FrenchCheese

Because he was drunk. Since when people actions are making sense when they are drunk? And if they got into troubles with the owner and pay for the damages, I can now understand the stupid robbery story they are telling. It is the french rugby player story all over again. Drunk guy makes a mistake, drunk guy need to explain it to a staff member (or his family) and come up with a lie. Staff member believe him (because why would he lie?) and talk to the media. It gets attention and not drunk anymore guy can not backtrack.

I don't know if Lochte is lying or if Brazilian authorities are trying to cover Rio reputation. But for those asking why would the athletes lie? They went out and were late to the Village and were afraid of being in troubles, it seems good enough for me. They were drunk and in potential trouble so that it doesn't seem too far fetched that they come up with a stupid lie. In France we have a story like that. A rugby player got injured (black eye and broken nose I think) during the night after an international game (that is called third half in rugby and it is a small party with the players from both teams). With those injuries he was not able to play the next international game. Afraid to get in trouble with the coaches he starts saying to everyone that he got attacked by locals supporters (New Zealand) when coming back to the hotel at midnight. Of course, it was followed by outrage in France, and New Zealand police got involved. And it appears that the guy was lying through his teeth since police found pretty easily that he was fine coming back in the hotel at a much more later hour than the official midnight and looking very drunk. He end up telling another story about being drunk and falling on his bedside table. After the injury he called the team doctor to be checked. And that is when he decided to lie because he was too afraid too admit that he got drunk and injured. But he said at that time he did not expect to be taken that seriously (drunk rugby player at third half is a known story) and thus he didn't think it was a bad idea. And once the lie was made official it was difficult for him to backtrack. For the passport holding it is a very very common thing to do with tourists involved in police matter in the whole world (even France or USA). Brazil is not worse than any other country on that. If the passport holding last more than 1 week I will change my stance as it is only a small robbery we are talking about (or a false police report). But for the moment, making sure that people involved stay in the country is not (unfortunately for the 3 non Lochte) uncommon.

What a final game from Fiji. The first half was incredible. They don't play the same sport as anybody else in the world. I think the whole world is pretending it is a sport while Fijians are making a game out of it. Incredible to watch. It looks so easy (you could ask yourself why are the only ones to play like that) while it is very very difficult and risky. I am very happy they got their first ever gold medal. Since it was announced that 7s rugby was Olympics I was afraid all countries will start to jump on the opportunity and put money into it to grab the best athletes and preparation and all that shit. And one country will end up winning the gold instead of Fiji. Fiji is a country from Commonwealth so the Queen of England is their Queen too. And Princess Anne is thus a royalty to them. I think it is how they salute royalty in Fiji (but I am not sure) because it seems that even Princess Anne was aware of it as she did not try to shake their hands. @Katisha, it was shown on french TV and I agree everybody should watch it. Chills! @ElDosEquis: It's been 10 years of rugby for me and my worst injury is a black eye (several, bruises everywhere that can be hard to explain on a woman). You learn how to play safely, you learn how to tackle and get tackled. Pad and helmet is the best way to not learn that and get injured. And you don't start with contact rugby as a 5 years old. You play touch or tag rugby.

Geez, France why do you keep doing that to me ? Well played from Japan who was the better team during the whole second half. For the other quarters: Fiji won against a very weak New Zealand team (I guess those All blacks are not allowed to go back to new zealand anytime soon). And will be favorite avgainst Japan. Great Britain barely won against Argentina (that miss drop kick at the end of full time!) with a try in the extra-time (the rule is the game stopped when one team scores something in extra time). And South Africa totally dominated Australia. Expected finale: Fiji vs South Africa (so the 2 best teams in the world this year). Come on FIJI! @TobinAlbers There is a serie of tournaments with the best 16 world team all around the world. It is called World Series, there are 10 stages with one in Las Vegas. You can have all infos here: World Series website. I know they stream all tournaments if it is not broadcast in your country. There is the same for women but only 12 countries and less stages. For the 15s version there is a PRO Rugby division in the US with a regular season but I don't know more about it. And after you can still follow the Super Rugby that is the rugby 15s championship for the best teams of South Afrika, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

I was talking as a player who have been sent to the sin bin. You are high up on adrenaline. You don't think straight. And those chairs are uncomfortable on purpose. And last punishment you get to see the team you let down struggle without you. But I did deserve to get sent there. I do not consider the USA reigning champion because we are talking about 15s instead of 7s. It is like saying you are softball champion instead of baseball. Close games but not really the same.

