Mark Chisholm is a great player. The Brumbies also have Mitchell Chapman as blindside flanker (Australia A). The Brumbies have invested well for next season’s forwards pack, with new faces such as, Stephen Moore, Ben Hand and colossal lock Sitaleki Timani 202-centimetre, 119-kilogram. The Waratahs wont have the dominate Australian pack next year with both Elsom and Vickerman on northern sabbaticals.

I think with a stronger pack Chisholm will have more opportunities to run next season and be seen by selectors as Rocky did this year. Rocky is heading off and I don’t expect to see him next year in the Wallabies starting line up. Deans will reward provincial loyalty, because that’s the man he is, Rocky will be an outside alternative option.

Read the following on Elsom and Chisholm are very similar, height, Wallabies caps, test points. Chiz is 2 years older and 9 kg heavier. Rocky’s advantage is he has had a good year in a performing Super 14 team.

Rocky Elsom
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.97m, 106kg
Born: 14.02.83, Melbourne, VIC
Test Caps: 32
Test Points: 25 [5t]

Mark Chisholm
Playing Position Lock/Flanker
Height 1.97m, 115kg
Born: 18.11.81
Major Rep Honours Australian Under 19s (2000), Australian Under 21s (2001-2002), Australia ‘A’ (2004), Australian Wallabies (2004-2007)
Tests 26
Pints 25 (5 Tries)

Tahu played well but still whats t off load very ball and won’t take it to ground. 12 could be good for Tahu..

How ever you look at it, the Waratahs results speak from themselves but whose results really are they? Which coach or coaches achieved? or was it the just the team playing their own game? It’s likely we will never know.

However if any of the following idioms fit, it was undoubtedly time for a coaching change at the Waratahs:

Blow away the cobwebs
A breath of fresh air
Out with the old and in with the new
Shake things up
A new lease on life
A fresh perspective
See things from a different angle
Start with a clean sheet

What ever happened at the Waratahs after McKenzie’s release is a mystery but the team got the results. The fact that the Waratahs board and NSWRU managed to lose in the process Louden is unforgivable. Louden was their best chance for a strong 2009.

In one season the Waratahs have gone from a 13th in 2007 to 2nd place finalists in 2008 place, this is an outstanding effort. Nevertheless the change in play was only noticeable after McKenzie’s release. But McKenzie’s treatment by the Waratahs and/or NSWRU boards was discourteous. The incessant undermining and countermining at NSW rugby is shameful and disrespectful to all…coaching staff, players and supporters.

Good luck Chris Hickey and team for next season…

mcxd…No nothing yet has been put in place by O’Neil and the ARU to replacement the ARC. I hope something is organised for 2009.

Those old league games are the only ones I enjoy watching now…players like Beetson, Price, Fulton, Fairfax, Striling…70’s early 80’s games…the new game is just dull…Give me rugby union any day…

I’m in my early 40’s now…As a school boy I played both codes, unfortunately there was not a lot of union on Telly at that time. The odd international match which was always brilliant, loved the speed of the game and the ABC Saturday arvo Shute Shield, Campo, Ella and crew.

League become all about the wrestle in tackle and slowing down the play the ball. Only occasionally do you see a player like Sonny Bill who can out play the tackler.

I liked league legend big Arthur Beaton’s point of view on the league scrum. He is so appalled at the modern uncontested scrum that he refused to show up the event night for Australian Rugby League Team of the century”…

I’m with you Arthur, I bet he sits home quietly and enjoys a good rugby union scrum…Rugby League is now played like touch football with a wrestling round at the end of each play… zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Extract from SHM April 11, 2008. “…Arthur Beetson, the Immortal who is almost certain to be picked in the most exclusive side ever named, the Team of the Century, said last night he would snub the gala ball because of the direction the game was headed, launching a stinging attack on the game’s administrators.
“I won’t be there,” the former Balmain, Easts and Parramatta forward said. “I’m just disappointed with what’s happened in our game….”

Arthur Beetson is right league has lost its edge… Rugby Union needs to be careful the same doesn’t happen with the ELVs…and any future law changes.

Arthur Henry Beetson, OAM (born 22 January, 1945 in Roma, Queensland) is an Australian former rugby league player and coach. He represented Queensland and Australia from 1964 to 1981. His position was at prop. Beetson became the first Aborigine to captain his country in any sport and is frequently cited as the best post-war forward in Australian rugby league history.

Arthur Beetson, a hard man and all time great player…It would be good if a few more old players were honest about the new league laws…

Eljay

Thanks for sharing your Roxby Downs vision. The clear air has given you clairvoyant capabilities, the ability to see anything which is not physically present such as people, future events and Super 14 finals. I’m sure the red helps.

Another unusual occurrence which may explain your Roxby Downs physic experience is Roxby Downs was surveyed in 1986 the same year as the first Super Rugby Tournament “The Super 6”, The South Pacific Championship. The original competition consisted of three teams from New Zealand; Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington along with two Australian teams; Queensland and New South Wales, and Fiji. However the good news stops there Canturbery won the Super 6 in 1986. This tournament later became the Super 10 in1993.

