In our group [group C] we will have,Australia,Italy USA and Russia, if we get out of our group we are looking at the winners or runners up from group D,which comprises South Africa,Wales,Fiji,Samoa or Namibia, I sort of think that we will end up playing South africa, and then come home,
link for all this craic, http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/pools/index.html
Rugby World Cup 2011
Moderator: Moderators
Rugby World Cup 2011
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
Maybe if we can produce the performance we showed against England,the WC may not be so much of an anti-climax,but then again we don't have England in our group. 
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
Australia may be beatable, but doubt it, however for Wales SA are beatable if they play poor and Wales play well, giving us the potential of a quarter vs Wales, and what a match that'd be, great chance to stick it up them, lets hope they use the right ball!
On the other side, If the team fell to bits like last tine round Italy will fancy their chances, with the potential of an even bigger disaster than 2007! Playing them last however should help, and I do feel this is unlikely.
Gotta agree having said that, I feel a game v SA is beckoning, and the outcome of that game will define the WC
On the other side, If the team fell to bits like last tine round Italy will fancy their chances, with the potential of an even bigger disaster than 2007! Playing them last however should help, and I do feel this is unlikely.
Gotta agree having said that, I feel a game v SA is beckoning, and the outcome of that game will define the WC
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/w ... 16088.html
It's all to play for as scramble for places in Ireland's World Cup squad gathers pace
It's 153 days until Ireland kick off their World Cup 2011 campaign against the US in New Plymouth.
An eternity for the Chilean miners (who were underground for 69) but for Ireland coach Declan Kidney, it does not seem that long. It will be on us before we know it and speculation on the composition of Kidney's 30-man squad has begun in earnest.
Injuries cloud the issue; in an ideal scenario Jerry Flannery and Stephen Ferris would be fit and in fine fettle but given how their seasons have been ravaged by repeated setbacks, it does not look good for two of the world-class players at Kidney's disposal.
The World Cup is a dog-fight and, with the likes of Russia and Italy to negotiate, Ireland are in a particularly physical group. Bringing players with any sort of injury cloud hanging over them is a gamble that could prove disruptive, and Geordan Murphy is another who could suffer in this regard, given the lack of game time he has had this season.
On the upside, the hope is that Paul O'Connell and Rob Kearney will be fully recovered, and scrum-half Tomas O'Leary should be back in tow sooner rather than later.
Last weekend's European contests replicated the type of intensity Ireland will encounter in five months' time, so what did we learn about the contenders?
PROPS
It was a worrying weekend for the Irish scrum. Cian Healy and Mike Ross coped well with a fearsome Leicester unit, who used every trick in the book (such as stepping left on the hit) to prevent Jamie Heaslip getting a launchpad. Whatever way you look at it, Ireland need to bring five props to the World Cup and rotate them through the pool stages.
The Leinster duo are unquestionably Ireland's first-choice props; it is their back-up that concerns.
Tony Buckley and Tom Court endured torrid afternoons for Munster and Ulster respectively but, given the need for the sole substitute prop at international level to cover loose-head and tight-head, both will travel.
It looks to be a World Cup campaign too far for John Hayes and, given that Jamie Hagan is the only Irish prop besides the Leinster pair playing to form, the Connacht man deserves the final slot.
HOOKERS
Fully fit, Flannery is Ireland's best hooker and one of the finest in world rugby. However, Rory Best had a good Six Nations in the Munster man's absence and provides industry around the park and the essential efficiency out of touch.
Best was dragged down by Ulster's subjugation in the front five against Northampton but knows how to scrummage and has worked well alongside Greg Feek with Ireland.
Damien Varley is a quality operator for Munster and did well against Brive but must get consistency on his throw when the pressure comes on.
Sean Cronin is the most dynamic of the three but, with Connacht now just seeing out their Magners League campaign, he needs big performances to keep his hand up as Varley and Best have some high-profile matches to impress in.
SECOND-ROWS
On the assumption that O'Connell will make it, three of the second-rows pick themselves, with Leo Cullen and Donncha O'Callaghan enjoying fine seasons.
The fourth second-row slot is the one up for grabs. Kidney has tremendous loyalty to Mick O'Driscoll, which his former PBC Cork pupil has justified on numerous occasions, while Devin Toner brings line-out security to the table but without the experience or hardness essential for this challenge.
It leaves Donnacha Ryan nicely positioned. The former UCC man has been a keen student under O'Callaghan, O'Connell and O'Driscoll at Munster but has lacked the game time in his natural position.
However, he has all the attributes and the ability to cover the back-row adds to the appeal.
BACK-ROWS
Ireland are awash with options here, even if Ferris does not make it. Sean O'Brien, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip are nailed down, while it would be a surprise if Kidney doesn't bring Denis Leamy, whose grappling qualities and general hardness could be crucial.
However, the back of the line-out issue is of paramount importance and this brings Kevin McLaughlin firmly into the equation ahead of Leamy. Like O'Connell before his ankle setback, McLaughlin is approaching battle-speed since his return from injury and he was superb on Saturday -- completely outplaying Lions starter Tom Croft.
