Quatro azuis no Dubai e em George
O site da FPR divulgou esta tarde a lista de jogadores convocados para as duas primeiras etapas do circuito mundial de Sevens, a disputar no Dubai e em George.
Da lista de convocados fazem parte quatro atletas azuis:
- David Mateus
- João Mirra
- Francisco Moreira
- Duarte Bravo
Completam a lista os seguintes atletas:
- Vasco Uva (Direito)
- Frederico Sousa (Direito)
- Pedro Leal (Direito)
- António Aguilar (Direito)
- Adérito Esteves (Agronomia)
- Gonçalo Foro (CDUL)
- Tiago Girão (CDUL)
- Bernardo D'Eça (Técnico)
A prova do Dubai realizar-se-á entre 1 e 2 de Dezembro, e a etapa sul-africana a 8 e 9 do mesmo mês.
Para já, o calendário de jogos determina que os «Lobos» joguem com as seguintes equipas:
Dubai
Pool A:
- Austrália vs. Portugal
- Fiji vs Portugal
- Quénia vs Portugal
George (África do Sul)
Pool B:
- Argentina vs Portugal
- Inglaterra vs Portugal
- Gales vs Portugal
Destaque para o árbitro português João Mourinha, que estará presente nas duas etapas.
Publicado por Rui Silva @ 21:57
22 comentários
22 Comments:
curioso já ter saído a lista
Mais curioso ainda é saber que os dois jogadores do Cdup pré convocados para os treinos dos sevens ainda não foram chamados a um unico treino
será que só lisboa existe.
lembrem-se que há rugby fora de lisboa.
abraço
Portuense
Olhando para a marcaçao dos jogos para o fim de semana publicada no site da fpr, é com alguma tristeza que vejo que apenas os jogos a marcar pelo Belenenses ainda não se encontram definidos. É que com maior ou menor dificuldade todos os clubes têm, nos ultimos anos conseguido ultrapassar os problemas com os campos e ter uma "casa" que é a sua. Este é o pincipal e eterno problema do rugby do nosso clube! Tanto já foi dito e tanto há para dizer sobre este assunto. Até quando? DH
Ao que sei, o clube anda a trabalhar numa solução para o eterno problema do Rugby e da disponibilidade dos campos. Pode ser que no médio prazo tenhamos novidades agradáveis.
No imediato, temos de nos «desenrascar» com o que há. É que o Complexo do Restelo não estica, é partilhado por 27 ou 28 modalidades. Não há volta a dar-lhe.
Sobre a convocatória dos «Sevens», reconheço que não estou por dentro da situação... Mas creio que depois de serem convocados, os jogadores terão sido informados do programa de treinos de preparação. Se foram ou não já é outra questão!
Se não foram informados do plano de treinos, tem de ser apurar o que correu mal.
Ainda assim chamo a atenção para o facto de vários jogadores convocados inicialmente terem ficado de fora da convocatória efectiva para os torneios! Vários jogadores, de vários clubes. Não foi só do CDUP.
Alguem me pode dizer se a Caixa Geral de Depositos irá ter outra iniciativa como a do jogo contra a Russia??Boas
Os meus parabéns ao jogador Duarte Bravo que, ainda com 19 anos, já faz parte dos convocados da equipe nacional seven!
Abraço Julio Iglésias
O Duarte poderá vir a ter, se conseguir ter juízo, uma bela carreira nos «sevens» e no XV. É um jogador alto q.b. e que com trabalho físico adequado poderá vir a ganhar o corpo necessário para um jogador da linha de 3/4's (centro/ponta).
Também eu lhe endereço os meus parabéns.
Em boa hora o Sérgio o trouxe para o Restelo (creio que assim foi).
Ao que sei, e embora n esteja na lista, Francisco Moreira também foi convocado.
A confirmar, os nossos parabéns!
Afonso, é isso mesmo. Sai o Valter Jorge e entra o Moreira.
Parabéns aos convocados por poderem representar Portugal nesses 2 grandes torneios do circuito mundial IRB.
Muito importante a presença de um arbítro "Tuga"( é a 1ª vez ?), parabéns sr. João Mourinha.
