his own mark to the fly-half role, and he dedicated himself to being the best he could be.
"It was inspiring to train with him, he was a very controlled player, a calming influence on the pitch - I was privileged to play on the same pitch as him."

Clive Woodward, who handed Wilkinson his international debut in 1998, was equally as complimentary, telling the BBC:  "The way he defended and attacked, he was a very special player.

In action for club side Toulon

"All of us involved in that team [in 2003] just felt very lucky and privileged to have had him around at that time.
"He would have taken the decision to retire very seriously but he will still be playing for Toulon, and he has been playing very well for Toulon.
"I'd just like to say well done to him. He has done so much for not just English rugby but also world rugby on the field, and especially off the field."

Woodward went on to talk about the injury problems Wilkinson suffered in the latter stages of his international career, adding:  Every player has injuries and he probably had more than his fair share but that was the way he played the game.
"I remember trying to keep him out of rucks so many times and trying to keep him out of contact but that wasn't him, he wanted to get involved.
"He would smash into rucks and that was because he wanted to be a real team player.
"He has had a long career. He came into the side when he was 18 and this is the end of an era and it is perhaps fitting that we move on from that era now."

With Stuart Lancaster now taking temporary charge of the international fold, supported by Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell, perhaps the time was right to call time.  It in no doubt the end of an era, but now the team can progress with eyes towards the 2015 World Cup and hopefully a new golden age for English Rugby.  It won't be easy to find the next Wilkinson, but that is what the new management team are charged with.

Whilst there is now only one real winner with the announcement of the news.  French club Toulon be the recipients of Wilkinson's undivided attention.

No more years of hurt for New Zealand

After 24 long and painful years, containing near misses and tragic failures, New Zealand finally have their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy once again.  All those years ago France were once again the victims, but this time around it was much closer and Les Blues came mighty close to spoiling the party.

The 8-7 scoreline highlights how The All Blacks were nearly pipped to the post.  Amongst the post match celebration, relief must have been a huge factor.  Tony Woodcock's early try seemed like it would settle the hosts, but the underdogs, overwhelmingly beaten by New Zealand in the group stage and also suffering a loss to Tonga, refused to be beaten.

Thierry Dusautoir, today named International Rugby Board player of the year as some consolation, as he and his forwards pressed at the scrum and line out.  When the captain slid in under the posts and Francois Trinh-Duc converted, a stadium was stunned and a tense last half hour followed.

It was left to Stephen Donald to slot over a late penalty, and some late defensive heroics to seal the win.  The 27-year-old had started the tournament way down the pecking order, and only last week was on a fishing trip, and he couldn't quite believe it after the final whistle.  Talking to the BBC he said: 
"My preparation wasn't ideal but it was an unreal experience.
"To pretty much come from nowhere just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet."
He added:  "You always dream about things like playing in World Cups, but as number four in line you start to give that up a bit. But when I got the call I felt like the dream just got that much closer to reality again.
"To pretty much come from nowhere and find yourself playing in a World Cup final is an unreal experience - it just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it's the same for the rest of the guys. They were just sitting around the changing room, not moving much and not saying much.
"The coaches said to me to be ready because it could come down to me having to kick the winning goal, and that is exactly how it panned out."

Following the injury to inspirational Fly-Half Dan Carter earlier in the tournament, some doubted whether this side could fulfill it's years of planning to triumph on home soil.  These doubts were heightened when Captain Richie McCaw fell to injury, luckily though it wasn't too serious and he was able to return to lead his side in the knockout faze.  Piri Weepu performed heroics in the semi-final victory over Australia, taking on the tactical nous of Carter, but found himself a little out of his depth in the final but crucially New Zealand had the supplies to call on to get over the line.

Many sides had huge hopes coming into this tournament, and true the trophy could have gone back to any number of countries.  Australia and South Africa are always strong, England always confident but marred by off field antics, Ireland played some excellent rugby and defeated The Wallabies but were undone by a Wales side unlucky to have Sam Warbuton sent off in their semi-final loss to the runners up.

It is now on to England 2015, and while there's room for improvement in hosting a tournement they do have a huge act to follow.  New Zealand will no doubt head over as favourties, and Red Rose amongst others have some growing up to do, but right now it's about a nation that will celebrate a victory that is long long over due.

All Blacks near date with destiny

In the early hours of Sunday morning (GMT) New Zealand have what they have been searching for for 16 years.  A Rugby World Cup final appearance, and they hoping they can replicate their only triumph in the tournament some 24 years ago in 1987 also held on home soil.

