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Rugby Union
- Thread starter Tigerclan
- Start date
The loss means the Wallabies are yet to win a Test at the ground but Australia does leave with something, having earned a bonus point to open its Tri Nations account.
http://www.rugby.com.au/matches/tournaments/tri_nations/2005/springboks_v_qantas_wallabies,22764.html
more ammo
http://www.rugby.com.au/matches/tournaments/tri_nations/2005/springboks_v_qantas_wallabies,22764.html
more ammo
TigerGoneNorth said:I thought they looked ok too Queenie. They kicked a lot more which enabled them to control the game better but the backs didn't seem to put it together when we needed to press home. I wasn't sure Mortlock was out there for a while and Latham again made a couple of key mistakes when a score looked likely.
We managed to steal a lot of ball but didn't come up with much for our efforts.
I haven't seen all of their recent games but one thing seems to be the same - why does Wendell consistently fall over as he tries to change direction just before he is about to be tackled? Drives me nuts and has done for years.
They did look better TGN which is fine but frankly they were not good enough and this was definately a winnable game for them. I hope the Wallaby hierachy look at this one as the one that got away, because they let their chances slide. But as TC said, we got a bonus point for finishing within 7 points, so I guess that is something.....just!!!
I have had long term issues with both Mortlock and Latham. I was thrilled when Turinui won the run on position in front of Mortlock because he has played far better rugby this year (particularly in the Super 12, which should have given him an automatic call up) and he seems to staighten them up whenever he gets the ball. He does the same thing for the 'Tahs. But Jones has his boys and Mortlock is one of them so it took way to long for the call to be made.
Simply put, Latham cracks under pressure. He is the flashiest and most brilliant full back in the world during the Super 12, but when the heat is really on he just doesn't seem to stand up. On numerous occassions he as dropped the all-important high ball, thrown the dodgy pass and made some horrendous decision making errors. If Rogers is fit I would prefer to have him in the starting full-back role, but Latham will never come off the bench because he can only play one position and therefore is not utility enough to be a backline replacement. This has always frustrated the hell out of me.
Frankly I don't think we have been able to fill the full back position for internationals at all well since Matt Burke. His contribution to the Wallabies should never be underestimated. He was the best full back, but could also play in the centres, on the wing and could pinch hit at five eighth. He was so even and never looked like anything was too hard. Impossible to replace and his skill and mental approach, leadership on and off the field, not to mention his kicking, is being missed. Just my opinion!!!
As for Big Dell, I still don't think he is up to international standard. Great footy player but has never seemed to grasp the finer points of playing rugby union v rugby league. I think he tries to spin out of the tackles and therefore loses his footing, when he should just take the hit and play the ball back. Instead he tries too hard to be fancy or heroic or something and then tries to offload the ball to an unsuspecting team mate in a hail mary pass, who then proceeds to get his head taken off. Sailor is also try shy. Drives me crazy too.
The one consolation is that once Clyde Rathbone is fit again (hopefully sooner rather than later), Big Dell goes back to the bench, which frankly I believe is the right spot for him. That way he can come on as an impact player and throw his weight around and hopefully inject some oomph into the game. That being said I still would love it if he could stop either losing his footing and off loading the ball in a tackle, because it is definately not working.
On the plus side, the place kicking game was good. It was also nice to see Matt Giteau get over his personal goal kicking gremlins and land a perfect score. It will do wonders for his confidence. He will have to be at his best in the next few weeks, especially when coming up against the best in the world in Dan Carter. The Wallabies just can't afford to let All Black penalties go unpunished when they are certain to punish ours, from just about anywhere. The value of a great goal kicker, makes the opposition nervous.
I also think that the Boks were offside for most of the match and there was definately a hell of a lot of hands in the ruck that went unpenalised. This is just the way they play, up in your face and they will continue to do so until they are pinged by the referee. That unfortunately did not happen, so on it went. We did manage to turnover the Springbok ball a few times, which is simply good forward play from the Wallabies. Although I do not understand the dropping of Rocky Elsom for the match, who was playing well and then his replacement was not Phil Waugh, which made even less sense.
