Tuesday, February 09, 2010
IRB 7s: MALIFAS SNEAK INTO VEGAS!
These classic photos have just come in from New Zealand - copyright of USA liaison legend Hils Berryman.
Ata Malifa - may have been injured in Wellington - but he was captured in one of the photos of the year.
Nese Malifa and Chris Wyles somehow managed to cross the Nevada border evading patrol officers on their way to Las Vegas for the USA 7s tournament.THE LEGEND OF HUGH JAAS!
The word “legend” can sometimes be overused and undervalued in an over saturated sports marketing world. The media and PR machines will churn out the hype in the hope it will return as dollar signs, large golden dollar signs.
Legends can come in many forms, in the case of Hugh Jaas it is a very large and hairy form. His is a story that is as intriguing as it is frightfully long, but it is a story that must be told so as to usher his legacy into a new country and a new league of faithful fans.
Born in 1969 in a small town on the outskirts of Bloemfontein to parents Doug Deep, a greenskeeper at the local golf course, and Leslie “Les” Bein a women’s rights activist.
Hugh was drawn to sports from a young age but was to soon find out he had very limited to athletic ability after crashing a stationary bike and sinking a rowing machine at the local gym. Instead it would be in coaching and consulting he would make his mark, not only in his home land of South Africa but also the world.
Hugh would land his first job working the nutrition and meal plans for the world famous All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup. He was applauded for providing the All Blacks with first class nutrition throughout the tournament even drawing praise from the eventual champions South Africa after he served his signature dish of room temperature raw chicken breasts basted in raw ostrich eggs prior to the final. In 1999 he made his first break into the coaching ranks as Alan Donald’s running coach for the cricket world cup, his contract with South Africa cricket was surprisingly not renewed.
After relocating to the United States Hugh was signed as a scout for a Bronx little league team where he is credited for discovering and covering up fastball phenom Danny Alomonte. After claiming the bronze with a bunch on no names from the Bronx Hugh’s stock was rising, so much so he was employed as the supplement and vitamin coach for Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery. Both athletes saw world record smashing performances on the back of Hugh’s carefully chosen vitamins.
Other great athletes to have used Hugh’s expertise include Tiger Woods who in late 2009 asked to have his defensive driving skills improved, Plaxico Burress was put through a vigorous fire arms training course and closer to home he will be the 2010 Rugby Super League spokesperson and liaison for Belmont Shore, Santa Monica, St Louis Bombers, Washington RFC, Philly Whitemarsh, Aspen and the Kansas City Blues.
Legends can come in many forms, in the case of Hugh Jaas it is a very large and hairy form. His is a story that is as intriguing as it is frightfully long, but it is a story that must be told so as to usher his legacy into a new country and a new league of faithful fans.
Born in 1969 in a small town on the outskirts of Bloemfontein to parents Doug Deep, a greenskeeper at the local golf course, and Leslie “Les” Bein a women’s rights activist.
Hugh was drawn to sports from a young age but was to soon find out he had very limited to athletic ability after crashing a stationary bike and sinking a rowing machine at the local gym. Instead it would be in coaching and consulting he would make his mark, not only in his home land of South Africa but also the world.
Hugh would land his first job working the nutrition and meal plans for the world famous All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup. He was applauded for providing the All Blacks with first class nutrition throughout the tournament even drawing praise from the eventual champions South Africa after he served his signature dish of room temperature raw chicken breasts basted in raw ostrich eggs prior to the final. In 1999 he made his first break into the coaching ranks as Alan Donald’s running coach for the cricket world cup, his contract with South Africa cricket was surprisingly not renewed.
After relocating to the United States Hugh was signed as a scout for a Bronx little league team where he is credited for discovering and covering up fastball phenom Danny Alomonte. After claiming the bronze with a bunch on no names from the Bronx Hugh’s stock was rising, so much so he was employed as the supplement and vitamin coach for Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery. Both athletes saw world record smashing performances on the back of Hugh’s carefully chosen vitamins.
Other great athletes to have used Hugh’s expertise include Tiger Woods who in late 2009 asked to have his defensive driving skills improved, Plaxico Burress was put through a vigorous fire arms training course and closer to home he will be the 2010 Rugby Super League spokesperson and liaison for Belmont Shore, Santa Monica, St Louis Bombers, Washington RFC, Philly Whitemarsh, Aspen and the Kansas City Blues.