Sabem se os jogos dão na SPORTV?
o ano passado acompanhei o circuito pela sportv, gostei muito!
bjs
Maria João
Diário de Dubai 7's e Durban 7's
É com todo o prazer que anuncio que a partir da próxima terça-feira dia 28 de Novembro (depois de nos apurarmos para o Mundial de 15!!!) vou escrever um diário da Selecção Nacional de 7's em viagem com comentários pessoais, de outros jogadores e staff... esperemos que gostem e assim sigam o dia-a-dia de uma equipa amadora no circuito mundial profissional de 7's!!!!
Sobre o Mourinha, creio que é mesmo a 1ª vez no circuito da IRB de Sevens.
Sobre o diário, acho muito bem! E mete fotos também, dos diversos momentos da preparação da equipa.
Quem é este anónimo que vai acompanhar a Selecção?
só fica uma questão:
e o Pedro Netto n é o treinador de sevens?
Afonso, o Netto não vai acompanhar a equipa de sevens a estas etapas. Ele estará envolvido com a FPR noutros projectos (aliás, já está!) e, penso eu, poderá vir a estar ligado à equipa de sevens que disputará as provas da FIRA-AER.
O circuito da IRB deverá ficar por conta do prof. Tomaz Morais.
Canada announces squad for Dubai and South Africa
The Canada Sevens Team has been selected for the first two tournaments in Dubai and South Africa. A notable selection is eighteen year old University of Victoria student Nathan Hirayama who will earn his first cap in Dubai.
It is exciting news for the first year UVic student but he has impressed the selectors at the trial and clearly stated his claim for a place on this young team.
His father, Gary Hirayama played with Canada’s first ever international sevens team at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1980.
Gary Hirayama and his son, Nathan. Picture courtesy of RugbyCanada.
Other new caps include Neil Meechan, (University of Victoria) and Stuart Ault (Castaway-Wanders).
Returning players include: David Moonlight (30 Caps), Phil MacKenzie (2 Caps), Christopher Strubin (20 Caps), Phil Mack (4 Caps), Kris Witkowski (2 Caps), Robin MacDowell (7 Caps), Kyle Haley (12 Caps), Tony LaCarte (10 Caps) and Rob Turk (2 Caps).
The late withdrawal of Mike Danskin (32 Caps) who was in the original selection is a significant one and leaves the pivot position wide open. Craig Culpan (Meraloma Club) is also a withdrawal from the original selection. Haley and LaCarte have replaced these two players.
On performance from the national trial it is clear that Hirayama, Meechan and Ault each have impressed the selectors. Stuart Ault will have a busy few months ahead of him as he replaces Mike James in the upcoming fifteens tour to Europe, and then heads off to the Emirates following the second test match in Italy on November 25th. Hirayama appears to be one of the most gifted youngsters in sometime to come out of the talent-laden British Columbia high school system.
He is skilful, quick and shows great maturity under pressure. In a country consumed by ice hockey, comparisons are easily made, but it is clear that Hirayama’s star is very bright indeed. Meechan has brought some relief to the coaching staff certainly – he is big, fast and tackles like a young Lawrence Taylor. He is sure to make his presence felt early on in Dubai and there will be those players in Pool C who may wish they had stayed at home!
As well he will complement the hard nosed Christopher Strubin who works so tirelessly at the tackle and breakdown.
Phil MacKenzie, Phil Mack and Rob Turk – while short on iRB Sevens experience, are all gifted individuals and fit the profile of the modern sevens player presently on the circuit. So too is Witkowski, who has made a return to the team after a year absence. He seems to be thriving in his new environment at the University of Victoria and clearly their wide open and expansive running style suits his game and his skills.
Apart from Strubin who resides in North Vancouver – all the players are now located in Victoria and train together several times a week which can only help the preparations going into Dubai.
On the face of it this is a young, inexperienced squad but there is no shortage of talent and each player brings some unique flair to the team. But after last year, with more visits to the Shield Competition and coming home without any tournament points, something had to be done. There are always risks involved when taking away too many new caps, but this is one of the longest trips on the circuit calendar and there will be ample opportunity for some intensive learning for the newcomers.
The Pool C allocation in Dubai will get these new caps straight into the action and speed of the iRB Sevens circuit immediately. Dubai is an electric venue with huge crowds (60,000 last year) and equally intense desert heat.
