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...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
S15 and Tri-Nations
Long time people,
What a cracker year if you are a rugby supporter isnt it? Feel for the players though because unless you were int he Australian conference, the Super 15 was forkin tough.
Super 15
Best team won in the end without a doubt. My Blues, dissapointed once again, but I wasnt too bleak because I have had a few years of preparation! The saddest thing about that team is the fact that they talent and ability aplenty, just execution kills them. Their Semi final against the Reds was littered with silly mistakes, it may have looked like a hiding on the scoreboard but it was one or 2 silly options taken or opportunities missed that killed it as a contest. The Reds on the other hand were composed and took their chances. The other semi-final was another huge dissapointment. I really hoped and wished for more of a contest from the Stormers, but instead of producing a storming performance, it was hardly a drizzle!
My team and I am sure many people's team of the tournament was the Crusaders, if you watch rugby and know the benefits a home match on players psyche, you will appreciate how monumental their efforts were to get as far as they did. A win would have been deserved and a proper fairy tale, but the travel, requirements of coming to SA and back again would have been just one hurdle too far. but hats off to the red and blacks.
A lot of South African players really stood out for me, most of them from the Cheetahs, Ebershon (spelling) twins, Sarel, Riaan, Ashley. Lions showed patches of getting back to the top of the food chain. They have a good side. Chilliboy was the business, Bjorn Basson the leading try scorer. Keegan, Mvovo and Lambie also put their hands up. What the S15 also showed was that some people are just tired, tired in the sense that they are past it. Victor, bakkies, Pierre, John, Bryan, all pap. Duane, too predictable.
In summary I am quite over this S15 format, whats wrong with everyone playing everyone? This prolonged, ITM cup and Currie Cup is not quite working for me. The Australian conference was a bore, dont think i watched many of them. 4 points for a bye, i mean really? Wrong year to implement the extended comp, but alas it is what it is.
Tri-Nations
21 players INJURED, how stupid are we? But alas, you know the team that PdV took along with him wasnt the dumbest move ever, guys definitely need a rest, you saw the flatness the ABs displayed against the Fijians, they may have won, but it was all but convincing. The Bok team to Australasia was a team that performed in the S15, but guys and girls lets not be silly, Deon Stegman and Wynand Olivier, i mean really!!?? Are those fools Bok material? I think not! The game last saturday, showed some definite ineptness, and i have defended PdV endlessly, but yep, he and his merry bunch are clueless, properly! Kick and chase game plan, i mean thats sooo 2009, lets move on!
That being said, i think they will be more competitive against the Blacks on saturday. They would have learnt from their mistakes. Have a whole lot more urgency at the break downs and shore up their defensive system.
Ausies, all i can say is Quade Cooper! He is the new Carlos Spencer and then some! Genia as well is just on fire. They lost to Samoa and let me take a few minutes to dwel on why that should not be a suprise, or rather it should be the norm. I wish that Fiji and Samoa would be able to keep some of their top players. They have a great team at the moment, i guess because the bulk of their team has overseas experience (France, UK and NZ) but if you look at this list, some of the biggest and best All black players have Samoan ancestry (courtesy of Wikipedia), namely:
All Blacks (past & present)
John Afoa - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1062)
Sosene Anesi - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1054)
Ben Atiga - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1037)
Graeme Bachop - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 885)
Stephen Bachop former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 925)
William Birtwhistle - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 652)
Andrew Blowers - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 956)
Olo Brown - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 910)
Frank Bunce - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 915)
Eroni Clarke - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 919)
Jerry Collins - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1002)
Christian Cullen - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 952)
Ross Filipo - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1070)
Alama Ieremia former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 942)
Michael Jones - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 882)
Jerome Kaino - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1050)
Josh Kronfeld - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 943)
Pat Lam former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 928)
Casey Laulala - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1048)
Keith Lowen - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1020)
Lelia Masaga - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1092)
Chris Masoe - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1059)
Aaron Mauger - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1013)
Nathan Mauger - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1008)
Keven Mealamu - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1026)
Brad Mika - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1024)
Dylan Mika - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 982)
Mils Muliaina - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1033)
Ma'a Nonu - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1031)
John Schuster - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 889)
John Schwalgar - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1071)
Kevin Senio - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1058)
Dave Solomon - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 415)
Frank Solomon - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 387)
Rodney So'oialo - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1028)
Benson Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1102)
Jeremy Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 963)
Joe Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 874)
Neemia Tialata - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1060)
Filo Tiatia - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 993)
Isaia Toeava - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1064)
Ofisa Tonu'u former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 957)
Mose Tuiali'i - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1042)
Va'aiga Tuigamala - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 900)
Richard Turner - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 917)
Tana Umaga - rugby player & former captain for the All Blacks (All Black number 961)
Victor Vito - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1103)
Bryan Williams - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 689)
Sonny Bill Williams - rugby player for the All Blacks & former Kiwis rugby league player, boxer (All Black number 1108)
Rudi Wulf - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1077)
Some big names here ey?! Samoan rugby is on the rise, they have some really big names who opted for their roots as opposed to AB jerseys, Kahn, Paul Williams, Mapusua to name but a few, so if theu get their story together it could be a touch WC for SA and Wales. The win has made the group pretty interesting.
Anyway I am not noremally htis bullish about the Tri-nations, but I think this one is a 2 horse race, NZ/Oz, even when the 21 injured players are recovered when Oz and NZ get here, they may well struggle to get traction because they wouldnt have had much match fitness. If we (NZ) beat Oz in the first game the title is ours again. This weekends game, if last weeks is anything to go by will be won by the Blacks. I dont think it will be easy, because the Blacks arent on fire either so they will have to raise their game. The Boks were dismal and will have to get a game. Motivation to prove naysayers wrong will be there and they will need no more motivation than to pip the ABs at home in the year where they host the World Cup
I really hope that its a contest on Saturday if the Boks win it will make life very intersting, it will do the ABs some good too, because then they will have that air of invincibility pierced and more work would have to be put in or for the tounament and beyond
Later...
What a cracker year if you are a rugby supporter isnt it? Feel for the players though because unless you were int he Australian conference, the Super 15 was forkin tough.
Super 15
Best team won in the end without a doubt. My Blues, dissapointed once again, but I wasnt too bleak because I have had a few years of preparation! The saddest thing about that team is the fact that they talent and ability aplenty, just execution kills them. Their Semi final against the Reds was littered with silly mistakes, it may have looked like a hiding on the scoreboard but it was one or 2 silly options taken or opportunities missed that killed it as a contest. The Reds on the other hand were composed and took their chances. The other semi-final was another huge dissapointment. I really hoped and wished for more of a contest from the Stormers, but instead of producing a storming performance, it was hardly a drizzle!
My team and I am sure many people's team of the tournament was the Crusaders, if you watch rugby and know the benefits a home match on players psyche, you will appreciate how monumental their efforts were to get as far as they did. A win would have been deserved and a proper fairy tale, but the travel, requirements of coming to SA and back again would have been just one hurdle too far. but hats off to the red and blacks.
A lot of South African players really stood out for me, most of them from the Cheetahs, Ebershon (spelling) twins, Sarel, Riaan, Ashley. Lions showed patches of getting back to the top of the food chain. They have a good side. Chilliboy was the business, Bjorn Basson the leading try scorer. Keegan, Mvovo and Lambie also put their hands up. What the S15 also showed was that some people are just tired, tired in the sense that they are past it. Victor, bakkies, Pierre, John, Bryan, all pap. Duane, too predictable.
In summary I am quite over this S15 format, whats wrong with everyone playing everyone? This prolonged, ITM cup and Currie Cup is not quite working for me. The Australian conference was a bore, dont think i watched many of them. 4 points for a bye, i mean really? Wrong year to implement the extended comp, but alas it is what it is.
Tri-Nations
21 players INJURED, how stupid are we? But alas, you know the team that PdV took along with him wasnt the dumbest move ever, guys definitely need a rest, you saw the flatness the ABs displayed against the Fijians, they may have won, but it was all but convincing. The Bok team to Australasia was a team that performed in the S15, but guys and girls lets not be silly, Deon Stegman and Wynand Olivier, i mean really!!?? Are those fools Bok material? I think not! The game last saturday, showed some definite ineptness, and i have defended PdV endlessly, but yep, he and his merry bunch are clueless, properly! Kick and chase game plan, i mean thats sooo 2009, lets move on!
