Roar Guru
Joined September 2013
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Following Saturday's debacle, I can understand the hue and cry of Australian fans and the knee-jerk reaction to sack the whole playing staff, irrespective…
I will keep this short and to the point. Ewen McKenzie's shock resignation has muddied the waters even further and brought into sharper focus…
It is probably a good time to produce a first term report card on the start of the RC and have a look at…
A great deal of ink has been spilt discussing the issue of southern hemisphere rugby players moving north to further their careers. Until a…
A lot is being said, debated and threatened at the moment about the new format of the Super Rugby competition after the 2015 season.…
Another Rugby Championship done and dusted, another whitewash by the All Blacks, who went on their merry way and left everybody gasping in their…
I had to admit in a recent post (when I was compared/accused of acting like a headmaster) that my father was my headmaster for…
Now the dust has settled on the latest train wreck called Australian Test rugby, it's a good time to re-visit the question of selecting…
I just don't get the Australian rugby public's fascination with Quade. What do they see which I don't in either his personal attributes or…
In December 2008, the ARU appointed Robbie “Dingo” Deans as the manager to oversee the Wallabies through to the next World Cup. For the…
Over the last few years I have read and written numerous posts lamenting the lack of objectivity, quality and substance in the local premier…
Carlos, although the ABs and Boks weren’t televised in Australia either, I manage to catch them soon after (full coverage) on YouTube on my Smart TV. Not live I know, but better than nothing.
The Wrap: Wallabies grand slam still alive, but only just
I refuse to pay their ridiculous prices so I got the cheapest (less than half price) Foxtel Go package. Even that is overprised to watch and listen to the “clowns” (pun intended) 🙂 on their panel but there it goes. Problem is I can’t record programs which will make for some interrupted sleep.
Could Stephen Larkham replace Michael Cheika before the World Cup?
No sure loosing to the eventual winners in the Semis was a disaster Fionn, and Ireland were a good team.
Could Stephen Larkham replace Michael Cheika before the World Cup?
I tend to agree Cam. I always got butterflies whenever the ABs played the WBs or Boks, as a supported I always hoped they’d win but it was never a given. Alas this is not the case at the moment.
The opposite applied to Northern hemisphere tours, always felt supremely confident, and apart from the odd close game and the one shellacking from England I was right.
Well almost the opposite applies now. Not sure any of this years opponents would run the ABs close (might be wrong), but if they were playing England the butterflies would be back with a vengeance.
This is what is going to make the northern tours so fascinating this year, especially the WB and Bok results.
Southern hemisphere dominance is starting to wane
Geez, this is developing into such an interesting tour, I might even get up in the middle of the night to watch the Wallabies games.
If losses do happen Cheika’s reaction to the inevitable pre and post match needle will be telling.
And dear Michael if you think that the NZ Herald was disrespectful, you now have to deal with the real needle pros ably supported by your old “mate” Eddy. Tough times ahead.
A few losses and subsequent rants might be a step too far, of course winning most of the matches might keep things on an even keel.
As for Larkham, I guess there is no harm in stating his ambition, and I think Spiro’s conspiracy message might be a step too far, but really, Larkham? With all due respect he needs a lot more runs on the board and some semblance of success before he even mentions the WB head coaching position. And I also feel the timing is a bit suss.
On the other hand it could all be a media beat up.
Could Stephen Larkham replace Michael Cheika before the World Cup?
Great read Geoff. Isn’t it significant that the best person who could knowledgeably comment on the the AB’s perceived “lack of respect” for the WBs is saying absolutely nothing? Yes I mean Mike Byrne. And I wouldn’t bet my house on him not having a quiet drink with his “old friends” and “current enemies”. Nuff said.
And by the way I agree completely, the NH press and fast Eddie will be cr****ng themselves with excitement at the moment.
The Wrap: All Blacks' record win drowned in a sea of clowns
Great and objective article Spiro. One significant point nobody has made, is that with all this going down the only person in the Wallaby camp in a position to correctly comment on Cheika’s “they don’t respect us” rant has kept a dignified silence. Yes I am talking about Mike Burns, who although his salary is paid by the ARU, has made absolutely no comment.
You can defend the indefensible and he is probably as embarrassed as hell. Cheika, you earn respect, you don’t demand it and you don’t evn have to be win consistently to get it, Heyneke Meyer earned it in spades in a team often coming second to the ABs.
I am not a PR expert, but how much better would it have been to say well done the ABs, that he was pleased with the performance of his team despite the loss (as there was definite and measurable improvement) and laugh off the clown cartoon. Situation diffused and the temptation to bait him again gone.
Instead he loses his rug and has no idea when to back down, and is actually acting like a clown. I will tell you now that the Northern hemisphere press are licking their lips in anticipation as we speak, and Eddie is rubbing his hands with glee. The guy is a loose cannon and will self destruct if things don’t go his way next month.
My advise Cheika is accept the invitation for a beer with Hansen and while at it ask him for a few tips on dealing with media issues when things don’t go your way. It can’t do any harm.
Rogue Cheika tarnishes the Wallabies once again
Timmy,you better watch the interview again. The clown cartoon was nothing else but an attempt by an Australian cartoonist (yes Australian) working for a New Zealand paper to produce a humorous cartoon, and possibly a payback for the Richety Grub last year.
It was mildly funny depending on your point of view. Chieka’s reaction was way over the top, accusing the opposition of disrespecting them, bringing up an old story re the bugging incident and as an afterthought giving the ABs a backhanded compliment.
I am not an expert in PR, but how much better would it have been to say well done the ABs, that he was pleased with the performance of his team despite the loss (as there was definite and measurable improvement) and laugh off the clown cartoon. Situation diffused and the temptation to bait him again gone.
