My Lions Team v Australia(Updated) - Tour Review

Lions tours are all about momentum and in 5 games, The Lions bar injury were starting to build up steam. It was like watching a wrestler execute a move set and the crowd were getting involved as well. So what do we know so far. Well we know that some players are not only big players for their countries but also for the tourists as well. I'm looking at George North, POC, Leigh Halfpenny and Adam Jones. North got injured against the combined country and was struggling for movement in training. Rob Howley said today that he believes North is in the best shape of his career. His influence cannot be understated and against whatever all star backline Australia put out his sheer presence will worry the boys in Melbourne.

North in action against Combined Country

The ability to break the gain line is vitally important in rugby, the equivalent in football would be retaining the ball stops your opponent from scoring. Staying in rallies in tennis makes your opponent work harder, you get the gist. Roberts, Tuilagi, O Driscoll, North, Cuthbert are all players who can smash through the gain line but only three of these are fit and North marginally. We all know Warren Gatland's plan for Australia to get good ball to smash through and offload etc. We understand that Roberts won't make saturday but will make next week. Tuilagi is in slightly better shape but has he played enough. Gatland's game plan has counted against one of the star performers on the tour Jonathan Davies who would be a certain starter had one of the greatest centres in the game not graced the stage one more time.

Front 3

Before the tour, I went for a Healy, Hibbard and Jones split. Now when I look at the fact that Healy has gone home injured after the game with Western Force and Hibbard hasn't really lit the tour on fire despite being the front runner. This coming from a huge advocate of Hibbard's. Mako Vunipola has made the number one jersey his own. His destructive running with ball in hand especially considering his age is relentless. Add that to the fact that he gets through plenty of work you've got yourself a future star. His only weakness is his scrummaging but he can only get better with age. 

Like I mentioned Hibbard has been in and out of games this tour. Sky reported on tuesday that the Osprey has fallen down the pecking order due to his influence on games and his work at the lineout. He needed a good 20 minutes against the Waratahs which he didn't really get. Tom Youngs hasn't lit the world on fire on tour but he has been consistent especially his lineout which Gatland knows his crucial the game on the weekend. He can also add out wide and in close contact since he is an ex centre. Adam Jones will always be the front runner he's the best number 3 in the world, despite only playing bit parts you can bet he was saved for the final. Dan Cole impressing but Jones irreplaceable. 

1.Mako Vunipola 2.  Tom Youngs 3. Adam Jones

Second Row

One again pre-tour I went for the trusted AWJ and POC as locks because of their experience and sheer ability. Early on I felt like questionning myself due to the imperious form of Richie Gray who was pheunomenal early on but that disappeared towards the latter of the warm ups. Geoff Parling another who was impressive but only from the bench and will be a great impact player from the side. O Connell has been his usual self on tour, making carries, hitting rucks and earning the hard yards. In contrast Alun-Wyn Jones has been bringing his athletic side to the party. They both work well in tandem and will definitely have the pairing for the first test. I've been very impressed with AWJ's form since returning in the 6 Nations.

4)Paul O Connell  5) Alun-Wyn Jones

Back Row

Sam Warburton cementing his place against Reds

The breakdown will be huge in the three tests. With Michael Hooper planning on hitting every ruck and stealing as much ball as possible, The Lions need someone to combat this and it looks like skipper Warburton is the man. Personally if it weren't for Justin Tipuric's performance against the Tahs on tuesday we would be seeing perhaps him and Warburton starting like they did in that stunning 30-3 win over England. The team were blown away in the breakdown, which essentially wasn't just Tipuric's fault. His fellow forwards let him down but it will still count against him. O Brien, Gray, Best, Grant and co were so far off the pace it was astonishing. 

First half Tipuric made 3 turnovers on his own and in the second half they targeted him so kept him away from the action. Warburton was impressive against high calibre opposite such as the Queensland Reds on saturday and that gives Gatland the confidence to select him. Tipuric's stock has risen but surely the idea of putting them both together won't materialise on saturday. Toby Faletau has propelled himself into starting at 8 on the weekend for his sheer single handedly performance this week. He seemed like the only player giving his side good ball and hitting everything. Add that to the fact Heaslip hasn't really sparked then you can see the team being put together. The only dilemma Gatland will have is at 6 does he go for the athleticism and speed of Tom Croft for the wide exchanged but risk losing the breakdown or go with a genuine 6 like Dan Lydiate/Sean O Brien. The latter two will help win the breakdown but don't have the same attributes like Croft when the game is lose which is why I believe Croft will be on the bench saturday. 

