By Spiro Zavos
August 25th 2008 @ 7:13am
Fifteenth time lucky for the Wallabies
It was an ugly but comprehensive victory for the Wallabies over the Springboks at ABSA Stadium in Durban. So, after fifteen attempts, the Wallabies have finally won an away Test in the Tri-Nations tournament. But as the old sports adage says, “a win is a win is a win.”
Ugly or beautiful at the end of play it is the numbers on the scoreboard that ultimately count.
I had a feeling after the opening series of phases launched at the Wallaby tryline failed, with the defence moving the Springboks back in the tackles and then winning a crucial short arm penalty on a turnover that the Wallabies were going to win. The Springboks were strangely lethargic. They lacked organisation. They didn’t seem to have a coherent game. They made mistake after mistake.
As the errors piled up and the Wallabies took their score out to double figures and three scores in front, the crowd became more and more silent, as if they were at a funeral, which they were in a way - the burying of the Springboks Rugby World Cup glory.
At the end of the match the crowd showed its displeasure of what had happened by booing their team off the field. Sic transit gloria mundi. (So ends the glory of the world, the Latin motto shouted out by John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Lincoln.)
The South African authorities say that coach Peter de Villiers’ position is not under threat. Perhaps not, just yet. The captain, Victor Matfield, says that the team is committed to the expansive game being introduced by de Villiers. But as David Campese, who now lives in South Africa, noted in a column this week, teams can’t decide to play expansively and then expect the new strategy to work straight away.
The rewards for expansive rugby are high if it is done properly, with hatfuls of tries in the manner of the Springboks a few weeks ago when they scored about 60 points on the trot against the Pumas.
But if the strategy is not done properly and if the team selected to play the expansive game is not correctly selected - two factors that are in play with the current Springboks - then the team gets exposed to breakouts by their opposition when the wide play breaks down with poor passes and lost turnovers. The Springboks suffered 14 turnovers and numerous missed passes which were snaffled up by George Smith in the rucks and mauls and by the outside backs with the dropped passes.
Coach de Villiers is to be applauded for trying to add some additional dimensions to the traditional one-dimensional Springboks game. But he clearly does not understand that the expansive game can only be played with a clever distributor in the five-eights and with an industrious backrower who is excellent digging for the ball in the rucks and mauls in the George Smith/Richie McCaw/Neil Back mould. You only need one of these ‘fetchers,’ as the South African call them. But you do need that one player.
So the ambition to play expansively is not complemented with the selection of a side that can play this game. The Springboks have the ambition but not the means to play the sort of game the coach wants them to play.
Further, coach de Villiers does not understand that the expansive game, like any rugby strategy, must flow from a solid ball-winning play by the forwards. The Springboks scrum has improved but not so much that they can master the Wallabies at scrum time.
In fact, although the Wallaby scrum was crumpled a few times it generally won its ball and the penalties conceded at scrum time were one-all.
In trying to explain why the Springboks were penalised for ‘boring’, Phil Kearns could only make a weak joke about ‘boring play’.
The Fox Sports commentary, aside from the accurate call from Greg Clarke, badly needs the insights and information Rode Kafer brings to his Chalkboard analysis as a counter to the chauvinistic and meaningless shouting from the Kearns/Martin duo.
Rod Kafer would have told us something about the game plan organised by Robbie Deans, instead of the duo ranting against every decision that the excellent referee Lyndon Bray gave against the Wallabies.
It seemed to me that the Deans game plan was a simple one of contesting the contest areas strongly and running strongly down the middle of the field to expose the slow Springboks pack to having to defend both sides of the field. On many occasions, after the Wallabies switched play to another side of the field their backs found themselves confronted by members of the Springboks tight five having a bit of a breather.
The Wallabies contested the rucks and mauls ferociously and, again, exposed the weaknesses in the Springboks game plan.
That game plan called for the big loose forwards and the pacy secondrowers particularly to be out wide ready to break out from anywhere on the field. Springbok ball-runners were not supported when they were tackled and because they were out-numbered by swarming Wallabies found it difficult to release the back to their halfback. The consequences were a flow of short-arm penalties for not releasing/playing the ball on the ground, and many turnovers.
The Springboks are now in a terrible situation. They have lost the rump of their RWC team, especially their hard man Bakkies Botha and their experienced captain John Smit. Their normally ‘best’ players like Victor Matfield, Butch James and Percy Montgomery as bone tired after a long northern winter and are playing well below their best. They don’t have a world class ‘fetcher’ or five-eight. They have lost three Tri-Nations Tests in a row.
