Thursday, 8 July 2010

Need any hype for the Tri-Nations starting this weekend: All Blacks vs Springboks

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There Louw was, answering questions about the future of Newlands as a venue for rugby and why Cape Town Stadium should not host Springbok v All Blacks Test matches in the future. And the reporter asking the question did not even know the Jan Pickard stand at Newlands was named after Louw’s grandfather!

On Wednesday when De Villiers finally fronted up to the media, he was teased and tempted to let go with one of his controversial statements, but this time the coach stood firm.

He was funny, serious and at times introspective in his approach and did not give the Kiwis anything to nail him on. He even explained the ’big mouth’ quote, saying that like himself, Henry is always honest in what he says. That often results in people not liking them, but according to De Villiers, he does not care what people think about him. The only opinion he cares about is his own.

“And I like myself, thanks,” he said with a smile.

Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Columnists/JJHarmse

Although Eden Park will look like a construction site on Saturday in preparation of next year's Rugby World Cup in NZ, and therefore only allowing half the amount of spectators to fill the stadium, this is what it should look like by next year:

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Preview: http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=13873.html

The Test marks a special milestone for the hosts as it will be 90 years to the day since the All Blacks first played a match at Eden Park. Two All Blacks will also reach significant individual milestones this weekend with hooker Keven Mealamu playing his 75th Test, making him the sixth most capped All Black in history, and flyhalf Dan Carter playing his 70th Test, equaling Andrew Mehrtens' Test match record.

Key Battle: Dan Carter v Morne Steyn. Both match-winning pivots are in scintillating form and will look to dictate matters on Saturday. In order to thrive, however, they’ll need good front foot ball so one can expect an almighty battle up front.

Referee: Alan Lewis

Prediction: The All Blacks have been instilled as marginal favourites to win at home but this Springbok outfit have enough experience, skill and class to snatch a narrow victory. Springboks by 2.


New Zealand

10 Jul 10
09:35

Eden Park
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand
 

Tony Woodcock1Gurthro Steenkamp
Keven Mealamu2John Smit
Owen Franks3Jannie Du Plessis
Brad Thorn4Bakkies Botha
Tom Donnelly5Victor Matfield
Jerome Kaino6Schalk Burger
Richie McCaw7Francois Louw
Kieran Read8Pierre Spies
Jimmy Cowan9Ricky Januarie
Daniel Carter10Morne Steyn
Josevata Rokocoko11Bryan Habana
Ma'a Nonu12Wynand Olivier
Conrad Smith13Jaque Fourie
Cory Jane14Jean de Villiers
Mils Muliaina15Zane Kirchner
Corey Flynn16Chilliboy Ralepelle
Ben Franks17BJ Botha
Sam Whitelock18Andries Bekker
Liam Messam19Danie Rossouw
Piri Weepu20Ruan Pienaar
Aaron Cruden21Butch James
Richard Kahui22Gio Aplon
   
  • Captain - Richie McCaw
  • Franks at tighthead
  • Rokocoko named on the wing
  • Nonu and Smith back in midfield

 

 
  • Captain - John Smit
  • Fit again Botha and Matfield renew second row partnership
  • Olivier replaces De Jongh at inside centre
  • Kirchner preferred at No 15
  • Rossouw included on the bench
 

Gundam at Shiokaze Park in Odaiba

The "full scale" of Gundam that is 18 meters tall stands at Shiokaze Park in Odaiba. Awesome!

Gundam has been "under construction" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the broadcasting of the "Mobile Suit Gundam" animated television series and it will open to the public for free from July 11th to August 31st.

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Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Audi R8 Spyder

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Source: http://www.wheels24.co.za

Netherlands go Orange ahead of World Cup semi final

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400 Dutch football fans have paid some €2,000 for a last-minute trip to South Africa to watch the match.


The mini-break, an 11-hour flight, a day in Cape Town, a football match and an 11 hour flight back home, was sold out almost immediately when Oranje beat Brazil on Friday.

'I've spent nearly all my savings, but we are going to enjoy it,' one supporter told Nos tv. 'If you are a real fan, you've got the money,' said another. 'This is the first time in a long time we have a chance of winning the title. I really feel it could happen.'

Some 2,500 Dutch fans are expected to attend tonight's game, as are thousands of Dutch people who live in South Africa.

Source: http://www.dutchnews.nl/

Monday, 5 July 2010

Great summary of the World Cup experience in South Africa: Ubuntu

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"I have been truly humbled on this trip. And while I have my gripes regarding development here, I cannot say one negative thing about how South Africa has handled its duties as host and hostess to the world. If I could say one thing to sum up being here during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it would be that I've learned the value of Ubuntu, and that when found and offered in abundance, the world is indeed a better place to live in."

Full article here: www.huffingtonpost.com


Awesome day in Cape Town

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The World Cup quarter final clash between Argentina and Germany drew a record 300 000 fans to Cape Town's inner city on Saturday, authorities said.

 

The Cape Town Stadium was filled to capacity with 64 100 spectators while 42 000 people passed through the fan area on the Grand Parade during the day, the city's communications department said.

 

About 120 000 more fans crowded the V&A Waterfront to watch the match and take part in festivities, while 153 000 people ambled along the Fan Walk.

 

Famous faces at the match that saw Germany defeat Argentina 4-1 to proceed to the semi-finals included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and Hollywood stars Charlize Theron and Orlando Bloom.

 

Charlize Theron in the stands

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Leonardo di Caprio with his Vuvu, and at Boulders beach on Sunday

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Leo with Mick Jagger and his son

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Angela Merkel

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Michael Ballack

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Needless to say, the Germans were quite happy with the result - looking at Klose's celebration and pictures from German supporters at a public viewing at the Wannsee lake in Berlin

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Argentina was not so happy, with Maradonna being consoled by his daughter Dalma as he leaves the field

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Sources: http://www.gettyimages.com http://www.sport24.co.za http://cache.daylife.com http://cdn.buzznet.com