Saturday, 6 August 2011
This week I will mostly be concerning myself with the loss of a legend, national crises and urgent management tasks...
Ferrasse was a fearsome lock, who helped Agen to a French Championship in 1945. But his great legacy was as an administrator, beginning with his refereeing of the 1959 final between Racing Club and Mont-de-Marsan.
He became President of Agen in 1965 - staying in the role for 20 years - and three years later took on the Presidency of the French Federation, a post he held for 23 years.
Ferrasse was also President of the IRB from 1979-87, overseeing the conception of, and build-up to the first Rugby World Cup and presenting New Zealand with the trophy after they had beaten France in the inaugural final. He oversaw France's accession to full IRB membership in 1978 and he was also the first Frenchman to receive the Vernon Pugh award from the IRB for his services to development of rugby. In 1990, still close to the players, he created the Foundation Albert Ferrasse designed to manage the aftermath of serious accidents associated with rugby.
Ferrasse was also a great sympathiser with South Africa during their isolation, once famously declaring on French TV that he 'knew nothing' when asked about South Africa's occupation of Namibia. He was also afforded the Legion d'Honneur by the French state.
His iron-fist style did not always win fans in France, but there is little doubt he contributed immensely to both France's position in the game today and to the controlled onset of professionalism. His is a great legacy left to the game.
"A part of French rugby has gone," said current FFR president Pierre Camou.
"As the French team prepares for the World Cup in New Zealand it is important to remember that it was Albert Ferrasse who paved the way for the first World Cup in 1987 in New Zealand. That just adds to the sadness."
RFU President Willie Wildash added: "Albert Ferasse made a huge difference not only to French rugby but the game as a whole both through his commitment to the development of the game and to player safety. His work with FIRA and the IRB was recognised by all. He was a friend to many across the world, was a fantastic ambassador for rugby and will be hugely missed."
Fiji's World Cup preparations lurch from the catastrophic to the disastrous still. Having lost several key players to personal reasons, been threatened by the NZ immigration control about military-connected players, and seen their Pacific Nations Cup undone by a glut of red cards in Japan, the union now appears to be in a frantic last-gasp scrabble for money.
While the government - which came to power in a military coup a couple of years ago and is thus the source of all the friction for the NZ immigration office - has been generous enough and the IRB has contributed as well, the team still has no sponsor, and the drubbing in New Zealand a fortnight ago is hardly making them an attractive proposition.
It's a shame. Fiji were the revelation of the French World Cup, but drawn as they are in the pool of death with Samoa, Wales and South Africa, it seems they are destined to take a couple of steps backward after the huge step forward.
South African fans have grave cause for concern this week after the hammering in New Zealand, but the return of 21 players from their secret training camp in Rustenburg ought to put a few things right (did we say training camp? sorry, we meant rehab centre, it definitely was not a training camp) over the next three weeks or so.
But of perhaps the most concern going into the tournament will be the form of fly-half Morné Steyn. Steyn has slipped tackle after tackle, has taken nearly all of his ball either standing still or shuffling sideways, now he is even shanking kicks at goal.
Steyn has been the go-to man for South Africa for yonks now. He kicks the goals, he hoists the up and unders. He used not to be averse to scoring a few tries and making a few breaks himself, especially when South Africa's runners had created the spaces inside.
But without him, South Africa look stuffed. Butch James is still a question that needs answering, Patrick Lambie's undoubted talent needs more time to develop before he can be the answer, Frans Steyn is not sophisticated enough. There are no other realistic options we can think of.
Peter de Villiers said at a press conference last week that Steyn was looking at his last chance for World Cup selection, which is a horrible thing to say when your number one fly-half for so long is going through a dip in form - the pressure is perpetually etched all over Steyn's face at every moment. Moving him to full-back just before the match hardly gave him room to answer that threat either.
Somebody perhaps needs to get inside Steyn's head a bit and look after him more, for if he does not get out of the slump in time, it looks as though the Boks may go about defending their world title without a proven number one fly-half.
The All Blacks shut out the Wallabies in a first-half blitz to win their opening Bledisloe Cup encounter 30-14 at Eden Park on Saturday
Due to a shortened version of the Tri-Nations (because of the World Cup), New Zealand's three-tries-to-two victory also sees them secure the Bledisloe Cup for another year.
It was a clinical display all round by the rampant All Blacks, who are now in pole position to claim yet another Tri-Nations title.
