Ruck Tales: October 2012

Helsinki’s Myllypuro Urheilupuisto played host to the opening game of the European Nations Cup Division 2D with Finland taking on Luxembourg. Despite the recent heavy rain across Finland in recent weeks, the rugby gods intervened on the day to provide beautiful conditions.

Given that Luxembourg and Finland are the bottom two teams in the IRB world rankings (95^th and 96^th respectively), this was seen as a golden opportunity to get new international season off to a winning start. Unfortunately it was not to be on the day. Despite a heroic second half performance by the home side, Luxembourg hung on to edge a 14-16 victory.

The match can be viewed using this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKRFkWYsjc8

Finland:

1. Juha Rainvuori (Warriors RC)

2. Semu Salmivalli (C) (Eagles RFC)

3. Riku Ryynänen (France)

4. Dawie Van Der Walt (Tampere RC)

5. Fred Harrison (Tampere RC)

6. Ari Tikkanen (Jyväskylä RC)

7. Aaro Katainen (Jyväskylä RC)

8. Mikael Ahola (UK)

9. Mikko Moilanen (Helsinki RC)

10. Mikko Luopio (Tampere RC)

11. Valtteri Valtia (Warriors RC)

12. Antti Lammi (Warriors RC)

13. Thomas Finell (Warriors RC)

14. Lasse Sariola (Warriors RC)

15. Ilkka Tuomaala (Eagles RFC)

16. Janne Heinnänen (Jyväskylä RC)

17. Tatu Rantakokko (Eagles RFC)

18. Andras Devenyi (Helsinki RC)

19. Stephen Whittaker (Helsinki RC)

20. Joakim Grader (Warriors RC)

21. Andrew Myrie (Helsinki RC)

22. Elias Korhonen (Jyväskylä RC)

Scorers:

Finland -

Try: Luopio, Devenyi

Conversion: Luopio, Finell

Luxembourg -

1 try (converted) and 3 penalties.

Finland will fly to Norway for their second ENC game on 20.10.2012.

FINLAND'S LADIES ALSO SUFFER CLOSE DEFEAT

Finland's ladies also played an international friendly game versus Switzerland that day. A hard-fought game resulted in a tight loss for our girls. You can watch the match video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkTo7QtpGkE

You can also see some high quality match photos of the game, courtesy of Rod McCracken, via the following link:
http://riafin.galleria.fi/kuvat/Rugby/Ladies+friendly+Finland+-+Switzerland/

Please remember to credit Rod for his excellent work if you choose to use these photos.

What a season! Firstly we want to extend a massive thank you to all the players, supporters, coaches, match officials and very patient family members for making this a highly enjoyable year of rugby. Rugby in Finland is very much a blossoming community and with all your help we are becoming bigger, better and bolder every year.

We are hoping to produce a report on the Women’s Championship with the help of some women’s players but we realise that many of them are preparing for the unprecedented Moose on the Loose tour to Botswana.
Likewise we hope to produce a separate report for Division 1 and we would like some volunteers to contact us to help with information from the Northern and Eastern divisions, please.

(Photo by Rod McCracken - GAME DAY: bigger crowds and passionate supporters have given games an atmosphere)

In the Men’s Championship, the standard of rugby on show has easily been the highest in domestic competition. Many congratulations to Warriors RC of Helsinki, who have achieved something pretty exceptional in winning the Championship for the 5^th time running. With only one bump in the road on their way to success, they have produced some complete team performances to come out on top again.

Eagles RFC in Turku have managed to smash almost every club record on their 10^th anniversary, including making the semi-final and final for the first time. Despite conceding the biggest defeat of the season, they were the only team to beat Warriors and, like Warriors, they earned an undefeated record at home. Keeping the momentum going over the winter will be crucial to avoid this being a flash in the pan.

Tampere RC have proved that on their day they are capable of devastation on a frightening scale, with a bulldozing home performance over Turku. Yet consistency has been their stumbling point and player absences have hindered what is always a dangerous squad. As individuals, both Mikko Luopio and Petri Virrankoski deserve huge credit for the points they earned their club.

