by Martin Quinn.

Does anyone remember the classic Colombian football lineup of the 1990s? Of course you do and not least for their flamboyant style, along with their fantastic ability. We had Carlos Valderrama’s unforgettable Sideshow Bob/palm tree haircut. Or the demented antics of René Higuita, the scorpion-kicking goalie with a dodgy perm. Colombian football fans still remember proudly their national selection from those days when the beautiful game took their minds off, and occassionally kept their minds on, the country’s problems.

It’s 6PM in Pereira and it’s already getting dark, which is kind of strange for me as we’re somewhere in the middle of summer. We’re in the local Olympic stadium tonight, Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas, which holds about 30,000 people, to see Deportivo Pereira play Santa Fe. It’s a fairly basic, openair venue, with a nice view of the mountains. It’s adorned in the national colours of yellow, blue and red though it still looks as if it could do with a lick of paint, like a few other things in the city. Behind us are little booths containing commentators so I’m sure I’ll get my ears busted if somebody scores a ¡¡¡Góóóóóóóóólllllllllllllllllllllll!!!, though the aeroplanes flying over us from the nearby airport are doing a good job of this already. The eccentricity of many of its characters is what really lights up the game of football and South America is the home of the wild and the weird when it comes to soccer.

Deportivo were formed in the 1940s and play in red and yellow. I’ve seen the shirt being sported by city locals all day and the team’s crest is graffittied all around town. Unfortunately they generally don’t do well in the League and have never won anything, apart from the Second Division back in 2000. Behind the goals on our right are the ferocious Ultras of the local team. “So are they on the Left or the Right?” I ask Hector, my local soccer buddy. “They’re right-wing but just a bunch of kids” he replies. The game has started and after ten minutes some players are substituted for Santa Fe. “Very early substitutions, sí?” I say in awful Spanish but Hector reckons it’s to do with the altitude. Some of the players from places further from the ionosphere find it tough going playing in the mountains.

Pereira is over 1,400 metres above sea level, a high elevation that can seriously affect a player’s fitness if they normally play at a lower altitude. The main cities of several South American nations are way up in the mountains, giving Andean teams like Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia a home advantage. A few Argentinians were calling for Diego Maradona’s sacking as manager a while back after Bolivia gave the Argies a 6-1 spanking followed by Ecuador beating them 2-0 on their respective home patches. The elevation factor was an excuse put forward to save dear old Diego, though Colombia gave them a run for their money in Argentina.

I’m just thinking that putting Maradona in charge is like making your national hero national manager. Only Eva Perón or Che Guevara might have done a better job. At the moment Pereira have the run of play and they’ve some very skilful players. Apparently they’ve a strong home record and are putting on a good game of footie for the fans tonight. There’s guys and girls walking about the stand selling empanadas, cigarettes and drinks but the beer man is nowhere to be seen so I’m not interested. I had a burger earlier which was about as tasty as the pies in the old version of Celtic Park, which weren’t very nice, so I’m not attempting any more stadium food. There’s about 10,000 here tonight, including about 200 of Santa Fes’ supporters, down from Bogotá to cheer on one of Colombia’s more successful teams, having won the League six times.

At half-time we go for a walk and meet a few of the other fans. A friendly lot, but still heartbreakingly difficult to communicate with, due to my horrifyingly bad comprehension of Spanish. I talk, they reply, I look confused, they look at each other and shrug. Higuita signed for their team last year at the ripe old age of 41, but he doesn’t seem to be there now. The wacky world of René Higuita is a reminder of the “glory days” of narcotraffiking. He spent a few months in the slammer in the 1990s for acting as a go-between in a dispute between Pablo Escobar and a rival cartel. Apparently now he wants to get politically active but, if his infamous lapses in concentration follow him into the muddy world of politics, he could end up sparking off a war with Venezuela or even the US, depending on his political leanings.

