Georgia Page: The Australian “Rugby Goddess” Becomes an Inspiration

Georgia Page: The Australian “Rugby Goddess” Becomes an Inspiration

Sunday, June 21, 2015 / No Comments

Georgia Page: The Australian “Rugby Goddess” Becomes an Inspiration

Georgia Page, the Australian rugby player, has become an "inspiration" as she stayed on the pitch although she broke her nose during a tackle. She represents the Lindenwood University in Missouri. On Thursday during the match she fell and injured her face. Then she got up and kept on playing. She even made a furious tackle on an opponent from Notre Dame University before she was taken off the pitch for getting medical treatment. Her teammates convinced her for the treatment as she intended to keep on playing.  Later, in the second half she rejoined the action and finished the game. About the accident, she said that she knew that she had broken it straight away. She also thought that it was on the other side of her face for a second. About getting back on the feet again she said, "I laid down for two seconds and thought ‘‘I’ve got to get up, got to get up.'' Then she said that she started to run back. She could only see through her left eye when she made her first tackle as the other eye was covered in blood. When she was asked about the pain, she replied that it was pretty intense at first and after that it was gone. This clarifies her passion towards the game and her team.

The internet storm started when United States sevens officials uploaded a video. But page knew nothing about it as she was on a 17-hour flight to get back home. She only knew that a video was uploaded, and she thought it would get a few hundred likes, and 1000 views may be. She acquired about 400 notifications in Facebook, and friend requests or so and the video had a million views. She described this as "So it’s pretty crazy” and “I really can’t believe it — it’s insane." She said she never had such publicity about her, and she is finding it quite interesting.

All this has made the spotlight right to her, and she said that she was using this to catch attention so she can promote women's participation and Rugby Sevens. She tweeted that she wants to be a good ambassador for rugby and wanted to help the game to grow. She also added that what she did (playing with a runny nose) was not for her but her team.  She hopes that people should not make any difference by saying women’s rugby players.

Page has already finished her college in the United States. Now she will study to become an osteopath in Australia. She is hoping to crack the New South Wales Sevens squad, and her dream is to play in Olympic for Australia. But she prepares to repairs on her battered face at first. She said The American healthcare system is horrible, and so she did nothing over there. She is hoping to see a specialist this week.

John Plumtree Claims New Plymouth Is Still Hurricanes Home

John Plumtree Claims New Plymouth Is Still Hurricanes Home

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 / No Comments

John Plumtree Claims New Plymouth Is Still Hurricanes Home

John Plumtree, the assistant coach of the Hurricanes, says that New Plymouth is still their home. Before the clash between the Hurricanes' Super Rugby & Chiefs, the fight of heart and minds of the Taranaki rugby supporters is going to be a factor. The game is going to be held on Saturday at Yarrow Stadium. After 2014, when Taranaki changed their support for Chiefs the debate has become heated whether Hurricanes fans would change their colors or not. So, during the final round of 2015 regular season should offer some definitive answer through the color of jerseys and flags of the crowds who will be present at the already sold out game. Plumtree, former Taranaki said he was quite disappointed when he got back, but he is sure the crowds will support the Hurricanes on Monday. He added

 Napier was a great home game last week, Palmerston North, when we went there, was great too. The regions have been excellent to us, so I think it will feel like a home game when we go to New Plymouth.

On the other hand, the first volley had been fired by the Chiefs marketers when they came out with "This one's about territory” slogan and started the off-field battle. Earlier the team arrived at New Plymouth on Thursday and did their training in Francis Douglas Memorial College which is the old school of heir captain Conrad Smith. Letter dinner was also hosted for past players and supporters. Their team is scheduled to visit local schools and the hospital and also a meet and greet with fans later in the city center.

Six Taranaki players are boosted by Hurricanes including current captain James Marshall and Beauden Barrett. On the other hand, five Taranaki players are boosted by The Chiefs which includes regular starters Marty McKenzie and Charlie Ngatai. It is quite unsure that how the local crowd will react to the first game of Hurricanes as two years ago they cut loose and also the franchise neglected the region that has given a lot of quality players.

