Rugby - Truck and Trailer!

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
Dickinson seldom refers to touch officials does he? He missed a lot – incuding plenty of ‘art’ from the AB number 7 – Hollah was it?

I have no idea what you're talking about...

The thing that worried me most for NZ is the TV kept cutting to piccies of Henry and Hansen in the gallery. The combination that took Wales right down the tube – how long will the honeymoon last I wonder?

Who knows, perhaps the failure of Wales was due to other factors? Henry can't be all bad. He was a very successful Auckland coach for a long time.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Best team in the country – all World cup winners rested all summer and raring to go? Yes he will fit right in!

Well, he comes from the Highlanders, disappointment won't bother him.

It is interesting how both the PI’s and the Boks have treated the games against the ABs very differently in recent years. It seems almost required to try and murder a few Wallabies.

Yes, everyone likes to have a chop at the Wallabies. Even when the Boks were at their biffo worst, they were less so against the ABs. Maybe they thought certain Wallabies would retaliate, which they did. And maybe that was why the PIs head-hunted against us.

This used to be a no brainer for me. I would back the Abs without thinking twice. But strangely this year I have a little devil on my shoulder that would like to see Henry crash and burn (there is a nasty vindictive side to my nature that two huge losses brings to the fore). Can I support the Wallabies? A painful decision awaits.

If we can get into their faces, and our defence holds up, we can win. Gregan will be missed, and Roff, too, obviously, but I thought our defence stood up better against the PIs than the ABs' did. Whitaker's hands are the equal of - perhaps better than - Gregan's. What Whitaker might lack is the actual hard match practice.

The other game is just as hard – the Boks played some great rugby against Ireland and it was free of the recent problems with discipline. But I guess I have to go with the side RaMbeni is with. Go Tigers!

It's the Boks' big test, isn't it? Ireland misfired a lot. The PIs are bigger than the Boks, just as mobile, and quicker. I think it boils down to structure. Good structure always threatens any of the PI teams individually and the combined outfit as a whole. We kept ours, the ABs, for their own reasons, tended to play the PIs at their own freestyle game. If the Boks hang onto their structure they could win. If they don't, and if the PIs are on song, the PIs could have a lot of fun.

But why? Henry and Hansen are both very dour men. They show almost no emotion. It’s like watching paint dry?

Who knows? They show both coaching boxes more than is either necessary or interesting. A quick look at management when their team is in trouble is interesting. Leave it at that.

Apparently Tigers have lost Neil Baxter, the young wing poached from league who showed promise before injury wrecked his season. He was offered a new deal but allegedly turned it down because he was not guaranteed the game time he desired. If true it may reflect the differences with league – Union squads seldom have ‘guaranteed starts’ in their deals.

Mmm. Not prepared to take his chances on merit? The rumor here was that Wendell had been guaranteed Wallaby selection. I doubt it.

still it means Healey has probably secured more time on the wing. He will make the Lions yet. Lets hope he finds time to visit Australia too and pick up his diplomatic work where he left off?

Or even make a couple more of his limp, excrutiatingly bad hair-replacement ads. I never ever thought I'd see someone who made Graham Gooch look and sound interesting.

[Havak]

That has to be one of the most putting cut downs I have ever read. Of course it will not mean much to those lucky enough never to have heard Gooch speak in public.

I have no idea what you're talking about...

I was just pointing out Neil Back and Richie McCaw would have been proud of the boy.

He was a very successful Auckland coach for a long time.

He was – but with a specific approach. I think my concern with him is that whilst the game moves on I am not sure Henry does.

Wales certainly don’t (and didn’t) have the talent that he has to hand in the ABs. But that may not be a good thing – he may be able to hide behind that talent for a while. The problem is he risks being found out when a side finds the key to unlock his plan A. One persistent message form the Lions was that he is inflexible – persisting with a game plan in the third test that had been undone in the second. Time will tell. The odds are certainly against him making it to RWC 2007 – no nation churns through coaches the way NZ does?

Well, he comes from the Highlanders, disappointment won't bother him.

Yes but he hasn’t signed for Bath. This is our year again. I feel it in my beer glass.

Yes, everyone likes to have a chop at the Wallabies

Think of it as a compliment?

It will be interesting to see if the PI try to ignite the Bok fuses.

but I thought our defence stood up better against the PIs than the ABs' did.

It did – but as you pointed out that was partly due to the ABs deciding to play them at their own favourite fast and loose game. Having said that the Wallabies have looked very well drilled in defence in all the games this year. Are we brave enough to set a margin for Saturday?

Mmm. Not prepared to take his chances on merit? The rumor here was that Wendell had been guaranteed Wallaby selection. I doubt it.

I cannot see Eddie wearing that? It’s only rumour about our lad but it would not surprise me at all.

