Tackleman Blog: The Southern Invasion

I’m a very excited fella at the moment. There’s a wagonload of rugby coming our way this month and my chubby little digits are shaking with anticipation as I type.

What word would best describe what is coming our way? “Hammering” fits the bill, I think. Let me explain.

Southern beasts travel north
In direct conflict to the laws of nature, as winter closes in the beasts from the Southern Hemisphere have travelled north: The Kiwis, the Wallabies, the Springboks and the Pumas. So, witness our first “hammering”: air miles and – considering the Barbarians were also in town – drinks trollies (normal fitness responsibilities no longer apply in this environment; old school).

Hotels will take a “hammering”, too. The various capital cities of the 6 nations are welcoming these advancing hordes and over the next few weeks plush, beautifully appointed hotels will witness an infestation of musclemen in shorts and thongs (flip flops before you get too alarmed) lounging like absent-minded big cats across foyer sofas, carelessly passing the time between training sessions, team meetings and sponsors commitments. King size beds will groan under the severe tonnage of human and kit bag, never fully unpacked because, well, hey, they’re blokes.

Kitchens will struggle to keep up with the volume and detail required at feeding time, and if you’re a guest and fancy using the spa, don’t bother. The kings of the jungle have snaffled that oasis too! (Multiply this all tenfold if you’re in a hotel occupied by the Baa Baa’s.)

They’re not friendlies!
But, of course, it’s the players who will take the real hammering. None of these matches mean anything trophy wise. Ok, a few will be played for a token shield or cup, but nothing significant when compared to the ultimate prize in Rugby. But don’t you dare call them friendlies! These don’t exist in rugby.

When the USA Eagles clashed with the All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago on 1st November, some in the American media called it an exhibition match; not a chance. It was a massive game for the States and huge for McCaw’s men as they sought to refocus their minds ahead of their autumn challenge.

For the host nations (annoyingly lacking in animal nicknames for the purpose of comparison), this raft of matches is the first real outing for potential Rugby World Cup squads and a test of title credentials.

Last weekend's results
Looking back on last weekend, Ireland were undoubtedly the strongest performers winning 29-15 against the giant Springboks. Wales faced a very dangerous Australian side – a team stung by criticism and recent poor form but now under new stewardship. The Welsh were missing key men through injury but still wanted to impress against a side they face in their pool next year and came agonizingly close to victory in a thrilling game, eventually losing 28-33.

England cobbled together a decent side to face New Zealand but it was far from Lancaster’s first choice with the mighty AB’s proving too strong and winning more comfortably than the 21-24 score line suggests. Scotland, also under new management, defeated the physical Pumas 41-31. Wins too for France and Italy tipped the opening weekend marginally in favour of the Northern Hemisphere.

As the past weekend showed, these are going to be hugely physical games for both hemispheres. The only difference is that those from the North still have a long season ahead of them, whilst those from the South must just hang on for a few more weeks.

Hammerings of all types will continue to await, but it should be fun – for us as fans at least.
 
Until next time,
Tackleman

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