All-in-all, this match was a marked improvement on the last one, but I still think it was the one that got away, given they had a good lead at half time, and I just hope that we can stand up to the All Blacks in a couple of weeks. However given it is being played here, it should make life a little easier, maybe
;D !!!
QueenC said:TigerGoneNorth said:I thought they looked ok too Queenie. They kicked a lot more which enabled them to control the game better but the backs didn't seem to put it together when we needed to press home. I wasn't sure Mortlock was out there for a while and Latham again made a couple of key mistakes when a score looked likely.
We managed to steal a lot of ball but didn't come up with much for our efforts.
I haven't seen all of their recent games but one thing seems to be the same - why does Wendell consistently fall over as he tries to change direction just before he is about to be tackled? Drives me nuts and has done for years.
They did look better TGN which is fine but frankly they were not good enough and this was definately a winnable game for them. I hope the Wallaby hierachy look at this one as the one that got away, because they let their chances slide. But as TC said, we got a bonus point for finishing within 7 points, so I guess that is something.....just!!!
I have had long term issues with both Mortlock and Latham. I was thrilled when Turinui won the run on position in front of Mortlock because he has played far better rugby this year (particularly in the Super 12, which should have given him an automatic call up) and he seems to staighten them up whenever he gets the ball. He does the same thing for the 'Tahs. But Jones has his boys and Mortlock is one of them so it took way to long for the call to be made.
Simply put, Latham cracks under pressure. He is the flashiest and most brilliant full back in the world during the Super 12, but when the heat is really on he just doesn't seem to stand up. On numerous occassions he as dropped the all-important high ball, thrown the dodgy pass and made some horrendous decision making errors. If Rogers is fit I would prefer to have him in the starting full-back role, but Latham will never come off the bench because he can only play one position and therefore is not utility enough to be a backline replacement. This has always frustrated the hell out of me.
Frankly I don't think we have been able to fill the full back position for internationals at all well since Matt Burke. His contribution to the Wallabies should never be underestimated. He was the best full back, but could also play in the centres, on the wing and could pinch hit at five eighth. He was so even and never looked like anything was too hard. Impossible to replace and his skill and mental approach, leadership on and off the field, not to mention his kicking, is being missed. Just my opinion!!!
As for Big Dell, I still don't think he is up to international standard. Great footy player but has never seemed to grasp the finer points of playing rugby union v rugby league. I think he tries to spin out of the tackles and therefore loses his footing, when he should just take the hit and play the ball back. Instead he tries too hard to be fancy or heroic or something and then tries to offload the ball to an unsuspecting team mate in a hail mary pass, who then proceeds to get his head taken off. Sailor is also try shy. Drives me crazy too.
The one consolation is that once Clyde Rathbone is fit again (hopefully sooner rather than later), Big Dell goes back to the bench, which frankly I believe is the right spot for him. That way he can come on as an impact player and throw his weight around and hopefully inject some oomph into the game. That being said I still would love it if he could stop either losing his footing and off loading the ball in a tackle, because it is definately not working.
On the plus side, the place kicking game was good. It was also nice to see Matt Giteau get over his personal goal kicking gremlins and land a perfect score. It will do wonders for his confidence. He will have to be at his best in the next few weeks, especially when coming up against the best in the world in Dan Carter. The Wallabies just can't afford to let All Black penalties go unpunished when they are certain to punish ours, from just about anywhere. The value of a great goal kicker, makes the opposition nervous.
I also think that the Boks were offside for most of the match and there was definately a hell of a lot of hands in the ruck that went unpenalised. This is just the way they play, up in your face and they will continue to do so until they are pinged by the referee. That unfortunately did not happen, so on it went. We did manage to turnover the Springbok ball a few times, which is simply good forward play from the Wallabies. Although I do not understand the dropping of Rocky Elsom for the match, who was playing well and then his replacement was not Phil Waugh, which made even less sense.
