jools-usa…hi… I would say 80% of the whole squad including back ups, about 25 – 28 players. So 5 or 6 newcomers only depending on injuries… However 5 or 6 is a lot of newbies for a national team. The total preliminary training Squad including the Australia A boys would be a total around 40. That is taken from only 4 super 14 teams.

We will have to see what Coach Deans selects and who is the Australia A coach for 2008.

If we buy shares can we vote for the style of play at a AGM?

Julian Huxley is a fine example to us all…A speedy recovery Julian…

Clarky and Stillmissit…I think you may find that Larkham played less than 45% of Super 14 matches while Fisher was coach. The Brumbies also built for Kid dynamite Matt Giteau who was lost the Western Force.

With Australia A he was still under the strict direction of Knuckles to blood new talent in various field positions before the World Cup year.

The Brumbies would have made the semis last year if the try winning forward pass by the Hurricanes was picked up by a TMO and not awarded by the match referee. Stillmissit, “You shall not (forward) pass”, is a more appropriate comment.

The outcome was; in 2007 the Brumbies finished 5th on 40 points and Sharks first at 45 points. If the Hurricanes and not been award that try and a late win 11-10 the Brumbies would have finished on 43 points in second place and had a home Australian semi final. The Brumbies last year won 9 games equal second in wins on the table. But Fisher has not publicly complained about this refereeing mistake and in the end has likely cost him the head coach position.

However the 2008 ACT Brumbies board have asked for change and as Laurie Fisher has had 4 years and he understands importance of the future development of the Brumbies club. Many of their star players have moved on and their ticketing revenue is down and the Brumbies need a fresh face for 2009.

I personally think Laurie Fisher has been very gracious about this decision. I also believe he is interested in staying in Canberra for the benefit of his family, as he has four kids in high school, is selfless and admirable. Many people choose their career opportunities over the benefits to their children.

If Laurie Fisher chooses to stay as forwards coach under new coach Andy Friend the Brumbies will have a very strong coaching unit.

One last point, I congratulate the Brumbies club who have managed the coaching transition without all deception and media trouble making we see from the other Australian rugby provinces.
Well done and thanks to Laurie Fisher.

As long as very one doesn’t get on the same island at one time it shouldn’t sink…

Australian Fly Half, Well there’s Matt Giteau a week of daylight then Barnes because at least he can kick the ball long. Cooper, Beale, Lealiifano all possible Australia A players only, Sam Norton-Knight and Mark Gerrard would be the utility backs.

Robbie Deans won’t stake his professional reputation on the other three rookies in his first year as Wallabies coach; he’ll give them encouragement and time with the Australia A squad.

Is there going to be a second S14 side in Sydney next year? I’ve read the ARU JO speak but that’s all. I would think they need to be signing now to pull together a start up side… perhaps 2010

If Brian Melrose was appointed head coach for the Waratahs, the Waratahs should assign a senior ex coach as mentor to directly support Melrose in his first year. This mentor would only converse with Melrose but should observe the coaching process when possible and offer feedback. This would enable Melrose to quickly achieve an efficient new coaching program and fresh fast start up for the Waratahs.

Melrose has the coaching talent and passion for the Waratahs, however at Super 14 level the team can’t wait to long for the coach to get his program right. The Super 14 is the toughest rugby club comp in the world.

There is certainly more to Anthony Faingaa’s story. The Brumbies may be targeting another Super 14 player in the backs for 2009 or opening more cash for a 2010 playe…Could they get Gits back? Could Fagan get the thrid party contracts in place to get him back? they will need a lot more cash than Faingaas contract. The Faingaa brothers would have looking to sign a two year contract and apparently they were happy to take a cut in fee to stay with the Brumbies. Anyway I wish them the best, there could be many explanations.

After last weekend loss it’s evident the Brumbies need genuine speed in the back three. Perhaps there is a fast back on the way? We will see how Clyde Rathbone comes back likely in 2009 and hopefully he still has speed.

Julian Salvi (another local talent) resigned and is happy to wait under George Smith tutorage for the next two years. However he has been given a full starting contract fee and promise of starts at No8 and blindside flanker next year. Gene Fairbanks has signed but there is no statement to the length of his contract at this time.

