Round Up Week 1

Wayne Barnes sucks.  Nigel Owens sucks.  Glen Jackson sucks.  Craig Joubert sucks.  The frog twat who reffed the ABs Scots sucks.

Please come back, Lyndon

 



These are the world's best?  Rugby deserves better.  Players can't go for an intercept now because if you don't take the ball you are going to receive a yellow card.  What player going for an intercept seriously isn't trying to catch the ball?  You can't tackle anyone without someone calling spear tackle.  The TMOs finally seem to be getting more decisions right than wrong regarding try or no try....but sometimes they make it so confusing with their conformity of phrases that they don't get the best decision.  Even when no try is given the following play should result from whatever the last action was.  The TMOs being used in European club rugby for foul play etc is a good thing....but make some decisions with 1 ounce of grey matter involved.  Players are getting carded or penalised just for committing normal rugby actions,...challenging to catch high balls and making committed tackles that look late under slowmotion replay.  The week gone by, TMO asked to check a challenge answered "There was contact"....result...hmmmmm.... rugby player got penalised because there was contact?  Rugby players are sometimes lambasted for not being the most intelligent men on earth, but they are still a couple of rungs above rugby referees especially those in the boardroom making more stupid decisions.  Why on Earth does a TMO not have a split screen when making decisions?  Instead of watching the same action over and over from 3 or 4 different angles trying to piece together pieces of information regarding where his foot was when the ball touched down, have all 3 or 4 camera angles on the screen at one time.  Hardly rocket science but well beyond the grasp of the idiots running  rugby officialdom.

Interesting press reports saying Italy had a comfortable win over Tonga.  Then what the hell was I watching?  The curtain raiser?  Italy have gone rocketing downhill since losing Berbizier.  Why give Kirwan the go ahead to bravely transform the Azzurri game, bring in Berbizier to continue on the same path....then take a South African coach?  Mallet deserves credit for the development plans he helped put in place but the FIR needs 1 giant kick up the arse for taking him on as head coach.  My insider info told me why.  After an extremely weak 2007 Boks lucky numbered their way to World Cup Champs the Italian Federation suddenly believed to be the best at rugby you had to be bigger then the rest....you had to be the model of the blonde haired blue eyed 6ft 4" Jarpy.  To enter an academy here 18yr olds had to already be 85kg and 1.85m.  Brainless.  New Zealand's new find at halfback or the extremely talented Cruden would never get a look in.  The Italians looked woeful and their only chance at keeping the score down this weekend is infringe their arses off coupled with more incompetent reffing.  But going on what the ABs still managed to do to a continuously ruck violating Scots it doesn't bode well.

 

Naqelevuki...125kg??...No,...a mere 113

The Fijians came out firing as you expect the island teams to do....pity it only lasted about 15 minutes.  Shocked to see pregame stats list the Fijian 2nd5 as 19stone 4lb and 6ft 4"...Naqelevuki or something like that.  I saw he was big but someone somewhere along the line is either having a laugh, a wet dream, or getting their little brain all confused.  Being rugby I'd go with the 3rd option.  No surprise to see the Poms run away with it but I'd have liked the Fijians to be a bit more in the game.  Suppose the English backs will think they are an attackign machine now.  Please get rid of Toby Flood.  And Stuart Barnes while you're at it.  For a former flyhalf he really has little clue much of the time.

Awful Wales.  This is a warning for all Northern Hemisphere sides.  The Pumas are now playing the Rugby Championship year in year out.  That means very soon it will read 1,2,3 & 4 the world rankings all from the South.  Wales tried to run themselves to victory and never looked like pulling it off.  They may not be able to go up the middle versus the Pumas but they should have been attacking 1st & 2nd channels trying to make room out side for their classy wings.  That will be a demoralsing loss and interesting to see if they can pick themselves up fast enough.

 

My man of the match, Cousin Strauss

What did I say about Ireland?  They have to play for more than their customary 30minutes.  Well,...I suppose they did....they managed to etch out 40.  The Boks looked terrible before they arrived in Europe and they looked terrible on Saturday.  They need a 1st5,...badly.  And when will officialdom finally crack down on their highly & obviously illegal mauling tactics?  Oh wait...rugby officialdom...probably never.  Did love the Irish jerseys though. 

