England maturing into contenders - Andrew

Rob Andrew directory of The RFU's elite rugby believes that England are progressing very well and they seems to be a very strong contenders for the World Cup.

England started year 2010 with a very bad note facing several defeats against Italy and Scotland in the Six Nations leading to huge criticism of the team as they finished the tournament with just two victories.

Though they started to show some progress when they won against Australia culminated in a 21-20 victory in Sydney in the second test.The team then carry on their winning stream with a thrilling win over the Wallabies at Twickenham and also beat Samoa in the autumn internationals.

"The players are learning that there is no room for any drop in any aspect of your performance," Andrew said. "Matin talks about this a lot: you have to be an international player every day, not just a couple of days before you play New Zealand, and that's a mindset that's coming back into the England squad."

"That's what we've worked so hard on for the last four years and that's coming to fruition now," Andrew said. "The under 18s have lost one game in three years, the under 20s have been to two World Cup finals - we haven't won it yet but that's the next step, we've got a very good side this year - the Saxons have been very successful over time and you can see those players coming into the seniors. That pathway's very good."

Johnson assert Jones is at Lock

Johnson at club level in the second row, has launched a robust defence of Ryan Jones and revealed that Welsh autumn international's future. In the back row Jones has performance for significant criticism for previous 12 months and was stripped on the Welsh captaincy by Warren Gatland during the autumn internationals. When Johnson assert Jones remains a force in the game and believes he will be even more influential at lock.

Johnson told to the Western Mail, "Ryan hasn't lost it (dynamism). Wales play slightly differently and get him to do different things. He has enormous numbers when you look at his stats at the end of a game. His work-rate's absolutely phenomenal. He knows the short cuts. But where I like it is he gives you an added advantage at lock of being a footie player with a work ethic. It gives us a competitive edge."

At lock Jones's play again on Saturday when Ospreys take on Munster in the Heineken Cup. And Johnson admits the changes in the rendering the breakdown.

Johnson retained different rule rendering the breakdown. He said, comparing Jones with former England captain Martin Corry "The game has moved on. He is a little Martin Corryish. I saw a young Ryan playing lock. We changed him to blindside flanker and No 8 with Wales. Sometimes, in a player's career, he can go a bit of a circle. The game changes, legislation changes, there's more mobility needed, the ball is in play a bit longer. What Ryan gives you is a tremendous work-rate, an incredible work-rate. He also has great skills of a back rower. The way the game is moving, if you add the two together you get an asset as a No 4 who provides footie skills and work-rate. I really like that combination. I like what he brings to us."

Spotlight on the autumn internationals

There are few important points on which we should keep in our minds are:

1. England are comfortable and confident in their attacking game, spearheaded by the decision to encourage Chris Ashton to come off his wing at will.

2. South Africa still possess the armoury to retain the World Cup and once their key frontline players return from injury will be a force in New Zealand.

3. Ireland, with serious concerns about the quality of their front five, face a tough Six Nations championship as their 2009 Grand Slam team begin to fade.

4. Scotland can look forward to the Six Nations after wins over South Africa and Samoa, Wales in contrast, appear to be in a state of confusion.

5. The team that is going to win the World Cup next year is going to have to find some way to beat hosts New Zealand.

Team of the series
15. Kurtley Beale (Australia)
14. James O’Connor (Australia)
13. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
11. Hosea Gear (New Zealand)
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
9. Ben Youngs (England)
1. Andrew Sheridan (England)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

Subs: 16, Matthew Rees (Wales), 17, Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), 18, Kieran Read (New Zealand), 19, Tom Croft (England); 20, Mike Phillips (Wales), 21, Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), 22, Ben Foden (England).

The losers
Wales: They finished their autumn campaign without a win, stretching their alarming run without a Test victory to seven games.

France: Les Bleus have grand designs for a new £500 million stadium in Paris, and it seems they can’t leave the Stade de France quick enough after Saturday’s humiliating 59-16 defeat by Australia.

Springboks pair Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson: Their future remains uncertain after they tested positive for a banned stimulant following the victory over Ireland. They are awaiting results of their B sample.

The Avivia Stadium: The ticketing fiasco and dreadful economic climate in Ireland made for a most disappointing opening of the new stadium in Dublin, with none of the side’s four games sold out.

Jonny Wilkinson: He began the autumn with high hopes of winning back his England fly-half spot but missed the entire campaign with a shoulder injury and Toby Flood took full advantage.

