If you’ve read my little bio above, you know that I’ve had a long attachment to rugby football. In fact I played rugby with a guy who has recently been much in the news. Tom Faranda’s Folly: I played rugby with Patrick Fitzgerald
I understand that most people could care less about rugby, so to avoid tedium, only hit the link just below if you are interested.
The New Zealand All Blacks have had a fabulous year. They swept the British Lions, winning all three games over the summer and then won the Tri-Nations series. Their only loss was to South Africa, in South Africa in the Tri-Nations.
New Zealand is now on their end of year European tour (It’s the 100th anniversary of the first All Blacks tour [when they got the name All Blacks]). They are aiming for the Grand Slam, trying to defeat Wales, Ireland, England, and Scotland on successive Saturdays. Their coach, Graham Henry, said he was primarily interested in building depth in the squad, with a view to the 2007 World Cup.
Results so far: on November 5th they defeated Wales, 41-3. They then completely changed the team (all 15 players) for their match two days ago against Ireland. They pummeled the Irish, 45-7.
The All Black forwards are excellent; but their backs are out of this world. No one can match their athleticism and skills.
This Saturday New Zealand will have what should be their toughest match, against England. Unless England can flatten the All Black forwards (not too likely), New Zealand should win handily.
This match may very well be available on pay per view, through directTV and/or regular cable.
For more info on the end of year tour go here Rugby news, results, fixtures and features from Planet-Rugby.com or here Allblacks.com – the official website of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team and rugby union
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