The Wallabies started and ended the match with plenty of promise, but it was the space in between that saw Robbie Deans' men capitulate to some ferocious defence from the home side.
The All Blacks knocked the stuffing out of their trans-Tasman rivals, often reversing the Wallabies' key strike runners and kept playmaker Quade Cooper quiet all night - New Zealand's steady pressure and suffocating defence denied the Aussie pivot the chance to regularly set his backline in motion.
Australia's cause was further undermined by poor goal-kicking, with James O'Connor' missing three successive penalties. But the same couldn't be said of Dan Carter, who was immaculate with the boot as the Wallabies were put to the sword.
Digby Ioane and Rocky Elsom did get on the board for the Wallabies in the second period, however it was merely consolation tries and they never looked like threatening New Zealand's 23-match unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue.
The opening passage of play played at a fast and furious pace, with both sides going at each other hammer and tongs. However, All Blacks centre Conrad Smith then affected a turnover in midfield which led to the opening score of the match.
Instrumental scrum-half Piri Weepu raced down the touchline, before linking with wing Sitiveni Sivivatu who got the attacking team close to the line. Flanker Jerome Kaino kept the ball alive and it was centre Ma'a Nonu who picked up the ball to drive through the legs to score.
Weepu's excellent work in keeping the ball in play was crucial in the All Blacks next try where as loose forwards Kieran Read and Richie McCaw powered their way towards Australia's tryline. Held inches short, hooker Keven Mealamu got low and had the strength to place the pigskin on the chalkdust for the try.
The home side took a seventeen-point lead into the break, and Carter extended the All Blacks lead just after the restart with a drop-goal which was only the third of his 82-Test career.
The Wallabies gave a vivid reminder of their threat from broken field when they turned over possession in their 22m and shifted the ball to Digby Ioane, who stood up full-back Mils Muliaina en route to goal.
With O'Connor relieved of the kicking duties, Cooper landed a touchline conversion which would have galavanised his side.
However, it would be shortlived as the All Blacks struck back with their third try straight from the restart after Australia failed to control the ball.
Read put the pressure on the Wallaby jumpers, and the ball - which seemed to have been knocked on by the number eight - bounced and landed in Conrad Smith's hands. The centre set off down the sideline before passing inside to Sivivatu who couldn't believe his luck.
Carter's conversion took New Zealand out to a 27-7 lead, which was soon stretched with another penalty goal before captain Elsom claimed a late consolation try for his beaten team.
Friday, 5 August 2011
England Manager Martin Johnson insists that the captaincy of his World Cup squad is still up for grabs just five weeks ahead of the tournament
Lewis Moody, who will lead England against Wales this weekend, is widely expected to be named the skipper when the final squad is announced on August 22 but Johnson says that no man is guaranteed a place the 30-man group. "I've always said guys have got to get their place in the team," said Johnson.
"If any player isn't playing as well as another guy then is that other guy going to play? Well, yes.
"When we name the squad we will name our captain. Everyone is judged on merit and one of Lewis' merits is his leadership.
"You need that quality in the team and I think we missed him and Mike in the final Six Nations game in Dublin.
"Lewis, being who he is and what he has done, brings a huge amount of intangibles to the team but also adds to the collective."
And Moody welcomes the challenge.
"I am excited about this. Everyone is fired up and so they should be," said the 33-year-old Bath flanker.
"Every game leading into the World Cup is a trial for the squad and the individuals.
"I have always felt I have to prove myself, no matter what stage I am at in my career. There is always competition and that is what makes for a good squad.
"You have to make sure you are playing as well as you can do - and if you are captain that is an honour on top of that."
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers on Friday named a 24-man squad for the home leg of the Tri-Nations series
Six players remain on the injured list and are unavailable for selection, although three of them will join the squad in Durban to continue their rehabilitation.
The Springboks play Australia at Kings Park on August 13 before meeting New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth a week later.
Nine of the players who appeared in the away leg of the Series have been retained, led by captain John Smit.
"We still have a number of injury concerns but the majority of the players who were in rehabilitation have recovered well and are now available for selection," said De Villiers.
Schalk Burger (hand), Juan Smith (Achilles) and Willem Alberts (shoulder) will be part of the squad but are not fit enough to be in contention for the match against Australia, said De Villiers. A fourth looseforward - Heinrich Brüssow - would be assessed with a view to joining the squad, following his planned appearance for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup on Saturday.
