What a year for Australian Rugby...is their resurgence tribute to Reds rugby being on the ascendancy or is it a function of Robbie Deans influence in the Wallaby setup???
This Tri-Nations was a bit of a mixed bag, the only team that really gave it the full respect that it deserved was Australia. In all 4 games it fielded its best possible teams and the results were clear for all to see last saturday. The momentum is definitely there with them and the confidence is overflowing, Robbie Deans will not let them get complacent. Anyone who ever doubted the coaching credentials of this man must just look at the last 3 years or so with Australia, he has taken a group of talented backs and big forwards and given them a purpose. A few years ago a friend of mine Refiloe Ramogase and myself were speaking about it, just when Robbie took over and we were both convinced that this Aussie team was not just the dark horse of the tournament, but they were darn right favourites for the cup and their win this weekend cemented it. first win over the ABs in the tri-nations in 10 years, thats a massive drought to break. 2nd win in 3 outings. Id forget the previous 12 or so unbeaten outings that the ABs held because thats soo long gone, we want to be discussing the more recent past and the stats are 2 from 3.
I am not trying to deflect from the ABs, but the Australians are a hot side. Let me break it down for you. their pack as a scrumming force can be competitive and step up their game if needed, ask the Boks 3 weeks ago, and the ABs in the first couple of scrums. In Horwill, Vickerman and Sharpe, have 3 ogres who have plenty mongrel in the the former more than the latter. In the back we have the sulkingly angry Rocky, Pocock the thief and Anyone else out of (Higginbotham, Samo, Palu) and then there is Poloto-Nau to return still....sheet.
In the backs there is the genius of Genia, how smart was his play? all their tries they ran into the Refs channel and the ABs were very disorganised in close and he exploited it hard, we wont even mention that his pass to Digby was forward because after that first half we deserved to lose that game ;) then there is the talented yet sometimes uneccessarily silly Quade Cooper, this unknown yet talented Pat McCabe, then O'Conor, Ionae, Beale, MItchell, Ashley-Cooper, all multi-tallented and skilled and capable of playing any position in that backline. That my good people their versatility, and ability to adapt and their skill thats what sets them apart from any team out there at the moment.
The Boks, many have written off, but i am not one such person, on the one hand i would want them to win it so that i dont have to hear that hero worship of Jake White ever and also so that all the PdV haters can sit on it, but that desire is not enoug to make me endure another 4 years of hearing that choker word and also the label the world champions bandied around a talented bunch of people who together compose a rather average team devoid of any creativity. Its not a new thing, in recent times its been the Springbok way, well outside of Nick Mallets reign. Lets go back to the team. PdV selected a very capable team. We all know John isnt the best hooker in the country by a country mile, but Bismarks dissent when substituted wasnt a good advert for the team at all. That being said, you can understand the man's disappointment. I know the SA world see FdP as the messiah, but he is not quite up to it and his play in my mind is still quite archaic! Id sooner select Francois Hougaard over him, he has an excitement and mongrel about him, akin to that of Ricky Januarie, coupled with the finesse of a seasoned rugby player. I am a tad concerned with Jean De Villiers' new found love of the crashball, he used to be one of the finest inside centres in the business but, now he seems to resemble De Wet Barry!!
To be honest nothing new and exciting was shown to me during this tri-nations, it was a bit of more of the same, coupled with a little scrambled defence. BUTTTTT dont mock it, thats the kind of things that win you rugby world cups not so? One has to feel for a guy like Mvovo, but unfortunately the man could only pick 30 players and i guess its Odwa's experience that carried him through. The Boks have the game plan, as boring as it might be that will win the RWC. TIts funny how the Bok supporter is. PdV came and said we will try something new, we will get running rugby back to SA, lost a few games and the SA rugby public is down his throat about losing, its what was going to happen, you will lose if you try something new that the team isnt accustomed to. Point worth noting, the Boks only won 1 Tri-Nations game in 2007 as well, that was against Oz in Newlands.