Shane Jennings' nous also has World Cup merit but the flanker, excellent for Leinster over the past few seasons, did not truly grab his chance for Ireland against Australia last June.
Ulster erred badly by not starting Willie Faloon against the Saints and this is a guy Ireland need to look at seriously. Hopefully, the open-side will get a run of games now for Ulster to stake his claim because he has 'World Cup bolter' written all over him.
SCRUM-HALVES
Ireland have four quality options here and another, Conor Murray, making a late surge. Murray impressed again for Munster against Brive but this World Cup may have come a bit soon for him.
O'Leary and Reddan will travel as two of the three No 9s and, while Peter Stringer's swift delivery would be a considerable asset, in the heat of battle the physicality of Isaac Boss may be more useful.
OUT-HALVES
A non-issue, as long as injury (touch wood) does not intervene. Jonathan Sexton was in the groove for Leinster against the Tigers (comprehensively outplaying Toby Flood for the second time in a matter of weeks) while Ronan O'Gara has been in the groove all season.
CENTRES
Again, little need for debate here. Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll are gearing up for a World Cup campaign that will serve as a fitting monument to their contributions to Irish rugby.
FULL-BACK
There can be only one, and it has to be Rob Kearney. Isa Nacewa has raised the bar on full-back play and there have been calls for a magical 15 in the Aucklander's image.
Ireland tried Luke Fitzgerald there unsuccessfully during the Six Nations, while Keith Earls sparkled at No 15 against England without being tested defensively. Fast-forward six months to a potential quarter-final against South Africa and when the bombs go up in the air, who do you want fielding them?
Kearney is a big-game player (not least against the Springboks) and the World Cup will be all about tension and tight calls. The Louth man provides security at the back, as well as a potent attacking threat. Fitness permitting, it should be a done deal.
UTILITY BACKS
Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls are locked down, as should be Luke Fitzgerald -- a player with the talent to be a World Cup star once he rediscovers his mojo.
Andrew Trimble's bulk and pace are perfect for this fronting-up exercise and he has done enough to see off Shane Horgan, who is still going strong for Leinster after more than 200 career appearances. Kidney is almost certain to take Paddy Wallace as his back-up out-half and understudy centre, but this is an area to take a gamble.
If O'Gara or Sexton should be ruled out during the tournament, Wallace can be brought in (there will be a group of back-up players sleeping by New Zealand time in readiness) but there are players for the original squad that pack more potency.
Fergus McFadden has had not had the exposure with province or country that his ability and form have merited and he has earned a spot on the plane -- also providing the third top-class place-kicking option required in the squad.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Kidney's final selection will, in all probability, differ significantly from the one picked here, but with a clutch of big games to go in this season, it should not be set in stone. There is still time for the Hagans, McLaughlins and Faloons to make their cases, while some good news on the injury front and good scrummaging from Tony Buckley and Tom Court would not go amiss either.
It's all to play for as scramble for places in Ireland's World Cup squad gathers pace
It's 153 days until Ireland kick off their World Cup 2011 campaign against the US in New Plymouth.
An eternity for the Chilean miners (who were underground for 69) but for Ireland coach Declan Kidney, it does not seem that long. It will be on us before we know it and speculation on the composition of Kidney's 30-man squad has begun in earnest.
Injuries cloud the issue; in an ideal scenario Jerry Flannery and Stephen Ferris would be fit and in fine fettle but given how their seasons have been ravaged by repeated setbacks, it does not look good for two of the world-class players at Kidney's disposal.
The World Cup is a dog-fight and, with the likes of Russia and Italy to negotiate, Ireland are in a particularly physical group. Bringing players with any sort of injury cloud hanging over them is a gamble that could prove disruptive, and Geordan Murphy is another who could suffer in this regard, given the lack of game time he has had this season.
On the upside, the hope is that Paul O'Connell and Rob Kearney will be fully recovered, and scrum-half Tomas O'Leary should be back in tow sooner rather than later.
Last weekend's European contests replicated the type of intensity Ireland will encounter in five months' time, so what did we learn about the contenders?
PROPS
It was a worrying weekend for the Irish scrum. Cian Healy and Mike Ross coped well with a fearsome Leicester unit, who used every trick in the book (such as stepping left on the hit) to prevent Jamie Heaslip getting a launchpad. Whatever way you look at it, Ireland need to bring five props to the World Cup and rotate them through the pool stages.
The Leinster duo are unquestionably Ireland's first-choice props; it is their back-up that concerns.
Tony Buckley and Tom Court endured torrid afternoons for Munster and Ulster respectively but, given the need for the sole substitute prop at international level to cover loose-head and tight-head, both will travel.
It looks to be a World Cup campaign too far for John Hayes and, given that Jamie Hagan is the only Irish prop besides the Leinster pair playing to form, the Connacht man deserves the final slot.
