Good for the Game/Bad for the Game

Top 3 good and bad things that have happened recently in rugby.

Good for the Game:

1. All Blacks v USA: Finally a big (if not the biggest) rugby nation will be coming to American soil! Not only will this be a much needed money making opportunity for USA Rugby but it has potential to draw a lot off needed attention to the game here at home. They have selected the right venue (historic Soldier Field) and city (Chicago) for such a match to be hugely successful and I hope everyone will want to be a part of it.

2. Twitter: We've all seen the tweet between Salesi Maafu and Tom Young after their dust up. In a nut shell Young wished Maafu and his Northampton squad luck while joking about a punch he took from the Saints prop. Maafu responded with an apology and that he owed his friend a beer for his actions. While this same act has been repeated since the beginning of the game, between teams and players, never has it been put into the public spotlight where people outside the game could see the culture of the sport.

3. The USA Men's Summer Test: Not long ago we as rugby fans would be hard pressed to see our boys play matches within their home boarders. Even then it was against a fellow minnow or a larger nations 'B' team. But this summer boast three matches against World Cup qualified teams who will be bringing the full arsenal of their rosters. As always, the Houston test against Scotland will be a good time with several rugby events leading up to the match itself. Check the schedule here and get your tickets.

Bad for the Game:

1. Bryan Habana's Theatrical performance during the Heineken Cup Final: Come on Bryan! Referee Alian Rolland was right for telling you it wasn't the time or the place for that soccer nonsense. Clearly the South African wing has spent to much time in France as that can be the only reason to explain his softness and need to be dramatic during Europe's finest rugby match.

2. England's Selection Policy: I get it, I really do, you want to keep your talent at home. I can understand why southern hemisphere teams drop stars for going to the cash flooded northern hemisphere. They are thousand of miles away and aren't playing in the local (better) competition. But, the exclusion of Toulon flanker Steffon Armitage from the England squad is criminal. He plays his rugby in France which can literally be seen from England on a clear day. He also just picked up the award for the top European player this morning yet he is sitting at home for England's summer test series.

3. Jonny Wilkinson Retirement: This is more for sentimental reasons as Wilko is a helluva player that had nothing left to prove. I remember being a freshman in college and watching him hit that drop goal in the final that propelled him into super stardom. But, what impressed me more was the work ethic that went into that kick. A man can be judged by the work he does away from the eyes of the public and Jonny was the standard for that. He will no doubt leave a huge gap in the culture of our great sport.