That being said, i think they will be more competitive against the Blacks on saturday. They would have learnt from their mistakes. Have a whole lot more urgency at the break downs and shore up their defensive system.
Ausies, all i can say is Quade Cooper! He is the new Carlos Spencer and then some! Genia as well is just on fire. They lost to Samoa and let me take a few minutes to dwel on why that should not be a suprise, or rather it should be the norm. I wish that Fiji and Samoa would be able to keep some of their top players. They have a great team at the moment, i guess because the bulk of their team has overseas experience (France, UK and NZ) but if you look at this list, some of the biggest and best All black players have Samoan ancestry (courtesy of Wikipedia), namely:
All Blacks (past & present)
John Afoa - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1062)
Sosene Anesi - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1054)
Ben Atiga - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1037)
Graeme Bachop - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 885)
Stephen Bachop former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 925)
William Birtwhistle - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 652)
Andrew Blowers - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 956)
Olo Brown - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 910)
Frank Bunce - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 915)
Eroni Clarke - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 919)
Jerry Collins - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1002)
Christian Cullen - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 952)
Ross Filipo - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1070)
Alama Ieremia former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 942)
Michael Jones - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 882)
Jerome Kaino - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1050)
Josh Kronfeld - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 943)
Pat Lam former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 928)
Casey Laulala - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1048)
Keith Lowen - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1020)
Lelia Masaga - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1092)
Chris Masoe - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1059)
Aaron Mauger - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1013)
Nathan Mauger - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1008)
Keven Mealamu - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1026)
Brad Mika - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1024)
Dylan Mika - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 982)
Mils Muliaina - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1033)
Ma'a Nonu - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1031)
John Schuster - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 889)
John Schwalgar - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1071)
Kevin Senio - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1058)
Dave Solomon - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 415)
Frank Solomon - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 387)
Rodney So'oialo - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1028)
Benson Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1102)
Jeremy Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 963)
Joe Stanley - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 874)
Neemia Tialata - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1060)
Filo Tiatia - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 993)
Isaia Toeava - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1064)
Ofisa Tonu'u former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 957)
Mose Tuiali'i - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1042)
Va'aiga Tuigamala - former rugby player for Manu Samoa & All Blacks (All Black number 900)
Richard Turner - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 917)
Tana Umaga - rugby player & former captain for the All Blacks (All Black number 961)
Victor Vito - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1103)
Bryan Williams - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 689)
Sonny Bill Williams - rugby player for the All Blacks & former Kiwis rugby league player, boxer (All Black number 1108)
Rudi Wulf - rugby player for the All Blacks (All Black number 1077)
Some big names here ey?! Samoan rugby is on the rise, they have some really big names who opted for their roots as opposed to AB jerseys, Kahn, Paul Williams, Mapusua to name but a few, so if theu get their story together it could be a touch WC for SA and Wales. The win has made the group pretty interesting.
Anyway I am not noremally htis bullish about the Tri-nations, but I think this one is a 2 horse race, NZ/Oz, even when the 21 injured players are recovered when Oz and NZ get here, they may well struggle to get traction because they wouldnt have had much match fitness. If we (NZ) beat Oz in the first game the title is ours again. This weekends game, if last weeks is anything to go by will be won by the Blacks. I dont think it will be easy, because the Blacks arent on fire either so they will have to raise their game. The Boks were dismal and will have to get a game. Motivation to prove naysayers wrong will be there and they will need no more motivation than to pip the ABs at home in the year where they host the World Cup
I really hope that its a contest on Saturday if the Boks win it will make life very intersting, it will do the ABs some good too, because then they will have that air of invincibility pierced and more work would have to be put in or for the tounament and beyond
Later...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Super rugby almost done
Top of the morning to you all. If you are a South African rugby supporter you must be beaming from ear to ear this morning and why not. I like the Blitzbokke, and yesterdays performance, all i can say is wow!! I do think that Sithole was tackled over the dead ball area, but shhh lets not tell anyone, that fightback was definitely worthy of the win :)
The Bulls, doing what the Bulls do best and just bulldozing teams with their bully beef forwards. The beauty for me about their revival is all of a sudden no one is saying anything about Chillyboy. I said it from the begining, that boy has game, just like Hanyani had game, but you need game time to be constantly and consistently at your best!! catching splinters on the bench wont do it. The Bulls up and under game though is still such a bore...such a bore. I am absolutely loving the Cheetahs rugby they are my second SA team, first the Lions, who once again will show us what they can do...next year, but mind you this year they have done better than they have done in the last few seasons though, they have won in both Oz and NZ and its been a while since they have been able to claim such successes. The Stormers had it easy in the beginning but now they are taking a little strain due to injuries. SA teams are on a good wicket at the moment and have the potential to have 3 teams in the top 6 with the Bulls late charge. Sharks have a tricky outing this weekend against the Cheetahs, Cheetahs look insanely fit. I am most excited about the SA conference. The Bulls are doing their thing, the Stormers are playing as they should, as too the Sharks, I do hope that thug Deysel gets put away for a loong time wt f?!!! but the cheetahs, with their sidestepping props, Riaan Viljoen and Sarel Pretorius, Ashley Johnson and the Ebersohn twins...such a pleasure to watch
In Australia, the Reds are by far the best thing they have going for them. Waratahs are close but they have had a few key injuries and their depth was properly tested and they have been found wanting thus far. The resurgence of the Reds is due to the implementation of structure and the development of a somewhat competent pack and blitz backs. The pack was properly owned in the scrums on sunday but they had their man of the match Stu so it didnt matter much
NZ conference is going to get messy from here on in. There are going to be some tough scraps Blues v Chiefs is going to be a toughie, Saders v Blues etc. The Landers poked themselves by not winning last weekend and so too the Saders, looked pretty tired in the second half against the Reds and they scuffed a good few opportunities.
I dont like harping on about refs, but this weekend I saw again why my call for neutral refs holds water. Some of the calls were in my favour...Sharks v Tahs, but I want a fair contest and not for the ref to decide the outcome of a game. Stu missed a lot of things both sides in the Reds v Saders game, but a lot of the 50:50 calls went for the Reds. Its human nature. Before you are a professional, you are human of a specific country. no matter how hard you try and be impartial you will go with your instincts. The culmination of his poor refing was evident in the last penalty which awarded the penalty to the Reds for hands in the ruck?! Someone please show me where the ruck was? there was no one over the ball ball was lying there. How can it not be picked up? Anyway bygones.
I actually properly dislike this conference system with home and away local matches!
Anyway thats me out for now
Have a great week
Y
The Bulls, doing what the Bulls do best and just bulldozing teams with their bully beef forwards. The beauty for me about their revival is all of a sudden no one is saying anything about Chillyboy. I said it from the begining, that boy has game, just like Hanyani had game, but you need game time to be constantly and consistently at your best!! catching splinters on the bench wont do it. The Bulls up and under game though is still such a bore...such a bore. I am absolutely loving the Cheetahs rugby they are my second SA team, first the Lions, who once again will show us what they can do...next year, but mind you this year they have done better than they have done in the last few seasons though, they have won in both Oz and NZ and its been a while since they have been able to claim such successes. The Stormers had it easy in the beginning but now they are taking a little strain due to injuries. SA teams are on a good wicket at the moment and have the potential to have 3 teams in the top 6 with the Bulls late charge. Sharks have a tricky outing this weekend against the Cheetahs, Cheetahs look insanely fit. I am most excited about the SA conference. The Bulls are doing their thing, the Stormers are playing as they should, as too the Sharks, I do hope that thug Deysel gets put away for a loong time wt f?!!! but the cheetahs, with their sidestepping props, Riaan Viljoen and Sarel Pretorius, Ashley Johnson and the Ebersohn twins...such a pleasure to watch
In Australia, the Reds are by far the best thing they have going for them. Waratahs are close but they have had a few key injuries and their depth was properly tested and they have been found wanting thus far. The resurgence of the Reds is due to the implementation of structure and the development of a somewhat competent pack and blitz backs. The pack was properly owned in the scrums on sunday but they had their man of the match Stu so it didnt matter much
NZ conference is going to get messy from here on in. There are going to be some tough scraps Blues v Chiefs is going to be a toughie, Saders v Blues etc. The Landers poked themselves by not winning last weekend and so too the Saders, looked pretty tired in the second half against the Reds and they scuffed a good few opportunities.