With a December mean temperature of 26.2 degrees (Celsius) and present daily temperatures in the 35 degree range there is really no place to hide. It is a perfect place to learn, excel and to be successful in pressure-cooker conditions. Indications are that tickets sales have exceeded last year already so Canada can expect the Dubai Exile Ground to provide an outstanding atmosphere.
The omission of veterans Akio Tyler and Mike Langley is unfortunate but these guys are resilient players with plenty of talent - and with a busy season of rugby just beginning they could easily find themselves heading offshore before the circuit ends in June.
Also not selected for this first trip are trial players Gord Sawers from UVic and Matt Weingart from Castaway-Wanders. Sawers has excellent speed and while he is short on experience sense dictates that he is not far away from selection. Weingart may have got caught in a team with too many scrum-halves but the pressure is now squarely on those selected to perform and once again one feels he is not far off from making his sevens debut as he too is a genuine talent that cannot be ignored.
Canada departs for the United Arab Emirates on November 26, 2006.
CANADA SEVENS SQUAD – DUBAI, UAE AND GEORGE, SA
Name, Club
Stuart Ault Castaway-Wanders
Kyle Haley University of Victoria
Nathan Hirayama University of Victoria
Tony LaCarte Castaway-Wanders
Phil Mack James Bay AA
Robin MacDowell University of Victoria
Phil MacKenzie University of Victoria
Neil Meechan University of Victoria
David Moonlight University of Victoria
Christoph Strubin Capilano RFC
Rob Turk University of Victoria
Kris Witkowski University of Victoria
National Coach: Shane Thompson
Technical Director: Doug Tate
Physiotherapist: Bill Treloar
New Faces for New Zealand Sevens
Thursday November 23 2006
Five new faces in Tietjens squad
Five new players have been named in the New Zealand Sevens squad to contest the opening two rounds of the IRB Sevens Series in Dubai and South Africa next month.
The new faces are 23-year-old Taranaki loose forward Jarrad Hoeata, 21-year-old Bay of Plenty loose forward Solomon King, 20-year-old Northland winger Rene Ranger, 22-year-old Southland winger Willie Rickards and 20-year-old Canterbury winger Nick Thomson. They join a group of established Sevens players in the 12-strong squad.
Auckland’s DJ Forbes, who made his New Zealand Sevens debut in Wellington earlier this year, has been appointed captain.
New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens said the inclusion of the newcomers heralded a new chapter in their quest to become international players.
“They all performed exceptionally well in our trial games, which mirrored match situations. They also gained valuable experience during this year’s inaugural Air New Zealand Cup and I am sure that this experience will certainly help them at an international level,” Tietjens said.
In explaining his selections, Tietjens said: “I picked players who have pace, which is so important in the Sevens game. This squad also offers me size which is a bonus too because, in general, a lot of teams now select bigger players to create opportunities and we are blessed with big players who have pace.”
New Zealand has enjoyed success in Dubai before, having won the tournament three times since 2000. In South Africa, New Zealand won in 2000, 2001 and 2004 and lost in the 2002 and 2003 finals.
For the Dubai tournament from 1-2 December, New Zealand is pooled with Samoa, Wales and Arabian Gulf. A week later in South Africa from 8-9 December, New Zealand has been grouped with Australia, Scotland and Tunisia.
New Zealand Sevens squad: Edwin Cocker (Otago), DJ Forbes (Auckland, captain), Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki), Nigel Hunt (Wellington), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (North Harbour), Lachie Munro (Auckland), Alfred Pelenise (Canterbury), Rene Ranger (Northland), Lote Raikabula (Hawke’s Bay), Willie Rickards (Southland), Nick Thomson (Canterbury).
Kenya field five new faces
22 NOVEMBER 2006
Two 19-year olds are among the five new players included in Kenya's team to compete in Dubai and South Africa in the first two events of the IRB Sevens World Series.
Scrum-half Collins Kimani, the younger brother of former Kenya Sevens captain Newton Ong'alo, and Kenya Harlequin winger Leon Adongo are the babies of the new-look team named by national coach Benjamin Ayimba on Monday.
Forwards Arnold Odera, Horace Owiti and exciting scrum-half Daniel Ng'ong'a complete the batch of debutants who will take on Fiji, Australia and Portugal in Dubai.
