League Converts, News Limited, and Hair Cuts
Okay, so it has been a while since the last post to this blog, however given the raft of games that we had just struggled through, and the length of the competition this year, you will, I am sure, forgive me for taking a little time off to recover from the rigours of the professional era. And the players reckon they have it tough! Take a moment to congratulate yourselves for making it through such a demanding season. You all should give yourselves a pat on the back, or the beer belly if that is the only thing you can reach! The season takes its toll on the best of us that way sometimes! If News Limited have their way then we should expect more and more rugby to get through each year. I'm not sure about you all, but I think I am up for it! Doctor says I shouldn't however!
Okay, so the slightly delayed news is that Mat Rogers is going back to Rugby League. In addition, Lote Tuqiri has also revealed that League is his first love and if he had the chance to go back, then he would probably take it. Is this desertion? Is this bad for Rugby Union? Should there be some sort of consequence of such out in the open talk of defecting to the dark side? Many Aussie commentators are suggesting that very thing in the wake of these 'surprise' anouncements.
Right. Whatever. Who do they think they are kidding? I agree with Fitzsimons (hold the front page) who rightly points out that the cheque book did the talking in getting these players to convert from NRL to Union, and clearly that is all that is happening here. Rogers couldn't force his way back into a starting jersey in the Wallaby team this year, and it wasn't looking like he would be able to reliably play in the national side from this point. Full marks for heading to the Gold Coast to play for them in 2008. A challenged, and he'll bring a lot to that team. Note that the Wallabies still have his services for the World Cup next year - beyond that who would want him anyway? He's too old, already struggling to hold a place in a star studded team. Bring through the newbies.
Tuqiri is in a different position. For a start, he is currently, or soon going to be negotiating his contract for the coming years. So, why not hint at a defection? It will, or at least might, bring in some higher competitive offers that the winger might think of taking. However, he knows which side his bread is buttered on, and in this age of rampant professionalism what else can we expect from the chequebook converters? They will do all they can to maximise their earnings while they have the chance, and why shouldn't they? There is no question of loyalty here, or rather disloyalty. The fact is that in Lote's case, he has also largely served his purpose. He'll be good for the world cup, and then after that they ought to be looking elsewhere, and saving their pingers for the next set of chequebook converters.
It wasn't that long ago that the New Zealand rugby player ranks were being decimated by Rugby League chequebook wielding scouts, who secured repeated defections to league. It is good to see the shoe on the other foot, with Rugby Union moving away from the utopian fools paradise that was the so called amateur status of the game. I say so called, as almost everyone was doing what they could to make it professional in every way, except by name. That battle is long over now, so why bring it up in the context of high profile players anouncing their intentions and using the media to their own ends. Interesting that it has only happened in Australia so far....why is that I wonder? Player development an issue perchance? Aussie certainly don't have a lot of depth, or many exciting new players coming into the game through their own ranks.
Not much else to report. New Zealand is right into the domestic season, and Aussie seems content to muddle through the domestic competition it has never had with the Australian Provincial Championship. Eddie Jones has labelled this a waste of time, and it is hard not to agree wtih him this time given that it is a one off competition between the super 14 franchise teams, and will be replaced with the 8 team national tournament from next year. In any event, apparently the Brumbies are winning, with the Force and Reds in second place. Yawn. I wonder if this is related to the above issues? Not according to Greg Gowden and other analysts of the game here.
No doubt you will all recall the discussion on this blog about the News Limited reaction to the NZRFU anouncing that All Blacks will be rested during the first seven rounds of next years Super 14 competition. Grant Fox has waded into the issue with a few points of his own, many of which were canvassed here earlier, but Fox has included a number of additional points. The article is worth a read, and can be found by clicking here.