I dont like harping on about refs, but this weekend I saw again why my call for neutral refs holds water. Some of the calls were in my favour...Sharks v Tahs, but I want a fair contest and not for the ref to decide the outcome of a game. Stu missed a lot of things both sides in the Reds v Saders game, but a lot of the 50:50 calls went for the Reds. Its human nature. Before you are a professional, you are human of a specific country. no matter how hard you try and be impartial you will go with your instincts. The culmination of his poor refing was evident in the last penalty which awarded the penalty to the Reds for hands in the ruck?! Someone please show me where the ruck was? there was no one over the ball ball was lying there. How can it not be picked up? Anyway bygones.
I actually properly dislike this conference system with home and away local matches!
Anyway thats me out for now
Have a great week
Y
Monday, April 18, 2011
Super rugby week 10
When I first heard about the whole conference system for Super rugby, the jury was out. I thought to myself, lets give it a try and see how it goes. Now i know, i dont like this extended Air New Zealand Cup/Currie Cup/Aussie derby thing. In as much as logistically and financially it makes sense but I am now more convinced more than before that the Super Rugby needs to be whittled down to 12 teams again. Which will be a bit tough because there are some quality players sprinkled in the struggling teams. I think OZ can only realistically field a maximum of 3 competitive teams. SA struggles with 2 of its teams as well. Cheetahs have however been competitive, great spectacle of a game on saturday, bummed for them that they lost, but chuffed for the Canes that they won.
South Africa
I think the coach and the powers that be's insistance on giving national contracts to selected 'key' Springbok players wasnt the smartest idea. Players such as Victor, Pierre, Bryan and John have been average at best, actually thats very flattering, they have been pi ss poor. Victor's deficiency as a captain is clear for all to see especially when his team is behind on the score board. These players are/were great players, and there is no denying their effort, but lets be honest they are toilet at the moment and there are players playing a whole lot better than they are, Andies, Alberts(even if he isnt playing at 8), Bjorn and Bismark are in some of the best form I have seen them in. What message does it send to players that are on form and delivering?
The Bulls are as usual playing to their strengths but currently their strength is pretty weak. The bully boy up and under tactics that they have employed so well over the past few years once again has been ineffective because its easy to defend against and also for it to be effective, it has to be executed precisely and the opposition hasnt allowed them to play their game. But then again we all know that the Bulls dont travel well historically, so they can still turn their season around. We all know how hard they are to play at Loftus, but they have to develop a game plan thats more than bash bash up and under!
The Stormers learnt against the Reds that in as much as you can win games through defending, but one also needs to score tries to ensure you win games. And the Stormers can.The best centre combination in the country if not the world, enthusiastic and exciting backs in De Jongh, Aplon Duvenhage, forwards with flair and grit who lay a perfect platform for the backs to shine...there is no reason for them not to be scoring tries.
The Sharks are currently, in my view of course, SA's most balanced side. Alberts and Bissie are styling at the moment. The backs arent rockstars but they are very good at what they do and they work as a unit. the whole team works for each other and thats the best kind of team to be a part of. They have the right attitude on defence and attack.
The Lions, shame my Lions!! Depth was always going to be an issue for them, one or 2 critical injuries and its game over. I like what Mitch is doing with them though but the lack of depth and experience as well as the playing style being foreign to some of the players is hamstringing them. I do however believe that they should stick to their plan and keep at it because they can only get better and benefit from it in the next year or 2.
Cheetahs, another team i enjoy watching. Just because of their heart and their never say die attitude. Sarel Pretorius, any other country and he would be penned in for national honours. They are a great provincial side though, but i dont think they will ever challenge for the Super rugby title. But they do entertain.
Australia
Reds are definiitely the pace setters in this conference. Not just any team comes here beats the Stormers, fly back to Oz and beat the former champions. I dont want to hear any stories about travel and jetlag. Because the Reds didnt show any sign of that. I guess they are team that is just enjoying their rugby without any national expectation of success and they are playing some good football. What they have done is shored up their tight 5, they have a very large yet skillful loose forward trio. Genia and Quade are styling, they have their grove back. Good centres fast and skillfull back 3. And the big plus for them is they have built a squad that is deep. Unlike previous years, one or 2 injuries and its game over.
Warratahs
They have had some injuries which has slowed them down. They have also realised that Al Baxter is a liability come scrum time. Barnes' absence has been felt. Even though Beale has stood in well, his explosiveness from the back has been missing. The Warratahs have a good side. In my mind Australia's most balanced side with true grit which comes from the hard-nosed never say die, combative personified through their leader Waugh.
Brumbies
A perfect example of what too much player power does to a team. at the beginning of the season i thought they would be up there, but they look to have lost their way. They, dont seem to be the Brumbies team of old. And now that Adam Ash is leaving they are benching him, i mean wow, you bench one of the star performers for the Wallabies the season before? Think this season is dead for them.
Force
They have a few gems, but this season will be more of the same, bottom half of the table finish
Rebels
Also, a new side, some good experienced players, not a team to be taken lightly but their season will end in the basement half of the log as well
New Zealand
Highlanders
Perfect example of bringing together a group of able and willing people, letting them buy into a concept and then going out there and delivering on the park. Look at that side, not one single superstar. All guys that are there or thereabouts, but their results and their enthusiasm when they are playing is providing some pretty decent results. They are making themselves superstars. Adam Thomson, definitely breaking down the door to AB selection. BIg Jamie Mc is leading the team well. Jason Rutledge is shining more than his bald head. Loose trio on song. Jimmy is playing well so too his deputy...they dont have a settled flyhalf and bummed for Colin breaking his jaw again but whoever they put in 10 isnt deficient at all. They just have a solid side, a proper example of the whole being better than the sum of the parts. Everyone is waiting for their bubble to burst, but i am not too sure it will come. looking forward to their game against the Saders this weekend.
Saders
Speaking of which. They lost their first game, lost their home stadium, drew their next game, yet look at them. Table topping, playing some silly football. Class act. and all this without Captain my Captain Richie and the general DC. it must be allowing some of the die hard AB fans at least some sleep at night to know it is possible to win without DC and Richie. I mean the Saders v Bulls last week was largely the ABs v Boks and we know the result...They have superstars, but they have a system that the players adhere to. Matt Todd, Read...forwards bombastic, then the backs superstar galore Ellis, DC, SBW Robbie, Maitland, Zac, Dagg, i mean you would have to be a random team not to be winning :)
Blues
yaay my Blues are finally showing some sort of consistency which isnt consistently being inconsistent :) Its a little early to start speaking i know because things could easily regress (yes i of little faith) but i am enjoying the way they are playing. They have always had the players, but just their insistence on running everything from everywhere was killing me, because a knock on here, turnover there and game gone! but they seem to be reading the game a whole lot at the moment. I like Benson Stanley, but Matthewson, Brett, Luke and Jarred are on song, at the moment, playing some good football. Jarred Payne in my view is one of the most underrated rugby players in NZ and its a pity he is heading off to Ireland. the Iceman is firing hard. Running meters, tacklles made, kicking, tackle busts etc. He is justifying the faith the 3 wise men have placed in him.
Canes and Chiefs
I will lumpm them together because they both just bore me at the moment. So much potential, talent etc and what do they deliver? There are a few rising starts though, Vito is playing some good rugby but I am liking the look of Jack Lam of the Canes. Hosea, still has it, Andre Taylor is one for the future. Ma' a seems to be going into his shell a little which is sad because i wanted him to be on top of his game to give SBW a run for his money, btu i guess the early disciplinary issues are weighing him down some. The Chiefs, nah man, thats all i can say, there are no positives i can find for their performance, other than next year (if it comes ;)) is another year, because i dont know and its not like they dont have the players!
Upcoming games of interest
I have this feeling that the Blues might under-estimate the Rebels and they could upset them at home this weekend but i am trying not to think about that though. The 3 games of interest for me this weekend are:
1. Highlanders v Saders - This is a true test of where the Highlanders really are. I am sure the odds are stacked highly in the Saders favour, but I think it will be tougher than most people think, well i hope it is. I like where the Landers are heading with their style of play and as a team, but a big loss could break them a little, because in as much as they say they are grounded, its pretty hard not to believe the hype. It will be an evenly matched contest upfront, i would even go as far as suggesting that the landers may win the arm wrestle up front, but out back now thats where the chasm will be. 10-15 all Saders if i had to pick a fantasy team from the 2 teams. My call would be shoo i honestly dont know, head says Saders, but gut is saying nah man there is something about this Landers team, but thats the kind of game i enjoy watching.