You could almost feel sorry for the Springboks until you remembered C J van der Linde, the continually thuggish prop, head-butting Sam Cordingley as the Springboks lost yet another ruck as the Wallabies poured in numbers to the breakdown.
Ellis Park, Johannesburg, has been a citadel of Afrikaaner rugby. It suddenly looks like a very vulnerable citadel for next Saturday’s Test.
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(113)
Benjamin said | August 25th 2008 @ 7:50am | Report comment
Spiro, Montgomery and Matfield didn’t have particularly taxing seasons in France and although Butch James did Bath play a very loose style of rugby. There should be no excuses from that perspective. Furthermore Botha has only missed one game due to injury and beyond Smit Fourie is the only other WC starter who has been missing. That isn’t exactly in a rump. Dare I say it, but SA have never been that good over the past 8 years and the WC is beginning to appear a clear aberration.
I think it’s significant that you noted that PDV hadn’t picked the correct squad for an expansive brand when it is also arguable that he picked the wrong backroom staff. The Sharks back play was hardly electric during the S14. IMO the key problem is not with the squad but with the national rugby philosophy. Although it seems a steretoype, it is true that SA players will seek contact rather than space. How many times have we seen Du Plessis attempt to surge through men rather than continue the move with a team member? That has always been the way of the Springbok and it isn’t going to change overnight. PDV made the mistake of attempting to alter that (although actually I would suggest that he has done no such thing and there is no real SA gameplan) when SA would have been far more competative had he made only mild tweaks to their previous brand.
The Link said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:06am | Report comment
Spiro, spot on re the Fox commentary. Martin in particular is embarrasing, he offers little insight and is of a bygone era. An example was his excitement at Giteau’s spiral bomb in the opening minutes, something that any fly half worth his salt has in the tool kit. At the very least they need someone schooled in the professional era, and Kafer fits the bill well, albeit in a very dry way.
Does the tri nations now come down to the winner of the game in Brisbane next month?
Barry said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:15am | Report comment
Spiro,
Your report sums up the game and Fox sport commentry perfectly.
Arky said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:27am | Report comment
Spiro - again another great article. If all sports reporters could focus on the sport and offer the insights that commentators such as yourself and Kafer set we would all enjoy it so much more.
Rickety Knees said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:29am | Report comment
On the money again Spiro!
vincent said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:32am | Report comment
I thik the springbok coach DV is riding on the coat tails of Jakes White World Cup team, a reminder of John Harts first few games as coach for the All Blacks after Laurie Fisher. There needs to be some culling especially of the older players who seem to have lost their way, DV needs a team that he can stamp his brand of football on, not a team that has had a specific style of football for the last 4 years with the level of success that the World cup did. Its hard to sell a new style when the old style yielded success.
Maybe a change of attitude too where as soon as the springboks seem to be loosing they resort to thuggery on the field.
Terry Kidd said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:33am | Report comment
Thanks Spiro, I don’t agree with all you said but do appreciate the effort. I agree with Benjamin, I was hard pressed to discern the Bok game plan, obviously they had one, but they either left it in the shed, don’t know how to execute it, the plan is beyond their current skill set or the Wallabies didn’t let them play to it.
I tend to believe that not all their players have confidence in the game plans which is why they seemed to play so poorly in attack and that then points to a huge problem for PDV. Do the players have confidence in him? Please note that the Boks didn’t play that badly in defence, just in attack.
Fox commentary team? Replace Phil Kearns with Rod Kafer for the technical insights and leave Marto there for the ‘colour’.
True Tah said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:36am | Report comment
Ditto re: Marto and Kearns, thats the sort of commentary you would expect to hear at the pub after a few schooners…when the video ref was reviewing Robinson’s try, Marto was giving him a blast…hold off there Marto, wait till he gives the decision.
Amateur fox, very bloody amateur.
Vincent, by Laurie Fisher I think you mean Laurie Mains.
vincent said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:38am | Report comment
Oops..thanks True Tah..I stand corrected..indeed Laurie Mains All Blacks was what I meant
Justin said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Lets be thankful that Fox were at least in Africa and we didnt have to put up with the usual SA drivel we get in S14. I agree with Terry, get rid of Kearns and get Kafer in there for some excellent analysis.
LeftArmSpinner said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:56am | Report comment
Spiro, the overwhelming memory of the game, after all the froth and bubble, was of the Wallabies getting fast, clean phase ball and doing more with it. This is a combination of factors, chicken and egg if you like. The Wallabies fetchers (and other forwards) got the ball quickly, providing the backs with quality ball which they then used to outflank and pressure the boks, helping to make the next breakdown favourable to the Wallabies getting quality ball. It had to take its toll and it did. Add to this, punishing, resilient defence and you have the ingredients for a win. Wallaby field position took the Boks field goal out of the equation.
