Search results

I'll go with this one (and take a few liberties along the way) The Crusaders culture which Deans inherited and continued and his player selections suggest that "big", "strong" personalities that challenge the coaches aren't viewed so well. Umaga is the 2003 RWC is a good example. Umaga wrote...

Lee, I enjoyed your excellent post. Just one point that is not directed at anyone at all. I am so jaded of the criticism McCaw gets for playing to the edge of the law. He is a highly intelligent, smart, fast, freakish strong player for his size who will transgress all day long UNTIL he is...

+1 Agree with almost everything written here. The lure of European/French money will make it especially difficult for NZ to keep it's top players in years to come, and the Boks will lose some critical pillars of their success after this RWC. If the Wallabies enjoy success on the field (and...

If Gits is on the outs, the JOC (James O'Connor) must be a lock for one spot given the critical goal kicking requirements. QC (Quade Cooper) is not the player anyone would want kicking the goals in a tight test. So, what position? I think 12 is unlikely as Deans has voiced reservations on the matter and chosen not to try...

It's been a while since Joe burned anyone with his speed or agility, and he seems to favor running into contact. His game has morphed into being more solid, and he has lost much of his flash. Surprised to hear he is still the quickest over 40m though (Maitland, Gear, Guildford, Nani?)

This was the first thing that sprung to mind as well when I watched the video. He needs additional schooling on breakdown skills, although his ball presentation was pretty good. A 12 must straighten the line, and fix any defensive drift. McCabe runs hard, has good leg drive in contact, but I...

Economic imperatives will dictate if, when and how the major SH tournaments are expanded. Right now, it makes no financial sense. Japan may make sense but only on the back of a RWC when a greatly increased profile for the game along accompanying broadcasting interest may make it more viable and...

Know a few Irish lads and a large number are planning on going over from Aus to NZ for that one.

The precision required to throw in a ball, requiring that the finer small muscles are engaged in a consistent fashion really mean, and the constant repetition and training required mean that the last person to throw a ball in should be the prop. Fatigue plays a role. The tighthead's...

True, and there is definitely evidence that he struggled to make that step-up. A good forwards coach would also ensure that even as head coach, the forwards for which he was responsible were able to compete effectively at set-piece and breakdown, and the Hurricanes were dreadful on both account.

Definitely thinking out of the box for sure, and I've never heard it for sure. Can't say I agree at all though. I mean, the lack of room for backs could just as easily be addressed by reducing number of players to 13. I want to retain props, foster their dark arts, and ensure the game keeps...

That's the worst Bok side I have seen on or off paper in many years. Samoa would beat them comfortably. Wallabies should really hammer them.

Word is that Deans tried to secure Mark Hammett to be the Wallaby forward coach. Since Hammett is the Hurricane's coach who has ruffled feathers, discarded a Hurricane Legend in Nonu and an established AB leadership group player in Hore and dramatically underperformed with the talent at his...

Apparently, he completed the English RFU referee’s exams and officiated some youth matches while still playing for Saracens in London. Here is a profile on him from the NY Times, of all places. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/19/sports/rugby/19iht-RUGBY19.html

I couldn't agree more with your post. It's the team ethos, the club vibe, the entire set-up, the manner in which the coaching and admin staff and admin relate with the players and how each relate in turn with the fan base and even the sponsors and the media. It's not easily transferable...

Former Chiefs player Glen Jackson who only hung up the boots as a player in 2010, will make his international officiating debut as the TV Match Official for the NZ versus Australia 3Ns match at Eden Park on August 6. Jackson, has also been appointed Assistant Referee for the Tonga versus Fiji...

Getting across the gain line from first phase was a big issue last weekend. We need someone who can take the ball up at 12 when needed. In the absence of a Nonu, I'm pleased McCabe is getting a shot at playing outside Quade.

Give it another week or two and there will enough collapsed scrums and time set aside to reset them to reveal the problem.

Scrums; the enage must be tackled. It's a fucking mess right now. I advocate that the power hit is removed and that the assistant ref/touch judge is brought onto the field to rule that attacking tight-head bind remains legal and square throughout, while ref makes similar calls for attacking...

Disappointed Ben Alexander is in there but delighted Simmons/Horwill locking combination in going against the Boks.