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I find that when a team is winning no one really cares who the assistants are, whether the squad are playing for their clubs, whether young players are being blooded etc. It is only when the results are poor that these things come under the spotlight. As for what side of the fence I am on, I'm...

Rocky was one of the better players for the Brumbies (according to the posters on this forum - check the 3-2-1s), and Mitchell had a pretty impressive season with the Waratahs, as did Mumm. Sharpe had an outstanding s14, as did Pocock and Hodgson (who knows how he is going now?). The other issue...

White, Ruddock, Mallet, Gatland all had pretty good credentials as international coaches, if you want to look at foreigners. As for Aussies, I seem to recall MacKenzie and Alan Jones were candidates. Jones had a sucessful stint way back in the 80s, but had been out of coaching for a while, and...

The mental side of any pursuit is very important but only becomes critical at the highest level, and maybe even game breaking, when all other avenues have been properly developed (in those who have the right stuff, as Naza points out). More and more, I'm beginning to think there is no lack of...

My fear is that you are wrong about this week. If the Boks persist with the poor selections (not a certainty), then all the Wallabies would need to do is replicate the amazing aggression and dominance shown by the AB forwards. So far they have shown nothing that even comes close. We can but...

I have to concur that the unit of measurement for defensive devastation should from now on be the Lima. Scarfman - the best defenders are those for whom scenario 2 makes the smallest difference to how hard they hit. Another factor that might be included in the formula is 'murderous intent'.

Hmmm, interesting, but where is the measurement for toughness, hardness, dogged determination. The velocity at the point of impact, plus the follow through are the all important, and I supect the hard hitters are the ones who if anything speed up (rather than slow down) in anticipation of...

Any chance of a blog "An interview with Bob Dwyer"?

I'm another one who is happy with the Cross signing, especially as I believe him when he says he wants to fight for a starting position and a Wallabies recall. He started poorly for the Force this season, but improved a lot by the end. I see him as a 12/13 rather than an 11/14/15 though, but the...

Sad to say but, yes, he is still that bad. But in his defence (!!!), he is more of a speedbump than a turnstile. When I wrote 'they need to improve' I meant 'become good' rather than 'be slightly less bad'. It is good when players improve, but big improvements are required for big problems...

All three are suspect in defence. All three. Being suspect in defence is a big problem as good teams will exploit it. If they all defended well I'd be happy to see them in the team but until that time I am very concerned. You cannot hide someone at this level - they must all improve. I think...

ABs intensity throughout was awesome. They made their tackles (and were dominant in contact), they were aggressive and clinical at the breakdown, and didn't give the Boks any space. The Boks front row was generally too high, and hence were often under pressure. Steyn did not enjoy the lack of...

A little point about Palu Vs Brown. Are we sure Palu would be preferred if he was available? Most posters here would, but it is not certain. There have been many tests where Brown was preferred over Palu, when Palu was avialable.

with a few notable exceptions I hope!

I'm perfectly happy to wade into this discussion... What is the significance of where your forbears were born? At what point in the past is there a cut off? because if go back far enough we're pretty much all related. If not Australia, where are you indigenous to Scarfman? I prefer the OED...

Is Fairbrother injured too? Tilse? Ryan? Dunning? I'm not saying I'd pick them all ahead of those in the squad, but it would be interesting to know who is available and who isn't. On James Slipper - he is the only front row rookie who was introduced to test rugby somewhat sensibly (as a...

I voted for the Tri Nations, not because I don't value the WC, but because they are the next tests to be played. The question itself is a false dichotomy - disregarding the Tri Nations will not help with the WC and we all know it, including Robbie Deans and the ARU (and I bet you a pound to a...

How big is Beale? He is looking very big and strong, and is running very well into contact. In terms of size, I think he fits the bill. Obviously his decision making (if in doubt, don't kick) and defence, not to mention bladder control, could all improve, but when he is on he is a great...

$5000 ?! that is a lot of pennies he has spent. Is that the fine for being discrete, as otherwise I guess he'd have been charged with indecent exposure?

Welcome. Thanks for sharing your insights.