When test matches go wrong – review of Australia vs South Africa TriNations in Johannesburg – THE Aussie Rugby Blog and Forum for fans of Australia and the Wallabies

Aug 31

When test matches go wrong – review of Australia vs South Africa TriNations in Johannesburg

Posted by Gagger
8 Comments

When you get hammered by a record 45 points, the summary of how you played is pretty easy: shit-house. So what I’m going to do here are two things – put together the main causes of the arse pounding (at 53-8 there were plenty) and out of that pull what the Wallabies might have learned going into the all important Tri-Nations decider against the All Blacks in Brisbane on the 13th September.

1 – What went wrong

Fitness levels. The Wallabies were destroyed from about the 20th minute on, whereas the Boks were still full of running in the 80th. This isn’t just a matter of training at altitude for the week leading up (why wouldn’t you base yourself at altitude for the whole tour?) but stems back to the Irish game earlier in the season when Deans admitted squad fitness wasn’t where it should be. When you’re out on your feet mistakes creep in, tackles are missed and it becomes impossible to defend the breakdown, which was the pattern of the game
Tactics. Considering the above, do you a) try and outrun the home team at high altitude or b) play for field position and apply pressure? While the Wallabies actually attempted to play more rugby in the first 20, this was exactly the wrong thing to be doing – running from the 22, clever 22 re-starts etc – and it cost dearly.
The problem was, there was no kicking game in any shape or form. Whether or not it was the loss of Barnes, Giteau didn’t even try anything meaningful. This should have been the way we controlled the pace of the game. And if the only kick you can do is a midfield bomb then you can’t call yourself a fullback. Especially if there isn’t going to be any meaningful kick chase.
Line-out. Only last year Australia was second only to the Saffas in the line-out, this year we’re a fµcking basket case. You simply can’t have a shit scrum and a shit line-out and not expect to get a stuffing. How on earth was McMenimen ever going to replace a Vickerman?
Defence. This is the most worrying. Even if you try and rationalise Saturday as an abberation, the stats, as pointed out in this article, show the previously stalwart Wallaby defence to be in freefall. The Deans line of “These fellas know how to tackle, it’s just about trust” isn’t holding water any more and the nagging voice with the question of why we don’t have a defense coach like Muggo or Kissy is getting louder and louder. Out of 164 attempted tackles, 34 were inneffective and 41 missed. Leaving a success rate of 52% (vs 69% for RSA) and resulting in Eight tries in a match for fµcks sake.
And I should say of course that the Saffas played bloody well. Aggression, pace, smarts. On top of this Bryce Lawrence didn’t seem to think they could knock the ball on or fall over a ruck. When it’s your day, it’s your day.

2 – Learning

Well, read above obviously. They’re all pretty big fµcking learnings. But another important one is personnell. Sure, no-one played well, but the bench players who got the start: TPN, Tahu, Waugh, McMenimen all proved the bench is where they belong, if they’re lucky.

Funnily enough, even with this spanking, I still saw positives in the Johannesburg debacle. There was some fluent attacking play, especially in the first half. But the Wallabies always managed to drop a pass, miss a tackle or stuff a line-out at exactly the wrong moment, thereby pumping the Bok momentum to runaway train status by the second period.

The ABs in Brizzy won’t need this help. Aussie Robbie and these record breaking (not for the right reasons) Wallabies have a hell of a lot to put right in two weeks.

Aug 28

South Africa vs Australia Tri-Nations teams for Johannesburg

Posted by Gagger
11 Comments

Rocky beats bum wrap!

The Springbok and Wallabies teams for Saturday’s game have been announced and the good news is that Rocky Elsom has cleared his name of the citing nonsense (well, almost).

On a specially convened teleconference, SANZAR judicial representatives from each member country said “You are a penis” to Nick Davidson QC of New Zealand, who started this bullshit in the first place. Rocky gets a one week suspended sentence and runs on this weekend.

