If watching the utter capitulation at the hands of Hawkes Bay wasn't bad enough last Thursday night,the woeful powder-puff performance last night by North Harbour against Manawatu was worst.
No plan,no structure,no brains,no passion,no guts.You name it.I mean,what exactly is a "one out-drift" defence?
This once proud "glamour" Union is now the laughing stock of New Zealand,firmly entrenched at the bottom of the ITM Cup standings with Tasman.
The editorial from the NZ Herald at the weekend nailed it in one."This 2010-2011 North Harbour side is the worst in its history."
But is it really?Is it the players?Last night I saw 2 All Blacks on the field(Woodcock and Wulf).Another,Luke McAlister,has played 2 games this year,while there is a massive dose of NZ Maori,Juniors,U20s,Blues and 7s players in there too.In this list there is Reid,Afeaki,Smith,King,Paulo,Ravulo(Fiji),King,Luamanu,Smylie,Helleur(Samoa),Hamilton,Tuitavaki,Pisi,Ah Ki(Tonga U20s),Raikuna and then add in Anthony Boric.ALL have played either Maori/Juniors/U20s/7s/Blues.
So is it the players?Since when did these rep footballers suddenly become so bad?My instincts tell me it is far more deep rooted than simply blaming the players.Within the Union over the past few years North Harbour has seen its Development side come runner up in its respective competition twice,firstly under Coaches John McKittrick,Frano Botica and Blair Larsen and then again just last year under Alex O'Dowd and Bill Wigglesworth,while the 7s side,with many ITM Cup players in it has always punched well above its weight in winning 8 National titles,most recently in 2009 under Coach Geoff Alley.So for all the reasons stated above,this Straight Shooter says "it aint about the players."
North Harbour,under current CEO Brett Hollister,has had a rotation system with their Coaches,and what poor choices they have been.In 2006 North Harbour won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in their history,and then promptly sacked Coach Allan Pollock!The inside word at the time was because of a player rebellion.Since when do players start dictating terms?And the comical reign of Wayne Pivac,a proven performer at NPC level(Coached Auckland to title) and International level with Fiji.Sacked because he was "too harsh" on the players!
And on to the absolute farce of appointing the Rock Star duo of Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson.Neither were proven Coaches,neither had been Head Coaches and neither were 'Harbour' men.They should NEVER have been appointed.But to ensure the almighty sponsorship dollar ,so I was told,they got the job.Incredulous.Wow,that backfired.Sponsors have left in droves as the product has continued to be seen as a Dead Duck.
So at the end of 2010,the Union and its Board could have bitten the bullet,and finally injected a Coach with a proven performance,a Coach with the passion to bestow upon his players,a "Harbour Man."
The contenders?Blair Larsen,Championship winning coach at club level with Takapuna,and proven at 'B' level(see above) and at ITM Cup level as an assistant at Northland.An ex All Black(which seems to be the criteria nowadays)and a 'Harbour Man'
Paul Feeney,another Championship winning club coach and Coach of Div 3 champions Poverty Bay,an assistant coach Internationally with Fiji and another 'Harbour Man'
John McKittrick,succesful club coach,taking Silverdale to 2 semi finals and a final,winner of 4 National Championships with the NH 7s side,and twice run succesful campaigns with the NH Developmental side,another 'Harbour Man'
Charlie McAlister,another Championship winning club coach,and a National Championship winning Secondary school coach with Mount Albert.Had experience at ITM Cup level with Manawatu,but considered too "aggressive" and "intimidating" by the CEO and Board.
Instead,the Union in its wisdom appoints a man who has NEVER been a Head Coach.While Liam Barry has impressive credentials,he is getting found out again.The patterns that Harbour have dispayed this year defies belief.Once again after 3 phases,the halfback sits at the back of a ruck or maul and wonders what the f$%#k do I do next.Flat attack and a defence so paper thin its embarrasing.And incredibly we are led to believe that he chose his assistant,retaining the failed Jeff Wilson.If you dont change the direction of your sails,you will end up going in the same direction.And unfortunately for North Harbour,that means downhill,and fast.
Alternatives for back Coach?See above,Paul Feeney.Also Alex O'Dowd,succesful Championship winning club coach and succesful NH Development coach,a 'Harbour Man.' Geoff Alley,back Coach when Silverdale won their premiership in 2003 and a National Championship winning NH 7s Coach in 2009 and a 'Harbour Man.'
