Third Test Jitters

New Zealand's nine-wicket loss to South Africa in the second test was a closer match than the result suggests and the hosts' captain Ross Taylor believes his team are not far away from being competitive in the third test in Wellington.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series on the back of the victory at Seddon Park in Hamilton, which was cemented through superb fast bowling from their pace trio of Vernon Philander, who took 10 wickets, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

"The score reflected that we got pretty much thrashed ... but it was actually a lot closer than people give it credit for," Taylor told reporters on Thursday.

"We did have our moments in that game and if a couple of bounces of the ball go our way then it could have been a different story.

"We know that we're not far away from competing with this side. We've been on top in a few situations we just haven't been able to ram it home."

New Zealand had their moments in the second test. Taylor and Brendon McCullum had batted them into a strong position on day one and Mark Gillespie tore through the Proteas' batting on day two, but the hosts failed to capitalise.

Philander and Steyn took five wickets for no runs to ruin Taylor and McCullum's start, while South Africa's tail wagged furiously, contributing 165 runs for the final four wickets.

The key to winning the final test in Wellington, which starts on Friday, was someone scoring a big century and being backed up by two or three others, Taylor said.

"In test cricket ... three or four guys need to step up. I wouldn't put it down to one individual," Taylor said. "I think three or four very good individual performances will put us into this game."

BOWLING PRESSURE

South Africa captain Graeme Smith agreed that the efforts of his bowlers in the second test had helped them to victory and his message to them for the final match at the Basin Reserve would be to build on their performances.

"The guys have shown great discipline," Smith said. "It's a sign of maturity in the way that they are thinking and the way that they are executing their plans.

"There has also been great aggression thrown in there. I don't think it will be any different this game (and) you've got to build on that."

The notoriously fickle Wellington weather is expected to be a factor, with rain forecast for each of the first four days of the match.

The wicket block, which had been under covers since last Sunday after a storm swept across New Zealand earlier this week, was markedly green when curator Brett Sipthorpe took the covers off for inspection by both teams on Thursday.

New Zealand are expected to go into the match with just three pace bowlers, having selected four for their last four tests, to accommodate an extra batsman with Dean Brownlie likely to slot into number six after returning from a broken finger.

The biggest question mark for the home side is whether the recalled Daniel Flynn will open the innings, or McCullum will move up to resume his partnership with Martin Guptill.

Smith said he doubted their plans would be any different no matter the composition of the New Zealand side and he was looking for a good performance to set the team up for their tour of England that begins in July.

"We've played really well on this tour in all formats and we would like to round that off with a comprehensive performance in the next five days.

"We want to finish strong and hopefully get on the plane with a big smile on our face."

Olympic Mountain Bike Course Revealed

On a ridge overlooking the Thames Estuary, Britain's top mountain bikers got a first look at next year's Olympic venue on Wednesday as 2012 organisers completed one of their trickiest challenges.


After Games planners had their initial course rejected by cycling's world governing body who claimed it was too easy, work began on an alternative site last year and the resulting 5.1 km track meets all the requirements, LOCOG claims.

The low-lying terrain of London and its eastern approaches is not classic mountain bike terrain, particularly for the world's best pedallers.

However, designers are confident the Hadleigh Farm site, 45 minutes by car from the Olympic Stadium in east London, provides a challenging venue for the men's and women's medal races.

Sebastian Coe, head of London's organising committee (LOCOG), saddled up for a spin in dazzling sunshine on Wednesday, although the former middle-distance great steered well clear of the treacherous rocky sections and steep descents carved into farmland owned by the Salvation Army by course designer Martin Seddon.

"The course is challenging with multiple climbs and descents for the riders to tackle and I believe the mountain bike competition will be one of the most exciting events at the London 2012 Olympic Games," Coe said.

LOCOG's mountain bike manager Martyn Salt said the layout features a combined climb of 170 metres and had involved bringing in 500 tons of rock from northern England.

"We were looking for an overall challenge for the riders, it's not just about going up and down a hill," Salt told Reuters. "This is a particularly demanding course because there is very little flat, and therefore no rest on mind or body.

"Over the course of the race (around eight laps) they'll be climbing higher than England's highest mountain."

Liam Killeen, Britain's best hope for a mountain bike medal after coming seventh in Beijing, said the course was one of the most demanding he had seen despite his initial scepticism.

"They've done a super job, it's very technical," he told Reuters before tackling a bone-jarring section of the lay-out in front of watching media and local schoolchildren.

"It's a strong man's course. It's maybe a bit shorter than some Olympic courses, but physically it's up there with the hardest ones I've seen."

Hadleigh Farm, which houses rare breeds of cattle and sheep, will accommodate 20,000 spectators, paying between 25 pounds and 45 pounds (($40.93 and $73.67), on race days during the Games.

With minimal seating planned, fans will enjoy views across the course from natural vantage points while standing just a few metres away from riders travelling at speeds over 30mph.

"Anybody who comes to watch will be impressed," Killeen said. "It will look really good."

