Meaningless friendly ODI and T20 Internationals must stop
Name a one-day or Twenty20 International you can honestly recall in any level of detail that was outside of an official ICC World Cup…
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Ian aims to provide his own unique perspective. This comes from a lifelong passion covering many and varied sporting activities world-wide concerning balls of all shapes and sizes to those involving pure individual achievement and effort, together with the enjoyment that comes with observing the sporting characters that make this all the more fun. He has attended many major international events including World Cups in Cricket, Soccer/Football and Rugby Union but nothing was better than the two biggies at Sydney's Olympic Stadium. For him witnessing Cathy Freeman's 400m final at Sydney 2000 was right up there for its sheer exhilaration, passion and excitement. But nothing quite beats the experience of watching John Aloisi sink that penalty against the hapless Uruguayans to get the Socceroos through to Germany 32 years after their first appearance in the World Cup in 1974.
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Thanks Suzy for pointing this out, although AB’s did not only play this way and mixed it up, which the Brumbies don’t seem to do from my observation.
We probably need some Fox sports stats to prove what actually happened tactically.
The Wallabies haven’t had a decent pack that can consistently win the ball up front or a tactical kicker – essential to win at this level – since McQueen.
For the life of me I don’t understand why it’s taken so long to get the pack right, both in loose and tight play.
All of the top tier international team seems to worry the Wallabies in this area.
Dwyer recognised this and fixed it win RWC91.
Plus Australia can’t find a half decent number ten.
Until then the Wallabies will serve up more of the same.
As for the coaching views expressed on the site, it comes with the territory. Everyone has a view that nedds to be heard no matter their level of experience at this level either playing or coaching.
Cheers
Ian
The All Blacks notch ton against Wallabies, more wins to come
Biltongbek
I can only really accept what you say not having first hand knowledge of SA Rugby on the ground.
All I see is a Rugby style stuck in the past most of the time.
Jake White got the Brumbies playing SAfrican percentage style football, but he came unstuck against the benchmark in world rugby – NZ style football
SAfrican Rugby needs to adapt.
With all that raw talent at its disposal it should be beating the AB’s more often
Good luck for the rest of the Rugby Championship
Cheers
Ian
The All Blacks notch ton against Wallabies, more wins to come
Biltongbek
The collective mindset you talk about has not influenced the Proteas who are ranked number 1 and have been in th top 2 or 3 cricket test nations since readmission.
The issue with Bok rugby may be its inability to adapt from its traditional 10 man style with by a half back and flyhalf who both choose to kick most of the time, whereas the Kiwis play effective 15 man total football.
Nevertheless the Boks were awesome against the hapless Pumas on Saturday.
Cheers
Ian
The All Blacks notch ton against Wallabies, more wins to come
Hi Brendan
Wallabies v Springboks
I agree that honours between Australia and South Africa are about even in the post isolation era, although in more recent times Deans’ teams have had the edge over the Boks winning 7 wins from the last 9. This may be the reason for the perception that the Wallabies are dominant. But I am sure that will ebb and flow over time.
What has been good for Australian Rugby is that it has earned respectability from South Africa in post isolation times, although they and the Kiwis still probably feel that the high point in Rugby is play a test against their traditionally most respected rivals.
Australia’ record against NZ is sorry reading from an n Australian perspective – 27% win: loss record. Won 41 and lost 100.
Most Bledisloe titles won: New Zealand – 40 (including 1931) and Australia – 12 Longest time held by Australia: 5 years (1998–2002) (5 Titles). Longest time held by New Zealand: 28 years (1951–1978) (12 Titles)
Series wins v NZ have been few and far between since between the first test in 1903 and 1984 Grand Slam tour. – 1922 (against NZ XV not sure if AB’s) , 1929, 1949, 1980.After that it was a wee better for a while until the current VZ winning run: 1986, 1991,1992,1998,2001.
Springboks v All Blacks
Played AB Wins AB win % Bok wins Bok win %
1921-1981 37 15 41% 20 54%
1992-2012 48 33 69% 14 29%
Overall 85 48 56% 34 40%
The trend is similar for South Africa before vs after readmission, when it dominated both opponents.