Jyväskylä RC continued their progress and showed signs of developing a back line that could soon rival their enviable pack. With several key players returning from injury in the near future and some impressive new discoveries, next year could be a turning point for them. Still only the one win but not finishing bottom will give them a big boost.

Helsinki RC were a somewhat puzzling case: on paper they have such a strong squad to choose from, but on match day either the players were missing or final-quarter collapses let matches slip away. The men from the Capital will take heart, though, in finding some real gems in terms of new players and with the success of their 2^nd team the future is far from bleak.

(Photo by Rod McCracken - No easy way out: Warriors were pushed all the way but more than earned their title)

The Stats:
(The text format may differ on different screen sizes so apologies if this appears untidy!)

Men’s champions 2012: Warriors RC

Most tries: 8, Petri Virrankoski (Tampere RC) (league phase and final)

Most points: 89, Thomas Finell (Warriors RC) (final)

85, Mikko Luopio (Tampere RC) (league phase)

Golden Boot: 72, Mikko Luopio (Tampere RC) – 21 conversions, 10 penalties

Biggest win/defeat: Tampere RC 66 - 0 Eagles RFC

Tightest game: Tampere RC 33 - 34 Warriors RC

Most tries in a match: 3, Petri Virrankoski (Tampere RC)

Most points in a match: 23 (1T, 3C, 4P), Mikko Luopio (Tampere RC)

You can view the complete points rankings on the page Who Scored The Points?! on the right tab.

Ruck Tales Suomi’s Team of the Season:

This is a team of players that we feel all had fantastic seasons. It is by no means anything official – just our opinions based on match videos, consistency and points rankings.

1. Juha Rainvuori (Warriors)

Warriors' resident tank seems to have benefited from recent American football training, using his

considerable bulk to good effect and seeming to pop up everywhere on the field.

2. Semu Salmivalli (Eagles)

Mr. Reliable. Another solid season from the Eagles hooker has seen better accuracy in line-outs and the scrum has gone from strength to strength. He might lack the open play impact of others but his control at close range make him very valuable.

3. Tatut Rantakokko (Eagles)

Started the season as an unknown quantity after moving to the front row, but has beaten one scrum after another. A combination of technique, raw power and aggression have earned him a National team place.

4. Stuart Reynish (Warriors)

The Warriors veteran has showed no signs of slowing down, bagging 5 tries this season. More importantly, he has put his experience to good use to disrupt and overturn rucks as well as playing his part in line-outs.

5. Fred Harrison (Tampere)

Always a potential game-changer, despite the occasional trouble with cards. He continues to cause headaches with his speed, agility and love of the contact side of things, plus his ease in the line-outs is still yet to be matched here.

6. Ari Tikkanen (Jyväskylä)

A big season from the JRC talisman: charging, tackling and jumping often until body parts ceased to work. 4 well-earned tries and clearly still hungry for more.

7. Sean Shields (Eagles)

A sharp runner who seems to find gaps which aren't there. Added speed to Turku's back row for most of the season but also enjoyed causing havoc in the centres.

8. Petri Virrankoski (Tampere)

The first name on the team sheet. The big man made his presence felt in open play, notching up 8 tries, including the season’s only hattrick. Smart lines of running, crunching tackles and seasoned confidence make him the back row to beat.

9. Jim Wetterström (Warriors)

Although he often filled the 10 jersey, the impact when he played scrum half was evident, providing a reliable pass from the base of ruck and a lot of breakaway speed. One of the key men in the final.

10. Drew Myrie (Helsinki)

One of the few bright lights in a dark season for Helsinki. Able to cover anywhere in the back line, his

elusive running and strong tackling often saved Helsinki's blushes. Poor health dogged his season but we hope he will recover to lead Helsinki back to their potential.

11. Lasse Sariola (Warriors)

Unquestionably still one of the best backs in Finland. His versatility helped Warriors enormously in times of absent players. Confident running, reliable tackling and good vision helped open up defences.

12. Mikko Luopio (Tampere)

Returned to the backs this year to cover the 10 and 12 positions. Plenty of power and good support

play earned him 3 tries as well as taking the Golden Boot. A National call-up is well deserved.