Lock forward Johann Muller remains on the injured list and with Andries Bekker ruled out of the Rugby World Cup tournament, Test newcomer Gerhard Mostert is named in the squad. The 26-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand a fortnight ago.
"It's very satisfying to see that Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha have now largely overcome their injuries but they still require management as we have a shortage of fit locks at the moment," said de Villiers.
"We also have injury problems among the looseforwards but I am hopeful that all of the four who are not currently in the playing squad will be ready for selection by the time of the World Cup."
Scotland hooker Ross Ford is relishing the chance of taking on Ireland in their World Cup warm-up match at Murrayfield on Saturday
"I'm excited to get on with it now," Ford told Press Association Sport.
"We've put in a lot of hard work over the past six to eight weeks. We're now looking forward to putting everything we've been doing into practice.
"It was a close game in the Six Nations. I'm excited to see how we've developed from there and I'm just looking forward to getting a hit out against another team.
"It's a good benchmark to see where you're at."
The Edinburgh stalwart was one of five Scotland players who were withdrawn from club service at the end of the Six Nations.
Ford's break came at an opportune time after he was also diagnosed with overtraining syndrome, due to to an elevated heart rate and persistent fatigue.
Up to then, he was playing continually for two years. This included the British & Irish Lions' tour to South Africa in 2009 and Scotland's trip to Argentina in 2010.
"The past two or three years have been pretty full-on. I've enjoyed it, but it's just built up," said Ford.
"It was good to be given that opportunity at the end of the season to go away and take it easier for a couple of weeks. I was a little bit surprised but I was quite pleased because I wasn't performing as well as I like.
"I was feeling quite tired, so it was good to have that chance to get over the bumps and bruises and be able to improve my fitness and work on skills.
"There was still training to be done - I got the same amount of time off as the rest of the boys - but while they were training for the games at the end of the week, I was only doing three days a week."
Scrum-half Rory Lawson will captain the side on Saturday, while Ford has been named vice-captain and pack leader.
He believes the role will have little impact on how he approaches the match.
"If there's something that needs saying during the game, I'll bring the forwards in and speak to them," said Ford.
"Bar that, not much else will change for me. I'll try and lead from the front and put in a solid performance."
When pivot Jonny Wilkinson plays for England against Wales on Saturday, it could be his final appearance for his country at Twickenham Stadium
Wilkinson, who has signed a new contract with Top 14 side Toulon, said it was not easy to know that it could be his farewell Test at Twickenham.
"It's a tough one," Wilkinson told Eurosport.
"It has been an incredible part of my life to date. To have been on that field so many times and have experienced all the highs and lows has been amazing.
"The thought of not having it any more is not one I wish to consider. It is a difficult situation. You don't want to deal with that kind of emotion."
Wilkinson has been a crowd favourite at Twickenham since his making his debut there against Ireland in 1998.
The 32-year-old fly-half said he hoped to reach an agreement with the RFU, which would designate him as a special case.
"I don't like this idea of restriction. I always want to have that open-ended feel to my career. I always like to keep doors open and if I can keep improving, I will keep doing that until someone shuts that door," he said.
"If I am playing in a way where people feel I need to be involved then great - if not, I will just be doing it for Toulon."
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Ireland number eight Denis Leamy says his team have learned their lessons from the last World Cup and will be ready for it this time round
Under the guidance of former coach Eddie O'Sullivan, Ireland went into the World Cup with high expectations but struggled throughout and went out at the pool stage after defeats by France and Argentina.
One of the reasons for Ireland's disastrous World Cup campaign, was the fact that the overall preparation in the run-up to the 2007 event was flawed and O'Sullivan held his hand up in that respect afterwards.
Preparing for the tournament, the first-choice 22 were wrapped in cotton wool with senior players left at home for the June tour to Argentina and used sparingly in the two warm-up games.
However, fast forward four years and Leamy is sure Ireland will be ready for the 2011 World Cup as they prepare for their opening game against the United States on September 11.
They face Scotland in a warm-up game on Saturday and the Munster star believes the five games ahead of the tournament for the Irish will be vital.
"We prepared really well in 2007," he told PA Sport.
"We had a great pre-season and were in really great shape. We just weren't battle-hardened enough in terms of matches. Before I'd played my first game in 2007, I'd been on the pitch for possibly 30 minutes.
"With the number of warm-up games we have, lads could have possibly three to four matches played this time.