[Andydog]

The Kiwi side has been named, Henry wheeling out the big guns:

1. Kees Meeuws, 2. Keven Mealamu, 3. Carl Hayman, 4. Chris Jack, 5. Keith Robinson, 6. Jono Gibbes, 7. Richie McCaw, 8. Xavier Rush, 9. Justin Marshall, 10. Carlos Spencer, 11. Joe Rokocoko, 12. Daniel Carter, 13. Tana Umaga, 14. Doug Howlett, 15. Mils Muliaina

Reserves: 16. Andrew Hore, 17. Greg Somerville, 18. Jerry Collins, 19. Marty Holah, 20. Byron Kelleher, 21. Nick Evans, 22. Sam Tuitupou

The only variation to the team that beat the snot out of the world champion poms is on the bench - Somerville coming on for Woodcock.

McCaw and Howlet back into the side from injury. Apparently McCaw still gets headaches every now and again, so he’s not guaranteed to start. Howlet no doubt will be wanting to score tries - his wing partner Cocopops having made a pig of himself so far this season.

The back reserves still see no room for Andrew Mehrtens, so the coaching staff must be quite confident that the Spencer performance against the PIs is a one off. So Nick Evans gets thrown in the hot seat should King Carlos be crocked.

ABs by 7.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
That has to be one of the most putting cut downs I have ever read.

Pass it onto him!

Of course it will not mean much to those lucky enough never to have heard Gooch speak in public.

He gives new meaning to the term colourless, doesn't he.

Wales certainly don’t (and didn’t) have the talent that he has to hand in the ABs. But that may not be a good thing – he may be able to hide behind that talent for a while. The problem is he risks being found out when a side finds the key to unlock his plan A. One persistent message form the Lions was that he is inflexible – persisting with a game plan in the third test that had been undone in the second. Time will tell. The odds are certainly against him making it to RWC 2007 – no nation churns through coaches the way NZ does?

I think it's too early to tell yet what his plan A might be. Apart from toughening up and making more of use his forwards than his predecessor did. He'll survive till the World Cup.

Yes but he hasn’t signed for Bath. This is our year again. I feel it in my beer glass.

Ah yes, that amber-tinted view of the world!

It did – but as you pointed out that was partly due to the ABs deciding to play them at their own favourite fast and loose game. Having said that the Wallabies have looked very well drilled in defence in all the games this year. Are we brave enough to set a margin for Saturday?

If we had Roff and Gregan playing, I'd be fairly condident, which, for me, is saying something! Still, our defence has been very good, and I think our back row can stand up to theirs, but our pack will be pummelled ... speaking of which, I thought the AB pack strongarmed the PI pack pretty effectively.

I cannot see Eddie wearing that? It’s only rumour about our lad but it would not surprise me at all.

No, Eddie wouldn't have worn it. But I still think Eddie has persisted with him too long. Especially starting him in front of Rathbone this season!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog

McCaw and Howlet back into the side from injury. Apparently McCaw still gets headaches every now and again, so he’s not guaranteed to start.

Yes, that's a bit of a worry. I assume he's had all the usual scans.

The back reserves still see no room for Andrew Mehrtens, so the coaching staff must be quite confident that the Spencer performance against the PIs is a one off. So Nick Evans gets thrown in the hot seat should King Carlos be crocked.

Frankly, as a Wallaby supporter, I'm delighted to see Evans there instead of Mehrtens. Evans is blindingly quick across the ground, but I thought he looked a bit lost in the big time last time. And you can be sure we'll try him out. I'd hate to see Mehrtens coming off the bench and organising things like he has recently.

ABs by 7.

Mmmmmmm. I'll get back to you.

[LDiCesare]

Apparently McCaw still gets headaches every now and again

So di I, but that never prevented me from playing rugby. Now my headaches tend to have their causes in the third half time rather than the first two, which may make a difference?

[finbar]

Originally posted by LDiCesare

So di I, but that never prevented me from playing rugby. Now my headaches tend to have their causes in the third half time rather than the first two, which may make a difference?

The other difference is that, if someone hits you in the head when you have your headache, you don't feel a thing.

[Andydog]

Originally posted by finbar
Frankly, as a Wallaby supporter, I'm delighted to see Evans there instead of Mehrtens. Evans is blindingly quick across the ground, but I thought he looked a bit lost in the big time last time. And you can be sure we'll try him out. I'd hate to see Mehrtens coming off the bench and organising things like he has recently.

I think Evans shows a lot of potential. He is very quick, but also has a good boot, great hands, and a great brain. Jeff Wilson was being developed when he was at that stage too, so was Cocopops. He may not be playing in his best position yet either.

But I agree that Mehrts should be there. After watching the PI game, I remain concerned at Carlos’ ability (and he was behind a dominant pack) to run a game, to keep the opposition on the back foot, and to lock them in their own end of the paddock.

Speaking of our pack, did everyone notice how well our tight five are progressing? They pushed the 940kg PI pack up and down the park. They dominated the scrums, lineouts and mauls, and tackled and tidied up like loose forwards. Meeuws, Hayman and Meealamu whacked away all night, Robinson was simply superb - the best all-round performance by an AB lock that I can remember - and Jack was in such good nick that Henry decided to get him off the field before he could pick an injury. I realise that although the PI pack might be heavy, they don't really play at the top level, but it was nice to watch all the same.

