The Raeburn and Utrecht Shields’ Post

Can the All Blacks hold onto the Raeburn Shield? Or will France take it for the north and try to keep it for the Six Nations in 2025? The Shield’s up for grabs again, and it’s all on the line at Stade de France this week. Historically, the All Blacks have the edge in Raeburn Shield clashes against France, winning 14 of their 19 Shield encounters. Across those match-ups, New Zealand has racked up 389 points to France’s 229. But here’s the twist—France has claimed victory four times, proving they’ve got what it takes to take the Shield north. In fact, the last time France held the Raeburn Shield was back in 2009, when they stunned New Zealand in Dunedin. Now, 15 years later, they’re looking to make history again and bring the Shield back to French soil. Who’s got the edge? The All Blacks have Beauden Barrett back at 10, with Codie Taylor starting at hooker, adding depth and experience. France, however, is ready to unleash some flair, with Romain Buros making his debut at fullback. Will the All Blacks’ strong historical edge and experience see them through, or will the passionate home crowd push France to reclaim the Shield for the first time since 2009? Why does this matter? The Raeburn Shield isn’t just a trophy—it’s rugby’s lineage, passed down from game to game since 1871. There’s no ranking or committee behind it—just the result on the field. Every match is a chance to add to a tradition that stretches back over 150 years, creating another chapter in rugby’s story. So, can the All Blacks keep it in the Southern Hemisphere? Or will France reclaim the Shield, setting up a Six Nations for the ages? Either way, it’s going to be a classic. Follow the Raeburn Shield and be part of rugby history.

The British & Irish Lions: Roaring Across Rugby History The British & Irish Lions, often simply referred to as the Lions, represent a unique fusion of rugby talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This storied team embarks on quadrennial tours to face rugby powerhouses like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Let’s delve into the rich history and exciting prospects of the Lions: 1. Origins and Tradition The Lions’ lineage dates back to 1888 when they embarked on their inaugural tour to Australia and New Zealand. The iconic red jersey, adorned with the emblematic lion, symbolizes unity across the four nations. The tradition of selecting the best players from each country ensures fierce competition and camaraderie. 2. Memorable Tours The 1971 tour to New Zealand remains legendary. Under captain Willie John McBride, the Lions secured their only series victory against the All Blacks. The 1997 tour of South Africa, led by Martin Johnson, saw the Lions clinch a thrilling series win. The 2013 tour to Australia showcased the Lions’ attacking prowess, with players like George North leaving indelible marks. 3. Upcoming Challenges The next Lions tour is scheduled for 2025, with Australia as the battleground. Who will don the iconic red jersey? Stars from the 2024 Six Nations, like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, are in contention. The Lions’ clash with the Wallabies promises exhilarating rugby and fierce battles in the scrum. 4. The Spirit of the Lions Beyond the tries and tackles, the Lions embody sportsmanship, respect, and passion. The haka response, the camaraderie among rivals, and the shared pride in representing four nations make the Lions truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or a newcomer, keep an eye out for the Lions’ roaring journey Down Under in 2025. 🦁🏉 #LionsRugby #RugbyTour #Rugbypassion #Lionspride #SixNations

  Are you ready for the clash of the Titans as South Africa and Ireland go head-to-head in yet another historic rugby showdown? When these two teams take to the field, it isn't just a match; it's a celebration of rugby heritage, mutual respect, and camaraderie. Both nations have carved out legendary statuses on the rugby field, and the upcoming encounter at Loftus in Pretoria promises to be nothing short of spectacular.    🏉 Did you know? The rivalry dates back to their first encounter in 1906 when South Africa embarked on their maiden tour to the Northern Hemisphere. This historic match set the stage for a century of thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments that have woven a rich tapestry of rugby tradition. This time, according to World Rugby, they will line up as the number one and two ranked teams.     🏉 Did you know? South Africa and Ireland have a knack for producing nail-biting encounters. The Springboks and the Irish have faced each other 28 times, with South Africa winning 18, Ireland 9, and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter in last year’s World Cup was one of the most intense. Ireland narrowly beat the Springboks in their pool stage contest. Undeterred, the Boks went on to win the tournament while the Irish went out in the quarterfinals.       As the teams prepare to line up once again, let’s celebrate the spirit of a game that unites us all. Whether you're a die-hard Bokke supporter or cheering on the Boys in Green, this match is a testament to the strength, skill, and sportsmanship that defines the great game of rugby.     Who will emerge victorious this time? 🏆🍀🇿🇦    #SAvsIreland    

5 Facts About the Freedom Cup   5 Facts About the Freedom Cup The Freedom Cup is one of the most fiercely contested trophies in international rugby, fought between two of the sport's greatest teams: New Zealand and South Africa. The rivalry is steeped in history, with both teams having rich rugby traditions. Here are five key facts about the Freedom Cup: 1.Origins and Symbolism The Freedom Cup was introduced in 2004 to commemorate 10 years of democracy in South Africa, following the end of apartheid in 1994. The trophy symbolizes the shared history and mutual respect between South Africa and New Zealand, two nations deeply connected through their rugby heritage. It also acknowledges South Africa’s journey towards freedom and equality. 2.Contested Within the Rugby Championship The Freedom Cup is contested annually as part of the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations). Whenever New Zealand’s All Blacks and South Africa’s Springboks face each other in this tournament, their matches also determine the winner of the Freedom Cup. The double significance of the fixture makes these encounters even more intense and competitive. 3.New Zealand's Dominance New Zealand has been the dominant team in the Freedom Cup’s history, winning it the majority of times since its inception. The All Blacks' consistent performance, both in terms of attacking prowess and defensive resilience, has seen them secure the trophy more often than South Africa, although the Springboks have had notable victories as well. 4.Rivalry Steeped in History The rugby rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa is one of the oldest and most passionate in the sport. Their encounters are known for their intensity, physicality, and mutual respect. The Freedom Cup adds another layer to this rivalry, making each match even more meaningful. 5.Memorable Clashes Over the years, the Freedom Cup has seen some legendary matches. From closely fought encounters to thrilling finishes, the contest between the Springboks and All Blacks never fails to deliver drama, cementing the Freedom Cup as one of the most coveted trophies in rugby. via Blogger https://ift.tt/Lc0Ggr4 September 08, 2024 at 01:48PM

