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
All Blacks squad
A largely predictable All Black squad has been named for the Tri Nations by the 3 wise men.
The only concern I have is ,why did they name four injury 'replacements?'
What happens if one or more of those four have absolute blinders in the opportunity they get given?Do they then drop the original selection?
It is clear that Tony Woodcock is the worst of the four injury labelled All Blacks.Should Wyatt Crockett(who incidentally was very unlucky at losing out to John Afoa) play well,better than Afoa or the Franks boys,should he then be relegated to make way for Woodcock? And on the subject of Crockett,I find it hard to see how Todd Blackadder could rate him ahead of Ben Franks in the Crusaders outfit,yet Henry and co rate him behind not only Franks but also John Afoa,the man they tried to convert in to a hooker just last season.
Having said that,that is the only issues I have with this squad.As I said,largely predictable.I had thought that with Colin Slades lack of game time that Aaron Cruden may have nudged in ahead of him,but I'm not complaining.I would have liked to have seen Sean Maitland get a run in place of either Sivivatu or Jane as an injury replacement.It would have been a perfect opportunity to have given him a run against Fiji.
Very experienced,very reliable and all these players know the patterns and the rules and what is required of them in World Cup year.
Now,roll on October....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
The only concern I have is ,why did they name four injury 'replacements?'
What happens if one or more of those four have absolute blinders in the opportunity they get given?Do they then drop the original selection?
It is clear that Tony Woodcock is the worst of the four injury labelled All Blacks.Should Wyatt Crockett(who incidentally was very unlucky at losing out to John Afoa) play well,better than Afoa or the Franks boys,should he then be relegated to make way for Woodcock? And on the subject of Crockett,I find it hard to see how Todd Blackadder could rate him ahead of Ben Franks in the Crusaders outfit,yet Henry and co rate him behind not only Franks but also John Afoa,the man they tried to convert in to a hooker just last season.
Having said that,that is the only issues I have with this squad.As I said,largely predictable.I had thought that with Colin Slades lack of game time that Aaron Cruden may have nudged in ahead of him,but I'm not complaining.I would have liked to have seen Sean Maitland get a run in place of either Sivivatu or Jane as an injury replacement.It would have been a perfect opportunity to have given him a run against Fiji.
Very experienced,very reliable and all these players know the patterns and the rules and what is required of them in World Cup year.
Now,roll on October....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Super rugby final
Yeah yeah I know,its been a while since I blogged!! Some days are spent doing other things and occassionally I get the urge to write like crazy and express my thoughts,usually elsewhere though,and my blog here is a second thought!
Anyway,this Saturday its the Super rugby final(Inaugural Super 15 final) between the Crusaders and the Reds
Lets have a look at these two sides and also see if we can bankrupt the TAB with some smart bets.
Firstly,the NZ TAB has got it wrong.The Crusaders are far too short in my opinion at $1.52 and the Reds present far better value at $2.40.This doesn't mean that I think the Reds will win,far from it.It just means that I think it will be far closer than the TAB thinks.
Why?
Firstly we have to remember that the Reds finished the round robin games a top of the table and deservedly so.The are also playing this game at home,a huge factor and with a sold out Stadium they will be up for it.
On the other hand,the Crusaders have to get over the travel factor.Timaru to Durban then back to Brisbane.Thats some serious miles!
Considering all this,I still feel that the Crusaders have hit some ominous form in recent weeks,and they are,minus Israel Dagg and possibly Andy Ellis,at full strength.And that is key.These finals are decided sometimes through acts of sheer brilliance or acts of sheer stupidity.An experienced side like the Crusaders will absorb all the pressure and relish it.
Big finals are decided up front,the engine room,where all the grunt comes from.Here the Crusaders have a decided advantage.We have heard all about Quade Cooper and the dangerous Reds backs,but with flatfoot ball or ball taken going backwards its going to be hard for them to launch attacks.The scrum and lineout dominance of the Crusaders will win them this match.
Carter v Cooper? Its a no contest.Granted,Quade Cooper has been in sensational form,but he has hardly been put under any real pressure and with the ball going forward on the dry track of Suncorp he has looked the goods.But Carter has been in the big time since 2003 and has consistantly been the worlds best number 10 in all sorts of situations.Carters poise under pressure,his ability to read the game,his pinpoint kicking game allied with solid tough defence leaves him in a class of his own.Cooper lacks the same kicking game and direction,but most telling is his noticable lack of a big defensive game.And I am sure that SBW and Robbie Fruean will have taken note!Look for some early cuts and hits down Coopers channel on Saturday night!