6) Dan Lydiate 7) Sam Warburton  8) Toby Faletau

Half-Backs

This one was sown up before the tour and nothing has changed my mind. Mike Phillips started as the first choice and he's done nothing wrong to alter that. Also Ben Youngs has been inconsistent in his performances and Conor Murray hasn't got anywhere near. Will Genia is the best scrum half in the world and the Lions will need to take him out of the game which is why Phillips's physique and playing style will adhere to this. Youngs has been great sniffing around the rucks and hitting holes but he sometimes misses passes and also disappears when on the backfoot. At least Phillips will take the ball up as an extra forward. 

On the other hand Jonny Sexton has nailed down his place purely for his distribution and the fact he has been composed at 10. Owen Farrell has shown his goal kicking but he won't create much at fly half which is not what you need against AUS. Sexton's partnership with O Driscoll is huge and underrated. He won't need to kick at goal because of Leigh Halfpenny's impeccable accuracy which means he can focus on his running game to attract Aussie runners. Farrell has shown in bits and pieces what he can bring but he's more of a player you want to finish a game not to win it in the first place. Sexton is the best fly half in the northern hemisphere and will start saturday.

 9) Mike Phillips 10) Jonathan Sexton 

Centres

If reports are true and Roberts is struggling for saturday and Tuilagi is a 50/50 then you can bet that they will risk Tuilagi purely because it's the game plan Gatland wants to implement. He wants someone to take it up the middle to punch the hole and use the subtlety of his outside centre to distribute wider and finish tries off. Despite the form of Davies who has probably been the best player on the tour unfortunately his position has cost him. This means Tuilagi will start at inside centre with O Driscoll at outside and Davies will make the bench. The only problem is Tuilagi's distribution is laboured and he is primarily used to run into tacklers. It's a shame for Jamie Roberts because his parnership with BOD is world class. Don't rule out even placing George North in the centre especially given his physique and impact. 

12) Manu Tuilagi 13) Brian O Driscoll

Back Three

Due to Tommy Bowe being ruled out this weekend and North struggling it's going to be touch and go up until the game with this one, If fit North will start on the wing because they need to match Australia out wide. Then it's up to Zebo, Wade and Cuthbert for the other side. Wade was poor when called in so he won't make the squad. Whereas Zebo has been smart in what he's brought to the team. I personally believe Cuthbert will start because Gatland likes big wingers in the form of the two Welsh powerhouses. Purely because they can come in and look for work and cause trouble wherever they go. Then the most nailed on position of the squad. Leigh Halfpenny who has not only shown on this tour his goal kicking is priceless but also his positioning and attacking influx. Stuart Hogg has shown attackingly how strong he is but defensively there are questions and he's still learning the game. Expect Halfpenny to start and to be crucial in winning the series, that's if they do win of course.

11) George North 15) Leigh Halfpenny 14) Alex Cuthbert

Star Man - Halfpenny

Thanks for reading
Much appreciated
D.John

My Premiership Team of the Season - 2012/2013

I'm going to do a few team of the season's in the next few days just to round the season off, most of the decisions are pretty self explanatory looking at what they have done for their respective sides but still here we go.

GK - David De Gea

- There weren't many keepers who essentially were in the running for this, purely because defensively teams have been all over the place this season and keepers have made key errors which has been punished. David De Gea joined United in June 2011. Since then he's had two seasons in the Premier League but it still feels like yesterday that the nimble shot stopper flew north from Spain. His first season was slightly error strewn due to the unaccustomed nature of the Premier League. Whether it be the flight of the ball or the physical aspect of the game, the ex Athletico-Madrid man was struggling. The problem he had was the errors he did make were high profile and in the spotlight.

This season has been slightly different, Not only has De Gea built himself up physically but he's accumulated plenty of experience which will serve him well in the future. This season on average it has taken opponents 3.55 shots on target per game to beat him, which is a pretty decent record. He played 28 games this season and made 84 saves in the Premier League alone. 11 clean sheets isn't too bad considering the pressure to succeed he's under. Starlet.

RB - Pablo Zabaleta

- Another position which doesn't shower itself in glory, consistency is key in this position and many players this season have fallen short here. Rafael and Azpilicueta have had strong displays but not all the way through which is why i've gone with Zabaleta. Same goes for Kyle Walker and Glen Johnson, strong showings but defensive frailties often exposed at key times. All talented players in their own right but consistency was key in this decision and that's why I've gone with reliable Manchester City right back Zabaleta. Played 22 times in an injury hit season but his positioning and consistency combined with his ability to bomb forward is a reason why this man was picked.