 

Tackle these

Always knew the Wallabies were gonna be up against it here.  If you were gonna bet on any game it had to be this one and it had to be the Frogs.  The French pack are some hardnosed boys and the Aussie pack were never going to survive this.  I do think Owens was too harsh on them, any scrum that went down was an instant penalty to the French but a few times on such a shoddy surface it really seemed 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.  The game was lost here on taking the ball into contact alone.  The Australians seemed hesitant, the French carried it with gusto.  Nathan Sharpe is the worst of all.....though he isn't hesitant....he's just cumbersome.  He's a lock from the 70s with no place in today's game.  Surprised Kafer, for one normally so astute at explaining the gameplay, heaped so much criticism on Beale.  A wet surface with a a struggling pack, what is a 1st5 supposed to do?  Beale, along with Cummins, carried the ball to the line much more physically than most of the Aussie forwards.  Shame Aussie didn't play the whole game like they did the last 10minutes.  Barnes had a big hand in that and I have no idea why he wasn't brought on earlier.  Big up Picamoles....love the guy.  Glad to see that maybe he has unsettled Harinordoquy as the first choice #8.  And just can't believe the size of that guy's thighs.  What a nightmare for any defender.  Wrong call Owen's & co., for saying IF they had got a number Rob Simmons would have been sent off.  The tackle was slightly late but Simmons was head down making the tackle...he wouldn't have seen the player lose the ball.  And it was not a spear tackle.  But hey,...we have to expect soft decisions from Owens.  As the great Tana once said, "This isn't tiddly winks we're playing ref".

Black tide of support

 

I'm not even going to google for that ref's name.  He deoesn't deserve a mention.  The Scots' gameplan was evident from the start.  Infringe as mush as we can and hope like buggery we get away with it.  I'd call it a success.  Most NZ rucks there was a Scotsman lying, yes lying, on the ground arms stretched out over the tackled player and attempting to hold the ball, or a stray boot from a prone player swinging (very clearly) at the ball.  That is why Adam Thomson "tapped" Strokosch's headgear with his toes.  Mere frustration at reffing incompetency.  Strokosch was lying full body on the ball on New Zealand's side of the ruck.  He knows it, knows he was in the wrong and that's why post game he said to Mr Thomson, "Don't worry about it...it was nothing!".  Surely the yellow card is more than enough punishment for that misdemeanour.  All credit to the ABs for implementing their gameplan regardless of the Jocks' negative efforts.  While it wasn't all smooth sailing, and the defence will have to be looked at, what we saw there was the best example of what the All Blacks are trying to do with their rugby these days.  The ruck ball was lightning quick, the passes under pressure were a delight to watch and the speed with which they get width on the ball is a killer for any opposition.  Some of their play was just marvellous to watch.  Wish we were playing France.

the November Internationals

So here we go again. The Southern Hemisphere's "Big 3" venture north yet again to remind Europe who wears the trousers.  Well...something we already know...it isn't South Africa or Australia.  New Zealand have nothing at all to be worried about.  Meanwhile the world's #2 and 3 ranked teams have slipped to Northern Hemisphere standards.

Australia is playing for their #2 spot, Robbie Deans' future, World Cup seeding, and perhaps above all, their pride.  The fact that Nathan Sharpe is still there, even got near 100 tests, is proof enough of how little depth they have. With a never ending flow of injuries to a team with the softest pack in tier 1 this tour is going to be a big ask.  It is a chance for many unknown Kiwis to step up and make a name for themselves but even a fullstrength Wallabies always had problems returning home from the north unbeaten.  The first up game vs the Frogs is going to test them severely.  No secret the French are going to attempt to steamroll them upfront, and the number 1 tactic will be their infamous dark, dirty play to put any green Wallaby into hesitancy mode.  This game is make or break for their tour.  One way traffic here could put the doom and gloom into the squad for the rest of the tour.  With the Poms the week after there will be no let up.  The English will know where to hit them and exactly where it hurts after a bruising battle with Les Bleu.  For all England's endeavour to open up their game all their backs can do is crab across field so it has to be a hark back to the dull old days for them.  It could be that the hurting Wallabies return home with the solitary scalp under their arms versus a going backwards Italian team.  By the time they get to Wales somehow one feels there will be yet more players on the sideline and the Scarlets are going to give them a mix of everything.  The Welsh pack will take it to them while the backs will open up and try to run the tired Wallabies ragged.  Their long season is just going to get longer yet maybe the longest part will be the long flight home.

