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Ryan Jones

Watching, waiting....wishing (36)

Swansea - With the of the tournament now just a day away, being sat in Wales writing this blog isn’t exactly what I’d had in mind for this week.

But my best laid plans have once again been rudely disrupted by my body’s refusal to stay in one piece for more than one season and my chance to play at a has, for now, evaded me.

The opportunity for a player to ply his trade on such a stage does not arise very often and obviously I’m hugely disappointed to be missing out.

I remember thinking to myself during 2005, amid the Grand Slam and Lions tour periods, that I had to seize every opening that presented itself to me at that time because I’d never know if or when such moments would come around again.

Unfortunately, that is proving to be the case, but you’ve got to accept that as with anything its swings and roundabouts.

As far as the shoulder is concerned, the healing process goes on, but progress is slow and neither I nor the medics are putting any time frame on a return.

I cannot play until I’m ready. What I can do however, is dispel recent press speculation which said I might be ready for the quarter-finals.

As heart-breaking as it is for me to do, I can categorically state that I will not. There is no chance that I will play any part in France.

The silver-lining of the current cloud is that the free-time will allow me to dig out the matching sheepskin coat and beret (can you get those?) and re-acquaint the people with the ´óÏó´«Ã½â€™s answer to ; Ryan Jones the pundit!

To be honest (and with the greatest of respect, fellas), at present I’m seeing slightly more of Guscott, Davies, Wood and the rest than would be my preference.

I’m starting to feel more like a pundit who plays a bit of rugby rather than the other way round! In all seriousness though, it is great for taking your mind off what you’re missing and all in all, I thoroughly enjoy it.

On the field, as far as are concerned, I hold no fear that we cannot go to this World Cup and make a real impact.

Granted, the warm-up games didn’t go entirely to plan but the boys are well prepared physically and once the creases have been ironed out in hard competition, we can have a go at anyone.

Ryan Jones plays number eight for Wales but misses the World Cup through injury.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 10:46 AM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Doug Slater wrote:

I'm concerned about the number of injuries that players (both rugby and football)are getting from using boots with blades for studs rather than round studs which exert an equal pressure on the foot. My personal opinion is that the boots have a major influence on the number of injuries that players are receiving along with playing on shorter cut harder surfaces. Time to stop being fashion victims and return to common sense. Thoughts?

  • 2.
  • At 11:01 AM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Matt D, Cardiff wrote:

It is a real shame that the RWC 2007 wont see Ryan Jones. He was meant for the big stage and is a huge loss to Wales. We have a quality replacement in Popham, but imagine going to the World Cup with both of them!!! Anyways, all the best with the recovery fella.

  • 3.
  • At 11:11 AM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Michael Lewis wrote:

A direct question, you may not be able to answer.

As an Ospreys and Welsh fan I don't hold out much hope for this RWC.

As a fan we really seemed to progress (if not in results) with Steve Hansen and then Mike Ruddock.

Now, can you blame the fan, for feeling depressed?

Modern coaching seems to have disappeared and we seem to have gone back to the days of amateurs coaching.

Do you think Wales may (please god Nick Mallet if you are reading this say yes) have a new coach post RWC? (

  • 4.
  • At 11:40 AM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • James Padden wrote:

It appears Jon Thomas is in pole position fot 6 jersey but i feel Colin Charvis has been Wales best player since the tour to Australia. He seems fitter, stronger and has a work rate to go with it!

For "le crunch" games do you think he should be starting?

  • 5.
  • At 11:48 AM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • James Padden wrote:

It appears Jon Thomas is in pole position fot 6 jersey but i feel Colin Charvis has been Wales best player since the tour to Australia. He seems fitter, stronger and has a work rate to go with it!

For "le crunch" games do you think he should be starting?

  • 6.
  • At 12:00 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Maka Borchashvili wrote:

Any thoughts on the quiet yet encouraging Georgian Rugby Team, they have a bloody hard group but I think they may suprise a couple in the group stage.

  • 7.
  • At 12:20 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • springbok wrote:

all you arrogant brittish have got a few more years of dreaming to do if you think that this wc trophy is going up north...this one's for one of the southern hemisphere teams... im backing the BOKS and if not...then we all know the all blacks will take it...sorry guys...

  • 8.
  • At 12:50 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Jason Hayden wrote:

ENGLAND TO WIN WORLD CUP............I WISH. NOT THIS YEAR BOYS. IM GOING WITH FRANCE ANYONE WITH ME?

  • 9.
  • At 12:50 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • PaulM wrote:

Springbok, don't you mean "...this wc trophy is STAYING up north"? I hope that's not too arrogant nor pompous of me.

  • 10.
  • At 12:50 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Keegan wrote:

Nick Mallet is definately one of the best coaches around. Wales would certainly excel under his guidance!! Go Nick!!!!!!!!!! Make the springboks proud!!!!!!!!!!