The Winners
Dan Carter: The New Zealand fly-half finished the autumn campaign as the leading point-scorer in Test rugby, overtaking Jonny Wilkinson to set a record of 1,188 points.
Chris Ashton: His display against South Africa may have been hindered by the effects of his collision with Victor Matfield but the Northampton player is now one of the hottest properties in world rugby.

New Zealand: Their 37-25 victory over Wales saw Graham Henry’s side complete their third Grand Slam of the home nations in the last five years.

Andy Robinson: He must have feared the worst after Scotland’s humiliating 49-3 defeat by New Zealand but the former England coach can take great credit for guiding his side to victories over South Africa and Samoa.

George North: Despite the doom and gloom in Wales, it was an autumn that the18-year-old Scarlets wing will never forget, marking his debut with two tries against South Africa.

Try of the weekend

Fiji looked on course for another sensational victory over Wales when outstanding centre Albert Vulivuli powered over for a thrilling try to give his side a second-half lead. Sisa Koyamaibole intercepted a pass by Jonathan Thomas from a line-out and swift hands then put Vulivuli in and his speed and strength took him to the line.

Millennium Stadium on ‘terror alert’ for autumn international

During the Autumn Internationals a TERROR attack on the Millennium Stadium was thought to be “highly likely” Wales on Sunday can reveal.

During Wales’ four test matches worried organisers put staff on red alert as they raised the threat level from “substantial” to “severe”.

Special notification prior to the series have been given to stadium staff and stewards in a bid to help them spot suspects and thwart any attempts on supporters’ lives.

It has been told to WoS that special eyes need to be kept on every person especially of those in surrounding taking snaps in the stadium, in particular of security cameras – in case they were being used as part of a reconnaissance mission.

Another source said: “When I got into work yesterday, I was told by my area manager the terror threat had been raised, but he insisted it was nothing for us to worry about.

“It was the first I’d heard about it, but it makes you think.”

WRU spokesman John Williams insisted that neither the Union nor the stadium management would talk about the terror threat levels.

“As a rule, we do not comment on security issues, as this is a police matter,” he said.

But he confirmed staff were given training ahead of the series, though he said this was standard practice ahead of any big fixture.

“Staff have been briefed, but not for any particular game,” he said.

“It’s something which happens ahead of all events and security briefings are part and parcel of managing an event.

“There was nothing particular about [the New Zealand] fixture or any of the others.”

The current threat level from international terrorism for the UK is assessed as “severe”.

And some experts have warned of an imminent Mumbai-style attack by armed jihadists.

Mr Williams said the stadium was on a par with the rest of the UK, although he maintained there had not been any specific threat.

Clash with Fiji is a 'massive' game for Wales says Williams

Williams says that it would going to be a big game for Wales against Fiji in the upcoming Autumn Internationals

Williams is confidence and looking forward to face the islanders later this month, having already lost to Australia and South Africa.

They will also have a clashed with world number # 1 Newzealand before the end of the month, Williams believes it is important for Wales to put in a good performance against Fiji.

We've lost the first two games of the autumn which is desperately disappointing," Williams told the Press Association.

"Quite a few of us know you don't underestimate Fiji - they are a quality side, very dangerous. It's a massive game for us."

Wales lost to South Africa 25-29 on Saturday (November 13th) despite having led 20-9 at one point.

"It was so close, yet so far," added Williams. "It was a game we should have won, given we were that far in front. It's very disappointing."

Wales play Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on November 20th.

Autumn Internationals Results Update For Nov 6,2010

In the Northern Hemisphere three big Test matches took place as the End of year tours from the three top ranked sides in the world commenced.It was a clean sweep for the Southerners, but it wasn't all smooth sailing.

England vs New Zealand
Twickenham was buzzing as the All Blacks arrived for their first game of their Grand Slam attempt. They played at a frantic tempo and while England managed to match them at times, New Zealand controlled the game coming out 26-16 winners.

Wales vs Australia
Wales and Australia took place at the same time in what was a bit of strange planning, meaning rugby fans struggled to keep an eye on both games. The scoreline in the end was similar to the Twickenham game, and despite Wales pummeling the Wallaby forwards in the scrum, it was the visitors' backs that showed their class to pick up the 25-16 victory at the Millennium Stadium.

Ireland vs South Africa
The final game took place in Dublin as hosts Ireland were hoping for a grandstand occasion at their new staidum. It wasn't to be as the Springboks put on an impressive forward display in what was otherwise a fairly low-key slugfest that failed to ignite.

At 23-9 up, South Africa made crucial changes that could have cost them the match. Ireland did the same but with more success as Ronan O'Gara came on for his 100th Test and turned things around. In the end though, the Springboks got their tour off to a good start with a 23-21 win.