The Wallabies are settled off the field, only playing in one competition and hence focused and rested.
Bring on J’Burg and Brisbane. But, I say it again, its Tahu Time!!!!
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 25th 2008 @ 10:15am | Report comment
I hear everyone saying the TN will come down to the brisbane test between the AB’s & the Wallabies on Sat 13th Sep.
Well if the wallabies manage to win with a bonus point (4+ tires) next week at Ellis park that will put them on 18 points on the tri nations ladder, 4 points clear of the All Blacks. Then if (unlikely im sure :p) they manage to screw up at suncorp but only loose by <7 points and not letting the AB’s get 4+ tries - they will win the TN by 1 point with a total of 19 points, as the all blacks will be on 18 points (but loose the bledisloe at the same time)
abit daunting…
as im going to honkers for the final bledisloe i want to see them get up on the AB’s to make it a real spectacle in Nov.
anyone else’s thoughts ?
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 25th 2008 @ 10:17am | Report comment
ps well written article Spiro (got carried away with another topic sry)
Peter K said | August 25th 2008 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Spiro good report on the game.
Wallabies won it at the breakdown, their intensity and a better backline. Won ball and did more with it.
Wallabies have a lot to imporve though, that was one of the worst displays by the Boks I have seen.
Kafer is a really good call. His chalkboard analysis on inside rugby is the best analysis of rugby provided to the public I have ever seen.
The Boks have not lost that many players, maybe they had a good draw at the WC and they are not that good. PDV is a shocker of a coach.
I disagree re Bray. As I pointed out on another post he missed many major incidents. He tolerated the thuggish Bok antics far too much instead of warning and yellow carding when they persisted.
mudskipper said | August 25th 2008 @ 10:52am | Report comment
A little more Latin…for Spiro
Aspirat primo Fortuna labori - Fortune smiles upon our first effort…And…Fortitudine vincimus - By endurance we conquer…
First Johannesburg and then the All Blacks in Brisbane…All is possible for the Wallabies in 2008…Win the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup.
Springboks have lost 4 of their 5 Tri-Nation matches…This week will Robbie Deans play to win in Johannesburg or prepare his team to win the Tri-Nations tournament in September 13 at Brisbane?
tarpo said | August 25th 2008 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Thank goodness that Fox at least showed the game live, what possible good does Channel 7 do for the game of rugby.
Agree Kearns had his moments as a player but as a commentator he is hopeless. Countless times he just makes things up & are plain wrong, he has to go.
Justin, yes thank heavens we were spared the SA rubbish.
tarpo said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:00am | Report comment
Mudskipper, thanks for the Latin lesson, Robbie will play to win, one of his many strengths is to focus on the now, win this week & another layer of belief is biult. Then is on in Bris Vegas!!
Enjoed the article as always Spiro
Jameswm said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:08am | Report comment
The Boks were back to their thuggish worst.
VDLinde was bad but Burger worse. Burger tried to twist George Smith’s leg at one stage, Meads style. He tipped an Aussie on his head (from off side). He threw punches. He was altogether thuggish and outplayed (perhaps one follows the other). It’s a shame, as he can be a wonderful physical player.
Our scrum was actually rock solid when Baxter came on. Who knows how much of this was because he was fresh and the opposition tiring?
Tahu had 2 touches for 2 offloads leading to breaks. Missed one tackle, but the guy had to run a long way infield to beat him. A calculated gamble.
Mortlock played a wonderful captain’s knock, capped off by that try. Lote dropped a couple but was otherwise a menace.
Horwill and Elsom add such a hard edge to the team.
Giteau was close to MOM and controlled the game, not bad for someone suposedly not a real 5/8!
Jerry said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:11am | Report comment
James - “Burger tried to twist George Smith’s leg at one stage, Meads style.”
Worse than that - he tried to twist something between the legs.
Harry said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:11am | Report comment
Chris Ash you are right and we sould have been in a far better position had 1) we got a 4th try on the weekend, Gits came close to getting a runaway and, more relevantly 2) we hadn’t gifted the Kiwi’s that last try in Auckland with that stupid and pointless running of the ball after full time.
But anyway the Brissy match will be a decider whatever happens this weekend.