I left Norway when the women did not get a medal at a World Cup. I think Brazil was champion that year (2013 ?). But glad to hear they are back on top. Now if they could stop beating France every time I would support them more. By the way I love Norway, beautiful country, beautiful people. Even if it rains too much in Bergen.

Hey Handball is a serious sport that exists all the time. Men french team has been dominating that sport like crazy since Pekin 2008. Since Pekin, they are 2 times Olympic champions, 3 times World Champions and 2 times European Champ too. And they are here for the gold again. For the woman I know Norway was dominating too but I think they had some trouble the last couple of years for staying on top. And the scandal of this sport is that Qatar host a World Cup and in order to have a chance to get the medal at home they simply bought some players from other countries (french, egyptian, spanish, serbian etc...). They managed to reach the silver (lost to France) in Qatar and are in Rio for a medal.

YEAh France, now I want a medal. USA-Argentina, some weird calls from the ref (both the trys and the third yellow card for Argentina) but that is not the reason for USA lost. They did not manage to score a try for the first 2 minutes at 7vs6 and the last kick-off offered Argentina a try. For information, a kick off is valid if it is at least 10m long and stay inside the pitch. Sin bin is an horrible place to be send. It's like a kid being punish at school. You have to sit on those folding chairs and you have to wait for the referee to let you back in. What happened to you New Zealand ? You were so good last year? Japan did it again then after last year 15s World Cup. Let's see if they can hold the rythme for 3 days.

Congrats Australia who was the best team. I am very sad for Porti Powerhouse Woodman who is a very good rugby player for New Zealand. She did a big mistake and get a deserved yellow card. Great player makes dumb mistake sometimes too. I will think about that for my next mistake this week-end. For the men competition For info the World Series are a series of 10 rugby 7s tournament all around the world. 12 teams are qualified: Fiji (current winner of the World Series), South Africa, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Kenya, USA, France, Argentina, Japan, Spain and Brazil. Potential gold winner: Fiji, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and maybe Great Britain Can pull a surprise win or a medal: USA, Kenya and maybe France, Argentina. Will try to reach the quarter finals: Japan, Spain and Brazil There are 3 pools of 4. That means all firsts and seconds of pools are qualified and the 2 best 3rd are going through the quarter finals. Pool A: Argentina (5th in the World Series): Good solid team with regular results but still no win in a World Series tournament (2nd place at best this year). They can make a medal but they are not the front runner. Player to watch: Juan Imhoff is one of the best 15s players in the world and has been selected especially for the olympics. Brazil (not part of the World Series): They are here because they are hosting. I don’t know more about them. Fiji (1st in the World Series): Magicians of this game and big favorite. They won the last 2 World Series and they have incredible skills. I hope they are in a good day as I am supporting them after France. Players to watch: All of them especially Osea Kolinisau who was the flag bearer for Fiji. He has been elected best player in the world of the 2014-2015 season. United States (6th in the World Series): One win in the series in 2015 in London. It is a mixed team between experienced rugby players and very athletics ones. If they manage to get the hold on the ball they will be dangerous. Players to watch: Perry Baker and Carlin Isles are the fastest runners in the world but sometimes they miss their tackles. Zack Test is in my opinion the best player in that team. Pool B: Australia (4th in the World Series): Surprisingly they did not win one tournament this year but they are still a very dangerous team. Player to Watch: Ed Jenkins is the Captain and one of the top try scorers in the world too. France (11th in the World Series): As for all sports France is highly unpredictable. They can win or lose to everyone. That stresses a supporter like me. I hold hope for the medal but not too much. Player to watch: Virimi Vakatawa is the x factor on that team. He has this “je ne sais quoi” that makes him great to watch. Everything looks easy with him. South Africa (2nd in the World Series): One of the quickest team in the world with some incredible foot works to fool the defenses. They will play for the gold for sure. Players to watch: Cecil Afrika and Seabelo Senatla have the quickest feet. You think they are gonna run zig and they go zag and you did not see anything. Slowmotion has been inviented for them. Spain (not in the World Series): They pulled a big upset by managing to get the last ticket to the Olympics. I do not know their level but they managed to beat Samoa for that ticket. I guess we will see their level soon. Pool C: Great Britain (England 8th in the World Series): It is mixed team between Wales, Scotland and England but mainly England. It is always a very solid team that makes few mistakes. I am just curious about the mix of players of different teams. Players to watch: Tom Mitchell is the captain and a typical English player. Dan Norton may be their X-factor. Japan (not part of the World Series): Last year in 15 they surprised everyone by winning against South Africa. Can the 7s team do the same? I do not know the players enough to have a player to watch. But fun fact the player Lote Tuqiri shares the name of a famous Australian 15s player (they are cousins). Kenya (7th in the World Series): they won for the first time a World Series tournament this year and there are in constant progress. It is a very physical team with a lot of power player. But they almost lost the qualifying African tournament. Maybe the pressure of the Olympics will get to them. Player to watch: Collins Injera best try scorer in the World Series history. That’s it. Cool fact to tell to your friend who is watching with you. New Zealand (only 3rd in the World Series): They did not create that sport but they are the closest to perfection. At one point they hold all the world titles for both women and men in 15s and 7s. They have a difficult year but they are still very dangerous. Players to watch: Sony Bill Williams is simply a 2 times world champions in 15s and was also elected best rugby league (13s with slightly different rules) player. Well known for is offloads. He is here to make the difference and bring the gold medal home. Tim Mikkelson and DJ Forbes are also some more installed 7s players that can make the difference. I will obviously cheer for France but Fiji is a close second.

