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Six Nations Preview

Bet123 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:06:54 +0000

Every sport has it – that annual event that everyone can look forward to. You do not have to be the biggest fan of the game that is being played to suddenly become fixated by a certain event. In tennis it is Wimbledon, in golf it is The Masters in horse racing it is the Grand National.

In rugby, it is the RBS Six Nations. Admittedly, the World Cup is the biggest event in the sport when it comes around once every four years, but as far as having something to look forward to each and every year, this is it.

There is not long to wait now, either. Little over a month in fact. Here we have the run-down on how each of the competing six teams weigh up against one another.

Where else to start, but England? Their first game starts at Murrayfield on February 4 when they take on Scotland. Last year they won the tournament, and almost completed the grand slam but for a thoroughly disappointing defeat at the hands of Ireland. The last time they achieved such a feat was back in 2003, before going on to win the World Cup.

Now under new management, with the impetus on bringing through the bright young talents that fill the Aviva Premiership right now, England will surely be hoping to secure a second successive title so that they have something to build upon as they work towards the next World Cup in 2015.

As for Scotland, they will be hoping for a marked improvement upon how they fared in 2011. they finished joint bottom of the table with Italy, who also happened to be the only side they beat throughout the entire Championship. They lost the other four, and know full well that they can do better than a paltry two points.

Italy, who themselves only managed to win once last time around, and year by year are the standard bet to take home the wooden spoon. But every time you see them play they look better than they did before, with rugby union really on the rise in their country. They may once again take on the role of whipping-boys, but will certainly take heart from that famous win over France last year.

The Italians’ opponents for the first round of fixtures are indeed France. The game at the Stade de France will set the stage and present the perfect opportunity for the French to take their revenge. Many will make them favourites to win this year, with the IRB Player of the Year, Thierry Dusautoir in their ranks.

That leaves just Wales and Ireland. The Welsh will not have been happy with their fourth placed finish last time out, having won the tournament as recently as 2008 when they completed a memorable grand slam in their final game against France.

Ireland proved last year that they are capable of beating any of their Six Nations opponents. They were the only side to beat England last year having also beaten Italy and Scotland. They need to move up a gear this year, however, if they are to build on their 11 previous competition wins.

Before the tournament gets underway though, perhaps it is time to head to http://www.pokerstars.co.uk/poker/games/ and win some money to bet on the Six Nations next month?

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Six Nations Preview

Guscott – Johnson didn’t have the CV

Bet123 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:56:31 +0000

Following the news that Martin Johnson has stepped down from his position as England team manager, former player Jeremy Guscott has said that the former captain was never cut out for the job.

After a poor World Cup campaign, littered with below par performances and off the field problems, Johnson’s position was under review and he has now taking matters into his own hands by stepping down.

Referring to Johnson’s reign, Guscott said: “Johnno didn’t have the CV to do the job but the RFU backed him and he backed himself and unfortunately and regrettably he came up short.”

“The writing on the wall for Johnno was when he selected Steve Borthwick as captain.”

“That was what he thought was the right decision and many others didn’t and for many that was the beginning of the end.”

“There was a brief highlight in beating Australia away from home and thrashing them at Twickenham, that gave us all expectation of what was to come.”

“They won the Six Nations but their performance at the World Cup was abysmal and that was the end.”

Meanwhile, two other former England players have said that Johnson should remain involved with the team in some capacity, especially considering the amount of times he wore a variety of England Rugby Shirts in his illustrious career.

Will Carling tweeted: “Sad for MJ. The man was an awesome player, incredible captain. One of THE greatest England players/servants. Hope there is a role for him.”

Matt Dawson echoed these sentiments, saying: “So who to fill Martin Johnsons shoes? Real shame he’s now not involved. With all the experience gained it’d be primed for 2015.”

There have already been rumours with regards to Johnson’s replacement. Names mentioned include Graham Henry, Nick Mallett and Jim Mallinder, with the latter already confirming his interest in the role.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Guscott – Johnson didn’t have the CV

Cockerill rules himself out of England job

Bet123 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:14:02 +0000

Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has ruled himself out of the running for the England job already, despite former Tigers player and current England head coach Martin Johnson yet to step down or be sacked from his role.

Johnson’s position came under question following a disastrous World Cup campaign which ended in defeat at the quarter final stage against France amidst a wave of controversy surrounding his players off the field antics.