HOOKERS
Fully fit, Flannery is Ireland's best hooker and one of the finest in world rugby. However, Rory Best had a good Six Nations in the Munster man's absence and provides industry around the park and the essential efficiency out of touch.
Best was dragged down by Ulster's subjugation in the front five against Northampton but knows how to scrummage and has worked well alongside Greg Feek with Ireland.
Damien Varley is a quality operator for Munster and did well against Brive but must get consistency on his throw when the pressure comes on.
Sean Cronin is the most dynamic of the three but, with Connacht now just seeing out their Magners League campaign, he needs big performances to keep his hand up as Varley and Best have some high-profile matches to impress in.
SECOND-ROWS
On the assumption that O'Connell will make it, three of the second-rows pick themselves, with Leo Cullen and Donncha O'Callaghan enjoying fine seasons.
The fourth second-row slot is the one up for grabs. Kidney has tremendous loyalty to Mick O'Driscoll, which his former PBC Cork pupil has justified on numerous occasions, while Devin Toner brings line-out security to the table but without the experience or hardness essential for this challenge.
It leaves Donnacha Ryan nicely positioned. The former UCC man has been a keen student under O'Callaghan, O'Connell and O'Driscoll at Munster but has lacked the game time in his natural position.
However, he has all the attributes and the ability to cover the back-row adds to the appeal.
BACK-ROWS
Ireland are awash with options here, even if Ferris does not make it. Sean O'Brien, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip are nailed down, while it would be a surprise if Kidney doesn't bring Denis Leamy, whose grappling qualities and general hardness could be crucial.
However, the back of the line-out issue is of paramount importance and this brings Kevin McLaughlin firmly into the equation ahead of Leamy. Like O'Connell before his ankle setback, McLaughlin is approaching battle-speed since his return from injury and he was superb on Saturday -- completely outplaying Lions starter Tom Croft.
Shane Jennings' nous also has World Cup merit but the flanker, excellent for Leinster over the past few seasons, did not truly grab his chance for Ireland against Australia last June.
Ulster erred badly by not starting Willie Faloon against the Saints and this is a guy Ireland need to look at seriously. Hopefully, the open-side will get a run of games now for Ulster to stake his claim because he has 'World Cup bolter' written all over him.
SCRUM-HALVES
Ireland have four quality options here and another, Conor Murray, making a late surge. Murray impressed again for Munster against Brive but this World Cup may have come a bit soon for him.
O'Leary and Reddan will travel as two of the three No 9s and, while Peter Stringer's swift delivery would be a considerable asset, in the heat of battle the physicality of Isaac Boss may be more useful.
OUT-HALVES
A non-issue, as long as injury (touch wood) does not intervene. Jonathan Sexton was in the groove for Leinster against the Tigers (comprehensively outplaying Toby Flood for the second time in a matter of weeks) while Ronan O'Gara has been in the groove all season.
CENTRES
Again, little need for debate here. Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll are gearing up for a World Cup campaign that will serve as a fitting monument to their contributions to Irish rugby.
FULL-BACK
There can be only one, and it has to be Rob Kearney. Isa Nacewa has raised the bar on full-back play and there have been calls for a magical 15 in the Aucklander's image.
Ireland tried Luke Fitzgerald there unsuccessfully during the Six Nations, while Keith Earls sparkled at No 15 against England without being tested defensively. Fast-forward six months to a potential quarter-final against South Africa and when the bombs go up in the air, who do you want fielding them?
Kearney is a big-game player (not least against the Springboks) and the World Cup will be all about tension and tight calls. The Louth man provides security at the back, as well as a potent attacking threat. Fitness permitting, it should be a done deal.
UTILITY BACKS
Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls are locked down, as should be Luke Fitzgerald -- a player with the talent to be a World Cup star once he rediscovers his mojo.
Andrew Trimble's bulk and pace are perfect for this fronting-up exercise and he has done enough to see off Shane Horgan, who is still going strong for Leinster after more than 200 career appearances. Kidney is almost certain to take Paddy Wallace as his back-up out-half and understudy centre, but this is an area to take a gamble.
If O'Gara or Sexton should be ruled out during the tournament, Wallace can be brought in (there will be a group of back-up players sleeping by New Zealand time in readiness) but there are players for the original squad that pack more potency.
Fergus McFadden has had not had the exposure with province or country that his ability and form have merited and he has earned a spot on the plane -- also providing the third top-class place-kicking option required in the squad.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Kidney's final selection will, in all probability, differ significantly from the one picked here, but with a clutch of big games to go in this season, it should not be set in stone. There is still time for the Hagans, McLaughlins and Faloons to make their cases, while some good news on the injury front and good scrummaging from Tony Buckley and Tom Court would not go amiss either.
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
I find that article unbeleivable - so many wrong headed assessments that I don't know where to start.