Well, that's about it for now. In closing, I am sure that you will all gree that it is good news that George Smith has finally had a hair cut. Fair enough doing that sort of thing for charity, but I wonder if the attention it got this season has finally caused him to consider whether having dreads is really the best thing for a professional rugby player. It is, in the words of the All Blacks coaching staff, asking for it and on more than one occaision he has gotten it. In any event, with the new do we'll have to think of different contenders for worst hairdo in Super 14. Methinks mullet man Eaton would win that hands down! Check back soon for more updates.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Ugliest Player in 2007 Tri-Nations Competition Anounced
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
Ugliest Player in 2007 Tri-Nations Competition Anounced
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
Ugliest Player in 2007 Tri-Nations Competition Anounced
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
It's official, with 50% of the popular vote Chris Jack has been voted the ugliest player of the 2007 Tri-Nations competition. Well done Chris, another trophy for Southern men to be proud of. Truth be told the Southern Men have had their hands on this one since O'Halloran retired from the Hurricanes. That man surely fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Chris has an unfortunate resemblance to the banjo playing kid from Deliverance - perhaps he's the kids uncle? Runners up Akona Ndungane (also known as Anaconda reports the Sydney Morning Herald) and Anton Oliver also put in strong showings being tied for second place. Nice going lads.
Today was also noted as the final game of the Tri-Nations from Joburg took place. Imust admit it was difficult to get too excited over this game, but I did still watch it. Late at night, on a windy and wild Sydney evening. The Wallabies took on the best of South Africa in the final game of the series. The Wallabies started well and looked like they had a point to prove to All Blacks fans who think that the World Cup is in the bag.
The opening exchanges were marked by staunch African defence, and some clever play by the Wallabies back line, particularly Larkham who managed the backline play well. The rush defence was again utilised by the Africans to good effect, but it has to be said that they have improved markedly in the loose. The Africans of course dominated in the tight up front as well, Os du Randt took Rodzilla to school and showed him what scrummaging is really all about.
Steve Walsh had his usual game, lots of whislte and plenty of involvement from the ref. The Joburg crowd gave him their usual fair and unbiased appraisal of his performance at times. In spite of some promising attacking play by the African backs, stout Wallaby defence saw the game tied at half time, 3 points all. To be fair, the game was waiting for someone to do something to blow it open and break out with a scoring play. By far the best play of the first half was Jeremy Paul's dislocated finger - ouch!
An early penalty saw Africa score first after the break, and while it is always good to get points on the board early on in the second half, they would've been looking for something more. Australia answered immediately with a try to Larkham, who scored from sustained forward pressure, and a nice inside pass from Palu. Mortlock added the extra points from a relatively early kick, made from slightly wider out as Larkham was deemed to have grounded the ball wider out than he initially claimed. Good involvement of the TMO. The Wallabies then lead by 10-6.
A silly penalty from Vickerman gave the Africans the opportunity to snatch back three points, and Pretorious did not miss the easy points on offer. 10-9 in favour of the Wallabies after 8 in the second half. 5 minutes later Pretorius added another 3 from a difficult drop goal to put his side back in front, 12-10. Given their possession and the pressure they had been applying to the Wallabies, perhaps running the ball may have been a better option, but points are points, and this was looking like a close one. Two minutes later, it didn't matter one iota as du preez took a quick tap following a strong African forward drive that Chisholm pulled down, caught the Wallabies napping, and muscled over for what became a 7 pointer. Great play from the half back. 19-10 to Africa after 56 minutes. 13 unanswered points from Africa, but still only one try a piece. However, the confidence was running stong in the African side, their pride starting to swell their chests once again. Could it be that they would have two wins in two weeks after being the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations? Dare to dream was the call last week, would it be so again for Jake White's African side?
The Wallabies struck back at the 59 minute mark with a three pointer following some blatant offside play from the Africans. Mortlock elected to kick, and saw his team right by converting the penalty into points. Some poor form under the high ball from the African winger saw an offside regathering of the ball draw a penalty that Mortlock again converted into 3 much needed points for his side. The Wallabies back in the match, 19-16 to South Africa and just 3 points in it. A valuable lesson for Africa, it's an 80 minute game. Too much kicking from Pretorius robbed a rampaging confident African back line of some great attacking opportunities, and handed safe ball back to the Wallabies who were tiring in the dying stages of the match.
