Hotels Christchurch, New Zealand

Hotels Christchurch, New Zealand

Crowe sets his sights on Sonny Bill - Rugby World Cup News

RUSSELL CROWE has made an audacious attempt to lure Sonny Bill Williams to South Sydney.

Not content with snaring the prized signatures of superstars Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis, Crowe has spoken to Williams about the possibility of shifting to Redfern after the Rugby World Cup this year.

It's understood that Crowe proposed the move after being introduced to Williams by mutual friend Anthony Mundine.

Advertisement: Story continues below Crusaders and All Blacks star Williams will become one of the most sought-after stars in either rugby code when he becomes a free agent at the end of the year. There will be no shortage of offers from NRL clubs - Williams was recently spotted dining with Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney, prompting speculation the cashed-up Eels are a contender for his services.

However, Crowe has displayed an uncanny ability to snare his man since taking over as co-owner of the Rabbitohs. Internationals Roy Asotasi, Burgess and Inglis have all joined the club after being wined and dined by the Oscar-winning actor.

Mundine was an influential figure in the Inglis deal and is also close friends with Williams. When Williams controversially walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008, Mundine offered to pay the compensation money demanded by the NRL club.

Mundine has also been helping the dual international prepare for his boxing bout against Scott Lewis on the Gold Coast on January 29.

The salary cap will again be one of the biggest stumbling blocks in Williams's potential return to league. The Inglis deal was initially knocked back by NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert and the Rabbitohs were forced to release local junior Beau Champion before it was ratified.

Williams, 25, could command upwards of $1 million a season following his selection for the All Blacks last year.

Photo Release -- Rugby World Cup 2011 Countdown Commences

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today the International Rugby Board (IRB) and Heineken launch the Rugby World Cup Tour presented by Heineken. The Tour marks the countdown to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournament, which kicks off in 365 days in New Zealand.

The Webb Ellis Cup begins its journey from Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand in the presence of Rugby legend Taine Randell, former captain of New Zealand's national rugby team, Bernard Lapasset, IRB Chairman, and Hans Erik Tuijt, Heineken International.

Taine Randell, "Holding the Cup is every rugby fan's dream. I am pleased that Heineken will take the Cup on their Tour around the world, and I'm very excited that, as the official Ambassador of the Tour in New Zealand, I will be joining the Cup on its Tour here!"

Bernard Lapasset stated, "It's my pleasure to hand our long-term partner Heineken the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup to take it on the first ever worldwide tour for the next 12 months. I am sure Heineken will create excitement amongst rugby fans on all continents, enabling them to get up close and personal to the Cup. New Zealand hosted the first RWC in 1987 and it is ready to welcome the world once more for RWC 2011!"

Heineken's Hans Erik Tuijt said, "We will be taking the Cup around the globe, travelling from New Zealand to Ireland and from Argentina to South Africa. Through the Tour we aim to encourage more people than ever to follow the event when it starts in September 2011."

The Webb Ellis Cup is awarded to the winning nation at each tournament. New Zealand was first to hold the cup in 1987. Australia won twice (1991 and 1999), as did South Africa (1995 and 2007) and England once (2003).

The Cup commences its tour on 24th September. For more information please visit the special RWC Tour section on the Heineken Facebook page, to be launched on 15th September 2010.

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All Black Juggernaut Gathers Momentum WORLD CUP CENTRE

John Kirwan and myself were in Johannesburg last week promoting the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the New Zealand Government.

Talk about pushing against an open door - that must have been one of the easiest jobs I've ever had.

The deep passion that South Africans have for rugby was abundantly evident and we were staggered by how much air-time we were given on radio stations, TV shows and in newspapers.

We talked rugby morning, noon and night with just about everyone we met.

We both left with the indelible impression that South Africans are as passionate as anyone about rugby, New Zealand included.

We agreed that, whether we were there promoting it or not, come 2011, South Africans will be on the planes to New Zealand to cheer on the Boks.

JK has been back to South Africa only a few times since we had toured together there in 1992, and not only was he amazed at the political and social transformation that has taken place, he was also surprised that, as I mentioned last week, people really did come up to me and say "Fitzpatrick, it is nice to meet you and I have always wanted to say this: I hate you!"

