I cannot believe that NZ and the Aussies are critical of the Boks for not bringing down their A team for the away games in the Tri Nations. The Aussies have taken away substandard teams to Europe for a number of years now. As for NZ, it is a joke for us to complain. Apart from taking away weakened teams for a number of years and rotating our team last season there is the slight problem of the Super 14 reconditioning. Ridiculous to complain! We are determined to win the World Cup and so are they. They have a royal chance and now is their only chance to get the team up for the World Cup. So I say, go for it! Good on them.
I don't think it is a good time to do so however. They need time together, combinations etc. These are their last games leading into the Cup and they need to work to gain confidence.
So I say, good on them, and question whether it will help them. Imagine what confidence they would have gained from coming down here and smashing us on our home patch! They now do not have the opportunity. Remember England in 2003; NZ, SA and Aust beaten in 3 weeks. The belief was there for them then.
But as for NZ complaining... get real!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Weekend wrap up
What a great weekend. The America's Cup went from the sadness of losing to the joy of winning. It was great to see Team NZ win a race. To me, Alinghi looks quicker though. I hope I am wrong, I pray I am wrong; but I get the feeling they are quicker. That being said though, if they can't hack the pressure, Alinghi may not have the team.
The All Blacks were fantastic. Sure, there were far too many handling errors and our lineout was not great. But this is the first game of such intensity for us after a flight to Durban, in what we call tropical heat, and against a fired up South African team. We had a number of scoring opportunities and the South Africans benefited from an intercept. By the last 15 minutes they were out on their feet. Great stuff NZ. How on earth Rodney S was named man of the match I will never know, Richie McCaw was sensational! He tackled and took the ball up incessantly. We are on track for France. It will be a huge challenge to now fly to Melbourne and front up against the desperate Aussies! They will be desperate and they still have match winners through the backline. Our forwards must destroy them!
The netball was brilliant. I was wanting the Force to win, but as I thought, the Sting were too level headed under pressure. Force had the chance to win and lost their bottle. We need Donna Wilckens in the Kiwi team for the World Champs. I hope she fronts. It would be sensational for her to score the winning goal after that fateful world champs on Chch a few years back. With her and Irene in the circle, I simply can't see us losing the world champs. I think the midcourters are back to their best; the Aussies were flattered by Temepara and Adene W being out of form and overcoming injuries. I truly believe we can win the World Champs.
Go the rowers. I am an indoor rowing addict; 10 k a day. Today I did my second best 500m ever, 1.24.8; but man these real rowers are extraordinary. We are amazing and get far too little attention! I can't wait for the World Champs and then the Olympics next year. Mark my words, the Ever-Swindells and Mahe Drysdale will be back!
And what about Bevan Docherty! He is a super athlete winning another triathlon.
So what am I looking forward to this week; the North Island Cross Country Champs. I have two daughters running... I will let you know how they go!
The All Blacks were fantastic. Sure, there were far too many handling errors and our lineout was not great. But this is the first game of such intensity for us after a flight to Durban, in what we call tropical heat, and against a fired up South African team. We had a number of scoring opportunities and the South Africans benefited from an intercept. By the last 15 minutes they were out on their feet. Great stuff NZ. How on earth Rodney S was named man of the match I will never know, Richie McCaw was sensational! He tackled and took the ball up incessantly. We are on track for France. It will be a huge challenge to now fly to Melbourne and front up against the desperate Aussies! They will be desperate and they still have match winners through the backline. Our forwards must destroy them!
The netball was brilliant. I was wanting the Force to win, but as I thought, the Sting were too level headed under pressure. Force had the chance to win and lost their bottle. We need Donna Wilckens in the Kiwi team for the World Champs. I hope she fronts. It would be sensational for her to score the winning goal after that fateful world champs on Chch a few years back. With her and Irene in the circle, I simply can't see us losing the world champs. I think the midcourters are back to their best; the Aussies were flattered by Temepara and Adene W being out of form and overcoming injuries. I truly believe we can win the World Champs.
Go the rowers. I am an indoor rowing addict; 10 k a day. Today I did my second best 500m ever, 1.24.8; but man these real rowers are extraordinary. We are amazing and get far too little attention! I can't wait for the World Champs and then the Olympics next year. Mark my words, the Ever-Swindells and Mahe Drysdale will be back!
And what about Bevan Docherty! He is a super athlete winning another triathlon.
So what am I looking forward to this week; the North Island Cross Country Champs. I have two daughters running... I will let you know how they go!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Rugby Season So Far
About 3 months out from the world cup where are things at. Well there has been one game that counts, Australia 19 South Africa 22. This can tell us one of a few things. Perhaps the Australians are much better than we expected. Perhaps the South Africans are worse. Perhaps the Australians had a good day, the South Africans a poor day. We won't know until the Tri-Nations plays itself out.
