ELVs become global

With due apologies to my friend Monsieur Rugbycan, IRB is not exactly the same as the RFU. I don't think that, were it so, the IRB would have decided to introduce the ELVs everywhere as they have as neither WRU and RFU are fond of this idea.

It seems that now it is official, and that everyone shall play under these laws from August 1, so my question would be:

Shall the Tri Nations be played under the new rules? I think it's the only thing that would make sense.

Does that not give Robbie Deans certain edge over Graham Henry and Pieter de Villiers? Well, I don't consider these two to be any fools so I think the fact that Deans has already faced them for 10 games (up to 15 before they meet) can be a factor.

I am just glad that the ELVs are exported northwards, as south has still a thing or two to teach the north, not only players to lend-lease.

Mad World

Some things simply can't be understood.

Today we get to know that the IRB has said that Argentina will not join the Tri-Nations before 2012.

At the same time on the opposite side of the world, we know that the ARU is in talks with Japan to include a japanese Super franchise into the Super 14 Super-South Super-Rugby. Super.

What's going on? I mean, it's wonderful to draw the attention of japanese rugby to play in the Super 14. It would be a boost, I daresay. But, what is this thing about Argentina? I know that argentinian players play in the northern hemisphere and I can understand that only with their first team Argentina is going to be cleared to play in the Tri-Nations but...

Don't IRB thinking heads realise that by delaying Argentina to play in a major competition they are destroying any chances for argentinian rugby to stay on top? Argentinian rugby is perhaps the best thing that has happened to rugby worldwide. Many will tell you how special the rise of Argentina has been, the way they have built their rugby culture. But they need support. They are pledging to get into a big competition to keep improving, the only thing you could listen from argentinian players during their RWC success was: "don't leave us aside".

The funniest thing is that the IRB have tried to blame the UAR for the delay... IRB, what are you playing at?

Well, about the Japanese in the Super 14, I want to quote John O'Neill (ARU chief executive) words about a team based in Tokyo: "It would perhaps be half japanese, with Japan best players, and the other half foreign, predominately Australian".

(What?)

Busy rugby February

For rugby lovers, february is meant to be a busy month: Super 14, IRB Sevens, Six Nations...

Do you know what should you put attention to and when?

Jan 28, monday:
Jan 29, tuesday:
Jan 30, wednesday:
Jan 31, thursday:

• Super 14 Preseason: Blues - Reds 19:00, Ballymore
• Super 14 Preseason: Bulls B - Lions B, 19:00 Wits

Feb 01, friday:

• Super 14 Preseason: Brumbies - Waratahs 19:00, Gosford
• Super 14 Preseason: Sharks - Cheetahs, Bloemfontein

Feb 02, saturday:

• IRB Sevens Series NZ: pool stage 13:00-22:00 , Wellington
• 6 Nations: Ireland - Italy 14:00, Dublin
• 6 Nations: England - Wales 16:30London
• Super 14 Preseason: West Force - Crusaders , Melbourne
• Super 14 Preseason: Hurricanes - Chiefs 16:00, Taupo
• Super 14 Preseason: Lions - Bulls, Windhoek

Feb 03, sunday:

• IRB Sevens Series NZ: finals 13:00 -21:00, Wellington
• 6 Nations: Scotland - France 15:00, Edinburgh

Feb 04, monday:
Feb 05, tuesday:
Feb 06, wednesday:

• Super 14 Preseason: Lions - Sharks, Durban

Feb 07, thursday:

• Super 14 Preseason: Crusaders - Waratahs, Sydney
• Super 14 Preseason: West Force - Reds, Perth

Feb 08, friday:

• Super 14 Preseason: Brumbies - Hurricanes 19:00, Levin
• Super 14 Preseason: Blues - Highlanders 17:00, Dunedin

Feb 09, saturday:

• IRB Sevens Series, USA: pool stage 10:00 - 19:00, San Diego, CF
• 6 Nations: Wales - Scotland 14:00, Cardiff
• 6 Nations: France - Ireland 15:00, Paris

Feb 10, sunday:

• IRB Sevens Series, USA: finals 10:00 - 18:00, San Diego, CF
• 6 Nations: Italy - England 15:30, Rome

Feb 11, monday:
Feb 12, tuesday:
Feb 13, wednesday:
Feb 14, thursday:
Feb 15, friday:

• Start of the Super 14 Season!!!
  

Note: All times and dates are local times and dates

South Africa may get an edge.

IRB has confirmed that South Africa will be playing within the full-version of the ELV this year on.

To a lesser extent, the ELV are to be introduced this season in the Super 14 starting on Feb 15th, so it is expected a tough work for all to adapt: players, coaches, referees... and spectators as well!

However, as the IRB has stated, the trial period for the ELV will be over in 2009. South Africa gains thus, an edge over the nations who will adopt it later (New Zealand, you ought to wake up).

Intrepidity is the word that comes to my mind when I review the changes that South Africa is introducing after World Cup success. How different is this country behaving than it did!

«Argentina belongs in the South» IRB says

The dilemma about Argentina's integration in a major Nations' tournament has made a step forward towards its decission. The IRB has divised a plan to integrate Argentina into the Tri Nations around 2010. The plan means an increase in the tests the argentinians will play in 2008 and 2009.
The solution will not be easy. A look to the map sets Argentina closer to the three SANZAR nations than to the northern hemisphere ones. However, argentinian players massively play in France, Italy and the United Kingdom and that makes it easier to find a place in the calendar for the 6 Nations. Thus, most argentinian players have stated their preferences on playing against the european nations. There even were contacts between the UAR and the spanish city of Valencia to make that city the official place for the Pumas' european tests.

The IRB has, however been clear; Argentina's integrations shall be inside of the Tri-Nations. It will raise doubts on how to arrange Top 14 and Premiership calendars when tests matches are to be played.

Now some further questions arise: Will aregntinians still massively go to Europe to play? Will a argentinian franchise be created for the Super 14? That would be a very interesting point, I think.