For Dave Rennie, the Chiefs coach this match has great importance as there is still chance to clinch a home quarterfinal. As a home semifinal is already secured the Hurricanes may rest Ma'a Nonu but Plumtree assured that there was no lack of motivation for the match. But the weekend has been emotional for the team as Jerry Collins, the former loose forward passed away. In the early 2000s, Plumtree coached Collins in the Wellington Lions and said he is still in disbelief, and he cannot imagine that he will never see his former charge again. He also said players over South Africa asked him how he was a player over everything else. He said that he was the unbelievably tight player and in every way he was a colossus of a man. Finally, he added 

I loved coaching Jerry because he was uncomplicated. He'd stick to the plan. He trained the hardest in the gym, trained the hardest out here [on the field]. He was a pleasure to coach.

Stormers Gets Prepared To Take On Brumbies

Stormers Gets Prepared To Take On Brumbies

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Stormers Gets Prepared To Take On Brumbies

Although some DHL Stormers are hoping for a miraculous set of results that will place their team in the second position and give them an automatic home semi-final but the reality is the league race is done and dusted for the 2015 edition of Vodacom Super Rugby. To have any meaning for Stormers' final league game against the Cell C Sharks, which will hold in Durban, both the Brumbies and the Waratahs have to lose their game. The Crusaders may give the Brumbies a hard time in Canberra, but Waratahs are not expected to struggle with the Reds in Sydney. A fresh team is needed by Allister Coetzee, coach of the Stormers for the first playoff game of the South African conference title which the clinched with their draw against the Emirates Lions. Last year in the Currie Cup he achieved success with Western Province through resting his first choice team in the final league game. He is also expressed to do similar some time ago if the same situation is presented. It is quite sensible too as since their last bye the Stormers have played three games. The first choice players have to face three more to win the overall trophy if they sit down this week.

In Super Rugby, this is not new to rest first-choice players. In 2010, The Vodacom Bulls did it. It's still not sure whether Coetzee will rest players like he did last year's Currie Cup. Maybe this time there will be some mixing and matching, but the completely second string team look good too. Although the Stormers might regret doing such if both the Brumbies and the Waratahs lose this week. The action of the past weekend has made sure teams lower than six have cannot make the Finals Series. Now the Lions are regretting their decision to go for a win than a draw in the first round of the game on February in Johannesburg as extra two points the Stormers coupling with the one Lions lost by not drawing has made the final differences in the log.

As now the only debate that will go over last weeks where the other playoff game will be placed among Chiefs and Highlanders. The Chiefs will host the hurricane, and the Highlanders travel to the Blues. As far now, the Chiefs are only ahead by one point. After securing an automatic home semifinal, the Hurricanes are considering fielding a second string team against the Chiefs. So the orders of the plays are for reminders: Quarterfinals – Chiefs v Highlanders (Venue to be decided); Stormers v Brumbies (Newlands),  Semifinals: Waratahs v winner of Stormers/Brumbies, Hurricanes v winner of Chiefs/Highlanders. The Stormers should be inspired to know that in the league phase they beat the Waratahs in Sydney, and they will not travel without any hope. It's definite that the Bulls are not moving anywhere as their rival the Sharks have the horrible disappointments of the South African Super Rugby season. Changing in the coaching structure in Pretoria is also on now.

Edinburgh Rugby Looking Forward to 'Test Games' at Easter Road With a View To Shifting There

Edinburgh Rugby Looking Forward to 'Test Games' at Easter Road With a View To Shifting There

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Easter Road With a View To Shifting

In next season, Edinburgh Rugby is hoping to play some games at Easter Road as they are exploring the possibilities of a permanent move to the Hib’s ground. They are aiming to play a few games at Easter Road in the next season. Earlier known as Edinburgh Reivers this PRO12 club played some matches in Heineken Cup during 1998/99 season. Now, they are trying to move away from Murrayfield Stadium as they prefer Easter Road as their new home. Discussions between SRU and Hibs are going on. Mark Dodson (chief executive of Scottish Rugby) is confident that it is possible to take necessary steps in order test such agreement for 2015/16 season. Dodson told BBC 

You see some leaks in the press about us talking to Hibernian about Easter Road.

 But he ensured that they are closer than that, and they are hoping to have a game like a test as they are willing to move there. He also said that they are hoping to some arrangements as they don’t wish to stay at Murrayfield for long terms. At Murrayfield, the capacity is 67,500 and only around 4000 crowds joins for Edinburgh matches. That's why SRU is very eager to move somewhere which will give the fans a better chance to create a better atmosphere. Move like this will financially benefit Hibs, but they also have made sure that their pitch needs to keep up with Edinburgh’s matches along with their own.

