Rennie makes first start as RWC anticipation builds

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in Scotland, Scottish Rugby

Scotland have made five changes of personnel and one further positional switch for Saturday’s opening international, the EMC Test against Ireland at Murrayfield.

Head coach Andy Robinson has recast the team that ended the RBS 6 Nations Championship with victory over Italy as he seeks to finalise his squad of 30 for the IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next month.

Robinson declared: “In any international match there is always a huge amount at stake, but the EMC Tests take on extra significance this year as we hone our preparations for the start of the world’s third biggest sporting event.

“I am a firm believer that competition brings the best out in players and I’ve said to the squad that it lies in their hands to make the case for their inclusion in the final 30 for New Zealand.”

The alterations from the last Murrayfield international in March see Graeme Morrison return in midfield having missed the RBS Six Nations through a knee injury, thus Sean Lamont reverts to the wing to the exclusion of Simon Danielli.

In the pack, there is a first start at openside for 25-year-old Ross Rennie, whose six caps thus far have been off the bench and whom Robinson has admired and nurtured since his sojourn as Edinburgh coach.  Johnnie Beattie is given the chance to demonstrate his shoulder woes are behind him at No 8; Alasdair Strokosch comes in at blindside flanker; and Jim Hamilton will start at lock.  The four forwards replace John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Nathan Hines and Alastair Kellock respectively.

The team will be led by Rory Lawson, who captained Scotland to victories over reigning world champions South Africa and Samoa at Murrayfield and Pittodrie respectively last November. Vice-captain for the first time will be Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford, who will be winning his 49th cap.

On the bench Robinson has listed two uncapped players, 21-year-old Edinburgh back-row forward David Denton, who has already represented both Scotland 7s and Scotland A; and 23-year-old  Bath full-back Jack Cuthbert, who has also won promotion from Scotland A.

Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play Ireland in the EMC Test at Murrayfield on Saturday 6 August, kick-off 2.15pm

15 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh) 104 caps, 22 tries, 162 penalties, 89 conversions, 3 drop goal, 783 points

14 Nikki Walker (Ospreys) 22 caps, 6 tries, 30 points
13 Joe Ansbro (London Irish) 6 caps
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 55 caps, 8 tries, 40 points

10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps, 1 penalty, one conversion, one drop-goal, 8 points
9 Rory Lawson (Gloucester) 27 caps CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh) 55 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh) 48 caps, 2 tries, 10 points VICE-CAPTAIN
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh) 5 caps
4 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 31 caps, 1 try, 5 points
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) 19 caps, 1 try, 5 points
8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh) 6 caps

Substitutes

16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps, 1 try, 5 points
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks) 19 caps
18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 David Denton (Edinburgh) uncapped
20 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh) 1 cap
21 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh) 24 caps, 1 try, 5 points
22 Jack Cuthbert (Bath) uncapped

Referee: Wayne Barnes. Assistant referees: Dave Pearson and Stuart Terheege (all RFU). TMO: Geoff Warren (RFU)

Tickets for the EMC Tests are on sale now from www.scottishrugby.org or from the 24 hour credit card hotline 0844 335 3933. They cost from £5 for children and students and from £10 for adults.  You can also buy tickets on the day, full details on www.scottishrugby.org.

Saturday’s match marks the first time that Scotland have played in their new Canterbury of New Zealand kit, emblazoned with the brand of their new sponsor, RBS.

As part of the occasion RBS and Scottish Rugby have invited representatives from clubs throughout the country to come to Murrayfield to unveil a giant version of the new jersey before kick-off.

Smit to join Saracens after RWC

Posted on Jul 14, 2011 in English Rugby, Saracens

John Smit has agreed to join Saracens. The record-breaking Springbok captain, 33, will join the Premiership champions after the World Cup.

Smit said: “I am delighted to have signed for a club widely renowned for the ferocious work ethic and spirit on the field and for the unique way it treats people off the field. It is becoming a very special rugby club, combining a cast-iron commitment to develop young English players with a clear South African flavour. I’m looking forward to rejoining former teammates like Deon Carstens and Brad Barritt, and also to working with players like Jamie George, last year’s England under-20 hooker.”

Mark McCall, Director of Rugby, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have signed one of the most prominent and admired players in world rugby. John is an outstanding leader and hooker, and I am certain he, Roxy and their children will all thrive in our environment.”

