New Zealand only needed a single point to secure the 2010 Tri Nations title in this match and at one point this looked like it was all they were going to get. The Springboks showed a spirited performance and in fact led the game until the All Blacks levelled the scores with only a couple of minutes to go and then Israel Dagg scored almost shortly after the restart to give his side the victory. It was an exciting game that saw the return of Juan Smith who made his presence known to Richie McCaw throughout the game and also saw John Smit reach 100 test caps for the Springboks making him only the second South African to ever achieve this.

On 12 February 1976 was born one of the best fullbacks to ever set foot on a rugby field – Christian Mathias Cullen. Cullen made his senior debut very early at the age of 18 for New Zealand provincial side Horowhenua in 1994; and who was to know what would follow for what was quite clearly a gifted young rugby player?

It all happened very quickly from here for Cullen as in his first season he had claimed a spot in the New Zealand U19 side. And then in 1995 he played for Manawatu in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship (NPC) and for a New Zealand U21 side that lifted the U21 World Cup. In 1996 Cullen represented New Zealand 7’s side and then went on at the age of 20 to win his first full cap against Samoa, scoring a hat trick in the process! This was the start of something special for Cullen who went on to play a total of 58 tests for the All Blacks between 1996 and 2002, in total scoring 46 tries.

It would be incredibly hard not to mention Cullen’s performances for Wellington in the NPC and The Wellington Hurricanes in what was then the Super 12 (more recently the Super 14 and soon to be Super 15). The lines and angles that he hit at pace were phenomenal and if you have a few minutes it is worth searching the likes of Youtube for a few examples of tries he has scored and you will see what I am talking about. Not only did he hit some beautiful lines but was an elusive runner beating men for fun; and at just over 5ft 10in tall and under 14st Christian Cullen was not the biggest guy in world rugby, but the amount of players that slipped off him in the tackle was ridiculous. It was clear to see that Cullen had incredible power to match his pace and his ability to spot a gap.

Unfortunately for All Black and international rugby fans Cullen’s international career was to end in 2002 at the age of just 26. It appeared as though the then coach of New Zealand John Mitchell was the only person on the planet (in rugby terms) that could not see Cullen was one of the greatest fullbacks the world had ever seen, never mind just one of the greatest All Blacks, which is usually a distinction in itself. There were rumours of a rift between coach and player but these were never confirmed and the All Blacks set off for the World Cup in 2003 without Cullen. Even still Cullen left the international scene as the highest try scorer in All Black history (a record that has since been surpassed by Doug Howlett). In 2003 Cullen left for pastures Green, literally as he signed for the Irish province of Munster.

Christian Cullen finished his career at Munster calling it a day in May 2007, which might surprise a lot of people as he was still only 31 but his time at Munster was blighted by injury and he acknowledged at this time that his body had taken enough punishment. He is a player I will never forget as he burst onto the scene when I was still at school and I never passed up on an opportunity to watch a match that he was involved in because you always knew he would do something special. He was truly an exciting and powerful rugby legend.

Rugby union is a game that is played and enjoyed by spectators throughout the world and as a great team sport has always reinforced the idea of participation. There is a new rugby union video blog that brings the idea of participation to the spectators as well. bluggerme.com features honest and somewhat opinionated reviews of rugby games played and televised from major tournaments from around the globe.

Many people will watch a game of rugby at home or at a pubs or sports club with friends and one thing is for sure is that these people will be debating various aspects of the game with one another such as the referee’s decisions, unsporting play or a brilliant piece of individual skill. Quite often the TV pundits do not echo the thoughts of the true rugby supporters watching the games. bluggerme.com aims to change this by giving bringing you opinions and reviews of the games as a rugby supporter from home. Of course by human nature not everyone will agree with each other’s opinions but the fact that you can comment on the blog allows you to enter into discussion about the game in the same way as you would with your friends.

So far on bluggerme.com there have been reviews posted on some of the early Tri-Nations fixtures but there are also plans to cover games from other major domestic and international competitions such as the Currie Cup, NPC (ITM Cup), Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup, Super 15 and the 6 Nations. This is a fun and exciting way for rugby fans to join in a discussion and put forward opinions on the sport they love.

Website: http://bluggerme.com

Australia 28 – 49 New Zealand

The All Blacks ran the ball very well and in fact looked dangerous from just about anywhere, which would suggest why they scored 7 tries in total gaining a bonus point before half time. However the first try of the day was scored by Wallaby winger Drew Mitchell who was soon to be at the centre of a few controversial decisions. Mitchell was yellow carded twice in this game resulting in a sending off. His first card was for a shoulder charge and the second for slowing the game down following a warning by the referee. Despite this Australia battled hard in the second half scoring two more tries but were still outclassed on the day by the All Blacks.

Australia 30 – 13 South Africa

This was an enjoyable game of rugby although dangerous tackles from Fourie and Cooper resulted in them both receiving bans following the match. Australia were much improved from the side that narrowly defeated Ireland last month. They hit rucks well contesting the ball and more importantly they performed for the full 80 minutes. South Africa, who were most likely low on morale having had two heavy defeats to New Zealand in the previous two weeks were competitive, however their discipline let them down in the first half allowing Giteau to land four penalties before half time. Both teams were willing to run the ball, which made it interesting although Australia did so more successfully and also resulted in a good try for Mitchell just on the stroke of half time. South African discipline improved in the second half but it was up to the Wallabies to lose the game at this point, which they did not. Well done Australia but I think the All Blacks will be a harder test up next. Please join in with your comments.

