#Rugby World Cup 2019

[canadachronicles]

[delphinia13]

Well done England! At the start of the tournament I said I kinda wanted the final to be a rematch of one of the pool matches for the drama - instead I got that in the 3rd place play off. It was definitely a more enjoyable match than the England v Argentina game there, I was almost hoping for Argentina to get the final score to get it level again for the drama, but I'm glad England got their medal in the end.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

What do you make of the moment when Kate shrugged William's hand on a Christmas show in 2019? The sugars use this to show how they actually hate each other, but I've always thought Kate just reacted immediately because they never did PDA and she was caught by surprise, as in to say "what are you doing? we're working"

I've been following the BRF since the Sussex drama, so I don't have decades the reflect on, but from what I've seen, it really seemed there was a no PDA rule. They also appeared much stuffy, even towards each other, with Kate standing straighter, making sure she was walking behind William, often keeping her hands in front of her as if to protect herself. But the last years, the seem more at ease in public, allowing some hands on the back here and there. And I've actually been wondering if H&M overdoing it with the PDA meant the BRF could actually relax a bit and allow some touching without looking unprofessional.

There isn’t a “no PDA” rule. The rule is that everyone is expected to be professional at work. And PDA - over the top PDA like the Sussexes - is not professional behavior in any industry, in any profession, in any country in the world.

William and Kate are affectionate and playful with each other. They always have been, long before Meghan had Harry in her claws:

Before their engagement: L - Graduating St. Andrews in 2005 C - Saying hello at polo in 2006 R - Paparazzi catching them making out. Date unknown, suspected sometime 2009 (based on William's hair).

Newlyweds: L - Canada, July 2011 C - Edinburgh, July 2011 R - London Olympics 2012

Early Parenthood: L - Christmas Walk, December 2013 C - Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, July 2014 R - Rugby World Cup, September 2015

Before the Love Bomb: L - Hiking in India, April 2016 (there's a well-known story from royal reporters on the India trip that William and Kate were close and affectionate until they spotted the reporters and photographers. Once they saw the royal rota, they immediately separated and became more formal/professional.) C - Private family ski trip, February 2016 R - Canada, September 2016

Before Meghan made her official debut with Harry and the BRF: L - Heads Together awareness event, February 2017 R - Wimbledon Men's Final, July 2017

And no, I didn't see "the incident" as Kate shrugging off William's hand because it was PDA. I see that moment as Kate adjusting her position in her seat and William briefly touching her. If you watch the clip, you'll notice that Kate's whole body wiggles; her shoulders, her trunk, and her legs. William just happened to touch her in that same moment. If she was shrugging him off, if she was recoiling from his touch, only her shoulder would have moved. It was a harmless, normal moment that happens to everyone.

Others may see it differently, and that's fine.

Harry and Meghan overdoing it with the PDA didn't open any doors for anyone to be more affectionate or show more affection. All they did was highlight the difference between working professionals who a) know they're on the job, b) know their roles for the job, and c) know that their job is bigger than their individual needs and people who think their love and togetherness is more important than the job.

[aus-wnt]

Caitlin Foord: ‘Men think women’s football is a ‘pussy’ sport’

Despite overtaking the Wallabies to become the third most popular national team in Australia, Matildas star Caitlin Foord says some Australians still see women’s football as a “weaker sport” - but she predicts that’s about to change.

Australians are on the cusp of witnessing one of the country’s most significant sporting tournaments when the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicks off this month here and in New Zealand. And the excitement is demonstrably palpable: with more than a million tickets already sold, the event (which takes place from July 20 till August 20) is on track to become the most attended standalone women’s sporting event in history.

For Matildas star forward Caitlin Foord, this World Cup will mark her fourth; in 2011, she became the youngest Australian ever to play in the tournament. ​​And to think her record-breaking career may never have happened. “Rugby league was what my family supported and I wanted to play rugby league when I was younger,” Foord tells Stellar. “But my nan told Mum that if she let me play then she would never speak to her again. So that went out the window. But if there were more girls playing at the time, and [if] it was more normal for girls to play, then I don’t even know if I would have gone into football.”

Like many children, Foord’s introduction to soccer began when she was a sporty nine-year-old playing with the boys during lunch at her school in the Illawarra region of NSW. “I was tearing the boys up a little bit, and they asked me to join the local team with one other girl,” Foord recalls. “Mum was hesitant because I was already doing a lot of other sports like Oztag [a non-tackling version of rugby league], and surf lifesaving. But then I got a little bit of help from my sister, who told Mum, ‘She’s really good, she beats all the boys at school.’”

In her first match, she scored six goals, and from there, she never stopped playing. “Before I started, the game wasn’t as professional as it is now, but I probably wasn’t thinking about that,” Foord admits, adding that since she wasn’t much of a student at school, she was all too happy to find herself playing for Sydney FC as a 16-year-old in 2010.

But as her abilities developed, so did the opportunities for women in the sport. Foord moved to the US to join New Jersey side Sky Blue FC in the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League season in 2013. She then signed with Vegalta Sendai in Japan in 2017. Now she calls London home, after renewing her contract with powerhouse Arsenal FC, where she’s played since 2020. “My transition in the game came at the same time that the game was growing,” she says. “It kind of just fell into place for me as I went up the ranks.”