"For me the big difference this year is that when the first ball is kicked against the USA, the boys will be battle-hardened and up to speed in match fitness.
"The pre-season training has been difficult, but getting match fit is completely different to anything else.
"We probably didn't play too many warm-up games in 2007 out of concern for injury. Geordan Murphy didn't make the 2003 World Cup because of an injury and it's a difficult balance to strike. Injury is a risk."
Leamy added the players who took part in the side's failed 2007 campaign are all the wiser for it, but are keen to move on and focus at the new task at hand.
Declarations that Ireland want to win the World Cup have been placed off limits, while this time the team will also be moving around New Zealand.
"We're better off moving on from 2007 because it was so disappointing," said Leamy.
"There was a such a big build-up and it didn't help that we openly stated we want to reach the semis and final. When that didn't happen it was used as a stick to beat us with.
"This time it's all about getting out of our pool. We can start to dream from there."
In 2007, Ireland were confined to one base camp at an isolated and uninspiring hotel in Bordeaux and cabin fever quickly set in.
"It will help moving around this time - it will be nice to have a change in scenery," added Leamy.
"Being based in Bordeaux in that hotel for the duration was difficult."
The arrival of Saturday's trip to Edinburgh signals the end of the gruelling fitness training for Leamy and his team-mates.
"The last few weeks have been very intense. It's been pretty exhausting and any spare minute you have, you put up your feet, relax and take it easy," said Leamy.
"You enjoy this time in a sick way. It's a challenge and you have to try to get through the pain. Your muscles are aching and screeching at you to stop.
"It's a good test of your mental strength and it's satisfying when you come out the other end.
"It's very tough. We've had some really tough sessions with guys spewing up their dinners and stuff like that."
Charming.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers says one of South Africa's biggest weaknesses ahead of the Rugby World Cup is the inability to finish
De Villiers and SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux were dragged in front of Parliament's portfolio committee on sport and recreation, after the Boks lost both matches of their Tri-Nations away leg against Australia and New Zealand last month.
"We need a killer instinct," said De Villiers.
"At the moment we lack the ability to land a knock-out blow when our opponents are against the ropes.
"There is an extreme fear of hazardous rugby and the standard of certain players is also a concern."
Members of parliament also asked De Villiers and Roux about the training camp in Rustenburg and why the best players weren't on tour in Australasia.
The pair maintained that the camp was used to rehabilitate injured players, and say they have medical certificates to prove the veracity of their claims.
"I could not go against the guy [medical doctor], whom I pay a lot of money for his opinion, and say I don't need your opinion," said De Villiers.
"In a normal year we would risk five or six of those injured players in the Tri-Nations, but this is not a normal year.
"Next year people will forget two losses but for four years people will remember who the champion of the world is."
De Villiers added that he believes experience will be crucial at the World Cup, and denied that older players are being picked on sentiment.
"We first decide what we want before we look at the names," he said.
"There has never been a sentimental selection. I am 90 per cent sure that we can bring back the honours of the World Cup."
After four years at the helm, De Villiers even said he deserved a medal for his efforts.
"And a big one too," the coach added boldly.
The Springboks were set to face the Wallabies in Durban on August 13 and the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on August 20 before the start of their World Cup campaign in New Zealand in September.
France coach Marc Lièvremont said the progress of the squad in their World Cup training camp had exceeded his expectations
The 42-year-old former loose forward - who played in the 1999 World Cup final loss to Australia - admitted that the players were tired but they were putting everything into the training sessions.
"Yes I am satisfied with the way training has been going, actually it is above my expectations," said Lièvremont, who despite landing the 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam has had his position called into question since with a series of disappointing performances.
"It is true we are not in the habit of this rhythm of work, to have the time to work, to develop the athletic qualities, cohesion, to exchange with the players over the strategy.
"I was nevertheless very careful as we had chosen a very ambitious preparatory programme.
"Everything is going very well for the moment. What is interesting, is that the players have stuck to everything that we have proposed, even when we have urged them to increase the physical work despite their being a certain weariness and general fatigue.
"But they have already accrued the benefits."
Lièvremont, who was a surprise choice to replace Bernard Laporte after the 2007 World Cup, getting the nod ahead of more experienced candidates Fabien Galthie and Philippe Saint-Andre, said that the two warm-up matches against Ireland in Bordeaux on August 13 and in Dublin a week later would be ideal preparation.
