Good Rugby Reads
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="521984" data-time="1443696048">
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<p>Shit that D'arcy writes well, so much better than any ferner could ever hope to ( obviously ) but also better than any other 'expert' or journo I can think of.....</p>
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<p>Even better than the professional writers on here? I thought his analysis was great but the structure so-so.</p> -
<p>Interesting take on the Robshaw 'decision'</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/01/the-breakdown-rugby-world-cup-warren-gatland-wales-stuart-lancaster'>http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/01/the-breakdown-rugby-world-cup-warren-gatland-wales-stuart-lancaster</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="522014" data-time="1443707737">
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<p>Even better than the professional writers on here? I thought his analysis was great but the structure so-so.</p>
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<p>That's a bit harsh on a current professional rugby player isn't it (albeit someone who may have been born into priviledge and educated in fine schools)? It reminds me of a comment Stephen Jones wrote (I know I shouldn't have read it) during the Lions' tour in 2005 about the late John Drake's newpaper articles "Good commentator, can't write for toffee".</p>
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<p>I'd read D'arcy all day if he continues to produce analysis like that.</p> -
<p>Some scrum analysis for those so inclined...</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.the42.ie/italy-ireland-scrum-analysis-2361982-Oct2015/'>http://www.the42.ie/italy-ireland-scrum-analysis-2361982-Oct2015/</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="522014" data-time="1443707737"><p>Even better than the professional writers on here? I thought his analysis was great but the structure so-so.</p></blockquote>
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Well if any ferner has played more tests in the international midfield I might change my views....until then though..... -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="522123" data-time="1443736467"><p>
Fucken literary critics are we now?<br><br>
At least it is all a damn sight better than the lightweight crap being written in Stuff and the Herald and it isn't Ratpoo or Reason style clickbait.</p></blockquote>Well yeah it's a guy who has been there and done that for so many years. For that reason I also enjoyed Will Greenwoods stuff...as a player D'arcy was always second fiddle to BOD but so what? Is anyone better equipped to write articles that insightful on midfield play? I'll forgive a few 'jumpy' paragraphs here and there. -
<p>This was a good article from earlier this year from Murray Kinsella explaining Baths rugby league style diamond attacking formation.. </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.the42.ie/bath-analysis-diamond-structure-shape-ford-joseph-2137439-Jun2015/'>http://www.the42.ie/bath-analysis-diamond-structure-shape-ford-joseph-2137439-Jun2015/</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="profitius" data-cid="522144" data-time="1443745537">
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<p>This was a good article from earlier this year from Murray Kinsella explaining Baths rugby league style diamond attacking formation.. </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.the42.ie/bath-analysis-diamond-structure-shape-ford-joseph-2137439-Jun2015/'>http://www.the42.ie/bath-analysis-diamond-structure-shape-ford-joseph-2137439-Jun2015/</a></p>
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<p>That's a good article although I found it a bit funny that what is being touted as clever and revolutionary is, in reality, the simple attacking method of ensuring that the ball carrier has options left, right and behind. The 'clever' part is doing this after each ball transfer to keep the options going rather than just a one off to create an opportunity.</p>
<p>It's a well drilled extra to the basic backline attack structure of having either of your centres straighten the line. If it is 12 the 10 and 13 provide the left/right option with 15 coming up from behind. If it is 13 then 12 and 15 provide the left/right with 10 looping in behind.</p> -
An interesting take....<br><br><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/106561">http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/106561</a>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="524154" data-time="1444070041">
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<p>An interesting take....<br><br><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/106561">http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/106561</a></p>
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<p>Agreed but it isn't as successful for Scotland and Italy.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="524156" data-time="1444070625">
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<p>Agreed but it isn't as successful for Scotland and Italy.</p>
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<p>I think i's rather misleading myself. I'll agree that players may be more used to playing with each other but you really need to boil things down to useful combos.</p>
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<p>Combos with AB yes or No</p>
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<p>Front Row (no)</p>
<p>Locks (no)</p>