I fully agree with the castigation of Greg Martin and Phil Kearns, they are an embarassment. Someone bagged the SA commentators above, to be honest I find them the best of the lot, certaintly better than Fox, 7 and also ahead of the Kiwi’s - who are the opposite to our lot who are shamemlessly partisan and biased, the Kiwi’s try to be impartial but can’t eg. “maybe Tana and Kevin got their timing slightly wrong” was their description of the illegal, dangerous and off-the-ball cheap shot piledriving of the Lions skipper in the first minute of the Lions/AB series in 05.
stillmissit said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:14am | Report comment
Yes Spiro a good point we dont need platitudes we need information at times like Saturday night. Kafer might bring some insights which neither Mardo or Kearns can bring.
The game although a great result didnt leave me hanging from the rafters. Robbie Deans will be working hard to put a team together this week who can repeat the intensity at the breakdown. Many will be watching the selections in the backs to see what will happen if Barnes isnt fit enough to play.
I dont have a strong feeling about winning next week even though the boks were dreadful on Saturday. I suspect the players will take things into their own hands and ignore the coach’s game plan.
LeftArmSpinner said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:15am | Report comment
But there is more as to the TV coverage. we dont have payTV and so depend on Channel 7 to get the game. it was delayed until 2am because of the Olympics. Why didnt they put it on 7HD.
it is made worse by the fact that the rugby faithful, players, parents, refs coaches etc are in the finals period of the season and cant stay up till 4 am. the opportunity is lost. thanks for nothing Channel 7, yet again.
Jerry said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:17am | Report comment
“eg. “maybe Tana and Kevin got their timing slightly wrong”
E.g something you’ve just invented. No-one actually said that - the cameras didn’t catch the incident and the commentators were completely in the dark as to what happened. All the commentators saw was a replay of Mealamu moving towards O’Driscoll.
mudskipper said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:18am | Report comment
I don’t mind Phil Kearns for the bloke entertainment factor… I want to enjoy the game but also have a laugh after all it is rugby… However Kearns should try and impart some valuable knowledge apart from his pie and beer jokes… especially about the forward play…He sounded like he was loosing his voice on the weekend and was not at his best… Agreed Rod Kafer is a master commentator, and provides a good insightful rugby analysis…usually post game…
Kearns is a bit of an Aussie ledgend, not because of unique talent but as a two time RWC campaign winner. Very rear individuals. He was probably luck to play with so many Wallaby greats but he has a share in the prize.
And his infamous line to All Blacks Sean Fitzpatrick after scoring during a Bledisloe. Kearns insisted he said “Two sausages at tonight’s barbecue please”.
Peter K said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:18am | Report comment
Harry - Mexted (Kiwi commentator) is the most biased of the lot.
The Celtic and English commentators are the best.
Jameswm - Bray had a terrible game as a ref missing or tolerating all the thuggish play by the Boks.
Vickerman and Elsom really fixed the intensity at the breakdown that was missing against the Kiwi’s. I notice they are trying to get Elosm suspended to give them a chance for JoBurg. Not a coincidence he was MoM. James, Steyn and Burger should be cited as well if Elsom was for the grab on Matfield in the lineout.
Our handling needs imporvement. Cordingly had a poor game, Burgess will be back I hope.
Harry said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:19am | Report comment
Elsom being cited and Burger net is an absolute farce and injustice. Emphasises again that the Saffers are cheap shot merchants who get away with far too many cheap shots, particularly in their home country.
sheek said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:22am | Report comment
I’ve developed the attention span of the current generation. Kept on flicking between the Olympics & the rugby, then noticed a wonderful old black & white film was also running - Stalag 17. All that on top of a wonderful bottle of red, & my memory of the night is very hazy.
Especially for any indepth analysis!
True Tah said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:28am | Report comment
Some of the Wallabies played well, but I think if we had played the ABs, they would have given us a real towelling…those two Jacobs tries were prettty bloody soft, and I never felt that they were going to get the 4-try bonus, and I though the Boks played far worse than they did than the week before.
I never thought Id see when the Boks play infinitely better away than at home!
ohtani's jacket said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:29am | Report comment
I had the Australian feed for the Sydney Test and the South African one for the Newlands Test and the South African commentators are miles better than the Aussies.
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:40am | Report comment
how did you get Both OJ? to be honest i too didnt like the Aussie commentators this week.
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:41am | Report comment
disregard previous comment i mis read your text. need a sugar hit i think - been looking at the pc screen to for long.
ohtani's jacket said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:47am | Report comment
We get the home feed in Japan.
I don’t think Deans would do this, but I wonder if it’s sensible to play his full strength side at Johansburg. The Wallabies got the away win they needed, but it came with an injury toll and I’m inclined to believe the Boks will be even more cynical this week. The Aussies could be in pretty rough shape by the time they leave South Africa.
chas said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Spiro:
An absolutely brilliant article . Your ability to analyse what was, in fact, a very poor game by both sides is something that is not found in Australian media circles. Keep that man on!