The second half sees a few substitutions for Deportivo. They’re good on the ball and nice, fluid passers. They drive forward very much and Santa Fe nearly catch them on the counterattack a time or two, but for a fantastic goalie. With all the pressure though, Pereira should be two or three up but they don’t seem to be in luck today. The keeper comes out to hoof one final free kick up the park but it’s all over. 0-0, though the home team deserved more. Outside the stadium, I see a truckload of soldiers who were watching the game, roaring their heads off as they drive away. A little shellshock after to many firefights with the guerrillas in the jungle I diagnose, though any uniforms I saw during the match were fairly passive, unlike some of the potty-mouthed local kids who weren’t afraid to tell the ref, or the scary-looking cops at the sideline, what they thought of them.

World Cup ‘94 should have been the national side’s greatest moment but ended up a nightmare. The Colombians had annihilated Argentina 5-0 in the qualifiers after ending a 30-game unbeaten run by the Argentinians with an earlier 2-1 victory. No less than Pelé was putting them forward to win. But the dark world of drug cartels reared its head and Higuita had already been ruled unfit, due to his stint inside for his dodgy dealings. Rumours circulated that there was cartel interference in team selection and the players looked worried. They lost their first two games, eliminating themselves. The second defeat, against the USA was helped by Andreas Escobar’s infamous own goal. The Gentleman of Football was gunned down two weeks later in Medellín by a killer who apparently shouted ¡Gol! twelve times for each bullet fired. The killing was thought to have been a cartel-inspired punishment due to heavy betting, and subsequent heavy losses, by drug lords. Escobar has near-saintly status now in the country.

The fans still remember these sometimes-dark, sometimes-glorious days and hope remains for Colombia’s qualification for World Cup 2010. Their next qualifier is against Ecuador on September 5th in Medellín, when we’re visiting the city, so fingers crossed we get tickets to see one of the most flamboyant sides in world football.

by Isaure Cointreau

 Living in Spain one cannot avoid the famous corridas.  Although there are debates arguing whether it is a barbaric tradition or a fantastic folkloric art, it is either way a breathtaking experience. During my time on the Spanish soil I have witnessed several executions of bulls, some more spectacular than others. Between the novillados, the matadors and the rejoneadores the picture is well set to suit all tastes.  For my part I have a preference, what’s yours?

Starting with the beginners, although the young bullfighters can appear clumsy and make us feel ill for the poor animal, some could surprise you. Don’t miss on the novilladas, you might see the first steps of a great matador! On the other hand, the more experienced bullfighters execute their labor with far more grace and confidence. The defying attitude towards the bull is part of the game and while they dance with their “capote de brega” , they enhance the thrills and excitement of the show.

 However if you want a little bit more extravaganza, beauty and intense emotions, try the ones where horses are part of the arena.  These are called the rejoneos and although the stakes are very different in the art of bullfighting it is, as far I’m concerned the most enjoyable.

On Sunday 6th of June, Andy Cartagena overthrew its public with a tremendous performance. The alchemy between the horse and its rider were evident and it felt as if they were one. Through audacious twirls while the bull was chasing the torero’s ride, the tease and remarkable execution, the show was unbelievable. Setting the bullring on fire, Cartagena took the high road, leaving the arena through the main entrance, acclaimed like a hero and carried by its public. No wonder two ears were granted to him.

 Although the trills of the corrida are undeniable, more agreeable to some than others, it is often forgotten that it is not just a sport but a complex game between life and death dictated by precise rules. The last few weeks have been a sheer example of the dangers of the arena and the talent of Israel Lancho did not prevent him from a tragic fate. While the bull was waiting for the last coup it refused its death sentence and surprised the matador with its horns. Let this be a lesson for all as to never let down our guard when facing unreliable circumstances.

 Although to foreigners this game seems to be pretty much out there, there is much more to it than what meets the eye. Skills, precision and courage are the three elements a matador requires throughout his training as they are eventually the only resources he will rely on during the fights. On the other hand, the cape seems to be another reliable fact for his safety. Contradicting the legend where the bull would be attracted to red, it is in fact to moving objects that the animal is encouraged to charge.