So now,how do we make money here?The Crusaders are at $2.80 to win by 12-. Thats good money.The other interesting bet is to take the draw at halftime or fulltime at $9.This game will be tight and a draw at halftime will be no surprise.The other interesting option that the NZ TAB have is the highest scoring half and I'd take the second half as the highest scoring half at $1.70.The first half will be all about set piece dominance and sorting each other out,hence low scoring.As for points margin,take 2 bets.The Crusaders 1-7 at $4.25 and the Crusaders 8-14 at $5.Throw $20 on those 2 and you will double your money and more.
Good Luck and Go the Crusaders!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Anyway,this Saturday its the Super rugby final(Inaugural Super 15 final) between the Crusaders and the Reds
Lets have a look at these two sides and also see if we can bankrupt the TAB with some smart bets.
Firstly,the NZ TAB has got it wrong.The Crusaders are far too short in my opinion at $1.52 and the Reds present far better value at $2.40.This doesn't mean that I think the Reds will win,far from it.It just means that I think it will be far closer than the TAB thinks.
Why?
Firstly we have to remember that the Reds finished the round robin games a top of the table and deservedly so.The are also playing this game at home,a huge factor and with a sold out Stadium they will be up for it.
On the other hand,the Crusaders have to get over the travel factor.Timaru to Durban then back to Brisbane.Thats some serious miles!
Considering all this,I still feel that the Crusaders have hit some ominous form in recent weeks,and they are,minus Israel Dagg and possibly Andy Ellis,at full strength.And that is key.These finals are decided sometimes through acts of sheer brilliance or acts of sheer stupidity.An experienced side like the Crusaders will absorb all the pressure and relish it.
Big finals are decided up front,the engine room,where all the grunt comes from.Here the Crusaders have a decided advantage.We have heard all about Quade Cooper and the dangerous Reds backs,but with flatfoot ball or ball taken going backwards its going to be hard for them to launch attacks.The scrum and lineout dominance of the Crusaders will win them this match.
Carter v Cooper? Its a no contest.Granted,Quade Cooper has been in sensational form,but he has hardly been put under any real pressure and with the ball going forward on the dry track of Suncorp he has looked the goods.But Carter has been in the big time since 2003 and has consistantly been the worlds best number 10 in all sorts of situations.Carters poise under pressure,his ability to read the game,his pinpoint kicking game allied with solid tough defence leaves him in a class of his own.Cooper lacks the same kicking game and direction,but most telling is his noticable lack of a big defensive game.And I am sure that SBW and Robbie Fruean will have taken note!Look for some early cuts and hits down Coopers channel on Saturday night!
So now,how do we make money here?The Crusaders are at $2.80 to win by 12-. Thats good money.The other interesting bet is to take the draw at halftime or fulltime at $9.This game will be tight and a draw at halftime will be no surprise.The other interesting option that the NZ TAB have is the highest scoring half and I'd take the second half as the highest scoring half at $1.70.The first half will be all about set piece dominance and sorting each other out,hence low scoring.As for points margin,take 2 bets.The Crusaders 1-7 at $4.25 and the Crusaders 8-14 at $5.Throw $20 on those 2 and you will double your money and more.
Good Luck and Go the Crusaders!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Here we go again...
The bloody Warriors,seen it all before..THIS IS THE YEAR!! Yeah right!!
Promise so much but deliver so little!
yeah yeah its the first game of the season...BUT...it was at the Garden of Eden,with 39,000 people,a RECORD crowd..with the hype .."the best team ever" blah blah.
Lance Hohaia had a shocker,and thats not like him.He is one of my favourites.Manu gone for 6-8 weeks with a MCL strain.Fisiaahi seemed overwhelmed.Mateo seemed underwhelmed.Captain Mannering became a Private.Packer and Rapira were out-monstered.The NZ connection(Hayne,Horo and Kearney) had the last laugh.
All was not well.
The best is to come,but when you have the NZ sporting public eating out of the palm of your hand,you DO NOT want to have them spewing it back up.The Warriors did that to the few 'fly by night' fans and they may not be back for a while.The faithful few will stay,and we'll be back to a crowd of 10-13,000 for the next game at Mt Smart.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Promise so much but deliver so little!
yeah yeah its the first game of the season...BUT...it was at the Garden of Eden,with 39,000 people,a RECORD crowd..with the hype .."the best team ever" blah blah.
Lance Hohaia had a shocker,and thats not like him.He is one of my favourites.Manu gone for 6-8 weeks with a MCL strain.Fisiaahi seemed overwhelmed.Mateo seemed underwhelmed.Captain Mannering became a Private.Packer and Rapira were out-monstered.The NZ connection(Hayne,Horo and Kearney) had the last laugh.
All was not well.
The best is to come,but when you have the NZ sporting public eating out of the palm of your hand,you DO NOT want to have them spewing it back up.The Warriors did that to the few 'fly by night' fans and they may not be back for a while.The faithful few will stay,and we'll be back to a crowd of 10-13,000 for the next game at Mt Smart.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Chokers..
I'm scared.Really scared!