Ladies and Gentlemen, HUGH JAAS!!!!
Hugh Jaas - age 4.
SUPERBOWL 44: MILLION DOLLAR ADVERTS!
The Saints were crowned SuperBowl 44 champions after a superb comeback - but they weren't the only winners - with a few famous adverts costing an arm and a leg. These unfortunately aren't them - but over the next few days we will post some of the best ones...
CROCODILE RUGBY MASCOT?!
Personnel from the Linton-based company will attend a ceremony at the National Aquarium in Napier on Tuesday to adopt their new mascot."We've got a charter being drawn up," spokesman Paul Stein said. "It says that he can lead parades – but that is extremely unlikely."
The charter will also say that Izzy can attend sporting fixtures. Mr Stein said a crocodile on his team's try-line could act as a useful deterrent to the opposition.
The first major assignment for the company in its present form was in 1999, organising transport in East Timor, where crocodiles were considered sacred. "Adopting the crocodile as the mascot has symbolism for them," Mr Stein said.
Aquarium staff called the crocodile Izzy because they had a saying: "Is 'e going to bite or is 'e not?"
Exhibits team leader Kerry Hewitt said Izzy had arrived at the aquarium in 1990, at the age of two.
"We don't know whether it's a he or a she," he said. "You can't tell from the externals – it needs an internal examination and no one has volunteered to do that."
At more than three metres long, Izzy weighs 120 to 140 kilogrammes.
Monday, February 08, 2010
IRB 7s: NZI WELLINGTON PLAYS OF THE DAY!
While Fiji's ever popular players were the toast of Wellington last night as they swooped to Cup glory at the NZI Sevens, off the pitch the event also delivered on its promise to 'make the fan the hero'.
Once again the Westpac Stadium rocked and the fancy dress costumes reached new levels of imagination and illumination as New Zealand's capital enjoyed its biggest annual party.
Among the new sights and sounds at the Sevens this year was an air force helicopter, which swooped down onto the pitch during one of the entertainment breaks to drop off a troop of grateful cheerleaders.
For once, the crowd was almost stunned into silence..
"This does an immense amount for Wellington, it brings lots of visitors to Wellington, about 45,000, and it reminds visitors - especially from elsewhere in New Zealand and also Australia - that Wellington is a city that you can come back to and enjoy again and again," said David Perks, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Tourism.
"The Sevens brings around $15 million of new spend to the city, fills the hotels and it paints the picture for the rest of the year that this is what Wellington is about."
On the pitch, the action matched up to the renowned entertainment. Samoa produced an awesome display to knock out the hosts New Zealand and Fiji ended England's title defence with another ruthless display.
In the final the two South Sea Island nations laid on a breathtaking spectacle for the 35,000 fans, the vast majority of them New Zealanders but all of whom stayed until the final whistle.
"It was an awesome final, credit to Samoa they really pushed us but I could have asked for more. We needed to be patient with the pill, throw it around and look for gaps - I'm speechless," said Fiji's coach Iliesa Tanivula while fighting back the tears.
"To everyone back home, it's been marvellous with the boys. Thanks for your support and your prayers."
Source: IRBsevens.com
Once again the Westpac Stadium rocked and the fancy dress costumes reached new levels of imagination and illumination as New Zealand's capital enjoyed its biggest annual party.
Among the new sights and sounds at the Sevens this year was an air force helicopter, which swooped down onto the pitch during one of the entertainment breaks to drop off a troop of grateful cheerleaders.
For once, the crowd was almost stunned into silence..
"This does an immense amount for Wellington, it brings lots of visitors to Wellington, about 45,000, and it reminds visitors - especially from elsewhere in New Zealand and also Australia - that Wellington is a city that you can come back to and enjoy again and again," said David Perks, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Tourism.
"The Sevens brings around $15 million of new spend to the city, fills the hotels and it paints the picture for the rest of the year that this is what Wellington is about."
On the pitch, the action matched up to the renowned entertainment. Samoa produced an awesome display to knock out the hosts New Zealand and Fiji ended England's title defence with another ruthless display.