Alongside the whole rhythm of the events of the corrida, such as the venue of the picadors and bandilleros, the bullfighter comes last but with the tragic duty of finishing off the bull. Armed with a smaller cape, making his presence more evident to the beast, and a long sword, his role is to aim for the shoulder blades of the black bull. This is where bullfighting can be considered as an art. While the matador performs a breathtaking dance, in order to tire the wounded animal, the risks are nevertheless hazardous. This beautiful show ends when the sword sinks in the black neck. The beast then surrenders falling on his knees, the blood silently dripping on the sand. Then according to the performance the fighter would be granted either the public’s applause or a prize, such as an ear or two of the sacrificed toro.

So what will it be, tradition or SPA? I am far from being a vegetarian but I do fear the exhibition of blood, however I cannot be disgusted in any way by the sunlight reflected on the red stained back of a bull. The graceful movements of the cape, the shining costumes, the running banderilleros and the ringing applause of the public, how could one be sick of such enthusiasm? If Matisse once said that art is the realization of impressions, isn’t bullfighting the art of dancing with death, creating for the viewers the sensational thrills of fear and amazement?

by Ruth Kenny

What a week!!! Following a spell of recessionary doom and gloom on the Emerald Isle, celebrations for the quintessential Irish Icon, St. Patrick, on the 17th and Irelands phenomenal 17-15 Grand Slam victory on Saturday lifted the nation’s spirits and provided much needed diversion! Consigned outcasts of Europe due to the demise of our Celtic Tiger Economy and the butt of barbs in Brussels because of our stance on the Lisbon Treaty, last weeks events saw a return to the “craic agus ceol” and reminded us how great it is to be Irish!

I awoke on Tuesday morning to the sounds of my movil buzzing with textos from home, wishing me a Happy Paddy’s Day. Feeling ever-so-slightly put out at having to work and knowing I was missing out on mucho craic at home, my students were subjected to Irish-themed English lessons! The festive spirit was embraced by all at the ‘Escuela de Guerra’ as I attempted to define the great intangible “craic” to the Spanish Military…an indispensable concept in any lexicon! The spectacle of San Patricio was centred in the Irish pubs dotted around the city of Madrid. My friends and I assembled in Scruffy Murphy’s in Malasaña to drink green Magners and revel in our Irishness, decked out in the obligatory green and sporting humongous leprechaun hats! The whole leprechaun image has a special resonance with my Spanish friends here, who coined the nickname leprechauncita for me last year…beats guiri anyway!

We hit Scruffy’s again on Saturday to see our own “Slamdog Millionaires” beat Wales in Cardiff in what was 80 minutes of tense rugby and an epic performance by the Irish team. After half-time, with Wales leading by 6-0, the Irish team returned to the pitch with an urgency that showed us they were not to be beaten. The dramatic finale made for compelling viewing, with Ronan O’Gara drop-kicking us through the goalposts of victory to Grand Slam success for the first time since 1948. By all accounts, this Grand Slam, Triple Crown and Six-Nations title was well deserved and well overdue!

Now I’m no rugby expert and I’ll be the first to admit that my interest in rugby was spawned more from an interest in rugby players than the sport itself. But for the duration of the match I was totally engrossed in what was an exhilarating and breathtaking performance! OMG…what legends!!! My favourites, the O’ Trio of Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara are undoubtedly modern Irish sporting heroes. But each and every member of the squad had a part to play in this massive performance. It was truly an all-Ireland victory with players from throughout the land instrumental in Saturday’s win. Media reports showed scenes of grown men crying such was the extent of their joy. In a country where big Celtic boys don’t cry, even in the midst of recesssion meltdown this was significant! In short, the victory was a much-needed tonic to raise the spirits of the nation.

