2011 in Review: Rugby Union

2011 will long be remembered fondly by New Zealand rugby fans.

Just as in 1987, New Zealand finished the year as undisputed world champions and the number 1 team in the world.

The excruciating Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and France probably summed up what has been a dramatic and tumultuous year for New Zealand rugby.



A year which began shrouded in tragedy. The Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011 would significantly affect its beloved rugby team, the Crusaders, forcing them to play a whole season on the road.

Yes they played some home games in their regional cities like Nelson and Timaru but it was really a season when the Crusaders were the away team all the time. Twickenham and Napier were other "home" venues for the Crusaders.

Yet, the Crusaders defied the odds and only lost to undoubtedly the best Super rugby team of the year, the Reds. The Crusaders couldn't have done anymore against a Reds team inspired by their half combo of Quade Cooper and Will Genia at home in their fortress at Suncorp Stadium.

As it was, Suncorp Stadium would prove to be Australian rugby's fortress with the All Blacks also shot down in their last game before the World Cup.

If only the World Cup had been played in Brisbane.

Make no mistake, the Wallabies have had a magnificent 2011. Yes they may have had a shock loss to Samoa. Yes they lost to Ireland for the first time ever in a World Cup. Yes they lost out to the All Blacks in the semifinal.

But if you look at the Wallabies over the last few seasons, 2011 was the year this young Wallabies side finally came of age.

While questions remain over Quade Cooper as a long term first five, there is no doubt that Will Genia will be Wallabies halfback for years to come and James O'Connor, David Pocock will also be with him to form the basis of a very good and exciting Wallabies team in the future.    

With many All Blacks now into the autumn of their careers, the Wallabies are primed for a new golden era - and it's really up to Steve Hansen now to stop that from happening by nurturing the young talent in New Zealand alongside the regulars for years to come like Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui.

And it has to be said that the future of All Black rugby is brighter than ever. With the World Cup hoodoo off the back of NZ rugby, it'll be interesting to see what the All Blacks will be like. As always there is plenty of young talent coming up and ready to stake their claims for the hallowed black jersey, e.g. Matt Todd, Sam Cane, Luke Braid, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, etc.

As for the Rugby World Cup itself, it was definitely an event to savour. Whether it was the best ever is debatable although it was certainly better than the previous two editions in my opinion. The minnows definitely closed the gap and played their most enterprising rugby at a World Cup yet.

What made RWC 2011 such a great spectacle was the fact that the teams that progressed the furthest were the sides that played the best rugby, including France who were a bit more negative than their usual selves but still had backs capable of spreading the ball out wide.

Just as well as New Zealanders are brought up on giving the ball air and spreading it out wide to score tries and wouldn't tolerate anything less.

So a vintage year of rugby concludes and well done to Harlequins, Leinster, Canterbury, the Reds and the All Blacks on a glorious year.

Just before I post my team of the year, a quick tribute to the likes of Shane Williams, Victor Matfield and Jonny Wilkinson - 3 legends of the game who ended their international rugby careers this season. Enjoy the retirement - definitely will cherish seeing the back of you!







So team of the year?

Tony Woodcock, NZ
Bismarck du Plessis, SA
Nicholas Mas, FRA
James Horwill, AUS
Lionel Nallet, FRA
Jerome Kaino, NZ
Thierry Dusautoir, FRA
Imanol Harinodoquy, FRA
Will Genia, AUS
Dan Carter, NZ
Vincent Clerc, FRA
Ma'a Nonu, NZ
Conrad Smith, NZ
James O'Connor, AUS
Israel Dagg, NZ

Try of the year?

Finally will leave with this picture of glory.. How apt.