Otherwise, Aussie Robbie has made a few interesting tinkers, but otherwise put out a strong side this weekend. While being a dead rubber, there’s no doubting the intensity the Saffas will bring, giving an opportunity to fully blood a few bench sitters.

Most interesting will be seeing Tim Tam Tahu start at 12, for the first time as a Wallaby. Sounds like he’s impressed the crap out of Deans and it’ll be fascinating to see him have a full run. A good question is who plays 10 if Gits goes down. I think Smith is probably the best suggestion I’ve heard.

McMenimen also gets a start at lock, and it gives you an idea of how low Sharpe’s stocks have sunk in that he doesn’t even make the bench having flown over from Perth. It does mean there aren’t a lot of caps facing Matfield, but it looks like you need to be able to offer more than just running into contact to impress Antipodeans.

AAC comes back from injury, Waugh gets the nod ahead of Smith (good idea in a grudge match) and TPN gets a reprieve to show he can throw. This makes a very green line-out, but holds the future for the Wallabies.

For the Saffas, turns out the Matfield injury was, as expected, total BS to try and frame Rocky. Ndungane comes in for the lame (in more than one sense) Pietersen. And get this – Francois ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Steyn – actually concussed himself while taking Shmoo Mitchell out in the air. New haircut new respect for Drew.

Wallabies:
Adam Ashley-Cooper; Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom; Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill; Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson
Replacements: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell

South Africa:
15-Conrad Jantjes; 14-Odwa Ndungane, 13-Adrian Jacobs, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Jongi Nokwe; 10-Butch James, 9-Fourie du Preez; 8-Pierre Spies, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Schalk Burger; 5-Victor Matfield (capt), 4-Andries Bekker, 3-Brian Mujati, 2-Bismarck du Plessis, 1-Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements:16-Adriaan Strauss, 17-Jannie du Plessis, 18-Danir Rossouw, 19-Luke Watson, 20-Ricky Januarie, 21-Ruan Pienaar, 22-Percy Montgomery.

Aug 28

Dirty Boks in Durban – the video montage

Posted by Gagger

Here’s yet another piece of stirling work from Moses.
For those of you who think it’s just a big whinge, rise above it.

For the rest of us, George Smiths outburst at Burger (2:42 into it) for grabbing his nuts is a classic. As is the best observation man in world rugby – Kearnsey – comment on it being the “squirrel grip”

Watching the Saffa feed on SkySports, we didn’t get this clarity of on-pitch audio, which is maybe why I completely missed the second warning on Van Der Linde. How many do you get for head-butting?

Aug 24

Springboks vs Wallabies Tri-Nations Durban Video Highlights

Posted by Gagger
11 Comments

You might be able to guess the nationality of the guys who do these highlights by the lack of build up to Robinson’s try, no replay of Mortlock’s fantastic effort and absence of Van Der Linde’s head butt, but nevertheless its another good effort from Rugbydump.

On re-watching these highlights, I’m also minded to give more credit to Australia’s last ditch defence and speed to the breakdown as to why the South Africa couldn’t produce the goods.

And you think they might get a hooter that you can actually fµcking hear?

Aug 20

Springboks versus Wallabies Teams & Preview TriNations Durban

Posted by Gagger
5 Comments

FINALLY they’ve released the much speculated over Australian team list and it’s true to the media briefings over the last few days. The big news is that both Horwill, and especially Elsom, are both in, having survived full on training sessions yesterday. These are two vital cogs when taking on a riled Bok pack.

The other two vacancies at 15 and 9 have been taken by Drew Mitchell (rough nut above) and Sam Cordingly respectively. Vanilla Gregan battled flu this week but still got the nod against Sheehan, Shmoo gets his chance on the Wallabies fullback merry-go-round.

The bench is also a little interesting, with both reformed mungos, Tahu and Cross, getting slots. It begs the question of who goes to 15 if little Drew gets roughed up. While Mitchell brings more experience at the back, AAC has been a vital last line of defence, even when injuring himself while doing so.

