Schmid out to sting the Blues

Posted on Nov 16, 2010 in Championship, English Rugby

Mike Schmid wants Esher to show no fear against second-placed Bedford Blues on Saturday as they aim to end a four-match losing run in the Championship.

The Esher Director of Rugby insists confidence is still high despite a run of five defeats and a draw that has seen them slip into 11th place.

Schmid believes a top-eight place is still achievable even though Esher face a daunting three-match run against Bedford, leaders Worcester and Nottingham.

He was delighted with the attitude of his weakened side in the 30-17 defeat at Bristol last Sunday and called for Esher to have a real crack at Bedford at Molesey Road.

Bedford beat Esher 31-9 at Goldington Road in September but Schmid believes his side are capable of springing a shock against the Blues.

He said: “Bedford are a very good team and they seem to have been playing at this level for ever. They always seem to be in the top four.

“But we sat back and let them play when we lost up there and you cannot afford to do that against any side at this level. If you do that it will be a long day at the office.

“We have got to be in their faces from the start and throw everything at them. If we do that we can definitely get something out of the game.

“We have got three of the top sides in the next three weeks but my attitude is we have nothing to lose. We are at home in two of them and we must have a crack at them.”

Esher were without Quins aces Sam Smith, Ross Chisholm, Chris York and Luke Wallace at Bristol while Wasps centre Seb Jewell and back rower Mike Blakeburn were also unavailable.

But Schmid was delighted with the attitude shown by Esher, who scored tries through Gerard Mullen and Andy Garner while lock Paul

Barker impressed on his return after injury.

Schmid said: “We showed immense character at Bristol and I was very proud them. There was a lot of fight, commitment and passion.
“Over the past couple of weeks we are really starting to play the type of game to survive at this level and we must carry that on into the Bedford game.

“We made a couple of mistakes at key moments and Bristol capitalised on them. But I could not fault the commitment. Paul Barker was sin-binned near the end but with seven against eight in the scrum near our line, we still pushed them back and won a penalty.”
Schmid insists six games without a win has not dented confidence as they battle to avoid the bottom four places, which will see them go into the relegation play-offs at the end of the season.

He added: “The spirit is as a good as ever and there is still a great collective will to win in the squad.
“There is no sense that we are losing confidence and we know that if we play as well as we can, we will win games.
“We still believe we can make the top eight but if we do go into the relegation play-offs, we must make sure we take as much confidence as we can into them.”

Connacht’s Robbie Morris retires through injury

Posted on Nov 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Born in Hertford on the 20th of February 1982, Robbie Morris began his rugby career at the age of 8 with his local side Hertford RFC. At the age of 18, Premiership side the Northampton Saints came calling. Robbie had a difficult decision to make as he had just won a silver Commonwealth Youth Games medal for discuss in Edinburgh. His choice was rewarded when he was named in the England U18 squad. He made his debut for the Saints in 2001 and went on to make 56 premiership and 17 Heineken cup appearances including reaching the Heineken cup quarterfinal in 2005. While at Northampton, Robbie was called into the England Senior squad and made his debut against Wales as a 21 year old in 2003. The 2005/6 season saw him make the switch to the Newcastle Falcons where he played with fellow Connacht forward Michael McCarthy. In two seasons with the Falcons, Robbie made 35 appearances before moving to the West of Ireland. He made his Connacht debut against South Africa in 2007 and added 39 Magners League caps and 17 European Challenge Cup games to his Connacht tally before being forced into retirement in 2010 through a back injury.

Robbie on career highlights:

“I’ve played a lot of big games over the 10 years and it’s impossible to pick a best moment but getting my first cap against Wales (in2003) in Cardiff was huge moment in my career, playing in front of a full house at Twickenham, playing the likes of Toulouse and Biarritz in the Heineken cup for Northampton and the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final last year against Toulon, they’re all big occasions to look back on.
“Rugby is a very physical game now, when I first became a professional rugby player the front rows role it was a very different , it was more about scrummaging, lineouts, mauling and maybe getting in a few cheap shots in than carrying the ball and making tackles , the props that did do a bit around the field were the ones who really stood out, the likes of Phil Vickery, Trevor Woodman and Tom Smith, but if you look at today’s players they are expected to these things as standard”

Robbie on coaches:

“I’ve played with and against some great players, and been coached by some great coaches as well, Wayne Smith was a big influence in Northampton, not just on me but on coaching in England as well, the stuff he brought over from New Zealand influenced everyone, even the England set-up at the time were taking stuff from him”
“I was brought into the Newcastle team by Rob Andrews and got on really well under that setup but after 2 seasons there I felt it was time for a new challenge, I’d been playing in the Premiership for 6 years and was playing with Macca (Michael McCarthy) who was moving to Connacht and heard great things from Damien Browne (brother of Connacht lock Andrew) who I’d played with in Northampton so when Michael Bradley offered me the opportunity to join the squad I jumped at it”

Robbie on now and the future:

“I’ve always tried to help out the younger players and since I’ve been injured I’ve had more time to dedicate to going through the analysis, watch them at training, and offering advice where it’s needed. Dan McFarland’s a very knowledgeable forwards coach so I liaise with him and help out where I can. There’s some great young props coming through, the likes of Brett Wilkinson and Hago (Jamie Hagan) who’ve had a taste of the Irish squad and hopefully they’ll go on to get full caps and carry on from there”
“It’s too soon to decide what I’m going to do for the future but I’m enjoying coaching at the moment. I’m involved with Galwegians U21’s side and I enjoy being around the Connacht team and helping them out so I think no matter what I end up doing I will stay involved with rugby, be that as a full time coach or even just helping out at club level”

Robbie on the injury that forced him to retire:

“It’s not just one thing, it’s a build up of a number of lower back problems and the advice given to me was if I keep going on I could end up severely injuring myself. 10 years is a long time to be putting your body under the kind of pressure that exists in the front row and it’s going to give out at some stage, I’ve really enjoyed my time playing and met some fantastic people along the way. My last game was the semi-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup last season against Toulon, it was a huge effort by everyone that day and we were unlucky not to win that day but it’s a great memory to have.”

What the coaches have to say:

Former Connacht Head Coach Michael Bradley who was at the helm when Morris joined Connacht in 2007:
"Robbie was a very important signing for Connacht in 2007 at a time when players were slow to commit their future to the Province. Robbie brought a wealth of experience to Connacht and rose the level of expectation and confidence throughout the entire squad and the Connacht supporters. On his day Robbie was a devastating scrumager and a dynamic ball carrier. Robbie also understood what it is to be a member of the Connacht squad and the only thing bigger then Robbie on a rugby pitch is his personality. He will be missed by all in Connacht Rugby and even though he will remain reserved in his departure from the limelight the value of his legacy in Connacht cannot be underestimated on many levels".

Connacht Rugby’s Assistant Coach Dan McFarland:
“Robbie has been a huge person in our squad for the last 3 years. On the field he brought both playing ability and experience that we valued extremely highly. Off the field his personality has been a huge part in the growing of our squad. Since his injury Robbie has become more involved in the coaching side of the game and has been a tremendous help to us in bringing our young fellas through.”

Connacht’s Head Coach and former Irish International Eric Elwood:
“Robbie was a true professional who’s positive attitude both on and off the field was exceptional. The physicality he brought on the pitch not just in the scrum but around the park as well will be missed by everyone here in the club. In the 3 years Robbie has been with us he has made a huge impression on everyone and the work he has done helping to bring the younger members through has been invaluable.”

Blues plan a day to remember

Posted on Nov 12, 2010 in Rugby News

The Blues start the second half of the Championship season with a tricky home tie against Rotherham on Saturday afternoon.

The Titans and Worcester Warriors are the only teams in the league to have picked up wins against Bedford, but the Blues are on a good run of form and looking forward to the clash.

Bedford were made to work for their win against Birmingham & Solihull Bees last weekend, but they picked up a bonus point win thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Duncan Taylor and one for Edd Thrower.

The Blues are almost back to a fully fit squad with Ben Lewitt being the only long-term casualty who is expected to be back in action soon. Robin Boot is fit and has joined Shelford on a short-term loan to pick up some valuable game time following his recovery from an arm injury.

Servicemen and women as well as emergency service workers have been invited to attend the game free of charge and the Blues hope that plenty of people come along to make their voices heard.

Looking ahead to the 4.30pm kick-off, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “We were given a good run for our money last weekend and I think that it was a timely reminder to the lads that nothing in this league can be taken for granted.

“We are fully aware of the challenge that Rotherham pose and the boys have been working hard all week to be prepared for this fixture.

“A few players really stepped up to the plate last weekend and that has been reflected in our selection for the visit of Rotherham. We’ve made some tough choices, but I believe that we have the quality throughout the 22 to cause plenty of problems.”

Rayer makes several changes to the team that started against the Bees with Ollie Dodge, Myles Dorrian, Sam Walsh, Dan Richmond, Paul Tupai and Gregor Gillanders coming in for Handre Schmidt, Jake Sharp, Laurence Ovens, Chris Locke, Mike Howard and Sean Tomes respectively while Dan Seal and Nick Walshe come in on the bench.

Starting line-up:

15. Edd Thrower
14. Ollie Dodge
13. Brendan Burke
12. Ian Vass
11. Duncan Taylor
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Will Chudley

1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond (c)
3. Phil Boulton
4. Paul Tupai
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Sacha Harding
8. Chris Goodman

Replacements: 16. Chris Locke, 17. Dan Seal, 18. Mike Howard, 19. Sean Tomes, 20. Darryl Veenendaal, 21. Nick Walshe, 22. Tom Bedford.

Bristol team news vs Esher

Posted on Nov 12, 2010 in Rugby News

Bristol Rugby play home to Esher at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday 14th November at 3 pm.

After last weekend’s victory at Plymouth Albion, Bristol Head Coach Paul Hull makes four changes to the starting line-up for the visit of Esher on Sunday.