I've seen it all before,in 1990 and again in 2002,and especially in 2006.World beaters.On top of the world.Unbeatable.Certainties to win the rugby World Cup.
Then...the unthinkable.Defeat.And a nation is in mourning!!
And here we are again.On top of the world.Certainties to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Well I dont buy it.Never,ever,ever.Sure,we are in a good position,but something irks me.This whole 'chokers' tag.Its been said often enough,that it starts to become non-fiction,a sort of mental repetitiveness that leads the listener to believe.
And it scares me....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
I've seen it all before,in 1990 and again in 2002,and especially in 2006.World beaters.On top of the world.Unbeatable.Certainties to win the rugby World Cup.
Then...the unthinkable.Defeat.And a nation is in mourning!!
And here we are again.On top of the world.Certainties to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Well I dont buy it.Never,ever,ever.Sure,we are in a good position,but something irks me.This whole 'chokers' tag.Its been said often enough,that it starts to become non-fiction,a sort of mental repetitiveness that leads the listener to believe.
And it scares me....
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Monday, July 26, 2010
ABs so far-report card.
2 matches into the Tri-Nations and the NZ rugby public is all cock a hoop.And with good reason.Not only have we dealt to the current World Cup holders twice,we have scored two 4 try bonus point victories in the process and denied our fearsome foes a solitary point!
Add to that the nature of the way we have played the game and we can be as pleased as Punch to be sitting atop the table with a maximum of 10 points.The speed,skill and execution of our rugby was a joy to behold as we stretched the cumbersome Boks all over the park.The counter attacking abilities of our back 3 were there for all to see,and maybe the exclusions of the likes of Hosea Gear and Zac Guildford can be explained a lot clearer now with the emphasis on the counter as a back 3 unit.Mils Muliaina showed that age has not slowed him down and indeed he showed that he is in as good a form as ever.
Smith and Nonu continue their world class combination and Smith especially is proving invaluable with his ability to be in the right place at the right time and he offers a real solidity to the midfield.
And Dan Carter?Out of form?Yeah right.Form is temporary and class is permanant...Nuff said!
I thought Cowan perforwed well in the first test against the Boks,certainly not as bad as everyone made out.He did the job he was asked and that was to provide a quick solid link,and put pressure on the Boks with the odd snipe around a ruck or a kick over the top.Weepu was outstanding in the second test.So the halfback battle now becomes an intriguing contest again.
Kieran Read is now world class,and probably the best 8 in the game.He completely overshadowed the massively over-rated Pierre Spies in all facets of the game.Simply enormous on defence with his offensive 'D' and a dangerous and ever present ball carrier,as evidenced by his second test try.Jerome Kaino has realised all that promise he showed when scoring a try on debut against the Barbarians several seasons ago.Again,like Read,a real Warrior and workhorse,the perfect pair.And Captain Fantastic has relished the new laws and interpreted them as his own making,in leading the side from the front.
Brad Thorn = Legend.Nuff said!Tom Donnelly continues to surprise,he has matured his game to the point that even if Ali Williams were fit,I'd still have Donnelly as the first pick lock with Thorn.
Tony Woodcock has returned to some excellent form and Owen Franks has cemented the number 1 tighthead prop position.Keven Mealamu has been huge in the set piece,a domain that has seen Hore preferred ahead of him,but he has owned the tight play so far.
All in all two very accomplished performances and we have to give credit where its due,and plant a huge kiss on Graham Henrys cheek...after all,it was this Straight Shooter who had a few questions for him when he named his initial squad!
Still,lets keep our feet firmly planted,and remember that a World Cup is not won 12 months beforehand.Us All Black supporters know that only too well!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Add to that the nature of the way we have played the game and we can be as pleased as Punch to be sitting atop the table with a maximum of 10 points.The speed,skill and execution of our rugby was a joy to behold as we stretched the cumbersome Boks all over the park.The counter attacking abilities of our back 3 were there for all to see,and maybe the exclusions of the likes of Hosea Gear and Zac Guildford can be explained a lot clearer now with the emphasis on the counter as a back 3 unit.Mils Muliaina showed that age has not slowed him down and indeed he showed that he is in as good a form as ever.
Smith and Nonu continue their world class combination and Smith especially is proving invaluable with his ability to be in the right place at the right time and he offers a real solidity to the midfield.
And Dan Carter?Out of form?Yeah right.Form is temporary and class is permanant...Nuff said!
I thought Cowan perforwed well in the first test against the Boks,certainly not as bad as everyone made out.He did the job he was asked and that was to provide a quick solid link,and put pressure on the Boks with the odd snipe around a ruck or a kick over the top.Weepu was outstanding in the second test.So the halfback battle now becomes an intriguing contest again.