In the final the two South Sea Island nations laid on a breathtaking spectacle for the 35,000 fans, the vast majority of them New Zealanders but all of whom stayed until the final whistle.
"It was an awesome final, credit to Samoa they really pushed us but I could have asked for more. We needed to be patient with the pill, throw it around and look for gaps - I'm speechless," said Fiji's coach Iliesa Tanivula while fighting back the tears.
"To everyone back home, it's been marvellous with the boys. Thanks for your support and your prayers."
Source: IRBsevens.com
INVICTUS UK RED CARPET PREMIERE!
Total Rugby was on the red carpet for the UK premiere of Clint Eastwood's blockbuster based on South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup win!
IRB 7s: KEVIN SWIRYN STILL USA CAPTAIN!
Kevin Swiryn (number 9) scores an amazing try against South Africa during last year's IRB San Diego Sevens tournament. The USA went down 15-14 in a cliff-hanger.
RugbyMagazine editor Alex Goff covers so much rugby in the United States that he sometimes gets a fact or two incorrect. The Corner was flooded with emails and facebook messages about Goff's latest slip-up - so here is the real story:Alex Goff wrote after the Wellington IRB Sevens:
"Notes: Matt Hawkins, possibly the USA's most consistent player, was given the captain's role in place of Kevin Swiryn on Saturday morning. Swiryn did not play in the first Saturday game, against France, and the message was clear - play better. This Swiryn did. Whether it was a talking-to or the removal of the captain's mantel that set him free or just more time in the 7s mentality, who knows, but Swiryn improved his play in the final two games, while with the new responsibility of leadership Hawkins seemed to get better."
The real story:
"I made the decision that we needed an on-field captain, and it made sense to keep Hawk as captain all day. We kept Kevin out as part of our plan to help his preparation, monitor his injury, and to get back to form." said USA head coach Al Caravelli.
"I am a massive Corner follower" admitted the USA 7s captain, "it's a great break while having time off from training, and I can't wait to catch up with the author himself in Las Vegas" smiled Swiryn.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
CAPE TOWN 10s MASSIVE WEEKEND!
Cape Town 10s organizer Bob 'the boep' Fleck (lets hope he doesn't the Corner) talks tactics with his SA Legends side.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, still one of the most recognisable names in world rugby, will complete the International Legends line-up at the 2010 Castle Cape Town Tens.Umaga will join tournament hosts Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck and eight other former internationals in a star-studded International Legends team (see the full list below!) this weekend and he could not be more excited at the prospect of teaming up with his old foes.
The UCT Ikey Tigers A team will also be in action at the 10s this weekend!
Umaga said "Zak (Feaunati) got hold of me to find out if I would be keen to play and I obviously know Bob and Rob well from our playing days, so it was great to hear from them and (to) be able to take up the opportunity of coming out for the 2010 Cape Town Tens," the legendary former All Blacks back told capetowntens.com.
He added: "Bob and Rob tried to get me out to the Tens last year, but I was unable to make it due to my playing and coaching commitments in France.
"However, with this season's (French) Top 14 on a break, due to Six Nations action, and - of course - once I checked things through with my boss (my wife!), I was able to commit to this year's tournament and I cannot wait to get out and be involved in this great tournament."
Umaga is, at present, the assistant coach at French club Toulon; having last season filled the role of player/manager as he helped guide his side to safety after - at one stage - flirting dangerously with the dreaded relegation zone.Toulon are currently in sixth place on the Top 14 standings, and pushing hard for a Heineken Cup place next season, and a more relaxed Umaga is looking forward to a weekend away in the Mother City - his favourite South African city.
"Zak has told me plenty about the overall organisation and everybody that is involved, so it really was an easy invite to accept," he revealed.
"I've not played Tens before, but I think that's also why I'm so excited - it seems like a great format of the game and I can't wait to experience it for myself."
Umaga - who played 74 Tests for New Zealand between 1997 and 2005 - retired from Test rugby after leading his side on a successful Grand Slam tour of Europe, having also 'Black-Washed' the B&I Lions earlier in the 2005 season. In all, he skippered the All Blacks to an incredible 18 wins from 21 matches.