CB - Jan Vertonghen

- Easy decision for me here, Vertonghen in his first season since signing from Ajax and he has proved a hit since day one. Not only is his versatility across the back vitally important but he is good in the air and with the ball at his feet. What really makes him stand out from other defensive units is the fact he scores a lot of goals from defence. 48 appearances in his debut season across the board and 7 goals which is a great return for a defender. 47 appearances for Belgium and at the age of 26 there are plenty of years to come from Vertonghen. Other players which could have made this position is, Ashley Williams, Phil Jagileka and David Luiz.

CB - Matija Nastasic

- A surprise one here considering the form of Rio Ferdinand but we know the quality of the ex England man and he just stepped it up this season but for me it's the rise of the Manchester City Serbian newcomer Nastasic. He was bought initally as a replacement for train wreck defender Stefan Savic in an exchange plus money. 15 euros were parted with to Fiorentina for his services and his performances have been a real strong point in an otherwise disappointing season for Man City. He brings the ball out from defence and is comfortable but his tactical astuteness and positioning for such a young man is commendable. With Vincent Kompany injured for great lengths this season the emergence of the Serb has been justifiable. 25 appearances and holding off the challenge of Lescott and Kolo Toure in addition to this.

LB - Leighton Baines

- A pretty straightforward choice here, it could have been a straight shoot out between both England left back's Ashley Cole has been superb defensively for Chelsea but what separates Baines from Cole is the fact he not only bombs forward but his crossing and decision making is excellent. Baines created over 100 chances which is the highest all over Europe and that's from a defender. In a better side he would have been able to win things his performances surely deserved. His relationship with Steven Pieenar has been vital to Everton's success this season. His consistency as well has been vitally important having been involved in every game of the Premier League season. Outstanding.

LM - Gareth Bale

- Another position which was pretty much sown up early doors. Gareth Bale has been mesmeric at times this season and unplayable. We all know about his physical fitness and his ability to run up and down the touchline and of course his speed and power to beat a man has been commended in the past. This season he has developed even more characteristics which make him the hottest property in world football. When signed from Southampton we knew about his dead ball ability particularly free kicks but he has developed a technique similar to Cristiano Ronaldo which makes him technically gifted on all fronts. Also this season Bale has played on the right hand side of midfield, since he plays a fleeting drifting midfielder role. This has given him the license to cut in and unleash some absolute world class strikes. Most notably against West Brom, Southampton and West Ham. All of these were winners remember. Bale has played 44 games this season and scored 26 goals in that time. 21 In the league. That's astounding for a winger.

CM - Santi Cazorla

- Arsenal's season hasn't exactly been lifting the world alight but the emergence of Santi Cazorla has really given Arsene Wenger optimism for the following season. Santi has the ability to carry the ball, but also to distribute it well. If you add this to his creativity and the fact he chips in with a few goals it's the perfect combination for a centre midfielder. His partnership with Ramsey and Wilshire when put together has offered Arsenal reassuring displays that they can challenge for top honours again. Having played 49 games this season since signing from Malaga and having scored 12 goals and creating 16 goals, you could say it's been a real highlight for Arsenal. 52 caps for Spain show he is a world class talent and at the age of 28 he still has plenty to offer for seasons to come.

CM - Juan Mata

- The obvious suprise package this season would have been Miguel Michu for Swansea as an attacking midfielder with 22 goals to his name but i've gone with Spanish ball player Juan Mata purely because of his creativity and the sheer amount of games he gets through. Chelsea paid 23.5 million for Mata from Valencia and he has definitely paid them back through sheer appearances alone let alone assists. He has played 64 games this season due to the demanding Europa League schedule and has created 35 goals this season that's sheer class. Remember that's more than Robin Van Persie has scored all season and he finished top goalscorer. When you add that to the fact he's scored 12 goals in the league and has 17 assists in addition to this. Juan Mata is simply superb. Only played 23 games for his country which just shows the sheer quality of Spain's midfield.

