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Joined August 2015
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Have to agree ZG
Have flash backs to an aging John Smit, in his 100th test in Aug 2010, being slipped by Nonu to set up Dagg for a try – to draw in the 79th minute. The signs were already there that the slowing champion aged 32, should step aside but de Villiers and Co kept him for another year for the 2011 World Cup. Quite a likeable colossus but sad to see him persevere longer than necessary.
The end of an era for the All Blacks
Australian Rugby Union has been slowing down the trickle into the ITM Cup. Blocked Tom Staniforth from the Brumbies so as to bolster the standards in their domestic National Rugby Championship (who dreams up these ‘classic’ titles)
Wallabies must improve: Cheika
Was there something like 25,000 waiting at the Park for them to show up? Amazing!
Fans flock to welcome All Blacks home
Very difficult to dispute that at all….nice work. Sensible contributions.
DIY Player Ratings: Rugby World Cup final - the results
The Wagtown Express mentioned a statement along the lines of – McCaw was feeling the ill-effects of being stomped on the head and could only answer the interviewer questions.
Wallabies must improve: Cheika
There’s not much else left to achieve other than the triple crown, perhaps longest winning sequence – that would be nice
For the All Blacks, life goes on
AD – the Aus run-out team for the final were heavier than the ABs – ever so slightly
Australia World Cup final 15
Avg age – 28.6 average height 187.6m pack weight 918kg team total 1567kgs
All Blacks World Cup final 15
average age 28.8 average height 187.6m pack weight 891kg team total -1561kgs
Wallabies must improve: Cheika
New Zealand Rugby Union (2014) revenue A$111 million (NZ$120 million), operating profit $375,000 (down from $2.5mil the previous year), cash reserves $62 million. Three quarters of income is from commercial contracts including broadcast and sponsorship deals.
Australia Rugby Union (2014) revenue A$100 million (NZ$108 million), operating loss A$6 million (NZ$6.5 million), cash reserves -unsure. Expected revenue for 2015 A$75 million.
Over the same period Australia’s National Rugby League posted an operating surplus of A$49 million, and AFL created an A$316 million surplus.
Meanwhile, objectives for the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2016 are two Olympic medals in Rio, sound financial heath, the game is well led and delivered for fans, players and commercial partners, rugby is the sport of choice in wider Auckland, rugby is the sport of choice for teenagers under the Community Rugby Plan, the All Blacks to win the Steinlager Series against Wales, win the Rugby Championship, and retain the Bledisloe Cup.
The World Cup that was already won: How New Zealand are building a legacy
Hansen had done well in having a good selection waiting in the wings. Some have already been introduced into the culture – which means bringing something to add to the jersey. That in itself will be of great interest in the next year or two. Potential players have been instructed on which skill sets to work on etc, so I’m expecting good things.
Reminds me of when Nonu was in the AB squad in his early days and was asked why he didnt kick. He replied that he had never been coached to kick. Two years later Nonu had a kicking game in his kit. Not an entirely a good one at the time but it sure improved.
34% of the 2011 World Cup winners played in the final of the 2015 WC, and observing how Hansen builds combinations, I believe the transition to the new squad for 2016 will be rather seamless.
The end of an era for the All Blacks
Tis a strange one B.
Often watch the Boks play other teams and think they’re not playing well at all – this will be a cake walk for the ABs.
But every time…..every time damn it, when the Boks play the ABs – it is a titanic battle with micro-thrillers scripts littering the playing ground.
Bizarre, but the Boks have made me realise that I have sweat glands in parts of my anatomy that shouldn’t.
Australia's quest for number one status begins
Have to wonder what was behind the comment from Eddie Jones – “Wallabies star Israel Folau ‘ordinary’, but must start RWC final”
Wallabies must improve: Cheika
Hey Republican. Australia Rugby would be benefit from pouring more funds into grass roots rugby, rather than into top-end ‘super-stars’ who have limited skill sets. But only if genuine in wanting to improve.
Why would NZ want to prop up the Australian Rugby Union when Aus chooses to spend its funds elsewhere. Glitzy signings cost big bucks but are a flash-in-the-pan. Both Aus and NZ rugby unions have similar budgets, but NZ channels more funds into grassroots as it pays off as an investment.
BTW – Aussies have been playing in the NPC for years. But for having some sort of automatic entry to the competition for Australians. Now why would they get a privileged ride into the fold, over and above other nations clambering for a spot?
Was wondering from where did you glean your opinion as in 2000 NSW Super 12 prop Simon Kerr was playing for the Southern Stags, Ben Darwin from ACT playing for Counties-Manukau, while Rod Moore from Brumbies was in the Waikato.
This year Canterbury have imported Aussies Ben Matwijow and Rowland-Keni Kotobalavu after English lock Matt Symons returned to London.
