Stephen Larkham: A Ruck n Roll Model
September 21st 2007 04:54
Now...Stephen may be a lot of things (Australian Legend, an original, dries my mouth and shakes mah bones kind of guy, etc) but a fashion model he is not.
That's okay...he's not supposed to be.
This is a real ad for real men but... for the love of God and vanity, could the stylist for this shoot have at least, groomed his eyebrows? And unbuttoned a few buttons? Actually done without the shirt altogether?
Not that I'm picky.
There's lots of stuff happening in my code of the world and I haven't been keeping my...Orble-gation.
So, just in case you've been hiding under a rock or...God forbid...not interested, Stephen Larkham was injured the Friday before the Wallabies v Wales test match and had to have surgery to his knee on Sunday 16/09.
According to press reports (because I was unable to get there in time);
Larkham had floating material cleaned out from behind his right kneecap during the arthroscopic surgery in Montpellier and was expected to remain in hospital overnight.
"As Martin Raftery, our doctor, thought, there was a just bit of loose material in there, a bit of muck," said Wallaby coach John Connolly. "They cleaned that out and Stephen will be available for a semifinal and maybe a quarter-final - if we get there."
Raftery watched the surgery and confirmed there was no new damage in knee.
The 102-Test veteran aggravated the knee kicking during practice on Friday and was ruled out of Saturday's World Cup match against Wales only hours before kickoff.
"As Martin Raftery, our doctor, thought, there was a just bit of loose material in there, a bit of muck," said Wallaby coach John Connolly. "They cleaned that out and Stephen will be available for a semifinal and maybe a quarter-final - if we get there."
Raftery watched the surgery and confirmed there was no new damage in knee.
The 102-Test veteran aggravated the knee kicking during practice on Friday and was ruled out of Saturday's World Cup match against Wales only hours before kickoff.
Berrick Barnes replaced Larkham in the starting line-up and supposedly dazzled everyone (barnes-stormed!!) with his prowess. Whatever. Just because he set up the first try, scored a few and then kicked a dropgoal, doesn't prove a thing.
(Will grudgingly admit that the kid isn't bad...and he's an okay Rugby player too. For an insight to his personality -and Rugby personalities in general- read this article)
Barnes will start as flyhalf for this Saturday's match against Fiji and the match after that v Canada. (preview coming up)
Although Larkham was going to be rested for match v Fiji, he had hoped to play at least 20 minutes in next week's match v Canada, but...knee-dless to say, that's out of the question.
Great. We better get to the quarter finals because, otherwise...it's Rugby World f**k up for me.
(Is that rude?)
...BUT what is really leaving me drizabone...is this.
On the basis of ONE debut match performance, Larkham's 102 test match experience and brilliance, which have earned him the right to start every match he is available for... John 'Knuckles' Connolly, Wallabies Coach and He who is girth by obe-sea-ty, has said that Larkham will have to work for his right to start.
Blustering Barnes Knuckles!!!! I am pissed.
from Fox Sports on MSN
Coach John Connolly wants Berrick Barnes to reproduce his form from Australia's World Cup win over Wales and challenge Stephen Larkham for the flyhalf spot....
Larkham had minor surgery....and is targeting a comeback for the Oct. 6 quarterfinals.
But Connolly said if Barnes could maintain his form in Group B matches against Fiji on Sunday and Canada the following weekend, selectors could have a quandary come the knockout stage.
Barnes "has got to back up, there's no doubt, and I think mentally he's the type of young guy that can," Connolly said. "He's trained well and he's got to play well ... and then (the selectors) have an interesting discussion."
Larkham has been irreplaceable for almost a decade in the Wallaby colors and there were serious concerns in Australia about his longterm successor - until 21-year-old Barnes stepped up last weekend.
...Now Connolly is admitting a fit Larkham might not be an automatic selection at No. 10 in his last international tournament.
"It's possible. Anything's possible, yes," Connolly said. "It is one match at a time, but we were very impressed with (Barnes) last week.
"That'll be a decision to be made in two weeks."
Larkham had minor surgery....and is targeting a comeback for the Oct. 6 quarterfinals.
But Connolly said if Barnes could maintain his form in Group B matches against Fiji on Sunday and Canada the following weekend, selectors could have a quandary come the knockout stage.
Barnes "has got to back up, there's no doubt, and I think mentally he's the type of young guy that can," Connolly said. "He's trained well and he's got to play well ... and then (the selectors) have an interesting discussion."
Larkham has been irreplaceable for almost a decade in the Wallaby colors and there were serious concerns in Australia about his longterm successor - until 21-year-old Barnes stepped up last weekend.
...Now Connolly is admitting a fit Larkham might not be an automatic selection at No. 10 in his last international tournament.
"It's possible. Anything's possible, yes," Connolly said. "It is one match at a time, but we were very impressed with (Barnes) last week.
"That'll be a decision to be made in two weeks."
No I know most (sane and logical) people are thinking, well...it seems fair, match fitness wise, big picture wise, etc but I say fair is for maidens and fairy floss.
One match against a side that my neighbour's sewing club could beat*, does not prove.a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g.
Barnes' time will come. Larkham is retiring from World Rugby after RWC...until then...he is the Wallabies Premier Flyhalf and role model.
Like Driza-Bone...always an Australian Legend.
*not really
info excerpts courtesy of Fox Sports
image courtesy of Rugby Heaven
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Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
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randomthoughts
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
And Connolly is obviously a moron. You get to the semi-final and you have a 102 match veteran capable of playing, or a kid who has done pretty well in his first couple matches.......you go the veteran. Every time.
Hope World Cup isn't proving too stressful for you!
Comment by David
There's no doubt about coaches. They come out with some beauties. And such originals:
I've never known a Rugby team to play two or more matches at a time in the World Cup. Very enlightening John. Thanks for clearing that matter up for me.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
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Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
I think he looks AB FAB... actually he is rather attractive now that I can see him in civvies...
Too bad about the match though... it's like anything ... you're only as good as your last, blog, post, reading, article, book, painting, game, whatever ... I always marvel at how irreplaceable we can be one minute, and completely forgotten the next... journalism taught me that much.
I guess we'll be seeing lots of Larkham then, as he begins Backyard Blitz?
Funnily enough, don’t laugh, but unlike others, my 'funny-bone' tells me he'll move into acting, after he retires ... he could certainly convince me he was the Man From Snowy River in that get up ... what d'you think?
As for me... I like 'em a little 'ruffled...' ... not too tame looking.
Lilla ...
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Connolly....just can't fix stupid
Larkham....with or without the shirt or tamed or wild eyebrows..... he is still finger licking good!
Mis
Hope you are having a great week!