The play of Luke McAlister sadly sums up this season so far.Unwilling to play,listless when he does and in a hurry to just get the hell out of there.Attendance at home games is bordering on farcical and the Union is bleeding horrifically.A clean out is needed,not of the players,but of the Board and of the Coaches.If this was the EPL(English Soccer) Liam Barry and Jeff Wilson would have been gone by lunchtime today.
And you don't have to be a Rocket Scientist to see that the 2 most improved and over achieving teams so far are Bay of Plenty and Northland,Coached by Sean Horan and Adrian Ferris respectively.Neither are Super star ex All Blacks.Both are proven performers with passion.And it shows.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Brian McClennan gets top Warriors job
Breaking news just through that Brian 'Bluey' McClennan has secured the coaching job at the Warriors,confirming the worst kept secret in Rugby League.
This is great news.Bluey is just the man for the job at just the right time.Credit to Ivan Cleary for doing the job he has in seeing the Warriors through to the playoffs and bringing on the superb young talent on offer.But to be fair,he has had 8 seasons,more than long enough,and the Warriors now need the injection of passion and enthusiasm that McClennan will bring to now finally get them over the line,and win a Grand Final.
With proven records at International and Super League(U.K)levels,McClennan now has the chance to strut his stuff in the NRL,and he will relish it.The change in coach at the Warriors will create real intense competition amongst the players,but perhaps most importantly,will create a real excitement amongst the supporters which may well translate in to sponsorship dollars.
All in all,its a great day for the Warriors and while this season isn't over, not by a long shot,the anticipation is there already of what 2012 might bring.
So long Ivan,thanks for everything.Welcome aboard Bluey.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
This is great news.Bluey is just the man for the job at just the right time.Credit to Ivan Cleary for doing the job he has in seeing the Warriors through to the playoffs and bringing on the superb young talent on offer.But to be fair,he has had 8 seasons,more than long enough,and the Warriors now need the injection of passion and enthusiasm that McClennan will bring to now finally get them over the line,and win a Grand Final.
With proven records at International and Super League(U.K)levels,McClennan now has the chance to strut his stuff in the NRL,and he will relish it.The change in coach at the Warriors will create real intense competition amongst the players,but perhaps most importantly,will create a real excitement amongst the supporters which may well translate in to sponsorship dollars.
All in all,its a great day for the Warriors and while this season isn't over, not by a long shot,the anticipation is there already of what 2012 might bring.
So long Ivan,thanks for everything.Welcome aboard Bluey.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
So the Springboks 'rest' their 'injured' players
The Springboks,so we have been told,have chosen to leave behind up to 21 "injured" players,choosing instead to send them to their high performance centre for rehabilitation and specialised training.So what?
Are we too precious here in NZ?Personally I think it is a masterstroke from the South Africans and one that may well pay dividends come the real party time in October.
They did it in 2007 sending a vitual 'B' side down under through that years Tri Nations.Remember that?No,I didnt think so,but I will be sure that you know who won the World Cup that year!Yes,you guessed it,the Springboks.
We have been rightly and roundly criticised and ridiculed for being the best team in the World "in between World Cups"!Cast your memories back to our awesome efforts in sweeping all before us in the Tri Nations of 2003,racking up consecutive 50 point victories over the Boks and Wallabies.Outstanding.And the World Cup,when it mattered?We lost in the semi final to the side we had annihalated just 6 weeks previously.
It is impossible,and I mean IMPOSSIBLE,to expect athletes to remain 'up' and at peak for any longer than 4-6 weeks.So why do we(The NZ rugby public) demand that our All Blacks play every Super rugby game and every test match in World Cup year?Its ludicrous.Players need space,time out and the chance to freshen during a season,if they are expected to maintain their high standards.And we want our All Blacks to be at their absolute peak for the World Cup finals in October.
And the South African public,and the Rugby Union,understand that only too well.I just wish we could be a bit more understanding here too.No one will remember Samoa beating Australia if the Aussies lift the Webb Ellis trophy.No one will remember the consecutive drubbings that South Africa have had these past 2 weeks if the Springboks win the Webb Ellis trophy.But boy oh boy,everyone will remember if we dont win the World Cup,yet once again have easily won another Tri Nations!
Rest players,hey,even ROTATE players if need be.Do what it takes Sir Graham,to win us this Cup.And leave some players behind for the overseas legs of the TN,let them recover from their 'injuries' in the same way that the Springboks are doing now.Then unleash the beasts for the WC.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Are we too precious here in NZ?Personally I think it is a masterstroke from the South Africans and one that may well pay dividends come the real party time in October.
