Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
And where exactly did I say that? Jesus, read the ****ing messages properly.And if you think he is on the correct side of the law 90% of the time, then you really dont have a clue
And where exactly did I say that? Jesus, read the ****ing messages properly.And if you think he is on the correct side of the law 90% of the time, then you really dont have a clue
How did Australia do at that last World Cup again? You'd think they won it by your last comment.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
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.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.
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.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
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.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.
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.So does this mean it was a good choice by the NZRFU to bypass Robbie Deans for the top job then?
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.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.
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.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.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!!
Find that extremely hard to buy into, is there a more obvious target for referees' at breakdowns?McCaw IIMO gets the benefit of doubt with those 50/50 calls more than anyone else in the game at present