Kieran Read is now world class,and probably the best 8 in the game.He completely overshadowed the massively over-rated Pierre Spies in all facets of the game.Simply enormous on defence with his offensive 'D' and a dangerous and ever present ball carrier,as evidenced by his second test try.Jerome Kaino has realised all that promise he showed when scoring a try on debut against the Barbarians several seasons ago.Again,like Read,a real Warrior and workhorse,the perfect pair.And Captain Fantastic has relished the new laws and interpreted them as his own making,in leading the side from the front.
Brad Thorn = Legend.Nuff said!Tom Donnelly continues to surprise,he has matured his game to the point that even if Ali Williams were fit,I'd still have Donnelly as the first pick lock with Thorn.
Tony Woodcock has returned to some excellent form and Owen Franks has cemented the number 1 tighthead prop position.Keven Mealamu has been huge in the set piece,a domain that has seen Hore preferred ahead of him,but he has owned the tight play so far.
All in all two very accomplished performances and we have to give credit where its due,and plant a huge kiss on Graham Henrys cheek...after all,it was this Straight Shooter who had a few questions for him when he named his initial squad!
Still,lets keep our feet firmly planted,and remember that a World Cup is not won 12 months beforehand.Us All Black supporters know that only too well!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Ahem..attention Mr G.Henry
Just what are you doing?
Just when you had the rugby public in the palm of your hand,just when everyone was thinking 'we have got it right'...you go and throw out some curve balls!
Aaron Cruden as a halfback?Are you serious?Why on earth would you want to go doing that to last years IRB Under 20 player of the year,who incidentally won the award while playing 1st 5!
And you dump Isaac Ross,tell him to stay at home from last years tour to "bulk up" and be more physical,then tell him to focus on his mobility because you now see him as a loose forward!Seriously?
Guildford plays out of his skin yet he is goooone in favour of a bloke who got 20 minutes and blew a try!Granted,Rene Ranger is explosive and a huge talent,but for goodness sakes just come out and be honest with us and tell us you are still experimenting!Kahui and Ranger are wing cover?Oh dear,have you heard of Hosea Gear!(Hey that rhymes too :) )
And John Afoa...what?Has he played at prop in the last few weeks or has he made the side on the basis of his one game at hooker for the BaaBaas?And is he now a hooker that props or a prop that hooks?Specialist positions?Remember the last few World Cups?Ouch!
Did Adam Thompson start a test?And what may have happened had he started 3 First Class games in 2 weeks like Liam Messam was able to do because Messam was a Maori?Again,not that I dont agree with the selections but it all seems rather odd.
Luke McAlister was rushed back in last year and was hopelessly out of form,suffered injuries and was persisted with.Now he is injury free and in great form and he cant make it.Go figure!
Oh well,we can only hope and trust!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Just when you had the rugby public in the palm of your hand,just when everyone was thinking 'we have got it right'...you go and throw out some curve balls!
Aaron Cruden as a halfback?Are you serious?Why on earth would you want to go doing that to last years IRB Under 20 player of the year,who incidentally won the award while playing 1st 5!
And you dump Isaac Ross,tell him to stay at home from last years tour to "bulk up" and be more physical,then tell him to focus on his mobility because you now see him as a loose forward!Seriously?
Guildford plays out of his skin yet he is goooone in favour of a bloke who got 20 minutes and blew a try!Granted,Rene Ranger is explosive and a huge talent,but for goodness sakes just come out and be honest with us and tell us you are still experimenting!Kahui and Ranger are wing cover?Oh dear,have you heard of Hosea Gear!(Hey that rhymes too :) )
And John Afoa...what?Has he played at prop in the last few weeks or has he made the side on the basis of his one game at hooker for the BaaBaas?And is he now a hooker that props or a prop that hooks?Specialist positions?Remember the last few World Cups?Ouch!
Did Adam Thompson start a test?And what may have happened had he started 3 First Class games in 2 weeks like Liam Messam was able to do because Messam was a Maori?Again,not that I dont agree with the selections but it all seems rather odd.
Luke McAlister was rushed back in last year and was hopelessly out of form,suffered injuries and was persisted with.Now he is injury free and in great form and he cant make it.Go figure!
Oh well,we can only hope and trust!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
So,what happens now to our non-Maori players?
The first All Blacks squad of the season has been named,along with the NZ Maori squad.But I have been looking these past few days for the New Zealand 'A' squad and cant find it!
So,what happens now to our non-Maori players who are on the fringe of All Black selection but who now have no pathway to push further for selection?Unlike those in the Maori squad such as luke McAlister,Corey Flynn and Hosea Gear,these non-Maori players are expected to impress the All Black selectors with their ability to shine at club level,hardly a level to gauge the abilities of readiness for test match rugby.
And who are these non-Maori players who are disadvantaged?
