New Zealand Threaten to Boycott RWC2015 – How to Dump in Your Own Backyard

What was NZRFU chief executive, Steve Tew, thinking when he revealed a veiled threat to boycott the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England? Talk about  injecting a sour note into the party. Cross refer to Wednesday's Telegraph for full story. The essence, as ever, is that they want more money. World Cups are a costly business. All the major unions lose money because they're normally filling their coffers at that time staging test matches. Much of the money from a World Cup gets ploughed back into developing the game worldwide.

 

That's for the likes of Samoa and Namibia and Canada and Japan and Russia, all those tier two nations that have brought so much noise and colour and distinctiveness to this World Cup. Some of them are no longer here because they had the schedule from hell foisted on them, 4 games in 14 days. The All Blacks or England or South Africa or France would soon be bleating about that. Instead the minnows gave it their best shot, making the most of adversity. It's not fair and it's not a level playing field. You get on with it.

 

So, go ahead Steve, pull the All Blacks out of the 2015 World Cup. It will still take place, it will still be vibrant and inclusive as this World Cup has been. Will anybody miss the All Blacks? Only the All Blacks themselves.

Rugby World Cup 2011: The Cold War has ended, but the revolution continues in Russian rugby

A return to the Cold War as Russia and the United States meet in New Plymouth on Thursday? KGB versus the CIA? Underhand surveillance of the other's training methods? Slipping a bit of polonium 210 into the Eagles' diet?

None of the sort, says Paul Pook, a Welsh native who's now the fitness coach for Russia. "The players are young, bright and modern. They're obviously aware of history, but have no hangover in that regard. That said, the public may see it slightly differently … and still hope to get one over the old enemy.

"From our point of view this game is fantastic because of the long history between old Soviet Union and the US, and that can only help to make the game more prominent and raise the profile of the sport in Russia."

The biggest change, Pook says, lies in the players' attitutes, training and diets – it's been a real modern-day revolution. Previously it could be a ramshackle lot, but the Russians have cast off their bear-fur jumpers for the most modern gear, training methods and nutrition.

"The players have been like sponges, soaking up new methods, foods and attitudes. The normal diet in Russia is often high fat, high sugar - pancakes can feature 2-3 a day with meals – so players' revamped regimes are all very exciting for them."

Proof of the sea change lies in the pudding. So nowadays, instead of a visit to the local for a deep-fried yak burger and a shot of vodka after training, the Russians jump into ice baths and tuck into a high-tech arsenal of products. 

Pook readily acknowledges, though, that this revolution will take a long time to show real effects. "We have to be realistic about our chances at this World Cup. The USA is probably our biggest game. As for Australia, Ireland and Italy, we simply hope to gain their respect. Ultimately, we hope that playing on the big stage will help grow game in Russia."

This blog is supported by Maximuscle, who supply the Russian team with Ache Free, Beta Alanine, Immune Support, Promax, Cyclone, Promax Bars, Promax Diet, Progain Flapjack, Viper Active Gel, Viper Active & Recovermax. http://www.maximuscle.com