Parallel to Foord’s personal career, the women’s game itself has made huge inroads. In 2019, Football Federation Australia signed a four-year-agreement with the player’s union, Professional Footballers Australia, that would see the men and women’s national teams receive equal shares of national team generated revenues. And, thanks to the likes of high-profile teammates such as Foord and captain Sam Kerr �� arguably the greatest Australian football player – the Matildas have this year overtaken the Wallabies and are close to overtaking the Kangaroos to become the third most popular national team, according to independent market research firm Futures Sport & Entertainment.

Foord says the bond within the Matildas is a special one. “We’ve all grown up together,” she explains. “We’re a close-knit team. We’re not just teammates, we’re all friends, as well. We all thought that was the normal thing. But being overseas and playing with girls from different nationalities, I’ve heard people say they hate going into the national team. I find that so hard to believe because we love being around each other and I think that’s unique.”

Foord enters the World Cup with not just this camaraderie, but also a considerable home-field advantage and a golden opportunity to raise the profile of women’s soccer in the country. “Football is the world game, yet I’ve had a couple of conversations with people around home and they still don’t really see the women’s game,” Foord tells Stellar. “When we play overseas, it’s on at 3am.”

Which is why this upcoming World Cup is so pivotal. “Australians love sport, so I feel like they just need to see us and that’s enough,” she continues. “That’s all we need. That’s going to be the turning point, especially for the males who have spoken down on the sport before or think of women’s football as a weaker sport or a ‘pussy’ sport. But once they watch us and see how tough the game is and how we all get stuck, that’s all it needs.”

Following the team’s fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Matildas are expected to go deep in the Women’s World Cup. This year’s tournament offers the field a record $165 million in prize money, more than three times the amount from the 2019 Women’s World Cup (though far less, still, than the almost $700 million offered to the men at the 2022 World Cup).

Even so, if the Matildas take out the title, Foord says she will celebrate by purchasing some jewellery.

“As an athlete, I’m used to wearing tracksuits and comfy clothes and the odd dress for an awards night,” she says. “But the older I’ve got, the more I’m into fashion.

“I didn’t grow up with money or anything like that, so when I see something, I don’t buy it straight away. If I’m constantly thinking about it afterwards, then I know I really want it – and I’ve always wanted a Cartier ring. If we went on to win the tournament, I’d buy the one I absolutely love, which has diamonds in it.”

But no matter what happens, Foord plans to keep on kicking on. “All the benefits that come with the game now, me and the girls were part of [building] that,” she says. “We’re obviously grateful for what we have now, but we know it still deserves more – and we need to keep pushing.”

[loveisanimaginarydagger3000]

Hello, hello. To my lovely audience and to our lovely contestant, and to the people watching this from home I welcome you back to question time, with me your humble host - ☕️

We are back in action for round two, for those who need a reminder, it’s our sports round! Now for every correct answer given the contestant will bag themselves a point, and just like the last round there is a bonus question at the end. This time though it’s worth 3 extra points. Shall we get started?!

Question one. Which footballer has scored the most goals in World Cup history?

I’m shit at football so I’m glad I’ve got my handy cue cards that have the answer written down for me.

Okay question 2. Which countries rugby team is called the Springboks?

Question number 3. In which sport is 180 considered a perfect score?

Into number 4. Jessica Ennis-Hill competed for Great Britain in which sport?

Back to football with question number 5. Which country has one the most FIFA World Cup titles?

Question 6. In which sport is the Ryder cup contested?

For question number 7. We have. Which country won the cricket World Cup in 2019?

In which sport would you find the terms “jab”, “hook” and “uppercut”? That’s question 8.

After this question we move onto to the last one which includes bonus points, but first question 9.

Who is the current holder of the Formula 1 world championship?

Okay onto the last question.

Question number 10. The first FIFA World Cup was held in what year? And for those bonus points can you name the host country?

Okay so that wraps up round 2 of our question time quiz show! We’ll be back after this short reading break to have a look at what our lovely contestant said. Can they put some more points on the scoreboard or are we going to see the downfall of the one we are rooting for?

All will be revealed when we return. But from me your host it’s bye for now -☕️

Woooo round 2 time!!! Finally, topics I'm good at!

1- That would be Germany's striker Klose :) I think it's something like 15/16 goals in total he has.

2- I'm pretty sure it's South Africa? I'm not the biggest rugby fan tbh

3- Darts! (a sport i am surprisingly shit at)

4- Ngl I have no idea😭 Not really a fan of the olympics some reason.

5- Back to football? perfect, let me show off here. Brazil has the most world cups with 5, then Italy and Germany are tied on 4, Argentina 3, Uruguay and France on 2 and spain and england with 1. 🫡I'm a football nerd.

6- Golf I'm pretty sure?

7- England? I think that was the match were it went to the last ball? (not a massive cricket fan)

8- Boxing!

9- That would be Max Verstappen (Red bull racer)

10- 1930 was the first world cup! Uruguay were the hosts and the winners

Help not the downfall of who we were rooting for😭😭 I hope I haven't just embarrassed myself and gotten most of these wrong

[legowolas]

LET'S HEAR IT FOR OUR FAVOURITE NINE AND KEN TEN COMBO ‼️ 🇿🇦 🏆🏆 💚💛

[ID 1: A "This Barbie is..." poster, featuring Faf de Klerk, a South African rugby player with shoulder-length blond hair. He is wearing nothing but a speedo with the South African flag on it, and his 2023 Rugby World Cup winner's medal. He is holding the Webb Ellis Trophy, and smiling at the camera. The sparkly background behind him is green, and the text above his head reads "This Barbie is a 2x Rugby World Cup champion". End ID].