A great try to Paulse snatched all hope of victory from the iring Wallaby side. Even Captain Fantastic Gregan was left reeling from the attack, apparently injured in the driving play of the Africans. The initiative was wrested back with that try, and when the slow to get to his feet Paulse returned back to half way the crowd gave him a deserved cheer. Fantastic stuff, and one would have to wonder why he had been left out in the cold for so long when he had such a hand in turning this game. The missed conversion had the Africans ahead by 8 points, 24-16. Would it be enough? 75 minutes elapsed, and Knuckles showed his astute reading of the game by bringing on Smith.
Smith did managed to stomp on the feet of a prone African in the few minutes he was on, and we got a nice replay of that courtesy of the African feed we were watching. Of course, the Aussie commentators said nothing about that, talking instead of 50-50 calls not going their way. In any event, Africa held them out with some stout defence in front of the home crowd. 50-50 calls did not decide this game, good enterprising play, and the ability to apply sustained pressure won the day as usual. It was a much improved performance from Africa and they can be justly proud of having come so far. While this 24-16 victory wont erase the memories of the 49-0 thrashing in Brisbane, it will go some way to restoring confidence among the African team, and bestowing some pride in the Springbok side. Well done Springboks, it was a good game and you deserved to win scoring 2 tries to 1. Hopefully next time you will get a decent crack at the Tri-Nations with some more astute scheduling so you have a home game before it is all done and dusted, and maybe the Australian Rugby Union wont stuff you around with training venues.
That brings an end to the Tri-Nations, it's been great covering the controversey, results and speculation with you all. Keep checking back, there is a great deal of rugby to be played yet this year, not to mention the developments over next years Super 14 competition still to cover. Check back often, there'll still be plenty of posts on this site to keep you going. Thanks for reading, and thanks to those of you that voted in the polls taken on this site. They'll still be going, but may revert to montly polls for the next wee while.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Loss Leaves A Sour Taste For ABs Fans
The 1 point defeat in Rustenburg has left both a sour taste in the mouths of All Blacks fans, as well as resurrected a few fears from past failed World Cup campaigns. And well it should. While Steve Hansen can be philosophical after the loss and spout on about winning 8 out of 9 tests this year, being astonishingly blase about the All Blacks lineout saying it was a problem common throughout all New Zealand rugby, and fans should get used to it. Pardon? What the hell is he talking about? Mr Hansen is the present All Blacks forwards coach. At the moment it is his job to make the lineout function. He's already got specialist advice about the scrum, and Graham Henry's assertion that Hansen is a specialist lineout coach seem ludicrous at this point. Hansen's suggestion is 'get used to the lineout being bad'? Goodbye RWC 2007 if that attitude is allowed to flourish within the All Black camp.
Graham Henry and the wise men that have been developing this team toward winning the competition have so far learned well from events that have taken place, and learned the lessons that needed to be learned to make the team perform better. In this case, they are wallowing in denial if they think they can just leave the problem alone and win test matches with a malfunctioning lineout. Every international side will now target the All Blacks lineout and they ought to be practising it like never before, not hiding their heads in the sand and saying "get used to it". If I were an All Blacks fan, I would be crying out for someone to tell Hansen needs in no uncertain terms that he has to do whatever it takes to get the lineout sorted, right now.
The rotational policy hasn't helped much here, and combinations need to be worked on. It seems that the All Blacks have decided that if they make the lineouts more and more complex, the opposition wont be able to figure out what is going on. Unfortunately for them, the opposition decide to send up number two or four and see what happens. Now it seems most of the time they can get the ball off an All Black throw. The All Blacks need to figure out why going to number 2 or 4 is not an option at lineout time. If they are running scared then I would sack the locks, but mostly I would drop Ali Williams and give mullet boy a go, he's won better lineout ball than the clown, and has a better hairstyle hands down! Chris Jack is usually up to it, and if he had a decent partner they'd probably be right.