Samoa in the autumn

Martin Johnson will have to fight for the English clubs' players based in France, he seems to gather his team's autumn internationals.

England head coach has asked his 32-man squad involved in a training camp in October 1924 before the first autumn international against New Zealand 6 November.

However, Jonny Wilkinson, who plays for Toulon, and Tom Palmer and James Haskell at Stade Francais, is likely to demand both a great team and important games over the weekend of October 20 day.

Stade president Max Guazzini told the Times: "I have spoken to Martin Johnson and asked him if he would give us the Palmer and Haskell back to camp for a couple of days, so that they can play a game on October 30.

"He said no. This communication has been closed. Players were told they must ensure their participation throughout the camp on Friday or they do not take into account the selection of England."

All players have their contracts by the English acquainted with them before the Test matches.

England also take in Australia, South Africa and Samoa in the autumn

Final Autumn International: Test match against Samoa to be held in Aberdeen

Their autumn internationals Scotland will play Samoa at Pittodrie after Andy Robinson, their head coach, pushed to make sure his team maximises home advantage.
In November the Scots face a punishing schedule, by facing the high flying All Blacks opening their three match series, the world’s top ranked side, before facing the World Cup holders South Africa, then Samoa.
Robinson has spoken in the past of the difference home support can make and his first set back as Scotland coach came last autumn when, with Murrayfield less than one third full as only 20,000 spectators turned up, his team was beaten 9-6 by Argentina.
While SRU officials have indicated in the past that they prefer to stage home Test matches at Murrayfield, Robinson has argued for a more flexible approach and, when it was put to him that better atmosphere could make the difference in a tight match such as that against Argentina, he agreed.
"It will make a change," he said. "The big thing for us was that we’re going to go and have the game here. I wanted to push it with Gordon McKie (the SRU chief executive) that we had the game here.
"To spread the game it is about trying as much as possible. That’s important. But it is also that you want to have real atmosphere. The point you’re making there (about the difference that can make), I thought that was an important factor for us.
"When you’ve got three internationals it’s very hard to sell all three at Murrayfield. We’re unable to bring a New Zealand match here (Pittodrie) because of the size of the crowd."
Robinson also reckoned the move could stand Scotland in good stead ahead of the huge challenges to come in 2011.
"I’m quite looking forward to it as a change," he said. "You look at each international, about them being unique and getting the excitement level. Think about the Six Nations, we don’t play at the same stadium every time, so you’ve got to get used to that.
"When we play in the World Cup we’ve got to get used to playing in different places, so it’s good that we’re able to do this for this one game.
"I’m not saying there should be a policy for every game. We’ve got to treat each game on its merits and see where’s the right place to play it. I couldn’t just stand there and say we’re going to play every game at Murrayfield."
However, Robinson made it clear that unlike when Canada played at Pittodrie two years ago and lost 41-0, he expects this to be an exceptionally competitive match for which his team will need maximum backing.
"Look at Samoa in previous World Cups, they’re a side that develops and improves the year before that World Cup. You look at the way they’ve been performing in the sevens, they’ve got some very skilful players. Look at last year, they ran Wales very close, so this will be a very, very tough gamefor us. We’re going to need everything to win that game."
Meanwhile, for the man Robinson has preferred as his captain throughout his time in charge of Scotland the Pittodrie game presents the prospect of finally fulfilling a long held ambition.
Chris Cusiter grew up as an Aberdeen supporter, watching his home city club regularly and has described Willie Milleras his first sporting hero.
He once acted as a ball boy for the club in a match against Airdrie, but has twice missed out when Scotland internationals have been held there. In 2005, when a first Scotland win over the Barbarians was achieved in Frank Hadden’s first match as Scotland coach, he was unavailable because he was touring with the British & Irish Lions that summer.
Then, when Canada visited, he was ruled out due to one of the many injuries that have punctuated his career.
After frolicking in the sun yesterday, enjoying a game of head keepy up with Mark McGhee, the host club’s manager, before missing an open goal in another stunt for the benefit of the watching photographers, in November he knows it may be rather different conditions.
Indeed it looked more like a home game for Canada in 2008 as staff and volunteers battled to clear the pitch of snow, but Cusiter wants to be involved regardless of any of that.
"I’m actually excited about it. I don’t want to jinx myself because I haven’t played here, but hopefully I’ll be involved and have the opportunity to grace the hallowed turf," he said.
"Growing up here it was a huge thing being an Aberdeen boy going to look the Dons. I would love the chance to play out there."