[ID 2: Another "This Barbie is..." poster, this one featuring Handré Pollard, another South African rugby player. He is wearing a white T-shirt with text on it that reads "WORLD CHAMPIONS", and has four stars below the text, which are labelled "1995", 2007", "2019", and "2023". He has a large cut on his cheek, which has stitches. He is also wearing his 2023 Rugby World Cup winner's medal and holding the Webb Ellis Trophy, and he kisses the trophy as he looks into the camera. The sparkly background behind him is also green, and the text above his head reads "This Ken is the #1 points scorer in Rugby World Cup finals". End ID].

[racingliners]

Top 5 international football kits? Also the same but for rugby?

This is an excellent question but I fear that with it being late I will forget some, but I shall try my best.

Football Kits.

Germany MNT Euro 2024 (Away) - Iconic, the moment, you will never take her away from me

England WNT Euro 2022 (Home) - also iconic for so many reasons but I adore the iridescent detailing on the crests and diamond facet print

Nigeria WNT 2019 World Cup (Home) - one of the football kits of all time

France WNT 2019 World Cup (Away) - I am not immune to rose gold and polka dots

England MNT & Scotland MNT 150th Anniversary kits - one for the Anglo-Scottish girlies (gn)!!

Rugby Kits

South Africa 2023 World Cup (Alternate) - I do enjoy some geometric pint in fun colours

Scotland 2024 Six Nations (Home) - basically any variant of the Scotland shirt, the navy blue and tartan pairing is elite

Fiji 2023 World Cup (Alternate) - one of the rugby kits of all time

Italy 2020 Six Nations (Home) - again any variant, it's an iconic strip

Moldova 2023 World Cup (Alternate) - I love the flower detailing

ask me my 'top 5' anything

(pics under a read more for space)

Footie Kits

Rugby Kits

[afrotumble]

Siya Kolisi, the first black South African national rugby team (the Springboks) captain - a world cup winning captain in 2019.

[redwineconversation]

Selma Bacha Le Progres Interview (October 17, 2023)

Blah blah standard disclaimers apply; god I HATE invasive behavior so much it genuinely makes my skin crawl; @OL Comms Dept a PSL I beg of you; y'all know the speech by now. I don't want to commit to translating Le Progres articles on a regular basis but as is everything in life, that is subject to change.

In which the prodigal child returns from the cold, remembers Lyon's win/loss record against Barcelona, disses Lyon's men's team, and confesses love and admiration for WoSo's favorite Bad Catholic.

It was basically a fan Q&A and anyone with a Le Progres subscription will be able to find their names; however I took out the fans' names because I just don't feel comfortable outing private information like that. (See, it's that easy to be a decent human being and respect someone's privacy!!! Who would have thought!!!!)

SELMA BACHA LE PROGRES INTERVIEW

Selma Bacha: "My biggest strength is my instinct"

For one hour, the Olympique Lyonnais and French International left back talked with Le Progres readers with all the spontaneity and frankness we have come to expect from her. Without shying away from a single question. Her tenacious character, the difference in attendance for men's football compared to women's football, the support from her family, how she regards mental strength, her role models, her relationship with Wendie Renard... A Bacha with no filter!

[Fan]: Do you play any other sport apart from rugby?

I do a lot of boxing during preseason and when we're in preseason. It allows me to blow off steam. I also enjoy swimming, and because I'm such a competitor, I always have to swim against someone who swims professionally so I can improve and to improve my mental strength. I also go hiking even if I like it a little less. Ever since I was young, I really loved sports in general. In middle school, I did cross country. I wanted to do my middle school proud so I gave everything, and I finished third in the French Championship.

[Fan]: Did you play with the boys in the academy?

I started playing with the boys when I was five. I was recruited really quickly by Lyon when I was eight. But my parents got divorced at that time and I lived with my father and my brother, so I have certain male characteristics. But maybe that's what gave me my desire to win, the determination, how to be aggressive and not let anything go.

[Fan]: What would you say is the difference between men's football and women's football? The difference in attendance?

We do the same job, but female players don't bring in as much money as the men do. But we're seeing some progress, we see it with the French National Team where we often play in front of sold-out crowds. It's up to us to win over supporters, to make them proud and gain interest in us. I have a lot of confidence in that even if it's a little frustration to play the final of the Coupe de France or the Trophee des Championnes in front of a small crowd. That being said, then a game is at 9pm on a Sunday, I understand that's it is complicated for families.

[Fan]: Were you disappointed not to play the derby [against ASSE] at the Groupama Stadium?

I think I can speak for the team but we would prefer to play in front of a smaller crowd with a great atmosphere, which may have been lost if we played at the Groupama Stadium.

[Fan]: What is your best memory in the Champions League?

My first final in Kiev [Lyon beat Wolfsburg 4-1]. I wasn't even expecting to be on the team sheet and I went to the pregame meeting and I found myself starting at the age of 17. The atmosphere was incredible. Overseas, people are really interested in those types of events. Here in France, we're sleepwalking our way through it, even if after the [2019] World Cup a lot of people started to get more into women's football.