A test event will be held this July with riders from around the world invited to compete.

Worrying times for SA Rugby Journalists

Below are a few quotes from various sources. What worries me is that it seems as if rugby journalists have no clue what they are talking about. As you know by now, the Currie Cup final was won by the Sharks over Western Province. On the day, it was a very one sided final. In fact, it was the largest winning margin in the final since 2003.

So let's begin:

"Even with Dewaldt Duvenage’s inclusion on the bench in doubt because of a back injury, WP should win the kicking game if that is what it comes down to – and it was one of the reasons why the Province management, when told of the wet conditions that greeted us in Durban on Thursday, weren’t exactly cast into a pall of gloom.
The much-maligned Willem de Waal to make his exit from WP and South African rugby as the match-winner in another Currie Cup final? Don’t bet against it. " JOHN BISHOP, News 24

"Assistant Province coach Robbie Fleck believes a spark of individual brilliance by one of his backline Springboks could tip the contest while opposite number Hugh Reece-Edwards is convinced that the Sharks tight five can lay the platform for a win as they did in making history 20 years ago against the Blue Bulls at Loftus." JOHN BISHOP, News 24

"Unlike in 1995, it might just be WP this time who are better equipped to deal with all possible eventualities. For if rain does have a say in this game, it could well be that Province might look back at the early stage of the season, when they were criticised for kicking too much, and be thankful for it." GAVIN RICH , IOL Sport

Even the bookies are dodgy...

"In spite of the Sharks' home ground advantage, the SA bookies SportingBet have this one narrowly in favour of the Springbok-laded Western Province outfit. WP have a one point handicap and enjoy slightly shorter odds than the Sharks for the win. " News 24

"WP and Bulls lead the way" Gavin Rich, SuperSport

This one is just sad....

"Marais reckons though that WP, after a nine-year silverware drought which
stretches back to his last game for the province in the 2001 final, also against
the Sharks, might be the team that wants it the most.
And it is interesting to note that he feels it is the Springboks in the team, in particular Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, who drive and inspire that hunger."

So what do we take from all of this? Don't read opinions about sport, rather make up your own from the facts!

Hill with Brad and Kev by bbjsportguy at Garmin Connect - Details

Hill with Brad and Kev by bbjsportguy at Garmin Connect - Details

Currie Cup is a Joke

I don't get it. Please explain it to me as if I am a two year old. How can the Blue Bulls be billed as the best rugby team in the country after winning the final of the Currie Cup?

I hear you say that they won the competition. They beat the Free State Cheetahs in the final, you will go on to say. What rubbish!

Look at the stats before you sprout you so-called rugby knowledge.

I am going to start by looking at the Currie Cup table after the group stages were played. I am getting it from the source that seems to be the be all and end all of rugby in South Africa, www.supersport.com/rugby

ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division | Log

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	BPts	Pts
1	Sharks	14	12	0	2	424	231	193	48	21	6	54
2	Vodacom Western Province	14	10	0	4	445	226	219	51	19	10	50
3	Vodacom Blue Bulls	14	9	0	5	475	299	176	56	28	10	46
4	Vodacom Free State Cheetahs	14	8	0	6	485	280	205	62	27	8	40
5	GWK Griquas	14	8	0	6	404	447	-43	50	52	8	40
6	Xerox Lions	14	7	0	7	391	292	99	43	26	9	37

I have included only the top six in the league as the bottom two should not even be in the competitor.

I want you to have a good look at the top four teams. Have a good look at the amount of games won in their fourteen competitive matches. We are talking percentages here.

The Bulls won 64% of the matches they played. That is less than two-thirds of the games. That's right folks, this team that you claim are the best team in South Africa, and others are proclaiming as the best franchise side in the world will only win less than 2 out every 3 games that they play.

The opposition in the final were the Free State Cheetahs. Their winning percentages are even lower. 57% to be exact. How sad that South Africa's premier rugby competition is played between two teams that cannot win a third of the matches that they play. In fact, one of them struggles to win every second game.

Now, if you please, look at the top two teams in the log. Oops, did I use the the words, "top two"?

Western Province have a winning percentage of 71% while the Sharks winning percentage is 85% yet both of these teams did not contest the final of the competition. Is it just m or something really foul in the nation of South Africa?

Imagine if the last 3 weeks of the English Premiership was contested in a semifinal and final to decide who win the competition. Manchester United play Arsenal and Liverpool take on Chelsea. Chelsea win away from home thanks to an injury time penalty awarded by a blind referee. In the other semi, Arsenal win 3-2 at Old Trafford, again, Rooney fouled someone and the Gunners go to play the final at home and go on to win.

Sound right? Of course not. That is not the way it works.

In England, the team who plays and win the most matches in the league are the League Champions. Once having won, they don't go on to play in a knockout-cup-style competition and only then go on to win. That makes no sense, yet here our amazing rugby brains think it's okay to do.

C'mon SARU, get yourself towards yourself.

And as for every journo that think the Bulls are the best, think about this for a moment. You were beaten by the Shark in both of your league games.

