Roar Rookie
Joined April 2014
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Work in Credit in Finance. Father of 2. Former player, now social. Armchair opinionator. Love what I learn from the Roar. one of the best Sports sites I have ever seen.
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Well, Eden Park sure didn't live up to the hype. Ireland surged from the kick-off. After a kicking duel early, they settled into the…
The Springboks would have been disappointed to lose at Queensland Country Bank Stadium last weekend. Their set-piece and kicking game forced penalties and errors…
The general sentiment being sold to us is that community resolve is behind the drive to change the name and branding of the Crusaders,…
The All Blacks got better with each Test, just as the English worsened in each of theirs. This is not to denigrate the Roses,…
With the midyear Tests approaching, I've run my eye over the form of New Zealand's best to put together an All Blacks squad to…
Wallaby Coach…
'It's time we grew up': The jarring hypocrisy that proves All Blacks are getting key call all wrong
Why Blundell ahead of Carey?
Every Aussie rated from first Test vs New Zealand: Green and GOAT great, Marnus misery as batting woes deepen
In recent years Hagley Oval has taken some spin and I would like to see Santner ahead of Kuggeleijn, despite Stead’s statement. Santner offers something with the bat as well.
Patel, he of 10 wickets fame, has taken 7 wickets on his latest outing for Wellington.
And… if you really wanted another seamer, surely you’d have Wags dishing up some short stuff ahead of Kuggeleijn.
Black Caps make Wagner call for second Test after 'shortest retirement ever' speculation
That 2nd morning when Green and Hazlewood were able to add more than 100 runs is just inexcusable. Magnificent for the Australians and Green, in particular, but it should not have happened. Directionless and poor.
Had the Black Caps shored that up and been more patient against what is arguably the best attack in the game, parity may have applied some pressure back on the tourists. In any case, from there they were chasing and collapsing in the 1st innings put paid to any chance.
Richardson and the author are right that the fear factor is tangible, real and dulls potential before the coin is tossed., something that does not happen to the Tourists… ever… which is a shame. They ARE better than this as they showed on day 3.
Lyon was magnificent in mopping up the Black Caps and Green deserved the MOTM. We can only hope there is more belligerence and fight in Christchurch.
Test Mortem: Aussie aura living rent free in Kiwi minds, Marnus officially in a form slump, DRS needs review
According to the Roar Tipping results it WAS a draw!
They have it: 33-33?
Reds rue missed 'moments' as Hurricanes get up in golden point to deny Australia another Super Rugby win
That’s similar to suggesting the Black Caps might make Aussie bat again… that there’s still a mathematical chance… that it’s the Warrior’s year… but… sob… appreciate the positivity…
Super Rugby tipping panel round 2: Brumbies' title aspirations get early test, Penney to pile pressure on old club
Well, it’s getting better and better… for you guys…
Another failure to finish off from Black Caps who just expect the last wicket to topple and are losing line/length/penetration.
Conversely, Hazlewood hangs in with the centurion who continues to club it to all parts.
Rain dance in the office…
Aussie batters grow complacent in cocoon of comfort created by gun-shy selectors - but at least Green finally blossoms
Bugger. Just found me… at the bottom… with 2 picks…
Must have been drunk posting/picking…
D’oh!
Super Rugby tipping panel round 2: Brumbies' title aspirations get early test, Penney to pile pressure on old club
Good grief, it’s the 1st day and he has been retained.
Replacing Marnus would be knee-jerk in a 2 Test series.
He reminds me of Conway. Classy batsmen who are only a whisker away from righting the ship.
Let him bat 4 times and re-look at it. It’s just finding that confidence in where the stumps are, where your heads is at, running between those wickets, and the even older adage some time in the middle. and a couple of balls in the middle…
COMMENT: Horrendously out of form or not, Australia would be mad to ditch Marnus now
Was surprised Bancoft didn’t get his seat back actually.
But… other than that this a line up that should have performed better. Some credit has to go to the Black Caps bowlers, especially Henry, who I thought was outstanding on a pitch that offered something most of the day, if not the wild fluctuations its green tinge might have suggested.
Smith showed some signs but it appears Marnus is doing a Conway. Both classy but both struggling for fluidity. Head is a baffling selection for mine as he can be hit and miss. But Marsh, and Green, in particular, took away potential 1st day honours from the Black Caps in a display of power, and a refusal to be dominated.
As Tempo suggests, if not the incumbents then who, although the selectors must have been tempted to blood someone on a 2 Test tour across the ditch. In any case, that line-up will have learned from yesterday and have enough class to take advantage of the situation that their all-rounders have left them in.
Might be useful to point out that this Black Caps batting line-up is not full strength (dare I say a little brittle) and they too will be facing the new ball today on a pitch that promises some difficulty as they face arguably the best attack in the game.
