- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Roar Rookie
Joined September 2017
0
Views
0
Published
63
Comments
Published
Comments
I agree with you Buckman. To add, I watched a replay last night, volume off and took particular interest in a couple of things. Up until about minute 60, every Irish kick landed within 30 metres of the kicker, enabling the defensive line to snuff out any opportunity for a pass (and counter-attack) into space by an All Black = clever. This reduced the game into a series of short arm punching contests, much like a fighter getting inside the guard of his more expansive and flexible opponent. But to your point about favouritism… we’re wasting our time, it exists only in the fans mind! As you correctly suggest (and Schmidt hinted at), the Irish played the game of their lives and were visibly shattered at the end of the game. The loss (from an AB supporters view) is really good for the team and coaching staff, just as a win for the Irish has now fueled genuine interest in next years Cup. On a side note, if the Wallabies and Springboks win this weekend, does that not throw all conjectures into further disarray. I hope it happens!
The biter bit: Ireland wrong-foot the All Blacks in Dublin
I watched the AB game last night on replay. I didn’t recognise half of the team and couldn’t name many of the replacement forwards. I bring this up only to articulate the difference between Wallaby selection and rotation policy and that of NZ. Others have pointed out the lack of game time given to (in particular) your halves so it would be pointless to drag that out but there is, at least to this observer, an odd imbalance to this Australian team. From coach right through to #23 on squad day, there are individuals incapable of fulfilling their duties because of size, technique and temperament. I wonder how many young players watch Chieka and think to themselves “I would love to work under that coach”? Here’s hoping everyone has a good rest and holiday before the next season.
The Wrap: Wallabies humiliation needs a reaction, not overreaction
Yes, a massive few weeks coming up. With so many challenges on so many fronts (Matildas, FFA Cup, Socceroos, A-League) I hope that people are realistic with expectations! In any case, we are starting to see the wide appeal that football can offer. Personally, the Socceroos result in the first leg is the most important one – and one that is hardest to pick. On paper we should win, but on the field….. I am nervous already!
October looms as critical juncture for Australian football
An international season is imminent. Is there any reason to suspect that an international domestic competition will also appear? Probably. The travel route for teams (let’s presume that the number of 2018 SR teams remain through the next broadcast deal) is the question and maybe this route involves Africa? Perhaps the current involvement of two SA teams in Europe offers a glimpse into the future of Super Rugby?
The Wrap: Is Super Rugby dead? Don’t bet on it just yet
Absolutely correct Ralph. Unless rules are changed, I don’t see how the balance of a team can tip too far in favour of size. We have to acknowledge that every player is now bigger compared to, say, twenty years ago, and this lends weight to the argument for larger players. But… the object of the game is to move the ball into a space that works to your advantage, whether that advantage be a lineout, scrum or broken field play etc. Size may lead to gain line advantage, but skill is a far more valuable asset.
Has running rugby had its day?