All change in England squad

England interim Head Coach Stuart Lancaster

With one squad selection the ghost of World Cup past has been shed, and a new era has been ushered in to the world of English Rugby Union.  New Zealand is to be ushered out, highlighted at this weeks press conference within which the elite squad was announced with the word barely mentioned..  The 32 men selected are to lead their country into this years six nations, defending the crown Martin Johnson led his side to last year despite a last game loss in Ireland. 

A lot was made of the benefits of selecting an interim coach, could a big impact seriously be made or would it just paper over cracks on the short term.  Only for them to be highlighted once again once the tournament gets underway next month.

One thing is for certain, with this selection Stuart Lancaster has selected what will hopefully form the basis of the squad for the next World Cup to be held on these shores.  When he stated "this is a new era for England," he clearly showed this is a building job with 2015 the ultimate target.

A new younger breed has been brought in, while the old guard have been shown the door.  Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody and Steve Thompson, all former World Cup winners, retired following last years New Zealand showpiece.  While Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto, Nick Easter, Shontayne Hape and Riki Flutey have all failed to make the grade.

Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes are all on the short term injury list, but more crucially Andrew Sheridan, Louis Deacon and Richard Wigglesworth will miss the entire tournament.

Saracens new star Owen Farrell

Amongst the new breed it is Owen Farrell who has hit the head lines after a string of stellar performances, being one of nine uncapped players to be selected.  His Saracens midfield team mate Brad Barritt is also included, while a partnership with team mate Charlie Hodgson could also be on the cards with Flood set to miss the first two encounters.

Dave Atwood, Geoff Parling, Alex Goode and Henry Trinder, the last three all uncapped, are also included after gaining promotion from the Saxons to cover for some of those on the treatment table.  Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan earns a place after declaring his allegiance to his country of birth and not Wales for whom he qualifyed under a three year residency rule, with Northampton Saints back row Calum Clark perhaps the boldest selection.

It is not yet known who will the captain the side with Tom Wood and Chris Robshaw though to be front runners although it is believed Lancaster wants a host of other names to step up, he said:  "The most important thing is to get the leadership group right. We need to develop a new group of leaders. From there, natural leaders will emerge."

Tom Palmer proves an exception to the Rugby Football Unions now overseas player rule, stepping in for James Haskell who is in Japan on sabbatical.  On the largely youthful side selected, Lancaster added:  "We've picked a side which is exciting, talented and committed to get us back to where we want to be, at the top of the game.
"I've spoken to those not selected and told them the door is not closed.
"But I want to use this Six Nations as an opportunity to develop the next players in those positions and develop a leadership group that is strong and wants to be the best.
"We think it's a tremendous opportunity to build a squad that has potential for now and for the future.
"We trust the players we have selected, a lot have been involved for a while and have been to the World Cup.
"They have been on the cusp of it for a while. Now they deserve their chance after proving themselves in big games for their clubs."

The England squad in full is as follows:


Forwards:  Props: A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), J Marler (Harlequins), M Stevens (Saracens), D Wilson (Bath Rugby); Hookers: D Hartley (Northampton Saints), L Mears (Bath Rugby), R Webber (London Wasps); Locks: M Botha (Saracens), L Deacon (Leicester Tigers), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), T Palmer (Stade Francais); Back-rows: C Clark (Northampton Saints), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), P Dowson (Northampton Saints), B Morgan (Scarlets), C Robshaw (Harlequins), T Wood (Northampton Saints).

Backs:  Full-backs: M Brown (Harlequins), B Foden (Northampton Saints); Wings: C Ashton (Northampton Saints), C Sharples (Gloucester Rugby), D Strettle (Saracens); Centres: B Barritt (Saracens), O Farrell (Saracens), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins); Fly-halves: T Flood (Leicester Tigers), C Hodgson (Saracens); Scrum-halves: L Dickson (Northampton Saints), J Simpson (London Wasps), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

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)

Group F

Italy - World Ranking 5

The reigning world champions have their work cut out if they are to prevail in South Africa, as they did in Germany four years ago. There anti-football, as many call it, isn't the prettiest on the eyes but if utilised correctly it's certainly very effective. And the fear amongst many is, that if Italy go far once again more and more coaches could copy there style.

This dull style of play was evident as they won their qualifying group, ahead of the Republic of Ireland. Every player on the pitch will be instructed to press, with their attack as always being the first line of defence. They will be reliant on moments of magic in attack, although their lack of world class talent bears the question who will provide it?

