Bledisloe Cup & Rugby Championship 2013

[windsock]

Well, I figure the last thread went the nut dragging way so i thought I'd post up a thread suited to the actual competition rather than any particular team or outcome.

Sef Effrica got a good roll on last weekend. :o Going to be interesting to see how they roll in another backyard.

All Blacks were out of sorts but still posted a win against a Wallabies team i thought had a damn good crack. It is going to be an intereesting game this time around.

Wellington got real shook up one week ago but has been relatively quiet. As at yesterday, thursday 22nd, the probability of an earthquake within the next seven days between a 5 and 5.9 was 60% and a 6 and greater 8.9%. (Link (http://info.geonet.org.nz/display/home/Cook+Strait+aftershocks+and+forecast+probabilities ))

Should be a cracking good game providing the shakes don't come into the game. Literally and figuratively.

All Blacks have their injury worries and although they're putting on a brave face it increases the scope of further errors with a key new player in there. Tom Taylor (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9076730/Tom-Taylor-a-timely-tonic-for-the-All-Blacks) appears to be settling in and settling down if the media are correct. Other things of note is that Tony Woodcock (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9075402/Man-who-props-up-the-All-Blacks-brings-up-100)is set to clock up his 'ton' of appearances for the ABs. Awesome to see another one bring up the century.

What is happening in other teams/country camps? Anyone else watching? :D

[Hastykiwi]

Watch out, Aus, Aotearoa's comin to get yous fellas.

New Zealand WHAKA YEAH! - YouTube

:)
Nick

[windsock]

Some news articles from our papers this morning...

All Blacks have no room for any complacency (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9080724/All-Blacks-have-no-room-for-any-complacency)

Tom Taylor just fulfilling his All Black destiny (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9080262/Tom-Taylor-just-fulfilling-his-All-Black-destiny)

Wallabies need to make Bledisloe a contest (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9080390/Wallabies-need-to-make-Bledisloe-a-contest)

Rugby: All Blacks' high-flyers winning the air war (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11113529)

Any news across the ditch to read?

If Andrew Slack is anything to go by, maybe not (Andrew Slack: Secret of success? Wallabies must discover the inner bully (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11113528)).



To understand where the code is today, you only had to read the sports section of our national newspaper on Thursday, two days before a live-or-die Bledisloe Cup match.

In a journal usually very generous to rugby matters, there was a hidden 10-paragraph story on how the ARU needed to tackle injury problems. Nothing about the Wellington match, but there were eight stories on AFL, six on rugby league, three on cricket and some tennis and horse racing.

With an eye to our domestic game... go Otago!

Otago's 56-year Ranfurly Shield wait over (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/9081909/Otagos-56-year-Ranfurly-Shield-wait-over)

[bob10]

There is this, smart move by McKenzie, Bob

Wallabies can't escape Sydney mistakes (http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies/wallabies-coach-ewen-mckenzie-forcing-players-to-watch-endless-replays-of-sydney-horrow-show/story-e6frf55l-1226702162172)

[windsock]

Thanks Bob, thats the no-nonsense stuff that needs to be done and said I think. In the real world we have to own our mistakes to get anywhere within ourselves. All Blacks have to ward off complacency. I think the Wallabies are going to come out and show us all if not what they were like a few short years ago, at least show us they're heading back to the top of the froth. I remember well the days of Gregan (4 more years boys! :twisted:), Eales, et al and feeling nervous in the stomach whenever these too great teams lined each other up.

Shaping to be a cracker game. Weather is a pearler here (2hrs north of Wgtn) at the moment and looking at the Metservice site (http://metservice.com/towns-cities/wellington/wellington-city)looks to be a stunner at Wgtn too.