Smit played his first Springbok game in 2000 at the age of 22, when South Africa beat Canada 51–18 at Basil Kenyon Stadium in East London. Between October 2003 and June 2007, Smit played in a record breaking 46 consecutive Test matches for South Africa, though it was not until 2004, when he was made captain of the squad by then new coach Jake White, he became a regular member of the starting XV.

Smit’s record-breaking sequence of appearances came to an end with South Africa’s first match of the 2007 Tri Nations, against Australia, when he suffered an injury that prevented him taking any further part in the tournament. He recovered from his injury in time to take part in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, in which he started in 6 out of 7 South African matches, and in which his leadership qualities came to the fore, as his calm under pressure and inspirational captaincy saw South Africa win the William Web Ellis Trophy for the second time.

When Peter de Villiers was appointed as the new South Africa coach in 2008, one of his first decisions was to re-appoint Smit as the captain of the national side. Smit led South Africa in their opening game of the 2008 Tri Nations, against New Zealand in Wellington, but suffered a groin injury when he was lifted and dumped by New Zealand lock Brad Thorn after the whistle had blown: Thorn received a one-match suspension, but Smit missed the rest of the tournament, being replaced as captain by veteran Springbok lock, Victor Matfield.

Smit in the Springbok change kit, coming out for a pre-match warm-up.

In 2009, Smit led South Africa to a series victory against the visiting British and Irish Lions, and followed this by leading his team to success in the 2009 Tri Nations, in which South Africa won five of their six matches, including a clean sweep of three wins against New Zealand.

In the first test against New Zealand, Smit equalled the record of 59 Tests as captain held by Australia’s George Gregan and England’s Will Carling. The following week, he became the most-capped captain in international rugby history.

As of September 2009, Smit is one of South Africa’s most successful captains ever; having led the Springboks to victory in 46 of the 64 games he captained: a win percentage of 72%. He has won more Tests as captain than any other Springbok has played as captain.

On 23 August 2010, he played his 100th Test – only the 15th player ever, and second South African to reach that milestone.

Wales World Cup Kit Unveiled

Posted on Jun 30, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The Welsh Rugby Union today unveiled its revolutionary new 2011 Rugby World Cup home and away kits. The home kit is predominantly red, with white shorts and white flashes on the shirt and socks, and the away kit, which will be worn for the first time in one of Wales summer warm-up matches this August, as well as in New Zealand in September, is predominantly black with red flashes.

However, the look of the new kit is only half of the story. Kit manufacturers Under Armour have patented a new military grade fabric, which includes AmourGrid and ArmourGrip technology. The gear is said to be the most technologically advanced on the market and is designed to give Wales’ rugby stars every edge possible at RWC time.

Also, for the first time, the new RWC kit from the WRU will be worn beyond the tournament – without the RWC  logo – and into the following two seasons giving it the longest shelf-life, and greater value, of any previous World Cup jersey.

WRU Group Head of Commercial Craig Maxwell said: “The Rugby World Cup is the most exciting rugby competition on the planet and fans who wish to show their support for Welsh rugby can buy this jersey safe in the knowledge that it will continue to be worn right through to the 2012/2013 season.

“The technological advancements made by Under Armour with this jersey are staggering and have to be seen to be believed and we are all very excited now as we wait to see it in action against England and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium this summer.

“The black away jersey will be incredibly popular and will look great on fans travelling to the home of the All Blacks for the RWC in New Zealand a return to an almost entirely red strip is also expected to be appreciated by fans.”

Henry Engelhardt, CEO of Admiral Group, who sponsor the Wales shirt and whose name will be on the new jerseys in the summer international and post-World Cup said: "The new kit not only looks great, but is at the cutting edge of technology. I’m sure it will be popular with fans and with our staff at Admiral. Let’s hope it gives Wales the edge both in the Rugby World Cup and through into next year’s 6 Nations."

Blair Tripodi, Managing Director/ General Manager EMEA – Under Armour, said: The important thing to note is that this concept is revolutionary not evolutionary. We are looking to change the industry when it comes to the approach for building rugby uniforms. We didn’t stop after making the jersey and short, this new Wales RWC kit offers a complete story of innovation from head to toe."

"This kit is going to be a unique product on the world market and the patented designs from Under Armour have taken the science behind producing elite sports clothing to a whole new level,”added WRU Group head of marketing Craig Maxwell.

"We think the design is something to behold and for the first time this world cup kit will be worn both before and long after the tournament has finished – obviously without the RWC logo – meaning it also has increased value for our fans who can wear it right into the 2012/2013 season and remain bang up to date."

