Armchair-critic's Contributions

We will have to agree to disagree. It's not about whether people in NZ cared or not, the fact is those players were given an opportunity and the fact that they are now the nucleus of the ABs suggests to me that it was a good decision. And how could you say Nonu wouldn't be picked when he was first selected in 03? Correct me if I'm wrong but it was Henry who left him out in 07 in favour of McAlister and Mauger - 2 very similar players - and we all know how much of a success that was.

Semi defeat best thing for Wallabies

21 Oct 2011

They weren't tearing up Super Rugby at all. Genia was behind Valentine at the Reds when he was picked in 09, Cooper and O'Connor only started playing well on the 09 spring tour and took that confidence back to their franchises. Beale was being made to look average playing flyhalf at the tahs until he was shifted to fullback on that same 09 tour. A lot of people questioned the decision to promote Pocock above George Smith as well but that has proven to be the right decision. So while I do agree that they have talent to burn and would eventually have become star wallabies I think it needs to be recognised that at the time these were quite ballsy decisions.

Semi defeat best thing for Wallabies

21 Oct 2011

The "mess" you talk about has formed the nucleus of the ABs side that will win on Sunday. Think Mealamu, Thorn, Williams, McCaw, Carter, Nonu, Muliaina. That's essentially the leadership group right there. They were ALL introduced by Mitchell and Deans in 03 in much the same manner that the young wallabies have been brought in under Deans this time around. I am of the belief that the likes of Horwill, Pocock, Genia, Cooper, O'Connor, Beale will go on to be dominant over the next 5 years in the same way the listed ABs players have. Despite your clear prejudice OJ, you cannot hide from these facts.

Semi defeat best thing for Wallabies

21 Oct 2011