The Rugby World Cup 2015 - The Kiwi Connection

On the opening day of the Rugby World Cup, Fiji play the hosts under the floodlights of Twickenham, England. The Pacific Islander's are the eternal underdogs, with their lack of numbers, structure and resources as a nation hindering their raw ability on the rugby pitch.

One thing they have in their favour is their global location to attract once aspiring All Black's to join the ranks of the Flying Fijians through family heritage.

World rugby in the professional era has pricked its ears up in awareness that New Zealand has  undoubtedly the most talented and naturally gifted pool of rugby union players on the planet. Every young lad wants to be an All Black and every young girl wants to marry an All Black. That's motivation in itself.

Realistically, very few make the step up to All Black level and the ones that just miss out still have the qualities to walk in to most international rugby teams in the world.

So here is my list of New Zealander's who have been selected by other nations, either on heritage or residency rules, to represent a different country at The World Cup.

Michael Leitch - Japan

Michael Leitch battling hard through contact

Born in New Zealand to Fijian parents, Michael Leitch moved to Japan as a 15 year old. He has represented Japan at age grade level all the way up to the full team, making his debut at the age of 20.

Leitch is a physically dominating, mobile player who is a ferocious ball carrying number 8 or flanker. His work at the breakdown and off-loading ability out of contact are particularly impressive, earning himself very high praise at the last world cup and being regarded as one of the best performing forwards from that tournament in 2011.

In the 2012/13 season, he broke his arm and upon recovering from this on his first game back breaking his leg. However, it looks like he has put his injuries behind him with a string of excellent performances for The Waikato Chiefs in New Zealand.

Expect to see Leitch as a talisman for a much improved Japan and potentially seeing an upset or two along the way.

John Hardie -Scotland

John Hardie tackling hard against Italy on his second appearance for Scotland

After a very strong 2014-15 season with the Highlanders, winning the Super Rugby Championship, Hardie was regarded as one of the most physical and defensively strong players in New Zealand. He led in tackle completion, runs made and pilfers from the loose forward position.

Many an eyebrow was raised on the other side of the world in Scotland when he was announced to have made the cut for the Scotland world cup squad. Players like; Johnny Beattie, Rob Harley, Blair Cowan (a fellow Kiwi) and John Barclay were excluded. However, New Zealander Vern Cotter knows the players at his disposal and that Hardie is currently better than the unfortunate home-grown players left out.

John Hardie has risked it all by leaving his Highlanders contract in New Zealand (he's currently an unattached player) to play for Scotland and live out a dream by playing in a world cup.

Tim Nanai-Williams - Samoa

Tim Nanai-Williams tries to escape and offload against the Ba Ba's for Somoa

Having recently signed a lucrative deal for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, Nanai Williams had spent his whole rugby life playing in New Zealand. The brother of monstrous Ulster number 8 Nick Williams and cousin to All Black Sonny Bill Williams, top level ruby is in his genetic makeup.

A loophole in the IRB Sevens eligibility meant Nanai Williams could switch to represent Samoa even after playing for the New Zealand sevens at international level. Which meant theoretically he could play for the XV's of  Manu Samoa.

The ex-Waikato Chiefs winger/full back is small in stature but possesses the ability to side step his way out of a phone box. With the explosive acceleration and attacking skill-set to match, one-on-one line breaks and offloads out the back can be expected from this pocket dynamo.

Jared Payne - Ireland

Jared Payne trying to escape the presence of  England's George Ford for Ireland in the Six Nations

New Zealand U21 representative left Auckland for Ulster in 2011 and hasn't looked back. Qualifying for Ireland on residency rules after playing for three years for Ulster.

Comfortable at fullback or centre, Payne's versatility and running lines are what convinced Joe Schmidt to give him a call up. Helped by the eventual retirement of Brian O'Criscoll, the centre position looked fairly light for Ireland. So the emergence and consistency of Payne was a key factor in the nationality switch and a piece of the jigsaw seems to have been filled.