Jason Rutledge the Highlanders hooker for one.John Afoa.Josh Beckhuis.John Schwalger.Chris Jack.George Whitelock.Alby Mathewson.Kahn Fotuali'i.Brendan Leonard.Andy Ellis.Robbie Robinson.Colin Slade.Ryan Crotty.Robbie Fruean.Rene Ranger.Rudi Wulf.Paul Williams.Tim Nanai-Williams,just to name a few off the top off my head.
Surely the NZRU could send this NZ 'A' side off to the Churchill Cup,or arrange some games against our Pacific neighbours,OR,surprise surprise,a 'test' match against Australia 'A'.
Now dont call me racist either! I'm all in favour of our Maori side and I cant wait to see them sink their teeth into the Poms,but lets be fair on ALL our players.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
So,what happens now to our non-Maori players who are on the fringe of All Black selection but who now have no pathway to push further for selection?Unlike those in the Maori squad such as luke McAlister,Corey Flynn and Hosea Gear,these non-Maori players are expected to impress the All Black selectors with their ability to shine at club level,hardly a level to gauge the abilities of readiness for test match rugby.
And who are these non-Maori players who are disadvantaged?
Jason Rutledge the Highlanders hooker for one.John Afoa.Josh Beckhuis.John Schwalger.Chris Jack.George Whitelock.Alby Mathewson.Kahn Fotuali'i.Brendan Leonard.Andy Ellis.Robbie Robinson.Colin Slade.Ryan Crotty.Robbie Fruean.Rene Ranger.Rudi Wulf.Paul Williams.Tim Nanai-Williams,just to name a few off the top off my head.
Surely the NZRU could send this NZ 'A' side off to the Churchill Cup,or arrange some games against our Pacific neighbours,OR,surprise surprise,a 'test' match against Australia 'A'.
Now dont call me racist either! I'm all in favour of our Maori side and I cant wait to see them sink their teeth into the Poms,but lets be fair on ALL our players.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Lets pick the All Blacks
The All Blacks side is due to be named on Sunday.Lets try and get in to the minds of the 3 wise men and choose the side that THEY will pick,not what WE want!
Fullback.Graham Henry was heard this morning saying he will pick "experience" for this test.Does that mean that if Mils Muliaina is fit that he will start?I doubt it.He simply hasnt had the game time and I'm sure Henry and co wont throw him in against a strong Irish side.Isaiah Toeva may have got the nod with his good form prior to his injury,but Straight Shooter thinks that Wellingtons Corey Jane will wear the number 15 jersey.
Wingers.Welcome return to form for both Hosea Gear and Jo Rocokoco could well see both these men on the wings.Rudi Wulf has been in great form and is a real workaholic and likewise Sean Maitland for the Crusaders.I believe that Zac Guildford will tie up the number 11 jersey which leaves the number 14 slot wide open.I think 'Smokin' Jo Rock will get another crack at it.
Centre.No Brainer.Conrad Smith has been in superb form,he is experienced, reliable and dependable.Rene Ranger and Robbie Fruean may get reserve spots with their abilities to play both Centre and Wing,but my pick is Richard Kahui now that I hear he is flying to Christchurch purely for a fitness test.Smith to start.
2nd 5.Tough now that the certainty selection in Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out.My choice would be Benson Stanley,but I believe that the spot will go to Luke McAlister.He offers the experience,he knows the plays and systems and has an educated boot to complement D.C.
1st 5.Dan Carter.Daylight is next.Look for Colin Slade as his back up.Aaron Crudens time will come but not now.I seem to think that the days of Stephen Donald are well and truly numbered.
Halfback.Jimmy Cowan will wear 9 with back up from Alby Mathewson.I think Kahn Fotuali'i may have been in with a shot until his discrepancy overseas with the Crusaders.Piri Weepu wont let the jersey down but I just think he is down on fitness and the 3 wise men know it.
Number8.Kieran Read has really stood up when it counted towards the end of the campaign and will start at 8.Vili Maafu has been a standout for the Blues but is ineligible.Colin Bourke is one to keep an eye on also,and sadly,with the release of Rodney So'iolo to the Barbarians overseas for 3 weeks that signals the end of his test career.
Openside.Captain Fantastic Richie McCaw will again lead the side.There was some talk about him being at 6 but forget about it.The new laws may have given rise to the fact that McCaw was 'too quick' to the ball and may have been better suited to the 'second arrival' but that theory has been put to bed.No other back up opensides stand out,so Adam Thompson will be the logical loose forward reserve.Daniel Braid cant get back soon enough!
Blindside.Two way battle here between Jerome Kaino,who I think wins hands down,and Adam Thompson.Michael Paterson will probably make the named 26 as a back up lock/loosie and special mention goes to Victor Vito,whose time will come but not right now.
Locks.Brad Thorn demands one lock selection.His backup will probably come from the proven Anthony Boric,although Sam Whitelock wont disgrace himself.It all depends on whether Henry and co decide to throw him in against the Irish,but as I said I dont believe the 3 wise men will make too many radical selections in this first test match.Tom Donnelly is back from injury but wont make the 22,but will be in the 26.Thorn and Boric for mine.