Players discuss strategy (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503077&gal_cid=1503077&gallery_id=137345)

[sheerluck]

There is this, smart move by McKenzie, Bob

Wallabies can't escape Sydney mistakes (http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies/wallabies-coach-ewen-mckenzie-forcing-players-to-watch-endless-replays-of-sydney-horrow-show/story-e6frf55l-1226702162172)

I think that McKenzie is going to do very well for the Wallabies, as soon as he has bent the "little boys" in the squad round to his way of thinking, and got rid of the attitudes. Making the team watch their last defeat, with all the stupid errors that cost them the match, is much better than the "there, there, it doesn't really matter" attitude of the previous coach.

[bob10]

Better, I am happy with the attitude & effort of the Wallabies so far. They are not as fit as the All Blacks, and this could tell in the second half. Still some basic mistakes, and some very interesting Referee decisions, but the Wallabies are on the way back. Still a lot of work to do, but I am happy, Bob

[incisor]

8 professional fouls and not one card issued and i gave it away a bit after half time.

was like watching an under 10's game

[bob10]

8 professional fouls and not one card issued and i gave it away a bit after half time.

was like watching an under 10's game

Referees are like kangaroos in the headlights when r****** the All Blacks, especially South Africans. But it is all good, the Wallabies will come back stronger, will take a bit of time, but they are on the way back. How good are the new scrum rules............. :rolleyes: Bob

[jerryd]

I missed the match as I thought it was on later :(

Does anybody know if it's available to watch anywhere on line ??

[Saitch]

8 professional fouls and not one card issued and i gave it away a bit after half time.

was like watching an under 10's game
Ditto

[sheerluck]

I missed the match as I thought it was on later :(

Does anybody know if it's available to watch anywhere on line ??

Give it another hour or so, and it'll most likely be on YouTube. There's a channel on there called fullrubgymatches or something like that.

[stuee]

8 professional fouls and not one card issued and i gave it away a bit after half time.

was like watching an under 10's game

I haven't been that angry watching a rugby game for a while. Our referee from our 5th grade rugby finals last weekend would have done better. Some calls left me scratching my head, to the extent that I think I can see bone now (some obstruction calls and one for holding a player back to name a few).

If not for the shocking ref it would have been a very close, very exciting game.

[Celtoid]

I missed the match as I thought it was on later :(

Does anybody know if it's available to watch anywhere on line ??

Me too...just caught the last ten minutes....

Turned it on, looked at the score....WTF??? :mad:

[bob10]

Well, my take on the new era is this. Don't expect much this year. Give Ewen time to sort the wheat from the chaff, and when he has settled on a squad to suit him, next year watch them go!. Not saying they will be worldbeaters, but pride in the Wallabies will be restored. I don't have the opinion the Wallabies have to win every game to be successful, but if they are competitive, and play in the right spirit, without having to resort to cheating when under pressure, that will do me. Mind you, if it meant getting the Bledisloe back, I wouldn't mind them bending the rules a little. After all, the precedent has been set. My tip, there will be a few new faces, unknown at this moment, you beauty, a breath of fresh air, at last, Bob

[Hastykiwi]

Well Bob, bit of a change of attitude, I thought Ewen was the second coming. Qwade would be back, as a world beater, and Aus would finally remove themselves from the shadow of the AB's.
Broken Aus.

[Celtoid]

It will take time....no coach under the sun can turn around a team that quick....but I think it is turning.

The Ref problem....well that could take longer :p

[bob10]

Well Bob, bit of a change of attitude, I thought Ewen was the second coming. Qwade would be back, as a world beater, and Aus would finally remove themselves from the shadow of the AB's.
Broken Aus.

No change of attitude, I have just learned over the years to give one eyed Kiwis as good they dish out to others. Never take a backward step, so to speak, ;) Bob

[DiscoMick]

Some of the r****** decisions certainly seemed rather technical and stopped the flow of the game, I thought.
The ABs were too good when it counted, but, as in the previous game, there were times when the Wallabies looked good. The ABs are so well-drilled in the basics that its going to take a while for our squad to get up there.
While I'm not a Cooper fan, there's no doubt he makes a difference when he's on the field.
Maybe Ewen needs to pick a firm first start squad and stick with them for a bit and have fewer changes.