There is no doubting Jared Payne's all round solid game, however for him to be fully accepted as an Irish fans favourite a good world cup would definitely help his cause.

Telusa Veainu - Tonga

Tonga's Telusa Veainu looking for support after making a break

An age grade prodigious talent, Veainu scored a hat-trick in the final of the U20 World Cup in Argentina in 2010 for New Zealand. Big things were expected of him in the coming years, however he has never really hit the ground running at the step up to senior level.

Deciding to represent Tonga in 2015 through his parents, has been a fruitful and beneficial experience for everyone involved. Veainu playing outstandingly well for Tonga at The Pacific Nations Cup scoring 2 tries and running riot from open play.

There is no doubting his finishing and running rugby skills are amongst the best at this years world cup. So, this could be the moment for him to make that step up to top level rugby in front of a global audience.

Samuela Vunisa - Italy

Samuela Vunisa being held in a double tackle against South Africa for Italy

Growing up, there was no question that Samuela Vunisa ever dreamed about playing for the Azzurri. Born in Fiji and growing up in New Zealand his sights were set on becoming a first class rugby player for his homeland or the adopted one.

In 2011 Vunisa was loaned to Calvisano, Italy from Taranaki, New Zealand and after negotiations between clubs his contract was released he and signed permanently. His two year stint at Calvisano and then Zebre qualified him for representing Italy at international level, resulting in his career going from strength to strength. Hence why Saracens have snapped him up this season for 2015 .

Vunisa's versatility at 6,7 and 8 are huge bonuses for Italy, combined with a sturdy 19st, 6ft3 ball carrying frame, can only strengthen Italy's world class back-row.





As an attitude and way of life, two million blokes live in New Zealand with aspirations, or once aspirations to play for the All Blacks. Some are lucky enough to become very good professional rugby players, but very few manage to pull on the distinguishable black jersey.

All is not lost for the holy grail of playing international rugby. The Pacific islands and northern hemisphere countries are searching for exceptional talent to strengthen their cause.

There is life after The All Blacks after all.

Murray v Djokovic The Wimbledon Showdown

 Off court friends, on court foes.

'Ssake, ye cannae put the roof up, It's nae even dark!? '

Here we are, number 1 seed Novak Djokovic versus number 2 seed Andy Murray at 2 o'clock on centre court, Wimbledon. The two 26 year old's, Murray 7 days older, battling it out for the £1.6 million winner's prize money and a large shiny gold trophy.

Statistically speaking, Djokovic is superior to Murray winning 11 out of the 18 matches played between the two. Having accumulated almost double the career earnings of £33.7 million and winning six majors to Murray's one. On paper Novak is favourite.

However, any previous stats can go out the window. This is a unpredictable grass surface and a predictably supportive home crowd for Andy. No doubt there will be a star studded audience of A-listers suited and booted to support one of GB's genuine world class sportsman. This kind of inspiration could give Murray the edge and the mental boost when the chips are down.

Lads on tour

Momentum is key. It's as simple as that. Both men are technically brilliant, sharing a similar two-handed backhand and a booming first serve. The final will be won and lost by the player who can provide the smallest number of unforced errors. Obvious as this seems, but the pressure and tension on court needs to be channelled into accurate solid shots. Novak is known as 'the Iceman', having won every grand slam bar Rolande Garros and in 2011 winning 10 Tour events including 3 grand-slams.

Murray still has his own style of managing his performances on court, vocally and loudly berating himself when playing poorly.
The real turning point was Murray winning gold at Wimbledon at the London 2012 Olympics and The U.S Open. Gaining mass British support and conquering his final playing demons, has created a strong and confident Murray. Something he was lacking in previous years, having been the 'nearly man' of tennis. There is a noticeable swagger to his game now and it is a new positive attribute that has been formed by winning the big matches.

