Rugby World Cup 2007 - Twiddling Our Thumbs!

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Andydog
Should be a good game. The Aussies are talking themselves up for this one.

They should take some tips from the manic-depressive poms who always talk up the opposition.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar
All too true. Especially the bit about the Boks reneging on commitments made as recently as a week or so ago. The fundamental problem is the scheduling of tours so close to the World Cup.

When else could they be scheduled though? The Super 14 just finished...
I suppose the Trinations could be skipped on RWC years. Better that than holding a farce.

[Havak]

We never talk up NZ - the visiting squad handles that for themselves. I recall our new Tiger Mr Mauger made some rather Xenophobic comment last time NZ toured here - something about how our players were great lads but the English people inside twickers were evil incarnate? Then two months later the genius signs for an English club. Still we will forgive him being a Dill as he is a great player.

Sir Clive certainly never talked up NZ. In fact he refused to even refer to them as the ABs as he perosnally didn't buy into the branding exercise that is NZ rugby (if you are good enough you are kiwi enough?).

I seriously hope Chris Jack was on Paternity leave - if he was on Maternity leave I suspect the media might have been a little bit more interested!

[Andydog]

Originally posted by Havak
Sir Clive certainly never talked up NZ. In fact he refused to even refer to them as the ABs as he perosnally didn't buy into the branding exercise that is NZ rugby (if you are good enough you are kiwi enough?).

Your stinky old burly won't work on me either I'm afraid Havak, my dear old chap.

[finbar]

Esatto! Off to the fishing supplies shop with you, Havak.

[Havak]

You thought I was baiting - I thought I was implying a simple fact (that kiwi nationality from birth is not a major selection criteria for the ABs).

Oh hold on there - we were both right!

[finbar]

*sighs* Off to the fishing supplies shop! Now!

[Havak]

On my way - though I will be stopping to read that enjoyable riposte to the Aussies from Jake White once more.

[finbar]

Well, well, well. An old-fashioned Wallaby underdog effort. Thought they'd forgotten how to do that.

The ABs remain below par, D. Carter's having a run of shockers. They're mixing some scintillating rugby with some crap. Presumably last week's toughie against the Boks and the long trip during the week also played a part. The Wallabies were crafty enough to make not a lot count. Which has been their wont over the years. S. Mortlock had a blinder, cleaning up the AB centre pairing off his own bat. The guy deserves a medal.

I like M. Giteau at scrummy. He gave the ABs something to think about instead of G. Gregan's side-step and predictable pass. That, and S. Larkham finally getting off his butt and taking the ball up to the line, finally created some real pressure for the AB defence.

How many ABs could have been carded for professional fouls at the breakdown? More than C. Hayman. Havak's new hero A. Mauger for starters. I think that's about four of the last five matches in which an AB has been carded for the offence. Are the refs finally waking up?

Oh, and what was with the AB pack arrogance early on? Having a good old giggle between themselves - with B. Keleher - before one of the early scrums? Some sort of psychological game? Twayts.

[Havak]

Pride comes before a fall perhaps. Treat the Aussies lightly at your peril.

Is Henry getting his timing wrong? A side that has played some of the fantastic rugby that this AB unit has over the last 18 months should really have been looking to Slam the tri-nations and take that on into the RWC. Having sneaked the 'hard' game in South Africa (in other words the one that has tripped them up recently) they then put in a really poor performance against the old enemy.

Still it offers hope that the RWC is not a foregone conclusion?

[ravagon]

Good grief.

When they're winning everything then they're peaking too early and will 'choke' when it comes to the knockout stage.
Lose a single game and it's a sure sign of cracks in the team or that they're not 'invincible' afterall (Note: nobody ever said they were).

I think the only foregone conclusion is that Havak will have something to say about it, regardless?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Is Henry getting his timing wrong? A side that has played some of the fantastic rugby that this AB unit has over the last 18 months should really have been looking to Slam the tri-nations and take that on into the RWC. Having sneaked the 'hard' game in South Africa (in other words the one that has tripped them up recently) they then put in a really poor performance against the old enemy.

I thought it was pretty much a repeat performance of their effort against the Boks - too many errors, D. Carter out of form, et al. With last week's tough match and the long trip as added handicaps. And some contrived arrogance. The difference was that the Wallabies had the attacking firepower to capitalise. The Boks didn't. They lack the playmakers. With at least one, they could have rolled the ABs.

The ABs are badly missing Conrad Smith. He would have been a much different proposition to L. McAlister at #13. As it was, Evans to fullback and Muliaina to #13 was the go, methinks.

They'll be fine. When they're not making the mistakes, their rugby is terrifyingly good.

[Havak]

Um, all I was actually saying was that their losing a game makes me more hopeful for a competitive World Cup. Not that I would shed a tear for their failure of course.

And my point is a valid one - this AB side is probably not achieving it's potential as it could and should be slamming the tri-nations.

Also can you honestly, hand on heart, say that some Kiwis (including some of your press) hadn't already put the RWC trophy in the cabinet?

Vive La France!

(although England will stun the world by defending successfully no doubt).

England went smoke free yesterday by the way - in no way pertinent to this thread but it's something I've been waiting for for years so I'm mentioning it anyway.

[finbar]

Personally, I'd rather be having problems now than later. Of course, no problems at all any time would be bliss, but it rarely happens. Well, England came close in 2003, bowling along, cleaning up all and sundry, best team in the world by a way, only to stagger over the line. The ABs are favorites, but no more than that in my mind. World Cups rarely follow predicted paths.

I have absolutely no doubt there are elements within the AB squad who already have the trophy on the shelf. B. Kelleher is a classic case. I don't think G. Henry suffers the delusion. His challenge now is man management.

Presumably the coves who took the wrong turn in the Glasgow airport car park were aggrieved smokers.

[Havak]

Well one of them was certainly 'smoking'

I can't help but feel that the massive over reaction by our authorities plays into the hands of these idiots sadly.