My beloved All Blacks, I shoudl be panicking after that loss, and lets not kid anyone, I wanted us to win against the Aussies, especially after QC started getting silly with Richie for nooo reason!! But ey the boys were totally off their game in the first half, a little complacency had set in and Ausies brought a physicality that the Blacks didnt expect nor did they really know how to cope with. Dissapointing for me was the fact that they were unable to react after 5 minutes during the game when ish was tough, but i guess after loosing Kieran in the first 12 minutes and Adam injuring his arm didnt help matters much. But they started to settle a little more in the end of the game and then in the second half we saw the value of coaching. the boys came out more determined and focused...only to give away a soft try which the Aussies managed to defend. The game was a loss and so too the game before against the Boks but the manner in which we lost was heartening. Against the Boks last week it was an excited side that could have done with a few old heads ala the past weekend 27phases before scoring one try. in both games up until the dying minutes, a revival was not out of the question, yes the games were both lost, the revival never came to pass, because the defences shut the boys out and credit to them BUTTTTT....
Butt is the games have come now when the 3 wise men can still work on them. Will we give away silly penalties against SA next time we meet them more than likely not...will we be bullied upfront by Australia agan or defend soo poorly around the fringes, not too likely...if we do then we definitely deserve to lose, simple as that.
As a rugby viewer i dont really like the RWC as a tournament, because it gives dull/uninspiring teams like England and SA (no disrespect) bragging rights for 4 years, yes truth of the matter is they have to go out there and win it and the Blacks have not been able to do that so I take off my hat to them. Anyway I should be concerned after these 2 losses, but I am not at all, yes the other teams have gained some confidence and good on them, the ABs have had a proper reality check. The land of the long white cloud isnt at tranquil, the ground is trembling a wee bit and its not a Christchurch quake. There is a little uncertainty thrown in. Belief is there, pressure is there aplenty, confidence is there, complacency...that devil...she is gone, its not like being a hot guy thrown amongst a group of 30 horny women... guys know they have to work for it!!! its a beautiful thing. Hope Kieran and Adam are fully healed though, would be such a blow for them!!
The thing about this world cup though, is that there are a few teams that can win it, NZ because they are home and they are good enough , OZ, because they are just s#%t hot at the moment, France for the same reason, England and SA because they play the kind of rugby that wins these things.
But cometh the 9th September all I know is Kia Kaha Kapa O Pango
Happy viewing
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
SA v NZ part deux
How excited am I about this weekends rugby game? But just like I have a day and a but to wait, so too must you wait till i get to why i am excited.
Interesting Tri-Nations it has been a few mini battles being fought, Boks v Ausies(potential final); NZ v OZ (potential final too) and this weekend SA v NZ potential Semi. The first 2 were a proper gauge because they were 2 near full strength teams. Granted last weekends game was marred by the rustiness of the Boks because it was their first hit out as a team.
The first 2 games of the tri-nations was a waste of time really, because the Boks brought a team that really brought nothing. Their mindset was one of complacency and their attitude defeatist! They had lost those games way before they took the field, all the talk was about seeing what happens etc. even John after the games didnt look too phased. I think that the Bok s may have missed a trick in the last 4 years, but i guess its been spoken about. some new players should have come through at the end of last year. The away leg of the tri-nations should have included some of the old horses that were off the pace super rugby time, because they need the game time, but alas hindsight is 20/20
The Tri-nations only really began in week 3. it was no 1 v no 2, in Auckland's Eden Park which is the headquarters of RWC2011,potential RWC2011 finals if both teams make it through their obstacles leading to the finale. The game started and the Blacks played some stupid rugby, it was like men against boys, the first half i missed live but i watched it later and I was like wow!! They had a pretty decent game, couldnt really find any fault in their game. it was pleasing to see, because some of the Wallabies were talking smack earlier. Love the Wallabies, that back line of theirs has me finished man, its all class give them a sniff and they will burn you. Its up front where they need some assistance, but I think they can get it right, when Polota Nou comes back, Cliffie Palu at the back, Rocky, Pocock and Higginbottham (he is scaaaary). Its really just the grunt up front thats an issue for them, but with Vicks, Sharpe and Horwill in the locks they should be stronger. that team is hot people and i called them in the finals at least. They are a unit, they are motivated and they have the exuberance of youth on their side.