In the semi finals Murray defeated  Janowicz and Djokovic beat Del Potro in  one of the  most entertaining  grass court matches of all time.

This is the first year that Murray has not been labelled as the under-dog (regardless of Federer and Nadal  both exiting early on) and this kind of expectation seems to suit his methodical approach and composure. Physically, Andy Murray has transformed into a fantastic athlete providing him with the tools to reach shots previously out of sight.
Djokovic moves like no other tennis player, his footwork and suppleness around the court seem superhuman at times and making the impossible look easy. Both players are truly two of the best returners around, making for a potential five set whirlwind final.

Wimbledon 2013

This final is guaranteed to be a howitzer regardless of the outcome. I'm not going to predict or speculate on who will be victorious. But, I have no doubt that it will be a classic, hopefully ending the 77 year old wait for a British Men's Wimbledon Champion.



'Mon Murray!

1st Test Pre-Roar Australia v Lions

BOD breaking the line against Australia in 2001. Can he do it again?

Saturday is the first test between Australia and The British & Irish Lions. I'm going to go through the Lions selection for this match and see what is what.

2. Tom Youngs-England-Hooker

Youngs is picked at hooker. For his dynamism at the breakdown, solid lineout throwing and scrummaging. The former centre could really show the rugby world what he has in the locker

1. Alex Corbisiero-England-Prop

3.Adam Jones-Wales-Prop

Jones is one of the strongest tightheads around and his consistency and experience had almost guaranteed test selection before the initial squad selection was announced.

Corbisiero is starting because he is a beast in the scrum. Personally, I don't think he has earned his jersey but Gatland (the ex-front row) thinks the test match will be won or lost in the scrummaging.

4. Alun Wyn Jones-Wales-Second Row

5. Paul O'Connell-Ireland-Second Row

Mr Consistent in Wyn Jones and Mr Experience in O'Connell. The Welsh lock has been one of the most underrated players in British rugby for years. He does the basics exceptionally well and makes playing second row look easy. O'Connell is one of the unofficial captains in this squad. British & Irish Lions experience and a gladiatorial presence about him, the 2009 Lions captain is powerful and inspirational in equal measures.

6. Sam Warburton-Wales-Captain-Blindside Flanker

7. Tom Croft-England-Openside Flanker

Warburton is the series captain and a turnover specialist. I'm still not sure if he is the best current back row number six, however the management have faith in his leadership and ability to disrupt the Australian's quick ball. Tom Croft has performed well on tour and his elusive running and speed around the pitch are qualities essential to the Lions game plan.

8. Jamie Heaslip-Ireland-Number 8

Heaslip on his day is a word class line breaking off-loader. I have had doubts over his form after his recent injuries, however he has the footballing ability on the rugby field to prove me wrong and dominate with ball in hand.

9 .Mike Phillips-Wales-Scrum-Half

10. Jonathan Sexton-Ireland-Stand Off

The scrum half position is where I genuinely believe the first test will be won. Phillips is the physical 'extra forward' scrum half, while Will Genia for Australia is a lightening quick passer and a spectacular broken field runner. It will be fascinating to witness the contrasting number 9's performances.
Sexton starts at much debated fly-half. Stronger all round game compared to Farrell, with more experience and defensively more effective too. His distribution is key and BOD will be combining with Sexton vocally to get the forwards running lines and creating holes on Saturday,

12. Jonathan Davies-Wales-Inside Centre

13. Brian O'Driscoll-Ireland-Outside Centre

Davies has shown world rugby that he has a brilliant all-round game. He can kick, pass and tackle with the best of them. But where his ultimate strength lies is his support running and off-loading. Alongside O'Driscoll, Davies could be remembered as a Lions great. BOD may not have the same pace any more, however he still has world class vision and skill to change a game in a split second.

