Groucho
Greg Davis (50)
Like his infamous defence of Wayne Barnes in 2007?
Agreed.
Infamous? There is an important difference between the head of the International Rugby Board's Referee Board saying a referee is right, and saying he is wrong.
Like his infamous defence of Wayne Barnes in 2007?
Agreed.
My problem with it, is the fact that the TMO deliberatley tried to influence the game in an area he has no jurisdiction. After stating to the ref that the grounding was fine, he tentatively asked "would you like some extra information in regards to the lead up of th grounding" (sic). They way he asked it tentatively showed he knew he shouldn't be asking, and the fact that it positively favoured his own countries team is suspect.
Mate, he and Bismark were extraordinary. In combination with the others, they made the pack look world beaters. If Juan Smith was fit, the Bokke would have probably the best pack going around.
My problem with it, is the fact that the TMO deliberatley tried to influence the game in an area he has no jurisdiction. After stating to the ref that the grounding was fine, he tentatively asked "would you like some extra information in regards to the lead up of th grounding" (sic). They way he asked it tentatively showed he knew he shouldn't be asking, and the fact that it positively favoured his own countries team is suspect
I'd say he will take the tackle (even if it looks like he doesn't want to be there), it's just that he often does anything to stop the ball dying in the contact. Often his offloads are thrown well and truly into the tackle. Truck it up to crash ball, however, Quade does not do, it's not his game.
Sometimes it shits me to tears, and other times it's brilliant. Live by the Quade, die by the Quade...
I think the fact that the TMO asked the ref if he would like any further information shows that he was leaving the decision in the ref's hands rather than trying to enforce a ruling. At the end of the day the decision was with the ref and he incorrectly acted on the further information.
The TMO was in fact from Namibia and not South Africa. That's the equivalent of saying New Zealand and Australia are the same country.
Schalk Burger will be pretty hand coming into the side. They simply have to start him. Brussow/Burger/Spies it is for me.
Burger is a weapon, however if I were a Bokke supporter I would consider him more of a 7. While he obviously offers the brutality and ball carrying to play 6, he is not tall enough as a line-out option. However Spies is not a bad target so it might even out. However, with everyone fit - I would play Smith, Burger, Brussow. Although Spies looks to be playing himself into some pretty mean form.
Schalks biggest asset is his work rate specially on defense. Brussouw will make a killing with Battleship playing from him. Spies look like hitting form just at the right time. With those two he can play his natural game. Brussouw was vokken massive yesterday, now holding the proud record of 4-0 wins against the All Blacks and surely a proud record for him. He'll be our most important player in this world cup.Schalk has taken a lot of lineout ball for the Stormers and SA. No he is not a primary target but a pretty handy one. Not worried about that. Spies took most of the ball last night.
At the Stomers, Schalk has been playing alongside Francois Louw who is an out and out openside. Worked for them.
I can understand how you feel, MR, me with a NZ grandmother 'n' all, MAJOR AB supporter she was. I'm not aboriginal, and if you're not Maori we're both immigrants. On one side many generations in Oz for me but immigrants nonetheless. As young nations we must accept immigrants and hope and pray they embrace their new country with all their hearts. Which is why it pisses me off mightily to see NZers living here supporting the ABs, part of me feels if you don't love this country bugger off back to where you came from. Is Australia nothing more than a meal ticket and a safe haven for these fly-by-nighters?
Which is why I admire Deans' position enormously. There's no doubt he gave up a lot when he accepted the Wallabies' coaching spot, especially with the Deans/Canterbury and the Deans/ABs histories. But he's made his bed and he's lying on it, good on you Robbie. May there be more new arrivals like you.