Other Historical events happening on the day of the final, the 31 of May which may be of physic influence are:
In New South Wales, 13 May 1813 Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth effectively marking the route crossing of the Blues Mountains. A landmark achaivement, the NSW colony finally broke out for the coastline. Could this happen to the Waratahs and they beak out and win the first Super Championship?

However on the darkside on the 31 May 1911 – R.M.S Titanic was launched. Last living survivor was surname name was Dean who was only two months old at the time of the sinking…mmmmm strange, eerie really…Wikipedia is amazing…

Lets go with the fore mentioned event for inspiration crossing the Blues Mountains… Go the Tahs

FYI Roar Crowd

Rugby Heaven Arctilce, “McKenzie got the best out of Benn … by sacking him”, Rupert Guinness | May 23, 2008

“THE career of Waratahs prop Benn Robinson came to a crossroads when coach Ewen McKenzie called him into his Moore Park office two days after NSW lost to the Chiefs in round two to tell him he was dropped.

“Ewen made a challenge,” Robinson says. “He said, ‘You are at a critical point. You can make a tough decision. You can either work hard and knuckle down again or you can go the other way and get pissed off about it’.”

The demotion, allowing for recruit Sekope Kepu’s promotion into the side, naturally cut deep into his pride. But once the hurt eased, Robinson took McKenzie’s message as an incentive.

Week by week, as the Waratahs forged their way to the semi-final they play against the Sharks tomorrow, the loosehead prop worked on his scrummaging technique, ball handling, running game and fitness. The work and the evidence of his fighting spirit all helped renew McKenzie’s interest in Robinson – as did his playing for the Junior Waratahs.

Then came the call Robinson had longed for, the one that said: “Benn, you are back in the side.” It came the week before NSW took on and defeated the Cheetahs at the Sydney Football Stadium in round seven. But, importantly, Robinson was both recalled and promoted – McKenzie included him in the starting side.

Eight games have passed since and Robinson is yet to relinquish that cherished No.1 jumper. After naming him for the ninth time yesterday, McKenzie said Robinson deserved every praise….”
Article Rupert Guinness | May 23, 2008

Benn has Dan Vickerman packing in behind him and that’s a great help I would think… McKenzie had to read the act to Robinson after the Chiefs match, to reignite motivation and scrummaging…

Benn Robinson undoubtedly has character to refocus and get back into the Waratahs starting line up and furthermore then do well, but is that enough to be a Wallaby prop? And play against the worlds best?

One more time just for your amusement chaps: Mudskipper’s guest list for the Wallabies Squad 2008

Props: Shepherdson, Dunning, Baxter, Ma’afu, or Holmes when not injured, some play both tight and loose head prop.
Hookers: Moore, Polota-Nau
Second row: Vickerman, Sharpe, Chisholm, Horwill
Locks: Palu, Hoiles
Flanker blindside: Elsom, Chapman
Flanker No.7: Smith, Waugh
Half: Burgess, Holmes
Fly Half: Giteau, Barnes
Second Fly (re: Deans): Barnes, (if injured as inside centre Tyrone Smith)
Centres: Mortlock, Ashley Cooper, Cross
Wingers: Tuqiri, Mitchell, (Shepherd)
Full Back: Gerrard, (Shepherd)

A few itchy choices I know, but the Wallabies will have a good squad for this test season 2008…With the Props I do think it matters who is behind them in the five…

Good luck Jerry and thanks for all the great rugby…

Mudskippers 8 Waratahs for Wallabies

Forwards: Elsom, Vickerman, Dunning, Palu…
Backs: Loti Tuqiri, Luke Burgess…
On the Bench: Polota-Nau, Waugh…

All these guys are playing great rugby. All the other good performers off for duties with U20 WRC or Australia A…

sorry about that stat chaps…I got that one quickly from the “Pick n Go” rugby web site and I forgot about the Highlanders match…all the better for the Waratahs… However the Crusaders home win average is still extremely high… I do thinl the Tahs can catch them out…

Reg…
I thought I might get that response from you… Yes I’m a Brumbies supporter having a little fun with some over zealous Tahs fans. My sincere apologies gentlemen its been some time. However guys I would recommend you clean your pale blue glasses before the test selection as you may only be disappointed. The Brumbies, Reds and Force have plenty of talent which won’t be over looked by Deans, please don’t over rate some of the younger Tahs leave that to the Sydney media…

In my deprived Brumbies opinion, The Tahs will be half the 4 forwards and 2 backs at most on the starting Wallabies line up. . .That’s a total of 6 on the field, perhaps overall players 2 on the bench. So I would say 8 Tahs in the overall Wallabies squad.

I would like to see them win this weekend at Christchurch and stop the Crusaders 27th home game winning streak.