All Blacks fans must be in a difficult position now. A good campaign is completed by their team, however some of the old demons have clearly come back to haunt them. I'd be nervous about the end of year tour to France, although the French are more likely to cruelly dash New Zealand hopes actually in a final, rather than in the lead up to a competition. It'll be interesting to see how the ABs perform, and if they can in fact build on their performances and be a more complete unit in anticipation of the RWC tournament.
Elsewhere interest is being feigned in the final game of the Tri-nations competition. Yes, I will still watch it, but it really is a game between the also rans. It would be difficult to maintain that South Africa can play out of their skins and beat the Wallabies. There is nothing in it for Aussie, so that may give the Africans a slight edge, at least if they want coach White to stay at the helm. The teams are to be named today so it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Habana is apparently suffering from concussion, and may need to be replaced. Shame really, he is their most potent attacking weapon. Especially when passed the ball by an opposition number 8, with no defenders in sight between him and the try line.
Connolly is likely to experiment with some new combinations, and may use this as an opportunity to try a new half back in preparation for the end of year tour sans Gregan. The Wallabies must be liking their chances of competing well at RWC 2007 after the All Blacks loss to a clearly inferior South African side last week. The Wallabies have been shwon how to do it, and all they need to now is prepare.
The 1 point defeat in Rustenburg has left both a sour taste in the mouths of All Blacks fans, as well as resurrected a few fears from past failed World Cup campaigns. And well it should. While Steve Hansen can be philosophical after the loss and spout on about winning 8 out of 9 tests this year, being astonishingly blase about the All Blacks lineout saying it was a problem common throughout all New Zealand rugby, and fans should get used to it. Pardon? What the hell is he talking about? Mr Hansen is the present All Blacks forwards coach. At the moment it is his job to make the lineout function. He's already got specialist advice about the scrum, and Graham Henry's assertion that Hansen is a specialist lineout coach seem ludicrous at this point. Hansen's suggestion is 'get used to the lineout being bad'? Goodbye RWC 2007 if that attitude is allowed to flourish within the All Black camp.
Graham Henry and the wise men that have been developing this team toward winning the competition have so far learned well from events that have taken place, and learned the lessons that needed to be learned to make the team perform better. In this case, they are wallowing in denial if they think they can just leave the problem alone and win test matches with a malfunctioning lineout. Every international side will now target the All Blacks lineout and they ought to be practising it like never before, not hiding their heads in the sand and saying "get used to it". If I were an All Blacks fan, I would be crying out for someone to tell Hansen needs in no uncertain terms that he has to do whatever it takes to get the lineout sorted, right now.
The rotational policy hasn't helped much here, and combinations need to be worked on. It seems that the All Blacks have decided that if they make the lineouts more and more complex, the opposition wont be able to figure out what is going on. Unfortunately for them, the opposition decide to send up number two or four and see what happens. Now it seems most of the time they can get the ball off an All Black throw. The All Blacks need to figure out why going to number 2 or 4 is not an option at lineout time. If they are running scared then I would sack the locks, but mostly I would drop Ali Williams and give mullet boy a go, he's won better lineout ball than the clown, and has a better hairstyle hands down! Chris Jack is usually up to it, and if he had a decent partner they'd probably be right.
All Blacks fans must be in a difficult position now. A good campaign is completed by their team, however some of the old demons have clearly come back to haunt them. I'd be nervous about the end of year tour to France, although the French are more likely to cruelly dash New Zealand hopes actually in a final, rather than in the lead up to a competition. It'll be interesting to see how the ABs perform, and if they can in fact build on their performances and be a more complete unit in anticipation of the RWC tournament.