And if that wasn’t enough sporting glory to elevate the country’s mood, Irish boxer Bernard Dunne was crowned WBA World Super-Bantamweight Champion in Dublin at the weekend. Also, I hear reports of sunshine in Ireland at present. Like the old Irish phrase goes…An rud is annamh is iontach. (What’s seldom is wonderful.)

http://www.irishtimes.com/indepth/slideshows/patricks-day-2009/

by Martin Quinn

 How much of a hard case do you think you are? Have your pugilistic talents got you out of a helluva lot of bother or have you ended on the wrong end of good kicking in a pub car park because you talk a better fight than you execute? Well, I’m very much in Category B or as they say round my neck of the woods, I couldn’t beat snow off a rope.  

 Still, there’s no situation short of the involvement of firearms that a rolled-up newspaper can’t solve. Believe me, it works. Cockneys call it the “Millwall Brick”. Simply roll up yer copy of El País or El Mundo (depending on how fiscally conservative you are), fold ‘er over and away ye go. It’s as hard as stone and saved one Glaswegian friend from a pasting. Back in the 1970s though, the heyday of British soccer thuggery, the firms managed to arouse the attention of Old Bill when the mostly proletarian fans started carrying the Financial Times to footy games. Being the biggest it was, of course the best but unfortunately most bourgeois paper, therefore the boys in blue got a tad suspicious of the surge in Millwall-supporting financiers.

 Unfortunately it looks a bit dweebish carrying El País around O’Neill’s on a Friday night if you’re trying to impress the ladies. Therefore, if you have the guts to endure some physical pain (or you’ve read the Bhagavad Gita and deny its existence), you could try Muaythai boxing. This should surely scare away the carteristas that want to play football with you while they’re raiding your back pocket when you leave the aforementioned pub. Luckily Madrid’s full of clubs and the one I’ve just started back at again is top class for training. Situated in Calle Oviedo, the Muay Thai Madrid club focuses on technique and the fighters are generally sympathetic although one feisty Spaniard nearly broke my nose for the third time in my life. Well, for God’s sake I’m 32 so I should be able to take the occasional slap by now, yeah?

 Anyway, if you’re up for starting and can resist the temptation of ending up rolled in a ball in the corner crying it has an excellent website, www.muaythaimadrid.com . Beginners’ classes are Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30PM and Saturdays at 1.30PM. If you’re more advanced and want to come have a laugh at myself getting battered about the joint, then it’s an hour and a quarter later Mondays and Wednesdays and 12.15PM on Saturdays. The trainer’s a Cockney by the name of David Hughes but I don’t think he supports Millwall, so you’re probably safe from being accosted by a copy of European Vibe.

by Tim Anderson

Football storms into the El Clásico weekend with Real Madrid nine points behind their La Liga leading Catalan rivals Barcelona. After last weekend´s 4-3 loss to Sevilla, manager Bernd Schuster threw himself to the lions when he said in the post match press conference, “ It will be impossible for Madrid to beat Barcelona next weekend”. The lion, owner Ramon Calderón didn’t wait much longer to finish him off, and promptly installed recent Tottenham sacking, Juande Ramos, to the managerial post the following day.

Barcelona on the other hand, continue to fly high. This month’s fixtures were meant to be the testing time for Pep Guardiola’s men, but they are sweeping all aside, a convincing 3-0 win over Sevilla last weekend was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Valencia. That leaves the Catalans 6 points clear of second placed Villareal, having conceded just 9 goals in 14 games, while banging 44 in at the other end.

As if the presence of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta wasn’t enough of a threat, long-winging frog maestro Thierry Henry bagged his second hat-trick of his Nou Camp career to make every Madrid fan tremble with anxiety. With their own strike force spending extra time on the recouperation table, anything less than an embarrassment might be considered a success for the Bernabéu boys.

The atmosphere will still be electric, even if this round will be played in Barcelona. The bars will be buzzing, crying, cheering and jumping and it will only get better when the game actually starts!! Stranger things have happened than a Madrid win, and if there is a game to bring out the passion in the players, to test the nerves and to typify the Spanish passion for football, this weekend is it.

The last 5 results:

FC Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid 2005-6
Real Madrid 4-1 FC Barcelona 2006-7
FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid 2006-7
Real Madrid 2-0 FC Barcelona 2007-8
FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid 2007-8

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European Vibe Magazine’s art director and biggest football fanatic Phily McIvor brings us his all-time top ten football-related songs. To celebrate the end of the tournament and Spain’s victory, here are Phily’s top three football songs ever.

