All Blacks are 'streetwise'

Sportal.co.nz

The All Blacks don't cheat - they are streetwise. That's the view of Welsh midfield back, and New Zealand-born, Sonny Parker. Rather than whinge about 'cheating' as so many have, Parker prefers to praise the aggressive approach of the All Blacks.

He said on the website icwales.co.uk,
"A lot of people say they cheat, but it's not cheating. They are just streetwise. They move bodies really well and they are very physically strong. It's excellent what they do…and it sucks playing against it!"

Parker said Wales did try and compete with the All Blacks but they found their rucks disrupted by the All Blacks.
"You've got to put your hands up and say it was excellent play by New Zealand. They are really, really aggressive around the contact area. They just switch on there and are so aggressive."
The All Blacks were also swift to punish mistakes and with players like Sitiveni Sivivatu that made them lethal on attack.

It was up to Wales to learn from the experience before the Six Nations starts in February.
"We've got to adopt that aggressive style of play around the ruck area," Parker said. "That's a bit point we have to learn. We've got the flair. There are a lot of talented players in the team. It's just a case of showing a bit more aggression."

Parker said he now realised how important it was to have control of the ruck area.
"Once you get quick ball it's so much easier to play. When you have that, you can exploit the opposition." Parker said he had also been impressed by the fitness of the All Blacks. "That's a strong point for them. A lot of the Welsh boys had cramp, myself included," he said.

Alors pourquoi tjs parler de dopage qd on parle de la superiorite des equipes du Sud (de la NZ en l'occurance!)...ils ne trichent pas, ils connaissent le reglement, ils savent pourquoi ils st sur le terrain. Les gens sont jaloux, c'est tout!!! Nous, on s'en fout mais il fallait le dire!

So why do people always talk about doping when they say that the Southern teams are better (the ABs, mostly!)...they don't cheat, they know the rules, they know why they are on the field. People are just jealous!!! We don't care but it had to be mentionned

Captain's run 17/11/2006. Stade de France

Mary, not yet an housewife but already desperate!

Hier apres midi, je me lance dans le recopiage de l'article de l'Equipe de mardi (suivi de sa traduction)...une heure a jongler entre le journal et l'ordi (en oubliant de mettre les accents!)...une heure! Et ce p****n d'ordi qui se bloque juste au moment ou j'appuie sur publier!
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Mais ce matin : super decouverte : pas besoin de traduire! j'ai trouve la vraie interview de Richie! Alors suivez la methode (apres la traduction anglaise)

Yesterday afternoon, I was in the mood of copying (and translating) the article about Richie published in l'Equipe on Tuesday...during one hour, my eyes ran between the newspaper and the computer...one long hour! And that f*****g computer stopped just as I clicked on the "publication" thing!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
But this morning : Surprise : no need to translate! I've just found the real 'Richie interview'! So follow the instructions :

www.irb.com
--> tournaments/events
--> IRB awards
--> IRB awards audio = Interview de Richie Richie's interview

Season 2007 :: Saison 2007

A peine en vacances pour les Internationaux! que la fédé lance déjà le Super 14!
Bon, la plupart des 'grands' ne joueront pas avant fin mai mais il faudra quand même suivre (ceux qui joueront seront peut-être au SDF dans un ou deux ans...ou même champions du monde à la maison dans 5 ans!)

The ABs have just started their off season! but the NZRU launched the 2007 Super 14 championship. It's true to say that most of the 'famous' ABs won't play before May but you will have to watch the matches (who knows? maybe in a couple of years those guys will play at the Stade de France-Paris-...they may even be world champions at home in 5 years!)

Picture found on gettyimages. James Somerset of the Blues, Richard Kahui of the Chiefs, Tamati Ellison of the Hurricanes, Stephen Brett of the Crusaders and Toby Morland of the Highlanders.

