Search results

Smarts and higher skill levels all round. NZ players generally have the intelligence to watch and anticipate what's happening, especially on show when there is a bouncing ball or a ball on the deck. Our players either go at things like a bull at a gate and more often than not overrun the...

Lloyd had a very strong game, and Deegan and Iona were smart in the backline. Best on ground in my view was Force No 4.

Best pickup on the run ever likely to be seen.

WOB, I called it a knock on in real time, and I reckon the replay shows that, in relation to the 22m line, the ball was propelled towards the goal line. As an interested but impartial onlooker, I believe the right call was eventually made.

I will be very surprised if Cheika doesn't bring Phipps straight into the starting side with Gordon and Powell fighting for the bench spot. I will be very disappointed, but I can see it happening.

Reiko is a big threat to the Tahs. Playing out of position but still capable of scoring a double or triple of tries if there are any defensive lapses. Front row would also be a worry for the Tahs except that the Blues don't look impressive there as well. Blues forwards pack otherwise looks a...

Apparently to follow an AFL game. Priorities.

Looking at a few of our present Wallabies, Derpus, hasn't tackling been optional for quite a few years now?

No, but you have been quite quick to ask others to come up with legendary type players to replace some who are likely Wallabies starters.

A discrete domestic competition would require RA to withdraw entirely from SANZAR (A for Australia already omitted). Can't see that happening with the current RA Board and executive. If Super Rugby continues the downward slide over the last couple of years of the current agreement and RA sign on...

And Spain would also presumably be without quite a few of their previous players who were suspended after the game against Belgium.

Definitely looking forward to the physical contest when Monster Hanigan confronts Akira or Jerome. Should be eye watering stuff (or eye opening, perhaps).

And Angus on the sideline will try to award goals where the kick clearly misses.

Read my posts BH. I acknowledge that Hanigan is our most likely No 6. All I'm saying is that I haven't noticed this legendary improvement in his physicality this year. He still doesn't break the line, and is more likely to be driven backwards when making a tackle. To answer your question, I have...

ATM you'd have to say Slipper is the weak link in the front row equation, simply because of his injury status. Pity is that we are strong at THP but after Sio very weak at LHP. I also strongly believe that Allan Ala'alatoa has been the best performing THP this year, ahead of Tupou who has...

I have yet to see any real difference from last year BH. I think the story of his improved physicality is taking on the flavour of an Urban Myth.

HB, wouldn't the side for the Fiji game have been first choice rather than the one against Tonga? In that case, I'd expect a lot of change from this most recent side.

Louwrens must be looking at limited game time seeing that Prior has been named captain.

Marius van der Westhuizen has been the best, as in the most consistently good, referee going round for a couple of years now. Good to see him get one of the tests.

I can see that side as well for the first test, and probably as the core of all the test sides. Personally, I'd have Ala'alatoa as the starting THP, Arnold or Rodda in place of Simmons, Pocock at 7 and Timu at 8, Folau at 11 and DHP at fullback. Hanigan would only survive until someone else...