The RWC coaching imports
The Wallabies ‘called up’ Braam van Straaten to fine-tune their kicking ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup play-offs. Ironically, Van Straaten’s first big assignment is against his fellow countrymen, South Africa, in Sunday’s quarterfinal.
Van Straaten, a deadly place-kicker in his playing days – which saw him score 221 points in 21 Tests, believes that his adopted team could cause a shock when it comes to Sunday, with the former Stormers ace suggesting that they could even bring out an old South African weapon – the drop-goal – should the need arise.
It would be sad if a South African were to help the Wallabies overcome the Springboks, but rugby is a professional sport and with Percy Montgomery well established as SA’s kicking coach (and seemingly doing a great job), one cannot blame Van Straaten for seeking fame and fortune elsewhere. (Much like former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones at the 2007 World Cup for South Africa.)
But Braam, as we all know, is not the only foreigner in Australia’s coaching staff.
In fact, the Wallabies are headed up by Kiwi Robbie Deans for so long overlooked for New Zealand’s top job and these days going under the nickname of ‘Dingo’ Deans.
Deans, however, is not alone as a head coach in charge of another country’s national team.
Other Kiwis have featured prominently as coaches of other teams at the 2011 World Cup; four Kiwis having led other countries into battle in their homelands – giving New Zealand three coaches on quarterfinal duty this weekend (including Mr Henry).
The coaching ‘turncoats’ at the 2011 World Cup:
(In order of ‘by country’ at the RWC, followed by their real countries in brackets)
Australia: Robbie Deans (New Zealand), Braam van Straaten (South Africa – kicking coach)
Canada: Kieran Crowley (New Zealand)
Fiji: Michael Foley (Australia – forwards coach)
Georgia: Richie Dixon (Scotland)
Ireland: Gert Smal (South Africa – forwards coach), Les Kiss (Australia – defence coach)
Italy: Nick Mallett (South Africa), Omar Mouneimne (South Africa – defence coach)
Japan: John Kirwan (New Zealand)
Scotland: Andy Robinson (England)
Tonga: Toutai Kefu (played for Australia but born in Tonga – assistant coach)
USA: Eddie O’Sullivan (Ireland)
Wales: Warren Gatland (New Zealand), Shaun Edwards (England – defence coach)
Have we left anyone off our list? If so, please add a comment below!
Danger – No diving allowed:
What do you think of England winger Chris Ashton’s try celebrations?
Whilst it is hard to argue with his 15 tries in 17 matches for England, the jury is out over his try celebrations.
Even manager Martin Johnson has told his star try-scorer to lay off his tryline swan-dives – which seem to have come about during the Six Nations at the start of this year.
As can be seen in this YouTube clip below, Ashton can run… and he can score tries… but is that dive at the end really worth it?
More to the point – could it ever cost him in a big-game situation?
Hey buddy – how you doing?
Their Six Nations, Heineken Cup and Celtic League battles aside, 17 of the 30 starters in the Ireland v Wales quarterfinal – in Wellington on Saturday – toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
You think there could be some familiarity out there?
Just a tad!
The long and the short of it:
Will Genia and Radike Samo are roommates at Super Rugby level for the Reds and, as a No.9 and No.8 (respectively) for their country at the World Cup, they will have plenty to do come this weekend’s quarterfinals.
Of course, the two are pretty close and teammates take great delight at referring to them as a father and son combination based on their similar looks.
In fact, Samo once admitted: “My son’s turning 10 next month, he’s pretty much the same height as Willy
“I enjoy rooming with him because he reminds me of my son,” added Samo. “He takes my washing down and sometimes I’ll go pick up the clean washing.”
Based on the picture below, can one argue with that?
Like father, like son?
No keeping up with this Jones:
Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland has been practising his drop-goals since a fluffed attempt in the dying minutes against the Springboks condemned his team to a 16-17 defeat in their opening Pool D match last month.
But he has found the efforts of his supposedly less-able teammates rather off-putting, revealing after a press conference on Thursday: “It’s been a bit disheartening actually.
“The other day as we were walking off the training pitch (prop) Adam Jones knocked one over from about 40 yards out. I told him he had to cut that out, as it wasn’t helping.”
WIth thanks to rugbyworldcup.com