Another interesting fact that the only away series by either side up to 1981 was the Springbok win in NZ in 1937.
Some say that South Africa’s dominance at home was curbed after neutral refereeing had been introduced when SAfrica came back into the fold. There were many questionable home town decisions that went against visiting teams to SAfrica.
Both Kiwis and Saffers often seem to not be fond of Aussies at times, which may be part of their obvious affinity for each other. A common enemy?
I do a have theory explaining this, which is not only because of their joint passion with anything rugby but also because of similarities in respective culture and mentality.
The subject of another conversation, no doubt……………………
Cheers
Ian
Don't knife McKenzie, where were the Wallabies?
I was unaware of the enmity with the welsh.
Don't knife McKenzie, where were the Wallabies?
Hi Brendan
I am not sure where you are coming from or know about this stuff but these are the stats of games between the Boks and Wallabies
Years # Aus win Bok Wins draws % Aus wins % Bok wins
1921-1971 31 7 24 0 23% 77%
1992-2012 48 26 21 1 54% 44%
All Tests 79 33 45 1 42% 57%
The Springboks dominated Australia for the first 50 years with Australia in getting its one and only test victory 2-0 against Dawie De Villiers’ team in that period. His team went onto lose 1-3 to AB’s. Not a happy tour for the Boks.
“In 1953 Australia toured South Africa for the second time and although they lost the series they were given a standing ovation after defeating South Africa 18–14 in the second Test at Newlands. Wallaby Captain John Solomon was carried off the field by two South African players. This was the first Springbok defeat for 15 years” (source: wikipedia)
Whilst Aus were easy beats in that period, when SAfrica was readmitted the game here had been invigorated with 1984 Grand Slam tour and 1991 World Cup win. Danie Craven’s famous challenge to the World Champion Wallabies to have to prove that they were the best in 1992 because SAfrica had not been allowed to play in the RWC91 well flat, when the Wallabies beat SAfrica 26-3 at Newlands.
Hope I am not being presumptuous by providing you with this info which I find interesting nonetheless.
Cheers
Ian
Don't knife McKenzie, where were the Wallabies?
To have any chance of beating this all round outstanding All Black Champion Team one has to have a world class player in each position together with adaptable game plans in a settled team.
The 1991 and 1999 Wallaby World Champion winning teams had most of that and more, whilst the current rendition of the Gold Jumpers is full of holes which is obvious from our constant debates.
Whilst the pack and lineouts seemed to have improved, we still only have one of that vital half back pairing – Will Genia.
Cooper’s enigmatic play is a luxury at Test level. He lacks the composure, reliability, tactical nouse, kicking and decision making skills required for the all important playmaker role.
Toomua seemed like a rabbit with headlights in his eyes on debut.
Its early days for him. He needs more time in the role.
There is hope as McQueen stumbled on a full back and converted him to be a wonderful match winning flyhalf – one Bernie Larkham, who will be remembered forever by me for that converted Test drop goal to win that semi v the Boks which was the first time he had ever attempted it. .
McKenzie has a huge job on his hands finding the players to fill the gaps.
Last night the Wallabies hardly extended the AB’s who one felt could’ve stepped up to another gear, but didn’t need to.
After RWC2011 they are playing with gay abandon having finally got that monkey off their backs
McKenzie won’t have the 6 year luxury that Deans was given, but he does need a wee more time to work through his options.
Don't knife McKenzie, where were the Wallabies?
Thanks for that JB
Those were some good times.
Its such a shame to see the state of the state of the game in Scotland digress so much.
Lets hope that the renaming and reconstruction of the divisions helps to push it along although the big problem is the lack of sponsorship backed with a better tv deal
Cheers
Ian
2013/14 EPL season preview: Manchester United
JB , there sure have been a rich history of successful Scottish Managers whose feats have unfortunately not been matched by the national team
I am sure you know their names and achievements well ie Stein, Busby, Graham, Shankly and Ferguson plus other big one’s I may have left out.
