Battle of the Big Men in Round Two
Round two is getting underway this weekend and, in contrast to years gone by where flashy back moves and lightning pace have featured in build up, this week the big boys are featuring in at least two games. First up there is the clash of the All Black front rows between Otago and the Blues at Carisbrook. For those fans of the tough stuff up front and the big men battling it out, this is a game not to be missed.
We’ve got Carl Hayman up against his All Black team mate Tony Woodcock. Also we have the two All Blacks hookers against each other, Anton Oliver and Keven Mealamu. Rounding out the battle we have John Afoa and Saimone Taumoepeau in the mix for the Blues. Wow, this should be potent stuff, and may come down to the locking combinations backing the big men up. Woodcock made comments during the week about the Hurricanes not engaging at scrum time and pulling back from the hit, but this weekend it should be a good old fashioned tussle. Click here for more.
Continuing on in a similar vein, the Aussies are focusing on Bill Young in the lead up to the game between the Bulls and the Brumbies. A crafty prop if ever there was one, Mr Young has, just quietly, been carving up the opposition for years in spite of his somewhat diminutive stature when compared with likes of man mountain du Randt and his compatriots. But, clearly size isn’t everything in the front row as Mr Young can attest to. This game should be an interesting one with the Bulls coming in as favourites. Not surprising really given their string of wins and the end of last season. Click here for more.
The Cheetahs also line up against the Sharks playing at home this weekend. The Cheetahs are going to struggle this year, but one man who is looking forward to return (although it sounds like he’d like to be back amongst the BBQs of his former home town is Mr Ollie le Roux. A true Billy Bunter look-a-like if ever there was one. He can cast aside the demons of his struggle with former Waikato half back, come mediocre coach in South Africa, Kevin Putt. Putt had the audacity to suggest that le Roux was a bit on the unfit side and the falling out began there. Read what le Roux has to say about that and the game this weekend, here. Continuing on that game is yet another article devoted to the big men claiming that the Cheetahs forward pack is ‘very intelligent’. Ummmmm, not so sure how many of those boys would be able to explain what a slide rule is for, however the sure can maul. Good to see that coming back into the game, however these guys have a long way to go. Click here for that story.
Elsewhere the Hurricanes announce their team to play Force. Nothing of any great note that we haven’t covered already before. Missing Umaga could be important, but surely even the Hurricanes can’t fail to dispose of the Force. Click here to see the team that was named. Also, Richie McCaw pays a compliment to his absent opponent for the clash against the Reds. The Reds are cannon fodder in this game I am afraid. Too many injuries and far to under skilled to topple these guys. Click here to read about it.
The even present Eddie Jones who as failed to fade from the scene because of his sacking, turns it on in the public comment department. This time he has, in my opinion really put his finger on something worth commenting on. He’s come out and said that the amount of stoppage time is ruining the game at international level. I think he’s right, and he should know as the coach of one team that is forever holding up the game to get a rest, do up the shoes, or put in a contact lens. I say, if the player who is down is not in the way of the game, it should go on provided that there is no danger to any player by continuing. Click here to see what he has to say about it all.
Well, I can’t wait for Round Two to begin. Good luck to you all, and to all your teams. Don’t forget to get your picks in for the virtual super 14 competition and score a few. Bring on the battle of the Big Men!
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2 comments:
Great site Chief and certianly comprehensive. I'm a Blues supporter in Fiji and I have to say the first two games of the season have left me with contempt for the whole Blues franchise. Only 2 games and lingering at the bottom of the table. What seems to be the problem? My possible explanation is the inclusion of 2 many Fijians in the team. I also noticed that at least one of the Blues reserves has all together too much hair? Maybe if les attention was placed on hair grooming and more on actually holding on to the ball the Blues might be able to come away with a bonus point if not actually a win by the end of the season? I would love to hear anyone elses thoughts on this subject?
Some good points in here my anonymous friend...the franchise seems to dedicate all together too much time concentrating on web sites, haridos, share portfolios, and the difference between a good flat white and a latte. While all of these things may be important, or even central to the enjoyment of life in the case of the latte, a great rugby team they do not make. I never heard anyone tease Os du Randt about his hair cut (or anything else for that matter). As you say, some attention to holding on to the ball and, dare I say it, doing the hard yards up the middle, or even teaching the tight five how to ruck, would not go astray. I fear that until such time as the Blues actually start to think about motivating players to do well, engaging in some meaningful scouting and player selection policies, banishing mistakes and failed experiments to the scrap heap (such as Daniel Braid) more players of the calibre of Mills will desert the franchise for unquestionably more dubious pastures, such as the Chiefs, and the new stars will continue to flock to the Crusaders. Such a once proud provincial stronghold, nay powerhouse of New Zealand rugby as Auckland plumbing the depths of the Super 14 table in the first two weeks is a concern. Particularly with so many All Blacks or contenders to the team taking the field. It will be a long season for you I fear. Good luck in the pleasant climes of Fiji, don't be too hard on your companions in Fiji, and I hope to see you commenting here on a regular basis. Better luck next week.
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