13. Tumppi Finell (Warriors)

After a shaky start, Warriors’ captain went to work and is re-approaching the top form which

dazzled two seasons ago. Improved defence and a determination to make his mark in the centres again have done him credit. Top points scorer after the final.

14. Jim Rhoné (Warriors)

The Warriors speedster is a natural finisher, always seeming to be in the right place to cap off one of their flowing backs moves. Dare we say a touch of je ne sais quoi!

15. James Harrod and Ilkka Tuomaala (both Eagles)

We can't pick them apart! Both men have enjoyed success with Eagles at fullback and both have also covered in the centres. Ilkka's defensive play and tackle-breaking have been crucial, while Jimmy has added the counter-attacking wide game that Eagles have been previously missing.

(Photo by Rod McCracken - Eagles' first time in the Final epitomizes the improvements this year)

Challengers:

Antti Pappila (Warriors)

Lots of very effective work in the tight play and much-improved confidence in the contact areas have earned him 2 tries. With Finland A team scheduled to play Estonia next year, opportunities could come.

OP Tuomaala (Vaasa Wolves / Eagles)

A powerhouse performance for Turku against Jyväskylä showed what the NT regular can do when given a chance in the Championship. His versatility in the front row is also a major asset.

Jussi Tamminen (Eagles)

See below

Jani Lehtinen (Tampere)

Tampere are known for their physicality, so Lehtinen's return from injury fit right in. He showed his raw speed in the 7s and his comfort with big hits all season long.

Jan Airola (Eagles)

Eagles' captain has played a key role in organising play around the park to give his continuity. The consistent passing is a work in progress but no-one has matched his defensive commitment this year.

Antti Lammi (Warriors)

This year allowed him to concentrate on his preferred centre position and he took his chances brilliantly. Only a stellar season from Luopio kept him out of the main team.

Rasmus Kevin (Eagles)

He's got speed to burn, which he showed with a 65m try. Still not a polished player in terms of all the tricks and skills but the raw components are there and he's learning fast.

5 Players to watch out for next season:

Finding new and developing talent is something that all clubs have been working hard on this year and here are 5 who caught our eye this season.

Teemu Elomaa (Jyväskylä RC)

JRC's new fly half hit the ground running, making a big impact as a running 10. 3 tries came from a combination of deceptive speed and strong running. A move to the centres could give JRC the backs game that they are so close to having.

Santeri Hilli (Pori Bombers / Tampere RC)

The U20 fullback/wing impressed both for Pori in Division 1 West and also for Tampere in the Championship, where he ran in 2 tries. Though still green in terms of the technical aspects, he has bags of aggression and when he turns on the afterburners he’s gone.

Kosti Eskola (Warriors RC)

Warriors have a lot of confidence in their utility forward, who appears usually as a lock or back row. After a slow start he has developed to his core skills (notably tackling and impact running) to provide the versatility that WRC thrive on, culminating in a strong showing in the Final.

Jussi Tamminen (Eagles RFC)

The Finland U20 forward has matured somewhat in his second season with the seniors, forming an integral part of a successful scrum while also displaying improved skills in open play. Physical attributes are still a shortcoming and development will be the key to unlocking his potential.

Valtteri Kallio (Tampere RC)

There's serious potential here: an American football convert with speed, power and fitness. Once he learns the ins and outs of the game better he will be a considerable asset in the TRC backline.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Norway 32 - 3 Finland

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Finland squad to play Norway

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Finland v Luxembourg Game Video

Helsinki’s Myllypuro Urheilupuisto played host to the opening game of the European Nations Cup Division 2D with Finland taking on Luxembourg. Despite the recent heavy rain across Finland in recent weeks, the rugby gods intervened on the day to provide beautiful conditions.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Season Review: Men's Championship

Lovell Rugby

CCC

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Norway 32 - 3 Finland

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Finland squad to play Norway

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Finland v Luxembourg Game Video

Helsinki’s Myllypuro Urheilupuisto played host to the opening game of the European Nations Cup Division 2D with Finland taking on Luxembourg. Despite the recent heavy rain across Finland in recent weeks, the rugby gods intervened on the day to provide beautiful conditions.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Season Review: Men's Championship

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