All-in-all, this match was a marked improvement on the last one, but I still think it was the one that got away, given they had a good lead at half time, and I just hope that we can stand up to the All Blacks in a couple of weeks. However given it is being played here, it should make life a little easier, maybe
A far more erudite version of my own views Queenie!! (You should be a sports journo.) ;D
Latham has always frustrated the hell out of me too. All duck and no dinner. I agree that since Matt Burke has gone full back has been a problem. I reckon Rogers could be the man but is he ever fit??? He seems to breakdown all the time.
The only other shame of the match was that George Smith (love him) gave away the two penalties that gave them back the league. He'd been pretty good up until then I thought.
Would love to be a sports journo TGN....dream job!!!
I have always liked having Smith and Waugh in the same side, but these kind of players (McCaw is one of the best at it) are always going to be penalised more than the rest given they are always at the bottom of a ruck and probably lying on the wrong side of the ball or killing its release.
And hopefully Rogers will be fit (but wrapped in cotton wool for protection purposes) for the match against the All Blacks in Sydney (got my tickets, yeah!!!) on 13th August. It also looks like Rathbone will be playing club rugby in Sydney this weekend with a view to returning in the same game.
Wendell has suffered a season ending knee injury which will rule him out until at least the tour of the Northern Hemisphere in November. Which would make Clydes' return all the more important, and may just give Drew Mitchell (big wraps for this kid) another test cap, which he totally deserves.
On a different topic, interesting article by David Campese in todays Daily Telegraph:-
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16118660-32463,00.html (Wallabies are in trouble)
I have always liked having Smith and Waugh in the same side, but these kind of players (McCaw is one of the best at it) are always going to be penalised more than the rest given they are always at the bottom of a ruck and probably lying on the wrong side of the ball or killing its release.
And hopefully Rogers will be fit (but wrapped in cotton wool for protection purposes) for the match against the All Blacks in Sydney (got my tickets, yeah!!!) on 13th August. It also looks like Rathbone will be playing club rugby in Sydney this weekend with a view to returning in the same game.
Wendell has suffered a season ending knee injury which will rule him out until at least the tour of the Northern Hemisphere in November. Which would make Clydes' return all the more important, and may just give Drew Mitchell (big wraps for this kid) another test cap, which he totally deserves.
On a different topic, interesting article by David Campese in todays Daily Telegraph:-
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16118660-32463,00.html (Wallabies are in trouble)
Back to on of the golden era's in the history of the Wallabies, with the "Team of the Decade" announced yesturday.
The team is:-
1. Richard Harry
2. Phil Kearns
3. Andrew Blades
4. David Giffin
5. John Eales (C)
6. Owen Finegan
7. George Smith
8. Toutai Kefu
9. George Gregan
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Joe Roff
12. Tim Horan
13. Jason Little
14. Ben Tune
15. Matthew Burke
Reserves: 16. Jeremy Paul, 17. Dan Crowley, 18. Nathan Sharpe, 19.Phil Waugh, 20. Chris Whitaker, 21. Dan Herbert, 22. Lote Tuqiri
I have to say looking at those names on the page, makes me get quite nostalgic for the nineties when we were the most dominant team in international rugby which culminated in a World Cup win in France in 1999.
Ahh, good times :angel: !!!
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallaby_team_of_the_decade_named,31412.html/section/21893
The team is:-
1. Richard Harry
2. Phil Kearns
3. Andrew Blades
4. David Giffin
5. John Eales (C)
6. Owen Finegan
7. George Smith
8. Toutai Kefu
9. George Gregan
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Joe Roff
12. Tim Horan
13. Jason Little
14. Ben Tune
15. Matthew Burke
Reserves: 16. Jeremy Paul, 17. Dan Crowley, 18. Nathan Sharpe, 19.Phil Waugh, 20. Chris Whitaker, 21. Dan Herbert, 22. Lote Tuqiri
I have to say looking at those names on the page, makes me get quite nostalgic for the nineties when we were the most dominant team in international rugby which culminated in a World Cup win in France in 1999.