[Fan]: Other countries have overtaken women's football in France. What do you think about that?

It's not to put down our league because things were put in place and we were heard, so respect for that, but when there is a clash like Chelsea-Manchester City in England, it's hard to compete against. Discussions were had, I'm a bit young but Wendie Renard is taking part in them and things are starting to change. In July, professionalism was put in place, so it's moving forward. Slowly but surely.

[Fan]: What has been the most difficult thing in your career?

I integrated the professional group very quickly. I saw everything through rose tinted glasses at first. And when I was on the bench, I was asking the right questions of myself. I was talking with the physical fitness coach, the psychologist, the nutritionist, and I told myself I need to work twice as hard to achieve what I really wanted. I'm someone who is always very smiley and when I'm hurting, no one will know. I can internalize a lot but it will explode, I implode by myself and obviously, that's not good mentally. I have my parents, my team and my best friend, Alyssa Paljevic (former goalkeeper at Lyon), who is a shoulder to lean on. She doesn't judge me and she tells me if I'm wrong or not.

[Fan]: Are you properly supported in terms of mental health?

It depends on each individual. I often tell the youth to make sure to have a good support system. When I arrived at 16 [to the pro group], I wasn't paying a lot of attention to nutrition, to sleep, to recovery, the invisible part of training. I quickly understood you needed support and structure to achieve my objections, which are really high. When I go the [team] psychologist, it's because it helps me a lot mentally.

[Fan]: What qualities do you need to become professional?

Being good at football obviously. Beyond that, only hard work pays off. I give a lot of credit to the people working behind the scenes who put things in place for us. The invisible part of training is also really important. Beyond that, it comes down to having a lot of fun and confidence, you have to follow your instinct. Now it's my turn to ask if you want to be a professional football player? You'd like that? Right there, you can't say "I'd like to". You have to say "I want to" to send the right information to your brain and have confidence in yourself.

[Fan]: Have you stayed in contact with FC Gerland, the team you started with?

I'm the godmother of my former club which is still very dear to me. Last season, I was able to gift them jerseys thanks to my sponsor. Whenever I can go and give them advice, I do it without hesitation.

{Fan]: Do you play Fifa?

From what I'm told, apparently in the game, I'm expensive and a "cheat code"... Personally I don't really play, I prefer to relax.

[Fan]: Do you train in the morning and afternoon like the men's team?

Who told you the men's team train in the morning and afternoon? (laughter) We often have training in the morning, but sometimes we have double or even triple sessions when we come back from vacation. But yeah, we're like the men, we do the same job.

[Fan]: Do you interact with the men's team?

Yes, and besides that, once a year, during the gala for OL Foundation [Lyon charity], we're seated a table with investors and there's obviously a player from the men's team next to us. You might think they have big egos but when you get to know them, they're real softies. We see them in the cafeteria as well.

[Fan]: Was the transition post-Aulas easier for the women's team?

I don't know what's going on on their [men's team] end but from our end, Michele Kang came to see us, we had talks. We're not an easy team to handle but we're not complicated. (laughter)

[Fan]: Which players are your role model?

I'm a footballer but I don't watch a lot of football. The players who inspire, it's Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, because they're hard workers.

[Fan]: Have you recovered from your ankle injury in Australia?

My ankle doesn't bother me anymore otherwise I wouldn't be on the field, especially because I have a long season ahead and therefore we won't want to take any risks. But it's true the sprain was no joke. I had 10 days to recover. It didn't hurt at all during the World Cup even if it was swollen. I'm not a cheat: if I'm not 100 percent it's not worth putting me on the field. So yeah, my ankle is a little unstable since, it'll roll sometimes, I'll be in pain for 30 seconds up to a minute, but that's normal. Let's just say I played my joker. At Lyon there is all the necessary medical staff, I'm in good hands.

[Fan]: Does it help you to play in your hometown?

There are advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is I was born here, all my family is here and I'm really close to my family so I have a lot of support, that really helps me. But sometimes, you just want to be alone and that's not always an option.

[Fan]: What is your relationship like with Wendie [Renard]?

Wendie, she took me immediately under her wing as soon as I integrated the pro group. She knows the love and admiration I have for her. She's in my heart, she's a big sister for me who I can always count on. Our friendship goes beyond football. When things were going badly and I thought about quitting football, she really helped me. I owe an enormous amount to her.

[Fan]: Do you think you will change clubs in the upcoming years?

That's a good question! (laughter) I'm under contract with Lyon until 2025. I have incredibly strong feelings for this club, I grew up with them. For the moment, I'm good here, I live it day by day and for the moment, I'm not imagining myself elsewhere.

[Fan]: You wouldn't want to go to Barcelona?

Why would I choose Barcelona? (laughter) I'm not afraid to test myself in a new league. Each year, in my room, I take a blank piece of paper and write down my objectives. Last season [2021-2022], I wasn't expecting to be be the youngest player in the Champions League, have the most assists, be nominated to the Ballon d'Or... I couldn't believe it. But when you play for the team and you put the team first, the individual stats will follow by themselves.

[Fan]: Do you practice a lot shooting from afar?