You’d have to be a rugby spastic to not know how important this game is to Aussie Robbie’s Wallabies. Nevertheless, despite the injury injection we’ve received, and some of the progress made so far, this is an ask that I don’t think this Wallabies side will do at this point in it’s development. The game in Auckland showed too much soft underbelly

More likely (and in time honoured tradition) they’ll scrape 2 bonus points out of the tour to limp to Brissy. Please make me wrong…..

Wallabies
15 Mitchell
14 Hynes
13 Mortlock
12 Barnes
11 Tuqiri
10 Gits
9 Cordingly
8 Palu
7 Smith
6 Elsom
5 Vickerman
4 Horwill
3 Dunning
2 Moore
1 Robinson

Bench
Waugh
McMenimen
TPN
Cross
Tahu
Baxter
Sheehan

Softboks
Conrad Jantjes; JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe; Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger; Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Brian Mujati, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Frans Steyn, Percy Montgomery

Aug 16

South Africa versus New Zealand Tri-Nations Score & Review

Posted by Gagger
8 Comments

Springboks 0 All Blacks 19

The Wallabies looked on from the stands in Capetown as these two sides belted lumps out of each other today. Unfortunately for the Saffas, this seemed to be their only gameplan.

The ABs got on the board early through a McCaw chip behind the tryline for Smith to ground just enough for the try. Due to wonky Carter radar the score stayed at 0-5 until about the 60th minute when Carter’s radar managed to find his way through the Springbok midfield and score with a backwards dunk under the poles.

This was with the Saffas holding on to about 65% of the pill through the first half. The sad truth was that they just didn’t know what to do with it, whether by hand or boot. In the meantime the other half of the ABs, McCaw, had managed to snuff them out at the breakdown, causing Matfield to completely lose his cool with the efeminate Goddard.

In headless chook chase mode the Boks threw a try to Mealamu as they tried to run from too deep and messy.

Good news for the Wallabies is that there were no bonus points, so the table looks like;
ABs 14
Aus 9
SA 5

So while the saffas are out of it, we’re in with a big sniff, but at a minimum we need to take a bonus point away from RSA. And it all comes down to Brizzy….

Jul 20

Wallabies vs Springboks: Tri-Nations first test player ratings

Posted by Gagger
12 Comments

Here are my ratings for the Australia vs South Africa first test. See if it tallies with how you saw it. Scoring system at bottom.

15 Adam Ashley-Cooper I feel sorry for the guy being shoved into this position, but crucial tri-nations games aren’t the place to learn 4

14 Peter Hynes - Backs himself and doesn’t slow into tackles. Great cover tackle and then counter ruck late in the game. 6

13 Stirling Mortlock (c), Trademark bulldoze took the game from the Saffas until Botha’s cheap shot 6

12 Berrick Barnes, Liking the look of this guy more and more. Adds so many options, also rock solid in defense. 7

11 Lote Tuqiri, Whatever Lote has done this year to effect this change in attitude and performance, I’m loving it. Masterful under high balls, try scoring and assisting, pick and drives, tackle busting, vital hit on DeVilliers at the death, he did it all last night. A contender for MoM 8

10 Matt Giteau, whether it was the service from Burgess, the pressure from the jaapies or his own performance, it didn’t quite gel for him on Saturday. Also still doing a lot of lateral movement and trying to tackle with his head (the Spies miss) 5

9 Luke Burgess, criticism of his passing has been exaggerated in my opinion. For example, twice Moore came into the line to then leave the ball. Burgess also buys so much time with his service, it’s almost a price worth paying. Also tried a few things that didn’t come off this time, but will in the future 4

8 Wycliff Palu, on second view Cliffy made a hell of a lot of hard yards while protecting the ball at the back. 6

7 George Smith, back to near his best, he shattered the Springbok’s momentum time and again with turnovers, while pulling off bootlace tackles left, right and centre. His turnovers had the biggest single impact on the whole match. G&GRs man of the match. 8

6 Rocky Elsom, how the hell he managed to have the game he did with what looked like a buggered knee is beyond me. Fought like a giant at every breakdown and for every yard he carried. 8

