The World Cup Round Up

The New Zealand government an the IRB has to be extremely pleased with the way the Rugby World Cup has gone so far. With just the final to be played ticket sales target of 1.3 million has almost been met, generating revenues of $286.5m and although the tournament as a whole will result in a financial loss in the region of $40m for the New Zealand exchequer, it is far less than the pre tournament predictions. The long term financial benefits from advertising this beautiful and picturesque country to a global audience may far outweigh the short-term losses the tournaments makes initially.

The IRB will also be pleased that the rugby on show has been far superior and competitive than the 'kickfest' the 2007 tournament proved to be. It is also obvious that the gap that existed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres has been reduced with Ireland's victory over Australia and Wales' narrow defeat to South Africa showing the improvements that have been made by the Home Nations, which has only improved the competition. So why has the tournament not quite feed the competitive appetite of all die hard rugby union fans?  

There are many reasons this World Cup as a whole still those not live up to the expectations of rugby fans. The form of the Pacific Islander's has been one reasons for this, with their flare and power usually being one of the highlights of previous World Cups, not being present this time round. Fiji were particularly awful, as their lack of structure and the invention usually associated with the Islander's was greatly exposed in group D. Tonga managed one good performance when they shocked France but failed when it really mattered against Canada while a promising Samoan team were partially undone by the fixture list, which highlighted the poor treatment of the minnows at this tournament which has also left a foul taste for fans. The main reason that this world cup has not being as captivating as the IRB might have hoped is because from the off the Web Ellis Cup has seemed destined to go to the home team since way before the tournament began. The only hope is that a France team that has been playing poorly and with obvious trouble within the camp resurrects herself for one one-off game and makes the final at least competitive. 

However in saying this since the All-Blacks won the first World Cup in 1987 they have been instilled as odds-on favourites at every world cup since and have yet to win their second Webb Ellis Cup. France twice have been their conquerors and have the potential if not the form to do something similar this time around. Its a World Cup Final after all and anything can happen. That's why I love this tournament.

Gavin Henson to return for Wales

Gavin Henson is to return to the Welsh fold for the non-test match against the Barbarians on the 4th of June, in the Millennium Stadium. If selected for the match, it will be Henson's first appearance for Wales since the final Six Nations match, against Ireland in 2009. That match ended in disappointment for Henson and Wales, with Henson taking an 18 month 'break' from rugby afterwards.

Since then Henson has took part in various television series on what seemed to be a personal quest for fame and appreciation. His rugby comeback has also being filled with controversy, snubbing the Welsh regions to join Saracens, Henson still had eyes for international rugby, stating, "I know I still have so much to give to rugby and I can't wait to get back on the field, playing for Saracens and hopefully for Wales,". His stay at Saracens wasn't a happy one, struggling with weight and injury problems his game time was restricted, missing Wales Six Nations campaign at the same time. As his Welsh colleagues were performing on Europe's biggest rugby stage Henson was busy changing clubs again after he was released by Saracens after only 4 games for the club.

John Smit to join Saracens

South African world cup winning captain John Smit is to join English club Saracens after the World Cup. Smit who captains South Africa in the World Cup, is believed to have signed a two year deal with the club. Smit who can play at hooker or prop has been capped 102 times for his country and will be joining Saracens from the Sharks. He will add to Saracens' already large South African contingent.

Pienaar heading home?

Ulster supporters should be nervous of the rumblings from South Africa at the moment as Peter de Villiers lines up his options for the fourth coming world cup. It is rumoured, that the controversial coach wants Ruan Pienaar, as his scrumhalf option, in the tournament based on this recent form for Irish province Ulster. Pienaar can take great credit in his performances for the province this season, helping them to a play-off place in the Magners League and to the quarter-finals of the Heineken cup, for the first time since they won the trophy in 1999.