Tuqiri has problems in his mind. Last saturday, with just the diminutive Gordon 15, Dave Harvey, to beat, he failed. Didnt even get close. Its all a bit sad really.

Why Horan has that opinion I dont know. He was a great player and I a very good “expert” commentator on the game. maybe he is reflecting his own issues with his lack of height compared to Lote. I’m just guessing. But Mitchell can get to the try line, as can AAC, as can Hynes and as can Ioane and Turner. Lote wont back himself to finish a try with pace and determination.

frankly, take his inability to remove the weaknesses from his game that have been evident for at least 4 seasons, specifically:,

Cross field running,
not backing himself on the outside of an opponent,
not drawing and passing,
not developing kicking skills,
not becoming able to play in other positions (such as Fullback and 13)
frequent failure to recycle the ball

These are serious weaknesses that were hidden by a big salary and reputation, but compounded by timid coaches. Compare his body shape to when he first arrived in Rugby. He is completely muscle bound, over muscled, even compared to a backrower.

Finally, just like any person, particularly Roarers, I am more than capable and allowed to provide my opinion on matters rugby and yes, sometimes, I am right when the so called experts are wrong. Being a Wallaby doesn’t qualify you for anything other than to pull the jersey on and get a bait to Wallabies reunions. Would I like to have been a Wallaby? Damn right. Never got close, even in the days when non tackling fullbacks like me were acceptable!!

I’m stilll not sure what your question is. On another thread, Horan proposed Tuqiri on the basis of his size. This ignores the skills, particularly speed, catching and kicking that are required for the back three.

Tuqiri seems to know the problem because for several seasons, he has baulked at taking on his opposite winger in a footrace.

YOU ignore my question about choosing Lote over Drew Mitchell and then (you didn’t read it, eH?) you compare Lote’s size to Turner and AAC ! Sheesh……………………AAC is fullback.

On that point…………..Pity you didn’t see Lote next to Lachy and AAC on your morning visit. Drew, as you know, looks like a boy against him

I ask again………..Is there anything positive that Lote’s got that allows you to understand why Tim Horan chose to come out in his favour. ????(a rare thing)

The molded soles are rubbery and dont sharpen like the old nylon ones.

Mick GC: Burgess is from good stock, great sportsmen and great people. No surprises there. Its the white line that determines which you get. And that’s the way it should be. competitive on the field, unassuming off it.

WNM, with you again. The blend is great and infectious on both groups.

Brett, one of the great moments in sport, “Mr Morrison.” It is the depth of the stud/cleat that is the problem.

Jim B, I saw none of the state orientation you mention. But I most liked Mortock’s effort.

Re the modern moulded soles, Campbell, if you check out the latest models, a lot seem to have learned the mistake of uni-directional cleats, and are now going for cleats in all direction. Without wanting to sound like a sales rep, if you look at the new Asics boots in particular (which are worn by plenty across the four codes), the cleat direction is such that it looks like it would be near impossible to lose traction.

That said, the modern moulded cleats are nowhere near as long (deep) as they used to be, and that combined with lush (sometimes damp) surfaces, it’s little wonder guys end up on their arse.

The way you describe the young Wallabies that “bounded out, more like lambs exiting the stable in Springtime” reminded me of watching Brett Lee similarly capering around some of the more dour, experienced members of the team. It was great to watch – his enthusiasm was infectuous and the experienced guys I think kept him grounded a little when needed.

That’s why I like the vibe of the Wallabies at the moment – a nice mix of some experienced level heads and some jumping-out-of-their-skins younger guys…

I’m hoping that when news breaks of the nocturnal activities that 4 particular aussie rugby players have been up to we find that it just some “jolly japes” (as the french say ) and nothing too serious.

On Burgess – saw him interviewed on Fox Sports last night and was impressed by his easy and apparently unpretentious nature, ready smile, preparedness to study further for his post game future, grateful acceptance of his opportunities however limited, positive outlook and the like. An impressive and mature young man. Did not say “awesome” or “amazing” once – rare maturity.

He does remind me of a latter day Nick Farr with his oversize and some aspects of his play – short kick, defence, involvement. He certainly has more long term useful ability, I think, than the other contenders – just wish he’d stick with his occassional dive pass more often and get rid of the Greganish “I think I’ll just stand here and study the texture of the ball for a while” at the breakdown.

On sprigs – I too have noticed, in Union and League, the incidence of “wheel spins”. I think it is definitely inattention to what used to be an important piece of kit. Don’t know why forwards don’t still wear high boots.

Just my obsevation – anyone agree?

The moulded boots are a lot more comfortable by the way, but I have maybe 1 in 5 in my U10s team who wear metal studs. maybe they do it to be tough! One is a half back too!

I would polish my cutdown Adidas boots with either white or lime green stripes, remove and tighten the studs each week, wash and dry the white laces and finally apply leather reconditioner to the leather uppers.

The feeling of putting those shining boots on made my feet and legs feel lighter and that much more powerful.

Then, I get the brown shoe polish out, polish the “Goalfinder” leather footy and then put the reconditioner on it too. The wonderful non slip surface created probably lasted about 5 minutes into a game. But it was always my footy that everyone wanted to play with and when kicking for touch, I always felt that much more confident.

It was only a few years later when I was buying my own footballs, that I lashed out on one of the Adidas Footballs, white with black cone on each end, and a sort of felt/slightly furry feel. The prince of footies.

I agree that Tuqiri has taken his demotion well, as in relatively in silence. But, the question is whether he can do the hard yards to get back. I am unconvinced. But I will be watching the ABC tomorrow at 3pm for the match of day, Wests Pirates V Gordon at Concord. Gordon have some speedsters.

Horan is saying that the Wallabies need Tuqiri as tall, big timber at the back come Bledisloe and 3N. Hmm, while I can see the logic, and rate Horan as a player and commentator, Turner is not small and nor is AAC. Finishers are much more important.

Like Beale, neither Tuqiri or Beale had ever suffered a demotion. I think that when it finally came, and it comes to all sportsmen, at least once, (the only exception in more recent times being Gilchrist) would make it that much harder to cop.

Sheek, No doubt there is a bit of star gazing and celebrity watching going on, but not obtrusively. I successfully fought the temptation to give Lukey Burgess a verbal hurry up by comparing his tardiness to that of his Uncle, based on my very unreliable memory.

Beautiful prose & observation of human hotshots, love it.