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100+% agree. And to this must be added, high congratulations to the ABs coaching group. They are clearly world-class at the science and art of elite football coaching and player development and selection. They have prepared their team superbly, and have been equally fine at game planning, team...

Don't know about the QLD votes referred to WJ, but there's much insight and correctness in what you say, well sleuthed (or snake-hunted). One of the many reasons my concerns grew hugely re Deans' coaching group etc was the way JO'N announced that after the 'disappointing' 2009 EOTY Test outcomes...

Please let's not keep perpetuating this implicit notion that 'loads of talented players' is anything but a necessary - but not in any way sufficient - attribute at national or S15 level in order to build sustained excellence in back line performance. We have this habit of constantly highlighting...

After playing under such a manifestly incompetent coaching group as govern the Wallabies today, and having seen the playing standards of many of his best players stagnate or deteriorate under it, Links's biggest concern today will how to reignite and rebuild the confidence of his key (Wallaby)...

Perfectly assessed, Hawko. Just one comment on your first point re backs. I've said it many, many times, but IMO nowhere near enough critical assessment has been made of Dean's management capability as a head coach as directly expressed by his choice and structure of specialist and support...

4 more years Groucho?;)

Observation: The 'babies' of the Wales team (younger on average than the Wallabies) are managing to 'turn up' for every single one of their WC games. They haven't had 'an Ireland moment', or the lapses v Russia in 2H.

Maybe DPK, but IMO you've got to select on a pattern of player calibre not one 'better' performance vs many mediocre to downright poor ones. In my mind, I'd prefer Higgers or Hodgson to come on (if they need to, which they will as surely Samo won't play 80) and deal with the likes of Kaino etc...

With all respect, how can we be so confident re 'reserves have little impact etc' if we don't know who's gonna get injured. If Horwill or Vicks has to come off, won't the Simmons v Sharpe call matter, maybe greatly?

3 mistakes or major, unnecessary risks IMO: - I'll be the 100th person that's amazed at the complete removal of Sharpe in such a crucial match, on no basis is Simmons showing he's justified in this selection in this game; - Maybe less versatile etc, but I'd much rather Higgers or Hodgson...

Blue, just flipping to the 'most liked', during the S15 many rugby mates and I thought the SA commentators were far superior to the Aus ones (not a major task) and better than the Kiwis (who were also superior to the Aus ones). We found the SA commentators a near-ideal balance of fair...

Yeah, but the point is that _that particular formulation of a 'conventional stats' ledger wasn't the one that really mattered_ in this game, on this day. Wasn't that indirectly Bob Dwyer's recent point in one of his blog essays when he argued that conventional stats' packages (of the type we...

I still can't believe all this mystery-land incredulity. Boks over 80 could not score one try. Walls over 80, could. Walls' defence superior. Boks attack lacked. Walls took their one opportunity for 5 points. Walls' multiple deficiencies could (just) survive behind a (just) better...

So amusing and wildly factually inaccurate to characterise the NZ-wide, deliberate national cheap shot of relentless media attacks and constant booing of QC (Quade Cooper) this RWC as merely arising from a 'thug element', and 'dickheads', etc. When the ex-AB Captain Randell a few days back came out and...

Good support for QC (Quade Cooper) from a wonderful player (and IMO confirms ML's class vs the crass and unhelpful offerings on this topic by NF-J): Quoting AAP today:

Bh81 - loved those clips - if only KB (Kurtley Beale) and QC (Quade Cooper) were as skilled at it, or so fortunate with their chips! (But maybe there's 20 Blake clips where it failed ;-) ) Seriously, I am aghast that the Wallaby coaches have not forbidden _any_ back, especially the prime sinner at the reckless short grubber...

Precisely. This consistent inconsistency in line out work often with multiple negative outcomes is simply game-losing stuff. We were incredibly fortunate that in the QF other positive outcomes and skills just compensated for a shocking line out performance of the likes we have seen numerous...