All Blacks scoop top prizes at IRB Awards

The All Blacks have capped off their superb year, scooping all of the major prizes at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Awards in Glasgow, Scotland.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been named IRB Player of the Year, the All Blacks were picked Team of the Year for the second year in a row and Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year, also for the second consecutive year

The Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service was also given to All Blacks selector and former coach Sir Brian Lochore.

McCaw’s teammate Dan Carter – last year’s IRB Player of the Year – was also short-listed for the Player of the Year Award, alongside Australia’s Chris Latham, South Africa’s Fourie du Preez and Ireland lock Paul O’Connell.

Black Ferns first five-eighth Anna Richards was short-listed for the Women’s Personality of the Year award, which was won by England flanker Margaret Alphonsi. Wellington’s Victor Vito was also nominated for the Under 19 Player of the Year, won by Australia’s Josh Holmes.

Speaking from the IRB Awards ceremony, New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Chris Moller paid tribute to the New Zealand winners.

“The IRB Awards cap off a fantastic year for Graham, Richie and the All Blacks team and management and, on behalf of New Zealand rugby, I would like to congratulate them all,” he said.

Mr Moller also acknowledged Sir Brian Lochore.

“Sir Brian is one of New Zealand rugby’s most respected individuals who has achieved much as an All Blacks and Provincial Union player, captain, manager, coach, selector and rugby administrator, and has earned the respect of the international rugby community for his contribution to the game at all levels.”

The IRB Awards also saw the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame, which has been established to recognise the achievements and special contribution of rugby’s players, coaches, administrators, match officials, institutions and individuals.

The inaugural inductees were William Webb Ellis and Rugby School.


2006 IRB Awards winners

IRB International Player of the Year: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

IRB International Team of the Year: New Zealand

IRB International Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)

IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)

IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)

IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: Fiji

IRB International Sevens Player of the Year: Uale Mai (Samoa)

Spirit of Rugby Award: Polly Miller

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service: Brian Lochore

IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Peter Marshall

IRB International Women's Personality of the Year: Margaret Alphonsi

IRB Development Award: Mike Luke

IRB Hall of Fame inductees: William Webb Ellis and Rugby School


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Version française


Capitaine des Blacks depuis le départ de Tana Umaga, le troisième ligne Richie McCaw est aujourd’hui une référence à son poste. Le Néo-Zélandais a logiquement été élu joueur de l'année par l'IRB.

Il impose le respect. La crainte aussi. Quand on évoque son nom, ses adversaires ne tarissent d’ailleurs pas d’éloges. « C’est actuellement un des meilleurs joueurs en troisième ligne, lançait voilà deux semaines le Parisien Rémy Martin. C’est un plaqueur, un sauteur, un coureur, bref un très bon joueur. C’est un plaisir de jouer contre lui. » Lui, c’est Richie McCaw, troisième ligne emblématique des Blacks, promu capitaine depuis le départ de Tana Umaga et élu dimanche meilleur joueur de l’année 2006. Tête brûlée, adorant le combat, le Néo-Zélandais est une référence dans le rugby mondial. « C’est le meilleur », lance le numéro 8 de Clermont Elvis Vermeulen opposé deux fois à McCaw durant ce mois de novembre.

Un sentiment partagé par le jury de l’IRB qui a choisi de laisser de côté Dan Carter, élu l’année passée, le Sud-Africain Fourie du Preez, l’Australien Chris Latham et l’Irlandais Paul O'Connell. Petit-fils d'un pilote de chasse de la Royal Air Force durant la Seconde guerre mondiale, McCaw est l’une des meilleures armes de l’équipe de Graham Henry. Une des plus puissantes et des plus attaquées par ses adversaires comme ce fut encore le cas cet été face aux Australiens. Quarante-huit fois sélectionné depuis le 17 novembre 2001 et un premier match contre l'Irlande, il a su, malgré quelques sérieuses blessures à la tête comme en 2004 et en 2005, montrer l’exemple à ses partenaires. Et s’imposer comme le patron de la fabuleuse armada néo-zélandaise. « Cela me confère davantage de responsabilités en dehors de terrain, mais quand il s'agit de jouer, cela ne change rien », dit-il.