South Africa may not fare much better.  Struck by injuries to key players and mainstays they will also have their work cut out to leave Europe with their egos intact.  The Irish will be pumped for this but they're going to have to man up for longer than their customary 30minutes.  They will confront the Boks through their pack and I'm sure try to open up but with not much more idea than the English backline this could be 1 game lacking anything regarding penetration.  The Scots will be buoyed by their recent form against the men from the republic but the Scottish backs are going to have to perform better defensively than they have been domestically.  This match alone is worth watching to see Richie Gray in full flight, and if Denton only gets a bench spot you know they have a classy backrow.  But to have a real shot at this....the Jocks will be praying for rain.  Surely England have the best shot here and will almost be 50/50 odds in Britain to get one over the Boks here.  Another injury struck team cóming to the final hurdle at the end of a long season and I don't know if the Boks have it in them.

The All Blacks.  The ABs have nothing to worry about.  No, as far as rugby goes they haven't looked good when it comes to executing their gameplan.  But how comfortable do they look versus their challengers for the top ranked spot.  So comfortable that they have almost treated the Rugby Championship as a training run.  Implementing their wanted game, then closing down the opposition when having trouble executing.  New Zealand really do have 30-40% more than what we have seen this year.  Scary stuff for any potential foe.  Hansen has his critics but I'm a fan.  He doesn't suffer fools,and  relates well with his team managing to be one of the boys yet commanding respect when needed.  The players know....perform or you sit on the bench or miss the match day 22 (soon to be 23).  He has introduced 9 new caps during a dynamite season and the powder is still dry.  Can't believe the crap about an "ageing All Blacks"....take out the 2 hookers and it's a very young team.  The player management has paid dividends with a relatively injury free season and all players are feeling fresh and chomping at the bit to start this tour....a far cry from their Southern counterparts.  The Scots could be looking down the end of one very long barrel here. The Italians will be just a small judderbar, their negativity doing nothing to stem an all black tide.  The Welsh have the best shot by far at tipping over the rugby giants but even that would go down as one of sports greatest upsets.  While the English have no show....their forwards can't and won't dominate the men in black, and their backline tendency to slide across field means Lassie could sort out the ABs defensive plan.

What ruined that game....

2 things ruined that game.  The All Blacks' handling errors,...and Craig Joubert.  One of the most inconsistent rulings of the breakdown seen in recent times.  Yet another game ruined by incompetent officiating.  From the world's #1 ranked referee, too.  What was good for the goose, wasn't ok for the gander.  The ABs were deservedly penalised for infringing at the ruck.....Australia should have been penalised out of the game in the 2nd half for the same transgressions.

Plaudits to McCaw for his last call.  Shows just what disregard New Zealand hold for the world's 2nd ranked team.  Never had a lot of faith in Carter as a dropgoal maker....especially from that distance.  Personally I was surprised they went to that option so early.

Same Old Story

...here we go again.  Aussies never incapable of talking themselves up.  I will admit that an even-in-the-doldrums Wallabies has always been capable of turning the tables on the All Blacks....but not this time.  You do get the feeling it's all for their own benefit...because if they can't believe they can win, they certainly can't expect anyone else to.  But this time......even those that know how many times an out of form Australia have stunned an in form New Zealand.....this time it aint happening. 

The straw that broke the camel's back

Do or die time for the Boks.  Presently, they don't seriously believe they can beat the All Blacks on Saturday.  After this weekend they will know they can't beat them. And what a serious psych that will be to get over.  Heyneke Meyer stating they want to start winning consistently (how bout just winning one? ....baby steps) over the World Champions leading up to the World Cup is covering up a machete wound with a band aid.  The fact is, if this homegame is lost even many of the fervant Bok supporters will start to doubt.  No mean feat.  If they lose badly it's going to be soul destroying. 