It really is a thoroughly enjoyable rivalry, one we should nurture and treasure.

The game itself was a cracker. The most important perspective of the game from an All Black point of view was the fact that we didn't give up.

Those last 10 minutes were in stark contrast to the last 10 minutes in Cardiff against France in 2007. It was a huge win - exactly what we needed as we move towards next year.

Graham Henry has been picking his best team for the whole Tri Nations and that has given us continuity, momentum and a calm confidence under fire that allowed us to stay focused and deliver a win at the death.

It really was great stuff, and while he may use the autumn internationals to fill some gaps and cover key positions, Henry has clearly changed his approach.

He's a smart man. The game has evolved and he has developed the All Blacks to capitalise on the changes. The Springboks, by comparison, looked jaded and outdated.

Certainly the coaching team and senior players all know where they're going and what they're trying to do, and the whole group is gelling nicely.

We were staying at the same hotel as the All Black squad in the run-up to the game and meeting them at the various functions, seeing them around the hotel and chatting to them made me feel very proud.

They are a bunch of really nice guys; friendly, professional, disciplined, charming, and more - you just wouldn't want to meet them on the field ...

Physically, they're in great shape. They are well conditioned, strong and focused. I hadn't really appreciated where they're at mentally, but spending time in their company this week, I was highly impressed.

Richie McCaw carries himself wonderfully in his role as captain.

He blends a polite, humble approach with steely determination and absolute clarity on his team's mission.

The question of course remains. Will we, as many (mainly Northern Hemisphere) pundits predict, choke when it comes to the main event?

Time will tell, but you can take it from me as someone who knows when a team is feeling right that this group of All Blacks is drawing together, and becoming more than the sum of its parts.

I recognised that quiet, focused determination that is permeating the whole set-up.

The few days with the team reminded me how it felt to be part of an All Black side that was moving towards full ramming speed.

It was energising and exciting to be so close to it again.

Of course it is way too early to be clearing a space on the mantelpiece but, I tell you what, we're absolutely right where we need to be at the moment in terms of team development.

I wouldn't change a thing.

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Bok strategy for 2011 RWC World Cup Centre

The Rugby World Cup bug is starting to bite. Yes it’s a year away, but already the “gees” is starting to brew deep down in the soul.

The Springboks have not had the greatest of seasons this year, so far at least, but we’ll always be a top 3 rugby nation so I’ll remain optimistic that by this time next year, our rugby woes will be a thing of the past and that we’ll be back to our winning best, ready to challenge the world and defend our Rugby World Champions’ status.

I’d like to propose something to SA Rugby, and our coach Peter De Villiers. In 2006, the Boks’ season was a disaster. But a year later, the Bulls and Sharks played in the Super14 final (sorry Sharks supporters for reminding you about that day), and Jake White, thinking ahead to the Rugby World Cup, rested key players during the subsequent Tri-Nations series. In short, the plan worked beautifully. The Springboks were fresh, exuberant and clinical as they smashed their way through the RWC tournament and were finally crowned World Champions.

We need a similar approach during the early part of next year’s season.

We should play all our players to get them contact fit and match ready through the 2011 Super15. Our mid-year tests should allow all of our thirty chosen players to get some game time, proving old and new combinations.

For the Tri-Nations however, I’d like to suggest that we play our best fifteen, only twice, those occasions being our opening two games against Australia (in Australia on the 23rd July), and New Zealand (in New Zealand on the 30th July).

I propose this for three reasons. Firstly, the 2011 RWC is being played on foreign soil, so we need the momentum of winning away from home with our best team. Secondly, our best fifteen need to be a settled outfit, with all combinations working. Lastly, injuries and possible match bans for offences committed during the Tri-Nations would seriously hurt our chances that close to the RWC tournament.

Let’s give our best fifteen a month’s rest, and enough weeks for any match bans to be exhausted. Also, our “B-team” would be given additional game time and another chance to show their mettle, as they compete for any remaining positions in the Bok squad.

On a final note, I’d like to wish the Springboks all the best for tomorrow’s huge clash at FNB Soccer City (just sounds better than FNB stadium). With almost 90 000 people, the game is going to be massive. I’ll be there with the rest of the screaming hordes, experiencing what’s likely to be an emotional and historic clash between the powerhouses of world rugby.