Check out this presentation on the issue:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/921346-sir-alex-ferguson-and-the-top-10-scottish-managers
Let’s hope that this one doesn’t let us down
,
Cheers
Ian
2013/14 EPL season preview: Manchester United
He’s having a lend of you folks
Check out his profile
http://www.theroar.com.au/author/pointy/
Ewen the link to Wallaby success
David, unlike Bill Lawry, you didn’t mention that McKenzie is a Victorian 🙂
And also remind us that he ahieved World Cup success as a player in 1991.
Both additional attributes in his favour.
One swallow does not make a summer.
So if the Wallabies happen to win tonight, Wallaby fans will need to keep it in perspective when the sun rises tomorrow morning.
We all wait with baited breath, but I do think there will be some ups and downs whilst he experiments with the combinations and settles on his 1st XV, injuries apart.
Ewen the link to Wallaby success
Australian sheep numbers are reported to be over 100 million (2nd only to China) whilst NZ are reported to be around 40 million
It depends where you are coming from, Colvin 🙂
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Suarez took down King Kenny with his antics against Evra.
He continues to tarnish the name of this famous club.
Yet the fans still laud him eg at MCG
I don’t get it
2013/14 EPL season preview: Liverpool
A huge club like ManU can’t afford a manager to be on his L Plates, which he often seems to be with some really naive Moyes’ comments and observations.
I vividly remember the 25 year hiatus between League titles which included a revolving door of managers after Matt Busby’s departure (O’Farell, Docherty, Sexton, Atkinson) with not much to show for it until the 1992/3 title, but the pain inflicted by Liverpool’s successful years and 2 bouts in the second tier of the League.
I am not sure how many younger Red Devil fans who have grown up in the Fergie era have much appreciation about that period..
I am hopeful as are you and the many other ManU fans around the world, but am very sceptical about this man’s tactical ability against experienced managers like these not to mention those from the Champions League top clubs as well as his man management of stars bigger than he has ever managed before..
It may be a little upsy downsy for a while, but like you I will be patient and give him his due.
2013/14 EPL season preview: Manchester United
The jury is out on Moyes to see if he has the tactical nouse to match it with the likes of Pellegrini (ManC) or the Special One (Chelsea)
ManU fans may soon experience an unusual feeling pretty soon – pain – if he proves not to be up to it , as I expect.
2013/14 EPL season preview: Manchester United
Whilst your optimism is refreshing, it s a little too parochial toward Queensland,, Max
Whilst the irrepressible Quade Cooper is very talented, he lacks the temprament required. We need someone with the composure and decision making required of a world class fly half to pair with Wil Genia.
It’s been a long search to find an able replacement for Bernie Larkham who you may recall was initially an experiment at Number 10, after being at fullback.
Lets see how Toomua goes.
If he cuts the mustard and builds an understanding with Genia, the half back pairing puzzle at last to be solved and The Wallabies will have gone some way toward redemption.
The other huge inconsistency remains in the set pieces
Until the tight five show better consistency, we will still experience this bumpy ride, whilst the referees continue to penalise them.
.
In Ewen we trust – why Australia can win the Rugby Championship
Nope.
It is difficult to fathom.
Much like NZRU heading up its high performance area with a test cricketer.
The fall in prominence of the Australian cricket team this past decade, which is our true national game, is no accident.
Apparently in ACT, the high performance manager preparing our young cricketers in that centre played 3rd Grade cricket.
You may want to check out a piece I wrote on this very subject
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Wal,there remain a lot of unanswered questions.
Because nothing has been disclosed doesn’t mean that there is not anything to investigate or comment on.
A lot has been done behind closed doors by those given the huge responsibilty of looking after the welfare of Rugby Union in Australia which belongs to us too – the punters who pick up the tab – I might add.
From my observations over a long period the goings on at the ARU, they just don’t seem to pass the “smell” test.
eg The AFL is now suffering big time for its own lack of transparency.
I wouldnt be so trusting after the debacle that was RWC2011.
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Johnno, the 1984 Grand Slam tour certainly was a watershed for Wallaby Rugby.
Jones can be credited with contributing to its emergence as a serious Rugby nation from 1984 with those performances.
This can be proven statistically as the turning point as its overall win loss record (1899-1983) before that tour was 1 win in 3. This has since doubled to 2 wins in 3 including a peak at a tad under 80% during McQueen’s era.