Their World Cup victory four years ago was certainly impressive, on the back of the match fixing scandal but is that really a thing of the past? Italian football is still in a bad position, attendances are down and everyone knows about the state of terrace violence. It is not the best build up for a World Cup!

Strengths

A vastly experienced squad, is complimented with the addition of youth here and there. Fabio Cannavaro will lead the side for the last time, although how effective he can be at 36 is under question.

Italy's midfield is full of creative talent, which will need to be at full strength if they are to progress well in South Africa. In addition they will employ similar tactics as four years ago, by pressing all over the pitch and not giving anyone a moment to dwell on the ball.

Weaknesses

Despite there place as one of footballs superpowers and being ranked fifth in the world, there is a distinct lack of world class talent in this squad. Too much tends to hinge on Andrea Pirlo in the centre of the pitch, and it shouldn't be long before other countries figure out that if you stop Pirlo you tend to stifle Italy.

Goals could also become a major problem this summer, with first choices Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta not in the bracket of world class. Despite many peoples opinions they will struggle to make it out of the group that shouldn't be the case, although their progression from there could be short lived.

Key Man - Gianluigi Buffon

The Juventus 'keeper has been one of the worlds best for many a year, and he will need to be on top form for Italy this summer. It isn't the strongest of Italian sides, and Buffon just might be facing more shots than he is used to. Speculation has also been linking him with a move away, and a strong showing could prompt a number of bids.

One to Watch - Claudio Marchisio

A tenacious and hard tackling midfielder, Juventus' Marchisio is usually employed in the centre of midfield although he can be used out wide if necessary. Although he doesn't get on the score sheet too often, he is known to have a venomous shot with either foot so he could score a screamer or two this summer.

Manager - Marcello Lippi

Marcello Lippi is well used to winning things, and after a very successful club career he took Italy to World Cup glory four years ago. After retiring he came back to replace Roberto Donadoni after 2008s poor European Championships, but he has his work cut out to replicate his heroics from four years ago.

Odds - 14/1

Prediction - Should win the group, but will struggle to progress from the last 16.

Paraguay - World Ranking 30

After firing out of the blocks in South American qualifying, Paraguay ended up limping over the line but still finished third - ahead of Argentina. During this qualifying stage they took the scalps of both Brazil and Argentina, which shows the talent that lies within their squad.

The great overachievers of South American football, Paraguay are competing in their fourth successive World Cup. After reaching the second round in both 1998 and 2002 they slumped at the group stage four years ago, but they should make it out of group F although progression beyond that point will be tough.

Strengths

Their two styles of play give them an edge against some of the lower teams, that should see them make second place in this group. They are equally effective at getting the ball down and playing, or simply knocking it right up to Roque Santa Cruz.

There is also a number of players in this side that are hoping to put themselves in the shop window during the summer, and secure a big money move away. This should result in some very eye catching performances.

Weaknesses

A genuine lack of world class talent could ensure Paraguay suffer against the likes of Italy, who are first up in the group phase. On top of this Roque Santa Cruz (see key man below) is still the main player for this side, despite his sparse performances for Manchester City this season and as a result a lack of goals. However as highlighted above, he is one of many that is trying to secure a move away from his club so he needs a good tournament to ensure that comes to fruition.

Key Man - Roque Santa Cruz

His record of 21 goals in 69 appearances for his country is impressive, and he will need to add to that tally should his hope of moving on from Eastlands come true. If Paraguay decide to employ the long ball tactic he will become the main targetman, and his holding up skills will become crucial. However if they go for the more creative route, the natural predators instinct we all seen at Blackburn Rovers will need to be on full strength.

One to Watch - Cristian Riveros

After already sealing his switch away from Cruz Azul, Riveros will be hoping to show his new Sunderland team mates and fans that Steve Bruce was right to splash out on him. He will link up with national team mate Paulo Da Silva at the Black Cats, and this could be a real coup for Bruce should he go on to have a good competition.

Manager - Gerado Martino

Gerado Martino is rated as one of South Americas best coaches, and the Argentine will be hoping to emulate Paraguays recent showing in the second round. He often complains that Brazil and Argentina get preferential treatment and would love to get one over on them, although it doesn't seem likely this year.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Should make it out of the group, but could face stern opposition from Slovakia.