2. Reds v Tahs - Reds want to make the statement of we are here, Tahs want to let the Reds know who is the real boss! Very interesting tie it could be, hopefully not a boring 3-3 affair. These games tend to be a bit of an arm wrestle, but i doubt it will be this year with the players on display, Genia, Cooper, Higginbottam, Ioane, Harris, Davies, Beale, Mitchell, Turner, Burgess...Hoping the exciting Reds prevail, but if Phil Waugh is back look out Reds.
3. Force v Bulls - not in so much as the spectacle it could be, but the mental resolve of the Bulls, because they are up against it now and they have to win. The Force on the other hand want to continue their winning ways...at home nogals. it will be a niggly affair. Bulls have lost to the Force before. I see more of the same from the Bulls, forwards to set up a platform for the backs to kick up and unders :)
Ok tired of writing
Take care
Y
South Africa
I think the coach and the powers that be's insistance on giving national contracts to selected 'key' Springbok players wasnt the smartest idea. Players such as Victor, Pierre, Bryan and John have been average at best, actually thats very flattering, they have been pi ss poor. Victor's deficiency as a captain is clear for all to see especially when his team is behind on the score board. These players are/were great players, and there is no denying their effort, but lets be honest they are toilet at the moment and there are players playing a whole lot better than they are, Andies, Alberts(even if he isnt playing at 8), Bjorn and Bismark are in some of the best form I have seen them in. What message does it send to players that are on form and delivering?
The Bulls are as usual playing to their strengths but currently their strength is pretty weak. The bully boy up and under tactics that they have employed so well over the past few years once again has been ineffective because its easy to defend against and also for it to be effective, it has to be executed precisely and the opposition hasnt allowed them to play their game. But then again we all know that the Bulls dont travel well historically, so they can still turn their season around. We all know how hard they are to play at Loftus, but they have to develop a game plan thats more than bash bash up and under!
The Stormers learnt against the Reds that in as much as you can win games through defending, but one also needs to score tries to ensure you win games. And the Stormers can.The best centre combination in the country if not the world, enthusiastic and exciting backs in De Jongh, Aplon Duvenhage, forwards with flair and grit who lay a perfect platform for the backs to shine...there is no reason for them not to be scoring tries.
The Sharks are currently, in my view of course, SA's most balanced side. Alberts and Bissie are styling at the moment. The backs arent rockstars but they are very good at what they do and they work as a unit. the whole team works for each other and thats the best kind of team to be a part of. They have the right attitude on defence and attack.
The Lions, shame my Lions!! Depth was always going to be an issue for them, one or 2 critical injuries and its game over. I like what Mitch is doing with them though but the lack of depth and experience as well as the playing style being foreign to some of the players is hamstringing them. I do however believe that they should stick to their plan and keep at it because they can only get better and benefit from it in the next year or 2.
Cheetahs, another team i enjoy watching. Just because of their heart and their never say die attitude. Sarel Pretorius, any other country and he would be penned in for national honours. They are a great provincial side though, but i dont think they will ever challenge for the Super rugby title. But they do entertain.
Australia
Reds are definiitely the pace setters in this conference. Not just any team comes here beats the Stormers, fly back to Oz and beat the former champions. I dont want to hear any stories about travel and jetlag. Because the Reds didnt show any sign of that. I guess they are team that is just enjoying their rugby without any national expectation of success and they are playing some good football. What they have done is shored up their tight 5, they have a very large yet skillful loose forward trio. Genia and Quade are styling, they have their grove back. Good centres fast and skillfull back 3. And the big plus for them is they have built a squad that is deep. Unlike previous years, one or 2 injuries and its game over.
Warratahs
They have had some injuries which has slowed them down. They have also realised that Al Baxter is a liability come scrum time. Barnes' absence has been felt. Even though Beale has stood in well, his explosiveness from the back has been missing. The Warratahs have a good side. In my mind Australia's most balanced side with true grit which comes from the hard-nosed never say die, combative personified through their leader Waugh.
Brumbies
A perfect example of what too much player power does to a team. at the beginning of the season i thought they would be up there, but they look to have lost their way. They, dont seem to be the Brumbies team of old. And now that Adam Ash is leaving they are benching him, i mean wow, you bench one of the star performers for the Wallabies the season before? Think this season is dead for them.
Force
They have a few gems, but this season will be more of the same, bottom half of the table finish
Rebels
Also, a new side, some good experienced players, not a team to be taken lightly but their season will end in the basement half of the log as well
New Zealand
Highlanders
Perfect example of bringing together a group of able and willing people, letting them buy into a concept and then going out there and delivering on the park. Look at that side, not one single superstar. All guys that are there or thereabouts, but their results and their enthusiasm when they are playing is providing some pretty decent results. They are making themselves superstars. Adam Thomson, definitely breaking down the door to AB selection. BIg Jamie Mc is leading the team well. Jason Rutledge is shining more than his bald head. Loose trio on song. Jimmy is playing well so too his deputy...they dont have a settled flyhalf and bummed for Colin breaking his jaw again but whoever they put in 10 isnt deficient at all. They just have a solid side, a proper example of the whole being better than the sum of the parts. Everyone is waiting for their bubble to burst, but i am not too sure it will come. looking forward to their game against the Saders this weekend.
Saders
Speaking of which. They lost their first game, lost their home stadium, drew their next game, yet look at them. Table topping, playing some silly football. Class act. and all this without Captain my Captain Richie and the general DC. it must be allowing some of the die hard AB fans at least some sleep at night to know it is possible to win without DC and Richie. I mean the Saders v Bulls last week was largely the ABs v Boks and we know the result...They have superstars, but they have a system that the players adhere to. Matt Todd, Read...forwards bombastic, then the backs superstar galore Ellis, DC, SBW Robbie, Maitland, Zac, Dagg, i mean you would have to be a random team not to be winning :)
Blues
yaay my Blues are finally showing some sort of consistency which isnt consistently being inconsistent :) Its a little early to start speaking i know because things could easily regress (yes i of little faith) but i am enjoying the way they are playing. They have always had the players, but just their insistence on running everything from everywhere was killing me, because a knock on here, turnover there and game gone! but they seem to be reading the game a whole lot at the moment. I like Benson Stanley, but Matthewson, Brett, Luke and Jarred are on song, at the moment, playing some good football. Jarred Payne in my view is one of the most underrated rugby players in NZ and its a pity he is heading off to Ireland. the Iceman is firing hard. Running meters, tacklles made, kicking, tackle busts etc. He is justifying the faith the 3 wise men have placed in him.
Canes and Chiefs
I will lumpm them together because they both just bore me at the moment. So much potential, talent etc and what do they deliver? There are a few rising starts though, Vito is playing some good rugby but I am liking the look of Jack Lam of the Canes. Hosea, still has it, Andre Taylor is one for the future. Ma' a seems to be going into his shell a little which is sad because i wanted him to be on top of his game to give SBW a run for his money, btu i guess the early disciplinary issues are weighing him down some. The Chiefs, nah man, thats all i can say, there are no positives i can find for their performance, other than next year (if it comes ;)) is another year, because i dont know and its not like they dont have the players!
Upcoming games of interest
I have this feeling that the Blues might under-estimate the Rebels and they could upset them at home this weekend but i am trying not to think about that though. The 3 games of interest for me this weekend are:
1. Highlanders v Saders - This is a true test of where the Highlanders really are. I am sure the odds are stacked highly in the Saders favour, but I think it will be tougher than most people think, well i hope it is. I like where the Landers are heading with their style of play and as a team, but a big loss could break them a little, because in as much as they say they are grounded, its pretty hard not to believe the hype. It will be an evenly matched contest upfront, i would even go as far as suggesting that the landers may win the arm wrestle up front, but out back now thats where the chasm will be. 10-15 all Saders if i had to pick a fantasy team from the 2 teams. My call would be shoo i honestly dont know, head says Saders, but gut is saying nah man there is something about this Landers team, but thats the kind of game i enjoy watching.
2. Reds v Tahs - Reds want to make the statement of we are here, Tahs want to let the Reds know who is the real boss! Very interesting tie it could be, hopefully not a boring 3-3 affair. These games tend to be a bit of an arm wrestle, but i doubt it will be this year with the players on display, Genia, Cooper, Higginbottam, Ioane, Harris, Davies, Beale, Mitchell, Turner, Burgess...Hoping the exciting Reds prevail, but if Phil Waugh is back look out Reds.