The rest of the squad comprises true and tested players including assistant coach Felix Ochieng, who first took on Fiji in 1998 at the first Commonwealth Games in Malaysia and has been in a fine form during the recently concluded Nakumatt National Sevens Series for his club Kenya Harlequin.
Two notable absentees are Mwamba fly-half Lavin Asego and Dennis Mwanja but the squad has been training at Brookhouse School and Ayimba is pleased with how things are shaping up.
"It brought out the true character of the players and helped in breaking the ice between the old and new players. This has made it easy for the players to share ideas and adapt to the conditions on tour," he said.
"It is something I have not seen in a long time. The attitude is great and the new players have blended well. The camp has given us a chance to know and interact with the players and build up the team spirit.
"It (Dubai) will be tough and the exciting thing is that I know the players are capable of handling it. They are hungry for a win and a good start and we are targeting eight points for the first two tournaments," he said.
"We have never beaten Fiji but they know what we are capable of. I am confident about Australia because we have beaten them a couple of times. Portugal are the European champions but they blow hot and cold."
The squad
Ferdnand Ngaira (Kenya Harlequin FC), Victor Oduor (Mwamba), Felix Ochieng' (Kenya Harlequin FC), Arnold Odera (Kenya Commercial Bank), Brian Nyikuli (Impala, vice captain), Daniel Ng'ong'a (Kenya Harlequin FC), Collins Kimani (Kenya Commercial Bank), Innocent Simiyu (Kenya Harlequin FC, captain), Leon Adongo (Kenya Harlequin FC), Peter Ocholla, Mitch Ocholla (Impala), Horace Owiti (Mwamba). Officials: Benjamin Ayimba (coach), Alexander Mutai (team manager), George Odhiambo (physiotherapist). Non-traveling reserves: Victor Wachira (Blak Blad), Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank), Naphtaly Bondo (Impala)
Fiji's Sireli Naqelevuki is only available for the first two events of the season
Serevi included in Fiji squad
9 NOVEMBER 2006
Waisale Serevi has been named as a player in Fiji's provisional squad set to begin the defence of their IRB Sevens World Series title in Dubai and George next month, with Mosese Volavola captain of the Digicel Fiji side.
Player/coach Waisale Serevi was adamant that Volavola's experience means he is best suited to the role.
"Mo is a very respected person and also a senior player in the squad. He is a leader by nature and I have all the faith that he will do the job well," Serevi said.
Serevi has put together a strong 15-man squad for Dubai and George and also announced the 20-strong training squad that is fully contracted by the Fiji Rugby Union for the next 12 months.
I feel that this final 15 is the best and we have what it takes to retain the series title. Although we have lost Semisi Naevo and Filimone Bolavucu, we still have capable players who can do the job
Waisale Serevi, Fiji
Making their return are Senirusi Rauqe, who last played in 2001, and Setefano Cakau, who featured at Brisbane and Wellington two years ago. Also named is Stormers wing Sireli Naqelevuki, who is only available for the first leg of the new IRB Sevens World Series.
New to the side are Napolioni Nalaga, Etonia Naba and Aminiasi Nava and Serevi admitted that it was a tough job narrowing down the talent.
"We originally began with 40 players, which we trimmed to 25. Then we had to further cut that down to only 15 so it was quite a difficult task," he said.
"I feel that this final 15 is the best and we have what it takes to retain the series title," he added. "Although we have lost Semisi Naevo and Filimone Bolavucu, we still have capable players who can do the job."
The naming of the 20 contracted players was also announced, the FRU disclosing that $350,000 will be paid to the 20 players over the next 12 months through training allowances, per diem payments and performance bonuses.
The Fiji squad will begin camp on 19 November.