True Rugby Legend – Tim Horan

Former Australia and Queensland Reds centre Tim Horan has to be one of the modern greats of Rugby Union, and certainly one of the first legends of the professional era. Horan was a complete player in the centre, both in attack and defence, which always made him a formidable opponent for his opposite number knowing that it was going to be difficult to get past him and difficult to stop him. As an attacking threat Horan had nimble feet and could change direction in an instant but he was equally as good at being a playmaker and creating space for others to make a break.

Where Did It All Begin?

He was born Timothy James Horan on 18 May 1970 in Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales although was raised in Toowoomba, Queensland. Would you believe that initially Tim began his rugby career playing rugby league for his local club in Toowoomba and wasn’t introduced to the Rugby Union code until he went to Downlands Grammar school aged 12. Horan played an important role as a member of a successful Downlands Grammar 1st XV team that went unbeaten in 1987 and who were coached by former England coach John Elders. He also represented Australia at schoolboy level before winning his first cap in 1989 against the All Blacks aged just 19 without having ever played senior representative rugby for Queensland.

International Record

A young Tim Horan along with Jason Little and John Eales went on to win the Rugby World Cup in 1991 defeating England in the final at Twickenham. These were the only three surviving members from the 1991 squad that went on the lift the trophy again in 1999 as Australia defeated France at the Millennium Stadium in Wales and in doing so became the first ever nation to win the competition twice. Eales captained the side throughout the 1999 Rugby World Cup and Horan was named player of the tournament. Horan finished his international career with Australia in 2000 with his 80th test cap against Argentina and in total scored 30 international tries.

Away from the International Arena

You cannot forget the contribution Horan made to Queensland, in total earning 285 caps, many of which were in the Super 12 competition (now Super 14 and soon to be Super 15!). Horan’s points tally for the Queensland was 285.

Following Horan’s international retirement in 2000 he headed almost immediately for England where he spent three seasons with London club Saracens lighting up the English Premiership. Last year Tim Horan accepted the invitation from the Australian Rugby Union to serve as a Classic Wallabies Statesman. Each year the ARU invites 7 Classic Wallabies who have made indelible impressions on Australian Rugby to serve. In the same year Horan was also made a Member of the Order of Australia, which is a great accolade for any Australian to achieve and shows that his country recognises him for the great contributions he has made both to Rugby and to Australia.

Watching Tim Horan when I was a young rugby player, I do not think I will ever forget seeing him beat the opposition in midfield and has to be up there with the all time greats of the game, a true rugby legend.

Australia 22 – 15 Ireland

Not a classic test match by any stretch of the imagination. Ireland the steadier of the two in the 1st Half apart from two bad mistakes that Australia capitalised on, scoring on both occasions. Australia’s discipline in the 1st Half was not good, which allowed Irish Number 10 Sexton to show that he had brought his kicking boots by landing 5 attempts out of 5. The second half was much more exciting to watch as both team tried to play rugby, however no tries were scored as both teams lacked the necessary penetration. Ireland can take a few positives from the game and Australia will know they have to work hard between now and the start of the Tri Nations.

New Zealand 29 – 10 Wales

I have to say I was a little disappointed watching this match after the excellent display we saw in the 1st test. New Zealand ran out deserved winners having been more disciplined and played better rugby, although they certainly did not seem as polished as they did in the first test and in fact were a bit scrappy at times. Wales on the other hand did not challenge New Zealand as much as they did in the first test. Perhaps New Zealand didn’t feel threatened enough to have to perform as well!

The lack of Welsh discipline ultimately ruined the game as a spectacle as they seemed happy to concede 3 points every time the All Blacks visited their half rather than 5 or 7. To be fair to Wales though they did finish the game strongly in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded with a try although were perhaps unlucky to concede a try right at the death when a mistake from the Welsh Fullback Byrne allowed Aaron Cruden to score.

Please join in the discussion, I look forward to your comments.

The score in this 1st Test was New Zealand 42-9 Wales, which showed that there was a clear winner. For the neutral spectator or indeed a kiwi fan it was a good game to watch. Wales played reasonably well in the first half but just couldn’t find a way to breach the All Black defence. Unfortunately Wales could not sustain this play into the second half, which allowed an impressive looking New Zealand side to dominate.

The All Blacks scored some sublime tries although there was some controversy over the second try scored by New Zealand winger Cory Jane as his team mate Conrad Smith appeared to turn the ball over illegally but that it is not how the referee saw it and unfortunately for 80 minutes his is the only opinion that counts!

New Zealand looked good in the second half and skipper Richie McCaw had an impressive all round performance. It was an enjoyable game and let’s hope the 2nd test is as good.

Australia and England faced off on Saturday 19 June for the second test with the first test having gone Australia’s way. Both teams fielded exciting, young and talented players in their backlines that were capable of playing some great running rugby. There was some good rugby on display from both sides, however it has to be said that it is refreshing to see England playing some running rugby rather than the same old “Boring, Boring England”.
 
Both teams fought incredibly hard but it was England came away with the victory although it could have gone either way. Please feel free to join in the discussion below and leave your comments.