In fact I don't think I will. Suffice to say I think it is C$ap
In fact I don't think I will. Suffice to say I think it is C$ap
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
bootlaced wrote:In our group [group C] we will have,Australia,Italy USA and Russia, if we get out of our group we are looking at the winners or runners up from group D,which comprises South Africa,Wales,Fiji,Samoa or Namibia, I sort of think that we will end up playing South africa, and then come home,
link for all this craic, http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/pools/index.html
I hope we dont qualify and have to face Namibia. They were pretty good last time
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
This story has been kept under the radar now for a while.
http://www.worldcupweb.com/rugby/news/v ... p?id=29811
Fiji will send a team to this year's Rugby World Cup even if New Zealand bans players linked to the Pacific nation's military regime from attending, world rugby supremo Mike Miller said Friday.
New Zealand, which will host the tournament later this year, has a long-standing policy barring anyone with ties to Suva's military from entering the country, casting doubt the participation of several Fijian players.
But International Rugby Board (IRB) chief executive Miller said Fiji would send a team to New Zealand regardless, adding "let's not create a drama which doesn't exist".
"We'll see what happens on a case-by-case basis but Fiji will be here," Miller told reporters in Wellington.
"We have to wait and see what happens, who they select and then the processes will take their course, but the Fijian team will be here."
New Zealand imposed travel bans on members of Fiji's military regime, which seized power in a 2006 coup, after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama reneged on a promise to hold elections in 2009.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully last month raised the prospect of relaxing the sanctions ahead of the World Cup if Fiji provided firm evidence it intended to honour a promise to hold elections in 2014.
Miller said there had been no discussions with New Zealand on the sanctions' potential impact on Fiji's World Cup squad as the team had not yet been named.
He said there was intense interest in the tournament in rugby-mad Fiji and it would send a team to New Zealand capable of upsetting the game's powerhouse nations.
"The Rugby World Cup is one of the most important things for them, they know that it's a chance for Fiji to shine," he said.
Asked if Bainimarama should be allowed into New Zealand to cheer on his team, Miller replied: "I think that anyone who wants to come along to the Rugby World Cup should come along.
"(But) it's really not up to me to decide who can come and support their team."
http://www.worldcupweb.com/rugby/news/v ... p?id=29811
Fiji will send a team to this year's Rugby World Cup even if New Zealand bans players linked to the Pacific nation's military regime from attending, world rugby supremo Mike Miller said Friday.
New Zealand, which will host the tournament later this year, has a long-standing policy barring anyone with ties to Suva's military from entering the country, casting doubt the participation of several Fijian players.
But International Rugby Board (IRB) chief executive Miller said Fiji would send a team to New Zealand regardless, adding "let's not create a drama which doesn't exist".
"We'll see what happens on a case-by-case basis but Fiji will be here," Miller told reporters in Wellington.
"We have to wait and see what happens, who they select and then the processes will take their course, but the Fijian team will be here."
New Zealand imposed travel bans on members of Fiji's military regime, which seized power in a 2006 coup, after Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama reneged on a promise to hold elections in 2009.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully last month raised the prospect of relaxing the sanctions ahead of the World Cup if Fiji provided firm evidence it intended to honour a promise to hold elections in 2014.
Miller said there had been no discussions with New Zealand on the sanctions' potential impact on Fiji's World Cup squad as the team had not yet been named.
He said there was intense interest in the tournament in rugby-mad Fiji and it would send a team to New Zealand capable of upsetting the game's powerhouse nations.
"The Rugby World Cup is one of the most important things for them, they know that it's a chance for Fiji to shine," he said.
Asked if Bainimarama should be allowed into New Zealand to cheer on his team, Miller replied: "I think that anyone who wants to come along to the Rugby World Cup should come along.
"(But) it's really not up to me to decide who can come and support their team."
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
http://www.worldcupweb.com/rugby/news/v ... p?id=29695
IRB announce Rugby World Cup match officials
The International Rugby Board has announced the Panel of match officials who will preside over the 48 matches at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand in September and October.
A streamlined Panel of 10 Referees will be supported by seven dedicated Assistant Referees and four Television Match Officials at Rugby's showcase event.
George Clancy will referee the Opening Match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
The selection was made after a comprehensive review of refereeing performances by the IRB Match Official Selection Committee, chaired by IRB Council Member David Pickering, at its meeting in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday.
While the appointments for the 40 Pool matches will not be announced until August, the IRB can confirm that Ireland's George Clancy, making his Rugby World Cup debut, will take charge of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and Tonga at Eden Park on September 9.
Appointments for the knock-out matches will be made following a performance review after the completion of the pool phase when 10 of the 21 match officials will be retained.
Clancy is joined in the Panel by countryman and Rugby World Cup 2007 Final Referee Alain Rolland, England's Dave Pearson and Wayne Barnes, France's Romain Poite, New Zealand's Bryce Lawrence, South Africa's Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan, Nigel Owens of Wales and Australia's Steve Walsh.
Kaplan and Walsh will be officiating at their fourth Rugby World Cup (a tournament record), while the referees have taken charge of 287 Tests between them at an average of 28.7 Tests per Referee.
