McCaw grabs 2009 player of the year!

So McCaw it is. Richie McCaw was named the 2009 IRB Player of the Year. In one of my earlier blogs, I said how it had to be between Brian O'Driscoll and Fourie Du preez for the coveted award, so it has come as a bit of a surprise to see him walk away with the award. Yes McCaw has been outstanding, but the All Blacks did not win anything, whereas the other two main contenders led their country to Six Nations and Tri Nations success respectively. Nevertheless, Richie McCaw is the ultimate Flanker in world rugby, and few can match the work rate of the New Zealand captain. He became the first player to win the award twice after winning it in 2006 also. Well done Richie, although I think the two previously mentioned international stars can count themselves very unlucky.

My Newcastle Player Ratings vs Preston North End

Steve Harper (6.5) - Didn't have too many saves to make but dealt with everything competently, when called upon.

Danny Simpson (6) - Hardly got into the game enough, compared to Enrique, but was decent on defence none the less.

Steven Taylor (7) - Great to have him back in the side. Made some important tackles,while also making the odd burst forward.

Fabricio Coloccini (7) - Solid at the back, while he's calming influence is starting to show. Coloccini and Taylor are arguably the best centre backs in the league.

Jose Enrique (6) - Excellent on defence, but it was his crossing, particularly in the 2nd half that let him down. He's understanding with Gutierrez is a great asset for us though.

Danny Guthrie (6) - His Set pieces were poor, while he gave the ball away on a couple of occasions, in critical areas of the field. Nonetheless seems to be one of our sparks on attack, and was playing out of position lets not forget.

Alan Smith (6.5) - I thought his defensive work was outstanding. He won possession on many occasions, but as skipper he nearly let us down and some may say he was lucky not to get sent off. Personally I didn't think he was, but still as captain he shouldn't take chances like that.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - Took his goal brilliantly, while his allround play was also excellent. Showed good control, a cool head and was at the right place at the right time and I really hope we do keep hold of him come January.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - There was the good and the bad in his game tonight. Firstly the good was his tracking back and the direct approach he had, especially as the game wore on in the 2nd half. The bad however, was his crossing, shots and trying to be fancy too much. For sheer effort though, he shouldn't get below a 6.5 in my opinion.

Marlon Harewood (6) - He worked hard, but for some reason I felt he was lucky not to be taken off. He lacks confidence and does not pose the same threat that Carroll does, in my opinion. What worries me, is that in a month or two's time, he'll go back to Villa, and Ranger would have lost out on a few starts, which could have helped in his development.

Andy Carroll (6) - Wasn't in the game as much as he would have liked, but was unlucky to be taken off. Showed glimpses of his talent, but unfortunately goal mouth opportunities were few and far between.

Substitutes

Nile Ranger (6.5) - Looked lively when on, and I'd be happy if he got a start in the next match, ahead of Harewood.

Tamas Kadar (7) - Started off shaky, when Mellor almost scored, but from there on, he did not put a foot wrong. Good to see him getting some game time.

Peter Lovenkrands (N/A) - Wasn't on long enough.

Man of the Match: Kevin Nolan

Manny Pacquiao, the best boxer in the world!

I may not be the biggest boxing fan in the world, but the performance of Manny Pacquiao was something definately worth writing about. He beat Miguel Cotto in the 12th round, and many felt he should have won long before that, as his speed, accuracy and persistance was too much for the champion Cotto to handle.

I did some boxing training a while back, and it is in my opinion the hardest sport to train for, so seeing someone as good as the "Pacman" definately is something amazing. Many people felt Cotto was the stronger of the two, but there are reasons why Pacquiao is rated the best pound for pound boxer in the world.

His last three opponents include the former golden boy of boxing Oscar De La Hoya, Britains then, highly rated Ricky Hatton and now Cotto. Furthermore, he is also the first man, to hold seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. He is an incredible fighter, and has already obtained legendary status despite only being 30.

If you are not a fan of the "Pacman", I urge you to watch the highlights of those last three bouts, because his in ring ability is something very few in the world can match. There are rumours flieing around now that Floyd Mayweather may be his next opponent. If that proves to be true, its a match a can't wait to see, but whatever happens, Manny Pacquiao deserves a mention as the best boxer in the world today!

Du Preez or O'Driscoll for top award?

So the list of nominations for the IRB Player of the year was announced yesterday and although some names were expected, a few came as surprise. Firstly Fourie Du Preez, Richie McCaw, Matt Giteau and Brian O'Driscoll are all well deserved nominations and its expected that the award would go to one of those players. All of them have been named their respective country's player of the year already and few can doubt their quality. The surprise nominations however were Jamie Heaslip, Francois Steyn and Tom Croft. Heaslip played an intrsumental role in helping Ireland win the Six Nations but for me he didn't set the world alight when touring South Africa with the British & Irish Lions. Francois Steyn, although predigiously talented for still lacked the consistency to be nominated this year, although I do feel he has the potential to win this award in years to come. That leaves Tom Croft, the flanker who was overlooked by the Lions selctors iniatially, but ultimately ended palying in all three tests and went back with his reputation enhanced. Although Croft's name was a surrise in sum respects, it is the names that were not there that perhaps makes his nomination a talking point. Heinrich Brussouw had an amazing year, and helped South Africa dominate the Lions and the Tri Nations, while Morne Steyn, Rob Kearney, Berrick Barnes and Lee Byrne can all count themselves unlucky in their own way for not making the list.