11. Alex Cuthbert-Wales-Wing

14. George North-Wales-Wing

15. Leigh Halfpenny-Wales-Fullback

The Welsh back three trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny ran riot at this year's Six Nations and this combination is proven at test level. Cuthbert has had an excellent try scoring tour and deservedly starts the first test match. Giant George North has only just overcome fitness fears and if he plays to his potential he could cause serious damage to the Australian's defensive line. A physical beast. Last but not least is Leigh Halfpenny. His metronomic style goal kicking is one thing, but he possesses world class tackling technique and razor sharp covering from deep. He'll be a match winner for the Lions if the first match is scrappy with penalties a plenty.

The Bench Warmers

Dan Cole

Richard Hibbard

Ben Youngs

Geoff Parling

Mako Vunipola

Owen Farrell

Sean Maitland

There is a pretty obvious selection policy from the Lions management. Big, strong, physical players. Combined with experience and proven ability at the very highest level. Hence why players like Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Justin Tipuric and Richie Gray didn't make the squad. It is no coincidence that these players were given the most game time prior to this first test to prove themselves of a starting place. A few players were sold out in the last match (Hogg being played at 10 against International test standard players). The team selected had neither the structure or leadership to handle the step up against the high flying Brumbies.

As a Scotsman, one player on the bench is disappointing. But the management have their favoured players and those who they have trained and working with before. Which is no coincidence that there are no Scottish coaches on tour. The mind boggles...

I think the score will be tight and there will be single figure points in the 1st test...

Australia 24-18 British & Irish Lions

You are tolerating Pie Sports News

So here you are... Attempting to read the first installment of Pie Sports News. Fairly average blog name, however It will have a no frills style and tasty helping of piping hot opinions. Hopefully I can stir up a debate in relation to the current sporting issues. There we have it.

"Let's be 'avin you! Come on!"

(Delia Smith CBE 28-2-05)

Scottish Player of The Year Breakdown

Nominees for Player of the Year Award 2013

Looking at the current state of the SPL, you would be forgiven for not giving a toss about who is playing well and what your team is doing in the league. However, the small shining light has to be a handful of players outside of  the 'all conquering complainers' Celtic.

This year the SPL has been one of the most evenly matched seasons in recent memory (taking Celtic out of the equation and Rangers demotion to the 3rd division). The Highland teams of Caley and Ross Country have exceeded their fans wildest expectations in particular. But this all about those individuals who have been voted by their peers as the standout performers this season;

Michael Higdon- Motherwell
Leigh Griffiths- Hibernian
Andrew Shinnie- Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Nial McGinn- Aberdeen

Just another day at Fir Park

We have the Well hit-man Michael Higdon. At first glance he is a typical target man in stature, with some suggesting that he is carrying a bit of extra timber (weekly away fans appreciation of "You fat baastaarrd") . There are in fact many more strings to this beefy man's bow on the football pitch. Capable of accurate, powerful first time finishes as a front line poacher or as a dominant aerial threat from corners and free-kicks, he has consistently shown that scoring goals is his mince and tatties. The aspect of his game which has been excellent this season is his footwork with the ball. His large frame combined with a natural delicate touch often creates space in and around the box. The 6ft2 striker is excellent at dropping deep and creating space to distribute passes out to the wide areas with Humphrey, (previously) Jamie Murphy and (currently) Sir James McFadden who all are more than capable at being direct and go past any player in the Scottish top flight. Resulting in more times than not a well timed run and finish from 'The Don'. In the same mold as John Hartson or Dean Ashton- who incidentally was a team mate at Crewe Alexandra, Higdon keeps the nostalgic flame glowing as an 'old fashioned centre forward'.

Looks like a thumb

Leigh 'Sparky' Griffiths has had a vast improvement with discipline on field this season for the Mighty Hibees. As a Hibernian FC supporter, I'm very aware that he is basically an idiot. But as a footballer, is one of the most talented in the SPL right now. The impending doom of his loan deal eventually being up at the end of the season to go back to Wolves who start next season in League 1 is a sad one... Not just for Hibs, but as a entertainment spectacle up and down Scottish top flight footy. 