RM - Eden Hazard

- "Eden Hazard could be just as good as Messi over the next couple of seasons" - Paul Scholes

- Eden Hazard shocked the world when he signed for the then European Champions Chelsea for 32 million pounds and it looked like a gamble for both sides. Would Hazard get used to the physicality and have Chelsea overspent. Well the answer is yes and no. What he has over many other players except perhaps Gareth Bale is age. He is only 22 which means he hasn't even hit his peak yet and in his debut season he has been world class. Hazard has played 62 times this season only 4 behind star man Mata and this all in his first season. The EL campaign has forced these players to play through burnout and that has given Chelsea fans numerous chances to see this man mature. Having only missed 4 games in the Premier League, Hazard's importance to the team is overwhelming. 11 assists in the Premier League so only 6 behind Mata in his debut season show how vital he has become.

LS - Luis Suarez

- A controversial choice but let's be honest it's a pretty obvious one at that. 44 appearances this season before he controversially bit Branislav Ivanovic. 30 goals and 11 assists were yielded from that figure and for a striker that's pretty much at the top level. Only Van Persie scored more in the league and he was with the league champions not a side that finished 7th. If it weren't for his transgressions then he would be the complete footballer. As it stands he's the complete striker and is courting interest from Real Madrid and Bayern although the other slightly wavering. His ability to dribble the ball and find the net is almost 5 a side - esque. He has scored some wonderful goals this season including that long ball close control finish he showed against Newcastle. Now that Liverpool have given him more support in their side with the signings of Sturridge and Aspas. You can bet he won't be solely relied on anymore.

RS - Robin Van Persie

- A pretty nailed on choice, Last season he scored 30 goals for Arsenal as they clinched top 4 but once United came calling and offered the Dutchman the move he took it with both hands. He hasn't scored as much this season but what he has done is create much more as a striker and that's why United fans have taken to him so well. They have reclaimed the title straight back from their neighbours this season and much has gone down to the efforts of this man particularly early season before he suffered a blip. 8 assists isn't monumental for a striker but his general hold up play and finishing which has been his trademark through his career were impecable throughout the season and that's why he's in my team of the season. Crucial goals against Man City and Liverpool also make him fan favourites. A top buy for 24 million and will keep Arsene Wenger up at night after losing him.


Thanks for taking a read and leave a comment or just tweet me at @Daniel_John08 on what you think, these are just my opinions and everyone's entitled to their own.

Daniel John

My Lions Starting 15 For First Test - Australia

British and Irish Lions Starting 15

1( Loose Head Prop) - Cian Healy

- Cian Healy gets the first test birth on a few reasons really, he has tasted success over Australia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this alone gives him an edge over rivals. Being destructive in the loose and his scrummaging is constantly improving means he should be sure to get the starting spot. Interesting here to see how the battle for this place gets going. Gethin Jenkins will have the advantage because you can be sure he will start against the Barbarians in Hong Kong so he has an early opportunity to nail down a place. If he can replicate his form in past season it will be a great battle, loads of rugby being played before then.

2(Hooker) - Richard Hibbard

- Richard Hibbard is one of those players who sets by example in his play, the no nonscense hooker has arguable had his best season this year although injuries have played a key part he has been destructive. In the Heineken Cup he was monstrous against teams like Toulouse and Leicester. This guy puts in the hard yards, he averages at least 10 carries a game which gives his side a platform. His competition comes in the form of England double act Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs. I'm actually quite suprised that these two players were picked purely because Hartley hasn't been involved with England recently so his form for Northampton has been key here. Also Tom Youngs is quite new at this level, i would have thought perhaps Ross Ford or at least Rory Best who was the huge ommission. 

3(Tight Head Prop - Adam Jones

- Looking at this position you could say bar injury his place is already secured regardless of performance. Adam Jones in my opinion is the best number 3 in the world, his ability to scrummage is unmatched and he essentially carries the ball well as well. Something which you might not notice is the fact he's a ball player. He will often act as first reciever to lure players in and pass the ball on. It's a great ploy and only works because of the skill set of the dark haired Jones brother.

4(Lock) - Alyn-Wyn Jones 

- My side might be biased towards the Welsh but when you look at what they have won at International level then you can't disagree with these positions. AWJ for short was mesmeric when he came back from injury in the Six Nations and almost inspired his side through some tough games, away to Italy and France. We all know the engine he has to hit rucks and provide a platform in the scrum. His greatest skill though is similar to Adam Jones. If he's not taking balls in the air he's offloading one handed on the floor. His experience could also be vital.

5(Lock) - Paul O' Connell

- This position is highly fought for in fairness, Both Ian Evans, Geoff Parling and Richie Gray have both had sterling seasons. POC didn't play for the majority of the season, but turned up just after the Six Nations and gave a monumental performance in the HC quarter final clash with Harlequins. The game was a close one but Munster just had that class to stay ahead purely down to the inspirational POC who not only galvanised his troops but also carried the ball unbelievably well as well as taking some huge catches from the sky.