Get a life.

LOST CITY CYCLING WEEKEND IN AID OF CANSA

The Powerade Lost City Cycle Classic in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will take its 12^thyear on Saturday 22 August 2009 at Sun City Resort. For the past 11 years, the event has raised R 2 million for the CANSA cause and has a strong emphasis on road safety, medical assistance, and sheer riding pleasure.

Powerade adds to the prestige of the Lost City Cycle classic and their major support has ensured the continued success of this classic cycle race. Joining forces with Sun International means that the organisers can maintain the high standard of quality and safety. Entries are once again limited to 4,500 cyclists.

In 2008 the safety record was mainly accident free with only minor casualties being reported. This year, there will be 25 motorbikes on the road to assist all cyclists, and notify motorists of the cavalcades ahead. There will be over 50 traffic officers to direct motorists and other traffic. An emergency vehicle and a standby helicopter will be stationed at the Finish to assist in case of accidents or dire emergencies.

The organisers have arranged for medical stations on route and will facilitate first aid kits at all water points, physio-therapists at 2 points, doctors, and ambulances at the start/finish point. Security will be provided by Sun International on route with 250 marshals and support team members, including 25 motorcycle marshals.

This will be the third year that the Subaru Mountainbike Challenge is added to the weekend’s festivities and has proven to be an immensely popular route. The event will take place on Sunday 23 August, starting at 07h00. There will be 3 water points en route and entries are limited to 1,500, with 60 marshalls.

The budding mini-cyclists can take part in the Sparletta Tricycle/walk/run experience on Saturday. The Subaru kiddies 4x4 run/ walk/ride will be take place on the Sunday and various prizes as well as special medals will be presented at the lucky draw at the finish point. Children can be entered on the day.

After both days’ events, there will be entertainment at the Valley of Waves, where the family can enjoy an exciting day at the spectacular Sun City resort.

Entry to the resort is free for all participants, family members and spectators, provided arrival is at 06:30. All cyclists and their families will also receive free entrance to the Valley of Waves on the race day between 11:00 and 14:00.

Entries open on www.cansalostcity.co.za all relevant information will be on the website.

For special accommodation packages available for the weekend, bookings can be made with Sun International central reservations on 011 780 7800 or visit www.cansalostcity.co.za for more info.

When the going gets tough, the Dome2Dome gets going

When you read a newspaper, switch on the radio or watch television these days you inevitably get bombarded with the same message of economic doom and gloom every day. The message is simple - it’s getting more and more expensive to survive on a daily basis.

But, even in these tough times, not everyone is intent on burning a hole in your back pocket. Leandro le Roux, from Perx Sports, organiser of the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular, is a firm believer in the principle of more is better.

That’s why he decided not to increase the entry fee for his event this year, which takes place on 13 Septemer at the Coca-Cola Dome. “It obviously becomes more and more expensive every year to organise an event like the Dome2Dome. For example, the cost of getting the Metro Police to help us direct the traffic during the race is expensive. That is just one of our major expenses. But for us it has always a case of a race for cyclists by cyclists.

“That is why we had to look at a way of cutting cost and still ensuring that it is a quality must-do ride on the local calendar.”

On the change of distance – the long ride Argus qualifier has been changed to 91km – Le Roux says they had to be realistic. “Our race is only the second big event after winter and we know that a lot of cyclists only start cycling early in September when it gets warmer. So, to have a long and tough race is actually not a wise move.

“Our reasoning is that we would rather have more cyclists racing and enjoying themselves over a shorter distance because that would ensure that we can keep the entry fee as it is.”

“That is how we came to the conclusion to shorten the race to 91km. In the past we had a lot of riders who found themselves in no-mans land with the event. They felt that the 80km was too short and the 116km too long and difficult. The 91km is a distance that most cyclists can conquer.”

But, according to Le Roux, the new Dome2Dome route will still qualify as one of the toughest races on the local cycling calendar.

“I would even go as far as to say it is Joburg’s toughest race. One has just to compare the profile of the Dome2Dome to that of any of the other races. The new route takes in 4 big climbs on the outskirts of the West Rand and it remains a tough test for any cyclist.

“However with the distance reduction, it does bring it into line with most 100km events that act as seeding races for the Cycle Tour’s Alpha Pharm-series.”

Another reason for the shorter race is to give cyclist more time to enjoy the Getaway Show, which is presented in conjunction with the Dome2Dome at the Coca-Cola Dome. “With a 116km race it meant that a lot of cyclists only finished round about 12:00 to 12:30, which left them so tired that they just wanted to go home. Now the majority of cyclists should finish by 11:30 giving them an extra hour to enjoy the Getaway Show.”

Dave Bellairs, convener of the Cycle Trust Alpha Pharm-series, complimented Le Roux and his team for shortening the race.

“I, for one, will enjoy racing the shorter distance. I rode the Dome2Dome twice before and I must admit I suffered big time. You end up riding either up or down the whole time and that really tires your legs.”

Entries and further information on the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular are available on www.dome2dome.co.za