WheresTheBloodySideline said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:53am | Report comment
I loved the ‘questioning’ that Greg Martin gave Robbie Deans on Inside Rugby a few weeks ago. Typically, they are not questions, merely statements of his opinion to which he expects the interviewee to respond. One such response from Robbie was to look blankly back at Martin. Priceless.
Tom said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:54am | Report comment
Could someone enlighten me why Burger doesn’t get cited for blatant punching George Smith I believe right before Robinson’s try, not just one punch mind there was a flurry? Can the Wallabies cite post-game based on video evidence? I haven’t got a clue about the citing process so maybe showing my ignorance.
stillmissit said | August 25th 2008 @ 11:56am | Report comment
Peter K - I thought Cordingly was OK but Shehan was better when he came on and seems to thrive in that kind of environment. Maybe he should be used for all SA games?
Mexted is a 1 out of 10 in anybody’s book except one eyed Kiwi supporters, another great player who shouldn’t be given a microphone.
OJ - great insight but this is new to the Aussie psyche as we normally would go out there blasting and damn the torpedo’s. We’ll need plenty in the tank for the Brisbane test.
mudskipper said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Rocky could get off the pending charge however Victor Matfield fell very awkwardly in that lineout making it look a lot worst than it was…Rocky will most likely get a rest…which really isn’t a bad thing for the Brisbane match… I wouldn’t mind seeing McMeniman get a start at 6…His is a tough kid…could do well…
Whats with Drew Mitchell’s new hairdo? Looks like his been seeing the same barber as Striling Mortlock.
Sam Cordingley started well but into the match his passes were a bit loopy cutting time for Giteau to attack the line. Sam has a good eye for the play prospects around him…Brett Sheehan tends to pass the ball the way he is facing when he arrives at the ruck which is not good ball disposal…
Wallabies made a too many kick mistakes and will need top do better to win in Johannesburg and Brisbane… Clyde Rathbone scored three tries in the Shute Shield and may be ready for a Wallabies bench spot soon…or the Wallabies summer tour North.
ohtani's jacket said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
Actually Giteau shaved Mitchell’s head. Don’t ask me why I know that. Rugby Heaven told me.
Jameswm said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:14pm | Report comment
Re the commentators.
There is a British background guy there who I think commentates with Joel Stransky. They’re appalling. I think they do Sharks home games in the S14.
However there are two local guys - maybe Bulls home games - who are great. Knowledgable and respectful.
Mexted is an embarrassment, like Bill Lawry in cricket.
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
Was the shaved head for a bet or anything? - giteau and mitchell are both pretty metro and i doubt mitchell just freely asked giteau to do it…. my money was he lost a bet (i wonder what though)
Justin said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
One thing that pleased me with Mitchell was his improved kicking game. I think it was due to the fact he didnt try to kick the living crap out of it each time. It meant his timing was better and as a result he hit the ball cleanly and to where it was intended to go. I hope it wasn’t an aberration! I thought he was the best of the back 3. LT was ordinary besides his try. Missed tackles and simple catching of the ball as well as a lazy kick chase. Hynes looked a little unnerved by the crowd perhaps. Either way he seemed to play with little confidence. Still he has a few credits after his terrific displays so far this year.
ohtani's jacket said | August 25th 2008 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
Mexted just zones in and out with random comments. Drake is more biased, though he usually makes a compelling case at scrum time. Personally I like the way Nisbo calls the game. Ian Smith is an annoying mother and Tony Johnson has way too much to say for a sideline reporter, but if the All Blacks are losing they tend to shut up and start focusing on what the opposition is doing well.
The Aussies have this lads gimmick going on, but there’s better jokes at the bar.
tarpo said | August 25th 2008 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
Apparently Mitchell & Gits made a pact to both have the #1s, Gits shaved Mitchs head & then ran away.
Worlds Biggest said | August 25th 2008 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
well done Spiro, once again insightful and honest appraisal as opposed to most of the media coverage of the game here which is shite. On the commentary, Fox is OK and is spell binding compared to the drone at Ch 7. Tim Horan has to be the worst commentator going around. Ditto for Greg Growden on the print front. Growden has no idea about the game ( probably because he grew up in South Australia ) and forever is bagging the game or talking about the great pies in the canteen at TG Milner etc..Just absolute rubbish.
