Rugby - Advantage Over!

[Frozzy]

Mitchell doesn't like him? Must be some personal differences. Honestly, I like the look of Sam Broomhall, Canturbury/Crusaders No. 8.

I haven't actually seen the squad, but I don't think Randell fits in to Mitchell's style. He will axe players, and he's shown that. He even said Cullen was the third choice full back in the country (behind Leon MacDonald and Ben Blair). MacDonald is 1 concussion away from ending his career, and Blair hasn't played 1st class rugby since the NPC.

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Originally posted by Frozzy
Mitchell doesn't like him? Must be some personal differences. Honestly, I like the look of Sam Broomhall, Canturbury/Crusaders No. 8.

Mmmm. Broomhall is okay, but Randell is a vastly improved player with a heap of experience. I hope this doesn't come back to bite them.

I haven't actually seen the squad

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Jerry Collins (Wellington), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Richard McCaw (Canterbury), Marty Holah (Waikato), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury, captain), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Ali Williams (Auckland), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Kees Meeuws (Auckland), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Mark Hammett (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Dave Hewett (Canterbury), Carl Hoeft (Otago).

Backs: Malili Muliaina (Auckland), Ben Blair (Canterbury), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Tana Umaga (Wellington, vice-captain), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Carlos Spencer (Auckland), Justin Marshall (Canterbury), Steve Devine (Auckland).

He will axe players, and he's shown that. He even said Cullen was the third choice full back in the country (behind Leon MacDonald and Ben Blair). MacDonald is 1 concussion away from ending his career, and Blair hasn't played 1st class rugby since the NPC.

True. And he wasn't afraid to axe Mehrtens either. Which would seem to just about guarantee Daniel Carter a spot for his goal kicking. I don't think Carlos' kicking under pressure can be trusted.

[Havak]

There's always the possibility that Pat considered returning to Leicester but preferred, instead, a team on the way up.

Then he didn't look very closely at last seasons performance by the French side then.

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Originally posted by Havak


Then he didn't look very closely at last seasons performance by the French side then.

For goodness sake, since when has a cheap shot had to include logic!

[Havak]

It doesn't. But since when have I let a cheap shot pass me by?

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Gee, hasn't the quality of the posting slipped since la petite grenouille nicked off to dip his tootsies in the Mediterranean?

Anyway, I was reading on one of the rugby sites the other day that the RFU took the casting vote to continue the automatic promotion/relegation system in your league. I was rather taken by the clubs' response - something to the effect that the decision marked the end of the world as we know it. Gee, haven't they got a hide?

[Havak]

Well in my case the posting dipped in quantity by necessity - I took a day off and when I came in this morning nobody else bothered to.

The clubs behaviour on relegation/promotion has been disgraceful for years now. A lot of money has gone into big name clubs that end up in the danger zone every year now and they act shamelessly in their own self interest on the issue. But the biggest argue for relegation to my mind is that Rob Andrew argues against it.

Expect the new Queensland link up in Bath to be fighting relegation again next season.

[Havak]

One who doesn't need to, obviously.

Well he would always be second on my team sheet for the locks in a world XV of the last ten years. Not first, and not by some margin. And I’m well aware that will offend the whole of Australia.

…hide thick enough to withstand the slings and arrows and bazookas he'll cop when they don't win.

Well … maybe so. I think you are counting on the All Blacks far too much though. The French exposed weaknesses in them at a time when the ‘rusty’ excuse hard worn very thin - so the Wallabies and England can certainly do the same.

This is creepy! Either you're channeling him or he didn't stop at the seaside and continued on across the channel to Leicester!

I’m not at liberty to say.

I actually don't think he's that old. I'll check.

The lad will be thirty before the World Cup final (this years).

When you get to my age you'll realise they were a waste of brain space and regret not having better utilised the space for more important things like rugby.

I’ll keep it in mind so that I recognise it when it happens.

And, face it, Mitchell already has a couple of try-scoring threats in the team without Cullen.

Absolutely. My admiration for Howlett I’ve made clear. The Fijian looks great too – France are class opposition despite the dip in form.

So if he's not picked, I can only assume that Mitchell either thinks he's too old, or too much of a link with the past.

I’m afraid to say I see reflections of the time he spent with Clive in his selection – most specifically in the way he is using weird excuses for the omissions.

Sorry, the Wallaby colour is wattle, not gold.

Why do the TV pundits go on about the ‘green and gold’ then?

Mmmm. Broomhall is okay, but Randell is a vastly improved player with a heap of experience. I hope this doesn't come back to bite them.