5 Nathan Sharpe, carried solidly and was all over Matfield (largely illegally) at every line-out as well as smashing him off the kick off. Did cost the Wallabies 6 of SA’s 9 points though. 6

4 James Horwill, you would have thought this guy had been playing international rugby for years. Was everywhere throughout the game and looked like the senior partner to Sharpe. 7

3 Al Baxter, a solid scrum, even some penalties against them. I’m happy. 6

2 Stephen Moore, straight throwing – including the monster that started off Tuqiri’s try – and lots of carries. Got a little in the way a few times though, and got skinned by The Beast. 6

1 Benn Robinson, More than solid scrum, some good carries and even a turnover or two. 7

Replacements:
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, didn’t see enough to comment
17 Matt Dunning, not on for long, a couple of good pick and gos
18 Hugh McMeniman, brought some energy when he came on
19 Phil Waugh, only on for 3 minutes and he stole a turnover
20 Sam Cordingley, pass was no better than Burgess’ usual delivery
21 Ryan Cross, didn’t detract when he came on but not as sparkling as he debut 6
22 Drew Mitchell. didn’t see enough to comment (did he get on?)

Rating system:
10 – A legendary performance to go down in the history books
9 – Man of the match worthy performance
8 – Outstanding
7 – Good game, great in parts
6 – Solid performance
5 – Average – ho hum
4 – Below par
3 – Had a bad game
2 – Tell your story walking pal
1 – A complete joke

Jul 20

Wallabies vs Springboks: Tri-Nations first test video highlights

Posted by Gagger

The more I watch it, the more I see some great attacking performances from Australia. While the defence was softer than usual, line wasn’t crossed by South Africa this time out.
Great length of highlights from Rugbydump.

Jul 19

Wallabies vs Springboks: Tri-Nations first test score & review

Posted by Gagger
4 Comments

Australia 16 – South Africa 9

I’m tempted to say for the review, read the preview. The core of this story was as predicted – a tough battle that was just one too far for the Springboks. But it was detail around margins that was most interesting from a Wallaby perspective.

In such an evenly matched and hard fought game, it was the small things that made big differences. Twice the Springboks got within touching distance of the line – through Britz and Habana – to be taken down with inches to spare and requiring the TMO. In the 25th minute Horwill – playing like the senior lock, not the rookie – got a hand to a ball that was on its way to a certain try. Both Wallaby tries were in the corner, and both required the TMO (for this ref anyway).

The biggest small difference though, came at the breakdown. Here the Wallaby forwards excelled at contesting on their feet, Horwill, Elsom, Robinson, Waugh and Sharpe all earning free kicks. But it was perhaps the worlds best ever fetcher, George Smith, who almost single handedly smashed the South Africans momentum in the first half. I counted at least 4 steals, all at crucial times in that first 40.

Having 3 enormous ball running back-rowers like the Jaapies do gives you plenty of go forward, but not enough presence on the ground. Someone please tell me Pocock couldn’t be poached by them.

Once again the Wallaby scrum has started well. You’d have to say that Robinson had Van der Linder’s number and it was such a change to see the scrum solid on our own ball. Australia also had parity with the much vaunted Saffa line-out, even without the code-breaking Vickerman.

There was a lot of focus on the rookie combination of Burgess, Giteau and Barnes before this game, and rightly so. Considering the Boks are probably the best in the business at applying pressure through these channels, it got through OK. Despite Greg Martin zeroing in on Burgess’ pass, if the odd mis-fire is what you pay for the quickest delivery in the game, I’d gladly pay it. A good way of not getting caught at the back of the ruck is to get rid of the ball first, and today it neutralised the Boks physicality in this part of the game.

Yet again Barnes was impressive, and the logic of him at 12 was obvious in Perth, with Giteau not having his best game. If this combination can keep improving as it has so far for another year or two, the multitude of options it will give the team is mind boggling. Today, even under pressure, this combo always had options, more than their opposite numbers.