[windsock]

Well, there's been a bit of rugby played since this one was last added to...

Thought I'd dare to revive it again with a quote from this mornings NZ Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124558)...



In 1992, after an 11-year hiatus, the Springboks host the All Blacks - and lose.

At the aftermatch Ellis Park speeches Springbok hooker Uli Schmidt wiped tears from his eyes as he began to talk.

"In South Africa," he told the audience, "there are two types of Springboks, those who play the All Blacks and those who don't.

"Thank you for making us real Springboks."

A game is going to be played tonight between these two great rivals tonight at Eden Park. It was recently the 21st Anniversary of the Ellis Park match apparently. I am looking forward to watching tonights game. This is going to be a damn good test between to great sides.

Bring it on...!

[windsock]

Another article about tonights big game...

Irresistible Springboks to meet immovable ABs (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9164304/Irresistible-Springboks-to-meet-immovable-ABs)

Got a great quote in there... this is referring to the previous games of both of tonights opponents... against the Pumas and the Wallabies :)


It's been like a couple of old heavyweights dealing with the patsies to set themselves up for the title fight.

[jerryd]

Doesn't look like it's going to be shown on our tv :mad:

we've got the wallabies versus argentina

[windsock]

Doesn't look like it's going to be shown on our tv :mad:

we've got the wallabies versus argentina

Yeah, over here in NZ I get real annoyed when we don't get to see the Wallabies or the Boks play other teams unless we are subscribers to SkyTV. It seems free to air only goes on if it is our own team playing. I content myself to try to get some news from other countries. That has dried up for me in Aust recently with pay walls on your main newspapers.

[sheerluck]

Doesn't look like it's going to be shown on our tv :mad:

we've got the wallabies versus argentina

Jerry, if you don't mind a few pop up ads, it's showing on Sky Sports 3 later, viewable here: Watch | StreamItLive HD (http://streamitlive.blogspot.co.uk/p/watch.html)

[windsock]

29-15 to the ABs. A brutal game. A dodgy yellow/yellow/red card sequence ruined the spectacle. Damn hard rugby as expected.

ABs win but red card ruins a good game (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9166687/ABs-win-but-red-card-ruins-a-good-game)

Springboks show restraint over red card (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9166849/Springboks-show-restraint-over-red-card)

All Blacks never stepped back, Retallick says (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9166840/All-Blacks-never-stepped-back-Retallick-says)

ABs batter the Boks (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124887)(I think this should read "mutual battering by ABs and Boks")

[windsock]

Post match media analysis... it would be good to get sto read some South African analysis...

Rugby: Boks shortened up by big display (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124902)

adidas feels the pain over 'Arfica' (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124909) (illiterate fools in charge of the sewing machines :mad:)

All Black Highlights: Boks beaten (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=137833) (not sure if the video will play outside of NZ)

Match was a true test in every way (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124905) (I don't think it was after the poor calls on yellow/yellow/red)

All Blacks: Barrett shines in bruising battle (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11124906)

It's still the Garden of Eden for All Blacks (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9166936/Its-still-the-Garden-of-Eden-for-All-Blacks)

ABs score game of cards at bleedin' park (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/9166934/ABs-score-game-of-cards-at-bleedin-park)

[TerryO]

Well a good night for both the Wallabies and the mighty Blacks.

Needless to say beating the Puma's is a highlight for the Wallabies since getting rid of a great coach in Robbie Dean's, if they want to stay on a winning streak may be next up they should try and arrange a quick match against Japan. If that's to hard I hear Mongolia are looking at putting together a team.

Where as the Blacks beating the Boks ...enough said doesn't get any harder than that.

[bob10]

Well a good night for both the Wallabies and the mighty Blacks.

Needless to say beating the Puma's is a highlight for the Wallabies since getting rid of a great coach in Robbie Dean's, if they want to stay on a winning streak may be next up they should try and arrange a quick match against Japan. If that's to hard I hear Mongolia are looking at putting together a team.