"The warm-up matches are more than just friendlies," said Lièvremont.
"They are the only two matches before the World Cup.
"We need to see if the players have the capacity to maintain the rhythm, if things are functioning alright, to see how we fare against counter attacks by a really good side, and to see the enthusiasm and aggressivity of the players.
"We are anticipating two really beautiful rugby matches while acknowledging that, up until the first pool matches, there are bound to be errors and not everything will be perfect."
Lièvremont, five of whose brothers and one sister have all played rugby at a high level, said that they had not got as far as selecting their favoured starting XV yet.
"We are not yet into that dynamic in terms of discussing it daily because we are permanently changing the teams both in the gym and on the pitch," he said.
"We are working towards a goal of having a squad packed with quality.
"Afterwards, of course, we have to make a choice. I hope, and I have told the players this, that we will go as far as possible with 30 players."
However, Lièvremont's often tense relations with the press surfaced over the question regarding the status of who was number one at scrum-half, Morgan Parra or veteran Dimitri Yachvili.
Parra had become the undisputed number one until his form dipped last season, after an outstanding previous campaign which saw him inspire the French to the Grand Slam and Clermont to their first ever domestic championship.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Yachvili has fought his way back into contention.
"Regarding Morgan Parra, well since the Six Nations, you have bored me with the debate about his rivalry with Dimitri (Yachvili)," said Lièvremont.
"We have decided to rotate them and to continue like that in the first matches."
France begin their World Cup campaign against Japan in Auckland on September 10.
New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen said the All Blacks were determined to maintain their dominance over Australia at Eden Park on Saturday
Australian selector David Nucifora has said that because most of the current Wallabies are young and new to international rugby they are unaffected by history - the young Wallabies were more likely to be excited by the challenge of playing New Zealand than daunted.
"They don't worry about things like hoodoos," Nucifora said.
"The attitude they've got and the way they play the game in such a positive manner gives us confidence, because we know they will just get on with it."
Hansen says even if it's true the Wallabies no longer fear or respect his All Blacks, it won't make any difference to how the New Zealanders go about their preparations.
But he said they would not be motivated by any desire to teach the Wallabies respect.
"The Australians aren't in awe of us, they probably don't even respect us," he said.
"You've only got to read what they've got to say.
"We have our own motivation, we don't need someone else to motivate us. The black jersey motivates our players, it has for (decades) and will probably continue to, it's such an important jersey."
But that didn't diminish any emphasis New Zealand placed on defending its outstanding record at Eden Park, particularly as the World Cup approached
"Auckland's obviously the home here in New Zealand where most of the big games are played because of the size of the venue, so the importance of those matches are usually right up there, and wanting it to stay tight and a fortress for want of a better term is pretty important," said Hansen.
"That's where they're going to play the World Cup final and we want to be in it and of course we want to win it, so it's important."
New Zealand can retain the Bledisloe Cup, which it contests annually with Australia, with a win on Saturday and improve its chances of retaining the Tri-Nations title.
And just to be sure, Hansen said the historical significance of the Bledisloe Cup had been explained to the All Blacks players.
"We do it every year, there's some little talk just to remind each other what the history of the Bledisloe Cup's all about," he said.
"It's something that's pretty hard to win (back) when you lose it and we don't want to lose it, we want to keep hold of it, and this year's no different.
"It's got history, there's no doubt about that.
"This team's built on history, it's built on a legacy, and it's just like family - you talk about things that happened in the past and where you'd like to go in the future.
"That's all we do, too."
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
France's World Cup hopes have been boosted by the return of Aurélien Rougerie to full training, coach Marc Lièvremont told reporters on Tuesday
Vincent Clerc is also ready to return to the side although front row forwards Thomas Domingo and William Servat are still struggling to reach full fitness.
"It is great to have Aurelien back with the squad," said Lièvremont.
"He has a great appetite and vitality and he is so pleased to be back without any concerns, even if he has not yet been training with opposition.
"His ankle is fine, physically he is sharp because even though he has had to stay on the margins of the squad, he has still followed the training programme. He is an athlete. We can say that he is out of the woods and competitive."
Rougerie - who will be appearing in his third World Cup - could be a bitpart player in the matches against Ireland on August 13 and 20 alongside winger Clerc who has recovered from a small operation on his right knee.
"The operation went well although I can't bend my knee until Thursday," said Clerc.