  • 11.
  • At 12:57 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Greg England wrote:

Maka, I loved watching the Georgians in the last world cup. Passionate and tough! They just lacked the technical ability and flare needed when they had the ball. This time round I have no doubt that they will cause some serious problems for the opposition up-front. They certainly won't take a step backwards and on a rainy day you never know??

  • 12.
  • At 01:01 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Mike Lewis wrote:

To the Bokke, re: "all you arrogant ..." , I don't think any of the home countries seriously think they are favourites to take the RWC.

As for arrogance, thats best left to the Bokke - who won their only world cup to date by poisoning the All Blacks.

That said as an Bokke fan you can of course support the AB's as many of your countrymen and fleeing SA for NZ. That said, plenty of them around Wimbledon too, but they just whinge , strangly they don't seem to go back to SA.

  • 13.
  • At 01:15 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • James Padden wrote:

I remember a certain world cup semi-final in Durban, 1995

S.Africa V France

The game should never ever have been played! However as the boks would have been eliminated on disciplinary grounds it went ahead in appalling and dangerous conditions

Wonder why that game went ahead!

The boks are a joke with their attitude and "quota" system.

They are an embarrassment to world rugby at times, however i do feel they are a tremondous team that could be peaking at just the right time.

  • 14.
  • At 01:54 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Shelly Stevenson wrote:

Sorry that you're not going to be at the World Cup Ryan but at least it means we get one decent commentator on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ besides Jiffy!!

I see that even a well respected player's blog has turned into the usual cat fight between the various nations. If you want a decent debate head over to, RR Ryan, you know where we are! (It's in the card!!).

  • 15.
  • At 03:03 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Oliver Morgans wrote:

Ryan, Funny you being replaced by a fellow Bassaleg boy, Popham. A good old school battle for the number 8 jersey next season. Mind you before that all Mark Batten had to be proud of was John Callard and Stuart Barnes for England! You both knock the socks off Newport (Dragons) number 8 Owen. Any chance of coming home to the 'Port soon?

  • 16.
  • At 03:56 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • ChristopherJ wrote:

It's a big loss to the nation that you aren't going to be playing Ryan, we really seem to be lacking in powerful ball carriers who can make ground against the top teams.
I think that all the home nations are deluding themselves about their chances this year, and also France - but how exactly are we as a hemisphere going to ever have a chance of sustained success over the South when the organisational structure is such as farce (a la the Heinekin Cup debacle, the state of Scottish regional rugby, etc.)...

  • 17.
  • At 05:13 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • AK wrote:

Hi,
I need some help
Which TV stations will be covering the rugby , also replays etc for Europe, Israel
Thanks AK

  • 18.
  • At 05:34 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • springbok wrote:

paulm...watch the boks give you a real hidding next week! i'll be thinking of you when i see habana score his hatrick. you cant possibly be serious...c'mon...southern hemisphere teams will murder you guys this time arround...even argentina would beat you guys at the moment so dont get to cocky...

  • 19.
  • At 05:42 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • REDNEK wrote:

US ENGLISH LADS ARENT POMPUS AND ARROGANT DUDE WHICH ONLY LIKE TO DRINK AND FIGHT DURING SOCCER MATCHES

  • 20.
  • At 05:45 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • EGGNOG wrote:

ENGLISH IS GOING 3 LOSE AGAINT SOUTH IN THE OPENING MATCHES MILLION RAND BETTER SOMEONE ?

  • 21.
  • At 05:51 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • springbok wrote:

...habana top try scorer this years WC...wilko....injured and england a total disappiontment...sorry boys...maby in 4 years time...loose the weight and try investing in youth players...you cant win a WC with a bunch of fatties and a injured kicker...

  • 22.
  • At 06:07 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Anon wrote:

Any comments from Boks out there who can a) spell and b) make a relatively calm and un-arrogant point? There must be some, surely...

  • 23.
  • At 07:16 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Gerry O'Connor wrote:

I have been reading this thread with great interest , i am a springbok fan , but still believe this England team pose a threat to everyone they play , i have had the opportunity to see England at home a couple of weeks ago against Wales , they looked awesome , but very dissapointing against France home and away , they are however always good when it counts , i am expecting a very physical battle with them next friday , with my heart telling me we will win by less than 8 points , but you never know , i beg to differ with a view earlier that stated Springbok rugby was an embarresment to world rugby , we have a great history , and take pride in our national rugby team , and we are not all arrogant supporters ,however extremely enthusiastic.

  • 24.
  • At 07:19 PM on 06 Sep 2007,
  • Eli wrote:

Come on PUMAS!!!!!!!!!


  • 25.
  • At 06:35 AM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • Gavin wrote:

Hi Ryan,

Just wanted to say what a shame it is every time quality players miss a big tournament through injury. Throughout the Grandslam and the Lions you were a revelation and our beloved Wales will sorly miss you. I do think its nice to see a sportsman not rushing back from injury to play though. I think its never benificial in the long run for anyone...


