Through European nights and days of horror, Dalglish dazzled

Kenny Dalglish possessed more talent and dedication than any other British footballer of the last 50 years, argues Kevin McCarra

The Guardian book of football - July 31, 2008 12:01 AM

To celebrate the launch of The Guardian book of football, a collection of the best football writing in this paper from the last 50 years, we have asked five great names from the world of football and football journalism to nominate the best player from the UK in that time. Every day this week one of them will explain their choice, today Kevin McCarra sings Kenny Dalglish's praises. You can now vote for your favourite UK footballer of the last 50 years

No other player in modern British football history has had the combination of talent, dedication, durability and football intelligence possessed by Kenny Dalglish. Sometimes I wonder if this marvellous performer can actually have been Scottish at all, so unrelated was he to the hell-raising, self-destructive virtuosos that were once a speciality north of the border.

Dalglish was never at risk of burn-out. The fire indeed was so hard to extinguish that he was 39 when, in 1990, he made his last appearance for Liverpool. Because of a dry manner, with its sardonic humour, his sheer passion for the game gets overlooked. That joy was unmistakable on the field, particularly after a left-footed curler clinched a 3-1 win for Scotland over Spain in 1984. An explosion of delight vaporised every line on his 33-year-old face and it was a schoolboy's features that filled the camera lenses.

When the need was great, Dalglish could be the individualist who came to the team's rescue. As someone who watched many of his games in the mid-1970s, it is my feeling that there were more examples of spectacular virtuosity from him in those days. He was probably reacting to the needs of the side because Celtic had by then slipped back a little from their European Cup-winning peak.

Dalglish knew what was required by each of his teams and tailored his style accordingly. In retrospect it seems silly that anyone wondered if he could adapt when he moved to Liverpool as Kevin Keegan's replacement in the summer of 1977. At the close of the ensuing campaign, he composed himself to gather a Graeme Souness pass at Wembley and dink the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper as his new club beat Bruges 1-0 to retain the European Cup.

He had the sort of career that bludgeons sceptics with a statistical barrage. There were a total of 336 goals for Celtic and Liverpool, with another 30 from 102 caps placing him alongside Denis Law as Scotland's highest-ever scorer. The most impressive aspect, though, is that despite such figures he was not a pure predator. Dalglish, instead, was really a deep-lying striker.

Lacking raw speed, his approach was founded on technique, imagination and the sturdiness to hold off defenders. He was complemented exquisitely by Ian Rush, the striker he released for so many Liverpool goals. The lasting value of Dalglish is quantified in the honours he accumulated. For reasons of space, it might be as well to confine ourselves to mentioning the six League titles and three European Cups at Anfield alone.

Familiar though defenders were with an opponent who was around for so long, few could stop the adroit Dalglish from exploiting their weaknesses. Nowadays people seem to have forgotten that the astuteness carried over into a managerial record that was formidable at both Anfield and Ewood Park. There were sneers that he had bought Blackburn the 1995 title with Jack Walker's money, but many clubs have spent heavily and failed since then. In addition, it should be recalled that Blackburn made a total profit of over £16m on the eventual sales of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton alone.

Over a wonderful career on the field and some fruitful years in charge of teams, Dalglish showed strength of character. He not only succeeded Joe Fagan after the Heysel Stadium disaster but did so as player-manager of Liverpool, a dual role that now looks inconceivable. Dalglish remained in charge, too, during the harrowing times after the carnage at Hillsborough in 1989.

In all circumstances of sport, from the euphoric to the tragic, he was exceptional.

McCaw back as ABs make major changes

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE & MARC HINTON - RugbyHeaven | Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Richie McCaw has been named to start the second Bledisloe Cup test in a major boost for the All Blacks who will welcome the return of his leadership to a radically altered team and his outstanding loose forward skills to an area where the Wallabies dominated the opening encounter.

The selectors have reacted strongly to the disappointing 19-34 defeat in Sydney by making some major changes for the rematch in Auckland.

They have have boosted their experience levels – not to mention kick-return ability – by returning Leon MacDonald to fullback and moving the versatile Mils Muliaina to the right wing, dropping Anthony Tuitavake.

Conrad Smith comes in at centre for rookie Richard Kahui in an adjusted midfield. Said backs coach Wayne Smith: "Conrad brings an element of having been there, done it under pressure." Clearly it's a time for cool heads in the All Black backline.

The three halfbacks, including the recalled Piri Weepu, are all bracketed as injuries to Andy Ellis (ribs) and Jimmy Cowan (knee) are assessed. Weepu is certain to play, with coach Graham Henry confirming that Cowan was the more likely of the two crocked No 9s to make the start-line, but that "both of them won't be there".