"The injury didn't stop me training and I could have played as well but it might have been a problem later. I missed five days of training but I will get those back."
There was less good news over Servat and Domingo who are both suffering from knee injuries.
Servat is due to return to training on August 10 which will rule him out of the first match in Bordeaux but could see him return for the second in Dublin.
"William has been a little bit slower than Aurelien in his recovery but he is continuing with his fitness work," said Lièvremont.
"He will miss the first match but could perhaps play in the second."
Domingo, though, will miss both although Lievremont remains confident that he will be ready for the tournament in New Zealand.
"As for Thomas, it is a question of time. There is zero chance of seeing him play against Ireland, it would be too big a risk. But he is progressing well and we will soon be able to reintegrate him into actual rugby sessions," he said.
France begin their World Cup campaign against Japan in Auckland on September 10.
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll is one of a handful of players set to miss Saturday's World Cup warm-up against Scotland at Murrayfield
"Brian has been doing 80 per cent of the work over the last two weeks. I'm not too concerned about him," said Ireland manager Paul McNaughton.
"He has a problem with his shoulder/neck and has been having some traction on it.
"He's doing everything except contact this week, but is unlikely to play in the first two games."
While O'Driscoll is expected to be fully fit in a few weeks, there is far more uncertainty around Gordon D'Arcy and Stephen Ferris's chances of making the World Cup.
D'Arcy underwent ankle surgery in June and is still in rehabilitation while Ferris is struggling with a knee problem.
"Gordon is tight to make the World Cup," said McNaughton.
"He recovers quickly and is running while bearing his full weight, so is making progress.
"With these type of injuries, a week can tell us a lot - players can progress a lot in that time as well.
"Gordon and Stephen face a race against time but are making progress," he added.
"If there is a likelihood of guys not playing before the World Cup then it's those two.
"We're hopeful that they may be ready for game time, maybe in match three or four of the summer series. They are unlikely to play in the first two games.
"It's a preference that they have some game time before they go, but we'll never say never on anybody.
"A player could be just a week away from full fitness but it would be dangerous to play him in a game.
"We always have that option. It's our preference that everyone will get some game time."
There was however some good news for Irish fans as hooker Jerry Flannery and full-backs Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy, are all available to face Scotland following lengthy lay-offs.
"Flannery (calf), Kearney (knee) and Murphy (ankle) are ready to go. They were involved in contact last week and are ready for game time," said McNaughton.
"Flannery has been out for quite a while now (since January).
"He has been getting specialist rehab on a one-to-one basis during the summer, but over the last two weeks has kept up fully in training.
"We're pleased to see him take part in everything from contact to scrummaging.
"In general the injury situation has been getting better over the last couple of weeks, but we have five matches and need to give guys game time.
"We're hopeful that every player will partake in some games."
Shane Jennings resumes contact work this week as he continues his comeback from a broken arm.
Manager Martin Johnson has heaped praise on England rookies Manu Tuilagi and Charlie Sharples in the build up to Saturday's World Cup warm-up against Wales
The young duo are now in line to make their international debuts at either Twickenham this weekend or the Millennium Stadium next week.
20-year-old Tuilagi, who was named Aviva Premiership young player of the year, has continued to impress in the England camp, scoring a try in last Thursday's internal trial match while 21-year-old Sharples has been described as "the fastest white guy I have ever seen" by full-back Ben Foden.
"I've been impressed (by Tuilagi). He's a strong, powerful young man. He is an incredibly impressive physical specimen,' said Johnson.
"You saw the quality of Manu last season in the Premiership and I think he's improved just being in this environment here, like all these guys do.
"He's worked very, very hard and he's just got better and better.
"He has come in from a very good club, understanding what it is to be a professional player and work hard and prepare - like Charlie Sharples and like Tom Wood when he came in (during the Six Nations).
"(Sharples) is a very impressive young man who has worked very hard. He's got his head down and taken it all in.
"He's very thorough in what he does - he's an impressive lad who has taken that next step, as 40 of them have."
On Thursday Johnson will name his side to face Wales but will not include Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs, who are both injured.
"These (warm-up) games are the only time in your England career when there is a bigger picture. The players know what is at stake," added Johnson.
"There are still 40 players here and they all want to play well - but the best chance of doing that is as a group and not as individuals."
Joe Worsley, Thomas Waldrom, George Chuter were also amongst the casualties on Monday leaving veteran hooker Steve Thompson, Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw and Sale flanker Hendre Fourie in contention for World Cup selection.
