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Deans is an excellent coach, but Link's accomplishment with the Reds and his experience coaching in Europe make him a better choice for leading the Wallabies after this WC. While I am concerned how poorly the Wallaby's have fared in the 3N under Deans (33% winning record), I'm more concerned...

Damn right. There are just no excuses. Dean has had 4 years to prepare this team for this WC tournament without having to deal with either the pressure or expectation heaped on the AB coaching staff, for example. He has made some mistakes long the way but that can be set aside as part of the...

There has been some talk over at TheSilverfern.com from those who claim to be in the know that Dave Rennie (recently announced as Chiefs coach for 2012) interviewed for the Hurricanes job and was then told not to pursue it further. Apparently the fix was in and the NZRFU imposed Hammett on the...

Played mainly right wing at Stade though didn't he? And he couldn't command a regular place either. Still, Link said numerous times on a podcast that Gasnier certainly had skills, and had the right attitude. If they Reds gave signed Gasnier, it certainly should benefit them in Brisbane with...

Bruce, you remind me of that joke where an enthusiastic duck hunter was in the market for a new retriever. Having searched high and low, he actually found a dog that could walk on the surface of water to retrieve a duck. Stunned by the dogs physical gifts, he was sure none of his friends would...

Ok, I'm definitely biting. What are you hearing?

Bruce seems to be a glass half-empty type. Those of us buoyed by the most recent upward trajectory of Australian rugby and who take encouragement by the most recent performances at Test and Super 15 level see evidence of broader depth among the pigs, and superb performances from the critical 9...

When you are appointed captain of the All Blacks by the likes of Henry/Smith, it is a fair assumption that your leadership is held in high regard by your playing peers. When you lead your team to a Super14 Final, it's a pretty impressive accomplishment considering the coach ignored the set-pice...

Ranger is so explosive but his decision making isn't the best sometimes. He really is a high risk/high reward player. He was only going to get the nod through the injury of more established players ahead of him.

Fully agree. I think he owes his position to being part of the core leadership group that has been established since the last WC (McCaw, Thorn, Mealamu, Hore, Carter, Mils), but he has lost so much speed and his defensive positioning is definitely an issue. Dagg, Jane may offer more in terms of...

Ben Franks plays tight and loose head so I'm not surprised a like for like replacement for Woodcock i.e.Crockett is deemed a luxury in a 30 man squad. There seems no out and out specialist 7 replacement for Richie either which is a risk. Messam and Thompson can both play 7 but .... Hoeta plays...

Pedant alert .. MacIntosh doesn't play tighthead.. ever.

That was a great listen. Truly, one of the most informative podcasts I have ever heard on defensive tactics. Fabulous stuff.

Excellent summary. I feel the scrum will be in OK shape. Frankly, there is no dominant scrum at Test level (The Irish managed to turnover the English scrum in the 6N's) and the Kiwis advantage hasn't brought them home in their recent big game showdowns (S12 Final and France 2007). The kicking...

While the AB coaching staff are a different kettle of fish, this victory is very encouraging. There are not many Reds players (Higgs, Genia, Ioane are the only sure starters for me) who would automatically walk into a combined XV, yet they fully deserved their victory. The victory must be...

The no-name Reds front 5 stood up today as well, and I thought Beau Robinson put enormous pressure on Crusaders ball.

You should be more concerned by how poorly McCaw and Carter played in a big game. Try aside, Carter did nothing with all that front foot ball he enjoyed. Owen Franks was the one standout player for the Crusaders; the rest of their big names didn't fire.

Impressed with the good grace of Brad Thorn and McCaw is post match.

Bleating about the ref is becoming a very big yawn. The decision on Simmons try was a disgrace and inexplicable , but move on. Reds fully deserve the win, and made the most of their limited ball. A word for McKenzie. He is the best coach in Australia. He has put it all together and deserves...

Reds showed more composure in a great game. Crusaders beaten by the better team. Brilliant! Now for the WC.