From the game point of view maybe – but if it proves to be a bad call for the tri nations and RWC then so be it.

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Originally posted by Havak
The clubs behaviour on relegation/promotion has been disgraceful for years now. A lot of money has gone into big name clubs that end up in the danger zone every year now and they act shamelessly in their own self interest on the issue. But the biggest argue for relegation to my mind is that Rob Andrew argues against it.

Presumably the existing premier (or whatever it's called) division clubs have made a pact to look after themselves and each other? If one looks like going down, the others will oppose it? With the favour expected to be returned? Bastards. Anyway, it was their ludicrous response to the RFU's casting vote that got me. I assume they meant it to be taken seriously.

Expect the new Queensland link up in Bath to be fighting relegation again next season.

Put it this way - if they turn it around with much the same cattle, it doesn't speak well for Foley's coaching. I'll be interested to see how Connolly goes, though. I now have better access to his foreign efforts than I had before, so I can see for myself.

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Originally posted by Havak
Well he would always be second on my team sheet for the locks in a world XV of the last ten years. Not first, and not by some margin. And I’m well aware that will offend the whole of Australia.

Certainly not me, and probably not the average sensible person. It's an entirely subjective view. The reality - and the truly interesting thing - is that they've achieved pretty much the same things via such different approaches.

Well … maybe so. I think you are counting on the All Blacks far too much though.

Who knows? I could well be. I've been guided by anticipation.

The lad will be thirty before the World Cup final (this years).

Fair enough. In which case he might nick off, and he'd be entitled to. We've got some up and comers behind him.

I’ll keep it in mind so that I recognise it when it happens.

The irony being, of course, that by the time you reach this age, you've forgotten what you were once thinking that was, it vaguely occurs, such a waste of brain space.

I’m afraid to say I see reflections of the time he spent with Clive in his selection – most specifically in the way he is using weird excuses for the omissions.

It doesn't bother me what excuses are used. All that matters are the choices. I don't have the slightest problem with Cullen missing out. His best was behind him. And Mehrtens' real strengths were his field and goal kicking, undermined by weaknesses in defence in general play and a preference not to take on the line. They can cover his kicking prowess. Leaving out someone like Taine Randell, I'm not so sure about.

Why do the TV pundits go on about the ‘green and gold’ then?

Because it's easier to say. Wattle is, officially, the colour.

From the game point of view maybe – but if it proves to be a bad call for the tri nations and RWC then so be it.

Couldn't agree more. It will be interesting to see how the AB squad changes between the Tri-Nations and the WRC.

[Havak]

Presumably the existing premier (or whatever it's called) division clubs have made a pact to look after themselves and each other?

Pretty much the case. Although they happily threw Bristol to the Wolves when they realised the sugar daddy was bailing (Malcolm Pierce) and that Foley’s Bath were safe. Disgraceful stuff.

I'll be interested to see how Connolly goes, though. I now have better access to his foreign efforts than I had before, so I can see for myself.

Yes he is in a big League now after languishing in the anonymous realms of French and Welsh rugger. Tamerlin is still away right?

The reality - and the truly interesting thing - is that they've achieved pretty much the same things via such different approaches.

Great players, super captains, but absolutely chalk and cheese.

Who knows? I could well be. I've been guided by anticipation.

They are a good side – but they are not a great one (yet). I think what might tell for them is that they are probably going to have the edge over Gregan’s boys in the pack. Not by much though so it’s going to be interesting. First up however is the Boks – and I must say I’m looking forward to this Saturday.

Because it's easier to say. Wattle is, officially, the colour.

I’ll stick with Gold for the same reason the pundits do.

Couldn't agree more. It will be interesting to see how the AB squad changes between the Tri-Nations and the WRC.

Two games against the Boks who still play a very physical game, if not quite in the ‘style’ of their last tour. Some changes are going to be forced I suspect. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spencer hurt over the course of the tir-nations.

How do you think Eddie will call it on Stand off for Saturday – the bad boy is back but Mr Larkham is also fit. For me, if Larkham is fully fit it’s no choice at all – but Eddie seems undecided?

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Originally posted by Havak


Pretty much the case. Although they happily threw Bristol to the Wolves when they realised the sugar daddy was bailing (Malcolm Pierce) and that Foley’s Bath were safe. Disgraceful stuff.

Yep. Dog in manger stuff. Guaranteed to ruin the comp.

Yes he is in a big League now after languishing in the anonymous realms of French and Welsh rugger. Tamerlin is still away right?

Yep! Go for it!