Like most World Cups since they have been hotly tipped to win and steam rolled all before them, but what is different this time is that they haven't imploded.  Despite injuries to Captain Richie McCaw, who has since returned, and Dan Carter who was ruled out of the tournement at the group stage.  In what was their toughest match of the tournament against Australia at the Semi-Final stage, they looked as dominant as ever and produced a wonderful all round performance.

Ma'a Nonu went over early and the All Blacks never looked back, the Centre and Winger one of five southern hemisphere players on the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year.  Two other kiwi's, namely Piri Weepu, who in Carter's ansence has been largely trusted with kicking duties, and Jerome Kaino.  David Pocock and Will Genia of Australia are the other's from the southern hemisphere, while France can take some hope from the fact the man making up the list is their captain Thierry Dusautoir.

No one really gives Les Blues a chance, which could just work in their favour.  Many quarters claim they don't deserve to be in the final, while Fly-Half Morgan Parra say's it is "France against the World."

It has not always been plain sailing in this tournament though, if fact some might say far from it.  Coach Marc Lievremont has come out with some rather interesting comments throughout the tournament, after group stage defeats to New Zealand and Tongo, Quarter-Final victory over England and in this week's build up.

However could this negativity have really helped, after all this is their first final appearance in 12 years.  Dimitri Yachvili, French Scrum-Half, claims this side is now like a family, while Vincent Clerc has pleaded not too underestimate this France side.

Despite this though it is nard to look past the hosts, who have threw a terrific World Cup, and whose only victory in a final on the World Stage was against France at Eden Park, this site of the years finale.  Coach Graham Henry is stepping down after the final, it is almost like it is written in the stars.

Come back next week for a World Cup round up, while Sports Portal will also be making it's first trip to take in Guinnes Premiership action.

Inexperienced England given chance to shine!

With the announcement of the England XV to face Barbarians on Sunday at Twickenham, it provides a great chance for some of the squad to push for a place in the World Cup Squad. Although Stuart Lancaster will coach the squad, assisted by Jon Callard and Simon Hardy, and most of those involved will be charged with defending the Churchill Cup next month. For the elite few though, with a good performance here, could just see themselves jetting out to New Zealand later this year.

Amongst those given a chance to impress is Dave Attwood, who last year found himself in the first team squad for the tour of Australia. However two counts of stomping and injuries have blighted progress, however he could be on the road back into Martin Johnson's plans. Also the likes of Luke Narraway, who captains the side, and Matt Banahan who have been in and out of the full side will hope to cement a place back there.

There's a nice blend of youth and experience in this side, with some called up for the first time whilst others have been brought back in from the cold. Given a great chance to prove themselves to the first team hierarchy, something they could also do at the forthcoming Churchill Cup. It will be no easy task though, against a Barbarians side with plenty of experienced faces. Paul Sackey will be hoping to prove himself with a try at against his home nation at HQ, and will be capably supported. The Likes of Benoit Baby, Mathieu Bastareaud and Sergio Parisse will all be on display, hoping to earn victory for the famed Baa-Baas. Teams in full:.

England:

Brown (Harlequins), Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Trinder (Gloucester), Banahan (Bath), U Monye (Harlequins), Hodgson (Sale), Hodgson (London Irish); Marler (Harlequins), Paice (London Irish), Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Kitchener (Worcester), Attwood (Gloucester), Johnson (Exeter), Fearns (Sale), Narraway (Gloucester, capt)

Replacements: Gray (Harlequins), Brookes (Newcastle), Gaskell (Sale), Gibson (London Irish), Young (Newcastle), Myler (Northampton), Turner-Hall (Harlequins)

Barbarians:

Jeanjean (Brive); Sackey (Toulon), Baby (Clermont Auvergne), Bastareaud (Stade Francais), Visser (Edinburgh); Michalak (Toulouse), Pienaar (Ulster); Perugini (Aironi), Ghiraldini (Benetton Treviso), Kubriashvili (Toulon), Lund (Biarritz), Tito (Cardiff Blues), Van Niekerk (Toulon), Smith (Toulon), Parisse (Stade Francais, capt)

Replacements: Bruno (Toulon), Hayman (Toulon), Geldenhuys (Aironi), Williams (Cardiff Blues), Tillous-Borde (Castres Olympique), Mason (Toulon), Rabini (La Rochelle)

Have England turned a corner?

Away from all the aggro of the will they won't they situation enrolling in South Africa, a different set of home internationals has just done the unthinkable down under.