The IRB Match Official Selection Committee is pleased with the way that the High Performance Referees have responded to refereeing the key areas of the Game identified 12 months ago and also the manner in which they have responded to a lift in fitness standards that have been set over the course of the past two years in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011," said Pickering.
"In selecting 10 Referees we are underlining our commitment to further enhancing consistency and a policy of selecting the best match officials for the world's best teams at Rugby's showcase tournament."
"While inevitably there are those who are unlucky to miss out on selection, it is really exciting to see the likes of George Clancy, Dave Pearson, Romain Poite, Bryce Lawrence and Craig Joubert included within a Rugby World Cup Referee Panel for the first time on merit."
In addition to the Panel of 10 Rugby World Cup Referees, seven specialist Assistant Referees have been selected who will assist during the tournament's pool stages.
Chris Pollock and Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Jerome Garces (France), Stuart Terheege (England), Tim Hayes (Wales), Simon McDowell (Ireland) and Carlo Damasco (Italy) comprise the Panel. Pollock and Garces are the reserve Referees for the Tournament.
Four highly experienced Television Match Officials complete the Panel. Giulio De Santis (Italy), Graham Hughes (England), Matt Goddard (Australia) and Shaun Veldsman (South Africa) will preside over every match.
RWC 2011 Referees
Barnes, Wayne (RFU)
Poite, Romain (FFR)
Owens, Nigel (WRU)
Rolland, Alain (IRFU)
Walsh, Steve (ARU)
Lawrence, Bryce (NZRU)
Clancy, George (IRFU)
Kaplan, Jonathan (SARU)
Joubert, Craig (SARU)
Pearson, Dave (RFU)
Assistant Referees
Garces, Jerome* (FFR)
Pollock, Chris* (NZRU)
McDowell, Simon (IRFU)
Munro, Vinny (NZRU)
Terheege, Stuart (RFU)
Hayes, Tim (WRU)
Damasco, Carlo (FIR)
* Denotes Reserve Referees
TMOs
Hughes, Graham (RFU)
Veldsman, Shaun (SARU)
De Santis, Giulio (FIR)
Goddard, Matt (ARU)
IRB announce Rugby World Cup match officials
The International Rugby Board has announced the Panel of match officials who will preside over the 48 matches at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand in September and October.
A streamlined Panel of 10 Referees will be supported by seven dedicated Assistant Referees and four Television Match Officials at Rugby's showcase event.
George Clancy will referee the Opening Match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
The selection was made after a comprehensive review of refereeing performances by the IRB Match Official Selection Committee, chaired by IRB Council Member David Pickering, at its meeting in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday.
While the appointments for the 40 Pool matches will not be announced until August, the IRB can confirm that Ireland's George Clancy, making his Rugby World Cup debut, will take charge of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and Tonga at Eden Park on September 9.
Appointments for the knock-out matches will be made following a performance review after the completion of the pool phase when 10 of the 21 match officials will be retained.
Clancy is joined in the Panel by countryman and Rugby World Cup 2007 Final Referee Alain Rolland, England's Dave Pearson and Wayne Barnes, France's Romain Poite, New Zealand's Bryce Lawrence, South Africa's Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan, Nigel Owens of Wales and Australia's Steve Walsh.
Kaplan and Walsh will be officiating at their fourth Rugby World Cup (a tournament record), while the referees have taken charge of 287 Tests between them at an average of 28.7 Tests per Referee.
The IRB Match Official Selection Committee is pleased with the way that the High Performance Referees have responded to refereeing the key areas of the Game identified 12 months ago and also the manner in which they have responded to a lift in fitness standards that have been set over the course of the past two years in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011," said Pickering.
"In selecting 10 Referees we are underlining our commitment to further enhancing consistency and a policy of selecting the best match officials for the world's best teams at Rugby's showcase tournament."
"While inevitably there are those who are unlucky to miss out on selection, it is really exciting to see the likes of George Clancy, Dave Pearson, Romain Poite, Bryce Lawrence and Craig Joubert included within a Rugby World Cup Referee Panel for the first time on merit."
In addition to the Panel of 10 Rugby World Cup Referees, seven specialist Assistant Referees have been selected who will assist during the tournament's pool stages.
Chris Pollock and Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Jerome Garces (France), Stuart Terheege (England), Tim Hayes (Wales), Simon McDowell (Ireland) and Carlo Damasco (Italy) comprise the Panel. Pollock and Garces are the reserve Referees for the Tournament.
Four highly experienced Television Match Officials complete the Panel. Giulio De Santis (Italy), Graham Hughes (England), Matt Goddard (Australia) and Shaun Veldsman (South Africa) will preside over every match.