They did it in 2007 sending a vitual 'B' side down under through that years Tri Nations.Remember that?No,I didnt think so,but I will be sure that you know who won the World Cup that year!Yes,you guessed it,the Springboks.
We have been rightly and roundly criticised and ridiculed for being the best team in the World "in between World Cups"!Cast your memories back to our awesome efforts in sweeping all before us in the Tri Nations of 2003,racking up consecutive 50 point victories over the Boks and Wallabies.Outstanding.And the World Cup,when it mattered?We lost in the semi final to the side we had annihalated just 6 weeks previously.
It is impossible,and I mean IMPOSSIBLE,to expect athletes to remain 'up' and at peak for any longer than 4-6 weeks.So why do we(The NZ rugby public) demand that our All Blacks play every Super rugby game and every test match in World Cup year?Its ludicrous.Players need space,time out and the chance to freshen during a season,if they are expected to maintain their high standards.And we want our All Blacks to be at their absolute peak for the World Cup finals in October.
And the South African public,and the Rugby Union,understand that only too well.I just wish we could be a bit more understanding here too.No one will remember Samoa beating Australia if the Aussies lift the Webb Ellis trophy.No one will remember the consecutive drubbings that South Africa have had these past 2 weeks if the Springboks win the Webb Ellis trophy.But boy oh boy,everyone will remember if we dont win the World Cup,yet once again have easily won another Tri Nations!
Rest players,hey,even ROTATE players if need be.Do what it takes Sir Graham,to win us this Cup.And leave some players behind for the overseas legs of the TN,let them recover from their 'injuries' in the same way that the Springboks are doing now.Then unleash the beasts for the WC.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Thursday, July 28, 2011
All Blacks in a lose/lose situation
Could you imagine if the All Blacks had lost to Fiji last weekend in the same fashion that Australia did to Samoa?
What an outcry,what a disaster,what a complete rabble etc.
Sure,the Australians got roasted and were subjected to some intense and warranted criticism.But reality set in.Several top players were rested,Samoa were on fire and lets face it,who is really going to care about that result come the business end of the World Cup in October?
The New Zealand public on the other hand....well,lets just not go there.
Which brings us to this weekends game against a side many are labelling as a Springbok 'B' or 'C' team.What can we,or what should we, expect from our All Blacks?
The scenario is thus.A convincing All Blacks win,and of course preferably more than the scoreline that the Wallabies ran up against the same outfit.That means we demand and expect a win by more than 19 points.And if we do?Oh well the naysayers will say,its 'only' the Springbok reserves.Who cares.
The other scenario is that we stutter and scramble to an unconvincing win,or heaven forbid,a loss! What would happen.All hell would break loose and the Coaches would need to be sacked and we "have no chance" at the World Cup.Yeah right.
So regardless of the outcome,its a lose/lose situation that our All Blacks are facing on Saturday night.I just hope we win and secure our maximum Tri Nations points and remain injury free.And in the event that that doesn't happen?Who cares.The main event is in October....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
What an outcry,what a disaster,what a complete rabble etc.
Sure,the Australians got roasted and were subjected to some intense and warranted criticism.But reality set in.Several top players were rested,Samoa were on fire and lets face it,who is really going to care about that result come the business end of the World Cup in October?
The New Zealand public on the other hand....well,lets just not go there.
Which brings us to this weekends game against a side many are labelling as a Springbok 'B' or 'C' team.What can we,or what should we, expect from our All Blacks?
The scenario is thus.A convincing All Blacks win,and of course preferably more than the scoreline that the Wallabies ran up against the same outfit.That means we demand and expect a win by more than 19 points.And if we do?Oh well the naysayers will say,its 'only' the Springbok reserves.Who cares.
The other scenario is that we stutter and scramble to an unconvincing win,or heaven forbid,a loss! What would happen.All hell would break loose and the Coaches would need to be sacked and we "have no chance" at the World Cup.Yeah right.
So regardless of the outcome,its a lose/lose situation that our All Blacks are facing on Saturday night.I just hope we win and secure our maximum Tri Nations points and remain injury free.And in the event that that doesn't happen?Who cares.The main event is in October....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Monday, July 18, 2011
Stephen Donald-the modern day Philpott
"Stephen Donald to the Blues" the headlines have screamed these last few days.Has he or hasn't he?Confirmed reports by the Sunday Star Times then denials by the Blues franchise.
But why the fuss?
Probably because Stephen Donald is the most mis-understood All Black of the modern era.Despised by many and admired by few.He polarises opinion more than any other All Black of my generation.The modern day Shane Philpott."Shane who" I hear you say.