A 21-20 victory for Martin Johnson's Rugby Union side could've saved the ex Leicester Tiger from the axe, with a first win in Australia since the remarkable World Cup Triumph seven years ago providing a nation with fresh promise.

This first win over Tri-Nation opposition since the 2007 World Cup, highlighted a number of things that both pundits and fans alike have been calling for for a long time.

Ben Foden is a natural full back, and after barely featuring it is refreshing to now see him becoming something of a regular in the national set up.

His out put is integral to any potential future success, with his running game being the strong point for the Northampton Saint.

However it was his team mate Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs who were the stand out performers on Saturday.

There is one common element among these names, young fresh talent emerging that is finally being given a chance to shine.

Both Ashton and Youngs grabbed a try a piece, with the wily nous showed by Youngs showing that he could be a main player for years to come.

It is Ashton though that should get the appetite going.

Last seasons top try scorer by a long margin should have featured earlier for the national side, and should have been given more of a chance during the Six Nations.

It is good to know that in Johnson, we have a man who isn't prepared to change things if he's done it wrong the first time.

Maybe something a certain Mr. Capello should take note of.

The mix between youth and experience in the side is perfect, and it is a situation that all players involved could learn from and prosper.

The domination of the pack continued from the first game, but after seeing that sheer physical power won't win games alone England mixed it up.

The Aussie threat was taken down a notch if not entirely stopped, with some of their running skill on show in the first game switching sides.

With that blend of power and pace they came back to level the series 1-1.

Let's all pray that it isn't another false dawn served up from an English national side.

Vuvuzela's: Harmless fun or football menace?

Believe it or not the World Cup has now been underway for a few days, and what has been the main talking point thus far?

The poor standard in most games, Germany's thrashing of Australia, Rob Green's howler, no it is infact a strange instrument that a few weeks ago most of the world had never even heard of.

Whether it's a heard of Buffalo or a swarm of bee's you've likened them to, the Vuvuzela has even sparked debate at the top table of football.

Fifa have today announced that they will not be banning this controversial item, but why should they surely it's just a way of expression.

The English sing and the Africans blow horns, how can such an insignificant thing become a source for such trivial debate.

Well the truth is they aren't really insignificant, as a number of top stars in the game have voiced concerns with their inclusion in the World Cup.

Firstly we were told that it was putting players off during there game, with Cristiano Ronaldo saying he couldn't concentrate even before stepping onto the world stage.

And although on the surface this seems unfair, does the atmosphere Stoke City's Britannia Stadium not put off rival teams week on week.

You can't ban people from singing if players can't concentrate, therefore banning Vuvuzela's is off the table too.

The reason that commentators can't be heard is also trivial, and one that English television doesn't seem to suffer with.

However if they are used to wake up players in the middle of the night, as Patrice Evra suggested, then that is another matter altogether.

But even if they are banned from stadiums they could still be used outside of it, so all the main reasons suggested for banning don't really seem believable.

They are a part of Africa and this is there stage, let them do with it what they wish to ensure their legacy is a long one.

Group D

Australia - World Ranking 20

After being moved from the Oceania qualifying group to the more competitive Asia, Australia still breezed into this years World Cup finals. After reaching the knockout stage four years ago, when they were eliminated by eventual champions Italy 1-0 due to a controversial penalty, morale was boosted and they will hope to better this time round.

However they could have there work cut out in a difficult group, plus they had the tactical nous of Guus Hiddink last time out. They do have plenty of experience throughout though, and could spring a surprise if written off in South Africa.

Strengths

There is plenty of experience in the Australia squad, with many players having Premier League football under their belt. All thee 'keepers ply their trade in England, and have all had appearances in the top League. Current number one Mark Schwarzer was instrumental in Fulham's remarkable run to the Europa League final, and he kept a staggering seven clean sheets during qualifying for this tournament.

In addition several key players are coming full of confidence. Schwarzer is definitely on that list, where he is joined by their key man Tim Cahill. He enjoyed a tremendous end to the season with Everton, and his goals will be key. Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell have also had good spells at Galatasaray, and will also be itching to get going in South Africa.

Weaknesses

While they are full of strength in most areas, there defence could suffer at the tournament despite the seven clean sheets in qualifying. Vice Captain Craig Moore is currently without a club, while other selections come from Japan, Switzerland and Australia itself. Not exactly footballing hot spots, although three of the seven defenders selected do have Premier League experience. And it is this experience of different variations of football that could save them from this potential banana skin.

Too much emphasis is also placed on the shoulders on Tim Cahill to deliver the craft to either score or set up goals. If he fails to shine, Australia could suffer as a result.

