Saturday night we watched the Wallybees beat France. Frogs send their B team but Wallybees also had a bunch of new players. The press was a bit harsh on the Wallybees because I thought they played pretty well considering. One definite bonus was to see Lotsa Tequila being dropped for the second half. He does not deserve to be on the field and should be dropped to go play in the Pacific Nations Cup which is more than his current form deserves. Over-hyped and over-priced that's all he is but unfortunately for Australia he's a banner player they spent truck loads of dosh keeping. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle to drop Tiquiri. I bet Deans wants him gone but the ARU needs him there for their marketing machine. It will be a true test of "Dingo Deans'" actual power on the selection panel.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Australia vs. France
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
RE: Ali's Comments
I read with interest the comments Ali Williams made here
The reality is that Henry is only the coach because the NZRFU board would have had to sack themselves if they were to sack Henry - it was their shared [failed] strategy. Therefore it had nothing to do with competence or the right man for the job and all to do with self-preservation. Was the NZ Rugby public a winner from the decision to keep Henry on? Well, the NZ Rugby public weren't actually considered so that question is irrelevant.
To paraphrase Ali he says something along the lines "you're with us or against us" and "have faith". Well I had faith in Henry's RWC plan despite doubts (documented on my blog at the time) so my question to Ali is, "what's different this time as compared to last time when I gave you my blind faith?" Nothing. Same coach, same NZRFU board, same game plan. It is a silly man that does the same things and expects a different result.
I can tell you from here across the ditch that Deans has invigorated the Wallybees and they, as they always do, are talking him up and building their confidence. Wallybees perform well when they are confident as does any team but more so these blokes.
The failed RWC2007 campaign is still centre and front of mind in that AB team and coaching staff - Ali said as much. They need to shake off the hoodoo fast or they will come last in this year's tri-nations. The Aussies will be really good and the Yarpies are World Cup Champs and we were beaten towards the end of last year's tri-nations. I'm not that confident.
I am going to all three of the AU/NZ bleddies this year so I'm still a massive AB supporter, just a little disillusioned with the NZRFU decisions.
The $100K report that told us what we already knew. I would have happily written it for $10K.
The reality is that Henry is only the coach because the NZRFU board would have had to sack themselves if they were to sack Henry - it was their shared [failed] strategy. Therefore it had nothing to do with competence or the right man for the job and all to do with self-preservation. Was the NZ Rugby public a winner from the decision to keep Henry on? Well, the NZ Rugby public weren't actually considered so that question is irrelevant.
To paraphrase Ali he says something along the lines "you're with us or against us" and "have faith". Well I had faith in Henry's RWC plan despite doubts (documented on my blog at the time) so my question to Ali is, "what's different this time as compared to last time when I gave you my blind faith?" Nothing. Same coach, same NZRFU board, same game plan. It is a silly man that does the same things and expects a different result.
I can tell you from here across the ditch that Deans has invigorated the Wallybees and they, as they always do, are talking him up and building their confidence. Wallybees perform well when they are confident as does any team but more so these blokes.
The failed RWC2007 campaign is still centre and front of mind in that AB team and coaching staff - Ali said as much. They need to shake off the hoodoo fast or they will come last in this year's tri-nations. The Aussies will be really good and the Yarpies are World Cup Champs and we were beaten towards the end of last year's tri-nations. I'm not that confident.
I am going to all three of the AU/NZ bleddies this year so I'm still a massive AB supporter, just a little disillusioned with the NZRFU decisions.
The $100K report that told us what we already knew. I would have happily written it for $10K.
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