Props.Tony Woodcock has been way below his best in a misfiring Blues pack but I believe that being back in the All Black environment will see him back to form pretty quickly.The selectors know what he is capable of and wont be keen to discard him so quickly.The other prop should be Owen Franks at tighthead,although Neemia Tialata seems to be a favorite with Steve Hansen.Woodcock and Franks to start for mine.
Hooker.The injury to Andrew Hore has been a major blow,as he had certainly established himself as the go to man in the middle of the All Black front row.On form,Jason Rutledge must go close,but you'll see Keven Mealamu named to start at hooker,and judging by Aled De Malmanche being fitness tested in Christchurch tomorrow with Kahui,you can bet that he will be the back up.
Straight Shooters starting 15.
15-Corey Jane
14-Josevata Rocokoco
13-Conrad Smith
12-Luke McAlister
11-Zac Guildford
10-Dan Carter
9-Jimmy Cowan
8-Kieran Read
7-Richie McCaw (C)
6-Jerome Kaino
5-Anthony Boric
4-Brad Thorn
3-Owen Franks
2-Keven Mealamu
1-Tony Woodcock
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Fullback.Graham Henry was heard this morning saying he will pick "experience" for this test.Does that mean that if Mils Muliaina is fit that he will start?I doubt it.He simply hasnt had the game time and I'm sure Henry and co wont throw him in against a strong Irish side.Isaiah Toeva may have got the nod with his good form prior to his injury,but Straight Shooter thinks that Wellingtons Corey Jane will wear the number 15 jersey.
Wingers.Welcome return to form for both Hosea Gear and Jo Rocokoco could well see both these men on the wings.Rudi Wulf has been in great form and is a real workaholic and likewise Sean Maitland for the Crusaders.I believe that Zac Guildford will tie up the number 11 jersey which leaves the number 14 slot wide open.I think 'Smokin' Jo Rock will get another crack at it.
Centre.No Brainer.Conrad Smith has been in superb form,he is experienced, reliable and dependable.Rene Ranger and Robbie Fruean may get reserve spots with their abilities to play both Centre and Wing,but my pick is Richard Kahui now that I hear he is flying to Christchurch purely for a fitness test.Smith to start.
2nd 5.Tough now that the certainty selection in Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out.My choice would be Benson Stanley,but I believe that the spot will go to Luke McAlister.He offers the experience,he knows the plays and systems and has an educated boot to complement D.C.
1st 5.Dan Carter.Daylight is next.Look for Colin Slade as his back up.Aaron Crudens time will come but not now.I seem to think that the days of Stephen Donald are well and truly numbered.
Halfback.Jimmy Cowan will wear 9 with back up from Alby Mathewson.I think Kahn Fotuali'i may have been in with a shot until his discrepancy overseas with the Crusaders.Piri Weepu wont let the jersey down but I just think he is down on fitness and the 3 wise men know it.
Number8.Kieran Read has really stood up when it counted towards the end of the campaign and will start at 8.Vili Maafu has been a standout for the Blues but is ineligible.Colin Bourke is one to keep an eye on also,and sadly,with the release of Rodney So'iolo to the Barbarians overseas for 3 weeks that signals the end of his test career.
Openside.Captain Fantastic Richie McCaw will again lead the side.There was some talk about him being at 6 but forget about it.The new laws may have given rise to the fact that McCaw was 'too quick' to the ball and may have been better suited to the 'second arrival' but that theory has been put to bed.No other back up opensides stand out,so Adam Thompson will be the logical loose forward reserve.Daniel Braid cant get back soon enough!
Blindside.Two way battle here between Jerome Kaino,who I think wins hands down,and Adam Thompson.Michael Paterson will probably make the named 26 as a back up lock/loosie and special mention goes to Victor Vito,whose time will come but not right now.
Locks.Brad Thorn demands one lock selection.His backup will probably come from the proven Anthony Boric,although Sam Whitelock wont disgrace himself.It all depends on whether Henry and co decide to throw him in against the Irish,but as I said I dont believe the 3 wise men will make too many radical selections in this first test match.Tom Donnelly is back from injury but wont make the 22,but will be in the 26.Thorn and Boric for mine.
Props.Tony Woodcock has been way below his best in a misfiring Blues pack but I believe that being back in the All Black environment will see him back to form pretty quickly.The selectors know what he is capable of and wont be keen to discard him so quickly.The other prop should be Owen Franks at tighthead,although Neemia Tialata seems to be a favorite with Steve Hansen.Woodcock and Franks to start for mine.