THE TECHNICAL STORY

The new Wales Rugby World Cup kit, produced by Under Armour, will be the most technologically advanced kit on display at the 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand this Autumn. The Wales squad will be kitted out in revolutionary new jerseys made from military grade fabric (Cordura), featuring new ‘ArmourGrid’ technology which gives extreme strength, durability and freedom of movement and ‘ArmourGrip’ which offers increased ball control.

The specialist source fabric has a long history of military use and is also found in motorcycle jackets. It has been uniquely engineered by Under Armour to provide a ‘no-grab’ jersey and short which is both lightweight and mapped to the athlete’s body to give maximum mobility.

Body mapping of the kit means that certain areas, around the inner arms and side panels allow for extra flexibility required for freedom of movement whilst retaining extreme fabric strength in other areas and offering minimum absorption of water or sweat.

The technology doesn’t stop with the jersey and shorts, the socks feature mapped compression insets to provide anatomical support to key performance areas, such as the calves, and an embedded arch support to reduce foot fatigue.

The socks also boast ArmourBlock technology to assist in the prevention of odour causing bacteria and strategic ventilation to wick moisture and accelerate evaporation.

Jersey and Short Details

- Fabric "family" capitalizing on multiple fabric story for extreme strength, durability and freedom of movement.

- NEW ArmourGrid technology (visual story as the grid is the key component of the technology):

-  Military grade fabric (Cordura) for extreme strength and power benefits.

-  Lightweight material (lightest rugby jersey in the market) to facilitate speed and endurance longevity.

-  "No-Grab" jersey and short based on combination of fabrication and functional fit/construction.

-  Minimalistic fabric density to perpetuate less absorption.

- Body mapped compression insets for maximized mobility.

- ArmourGrip technology for increased ball control.

- Value added back neck details linking back to Welsh and team culture.

Sock Details

- NEW "Dominate Sock" with mapped compression technology.

- Body mapped compression insets to provide anatomical support to key performance zone in the calves.

- ArmourBlock technology to assist in the prevention of odour causing bacteria.

- Embedded arch support to reduce foot fatigue.

- Strategic ventilation to wick moisture and accelerate evaporation.

- ArmourStretch for comfort and a perfect fit.

Ken Owens joins Wales’ RWC training squad

Posted on Jun 16, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Wales’ Rugby World Cup preparations began in earnest this week with many of the 45-man training squad meeting up at WRU headquarters on Monday, 13 June, for medical assessment and to kick-start their fitness and conditioning programmes.

Scarlets hooker Ken Owens joined the party as training cover for Osprey Richard Hibbard, who has begun his 10 to 12 week lay-off after a shoulder operation, and the rest of the squad are beginning personalised training regimes – although the rest and rehab period is extended for certain players depending on individual need and circumstance.

Blues prop Gethin Jenkins is back in full training after a successful operation on his toe, as is Exeter-bound Ospreys prop Craig Mitchell, who has recovered from the dislocated shoulder he suffered during the RBS 6 Nations Championship earlier this year.

Ospreys wing Shane Williams is targeting the squad’s first trip to a training camp in Spala, Poland, on 2 July, to be back at full tilt after a knee problem and Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, is also pencilled in to travel to Poland and continues his rehabilitation after a foot operation.

“Shane will be three more weeks before he is fully integrated into the training programme, which means he should be up to speed by the time we go on that first camp in Poland,” said Prav Mathema, Welsh Rugby Union national medical performance manager.

“Leigh is doing well after a successful operation on his foot, he is six weeks down the line now and able to start lifting weights again and also hopes to be at Spala.

“Both Gethin and Craig are back in full training and Richard has been given a return to play time of 10 to 12 weeks, which makes it possible for him to be back to fitness by the end of August.”

The training squad will embark on two separate and bespoke training camps in Spala, Poland, from 2 July to 11 July and from 18 July to 26 July, with players selected for these camps based on their individual training requirements.

Wales face England at Twickenham on Saturday, 6 August (kick-off 2.30pm) in the first of three remaining RWC warm-up matches.  A week later they host Martin Johnson’s team at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 13 August, before taking on Argentina, again at home, on Saturday, 20 August (both kick-offs also 2.30pm).

Gatland’s final squad selection for 2011 RWC will be announced on Monday, 22 August, with the squad due to fly out to New Zealand on Wednesday, 31 August.