But it is an unfair logic to apply to 7s rugby. If it was 15s we were watching I will understand your remark but we are talking about 7s. They are very rarelly close game as it fast paced. The dominating team is usually scoring tries at the end but that does not mean the game was not close. Like USA did with France for the 5th place. Or Canada did also against France in the quarter final. Well deserved from Canada. They lost in the pool against Great Britain but they were clearly the best team today. The second yellow card was well deserved. Tackling somenone who is still in the air is very dangerous. But we see the referee call as harsh because they already had a yellow card. And the english player was lucky that the new zealand did not fell on her head or it will be a red card.

A hooker hooks the ball in scrum. It's the ones in the middle of the row of 3. It is also either lifting during lineout or throwing the ball in. It is one of the dumbest position on the pitch but you need a smart player to play it. It happens to be my position and I am proud of it. Rugby is plenty homoerotic and you did not see training exercises. They are worse. Sportsmanship is a big part of rugby. You always show respect to the other team and the referee. And at the end of tournament you all share a beer all together. A very Olympic game indeed.

In fact it is called a lift. We have a name for everything. I have been both the lifter and the one lifted. I tell you it's much better to lift someone than to be lifted. Don't get me started on the names of the position of the player on the field but I can ;-)

No problem, rugby is one of my passion and I like to help people understand it. Especially if you only know rugby from that Friends episode (as much as I like the serie, the rugby episode is garbage on the rugby part). I could talk for hours about it if you need more info I can send you private message. Those big pileups are called rucks and they are in fact a big part of rugby strategy. In 7s when you attack you want to avoid them but sometimes they are a necessary evil. And when played smartly they can lead to tries. And there is a lot of individual skills to learn to master the ruck art. If you are the tackle ones, you need to release the ball to your side quickly but you also need to wait for the support of your team (not releasing the ball while on the ground is a foul). If you are the tacklers you want to either get back on your feet as fast as possible or try to smartly disturb the release of the balls to let some of your teammate try to steal the ball (again it is also a foul to block the release of the ball). And if you are not involved with the ruck you want to reset your position to be able to either attack or defense once the ball is released. Canada won against France yesterday because they were better in that area of the game. One more tips: once you score a try you can try a transformation for 2 extra points ( it can make a big difference in some close games). In 7s the transformation is extra hard as you have to do a drop goal. That means you have to make the ball bounce to the ground before kicking it.