In the backs there are two changes. The fit again Junior Fatialofa replaces Nicky Little in the centre with Little moving to the replacements bench and the left wing position is taken by George Watkins who replaces Dan  Norton.

There are also two changes in the front row with Wayne Thompson coming in at tight head prop and Darren Crompton dropping to the bench. At hooker, Ross Johnston has not recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered at Plymouth and is replaced by Ollie Hayes.

There is a very welcome return to the match day 22 for former Welsh international Nathan Budgett who has not played since injuring his ankle in the Championship semi-final in early May.

Bristol Rugby team to play at home to Esher on Sunday 14th November at 3 pm.

Sean Marsden, Anthony Elliott, Jack Adams, Junior Fatialofa, George Watkins, Adrian Jarvis, Richard Bolt; Mako Vunipola, Ollie Hayes, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve (C), James Merriman, Dan Montagu.
David Blaney, Darren Crompton, Nathan Budgett, Darren Barry, Robbie Shaw, Nicky Little, and Ed Barnes.

Supporters should note that local band “The Saggy Ass Boys” will be playing after the game in the Bristol Room in the Clubhouse.

Laidlaw added to Scotland 22

Posted on Nov 12, 2010 in Rugby News

Greig Laidlaw, the uncapped Edinburgh scrum-half, has today been added to the Scotland 22 for Saturday’s EMC Autumn Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

Laidlaw, nephew of the former Scotland and British Lions scrum-half, Roy Laidlaw, replaces Rory Lawson, who has not recovered sufficiently from a hand injury he sustained in action for his club Gloucester.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “This is obviously disappointing for Rory but there’s now an opportunity for Greig, who is tenacious and fiercely competitive and has shown the skills and mindset on his appearances for Scotland A and Scotland 7s and on his performances for Edinburgh to underline his international credentials.”

Laidlaw said: “You feel for your team-mate in a situation like this but it’s clearly a great chance for me and one I’m determined to take if I get game time.”

Scotland captain Mike Blair, Laidlaw’s Edinburgh colleague, today confirmed he is relishing the prospect of leading the national side into battle on Saturday. The scrum-half told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org: "It’s going to be a fantastic occasion and a great opportunity for us to give our supporters another memorable day.

"The All Blacks are a top quality side, and we will have to be at the top of our game, matching their skill, enthusiasm and intensity, but we go into the match in a very positive frame of mind and ready for the challenge. "

More than 53,000 tickets have now been sold for Saturday’s game. The remaining seats can still be booked in three ways: via the Scottish Rugby website (www.scottishrugby.org); via the 24 hour phone line 0844 335 3933; or in person from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre, Gate A, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh.

Please note there are no ticket sales on match day.  Website and phone line sales close at 12 midnight on Friday, while the Ticket Centre is open for personal purchasers from 9am-8pm, Monday to Friday this week.

Tickets are priced at £20, £25 and £45 for adults and £10, £12.50 and £22.50 for under-18s.

Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh).  Scrum-half. Born 12.10.85 in Edinburgh. Height: 5ft 9ins. Weight: 12st 4lbs.

Greig David Laidlaw, a nephew of Scotland’s legendary scrum half, Roy Laidlaw, joined Edinburgh Rugby in summer 2006 from Jed-Forest after two years in the Scotland under-21 team.

In January 2008 he was called into the Scotland 7s squad for the first time for the IRB tournaments the following month in Wellington (New Zealand) and San Diego (USA), and he continued in the Hong Kong, Adelaide (Australia), London and Edinburgh tournaments. A week after the Australian tournament he played for the Scottish Thistles who won the Melrose club’s 125th anniversary sevens. He marked his international sevens debut with a try in the win against Tonga in Scotland’s opening match in Wellington.

Immediately after the 2008 Edinburgh 7s tournament he crossed the Atlantic with the Scotland A squad for the Barclays Churchill Cup in Canada, making his debut as scrum-half in the win against Argentina. He had further Scotland A appearances as a replacement against Ireland and Italy in February 2009. He was back in the sevens squad in May 2009 for the IRB’s Twickenham and Murrayfield tournaments. Six months later he won the man-of-the-match award as a try-scorer in Scotland A’s win against Tonga by 38-7 at Netherdale, Galashiels. In 2010 Greig has been named in the Scotland sevens squad and has appeared for Scotland A against both Ireland A and Italy A. Greig was honoured to be named captain in the latter of these fixtures. In the summer of 2010 he added three more appearances for Scotland A against Georgia, Namibia and the Argentine Jaguars during the IRB Nations Cup.

Greig’s first appearance for Edinburgh was as a replacement in the Magners League victory against Leinster at Murrayfield in September 2006, and his first start for the professional team was against Cardiff Blues the following November, also at Murrayfield. Greig made his under-21 international debut as a replacement in the win against Italy in Inverness in February 2005. He subsequently played in the under-21 world championship in Mendoza, Argentina, and he was first-choice scrum-half throughout the 2006 under-21 6 Nations championship and the world championship in France, where he scored a try in each of two successive matches against Georgia and Fiji.

His earlier representative rugby included games for Borders’ under-16 and under-18 as well as Scotland under-18.