Probably a tad early to be laying into them Paul…
Aussie batters grow complacent in cocoon of comfort created by gun-shy selectors - but at least Green finally blossoms
A few of these could go either way, including the Ponies’ visit to the Waikato. I’m with Nick in that DMac could be the point of difference if he can get his electric wingers into space. In any case this has the potential to excite.
Reds could tip over the Canes but they will have to finish what they create. Sticking withthe boys f
Rebels were awful, but so were the Force, and the home side with Thor rampaging should get over the line. Surely, there’s some pride on the line too.
Highlanders have their stock boosted this week, especially up front, and we are yet to see how slick the Blues can be under new management, but on neutral ground and doing the maths man-on- man, especially out the back Blues appear to have the ascendency.
The Crusaders showed glimpses last week and should be comfortably too good for the Tahs.
The Drua will be disappointed with last week’s showing at home and expect them to be hungry. Accuracy would be better though. Another see-saw but I’ll go with the boys from Lautoka, by not much…
Hey fellas (EDS) I had sent a request regarding my picks for Last Week’s 1st round earlier in the week; I am not on your vaunted ladder?! Pretty sure I got all of them and that they were registered as having been accepted. Am I missing something or just a really poor tipper? Your assistance would be appreciated…
Super Rugby tipping panel round 2: Brumbies' title aspirations get early test, Penney to pile pressure on old club
Even a cursory analysis reveals that, while it’s unfortunate for both sides, one side is less affected than the other.
I’m guessing it’s the one paying around $1.50 according to the TAB…
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
Despite Billy’s frank disregard for that line-up, this Black Caps’ fan reckons that’s a strong team, and so doe the TAB.
Conversely, the Black Caps are without Jamieson, Conway, and the mighty Wags. Tough gig.
As far as the pitch is concerned, it may zip around a bit, despite its emerald nature, but will flatten out and take spin. It will be interesting to see the Black Caps line up in that regard; trust the part-timers (Rachin and Phillips) or bring in a specialist as the expense of a seamer?
Aussies lock in XI for first NZ Test as Cummins mulls big toss call
Bond was fearless; he WANTED to play the Aussies.
Had his career not been curtailed by injury (and NZC) I have no doubt he would have been an all-timer…
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
He’s bang on the money tho…
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
Wrong… and you know it Don…
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
Several pundits have suggested a stronger involvement, or even merger of BBL and Supersmash, Paul.
Great idea IMO, as long as logistical challenges can be met.
This may even pave the way for an annual Test series, home and away.
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
Probably by comparison Tim.
Hesson, by far our best coach, took a team in the doldrums, employed able assistants in Bond/McMillan, and was part of the management change in captain, from Taylor to Baz.
Initially this went down like a cup of cold sick with the public, but this was on the back of a disastrous tour to South Africa, and in hindsight, innovative and brave.
Bond, in particular, made a huge difference with the bowling team, re-learning how to apply and build pressure amongst other initiatives, and we started taking 20 wickets.
Macca deserves some praise too. He and Hesson ensured batsmen valued their wicket and improved technique and some very able batsmen were performing.
Add in some selections like Kyle Jamieson to accompany a group that became tight under the leadership of coach and captain and the transformation was visible.
Since Stead’s appointment there have been some highs and the Black Caps have been particularly successful in shorter format tournaments, but overall, there has been a steady decline as that innovation, combined with an average selection policy, halted the groups’ advancement.
NZC have had a change at the top, a change in selectors and now need some innovation from a new coach, and assistants, in this fan’s opinion.
Australia vs New Zealand Test series deserves greater fanfare than a March through autumn clash with footy codes
Big Kyle will be missed and with ANOTHER season ending op coming up, his future isn’t looking very rosy. When he has been available he has been a really useful option.
Conway is in a rough patch but is too classy to leave out if he is fit. With Nichols subbing in we are looking at a Black Caps side who might not have enough depth against our classy neighbours.
Bugger…
Kiwis lose key man ahead of Australia Test clash
God, what a beat up…
Please get back to the cricket…
Usman Khawaja sets off accidental political storm in NZ
Did he what, but Wade was stoic, impressive…
Bet the ice-bath after wasn’t much fun!
Wagner's last opera: NZ veteran to call it quits after Australia series
Now there’s an under-rated bowler.
Harris was better than Wags for mine…
Wagner's last opera: NZ veteran to call it quits after Australia series
Woohoo!
Cotter has our Blues surging and that’s with a few mistakes too. Was surprised by how ineffective the Brumbies back row was actually.
For the Aussie fans: The Force beating Crusaders easily, and an even easier toweling for the Reds over the Landers.
Believe it or don’t; this year’s results are much improved on recent years for Aussie Teams.
Brumbies 'systematically taken apart by the Blues' in 'non-contest' as Larkham's men cop huge reality check