Mssr Ross,
I didn't once compare NSW directly to the Rebels.
On paper, in probably every position but fullback, the Tahs are better than the rebels - I whole heartedly agree. I also agree that in terms of position on the ladder and in all to date head v head encounters, the tahs rank above the rebels (hard to argue that). But what's wonderful about that is the fact that I didn't make a State v State comparison.
I would suggest not taking an attack on the upper management of a rugby team you support so much to heart. I love many of the waratahs players, yet look at their results? a fish rots from the head and a professional rugby club rots from the inept boys club management at the top. I can understand if I had chastised the players for ineptitude or incompetence, but to come hammering home in support of the upper echelons of management goes beyond the realm of fanatiscism (being of course the origin of the word "fan"). the sooner the NSW fans start recognizing what an amazingly talented team they have and that the problem lies not with the players but more likely with management, the faster things will change. Example being in today's broadsheets it is reported that upper management at the waratahs cooled to the idea of bringing in Cheika because he is headstrong. God forbid a coach have a vision and a plan coupled with a desire to implement both - save such matters for the old Kings and Grammar boys. I propose you lead an "occupy moore park" movement. By evidence of your writing on here, you have a way with words and could lead some of the lesser men on GAGR into 'battle'.
To bring fat prop in - let's ignore the failings of Sarel, perceived or otherwise, at the Waratahs. Look simply at the team you have. The crusaders too have been hampered by a horrid run of injuries to much more crucial players than the tahs have, yet where do they sit on the table? You can't tell me that all of the crusaders back up players are better than the starting players for the tahs. You have a wallaby laden squad and suffered as many injuries probably as both the crusaders and the reds (not to mention the stormers who have had to fetch a 4th or 5th string number 8 from Canada) and yet...again...where do you sit on the table?
I dont blame the waratahs plight on an import not performing to standard or someone who left the team performing better elsewhere. I am blaming it on what I read to be an overcontrolling and outdated management team and structure that believes the old (insert private school in Sydney) boys know whats best for the game going forward.
State jealousy has nothing to do with it. However, I will state for the record that I am not jealous of a state playing its biggest games at one of the worst rugby venues in australia, a team that fails to play more than one entertaining game of rugby a year (v the sharks - it was a cracker), an apathetic crowd at home games, nor am i jealous of the damage the waratahs boring style of play does to the greater good of the game in australia. I am jealous, however of the absurdly talent laden squad you possess - that jealousy is somewhat offset by the fact that despite all the rebel shortcomings and your history and levels of support, you only sit one position and 5 points ahead of us on the standings.
That said, I dont want to make a state v state comparison. I'm more interested in the politics of change at moore park.