McCaw's return, six weeks since he injured the ankle against England, boosts a revamped back row with Sione Lauaki axed after his Sydney nightmare.

McCaw was sorely missed last Saturday where Wallabies skipper George Smith reigned supreme at the breakdowns and was ably backed by the power of Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Paul.

Elsom will miss the Eden Park encounter with injury so New Zealand may be able to reclaim the advantage in this crucial area if McCaw is able to pick up where he left off in the Iveco Series six weeks ago.

He was in rampant form against Ireland and England before being forced off against the English with a an ankle injury.

He had hoped to return last week but after being bracketed with Daniel Braid he was withdrawn on the Wednesday. It was a blow from which the All Blacks never recovered as their back row failed to deliver.

Henry said he was confident that there would be no such false-start from his skipper this week.

"We think he will be [all right] by Saturday," said Henry, confirming that McCaw completed part of Tuesday's training before being strategically rested. "We're just being cautious because last week he was in good shape coming into the camp and then aggravated the ankle at a drills session.

"That put him back a week, so we're just trying to make sure we don't go through the same process."

Henry admitted that McCaw's presence on Saturday night would have a major spinoff for the under-pressure All Blacks who are desperate to halt a two-match losing skid.

"It means a tremendous amount," said Henry. "He's a class act, he leads from the front, he's demanding of others, he gives a wee bit more direction. He will bring the best out of other guys on the field."

Rodney So'oialo was tireless, Braid apparently became so tired he had to be subbed off after 45 minutes, Jerome Kaino was quiet and Lauaki was simply awful. Combined with an abnormally high error-rate it all added up to a disaster.

Lauaki has paid the price by being dropped altogether with Braid and Adam Thomson bracketed on the bench as loose forward cover. Braid is only there in case McCaw has any late slipups, with Thomson likely to fill the bench role.

So'oialo returns to No 8 and Kaino shifts to blindside, reflecting their usual provincial and/or Super 14 roles. Forwards coach Steve Hansen admitted it was recognition that the All Blacks had to make some adjustments in the loose trio best positions.

"For this test match, yes it is. We've always said at some stage Rodney would go back to 8, and the whole season is not aboout playing left and right [flankers]. Right from day one when we started left and right the whole purpose was to allow us to play two fetchers and a bigger guy at 8, and against some sides you can do that. Against this team we don't think you can do that, and that probably got confirmed again last week."

Andrew Hore's hip injury sees him bracketed with Keven Mealamu as the All Blacks take a cautious approach. But Henry is confident his first-choice hooker will be all right to take his place.

"He's looking pretty good. We just don't know how long he'll be able to play for. We hope to get a better indication of that on Thursday. It looks like the two hookers will be available after today's training."

The All Blacks know they have to get their act together at the breakdowns and with their general accuracy if they are to rebound in a test that has assumed massive proportions now.

They are defending a 19-match unbeaten stretch at Eden Park but face an increasingly confident Wallabies side, buoyed by the calming influence of coach Robbie Deans who has brought patience and composure while bolstering their defensive systems and allowing a license to attack.

Some of the changes smack of desperation – the Muliaina shift after he was a potent performer in Sydney – and others are a clear backtrack on what they have tried to do this year, like their experiements with So'oialo and Kaino.

Final decisions at hooker and halfback are expected to be made on Thursday.

"We've made some tactical changes in our selections," added Henry. "But we also need to change how we play. Clearly there are areas we need to improve on from Sydney.  We have to have the right game plan and execution."

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Mils Muliana, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan/Andy Ellis/Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino (c), 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore/ Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Hore/Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson/Daniel Braid, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Richard Kahui.

 What do you think of this team? Is it good enough to square the ledger? Have your say below.

Wallabies name Waugh to gang up on Richie

Tuesday, 29 July 2008 - NZPA

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans trumped the return of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw with his own dynamic loose forward duo as a brutal battle for possession looms the Bledisloe Cup rematch in Auckland on Saturday.

Deans confirmed Phil Waugh to replace injured flanker Rocky Elsom (foot) for the second Bledisloe Cup test, thereby reviving former coach John Connolly's ploy of partnering Waugh with fellow specialist openside George Smith.

There were just two changes to the starting 15 who beat the All Blacks 34-19 in Sydney, with captain and centre Stirling Mortlock returning from concussion and Ryan Cross shifting to the bench.

Hugh McMeniman, who was seen as a frontrunner to replace Elsom, takes Waugh's spot on the bench.

Deans said McCaw's return would clearly impact on their preparations.

"Obviously he is a player who's capable of impacting on a game, significantly if you allow him to. We'll attempt to deny him that sort of influence," Deans said.

"We need to be wise in the way we structure our attack, be accurate in the way we execute that attack because he'll prey on poor technique, whether it be in the carry or in the supporting roles.