However much has been said about that 1986 Wallabies Bledisloe Cup win, but there does need to be some context put around it as NZ Rugby “was all over the shop” at the time. Whilst wanting to not appear too churlish this gave the Wallabies an advantage as AB’s were not able to properly prepare and field its best settled team throughout that series.
“In 1986 New Zealand rugby was in turmoil as an unofficial team named The Cavaliers that contained the bulk of the All Blacks players toured South Africa (and which interestingly included Robbie Deans).
On return those All Blacks who had toured with The Cavaliers were banned from selection for the first Bledisloe Test. Australia went on to win the first match by 13–12.
The ban on players was lifted for the second Test which was played on 23 August 1986 at Carisbrook. New Zealand squared the series 1–1 by winning the match 13–12. The match included controversy when Welsh referee Derek Bevan disallowed a try by Australia number eight Steve Tuynman.
The final match was played on 6 September 1986 at Eden Park. Australia beat a full strength New Zealand team 22–9 to secure their first series win on New Zealand soil” (Source: Wikipedia)
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Deans would certainly be a good candidate for the ARU High Performance Manager considering his contribution in identifying and nurturing young talent.
But then Australian Sports Adminstrators in most of the major sports seem to make an ongoing habit of getting many such key issues back to front.
In this instance one of best local candidates for the ARU Performance Coaching role – ex Wallaby Pat Howard – is trying to prepare a languishing Australian Test Team on how to bat, amongst other skills, whilst having no experience at first class cricket level never mind Test cricket level.
The outcome of this appointment is clearly shown up by recent inept batting displays of the Baggy Green batsmen.
Pat should clearly be applying his successful rugby playing and coaching knowledge at ARU instead of “managing the high performance processes” for ACB, whatever that means.
Shane Warne made this “no brainer” of an observation and was shouted down, that is if Warnie can ever be on any matter
Go figure that one out?
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Thanks for your response, Richard
Playing numbers aside, which will probably become an inconclusive argument, the intensity of a game’s popularity across the breadth and depth of the population is really the issue.
In conversations I have had with fans from obsessed and intense Union cultures (NZ, Wales or South Africa) I noticed that they found it difficult to appreciate how low key the game is in Australia, even though it was the first to win 2 World Cups.
In the Soccer/Football world, Uruguay is probably the closest that comes to NZ Rugby with a similar sized population and an absolute passion for the round ball game.
It has won 2 FIFA World Cups and many South American Championships e.g. you may have heard of their current superstars: Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Edison Cavani (Paris Saint Germaine).
The facts are that Union is not at all entrenched amongst depth and breadth of the media and population in the Australia’s Rugby major playing areas (ACT, Queensland and NSW). Places where Rugby League mostly dominates.
There is only one Australian centre amongst the other AFL dominated centres) that even comes close to the same level of intensity about football that Kiwis can identify with.
And that is in the country’s sporting capital of Melbourne which is absolutely consumed with anything to do with our indigenous game – AFL – much like Kiwis are with Union.
It supports 7 Professional AFL sides and during the recent visit of the British Lions was curiously observed by the locals whilst they went on their way to the MCG for a AFL game at the same time as the 2nd Test.
So yes, Union struggles in Australia to become a game for the masses.
It does need to work on expanding the game by creating a competitive 3rd tier like the Currie Cup and NPC, not to mention the standard in the lower levels of South African and New Zealand Rugby.
Imagine if we took the game, seriously?
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Thanks Uncle Argyle
I too enjoyed the “Damned United” movie and there are certainly some similarities between Clough/Leeds Utd and the Deans/’Bees scenarios.
The only exception to this is that the Wallabies are “pussies” compared to Billy Bremner & Co. 😉
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
It is remarkable how a country of just 3 million has successfully dominated a code for most of the 110 year plus history of International Test Rugby.
I am sure that the ARU believed that if a accomplished coach schooled in Rugby’s benchmark country would provide the success required.
It would be good to have some unemotive perspectives from some of the many Rugby educated AB readers out there about why they believe Robbie Deans didn’t manage to reach the heights that his reputation brought with him.
Why Robbie Deans didn't cut it
Nice one David in giving the “pretty boy” three-quarters their dues.
The 'true' history of rugby