New Zealand - World Ranking 78

After qualifying for a play-off spot from the Oceania-Asia group, New Zealand were lucky to only have to face Bahrain and not one they bigger side such as China. They progressed to the final after a goalless draw away was followed up with a 1-0 victory in Wellington, cue wild celebrations.

However the All Whites will have their work cut out, as their varied results in the build up shows. After securing their place in the play-off they were then beaten by Fiji, as well as conceding four against Spain in the Confederations Cup.

With only one World Cup under their belts though it will be hard for them not to improve. They lost all three in 1982, scoring only twice but conceding 12.

Strengths

Ryan Nelsen's Premier League experience could prove crucial, as well as that of the several other players who have experience of European football. Nelsen is doubt the most experienced man in the side, and he will need to keep a calm head if New Zealand don't capitulate.

Also the element of surprise could work in their favour, with the other sides in the group not knowing an awful lot about the All Whites. Although they will need to vary their style of play if this is to occur, a point which lead us onto their weaknesses.

Weaknesses

New Zealand are a typically long ball side, with Shane Smeltz the main target in attack. This style of play will be easy for Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia to deal with, so they will need to mix it up and try something different if they are to get anything out of this summers tournament.

In addition to this their lack of quality players will ultimately cost them. Their friendly results have been largely disappointing, bar a 1-0 victory over Serbia, so this suggests they could struggle to get even a point.

Key Man - Ryan Nelsen

An Ewood Park favourite, Nelsen will have his work cut out trying to keep out opposition attackers this summer. His uncompromising approach epitomises how Sam Allardyce sees the game, however his relative success in the Premier League doesn't look like being replicated this summer.

One to Watch - Rory Fallon

The player who scored the goal to get his country to South Africa, is likely to play just off Smeltz in the Kiwi attack. He usually enjoys a good goal record both for club and country, and he could be a crucial if New Zealand are going to improve on their last World Cup showing.

Manager - Ricki Herbert

New Zealand's centre back from the 1982 finals doesn't have much quality to work with in this side, and will struggle for his side to make any kind of impact at all. A tough guy on the pitch he replicates that as a manager, as well as being a good organiser.

Odds - 2000/1

Prediction - Will struggle to score and will be on the first flight home.

Slovakia - World Ranking 38

Slovakia are heading to their first World Cup since independence, after previously competing as part of Czechoslovakia. And while qualifying for this summer tournament they meet there mighty neighbour the Czech Republic as well as Poland, to highlight their credentials as they topped their group.

They head to South Africa with a very experienced squad, with just a few younger players thrown in (including Marek Hamsik see key man and Miroslav Stoch, the one to watch). They will no doubt be written off early, along with New Zealand in this group, but there solid defence and creative attacking force could well spring a surprise or two.

Strengths

As they showed in qualifying they are a solid unit, but are also a side that doesn't sit back and try to block out teams. Martin Skrtel is a rock at the back for his country, form that he hasn't quite managed to transform to Liverpool as a consistent basis. Hamsik is the driving force from midfield, although they do have hidden strength that may go unnoticed. Chelsea youngster Miroslav Stoch is the countries most prized young asset, and after a sterling season with Steve McClaren at Twente Enschede he is brimming with confidence.

Weaknesses

Their simple lack of world class talent could come back to haunt them. At the moment they have a squad with good players who may well go on to become world class, but simply aren't quite there at the moment. It will the final group match against Italy that will test this theory, with the world champions blessed with some of the worlds best.

Key Man - Marek Hamsik

Napoli's 22-year-old midfield dynamo looked like a panic buy when he first made the move from Serie B side Brescia for £3.5m. The promise that they were buying potential looks to have paid off, as he finished top scorer in his first season. In addition he was named Slovakian young player of the year two years running, and he is been tracked by a number of Europe's top clubs who will no doubt make a move if he performs as we know he can.

One to Watch - Miroslav Stoch

Chelsea could have a future star on their hands, if Stoch can continue his progression at the Stamford Bridge outfit. The attacking midfielder or winger could be a natural successor to a number of Chelsea's ageing stars, and after a title winning season in Holland he heads to South Africa full of confidence.

Manager - Vladimir Weiss

Despite a lack of top class managerial experience, Vladimir Weiss has coach Champions League football with Artmedia Bratislava. The popular coach has seemingly managed to get Slovakia to punch above their weight, a trait he will hope continues through the summer.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - Will challenge Paraguay for second spot in the group.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be previewing Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal of group G.