Mike Tindall, Dylan Hartley, Chris Ashton and James Haskell were all in the headlines during the tournament while Jonny Wilkinson and two of Johnson’s backroom staff were given a slap on the risk for attempting to swap balls when the fly-half was lining up attempts at goal, something which is against the rules of the game.

While numerous investigations in to the World Cup debacle continue, Johnson himself has yet to confirm his intention to carry on in the role with his contract almost at an end, although he is a free bet favourite to at least put his hat into the ring, but his former team-mate Cockerill, who has overseen a poor start to the new Aviva Premiership season for the Tigers, insists he has no intentions of going for the job.

When asked by reporters if he would be going for the role he said: “Not interested at all, “I’m two from seven, anyway – I can’t even win a game for my club.”

“And I’m from Leicester. I don’t know if that gets me in or out. They haven’t asked, and I don’t expect them to, and I certainly wouldn’t apply. I’d say that rules me out.” He added.

Cockerill is the latest in a long line to distance himself from the job, with British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, Conor O’Shea and Jim Mallinder all taking themselves out of the running, while there was at least some good news for the RFU as World Cup winning New Zealand coach Graham Henry hinted he would be interested in taking up a development role with England when he steps down from his current role, although free bets suggests he is still in contention for the job.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Cockerill rules himself out of England job

O’Driscoll: I’m not retiring

Bet123 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:44:21 +0000

Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby after Ireland tumbled out of the World Cup at the hands of Wales earlier this month. O’Driscoll, who has won 123 caps, captained the side that came undone against Wales at the Quarter Final stage while also wearing the armband in Ireland’s shock victory over Australia in the pool stage, and despite the disappointment of their early exit insists he has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.

“People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?” the 32-year-old told the Irish Times.

“It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you.”

The British and Irish Lions player is generally considered, even by those more interested in finding the best casinos, as one of the finest players in the modern game and is the leading try scorer in 6 Nations history, but believes that he can follow the lead of countryman David Humphreys, who played well into his thirties at the highest level.

“David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong,” O’Driscoll commented.

“That your time isn’t up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.

“In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn’t have a clue who you are. That’s the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that’s it.

“Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds.”

O’Driscoll admits that he has thought about life after rugby when the time does come to step away from playing, and believes his future does lay in the sport, and refused to rule out following the likes of Martin Johnson from the pitch to the head coach’s seat.

“Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in.” he explained.

“Never say never (about coaching). I don’t know. It is a difficult one to see. It is not something that is causing me sleepless nights at the moment. It is something that I will fall into if it is meant to be.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

O’Driscoll: I’m not retiring

RFU chief backs Johnson

Bet123 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:26:59 +0000

Acting RFU chief executive Martyn Thomas has backed England head coach Martin Johnson to keep his job after a disastrous World Cup campaign that ended with defeat at the hands of France in the Quarter Finals.

England were dogged by off the field incidents during the tournament, and courted media coverage following a drunken night out in Queenstown and a complaint from a hotel staff member against James Haskell, Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley, who were accused of inappropriate behaviour and subsequently reprimanded by Johnson.

Johnson’s contract with the RFU is up at the end of the year and has yet to even declare an interest in continuing on with the job, but Thomas believes the criticism that the 2003 World Cup winning captain who hung up his Rugby Boots soon after has come in for unfair and that he could still carry on in the role.

“He was never ever set a deadline (in declaring an interest in the job), it was merely an informal situation, as and when you’ve made a decision as to whether you wish to carry on or not, let us know,” Thomas told Radio Five Live.

“I’ve not actually spoken to him since he left New Zealand but I have left him a message on his phone.

“He’s had a torrid World Cup, a lot of it not of his making. I’ve always expressed confidence in Martin. I believed he was the right appointment. I accept the fact he didn’t have the coaching experience, but it was about getting a man in who could manage the process, who understood the process and would appoint the right coaches. I will wait and see what the review says. That’s my position.” He added.

Thomas is leading a review of England’s disastrous World Cup campaign along with numerous other investigations into what went wrong in New Zealand. Since England’s exit after defeat against France calls have been made for the return of Clive Woodward, who guided England to glory in 2003, but Thomas insists he has made no contact with Woodward over the possibility of taking up the role.

“The media have said I wanted to bring Clive Woodward back to Twickenham.” He commented.

“That is not my position, and it has never been my position. What I have said is that we should openly advertise and we should interview people. If at the end of the interview process Clive Woodward is the right man because he ticks the boxes for the interview panel, they believe him the right man, then he should be appointed.