See ya, wouldnt wanna be ya

Let's start with Meyer.  His success....the Bulls' success....Morne Steyn's success....was the result of one thing.  The previous (moreso than now) shambolic ruck laws that South African rugby managed to find a loophole in (or abuse...whichever suits you), that 100% favoured a team playing their style. Critics reported that South Africa was fastest to adapt. South Africa have never been fastest to adapt.  They never even adapt.  Those rules just fell into their lap. South Africa kick, kick, kick.  At some stage the opposition will run it back.  Ruck forms somewhere but most probably well in defending team's half.  Ref blows a ruck penalty that was always 50/50.  Penalty for defending team? Kick for touch.  Penalty for South Africa? Kick for goal, Morne Steyn, 3 points thank you very much.  Now those rules are gone.  The Bulls are gone.  Morne Steyn has gone. The signs for Meyer aren't good.  Despite all the criticism PDV suddenly isn't sitting so bad.  The Bok team he had was stronger than the weak team Jake White commanded (yes, including the very weak but fortunate 2007 world champs) and stronger than Meyer's. 

Scary stuff



A lot are pointing to the newfound "form" in the match vs the Wallabies.  Seriously?  This Wallabies??  Everyone knows the Aussie backs can keep their team in the game....but their tight five folds like wet paper. When 2 tries clearly shouldn't have been given(a clear 5metres forward pass and an obviously illegal maul drive) it makes the 31-8 scoreline much slimmer. Yes, South Africa looked very dominant all over the paddock but it's a damn site easy for backs when their pack is rolling the opposition into the turf.  South Africa can't do that vs a capable pack.  Without that continuous frontfoot ball the Bok three-quarters will resort to what they know best when opening up versus the All Blacks.....dropping the ball.  It's such misguided optimism and it happens everytime.  Remember the 2007 cup when after steamrolling Samoa Matfield told the press "See!...we can play running rugby!".  Yet in the following 2 games being extremely fortunate to get past Tonga and Fiji after being sucked into running rugby? So talk about the Spring Boks playing a wide game are not worrying or surprising anyone.  The reality is when the heat is on South Africa have one gameplan....ONE! They are able to open up and throw the ball around once they have 30 or 40 points on a minnow, but not vs the ABs.

Keeps going...and going...100 test victories...



New Zealand has been winning every game, before Argentina last Saturday, while not playing well.  Some will point to South Africa's missed kicks and bombed tries putting them yards ahead of the ABs but you get a clear feeling this All Black team is totally in control.  They are trying to execute a certain gameplan but have been struggling with accuracy, but when are under the hammer they lift that determination and, different from years gone by, truly believe they can and will come through.  For large parts of the 2nd half versus the Wallabies it was a 5 point ballgame...but did anyone seriously believe Australia had the proverbial snowball's?  And that's just when the ABs aren't playing well.  They clicked versus the Argies in Argentina....completely shut out a team that had even true AB believers (like me) more than a little bit worried.  The Pumas started hard and scored a fantastic try.  The All Blacks hit back...fast.  No doubt in my mind that had South Africa kicked a couple, or made that last pass stick (god, they were terrible weren't they? You don't see passes like that til you get down to 4th division club teams)...New Zealand would have clicked into gear.  The Boks will need a dominating pack on Saturday.  It isn't going to happen. New Zealanders rate Franks the world's best (outside Hayman) tighthead, Woodcock the world's best loosehead, an inspirational Sam Whitelock the world's classiest lock, and the everywhereman more than just a workhorse Read has daylight between him and the next cab off the rank at #8.  Add to that six of the starting lineup are the most capped All Blacks ever in their respective postions. Six. And McCaw....verging on the unbelievable.

So nothing points to a South African victory.  This was all about who would win if New Zealand played bad.  If the All Blacks are ready to rock....no one in world rugby can roll with them.  Get the vuvuzelas out!....Don't.