One facet of general play that has also drastically developed for the Wallabies under Aussie Robbie, is the support of the ball carrier. Not just on the front foot, but also when back-peddling. This happened more than you’d have liked today, but each time there were men circling back to relieve pressure. This style of play requires a level of fitness though that the Wallabies just don’t have right now. It will need to lift.

Whilst I’m bored sh1tless with the phrase “work in progess”, that is definitely what this team currently is. While this work got us through today, there’ll definitely need to be a lot more of that p-word, especially at the business end of this tournament.

The scorers:

For Australia:
Tries: Tuqiri, Mortlock
Pen: Giteau
Drop: Barnes

For South Africa:
Pens: Steyn 2, James

The teams:

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Hugh McMeniman, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Drew Mitchell.

South Africa: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Francois Steyn, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Enrico Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Brian Mujati, 19 Andries Bekker, 20 Ryan Kankowski, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Peter Grant.

Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand), Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Television match official: Garrat Newman (New Zealand)
Assessor: Steve Hilditch (New Zealand)

Jul 16

Australia vs South Africa Tri-Nations First Test Preview

Posted by Gagger
4 Comments

UPDATED

Here it is – the first big Wallaby hit out in the Aussie Robbie era, and what a test it’s gonna be. The world champeen Springboks have just re-inforced their top-dog status with two matches out of the top drawer, the second earning them their first win on NZ soil for 10 years. As for the Wallabies, we’ve had flashes of brilliance, but some big questions remain unanswered.

So who’s gonna do it in Perth?

Well, I reckon all the clues are written above. It’s difficult to imagine the impact of two hard fought test matches in two weeks on the other side of the earth to home, a well deserved piss-up and then a trip right across terra Australis to front up again within the same 7 days. Plus, in the psyche will be that they’ve played their big match and taken their big scalp. Just hold the rest of their home games and that should be it for this Tri-Nations. Happy daze.

But this doesn’t mean it’s gonna be easy for the Wallabies. The two softest parts of our game – the breakdown and scrum – are selling points for the Saffas. The scrum I reckon just might hold. It’s home turf, they haven’t been on top form and its the beginning of the comp – we always seem to get away with it then. [UPDATE: The Boks have opted for a whole second front-row on their bench, signalling where their focus is. I've also heard conflicting reports about wet weather forecasts. The scrum could be more of a factor than I'd hoped]

It’s the breakdown that worries me the most. I haven’t seen a convincing game here since before the RWC, even against the holidaying Frogs, and the likes of Burger and Botha are in wrecking ball form. This is the time for Palu to finally step up onto the big stage and Horwill re-discover some inner mongrel. If they don’t then with the ensuing crappy ball and offside Jaapies it’s going to be even harder to break the strangle hold of the rush defence. We saw where that got the ABs last weekend.

With what we’ve seen so far this should be a close game, the fresher Wallaby legs getting them through by 5 points or so. If it’s more than that, then the Boks obviously enjoyed the celebrations in Christchurch. If the Wallabies don’t do it then its game over Tri-Nations.

Jul 16

Springbok Team vs Wallabies first test Trinations 2008

Posted by Gagger

SOUTH Africa have recalled No.8 Pierre Spies, centre Francois Steyn and fullback Conrad Jantjes to the starting line-up for Saturday night’s Tri-Nations rugby Test against Australia in Perth.

Spies got the nod ahead of Joe van Niekerk, who played in the previous two Tests against New Zealand, Steyn replaces the injured Adrian Jacobs and Jantjes reclaims the No.15 jersey from veteran Percy Montgomery.

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield (capt), Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Schalk Brits, Gurthro Steenkamp.

Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Peter Grant.

Jul 14

Chooks own Mongrel-o-meter

Posted by Gagger
7 Comments

By Chook.
I think we need to rate the players that will face off for the Tri Nations and see how the Wallabies match-up. I feel that we would be quite low at the moment. I reckon the Saffas easily out-mongrel ABs and Wallabies, although the ABs wouldn’t be too far behind them. Bakkies Botha being present basically drags the whole team up to a whole new echelon of mongrelness. Not to mention freakin’ Burger. The ABs have Carter which drags them down a bit due to his underwear commitments and Donald makes me laugh, so he brings them down further.