1 – Baddiel/Skinner/Lightning Seeds – Three Lions [England] – Euro 96

2 – New Order – World In Motion [England] – World Cup 90

3 – Horselips – Put ‘Em Under Pressure [Ireland] – World Cup 90

by Lewis Husbands

As we enter the last week of International Tests, here is the roundup of the weekend’s matches and the fixtures for this weekend.

The first match of the day was the second encounter between England and New Zealand.

England made several changes to their line-up in regards to their match the previous week. The main change was that Toby Flood replaced Charlie Hodgson after Hodgson’s poor performance in the last game, but Tait also replaced Brown in the starting position whilst Noon started ahead of Barkley and Varndell ahead of Strettle, Care instead of Wigglesworth, whilst Narraway, Rees, Haskell, Palmer & Mears were all shifted about. But these shifts and changes did little to unsettle the Kiwi’s game and within minutes they had points on the board after Lee Mears was penalised for holding on and Carter easily put the ball between the posts. England did attempt to take the game to the Hosts and Varndrell & Haskell put them under pressure with pace to their game but the All Black defence managed to hold them off until they started on their own offensive. Whilst England’s energy seemed to seep from their play and despite switching their game trying an up and under, but it goes too far and New Zealand pick up and take it to the visitors. Carter fires up the flank and breaks off from a challenge by Noon and scissors with centre Richard Kahui who crosses for a try on his first International appearance- Carter converts.

Attacks follow from both sides but eventually England slip up as Borthwick gets caught on the wrong side of a maul following a line-out to which Carter takes the points.

A minute later and as Carter fails to misses an up and under Narraway releases to Varndell on the flank and the winger crosses in the very corner and the decision goes to the video ref, which rules that that Leon MacDonald had managed to push Varndell out of bounds.

The All Black come back and Carter on the offensive after a tap and go, is eventually denied by the Video Match Official who deemed it held up by Tait. New Zealand Captain Richie McCaw hobbles off injured but that doesn’t stop Carter who seconds later he takes a chance, spotting a gap and successfully crosses the line.

Flood, not fully recovered from a bad knock earlier in the match and is forced to retire from the pitch.

Minutes later Tait makes an awesome run going himself and then chipping over the defence to collect the bouncing ball, but at the last second the ball gets away from him. New Zealand get the scrum and Stevens gives away a penalty allowing the All Blacks to put the ball up field.

The score of 20 – 0 to New Zealand lingers ominously over the heads of the English players as they go back to their dressing room at half-time.

England come out with fighting spirit, but New Zealand come back with winning spirit. Haskell gives away a penalty for a stupid mistake and Carter needs no invitation to sink the ball even from over 40metres.

Then less than 10 minutes into the second half England win an advantage after a bad five-metres scrum from the Kiwis and scrumhalf Danny Care taps and goes, storming over the line before the All Blacks can sort themselves out, taking the score to 23 – 7 after Barkley knocks over the tough conversion.

Minutes later, however, New Zealand are back in business and they score an awesome try which Carter converts.

Five minutes later England bring on Joe Worsley and Tom Croft in an attempt to spice things up a bit.

England make an attack but lose possession and after Tindall gets sin-binned the Hosts make good from their five-metre scrum and Lauaki picks up and crashes over all too easily.

But minutes later England are back on the offensive and Ojo, last weeks try-scorer and Haskell both make dents in the New Zealand defence as the All Blacks hold on but the ball gets out to Tait who reaches Varndrell on the wing who makes it good in the 65^th minute to bring the scores 37 – 12.

As the game draws to an end both teams make substitutions, with Tindall coming back from the sinbin, but worst of all a collision between Tait and Kahui sends a messy Tait off on a cart.