Alan Solomons, the head coach of Edinburgh has asked the home crowd to support his players so they can make history against Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday in European Challenge Cup semi-final. Edinburgh will be the first Scottish team to take part in European rugby final if the win at Murrayfield, where the dragons are also trying to get to their first final too since 2003. Solomon told BBC they needed to have a huge crowd for their advantage, and they wish to have 15000 people like the game against Glasgow they had during 1872. He also said that their team has overcome significant challenges this season, and they are willing to keep going. Winner of this game will play against Gloucester or Exeter, who is taking part in the other semifinal on Saturday.

Dougie Fife wing of Edinburgh said that it will be a great success for not only the players, coaching staff, medical staff, conditioning staff of their team bust also for Scottish rugby. He is hoping the success of his team Glasgow Warriors and also hopes their success may inspire a revival for Scotland before the World Cup. He also said they are hoping for a good crowd and also hope to do well as they are doing in the league. Earlier on Sunday they beat Pro12 champions Leinster by 25-22 after they were 22-8 down when only 30 minutes were remaining. It was the fourth consecutive winning for the Welsh region in all completions. Finally, Fifi added that the opponents are a physical team, and they will also come up with theirs too.

Rugby World Cup: Guide for England Rugby Team

Rugby World Cup: Guide for England Rugby Team

Sunday, June 14, 2015 / No Comments

Rugby World Cup: Guide for England Rugby Team

At first it is necessary to observe the England Rugby World Cup fixture of England Rugby Team. The fixture is in the following

1. September 18 at 8pm, against Fiji in Twickenham, London
2. September 26 at 8pm, against Wales in Twickenham, London
3. October 3 at 8pm, against Australia in Twickenham, London
4. October 10 at 8pm, against Uruguay in Manchester City Stadium

• England Rugby Team had qualified automatically as the host of the tournament.
• Recent statistics shows that England Rugby Team is fourth in world ranking
• World Cup records of this team are following

• Semi-final in 1987
• Runners up in 1991
• Fourth in 1995
• Winner in 2003
• Runners up in 2007
• Quarterfinals in 2011

• For England Rugby Team, the year of 2003 was a very memorable year. Every fan of this team will not forget the last time dropped goal of Jonny Wilkinson that confirmed the trophy in 2003 at Sydney.
• The year 2011 was very unfortunate for the team. Scotland and Argentina were beaten by the side of Martin Johnson and then the team went out in the quarter final against France. In quarter-final, the team filed to home dogged by an off-field controversies series.
• In England Rugby, World Cup Johnson took over by coach Stuart Lancaster and has instilled an ethic of hard working with prize of discipline
• Jonathan Joseph is the most likely to light up the world cup in the England Rugby World Cup. He took six nations by storm in this year. The popularity of Joseph and fly-half George Ford have started to add shine to the power of forwarding, but the some fundamental mistakes under the pressure still cost the players against the best sides.
• The squad of England World Cup has dropped hooker Dylan Hartley from the training squad. Dylan Hartley is the captain of Northampton team.
• The Rugby World Cup (RWC) in this current incident, Dylan was not displayed clearly
• But the stereotype of this tournament is an exceptional five fronts that will provide power and dominance of set-piece rather than conservative attack, and the wine of substance will be out of over style.

   

• The commenter states about the world cup that since 1987 the English team has not lost against Wales in any world cup and this team also not lost to Australia since 1991.
• England has hold the record that shows that this team drops a highest number of goals in the history of Rugby World Cup, and the number of dropped goal is 20.
• The team of Wales Rugby has announced their training squad on Monday. The Boss of Wales announced the name of 45 players in his squad on 1st June.
• The coach of England Rugby Team, Lancaster has prepared for the game for Sunday at Twickenham against the Barbarians become happy because his message of disciplinary is getting by his players.

England World Cup Squad: Dropped out Dylan Hartley

England World Cup Squad: Dropped out Dylan Hartley

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 / No Comments

England World Cup Squad: Dropped out Dylan Hartley

England World Cup Squad has dropped hooker Dylan Hartley from the training squad after the current disciplinary breach. Dylan Hartley is the captain of Northampton team was 29 years old and on Wednesday he banned for four weeks because of his cutting of the head to Saracens' Jamie George, he replaced Dylan Hartley in the team. He might be ruled that on 18th September opening game of England rugby team will be against Fiji. The coach of England Stuart Lancaster said that he had spoken to Dylan and he knew he had let down himself and everyone. He also said that it is necessary to mention that they need all their players to being able to control the other teams’ discipline and to take better decision under the pressure. It is clearly required for The Rugby World Cup (RWC) and in this current incident Dylan was not displayed clearly. Still this is an area which is needed to be address. But these consequences unfortunately are not for him only for him, also for the total squad because in the wheel he was very important part.