[Andydog]

dp

[Havak]

The only variation to the team that beat the snot out of the world champion poms is on the bench - Somerville coming on for Woodcock.

Actually the Wallabies recorded a better score against fifteen Poms than this mob managed against fourteen.

But ‘World Champions’ remains the key expression – as in we are and you aren’t.

I think Mehrtens should take the hint now and move for the money. There are plenty of Englishmen who would welcome him with open arms so they can hear more of his views about the English.

He gives new meaning to the term colourless, doesn't he.

Be grateful for where you reside for once – he tried to launch a career as a TV/Radio summariser. Gentle snores were heard across the land during that short period.

Apart from toughening up and making more of use his forwards than his predecessor did. He'll survive till the World Cup.

He won’t even survive the tri-nations if they lose twice to you. I have never seen a more unforgiving Union with coaches. How many in the last decade? Or even this century?

Ah yes, that amber-tinted view of the world!

I find it makes everything look better.

Although before Xmas last year it didn’t help too much with Tigers.

speaking of which, I thought the AB pack strongarmed the PI pack pretty effectively.

Yes it’s very annoying how much he has galvanised them. And Robinson, though I think him something of a dillhead, has proved to be the right man alongside Jack. Getting Dunning onto the wing early to run at Rokocoko might be the best forward play (as in cripple the big Fijian)?

But I still think Eddie has persisted with him too long. Especially starting him in front of Rathbone this season!

Money talks – and the Aussie Union spent big on him. Henry Paul got too many chances here too early – infamously messing up in Paris when we conceded a Slam in 2002. I guess the ARU was really disappointed to find they had acquired a big direct running Ox with little nonce?

I think you are right though Finbar – the absence of Roff and Gregan will be key in NZ.

I still get headaches about three hours after the final whistle – does that count?

[Havak]

Sharpe as Skipper? Not convinced by that one!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog

I think Evans shows a lot of potential. He is very quick, but also has a good boot, great hands, and a great brain. Jeff Wilson was being developed when he was at that stage too, so was Cocopops. He may not be playing in his best position yet either.

But I agree that Mehrts should be there. After watching the PI game, I remain concerned at Carlos’ ability (and he was behind a dominant pack) to run a game, to keep the opposition on the back foot, and to lock them in their own end of the paddock.

I saw Evans have some blinders in S12. There's no doubt he has great talent. Whether he's ready yet is another matter. I thought his inexperience showed last time at this level. Still, good luck to them for giving him a chance. Carlos hasn't been effective against us on the last two occasions we've played. We shall see.

Speaking of our pack, did everyone notice how well our tight five are progressing?

Yes. They did well. As Havak has pointed out, the big bastard with the crew cut has made all the difference.

I realise that although the PI pack might be heavy, they don't really play at the top level, but it was nice to watch all the same.

Good point. They're big and strong, but their technique can't be all that flash. Still, shoving that much meat around is an achievement in itself.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


Actually the Wallabies recorded a better score against fifteen Poms than this mob managed against fourteen.

But ‘World Champions’ remains the key expression – as in we are and you aren’t.

I seem to have developed a form of Pavlovian response. Every time I see you mention "World Champions", I feel the urge to mention "fifth ranked team in the world".

I think Mehrtens should take the hint now and move for the money. There are plenty of Englishmen who would welcome him with open arms so they can hear more of his views about the English.

Serve the ABs right if he did go. He's playing better than I've ever seen him, and I've never been a great fan.

Be grateful for where you reside for once – he tried to launch a career as a TV/Radio summariser. Gentle snores were heard across the land during that short period.

Call he harsh, but he was an Essex boilermaker. He should return to Essex and making boils.

He won’t even survive the tri-nations if they lose twice to you. I have never seen a more unforgiving Union with coaches. How many in the last decade? Or even this century?

I think you're wishing hard enough.

Money talks – and the Aussie Union spent big on him. Henry Paul got too many chances here too early – infamously messing up in Paris when we conceded a Slam in 2002. I guess the ARU was really disappointed to find they had acquired a big direct running Ox with little nonce?

They didn't already know? A lot of other people did.

I still get headaches about three hours after the final whistle – does that count?

I'm getting headaches hearing about all these headaches. Speaking of which, McCaw is out, which levels things up a bit on the injury front. Marty H isn't in his class, IMHO.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Sharpe as Skipper? Not convinced by that one!

Mmmm. It was between Larkham and Sharpe as they were the vice captains. The word was that Sharpe would get the nod because Larkham already had enough responsibility. But of an accident of timing, methinks. From memory, Mortlock replaced Gregan as skipper at the Brumbies after Larkham and Sharpe were appointed vice captains. By rights, Mortlock should be skipper.

Okay, so who do we think should start favourites? And what sort of margin? Andydog thought ABs by 7? Meaning a 6.5 or 7.5 start for the Wallabies? I've still got our Civ Gold bank balances on my HD. I'll dig them up and post them tomorrow.

And don't forget we have the Boks -v- the PIs on Saturday as well. Any thoughts on a favourite there? And a margin?