From the list though Fourie Du Preez to me stands out as the most deserved winner while few would argue if the ever popular Brian O'Driscoll was to win the award. The awards are to be announced the final weekend of November...

Tennis prepares to bid farewell to Legend

This week the tennis world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most colourful characters, in Marat Safin. Since 2000 he has been my favourite tennis player and his decision to retire leaves many fans, including myself looking back on what was a successful career. His highlights include winning the US Open in 2000, being world number one for 9 weeks, winning the Australian Open in 2005 and two Davis Cup triumps with Russia in 2002 and 2006.

The Australian Open victory was probably my favourite Safin highlight, as he beat Roger Federer in a thrilling semi final before ousting the home favourite Lleyton Hewitt in the final.

What made him a special player was the fact that he had so much natural talent. Being big, powerful, with speed and flair to do the unexpected, few could match him on his day. Victories over Federer, Pete Sampras, Novak Djokovic certainly prove that.

He also had great personality on the court, often getting upset when things weren't going his way but it was that passion and will to win that made him such a favourite. With this week being his last tournament before retiring, tennis thanks the always entertaining Marat Safin for his contribution to the sport.

Star flyhalves return to their best

Whilst watching the rugby union internationals between Wales and New Zealand and England and Australia, two world class flyhalves returned to the level that once made them IRB World Player of the Year in 2003 and 2005 respectively. I am of course talking about Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter.

Firstly, it was the returning Wilkinson playing in his first autumn international for almost 7 years, who took just a few minutes to stamp his mark on proceedings with a trademark drop goal. He was simply outstanding from then on, and despite England coming out second best against the Aussies, Wilkinson did enough to make the Rugby World sit up and take notice.

He was solid on attack, while his kicking game was effective as always. Whether it was a short kick and chase for himself, the high balls for Banahan, or simply attacking the game line he was a joy to watch for any neutral. What impressed me most was none of the previously mentioned attributes but instead it was his defensive work that stood out. For someone whose had the injuries he's had, to show such trust in his body and making the tackles he made, it was a clear sign that Jonny Wilkinson is back!

Moving along to the other reason for this post, that being none other than Dan Carter. He was the catalyst behind the All Blacks victory and was deservedly named man of the match. He dictated proceedings and despite being jeered for a late high tackle on Martin Roberts, it was clear to everyone that Dan Carter was back to his best.

Kicking over four penalties as well as converting the only try of the match, he fell one short of breaking the All Blacks points record of 967 points held by Andrew Mehrtens. That however is only a matter of time. Despite the All Blacks kicking far more than usual, he was certainly at ease with that tactic and he was the playmaker whenever New Zealand wanted to spread the ball with his slick passing skills. Described by the Observer as "sublime" few could say otherwise of the golden boy of New Zealand rugby.

The fascinating part of everything though, is that these two great flyhalves are likely to go head to head in two weeks time, provided Carter is not banned after being cited for his challenge on Roberts. For the neutral fans out there, like myself, it would be terrific if Carter was available for that clash, so that rugby can once again enjoy the battle of two of the games most gifted pivots going head to head one more time!

2009 Fifa World Player of the Year?

Who will be honoured with the title of FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009?



A shortlist of 23 was recently released by Fifa:
Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire), Michael Essien (Ghana), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Steven Gerrard (England), Thierry Henry (France), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Kaká (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Carles Puyol (Spain), Franck Ribéry (France), Wayne Rooney (England), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain)

For me the main contenders though are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. Of those four who deserves to win it? Here's how I would break it down...

Cristiano Ronaldo: The 2008 winner has had another great year scoring 16 goals in 31 appearances for Man Utd before scoring 9 goals in his 11 apperances for Real Madrid. He's instant impact at Real Madrid speaks volumes despite the huge pressures of being the world's most expensive player. Injuries have caused him to be out for the last month or two, of the year so that may cause him to finish as 2nd best this year, while not scoring in Portugal's entire world cup qualifying rounds may not help his chances.

Lionel Messi : The diminitive Barcelona hitman, has had a sensational year. Scoring in the champions League final and helping Barcelona win the treble, he stands out to me as the favourite. He has scored 35 goals in 57 appearances for club and country this claender year while he is still only 22 years old. Skillful, Prolific and consistent throghout, its hard to see anyone beating him to the award!

Didier Drogba: The powerful Ivorian has had a phenomenal year, considering he was rumoured to looking to leave Chelsea and was second choice at the end of 2008. He however helped the Ivory Coast reach the 2010 World Cup, while scoring 27 goals in 47 appearances for club and country while not only ending 2009 as Chelsea's best player but also as one of the best in the world!

Fernando Torres: The charismatic striker, has been lethal in front of goal in an otherwise underperforming Liverpool team. He managed to score 27 goals in 48 apperances during the calender year and looks set to star at the 2010 soccer World Cup.

My Top 3 Prediction:
1. Lionel Messi
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Didier Drogba

There's a poll running regarding this very topic, so do vote if you get the chance!