Hooker.The injury to Andrew Hore has been a major blow,as he had certainly established himself as the go to man in the middle of the All Black front row.On form,Jason Rutledge must go close,but you'll see Keven Mealamu named to start at hooker,and judging by Aled De Malmanche being fitness tested in Christchurch tomorrow with Kahui,you can bet that he will be the back up.
Straight Shooters starting 15.
15-Corey Jane
14-Josevata Rocokoco
13-Conrad Smith
12-Luke McAlister
11-Zac Guildford
10-Dan Carter
9-Jimmy Cowan
8-Kieran Read
7-Richie McCaw (C)
6-Jerome Kaino
5-Anthony Boric
4-Brad Thorn
3-Owen Franks
2-Keven Mealamu
1-Tony Woodcock
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Monday, May 24, 2010
Do we really care?
So its an all South African Super 14 final.So?Do we really care?Is it bad for NZ rugby and does it bode poorly for the All Blacks?
In Straight Shooters opinion,NO!
Super 14 form has never translated into International form.We have dominated the Super 14 competition since its concept.This year is only the 3rd time in its history that we have not had a New Zealand side in the final.We are also the only country to have 3 sides contest the semis...3 times (1998/2003/2009)
And make special note of the World Cup years.In 1999 we had the Crusaders and Highlanders contest the final.The World Cup?Beaten semi finalists!In 2003 we had the Blues beat the Crusaders in the final and also the Hurricanes as semi finalists.The World Cup?Beaten semi finalists!In 2007 we had the Crusaders and Blues as beaten semi finalists,despite the resting policy of all the ABs at the time..The World Cup?Dare I say!
No,for this Straight Shooter I will see it as a blessing for our All Blacks.Chill out,rest up,and fire it up for the first test match of the season on June 12th!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
In Straight Shooters opinion,NO!
Super 14 form has never translated into International form.We have dominated the Super 14 competition since its concept.This year is only the 3rd time in its history that we have not had a New Zealand side in the final.We are also the only country to have 3 sides contest the semis...3 times (1998/2003/2009)
And make special note of the World Cup years.In 1999 we had the Crusaders and Highlanders contest the final.The World Cup?Beaten semi finalists!In 2003 we had the Blues beat the Crusaders in the final and also the Hurricanes as semi finalists.The World Cup?Beaten semi finalists!In 2007 we had the Crusaders and Blues as beaten semi finalists,despite the resting policy of all the ABs at the time..The World Cup?Dare I say!
No,for this Straight Shooter I will see it as a blessing for our All Blacks.Chill out,rest up,and fire it up for the first test match of the season on June 12th!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
The semi finals
The Super 14 final will be contested by the seasons top 2 sides,the Bulls and the Stormers.
As expected,the Bulls overcame a gutsy effort by the Crusaders and eventually over ran the Red and Blacks.All pointers pointed towards a Blue Bulls victory...the enormous liability of the travel factor,hometown advantage(despite it being in Soweto),the luxury of being able to rest 99% of their starting XV the week before,and the fact that they had been the form side all season.Despite all this,Kiwi fans plunged the $2.50 odds on offer from the Bookies and confidantly predicted a win.And for long periods of this match it seemed as though it could happen.Even though Pierre Spies,the South African wrecking machine at No8,scored early,the play had mostly come from the Crusaders.They kept in touch with a well worked rolling maul try,but Carter was astray with his boot.Indeed,the turning point in my opinion came with the scores at 20-10,and Dan Carter lined up a penalty that would have taken them to within 7 points.Alas,he was astray,and just 2 minutes later Morne Steyn boomed over a penalty from 59 metres.Staggering!A 6 point turn around there,and the Crusaders were gone.The legs became jaded,and Du Preez scored from a scrum,and it was all over rover.
Credit to the Crusaders,and the coaching staff,a fine effort.
I didnt see the Stormers/Waratahs match but did see highlights.Again,the better side came through in the end,although surprisingly only one try was scored in the match.Again,credit to the Waratahs they played some great footy all season.
Overall it was an excellent competition,certainly one of the best ever.The tightness of the sides made for some great games,and when the Hurricanes play a virtual 1/4 final,lose,and end up in 8th position it tells you something.The Force managed to bowl over the Stormers and Crusaders while the Reds beat BOTH finalists.The Blues beat the best and lost to the worst,which kind of summed up their season,but ended up finishing higher than the Hurricanes!Go figure!
As for the final?
Bulls by 10 points.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
As expected,the Bulls overcame a gutsy effort by the Crusaders and eventually over ran the Red and Blacks.All pointers pointed towards a Blue Bulls victory...the enormous liability of the travel factor,hometown advantage(despite it being in Soweto),the luxury of being able to rest 99% of their starting XV the week before,and the fact that they had been the form side all season.Despite all this,Kiwi fans plunged the $2.50 odds on offer from the Bookies and confidantly predicted a win.And for long periods of this match it seemed as though it could happen.Even though Pierre Spies,the South African wrecking machine at No8,scored early,the play had mostly come from the Crusaders.They kept in touch with a well worked rolling maul try,but Carter was astray with his boot.Indeed,the turning point in my opinion came with the scores at 20-10,and Dan Carter lined up a penalty that would have taken them to within 7 points.Alas,he was astray,and just 2 minutes later Morne Steyn boomed over a penalty from 59 metres.Staggering!A 6 point turn around there,and the Crusaders were gone.The legs became jaded,and Du Preez scored from a scrum,and it was all over rover.
