The rugby season is back

The first week of February saw the resumption of the Six Nations championship and last week we were treated to the start of the 2013 Super Rugby season as well.

France promised much in the lead up to the championship given their stunning performance against the Wallabies in their outing at the end of the 2012 season. The traditional French flair was conspicuous by its absence and they often ran short of ideas on how to score. As a result it is no surprise to see them languishing at the bottom of the table with two straight losses. Michalak the mercurial 10 appears to be jaded and it would be no surprise if he watches the next few games from the bench.

On the other hand, England has looked awesome so far with a cracking style of play and is now tipped to win the championship with ease.

Italy the new boys on the block started out with a bang and thereafter slumped to a defeat in the second game.

The form of all the players barring those from Italy and France will come under the microscope for a slot in the Lions tour down under in June this year. British and Irish Lions head Coach Warren Gatland has praised England Captain Chris Robshaw for the way he has developed as a player in recent months and the tussle will intensify with Sean O’Brien, who outplayed the previous favourite Sam Warburton in their recent clash. It’s a nice position to be in as a coach when one is spoilt for choice. Interestingly, Galtland gave up his coaching role with Wales in order to start concentrating on the Lions tour and it should be an event to look forward to.

On the local front the schools sevens tournament was worked off over the weekend. One of the schools lesser knew for their rugby prowess C.W.W. Kannangara humbled the mighty Trinitians. Whilst the old boys of Trinity would be up in arms at this loss, to me its welcome news that in addition to the traditional rugby playing schools, there are others in the fray willing to make a mark for themselves.

This augurs well for the development of the sport countrywide and the Rugby think-tank must now get their act together to ensure that this victory does not remain just a flash in the pan.  

In the main tournament the Peterites gave a good account of themselves and eventually ran out worthy winners against a gallant Pathana side.

Whilst in a body contact sport tempers are short, the ugly scenes on the field witnessed in the final should not recur. I am sure that the administrators of both schools will take note of this and the incident should not raise its ugly head once again during the regular tournament. The true test of their discipline will then be put to the test in the coming months.

The sevens was effectively the warm up and the school’s regular season will be in full swing soon. The school boys will have something to look forward to this year given the same will not clash with the club season, which is slated to be in October.

This will provide the opportunity for school boys to join clubs and have a full season as opposed to waiting one full year to be eligible.

The clubs on the other hand will have a ready talent pool to select from so that we will eventually be in a win-win situation for both sides.

A couple of new changes in the laws have been introduces by the IRB and at this stage one is not sure of all of them will be applicable locally. Rugby Boot importers may be in for a bonanza if the new laws on the maximum number of studs on boots are introduced. It is the general opinion amongst the local rugby think-tank that these laws should be introduced gradually starting with the international games, the Asian five Nations, and the local club season.

(The writer can be contacted on [email protected])