They are a good side – but they are not a great one (yet). I think what might tell for them is that they are probably going to have the edge over Gregan’s boys in the pack. Not by much though so it’s going to be interesting. First up however is the Boks – and I must say I’m looking forward to this Saturday.

Me too. Very interesting few weeks coming up.

Two games against the Boks who still play a very physical game, if not quite in the ‘style’ of their last tour. Some changes are going to be forced I suspect. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spencer hurt over the course of the tir-nations.

One thing's for sure - he hasn't had his S12 impact in any of the Tests so far. I think I'll be watching his progress most of all in the Tri-Nations.

How do you think Eddie will call it on Stand off for Saturday – the bad boy is back but Mr Larkham is also fit. For me, if Larkham is fully fit it’s no choice at all – but Eddie seems undecided?

His arm is fit, but his lack of match fitness is what's bothering Eddie. He's reluctant to toss him, first up, straight into the deep end - against the Boks, who love to smash him - with so many other matches - and chances to start him - coming up. I think Eddie will start Flatley, with Larkham on the bench. Under the circumstances, I would, too.

[Havak]

Guaranteed to ruin the comp.

For some it has. Remember the guy I go to Welford Road with who never honoured his lost bet to you? He hasn’t renewed his season ticket yet as he was disgusted by the late season machinations that took place to keep Bath up and specifically by the part of one of our executive in it (not that he acted directly for Tigers of course ) . So he has some scruples.

One thing's for sure - he hasn't had his S12 impact in any of the Tests so far. I think I'll be watching his progress most of all in the Tri-Nations.

It’s a crucial time for him I agree. Make or break if he wants to fill that shirt for a while yet.

I think Eddie will start Flatley, with Larkham on the bench. Under the circumstances, I would, too.

You make a good point there – I am sure you are right. We need Larkham fit for later in the year anyway so he and Wilko can hopefully clash again.

Some excellent news I missed yesterday – Kronfeld has singed for an extra full season.



More than that he has been made club Captain until Martin returns from Oz. :b He says he is enthusiastic about playing with our crop of youngsters whilst the old hands are away down south.

Also picked up for an extra year was Freddie Tuilagi – a Samoan wing/centre we tempted back from League two seasons ago and a huge crowd favourite with us. He can be very lateral on his off days but when he sparks he is hugely entertaining to watch – he loves contact and crashes the line with gusto. On occasion he does forget arms are needed in a tackle however.

Still lets give a quick word to Josh when asked about taking over from The Man:

“I hope that the players will respond well to what I have to do and how I play. I hope they’ll get behind me and make my job easier, I’ll never be a Johnno but I’ve got a reasonably relaxed approach – I want to see the boys smile and enjoy the rugby and when we have to be serious we’ll switch right into it. That’s always been my style of play.”

You’ll note that unlike myself they credit him with spelling Martins ubiquitous nickname correctly.

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Originally posted by Havak


For some it has. Remember the guy I go to Welford Road with who never honoured his lost bet to you?

I'm surprised that a gent such as yourself mixes with welchers.

He hasn’t renewed his season ticket yet as he was disgusted by the late season machinations that took place to keep Bath up and specifically by the part of one of our executive in it (not that he acted directly for Tigers of course ) . So he has some scruples.

"Some" being the operative word. And you can tell him that from me! OTOH, that's exactly the sort of thing I meant. How can anyone expect to be respected when they carry on in such patently petty, selfish fashion?

You make a good point there – I am sure you are right. We need Larkham fit for later in the year anyway so he and Wilko can hopefully clash again.

That's right. There's a demanding three or four months ahead. What I'm most looking forward to seeing this weekend is Eddie's choice of centres. He's long been a fan of Steve Kefu and has recently become a fan of Morgan Turunui. He's given them three chances together this season and they haven't set the world on fire. They're still both very inexperienced at the top level - Turunui only has one S12 season behind him but has great potential - so the question is: how long will he give them?

Some excellent news I missed yesterday – Kronfeld has singed for an extra full season.

Goodoh. Someone to pass the tea and cakes in the Old Folks' Home and not look out of place.

More than that he has been made club Captain until Martin returns from Oz. :b He says he is enthusiastic about playing with our crop of youngsters whilst the old hands are away down south.

Goodoh. He obviously doesn't use Austin's publicist. And speaking of bubonic plague, what's he up to these days?

You’ll note that unlike myself they credit him with spelling Martins ubiquitous nickname correctly.

Mmmm. I just keep hitting the * key till I get RSI.

[Caligastia]

Anyone want to suggest a betting margin for this weekend's game? I give the Boks a 10 point head start.