Shaggy
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The 2011 Rugby World Cup has ended and unfortunately for the rugby faithful, this means that we’ll have to wait four years once again, but don’t be disappointed, this was a special tournament. New Zealand hosted this time around, and with that, we realize that we may not see the rugby mad country host again for a very long time.
We hope that you all savored every moment and every match, no matter what the outcomes were, the disappointments or heartache. What impressed us the most is how well second tier nations developed over the past four years, which is great news for the sport on a worldwide scale.
Development is the key to this game, as any, and this world cup has opened the door to a large number of new fans.
As we take a look back, Shaggy, psychic duck and M Two One review the twenty participants from worst to first over the next week. The rankings were put together through several opinions based on performances.
Feel free to debate and discuss. The 2011 Rugby World Cup may have ended, but rugby lives on 24/7.
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Italy was simply a disappointment at this World Cup. Over Nick Mallett’s four years the stats clearly show that losing margins have decreased, especially against the Tri Nations teams, but this side ended up no closer to qualifying than in 2007 or 2003. To be an Italy fan must be very frustrating as in most elements they are considered on par with their 6 Nations opponents.
There are two elements that mean they haven’t yet progressed to one of the top 8 nations in the world and as most rugby fans know it is their post DomÃnguez fly half problems which hold them back. Their outside backs aren’t great either, but it is possible to become a more than half decent team without them. However, it is not possible without a competent fly half and Italy’s players in this all important position are poor to say the least.
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It is evident that each new fly half is getting progressively worse with the likes of Orquera and Bocchino, who would both struggle to look good in France or England’s third tier competitions, never mind showcasing as competent internationals. England fans may be surprised that Italy would probably bite your arm off if you offered them the much derided Andy Goodeâ€"who would likely have about 80 caps by now if he were Italianâ€"although he’s not great, at least his goal kicking ability is decent.
Italy have some fine players in their pack but shamefully, Castro, Parisse and Zanni are constantly let down by poor backs, and that was obviously the case during all important matches against Ireland and Australia. When the pack laid a foundation for the backs, the match against the Eagles was the best example of this, where Castro, Parisse and the pack left them on the rack to be thrashed, but yet the Italians had to rely on short range bomfs and a penalty try to get them a try bonus point.
In defence, the backs again looked weak, with the centre pairing being constantly being cut open by the Irish backs. To see O’Brien charge through Orquera (the worst tackler I’ve seen at international rugby) made me wince. Perhaps most importantly, the Italians lack an international standard goal kicker, Bergamasco has improved from when he started his goal kicking duties, but still, his success rate isn’t too high.
/Frontpagebanners/BottomLine.jpg
Jacques Brunel, the former Perpignan coach, takes over now, and the Parisse generation of forwards will have one last world cup in four years to have some more to show for their time spent in the Italian jersey. - p.d.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup has ended and unfortunately for the rugby faithful, this means that we’ll have to wait four years once again, but don’t be disappointed, this was a special tournament. New Zealand hosted this time around, and with that, we realize that we may not see the rugby mad country host again for a very long time.
We hope that you all savored every moment and every match, no matter what the outcomes were, the disappointments or heartache. What impressed us the most is how well second tier nations developed over the past four years, which is great news for the sport on a worldwide scale.
Development is the key to this game, as any, and this world cup has opened the door to a large number of new fans.
As we take a look back, Shaggy, psychic duck and M Two One review the twenty participants from worst to first over the next week. The rankings were put together through several opinions based on performances.
Feel free to debate and discuss. The 2011 Rugby World Cup may have ended, but rugby lives on 24/7.
/Frontpagebanners/ITA1.jpg
/Frontpagebanners/ITA2.jpg
Italy was simply a disappointment at this World Cup. Over Nick Mallett’s four years the stats clearly show that losing margins have decreased, especially against the Tri Nations teams, but this side ended up no closer to qualifying than in 2007 or 2003. To be an Italy fan must be very frustrating as in most elements they are considered on par with their 6 Nations opponents.
There are two elements that mean they haven’t yet progressed to one of the top 8 nations in the world and as most rugby fans know it is their post DomÃnguez fly half problems which hold them back. Their outside backs aren’t great either, but it is possible to become a more than half decent team without them. However, it is not possible without a competent fly half and Italy’s players in this all important position are poor to say the least.
/Frontpagebanners/pvITA.jpg
It is evident that each new fly half is getting progressively worse with the likes of Orquera and Bocchino, who would both struggle to look good in France or England’s third tier competitions, never mind showcasing as competent internationals. England fans may be surprised that Italy would probably bite your arm off if you offered them the much derided Andy Goodeâ€"who would likely have about 80 caps by now if he were Italianâ€"although he’s not great, at least his goal kicking ability is decent.
Italy have some fine players in their pack but shamefully, Castro, Parisse and Zanni are constantly let down by poor backs, and that was obviously the case during all important matches against Ireland and Australia. When the pack laid a foundation for the backs, the match against the Eagles was the best example of this, where Castro, Parisse and the pack left them on the rack to be thrashed, but yet the Italians had to rely on short range bomfs and a penalty try to get them a try bonus point.
In defence, the backs again looked weak, with the centre pairing being constantly being cut open by the Irish backs. To see O’Brien charge through Orquera (the worst tackler I’ve seen at international rugby) made me wince. Perhaps most importantly, the Italians lack an international standard goal kicker, Bergamasco has improved from when he started his goal kicking duties, but still, his success rate isn’t too high.
/Frontpagebanners/BottomLine.jpg
Jacques Brunel, the former Perpignan coach, takes over now, and the Parisse generation of forwards will have one last world cup in four years to have some more to show for their time spent in the Italian jersey. - p.d.
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