Yeah but so what, far as I know the short little fat kids who make up front rows the world over aren't terribly suited to AFL...that's Rugby's appeal...short fat unfit kids can make an impact...look at Matt Dunning for example.
I hadn't actually considered Payne as an All Black prospect but I agree thats hes been one of the stars of this year's competition and is highly versatile. I feel Rene Ranger, Colin Slade and Israel Dagg are enough to cover utility roles in the backline though personally. Should've also mentioned Jason Rutledge along with Elliot - surely at least one of those will make the tour as one of the reserve hookers.
I'll admit that SBW's 40 minutes were far better than Crotty's in the first half. In saying that I don't think the public have a right to demand that he plays; Penney coaches the players and knows their strengths and weaknesses and picks his side accordingly, not based on the fact that hes got a crowd pleaser which the audience wants to see. I think based on his and Crotty's respective performances against Wellington, SBW deserves to start next week, but I think performance alone should be the criteria rather than what the public demands.
I've never really followed AFL closely and unless I take up residency in Australia any time soon doubt I will. Any AFL promotion set up in New Zealand won't have any influence on my following of union, and TBH I doubt it'll also have any long term effect on players coming through rugby union systems to play at higher levels. I actually think the skills learnt from such a programme might be beneficial to rugby union (and indeed league) players, given it obviously requires a different skill set which rugby players could add to their attributes. To illustrate my point, from memory Nick Evans had some background in AFL.The following is a confusing Rant.
I am peeved with Hawthorne I think it is - who are sponsoring an Aussie Rules promotion amongst NZ youngsters in the lower north island.
1) I can't stand aussie rules
2) leave our young talent alone and concentrate on converting sydney and other parts of Aussie to Aussie rules.
3) NZ dominates the world in one sport. Rugby. If we start getting distracted by Aussie rules and sending young athletes into that sport we are going to lose our competitiveness over time. I realise in reality that we only lose 4 or 5 quality athletes to another code. But I would rather not lose any.
4) Aussie rules people are allowed to love their game - but spread the gospel elsewhere not in my backyard. Seriously get the other states in Aussie to stop playing league and rugby. Spend your ill gotten gains there instead and convert them.
5) This year they have had 1300 NZ youngsters through their program. Schools should ban their program from coming into their schools. If I was a principal I would have no issue telling them to go home to Melbourne.
6) If I can be bothered I may either start an anti aussie rules face book page. Or if I get really bored I will write a letter to the NZRFU and have them use their influence with schools to put an end to this nonsense.
Yeah - can't believe I forgot Rutledge - he should definitely be in contention. Elliot and Rutledge offer two very contrasting styles as well, so there could be room for both.
Yup thats right, almost chopped the Northland reserve halfback's head off - was surprised Hamilton was able to get straight back to his feet. Deserved the red card, and it should've also been a penalty try IMO given he was the last line of defence and without the indiscretion Hamilton would've scored. That actually could be crucial at the end of the season since it would've given Northland a bonus point for four tries.
@ Somerset I may edit the post - as I am undecided about some games.
Announced today that Lee's been suspended for three weeks for the tackle; I think thats reasonable TBH given that although it had the potential to badly injure Luke Hamilton, it was clear that it wasn't his intention. For those wanting to see the incident, its on Youtube: YouTube - Fritz Lee nearly takes Luke Hamiltons head off
Quite honestly I could've tossed a coin and made a prediction for that match - only tipped Manawatu because they were at home.