Perhaps the TMO should be able to go to the Referee once the ball has gone in goal and not wait to be asked. Make it a part of the process. What do you think guys? All fans and teams want is a correctly called game, it wouldn’t undermine the Referee on the field, he can still make the final call. Bring it in the sooner the better…

The Hurricanes could well miss out on a semis spot because of this oversight….they’re definitely a fourth spot contender.

Last season the Brumbies missed out on a 4 point win and semis spot because of a forward pass try awarded to the Hurricanes. This year Laurie Fisher is likely to be moved on as coach because he failed to take the Brumbies to the semi-final stage, and all because of a poor referees call in 2007…its not really fair play… and I don’t buy the old adage “It all evens out in the end”…The Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper might well be on his way out too…

The Brumbies gave up Luke Burgess to get Josh Holmes and kept Patrick Phibbs (also a solid half) because of his Super 14 experience. Just wait until Josh Holmes settles and gets his Super 14 legs, he will be outstanding. Holmes’s ARC season last year was exceptional and he made Beale look like a much better player. And Beale took out ARC player of the year.

Luke Burgess is definitely a talented young half however has had a run of injuries over past seasons so Phibbs got the S14 caps mostly of the bench at the Brumbies.

Burgess was on fire Saturday night, great pass, and fast; he made good calls in the direction of play, providing the momentum for the Waratahs. You make your own opportunities even as a rookie and with luck you get to look good when everyone is watching and A.K.A Burgess certainly did on Saturday night…and I’m looking forward to seeing more. But one good game doesn’t make a Wallaby; fortunately Wallabies jerseys are not that cheap (well sometimes I did wonder under Knuckles) yet…

…I’m not sure about Gregan giving Burgess a hard time at the Brumbies, players compete for starts and we all know George Gregan was very competitive sportsman…that’s why he is the most capped international….give the guy a break he’s now in the northern hemisphere learning French…its time to stop pointing fingers at George…forgive…move on…you know you’re all big enough to let it go…

The Brumbies gave up Luke Burgess to get Josh Holmes. Just wait until Holmes gets his confidence at Super 14 level, he will be outstanding. Holmes’s ARC season last year was exceptional and made Beale look like a much better player. And Beale took out player of the ARC player of the year. Luke Burgess is an exceptionally good young player however has had a run of injuries over past seasons. Luke was on fire Saturday night, great pass, and fast; he made good calls in the direction of play, providing the necessary momentum for the Waratahs to swiftly go forward.

Jim Boyce… I’m not sure about Gregan giving Burgess a hard time at the Brumbies, players compete for starts and we all know George Gregan was very competitive sportsman…

Why would Nucifora want to coach a rebuilding team?…If Nucifora’s target is to be the next Wallabies Coach after Robbie Deans he will not want to be accountable for a misfiring team and become the next Link…at the Blues he is a title contend and could possible win a Super 14 over the next two years… The Waratahs and the NSWRU together are the kiss of death for an established Super 14 coach’s career path in Australia…

The Brumbies must dominate from the out set and score first. Striling Mortlock’s leadership will need to be exceptional, to drive a Brumbies win. This week just to make them over achieve once more the team has lost Hui Edmonds and Mark Gerrard to injury. They both have been standouts this season. Agreed big ask for the Mortlock and Ashley Cooper returning from a lengthy injury period.

The Tahs well what can I say that’s NSW RU and particularly the Sydney sporting media ripping appart the Waratahs once more. I wonder if some players will choose to more onto other clubs? You would have to tip the Blues even with the Tahs home advantage.

If the Western Force hold ground in the forwards they should win against an under performing Bulls. The Bulls definitely on the up…

TembaVJ…Yep I’ve tipped the mighty Canes…for a win in the tin…. Home advantage and a full Canes squad. They played well in the last 30 minutes against the Crusaders last weekend…my crystal ball / snow dome says….Canes between 1-12… and no yellow cards for either Nonu or Jerry…

Sam…Thanks for your Chalkboard. Are you sure your crystal ball is not a snow-dome? I’m not sure about the Sharks. They have been scratchy much like the Waratahs but a little luckier.

A few Sharks’ stats: So far the Sharks have played all their matches in the Republic of which four were home games. The Sharks scored a total only 118 point which is less than 20 points per match. Only the Waratahs on 106, Lions 98 and Highlanders 106 have score less. Now on tour we will see the real Sharks. The worrying factor for the Sharks semis hopes is they have only accrued one bonus point with 6 wins and now have played most of their home games. My snow-dome is predicting the Sharks to finish in the top 6 but not the top 4.