Let's just say it's instinct. I have a very strong left foot. The assistant coach for the French National Team teases me a lot about that: he tells me I have a more powerful shot than certain male players but I need to put them on target (laughter), so I know what I have to improve on. I'd say that above all else, my strength, it's my instinct. I always follow it: if I have to take a shot, I'll shoot, if I have to get my teammate to score, I'll do it. I don't think just about me. I'd rather have an assist than score, even if scoring, it's a really special feeling.

[Fan]: Which team has the best style of play in your eyes?

Olympique Lyonnais (laughter). Otherwise I'd say Barcelona, because I am a player who likes ball possession and at the top level, the Spanish players are the best. I like to watch Barcelona.

[Fan]: Who was the best team you played against?

That's a good question. I'd say Chelsea and Barcelona.

[Fan]: And the best player according to you?

There are a lot. At the moment, I'd say Eugenie Le Sommer. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) as well, she's really good.

[Fan]: Do you chip in training?

Ball control, nutmeg, shooting, yes. But not really chips.

[Fan]: What is it like being an undisputed starter with the French National Team?

It's an honor! My team knows how much I struggled and all the tears I shed. Compared to other players, I integrated it a little later but I never gave up. There were nights when I was crying at home and I was thinking: "what am I missing?" And one day, when Lyon was at Issy-les-Moulineaux, I learnt that I would be called up because Sakina Karchaoui was injured. At first I couldn't believe it and I was even afraid the coach was pranking me. I screamed really loudly in the bus, everyone was really happy for me. Being at Clairefontaine, seeing the castle, it was a childhood dream. I'll never forget my first game against Kazakhstan, especially because I was a starter. And then I scored in my second game against Wales! I couldn't dream it any better. Now, my status has changed, but I'm not going to get a big head over it. I stay smiley, likable and I never forget where I came from. I want to keep my feet on the ground because it can all change so quickly.

{Fan]: How did you handle coming back from the World Cup?

That night, obviously I didn't sleep. But despite my missed penalty, I told myself that I gave everything and shouldn't have any regrets. Especially because I came into the tournament with an injury and had 10 days to recover from a big sprain. Afterwards? There was a long flight with a lot of sadness and frustration. I landed mid-morning in Lyon, I went to see my family and that afternoon, I went to Montpellier and then the next day to Marrakech. I turned my phone off and no one knew where I was. I needed a lot of time before I could talk about the World Cup.

[Fan]: What was missing for this World Cup?

Efficiency of course. We weren't able to impose our style of play and we were subjected to Australia's. Maybe we lacked a bit of bite as well. Ellie Carpenter, my Australian teammate, when she has one touch of the ball, she moves up 10 meters. When you foul a Brazilian player, they form a group around the referee to put pressure on her. When we had a team meeting about it, Kenza Dali actually called me out by name and said we needed to be more like me, aggressive. Of course you need to respect the referee and not waste energy for no reason when she has already made her decision, but in the quarterfinal of the World Cup, I think we can go talk to the ref. And not just in football. Look at rugby!

[defensefilms]

How Julius Malema's Springboks Comments Miss The Mark

Not everyone has been thrilled by the Boks recent World Cup victory, and while I myself have reveled in it, there is one particular local politician, who is taking this as a chance to stir up some shit.

The above video is of Julius Malema, Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighter and Malema's point is that the Sprinboks are a racist symbol that was endorsed by the old Apartheid regime and based on that, the current team cannot be celebrated as a symbol of the country.

I have to say that I disagree.

From what I know, the biggest symbol of the old government was the orange South African Republic flag, and while you may still see it, it is not associated with the government, or any of our national team's anymore. Largely only seen in the few Whites-only towns that still exist in the country, and not very different to how Americans view the Confederate flag.

The Springbok as an emblem, or as an animal, doesn't really conjur much of anything racial, especially because the Boks have made the pronounciation of the team's name somewhat of a marketing gimmick/ joke. You call the Boks, what you call them based on what your mother tounge is. It's a South African thing.

Julius Malema's school of politics is one that has garnered him a big voting base, but if he were serious about governing South Africa, these are the types of opportunities he would honestly expoit.

This isn't the first time Malema has tarnished the Springboks after thier victory and he and his party did the same back in 2019 after the Boks first World Cup victory.

The issue here ,is a man so arrogant and whose ego is too big to acknowledge that some of what his predecessors did, was very effective.

Nelson Mandela's 1995 Rugby World Cup Final appearance is basic public relations today, but at the time, it was a symbol transformation, and did signal an attempt to intergrate rather than divide, and most importantly, it worked.

Had Julius Malema embraced the Springboks in 2019 and now in 2023, he would likely have added some new white voters to the party, and all it would have took was a gracious smile and a photograph with a few of the team's players.

I don't want to sound cynical, but good politicians take the easy, low hanging fruit when they can, and Malema has missed the trick here big time.

I am often at odds with Julius.

I like a lot of his policies. I believe South African should have free health care, education and the likes but, in all honestly, socialist politics need to be represented by a more mature, less divisive type of politician.

There is no need for the red scare/Communist symbols, because in all honestly socialist programs make a lot of sense and don't need this kind of fear mongering to go with it.

I believe you can sell people on socialist policies, especially in South Africa, even more effectively if you focus on policy.

