Refreshing Change?

For some reason or other there appears to be an awful lot of people who would like to know who Heineken is.
Why this interest? we wonder. Could it be that we are unreasonable or uncharitable in our views? Are we perhaps ignorant about the game of rugby? Or perhaps there are other reasons that we haven't thought of? However, we feel sure that we will be informed, if that is the case.
Our reason for using an alias is quite simple really. We do not believe that this blog should be about us and should as far as possible, reflect our thoughts on the main theme, which is Swedish Rugby. We will try and promote the game and show a balanced view in our posts. Profiling players and people within the game, so that they are no longer, just a name. Offering constructive criticism when required or praise if merited. It also gives the opportunity for comments to be aired, providing they are not abusive and is a forum for written considerations.
As people who are either heavily involved or are interested in the Swedish game, (even if not all of us reside in Sweden), we felt there was a need for a balanced view. Which is why we chose the name Heineken, because it refreshes the parts that other blogs cannot reach. So there you have it, we have revealed ourselves at last, cheers.

The Sword of Justice.

With the news (as yet unconfirmed) that Guy Dinwoodie has been suspended for 2 years by the Board's Disciplinary Commitee, questions are being asked by some, as to the rationale behind the decision. It is not our place to question the commitee's decision on this, as we are not aware of the facts. However, it does seem to us that if the charge of abusing officials goes unchecked, then we start to fail in our obligations to all concerned within the game. The constant sniping and abuse that is aimed at the Union and members of the board by people within the game, is also unacceptable and if the perpetrators are known, then they should also be brought to book, for bringing the game into disrepute. This is a charge that is quite often used in other sports and can be aimed at an individual, club or both and if found guilty the punishment can be suspensions, bans, fines etc. We are not arguing against free speech, as that is a fundamental right of everybody. However, inappropriate language, personal abuse on those elected or in senior positions within the game, should not be tolerated and if it happens, the culprits should be charged. As noted elswhere, certain people have their own agenda and may still be bitter at their demise, who knows? However part of a comment left on another blog may suggest that others feel as we do, we print it here for your perusal, " Of course the other way of looking at it Guy along with Neil is one of the reasons that Swedish rugby is going backwards. Since their times as National coaches they have done nothing but accuse the Union of ineptitude and slack practice when in fact the Union has been guilty of nothing more than inaction". So, we support the Board in seeking to maintain the good name of rugby and charging those that transgress.

The Selection Question.

As we sit here gazing over the majestic views of our capital city, contemplating the finer things in life and occasionaly being interrupted by the ringing of the telephone, which more often than not we choose to ignore.
We started to discuss the topic of player eligibility and if those English speaking players or ringers as some would call them, should represent Sweden. One thing led to another and the following is a summary of the discussion. Having spoken to some of the management team, (something we do on occasions) they assured us that the rules set out by the IRB are followed to the letter. Most of the players currently living in England, that played against Holland and Malta, were born in Sweden! Some were born in other countries because their parents were working there for the Swedish companies that employed them. The players that are representing Sweden and have earned qualification through completing the residential requirements, have shown a commitment to their adopted country. Not always the case with some of those born of Swedish parents and living in Sweden, who, we understand are not that bothered if they are chosen, or elect to pull out of squads at the last minute.  It might also be pointed out, that by having players who originate from the more established playing nations, a higher standard of rugby is brought to the clubs and should the clubs and coaches choose to do so, can utilise the players knowledge and experience to benefit the home grown players. In all cases, those players that take to the field in the Swedish colours put their bodies on the line and suffer the bruises and injuries that may come their way, they give everything they have for Sweden and whether born in this country or not, Swedish speaking or not, that is what counts. Those who desire to play for Sweden and are good enough to do so, could learn a thing or two from these so called ringers.

Who's Who?

This time we feature one of the form players from season 2009. Tim Johansson had one of his best seasons for Enkoping. He seems to have secured  his place in the Swedish squad and rightly so, with age on his side he could develop even further and become one of the best players in Sweden.

How did you become involved with Rugby?

I would have to say my father. He is the one who brought me to all the games.

When did you first start playing?

I was 9 or 10 years old, so 13-14 years ago.

What positions?

Recently I’ve played first five and fullback but before that scrumhalf.

What Club/s have you played for?

Enköping Rugby Club and Te Puke Sports (NZ).

How many International Caps have you been awarded?

I have six caps for the Sweden 15s this far.

Best playing experience?

Must be the SM-finals, especially the home games has a good atmosphere.

And the games over in New Zealand are something I always will remember.

Worst playing experience?

Got a concussion once, could only remember a few bits afterwards and loosing to Exiles is never fun!

Your ambitions within the game?