Genia rates Wilkinson as 'one of the best', Autumn internationals news

Autumn internationals, Jonny Wilkinson could still issue as England's first choice fly half for the autumn internationals.
The 31 year old is part of Martin Johnson's side's recent tour of Australia and New Zealand and despite the rivalry which exists between the Aussies and the Poms, Will Genia has said he thinks Wilkinson is excellent enough to improve any team.
Back in 2003, Wilkinson landed the drop goal which saw off the Wallabies in the final of the World Cup and Australia scrum-half Genia believes the stand-off is still a particular player, even comparing him to New Zealand star Dan Carter.
"Any side he plays in they play better so I definitely still rate him up there as one of the best," the Queensland Reds player was quoted by AAP as saying. "He directs the team around on the field actuallywell with his passing and kicking game."
Despite the backing of Genia, Wilkinson faces stiff competition from the likes of Charlie Hodgson and Toby Flood for a place in the autumn internationals starting line-up.

Autumn international dates rescheduled by England.

England have revised their 2010 Autumn international schedule and will now begin their four-match series against New Zealand on 6 November. The fixture for the Hillary Shield had originally been fixed for 4 December but has been moved following a request from the All Blacks.

England will then play Australia, Samoa and the world champions South Africa in a packed autumn schedule. As a result of the fixture reshuffle, South Africa's game against the Barbarians will now be played on 4 December at Twickenham, a day earlier than previously scheduled.

Premier Rugby and the Professional Game Board confirmed the change after agreeing to move the England players' release period forward by a week. Although the original request came from the All Blacks, the new schedule of five Saturday matches, all with 2.30pm kick-offs, is ideal for the Rugby Football Union.

The RFU's business operations director, Paul Vaughan, said: "We're delighted that Premier Rugby Limited and the Professional Game Board have approved the change which completes a superb series of games at Twickenham Stadium this autumn.

England's autumn schedule:

6 November England v New Zealand (2.30pm)

13 November England v Australia (2.30pm)

20 November England v Samoa (2.30pm)

27 November England v South Africa (2.30pm)

Hungry France wait after Martin Johnson's England are held by Scotland

First the good news: by Saturday night the Six Nations will be over and England's dispiriting campaign will have been laid to rest in a shallow Parisian grave. No more worthy tripe dressed up as significant progress, no more fumbling for fresh adjectives to describe the same old dross. Even if England somehow stop France securing a grand slam, it will not elevate their season above the deeply mediocre.
For the world's richest union this is, once again, an uncomfortable place to be. Even Martin Johnson, to his credit, declined to spin the unspinnable. His team may have clung on to the Calcutta Cup with this barely deserved draw but they are trapped in a black hole creatively, as far removed from a revitalised world force as when Johnson took over. Avoiding defeat in another tryless exercise in futility – England's last try in Scotland came six years ago – is nothing to shout about.
Most worrying of all is that Johnson's men, challenged by him to outdo the Scots for energy, urgency, passion and emotion, could not do so. If the same happens at the Stade de France against opponents who ripped Italy to shreds yesterday, it will be carnage. "It can be a very long night in Paris if you don't get it right," said Johnson, looking as deflated as he has done in months. From somewhere he has to inject impetus and acknowledge that his side are worryingly short of real quality.
The issues go far beyond a temporary loss of confidence. The only area of the team which has shown up well in the past few weeks has been the scrummage, under Graham Rowntree's tutelage. If there is an English player of the championship it is Dan Cole, whose Test career is in its infancy. There is a moral there somewhere: rather than soldiering on with willing but limited club stalwarts and settling for damage limitation Johnson simply has to shed his innate selectorial caution. No one is suggesting he take half a dozen teenagers to Paris but the painful head knocks suffered by Jonny Wilkinson and Ugo Monye (happily neither suffered lasting damage) offer an excuse to experiment. Ben Foden and Chris Ashton should start and with Mathieu Bastareaud in mind there is a case for inviting Shontayne Hape to add some edge to England's midfield.

Official Autumn International Rugby Packages Available

Sportsworld's official 2009 Investec Challenge England rugby international hospitality packages are hosted within Twickenham Stadium's newly redeveloped and luxurious South Stand. The redevelopment of the South Stand ensures Twickenham remains one of the world’s foremost outstanding sporting arenas and a great venue in which to entertain your key clients.
Your hospitality package includes:
Official RFU match ticket
Drinks reception on arrival
Complimentary bar pre-match and 60 minutes post match including champagne
Four course lunch with fine wines
Post match savoury selection
Pre-match guest speaker
Plasma television screens
Official souvenir match programme (1 per guest)
Printed event documentation
Experienced Sportsworld event management in attendance