Homme de fer donc, McCaw est parfois à la limite. « Il exploite mieux la règle que les autres » expliquait à ce sujet Bernard Laporte avant la déroute de Lyon. L’intéressé, lui, s’en moque. Chef de file d’une formation néo-zélandaise au sommet de son art, avec quatre démonstrations en Europe face à l’Angleterre (41-20), la France (47-3, 23-11) et enfin le pays de Galles (45-10), McCaw a été irréprochable ces derniers mois. Les Blacks, logiquement élus meilleure équipe de cette année 2006, et leur entraîneur Graham Henry, lui aussi récompensé, rêvent désormais de soulever le trophée lors de la prochaine Coupe du monde dans moins de dix mois.

Le palmarès

Joueur de l'année : Richie McCaw (Nouvelle-Zélande)

Equipe de l'année : Nouvelle-Zélande

Entraîneur de l'année : Graham Henry (Nouvelle-Zélande)

Meilleur joueur des moins de 19 ans : Josh Holmes (Australie)

Meilleur joueur des moins de 21 ans : Lionel Beauxis (France)

Meilleure équipe à VII : Fidji

IRB Awards (Glasgow) (suite)

La, il a perdu un trophee mais il a gagne deux copines de Fly Emirates
He's just lost one award but got two friends from Fly Emirates

Peut-etre bientot sur des vols Air New Zealand au depart de X_church ;)
Maybe soon on some flights departing from X-church ;)

Toujours faire ce que les sponsors veulent!
Always do what the sponsors ask!

IRB Awards (Glasgow)

Such a guy needed two trophees!
Un mec pareil, ça merite bien deux trophees!

Best player of the year
Meilleur joueur de l'année

Best team of the year
Meilleure equipe de l'annee

May he enjoy his holidays!
Qu'il profite bien de ses vacances!

Sports Star Sponsorships

PricewaterhouseCoopers announced a few month ago that star rugby flanker Richie McCaw and champion cyclist Sarah Ulmer have teamed up with the professional services firm. Just to let you know!

PricewaterhouseCoopers Chief Executive Warwick Hunt said it was fantastic to support two of New Zealand’s most admired athletes. “As a firm our values include strong leadership qualities, an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence. If you’re looking for sportspeople who embody such values, then Richie and Sarah are both obvious choices.”

Warwick Hunt said the move to support individual athletes was a first for PricewaterhouseCoopers in New Zealand. “It’s the start of what we hope will be a very successful relationship with these two athletes, and we hope to extend the programme in the next year.”

Richie McCaw said he was looking forward to working with the firm. “It’s always great to have sponsorship support off the field, particularly from such a well-known organisation like PricewaterhouseCoopers.”

Sarah Ulmer said she was excited to be working with the firm in an official capacity. “I’ve spoken at some of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ events over the past year or two, so I already know a lot of the people who Richie and I will be working with.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers has six offices throughout New Zealand in Auckland, Wellington, Napier, New Plymouth, Christchurch and Dunedin. Both athletes will be involved in a range of events and presentations across the country.

Sarah and Richie will also be providing updates on their busy schedules as they build toward the Commonwealth Games and the 2006 rugby season respectively. You can find the updates at: www.pwc.com/nz/athletes.




















About Sarah Ulmer:
Cambridge-based Sarah Ulmer is a world-class cyclist, and is the reigning World and Olympic champion in the 3000m individual pursuit track cycling event. She has won back-to-back gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, and is also the Commonwealth Games record-holder. In 2005 she was named New Zealand Sportsperson of the Year. Sarah turns 30 in March, and her cycling focus has now shifted away from the track to the road. She will be enjoying the challenge of a different event at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the World Championships later in the year.