RWC 2011 Referees
Barnes, Wayne (RFU)
Poite, Romain (FFR)
Owens, Nigel (WRU)
Rolland, Alain (IRFU)
Walsh, Steve (ARU)
Lawrence, Bryce (NZRU)
Clancy, George (IRFU)
Kaplan, Jonathan (SARU)
Joubert, Craig (SARU)
Pearson, Dave (RFU)
Assistant Referees
Garces, Jerome* (FFR)
Pollock, Chris* (NZRU)
McDowell, Simon (IRFU)
Munro, Vinny (NZRU)
Terheege, Stuart (RFU)
Hayes, Tim (WRU)
Damasco, Carlo (FIR)
* Denotes Reserve Referees
TMOs
Hughes, Graham (RFU)
Veldsman, Shaun (SARU)
De Santis, Giulio (FIR)
Goddard, Matt (ARU)
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
-
Snipe Watson
- Rí na Cúige Uladh
- Posts: 23443
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:42 pm
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
What 
no Scots travisty
no Scots travisty
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
Congrats to McDowell. There is one Ulsterman definitely going to the World Cup anyway! What has happened to Peter Allen? I always thought he was a great assistant referee!
When life gives you lemons - take them because hey... it's free lemons.
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
Surprised mark lawrence the saouth african didnt make the panel. Always rated him as a referee.
Why? Why not?
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
http://www.espnscrum.com/worldcup/rugby ... 36893.html
http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2 ... _diplomacy
http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2 ... _diplomacy
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/spo ... 59414.html
Final call nears for flyers to make a mark
ON RUGBY: As the season reaches its business end, opportunities are running out for ‘bolters’ to make Ireland’s World Cup squad, writes GERRY THORNLEY
UNLIKE, SAY, the Italian and Scottish seasons – where Andy Robinson can pretty much afford to start the World Cup countdown now – with three Irish teams set for the Magners League play-offs and another two in Euro semi-finals, the Irish season is likely to run and run until the last weekend in May. This makes for a comparatively reduced pre-season prior to the warm-up matches in August, but so be it.
Hence, provincial form of late and for the remainder of the season – starting this weekend – could prove highly significant individually in the context of the 30-man Irish World Cup squad. Unlike 2007, there is no summer tour, so time is already running out.
The first three of Ireland’s four warm-up matches, away to Scotland and away and at home to France, afford Declan Kidney and co limited elbow row for trialing individuals, as they would prefer to use those games for their frontliners to obtain match practice.
Resources can only go so far, and the provinces will be particularly strained during the eight or nine league games which clash with the World Cup.
Even so, Ireland’s decision not to have the Wolfhounds take part in the Churchill Cup looks questionable, not least as the tournament takes place in England (Northampton, Esher, Gloucester and Worcester) from June 4th-18th. Instead, three of Ireland’s pool opponents – Italy, the USA and Russia – will take part, as will Tonga, Canada and, of course, the English Saxons, which will presumably provide plenty of useful information for Martin Johnson as well.
This particularly militates against the would-be “bolters” now being hailed from all sides, be it Felix Jones, Conor Murray, Paddy McAllister, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave or whomever. In this regard, Tony McGahan has done a good job for both Munster and Kidney in that he has overseen a resourceful and resilient run of form since Munster’s Heineken Cup exit while also giving game-time to the likes of Jones, Murray, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Nagle and others.
The composition of the preliminary 50-man squad to be named by June 17th will underline the improved strength in depth and options which Kidney has helped to develop compared to four years ago. However, regarding the August 22nd deadline for the final 30-man squad, the problem for Jones (whom Keith Wood, for one, believes simply “has to go” to the World Cup), Murray, Spence, Cave et al, is simply a lack of substantial opportunity, not to mention room within a 30-man squad. It’s not as big as it looks.
If, for example, Kidney and co opt for a split of 17 forwards and 13 backs – perhaps likelier given the long haul to New Zealand and the generally heavier strain on frontrowers and backrowers – with three scrumhalves, two specialist outhalves and three out-and-out midfielders, that leaves only five more places for outside backs.
Versatility will be decidedly useful, in that the likes of Keith Earls, Tommy Bowe and Luke Fitzgerald can all play in midfield as well. Admittedly, Fitzgerald could do with a strong showing between now and the season’s end. You’d also have to think that at least one or other of Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy will travel, while Paddy Wallace’s status as a third outhalf/goalkicker will also work in his favour.
This could conceivably leave no room for Fergus McFadden, Shane Horgan, Gavin Duffy and Murphy or Kearney, before you even come to Jones, Spence and Cave, not to mention Ian Humphreys, whose attacking game is on fire. Similarly, presuming Tomás O’Leary and Eoin Reddan travel, Conor Murray would have to elbow in ahead of Peter Stringer and Isaac Boss.
The three hookers are likely to be Rory Best, Seán Cronin and Jerry Flannery, if fit, or if not then Damien Varley.
The propping department looks thin. Along with Cian Healy and Mike Ross, Tom Court is liable to travel given he notionally covers both sides (and curiously the World Cup will have 22-man match-day squads rather than 23, even though there’ll be plenty of props in attendance). Tony Buckley appears to be ahead of John Hayes as another tighthead, with Marcus Horan perhaps ahead of Brett Wilkinson or Jamie Hagan.
Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell and Leo Cullen are the highest ranking locks coming out of the Six Nations, and David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip, Seán O’Brien, Denis Leamy and, if fit, Stephen Ferris, the leading backrowers. This would leave just one more place for a backrower gum lock, which Kidney and co appear to have an eye on judging by Dan Tuohy’s selection last summer and Mike McCarthy last November.
Donnacha Ryan looks to be a management favourite, as is Rhys Ruddock, though arguably Kevin McLaughlin is the most in-form candidate now. And, in addition to two of those three plus McCarthy and Tuohy, this means excluding Mick O’Driscoll, Devin Toner, John Muldoon, Shane Jennings, Chris Henry, Niall Ronan and more, all of whom have played for Ireland in the last year.
There’s also Dominic Ryan, Ulster’s Willie Falloon and their South African backrower Robbie Diack, who will be eligible come World Cup time, through surely he needed a longer, less injury-afflicted season than the one he’s had.
In all of this, it’s worth bearing in mind that, in his wisdom, Eddie O’Sullivan did not bring Tommy Bowe, Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald or Rob Kearney to France four years ago, and all four were Lions Test starters two summers later. Four years on, the aforementioned bolters are probably behind that quartet, who were already full internationals at that juncture.
Thus, a possible World Cup 30 would omit plenty of fully-fledged internationals as well as bolters, if it looked something like this:
BACKS (Back five, 5) – Earls, Bowe, Trimble, Fitzgerald, Kearney. (Midfield, 3) – O’Driscoll, D’Arcy, P Wallace. (Outhalves, 2) – Sexton, O’Gara. (Scrumhalves, 3) – Reddan, O’Leary, Stringer.
FORWARDS (Hookers, 3) Best, Cronin, Flannery. (Props, 5) Healy, Ross, Court, Horan, Buckley. (Locks, 3) – O’Connell, O’Callaghan, Cullen. (Backrow, 6) – Heaslip, D Wallace, O’Brien, Ferris, Leamy, McLaughlin.
Somehow I think that DK has already made his mind up who is going and who is not,except maybe for injuries.
Final call nears for flyers to make a mark
ON RUGBY: As the season reaches its business end, opportunities are running out for ‘bolters’ to make Ireland’s World Cup squad, writes GERRY THORNLEY
UNLIKE, SAY, the Italian and Scottish seasons – where Andy Robinson can pretty much afford to start the World Cup countdown now – with three Irish teams set for the Magners League play-offs and another two in Euro semi-finals, the Irish season is likely to run and run until the last weekend in May. This makes for a comparatively reduced pre-season prior to the warm-up matches in August, but so be it.
Hence, provincial form of late and for the remainder of the season – starting this weekend – could prove highly significant individually in the context of the 30-man Irish World Cup squad. Unlike 2007, there is no summer tour, so time is already running out.
The first three of Ireland’s four warm-up matches, away to Scotland and away and at home to France, afford Declan Kidney and co limited elbow row for trialing individuals, as they would prefer to use those games for their frontliners to obtain match practice.
Resources can only go so far, and the provinces will be particularly strained during the eight or nine league games which clash with the World Cup.
Even so, Ireland’s decision not to have the Wolfhounds take part in the Churchill Cup looks questionable, not least as the tournament takes place in England (Northampton, Esher, Gloucester and Worcester) from June 4th-18th. Instead, three of Ireland’s pool opponents – Italy, the USA and Russia – will take part, as will Tonga, Canada and, of course, the English Saxons, which will presumably provide plenty of useful information for Martin Johnson as well.
This particularly militates against the would-be “bolters” now being hailed from all sides, be it Felix Jones, Conor Murray, Paddy McAllister, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave or whomever. In this regard, Tony McGahan has done a good job for both Munster and Kidney in that he has overseen a resourceful and resilient run of form since Munster’s Heineken Cup exit while also giving game-time to the likes of Jones, Murray, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Nagle and others.
The composition of the preliminary 50-man squad to be named by June 17th will underline the improved strength in depth and options which Kidney has helped to develop compared to four years ago. However, regarding the August 22nd deadline for the final 30-man squad, the problem for Jones (whom Keith Wood, for one, believes simply “has to go” to the World Cup), Murray, Spence, Cave et al, is simply a lack of substantial opportunity, not to mention room within a 30-man squad. It’s not as big as it looks.
If, for example, Kidney and co opt for a split of 17 forwards and 13 backs – perhaps likelier given the long haul to New Zealand and the generally heavier strain on frontrowers and backrowers – with three scrumhalves, two specialist outhalves and three out-and-out midfielders, that leaves only five more places for outside backs.
Versatility will be decidedly useful, in that the likes of Keith Earls, Tommy Bowe and Luke Fitzgerald can all play in midfield as well. Admittedly, Fitzgerald could do with a strong showing between now and the season’s end. You’d also have to think that at least one or other of Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy will travel, while Paddy Wallace’s status as a third outhalf/goalkicker will also work in his favour.