The AB's to me have not been good. They look either like a side that is on the wane or they are simply going through the motions preparing for the big games ahead. They should have won the first three games by more points and with a more clinical effort. They drop too much ball and overcook their attack without doing the basics. The loss of the locks means we are weaker at lineout time and have a real weakness opposition teams can target.
So for me the season has begun and the SA NZ clash at Durban will tell us more. The outcome is not that important in terms of the WC to come. However, we will get more insight into how teams are going.
So... let's wait and see.
The AB's to me have not been good. They look either like a side that is on the wane or they are simply going through the motions preparing for the big games ahead. They should have won the first three games by more points and with a more clinical effort. They drop too much ball and overcook their attack without doing the basics. The loss of the locks means we are weaker at lineout time and have a real weakness opposition teams can target.
So for me the season has begun and the SA NZ clash at Durban will tell us more. The outcome is not that important in terms of the WC to come. However, we will get more insight into how teams are going.
So... let's wait and see.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
4 Year Cycles
Have you ever noticed that the Olympics fall every four years as do most sports in terms of world cups e.g. soccer, rugby, cricket etc.
Now that is a great idea in one sense as it makes it very special to win one. The problem is that it makes winning one of these events rather based too much on luck rather than on skill.
Take an athlete who gets a slight injury just before the Olympics (e.g. Sarah Ulmer in 2000) and thus it is 8 years between opportunities. Or take a rugby team that has a key player injured (Tana Umaga in 2003) at the wrong time or gets food poisoning before a final (All Blacks 1995) or has a one off shocker despite being the dominant team for the years before and after (1999, 2003 All Blacks). In addition, as we see in rugby of late, the internationals between world cups are being devalued because it is world cup or bust. The latest French team to come here is a joke!
I think we should look at a different model for judging greatness in sport rather than basing it on one performance on one week every four years or on a tournament every four years. In terms of Athletics etc, world championships and world records are a better judge than Olympic golds. In terms of rugby, world rankings and series and consistency should be rewarded. Winning a world cup is not the be all and end all surely.
I like the netball approach, a world champs every two years. Of course in cricket it is irrelevant as whatever cycle is used the Australians are so utterly superior that they win anyway!
Now that is a great idea in one sense as it makes it very special to win one. The problem is that it makes winning one of these events rather based too much on luck rather than on skill.
Take an athlete who gets a slight injury just before the Olympics (e.g. Sarah Ulmer in 2000) and thus it is 8 years between opportunities. Or take a rugby team that has a key player injured (Tana Umaga in 2003) at the wrong time or gets food poisoning before a final (All Blacks 1995) or has a one off shocker despite being the dominant team for the years before and after (1999, 2003 All Blacks). In addition, as we see in rugby of late, the internationals between world cups are being devalued because it is world cup or bust. The latest French team to come here is a joke!
I think we should look at a different model for judging greatness in sport rather than basing it on one performance on one week every four years or on a tournament every four years. In terms of Athletics etc, world championships and world records are a better judge than Olympic golds. In terms of rugby, world rankings and series and consistency should be rewarded. Winning a world cup is not the be all and end all surely.
I like the netball approach, a world champs every two years. Of course in cricket it is irrelevant as whatever cycle is used the Australians are so utterly superior that they win anyway!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The 2007 All Blacks Mark 1
So I was close. I missed Schwalger in the props.
I missed Hore at hooker; I should have realised they would go for him.
I got the locks. I am surprised at the loosies with Luaki missing out!
I am pleased Leonard got in, but I didn't think they would pick him yet... he is a rare talent. I feel sorry for Jimmy Cowan who has been in great form.
I am glad they went for Evans and not Donald; I am a great fan of Evans and believe Donald has some serious deficiencies.
The second fives picked themselves; Mauger and McAlister.
Great to see Toeava and Smith together; two styles at centre. I feel sorry for Nonu however; he is a game breaker.
So Howlett got the nod ahead of Gear at wing. Fair enough, he has played very well. I am not sure that he is a better option. Great to see Rokocoko in; he has been poorly treated at the Blues and I am confident he will be back to being the worlds number 1 or 2 again asap. I wonder if Smith is so brilliant that we are erring in promoting him; he could be a brilliant unexpected world cup player much like Williams in South Africa in 1970, Batty in 1972, S. Wilson in 1978, Kirwan in 1987, G. Wilson in 1994, Lomu in 1995 etc. Wings to me are different; when a brilliant young player comes through, they need to be let loose asap as they tend to lose pace and effectiveness. Everyone of these players except perhaps S. Wilson shone brightly for a short period; I hope we have not missed the boat with this rare talent.
I am glad Muliaina was picked at fullback; he is the best in the world, and in my view, one of the most complete fullbacks of all time. He may play centre but only if MacDonald really improves his game.
It is a good team! Good enough?
I missed Hore at hooker; I should have realised they would go for him.
I got the locks. I am surprised at the loosies with Luaki missing out!
