MajorlyRagerly
Trevor Allan (34)
Here we are again, first time in 16 years in the final! Happy with!
We played well, we played strong and we played hard. Cory Jane was fantastic, as was Israel Dagg. He is a hell of a talent Dagg, I really enjoy watching him play. Such a swerving runner with a few tricks up his sleeve, something happened everytime he got the ball. Not sure how many noticed how often he was at first receiver too... a sign of the future, perhaps? I hope not as I thought Cruden did well and will be so much better for the experience. But I shouldn't be talking about the backs, as this game was won in the forwards. It's was the ultimate Man Up by the boys in the Black, showed no quarter at any stage and to put it bluntly, had the measure of their opposition. They all deserve a special mention, the ability to get over the gain line ball in hand was brilliant to watch.
As for the Wallabies, well I think your boys were just too sore after last weekend. The forwards struggled in the contact area and the backline was a bit messy on the lack of front foot ball. Ioane managed one great run but he made one error in that he went for Jerome Kaino who has been an absolute collusus for us all year. Singlehandedly changed his momentum - that takes some serious grunt! Pocock lacked a bit, especially compared to last week. McCaw had his number last night, which is something I don't think many could honestly say in their last few match ups. Looking back on it, it may not have been a bad idea to start Slipper, Simmons and Sharpe as they hadn't suffered as much of a beating. Hindsigh, as ever, a wonderful thing.
Quade Cooper, the enigma deserves a bit of a mention. I think I've written previously that I hated him, and I do regret writing (and thinking) that. Before this WC he was a serious talent, and after this world cup, he is still one. I strongly believe the NZ crowd/attitude got to him this world cup & looking back, I don't think he deserved as much as he took. Whether or not he'll be back, I don't know. I still think he's a league player through and through, but the game of union is, and always will be, better with him playing it.
I read somewhere this morning that before the final scrum, Richie made eye contact with Genia and Genia said "Well Done". I hope this is true, that is true rugby spirit and to hear about that coming from such a great player, leaves me rather warm hearted. Between Genia, Pocock, O'Connor, Ioane (if he stays) and Horwill, the core of the Wallabies remains strong for the immediate future.
Anyway, I'm happy as Larry and just wanted to share my thoughts, as always. I'm not as confident about the French as everybody else seems to be, probably because I'm still a bit scarred of what those cocks have done to us! I have spent a fair bit of wallah this morning getting myself to the game & I sincerely hope it doesn't all go to pot!!
Kia Kaha, All Blacks.
We played well, we played strong and we played hard. Cory Jane was fantastic, as was Israel Dagg. He is a hell of a talent Dagg, I really enjoy watching him play. Such a swerving runner with a few tricks up his sleeve, something happened everytime he got the ball. Not sure how many noticed how often he was at first receiver too... a sign of the future, perhaps? I hope not as I thought Cruden did well and will be so much better for the experience. But I shouldn't be talking about the backs, as this game was won in the forwards. It's was the ultimate Man Up by the boys in the Black, showed no quarter at any stage and to put it bluntly, had the measure of their opposition. They all deserve a special mention, the ability to get over the gain line ball in hand was brilliant to watch.
As for the Wallabies, well I think your boys were just too sore after last weekend. The forwards struggled in the contact area and the backline was a bit messy on the lack of front foot ball. Ioane managed one great run but he made one error in that he went for Jerome Kaino who has been an absolute collusus for us all year. Singlehandedly changed his momentum - that takes some serious grunt! Pocock lacked a bit, especially compared to last week. McCaw had his number last night, which is something I don't think many could honestly say in their last few match ups. Looking back on it, it may not have been a bad idea to start Slipper, Simmons and Sharpe as they hadn't suffered as much of a beating. Hindsigh, as ever, a wonderful thing.
Quade Cooper, the enigma deserves a bit of a mention. I think I've written previously that I hated him, and I do regret writing (and thinking) that. Before this WC he was a serious talent, and after this world cup, he is still one. I strongly believe the NZ crowd/attitude got to him this world cup & looking back, I don't think he deserved as much as he took. Whether or not he'll be back, I don't know. I still think he's a league player through and through, but the game of union is, and always will be, better with him playing it.
I read somewhere this morning that before the final scrum, Richie made eye contact with Genia and Genia said "Well Done". I hope this is true, that is true rugby spirit and to hear about that coming from such a great player, leaves me rather warm hearted. Between Genia, Pocock, O'Connor, Ioane (if he stays) and Horwill, the core of the Wallabies remains strong for the immediate future.
Anyway, I'm happy as Larry and just wanted to share my thoughts, as always. I'm not as confident about the French as everybody else seems to be, probably because I'm still a bit scarred of what those cocks have done to us! I have spent a fair bit of wallah this morning getting myself to the game & I sincerely hope it doesn't all go to pot!!
Kia Kaha, All Blacks.