Instead he loses his rug and has no idea when to back down, basically acting like a clown. I will tell you now that the Northern hemisphere press are licking their lips as we speak, and Eddie is rubbing his hands with glee. The guy is a loose cannon and will self destruct if things don’t go his way next month.
Cheika seething at clown portrayal
Me thinks this guy has lost the plot completely. So many positives he could comment on after a very good performance by the WBs, and what does he do?
Congrats ABs and well played WBs.
Cheika seething at clown portrayal
The Roar must have scoured the archives for the Cheika photo in the head page. I just don’t think its recent 🙂
If nothing else, Michael Cheika is a cheeky bugger
Identify and exploit the weaknesses as (not) identified by Eddy Jones.
I know he is not telling but here is one for starters. Unless I was mistaken, I thought Kaino was minutely out of sync during the Haka. Go for it.
I am surprised everybody else missed it!!!
Roar Forum: What changes should the Wallabies make for Bledisloe 3?
I guess what we have learned is that the ABs and to a lesser extend England are THAT good after all.
The Wallabies can pass, catch and tackle after all
I am so grateful for learning something new from David everyday.
Mick Burn has turned the ABs round apparently and is the sole reason for their stunning success in spite of all those hanger ons such as Henry, Hansen, Smith, Foster, Fox etc. And don’t say you didn’t say that David, it is clearly implied in your article.
Even if it was true, what was an 11 year living project, can be condensed into a weekend one, as there is no game this week, and walla the wallabies become miraculously the OZ ABs. And again don’t say you didn’t say that David, it is clearly implied in your article.
Not a word about the rest of the Oz coaching team apart from the magician Nathan (I can fix it in a week) who will act as assistant to Mick in bringing this about.
Honestly David, your recent articles such as the blind canonisation of Cheika, elevating Hodge to the best thing to happen to OZ rugby since Campese (before he even played a test) and now this article, smack of a blatant attempt to get clicks (including mine unfortunately) on a practically daily basis, without contributing anything of substance.
These are substandard sensationalist quickies David and I am sure you are better than that. So my advise is to cut down on the quantity for a bit of quality, we don’t need 4 or 5 quickies from you per week.
And for the record, I do think Mick Byrne is the best thing to happen to the Wallabies recently, and given time he will have a significant positive impact, given time being the operative word.
Time for the Mick Byrne way to kick in with the Wallabies
WQ, David Lord already anointed Reece Hodge as the most exciting thing since Campese a couple of days ago, so I am afraid you are too late with you warning.
Another week, another thumping. Watching the Wallabies shouldn't be like this...
Antoni, one of my favourite sayings is
“if you keep your head when everybody else is loosing theirs, maybe, just maybe you misunderstood the situation”.
I think it applies to more of your comments, but I must admit a slight admiration for your blind faith. Keep it up.
Another week, another thumping. Watching the Wallabies shouldn't be like this...
Sounds as though a cracking game is in store Harry, can’t wait. 🙂
Another week, another thumping. Watching the Wallabies shouldn't be like this...
Bravo Spiro, spot on.
Out of his depth, floundering, clueless, churlish and lashing out like a spoilt brat. It just about sums MC at the moment. Any sympathy I felt for a coach under extreme pressure, evaporated after last Saturday.
Time to go Michael.
ARU alert: Has Michael Cheika gone rogue?
What Hansen said is that when the incident was looked at from all the angles (which are not all available to the public) it was decided there was no case to answer by the SANZAR commissioners.
I don’t know, but sometimes the camera does lie, Hooper’s sand throwing incident being a case in point.
Wallabies expect action against Franks
Count your blessings you don have pay TV mate!!!!
Cheika: I will not drop Cooper, Foley
As I stated before, I’ll take whatever David is on!!!
David is prone to outrageous statements, without the historical evidence, Skelton as the AB’s destroyer (only if he falls on them from a great height), and I still remember his extraordinary statement last year (prior to the world cup) that the only thing defences would see would be the sight of Henry Speight’s heels as he disappeared over the try line (before he even played for OZ).
It must be wonderful living in a parallel universe to the rest of us.
Wallabies debutant Reece Hodge is the next Campo
Nope David, don’t buy it. On this year’s evidence the coaching staff, are out of their depth, out thought and floundering. What you are suggesting is shuffling the chairs on the Titanic while the captain stays on the same course.
One of the most stunning improvements of an international side recently has been the Pumas post the four or so months Graham Henry spent with them. Oh how the WBs would benefit from something like this , egos aside.
The coaching staff might become successful in the future, but at the moment they are definitely not cutting it at this level. Suggesting otherwise is a worry.
Are the Wallabies the problem, or the coaching staff?
Additionally MC was a rookie at international level, the other two invited were also rookies and lees successful in their careers to date. What was needed was at least one more experience and wiser head in international coaching to mentor him, but I suspect if such a person was available he could have been perceived as a tread. A part time Larkham at the very onset of his coaching career was a ridiculous appointment.
Has Michael Cheika reminded the Wallabies of Twickenham?
Oops, didn’t realise you had to play a lot of rugby to write an article or post a comment here. So sorry.
Spare parts can't fix Cheika's car crash of a team
You are probably right Moa, but they can’t keep doing this ad-nauseum. Some times you have to take a bit of time, hire what is needed and work through fixing problems.
Experienced heads in the coaching box can help the Wallabies
I am intelligent enough to separate the beat up and winging of the Irish press from their team and their management who were simply magnificent. Toughest two tests the ABs had all year.
Bu the media reaction is disappointing to say the least, and as for the Irish commentary team, they were a disgrace. If I didn’t have on good authority that Phil Kearns can no do an Irish accent I could have sworn he was there moonlighting!!!
Stop the whinging Ireland, you're better than that