GO BOKS!

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Italy target Ireland & Australia at RWC 2011 World Cup Centre 2011

Italy's coach Nick Mallet says that he is aiming for Italy to reach their first ever Rugby World cup Quarter final next year in New Zealand.

English born but generally considered to be South African Mallet coached the Springboks to 17 record equaling victories in 1998 is well respected in the rugby world cup but faces a stiff challenge as Italy have never made it out of the group stages.

Italy have been making progress under Mallet and are no longer considered "easy beats" in the Six Nations.

Mallett's predecessor Pierre Berbizier started the Italian surge and his Italy team threatened Scotland in the last Rugby world cup but failed to beat the Scots and were knocked out of the world cup.

Italy have been pooled at the 2011 Rugby World cup with Australia and Ireland which makes Mallet's task even more daunting.

"After three years of work I know the players and the ambience well," he told RTE from the team's pre-season training base in Valle d'Aosta.

"I think it is very important that Benetton (Treviso) and Viadana (Aironi) have been accepted into the Magners League because it will allow many players to play at a higher level, the fruits of which will be seen in several years."

Despite the Italian resurgence Italy have not yet taken a TriNations scalp but they will play three internationals against Southern Hemisphere opposition in November.

One of those November Internationals will be against Australia, on November 20 in Florence. They will also play Argentina, on the 13th of November in Verona, and finish with a clash against Fiji, in Modena on the 27th of November.

Two years ago not long after Mallet took over they lost to both Australia, Argentina and the Pacific Islanders but last year they beat Samoa and lost New Zealand and South Africa.

"The Argentina match will give us the chance to get revenge for our last defeat against them, then there will be the excellent Australians and finally Fiji, who are just ahead of us in the world rankings," added Mallett.

"These will be crucial matches in the build-up to the World Cup."

Spain reaches semis after tense clash World Cup Centre

Spain has edged out Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals at Ellis Park after both teams missed a penalty in the second half.

David Villa netted the winner on 83 minutes after a mostly static encounter as the Paraguayans looked to shut out Spain's passing game.

Paraguay's tail was up when Oscar Cardozo was hauled down in the box by Gerard Pique on 56 minutes, but Iker Casillas jumped to his left to save well.

A minute later, fortunes were reversed when David Villa broke into the box but went down very easily under the attentions of Antolin Alcaraz.

Drama ensued when Xabi Alonso stepped up to convert the penalty, but an encroachment by Spanish players running into the box meant it had to be retaken, and 'keeper Justo Villar dived left to save and keep out the ensuing rebounds.

But the game changed with Cesc Fabregas's introduction, subbed in for the out-of-sorts Fernando Torres, and combining with Andres Iniesta, proceeded to create the vital opening for Spain's winner.

Iniesta ran at the centre of Paraguay's backline, jinking past three defenders before feeding Pedro on the left, but the midfielder's shot cannoned off the post.

The rebound found Villa, who took a touch before firing the ball home, taking a touch off both posts before nestling into the back of the net.

Paraguay chased the game late on as Lucas Barrios charged down the flank and shot on sight, but Roque Santa Cruz's shot off the rebound was brilliantly pawed away by Casillas.


Static opening

Just 50 seconds into the game's opening period, Jonathan Santana had a chance for Paraguay but could only hit a tame shot at Casillas.

The attentions were firmly on the Spanish stopper who was nearly caught in possession as Nelson Valdez raced onto his attempted clearance to deflect it behind the line.

But the game opened up for Spain as Xavi found Villa on the byline, but the forward's cross inside the box was cut out.

Xavi then went for the spectacular with a spin-and-shoot, but his audacious volley dipped just over the crossbar.

Torres was having a wretched time on the right flank and the out-of-form striker was not able to create any headway in the attacking third.

He dinked a ball past his marker and looked for Villa in the box, but his cross floated harmlessly out of play.

Paraguay thought it was 1-0 to the good when Cardozo buried his shot from a deep cross, but was flagged offside. Replays suggest he was marginally behind the line.

Valdez ended the half with a barnstorming run with Carles Puyol struggling to contain him, but the forward's shot was blasted well over.

Spain: 1 (D Villa 83')

Paraguay: 0

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