"If you're inaccurate or flawed in your technique then he becomes like a rock in the river, an obstruction."

But Deans warned of putting too much emphasis on an opposition player.

He cited the example of the All Blacks' other key man, Dan Carter, who was excellent in a beaten side last week but restricted by the pressure on those around him.

"It's a bit like Dan Carter, sure they're great players and great athletes but you can't base your whole approach around individuals."

With Smith and Elsom leading the way, the Wallabies dominated a McCaw-less All Blacks at the breakdown in a high-octane Sydney test.

Waugh welcomed another chance to team up with Smith after he watched from the bench on Saturday.

"With Richie coming back New Zealand get a lot of strength from him as their leader and him performing well. I think it's certainly a far bigger challenge," Waugh said.

"With the ELVs (experimental law variations) there's maybe a few more opportunities and with good turnover ball you can turn it into attack."

Deans observed the All Blacks team announcement with interest, particularly the recall of his former Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald and the shifting of Mils Muliaina to the wing.

It gave the All Blacks, in effect, three fullbacks, Deans said.

"That's an indicator of the way they'll approach the game, they'll probably bring a slightly more percentage approach.

"They'll look to return kicks with kicks and possibly contest a little bit more in the air.

"Leon's a very experienced player, he provides a lot of voice and he's a good organiser. He's very willing, so in a tight contest he's not too inhibited by the positional role."

Deans said the fact Eden Park was the All Blacks' fortress, where the Wallabies hadn't won in 22 years, would add to the hosts' more conservative approach.

AUSTRALIA: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Phil Waugh, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Hugh McMeniman, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Drew Mitchell.

All Blacks coaches admit Deans out-smarted them

By MARC HINTON - RugbyHeaven | Tuesday, 29 July 2008

As admissions go, this was something. The All Blacks coaches have conceded that not only were they out-thought by Robbie Deans last weekend in Sydney, but that they're struggling to come to terms with rugby's new experimental laws.

It was a "Mea Culpa" of quite staggering dimensions in Auckland. But given the abject nature of the New Zealand performance as the opening Bledisloe was won 34-19 by a superior Wallabies outfit, it was one that Graham Henry and his men clearly felt had to be made.

It was plain for us all to see that the All Blacks were tactically naive against a better-prepared and, yes, better-coached Australian side. The Wallabies played the kick-and-chase game to perfection; the New Zealanders ran the ball like headless chooks, and eventually ran out of gas. A glaring 22 handling errors ensued. Tackles were missed with increasing frequency.

Coming as it did on the back of a defeat to the Springboks in Dunedin, the second straight Tri-Nations defeat has seen Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen take stock.

Never men to show too much in the way of contrition, they practically got down on all fours and begged for forgiveness – or at least understanding – when they unveiled a markedly changed lineup in Auckland on Tuesday for the Bledisloe return.

Asked by RugbyHeaven if he accepted that his backline had lost the tactical backline against the Wallabies, Smith shot back with a staggering concession.

"Frankly, I think the coach lost the tactical battle. We're learning under the ELVs. I've been out-coached before and I'll be out-coached again. But every dog has his day, and I'm working hard to fix up my bits and pieces.

"We did lose the tactical battle because we played too much behind our gain-line," added Smith. "Whilst we made a lot of line-breaks, we want to keep those, but want to avoid ones where we turn the ball over and that's all about decision-making and picking the right times to go and when the time is to turn the pressure back on them."

Henry wasn't quite as direct in his self-assessment, but the All Blacks coach did concede that they were struggling to come to terms to life under the ELVs.

It was notable in Sydney that Deans, who had coached under the new laws throughout the Super 14, sent out a team much better versed in the best way to play test match rugby under them.

The All Blacks, in comparison, played like novices, despite the fact the players had all had full Super 14 campaigns under their belts.

"I think Wayne is dead right," added Henry. "The three guys sitting up front here have been involved in three games under the ELVs and we're learning too.

"What we can bring to the table is going to get better with more experience under these laws. You can study them all you like, you can read about them, you can watch the games on television, but until you go through a period of time playing under these new rules you're not going to cement it all in.

"We certainly didn't last week. Hopefully we've learned quite a bit from that so we can be more competitive this week."

The subject of the ELVs became quite a theme as Henry and co faced the media after unveiling a lineup that featured the return of Richie McCaw from injury, Conrad Smith back at centre, Leon MacDonald joining Mils Muliaina in a revamped back three and injury brackets at both halfback and hooker.

The message was clear: the All Blacks remain a work in progress under the new ELVs. Their coaches, too, are making adjustments as they go.

And so far they've been out-thought, and out-fought, by that old fox Deans. But as Smith noted, every dog has its day, and the All Blacks coaches made it more than clear that they have made some major tactical adjustments this week.

