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"Ok, so we haven got quick ball..Christ, someone is going to have to make a decision here and do something.. Barnesy, want a minute? TPN, Poey? Want to smash it up on your own and get isolated. Fuck, I wish we all knew what we should be doing here.....I'll flap my arms about a bit for a second"

Wallabies are not getting close in the 2nd Test. ABs will eliminate errors and Wallabies still will have no clue on how to break the AB defense down.

ACT..Very interesting post, although I'm reluctant to concur that the cultural obstacles for Deans are so significant as to render him incapable of delivering success. I believe he really should be able to hurdle any that exist with ease, and certainly should have done so after 4 years. He has...

Definitely strong support on this forum for TPN's selection, a selection I think is inconsistent with a ball control, territorial approach that Barnes at 10 suggests. I hope to be proved wrong but the defensive AB lineout has been upgraded with Thorn gone and I fear his lineout throwing under...

Enjoyed the post although I disagree strongly with TPN. His impact invariably is negative. He misses his jumper too frequently for Test level 2, too frequently gives away penalties in the attacking zone, or tries the miracle offload pass and he invariably has poor technique in the tackle which...

Romano is a better scrummager and he offers more grunt about the park while being a stronger ball-carrier than Retallick. If the game is going to be fought in the trenches, he might be the better option. He certainly produced the goods against Ireland but then again, who didnt?

Bruce's quotes illustrate Gaffney quite nicely.

Gear, a "2nd lifeline extended"? I can't recall him disappointing in any Tests in which he has played in recent years. Every time he gets the call, he plays well. For some reason, the NZ selectors look at alternatives. Kahui's steady less explosive game can be explained for tournament play...

This is very, very disappointing. Gaffney didn't succeed as a head coach at Munster. As soon as he leaves, Munster win the HEC under a different coach. A reputed attack genius, Munster, Saracens attack didnt move forward, Leinster moved backwards and Ireland sideways under his tutelage...

Digby, JOC (James O'Connor), Beale and Hopper all strike me as players who could adapt and thrive in the 7's game given their footwork, handling, speed and spatial awareness. RIO is being viewed as a big deal by the IRB and they are encouraging various Unions to participate fully. I received an email...

NZ team announced... Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Bench: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri...

Lee, I agree with all of this and feel that the Wallabies must front up with the intensity they exhibited in Brisbane last year or they will be battered. The ABs are now without the hardened muscle of Kaino and Thorn and their replacements (assume Messam and Rettalick) are simply not...

But then we have TPN over Nandos?. In what Deansian landscape is TPN more accomplished than Moore to be accurate, and more disciplined? I have no problem with a new mindset or tactical approach to the game, but then I scream when I see the selections of TPN and Timani (and even Higgers at 8)...

Two first up losses to the ABs and the Bledisloe is lost for another year. The press and Wallabies supporters will be unforgiving and we may see public interest in the Wallabies wane further. Frankly, I think it will seal Dean's fate. Failure by O'Neill to act would be damning, place him more...

Inaction, which you artfully present as "thinking ahead" invariably leads to poor results irrespective of intention. Who is making the decision on a new coach? When can a decision be expected?

I just listened to the Podcast (another great hour) and I'm not so concerned about Paul's loss. This will be a high work-rate, fewer frills Wallaby outfit. I though the pack munched the Welsh over each 80 played and so I'm not concerned about the impact of our back row at the breakdown or our...

As has been said, it's pretty clear that Deans has picked a team to limit mistakes, deliver a more accurate kicking game and to put pressure on the ABs through a more territorial approach and tight defensive line. It may work, but it's simply not an approach I excited to see the Wallabies take...

I agree with this. We have competent depth at lock and center and back row but real quality is lacking.

If Gaffney gets the head coaching gig, it will be a disaster. He is not an effective head coach. I'd argue with considerable evidence that he is not much of an assistant coach either at this point. Frankly, he is a lovely guy who should join some media group as a resident analyst as he'd...

Great game to watch..phenomenal intensity. Clarke, Messam really stepped up and performed against the Crusaders pack. With TKB, Cruden and Retallick there really is a new generations of ABs emerging. Incredible talent in their game.