Elsewhere interest is being feigned in the final game of the Tri-nations competition. Yes, I will still watch it, but it really is a game between the also rans. It would be difficult to maintain that South Africa can play out of their skins and beat the Wallabies. There is nothing in it for Aussie, so that may give the Africans a slight edge, at least if they want coach White to stay at the helm. The teams are to be named today so it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Habana is apparently suffering from concussion, and may need to be replaced. Shame really, he is their most potent attacking weapon. Especially when passed the ball by an opposition number 8, with no defenders in sight between him and the try line.
Connolly is likely to experiment with some new combinations, and may use this as an opportunity to try a new half back in preparation for the end of year tour sans Gregan. The Wallabies must be liking their chances of competing well at RWC 2007 after the All Blacks loss to a clearly inferior South African side last week. The Wallabies have been shwon how to do it, and all they need to now is prepare.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Dream the Impossible Dream!
It's official, the upset of upsets has ocurred, and you didn't exactly hear it here first, but at least I did say that I would not be surprised to see the upset take place given the All Black confidence, and expectations riding so high. The Springboks wanted the victory more and a few dunderheaded decisions cost the All Blacks highly. Rodney So'oialo will not remember this game fondly, gifting Habana a try after what can only be described as a brain explosion by passing him the ball leaving the try line open, being instrumental in the disallowing of one try, and being involved in giving away the penalty that ultimately cost the All Blacks the game.
But it is not the fault of one man, as any loss rarely is. The All Blacks were weak tonight, the weakest we have seen them all season. Lineout woes returned, and not even Mullet Boy's new mou could save them tonight. How about that? Isn't he the biggest bogun in the game these days? Eaton, what a man! What a fashion statement!
The All Blacks never looked comfortable with the rush defence, and the only kick through (from Mils Muliaina I believe) resulted in an easy try to the flying fijian Joe Rokocoko out on the wing. The All Blacks consistently failed to 'break out' tonight and failed to take opportunities. They will learn much from this loss, and hopefully what they will learn is some humility, as will the New Zealand press. They need look no further for challengers to the World Cup, anyone with a decent lineout can take on this team.
The South Africans failed to capitulate this week. They toughed it out, and showed some discipline and passion in the last moments of the game. They denyied the All Blacks a come from behind victory in the last seconds by stripping captain fantastic of the ball. They consistently managed to slow the game down with well timed injuries and allowed their forwards to suck in some big ones and stay in the game to the end. They did well. They played well, played to a strategy, and stuck with it.
There will be some fallout after this game, as the Africans played a tough test match, and took it to the All Blacks up front. This will be good for African rugby, they have succeeded in avoiding a record 7 defeats in a row for a South African side. Their combinations worked well, and this team may start to play with more confidence against the Wallabies, something that should serve them well.
So, a good result all round. The officials copped a lot of criticism where I watched the game, but truth be told although there were some harsh decisions, the All Blacks were their own worst enemy. The Africans played a good hard test and deserved the win more than New Zealand. Rugby was the winner on the day, it was a game of two halves, and full credit to the Africans (thanks Sean Fitzpatrick (although he would have also thanked the ladies for the fantastic spread). Maybe there is life in this Tri-Nations lark yet!
It's official, the upset of upsets has ocurred, and you didn't exactly hear it here first, but at least I did say that I would not be surprised to see the upset take place given the All Black confidence, and expectations riding so high. The Springboks wanted the victory more and a few dunderheaded decisions cost the All Blacks highly. Rodney So'oialo will not remember this game fondly, gifting Habana a try after what can only be described as a brain explosion by passing him the ball leaving the try line open, being instrumental in the disallowing of one try, and being involved in giving away the penalty that ultimately cost the All Blacks the game.
But it is not the fault of one man, as any loss rarely is. The All Blacks were weak tonight, the weakest we have seen them all season. Lineout woes returned, and not even Mullet Boy's new mou could save them tonight. How about that? Isn't he the biggest bogun in the game these days? Eaton, what a man! What a fashion statement!