Things like eye gouging, biting , spear tackles and dangerous throws score highly. Tackling without using the arms and niggle off the ball also was taken into account. Supporting your pals in the fight is admirable but does not score highly.

Some points to consider:

ABs
8. Ali Williams is as useless as Sharpe but with more mongrel so he has some good attributes. Keven Mealamu is useful and mongrel-y. He is handy but a bit passed his prime. Good in a scrap and willing to take a sneaky lineout throw as well.
They have plenty of players that look pìssed off but that is due to residual hatred to Henry and the stupid rotation system as well as the unbearable burden of actually being in a team that has won only a single RWC. Sivivatu can only fight chicks which is a poor effort by him. Nonu gets an unhonorable mention for hitting Huxley who had a brain tumour and is obviously retarded. Shame about the mascara though.

Saffas
The Saffas wrote the book on mongrel. France, Fiji, Manu Samoa and Tonga touch on the level of mongrel the Saffas have at times but not across the board like the Saffas can. They have depth that other nations can only dream of in this area. Think Bakkies Botha, Butch James, Burger and Victor Matfield just for starters. Its too bad the Saffas also include wet tea towels like Frannie Steyn and Monty in their team to take that edginess off. Otherwise they would be unbeatable and be deserved world champions.

As it is, it seems to me they must have a quota system on mongrel perhaps due to the need to finish a game with slightly more players than a Rugby League side.

As a note, Matfield looks a little too well fed and watered on great cuisine and wine sourced from the Toulon region to fully access his mongreloid powers.

Wallabies
We score low on mongrel. Horwill promised a lot of mongrel but failed to deliver ‘cept for half a cup of claret and a stupid looking eye. McMenimen is supposed to be hard but is more like a stick of celery lost at the back of the crisper.

As always its up to the Tahs to supply mongrel with Waugh, Palu and Lote to the rescue although Waugh just plays hard, Palu needs Cowan or a copper to pìss him off and Lote needs his dreads pulled to activate his anger protocol. He also needs to have Sam Norton Knight somewhere in the same postcode to engage the red mist.

Hynes has some promise but needs to take the head off Carter for me to be totally convinced of his credentials.

I can’t see the Wallabies winning the Tri Nations as we are far and away the worst performed Mongrel team in the comp and we will be spanked form pillar to post by harder, tougher teams.

Here’s Chooks Own Mongrel-o-meter… (10 being most mongrel-iest)

10. Eats Babies (Bakkies Botha level)
9. Eats Wallaby Wingers (Richard Loe level)
8. Quokka Hammer Throw Champion level
7. Pull Lotes hair/ Flanker level
6. Gingah/Ranga/ Annoyed Scrumhalf level
5. We Got Your Back Kid, Just Don’t Be Pointing One Of Them Guns, A’ight Man
4. I fight like Ben Tune level
3. My Underwear Advertising Commitments Prevent Me From Man-ing Up level
2. Gandhi non violent resistance/ I Play In The Backs level
1. My Favourite movie Is The Notebook level

You’ll see there are a few gaps, and no doubt disagree with a few so let me know what you think.

ALL BLACKS

Tony Woodcòck, 1
Andrew Hore, 1
John Afoa, 1
Anthony Boric, 1
Ali Willliams, 8
Adam Thomson, 1
Rodney So’oialo (c), 7
Jerome Kaino, 3
Andy Ellis, 2
Dan Carter, 3
Rudi Wulf, 2
Ma’a Nonu, 8
Conrad Smith, 2
Sitiveni Sivivatu, 4
Mils Muliaina. 2

RESERVES
16. Keven Mealamu, 8
17. Neemia Tialata, 6
18. Kevin O’Neill, 5
19. Sione Lauaki, 6
20. Jimmy Cowan, 7
21. Stephen Donald, 1
22. Leon MacDonald. 1

