Gagger said:
No one else thinks losing $10m a year is pretty outstanding? Surely a poorly managed RWC and they're fucacta.
6.4 million of the loss is to do with the RWC so I don't think it's as bad as it looks on paper. I agree though, a poorly managed RWC will be bad for NZ and not just the NZRU. Our previous government underwrote it and all the Govt and local governments have done is fight about who's going to pay for it. It's frustrating in the extreme. That's what you get with Govts who follow neo-liberal policies: no-one wants to pay for infrastructure.
I am not a fan of the NZRU at the moment. Haven't been for some time, but their decision to can the Maori All Blacks last year and not release them as an organisation to other groups reminded me of all the times the NZRFU (in those days) invited or toured Apartheid South Africa and wouldn't let Maori, Island or those of a dark persuasion play ...
As Lee would say, I digress.
Our S14s haven't been that much chop this year and I've been disappointed with the Blues for years now. All the talent on the park and no tactics to win. Blues should make the semi finals on talent nearly every year, but have fallen short for nigh on a decade.
As for the All Blacks, we'll be competitive. After pretty much ruling the Tri N for ages, from my point of view, it's healthy to have competition in the Tri-N. I've actually found it a bore fest for ages and looked more forward to the end of year tours. Last year gave me interest because South Africa were dominant and it really was a matter of the ABs not going through the motions and having to do some work. As history of the Tri Ns tells us, I think we'll be first or second.
I agree with VSCA there have been some strange decisions re: selections and I can only think coaches and selectors have their favourites and stick with them through thick and thin. Cory Jane should have been starting on form all last year with Joe Rock on the bench. Nonu has improved out of sight, but I won't remember him as a classic or brilliant centre in the mould of others that have worn that jersey. The only position I ever would have played Nonu is as a blind side winger. In saying that, however, Henry and Co didn't have a lot of choice last year with an injured Kahui and Smith on the sidelines.
I'm a fan of Henry's and support his reappointment but I don't like all the politics. I don't like the debut of players on promise etc. I like it on form.
I wouldn't worry about McCaw. Come Tri-Ns he will be fine. As they say form is temporary, class is permanent.