6(Flanker) - Dan Lydiate

- Another biased call maybe but his work rate is unbelievable. Another player who missed the majority of the season but perhaps this will work in his advantage because he is coming into this tour with a freshness and energy which will be vastly important. The only rival for this position in my opinion would be Sam Warbutton because of that mans success with Justin Tipuric in the Six Nations clash with England. Sean O Brien and Tom Croft can also play this position but it would lose the balance of the back row in essence. Dan Lydiate makes a large amount of tackles, hits many rucks and is a towering figure at lineout time. A great asset to have for Warren Gatland. Player of the Six Nations 2012. 

7(Flanker) - Sam Warbutton

- First things first, I'm a huge advocate for Justin Tipuric, he really has been the player of the season for the Ospreys and Wales, if it was up to me I would have picked him. Sam Warbutton will start for many reasons, the first being the main, he is the captain of the tour. WG is not going to bench his captain after showing so much faith in him. Also he has a great relationship with Sam and in turn Sam has a great relationship with referee's well excluding Alain Rolland but that's a different story. Sean O Brien again is a contender for this as well as Tipuric but being the captain and his ability at the breakdown will give Sam Warbutton the edge. 

8(Number Eight) - Toby Faletau

- Here's the dilemma, you could easily pick Jamie Heaslip in this purely on reputation which is why he's on the tour anyway although his form has hardly lit the world on fire. The ever verstaile Sean O Brien will also fit into the equation here because he carries the ball well and has a great amount of pace, as does Tom Croft actually but it's not their natural position and the same idea for their own countries hasn't really paid off. At least with an all Welsh back row it's familar and also effective just look at the Rugby World Cup 2011. It shows how strong the squad is that unbelievable athletes like Tom Croft and SOB missing out. 

9(Scrum Half) - Ben Youngs

- I'm going for a suprise choice here, Ben Youngs is a flair scrum half and offers that pace from the ruck that's going to be crucial in OZ. Mike Phillips is a strong scrum half yes but even he struggled in the Six Nations. His strength is well his strength which the Aussies will relish. It's going to be a quick game and tempo will be key and that's why i've gone with Youngs. His passing is good but his ability to run from deep and his pace around the breakdown will be huge. Slight problem is his base kicking but i'm sure it will improve with coaching. Conor Murray isn't picked purely because he offers the same characteristics as Phillips.

10(Fly Half) - Johnathan Sexton

- Only a choice of two here, Owen Farell is a great fly half albeit a young one first of all. If the Lions were employing a safe kicking game and playing for terratory then Farell would already be donning the shirt. The Aussies will want to play a running game and it's going to need to be matched on the gainline which is why Sexton will start. When on form and injury permitting Sexton brings the best out of all his backline and the set moves that he executes will be key to unlocking the Australian rigid defence. 

11(Winger) - George North

- George North will definitely be picked purely on reputation and for the fact Gatland has a preference for strong build wingers. North has hardly covered himself in glory this season with him coming into games in bits and parts. His winner against France a glimpse of his ability but not showed throughout the Six Nations but if he can rediscover form then he will be tough to stop in fairness. His welsh compatriot Alex Cuthbert would surely voice for his place as well. In the Six Nations consistency was key in Cuthbert's game with tries in key moments. It's going to be a tough decision here, probably the toughest in the squad. 

12(Inside Centre) - Jamie Roberts

- The Star player of the 2009 Lions Tour is surely a shoe in to start the test. His direct running and his hard hitting demenour will ensure he's going to be integral to breaking the advantage line. Also Jamie Roberts is a smart man himself which means he will be important in reading the game and being the defensive general that WG will employ to shackle the Aussie backs. A key reason for being picked as well is his partnership with my other choice at outside centre. Manu Tulagi will be disappointed not to start but with experience on Roberts side you can guarantee he will be there bar injury. 

13(Outside Centre) - Brian O Driscoll 

- As I mentioned the veteran who is in his last year or two of his rugby career. BOD is an unbelievable centre and his partnership with Roberts in South Africa will have a huge bearing on this tour as well. The chemistry that they had and the fact they complimented each others styles worked a treat. BOD showed in the Six Nations that despite not having the pace he still has an unbelievable skill set whether it be at the breakdown stealing the ball or creating a try out of nothing. His experience and leadership will be key to support Sam Warbutton as captain.

