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That's a fascinating speculation DPK. It could be so. But I have to say that I think one of RE's 'problems' is that, despite his quietness, he's got a very substantial ego (now over-stoked by the ARU's 'he's the one' ongoing embrace), and I would expect Horwill will be very mindful of this...

Ooops, you're so right Scotty. Correction then DPK, my mis-read. As you can see, I do agree that 'the three kings' model would have been possible with/for the 2011 Wallabies.

Very well summarised IMO, I love 'the three kings' concept as I think that's precisely what it was and, commendably, no egos got out of kilter, mutual respect and teamwork dominated the Reds culture (as many have remarked on these boards). Not sure why not transferable to the Wallabies? Or, are...

DPK, not quite 'telling Cooper what to do' but directing the general play and much talking to forwards, Genia etc as needed as the marches upfield successfully progressed. Most of the essential work in my two cases was down to the Reds forwards working as a tight pack going forward in...

Could not agree more. I cannot think of one dimension of what would commonly be thought of good captaincy in elite rugby that Horwill was not good to outstanding at during 2011, including dealing with media, fans and sponsors. He is perfectly poised and prepared to take over as Aus captain...

A BTW (and thanks to Wolverine): looking at the viewing figures (via this link) for Aus v Samoa Test played in Sydney, way more Brisbane-based viewers (136,000) watched that match than Sydney-based viewers (119,000) despite a significantly greater population in Sydney. (Note: from a quick read...

V Chiefs away, it was wet under foot and cold and intermittent light rain. And they handled the conditions v well, as assessed by all comms, incl NZ ones, and confirmed by a solid win.

Whatever else can be deduced from this utterly mediocre display by our national team, there surely can be no debate about the following: - "lack of competency, intensity, commitment, requisite technical skill and raw power at the breakdown" as a chronic syndrome has been generally endemic...

Couldn't agree more Q51. Many players seemed to have plastic blades only, ridiculous on a pitch that has taken rain in the last days, and looked loose on TV with many open dirt patches, then more rain forecast for the afternoon. But this is front and centre for the coaches to detect and dictate...

Gagger, whether we ascribe visionary developmental properties to RD or not (and one would think Link deserves some mention in such contexts), the guts of this analysis from Hinton is correct. I have never seen a set of pre-RWC stars better aligned for Aus, and Aus better aligned to exploit...

UB, we owe you, with these reminders of doom prediction - from many esteemed quarters - for the poor QLD Reds from only 15 months back! As you say, it's fantastic what changed rugby management and superior coaching can achieve (albeit with the right players) in, what, less than 18 months...

IMO, amongst other improvements Drew M made 2009-11 (Tests and S14/15) in his game, he gradually become so much more the 'proactive, always-on, all-of-field' winger in that he'd go looking for work all over the place and his instinct for where it'd be in any evolving game situation got better...

I think 'notable hiccups' is putting it mildly. If JOC (James O'Connor) is out for longer periods, and with no BB, we start to have serious match-losing exposure in the kicking department. KB (Kurtley Beale) has been variable in the S15, Cooper worse (easy pressure kicks especially, like Gits), and as stated Gits' recent record...

Agree Groucho. In fact, the Reds' GF win could well be a blessing in disguise as the required 'resting' permits what you so touchingly call 'the spare parts' team (though their mothers wouldn't like that title), which might reveal a turbocharger part or two we didn't quite know we had.

+++++1.

Yes, and all to the better. Most times, it actually amounts to good publicity for rugby.

I was not holding up GG as a reliable and distinguished rugby journalist. However, I do believe he has a range of quite extensive contacts at high levels in the NSWRU. Time wil tell. What I am sure of though is that unfolding events at the Tahs will not be quite as simple as you say: 'well...

Certainly Crow, and backing your general point, Rod McCall was central to leading the total clean-out up here. He worked carefully with JO'N to get the ARU saved-from-bankruptcy $3m loan in place, he saw to the sacking of the then QRU Chairman and CEO and Head Coach, was instrumental in the Link...

"Campaign for change gathers pace at Tahs HQ - SMH" See below. OK, it's GG, but he does have excellent contacts inside the NSWRU. If true, IMO, this is absolutely excellent news for Australian rugby. The Reds only got to the 2011 GF as the blazer-wearing, in-it-for-the-prestige-networking...

Thanks for what is a very good question. Firstly, as you see, I am arguing that the 'capability in depth' parameters I listed are, IMO, absolutely essential to the construction of an ultimately successful elite rugby team in this era. For example, this year we have an Aus champion team in the...