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To the “did he go or was he pushed desk,” and it seems that the struggling rugby league convert Benji Marshall has thrown his toys again and is apparently looking to return to the NRL as soon as possible with his tail between his legs.

After 10 years at the Tigers in West Sydney, Marshall threw a tantrum over money and contracts and jumped ship to rugby union in a high profile move to the Blues for “sporting reasons” and “a new challenge.” In his mind, he probably thought he would be ushered straight into the All Blacks like his pal SBW. But after struggling in his limited game time so far, and coming under increased pressure, it was suggested that Benji step down to the development squad to give himself time to improve. This must have damaged his ego so badly that he decided to jump ship again before the NRL player transfer window closes in June.

I have to ask, though: what did the Blues and the NZRU think would happen? Surely jumping straight into Super Rugby from the NRL was always going to be a struggle for him. Maybe a season in the ITM cup or the softer environment of Japanese rugby would have been a better way to transition into playing a new position in the 15-a-side code. In the world’s hardest rugby competition, you can’t get away with setting a team up to carry an inexperienced player, which is why the Blues find themselves near the bottom of the table again.

Maybe all he heard was “Auckland” and he thought he was signing with the Warriors? I think Benji needs some tips from Sonny Bill about this whole code-changing thing. Maybe he should take up MMA?

Another man struggling at his new job was new Manchester United manager, David Moyes. Replacing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be a tough job and the United hierarchy were fully expecting a downturn in form as the team adjusts to the management reshuffle after 26 years. A slight downturn in form to second or third in the table was maybe acceptable in their minds, but not seeing the reigning champions slump to seventh place and failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League. If this were Chelsea, he would have been sacked months ago.

Were Benji and Moyes both forced upon clubs that didn’t really want them?
David Moyes is now very likely to have a lot of spare time on his hands to check out some of the games involving the teams in Group F, as we continue our unsolicited promotion of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Argentina
CONMEBOL – Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol
Population: 41 million
Currency: Peso
Capital: Buenos Aires
Language: Spanish
Nickname: La Albiceleste – Sky blue and whites
FIFA World Ranking: 6th
Qualified: Winner of the South American group.
Fun Fact: Have won the Confederations Cup, the Olympic gold medal, and the World Cup.
History: Cocaine-crazed Argentine legend Maradona has provided some of the World Cup’s most memorable moments, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal.
Key Players: Global star Lionel Messi is finally playing to his full potential on the international stage - one of his biggest criticisms.
Prediction: Definitely through to the semi-finals. Are one of the big favourites to win the whole thing.

Bosnia & Herzegovina
UEFA – Union of European Football Associations
Population: 4 million
Currency: Mark
Capital: Sarajevo
Language: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.
Nickname: Zmajevi – Dragons
FIFA World Ranking: 25th
Qualified: Winner of Euro Group G.
Fun Fact: First appearance at the World Cup as an independent nation. Used to compete as part of Yugoslavia.
History: Team established in 1992. Narrowly missed out on the 2010 World Cup, losing to Portugal in the final play-off round.
Key Players: Manchester City sharp-shooter Edin Džeko is their all-time top goal scorer.
Prediction: Too close to call with Nigeria.

Nigeria
CAF - Confederation of African Football
Population: 175 million
Currency: Naira
Capital: Lagos
Language: Official language is English.
Nickname: The Super Eagles
FIFA World Ranking: 45th
Qualified: Beat Ethiopia in continental play-off.
Fun Fact: Won the last annual Nelson Mandela invitational match against South Africa.
History: Won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
Key Players: Liverpool winger Victor Moses leads a tough young squad.
Prediction: Crucial game against Bosnia-Herzegovina to get through.

Iran
AFC – Asian Football Confederation
Population: 77 million
Currency: Rial
Capital: Tehran
Language: Persian or Farsi
Nickname: Shahzadehgane Parsi – The Princes of Persia
FIFA World Ranking: 37th
Qualified: Winner of Asia Group A
Fun Fact: Currently the highest ranked AFC team.
History: Encouraging form in qualifying.
Key Players: To be honest, I have absolutely no knowledge of them as they are all from the Iran Pro League, which no one takes notice of.
Prediction: Probably not going to go all the way and probably won’t win a game.