3. Force v Bulls - not in so much as the spectacle it could be, but the mental resolve of the Bulls, because they are up against it now and they have to win. The Force on the other hand want to continue their winning ways...at home nogals. it will be a niggly affair. Bulls have lost to the Force before. I see more of the same from the Bulls, forwards to set up a platform for the backs to kick up and unders :)
Ok tired of writing
Take care
Y
Friday, April 1, 2011
Super rugby - week 7
What a weekend of rugby last weekend was ey....had the Hurricanes blowing themselves off the field, had the Stormers scoring tries and then the Crusaders having one of the most clinically freakish halves of rugby I have ever viewed!
Good morning all,
Let me start off with a gripe quickly. I just watched Boots and All and the way the guys are going on about that SBW attempted tackle...i shake my head! They compared that incident to Bakkies cleaning out of Duvenhage the week before. Guys please!!! cant even compare those 2 incidents. Had he been cited I would have not batted an eye lid because yes he lead with a shoulder but replays show that his left arm was around Kanko's body, but his right arm was not. The incident was made worse by the fact that DC had him low. BUT its in no way comparable to the tackle on Dewald, its a good thing that guy is fit because he was in a headlock and dropped onto the ground with Bakkies 110kg odd frame right on top of him, that my friends is career ending stuff!! But its funny how no one is saying anything about Kegan Daniels in minute 71odd drops the ball and then leads in with his elbow into Kahn Fotuali's throat? but alas, lets not split hairs here.
I wont go into all the individual games from the week before. I will just talk about the Saders game quickly. I havent been the biggest fan of this SBW hype, he is a good player and he has plenty potential. He his big, strong, fast and direct and that miracle offload sets him apart from his peers, but as i have said before his long game...eish ek weet nie!! but what he has going for him is DC on his inside and Freuan on his outside. On Sunday DC had one of his best games in any jersey. DC looks like he just plays within himself a lot but on sunday he was keen to do everything, kick, run, distribute, he helped SBW's game plenty. The Sharks came in for much stick that game especially John Smit, but people, Jannie was popped alot. the Saders 8 were better than the Sharks 8 thats that. It wasnt John's fault to be honest i think Jannie is a liability as a scrumager too. A lot of people were on Kanko and Keegans case as well, but in my mind they were the Sharks most creative players, they soldiered on valiantly the whole game and i think its largely because of their attitude the sharks were able to make a game of it. it was a very entertaining game because the ground was firm, the teams had the right attitude and the ref was anonymous (he let a lot go both ways, but it made for a good spectacle.
This weekends games
Landers v Brumbies
Looking forward to Colin's first game back. Landers have come back from a weekend off, hopefully refreshed but with the same intensity from the first few weeks. Brumbies are misfiring and need a big game. This is a good test of where both teams are...Brumbies if they are title contenders or Highlanders if they really have turned the corner or if the first few weeks were a flash in the pan. Calling the Highlanders, because they are at home and i think as a unit they are a better prospect
Tahs v Chiefs
Chiefs are due a big game. They arent playing at home. They are generally better away from home as well. Tahs have got a new flyhalf in Beale. Not the best defender as the first line of defence. So watch the loosies attack his channel. Tahs have Waugh back and he will be annoying. Both teams need this game to get their season on track. I think the Chiefs need it more desperately but will they play as such. My heart thinks the Chiefs will pitch up but my head eish she says its going to be the more of the same erratic stuff from the CHiefs
Blues v Cheetahs
Blues unless they loose their mind again like they can
Canes v Bulls
Bulls need this game, Canes even more. Canes are at home, Bulls dont travel too well. Canes should sneak in
Force v Rebels
who cares?? But i will say Force
Lions v Reds
Oh my dear Lions why have you forsaken me?? So much promise but more of the same it seems. I know they dont have the players but what i like about Mitch is unlike PdV, he is convinced the players will be able to play this expansive game he wants them to play. Doppies taking over as captain shouldnt disturb them too much, they seem to be a unit that works for and supports each other. The Reds are looking hot at the moment, but its the Highveld. they have just travelled far. They have a good coach that will keep them focused. they have a good forward pack and an explosive backline as was evidenced last weekend. heart Lions, but everything else in the universe says Reds, in Superbru, went with heart, hoping but i know the Reds will take it.
Sharks v Stormers
game of the weekend! Duane v Kanko, pity Lambie isnt playling cos i was looking forward to him v Grant. In my mind Peter Grant is currently SA's best flyhalf by a long way. he just seems so composed. He has the best kicking record of all the flyhalves (why do you need Morne) he can tackle (why do you need Morne) gets his backs moving, passes....etc!! I think the Sharks forwards wont be as poor as they were last week. but the Stormers have a great unit. so it will be a good scrap up front. Backs the Stormers are a muuuuch better unit than the Sharks, from 9-10 and 12-15 :) man for man you would pick the Stormers players over the Sharks. Stormers have the best defence of all the teams. They can def score tries, they have everything going for them. The Sharks have travelled far, come home, flown to London, come back. They are tired. but they lost 2 games and they are home they will get up for this, they will win
Happy viewing
Y
Good morning all,
Let me start off with a gripe quickly. I just watched Boots and All and the way the guys are going on about that SBW attempted tackle...i shake my head! They compared that incident to Bakkies cleaning out of Duvenhage the week before. Guys please!!! cant even compare those 2 incidents. Had he been cited I would have not batted an eye lid because yes he lead with a shoulder but replays show that his left arm was around Kanko's body, but his right arm was not. The incident was made worse by the fact that DC had him low. BUT its in no way comparable to the tackle on Dewald, its a good thing that guy is fit because he was in a headlock and dropped onto the ground with Bakkies 110kg odd frame right on top of him, that my friends is career ending stuff!! But its funny how no one is saying anything about Kegan Daniels in minute 71odd drops the ball and then leads in with his elbow into Kahn Fotuali's throat? but alas, lets not split hairs here.
I wont go into all the individual games from the week before. I will just talk about the Saders game quickly. I havent been the biggest fan of this SBW hype, he is a good player and he has plenty potential. He his big, strong, fast and direct and that miracle offload sets him apart from his peers, but as i have said before his long game...eish ek weet nie!! but what he has going for him is DC on his inside and Freuan on his outside. On Sunday DC had one of his best games in any jersey. DC looks like he just plays within himself a lot but on sunday he was keen to do everything, kick, run, distribute, he helped SBW's game plenty. The Sharks came in for much stick that game especially John Smit, but people, Jannie was popped alot. the Saders 8 were better than the Sharks 8 thats that. It wasnt John's fault to be honest i think Jannie is a liability as a scrumager too. A lot of people were on Kanko and Keegans case as well, but in my mind they were the Sharks most creative players, they soldiered on valiantly the whole game and i think its largely because of their attitude the sharks were able to make a game of it. it was a very entertaining game because the ground was firm, the teams had the right attitude and the ref was anonymous (he let a lot go both ways, but it made for a good spectacle.
This weekends games
Landers v Brumbies
Looking forward to Colin's first game back. Landers have come back from a weekend off, hopefully refreshed but with the same intensity from the first few weeks. Brumbies are misfiring and need a big game. This is a good test of where both teams are...Brumbies if they are title contenders or Highlanders if they really have turned the corner or if the first few weeks were a flash in the pan. Calling the Highlanders, because they are at home and i think as a unit they are a better prospect
Tahs v Chiefs
Chiefs are due a big game. They arent playing at home. They are generally better away from home as well. Tahs have got a new flyhalf in Beale. Not the best defender as the first line of defence. So watch the loosies attack his channel. Tahs have Waugh back and he will be annoying. Both teams need this game to get their season on track. I think the Chiefs need it more desperately but will they play as such. My heart thinks the Chiefs will pitch up but my head eish she says its going to be the more of the same erratic stuff from the CHiefs
Blues v Cheetahs
Blues unless they loose their mind again like they can
Canes v Bulls
Bulls need this game, Canes even more. Canes are at home, Bulls dont travel too well. Canes should sneak in
Force v Rebels
who cares?? But i will say Force
Lions v Reds
Oh my dear Lions why have you forsaken me?? So much promise but more of the same it seems. I know they dont have the players but what i like about Mitch is unlike PdV, he is convinced the players will be able to play this expansive game he wants them to play. Doppies taking over as captain shouldnt disturb them too much, they seem to be a unit that works for and supports each other. The Reds are looking hot at the moment, but its the Highveld. they have just travelled far. They have a good coach that will keep them focused. they have a good forward pack and an explosive backline as was evidenced last weekend. heart Lions, but everything else in the universe says Reds, in Superbru, went with heart, hoping but i know the Reds will take it.