Digicel Fiji 7s Squad to George and Dubai
Mosese Volavola (capt), Aminiasi Nava, Epeli Dranivasa, Etonia Naba, Sireli Naqelevuki, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Napolioni Nalaga, Neumi Nanuku, Senirusi Rauqe, Setefano Cakau, Timoci Volavola, Vima Tuidraki, Waisale Serevi, William Ryder
FRU's 20 contracted players for 2006/07 Series
Alusio Buto, Aminiasi Nava, Asivorosi Tarakinikini, Atonia Naba, Daniele Tabuakuru, David Batiratu, Epeli Dranivasa, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Mosese Volavola, Napolioni Nalaga, Nasoni Roko, Neumi Nanuku, Sakenasa Aca, Setefano Cakau, Raymond Rodan, Timoci Volavola, Tomasi Mawi, Vima Tuidraki, William Ryder
Fiji's Sireli Naqelevuki is only available for the first two events of the season
Serevi included in Fiji squad
9 NOVEMBER 2006
Waisale Serevi has been named as a player in Fiji's provisional squad set to begin the defence of their IRB Sevens World Series title in Dubai and George next month, with Mosese Volavola captain of the Digicel Fiji side.
Player/coach Waisale Serevi was adamant that Volavola's experience means he is best suited to the role.
"Mo is a very respected person and also a senior player in the squad. He is a leader by nature and I have all the faith that he will do the job well," Serevi said.
Serevi has put together a strong 15-man squad for Dubai and George and also announced the 20-strong training squad that is fully contracted by the Fiji Rugby Union for the next 12 months.
I feel that this final 15 is the best and we have what it takes to retain the series title. Although we have lost Semisi Naevo and Filimone Bolavucu, we still have capable players who can do the job
Waisale Serevi, Fiji
Making their return are Senirusi Rauqe, who last played in 2001, and Setefano Cakau, who featured at Brisbane and Wellington two years ago. Also named is Stormers wing Sireli Naqelevuki, who is only available for the first leg of the new IRB Sevens World Series.
New to the side are Napolioni Nalaga, Etonia Naba and Aminiasi Nava and Serevi admitted that it was a tough job narrowing down the talent.
"We originally began with 40 players, which we trimmed to 25. Then we had to further cut that down to only 15 so it was quite a difficult task," he said.
"I feel that this final 15 is the best and we have what it takes to retain the series title," he added. "Although we have lost Semisi Naevo and Filimone Bolavucu, we still have capable players who can do the job."
The naming of the 20 contracted players was also announced, the FRU disclosing that $350,000 will be paid to the 20 players over the next 12 months through training allowances, per diem payments and performance bonuses.
The Fiji squad will begin camp on 19 November.
Digicel Fiji 7s Squad to George and Dubai
Mosese Volavola (capt), Aminiasi Nava, Epeli Dranivasa, Etonia Naba, Sireli Naqelevuki, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Napolioni Nalaga, Neumi Nanuku, Senirusi Rauqe, Setefano Cakau, Timoci Volavola, Vima Tuidraki, Waisale Serevi, William Ryder
FRU's 20 contracted players for 2006/07 Series
Alusio Buto, Aminiasi Nava, Asivorosi Tarakinikini, Atonia Naba, Daniele Tabuakuru, David Batiratu, Epeli Dranivasa, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Mesake Davu, Mosese Volavola, Napolioni Nalaga, Nasoni Roko, Neumi Nanuku, Sakenasa Aca, Setefano Cakau, Raymond Rodan, Timoci Volavola, Tomasi Mawi, Vima Tuidraki, William Ryder
Friday names strong squad
24 NOVEMBER 2005
England Sevens coach Mike Friday has mixed experience with raw speed and ability in his 12-man squad for the opening two legs of the IRB Sevens in Dubai and George.
Simon Amor will once again captain the side, which notably includes Gloucester club team mate Henry Paul, Newcastle wing Mathew Tait and Leicester try-machine Tom Varndell, who is also included in Andy Robinson's 22-man squad to face Samoa.
Varndell's selection particularly excites Friday. "Tom is incredibly quick and is the leading try scorer in the Guinness Premiership," he said. "We call him the racehorse as he is tall, slim and very fast just like Red Rum! His call up to the senior squad is a reflection of the outstanding season he is having and I am looking forward to seeing how he copes with the intensity of international sevens.
"This really is an exciting, raw team for England as we have three uncapped players and four who have only played a handful of tournaments but I am sure they will rise to the challenge."
Tom is incredibly quick and is the leading try scorer in the Guinness Premiership. We call him the racehorse as he is tall, slim and very fast just like Red Rum!
