Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand – Memories in the making

With the much anticipated Rugby World Cup 2011 less than a year away, the hype is building as fans book their packages to be a part of one of the greatest shows on earth. In this great video Martin Johnson and Rob Andrew speak exclusively to England Rugby Travel about their memories of previous World Cups, and give their thoughts about 2011.

Beating the All Blacks in New Zealand has always been a tricky task. To win the World Cup, the chances are pretty high that you may come up against the home side, which means you’d need all the armoury available to you.

Martin Johnson's England team will have an extra boost in that they will have a large contingent over there to back their side. Ticket sales soared in the first few weeks of going on sale with England Rugby Travel, with the most popular package being the Quarter-finals to Final option.

Johnson, team manager, is delighted with the response so far.

"The Rugby World Cup is now the world’s third largest sporting event and because it only happens once every four years it is special. New Zealand is a nation steeped in rugby history and it will be buzzing so it's great to learn that so many England fans are planning on heading out for what promises to be a great Tournament.

"They want to be able to say 'I was there' and we are delighted that they are going to be."

In this stirring video Johnson and Andrew talk about what the incredible atmosphere was like in Australia in 2003 and then touch on the beauty of New Zealand and how great of a place it is to tour and visit.

It’s a great advert for both the country and the sport, so check it out and do what you can to make sure you’ll look back in a few years time and say 'I was there'.

To find out more about official tour packages for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, visit www.englandrugbytravel.com/rwc2011 to view what’s available. Package information, venues, extra videos, and a whole lot more is available on their site. Have a look and plan your adventure today.

Cool video :)

I'd love to be there myself. Need to sell a lung!

By Flinto, at September 28, 2010 3:51 pm
Can't wait! Going to be amazing!

Sorry to bring the forum down into this but I have to say. It annoys me so much hearing this typical "remember we won the world cup" from England! Just like their football team...Living in their past glories, over hyped by the media and in reality.....crap and have been for a very long time!

I know it's rich coming from me an irish fan, i dont think we can win the world cup, would love to make it to the semi's but think the southern H are too far ahead of us all, France could be great! would love to see how far the Puma's have come and cause a few upsets.
USA...thoughts?

By jack the lad, at September 28, 2010 4:29 pm
Maybe if Ireland were ever good enough to win a WC you'd also remember and understand.

As it happens you haven't and you never will.

Ouch.

By Rhino, at September 28, 2010 4:50 pm
I agree with you jack the lad but
the thing with England when it comes to world cups, is they always seem to make it further than anyone expects.
They have been in the last two finals which is more than France or New Zealand can say so don't right them off too quickly.

Having said that either France or New Zealand would be my pick for winners next year.

By Anonymous, at September 28, 2010 4:51 pm
I think England Rugby can definately say they have a great track record in RWC's.

Nothing to do with the Football so lets kee in on Topic Jack Crack.

Reached the last two finals and won 1, not a bad record going back 20 years, only '99 let us down.

Would have to say on current form alone NZ are the, as always, the team to beat. Lots of strength in depth which we dont have.

By Bradders, at September 28, 2010 4:58 pm
How does England do it? :)

To add to what's already been said, they did beat Australia away recently so will take huge confidence from that. I don't see them as a threat, but come the knockout stages they'll have amazing experience to call upon, ie: Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, who will be involved in some way I'd imagine, even if he's not starting for them.

NZ does look awesome in this video. I've never been, but would love to go. Extremely jealous of those who will be there

By Benson, at September 28, 2010 5:03 pm
jack the lad, your comments are sad and bitter...

By Phil, at September 28, 2010 5:04 pm
Jack the Lad, you are wrong to even bring this into the discussion... It was simply 2 England Legends talking about their World Cup experiences, and how great it'll be at the next World Cup. Remember these men represented their country at 3 World Cups each, one winning it and the other getting to the final. Also they are both multiple Grand Slam winners. I would have shown the same respect to Willie John McBride had he been talking about his Lions experience.
Not only that, but England's record in the World Cup is second to none in the Northern Hemisphere, and better than most in the Southern. We are quite rightly proud of our team for their achievements, as I am sure you would be had Ireland been there. However, when was the last time Ireland made it past the quarter finals?? Never!