<p>Loosies (only 7&8 but then it's actually rare that they play in this combo)</p>
<p>8/9 (no)</p>
<p>9/10 (no)</p>
<p>12/13 (yes)</p>
<p>back three (sometimes)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="521962" data-time="1443689431">
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<p><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/11901963/England-v-Australia-Five-areas-Stuart-Lancasters-side-must-get-right-to-keep-Rugby-World-Cup-dream-alive.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/11901963/England-v-Australia-Five-areas-Stuart-Lancasters-side-must-get-right-to-keep-Rugby-World-Cup-dream-alive.html</a></p>
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<p><em>The Telegraph</em> used to have outstanding sports coverage but has dropped away considerably in the last few years and is now very poor. with loads of click-bait</p>
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<p>The Guardian has run a series of articles on RWC 2015 on individual countries Rugby culture which have been really good. Here's some examples </p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/11/all-blacks-how-new-zealand-sustains-its-rugby-dynasty'>http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/11/all-blacks-how-new-zealand-sustains-its-rugby-dynasty</a></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/10/fiji-samoa-tonga-x-factor-rugby-world-cup'>http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/10/fiji-samoa-tonga-x-factor-rugby-world-cup</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="522123" data-time="1443736467">
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<p>Fucken literary critics are we now?</p>
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<p>At least it is all a damn sight better than the lightweight crap being written in Stuff and the Herald and it isn't Ratpoo or Reason style clickbait.</p>
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<p>You all misunderstand me (apart from Bones, which is worrying in itself). Yes it is great analysis, no it isn't great writing.</p>
<p>Excellent article, not an excellent example of <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.google.com/search?q=writing'>writing</a>.</p>
<p>And yes great <em>writing</em> falls under the label of <em>literature</em>.</p>
<p>I'll collect my book token now, thanks.</p> -
<p>something a bit different.. Canon are posting blogs of the photographers up at the RWC.</p>
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<p>my mate Phil is there covering the AB's for Getty Images. Ran 7.5k's covering the AB's argies games. Great job to have.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/news/photographer_blogs_from_2015_Rugby_World_Cup/all_black_in_business.do'>http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/news/photographer_blogs_from_2015_Rugby_World_Cup/all_black_in_business.do</a></p> -
<p>Nice article on the AB's coming to a a rugby outpost in Northern England</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11909889/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-Darlington-the-latest-stop-on-this-tour-of-wonder.html'>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11909889/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-Darlington-the-latest-stop-on-this-tour-of-wonder.html</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Victor Meldrew" data-cid="524351" data-time="1444121685">
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<p>Nice article on the AB's coming to a a rugby outpost in Northern England</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11909889/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-Darlington-the-latest-stop-on-this-tour-of-wonder.html'>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11909889/Rugby-World-Cup-2015-Darlington-the-latest-stop-on-this-tour-of-wonder.html</a></p>
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<p>Nice article.</p>
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<p>I did have a laugh at the sidebar of other 'opinion pieces' though. Three articles by Mick Cleary that go "Joseph and Youngs can be England's World Cup trump cards" ; "England have picked a XV to revive the hopes of a nation" then "The scale of England's defeat by Australia means Lancaster must go"</p> -
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/72767042/malakai-fekitoas-journey-from-tonga-to-all-blacks-had-some-timing-issues'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/72767042/malakai-fekitoas-journey-from-tonga-to-all-blacks-had-some-timing-issues</a></p>
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Malakai Fekitoa's journey from Tonga to All Blacks had some timing issues
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<p><span>LIAM NAPIER IN DARLINGTON</span></p>
<p><span>Last updated 07:14, October 7 2015</span></p>
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<div><span>PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES</span></div>
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<p>Malakai Fekitoa has come a long way from his days playing with jandals on his hands.</p>
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<p>Malakai Fekitoa looks around the plush Rockliffe clubhouse where the All Blacks are based this week and can't quite believe how dramatically life has changed from his childhood in Tonga.</p>
<p>Like many Pacific Island kids, Fekitoa's youth was free and easy. Growing up on Tonga's sparsely populated Ha'apai islands, as the eighth of 15 children including an adopted brother, Fekitoa did as he pleased.</p>