England Sevens coach Mike Friday
Should Varndell make his debut for England against Samoa on Saturday he will become the first player in England Rugby history to make two different England debuts within a week, as he will earn his first Sevens cap on Thursday 1 December.
"This is a transitional period for the England Sevens squad as a number of our experienced players have progressed to the senior England squad, which is great news, but I am pleased that we still have a backbone of experienced players such as Simon Amor, Ben Gollings and Henry Paul.
"Henry is one of the country's best sevens players and I am thrilled that he is back within the squad. I am very grateful to the premiership club directors of rugby for releasing the players and am confident that every single player will benefit from the experience of representing England in the IRB Sevens."
Friday will be also joined on the sidelines at a tournament by Phil Greening, recently appointed as Assistant Coach.
England Sevens Squad for the Emirates Airline Dubai and South Africa Sevens:
Simon Amor (Gloucester) (Capt.)
Ben Foden (Sale Sharks)*
Ben Gollings (Sunnybank)
Jonny Hylton (Worcester Warriors)*
Will Matthews (Gloucester)
Nils Mordt (London Irish)
Luke Narraway (Gloucester)*
Henry Paul (Gloucester)
Ben T Russell (Saracens)
Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons)
Tom Varndell (Leicester Tigers)*
Andy Vilk (Northampton Saints)
Floors to lead Boks in Dubai and George
8 NOVEMBER 2006
The South African Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of dynamic Cheetahs flank Kabamba Floors as Springbok Sevens captain for the first two tournaments on the IRB Sevens World Series.
Floors will lead South Africa in the opening tournament on 1-2 December in Dubai and a week later on home soil in George.
Last week the popular Springbok Sevens veteran scooped two top-prizes at the South African Rugby Player of the Year Awards - the Currie Cup Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year.
While Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu has been trying to negotiate the inclusion of Brent Russell in his squad for the two events, he said he was extremely excited by the appointment of Floors as captain.
"Kabamba is in the form of his life. He always leads by example and is a player that really puts his body on the line for his team. I think he will be a fantastic captain," said Treu.
Treu and the national selectors included three newcomers in the training squad: Jovan Bowels, Howard Noble and Conrad Stoltz.
"The first camp went reasonably well and the aim would now be to record as much game time as possible and to continue with our conditioning programme to ensure we arrive in Dubai in good shape," explained Treu.
* SA Rugby has also confirmed the appointment of Pieter Visser (Golden Lions) as Team Manager for Springbok Sevens.
SA Sevens training squad: Schalk van der Merwe (SA Rugby contracted player), Stefan Basson, Danwel Demas (Blue Bulls), Ryno Benjamin, Renfred Dazel, Frankie Horne (Boland), Jonathan Kruger, Zolani Mofu, Lolo Waka, Vuyo Zangqa (Border Bulldogs), Baldwin McBean (Mighty Elephants), Jovan Bowels, Sarel Pretorius (Falcons), Jeandrè Blom, Heinrich Brussouw, Philip Burger, Kabamba Floors, Jonathan Mokuena, Herman Pretorius (Cheetahs), Thobela Mdaka (Lions), Danie Dames, Thabo Molete (Leopards), Dusty Noble, Howard Noble, Conrad Stoltz, Mzwandile Stick (Sharks), Deon Fourie, Shandré Frolick, Hayden Groepes, Terry Jacobs, Mpho Mbiyozo, Brent Russell (Western Province).
Team management: Pieter Visser (manager), Paul Treu (coach), Matime Diale (physiotherapist), Denzil van Heerden (fitness trainer).
UM GRANDE EXEMPLO PARA OS JOGADORES pORTUGUESES.
Entrenando para Buenos Aires
Sergio Vespe y Tomás Ford tienen algo en común: usan la camiseta del Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires y trabajan fuerte en las instalaciones de Athletia, Ciudad de Entrenamiento para poder cumplir el sueño disputar la temporada 2007 en el Grupo I. Pero además, son dos de los cuatro jugadores (los otros son Fernando Gutiérrez y Luciano Giroti) del equipo de Núñez que forman parte del plantel de Buenos Aires Desarrollo.
“Para mi es un sueño. Este es mi segundo año y se formó un grupo buenísimo. Los entrenadores son realmente respetables. Sentirte mimado en un equipo es algo muy lindo”, cuenta el enorme Tomás respecto de su experiencia en el combinado de la URBA.
