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Official Rugby Thread

Somerset

Cricketer Of The Year
Gee, let me guess, you're a one eyed kiwi

How about repeated infringements - also known as "the McCaw"

Anyway, enjoy the next couple of years because the Kiwis inevitable choke in the RWC at home will really hurt
How did Australia do at that last World Cup again? 8-) You'd think they won it by your last comment.
 

Somerset

Cricketer Of The Year
Plenty of Aussies blaming Kaplan this morning for what was really Deans' fault. He effed up the Aussie backline and the Wallabies' defence has fallen right off from the standards MacQueen introduced.
To be honest it was their lack of defence between about the 50th and 70th minutes that cost them the game, and the ABs ability to exploit it that won it for New Zealand, in the end IMO - the Carter try being a prime example.
 

dontcloseyoureyes

BARNES OUT
From the snippets I saw last night (the amount of sport on was ridiculous, NRL Finals, AFL Finals, Bledisloe, Man United vs. Liverpool and Citeh vs. Chelski ffs) it was quality viewing.

Kudos to the kiwis though.
 

BoyBrumby

Englishman
ABs had more more people at the breakdown than their opposition (generally do in almost every match), which will go a long way towards determining the outcome of a game.

Certain players are masters at pilfering and/or slowing the game up

Generally, it's 50/50 whether it's done legally


IMO, McCaw, who must be amongst the greatest ever, IMO gets the benefit of doubt with those 50/50 calls more than anyone else in the game at present
That's precisely why the most arse-headed of the ELVs is the one about only punishing offsides & serious foul play with penalties. It's an absolute ball-killers charter. Most loosies don't need too much encouragement to slow the oppo's ball down (it's pretty much a qualification for being any good in the position in fact), but now with only a potential free-kick or set scrum as punishment it's a no-brainer.
 

Somerset

Cricketer Of The Year
That's precisely why the most arse-headed of the ELVs is the one about only punishing offsides & serious foul play with penalties. It's an absolute ball-killers charter. Most loosies don't need too much encouragement to slow the oppo's ball down (it's pretty much a qualification for being any good in the position in fact), but now with only a potential free-kick or set scrum as punishment it's a no-brainer.
Referees do have the option of giving straight arm penalties under the ELVs for cynical play at the breakdown, and yellow cards are still an option for such offences. I think officialdom regarding that area has been a little inconsistent under the ELVs so far. However I'd say its one of the more likely rules to change back if the ELVs are to be analysed and altered.
 

ohtani's jacket

State Vice-Captain
So does this mean it was a good choice by the NZRFU to bypass Robbie Deans for the top job then? :ph34r:
The Deans vs. Henry debate will continue for years to come, as a matter of principles not results, but Henry proved the structures he has in place still produce winning rugby and I thought he became a better coach this year. The critics will argue that it was public pressure that forced him to change, but he turned the All Blacks around in the span of three Tests (four if you count Samoa.) Great coach.
 

Somerset

Cricketer Of The Year
The Deans vs. Henry debate will continue for years to come, as a matter of principles not results, but Henry proved the structures he has in place still produce winning rugby and I thought he became a better coach this year. The critics will argue that it was public pressure that forced him to change, but he turned the All Blacks around in the span of three Tests (four if you count Samoa.) Great coach.
I think one of the most important changes in Henry's coaching this year involves his selection of players - and its consistency. How refreshing to see basically the same side (injuries permitting) chosen over consecutive weeks; unlike last year with the "resting" and "reconditioning" policies.

As for turning the ABs around after successive losses to South Africa in Dunedin and Australia in Sydney, I feel that just as much credit should go to McCaw. There was only so much Henry could do following the defeats and I believe McCaw's influence this year has been immense.
 

ripper868

International Coach
Fair play to kiwi's and well done.

Turning point for me was the nothing midfield kick by carter that both cross and elsom? jumped for and let bounce straight back to carter. one of them catches that ball nz dont score in the corner.

Still impressed with the aussies though, Cross showed his quality in attack to get the try to keep australia in it, far superior to Tahu. (though he let Carter brush him aside for the try) Gits was brilliant at times, terrible at others. The pigs finally stepped up a bit at the breakdown but were still dominated in broken field, McCaw is just something else, should be an aussie :).

The final 30 seconds where we somehow pinched the pill and marched upfield was inspiring, thought we had a real chance until that wave of blacks smashed the final ruck. really needed a Kefu or Eales on the field last night.
 

age_master

Hall of Fame Member
Schute shield final today should be a great game. 17 players with super 14 experience between the two sides. Plenty of players who around the edge of the wallabies at the moment like Phil Waugh and Adam Frier in there who will be keen to impress before the tour.
 

ripper868

International Coach
Glad that Pocock has been selected for the tour, should be a regular once smith/waugh are gone.

Congrats to the youngun O'Connor(?) as well, picked up at 18. Cooper in because of Beale being injured in my opinion and kepu provides a different prop option
 

Anna

International Vice-Captain
It's a big one tomorrow - Wasps v Bath. Danny Cipriani is to make his come back on the very ground and against the very team he suffered that horrific leg break 5 (?) months ago. My guess is that Bath won't ease him in gently!!
 

BoyBrumby

Englishman
It's a big one tomorrow - Wasps v Bath. Danny Cipriani is to make his come back on the very ground and against the very team he suffered that horrific leg break 5 (?) months ago. My guess is that Bath won't ease him in gently!!
Ha, quite. With my England hat on I just hope Wasps aren't rushing him back too soon. I know it was a different injury, but I think Leicester brought Harry Ellis back from his ACL too soon; don't think he's lasted a whole 80 this year.
 

Magrat Garlick

Rather Mad Witch
It's a big one tomorrow - Wasps v Bath. Danny Cipriani is to make his come back on the very ground and against the very team he suffered that horrific leg break 5 (?) months ago. My guess is that Bath won't ease him in gently!!
27-23 Bath. Had me a bit worried at times, but decent work ahead of cup month. :)
 

Somerset

Cricketer Of The Year
Thought I'd mention that Daniel Braid has signed for the Queensland Reds for next year's Super 14 - however, even though he'll be playing against New Zealand franchises he'll be ineligible for the All Blacks...
 

BoyBrumby

Englishman
Assisted suicide of former England Students hooker

From The Guardian.

Tragic story. Poor guy was left tetraplegic after a collapsed scrum in training crsuhed his spinal cord and has now ended it all at 23. Reminder of the fragility of life, I suppose. :(
 

ripper868

International Coach
Really horrible stuff, shame it happens and more often than not at a training situation.
 
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