SOUTH AFRICA

Conrad Jantjes, 4
Odwa Ndungane, 4
Adrian Jacobs, 4
Jean de Villiers, 4
Bryan Habana, 4
Butch James, 8
Ricky Januarie, 4
Joe van Niekerk, 4
Juan Smith, 4
Schalk Burger, 9
Victor Matfield, 7
Bakkies Botha, 10
CJ van der Linde, 4
John Smit (captain), 5
Gurthro Steenkamp 5

Reserves:
Bismarck du Plessis, 6
Brian Mujati, 5
Andries Bekker, 6
Luke Watson, 5
Bolla Conradie, 5
Francois Steyn, 1
Percy Montgomery 1

WALLABIES squad:
Backs: Adam Ashley Cooper, 1
Berrick Barnes, 1
G&GRs own Luke Burgess, 2
Sam Cordingley, 1
Ryan Cross, 1
Matt Giteau, 1
Peter Hynes, 7
Drew Mitchell, 1
Stirling Mortlock (capt), 5
Brett Sheehan, 6
Timana Tahu, 3
Lote Tuqiri, 7
Lachlan Turner 1

Forwards:
Ben Alexander,
Al Baxter, 5
Richard Brown,
Matt Dunning, 6
Rocky Elsom, 7
Adam Freier,
James Horwill, 8
Hugh McMeniman, 1
Dean Mumm, 2
Stephen Moore, 1
Wycliff Palu, 7
Tatafu Polota-Nau, 6
Benn Robinson,
Nathan Sharpe, 1
George Smith,
Phil Waugh, 7
Dan Vickerman. 7.

Jul 12

All Blacks vs Springboks; second test review

Posted by Gagger
4 Comments

Springboks blow Tri Nations wide open

Exclusively for G&GR By James Heffield, Betfair journalist

The All Blacks lack of depth in crucial positions was exposed by a ruthless South African outfit on Saturday night as the visitors scored a thrilling and historic 30-28 Tri-Nations victory at Carisbrook, Dunedin.

In their eighth visit to the rugby relic, the Springboks picked up their first win, outscoring a green New Zealand side missing captain Richie McCaw and suspended lock Brad Thorn, two tries to one, and ending the All Blacks record run of 30 straight home victories.

But for all the celebrations and back-slapping after Australian referee Matt Goddard’s final whistle, the win was effectively due to one piece of brilliance from Springbok halfback Ricky Januarie five minutes from time.

Breaking the line past half way Januarie threw an audacious dummy before chipping the ball ahead into open space and regathering with all the grace of an NBA basketballer to level the scores at 28-all.

Francois Steyn’s conversion put the Springboks in front and although All Black first five Daniel Carter waited patiently in the pocket, a match-winning dropped goal proved to be too evasive.

The final whistle bought scenes of utter jubilation from the Springboks who, while being World Cup champions, had expressed a huge desire to achieve an elusive win in New Zealand, their first in a decade.

South Africa’s line-out was outstanding with captain Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in form while the All Blacks were also able to win their own ball well despite the loss of Ali Williams to a head knock late in the first half.

Anthony Boric and Kevin O’Neill, boasting two test appearances between them, stepped up to the mark in the lineout and in general play and both appear to have bright futures.

Carter was again a dominant figure in the All Blacks backline, setting up substitute forward Sione Lauaki with New Zealand’s only try in the second half, while Ma’a Nonu had his busiest game in the black jersey.

Goddard had a forgettable night with the whistle, frequently stopping play to raise a point. This at times ruined the matches’ continuity, playing in to the Springboks hands as they battled with the speed of the game.

In the end it was the Springboks tireless defence that got them home sounding a huge warning to the Wallabies ahead of next weekend’s showdown in Perth. Australia will have to find gaps in a seemingly impenetrable Springbok defence, a less than easy task even with Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri and Stirling Mortlock in their ranks.