I am pleased Leonard got in, but I didn't think they would pick him yet... he is a rare talent. I feel sorry for Jimmy Cowan who has been in great form.
I am glad they went for Evans and not Donald; I am a great fan of Evans and believe Donald has some serious deficiencies.
The second fives picked themselves; Mauger and McAlister.
Great to see Toeava and Smith together; two styles at centre. I feel sorry for Nonu however; he is a game breaker.
So Howlett got the nod ahead of Gear at wing. Fair enough, he has played very well. I am not sure that he is a better option. Great to see Rokocoko in; he has been poorly treated at the Blues and I am confident he will be back to being the worlds number 1 or 2 again asap. I wonder if Smith is so brilliant that we are erring in promoting him; he could be a brilliant unexpected world cup player much like Williams in South Africa in 1970, Batty in 1972, S. Wilson in 1978, Kirwan in 1987, G. Wilson in 1994, Lomu in 1995 etc. Wings to me are different; when a brilliant young player comes through, they need to be let loose asap as they tend to lose pace and effectiveness. Everyone of these players except perhaps S. Wilson shone brightly for a short period; I hope we have not missed the boat with this rare talent.
I am glad Muliaina was picked at fullback; he is the best in the world, and in my view, one of the most complete fullbacks of all time. He may play centre but only if MacDonald really improves his game.
It is a good team! Good enough?
Van Dyk and Silver Ferns
Irene Van Dyk is not playing well. Her performances in England this week have been far below her brilliant best. She is the greatest team sportswoman I have ever seen but, is this the beginning of the end? Our mid court is a problem. Why we have to go back and pick a 36 year old even if she is a fine player. At her peak, she, Leslie Nicholl and Anna Rowberry were consistently out performed by the Australians; why bring her back now? Where are the young mid courters with pace and flair? Tutaia is sensational as is Casey Williams.
Having said that Irene is not playing well... she is not being fed well and the opposition defenders are getting away with murder. As I said in an earlier blog, they need a card system to stop blatant cheating. I thought the Aussie defenders played more cleanly; the English were a disgrace as was Anna Scarlett! Get on top of this netball!
I am concerned about the World Cup. They will have to get a speedier midcourt and get Irene and Tutaia working well. It should work with Maria shooting from wide out and Irene drawing away the defenders under the net. Can we do it?
Having said that Irene is not playing well... she is not being fed well and the opposition defenders are getting away with murder. As I said in an earlier blog, they need a card system to stop blatant cheating. I thought the Aussie defenders played more cleanly; the English were a disgrace as was Anna Scarlett! Get on top of this netball!
I am concerned about the World Cup. They will have to get a speedier midcourt and get Irene and Tutaia working well. It should work with Maria shooting from wide out and Irene drawing away the defenders under the net. Can we do it?
All Black Team Prediction
In 45 minutes the AB's will be named. Here is my team:
Fullbacks: MacDonald, Muliaina
Wings: Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Gear
Centres: Smith, Tuiava
2nd Fives: McAlistar, Mauger
1st Fives: Carter, Evans
Half Backs: Weepu, Kelleher, Cowan
Nos 8: So'oailo, Lauaki
Flankers: McGaw, Collins, Masoe, Thorne
Locks: Williams, Jack, Flavell, Robinson
Props: Woodcock, Haymen, Tialata, Afoa
Hookers: Mealamu, Oliver, Whitcombe
We could see Muliaina at centre; but who would then be the other full back (Hamilton?; Howlett?)
Howlett may make wing? I would like to see Smith in there..
Nonu could knock Smith out.
Donald may be a bolter at first five
Leonard could be a bolter at halfback ahead of Cowan
Tuialii could be number eight with Lauaki at flanker for Thorne
Rawlinson could be lock and Flavell flanker for Thorne.
The fourth prop could be Demody, Schwalger, Crockett?
The third hooker could be Hore or Willis
We will see in 32 minutes
Fullbacks: MacDonald, Muliaina
Wings: Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Gear
Centres: Smith, Tuiava
2nd Fives: McAlistar, Mauger
1st Fives: Carter, Evans
Half Backs: Weepu, Kelleher, Cowan
Nos 8: So'oailo, Lauaki
Flankers: McGaw, Collins, Masoe, Thorne
Locks: Williams, Jack, Flavell, Robinson
Props: Woodcock, Haymen, Tialata, Afoa
Hookers: Mealamu, Oliver, Whitcombe
We could see Muliaina at centre; but who would then be the other full back (Hamilton?; Howlett?)
Howlett may make wing? I would like to see Smith in there..
Nonu could knock Smith out.
Donald may be a bolter at first five
Leonard could be a bolter at halfback ahead of Cowan
Tuialii could be number eight with Lauaki at flanker for Thorne
Rawlinson could be lock and Flavell flanker for Thorne.
The fourth prop could be Demody, Schwalger, Crockett?
The third hooker could be Hore or Willis
We will see in 32 minutes
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