In lot of ways Dylan was very excellent but has clear control on emotion and can take the good decision under the pressure what is the essential quality in all players. And pressure of white-hot in the world cup will be that. Hartley said that

 "I am devastated by what has happened and the position I have put myself and the England team in”. 

He also apologized to Stuart, Jamie and his team members both as Saints and England. In late last year Lancaster warned the hooker over the disciplinary record and it is recently seen that he is banned for six times, 54 weeks missing in his career by suspensions for ranging of gouging offences and cutting to abuse the referee.

The suspensions of Hartley are discussed bellow:

April 2007: Gouging Wasps to Jonny O’Conner and Jams Haskell he was banned for 26 weeks

March 2012: Biting Stephen Ferris, Irelands’ player he was banned for eight weeks

December 2012: Banned for two weeks for Ulster of striking of Rory Best.

May 2015: For Head butting of Saracen Jamie George he banned for four weeks.

The coach Lancaster added that they had invested many times and give effort to him and getting the squad to a definite place when they could get the RWC rugby in the best possible shape. To lose one of their most knowledgeable players in this area is very disappointing. He also added

 "If we selected him in the World Cup squad, he would have played no competitive rugby at all and we would be left exposed with only two available hookers in what is a specialized position going into the Fiji game”. 

And the ticket of England Rugby World Cup is available for all fans.

But the coach, Lancaster prepared for the game for Sunday at Twickenham against the Barbarians become happy because his message of disciplinary is getting by his players.

Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) Ruled Out by Wales Centre: Jonathan Davies

Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) Ruled Out by Wales Centre: Jonathan Davies

Friday, June 5, 2015 / No Comments

Ruled Out by Wales Centre: Jonathan Davies

In Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) Jonathan Davies of Wales Centre has ruled out from the tournament for breaking of his ligament of anterior cruciate in knee. This 27 years old rugby player played 48 times for Wales, a French club and he suffers from the knee injury against Montpellier for the club side of Clermont Auvergne on Saturday and in recent days he will undergo in a surgery. Alongside Jamie Roberts, Davies was the first choice of the midfield of Wales. His injury in current days is an opportunity for Scarlets backs of Scott Williams. During the 2015 six nations he pressed the match up hard for beginning place. Here is the fact file of Jonathan Davies. He was born in 5th April, 1988. His height and weight is 1.85m (6ft 1inch) and 105 kg accordingly. The International status of Jonathan Davies is 48 caps for Wales (10 tries) & three Lions Tests in Scarlets, Clermont Auvergne clubs.

The medical team of Welsh Rugby Union and Clermont are in a steady dialogue and Jonathan Davies will be unavailable for 6-7 months. Warren Gatland, the head coach of Wales said that it was very disappointment for Davies and for them, but the advice was for Davies to have a surgery straight away. He also told  

Obviously the injury rules him out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup but our focus is his long term career and we will be working closely with him during his recovery looking towards the 2016 RBS 6 Nations.

Injury of Davies means that Tyler Morgan, the Newport Dragons center has withdraw of Under- 20 Championship squad of Wales and this will include the training squad of extended senior World Cup, this will announce in next month. Tyler Morgan, 19 years old was a member of the RWC 2015 Six Nations squad and he became first uncapped rugby player in December 2014 to receive the dual contract of the Wales. Gatland said

 Although we are disappointed by the injury to Jonathan Davies we are delighted to have a player of Tyler's calibre and potential to call on.

Previously Wales have played in the wing of Northampton at George North centre and they also could call on midfield partners of Morgan’s Dragons player Cory Allen or Jack Dixon. Allen centre of Cardiff Blues, a 21 years old player has gain two caps. In November in the last cap he played as replacement and scored 33-28 defeat against Australia. In Cardiff on 20 September, in group A, Wales will face England (Host Country), Australia, Fiji and Uruguay in an opening game.

Side of Gatland will prepare for the match with camps of training in Qatar, North Wales, Poland and Switzerland.  On Saturday 8th August, they will face Ireland in an warm up match at home before facing Italy on 5th September Saturday in Cardiff they faced them in Dublin on Saturday 29th August.