Griffiths has lead the line this year for a stuttering Hibs, with their league form promising up until Christmas then after that it was fairly disgusting in the hunt for a top 6 finish. His Scottish Cup form alongside a punishing league scoring ratio could see a 30 goal mark come the end of the season which hasn't been seen at Easter Road for many a year. Acceleration and a slalom like dribble has had 50% of the SPL defenders on their backsides. This is not a fact but it is probably true... A left foot which delivers and scores free kicks, takes corners and powers in screamers from outside the box is a priceless commodity at this level. The only issue is that Griffiths tends to be a one man team and blinker his team-mates and this is a big problem if he is having a stinker. Which at a higher level (future Scotland call-up) will not be effective or tolerated as part of a team unit.

I'll be sad to see Leigh Griffiths leave Hibs purely on footballing terms. Love him or hate him, he can win games by himself  or tell someone to "fuck off" on Twitter. Great lad.

I'm good at celebrating

Birmingham City bound Andrew Shinnie of Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been the fulcrum for the Highlanders, just like Christopher Lambert in The Highlander. Although he is not a immortal warrior, his performances for Caleys this season have boosted his credentials as a quality attacking midfielder. A call-up to the International stage was somewhat a shock and Shinnie was Caley's first Scottish player to be brought in for a Scotland cap. In terms of ability he seems to have a very strong all round game with a uncanny ability to probe passes through tight formations and taking the ball past opponents with ease. It is refreshing in my opinion to see a player not dragged down to the 3rd Division with Rangers and actually commit to a 'smaller' team. The Shinster's consistency and work ethic epitomises this Inverness Caley team under the guidance of Terry Butcher, who could be in for a shout for Manager of the Year too if they push on and grab that 3rd European spot.

'Red Granite'

Niall McGinn has been Aberdeen's shining light in a season where they struggled with the expectation of becoming a solid experienced team pushing for Europe. Scoring for fun in the first half of the season, McGinn's technique and direct style of attacking have made him a force to be reckoned with. His work ethic is sometimes overlooked and if the other two strikers in Rory Fallon and Scott Vernon were able to discover consistency for more than a handful of games at a time then I'm sure that McGinn would be close to top goal scorer and the Dons higher up the league. For a player to have scored 14 goals in 20 games by the end or December and rumours of Championship English clubs offering about a million for the Northern Irishman at this time, it speaks volumes for a man who scored and outplayed Cristiano Ronaldo during Northern Ireland's World Cup Qualifying away game against Portugal last year. A slightly slower second half of the season could count against Niall in his quest for the PFA Scotland's player of the year. However there is much more to his game than just goals, with sublime offensive movement and skill to change the momentum of a match in a split second, surely he has a strong chance of picking up this award.

The frustrating thing as a Scottish football fan at the moment is pretty much everything, from inability to re-structure the league for the better to our International team being unable to inspire and get results. The very last thing It needs right now is managers like Neil 'King of Scottish Football' Lennon throwing his expensive toys out of his wheelie bin. In my opinion, the Celtic team have lost and drawn too many games this season without their ex-girlfriend Ms Rangers being present. Outside their Champions League campaign I can confidently say that there have not really been any standout performers in the Bhoys ranks.

At the end of the day, you cannot complain if the nominees have been decided by the fellow professionals of the SPL. 

Who will come out on top? My heart says Leigh Griffiths, my head says Michael Higdon and my arse says Rafael Scheidt. 

The British & Irish Lions are going to eat your Wallabies

On Tuesday past, the British and Irish Lions touring squad to Australia was announced at 11am. Thus sparking the inevitable hysteria of: who wasn't picked? 