I want to improve myself and my game and also I would like to try playing professional rugby one year. But I am taking one year at the time and now I’m in school. Make it to the 7s squad is another goal I have.

What encourages you about the game in Sweden?

Having fun just playing rugby is enough and in Enköping we have really good team feeling, it helps.

How do you see the future?

I see myself in 30 years, looking at the boys playing. Telling them how great everything was “back in the days”, how good we were. Like all the old boys today haha.

No but hopefully I can play rugby as long as I can.

Your profession?

At the moment I’m studying at Uppsala University to be a construction engineer 

Marital status?

Single

Children?

No, too young for that

Our thanks to Tim.

Hindsight

It is the wise person who ignores hindsight, and looks in a forward direction (after all, we can all do better after the event). Many are the comments written by those who feel ,that they know or could do better, when in fact what they are basically attempting to do, is promote themselves. We at Trueswedenrugby, feel that the old adage still rings true,"Self Praise Is No Recommendation". Consequently we follow the practise of remaining anonymous, in order that Swedish Rugby takes centre stage. Whilst constructive criticsm will always be at hand, if deemed appropriate, we will try and keep a fair and balanced view. Of course, should those that wish to place a comment not do so, that is their choice and providing it is not malacious or destructive, we will publish it, if the writer chooses to remain anonymous, so be it. We of course have an agenda and we are proud to print it here, 'We want the best for Swedish Rugby and in our small way, we want to help promote it'. So we will always support the National Squads, the players, coaches, management and will give due credit to those who work unselfishly behind the scenes. From what we have seen during our short life, it is clear that the right people are heading up the squads and despite all the doom and gloom from others, they appear to be moving in the right direction.

Forward Planning

The new Swedish website is a vast improvement on the previous format and the content informative, which is how we are able to bring this piece. It's nice to see that the Men's FK has been working hard behind the scenes and has composed a plan to bring the squad together on a regular basis. Starting in January 2010 there is at least 1 camp every month until May where players will be invited to attend.This includes trips to both Denmark and Spain where competitive matches will be played. Obviously a firm believer in developing younger players, he will be inviting some players from the under 20 age group to the camps. This we understand, is to try and prepare them for the next level. He is also pleased with the commitment of the Swedish players based abroad, who have all indicated that they will attend the camps. We at Trueswedenrugby feel that this is just the right sort of attitude and shows that the squad is starting to forge a strong bond and Mike Tatu is on the right track.

Defeat from the Jaws of Victory.

With the crowd being one of the biggest and probably the nosiest that most,( if not all of the squad), had experienced before creating an electric atmosphere within the ground, the stage was all set for an exciting game. That is exactly what was served up! With players from both sides making basic errors, unfotunately the majority from Sweden, which resulted in a lot of scrambled defence in the first 10 minutes and that was enough to keep the home side from scoring first. That honour fell to the away team courtesy of a penalty which should have settled them,but unfortunately not and it was not long before the home side sent their fans into a a frenzy via a try. One of the main problems for the Swedes, appeared to be a very strong swirling wind, whilst not favouring any side, the Maltese were obviously used to it and used their knowledge to great effect. However more errors aloud for the home side to produce very effective counter attacking and from one of these, they went over the goal line again.
Frustration was showing in the faces of the players, but as in the last game, they refused to buckle and continued to take the game to the opposition and eventually went over themselves to reduce the deficit and give themelves a lift at half time. So they went in 12-8 down, but with heads held high.
It was obvious that the Swedish team were making better decisions in this match and were following their game plan, but, and ultimately this was their undoing, they still made too many basic errors in the second half and with the home side's back enjoying some quick turnover ball, showed just how effective they could be and once again some scrambled defence by the Swedish players saved their line. With their forwards becoming more effective they managed to set up a series of moves which eventually resulted in a try, taking them into the lead for the first time. The Maltese were still playing some organised rugby and they then scored  twice themselves retaking the lead,  making the score 22-15. Again the Swedes came back and were awrded a well deserved penalty, followed shortly by a well taken try give them back the lead 22-23, just 5 minutes before the end of the match. The Maltese players then tried everything they could and applied some dangerous pressure, which was being contained well until with just seconds on the clock, the referee awarded them a penalty on the 15 metre line just inside the 22. Everybody in the ground held their breath and prayed , unfortunately for the Swedes on the pitch and in the ground, the penalty was kicked and the fianl whistle was blown, result 25-23.
With very little preparation time for this match and players making themselves unavailable this was still a game they could have won! But they look as if they are working for each other and appear to be moving forward, this could be a very good squad in the future if they can develop together. We have been informed that the Maltese managed to fly in players from Australia, 4 days prior to the match, makes us wonder about sponsorship?