Credit to the Crusaders,and the coaching staff,a fine effort.
I didnt see the Stormers/Waratahs match but did see highlights.Again,the better side came through in the end,although surprisingly only one try was scored in the match.Again,credit to the Waratahs they played some great footy all season.
Overall it was an excellent competition,certainly one of the best ever.The tightness of the sides made for some great games,and when the Hurricanes play a virtual 1/4 final,lose,and end up in 8th position it tells you something.The Force managed to bowl over the Stormers and Crusaders while the Reds beat BOTH finalists.The Blues beat the best and lost to the worst,which kind of summed up their season,but ended up finishing higher than the Hurricanes!Go figure!
As for the final?
Bulls by 10 points.
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Monday, May 17, 2010
the 'Knife man' is...
Straight Shooter can confidantly say who the Super 14 rugby player is who was involved in a domestic incident involving a knife and has been given name suppression.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10645287
Due to so called bullshit laws giving privacy to sports 'celebrities' but not to our common Dick and Harrys,legally I cant name him.So I wont.But he has played on the wing for the Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes in Super 14.He is originally an Aucklander,and NO,it is NOT Hosea Gear.This person was also up on a drink-driving charge last year.He previously starred for Ponsonby and the Auckland 7s side.
He is of Samoan descent.
You know who it is?
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10645287
Due to so called bullshit laws giving privacy to sports 'celebrities' but not to our common Dick and Harrys,legally I cant name him.So I wont.But he has played on the wing for the Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes in Super 14.He is originally an Aucklander,and NO,it is NOT Hosea Gear.This person was also up on a drink-driving charge last year.He previously starred for Ponsonby and the Auckland 7s side.
He is of Samoan descent.
You know who it is?
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Bet results from 13-03-2010
Well $30 spent with the big fat Donuts in return!!Not a good start.
I went the Brumbies points start for 2 reasons.The main one was the travel factor.I felt the Crusaders would do it tough travelling back from the Republic and that that would play into the Brumbies hands.Secondly just the fact that it was a virtual 1/4 final would make this close,and I had huge repect for the Brumbies.But on the night,the Mighty Crusaders were simply too good,and what a return to form for them!
The Hurricanes just didnt show up.Losing Andrew Hore early certainly didnt help and they were rudderless,lacking direction and leadership.For such a big game,this was a very disappointing effort.Credit to the Waratahs they played well.
The Blues outscored the Chiefs 5 tries to 2 but couldnt land the shots at goal that may have given me my 13+.But thats sport,you take the good with the bad!Roll on next week :)
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
I went the Brumbies points start for 2 reasons.The main one was the travel factor.I felt the Crusaders would do it tough travelling back from the Republic and that that would play into the Brumbies hands.Secondly just the fact that it was a virtual 1/4 final would make this close,and I had huge repect for the Brumbies.But on the night,the Mighty Crusaders were simply too good,and what a return to form for them!
The Hurricanes just didnt show up.Losing Andrew Hore early certainly didnt help and they were rudderless,lacking direction and leadership.For such a big game,this was a very disappointing effort.Credit to the Waratahs they played well.
The Blues outscored the Chiefs 5 tries to 2 but couldnt land the shots at goal that may have given me my 13+.But thats sport,you take the good with the bad!Roll on next week :)
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Bets-lets make some money-13-05-2010
I'm spending $30 this weekend.
$10 on the Brumbies points start of + 7.5(Meaning the Brumbies have to get within 7 points of the Crusaders OR win).@ 1.82 this potentially returns $18.20
$10 on the Hurricanes Head to Head @ $2.25 potentially returns me $22.50
$10 on the Blues 13+ @ $2.00 to potentially return me $20.
If you feel inclined then multi them all up.
$10 Brumbies +7.5/Hurricanes/Blues 13+ will return you $81.85.
Good Luck!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
$10 on the Brumbies points start of + 7.5(Meaning the Brumbies have to get within 7 points of the Crusaders OR win).@ 1.82 this potentially returns $18.20
$10 on the Hurricanes Head to Head @ $2.25 potentially returns me $22.50
$10 on the Blues 13+ @ $2.00 to potentially return me $20.
If you feel inclined then multi them all up.
$10 Brumbies +7.5/Hurricanes/Blues 13+ will return you $81.85.
Good Luck!
Straight Shooter-telling it like it is
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