That's just me, I think everyone's needs are the same at the end of the day, and I actually believe that a South African government and economy, free of graft, theft, greed, corruption and cronysim, can sustain a health care infastructure for all South Africans to have free health care and free education.

Call me crazy but that's what I want to vote for.

[bongaboi]

South Africa: 2023 Rugby World Cup Champions

South Africa became the first nation to win four Rugby World Cup titles after holding off New Zealand in a dramatic final at Stade de France on Saturday.

Four Handre Pollard penalties to two from Richie Mo’unga gave the Springboks a 12-6 lead after a first half in which All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell was sin-binned for an incident in which Mbongeni Mbonambi was forced off injured. Then New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a RWC final for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.

Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse both went close for South Africa before Kolisi was yellow-carded as the All Blacks fought back. Aaron Smith was denied a try for an earlier knock-on before Beauden Barrett touched down to bring them to within a point.

There was late drama as Cheslin Kolbe was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and Jordie Barrett missed a long-range penalty that might have won it for New Zealand as the Springboks maintained their perfect record in finals, adding to their crowns in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

"I guess as a team we like drama," Mastercard Player of the Match, Pieter-Steph du Toit, who made 28 tackles, said. "The last three games have been quite tough. We played each one as a final and each one was [won] by one point.

"It shows the resilience of the team."

[pepimeinrad]

new recent anthem-highlight for me: this video from the bronze final of the 2019 rugby world cup in japan, specifically the small boy (timestamp 1:12) singing along in welsh <3 (from some other videos I extrapolate that most/all the kids learned the anthems of the teams they're with - the ones in other videos of Aotearoa and South Africa certainly did)

[bodywyrcs]

Ice, ice baby?

On Monday morning I was about half a mile into my jog when my right hamstring tightened up suddenly - I’d strained it! Annoying! Especially as I was feeling really strong that morning, but that’s always the way, isn’t it? I had to walk home slowly, feeling it pulling the whole way and in hindsight I can see that the perfect storm of temperatures dropping and my warm up routine being woefully inadequate was too much for my poor little muscles to take. Plus my body is no longer as young as my brain thinks it is. Sigh. 

Now this is the moment where we quite often start sinking into a bit of self-pity; imagining how this is going to scupper all our carefully curated plans; trying to understand what went wrong this time and who to blame (me, it was definitely me); feeling irritated and even catastrophising about how you’ll NEVER GET BETTER, THIS IS IT, HAMSTRINGS NEVER HEAL PROPERLY!!! (PS this obviously isn’t true, this is just your brain and its silly negative bias kicking in to try and protect you. Honestly, its a real thing, we’re hard-wired to react more to negative stuff, you can read more here: https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-bias-4589618 ) 

So, allowing the negative thoughts to take over is definitely a no-go, which leaves the question: What should we do post-injury?

I’m guessing you might have heard of the ‘RICE’ protocol. This is an idea that has been so ingrained in western society, especially in sports, that it still clings on to this day - that post-injury we should Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. Nevermind that Dr. Gabe Mirkin, who invented the concept back in 1978 (almost 50 years ago!), has since used evidence-based research to demonstrate that complete rest and icing might actually be kinda bad for us: https://drmirkin.com/fitness/why-ice-delays-recovery.html  

When I trained as a Sports Therapist back in 2014 I learnt the POLICE rehab protocol, which completely removed the ‘Rest’ element and replaced it with Protect, followed by Optimal Loading and then Ice, Compress, Elevate. So instead of wrapping ourselves up in a blanket and avoiding any movement until the pain had gone away we were encouraged to keep moving while protecting the injured area from getting any worse because ‘early activity encourages early recovery’. Let’s face it, a pulled hamstring doesn’t impair the whole body, so why should the whole body suffer? Plus you can only really assess muscle repair through gradual loading - complete rest followed by 100% effort will generally only lead you back to injury!

With POLICE we still have this inclusion of ice, but in 2011 when the research paper was written there was only one quality study on the actual effects of ice on acute muscle tears, so it was still a bit of a stab in the dark. Story time: I vividly remember at the 2011 Rugby World Cup there being a story about Dan Lydiate having injured his ankle in the Samoa game. He iced it every 2 hours for 3 days. Let that sink in. This elite athlete did not sleep properly for 3 days so he could stick ice on his ankle for 10 minutes every 2 hours. Knowing what we know now about the absolute importance of sleep - especially in a fast-paced, high-impact, decision-making role at world cup level - makes this seem completely mad. And yes, he was ‘fit’ for the Ireland game, but was it because of the icing and no sleep, or despite it? After all, he had a month to recover; plus he went on to reinjure a month later on the same ankle, which makes you wonder whether he was healed, or just a bit numb.

Anyway, moving onto what we now know and how we’ve adapted the rehab process. I’ve gone from needing to rest my hamstring, to needing to keep it moving while also icing and compressing and elevating it. But now, if you’re injured you’re recommended to give it PEACE & LOVE. Oh yes, its a big old acronym, created in 2019 so still fairly new in terms of medicine. Stick with me, its hefty but worth while! Here we go… 

We still start off with Protecting because in first aid we never, ever want to make an injury worse, or stop it from healing. Pain levels can be your guide here (usually). What can you do, what makes it worse, what feels ok. Me and my hamstring were ok with a slow walk so I knew that stopping running, in that moment I injured it, was protection enough for me.