Most of the immediate headlines were Jonny Wilkinson based, due to his failure to make the squad. However it should really have been about the achievement of  the youngest ever captain Sam Warburton or the 'wildcard' selection of Matt Stevens who was previously banned for recreational drugs (cocaine). After the coverage of the each player who made the 37, Wilkinson released a statement basically saying that due to Toulon commitments in their bid for a Heineken Cup and Top 14 double and his physical condition he may not be able to handle a hectic tour to Australia he opted out of selection. This could be the case, but In my opinion it was badly timed. Surely a clear statement before the Lions selection would have been more creditable and not a cover up that he was not going to be in the squad or guaranteed game time by Warren Gatland...

Anyway, I digress. As a proud Scotsman, the inclusion of only 3 players in Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) and Richie Gray (Sale Sharks- just signed for Castres) was disappointing but not unexpected. On pure rugby ability alone, I don't think many can argue that the other possible Scotland Internationals should make the Lions squad on merit. That is just the sad realism of the matter. Regardless of the much Improved Six Nations Championship, Scotland are still seen as the weakest of the home nations. So the selection of 15 Welsh, 10 English, 9 Irish and 3 Scots is not the start of a bad joke but a fair distribution of players from the 6 Nations and recent International success for these countries.

The 3 Scotsmen picked have a genuine chance to become (World Class) big players off the back of this tour. Maitland's try scoring ability is exceptional and his proven Super 14/ Canterbury Crusaders strike rate and New Zealand pedigree is a huge positive for a wing slot in the 1st XV against the Aussies. Not to mention being picked previously by Gatland for Waikato. Richie Gray has struggled in recent months playing with a poor Sale Sharks team and having just recovered from a serious injury, however his form prior to this was exemplary for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations. His lineout prowess and ball carrying skills in the contact area are very strong. But Gray is deceptively mobile and allusive at 6ft10 and 20st2lb, which adds to his chances of making the first test. Finally, Stuart Hogg is the shining light of Scottish rugby right now at the tender age of 20. A portfolio of scintillating individual tries has propelled the Hawk lad into the rugby world's spotlight. The rare natural talent of acceleration, pace and agility are enough for most rugby players to feel blessed by. However Hogg has a fantastic boot and the ability to find and create space coming from 15. He is my shout for the player that will put his hand up and create a legend for himself, purely because of his untapped versatility in the back line.

There is no doubt that Gatland, Howley, Jenkins, Farrel and Rowntree have picked the very best players available. A blend of previous Lions experience and new recruits will hopefully result in the most successful Lions tour of modern times. For Brian O'Driscall, Paul O'Connell, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips this will be their last Lions tour and these four are all leaders, communicators and key cogs in the Lions machine. To match the Australians the British & Irish Lions will have to be physically competitive in all aspects of their game, especially in the forwards. The call up of Dan Lydiate from a recent injury is a gamble, but arguably has the possibly the most effective tackling in the Northern Hemisphere. His player of the tournament for the 2012 Six Nations was partly down to his ability to tackle and secure turnover ball in almost a single motion. Which against Australia is essential to provide the platform for North, Bowe, Maitland and Cuthbert to name just the wingers.

Here is my Lions XV that I would pick if the first test match was tomorrow:

 Australia are very strong in all departments especially in the form of Scott Higginbotham the rampaging skillful beast of a flanker/8 and Will Genia as the world's best scrum half and sniping linebreaker, also Digby Ioane the break-dancing wing, lethal in open play. Arguably the key man is Michael Hooper, the young pretender to the injured David Pocock. Hooper is in the frighteningly similar mold to the 'human bridge' turnover king Pocock and at the age of just 21 his potential is truly frightening.

Last but not least, there would have been numerous disappointed International players kicking TVs, throwing phones at the wall and uttering: "he's shite, I'm way better than him", when the 37 Lions were announced on Tuesday. But the inevitable injuries that players pick up at the end of a season mean for a lucky few they may get that phone call to come on tour. So here is my standby Lions XV for you to rate and tut at:

That's it ladies, the end of my first Lions post and hopefully it has been insightful and if not... Just get out.