"We do a lot of work," added Smith, "but what we're finding out is there's a lot subtleties that you just can't cover off. You've got to learn those yourself. There's a lot of things you see and think, ‘man, we can't do that again'. We've done a lot of work but we're still improving under them."

There are clearly some major adjustments to the way the game is played under the ELVs. Henry talked about the new emphasis on the kicking game, Smith mentioned the ball-in-play element that had gone up considerably and Hansen spoke about the need for cool decision-making at flashpoints like free-kicks and quick lineout opportunities.

Added Henry: "The laws have been changed to try and satisfy the fans and have a more flowing game with more tries. We haven't got there yet ... It's probably the biggest adjustment for coaches going from one set of laws to another. These are quite major changes and they create a major difference in how the game is being played."

Hansen, ever the pragmatist, said it came down to players making the right calls in the heat of battle.

"What we've got to get good at is making good decisions when to take free-kicks and when to take quick throws. There are times you want to take them when the opposition aren't set and don't have a good defensive line.

"Like anything new, people want to tap and go because it's a free-kick, instead of just taking some time and making a good decision."

Just how quick a learners the All Blacks are we shall see on Saturday night. Or more's the point, just how adept their coaches are.

So far it's 1-0 to the wrong Kiwi coach. We await the response.

What do you think? Were the All Blacks coaches outsmarted by Robbie Deans? If so, what can they do this week? Post your comments below.

Move over toheroa soup, Deans is flavour of the month

By SPIRO ZAVOS - RugbyHeaven | Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Rugby doyen Norm Tasker wrote of the late Greg Davis, an iconic Wallabies captain, that he was the best New Zealand import to Australia since toheroa soup.

After the Wallabies' brilliant 34-19 victory over the All Blacks at the ANZ Stadium, Tasker's fine tribute should now be updated: Robbie Deans is an even better NZ import than toheroa soup or kiwi fruit.

The ARU made certain the All Blacks were aware this was a home ground for the Wallabies by ensuring the gold scarves in the crowd made the stands look like a field of wattle trees. Even the touch-lines were marked out in gold. This home-crowd pressure (which also affected the referee Craig Joubert, in my opinion) certainly unsettled the All Blacks. They played with the sort of unthinking and passionate desperation they did way back in 1986 at Eden Park when they lost the Bledisloe Cup to Alan Jones's Wallabies.

It is clear Graham Henry and his coaching staff do not understand the zen of the experimental laws variations. The ELVs allow teams to play expansive rugby and restrictive rugby, depending on the situation in the game.

However, the All Blacks, stupidly, tried to play expansive rugby all the time. They ran the ball from inside their 22 most of the match. They made many breaks but because they were made too far out, the Wallabies were able to get back in numbers and kill off the movement most of the time. When the All Blacks conceded turnovers early in their phases (as they did twice in the opening minutes of the test), they invariably gave the ball to the Wallabies well inside their own half.

The statistics tell the story. The All Blacks made 11 line breaks to the Wallabies' eight: they ran the ball 123 times compared with the Wallabies' 73 times: they made 909 metres running compared with the Wallabies' 503 metres: but they scored three tries to the Wallabies' four.

The test revealed, once again, a deep flaw in the All Blacks that has existed since Grant Fox retired nearly two decades ago: the inability to think their way through the ebb and flow of a match and change the tactics and the pace of play depending on what is happening on the ground. When the All Blacks clawed their way back just after half-time to a 19-17 lead it was obvious (but not apparently to them) that they needed to give up their helter-skelter play and consolidate.

They needed to play the game in the Wallabies' half, and drop a goal like Matt Giteau did for the Wallabies when they established a lead late in the test.

Instead, they continued their frenetic game and as they ran out of energy they started to slip off tackles, didn't get to the rucks and dropped the ball as passes were forced under the pressure of a mobile defensive line.

There has been only one New Zealand team in the past decade or so that has consistently played smart winning rugby, and that team has been the Crusaders.

This brings us to Deans and his contribution to the Wallabies. He has brought his Crusaders game plan and methods to the Wallabies. A direct consequence of this is that the Wallabies, now five out of five test wins in the Deans era, have immediately started to create the same sort of consistent winning record as the Crusaders by playing to the Crusaders method.

An observant New Zealand rugby journalist made the point that watching the Wallabies out-think and out-play the All Blacks was like watching the Crusaders defeat the Hurricanes. One side (the Wallabies/Crusaders) played like a team that knew what it needed to do and how to do it, and the other (the All Blacks/Hurricanes) played like a side of great individuals but not in any sense as a team.

The latest Wallabies victory at Eden Park against the All Blacks was in 1986. There is history in the making coming up this Saturday night.