Sharks v Stormers
game of the weekend! Duane v Kanko, pity Lambie isnt playling cos i was looking forward to him v Grant. In my mind Peter Grant is currently SA's best flyhalf by a long way. he just seems so composed. He has the best kicking record of all the flyhalves (why do you need Morne) he can tackle (why do you need Morne) gets his backs moving, passes....etc!! I think the Sharks forwards wont be as poor as they were last week. but the Stormers have a great unit. so it will be a good scrap up front. Backs the Stormers are a muuuuch better unit than the Sharks, from 9-10 and 12-15 :) man for man you would pick the Stormers players over the Sharks. Stormers have the best defence of all the teams. They can def score tries, they have everything going for them. The Sharks have travelled far, come home, flown to London, come back. They are tired. but they lost 2 games and they are home they will get up for this, they will win
Happy viewing
Y
Friday, March 11, 2011
Well howdee ho people!
Good weekend of rugby, missed most of the games live but thanks to PVR and BBM Forums where i was getting regular updates of the Lions v Blues game :)
Interesting round it was. The Crusaders started off as was expected very flat and not there, but with a little help from the ref who kept them in the game through DC's boot. the Tahs were lucky in the lead up to Burgess' try because Turner picked up the ball from an offsides position but ey i guess you win some you lose some. The first 25 minutes or so was all the Tahs, Crusaders passes were going astray. I have always said SBW's long game is a little suspect but his short game...wow. As i have said before, I am not sure he deserves the hype he is getting at the moment (not that he is asking for it) potential...plenty and i would rather have him on my side than against me, but i believe Fruean is a more complete footballer at the moment as too is Treeby of the Highlanders, Luke McAlistar even Tana in his young age :). The SBW and Fruean combo in midfield will terrorise many a opposition. Matt Todd was another who impressed me, boy is fast, low and hard! Pity he has Richie in front of him because he is a talent. For the Tahs Halangahu was a joke at 10, their scrum was properly schooled. It was quite sad to see the front runners in the tournament look so ordinary.
Lions v Blues, The Lions are due a win i have been saying this for the last 2 weekends, didnt want their win to come last weekend though because you all know the French-like(unpredictable) Blues have been my side since Super Rugby began. I know a lot of you dont believe Jantjes has what it takes to be at the top level, but he did a lot of things right particularly in the first half his kicking was good too this week. He is small yes, but so too is o'Connor and look at how he turned out. I think he will get there if he believes in himself and in Carlos and Mitch he has 2 mentors that will help him with that. I like Doppies, i know many people dont like him but he had a pretty good game last weekend and Waylon is looking like the player he once was at the Sharks. Their loose forwards Whitely and Strauss in particular are pretty darn good, tackling, running and just being there all the time and well done to Bandise for moving over. I think they did enough to win that game, but there was one master stroke that swung it in the Blues favour. The use of hungry youngsters first and then the old heads in the last 20 or so minutes. A player who has really impressed me for the Blues is Jared Payne. Payno's linking with Rooster Ranger just like they do in Northland is sublime. Its also pleasing to see Isaiah and Joe playing some good footy. Welcome back Luke 10 or 12 you just keep playing like you did young man.
Wasnt it good to see the old man Tana turning back the clock. The Chiefs showed glimpses of how good they could be. Nanai Williams, Masaga and Sivivatu can you ask for a more potent back 3? I like Donald but i would prefer Delaney at the moment as well as kerr-Barlow at no 9. The Rebels will be a good side i honestly believe it. They just need more time together and get the trust going on defence, because they looked out of sorts on the weekend.
Other than what i saw on SSBlitz, i didnt catch any of the Brumbies Reds game, but how does a team score 4 tries to 1 and lose?? yes they infringed in the killzone, but i dont know so much ey?!
Sharks are looking the business. Loving their forwards but i still think Bismarck and his brother are liabilities. Dr Du Plessis telling Pocock i am going to break your neck, i mean really? but that aside, the Forces over physicality was unnecessary. I think out of all the South African teams they have the most balanced loose trio. Alberts the bruiser flanked by Kanko and Keegans flair and open play. Their tight five sets the platform up front and provides go forward ball which makes Mcloeds job so much easier and makes Lambie shine like he is. the centres are random and the back 3 able, but their game is won up front. it will be interesting to see when they come up against a pack that is equally physical and doesnt make mistakes like the Blues.
Stormers v Cheetahs - U S E L E S S game!
Then there was the biggest upset of the weekend. Well, i was having a conversation with a mate of mine before i wrote the blog saying that i wasnt too convinced that the Bulls will win, because if their pack is matched they are clueless (highlanders showed it last year) but then i thought about it, long travel, they were playing at the NG Kerk, even though the Bulls have been poor thus far, their first home game would g them up and the no name brand Highlanders would try hard but may just fall short...how wrong was i and the rest of the world!! bigup to them!! The Bulls are soo predictable! Stegman, I cant believe someone pays him money?!! he is foolish! another useless guy is meisie kind, really had he passed the ball in the last movement, they could have had a draw, not that they deserved it. For the Highlanders, Sean Treeby, Adam Thomson, Kade Poki, Jamie Mackintosh have been absolutely superb, but the whole team is just special. Everyone is waiting for the rising rollercoaster to fall, but hopefully they prove their doubters wrong and keep pulling off such great performances! Jamie Mackintosh got away with murder when he knocked the ball out of FdP's hand, but all in all i think the refs had shockers throughout the weekend. Jonathan Kaplan was poor, Pollock was random and so too Stuey!
This weekends games
Crusaders v Brumbies, looking forward the the centre matchup between SBW & Robbie against Coleman and Adam Ash, brawn v fleet footedness. DC against Gits Crusaders pack v Brumbies pack. this will be the decider. If the saders bully the Brumbies pack like they did the Tahs, its going to be a tough night out for the Brumbies. I will go with the home team for this one, but it wont be as easy as many think.
Rebels v Sharks, big games from Bismarck, Alberts, Lambie and Mvovo. Rebels will be up for this game. morts will have one of his better games. In the past he has been a player who rises to a challenge and playing against the Sharks is a bigger challenge i am sure than playing the Chiefs, no disrespect to the Chiefs but they have been perenial under-performers over the last few years. If Morts gets charged, look out for Cipriani and Shepard alongside and behind him. Once again its up front that the game will be decided and the signs show that it will be Sharks 6 Rebels 0.
Stormers v Highlanders...Stormers will up their game, they have to because they have stolen 2 wins so far and they know it. But i guess its against the Lions and the Cheetahs, 2 of South Africas weaker franchises, so i am sure it was hard for them to get up for the games. Ordinarily this would be another game they woudl take lightly but alas the Highlanders are topping the NZ conference and have taken the scalp of the much vaunted Bulls team. If you had to compare the teams man for man, i am sure 85% would favour the Stormers players. The only Highlanders players that would make it would possibly be Mackintosh, Rutledge, Thomson, Cowan and Poki. But there is very little substitute for heart and hard hard work. Its a tough call. If the Highlanders havent been caught up in the euphoria of their win last weekend and if they arent too tired, they will be very competitive. i dont see the Stormers being as poor as they have been. They have brought in Duvenhage and Gio so quick ball and fleet footedness. Its a tough call and even though the Stormers are at home i am going to go with my gut which i didnt last weekend and i will call the Highlanders
Force v Blues, please oh please Blues break this win lose win lose pattern they have developed. its a bit of a tough draw for them ey, come here play sharks, then up to the highveld and play the Lions, then off to Perth to play the Force...yikes. Man for man the Blues are a stronger side, i dont think even one Force team would make it if a comparison of the 2 teams was performed. but there is a long travel to take into consideration. There is the history of the Blues to consider. But the Blues have what it takes. Strike power out back, a near AB pack and a very competent bench. Logic says Blues by a few, but lets see
Cheetahs v Lions, hoping this is an entertaining game. both teams like to give the ball air. both teams are vying for their first win. I am calling the Lions on this based on the fact that they should have won the first 3 games they have played after being ahead in all of them in the closing stages. Lions by a few. Only derby of the weekend so plenty skop skiet and donder...lekker
Happy viewing
Friday, March 4, 2011
Super rugby week 3
Hey guys and gals
A tad late this week. Last weekend was absolutely shocking for me with my Super Bru picks. Totally got the games wrong, not by much except the Sharks v Blues game which i was way off. Once again it was only the Warratahs that managed a 4 try win. They really do look like the team to beat in their conference, only team showing some sort of consistency and ability. The others Reds, Brumbies and Rebels have been poor to say the least. In the other conferences, the most impressive team in South Africa at the moment for me is the Sharks, the brand of rugby they are playing with a bunch of no names, their desire on defence and their belief in their ability, which was very evident in the last few minutes of their game against the Stormers where they built phase upon phase, worked their way upfield but unfortunately were unable to capitalise...story of their season thus far. In NZ, the conference leaders the Highlanders are the form side without a doubt, they are exactly the same as the Lions in SA, loads of heart and execution and they play as a team. Its early days yet, but they are looking hot, their only achilles heel is their lack of depth. One or 2 more injuries and they are done. they are now importing 36 year old journeymen to plug their flyhalf berth!