All sports do that it is a way to limited the total number of athletes in the Olympics. It is more obvious with the team sports as only 12 teams are qualified. South Africa Olympics committee said they did not have enough money to take all the athletes that made the cut. Their explanations was that as a lot of their teams are selected thanks to the Africa quotta it does not mean they have a shot at the medal. So to selected in a team sports for the Olympics in South Africa you had to qualified through the world competition and thus be a good chance of medal. The men team did finish in the top four of the world series and are then a good chance of medal. The women team did not finish in the top four of their world series and thus had to qualified by winning a tournament for african team only. The won that tournament easily but still the committee said no. So the quotta went to the second best team: Kenya. It is a shame for the South African girls who don't have a quarter of the money the guys get and did their best to qualified. For the end women tournament, you can look forward for all the semi-finals as it is the 4 best team in the world. Australia has the speed, New Zealand has the game, Great Britain and Canada have the strength. 3 different types of game but all very interesting to watch. Australia is still my favories but it is gonna be very close. USA will battle for the 5th place against France normally but I doubt it will be shown on television. USA and France have the same profiles. They are not too far from the top teams but they always end up losing. Maybe they are missing some key players. For the rugby part: To be simple in the rules: You pass the ball backward with your hands (you can only go forward by kicking the ball), you can only tackle the player with the ball (and it has to be bellow the shoulders) and once you are lying on the ground you can not play the ball anymore. After a forward you restart the game with a scrum (7s is mainly a restart, in 15s it is a rough battle of 8 vs 8), and more important fault you get a penalty. The defense has then to go back 10 meters from the penalty before being able to defend again. Main difference between 15s and 7s is that 15s is a game of territory (you want to be in the adverse part ofthe field), 7s is a game of possession (you want to have the ball all the time). That explains some of the tactical differences. But in the end if you want to score a try you want to create a situation where the attack side has a number superiority to the defense side (or play a 2 against 1). But as a 7s spectator you want to look for the tackles (the one were the tackler keep moving forward after the hit) I have seen some great ones already (by Fiji, USA and France). It is funny because on TV it seems like hurting as hell but when you play you barely noticed them. You can also look for the offload, it means passing the ball while you are being tackle and before hitting the ground (Great Britain did some great offloads against Canada). Offloads are very hard to master (Fijian men are the best) and they are the main differences between a good team and a great team. After you can also look for the loop and swith combinaison that you mainly see after a penalty. It is a way to create a number superiority on one side of the pitch. With a loop you follow the sense of travel of the ball, and with a switch you go back from it (I am not sure it make sense for a non-player). Those 2 tactics are always the ones used even as bait. The player with the ball in hand has to adapt to the defense which can either take the bait or not. And all the attack players need to have convincing run to trick the defense. New Zealand is the best at it (men and women) as they played and watch rugby before they can walk. And as a player that is always what I am the most proud of when we managed it (that means not so often at my level). I will do another post (if there is an interest) to present the men competition that is starting on Tuesday.

While it is true for the 15 rugby it is not that true for the men 7 version. For the women 7 it is partially true but it is due to the Olympics qualifications system. Only 12 teams are qualified (including the hosting team) with some teams from all continents. Columbia is for example the qualified team from south America but they are way better team in Europe or Oceania. For Africa, the qualified team was South Africa (far better team than Kenya) but the South African Olympic committee did not allow the team to go to Rio. The competition should be closer wit the elimination rounds as those teams will be eliminated.

So happy rugby is Olympics again especially the 7 version of that sport. Fun to watch, easier to understand than 15, and I think it's gonna fit well in the Olympics. For people who don't understand the rules, it is not that complicated. Trust me I am a rugby player. Great showing from the women today. Good individuals technical skills, good tackles (especially from Fiji), good run and sportsmanship. Australia should take the gold home but New Zealand or Canada (and maybe Great Britain) can still surprise them. I hope France will get a medal but it's gonna be hard. For the men I will advise to watch a game with Fiji they are the magicians of that game and I am always amazed by their skills. I hope they get the gold medal.