Archive for September, 2011
Kirwan considers Japan exit
Posted by: | CommentsJapanese head coach John Kirwan has admitted that he is considering his options after his side drew 23-23 with Canada in their final game at the World Cup.
The Cherry Blossom’s endured another disheartening tournament, failing to win a game and suffering heavy defeats against France and New Zealand before throwing away victory in their final game of the tournament.
That draw means Japan’s record at the World Cup reads one win, two draws and 22 defeats since 1987, while Kirwan is yet to taste victory at the tournament since taking over in the months leading up to the 2007 competition.
The former All Black appeared downcast after the draw with Canada last week, admitting he felt “flat” after failing to end their twenty year search for a World Cup win and that he could leave his role when his contract expires in December.
“I’m off-contract. I’m going to take a few weeks off and look at some options, probably wait until the end of the World Cup,” Kirwan said.
“I love international football, it really excites me. It’s fantastic, I love being here, I love being at World Cups and love the international stage. I’ve got to wait until I get an offer.
“It’s been an exciting and great four years with the Japanese team. There is still a lot of work to do over there.
“Clubs in Europe, coming home to New Zealand, or staying with Japan, they’re all options.”
He added: “I’m disappointed not to get up and win today. It would’ve been our first win in 20 years. We had goals that we wanted to beat Tonga and Canada, so that’s disappointing.”
Kirwan’s comments came after Ander Monro helped haul Canada back into the game when the victory appeared to belong to Japan. The fly-half crossed the line to move his side within touching distance before landing the last-gasp penalty that brought the scores level.
There is a risk Kirwan could be pushed before he jumps after Tatsuzo Yabe, the chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union confirmed they were assessing their options for the future, saying the performances of those in Japanese 2011 World Cup Jerseys exposed them as “far from World Class”.
“Step by step, we had thought Japanese rugby had improved over the last four years,” Yabe said.
“However, we found out first-hand that we are far from world class.
“But the future of Japanese rugby lies ahead of us. As soon as we return home, we will begin our rebuilding plans.
“We have a huge goal of making the 2019 World Cup a success and to reach that goal, Japan must join the top-tier nations at all costs.
“There are a lot of areas we need to improve on, and we have to correct them one by one.”
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Kirwan considers Japan exit
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Ireland continue perfect start
Posted by: | CommentsIreland regained their place at the top of Pool C with another impressive performance at this World Cup, running out comfortable 62-12 victors against Russia in Rotorua. The Irish showed no signs of any hangover from their stunning win against Australia last week, with a professional performance to return to the top of the table, a display which included nine tries for the Irish with the ever-improving Russians grabbing two of their own.
Head coach Declan Kidney had made 10 changes from the Australia victory but the new-look team continued the momentum of their compatriots and controlled the game from the off. The match was all but over as a contest by the half-time break, with early tries by Fergus McFadden and Sean O’Brien followed up with Issac Boss, Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble all going over respectively to hand Ireland a commanding 36-0 lead by the half-time break, with Ronan O’Gara his usual reliable self from the kicking tee, converting all but Trimble’s tries. Anyone following the World Cup rugby betting will know the game was all but over by then.
Earls grabbed a second try for himself soon after the break, breaking through a tiring Russian midfield and finishing in style. Russian fans were given something to cheer about when the classy Vasily Artemyev carved through the Irish defence and scoring with Konstantin Rachkov adding the extras. The Bears were flying and took advantage of their brief control of the match with Denis Simplikevich scoring his side’s second try, this time in the corner following a nice flowing move.
The Irish quickly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck again though and Russia began showing signs of a punishing couple of weeks, which has seen them play three games in just 11 days. Rob Kearney added his name to the score-sheet with the game entering the closing stages, with Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley adding the gloss to the result with tries of their own, taking Ireland top of Pool C with 13 points from their three games in the process. Those looking at the Will Greenwood Betfair tips will have been impressed by their efforts.
Kidney’s men will now look to wrap up a truly stunning group campaign with another victory next weekend, this time against Italy, a team that the Irish only narrowly beat in the Six Nations earlier this year.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Ireland continue perfect start
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