Headaches Everywhere!

[Darren]

By Gerry Collins
http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/...htm?rugbyunion

With the European rugby internationals completed it seems that most World Cup contenders have problems rather than positives to think about.

The biggest headaches of course are with the defending champions, England. With 12 months to go until their title defence, they are without a coach, lacking form and morale.

The unhappy way in which Andy Robinson left the post will leave a sour taste and it may be difficult for his replacement to fit in with the team.

The job is almost impossible any way. Turning around their ordinary performances of the last month and making them into a World Cup force in about nine months seems beyond even the greatest coaching guru.

The chance to be competitive in a European World Cup might have already gone for England and one wonders if the current troubles may lead to some changes in the structure of English rugby, where battles between clubs and administration contribute to their difficulties.

Host nation France went into the recent internationals ranked at number two and remains in that position.

Seeing as the all-conquering All Blacks are the number one ranking team, that would seem to be a reasonable position. But Les Bleus also have headaches, not the least being Argentina.

Their narrow win over the South Americans last week must have sent a scare through the French camp.

Argentina have a good recent record against France and the two teams will meet in the opening match of the World Cup next year.

It would be embarrassing for the host nation to lose the opening match but if that were to happen, they could be in even bigger trouble as the other heavyweight in their pool is Ireland.

Lose to both those and France would miss the quarter-finals. That would be a disaster for the World Cup as well as for France.

Ireland is the only team other than New Zealand which can be pleased with their form in the recent European Test program.

Their big win over Australia was a high point for them. Ireland has one of the best backlines in world rugby and as long as their forwards can do the job, they will be able to go into the World Cup with some expectations.

Australia has to assess whether or not anything was learnt from its experimental European tour.

There's no doubt that the form of Matt Giteau at half-back was the highlight but will he play there next year?

If he goes back to inside centre for the Western Force, as expected, how much time will he get to refine his half-back skills further before the World Cup tournament?

Next year's Super 14 competition is going to be vital and it's questionable whether any Australian player should be rested from any matches. All are going to have to keep on proving themselves.

The Wallabies still have a long way to go if they are to be a credible threat to the major players in France next year.

The All Blacks have, of course, set a very high standard and if they continue at that level, that elusive second trophy might finally come their way.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

The Wallabies still have a long way to go if they are to be a credible threat to the major players in France next year.

The All Blacks have, of course, set a very high standard and if they continue at that level, that elusive second trophy might finally come their way.[/QUOTE]

Im with you Coach, unfortunately.

[travelling_gerry]

The All Blacks have, of course, set a very high standard and if they continue at that level, that elusive second trophy might finally come their way.

Do they give a trophy for Second????????????????????

[The Lone Hydrangea]