<p>"When I was younger there was no breakfast or lunch. I was never hungry because I was used to it. We would run around, go swimming straight away or find coconuts," he said with his softly-spoken tone.</p>
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<div><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/interactives/2015/rwc/cards/img/MalakaiFekitoa-front.jpg" alt="MalakaiFekitoa-front.jpg"><div>Malakai Fekitoa</div>
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<div><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/interactives/2015/rwc/cards/img/back.jpg" alt="back.jpg"><div>Malakai Fekitoa
<ul><li><strong>Age: </strong> 23</li>
<li><strong>Born:</strong> Tonga</li>
<li><strong>Position:</strong> Centre</li>
<li><strong>Super team:</strong> Highlanders</li>
<li><strong>Test debut:</strong> v England, 2014</li>
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<p>"My parents would always try and buy me jandals but I'd wear them on my hands instead of my feet. Every time I played touch and rugby when I was young I'd take the shoes and put them on my hands because I would run faster."</p>
<p>Fekitoa could easily be pulling on a red rather than black jersey this weekend for his country of birth. Instead, after shining for the Tongan sevens team as a teenager, he won a scholarship to Wesley College that turned his world upside down and set him on a different path. Learning English alone was a challenge.</p>
<p>For a humble guy who once frequently shared a household with more than 20 family members and survived on a diet of yams, kumara, coconut, soup and fish, he certainly appreciates his new surroundings that feature an Aston Martin parked out front.</p>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby'><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/interactives/2015/rwc/rwcRichardLiamTobyBK.jpg" alt="rwcRichardLiamTobyBK.jpg"></a></div>
<p>Appreciates, too, the vast resources and expertise the All Blacks enjoy compared to a team like Tonga.</p>
<p>"It's interesting playing Tonga this weekend. I've been in that environment. I've been with a lot of those players that are playing now.</p>
<p>"I feel grateful to be here because I can tell the difference in the things we have, what hotels we stay in and everything we get as a team. Tonga is nowhere near what we have so that was a massive change for me."</p>
<p>The rare insight into the dynamic 23-year-old's childhood offers a snapshot of how different life is now, and how difficult some of the initial adjustments were to make.</p>
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<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://stuff.co.nz/about-stuff/advertising-feedback/?pos=storybody&adsize=300x250&area=onl.stuff.sport/rugby/allblacks'>Ad Feedback </a>
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<p>Understandably, given his relaxed upbringing, time management wasn't a strength and that's probably one reason it wasn't until he joined the Highlanders that his explosive talents truly burst onto the national radar.</p>
<p>"They talk about me before, my attitude wasn't right when I was in Auckland. I was late a lot."</p>
<p>In the All Blacks environment, scheduling is notoriously stringent. </p>
<p>"That's a massive difference for me, the time management. You always have something to do in this team. You always have to eat right; you always exercise. Your brain is always working and taking notes. That's a massive change for me in my life. From Tonga to here it's a huge change.</p>
<p>"Even though it says in the programme free-time, you've got to do stretching or look at clips from other teams. You've got to go see the physio or catch up with Bert [Gilbert Enoka] for mental skills. It's busy but in a good way."</p>
<p>Half of Fekitoa's family still live in Tonga. His father, Eni, died aged 48 of complications following a car crash. Fekitoa was 14 at the time and hadn't laced a boot.</p>
<p>His rise to the All Blacks, though, galvanised his family. He plans to bring his 10-year-old brother out to New Zealand in three or four years to guide him through the changes he experienced and takes particular joy from the pride of his mother.</p>
<p>"I've never seen her so happy. When I was young she was always unhappy with us. I can see her now always smile, laugh and tell stories about rugby. I've never heard her talk about rugby until now. I'm really happy with that. It kind of got us together as a family. We're closer now for me being here. Everyone gets up to watch the games now."</p>
<p>Fekitoa's World Cup has been a mixed bag. He was superb off the bench against Georgia, scoring one try and setting up another, but wasn't satisfied with his start at centre against Namibia.</p>
<p>"I wanted to do too much with our limited chances. I didn't feel right compared to how I usually perform. I was happy last week and I need to back myself more if I get another chance. I need to relax more instead of holding back and being in my shell and try to do everything right."</p>
<p>Sonny Bill Williams' battle with the flu may open the door for another chance off the bench this week. But, whether he takes the field or not against Tonga, his journey to this point is a reflection of just how far he has come. </p>
<p><strong> - Stuff</strong></p>
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Thats a good read but I'm surprised there was no mention of this in there <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/9883933/Malakai-Fekitoa-running-down-every-obstacle'>http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/9883933/Malakai-Fekitoa-running-down-every-obstacle</a>