They were beaten when they met the Blacks but it will be a tougher task in Oz next weekend! I fear this Australian team as well as the French and English
Last weekends game. Proper dissapointment. Expected more from the Boks, yes it was their first game (Oz were beaten by Samoa, NZ looked toilet against Fiji) but i was most dissapointed with the game plan. and some of the elementary mistakes made. The Boks forwards were bullied by the Australians. I had to rub my eyes a few times to see if i was awake and not imagining things! Kick chase thing. It was a really toilet game on the whole. riddled with mistakes from both sides. I am not going to dwell too much on this game, because i think the Boks will be better for it. I just hope they change or alter their game plan slightly, kick and chase...NO MORE!!!!! Frans Steyn NO MORE!!! Danie Russouw...NO MORE, John Smit...STICK A FORK IN HIM...HE'S DONE!!!!
I know a lot of people are discounting the Boks, but I have this nagging feeling that they could do well this RWC, please no cos I wouldnt be able to have another 4 years of hearing abuot us choking or hearing about the world champs this and that even though they lose about 50% of their tests inbetween RWC
This weekends game. Much better Bok team. as usual i will start with the backs. FDP is a good player but off the pace man and this swaying of the arms thing he does ala Joost is soooo irritating, clear the ball damnit! I know he is the Boks no 1 but id give Francois Steyn more of a chance. Bismarck on for John, about damn time, this guy is a hot head, but man he is a machine, Lambie at 15, hope Mopheads hamstrings is ruptured and out of rugby for 12 weeks. he adds zero in my view 60m penalties and drop goals, how often do those come along id sooner have a player who can create 7pointers anytime. Bryan is another id park. Fair enough Mvovo and Basson didnt shoot the lights out playing outside Kick Steyn and No pass Meisiekind, but Mvovos work rate was insane he deserved to start and get more of a chance. I like the look of the loose trio, Brussouw, Alberts, Spies, hectic! 2 brutes and a thief. I am still not convinced about Spies. He had an Ok game, not great nowhere near as good as he could be, but everyone wants to go and blow him now, is this what Bok supporters have become? accepting mediocrity as the norm? nah man!!The Boks will be much better than last week, a first team Bok team should beat a make shift NZ team in SA, but no one is confident of this...
Hence why i laugh at anyone who wants to draw comparisons of NZ leaving 9 players at home to PdV rehabbing 21 players. Graham Henry has got it right i think. he needs to give his fringe players a chance, the old guard have been tried and tested and have shown their wares. The guys on the outside looking in have been given an opportunity to step to the plate. They arent talking we'll try and see. hell no!! they want to win. They want to show New Zealanders that there is life without Richie and DC. What has been created is competition for the jersey, the opposite is true for the Boks guys believe they own the jersey. Slade is a good player and what better opposition to test yourself against than the old foe in their back yard? Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Izzy Dagg, Richard Kahui dont know their fate yet, neither do Thomo and Messam or Hoeata. The ABs dont have much to lose, but they dont want to lose. Much to gain, they can see what depth they truly have. if the players can front up, players playing for their jerseys.
This test has the makings of a humdinger, hopefully both players will execute correctly, the boys will be serious so i think it will be the Kamate Haka. I'd love to call the Blacks for this one but its a close call. hope its a good game and Ali, Kevvy, Thomo, Colin Izzy, Hosea all come through with flying colours and give the coaches sleepless nights with their selection posers.
Happy viewing...
Interesting Tri-Nations it has been a few mini battles being fought, Boks v Ausies(potential final); NZ v OZ (potential final too) and this weekend SA v NZ potential Semi. The first 2 were a proper gauge because they were 2 near full strength teams. Granted last weekends game was marred by the rustiness of the Boks because it was their first hit out as a team.
