Roar Rookie
Joined November 2009
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[caption id="attachment_25021" width="300" caption="England\'s Mathew Tait, left, and Jonny Wilkinson. AP Photo/Matt Dunham"][/caption] Many may remember the Rugby World Cup 2003 for many different…
The Wallabies should look to their forwards for this weekend's clash at Twickenham otherwise they could face a backlash similar to their 26-16 defeat…
Yes, yes Greg Inglis has been childish and selfish. We have all heard the banter surrounding his claims earlier in the week. However, the…
The Springboks should be the favourites to retain their Tri-Nations crown this year. Their defence begins at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. All…
Melbourne joining the Super 15 next year should not be taken lightly by the ARU. If foreign players are going to join the side,…
[caption id="attachment_17305" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Rodney So\'oialo for the Hurricanes in action during the super 14s Western Force v Hurricanes match at Subiaco Oval in…
Robbie Deans received the full backing of John O’Neill earlier this week, which is a decision that should be supported fully by Wallaby supporters.…
The Irish have been calling for it for years. The Argentineans call him Ronan No Ganar, which translates simply as "Ronan doesn’t win." In…
[caption id="attachment_25021" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="England\'s Mathew Tait, left, and Jonny Wilkinson react on the podium after the Rugby World Cup final match between England…
The Bulldogs might have inexperienced halves but their forwards should be able to set up a platform for them to win the big matches.
I like the look of their front-row. Their depth is also very impressive.
Don't be mistaken, Bulldogs are real deal
They’ve got better depth this year than in 2010. I think they really need their backs to stand up and they have over the last few rounds. Isreal Dagg’s a great acquisition at fullback. It’s hard to see anyone knocking them off in Christchurch if they finish first.
Crusaders are Super favourites already
Haha, it was completely unexpected pothale. It wasn’t set defence at all. I think that’s what makes it amusing and it did prove to be the difference between those two sides that day (Ireland won 17-12). I’m bad at detecting sarcasm 🙁
In all honesty I think very highly of O’Gara but believe the Irish backs might get better ball with a more expansive fly-half. They really do have one of the most underrated backlines in the world.
Thanks for all the comments again guys. I always enjoy a bit of intelligent rugby banter.
Sexton given the vote of confidence
Hmmm… This is a morale-boosting win, but I believe this is a match they couldn’t afford to lose.
It would’ve created similar or more humiliation than the Australia A loss to the Ospreys in 2006 (24-16 at Liberty Stadium).
The Blues outfit had a pretty decent line-up though facing the likes of Toomua, Chapman, Mumm and co.
The win most certainly should bring in more players to the International fore, hopefullly we can see more of Dean Mumm, Luke Morahan and James O’Connor. It’s time to freshen the Wallabies up!
Wallabies seal morale-boosting Cardiff victory
I never said Australia aren’t poor and regardless, can you really say that England’s last two performances were really appealing to watch?
A cure for insomnia? Watch England play
Thanks for all the comments guys. This was my first article here and I’m thrilled to see some discussion already.
VC brings up a very good point about Argentina; did anyone watch the France Vs Argentina test at the Veledrome last year? France 12 def. Argentina 6. I think Argentina are subject to mass conservatism in their play; Juan Martin Hernandez is a drop goal merchant. They seem to rely on powerful (and very aggressive) forward play and kicking. Obviously Hernandez didn’t play on the weekend, but without him I felt that Argentina looked lost in scoring points from the boot.
England have a similar tactic, although over the years this has deteriorated into dour rugby with little to no parity at all. I feel that they are so poor at the moment and lack structure which leads to them being an awful side unlike the ‘boring’ England team of 2003 who were still able to control possession and territory with strong discipline.
A cure for insomnia? Watch England play
Great read. Can’t say I agree though, Mel.
He’s a very gifted player and definitely creates great opportunities for his teammates but I don’t think he’s a five-eighth; he played there in 2009 and was quite average. It’s also an idea that has been tried before with Greg Inglis and to an extent Mark Gasnier i.e. getting a powerful, ball-running back and playing him closer to the action so he gets the ball more.
In hindsight it’s a great idea but in practice it isn’t always because it means he’ll have less time and space to attack. He’s better at fullback because it gives him the space to play off his play-makers (which the Eels have sorely lacked for a decade or so now- they badly need a halfback) who can create the space for him and give him the time he needs to attack. It also means he’ll be targeted more (keep in mind Greg Inglis got absolutely smashed when he started out at five-eighth). If anything, he really needs an adjustment in attitude because it seems as though he struggles to play consistently well.
Hayne's brilliance being restricted at fullback