Bledisloe II @ Eden Park
- Thread starter Dctarget
- Start date
zer0
John Thornett (49)
Seems there's a fair bit of confidence, optimism, and camaraderie here.
Eww.
Lest I remind you that you're going to a ground that comes with its own ominous theme song. The Barad-Dûr of the rugby world. A place where titans of the game such as John Eales, Tim Horan, and Matt Burke were sent packing by the likes of Norm Maxwell, Marc Ellis, and Andrew f*cken Blowers. The ground where the Dark Lord McCaw himself will be presiding on Saturday; looming over the test like the Eye of Sauron.
You're not going to be able to Waltz in here and steal the Precious (Preciousloe?) like it were an outback sheep.
@ me, bitches.
Eww.
Lest I remind you that you're going to a ground that comes with its own ominous theme song. The Barad-Dûr of the rugby world. A place where titans of the game such as John Eales, Tim Horan, and Matt Burke were sent packing by the likes of Norm Maxwell, Marc Ellis, and Andrew f*cken Blowers. The ground where the Dark Lord McCaw himself will be presiding on Saturday; looming over the test like the Eye of Sauron.
You're not going to be able to Waltz in here and steal the Precious (Preciousloe?) like it were an outback sheep.
@ me, bitches.
Dismal Pillock
Michael Lynagh (62)
BEST POST.
Ordinarily I'd say a pent-up black torrent of redemptious murder rage awaits the poor visitors to Eden Park. "NZ always bounce back bigtime after a loss" as the old pearly trope goes.
Not this time.
It now looks to be a matter of cattle in the cold and bloodless light of day. As in one side suddenly congealing into a nastily oiled herd of murder while the other creaks its way over the cattlestop towards the monster truck halogens of 1991.
If the Wallabies beat New Zealand by 15 points or more New Zealand could drop from 1st to 6th on the rankings!
Obviously that's not going to happen.
Obviously that's not going to happen.
dru
David Wilson (68)
I so want +15 points I can taste it.
drewprint
Dick Tooth (41)
Middle Earth is rising against the decades long tyranny of the Darkness. The Ents (Rodda, Arnold, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), and Coleman) have finally risen from their slumber and are marching towards the capital. Some of the lumbering Orcs (Tupou) have turned against their old dark masters and have the taste of blood in their mouths. Even the once arrogant, aloof Elves, previously full of ego and self-interest (JOC (James O'Connor)) have renewed purpose and drive in fighting for the common good. We’ve even got Nathan ‘Gandalf The’ Grey leading our defensive systems FFS.
And then of course leading us all is our own inspirational little curly haired, hairy footed hobbit Hooper. Look out Mordor. We’re coming for you and we’re gonna finally topple that goddamn tower!
And yet people tell me it's a good system.
I'm not sure what your ranking system would look like if the number one team losing twice in a row by 15+ points to the team ranked a distant 6th didn't result in a big drop in your ranking points.
That was a big upset last weekend and has brought NZ right back to the top few teams. They also lost points drawing at home against South Africa.
dru
David Wilson (68)
And yet people tell me it's a good system.
It ranks SENSATIONALLY on the amusement stakes. ;-) Go Wobblies!
Spruce Moose
Fred Wood (13)
And yet people tell me it's a good system.
According to that system Argentina who lost to the All Blacks by 4 points in NZ are worse than Japan and Fiji. Its a bit of a joke really. System dictates that its better to just not play and then when you do play the USA and Canada to accrue points.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
And yet people tell me it's a good system.
Its probably more accurate to say that its "the best of a bad bunch" system. When there are games going on in different seasons (north and south) and some teams not playing others for long periods (Eng vs NZ last couple of years), devising a system that works in all cases is not that easy.
Spruce Moose
Fred Wood (13)
Hence, Wales.
If Wallabies beat the All Blacks by even a small margin on Saturday they will drop to 4th and the top 3 will be Wales, Ireland England. Not sure I can handle the Northern Hemisphere journalists gloating (until they all get smoked at the WC).
It's an entirely objective system.
I think it is better than having a subjective one.
Japan also beat Fiji in their recent test.
I think Argentina are clearly stronger than Japan and are hurt in the ranking system by their strength of schedule. They have lost their last 8 tests in a row though and only won 3 of their last 24.
Spruce Moose
Fred Wood (13)
I think thats why the mooted World Championship idea would help these rankings where the top teams play each other every year. Then teams like Argentina and to a lesser extent Italy and Scotland would get a fairer go.
Da Munch
Chris McKivat (8)
Ref for the weekend is Jaico Peyper if anyone is looking.
https://rugbyreferee.net/2019/05/15...hip-2019-bledisloe-cup-referees-ars-and-tmos/
https://rugbyreferee.net/2019/05/15...hip-2019-bledisloe-cup-referees-ars-and-tmos/