Where as the Blacks beating the Boks ...enough said doesn't get any harder than that.

Congratulations, the most important thing in the World, I guess, Bob. :no2:
Whatever happened to the spirit of the game. You know, the one they play in Heaven. Every single Wallaby would consider it a privilege to play Japan, Outer Mongolia , Or any Rugby playing Nation. The pity about this conversation is you don't seem to understand that you , and those like you, have lost the spirit of the game. I have just watched a couple of games in the NZ lower tier comp, [ITM Cup? ] and witnessed the essence of NZ Rugby, played in the right spirit, grass roots Rugby , I enjoyed the games more than the Test matches. You have been caught up in the win at all cost Rugby, and seem to be like the many wannabes that like to bask in the reflected glow of their heroes, not meant to be nasty, just an observation. Have a nice day, Bob

[windsock]

[ITM Cup? ]... ... the right spirit, grass roots Rugby , I enjoyed the games more than the Test matches.

Yes our local, regional and national level games are great to watch.I remember well watching many a good game on the East Coast while I was fencing up there. Buy a big package of fish and chips, a six-pack of beer and place both on the bonnet of the S3 and watch from the sideline while parked up. Truely great moments.

I think you may have watched a game being played for the Ranfurly Shield. It has been a great play for the shield this year with a few changes of 'ownership'. Well sought after trophy that is held in very high esteem to hold and to strive for. Counties Manukau have never held it prior to the game last week. Hawkes Bay who were the previous holders held it for a week for the first time in about 40-50 years. The team prior to that, Otago, held it for a week before being beaten by Hawkes Bay magpies and they last held it 56yrs ago. Playing for the shield brings a passion to the game that is both inspiring and awesome to watch. These guys are plumbers, farmers, builders, accountants etc during the week and do battle in the weekend :cool:

[TerryO]

"The pity about this conversation is you don't seem to understand that you , and those like you, have lost the spirit of the game. , Bob




Bob I do understand exactly what the spirit of the game is all about, that is one thing that I can't be blamed of.

The funny thing is I only started commenting and responding to the Rugby threads on here because most were all very negative about the Wallabies not winning.

If not the Wallabies then the Kiwi coach, if not the Wallabies or the Kiwi coach then how the All Blacks cheat all the time.

All I'm doing is holding up a mirror for the knockers to look in to, your not seeing me, your seeing in part your own comments in reverse. I'm mimicking the knockers behaviour and giving it back to them and its ****ing some off.

Start enjoying the game and stop whinging about the Wallabies, who the coach is or how the All Blacks or any other team plays. Just remember its just a game, nothing more nothing less.

Having said that I can't wait for the next Bledisloe Cup game. ...:p I might even watch the next one.

[bob10]

Bob I do understand exactly what the spirit of the game is all about, that is one thing that I can't be blamed of.

The funny thing is I only started commenting and responding to the Rugby threads on here because most were all very negative about the Wallabies not winning.

If not the Wallabies then the Kiwi coach, if not the Wallabies or the Kiwi coach then how the All Blacks cheat all the time.

All I'm doing is holding up a mirror for the knockers to look in to, your not seeing me, your seeing in part your own comments in reverse. I'm mimicking the knockers behaviour and giving it back to them and its ****ing some off.

Start enjoying the game and stop whinging about the Wallabies, who the coach is or how the All Blacks or any other team plays. Just remember its just a game, nothing more nothing less.

Having said that I can't wait for the next Bledisloe Cup game. ...:p I might even watch the next one.

I understand that, what you have said. Been back looked thru my threads can't find one that describes what you have said , I've tried to be even handed, but admit I have responded in kind to comments, I will say this, I will always admire the way the All Black Management & players go about their work, as a Rugby fanatic, I know they are the best in the World. And of all the teams in the World, the All Blacks are my second favourite. Just don't knock the Wallabies, without expecting a fight. AND I don't care if the Wallabies don't win every game, just as long as they are playing the game. So , 2015, here we come, Bob