Mark said | August 25th 2008 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
Actually I like Kearns best of the Oz commentary team…he does come out with some classics & while biased tends to be almost even - unlike the other incredible one-eyed Ozzie commentators. Who belong with Mexted i.e. somewhere they can’t get near a mic.
eric said | August 25th 2008 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
Gotta agree about Kearns commentary. He seems unable to explain anything that happens in the front row, which is the one area he should have expertise. I think he has only just stopped using “double movement”, but I think he still talks about try scorers having “control” of the ball. Dear me.
Sure, he gives the odd blokey joke, but personally, I have never forgiven him for his WRC role in 1994 or 1995. I was at the SFS for a special All Black Test (either 100 years or 100 tests). Many past captains and greats were there. Kearns was captain of the Wallabies, one of the top jobs in Australia, but he was on a secret campaign, with a success fee, to sign every player over to the professional circus. At the end of a lack lustre Wallaby capitulation, he had the gall to say ” I hope you stick with us whatever happens’. At that point everyone knew that our top Wallaby was undermining Australian rugby.
Arky said | August 25th 2008 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Agree with Eric and Worlds Biggest…isn’t the role of a rugby writer or commentator to focus on the game, what is needed to win and what weaknesses are apparent and what is need to overcome the oppositions strengths? This is what Kafer has in spades…and what some who should know better lack equally. While Kearnesy and Marto are entertaining where would they be without Kafe? There is a place for the lighter entertainment and there is a place for the hard edged analysis unfortunately we get too much of the former and not enough of the latter….
LeftArmSpinner said | August 25th 2008 @ 5:43pm | Report comment
The second best commentators of all are the ABC guys who do the NRL, led by Warren Ryan. They tie for second place with their ABC colleagues who do the Sydney Grade games, Pappy, Lawson, Reynolds and co. Both commentary teams combine clever, frank, friendly banter with great knowledge of the game and the players. Best of all, they never take themselves too seriously nor go for the obvious cliches.
And my Winner is Roy and HG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glenn Condell said | August 25th 2008 @ 6:27pm | Report comment
It’s a Phil Kearns pile-on.
I think some of that is explained by this comment from eric ‘but personally, I have never forgiven him for his WRC role in 1994 or 1995′. I wonder how far that goes in explaining Spiro’s animus as well. I also wonder if his team-mates from the time have the same attitude. My guess is they don’t. I would think they appreciated the way he went into bat for them to try and broker the best deal. Given they were virtual professionals for a long time prior to that and were getting nowhere trying to get the ARU to treat them as such, his actions were entirely understandable, even admirable. Do you Eric resent Ian Chappell for example for doing the same thing with WSC?
‘Agree Kearns had his moments as a player’
Moments? Try 1990-1999 with some down time for major injuries. He was better than Fitzy, best in the world really, when fully fit from 90-94. His pick and drive can only be matched by Jim Williams to my mind. He was captain and MOM in the Gregan’s tackle match to save the Bledisloe in 94. Integral part of the best front row we have fielded. Played hard, but never dirty.
‘Kearns is a bit of an Aussie ledgend, not because of unique talent but as a two time RWC campaign winner. Very rear individuals. He was probably luck to play with so many Wallaby greats but he has a share in the prize.’
A pretty ignorant comment, I reckon.
Kearns is flummoxed by the front row, but who isn’t? Other commentators don’t even attempt to go there half the time, and I get the impression refs dole out penalties alternately because they’re bamboozled as well. He can be a bit lame but I’ll take his blokiness over Buddha or Crowley any day. Martin too can be funny, and while they can be one-eyed, to suggest that the Kiwis are more balanced is just ridiculous. Drakey (and Loey and most other cauliflower eared NZ commentators) are biased to the point of not being able to praise opposition skill when tries are scored against the Blacks, focusiing instead on AB weaknesses which led to them. Similarly, AB tries are wonders of construction, while the missed tackles or positional muddles that allowed them are ignored.
I do agree though about Kafer, who ought to be one of the 3-man main team, with Clark and Kearns and Martin alternating for colour, with the other sideline.
stillmissit said | August 25th 2008 @ 6:44pm | Report comment
Glenn C - hope this is not a personal insight.
Kearns is a bit of an Aussie ledgend, not because of unique talent but as a two time RWC campaign winner. Very rear individuals.
Glenn Condell said | August 25th 2008 @ 6:59pm | Report comment
I was quoting mudskipper so you’ll have to ask him (!)
mcxd said | August 25th 2008 @ 7:06pm | Report comment
Here in the UK we had to contend with the SA commentary..one word, terrible.. Totally lacked any animation or excitement, almost like commentary at a funeral (prehaps that is what it was?) and filled with one eyed commentary. For example Robinson’s try was treated with total scepticism whilst Jacobs first try was in their opinion was a definite well before it was even scored.