All Blacks Claim the Raeburn Shield – Next Up, France! After their win over Ireland, the All Blacks now hold the Raeburn Shield! Next, they’ll defend it against France in a game that carries even more weight thanks to this unique title—and it’s one that’s capturing the hearts of fans around the world. Although the Raeburn Shield isn’t an “official” trophy, it’s very real to the thousands of fans who engage with it every week. Here’s why it’s making such an impact on fans and players alike: 🔗 Lineal World Title: The Raeburn Shield passes only by defeat, which means every holder has to defend it every match—giving each game an extra edge and meaning. 📜 A Story That Spans Generations: The Shield weaves a lineal legacy through rugby, connecting each match, nation, and team that holds it. For players, defending the Shield is an honour, knowing they’re adding to a history that’s passed from game to game. 🏆 Fan-Driven Excitement: Thousands of fans have been talking, sharing, and celebrating the Shield all weekend, showing that this lineal title resonates deeply with the rugby community. Every game becomes a “must-watch,” knowing the title could move on to a new team. 🌍 A Prize for All Nations: The Raeburn Shield is open to any team who can win it, adding excitement as every nation has a chance to compete for the title. You never know when that next opportunity will come, so each match carries a “take your shot” thrill that makes the competition even more meaningful. With New Zealand as the current holders, France is their first big test. Can the All Blacks keep the Shield in New Zealand, or will it make its way to France? This journey is one to follow! #RaeburnShield #AllBlacks #FranceRugby #rugby #rugbyunion David Algie David Robertson James William de Mortimer Craig Fenton Leanne Bats ᵍᵐ Lewis Wright Nick Riggall 🏉🤖Matt Hymers RugbyDAO

According to website Rugby365, the sale of Newlands Rugby Stadium - to an undisclosed buyer - was voted on, and approved, at a recent Western Province Rugby Football Union council meeting. Following the move of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams to DHL Stadium in early 2022, Newlands Rugby has ceased to be a rugby venue. When Western Province Rugby was placed under administration by SARU in October 2021, one of the major tasks assigned to the administrator was to finalise the sale of the stadium. One of the obstacles included a proposal to have the stadium declared a heritage site however, an independent report by a heritage specialist suggested otherwise. Rugby365: https://bit.ly/4bKLJPr Western Province Rugby: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR The independent report by Bridget O’Donoghue: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR #newlandsrugbystadium #sport #rugby #commercialrealestate #rugbystadium #realestateinvestment #capetownproperty #assetmanagement #capetown #propertydevelopment #realestatenews #propertynews

With the start of the Autumn Internationals, we have 3 exciting matches this weekend, all with potential impacts on the World Rugby rankings: • Sep 6: Scotland vs Wales (BBC iPlayer/RugbyPassTV) • Sep 7: Barbarians vs South Africa (TBD) • Sep 7: England vs France (BBC One/RugbyPassTV) Here’s how the rankings could shift: • England vs. France: England can’t boost their rating but stays #1. A 15+ point win for France could leap them to 2nd, ahead of 🇨🇦 and 🇳🇿! • Wales vs. Scotland: A win could move Wales to 6th, while Scotland may drop to 9th with a big loss (15+). • Scotland: Even with a win, they remain 6th, still trailing 🇦🇺 by 1.22 points. More: https://bit.ly/4dSz2nH

🏉 Exciting 6 Nations Round 4 Predictions from IMEX MD, Martin Butterworth! 🌟 As the rugby fever sweeps across, our MD, Martin Butterworth, shares his insights on this weekend's clashes: 🇮🇹 Italy vs. Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England vs. Ireland 🇮🇪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales vs. France 🇫🇷 What are your predictions? Share your thoughts below and let the rugby banter begin! 🏉🗣️ #6Nations #RugbyPredictions #IMEXInsights #RugbyBanter

According to website Rugby365, the sale of Newlands Rugby Stadium - to an undisclosed buyer - was voted on, and approved, at a recent Western Province Rugby Football Union council meeting. Following the move of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams to DHL Stadium in early 2022, Newlands Rugby has ceased to be a rugby venue. When Western Province Rugby was placed under administration by SARU in October 2021, one of the major tasks assigned to the administrator was to finalise the sale of the stadium. One of the obstacles included a proposal to have the stadium declared a heritage site however, an independent report by a heritage specialist suggested otherwise. Rugby365: https://bit.ly/4bKLJPr Western Province Rugby: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR The independent report by Bridget O’Donoghue: https://bit.ly/3LiXRfR #newlandsrugbystadium #sport #rugby #commercialrealestate #rugbystadium #realestateinvestment #capetownproperty #assetmanagement #capetown #propertydevelopment #realestatenews #propertynews

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