By Englishandproud, at September 28, 2010 5:39 pm
@Jack the Lad.....are you sure you are Irish and not just trolling for a reaction? The Irish lads I know wouldn't bother with your type of Anti-English drivel. They let the make-up of the last British & Irish Lions do the talking....

On a seperate note as an England fan it is exciting to think of the next world-cup especially as I will be there! Can't see anyone really beating any of the top 3 Southern Hemisphere teams apart from France and maybe Scotland (if they sort out the wing and don't get any injuries)....

By NiWiTa, at September 28, 2010 6:10 pm
This has been my prayer chant for the last odd year and shall continue to be until the starting whistle next year.

"Dear God,

About the All Blacks...Please:

Don't let them Peak too Early.
Don't let them Peak too Early.
Don't let them Peak too Early.
Don't let them Peak too Early."

(Rinse and Repeat x7)

By EARugbyFan, at September 28, 2010 8:35 pm
i'll be in alot of places in 2011. and jack the lad is right. get over yourself england..............stop causing more nations to hate ye. and ask yourselfs the question, "who actually likes us?"

By Anonymous, at September 28, 2010 8:54 pm
Jack the Lad - its people like yourself who bring it up - No one else has brought it up

By BigBucks, at September 28, 2010 9:08 pm
And on behalf of the Irish - England fans are the least cocky i know - many a six nations game have proven that fact.

By BigBucks, at September 28, 2010 9:09 pm
Such bitterness shown here!

It's an ad for the World Cup and the experience, as well as a travel company getting a mention. BFD? As a South African I found that video excellent and it actually made me realise that I still don't have tickets etc, and probably won't sadly. It's strange how some people feel like they're being personally attacked by something like this. Insecurity at it's best.

Stop being such haters.

Cool video

By FrankyH, at September 28, 2010 9:15 pm
i would like to go............. anyone want to pay for my tickets.

By rosh, at September 28, 2010 9:18 pm
i love listning to jealous irish fans, you dont know what it feels like to see your country win a world cup and i hope you experience it soon because i know you would never shut up about it.

but it never gets old seeing that drop kick brings a smile to my face every single time.

please dont get jealous irish fans your time will come

By geordie, at September 28, 2010 10:12 pm
i'll be in alot of places in 2011. and jack the lad is right. get over yourself england..............stop causing more nations to hate ye. and ask yourselfs the question, "who actually likes us?"

..........

Well Jack(lets be honest, we know it's you). Being hated proves nothing.

Popularity is irrelivent. Since 2007 SA have been the most hated team and nation. Why? Because they were the best. Now NZ are hated, because they're favourites.

Stop ranking popularity and bringing politics into it and ask yourself this; Will Ireland ever win a World Cup?...

The anwser is no. If there's one thing I've learnt since browsing the internet it's that Irish fans are bitter metrosexuals.

Your team is sub-par and O'Driscols over rated.

Go have a cry you sook.

Signed, a Kiwi.

By Anonymous, at September 28, 2010 11:32 pm
There won't be as many English fans in NZ as England are rubbish. They only travel when they think they have a chance of winning.
Sad but true....

By Anonymous, at September 28, 2010 11:38 pm
"There won't be as many English fans in NZ as England are rubbish. They only travel when they think they have a chance of winning.
Sad but true...."

You realise how many Poms live in NZ, Jack?

Potato eating moron lol

By Irishpeoplelol, at September 29, 2010 12:41 am
So good being Aussie as i can just fly down to NZ for next to nothing come 2011. Hopefully the tournament will be more like 2003 then 2007. Should be epic, Wallabies to take it out.

By aussiergby_fan, at September 29, 2010 12:58 am
To the anti-English out there, this is off the RFU website I think.....therefore wouldn't it make sense for it to be centred around England?!! Yes! I agree with you. Why do people have to display their insecurities in such a bitter way?! Anyway, I actually have a feeling that Aus could do it next year, provided Mortlock gets decent game time, and Giteau picks up his form a bit. Anyone? P.S. I know the ABs are the favourites, but I think Aus could be good bet too!