They’ve also left Elevate in there. The idea is that we elevate the injury above the heart, potentially to promote fluid to flow from the area and stop blood being pumped so vigorously to the area in the case of a bleed or bruise. But as they state, there is weak evidence for elevating and its effects on recovery, but there isn’t any risk associated with it, so crack on!

A is for ‘Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Modalities’. Yep, that means you ice! And ibuprofen! And Cryotherapy, possibly you too, but they’re not entirely sure…Basically, inflammation is a healing process. You stop inflammation on a new injury, you stop the healing. Sometimes it can feel nice as pain relief, sometimes it can be better than loading up on tablets, but in a fresh injury, if you can, move away from the ice and let nature do its job.

C is still for Compress. A gentle compression (some leggings or a tubular bandage depending what you’re compressing) can help limit swelling and I suspect the gentle pressure can offer some light relief from the discomfort too! Again, not hugely evidence supported, but not damaging (that we know of…yet…science is great isn’t it!?)

E is for Educate. The more you understand how your body works, the better - which means understanding that getting your body fit and healthy again is going to involve effort and some commitment. I always say to my clients, your improvement depends on how much you’re willing to commit to the process. Passive treatments like massage and acupuncture have their benefits, a TENS machine might help with pain management for a while, but ultimately you need to use it or lose it - an active approach to rehab is vital for the best outcomes and passive treatments alone can only do so much!

Then we move onto the LOVE section, which you’ll probably come to a few days post-injury. 

L is for Load. Yep, you’ve got to move and load those muscles. The day after my hamstring injury I went to the gym to do exercises that did NOT exacerbate my pain. Stuck to upper body and core, used my legs where needed but didn’t isolate the hamstring muscle or overload it. Its all about getting to know your body, feeling the tightness or weakness and working with it - you don’t need to be an expert to experiment with how your body moves and works. If in doubt start super simple and build up gradually or talk to a fitness professional; there are some excellent people around here offering bespoke personal training services!

O is for Optimism. I love that they’ve included this one. Some people injure themselves and become defined by that injury and I honestly think it’s because as a society we are awful for loading all the bad stories we know, about someone who did something similar, onto a newly injured person. "Oh you hurt your ankle did you? My mate’s nephew did that, swells up every winter when it rains and can’t stand on it longer than an hour. Eventually got gangrene and his foot fell off.” I guarantee you, step into any room with an injury and you will hear ALL THE STORIES. But did you know that fear of your injury is related to poorer outcomes? By allowing yourself to stew over it, catastrophise and worry, you’re making the rehab pathway much harder than it should be. Optimism is simply knowing that there are real, practical things you can do to help yourself, and if you do those things you’ll heal really well and maybe get back to good as new before too long.

V is Vascularisation. Cool word. What this point means (and could have been better explained with Cardiovascular, but also LOCE isn’t a word) is that doing cardiovascular exercise is REALLY positive at this stage in rehab. Obviously it needs to be pain-free, but aerobic activity will get the blood pumping, get your joints moving (the ones that can!), improve mood and reduce the need for pain medication. Brilliant!

And finally, if you made it this far thank you for coming, E is for Exercise. And what we’re talking about here isn’t the same as the one above. It means targeted exercise on the injured area - again you can talk to someone like me who can go through exercise therapy with you, or you can try some gentle foundation exercises yourself, see how they feel, try to avoid pain (although sometimes there will be discomfort) and begin building back up using a regular routine to gradually increase load. 

So I think the main takeaway here is that injury rehab got a LOT more long-winded and complicated - but I think its always good to have information, and by that I mean good quality, evidence based information that can guide you safely through what can be a tricky time. 

For me and my little hamstring pull I think following the entire PEACE and LOVE process might be a bit of overkill. I went on a short, gentle jog/walk this morning and monitored how it felt, didn’t push it, walked the uphills when there was more pressure on my legs, got home and had a little stretch. Suspect I’ll pull through!

But if you’re going through a hefty rehab - maybe a broken bone, perhaps a muscle rupture or post-surgery and don’t know where to start, maybe this understanding can help you out a bit. Or maybe you just want to whack some ice on it and have a rest for a bit, the choice is yours! But like I said, your outcome after injury or surgery is only going to be as good as the effort you choose to put into your rehab. Feel free to get in touch if you’re wanting some advice or help to understand where you might be in your rehab journey - I’ve got lots of contacts too that are super-positive professionals in the industry of helping people get fit and moving again, so can recommend where you might get some Optimistic help from too!

Love, 

Cerys x

[freenewsreport]

Kevin Sinfield: The Inspirational Rugby Star Championing ALS Awareness

https://freenewsreport.co.uk/kevi-sinfields-impact-on-england-rugby

In the world of rugby, few names resonate with as much admiration as Kevin Sinfield. Known for his skill, dedication, and leadership, Kevin Sinfield's journey goes far beyond his athletic prowess. Over the years, Sinfield has become a powerful advocate for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) awareness, raising millions for research and support. His extraordinary commitment and compassion have made him a hero both on and off the field, inspiring millions to join him in the fight against this devastating disease.