About Richie McCaw:
International rugby player Richie McCaw is recognised as one of the best players in the world in his preferred position of open-side flanker. He has scored 6 tries in his 36 Test matches, after making his international debut in Dublin in November 2001. The 25-year old (born on New Year's Eve) has captained his country in two Test matches, including the 45-7 win over Ireland in the 2005 northern hemisphere tour. He lives in Christchurch but was born in North Otago.

McCaw defends private haka choice

Richie McCaw defended New Zealand's unprecedented decision to perform their pre-match haka in private after a row with the Welsh Rugby Union on Saturday.

New Zealand were asked to perform the haka in between the national anthems, rather than just before kick-off.

"The tradition needs to be honoured properly if we're going to do it," McCaw said in a prepared statement.

"If the other team wants to mess around, we'll just do the haka in the shed (changing room)."

Wales had wanted their own national anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, to be their official response to the challenge.

But McCaw said the team had acted to protect the tradition of haka that is "integral to New Zealand culture and the All Blacks' heritage".

"At the end of the day, haka is about spiritual preparation and we do it for ourselves. Traditionally fans can share the experience too and it's sad that they couldn't see it today."

New Zealand showed little disruption on the pitch as they ended their unbeaten November tour with a 45-10 win over Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

"We wanted to start well because we knew the Wales team were going to be fired up for this one," McCaw added.

"There had been a lot of talk all week and a lot of emotion, so we wanted to come out and match all that."

The WRU issued its own statement just as the game kicked off, explaining it had taken advice from Maori chiefs that it was appropriate to want to respond to the haka.

The statement read: "The WRU has also been advised by a top Maori expert and cultural adviser that the haka is performed to invite a response from the opposing team.

"We were told to stand strong in front of the All Blacks, be defiant, eyeball them and sing in a way that says `this is us, this is who we are, we're tangata whenua', which means the traditional owners and protectors of the land.

"The WRU informed its New Zealand counterparts of the formal pre-match protocol six weeks ago (16 October).

"This followed the pre-match protocol from the very first game in 1905 and replicated last year's schedule."

New Zealand had agreed to the same request from the WRU last year as part of the celebrations marking a centenary of rugby between the two nations.

But All Blacks manager Darren Shand insisted it was only a one-off.

"There's a tradition that has built up over 100 years. It is respected around the world and we asked the Welsh Rugby Union to do the same," he said.

"The haka is a special part of world rugby. It'll be a sad day for fans everywhere if we start to erode the tradition.

"We had concerns about last year's change that, unfortunately, seem to be justified."

Wales 10-45 New Zealand

Wales 10 (3)
Tries: M Williams.
Cons: Hook.
Pens: S Jones.

New Zealand 45 (28)
Tries: McAlister, Sivivatu 3, Penalty try.
Cons: Carter 2, Evans 2.
Pens: Carter 4.

New Zealand finished their November tour with victory over a gritty Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Luke McAlister set the All Blacks on their way with the opening try after just four minutes, with wing Sitiveni Sivivatu adding a fine hat-trick.

Wales caused the All Blacks as many problems as England or France had, but still finished a distance behind.

The home side did claim a deserved try from Martyn Williams, but the All Blacks moved away with a penalty try.

In an unprecedented escape from tradition, the fans were denied the sight of the haka being performed live because of a spat over the order of performances of national pride.

Wales were determined to sing Hen Wlad fy Nhadau after the haka, but the All Blacks were having none of it and opted to perform it privately in the dressing room.

If a packed Millennium Stadium was disappointed to miss out on that, the fans were soon treated to an early try - if that is the right word for the red-shirted majority.

Stephen Jones missed touch and New Zealand launched a swift counter-attack that swept from right to left flank, allowing Sivivatu's inside pass to send centre McAlister over.

Fly-half Dan Carter added the conversion and followed that up with three penalties to give the All Blacks a 16-0 lead with a quarter of the match gone.