By Alexander, at September 29, 2010 1:29 am
As an Irishman I'd like to say that Jack is but one of those dumb asses that every country has...
Obviously the English are going to be proud about their last 2 World Cups. Don't say, get over it, since unlike the football it happened very recently. Also I don't think you should ever forget about a WC victory, otherwise winning would become far less significant.
However in saying that, Rhino, Anonymous(signed a kiwi) and Irishpeoplelol are also idiots. You're lowering yourself to his level and trying to goad him into making more stupid comments.
The irony of it all is that people like Jack hate England because of the dicks they've been in history, yet give out about their pride in (far more recent) past events... You can't have it both ways Jack.

By G-another.potatoe.eating.moron, at September 29, 2010 1:42 am
GOING TO SEE THE BOKS VS SAMOA AND NAMIBIA AS WELL AS FRANCE VS JAPAN!!!!!!
CANT WAIT!!!!!!

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 1:44 am
Clearly my comments are not popular ones but at least i havnt lowered myself to name calling etc etc.
Just to note those comments that supported my view were not mine, as some people thought but i leave my name instead of hiding behind anon
Furthermore I understand people misinterpretting my remarks, but frankly those slagging me off as jealous, an idiot, sook (wtf? is that haha) etc etc are no better than what u had me down as.

If i was that i would come back here with a whole list of names slagging everyone else of, calling everyone else names and bringing up various past stats showing Ireland better than any team (as stats can be minipulated to suit any view). But if you all bother to actually read my comment properly I was pointing out that, as much as i would like, i knew Ireland were not going to win:

"I know it's rich coming from me an irish fan, i dont think we can win the world cup, would love to make it to the semi's but think the southern H are too far ahead of us all"

and tried to start a decent discussion on the many other teams:
"France could be great! would love to see how far the Puma's have come and cause a few upsets.
USA...thoughts?"

the contengious issue here is with my England comments, and I'll stand by them, but expand, It is the English media who go on about them (I'm not having a go at the team or the players) and it does annoy me every competition hearing nothing on the BBC about Ireland Wales or Scotland and everything about England when England are far from the best team covered by the BBC, and yes they have had good runs in the 2 world cups...nobody disputes that, but they base their ego on that when in reality outside of the world cup, which is a massive space of time, they are crap! No problem with crap teams, but dont over hype them then!

By Jack the lad, at September 29, 2010 2:13 am
Lol at Jack thinking Ireland, Scotland or Wales are better than England.

You won't even get out of your group in the WC.

Lol at Ireland

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 2:21 am
lol and anon above you mean:
http://www.irb.com/rankings/full.html

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 2:24 am
aussiergby_fan:

Yes. Outside the ABs, the Aussies are the team to watch. They are largely young, but are quickly filling out their boots.

If the RWC was in TWO, not 1 years, I would put my money on them.

My favourites, the ABs are the exact opposite premise.

Oodles of experience and talent, but full of too many swan songs. The question is how long they can sing.
Maintaining that high level takes a lot out of one, in addition to the age factor.

The Bokke are a train wreck strategically right now but if they clean house, I would be hard pressed to bet against them.

So, to me, for the Tri Nations bunch it comes down to:

1 - Can the ABs stay healthy?

2 - Will the Green Horn Aussies gain credible experience in 1 Year?

3 - Will the Bokke be quick and decisive about housecleaning?

I honestly do not know too much about the six nations bunch to comment on what I think of their RWC chances at the moment.

By EARugbyFan, at September 29, 2010 2:24 am
"Can the ABs stay healthy?"

if not they can stick out their 2nd string team and still give eveyone a run for their money! Man it scares me how good they can be when on form.
They had an epic tri nations but i think SA/aus did show they were beatable (even though we didnt beat them) but even thought i would prefer us to win, it would be great for AB's to win at home......it just seems right....

man that was tough to say, i feel like kicking my own ass for saying all that.

Have to add that Englands game play is very boring.....stop kicking every damn thing, run from you 22 for once...it's supposed to be a fun game!!!

