Search results

I think he cops a bit of stick, but the paucity of quality rugby journalism over here doesn't help. He was certainly slammed in the press for the 7 issue being discussed here. But you're right about him not copping the crap he would have in NZ. Part of the problem, too, was his reappointment...

Why would there need to be transparency in a sports team? Almost all teams keep their cards pretty close, because the last thing you want is to give the opposition too much information about what you're doing. I have no problems with Deans not explaining his selections, for example, particularly...

Good article, but I think the question is wrong. I don't think Quade is held to a higher standard, I think there is a narrative that says Quade is mercurial and Carlos Spencer-ish, so that writers assume things have happened because a dropped ball near QC (Quade Cooper) must be carelessness or lack of focus...

The Reds are very, very good at capitalising on tight play and set pieces to execute exciting moves. The Tahs have shown the potential to do this in fits and starts this season, but -- as you say -- whether they have the patience or purpose to play a bit of field position is a different story.

That's my thought too. The Reds shut down a few great Chiefs opportunities and got a bit lucky on others (that dropped ball after Cruden's soccer kick, for example). Then they got a big enough lead to choke the Chiefs out. I don't think the Tahs can put the points on OR show the stinginess in...

Not sure about that Mumm tour being good value. Is it Dean or Greg?

Bugger. He seems steadily getting back to his pre-injury form. I guess the big bucks are tempting to take. Interesting, though, that this announcement comes just after he was not invited to the logistics camp. I wonder if there is any correlation? The big question, though, is who will AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) play...

There's a lot more sense in this squad, taken as a whole, than others Deans has selected. We'll know a helluva lot more when the 25-man basic squad is announced in May.

Before the Incident, I'd have said Beale would be it. Now it'll be JOC (James O'Connor). I think it's a mistake. Parts of his game at 10 remind me a bit of Gits, both good and bad.

Who of the "fringe internationals" you name would be holding our Fainga'a? McCabe? I would say that Ant is just as fringe and personally would prefer to see him there over McCabe. Who is holding out Mitchell? Timani? Unlikely. So after Timani played fairly well last year, what lock is replacing...

There's a fair few new faces in that squad though, and none of them are plodders. I don't think we could have expected that much better, to be honest. There was always going to be plenty of experience (for good and ill), but at least some of the dynamic and in-form players are in the frame.

Kearns is far worse if he's actually biased towards your team. Even your shame feels shame.

Not to fight Barbarian's battles for him, but the following would seem to be pretty clear: "Form players have been rewarded" -- i.e. the guys who are in form and playing well right now have been selected. "Old hands have largely been picked" -- i.e. experienced players who might be injured or...

Maybe Ant should just be the backs defensive coach? ;)

Why isn't there a button that express that you're pleased to get a post's content, but saddened by what it says?

Wait. Wtf?!? You're ruining my image of you, Brumbieman. You're supposed to be outraged that Anthony Fainga'a isn't part of the squad. Next thing you'll be telling us that Palu is a deserves his spot. ;)

That's why I avoid the comments on the front page, barbs. There are some good thoughts there, but too often there's too much utter dribble. Not sure what some people expected, really. Presumably NOO WARATARDS COS THAY IS DBUM, but other than that, it's not really clear. Who, exactly, is so...

Scoey, I'm really not sure how anyone could expect a big player turnover and lots of new talent to play the Lions. It probably wouldn't ever be on the cards, but particularly not with Deans coaching for his job.

Is anyone even that generous?

Wow, so some people must be feeling pretty foolish for getting all excited because Bret Harris dribbled some names into his keyboard. Who doesn't deserve to be in the frame from that list? I suppose if you hate the Waratahs, it would be the guys coming back from injury: Barnes, Palu, TPN...