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Joined February 2011
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Jutsie, at first I was going to agree with you, but having thought about it for a moment longer can’t do it!!
If Campo was playing, I wanted to be there. Simple as that. He was that kind of player.
No doubt Horan was (IMHO) the best #12 we’ve ever had, but Campo just had that X factor about him that made sure you were on the edge of your seat. I know everyone has said this a thousand times, but yes, he did make mistakes – Regularly!!, but it was usually because he was trying to do something outlandish/creative (depends on how you view the game I guess)…and when they came off, it was simply Rugby at its best.
I’m not old enough to have been at his games in the early years (other than what I’ve seen on video etc), but certainly from 87 onwards I recall his freakish ability to not only finish a move, but set them up…
IMO, it’s Eales, Ella and Campo – But I can’t seperate them.
My top 10 Wallabies and Kangaroos over 60 years
How deflating to go from Spiro’s artcile today, to this. Glass seems half empty again
CAMPO: Wallabies need two good centres and a new coach
Spiro, thank you for writing this….It’s so refreshing to read a story like this on the Roar that doesn’t automatically go for the jugular of Rugby. Every sport has its problems, of course, we all know that – But it really is worth celebrating the fact that our game is becomming bigger by the day and reaching into regions and countries it didn’t previously. Brilliant!!
Rugby is not rooned, it's booming world-wide
Well said, jameswm…I agree with all your points and in particular #3. I used to be the biggest R Horne fan but can’t say I agree this year. Apart from a good few tackles in the first game, I havn’t seen him do anything that remotely looked good enough to warrant a mortgage on the #13. Not getting too excited after a patchy start to the season, but I think the 10/12/13 combo of Barnes/Carter/AAC might well be the best way forward
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
“I really think the Waratahs cop more undeserved criticism than any other team in Australia – they’ve won two games and lost three, and two of the losses were by a point, and the other was to a try after the siren… And yet they’re pilloried by everyone with an ill-informed opinion.”
Spot on!!
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
Agree with Spiro on this, in fact, to me it’s blatantly obvious and has been a for a few years now…certainly the best centre going around
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
KOTG, agree that SANZAR should be given credit for responding to their market about day games…there was 4k more watching the Sharks game than the Force (admittedly the weather was great, and much better than the week before), but that’s a reasonable start. But let’s not kid ourselves, the Tahs should be aiming for 30k minimum crowds each week….It’s only 1 win, but if they can continue to improve their style (benching Hangers was a complete success), and have some more luck with weather, i’m sure the crowd will flock back to Moore Park.
I think the majority of Tahs fans want to win the comp backing a side that backed themselves in their ability to run the ball and go for tries, rather than goals all the time.
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
Injuries do happen, of course (nature of the beast), but really, Elsom does seem to miss most of the Super season only to make a remarkably well timed return for higher duties. Having said that, at his best he is the obvious #6 for the Tahs (not to mention the skipper!!)….I’m actually looking forward to seeing him on the pitch, this weekend apparently!! hahaha, we’ll see
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
I too have been a pretty consistent critic of Tom Carter, but agree, he was outstanding and I thought the outright MOTM.
If he keeps that level of play up, he will be the automatic IC, with Barnes at flyhalf…
Further, what a great example of daytime Rugby and hopefully this will show SANZAR that more games should be scheduled during this time. As the club/subbies seasons are about to start though, I wonder if the crowds will come? The Crusaders day game in a month or 2 is a Sunday by memory, so perhaps that is the best solution? We’ll see
Go Tahs!
Brumbies, Tahs, Rebels fly high while Reds go up flames
I would’ve thought that after the events of last year, the fact that the Crusaders actually have a home base in an after shock riddled city is something to be excited about, no??
Is Christchurch Stadium really only temporary?
KOTG, clearly I disagree…But let me add that I would be supportive of the RC involving all 3 PI nations if they could show they were able to have the necessary facilities/stadia (with solid crowds), and economic benefits that the competition demands. Unfortunately it is clear that the PI’s do not meet these demands and probably wont for a very long time. Is it a shame? of course it is, I would love nothing more than to go back to Samoa (where I honeymooned with my wife) and watch a test match between the Wallabies and Samoans…but it’s simply not financially viable to do it like this.
I see the combined side as a way of starting the process of inclusion, rather than exclusion.
My Pacific solution for Polynesian rugby
This is a tough one…There is no doubt that the impact the PI players have had on Rugby is huge and it would be a travesty to continue to ignore them whilst League and (increasingly), the AFL plunder more and more of the talent. But how best to do this?