The first 2 games of the tri-nations was a waste of time really, because the Boks brought a team that really brought nothing. Their mindset was one of complacency and their attitude defeatist! They had lost those games way before they took the field, all the talk was about seeing what happens etc. even John after the games didnt look too phased. I think that the Bok s may have missed a trick in the last 4 years, but i guess its been spoken about. some new players should have come through at the end of last year. The away leg of the tri-nations should have included some of the old horses that were off the pace super rugby time, because they need the game time, but alas hindsight is 20/20
The Tri-nations only really began in week 3. it was no 1 v no 2, in Auckland's Eden Park which is the headquarters of RWC2011,potential RWC2011 finals if both teams make it through their obstacles leading to the finale. The game started and the Blacks played some stupid rugby, it was like men against boys, the first half i missed live but i watched it later and I was like wow!! They had a pretty decent game, couldnt really find any fault in their game. it was pleasing to see, because some of the Wallabies were talking smack earlier. Love the Wallabies, that back line of theirs has me finished man, its all class give them a sniff and they will burn you. Its up front where they need some assistance, but I think they can get it right, when Polota Nou comes back, Cliffie Palu at the back, Rocky, Pocock and Higginbottham (he is scaaaary). Its really just the grunt up front thats an issue for them, but with Vicks, Sharpe and Horwill in the locks they should be stronger. that team is hot people and i called them in the finals at least. They are a unit, they are motivated and they have the exuberance of youth on their side.
They were beaten when they met the Blacks but it will be a tougher task in Oz next weekend! I fear this Australian team as well as the French and English
Last weekends game. Proper dissapointment. Expected more from the Boks, yes it was their first game (Oz were beaten by Samoa, NZ looked toilet against Fiji) but i was most dissapointed with the game plan. and some of the elementary mistakes made. The Boks forwards were bullied by the Australians. I had to rub my eyes a few times to see if i was awake and not imagining things! Kick chase thing. It was a really toilet game on the whole. riddled with mistakes from both sides. I am not going to dwell too much on this game, because i think the Boks will be better for it. I just hope they change or alter their game plan slightly, kick and chase...NO MORE!!!!! Frans Steyn NO MORE!!! Danie Russouw...NO MORE, John Smit...STICK A FORK IN HIM...HE'S DONE!!!!
I know a lot of people are discounting the Boks, but I have this nagging feeling that they could do well this RWC, please no cos I wouldnt be able to have another 4 years of hearing abuot us choking or hearing about the world champs this and that even though they lose about 50% of their tests inbetween RWC
This weekends game. Much better Bok team. as usual i will start with the backs. FDP is a good player but off the pace man and this swaying of the arms thing he does ala Joost is soooo irritating, clear the ball damnit! I know he is the Boks no 1 but id give Francois Steyn more of a chance. Bismarck on for John, about damn time, this guy is a hot head, but man he is a machine, Lambie at 15, hope Mopheads hamstrings is ruptured and out of rugby for 12 weeks. he adds zero in my view 60m penalties and drop goals, how often do those come along id sooner have a player who can create 7pointers anytime. Bryan is another id park. Fair enough Mvovo and Basson didnt shoot the lights out playing outside Kick Steyn and No pass Meisiekind, but Mvovos work rate was insane he deserved to start and get more of a chance. I like the look of the loose trio, Brussouw, Alberts, Spies, hectic! 2 brutes and a thief. I am still not convinced about Spies. He had an Ok game, not great nowhere near as good as he could be, but everyone wants to go and blow him now, is this what Bok supporters have become? accepting mediocrity as the norm? nah man!!The Boks will be much better than last week, a first team Bok team should beat a make shift NZ team in SA, but no one is confident of this...
Hence why i laugh at anyone who wants to draw comparisons of NZ leaving 9 players at home to PdV rehabbing 21 players. Graham Henry has got it right i think. he needs to give his fringe players a chance, the old guard have been tried and tested and have shown their wares. The guys on the outside looking in have been given an opportunity to step to the plate. They arent talking we'll try and see. hell no!! they want to win. They want to show New Zealanders that there is life without Richie and DC. What has been created is competition for the jersey, the opposite is true for the Boks guys believe they own the jersey. Slade is a good player and what better opposition to test yourself against than the old foe in their back yard? Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Izzy Dagg, Richard Kahui dont know their fate yet, neither do Thomo and Messam or Hoeata. The ABs dont have much to lose, but they dont want to lose. Much to gain, they can see what depth they truly have. if the players can front up, players playing for their jerseys.
This test has the makings of a humdinger, hopefully both players will execute correctly, the boys will be serious so i think it will be the Kamate Haka. I'd love to call the Blacks for this one but its a close call. hope its a good game and Ali, Kevvy, Thomo, Colin Izzy, Hosea all come through with flying colours and give the coaches sleepless nights with their selection posers.
Happy viewing...
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