Lineout ball will also be at a premium and, although they were out-scrummed by the All Blacks, the Springbok pack is enormously powerful.

Robbie Deans’ men will have to be on their A-game as the Springboks chase their second win and the outright lead in the championship.

For New Zealand:
Try: Lauaki
Con: Carter
Pens: Carter 6
Drop goal: Carter

For South Africa:
Tries: Pietersen, Januarie
Con: Steyn
Pens: Montgomery 3, James 2
Drop goal: James

Yellow card: Matfield, high tackle (South Africa, 73 min)

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Rodney So’oialo (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Leon MacDonald.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Britz, 17 Brian Mujati, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Conrad Jantjes.

Referee: Matt Goddard
Assistants: James Leckie, Paul Marks
TMO: George Ayoub

Jul 12

Score & random thoughts from the All Black vs Springbok 2nd test

Posted by Gagger
4 Comments

New Zealand 28 – South Africa 30

Ali Williams is as soft as his name

“Keeping the scoreboard ticking over” is a novelty for the Wallabies, the day job for Carter.

A try off the back of a 5 metre scrum should be indefensible under the ELVs

Ricky Januarie must be a quota thing (I wrote this and then he went and scored the match winning try…)

The ref Matt Goddard should be in a sitcom with the catchphrase “What’s up girlfriend?”

Why is Franz Steyn trying to re-create Napoleon Dynamites hair-do?

The All Blacks flop on every ruck.

Has Berger got the biggest hit in the game?

This Tri-Nations is wide open, but can the Wallabies muscle up?

Jul 6

All Blacks vs Springboks; first test review

Posted by Gagger

Wallabies face tough Tri Nations competition

Exclusively for Green and Gold Rugby
By James Heffield, Betfair sponsored journalist

Wallaby fans may have had one eye on the French last night, but the other must surely have been on the opening Tri-Nations test between New Zealand and South Africa in Wellington.

For Robbie Deans’ men, the message is a simple one; this will be an extremely tough tournament.

While atrocious weather conditions virtually ruined the game as a spectacle, the All Blacks showed ominous signs without inspirational captain Richie McCaw, putting in a dominant second half display to emerge 19-8 victors.

This against a South African side fresh from glory in last year’s World Cup in France and desperate to end a 10 year losing streak in New Zealand.

Simply put, they were out passioned and out thought by the new look All Blacks outfit who, for at least the next week, can rightly claim the title of World No.1.

South Africa only briefly looked a chance in this match, with a superb try by wing Bryan Habana on halftime leaving them only a point adrift after a clinical first half performance by New Zealand, rewarded with three penalties to first five Daniel Carter.

Fast forward a few moments and the game’s turning point shortly after halftime; a turnover in the Springbok 22, the ball spun to the left and No.8 Jerome Kaino crashing over for his first test try.

Carter’s conversion put his side 16-8 ahead and from there South Africa never looked like getting across the line.

It was a far from vintage performance from New Zealand. At times they were pushed off the ball by their heavier opponents, both teams turned over far too much ball and the lineout, seemingly the All Blacks achilles heel, was again patchy.

However, big tests are often won ugly and with Carter having a sublime night both tactically and on offence, and big lock Ali Williams producing a “come follow me” performance in the tight it was the All Blacks who endured.

Fellow lock Brad Thorn will face a date with the judiciary after a dangerous tackle on Springbok captain John Smit, but for once there were no injury worries for coach Graham Henry.

The win extended the All Blacks unbeaten run at home to 30 with the two sides set to square off again at Carisbrook in Dunedin next weekend.

Meanwhile, Australia continued its good start to the season with a 40-10 drubbing of World Cup semi-finalist France, with first five Matt Giteau producing a star performance and league convert Ryan Cross scoring a double.

Exactly how much can be taken from any match against the inconsistent and temperamental French is hard to gauge but Robbie Deans will have taken plenty of heart out of the Wallabies unbeaten start to 2008 ahead of their first Tri-Nations match against the Springboks in Perth on July 19.

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