Key Man - Tim Cahill

The free scoring Everton midfield, will have to be on top form if Australia are to escape group D. He will hope to pick up where he left off in 2006, after a double against Japan helped the Socceroos out of the group. After a good back end of the season for his club, he will hope to continue that right through the summer.

One to Watch - Mark Bresciano

Ageing midfielder Bresciano has spent the most part of his career in Italy, and has become a tactically gifted footballer who can spread play and set up attacks with one pass. Despite now being 30, he could be key to either patient attacks or fast breaks as his passing could open up defences. He often shines on the big stage, and will need to take some pressure off other squad members to succeed this summer.

Manager - Pim Verbeek

Dutch coach Pim Verbeek has experience from all around the world, and this could be key to Australia progressing beyond the group. He was assistant to Guus Hiddink with South Korea in 2002 during there run to the semi-finals, and also under Dick Advocaat four years later. With main aim of doing better than last time, he has certainly set himself high targets that he may find difficult to meet.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - In a difficult group which Germany should top, they will have to hit top form straight away to progress.

Germany - World Ranking 6

Write off the Germans at your peril! It is 32 years since they failed to make a European Championship or World Cup quarter final, so you can fully expect them to be in the mix again this time around. Despite not having a team full of world beaters, mental strength and determination carry them through and they could be match for anybody.

They breezed through qualifying to secure there place in South Africa, remaining unbeaten and ensuring Russia had to settle for second spot. With only five goals conceded and a staggering 26 scored, just two behind Spain, there will be plenty fearing Germany this summer.

Strengths

A solid defence and free flowing attack have been the main feature of the qualifiers, and this is something they will hope to carry on through the summer. Lukas Podolski has been in great form, while Miroslav Klose is always one to watch in the big tournaments.

They reached the final of Euro 2008, losing out to Spain, and eased their qualification group so are on top form heading to South Africa which could be crucial.

Weaknesses

It usually takes a lot to ruffle the Germans, but in the lead up to this years finals it has happened. Michael Ballack's injury coupled with that of his understudy Christian Traesch has left them with just two central midfielders, and sides with strong squads could fully take advantage of this.

Key Man - Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern Munich's creative wide man is a key outlet for this German sides attacking intentions. 21 goals in 75 appearances for his country in a decent return, with his assists tally no doubt firing above that total. Despite an up and down season in place, he reached the Champions League final with his club and also completed the double so will crucially be full of confidence heading to South Africa.

One to Watch - Jerome Boateng

Hamburg's 21-year-old centre back is equally adept at full back, and is rumoured to have already agreed a summer deal to money bags Manchester city. This could be the first chance English fans could have to study the youngster who it is hoped will bolster an indifferent Eastlands defence.

Manager - Joachim Loew

After taking over from Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006, Loew has led his side to the final of Euro 2008 and to this years World Cup with minimal fuss. Despite this though rumours are still rife that Matthias Sammer will take over this summer, so this could be his last hurrah while in charge of the national side.

Odds - 14-1

Prediction - Will no doubt make it to the quarter final and maybe the semi, but no more than that for a side lacking world class talent and stretched in midfield.

Ghana - World Ranking 32

With Michael Essien out of this summers premier football tournament, Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari will have all the pressure on him to step into the breach. With the Chelsea man in the side they had the best chance of being the best showing African side with Ivory Coast in the most difficult group, however they could now have their work cut out.

That Black Stars breezed into the finals courtesy of five goals from Matthew Amoah, but their strike force is far from prolific. They scored just nine in qualifying compared to Ivory Coasts 19, this could be one of their major downfalls (see weaknesses below).

Strengths

Notorious battlers all over the pitch, you won't get a moments peace against this side. They have experience in all positions which could be crucial in them progressing to the latter rounds of the competition. Pele's statement that an African team would win the World Cup by the end of last century fell far from the mark, and although that won't happen this time Ghana have a great chance of being the best performing African side this time round.

Weaknesses

Michael Essien's injury is a huge blow to Ghana, with their whole side and tactics built around the Chelsea holding midfielder. It is to be seen how well Sulley Muntari will react in having to fill in.

Another main point here is the lack of goals that they produce. None of the strikers selected are prolific, so it will be up to the midfielders to chip in and get forward when they can to supports the forward line.

Key Man - Sulley Muntari

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will have to be at his brilliant best if Ghana are to succeed in South Africa. Filling in the breach left by Essien the squad will almost revolve around him, so it is his responsibility to ensure that the side functions and succeeds.

