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I guess we are looking for the best scrummager first, then considering mobility, performance at the breakdown, defence, ball running, and ability to play at Loose Head and Tight Head (well I am). Baxter has a good game last week, but I think Alexander is still some distance ahead. I put Kepu in...

OK, so he is better than Mowen? - great! In that case the Tahs are spoilt for choice.

There is the fact that there was absolutely no pressure on their lineout as the Tahs decided not to contest - that is an open invitation to kick for the line at will. Secure lineout ball led to well set up mauls which led to more penalties or tries.

Playing the ball, not the man - are NZ players thin skinned? do they actually read their press? I don't know the details of the personal criticisms that have been aired, but I think it is pretty easy to know if a critique is rugby based, vindictive, light hearted, etc Why we love rugby - some...

Doh! Any relation to Keith Wood?

Re: Waratahs vs Fush 'n Chups No doubt the Sharks' hopes of winning will be bolstered by teams treating them with contempt. It is interesting that the teams leading and winning the competition don't seem to have the same attitude to team selection - "yeah, we know Habana is good, why don't...

I really hope our young Fitzpatrick makes the Wallabies some time in the future - I can't wait to see Sean Fitzpatrick squirm when his nephew takes the ABs apart.

Re: Waratahs vs Fush 'n Chups The bench strength is great, but that is mainly because 3 of them should really be starting: Mowen, Beale and Horne. Horne is apparently recovering from injury, which leads me to ask why have him on the bench? If Carter is injured in the first minutes, is the...

Maybe it would be a good idea to clear up the time frame we are looking at with regards to Hickey staying or going. Are those who say he should stay saying "until the end of the season" or "forever - he is the best available"? Are those who say he should go saying "this week - the disruption...

Fitzpatrick has some good skills. He doesn't have the physical presence of TPN, but maybe he is a bit faster round the field. My concern is his line out throwing, his accuracy hasn't been all that great when he has been on...but I guess TPN has had his moments too. All in all, I am excited to...

Re: BumBoys vs Welpies I won't be tipping the Lions to win this one, but I think it is certainly possible if they: 1. keep it in the forwards most of the time 2. get backs who can tackle everything that moves 3. play field position 4. give the ball to the speedy wingers in space

Re: Waratahs vs Fush 'n Chups Hickey said he was unlikely to make any changes outside of ones forced by injuries, as he wanted to develop combinations. This kind of thing really gets up my nose. OK, Horne isn't up to starting because of his hamstring. But even with the improved performance...

It is difficult to compare Barnes and Halangahu based on the last 3 weeks as the overall team performance, and particularly the quality of the ball they were getting, was much much better for Halangahu. Barnes will get other opportunities, and I'm sure (hopeful) he'll make good use of good ball.

You're at least one X too few on the size for me.

Re: Reds v Chiefs I think that tends to apply more when a team is winning. I'm not saying Turinui hasn't done OK. His defence has been very good, but he isn't the attacking threat Ioane would be. Maybe considering the possibility of inexperienced players coming in, his experience will be...

I think Halangahu would do well for the Wallabies if he was called up, given the right circumstances. I was very happy with his performance for the Waratahs this week. I think he plays (albeit in a very important and skillful position) the 'water carrier' role (please excuse the football...

Re: Waratahs vs Fush 'n Chups I wouldn't be benching Kockott, he has to be one of the Sharks' best players....but given that I am a Tahs supporter I guess it wouldn't bother me too much. The Waratahs will need to play at least as well as they did against the Bulls if they want to win this one...

Yes, Palu was awesome - I thought particularly in the first half of the first half. Keeping up any kind of work rate after that 20 min onslaught was very impressive. The improved aggression in the forwards had a lot to do with him. The were a lot of excellent performances for the Waratahs, so...

Wow, the Bulls are already amazing without all those guys. The are really the team to beat.

I thought he was playing well, so my guess is a non serious injury (though the moment didn't register strongly with me)