Waratahs fans please get a grasp of yourselves… A good game on the weekend but you need to breath. Ben Robinson a Wallaby prop is a bit too much Tahs for me. Guy Shepherdson would be better. Mark Gerrard is the best OZ fullback this S14 deserves a Wallaby start. Adam Ashley Cooper has to be there as utility or a wing position. Drew Mitchell is still out injured but should be in the squad. Mark Chisholm is a much better player than Mumm at this time for test matches… I like Mumm however Peter Kimlin is at the same skill level both would be good in the Australia A this season. Horne will be lucky to make the Australia A squad. Cordingley out, Phibbs second half to Burgess…

Robbie Deans would have a giggle if he read this blog… Go the Tahs

Who is kicking this weekend McKenzie? Best have a closer look at the team. Norton Knight, Burgess, Truner, Loti or get Beale to kick goals drop kick style only…perhaps

Outstanding effort from the Smith boys George and Tyrone…and very well deserved…George Smith has had an exceptional season at 7.

Chris… Yes I saw Nasiganiyavi….Sports Commentators practise that name because this kid has a big future.

Welcome Alfi Mafi…Brumbies have targeted their weaknesses and signed speedster Alfi Mafi. Brumbies looked a little slow in the backline this year without Clyde Rathbone and need a kid with wings. Alfi is quick…he will do well running with the wild horses.

Also nice signings a promising young big lock Sitaleki Timani and the Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore. Well done Brumbies selectors coaches and management the team is looking strong for 2009…

New Zealand has hosted the America’s Cup in 2000 and 2003 also the Commonwealth games in 1950, 1974 and 1990 in Auckland number of years ago and did a fine job.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is the biggest sporting event likely to grace the shores of the Shaky Isles. The investment can be shared among the stake holders and paid back overtime by Government Agencies, various Sporting Organisations and Commercial business interests.

The Rugby World Cup is about celebrating the great game rugby by the way of a world tournament. The RWC is not all about big shinny new stadiums and if there are a few are smaller ones well that’s fine. Conceivably it’s all the better for the intensity and local colour of the event. It may even pull into perspective that we (Wallabies) don’t need the over the top training facilities to be a formidable force in international rugby such as whats was recommended in Brisbane last year. The All Blacks have been the best international rugby team for 25 plus years training on with grass and cold showers…

I for one am already saving my golden dollars and can’t wait to do the RWC road tour with my NZ buddy and enjoy some good world rugby. New Zealanders will be excellent hosts in 2011…only a rude guest scoffs at what the host has to offer. When you invite guest to your home you hope they are respectful and are not scoring you on your household fittings but on your friendly hospitably.

New Zealand will have a lasting legacy to show, greater tourism, national pride and improved sporting facilities around the nation’s cities. These are just a few rewards; 75 million is not that much over time for the betterment of many New Zealand businesses.

Eric…that would a big Yes to both…

What’s nice about Mark Ella is he is still involved in the game today as a mentor and 7s coach… He is an enigma of Australias rugby past. However I can understand him not being interested in Alan Jones…Today, sometimes I do feel he can’t be agent and mentor to Beale and be an impartial journalist. A very talented sporting family, the Ella’s… It would be been great to adjust the clocks and see him play Super 14 today…

Mark Ella was undoubtedly was a masterful of rugby player. I always enjoyed watching the Saturday afternoon ABC rugby with him at the Galloping Greens with Campo. However he had a short career and retired at his peak age 25. Ella played 1980-1984 and retired with 25 Wallaby caps. Albeit he didn’t have the options given to the professional rugby players of today.

I find Mark Ella it difficult to compare to a player from the professional era such as Steve Larkham. Steve Larkham played for the Wallabies for over a decade and was the Wallabies preferred flyhalf for the majority of that period. He fronted a multitude of world class All Black flyhalfs in that time such as Carlos Spencer, Andrew Mehrtens and Daniel Carter. Larkham colleted between the years 1996-2007, 102 Wallaby caps and 135 test points and in Super 14, 127 caps and 204 points.

Steve Larkham played past his peak but was still good in later years. It is easy to romance Mark Ella’s rugby past since he had such a short dazzling career, but Larkham gave it all for 10 years and was a respected World class player.

Joe Roff and Steve Larkham played outstanding rugby. Both ACT developed juniors and both played smart rugby, they lead the opposition around the field and then passed straight through them. They were fortunate to have the great Rod McQueen as coach in their yearly development years at the Brumbies.

Larkham always set the right depth for the play as flyhalf and clearly stated when he wanted the ball and when the forwards needed to continue their attack. He had the ability to cleverly change his length of stride when running at the line which often caught out the defense when he increased his pace.

Joe Roff was a great reader of a fluid game, he knew were to be, his try scoring tally is evidence of this skill and rugby intelligence.

Nice story Eljay, as a young Father I’m keen for my son to play junior rugby next year. Over the past couple of years since entering school he has played soccer and we have all enjoyed it every much. He is now looking forward to playing a game which is a little more physical…Weekend sports with the kids is one of the most rewarding activities we do as a family. Thanks for sharing your family story…

Yep if the Tahs want to win the S14 this year they will need a better kicker or for Beale to get on target… Lachie Turner can kick and Sam Norton-Knight, may be Beale is the best they can do for now. Can Burgess kick because he is doing everything else well?