“If that panel interviews him and decides he’s not the right man he should not be appointed.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

RFU chief backs Johnson

Hook ready to step up

Bet123 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:12:43 +0000

James Hook has made it more than clear that he is ready to step back into the starting line-up this weekend, with Rhys Priestland struggling to recover from a shoulder injury. Hook had been forced to watch the majority of Wales’ famous victory against Ireland last weekend from the bench after returning to action following his own shoulder injury, although is now back fully fit and raring to get his hands on that highly sought after number 10 jersey against the French.

The form of Priestland so far in this tournament had seen both Hook and Stephen Jones forced to sit and wait for their chance. Warren Gatland will give the youngster every chance to prove his fitness in time for Saturday’s match, but will be well aware of the quality options available to him should the Scarlets’ stand-off miss out. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting should remember how much depth the Wales squad has in that position.

Hook has once again been a victim of his own versatility so far in this tournament, playing mostly at full-back with Priestland at 10, the youngster continuing to impress and keep his place. Hook has admitted the form of Priestland has made it hard for him to be dropped, revealing the younger players in the squad had all forced the senior players to up their game. Those following the rugby betting will know how impressive the side has been during the World Cup.

The French-bound back made no secret of his desire to be involved against France this weekend, admitting it had been tough for him to watch his team-mates from the bench against Ireland, only getting on for a couple of minutes before the final whistle.

“I would be there if needed and selected. It was really difficult (watching on Saturday), but you get caught in the emotion on the bench and get behind the boys.”

“Rhys has taken his chance superbly, and he fully deserves the credit he has been having. The young players spur you on with the energy they bring in training and off the field. The older boys are feeding off that, which is good and healthy for the team.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Hook ready to step up

Depleted All Blacks call on Gear and Donald

Bet123 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:03:10 +0000

New Zealand’s quarter-final victory against Argentina on Sunday was a hard-won battle.

The Pumas have never beaten the New Zealanders and were clearly determined to change that.

However, despite a promising start, the All Blacks came up trumps for the seventeenth time in a row.

The islanders certainly bear the scars of their clash with the Argentines though. Heading into the final stages of the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand have been forced to rule out a further two players due to injury, meaning that the All Blacks are now without at least four of their star Kiwis, including Dan Carter. Anyone following the Rugby World Cup betting will be wondering if they can cope without some key men.

Veteran player, Mils Muliaina, and 24-year-old fly-half, Colin Slade have been sent home with a fractured shoulder and a groin tear, respectively. Slade had been playing as a replacement for Carter, until he was ruled out with much the same injury. Slade’s replacement, Stephen Donald, will be hoping to avoid such a fate.

Despite the additions, youngster, Aaron Cruden, is likely to play in Carter’s fly-half position, during Sunday’s crucial tie against the Wallabies. Piri Weepu, whose kicking surely saved the All Blacks from a less-than-flattering scoreline, at the weekend, is also available for selection in the fly-half slot. Those looking at the Will Greenwood Betfair tips should take this into account.

Hosea Gear will take the place of Muliaina, while fit-again Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui will make a welcome return to the All Blacks dressing room. Muliaina, who has claimed 100 caps for this country, was upset with his dismissal from the squad, “I know I won’t be back”, Muliaina told the assembled press on Monday. “I’m just proud to be a Kiwi, and proud to be an All Black.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Depleted All Blacks call on Gear and Donald

Kirwan considers Japan exit

Bet123 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:29:24 +0000

Japanese head coach John Kirwan has admitted that he is considering his options after his side drew 23-23 with Canada in their final game at the World Cup.

The Cherry Blossom’s endured another disheartening tournament, failing to win a game and suffering heavy defeats against France and New Zealand before throwing away victory in their final game of the tournament.

That draw means Japan’s record at the World Cup reads one win, two draws and 22 defeats since 1987, while Kirwan is yet to taste victory at the tournament since taking over in the months leading up to the 2007 competition.

The former All Black appeared downcast after the draw with Canada last week, admitting he felt “flat” after failing to end their twenty year search for a World Cup win and that he could leave his role when his contract expires in December.

“I’m off-contract. I’m going to take a few weeks off and look at some options, probably wait until the end of the World Cup,” Kirwan said.

“I love international football, it really excites me. It’s fantastic, I love being here, I love being at World Cups and love the international stage. I’ve got to wait until I get an offer.

“It’s been an exciting and great four years with the Japanese team. There is still a lot of work to do over there.

“Clubs in Europe, coming home to New Zealand, or staying with Japan, they’re all options.”