The penalties Wales conceded were a sign of the pressure they were under, unable to make headway against fierce defence and creaking when New Zealand had the ball.

At last Wales managed to put New Zealand under pressure, some clever off-loading in contact carving into the visitors' 22.

Skulduggery in a ruck eventually brought the move to an end, but referee Dave Pearson had spotted All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw's infringement and awarded the penalty.

The flanker escaped with a lecture and Stephen Jones kicked the three points to get Wales on the scoreboard.

Wales looked like they would create another opportunity when Carter had a kick charged down, but the All Blacks defence swarmed over the danger.

Hooker Rhys Thomas could not take a pass under pressure and Carter was on hand to scoop the loose ball and race away downfield.

Great work from New Zealand lock Ali Williams and hooker Anton Oliver punched the move forward, giving Sivivatu a one-on-one against Tom Shanklin.

The flying winger gave Shanklin no chance, a shimmy and burst of pace sending Sivivatu over from five metres for another seven-pointer.

The Chiefs wing added his second before the break, cutting a beautiful inside line after another irresistible counter-attack had caught Wales out.

The only surprise was that Carter missed the simple conversion, proving he is fallible if only sometimes.

Normal service was resumed within four minutes of the restart as Carter struck his fourth penalty of the evening, although he was again wide with a similar attempt soon after.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins had seen enough and James Hook, Alix Popham and Gethin Jenkins all arrived off the bench for Shanklin, Ryan Jones and Duncan Jones.

But Jenkins' opposite number Graham Henry added fresh legs to his own side and the pattern of All Blacks dominance continued.

A chink of light came when McCaw was sin-binned for one infringement too many and Wales laid siege to the Kiwi line from a series of five-metre line-outs and drives.

Patience paid off and Martyn Williams was shunted over the try line, with Hook taking over the kicking duties to stroke the conversion.

But all the hard work was undone as Popham left a hole in the Wales defence that allowed Nick Evans, on for Carter, to burst through and send Sivivatu under the posts for his hat-trick.

Evans added the easy extras for a 38-10 All Blacks lead with 15 minutes left on the match clock.

Andrew Hore became the second All Black to be shown a yellow card, after McCaw had returned to the action, but this time it made little difference.

Rico Gear cut back inside to be stopped just short of the try line, but Wales killed the ball in desperation and referee Pearson awarded a penalty try.

Evans' conversion made it 45-10 and ensured Wales continue their 53-year wait for another victory over New Zealand.

---

Wales: Kevin Morgan; Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Sonny Parker, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones (capt), Dwayne Peel; Duncan Jones, Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones.
Replacements: Mathew Rees for R. Thomas (72), Gethin Jenkins for D. Jones (46), Alun Wyn Jones for Evans (55), Alix Popham for R. Jones (46), Mike Phillips for Peel (60), James Hook for Shanklin (46), Gavin Henson for Parker (72).

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher; Neemia Tialata, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Keith Robinson, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Andrew Hore for Oliver (48), Tony Woodcock for Tialata (35), James Ryan for Williams (61), Reuben Thorne for So'oialo (61), Piri Weepu for Kelleher (48), Nick Evans for Carter (61), Ma'a Nonu for Sivivatu (75).

Sin bin: McCaw (56), Hore (71).

Referee: Dave Pearson (Eng).

Att: 75,000.

Galles/NZ :: Wales/NZ

45/10 for our boys ...
pour nos hommes en noirs

2 yellow cards for our boys...
2 cartons jaunes pour ces mêmes hommes en noirs

56th minute : Richie
(I hope it was worth it! j'espère que ça valait le coup)


65th minute : Hore
(sorry, I don't even know the guy's face...je ne sais même pas qui c'est dsl!)


So scarce to be noticed...tellement rare pour être noté
3 reds for 1 Black...les adversaires en surnombre (en l'occurence sur Byron Kelleher)

Mi Temps :: Half Time

28/3 pour...les Kiwis bien sûr!
28/3 for...the ABs of course!