This could conceivably leave no room for Fergus McFadden, Shane Horgan, Gavin Duffy and Murphy or Kearney, before you even come to Jones, Spence and Cave, not to mention Ian Humphreys, whose attacking game is on fire. Similarly, presuming Tomás O’Leary and Eoin Reddan travel, Conor Murray would have to elbow in ahead of Peter Stringer and Isaac Boss.
The three hookers are likely to be Rory Best, Seán Cronin and Jerry Flannery, if fit, or if not then Damien Varley.
The propping department looks thin. Along with Cian Healy and Mike Ross, Tom Court is liable to travel given he notionally covers both sides (and curiously the World Cup will have 22-man match-day squads rather than 23, even though there’ll be plenty of props in attendance). Tony Buckley appears to be ahead of John Hayes as another tighthead, with Marcus Horan perhaps ahead of Brett Wilkinson or Jamie Hagan.
Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell and Leo Cullen are the highest ranking locks coming out of the Six Nations, and David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip, Seán O’Brien, Denis Leamy and, if fit, Stephen Ferris, the leading backrowers. This would leave just one more place for a backrower gum lock, which Kidney and co appear to have an eye on judging by Dan Tuohy’s selection last summer and Mike McCarthy last November.
Donnacha Ryan looks to be a management favourite, as is Rhys Ruddock, though arguably Kevin McLaughlin is the most in-form candidate now. And, in addition to two of those three plus McCarthy and Tuohy, this means excluding Mick O’Driscoll, Devin Toner, John Muldoon, Shane Jennings, Chris Henry, Niall Ronan and more, all of whom have played for Ireland in the last year.
There’s also Dominic Ryan, Ulster’s Willie Falloon and their South African backrower Robbie Diack, who will be eligible come World Cup time, through surely he needed a longer, less injury-afflicted season than the one he’s had.
In all of this, it’s worth bearing in mind that, in his wisdom, Eddie O’Sullivan did not bring Tommy Bowe, Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald or Rob Kearney to France four years ago, and all four were Lions Test starters two summers later. Four years on, the aforementioned bolters are probably behind that quartet, who were already full internationals at that juncture.
Thus, a possible World Cup 30 would omit plenty of fully-fledged internationals as well as bolters, if it looked something like this:
BACKS (Back five, 5) – Earls, Bowe, Trimble, Fitzgerald, Kearney. (Midfield, 3) – O’Driscoll, D’Arcy, P Wallace. (Outhalves, 2) – Sexton, O’Gara. (Scrumhalves, 3) – Reddan, O’Leary, Stringer.
FORWARDS (Hookers, 3) Best, Cronin, Flannery. (Props, 5) Healy, Ross, Court, Horan, Buckley. (Locks, 3) – O’Connell, O’Callaghan, Cullen. (Backrow, 6) – Heaslip, D Wallace, O’Brien, Ferris, Leamy, McLaughlin.
Somehow I think that DK has already made his mind up who is going and who is not,except maybe for injuries.
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine
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backawaygoonahead
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Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
Good to see only 5 Ulster players in Thornley's selection. With any luck Deccie will decide to cut back on what is clearly over-representation.
Before you insult somebody you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you insult them you'll be a mile away and have their shoes!
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Re: Rugby World Cup 2011
SECOND-ROWS
On the assumption that O'Connell will make it, three of the second-rows pick themselves, with Leo Cullen and Donncha O'Callaghan enjoying fine seasons.
The fourth second-row slot is the one up for grabs. Kidney has tremendous loyalty to Mick O'Driscoll, which his former PBC Cork pupil has justified on numerous occasions, while Devin Toner brings line-out security to the table but without the experience or hardness essential for this challenge.
It leaves Donnacha Ryan nicely positioned. The former UCC man has been a keen student under O'Callaghan, O'Connell and O'Driscoll at Munster but has lacked the game time in his natural position.
Well you could also look at it in another way, paul O connell, donncha O callaghan, mick O driscoll, and of course le O cullan
Ryan and Tuohy must be trying to change their names by deed poll at the moment
On the assumption that O'Connell will make it, three of the second-rows pick themselves, with Leo Cullen and Donncha O'Callaghan enjoying fine seasons.
The fourth second-row slot is the one up for grabs. Kidney has tremendous loyalty to Mick O'Driscoll, which his former PBC Cork pupil has justified on numerous occasions, while Devin Toner brings line-out security to the table but without the experience or hardness essential for this challenge.
It leaves Donnacha Ryan nicely positioned. The former UCC man has been a keen student under O'Callaghan, O'Connell and O'Driscoll at Munster but has lacked the game time in his natural position.
Well you could also look at it in another way, paul O connell, donncha O callaghan, mick O driscoll, and of course le O cullan
Ryan and Tuohy must be trying to change their names by deed poll at the moment
"Never whistle while you're pi$$ing", Hagbard Celine