Ahh, good times :angel: !!!
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallaby_team_of_the_decade_named,31412.html/section/21893
QueenC said:
Well when I start my new National daily newspaper I'll be giving you a call Queenie!! :hihi
TigerGoneNorth said:
Please do that TGN, I will be waiting for your call
;D !!!Well it was a rather disappointing New Zealand side that went down to South Africa 22 - 16 last night. They honestly couldn't seem to get anything right especially the line out. There were far to many handling errors which cost a number of penalties. Although the Springboks kept up their illegal display of offside play and were never penalised the way they should have been.
It was bizaar to see the all powerful All Blacks dithering around the park in the second half. At times they looked completely lost. Byron Kelleher went off concussed pretty early which brought on the sub par Peri Weepu who I don't think had the greatest of games. Neither did his mid-field partner Dan Carter, who had a very rare off day around the ground, but still managed to kick at 100%. The line out was simply atrocious with numerous going against the throw and the only Springbok try was scored from an(other) intercept.
Their poor form actually worries more a little given that they play here next Saturday. I would have rathered them thump the Boks and have a more listless performance against our Wallabies. Now I am concerned about retribution, because the AB's and their supporters (and NZ rugby generally) don't handle losing particularly well and it is the Wallabies in the line of fire
!!! http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=2392
Honestly the SANZA judiciary make the AFL panel look like genuine superstars....
Victor Matfield was cited yesturday for a dangerous tackle on Byron Kelleher (who fyi is apparently dating a famous NZ porn star!!!) which left him severely concussed and has ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney this week.
For the record it was a dangerous tackle and Matfield did nothing but aim straight at Kelleher's head after he passed the ball, so it was also late. The tribunal has decided he was not guilty and that the referee had made the right choice on the day not to penalise.
I would think Byron might disagree with this decision and the fact that players keep getting away with dangerous play is bordering on the insane (unless of course you are Lote Tuqueri who was suspened, rightfully so, for two weeks for a late hit)
They really need to get their act together as it is becoming a joke.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16182821-23210,00.html (Bok cleared of dangerous tackle)
Victor Matfield was cited yesturday for a dangerous tackle on Byron Kelleher (who fyi is apparently dating a famous NZ porn star!!!) which left him severely concussed and has ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney this week.
For the record it was a dangerous tackle and Matfield did nothing but aim straight at Kelleher's head after he passed the ball, so it was also late. The tribunal has decided he was not guilty and that the referee had made the right choice on the day not to penalise.
I would think Byron might disagree with this decision and the fact that players keep getting away with dangerous play is bordering on the insane (unless of course you are Lote Tuqueri who was suspened, rightfully so, for two weeks for a late hit)
They really need to get their act together as it is becoming a joke.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16182821-23210,00.html (Bok cleared of dangerous tackle)
Nope, it is a SANZA judiciary.
As far as I know, it consists of three different representatives on each occassion, obviously not from the country that the player that is charged is from. They oversee all things that happen during the Tri-Nations and Super 12 (now 14). I am almost certain that they also have durisdiction over other countries who play the Tri-Nations countries.
There is no all-encompassing international IRB-based judiciary, it is handled by the individual unions and any amalgamation they have formed eg Tri-Nations or Six Nations, up north. So the panel or committee that sat in judgement of Victor Matfield was made up of two South Africans and chaired by an Australian.
It may not have been the exact same panel that viewed the O'Driscoll but it is definately the same organisation.
As far as I know, it consists of three different representatives on each occassion, obviously not from the country that the player that is charged is from. They oversee all things that happen during the Tri-Nations and Super 12 (now 14). I am almost certain that they also have durisdiction over other countries who play the Tri-Nations countries.