The former Portsmouth man enjoyed a terrific season with Inter Milan, where he won the treble under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho. He will however have to be his run-ins with the Ghanian FA behind him, he was sent home from the 2004 Olympics and was left out of the 2010 African Nations squad.

One to Watch - Kevin-Prince Boateng

Enigmatic midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is equally adept in defence, and has won many admirers during his time in England. He goes to the World Cup on somewhat of a low after losing the FA Cup final against Chelsea, also missing a penalty with the scores at 0-0. However he could put himself in the shop window with a string tournament, and could be key in driving his side forward and also cutting out attacks.

Managers - Milovan Rajevac

Milovan Rajevac doesn't have much top class experience, so could have his work cut out in trying to get Ghana to the latter stages of the competition. The Serbian will also have to engineer a victory of his home nation, if his side are to progress.

Odds - 80/1

Prediction - Strong contenders to make it out of the group, but will struggle against the bigger nations without Essien

Serbia - World Ranking 16

Serbia are entering the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, and are determined to put on a good showing on there first outing. Full of dogged determination, as well as experience scattered through the side they could shock a few if written off as also rans.

Europe sat up and took notice when they took top spot in there qualification group, knocking France into second spot and the play-offs. Big wins boosted there goal difference, with new Liverpool signing Milan Jovanovic top scoring with five.

Strengths

A very physical side it would be no surprise to see cards being thrown around on a regular basis, there encounter with Ghana could be very intriguing indeed. This physical presence could be too much for some too handle, as it was for France, so they could no doubt spring a few surprises in South Africa.

There is also a lot of experience in this squad, with many players having played at the top end of the European game. Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Vidic of Chelsea and Manchester United are imposing at the back, but they also have an effect at the other end, scoring six goals between them in the qualifiers. Dejan Stankovic also has to be on top form, with his creativity essential and effect from dead-ball situations crucial.

Weaknesses

They have a strong defence, but goals could be there main problem in the competition proper. Nikola Zigic (see one to watch), will have to be on top form as the focal point of the Serbian attack.

Key Man - Milos Krasic

Milos Krasic came to prominence in this season Champions League, where his performances for CSKA Moscow lit up the side. His enigmatic and reliable outings against Manchester United have led to Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool sending scouts out to watch him. He is the playmaker for Serbia so is crucial to their success, and with his contract expiring next summer he could well use the World Cup to engineer a move away.

One to Watch - Nikola Zigic

Birmingham's new giant striker is the main man in the Serbian attack, but his record won't worry most sides. 16 goals in 44 appearances is a fair return for a side that has lacked in creativity, however he will have to be on top form if Serbia are to escape group D.

Manager - Radomir Ancic

One of only two men to have coached both Barcelona and Real Madrid, however he is unique in the fact that he has also managed Real's main rivals Atletico. His tactical nous has been key to Serbia, with Ancic promoting many youth players into the first team and masterminding their path to the finals.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Despite being confident of progressing from this group, it will be quite a difficult task.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be previewing group E, which contains Cameroon, Denmark, Japan and Holland.

World Champions - at long last

Four days have past since England triumphed in the Twenty/20 final against the old enemy, and much has been said about the eventful day.

It was a performance nobody expected, to dominate Australia in such a way was almost unheard of, but great credit must go to everyone involved.

After years of sticking with pretty much the same side in all formats, England now have specialist performers for the shorter version.

In opening pair Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb, we have people who aren't afraid to attack during the opening powerplay.

This has set a great platform from which the middle order can attack when/if they are called upon.

Kevin Pietersen looks back to best, seemingly playing with a freedom we haven't seen for quite a while.

Then further down the order, there is the always unpredictable Eoin Morgan.

This must be a nightmare for oppositiong sides, the unpredictability of Pietersen and Morgan is, as we've seen, very destructive.

It must be disheartening when you work to get one out, and then the other comes to the middle and plays even more outrageously (just think the Australia game).

We also have to heap huge praise on the bowling attack, which has played out of it's skin game after game.

Tim Bresnan, another what seems some what of a twenty/20 specialist, has come in and further highlighted the need for different squads for the different formats.

Of course some of this group will now find there way into the One Day squad, but there is no reason why some of these names mentioned can't make break into the test side.

But if you look at the likes of Kieswetter, Morgan and Bresnan they lack the form and runs required in First Class Cricket to get into the National side.

This decision to specialise the Twenty/20 squad has paid the ultimate dividend, and there is no reason why England can't go on to dominate this format from here.

They have already shown, on a small scale, that they can beat anyone and if they continue to improve and develop it could be a fantastic few years.