The All Blacks never looked comfortable with the rush defence, and the only kick through (from Mils Muliaina I believe) resulted in an easy try to the flying fijian Joe Rokocoko out on the wing. The All Blacks consistently failed to 'break out' tonight and failed to take opportunities. They will learn much from this loss, and hopefully what they will learn is some humility, as will the New Zealand press. They need look no further for challengers to the World Cup, anyone with a decent lineout can take on this team.
The South Africans failed to capitulate this week. They toughed it out, and showed some discipline and passion in the last moments of the game. They denyied the All Blacks a come from behind victory in the last seconds by stripping captain fantastic of the ball. They consistently managed to slow the game down with well timed injuries and allowed their forwards to suck in some big ones and stay in the game to the end. They did well. They played well, played to a strategy, and stuck with it.
There will be some fallout after this game, as the Africans played a tough test match, and took it to the All Blacks up front. This will be good for African rugby, they have succeeded in avoiding a record 7 defeats in a row for a South African side. Their combinations worked well, and this team may start to play with more confidence against the Wallabies, something that should serve them well.
So, a good result all round. The officials copped a lot of criticism where I watched the game, but truth be told although there were some harsh decisions, the All Blacks were their own worst enemy. The Africans played a good hard test and deserved the win more than New Zealand. Rugby was the winner on the day, it was a game of two halves, and full credit to the Africans (thanks Sean Fitzpatrick (although he would have also thanked the ladies for the fantastic spread). Maybe there is life in this Tri-Nations lark yet!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
All Blacks Predicted to Wipe the Veld With the Springboks
First up, the results of the poll are in. Readers voted 75% in favour of the NZRFU being able to determine the fate of the All Blacks, with 25% seeing things News Limited's way. An expected result, however the latest news is that there is to be a meeting between the two parties, and no one expects things not to be resolved. Cash is king, and both parties want as much as they can get. They'll work it out, the details of course will provide much comment on this site!
It seems that no one is willing to back the Springboks tonight. Unlike last week Ben Kimber and Greg Gowden both predicted that the 'New Zealand D team' would run away with this one by at least 10 points. The New Zealand media have written off the Boks, and it seems that the African media have joined in as well. Coach White has said that his team have run out of gas. If that is true, then they are in real trouble, having to front the Wallabies next week.
The All Blacks are as usual trying to create something to play for during this teast. In particular Jerry Collins has tried to build up the Springboks, and the challenge, by referring to the '96 All Black team that completed a series win in the Republic for the first and only time ever by a New Zealand time. They want to do it again. It will be good if they can, but not quite a full tour of the republic, and it possibly wont count for that reason in terms of this statistic. It would count as a clean sweep however.
Add to this mix the heady optimism (you call it that if you are a kiwi, you call it arrogance if you are an Aussie or an African) in the land of long white cloud and you've got a dangerous combination. RWC 2007 beckons, and all commentators in New Zealand are starting to crow, beat their chests, and search the world for a team to challenge the mighty All Blacks. This is a very dangerous combination. A combination that has come back to hurt the All Blacks in years gone by.
Allow me to suggest two teams that can challenge the All Blacks, France and the Wallabies. France dispatched the South Africans with ease in the lead up to the Tri-Nations this year. France is New Zealand's bogey team - remember 1999 anyone? They are a bit of an unknown, the All Blacks having caused the worst capitulation by a front ever the last time they played France, so the improvement in the side since then is hard to gague. All I am suggesting is that they could do it to us again, and I bet there are many New Zealanders out there who fear that!
The Wallabies are always tough and despite the victories by the All Blacks in all three games this year, the Wallabies are a team that peak at the right time, and have proved troublesome for the All Blacks at quarter final time before. Ominously they seemed to improve as the competition went on, and with further improvement on the end of year tour, it is likely they will again be a force at the World Cup. I'm not saying that these teams will beat the All Blacks in 2007 RWC, but it aint over until the fat lady sings as both of these teams could be the goods next year and have the stuff to do it. Confidence is the enemy of the All Blacks as it tends to turn so easily into overconfidence for this team. This is when the All Blacks are weakest.