The full International Legends squad: Zak Feaunati (Samoa), Robbie Fleck (SA), Tim Horan (Aus, captain), Pat Howard (Aus), Leon Lloyd (Eng), Eric Miller (Ire), Jeremy Paul (Aus), Matt Phillips (Ita/NZ), Bob Skinstad (SA), Damian Smith (Aus), Tana Umaga (NZ).
The International Legends will be playing in the Veteran Division of the 2010 Castle Cape Town Tens - which includes a match against the Elan SA Legends at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
IRB 7s: 2009/2010 POINTS TABLE!
Consistency is the name of the game with New Zealand and Fiji very close together on the log table, Samoa proving to be a real threat this year, England right up there and surprise comeback by Australia this season. Kenya and especially South Africa have fallen behind very quickly. Argentina and Wales are always there and there abouts, with Canada reaching the Cup quarterfinals in their first tournament of the season.
| Team | DUB | GEO | NZL | USA | AUS | HKG | LON | SCO | Total points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | NEW ZEALAND | 24 | 24 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 64 |
 | FIJI | 16 | 20 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
 | SAMOA | 20 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 |
 | ENGLAND | 16 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
 | AUSTRALIA | 12 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
 | KENYA | 6 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
 | SOUTH AFRICA | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
 | ARGENTINA | 6 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
 | WALES | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
 | CANADA | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
IRB 7s: NZI WELLINGTON STATS!
The NZI Wellington IRB Sevens statistics are out - with the top try scorers and total scorers for this past weekend's tournament. USA's Nese Malifa is in the top 10 for most points scored as well as on the player tries list.
| Player | Team | Tries | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osea Kolinisau | FIJ | 7 | |
| Mikaele Pesamino | SAM | 7 | |
| Renaud Delmas | FRA | 6 | |
| Siaosi Iongi | TON | 6 | |
| Mat Turner | ENG | 6 | |
| Ryno Benjamin | RSA | 5 | |
| Seremaia Burotu | FIJ | 5 | |
| Ifan Evans | WAL | 5 | |
| Collins Injera | KEN | 5 | |
| Reupena Levasa | SAM | 5 | |
| Uale Mai | SAM | 5 | |
| Tim Mikkelson | NZL | 5 | |
| William Ryder | FIJ | 5 | |
| Cecil Afrika | RSA | 4 | |
| Waisale Beci | FIJ | 4 | |
| Dan Caprice | ENG | 4 | |
| Ben Gollings | ENG | 4 | |
| Nese Malifa | USA | 4 | |
| Clinton Sills | AUS | 4 | |
| Sherwin Stowers | NZL | 4 |
Player Points
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| William Ryder | FIJ | 45 |
| Siaosi Iongi | TON | 44 |
| Ben Gollings | ENG | 44 |
| James Stannard | AUS | 41 |
| Osea Kolinisau | FIJ | 37 |
| Mikaele Pesamino | SAM | 35 |
| Lolo Lui | SAM | 34 |
| Paul Albaladejo | FRA | 32 |
| Nese Malifa | USA | 30 |
| Renaud Delmas | FRA | 30 |
Saturday, February 06, 2010
IRB 7s: FIJI WIN THE NZI WELLINGTON 7s!
Fiji have clinched the 2010 NZI Sevens title after winning a stunning final of breathless intensity 19-14 against South Sea Island rivals Samoa.
Iliesa Tanivula's side was the outstanding outfit in the tournament, ending England's title defence at the semi final stage and then going on to clinch a first Wellington crown since 2006.
In doing so, they also cut New Zealand's lead in the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series to just four points.
Samoa move up to third in the table, England are in fourth and Australia's second successive Plate victory moves them up to fifth.
Fiji claim Wellington Cup title
Fiji and Samoa laid on a stunning showpiece final for the packed Westpac Stadium crowd, at the end of which the Fijians emerged as 19-14 winners.
Jiuta Lutumailagi and Mikaele Pesamino swapped converted tries in the first 10-minute half to make it 7-7 at the break. Emosi Vucago raced over to edge the Fijians seven ahead shortly after the break and Osea Kolinisau's score put them 19-7 up with two and half minutes to go, but still the Samoans hit back.
Pesamino grabbed a second try with a minute to play and only desperate Fijian defence held the Samoans out in the dying seconds.
Earlier, Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand side came up against a superb Samoan display of power and trickery in the first Cup semi final, Uale Mai inspiring the islanders to a convincing 24-14 win.