Shane Philpott put his All Blacks 'cap' up for auction.He was in his words "ashamed" to have been labelled an All Black.The criticism he copped during his playing days was cruel and callous,and he took it all on board and saddled himself with the burden.He believed he wasn't deserved of the jersey,so when he was presented with his 'cap' he wanted to get rid of it.Sad.Yet could we blame him?The rampant fervour and outspoken feelings we have for our beloved All Blacks can also be a dark black lonely hole if you happen to be one of the chosen few who seemingly don't deserve the honor from our 4 million All Black selectors.
And so to Stephen Donald.The man who holds the season record for the Chiefs of 133 points set in 2006.The former NZ age group rep who in 2003 played for the World Champion u21 side.He logged 45 games for Waikato and 71 games for the Chiefs(and 731 points).He was a NZ Junior All Black in 2005 and 2006 and became a fully fledged All Black in 2008,going on to play 24 games for the ABs including 22 tests,scoring a total of 113 points.
Yet,despite this impressive resume he has become the All Black no one wants.Even Blues fans were so outspoken on their feelings towards him that they petitioned the Blues board in their droves to not sign him!
Stephen Donald is a proven performer at NPC and Super rugby level and the Blues would have welcomed him with open arms as any Super franchise would.He has had his faults in the All Black jersey but he has also played soundly most of the time.Disregard his performance in Hong Kong last year,and what you have is a tough,durable playmaker with great vision and skill,who has served his Waikato,Chiefs and All Black teams well,in a position that requires brains and tactical nous let alone nerves of steel.Stephen Donald can look back on a fine rugby career,and I only hope he gets treated in the way he deserves...with dignity and with respect and he is remembered as a deserving All Black,as they all are.
It would be a sad day for Rugby fans if we have another All Black that feels they were not entitled to the jersey and their 'cap' simply because a minor section of the rugby public voiced their vitriolic criticism.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
But why the fuss?
Probably because Stephen Donald is the most mis-understood All Black of the modern era.Despised by many and admired by few.He polarises opinion more than any other All Black of my generation.The modern day Shane Philpott."Shane who" I hear you say.
Shane Philpott put his All Blacks 'cap' up for auction.He was in his words "ashamed" to have been labelled an All Black.The criticism he copped during his playing days was cruel and callous,and he took it all on board and saddled himself with the burden.He believed he wasn't deserved of the jersey,so when he was presented with his 'cap' he wanted to get rid of it.Sad.Yet could we blame him?The rampant fervour and outspoken feelings we have for our beloved All Blacks can also be a dark black lonely hole if you happen to be one of the chosen few who seemingly don't deserve the honor from our 4 million All Black selectors.
And so to Stephen Donald.The man who holds the season record for the Chiefs of 133 points set in 2006.The former NZ age group rep who in 2003 played for the World Champion u21 side.He logged 45 games for Waikato and 71 games for the Chiefs(and 731 points).He was a NZ Junior All Black in 2005 and 2006 and became a fully fledged All Black in 2008,going on to play 24 games for the ABs including 22 tests,scoring a total of 113 points.
Yet,despite this impressive resume he has become the All Black no one wants.Even Blues fans were so outspoken on their feelings towards him that they petitioned the Blues board in their droves to not sign him!
Stephen Donald is a proven performer at NPC and Super rugby level and the Blues would have welcomed him with open arms as any Super franchise would.He has had his faults in the All Black jersey but he has also played soundly most of the time.Disregard his performance in Hong Kong last year,and what you have is a tough,durable playmaker with great vision and skill,who has served his Waikato,Chiefs and All Black teams well,in a position that requires brains and tactical nous let alone nerves of steel.Stephen Donald can look back on a fine rugby career,and I only hope he gets treated in the way he deserves...with dignity and with respect and he is remembered as a deserving All Black,as they all are.
It would be a sad day for Rugby fans if we have another All Black that feels they were not entitled to the jersey and their 'cap' simply because a minor section of the rugby public voiced their vitriolic criticism.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Ditch the farcical Fiji game
Awesome,the All Blacks play on July 22nd at Carisbrook.Fantastic.The last International rugby game to be played at the hallowed ground,and the first test match for the All Blacks in World Cup year.Massive anticipation.
Get in quick for your tickets...BUT..wait for it.Who are we actually playing?
What?
Fiji?
Are you kiddding me!What an absolute farce.90-0? Come on NZRU you can do better that this.Half the Fiji side won't be allowed in the country to play anyway because of the rule on the Fijian military being excluded!Even if it was a 'full strength' Fijian side,what sort of opposition will they provide?