I can say though that I have loved your work that you have done alongside the ´óÏó´«Ã½. Keep it up and I hope you return to full fitness swiftly.

Come on Wales. Do us proud!

  • 26.
  • At 09:40 AM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • scotinmunster wrote:

DSF in Germany are showing a lot of the games along with Channel5 in France which i believe you can pick up via satelite. Id imagine there is also an italian channel too.

As a scot i realise a quarterfinal place is as good as we are getting so therefore will be hoping France will win the RWC. Up the Auld Alliance!

  • 27.
  • At 11:51 AM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • Michael Lewis wrote:

What do people think of Peel being made Captain? Odd reward for a poor couple of performances at SH where he's looked off his best by some margin. Another masterstroke by Gyppo ?

  • 28.
  • At 11:51 AM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • Steve Sadler wrote:

Although the All Blacks are clear favorites to win the cup this time around it is clear that one of any four teams, Austrailia, South Africa, NZ and France are well capable in doing it.
France are in tremendous form at the moment and could reach the final.
As for outside bets you would do well to consider Ireland, Argentina and Wales all of which could beat anyone on their day.
England? no chance. !!!

  • 29.
  • At 12:31 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • El Ninjaman wrote:

Surely people have to look at the draw before deciding who's going to get there...and you have to think about the Jocks. No, seriously - they are the only team who can afford to lose against the All Blacks and still make the final. All they have to do is beat the Italians (no mean feat) and then it's sudden-death.

Of course Scotland in the fianl isn't going to happen but then when has the best team been champions?

The best thing about this World Cup is the dethroning of England as champions aka the best team in the world. Pah! What is it - 3 away wins since the drawn match in Sydney in 2003? A decent evening of weather would have seen Les Bleus annihilate them. Instead, the rain meant they could play their 10-man (yawn) rugby and bore the shorts off the rest of the world. Those of us who are British but not English are sick to death of that bloody stupid "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" song. Isn't that a negro spiritual? Very strong links with Twickers, eh?

I don't care who wins - even England (God forbid!) - but let the champions show great attacking flair and let's celebrate one of the greatest games ever created.

  • 30.
  • At 12:36 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • TokyoTaff wrote:

"Funny you being replaced by a fellow Bassaleg boy, Popham. A good old school battle for the number 8 jersey next season. Mind you before that all Mark Batten had to be proud of was John Callard and Stuart Barnes for England! You both knock the socks off Newport (Dragons) number 8 Owen."
I hated walking past the Callard and Barnes pics at school! Really hope to see you back on the field soon Ryan.
As for Wales, think the lowered expectations could work in the favour and think they have a big performance or two from them as in 2003. Here's hoping.

  • 31.
  • At 12:52 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • Huw Phillips wrote:

Hey Ryan! Not sure if you remember me from back in school, but glad to see the rugby turned out better for you than the tennis ;)

Gutted for you that you're not at the WC, you will be missed! However, great that you and Popham are doing Bassaleg proud!

Hope you have a speedy recovery as the Ospreys and Wales need you back ASAP!

  • 32.
  • At 01:44 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • Matt W wrote:

I love post 18 from the springbok, its the most arrogant post here by far, and the purpose of the post is to complain at others being too arrogant.

Priceless.

P.S. Aus at 10-1 are a good bet, and if not I fancy France on home soil. I'm a Welshman, and as much as I'd like it not to be the case, I can't see us getting past the Q/F stage.

  • 33.
  • At 02:25 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • wayne wrote:

I'm a huge springbok fan and would like to say we are not all arrogant,just love the game.I don't believe the boks will win this wc as we are to inconsistant,and i think writing off nh sides IS arrogant.as much as i hate to say it,england on the day can be very dangerous,and never write off ireland.

I'd like to thank you all for taking the time out to respond, and for wishing me a quick recovery.
I am missing out, but these things happen - it's just one of those things.
Look out for more from me on this blog and on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales Scrum V on tv and radio.

  • 35.
  • At 04:25 PM on 07 Sep 2007,
  • R.Evans wrote:

There is only gonna be 1 winner of this world cup and only they can mess it up. The rest will simply have to hope that the team has an off day. The only other 2 teams that are in with a shout are the boks and France. Forget the rest its make the numbers up time. As for the english thinking they seriously have a shout, please your game plan is poor and lacks any creativity and if you come up against the boks or the blacks they will cut you to shreds and France for that matter if they get it right. As much as I am a welshman if Wales get outve the group stages Ill be surprised as we have a couch who doesnt know what his best team is and doesnt realise for us to win matches we have to play to our strengths and not the oppositions weaknesses. This years cup is a one horse race and this horse has turned up in a race car.

Doug Slater, I understand your thoughts here but, but without sounding too much like a salesmen, i just have to disagree.
The science that goes into designing and the manufacturing of these boots is incredible.
I think the increase in injuries is down more to the increased training workload, variety of surfaces and the sheer size of the guys playing the game. Nothing like a good debate hey!

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