Perhaps you could have a gander at French and English rugby and see what happens to National teams when the club game is dominated by imported players. New Zealand has always taken an intelligent approach to their domestic competition which could be missed on some people.
A suggestion would be – is to do like every other rugby player wanting to improve and join NZ Club Rugby. Yes, its not as glamorous, no TV coverage so you watch yourself later on endless replays, can have second rate grounds at times, and changing facilities may not be heated. But oddly, while the NZ club scene is peppered with Irish, English, and Scottish accents on a working visa – there are very very few Aussies. Why is that? Is it beneath Australians to start at the bottom like every one else?
So with the increase of playing Australia in test matches over the years, supporting the inclusion of five Aus teams in Super Rugby, numerous rugby exchange programmes, a significant exchange of rugby knowledge – it is difficult to see what more New Zealand can do with helping Australian Rugby get out of bed in the morning.
FYI, South Africa (Springboks) rates as New Zealand greatest rugby adversary – not Australia
Wallabies must improve: Cheika
Hansen has built up a squad of about 40 players that have played test rugby which is quite a feat, while maintaining an excellent win/lose ratio – part of the risk/reward cycle. 41 players were named prior to the Rugby Championship and everyone got time playing a test through the championship, which is quite remarkable as the ABs only lost one match.
So there’s some significant talent and experience waiting in the wings.
Cant wait to see Limo Sopoaga in the squad.
All Blacks the first undisputed world champions in rugby history
Also the free flowing game is the objective for World Rugby. Makes for a better package in engaging ‘hearts and minds’ in Asia, USA etc to increase revenue streams with bums on seats and tv audiences. The bash ’em up the middle’ and tussle for the ball among fallen players is rather dated. Time to move on. Pitches are better, stadiums becoming more weather resistant – its the only way to go as top level referees are encouraging it as well.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Totally agree OJ. Out of the semi-finalists – the ABs never looked liked losing any of their previous matches – regardless of ‘how close’ etc. At any stage they appeared as if they could put their foot down and gas it. The ABS style of play was light years ahead of their opponents after the pool matches.
All Blacks the first undisputed world champions in rugby history
Excellent Homer. Very astute.
The exact points you raised made the final a very relaxing and enjoyable game.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Following the two games between Aus and ABs during the Rugby Championship it was apparent how Cheika was setting up his squad as a dummy run for the WC pool matches. While there was weeping and gnashing of teeth (and gloating) on this site after Eden Park, I posted here how he was likely to play two teams to exit Pool A and enter the quarter-finals. Which Cheika did as anticipated, so how could it be the pool of death. According to his supporters Cheika was the master coach prior to the WC tournament, having won the Rugby Championship so whats the difficulty.
Like I said – pool of death is a media beat-up that helps to generate the thought of magnificent achievement. More so than the reality. Its the difference at viewing situations. A positive coach would correctly name Pool A as Splash Palace. But pool of death has more carry and will enter folklore, like the mythical McCaw/Pocock tussle.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Hansen and Co called it the puddle of opportunity. Guess that’s a difference in coaching.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Sure its fabulous.
A talented Aus squad of 31 players were always going through to the quarter-finals. That was never in question unless you do not have faith in Cheika’s coaching ability. The reality was – come game time, Aus opponents were less than able. Therefore the pool of death is a myth, due to the fact Aus were expected to overcome, especially as their opponents were pale shadows of their former selves.
You are aware that Cheika’s hand was on the tiller when Aus dropped down to 6th so just wanted to provide a reality check. That’s all.
Cheika is welcome to the award as World Rugby pointed out – it has a domestic application and for winning a club title in both hemispheres, which has never been done previously.
Looking forward to his future direction.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Nice work Highlander.
Have said it till I’m blue in the face. Aus and ABs play two different styles of rugby, and as stats – turnovers count for little – its what you do with the ball, or not with the ball (whatever the case may be). No wonder Hansen and Co had a relaxed tournament as his opposition focused entirely on where the game is not. An excellent coach Hansen. No doubt other international coaches will be examining his kit, and Super coaches making notes from the tournament.
But this method will continue while Aus commentators/media keep doling out the same dribble accompanied by pie-charts.
SPIRO: Can Cheika defeat the Rugby World Cup runners-up curse?
Damn good players in SA….almost keep me awake at night pre-game, but knowing Meyer is at the helm makes sleep very contented.
Amidst a tsunami of criticism, Heyneke is unlikely to survive
Also during the semi final against Argentina, Pocock deliberately with malice ran at several players and used his eyes to brutally tackle his opponent. The evidence was quite clear at the post match conference. Surprised he wasnt cited for vicious behaviour
Was David Pocock's boot to Richie McCaw's head accidental or deliberate?
Agree D24 – the Wales Steinlager Series will be an excellent platform to introduce new combinations and rebuild the squad over three games. So opportune. If it was SA first up – I wouldnt feel so good.
The All Blacks, deserved World Cup winners