In a couple of weeks McKenzie may well choose to step side and take on other opportunities allowing Louden take full control….After this weekend the Waratahs only have two home games left to cash up at the turnstiles, the Lions and the Sharks. I can’t see the Tahs getting a home semi this year. Prior to the Lions match would be the right time for Louden to take over as head coach. It should be an easy win for the Waratahs and would provide a quick positive transition for the new coaching era.

Its tough being a coach…Waratahs desperately need their fans to believe again

Spiro…agreed about Jimmy Gopperth…the Quade Cooper and Hurricanes insight is an interesting development…in past weeks he has been looking good at fly half. He’s emerged far more composed than last season. The Reds really need to hold onto Quade Cooper. Where ever he ends up fly half is he best position, hopefully in an Australian team. The Reds may have their hearts broken again…

The Brumbies were at one time grooming Sam Norton Knight and Mark Gerrard as possible S14 fly halves. McKenzie has coach has shown little respect to Sam N-K as a player over the past seasons or has expected him to step in and adapt to 10, 12, 14, 11or 15… Sam was playing much better when he was at the Brumbies. He must have regrets by not being more patient and waiting for Larkham’s inevitable retirement.

McKenzie has trouble sticking with a stable backline. Whats happening at 9? Three guys partaking and no continuity for Beale and the forwards. Surely Luke Burgess is the choice 9 for the Waratahs.

If McKenzie stays it is likely many Waratahs will go… they will loose belief in Links abilities if not already.

Sounds like a rugby league ambush on young rugby players, families and clubs… ARU requires its own junior grade regulations and coaching support for the youth game…

Scuub…I’m with you… in regards to the NRL vs. S14. The S14 is far more exhilarating than the crash, bash and chip kick of NRL…Just can’t enjoy the league any more… where is the scrum, whats that all about… NRL is become all about the wrestle in the tackle and holding the ball carrier on the ground for as long as possible… Its just touch footy with shoulder chargers to me…mind-numbingly dull…I prefer the S14 rugby contest for the ball, testing the players fitness and quick thinking of a consistent ball in play…

Which I think is Spiro’s point about longer time of ball in play re: AFL…guys

And if the unthinkable happens and my team is overcome,
I would like to pick my death…. by…Victoria Secrets’ model Adriana Lima…

To answer your question, Who would I pick playing for my life? OK then…I will pick only S14 2008 players…

1 Greg Somerville
2 Andrew Hore
3 Tony Woodcock
4 Dan Vickerman
5 Ali Williams
6 Rodney So’oialo
7 Richie McCaw
8 Stephen Hoiles
9 Fourie du Preez
10 Daniel Carter ( bench fly half Matt Giteau)
11 Joe Rokocoko
12 Isaia Toeava
13 Stirling Mortlock
14 Sean Maitland
15 Leon MacDonald

Coach: Robbie Deans

And if it’s for my life, I would also like to pick the opposition, field and the weather.
Wales, Cardiff and dry… ooh and the whisky Glenlivet made by George Smith names sake…

Now that would be a game to remember…

The only truth in the week 3 ladder is that the Crusaders and Blues have made a good start and should be in the top 4 at semis. Many of the teams currently on 9 points have only played teams below them such as the Waratahs. So their tougher matches are yet to come.

Mudskippers week 3 review (for what its worth): Bulls are not the Bulls of last year mditable team and the Sharks are not as strong will struggle to make top 4, the Stormers look better than last year but yet to get the results, Chiefs well they never say die but always slow starters, Hurricanes great last week but often inconsent. Brumbies good week but need to win all home matches to have a chance and take their Wallabies to the Republic. Tahs need must score more points and gather bonus points or will semis out on semis just like Brumbies did last year. Reds enough said already this week.

The Canberra Vikings are a well established Rugby Club with about 4 Clubs sites around the city…They run good committee clubs and support many local sports codes other than rugby at all levels. They also invest wisely for growth…The ARC Vikings could have spent more and still have broken even…

Before the ARC, in past years the Vikings had been flying to Brisbane to be in a larger local comp this was because the Sydney Rugby comp would not allow them in…go figure. When they were in the local Sydney comp they over achieved…so Sydney Rugby cut them out…