Kevin Sinfield: A Rugby Legend with a Bigger Mission

Kevin Sinfield’s name is synonymous with rugby greatness. Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, Sinfield spent most of his professional career with Leeds Rhinos, where he helped the team achieve unprecedented success. During his time with the Rhinos, he led the team to seven Super League championships and two Challenge Cup titles, becoming one of the most respected players in the sport. But it wasn’t just his achievements on the field that made Kevin Sinfield a household name—it was his unwavering dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership.

In recent years, however, Kevin Sinfield has gained recognition for something that transcends rugby: his relentless fight to raise awareness and funds for ALS. This mission was inspired by his close friend and former teammate, Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. Sinfield’s commitment to supporting Burrow and others affected by this disease has captivated the world, turning him into an ambassador for ALS awareness and a symbol of hope for many.

The Deep Bond with Rob Burrow

Sinfield’s journey as an advocate for ALS awareness is deeply personal. His close friendship with Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with ALS just a few years after his retirement, became the catalyst for his fundraising efforts. Burrow, known for his tenacity and resilience on the field despite his small stature, was an inspiration to his teammates, especially to Kevin Sinfield. When Burrow received his diagnosis, Sinfield knew he had to act.

Determined to help his friend and raise awareness about ALS, Sinfield undertook a series of challenging fundraising events, pushing his body to the limits to honor Burrow. Through marathons and other endurance challenges, he’s raised millions, helping to support families affected by ALS and contribute to much-needed research. His efforts have brought international attention to ALS, shining a spotlight on a disease that had often remained in the shadows.

Extraordinary Fundraising Challenges

In 2020, Sinfield embarked on his first major fundraising challenge for ALS: completing seven marathons in seven days. The event was symbolic, with the number seven representing Burrow’s jersey number during his time at Leeds Rhinos. This grueling feat required immense mental and physical strength, but Kevin Sinfield remained undeterred. Each step he took was a testament to his friendship with Burrow and his desire to make a difference.

The challenge received widespread media attention and generated an outpouring of public support, raising over £2 million for ALS charities. Sinfield’s endurance and dedication inspired thousands, many of whom joined him virtually or donated to support his cause. He later went on to complete a 101-mile run in under 24 hours, another monumental achievement aimed at raising both funds and awareness. Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising efforts have become a beacon of hope, bringing a renewed focus to ALS research and support.

Spreading Awareness for ALS

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and, ultimately, the ability to speak, eat, and breathe. Despite its devastating impact, ALS is still widely misunderstood, and there is no known cure. By sharing Burrow’s story and putting himself through these rigorous challenges, Kevin Sinfield has helped educate millions about the disease, making ALS a topic of national and global conversation.

Sinfield’s influence in raising awareness for ALS is invaluable. He has managed to capture the attention of audiences far beyond the rugby world, encouraging people to learn about the disease and support those affected by it. His efforts have also had a significant impact on fundraising for ALS research, a crucial factor in the search for effective treatments and, one day, a cure. Thanks to Kevin Sinfield, ALS awareness has grown, and more people are contributing to this vital cause.

Inspiring the World Beyond Rugby

The impact of Kevin Sinfield’s work for ALS has reached far beyond sports. His resilience and determination have made him an inspirational figure for countless individuals facing their own challenges, showing the power of friendship, compassion, and perseverance. Sinfield’s efforts are a reminder that one person’s commitment can spark a wave of positive change, influencing people across generations and industries.

His challenges have also inspired others to create their own fundraisers for ALS and similar causes, and his work has even drawn attention from prominent figures around the world. Sinfield’s story demonstrates the transformative power of empathy, urging everyone to make a difference, no matter how big or small, in their own communities.

The Ripple Effect: A Legacy of Compassion and Determination

Kevin Sinfield has created a legacy that will last far beyond his years on the rugby field. His work has made a lasting impact on the lives of people affected by ALS, their families, and future generations who may benefit from the research his fundraising has supported. By championing this cause, Sinfield has become a beacon of hope, not only for those directly affected by ALS but for anyone facing adversity.

Sinfield’s commitment has not only raised awareness but also brought an unprecedented level of funding to ALS research, accelerating progress toward potential treatments and, one day, a cure. His legacy is built on the belief that compassion, friendship, and determination can drive real change, and his story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference in the world.

Conclusion: Kevin Sinfield’s Enduring Impact

Through his remarkable dedication to raising awareness for ALS, Kevin Sinfield has proven that true heroes aren’t just made on the sports field—they’re forged through acts of kindness and resilience. His tireless commitment to his friend Rob Burrow and to the broader ALS community has shown the world that one person’s passion can bring about profound change. Kevin Sinfield’s legacy as a rugby star will always be celebrated, but his role as a champion for ALS awareness has secured him a place as a true humanitarian and inspiration.

Kevin Sinfield’s journey exemplifies what it means to be a hero in every sense. By using his platform to support ALS awareness, he’s not only honoring his friend but also giving hope to countless others. His story is a powerful reminder that when people come together in support of a shared cause, they can create a brighter, more compassionate future for everyone.

[100percentsurewins]

Rugby World Cup: From prankster to brave captain, Siya Kolisi Kolisi reaches historic milestone

Siya Kolisi (32) will captain South Africa for the 50th time in the must-see Rugby World Cup Group B clash against Tonga in Marseille on Sunday, something that would have seemed fanciful in its early years when just having food on the table was a daily challenge. The flankman has become an iconic figure of the game after helping his team win the 2019 World Cup title in Japan and is arguably South…