Tickets remaining for the summer RWC warm-up fixture against England at the Millennium Stadium are priced from £40 and £30 for adults, £110 family ticket, with a new category introduced this season of £15 for the under 18s enclosure

The final game on home soil before RWC – against the Pumas – is priced at £30 and £20 for adults, £70 for a family of four and £15 for the under 18s enclosure.

Bill Beaumont: New Zealand Poised to Host Excellent Rugby World Cup

Posted on Jun 1, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

New Zealand is poised to hold an excellent Rugby World Cup with Tournament preparations well on track and a wonderful celebration planned for teams and fans, International Rugby Board Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont declared today.

Beaumont joined New Zealand Prime Minister the Rt Hon John Key in celebrating the milestone at a special ceremony at New Zealand’s Parliament in the capital Wellington.

The event included a symbolic rolling out of a giant welcome mat on Parliament’s front steps featuring greetings in the language of each of the 20 participating nations.

“New Zealanders are renowned for their hospitality and the giant welcome mat summed up to me the warmth of the welcome New Zealanders up and down the land will be extending to teams and more than 85,000 fans in 100 days time,” said Beaumont.

Tournament preparations on track

Beaumont also said he was pleased with the Tournament’s state of readiness. “Preparations are well on track. Tomorrow, I will visit the magnificent fully enclosed Otago Stadium which will be handed over to Tournament Organisers in August as planned.”

“All other stadia redevelopments have been completed on time, match day preparations are well advanced and I know teams will be well looked after so I have no doubt the platform has been laid for an excellent Tournament."

“And it will be extra special for fans as for the first time at a Rugby World Cup there will be a nationwide festival happening across the country. The REAL New Zealand Festival is shaping up to provide fans with a really special taste of what this country has to offer across sport, entertainment, art, culture, food and wine.”

Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011, said the company was now entering an intense period of preparation. “Our team is really focused on delivering an excellent Tournament and one New Zealanders will be proud of.”

RWC 2011 to boost global Rugby development

With broadcast, sponsorship and commercial ticketing revenues underpinning the IRB’s global programme of Rugby development and growth, Beaumont said that the RWC 2011 commercial programme was on track to boost Rugby worldwide.

“Each Rugby World Cup in succession has provided the catalyst for Rugby to grow worldwide. Not just through international exposure and profile, but through the commercial revenues that underwrite the extensive IRB development and funding programmes aimed at increasing global competitiveness. Indeed, Rugby participation has grown 19% since Rugby World Cup 2007 in France thanks to such programmes.”

“I have no doubt New Zealand will deliver a unique and ultimately a successful RWC 2011. It will be a Tournament that New Zealanders and the global Rugby family will be proud of and an event that will strengthen the importance of Rugby World Cup in delivering the financial platform to grow the reach and development of global Rugby.”

RWC 2011 Roadshow touring New Zealand in July

Prime Minister Key also unveiled plans for the nationwide RWC 2011 Roadshow which will visit 27 towns and cities across New Zealand in July. “This will help make people understand why this Tournament is so much bigger than 48 Rugby matches,” said Snedden.

“It will be a really valuable way for New Zealanders to find out the many ways they can enjoy the wider Tournament and the things they can do to warmly welcome teams and their fans in 100 days time.”

The Roadshow is supported by RWC 2011 Worldwide Partners ANZ, DHL and Land Rover and the Office of NZ 2011. It will feature a custom built truck jam-packed with interactive displays and videos on Rugby World Cup history and legends. Fans can have their photo taken with the Webb Ellis Cup, get a taste of the REAL New Zealand Festival events in their area and buy match tickets.

The Roadshow kicks off on July 4 in Bluff, the same day tickets for RWC 2011 go back on sale. See the full Roadshow schedule at www.rugbyworldcup.com/roadshow.

Stadium of Four Million coming alive

To mark the 100 Days to Go milestone RNZ 2011 today released a special eMagazine, “Countdown to RWC 2011”, highlighting some of the ways New Zealanders are showing their support for the Tournament. It can be viewed at www.rugbyworldcup.com.

“The magazine shows our Stadium of Four Million great fans and hosts is well and truly coming alive. I urge New Zealanders to now use the short time until the Tournament kicks off to really get behind RWC 2011 and help us to make the most of this special moment,” said Snedden.

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.nz2011.govt.nz/get-involved and find out about REAL New Zealand Festival events at www.realnzfestival.com.