Disappointments for me thus far are the Blues, Reds and the Chiefs. All three teams promise so much but yet deliver such random pot shots. I am a Blues fan, always been, but their inconsistency drives me insane. if you look at the calibre of player they have on that field, i mean the run on pack it was only Lowrey who wasnt/hasnt an All black. In the backline Stephen Brett and Jarred Payne so out of the run on 15...13 past or present All Blacks, but the inconsistency of their performances kills me. Yes they tried, but losers try...It wasnt because they were pummeled by a better team, no no, they beat themselves, handling errors, yes the weather was shoddy, but there were 2 teams playing in the same conditions so i cant understand. And then the Reds, the Quade Cooper step and flair has been nowhere, thats because Will Genia hasnt got much quality ball and thats because the forwards have been under the pump hard! We all know the game is won or lost upfront. Also whats happening now is that defences are closing down Quade, so none of that razzle dazzle stuff. The Chiefs...i say no more, just shake my head, thats all. S M H!!!
This weekends games. Big respect to the Highlanders for turning over the the Chiefs, no one gave them much of a chance but they gave themselves plenty. Jamie Makintosh seemed properly injured and he soldiered on, Adam Thompson, fell on his head, but he shook it off and soldiered on! They believe in their coach and each other and it shows. They were good value for their win.
The Brumbies, i am not in that team environment, but they seem like a bunch of prima-donnas, this is the second time they have had a big fall out with their coaching staff. Think the first was Nucifora. Anyway i am glad the Rebels got their first win. JK did help them though because that penalty was a joke at best, but so too was their missed forward pass that lead to the Brumbies last try. Hope it gives their season some momentum because the Oz conference games are sooo pap, they dont have the intensity of the SA or NZ ones. I think its a ploy from the Australians to nulify the treats posed by the Boks and All Blacks come Tri Nations and All Blacks come world cup and then all they have to do is waltz through the Northern hemisphere teams and the Pacific Islanders.
My 2 favourite games of the weekend was between the Bulls and Cheetahs and Stormers and Lions. Both my teams lost though, but alas, they were very competitive games. The Cheetahs should have closed the game down. Pity they have lost Juan Smith, but liked Ashley Johnson, always have, he is hard, fast and hardworking. He needs some refinement, but i would even go as far as saying i rate him over Pierre Spies...currently. I know he is SA's points machine, but sheesh Morne Steyn is arb! Sideshow Bob (Zane) on the other hand has been having a good season though, i like the way he joins the line, his defence and at most times his positional play. The Bulls should have been dead and burried, but i guess a sign of a champion side is their ability to find that last push when all seems lost. The Lions, the Lions the Lions, second weekend where they have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. how many points were left on the field? kicking for posts was woeful, but other than that, it was such a polished performance by them. Its only a matter of time they get a win...i really hope its not this weekend though :) but i am loving the Lions.
This weekend
We see the Saders against the Tahs, i have already seen this game and I called the Saders by a few, didnt think they would win by so much. Granted the ref helped them out with a few gimme penalties in the first 15 min. I just knew they would rally to give the people back in ChCh something to smile about
Lions v Blues
I am very worried about this game. i am loving the Lions brand of rugby and the team, i mean Carlos is their assistant coach and if you know me you know Carlos and the Blues are my guys :) but, first things first. The Blues need this win...so too the Lions. The Blues have made some big changes for this game. looking forward to seeing mr unlucky Luke McAlistar starting his first game of the season. I think he is the best understudy to DC in NZ (if he can stay injury free) well him and Colin Slade. they have given a whole name of no names a start, look out for Sherwin Stowers, if he gets good ball in space, watch out. The coaching staff is smart. The travel and altitude has meant that they have put their big guns on the bench for a little bit of impact come minute 60 or so, lets hope they dont have to come on earlier because the guys are struggling. It will be a good game. weather in Jozi is conducive for good running rugby and both teams want to run. Watch the Lions try and move the Blues around to test out their lungs. Blues by just a few
Chiefs v Rebels
In an ideal world, i would call Chiefs, no problems, but eish this Chiefs team. I see Tana is back pity not at 13 against Morts. I would have kept Delaney at 10 instead of Donald, because he had a good game. Would also have left Kerr-Barlow on at 9 as well he had a good game, kept the opposition guessing. Looking forward to Sivivatu scoring a few, cos he is in my fantasy league team :) The Rebels i dont know what to say about them. They are an efficient side, do the basics and have a good system. The kicking game seems to suit Cipriani well, but i want to see more of his passing game. Chiefs to take this one...we hope
Brumbies v Reds
Brumbies have a new coach in their defence coach. The Reds coming off a shocker last week. Both teams will be looking to put together a good spirited performance. I am just a little concerned that Quade will try and be an individual to try and get his no 10 jersey back and thus disadvantage his team. The Reds have some injuries notably Horwill and Heynes. Watch the Brumbies youngsters of Speight and Coleman. Gits is looking like his old self again in the no 10. Even though they had a bit of off field drama, i think they will get away here the Brumbies and they are at home.
Force v Sharks.
O'Connor v Lambie. I know the whole of SA loves Pat Lambie, i think he is good but i dont see him as being better than Jantjes. He has a more powerfull forward pack that gives his scrummy good ball thus he too gets good ball. His goal kicking is better than Jantjies' but a flyhalf is more than place kicks. As an overall player, O'Connor may have his number here, but i think that may be the only place the Sharks lose their pack is monstrous, too much mongrel upfront and bruisers in the loose trio. The travel may be a factor in the last 20 minutes or so, but then Plum will clear his bench and bring some Boks on and bye bye Force. It will be a close match on the scoreboard, but on the field i think the Sharks will dominate. Sharks to sneak home though.
Stormers v Cheetahs
Stormers would have gotten most of the cobwebs out of the system, and will be a better side this weekend. the Cheetahs will soldier on valiantly but in the end the princess will go home with the men in blue and white. I am looking forward to the game though. if there is no rain down in the Cape it should be another game with 2 willing parties who want to give the ball some air. The Stormers forward will however be too strong for the Cheetahs pack. Actually if you had to compare man for man, i cant think of a position where they Stormers will be worse than the Cheetahs. Stormers dont have Jacques, but as a creator i like Juan, so they havent lost too much. I know bok fans think Schalla is the bees knees, but i dont think his loss will be that greatly felt, they have Flouw, Plouw and Duane who did well for them last year! Cheetahs are without Juan, even though it didnt look like it last week, they have lost much....Stormers to blow my other SA side away... :(
Bulls v Highlanders
Could the Landers cause this weekends upset (if the Lions dont, but wait if the Lions win is it an upset? because a lot of people are saying that it is a possibility) anyway back to the Bulls. They have been pretty random till now BUUUUTTTT, they have still won both matches, away from fort Loftus nogal. Ok wait its not gonna happen for the Landers. I like the Highlanders plenty, love it when the underdog prospers, ala Ireland over England, but i think (hope not) that this will be a mountain too high. They have just made the long journey over here, playing at altitude, against a very efficient, yet boring Bulls side. This up and under story has to go really, i dont understand why they keep doing that??!! I am hoping for a Highlanders win but if i was betting id back the Bulls at fort Loftus.
How was the English win over the French last weekend? As arb as they English are they just seem to building themselves into competitive contention for the RWC 2011. I thought the French would roll them up in their rizzla and smoke them, but ey what do i know
Happy viewing people, thoughts still go out there to the people of Christchurch, hope this mornings win gives you guys all more strength!