Avant le match, les titulaires et les remplaçants ont fait le Haka pour le staff et les 'non sélectionnés' -pour l'instant, pas de photo de Captain!
Before the match, the guys who will play tonight performed the Haka in front of the staff and those who won't play -so far, no pictures of the Captain!

All Blacks pound Wales
26/11/2006
Sportal.co.nz

New Zealand rocked Wales to lead 28-3 at halftime in their Test at a greasy Millennium Stadium in Cardiff today.
The Welsh threat to take the game to New Zealand foundered on an inability to pierce solid All Blacks defence, and the lack of solidity at the set pieces.
The game started without an on-field haka due to a dispute between the All Blacks and Welsh Rugby Union management and was done by the team in the dressing room and replayed on the Stadium screen once the match had started.
While the Welsh stated their intention to run the ball, the game opened with a series of downfield kicks and it was from one missed touch by centre Tom Shanklin that right wing Rico Gear punished the home side.
He raced downfield and set in train a series of quick rucks that saw ball finally moved left where Sitiveni Sivivatu drew the last line of defence, fullback Kevin Morgan and passed infield for second five-eighths Luke McAlister to cross.
Penalties awarded against Wales at the breakdowns resulted in three goals converted by first five-eighths Daniel Carter. His Welsh rival Stephen Jones landed the first points for his side with a penalty goal after 26 minutes.
However, with seven minutes of the half left it was Sivivatu who was rewarded for his outstanding work rate by scoring after good lead-up work by Carter, centre Conrad Smith and hooker Anton Oliver.
Another try on halftime, to Sivivatu came from a midfield turnover executed by tighthead prop Carl Hayman. Wales had cause to be thankful that the All Blacks did not quite achieve the continuity it wanted, with lineout opportunities lost at the transfer from forwards to backs.

Résumé de la première mi temps sur www.allblacks.com

Avant Galles/Nouvelle Zélande :: Before Wales/New Zealand

Photo prise hier lors du Captain Run

--> Richie et l'ancien capitaine (qui a payé la 3° place de la CDM 2003) Reuben Thorne
Pour suivre le match en direct

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=3222
sinon, diffusion demain a 15h sur Sport+
+

Picture from yesterday's Captain Run --> with the former ABs captain who paid a lot the 3rd place during the 2003 World Cup

For NZ, I hope you have the match LIVE but to follow the match, click on the link!

All Blacks -> All Pink : la pub/ the commercial

Richie est devant (près de D.Auradou)
Richie is on the front line (near D.Auradou, captain of Stade Français Paris)

pour avoir le fond d'écran, allez sur
to have the screensaver, go to

www.stade.fr

en vente sur le site : le maillot mi Blacks-mi Paris
you can also buy on the shop the shirt half ABs-half Stade Français Paris

Richie : meilleur joueur de l'année/best player of the year

Grâce à ma propagande (désolée Armand, mais sur ce coup, t'as pas trop assuré!) mais aussi (et surtout) à ses doigts de fée (!!!) Captain Richie Mac a été élu meilleur joueur de l'année 2006 par ses paires
L'an dernier ce prix avait été attribué à son collègue de X-Church, Dan Carter qui avait aussi rafflé le prix de l'IRB

Oscars de l'IRB qui se tiendront lundi soir. Souhaitons à Captain Richie Mac la même destinée...
KIWI POWER !!!!!!!!

Thanks to my propaganda (sorry Armand but you weren't the best on that shot!) but also (and mostly!) thanks to his fairy fingers (don't know if it's English...sorry!), Captain Richie Mac was elected best player of the year by his peers
Last year his colleague from X-Church, dan Carter, received this award, a few days later he also had the IRB award (this ceremony will take place next Monday). We wish Richie the same honor....

KIWI POWER!!!!!!

Haka pas comme les autres

Haka
envoyé par chevanton26