14(Winger) - Tommy Bowe

- I've gone with Bowe on this one because of essentially the South Africa tour in 2009. Sean Maitland will provide stiff competition because he's had a superb season and was instrumental alongside Hogg in turning Scotland into an attacking force. Bowe starts on the fact he has experience on the tour and also knows his way to the tryline and cuts the angles that will be key to unlocking the Aussie defence. He's had an injury hit season but just like many players that might work to his advantage as he will be fresh for the run in here. Another key asset for Tommy Bowe is the fact he not only scores tries but also creates them. Gifted skillset is vitally important. 

15(Full Back) - Leigh Halfpenny

- Here is a player who is assured of his test spot, Numerous reasons for this. First one is his goal kicking if Sexton isn't picked to of course. The man named Mr Reliable never makes any mistakes particularly major ones, for a small player he takes numerous high balls under pressure but also runs/kicks it back with aplomb. He's not a player who comes into the line very often but his consistency and confidence made him the RBS Six Nations 2013 player of the tournament. Although he's not as sharp attackingly as Stuart Hogg or even Rob Kearney. It's the fact his defence and general reliability makes him odds on to start. His kicking out of hand alongside Rob Kearney will be a huge duel in the battle for 15 but my money's on Leigh Halfpenny.

Players unlucky to miss out:

-Tom Croft

-Manu Tulagi

-Justin Tipuric

-Stuart Hogg

-Johnathan Davies

-Gethin Jenkins

-Mike Phillips

The tour will be a superb advocate for the British and Irish Lions and will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some of these players. Here's a video showing the last lions tour to South Africa in 2009 - Enjoy

Daniel John

Futsal - Developing Technique

Futsal -  Is it really the solution to the problem that not only faces England but also the other home nations. I read an article on BBC Sport earlier which said that this sport could give our players the technique we desperately crave against stronger nations such as Spain/Germany/Holland etc. First things first here's a quick outline on the sport itself.

Futsal is a different style of football which is used indoors a bit like Masters football but with a smaller ball to coin technique and control. It was developed by the Brazilians and Uruguayans in the 1930s due to the lack of playing football fields. An interesting stat from Brazil is nowadays more players play Futsal over Football but lack spectators/funding so it doesn't attract attention, you can see where the samba flair comes from now?

The Game Itself...

The match consists of 5 players on each sides one of which is a goalkeeper although it has the advantage of unlimited substitutions, maximum being nine. These can occur at any time even in-game.  It's played on a hard court which puts emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor, this is emphasized by the fact the ball is smaller and attracts less bounce. Traits which benefit from this are control, composure, creativity and the ability to curb your technique. The match will last for 40 minutes with 20 each way and the usual 15 in between so it's half the actual game of football and a smaller pitch but with less players and non stop action it's physically demanding as well. Another bonus of this sport is there's no offside so clinical finishers like Javier Hernandez and Robin Van Persie would really get to grips with this easily. The fouls and the cards remain the same.

Brazil

As you may have guessed since the sport was created by the Brazilians they currently top the rankings in both male and female forms of the game whilst Spain which is hardly suprising looking at their technique in the main game follow behind.

Where are we going wrong?

When you look at England you look at players like Wayne Rooney, Tom Cleverly, Jack Wilshire and they have excellent technique especially the latter two considering their age. The whole England team as a whole should be doing much better than they actually are. Yes they are 4th in the rankings and have beaten sides like Brazil/Spain recently but not when it really counts and not through sheer technique and skill. There is a different between the top national sides and our home nations overall. From a young age in countries like Spain/Brazil/Germany you are directed into a system and are shown technique even at a young age and put emphasis on control and technique early on because the quicker they develop the technique, the quicker they can improve on it. Here's something from Barcelona...

This clip embodies everything you see with the current Barcelona side, composure on the ball well above their age, this is something you will not find across Britain even if you scourge YouTube.

The Bright Side

There is a bright light on the horizon in the form of more funding being put into grassroots football with money comes the backing but without the players and coaches and the motivation to succeed then nothing will grow from this. If the home nations can encourage their players to develop technique from a young age even using Futsal as an example then we can create the superstars and prepare them from a young age. If their old enough they should be good enough simple as that. Age isn't a problem it's a solution look at Leo Messi himself started off at a young age and broke into the Barca team at a young age and now has that experience under his belt and has become the best player in the world, co-incidence definitely not!. There is talent at home with the likes of Gareth Bale, Rooney, and Wilshire etc. The solution needs to be to develop more players like this and make them versatile and creative and let them play with their instincts instead of sticking them in a system. Barcelona is a classic example of this, players are set into the 4-3-3 formation as soon as they join the youth team and have it embedded into them. Look no further than players like Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca and Gerard Deulofeu for examples of this.