Para Sergio, capitán en Muni pero debutante en el seleccionado, “es algo espectacular. Cuando uno empieza a jugar a este deporte proyecta poder llegar a este tipo de equipos. Esta es la primera vez que me toca y es una experiencia increíble por la gente y la calidad del juego”.
Sergio Vespe y Tomás Ford (puntas), acompañados por Fernando Gutiérrez y Luciano Giroti (centro).
¿Qué diferencia encuentran con el rugby de clubes?
TF: Contamos con todos los recursos para trabajar y entrenar. Entonces podes dar el 100%. Eso te lo da la URBA y estaría bárbaro que este en todos lados, pero hay una diferencia de recursos insalvable. Igual creo que de a poco lo vamos a ir teniendo. MUNI está creciendo ya que el ideal es tener un club de Primera.
SV: Acá son todos buenos. Dejás un metro y lo saben aprovechar al máximo. El equipo está junto hace bastante, juega muy concentrado y sabe bien lo que quiere. La idea de la URBA es darle más ritmo partidos y continuidad.
La dinámica de juego es mucho más fluida en la conexión de forwards y backs. Todos reciben la pelota, van para adelante y se define cualquier tipo de formación sin problemas. Están muy bien definidos los roles de cada puesto, eso le da un valor agregado al equipo porque cada uno hace su trabajo.
Pero además de la gran diferencia técnica que existe entre los clubes y el Seleccionado, no hay que olvidar el físico. El régimen de trabajo, la preparación y la importancia de contar con un lugar como Athletia, Ciudad de Entrenamiento, son vitales a la hora de reducir la brecha para ayudar a un equipo que quiere dar el salto al Grupo I.
“Te das cuenta muy rápido cómo son jugadores que por lo menos están en el gimnasio cuatro veces por semana. Por un tema de tiempos –cada uno tiene los propios-, pero en ellos se nota que hay más fierros que en el resto. Es una cuestión necesaria por la seguridad. Jugar contra chicos como Felipe Aranguren o los forwards de Alumni sería muy duro. Si no estás bien preparado te podes lastimar muy fácilmente. Para un forward es todavía más importante”, recalcó Tomás, aún transpirado por el trabajo con las máquinas.
El 2007 tiene que ser el año de Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Así lo planearon los entrenadores y así lo esperan los jugadores. Una parte fundamental de la preparación será la gira a Sudáfrica que realizará el equipo.
“El objetivo es que sea la plataforma para lograr el ascenso. Hace un par de temporadas que nos quedamos afuera por poco. Para eso tenemos que trabajar mucho, entrenar un montón y tener el convencimiento de que el plantel quiere llegar a eso. Es la única manera de lograrlo. Hay que dedicarle mucho tiempo”, cuenta el capitán Sergio Vespe.
Para Tomás Ford, lograr el paso al rugby de grande de la URBA sería el paso lógico que tienen que dar: “Es un plan ideado desde hace mucho por los entrenadores. Hasta ahora venimos cumpliendo todas las etapas bien. Los últimos dos años estuvimos muy cerca, así que imagino que el que viene tendremos que cumplirlo”.
Pero para dar el salto de calidad y no hacer agua en la Reubicación del Grupo I, Muni tendrá que prepararse muy bien. Tener a disposición las excelentes instalaciones de Athletia, Ciudad de Entrenamiento es una ayuda importante. Pero además, el equipo de Núñez deberá resolver un tema importante: la falta de una primera línea consistente.
TF: Hay que formar pilares natos. Tuvimos varias bajas en esa posición y nos quedamos sin jugadores. Ahora los entrenadores están incentivando a los chicos para darles las herramientas necesarias. No es uno de los puestos que más se luce, así que hay que venderlo un poco más que el resto.
SV: Esa falta se paga muy caro porque no tenemos obtención clara. Nosotros necesitamos pelotas de calidad para darle juego a los ¾. Sin eso, no podemos armar nuestro ataque.
La idea es desarrollar especialmente pilares y algunos otros puestos en los que necesitamos mejorar. Si no tenemos un buen pack, no podemos ascender. Es la clave en nuestra categoría
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