New Zealand continue their pressure and for a while England hold them off until the 80^th minute when Jimmy Cowan goes over and is awarded the try by the VMO and Stephen Donald adds the two to leave the final score as New Zealand 44-12 England

Also this weekend Italy were in South Africa, to which the final score was 26- 0 to the home team.

Next weekend’s fixtures will be as follows (

Saturday, 28 June 2008

Argentina v Italy

Australia v France

-both matches kick off at 12.00 (GMT+1)

This will conclude the Summer International Tour matches.

But don’t worry it won’t be long now until the Tri-Nations kick off on 5th July.

Until then…

by Lewis Husbands

The following weekend Wales were again confident a win was within their grasp and that all would not be lost. Only a few changes were made since the previous week, but one major change of switching James Hook and Jamie Roberts seems to have paid off. Although Wales did not win, an awesome try by Shane Williams and another second half in which they turned up the pace bought Wales the respect of the Springboks. At 60 minutes Wales edged into the lead with a penalty by Stephen Jones, but the South Africans wasted no time in their comeback turning up the pressure on Wales and then sealing the deal by making 5 substitutions, in an attempt to top up energy levels and keep the power flowing in the build-up to the end- one of which (Bismarck du Plessis) scoring a try in the final minute to leave the final score:

South Africa 37 – Wales 21.

Meanwhile that morning England had been in New Zealand for the first of their International Test Matches against New Zealand, with England fielding a slightly different team than we saw in their 6Nations matches- undoubtedly due to the change in management in the England camp. England similarly were first to score, and for the first quarter they competed well with the score at 6 – 3 to England but shortly after any fight in their game was killed by a try from Conrad Smith. The only and meagre consolation came from two errors made by New Zealand that Topsy Ojo (on debut) managed to turn into tries. This was in no way enough to combat the All Black’s four tries leaving the final score at New Zealand 37 – 20 England.

Australia and Ireland’s match played out somewhat differently with Australia taking a try after only 6 minutes of play by Berrick Barnes but Ireland stood strong and on the 15^th minute Dennis Leamy crossed the Australian line to score a try, which Ronan O’Gara converted to take the visitors into the lead. This accomplishment was short-lived however as Australia struck back 6 minutes later with James Horwill scoring a try which was this time converted and then followed by a penalty (both) by Matt Giteau that took the Aussies into a 15 – 7 lead at half-time. In the opening minutes of the second half Australia looked as if they were simply going to stretch their lead with another penalty by Giteau but this seemed to spur Ireland on and a try by Ireland’s prodigal son Brian O’Driscoll which took his side within 6 points of Australia, but due to an injury O’Driscoll had to leave the park shortly afterwards. Despite periods of pressure for both sides the score remained Australia 18 – 12 Ireland at full-time.

The last of the day’s matches was in Buenos Aires as Scotland were in Argentina’s backyard in an attempt to beat them for the first time in 18 years and for 59 minutes Scotland dominated play to establish a 19 – 0 lead. However in the 60^th minute Argentina struck back with a try and looked to be on the offensive only to narrowly miss out on a second try only five minutes later. This wake-up call seemed to clear Scotland’s minds and with a sweet interception by Dan Parks they managed to score another try which Patterson easily converted from in front of the posts giving Scotland the score of 26 – 7 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. However on the 80^th minute Scotland’s luck caught up with them and Haracio Agulla scored a try for Argentina which was narrowly converted by Federico Todeschini making the final score Argentina 14-26 Scotland. Meaning the Scots only just missed out on the 16 point lead they needed to attain a place in the top 8 of the IRB World Ranking, which would have meant they were where they needed to be to gain a favourable seeding for the next World Cup[i].

The Top 10 in the IRB World Rankings now stand (as of 16^th June)

Position (last week) ¦ Team                             ¦ Rating Points 

Meanwhile England were in New Zealand for the first of their Test Matches against New Zealand, with England fielding a slightly different team than we saw in their 6Nations matches- undoubtedly due to the change in management in the England camp. England similarly were first to score, and for the first quarter they competed well with the score at 6 – 3 to England but shortly after any fight in their game was killed by a try from Conrad Smith. The meagre consolation came from two errors made by New Zealand that Topsy Ojo (on debut) managed to turn into tries. This was in no way enough to combat the All Black’s four tries leaving the final score at 37 – 20 to New Zealand.