Y
A tad late this week. Last weekend was absolutely shocking for me with my Super Bru picks. Totally got the games wrong, not by much except the Sharks v Blues game which i was way off. Once again it was only the Warratahs that managed a 4 try win. They really do look like the team to beat in their conference, only team showing some sort of consistency and ability. The others Reds, Brumbies and Rebels have been poor to say the least. In the other conferences, the most impressive team in South Africa at the moment for me is the Sharks, the brand of rugby they are playing with a bunch of no names, their desire on defence and their belief in their ability, which was very evident in the last few minutes of their game against the Stormers where they built phase upon phase, worked their way upfield but unfortunately were unable to capitalise...story of their season thus far. In NZ, the conference leaders the Highlanders are the form side without a doubt, they are exactly the same as the Lions in SA, loads of heart and execution and they play as a team. Its early days yet, but they are looking hot, their only achilles heel is their lack of depth. One or 2 more injuries and they are done. they are now importing 36 year old journeymen to plug their flyhalf berth!
Disappointments for me thus far are the Blues, Reds and the Chiefs. All three teams promise so much but yet deliver such random pot shots. I am a Blues fan, always been, but their inconsistency drives me insane. if you look at the calibre of player they have on that field, i mean the run on pack it was only Lowrey who wasnt/hasnt an All black. In the backline Stephen Brett and Jarred Payne so out of the run on 15...13 past or present All Blacks, but the inconsistency of their performances kills me. Yes they tried, but losers try...It wasnt because they were pummeled by a better team, no no, they beat themselves, handling errors, yes the weather was shoddy, but there were 2 teams playing in the same conditions so i cant understand. And then the Reds, the Quade Cooper step and flair has been nowhere, thats because Will Genia hasnt got much quality ball and thats because the forwards have been under the pump hard! We all know the game is won or lost upfront. Also whats happening now is that defences are closing down Quade, so none of that razzle dazzle stuff. The Chiefs...i say no more, just shake my head, thats all. S M H!!!
This weekends games. Big respect to the Highlanders for turning over the the Chiefs, no one gave them much of a chance but they gave themselves plenty. Jamie Makintosh seemed properly injured and he soldiered on, Adam Thompson, fell on his head, but he shook it off and soldiered on! They believe in their coach and each other and it shows. They were good value for their win.
The Brumbies, i am not in that team environment, but they seem like a bunch of prima-donnas, this is the second time they have had a big fall out with their coaching staff. Think the first was Nucifora. Anyway i am glad the Rebels got their first win. JK did help them though because that penalty was a joke at best, but so too was their missed forward pass that lead to the Brumbies last try. Hope it gives their season some momentum because the Oz conference games are sooo pap, they dont have the intensity of the SA or NZ ones. I think its a ploy from the Australians to nulify the treats posed by the Boks and All Blacks come Tri Nations and All Blacks come world cup and then all they have to do is waltz through the Northern hemisphere teams and the Pacific Islanders.
My 2 favourite games of the weekend was between the Bulls and Cheetahs and Stormers and Lions. Both my teams lost though, but alas, they were very competitive games. The Cheetahs should have closed the game down. Pity they have lost Juan Smith, but liked Ashley Johnson, always have, he is hard, fast and hardworking. He needs some refinement, but i would even go as far as saying i rate him over Pierre Spies...currently. I know he is SA's points machine, but sheesh Morne Steyn is arb! Sideshow Bob (Zane) on the other hand has been having a good season though, i like the way he joins the line, his defence and at most times his positional play. The Bulls should have been dead and burried, but i guess a sign of a champion side is their ability to find that last push when all seems lost. The Lions, the Lions the Lions, second weekend where they have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. how many points were left on the field? kicking for posts was woeful, but other than that, it was such a polished performance by them. Its only a matter of time they get a win...i really hope its not this weekend though :) but i am loving the Lions.
This weekend
We see the Saders against the Tahs, i have already seen this game and I called the Saders by a few, didnt think they would win by so much. Granted the ref helped them out with a few gimme penalties in the first 15 min. I just knew they would rally to give the people back in ChCh something to smile about
Lions v Blues
I am very worried about this game. i am loving the Lions brand of rugby and the team, i mean Carlos is their assistant coach and if you know me you know Carlos and the Blues are my guys :) but, first things first. The Blues need this win...so too the Lions. The Blues have made some big changes for this game. looking forward to seeing mr unlucky Luke McAlistar starting his first game of the season. I think he is the best understudy to DC in NZ (if he can stay injury free) well him and Colin Slade. they have given a whole name of no names a start, look out for Sherwin Stowers, if he gets good ball in space, watch out. The coaching staff is smart. The travel and altitude has meant that they have put their big guns on the bench for a little bit of impact come minute 60 or so, lets hope they dont have to come on earlier because the guys are struggling. It will be a good game. weather in Jozi is conducive for good running rugby and both teams want to run. Watch the Lions try and move the Blues around to test out their lungs. Blues by just a few
Chiefs v Rebels
In an ideal world, i would call Chiefs, no problems, but eish this Chiefs team. I see Tana is back pity not at 13 against Morts. I would have kept Delaney at 10 instead of Donald, because he had a good game. Would also have left Kerr-Barlow on at 9 as well he had a good game, kept the opposition guessing. Looking forward to Sivivatu scoring a few, cos he is in my fantasy league team :) The Rebels i dont know what to say about them. They are an efficient side, do the basics and have a good system. The kicking game seems to suit Cipriani well, but i want to see more of his passing game. Chiefs to take this one...we hope
Brumbies v Reds
Brumbies have a new coach in their defence coach. The Reds coming off a shocker last week. Both teams will be looking to put together a good spirited performance. I am just a little concerned that Quade will try and be an individual to try and get his no 10 jersey back and thus disadvantage his team. The Reds have some injuries notably Horwill and Heynes. Watch the Brumbies youngsters of Speight and Coleman. Gits is looking like his old self again in the no 10. Even though they had a bit of off field drama, i think they will get away here the Brumbies and they are at home.
Force v Sharks.
O'Connor v Lambie. I know the whole of SA loves Pat Lambie, i think he is good but i dont see him as being better than Jantjes. He has a more powerfull forward pack that gives his scrummy good ball thus he too gets good ball. His goal kicking is better than Jantjies' but a flyhalf is more than place kicks. As an overall player, O'Connor may have his number here, but i think that may be the only place the Sharks lose their pack is monstrous, too much mongrel upfront and bruisers in the loose trio. The travel may be a factor in the last 20 minutes or so, but then Plum will clear his bench and bring some Boks on and bye bye Force. It will be a close match on the scoreboard, but on the field i think the Sharks will dominate. Sharks to sneak home though.
Stormers v Cheetahs
Stormers would have gotten most of the cobwebs out of the system, and will be a better side this weekend. the Cheetahs will soldier on valiantly but in the end the princess will go home with the men in blue and white. I am looking forward to the game though. if there is no rain down in the Cape it should be another game with 2 willing parties who want to give the ball some air. The Stormers forward will however be too strong for the Cheetahs pack. Actually if you had to compare man for man, i cant think of a position where they Stormers will be worse than the Cheetahs. Stormers dont have Jacques, but as a creator i like Juan, so they havent lost too much. I know bok fans think Schalla is the bees knees, but i dont think his loss will be that greatly felt, they have Flouw, Plouw and Duane who did well for them last year! Cheetahs are without Juan, even though it didnt look like it last week, they have lost much....Stormers to blow my other SA side away... :(
Bulls v Highlanders
Could the Landers cause this weekends upset (if the Lions dont, but wait if the Lions win is it an upset? because a lot of people are saying that it is a possibility) anyway back to the Bulls. They have been pretty random till now BUUUUTTTT, they have still won both matches, away from fort Loftus nogal. Ok wait its not gonna happen for the Landers. I like the Highlanders plenty, love it when the underdog prospers, ala Ireland over England, but i think (hope not) that this will be a mountain too high. They have just made the long journey over here, playing at altitude, against a very efficient, yet boring Bulls side. This up and under story has to go really, i dont understand why they keep doing that??!! I am hoping for a Highlanders win but if i was betting id back the Bulls at fort Loftus.
How was the English win over the French last weekend? As arb as they English are they just seem to building themselves into competitive contention for the RWC 2011. I thought the French would roll them up in their rizzla and smoke them, but ey what do i know
Happy viewing people, thoughts still go out there to the people of Christchurch, hope this mornings win gives you guys all more strength!
Y
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