However the worst ive witnessed was BBC commentary during last years Six nations England v Scotland. and to think BBC coverage is for all GB including Scotland. It was Jonny boys first game back from his injuries and anything he did was almost god like in the commentators opinion. JW passed a ball that led to absolutely nothing but a team mate getting crunched…”magic pass, wonderful hands” for the whole game it went on and on..any decison the referee gave against England was a terrible decision whilst any good scottish play wasn’t acknowleged. Unbeleiveable really, if i was Scottish would have been insensed.
Like many above i agree Kafer gives some extraordinary insight into the game, hope to hear more of it.
Rob said | August 25th 2008 @ 7:43pm | Report comment
Left Arm Spinner, I started playing league then went to a Rugby school (over 35 years ago) and played Rugby for approx 25 years. But my Sunday arvo these days is a beer while listening to the ABC League call with Warren Ryan. I have picked up so many insights that transcend sports. I think that call is first rate and I wish we had Rugby commentators of the same calibre
westy said | August 25th 2008 @ 8:46pm | Report comment
Rob ….of topic but I to have a soft spot for ABC’s league call with Ryan/Morrow and sundry others. It is informative,intelligent knowledgeable without sensationalism or brutish buffoonery . A touch of dry humour also helps.They are the old guard of league who talk about the GAME and its history.Ryan has come through the fire as player / coach / and in life and speaks with biased but good natured insight
Would be Rugby commentators would do well to listen to them and not the other moronic League broadcasters with the exception of the excellent and understated Peter Sterling.
jools-usa said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:07pm | Report comment
Benjamin.
Spot on re Boks trying individually to outmuscle the defense.
Not only Du Plessey, but Burger is another example. No-one plays with more intensity
(or thuggishness when losing), but I counted only ONE pass out of the tackle with tryline in sight.
Too many individuals looking for glory.
Jools-USA
Benjamin said | August 25th 2008 @ 9:21pm | Report comment
Jacobs against NZ two weeks ago is another example.
vincent said | August 26th 2008 @ 8:56am | Report comment
What an excellent write up by Spiro in todays Sydney Morning Herald!
mudskipper said | August 26th 2008 @ 9:27am | Report comment
Sorry guys a bit of a spelling error in my earlier post, blogging to quickly… (rare and legend…)
Glenn Condell…I’m unclear to what you disagree with about my prior post…which is fine…Additionally the ignorant comment is not necessary… this blog is a conversation not an argument…
Moving on, what I was getting at was Kearns may have been a great player but he got to play with many of the Wallaby greats to win the two world tournaments. Furthermore I don’t have a problem with the players who looked to make rugby professional when there was little on offer in their time.
Personally I’m a Kearns fan…and enjoy his rugby banter…
Mart said | August 26th 2008 @ 10:00am | Report comment
OK chums - slightly off topic but who would your commentary dream team be ? I grew up (in the UK) listening to the dulcet tones of Bill McLaren who was widely respected as an honest impartial (even when his beloved Scots were playing and he was callling !) commentator. But I wouldn’t say he was insightful in the way that, say, Rod Kafer is with his chalkboard. So those two would be in for me. Substitute would be Nigle Starmer-Smith from the UK for his generally well informed and unbiased calling. Greg Martin is simply dreadful on any count, end of. I thought John Eales did well on ’special comments’ during RC2003 but haven’t really seen much of him since, but I’d go for him. And if we do have to have a “rugby boof” please go for either Buddha Handy (passion alone wins it for him here) or ex England prop Gareth Chilcott (genuine understanding and insight mixed with cheeky chappie banter)……
Peter K said | August 26th 2008 @ 10:24am | Report comment
Mart I agree.
As I said the best commentators are from the NH. On all NH tours at least one of the commentators is even-handed and provides good coverage. For colour they normally have one (normally ex player) who is a boofhead biased twerp like our commentators.
The SH commentaors from all 3 countries are bombastic, jingoistic, and quite biased. It is embarresing really.
The exception is Kafer, he would be fantastic to have as a regular commentator.
WheresTheBloodySideline said | August 26th 2008 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Good commentator though he is, I wish Kafer was coaching the Brumbies.
Mark said | August 26th 2008 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Maybe it’s the lack of competition but I’ve enjoyed kearns the most. He’s the only one who questioned the sending off in the first Bledisloe as he thought there was nothing in it. When asked about scrums if he can tell what’s going on he says so, if he can’t he says so, so less guessing from him. Combine that with the odd wry comment, he puts the oters to shame.