"Thomas had an injury to his calf that meant he wasn't able to train at all in the last two weeks. The other decisions were very tough because everyone has contributed massively," said Johnson.
"It was particularly tough on Stretts (Strettle) who has trained very well and did everything we asked of him.
"Joe has come back from some injuries last year, worked incredibly hard to get back in but just came up a bit short right now."
Meanwhile, winger Chris Ashton laughed off the controversy created by England's new all black change kit.
"You are more worried about playing for your country than what colour kit you are wearing. If we played in pyjamas it wouldn't bother me," said the Northampton wing.
"The grey one worked well - we played well in it - let's hope it is the same with the black one."
All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore has signed a one-year deal with the Highlanders for next season's Super Rugby competition
He has been the Hurricanes' captain since 2010 and represented the Wellington-based franchise in 106 matches since 2002.
Hore is the fourth All Black to leave the Hurricanes for another New Zealand franchise since the end of this year's Super Rugby campaign.
Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu have joined the Blues and Aaron Cruden signed with the Chiefs.
Other senior players like Neemia Tialata and Rodney So'oialo have also left the New Zealand capital, and will further their careers overseas.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said although it took a while for them to secure Hore's signature, the deal suited both parties.
"We had to make sure everyone is making the decision for the right reasons," he told the Otago Daily Times.
"From his perspective he had to make sure he was not rushing into a commitment for our team on the rebound from what happened at the Hurricanes. And he had to understand what we are about."
All Blacks wing Hosea Gear is relishing his return to the playing field after recovering sufficiently from a hamstring injury
However, Gear looks set to return to New Zealand's starting line-up against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
Although he finished 2010 as the incumbent left wing in the national set-up, Gear is aware of the threat posed from fellow flyers out wide: Cory Jane, Zac Guildford and Sitiveni Sivivatu - especially after the trio's impressive performances in the recent Tests against South Africa and Fiji.
"You want to be out there but I've had to deal with the hand I've been dealt," Gear told Stuff.
"I've focused on trying to get my rehab right and now it's about moving on to my next task.
"The way Zac and Cory [Jane] played in the weekend I see them as the best wingers in the world so it's a good opportunity to measure myself up against those guys.
"Every time you put the black jersey on you've got to have that mindset that it can be taken away from you in any second."
Jane, in particular, grabbed the opportunity with both hands when given another shot to play for the All Blacks.
After a poor Super Rugby campaign with the struggling Hurricanes, Jane was initially picked as part of an injury replacement group that covered for Gear, Israel Dagg and Isaia Toeava.
But after a stellar performance in the All Blacks' 40-7 romp over the Boks in Wellington at the weekend, he is right back in contention for a World Cup spot.
"We're sort of in the same boat. He's proved you don't need a lot of game-time to play well. There's evidence right there that it can be done," Gear said.
Judging from the All Blacks' training run this week, it's very likely that as much as five former or current Hurricanes (Gear, Jane, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith) will be in the starting XV against Australia.
Gear is excited by this prospect.
"If I'm selected and out there with the Hurricanes boys at least I've got a pretty good relationship with them," he said.
"I've played with them for the last few years. We understand each other's play and that's positive.
"I got up to full pace last week, which is good news. It's a matter of getting a bit faster now."
Another former Hurricane, Andrew Hore, will further his career at the Highlanders next season and there are rumours that Gear will join the All Blacks hooker at the Dunedin-based franchise.
But Gear said he won't be rushed into making a decision on where he would be playing next season.
"I'm still undecided," confirmed Gear.
"I've got more important things ahead of me at this stage. I'm keeping the Super Rugby stuff in the back pocket for now."
Scotland have made five changes of personnel and one further positional switch for Saturday's opening World Cup warm-up against Ireland
Head coach Andy Robinson has recast the team that ended the Six Nations with victory over Italy as he seeks to finalise his squad of 30 for the RWC. "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," said Robinson.
"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 Six Nations through a knee injury, thus Sean Lamont reverts to the wing to the exclusion of Simon DanielliHead coach Andy Robinson has recast the team that ended the Six Nations with victory over Italy as he seeks to finalise his squad of 30 for the RWC.
"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," said Robinson.
"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 Six Nations through a knee injury, thus Sean Lamont reverts to the wing to the exclusion of Simon Danielli. leave a comment!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)