Australia and Ireland’s match played out somewhat differently with Australia taking a try after only 6 minutes of play by Berrick Barnes but Ireland stood strong and on the 15^th minute Dennis Leamy crossed the Australian line to score a try, which Ronan O’Gara converted to take the visitors into the lead. This accomplishment was short-lived however as Australia struck back 6 minutes later with James Horwill scoring a try which was this time converted and then followed by a penalty (both) by Matt Giteau that took the Aussies into a 15 – 7 lead at half-time. In the opening minutes of the second half Australia looked as if they were simply going to stretch their lead with another penalty by Giteau but this seemed to spur Ireland on and a try by Ireland’s prodigal son Brian O’Driscoll which took his side within 6 points of Australia, but due to an injury O’Driscoll had to leave the park shortly afterwards. Despite periods of pressure for both sides the score remained 18 – 12 at full-time to the Home Side.

The last of the day’s matches was in Buenos Aires as Scotland were in Argentina’s backyard in an attempt to beat them for the first time in 18 years and for 59 minutes Scotland dominated play to establish a 19 – 0 lead. However in the 60^th minute Argentina struck back with a try and looked to be on the offensive only to narrowly miss out on a second try only five minutes later. This wake-up call seemed to clear Scotland’s minds and with a sweet interception by Dan Parks they managed to score another try which Patterson easily converted from in front of the posts giving Scotland the score of 26 – 7 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. However on the 80^th minute Scotland’s luck caught up with them and Haracio Agulla scored a try for Argentina which was narrowly converted by Federico Todeschini making the final score Argentina 14-26 Scotland. Meaning the Scots only just missed out on the 16 point lead they needed to attain a place in the top 8 of the IRB World Ranking, which would have meant they were where they needed to be to gain a favourable seeding for the next World Cup[i].

The Top 10 in the IRB World Rankings now stand (as of 16^th June)

Position (last week) ¦ Team                             ¦ Rating Points 

What can only be described as a disappointing weekend for all Northern Hemisphere teams involved was answered with many promises of retribution to come in the second week, but there was still the feeling that we had heard all of this before…

by Lewis Husbands

Later than expected here is my update on all the rugby as the Summer Tours draw to a close.

It has been an interesting few weeks in which we have seen the rugby world dominated by the Southern Hemisphere teams. One of the first matches was undoubtedly one of most anticipated in which South Africa (the World Cup title holders) were to take on Wales (the 6Nations Grand Slam Champions). In the end South Africa unexpectedly walked away with such a convincing victory it can only be seen as frustrating and embarrassing by new coach Warren Gatland, it did possibly putting a slight smile on many England fan and player however after their opening defeat to Wales in this year 6Nations.

After such performances by Wales this year and talk of their return to greatness many people across Wales including those wearing the jerseys would have fancied their chances but South Africa proved their worth as the deserved titleholders with the satisfying score of South Africa 43 – 17 Wales.

 New Zealand & Ireland had a much closer match, with a half-time score of 8 – 8 there was everything to play for. But by the end New Zealand answered Ireland’s only Try (and two penalties) with 2 tries (one converted and three penalties) to leave the score as New Zealand 21 – 11 Ireland.

That evening Scotland were in Argentina for their (untelevised) International Test match. Despite Scotland being first to get points on the board, by way of Chris Patterson (astutely dubbed “the Kicking King”)’s boot, Argentina soon equalised and then shortly after made the first try of the match. Patterson’s boot crept up on Argentina to leave a half time score of 10 – 9 to the “Pumas”.

The Scots made a short-lived comeback in the early minutes of the second half (again courtesy of Patterson’s penalties), but two successful penalties for Argentina followed before a final try sealing the deal in the 85^th minute (!)  -thus leaving the score as

Argentina 21 – 15 Scotland.