Key Points 

- Use Futsal as a way to improve players technique particularly from a young age.

- Players who are scouted into the youth system even under 10s should be focused on core skills like composure, technique and versatility and letting the others follow at a later age.

- Use the models set by Barcelona, Bayern and Inter Milan as examples

- Nuture young talents like Zaha, Ince and Chalobah and give them ability to express themselves, pace is a good thing but technique and composure is a bigger asset.

- Use Coaches from afar and spend money if you have to because home coaches don't have the same knowledge and ingenuity.

- Use tight passing games and force youngsters to develop quick thinking and composure from a young age or risk losing out.

Thanks for reading
Much Appreciated
Daniel John

Grand Slam... Or Something Much Bigger?

Forgive me for forgetting the aftershow that was France v Scotland or the pre-show of Italy V Ireland however exciting those games were. I just like every other rugby orientated fan around the globe was focused on the big one. Wales v England, a local battle with more spice than a Milan derby. The energy was palpable and yet you could still hear your own beating heart with ease. As a Welshman rugby is all we've got, yes we have our football teams but as a country we will never match the success of our beloved rugby team. What the Six Nations does as a tournament it unites the entire country of Wales. Everyone will get behind the team especially when momentum is built but yet disappear when the chips are down, such is the love/hate relationship we have with our sport. What we don't realise is that this tournament only lasts 5 weeks and it's over. 400 minutes of rugby for our country and it's finished. Only once it's gone do we really miss it and go back to our regional roots.

This young boy of only 10 years of age embodies everything our country stands for, because for 80 minutes everyone in the country forgets what they were doing and becomes the biggest fan in the country. It might be different for other people but when this occasion arrives I begin to shake and nerves set in, the programme hasn't even started and yet I need a cup of tea to settle me down. Welsh rugby is everything our country stands for, being the minority that we are. 3 million people and yet it's 23 of them who dictate how we will feel for the following weeks. Emotion is a powerful weapon and the team knows how to put us through it all, just like a marriage it goes through it's highs then lows then press repeat.

When it all started on the 2nd February it became the usual match of the day-esque advert for Welsh Rugby 30-3 down to Ireland at home and finishing 22-30 is some highlights package and yet both teams embarked on different paths in the tournament. Ireland got hit by every injury and that bit of luck that appeared in Cardiff disappeared...

RBS 6 Nations Championship

	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against
1	Wales	5	4	0	1	122	66
2	England	5	4	0	1	94	78
3	Scotland	5	2	0	3	98	107
4	Italy	5	2	0	3	75	111
5	Ireland	5	1	1	3	72	81
6	France	5	1	1	3	73	91

What does this table really say?, well it vindicates that some sides are getting better in the form of Italy and Scotland and of course England but also the decline of France and Ireland goes to some distant of throwing the old form book out the window. This table is a class example of teams who take their chances finish on top and well you know the rest. Wales were ruthless post 40 minutes against Ireland and that confidence flowed all the way through whereas the teams near the bottom drained as the tournament went on.

Interesting that Wales playing 3 away games in the tournament would have helped not only build confidence and form but also hide away from the critics as opposed to being in front of their own media and under pressure all the time. Then by the time they faced England and put 30 points past them in Cardiff in a ruthless display of passion, pride and power it was already instilled in the minds of the Welsh.

Things we found out from the RBS Six Nations 2013:

- Wales will be high on confidence after the end of the tournament and no fear of playing away

- Ireland without key individuals are not the side we think they are.

- England are on the rise, and their steady coaches and lack of ego's will benefit long term.

- Italy's competition in the Pro12 has given them a boost, 2 wins in the tournament both at home.

- Scotland have great attacking options but not a pack that matches them.

- France as usual are unpredictable and their coach embodies that.

Points for Wales to consider:

- Justin Tipuric is world class already and alongside Warbutton and Faletau proved formidable at times, Where do you fit all those in alongside Dan Lydiate and Ryan Jones is a great issue to have.

- Dan Biggar established himself as the Wales number 10 with his tactical kicking and game management.

- The Wales pack was dominant throughout and that with players still out and others gaining fitness.

- The Backline hasn't fired us a collective unit yet which is worrying for opposition.