So, does this bode well for the Springboks tonight? Probably not. But it wouldn't surprise me if an 'upset' did take place at 'Rustenburg' tonight (if the All Blacks manage to find the ground). I'll be taking in the game at the local watering hole tonight, and am looking forward to it. The African team is a new combination, as are the All Blacks, particularly in the back three. It could be that overconfidence and the unfamiliarity between some of the players might weaken the All Blacks just enough for the upset of upsets, but it is unlikely. Bring it on, and let's hope that we get to see a test match worth watching for the quality of rugby, rather than cheap shots and foul play. There is no place for that in today's game...
First up, the results of the poll are in. Readers voted 75% in favour of the NZRFU being able to determine the fate of the All Blacks, with 25% seeing things News Limited's way. An expected result, however the latest news is that there is to be a meeting between the two parties, and no one expects things not to be resolved. Cash is king, and both parties want as much as they can get. They'll work it out, the details of course will provide much comment on this site!
It seems that no one is willing to back the Springboks tonight. Unlike last week Ben Kimber and Greg Gowden both predicted that the 'New Zealand D team' would run away with this one by at least 10 points. The New Zealand media have written off the Boks, and it seems that the African media have joined in as well. Coach White has said that his team have run out of gas. If that is true, then they are in real trouble, having to front the Wallabies next week.
The All Blacks are as usual trying to create something to play for during this teast. In particular Jerry Collins has tried to build up the Springboks, and the challenge, by referring to the '96 All Black team that completed a series win in the Republic for the first and only time ever by a New Zealand time. They want to do it again. It will be good if they can, but not quite a full tour of the republic, and it possibly wont count for that reason in terms of this statistic. It would count as a clean sweep however.
Add to this mix the heady optimism (you call it that if you are a kiwi, you call it arrogance if you are an Aussie or an African) in the land of long white cloud and you've got a dangerous combination. RWC 2007 beckons, and all commentators in New Zealand are starting to crow, beat their chests, and search the world for a team to challenge the mighty All Blacks. This is a very dangerous combination. A combination that has come back to hurt the All Blacks in years gone by.
Allow me to suggest two teams that can challenge the All Blacks, France and the Wallabies. France dispatched the South Africans with ease in the lead up to the Tri-Nations this year. France is New Zealand's bogey team - remember 1999 anyone? They are a bit of an unknown, the All Blacks having caused the worst capitulation by a front ever the last time they played France, so the improvement in the side since then is hard to gague. All I am suggesting is that they could do it to us again, and I bet there are many New Zealanders out there who fear that!
The Wallabies are always tough and despite the victories by the All Blacks in all three games this year, the Wallabies are a team that peak at the right time, and have proved troublesome for the All Blacks at quarter final time before. Ominously they seemed to improve as the competition went on, and with further improvement on the end of year tour, it is likely they will again be a force at the World Cup. I'm not saying that these teams will beat the All Blacks in 2007 RWC, but it aint over until the fat lady sings as both of these teams could be the goods next year and have the stuff to do it. Confidence is the enemy of the All Blacks as it tends to turn so easily into overconfidence for this team. This is when the All Blacks are weakest.
So, does this bode well for the Springboks tonight? Probably not. But it wouldn't surprise me if an 'upset' did take place at 'Rustenburg' tonight (if the All Blacks manage to find the ground). I'll be taking in the game at the local watering hole tonight, and am looking forward to it. The African team is a new combination, as are the All Blacks, particularly in the back three. It could be that overconfidence and the unfamiliarity between some of the players might weaken the All Blacks just enough for the upset of upsets, but it is unlikely. Bring it on, and let's hope that we get to see a test match worth watching for the quality of rugby, rather than cheap shots and foul play. There is no place for that in today's game...
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