Ummm, given Maori are made up of multiple Iwi (tribes) all with their own haka (even the Black Power gang have their own haka for Petes sake) who would they have got ‘poermission’ of. Far as I was aware NZRU, AllBlacks, or any Iwi don’t have a copyright on the haka. If so all those schoolboy teams doing their school haka better start saving up for the lawsuit.

Can you advise if this is fact or opinion, if fact can you validate it please.

Cheers
mark

Actually, it could be various things – such as a lack of professionalism, the player not working hard enough etc etc.

The players who do succeed up north on the ones who adapt to the culture, work hard and obviously the right skill levels. McAlister was seen as a bit of a playboy be some people. Perhaps that’s what happened here?

It’s possible that he burned out early. It’s possible that successive injuries have taken his toll and lowered his potential so he’ll never be as good as he could have (actually I think that’s quite likely). It’s also possible he never had the potential some people thought he had. But if he did have the potential, but didn’t reach it at Sale, then I’d be more inclined to point the finger at the Sale coaching staff as substandard (and please don’t extrapolate that remark into “all NH rugby is bad”).

At least some of these possibilities should become clear by the end of next year’s S14, that was my point.

“it’s as stupid as saying he’s lost some skills because he’s been ‘up north.’”

I didn’t say that, you inferred it. I know you see a lot of SH arrogance here but you don’t have to be completely defensive all the time!

I think you are probably right, but I just wanted to dispel the notion that because he’s not playing well is because of ‘weak’ competition up north.

The effect on the North on him is……….

Look, I could easily say because despite having talent he never reached near his potential for Sale that Southern rugby is overrated. It’s obviously not the case as it’s as stupid as saying he’s lost some skills because he’s been ‘up north.’

The players were the ones selected as the second stringers. Henry was always gonna give them a run against the BaaBaa’s just like he did last year against Scotland and against Munster.

The fact that some of them didn’t perform up to standard has absolutely nothing to do with that.

I’m not trying to ‘pick an argument’, I’m just interested where these articles are. I haven’t seen them you see.

“Also you may want to go back and read the archives here at the roar and also use that wonderful thing called google and search reviews”

Again, I haven’t seen them, that’s why I was hoping that you could provide me with these examples. Is it too much to ask?

“As for the professionals I’m certainly taking their opinions a hell of a lot more seriously than some faceless blogger.”

That’s another interesting one. I tend to read rugby match reports to see what their take on a game was, such as the tactical nuances, not whether they thought the game was good or bad.

As for the professionals I’m certainly taking their opinions a hell of a lot more seriously than some faceless blogger.

You have your opinion and I have mine lets leave it at that.

Also you may want to go back and read the archives here at the roar and also use that wonderful thing called google and search reviews

Have you got any examples of this?

Just as a point in reference

“So I think I’m more inclined to go with the professionals.”

So you think a good rugby game is judged by the press, not your own personal taste?

Delaney was the substitute 10.

For me, although they played the best rugby by any side on the tour, it wasn’t a contest and therefore, as a neutral, it took the tension out of it.

The Scotland v Argentina match was the dourest.

The Ireland v Fiji match was the wettest and coldest. I can personally testify to that.

Whilst I rhapsodised about Nz v France – it ended up being very lopsided by the second half.

England v N Zealand had its moments, given the ABs only scored one try.

Australia v Wales was boring – for non-Oz fans – after you realised that Wales hadn’t turned up.

Ireland v Australia was entertaining, and had the biggest kick in the stomach ending with BOD’s try – you knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when – and I’m sure it still hurt.

France v Boks was the best clash by far in terms of mixing it up in a game of rugby.

I agree 100%, i am a south african and it was killing me every time i heard that the ‘world champion and tri nations champions springboks’ had lost to leciester and saracens!! they should give other names to these teams as they are not the first teams…

What frustrated the hell out of me though was the Abs ‘run from everywhere’ approach, OK you’re playing the Babas (can we call them lambykins instead ?) but THEY were kicking for territory, what the heck were Cruden & Donald thinking.

Great way to finsih the year & proof that the barbarians aren’t over yet.

Other than the joke about us almost losing to Munster last year, the point of my post was that Henry would have sent out that same side if they’d been playing Scotland. Look at the team that played Scotland last year, it was full of second stringers and debutants.

Donald is ordinary. If he plays again, I will be surprised. Surely this young bloke everyone is talking about, Crudin, can do a better job, even as a youngster. Maybe watch out for him next year. Who does he play for in Super 14? Anyone yet? on a different topic, I have noticed that NZ bring their youngsters through a lot slower than Aus. Nothing wrong, in fact it always works a lot better than our system. To all those who say we have to play them young as we have noone else, I disagree, I think Aus gets caught up in the second coming tags given out by media and throws the youngster in at the deep end.

He might be struggling, but McAlister’s running lines are the best of any centre I have seen. Man he can pick a line, and just run a hole so easily. It looks fantastic to see him break the line clean like he did in that game, and also another one that stands out in my mind is against France at the last world cup. Great runs. I think the problem is he is shuffled around so much, it is hard for him to settle into what his role is. I also don’t know how much above his weight he is punching, in knocking Elsom out into touch, as I imagine they would be very similar weight brackets.

What do you think was the best match on the tour?

Personally, although I thought the game on Saturday was a great game, I think the France-South Africa match was the best.