Personally, I would like to see the combined side playing every year and included in an expanded The Rugby Championship (or whatever that new name is). The game against Argentina would be a cracker!!
As we’ve seen with Italy in the 6N’s, it would take time and the PI players would need to be allowed to return home (ala los Pumas players), for the entire event and sufficient lead in time. It’s not a perfect solution and I understand it takes away from each of the 3 nations identity a little, but surely in the interests of long term viability including the PI rep team in the RC would do good things for each nation (PI or not), involved?
My Pacific solution for Polynesian rugby
” I love the backrow, and am a former openside flanker myself, but our job is to kill the game as a spectacle”…as another former #7, Bob, I couldn’t disagree more with this comment.
The role of an effective #7 is to be a link between the backs and forwards (so a good passing game is important), obviously to be strong on the ground and pilfer opposition ball when possible and also slow the ball or generate quick ruck ball (depending on being on A or D).
I don’t see any of this as killing the spectacle, quite the opposite. I for one appreciate the skill, athletisism etc that a quality #7 brings to the game and can’t think of Rugby without them.
For all the howls over the quarter final with the Boks, watch Pocock in that game again…His pilfering and general game awareness (not to mention outstanding toughness), was the finest I’ve seen by any Aussie in the #7 since GS in his heyday.
RATHBONE: Rugby needs to change, so this is how I'd fix it
I never thought we’d be having a discussion on the merits of netball for Rugby players!!!
Anyway, I’ve also had some experience in a mixed comp with my wife and our friends, and have to say it wasn’t too bad on the knees. I guess it’s like squash or basketball etc, games on hard surfaces where there is a lot of shock and load being forced onto the knees, ankles…Some (like me), can play for a while without issue, but others get serious injury.
CAMPO: Rugby? They may as well be playing league
Putting the spacial awareness/technique stuff to the side for the moment, Sheek…Netball’s a bloody tough sport psychically, so can be an excelent way for Rugby sides to train on their fitness levels. (Also works well for when the weather impacts on outdoor training sessions.
CAMPO: Rugby? They may as well be playing league
Spot on, RC…although probably worth mentioning the Rebels game was played under blue skies, which added to the spectacle IMO (better handling etc).
Nonetheless though, the tactics used by the Tahs so far this year have been (mostly), negative.
Once Halangahu and Mumm are sidelined though (which, hopefully will be from this week), I think you’ll see a general increase in the standard and style of play……at least, i’m hoping that’s what happens!!
CAMPO: Rugby? They may as well be playing league
Again you’ve come up with an interesting piece on Rugby history…thanks Jottings
For the love of rugby, not country
Not sure it’ll ever get to that extent, KPM…But I take your point. It appears there is only one way for the Tahs to get out of this mess they’ve put themselves in…play their way out – But to do that, they’ll need a coach who promotes the idea that running rugby (ie, winning rugby – see Reds 2011 and RWC AB’s 2011), is the way forward.
The Waratahs are the problem team of Australian rugby
Hard to argue with you on this piece, David.
Personally I think B Foley may be what is required at #10, with Barnes next to him at #12, or (and I can’t believe I’m saying this), perhaps Foley at 10, Carter at 12 and Barnes at 15?
Either way, Halangahu has got to go…His feable attempted tackle on the final Force tryscorer was pathetic.
Waratahs on the brink after worst-ever Super Rugby start
I agree KOTG but it is hard to argue one point (when making comparisons with the Reds)…at least those fans turning up to Suncorp know they are getting a good return on their investment!! (Even without Quade!!)
The Waratahs are the problem team of Australian rugby
KOTG…I agree 110%…
So many of the so called Tahs “fans” complain bitterly about having to travell “all that way”, yet don’t turn up on Sat night ..it’s pathetic.
Even the crowd I was surrounded by seemed more interested in playing on their phones and chatting to each other than actually watching.
The Waratahs are the problem team of Australian rugby
Sheek, to clarify my post re Campo not having coached…
Being a head coach is NOT the same as a specialist A or D coach (particularly at Super level), the extra responsibilities on head coach’s shoulders are great and to dismiss them would be wrong.
Call it picky, pedantic or whatever, it’s true…
anyway, enough of this, we’ll agree to disagree re Campo
CAMPO: Players who make rugby exciting to watch
So how do you catogorise Link then, Sheek?
CAMPO: Players who make rugby exciting to watch
Not sure I’d agree with the “best 12 the world has ever seen bit”, but he certainly was OUR best. and agree with Jutsie that it is annoying that Campo has become so negative and it smacks of hypocrisy that he has a go at Cooper – I think he’s just jealous that his time has past.
My top 10 Wallabies and Kangaroos over 60 years