The Cup is Coming Home – and this time it’s staying!
Welcome to The Cup is Coming Home.com – a website all about the great journey towards the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Here we present an alternative look at the world of international rugby as the greatest show on earth begins.
'Lionel Messi wouldn’t make my team if I was Barcelona manager’ – Graham Henry in shock ‘versatility’ claim as Gear goes into reverse
If Graham Henry was manager of European football champions Barcelona, he would not pick ace player and goal scorer Lionel Messi because he’s not versatile enough, The Cup is Coming Home can reveal. The same shortcoming would have seen Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar left out of their respective cricket teams if the All Blacks Manager had his way. So what chance has Hosea Gear got?
Richie McCaw placed on New Zealand endangered species list
Richie McCaw, the world’s greatest rugby player, has been placed on the official endangered species list of his native New Zealand. Read on for full details of how the Department of Conservation plans to ensure the much-loved McCaw will continue to gain the same protection as other vulnerable species such as the Hochstetter's frog and the Shortjawed kokopu.
Referee Wayne Barnes lands lead role in ‘Mr Magoo – the Musical!'
Controversial English rugby referee Wayne Barnes is the shock choice for the lead role in the multi-million dollar production ‘Mr Magoo – the Musical!', which is due to debut on Broadway and London’s West End next year, The Cup is Coming Home can reveal.
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Serious stuff
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Munster article draws Irish admiration - and Kildare contempt
The Cup is Coming Home’s article on the Munster-All Blacks match at Thomond Park in November 2008 generated a phenomenal reaction in Ireland. Almost all of it was favourable. But an anonymous commentator from the Kildare Nationalist instead reached for the sick bucket... -
Munster the ultimate victors after epic sporting showdown
The BBC said Joe Rokocoko’s late, late try “spared the All Blacks’ blushes” against Munster last night. Sorry, no it didn’t. There would have been no blushes in defeat because there would have been no embarrassment in losing to the inspired, electrified, relentless, passionate and ultimately magnificent team of Munster men on this unforgettable autumn night at the legendary Thomond Park.
Not so serious stuff
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North Korea sets chilling example for New Zealand Rugby World Cup failure
New Zealand officials are taking note of the punishment meted out to the North Korean team after its spectacular failure at the last Football World Cup in South Africa. Players were publicly humiliated and the coach sentenced to hard labour on a building site in what should serve as a warning to the All Blacks if they suffer a similar fate at the Rugby World Cup... -
Scott Styris – could he be a World Cup bolter for the All Blacks?
Black Caps cricketing all-rounder Scott Styris could be a shock addition to the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad in 2011, The Cup is Coming Home has learned. The hard-hitting batsman, medium-pack bowler and handy fielder has earned rave raps from All Blacks coach Graham Henry who prides versatility in his players – especially in the backline. Could the man affectionately known as ‘Pigga’ slot in behind Israel Dagg and Cory Jane in a completely out-of-position back three? Read on for details. -
A veiled threat from the new All Blacks of women's rugby?
They may not have the most comfortable rugby gear, but you can’t fault them for originality – the Iranian Women’s rugby squad turned out for a sevens tournament in Italy last year in kit comprising a maghnaeh, a tight-fitting veil, along with full-length red track suits. But the unusual kit didn't stop the team from winning their final game against an Italian side. Noted Captain Zohre Eyni: “What you have to be careful of is losing your tracksuit bottoms in a tackle or scrum.”