There is no all-encompassing international IRB-based judiciary, it is handled by the individual unions and any amalgamation they have formed eg Tri-Nations or Six Nations, up north. So the panel or committee that sat in judgement of Victor Matfield was made up of two South Africans and chaired by an Australian.
It may not have been the exact same panel that viewed the O'Driscoll but it is definately the same organisation.
The Australian team for the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand in Sydney has been named today.
Australia: Drew Mitchell; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Morgan Turinui, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, George Gregan (captain); David Lyons, George Smith, John Roe; Nathan Sharpe, Daniel Vickerman; Al Baxter, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.
Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Clyde Rathbone, Elton Flatley.
23rd man: Rocky Elsom.
There are a couple of interesting selections including Mark Gerrard ahead of Clyde Rathbone for the vacant wing spot; Morgan Turunui at inside centre (thank god he is on the park); John Roe still ahead of Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom on the blind side, which is a poor decision in my opinion; and Drew Mitchell getting the starting fullback position (which is fantastic news, I just hope he can perform as well as I believe he can), left open by an injury to Latham, which probably means Mat Rogers did not come up in training for this week.
Other than that the only substantial change is Matt Giteau to five eigth after the season ending shoulder injury to Steve Larkham a couple of weeks ago in South Africa. I hope that the decision between Giteau and Elton Flately was a hell of a lot easier than Jones has been saying because Giteau is the permanent future holder of this pivitol position. Flately as good as he was doesn't even compare. Good player off the bench though.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16212840-23217,00.html
Australia: Drew Mitchell; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Morgan Turinui, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, George Gregan (captain); David Lyons, George Smith, John Roe; Nathan Sharpe, Daniel Vickerman; Al Baxter, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.
Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Clyde Rathbone, Elton Flatley.
23rd man: Rocky Elsom.
There are a couple of interesting selections including Mark Gerrard ahead of Clyde Rathbone for the vacant wing spot; Morgan Turunui at inside centre (thank god he is on the park); John Roe still ahead of Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom on the blind side, which is a poor decision in my opinion; and Drew Mitchell getting the starting fullback position (which is fantastic news, I just hope he can perform as well as I believe he can), left open by an injury to Latham, which probably means Mat Rogers did not come up in training for this week.
Other than that the only substantial change is Matt Giteau to five eigth after the season ending shoulder injury to Steve Larkham a couple of weeks ago in South Africa. I hope that the decision between Giteau and Elton Flately was a hell of a lot easier than Jones has been saying because Giteau is the permanent future holder of this pivitol position. Flately as good as he was doesn't even compare. Good player off the bench though.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16212840-23217,00.html
The New Zealand team has also been named for the Bledisloe Cup match:-
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Conrad Smith/Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins; Ali Williams, Chris Jack; Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, James Ryan, Marty Holah, Kevin Senio, Luke McAlister, Leon MacDonald.
Obviously they are giving their captain and outside centre until the last possible moment to be fit for the match. If he is declared fit Conrad Smith will not be seen at all, if not then Smith will be in the starting fifteen. Tough spot for him to be in I would have thought.
Byron Kellerher has already been omitted with concussion after he took a very heavy (& illegal) knock in the Springbok match last week. Other than that the only changes are Mulianina going back to he preferred (and better played) fullback position, Rokocoko onto the wing and MacDonald (after a poor game really) to the bench.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16213184-23217,00.html
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Conrad Smith/Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins; Ali Williams, Chris Jack; Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, James Ryan, Marty Holah, Kevin Senio, Luke McAlister, Leon MacDonald.
Obviously they are giving their captain and outside centre until the last possible moment to be fit for the match. If he is declared fit Conrad Smith will not be seen at all, if not then Smith will be in the starting fifteen. Tough spot for him to be in I would have thought.
Byron Kellerher has already been omitted with concussion after he took a very heavy (& illegal) knock in the Springbok match last week. Other than that the only changes are Mulianina going back to he preferred (and better played) fullback position, Rokocoko onto the wing and MacDonald (after a poor game really) to the bench.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16213184-23217,00.html