By herecomestheBOOOM, at September 29, 2010 2:51 am
Jack the lad has some good points.
The England team are alot of hype, if you want some evidence then look at their performance in the last 1 maybe 2, 3 ,4, 5, 6 or 7 years? They didn't turn a corner in Sydney this year, because if giteau knew how to kick a penalty from 10 metres directly in front then Martin Johnson would have been fired and we would all be talking about how rubbish England were. As for the world cup fluke finals, England were rubbish against the USA, SA and beat a France team who had to leave everything on the field against the All Blacks. Come this time next year, Australia will probably be the dark horses with England being hyped up only to fall further.

If there exists anything called natural justice, then the All Blacks will win the next 10 or so World Cups. But we all know this can't exist at the same time as Wayne Barnes.

By Jack is right, at September 29, 2010 4:37 am
sick video, iv got my tickets. Come on boys lets keep the trophy in NZ after the tournaments over!!

:-)

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 5:29 am
England have done evry well at World Cups, but I have to pull English and Proud up.
They are only better at world cups than NZ, and only because they've been in 3 finals, while NZ has been in 2, and they've both won it twice.
Australia and South Africa have both won it twice, and Australia has been in 3 finals.

In summation, the team that has the best world cup history is Australia. Twice world champions, three times finalists.

Not bad for a country where rugby union is along way down the pecking order in terms of popularity and playing numbers.

By Jono, at September 29, 2010 7:26 am
Woops, I meant England and Nz have both won it once.

By Jono, at September 29, 2010 7:26 am
Can someone please tell me in what year we are?As far as I know there was another World Cup after 2003 when then poms won it(by default)so then why are they still still going on about it?The Boks are the Champs at the moment?The poms got stripped of the cup in 2007 and got shown how the game with the oval ball should be played.We don't go on about it.
Nonetheless I can't wait for next year and hope our boys will defend the cup and take it home again...Viva amabokoboko Viva!

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 10:45 am
Jack,

Having lived in Enlgand I always find the press are overly harsh and critical of England. No hype whatsoever. All the press does is slag the team off. I could never understand that. Get behind the team.

By Andy, at September 29, 2010 12:11 pm
To the anonymous Safa,

shown how the game should be played? what more kicking and less passing? You showed the world how to win games and where the game is heading in the professional era if you want to win games.

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 12:25 pm
@Jono and @Alexander have point. I deffo think Oz have a real chance. Their backline is magic if only their forwards could pull together more consistent performances. Tactically the Boks (despite oodles of talent) are being sold short by PDV as we all witnessed in the tri-nations...

arrrgghhh @Jack the Lad..."It's the English media"....having lived in Scotland and Ireland over recent years that is always the bigot's excuse for being anti-English.

Mate it was taken from the English RU website. I am sure if another national RU has bothered to put together a friggin web-advert for the worldcup it would have had a suitable pro-national team slant for them! Come on - give us a break. I also apply that to the English ranters who have allowed themselves to get drawn into your pointless, divisive arguement.
Well by that token let's all hate each other and not bother watching the NZ worldcup in case we don't like the way the games are presented on TV. Jeezo get a bloody grip fellas...

By NiWiTa, at September 29, 2010 2:00 pm
Jack I assume you are quite young?

By Anonymous, at September 29, 2010 4:06 pm
I think next years RWC will be fantastic! Everyone commenting on this blog has offered an opinion regarding past winners, or made their predictions for next years winners and finalists. Yet let us not forget that each WC winning side have been deserved winners, regardless what style of play they utilize. All have proven effective to win crucial games.

I think all Kiwis, like myself want to see the All Blacks succeed, yet I can honestly say No side should be taken lightly, just look at how the Pumas stepped up in 07. Personally, I'd love to see a All Blacks vs South Africa Final. Both these teams sacrifice everything when they play each other.

So come Party with us in N.Z next year!
You bring the Beers! haha

- J-Maz

By Anonymous, at September 30, 2010 12:45 am
i'll be there with my dad, got our tickets, just need to buy flights ;) its gonna be freakin' awesome !!!! :D

By Luxi, at October 01, 2010 9:36 pm