As for the player, at the time him & Fitzy were probablyin the top 3 ranked hookers for most of the time they played, so he was an excellent player & worth teh accolades he’s received.
mudskipper said | August 26th 2008 @ 10:58am | Report comment
WheresTheBloodySideline…I’m with you on that, I wish Kafer was coaching the Brumbies as well… We will see what Andy Friend has got next season…
Hugh said | August 26th 2008 @ 1:56pm | Report comment
I actually thought the SA Commentators on the 7 feed (Garth Wright and Someone else) weren’t too bad. Usually SA Commentary makes me want to vomit.
The fox team is crap - the knowledge is limited and the gags are woeful. I don’t need someone telling me who’s got the ball, I’m actually watching the game myself. Kafer’s insight is great.
The ABC team is great - but probably not exciting enough for commercial TV.
I for one quite like Mexted/TJ/Nisbett - yes they’re one sided but you kind of expect that from them.
stillmissit said | August 26th 2008 @ 6:20pm | Report comment
Guys are any of you feeling like me? I can’t get excited about the Wallabies the way I did when McQueen took over. The future is looking a bit shabby to me and I cant get my head around a win or a loss and I usually do alright in that dept.
What am I missing what is the magic ingredient that leaves me feeling underwhelmed by these efforts even though I know how hard won they are. I am just not convinced about our performances.
Chris Ash, syd Aust said | August 26th 2008 @ 6:35pm | Report comment
mmm i know what you mean stillmissit… was a bit of sorta shabby performance on sat with a few moments of brilliance. But you gotta admit our defense was superb in the opening half… rock solid defense defiantly lifts the team so to speak.
not sure about the Brisbane test though - they will need to lift their game if they want to win that. Hopefully Robbie has a trick up his sleeve too.
Peter K said | August 26th 2008 @ 6:47pm | Report comment
stillmissit - I feel the same. From memory under McQueen we had a poor start but then we had a dramatic improvement, in culture, personnel, results, execution and skill level.
I also felt we were revolutionising the world, a new style of recycling ball was brought in.
Under Deans we have all the above except no startling revolution of style and only a marginal improvement in execution.
With McQueen I remember we beat the Boks at home and NZ at home when both were pretty strong.
If we beat NZ at home or the Boks were not a rabbleI would be more carried away.
Or maybe its because we are 12 years older and more jaded.
Mart said | August 26th 2008 @ 7:01pm | Report comment
Hang on guys….not so long ago Eddie was losing 7 or so in a row, much the same personnel. Now Robbie the Seal is doing the opposite. As Kimmy say “what’s not to like ?”. I agree I’m not excited but at least the Qantas’s are winning….
stillmissit said | August 26th 2008 @ 7:08pm | Report comment
Mart you are right and that’s what is strange about this. We had all been hanging out for a win and we have had several, some gutsy ones as well. Jones is just black history and we are performing in the TN’s - - - - Then why am I feeling a little less than hopping and jumping?
Don’t know what it is maybe PeterK is right and I am just 12 years older!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LeftArmSpinner said | August 26th 2008 @ 7:26pm | Report comment
stillmissit and Peter K, you are very hard to please. what do you want? sweeping backline movement upon sweeping backline movement from crystal clear quick ball. Rare, due to the calibre of the opposition and the professional efforts of the defence.
If that’s what you want, go back to school boy rugby, or mismatched grade games. These guys are giving the crowd and spectator a thrilling contest with massive physical confrontation. cant ask for more than that. Deans has improved the skill level, but most importantly, the belief required to win the big matches.
Make no mistake, this team/squad is going places in a way that previous teams since the end of the McQueen era did not. Just watch as they get better at scrum and learn to use the ELVs better. They need some more props, we know that, but there is real menace in the pack, depth in the hooker and backrow, and speed in the backs with plenty of depth there too!!!!
Dublin Dave said | August 26th 2008 @ 8:31pm | Report comment
Spiro,
Interesting that you should misquote John Wilkes Booth in your report, because the Latin slogan that he allegedly shouted after shooting Abraham Lincoln is much more relevant in the context of this match than the one you incorrectly attributed to him.
Booth is reported to have proclaimed “Sic semper tyrannis” after his dastardly deed, not “Sic transit Gloria mundi”, which comes in fact from the coronation rite of the Pope!!!
Sic semper tyrannis means literally “Thus always to tyrants” although looser translations include “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword”, or “You reap what you sow”, or even (as in this case) “Mess with us and we’ll blow your head off”.
It would appear, from your own report and others that Australia v South Africa was not a match to bring the fans back in droves, that Australia played an astute rather than a flamboyant game