I have a suggestion.Cancel this game NOW.Its not too late.Replace it with a game against a side that would be ranked in the top 4 in World Rugby.
The New Zealand 3rd XV!!!
Thats right,play a virtual 'trial' against those players who have missed out on the named 30(or 34 including the injury cover).What a game that would be.Intensity,intrigue and most of all,a real contest.
Here is my team to play the All Blacks and feel free to add your 2 cents worth too :)
15-Sean Maitland
14-Jo Rockocoko
13-Robbie Fruean
12-Jarrod Payne
11-Rene Ranger
10-Aaron Cruden
9-Alby Mathewson
8-Fritz Lee
7-Daniel Braid
6-Victor Vito
5-Tom Donnelly
4-Luke Romano
3-Jamie McIntosh
2-Hika Elliott
1-Neemia Tialata
Now,tell me that this game wouln't attract 10x the interest that a farcical game against Fiji will create.
July 22nd,Carisbrook.All Blacks vs Barbarians.Bring it on!!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Get in quick for your tickets...BUT..wait for it.Who are we actually playing?
What?
Fiji?
Are you kiddding me!What an absolute farce.90-0? Come on NZRU you can do better that this.Half the Fiji side won't be allowed in the country to play anyway because of the rule on the Fijian military being excluded!Even if it was a 'full strength' Fijian side,what sort of opposition will they provide?
I have a suggestion.Cancel this game NOW.Its not too late.Replace it with a game against a side that would be ranked in the top 4 in World Rugby.
The New Zealand 3rd XV!!!
Thats right,play a virtual 'trial' against those players who have missed out on the named 30(or 34 including the injury cover).What a game that would be.Intensity,intrigue and most of all,a real contest.
Here is my team to play the All Blacks and feel free to add your 2 cents worth too :)
15-Sean Maitland
14-Jo Rockocoko
13-Robbie Fruean
12-Jarrod Payne
11-Rene Ranger
10-Aaron Cruden
9-Alby Mathewson
8-Fritz Lee
7-Daniel Braid
6-Victor Vito
5-Tom Donnelly
4-Luke Romano
3-Jamie McIntosh
2-Hika Elliott
1-Neemia Tialata
Now,tell me that this game wouln't attract 10x the interest that a farcical game against Fiji will create.
July 22nd,Carisbrook.All Blacks vs Barbarians.Bring it on!!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Monday, July 11, 2011
Super rugby final-review
Credit where it is due,and a huge Congratulations to the Reds.Minor premiership winners and eventual overall Champions.No complaints from me.
However....the Crusaders were sadly off their game.Lets admit it.Dont go getting all politically correct and do the "no excuses" B.S.
The Crusaders were tired,jetlagged and simply operating below their best.Timaru-Durban-Brisbane caught up with them.
You will never see Carter and McCaw be so nondescript together in a game ever again!And the tries that Digby Ione and Will Genia scored,while being classic individual efforts,were the result of a tired and yes,lazy defence.Watch Genias try again and look at Owen Franks out on his feet walking across the face of the ruck.Genia stepped back inside and before Franks realised,Genia was through.
The passes behind the attacker,the dropped balls the missed tackles.Flynns throwing in,Guildfords lack of zip etc etc.It goes on.
I'm not fussed.Let the Aussies crow and let them savour a Super rugby Championship.On the night they deserved it and in front of that record crowd it was great to see.
Super Rugby success does not equate to World Cup success.No one will likely remember the 2011 Super Rugby champions once the World Cup winners are crowned in October.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
However....the Crusaders were sadly off their game.Lets admit it.Dont go getting all politically correct and do the "no excuses" B.S.
The Crusaders were tired,jetlagged and simply operating below their best.Timaru-Durban-Brisbane caught up with them.
You will never see Carter and McCaw be so nondescript together in a game ever again!And the tries that Digby Ione and Will Genia scored,while being classic individual efforts,were the result of a tired and yes,lazy defence.Watch Genias try again and look at Owen Franks out on his feet walking across the face of the ruck.Genia stepped back inside and before Franks realised,Genia was through.
The passes behind the attacker,the dropped balls the missed tackles.Flynns throwing in,Guildfords lack of zip etc etc.It goes on.
I'm not fussed.Let the Aussies crow and let them savour a Super rugby Championship.On the night they deserved it and in front of that record crowd it was great to see.
Super Rugby success does not equate to World Cup success.No one will likely remember the 2011 Super Rugby champions once the World Cup winners are crowned in October.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