The Samoans first fought from behind to beat Kenya and then raced out to a commanding lead against the kiwis, Mai scoring two tries in the space of two minutes in the second half to turn the screw.
Fiji then produced a clinical display against injury-hit England to win the second Cup semi 28-19. Youngsters Dan Caprice and Mat Turner produced mature performances for England but Ben Ryan's side turned over too much ball and the Fijians took advantage to come back from an early deficit to build a lead they never relinquished.
Earlier, New Zealand beat trans-Tasman rivals Australia to reach the Cup semis.
In the other half of the draw England had to wait six minutes to register their first score against surprise package Canada, but went on to win 31-0 against the young Cannucks.
Australia beat South Africa to Plate
For the second tournament running Australia were too strong for South Africa in a Plate final running out 26-22 winners thanks to Clinton Sills' late try. They take 12 points towards their World Series tally.
Earlier, the Australians had overwhelmed Kenya and South Africa had too much in the tank for brave Canada, whose youngsters did new coach Morgan Williams proud over the two days and take six points in the World Series.
Wales beat France to Bowl
Wales won their third Bowl trophy of the season with a hard-fought 7-5 victory against France.
Earlier, in a replay of last year's Rugby World Cup Sevens final, Wales beat Argentina in the first semi, while France followed victory over the USA with another against Niue.
USA clinch Shield
One week before their home USA Sevens in Las Vegas, Al Caravelli's Eagles beat Tonga to the Wellington Shield. Matt Hawkins, Nick Edwards and Paul Emerick all scored as the US came from behind to win 17-14.
Source: IRBsevens.com
IRB 7s: NZI WELLINGTON DAY 2 RESULTS!
| Wellington Day 2 Results | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 06-02-2010 21:00 | SAMOA | 14 - 19 | FIJI | Final Cup | |
| 43 | 06-02-2010 20:30 | AUSTRALIA | 26 - 22 | SOUTH AFRICA | Final Plate | |
| 42 | 06-02-2010 20:00 | WALES | 7 - 5 | FRANCE | Final Bowl | |
| 41 | 06-02-2010 19:30 | TONGA | 14 - 17 | UNITED STATES | Final Shield | |
| 40 | 06-02-2010 19:00 | ENGLAND | 19 - 28 | FIJI | SF Cup | |
| 39 | 06-02-2010 18:35 | NEW ZEALAND | 14 - 24 | SAMOA | SF Cup | |
| 38 | 06-02-2010 18:00 | CANADA | 5 - 29 | SOUTH AFRICA | SF Plate | |
| 37 | 06-02-2010 17:38 | AUSTRALIA | 26 - 17 | KENYA | SF Plate | |
| 36 | 06-02-2010 17:16 | FRANCE | 28 - 12 | NIUE | SF Bowl | |
| 35 | 06-02-2010 16:54 | WALES | 17 - 12 | ARGENTINA | SF Bowl | |
| 34 | 06-02-2010 16:32 | UNITED STATES | 19 - 12 | SCOTLAND | SF Shield | |
| 33 | 06-02-2010 16:10 | PAPUA NEW GUINEA | 10 - 26 | TONGA | SF Shield | |
| 32 | 06-02-2010 15:39 | FIJI | 21 - 5 | SOUTH AFRICA | 1/4 final Cup | |
| 31 | 06-02-2010 15:17 | ENGLAND | 31 - 0 | CANADA | 1/4 final Cup | |
| 30 | 06-02-2010 14:55 | SAMOA | 14 - 12 | KENYA | 1/4 final Cup | |
| 29 | 06-02-2010 14:33 | NEW ZEALAND | 24 - 12 | AUSTRALIA | 1/4 final Cup | |
| 28 | 06-02-2010 14:06 | SCOTLAND | 12 - 17 | NIUE | 1/4 final Bowl | |
| 27 | 06-02-2010 13:44 | UNITED STATES | 10 - 21 | FRANCE | 1/4 final Bowl | |
| 26 | 06-02-2010 13:22 | ARGENTINA | 17 - 7 | TONGA | 1/4 final Bowl | |
| 25 | 06-02-2010 13:00 | WALES | 31 - 12 | PAPUA NEW GUINEA | 1/4 final Bowl | |
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