- Competition for places is fierce, remembering players like Lee Byrne, Eli Walker, Dan Lydiate, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris not even getting a touch because of injury and form of others.

- Make the Millenium Stadium as fierce as it was against the old enemy and suddenly you have a fortress.

Thanks for taking a look at this and i'll leave you with a superb highlights package courtesy of UKMSports

Much appreciated
D.John

Are Wales finding themselves?

So after two weeks of RBS Six Nations Rugby to digest it's not entirely unrealistic that Wales could turn their championship around and make a stern defence of their much coveted title. After the opening weekend when Wales were completely outclassed on their own turf you would be forgiven for thinking that after 8 consecutive defeats and with 5 of them being at home that the players have lulled into a false sense of security. Yes... There was hope at the Millenium stadium but there has been in the past, should have beaten Australia is a call whispered all the time considering the last 4 games have been won by Australia with an average 5 points difference, but right at this moment Wales need to turn hope into glory.

We know as a country that we just can't beat the Southern Hemisphere supergiants with ease it's not going to happen. There are many issues for this one being all their players are playing in their own league and also the standard of rugby is of a higher level rather than test rugby. Wales get close to bridging the gap but it's always a case of one step forward and two back. The Autumn went from the dissapointment of not winning a test out in Aus to not even registering a win at home in the subsequent fixtures. It's not the fact that Wales lost it's the manner in which they did. Players falling off tackles and just not clicking, This Wales team has been together for years not days something wasn't right.

It truly was the Autumn of discontent for Wales and it left a sour taste in every proud Welshperson's mouth. Yet we entered the Six Nations full of optimism and endeavour although has it really been justified yet that's the reason for backstory. Wales lost at home again YES and whether it be encouraging to come back the way they did it still doesn't give a cause for optimism because they shouldn't have to be down by 30 points to start playing rugby. You wouldn't expect it in your local league let alone at International standard. The thing for me which is baffling is that this problem we have is very similar to those a few years ago


We seem to lack a distictive line breaker despite the fact we have all the strength we lack the cutting edge required to break through a line of defence so the players like George North and Alex Cuthbert can revel in because as fast as these guys are they won't run you 80 metres and scythe through a gap at the will of speed like in the past with the likes of Shane Williams and Mark Jones. The game is constantly changing and the emphasis is on muscle and strength rather than speed so the bigger guy so to speak is more ideal in today's sport. Wales as an attacking force seem to lack from open play, they have the lowest line breaks in the Six Nations after 2 games which considering other sides is interesting to say the least. Welsh ideology is to simply run through a player rather than around him or inside him.

Also another thing to worry about is that so far the scrum has been exposed as a weakness in the Welsh armour which was normally seen as a strength, after struggling against Ireland and France it's safe to say the Lions front 3 isn't the force it used to be and also injuries and players off form are playing a pivotal role in the struggle of this Welsh side. The second row is decimated by injuries with Alyn Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies all out injured all those would be confirmed starters more or less. Ian Evans was forced into action earlier than he might have liked to make up for the in-experience of Andrew Coombs making his first forest into International Rugby, it's safe to say he's starting to look a piece of the furniture rather than a stand in.

 Then there is the backrow Sam Warbutton is a very good player but he seems to be lacking in confidence and form and it's starting put more pressure on him and it's really got to him, which with the emergence of Justin Tipuric has all contributed to a Welsh struggle in a backrow which was much vaunted in the World Cup 2011. Dan Lydiate is a huge miss at no6 his work rate and tackle and carry success is almost ummatched worldwide. Toby Faletau has been impressing in the number 8 role and has carried as well as anyone in the tournament so far his consistency is key.
When Wales lost 30-22 at home to Ireland alarm bells were ringing again it showed the deficency's that came out in the Autumn and exposed by an Irish well oiled machine. It just seemed like Wales were almost scared to make a mistake and didn't put everything into the tackle area and especially at breakdown.

The call for Howley's head came and what we must remember is that Ireland took their foot off the gas which is not taking it away from Wales but the same intensity wasn't maintained until it was really needed. Then heading to France seemed like two sides looking for a shot at re-deemption after Le Blues losing to Italy. To cut a long story short it was a mild game with both sides struggling for inspiration and not wanting to lose caused France to look within themselves and Dan Biggar's kick to the corner finding George North and (his dad) on the wing such to the Welsh public's suprise a win was gained in the most unlikely of places.What Wales need to do in the next games against Italy, Scotland and England is develop themselves as an attacking force and really put a team under pressure because of their sheer size and strength. Viva Wales...