He added: “I’m disappointed not to get up and win today. It would’ve been our first win in 20 years. We had goals that we wanted to beat Tonga and Canada, so that’s disappointing.”

Kirwan’s comments came after Ander Monro helped haul Canada back into the game when the victory appeared to belong to Japan. The fly-half crossed the line to move his side within touching distance before landing the last-gasp penalty that brought the scores level.

There is a risk Kirwan could be pushed before he jumps after Tatsuzo Yabe, the chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union confirmed they were assessing their options for the future, saying the performances of those in Japanese 2011 World Cup Jerseys exposed them as “far from World Class”.

“Step by step, we had thought Japanese rugby had improved over the last four years,” Yabe said.

“However, we found out first-hand that we are far from world class.

“But the future of Japanese rugby lies ahead of us. As soon as we return home, we will begin our rebuilding plans.

“We have a huge goal of making the 2019 World Cup a success and to reach that goal, Japan must join the top-tier nations at all costs.

“There are a lot of areas we need to improve on, and we have to correct them one by one.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Kirwan considers Japan exit

Ireland continue perfect start

Bet123 — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:01:08 +0000

Ireland regained their place at the top of Pool C with another impressive performance at this World Cup, running out comfortable 62-12 victors against Russia in Rotorua. The Irish showed no signs of any hangover from their stunning win against Australia last week, with a professional performance to return to the top of the table, a display which included nine tries for the Irish with the ever-improving Russians grabbing two of their own.

Head coach Declan Kidney had made 10 changes from the Australia victory but the new-look team continued the momentum of their compatriots and controlled the game from the off. The match was all but over as a contest by the half-time break, with early tries by Fergus McFadden and Sean O’Brien followed up with Issac Boss, Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble all going over respectively to hand Ireland a commanding 36-0 lead by the half-time break, with Ronan O’Gara his usual reliable self from the kicking tee, converting all but Trimble’s tries. Anyone following the World Cup rugby betting will know the game was all but over by then.

Earls grabbed a second try for himself soon after the break, breaking through a tiring Russian midfield and finishing in style. Russian fans were given something to cheer about when the classy Vasily Artemyev carved through the Irish defence and scoring with Konstantin Rachkov adding the extras. The Bears were flying and took advantage of their brief control of the match with Denis Simplikevich scoring his side’s second try, this time in the corner following a nice flowing move.

The Irish quickly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck again though and Russia began showing signs of a punishing couple of weeks, which has seen them play three games in just 11 days. Rob Kearney added his name to the score-sheet with the game entering the closing stages, with Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley adding the gloss to the result with tries of their own, taking Ireland top of Pool C with 13 points from their three games in the process. Those looking at the Will Greenwood Betfair tips will have been impressed by their efforts.

Kidney’s men will now look to wrap up a truly stunning group campaign with another victory next weekend, this time against Italy, a team that the Irish only narrowly beat in the Six Nations earlier this year.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Ireland continue perfect start

New Zealand and France ready to do battle

Bet123 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:07:26 +0000

The Rugby World Cup is well under way and the New Zealand All Blacks have shown exactly why they are the odds-on favourite to lift the winner’s trophy at the end of the tournament with two good opening performances.

The All Blacks were solid winners against Toga by 41-10 then beat Japan by 83-7 and now face a tough test against France.

However, despite some commentators claiming that New Zealand were not at their best during the first two matches the bookmakers seem to disagree. New Zealand have been priced at 1/9 to beat France whilst the French are available at best odds of 17/2 to claim victory on the day.

These odds suggest that the French have no chance of claiming the win and they may well be tempting to some of the more adventurous punters.

The All Blacks lost to France in the World Cup quarter final in Cardiff in 2007 and ten of the players that took part in that game are part of the squad this time around. However, the determination not to see a repeat of that result appears almost t tangible.

The New Zealand coaches have organised a viewing of that unexpected defeat and their players will be expected to appreciate that the French team’s attitude on the day was the winning factor.

The All Blacks will be looking to field a full strength team and have a number of top players available for selections following some injury concerns.

Captain Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and Israel Dagg have all been training freely and will be expected to participate to some extent.

Dan Carters Super Rugby Boots will be gracing the field too as he makes his first appearance of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the French will be pushing hard to upset the odds. The team have put in some decent performances but will look to hit top form against the All Blacks with winger Vincent Clerc one player that they will look toward for inspiration.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

New Zealand and France ready to do battle