South Africa Blown Away By NZ; NZ Blown Away By Rolland

So that's the end of the first Rugby Championship, and if the NH papers are going to continue to call it "uninspiring" then they need to first take a look at their own referees.

NZ were simply to good for SA, running in four tries to one. But what was just as noticeable was yet another erratic home-oriented performance with the whistle by Allan Rolland who relentlessly niggled the All Blacks with technical set piece infringements, whilst coaching the Springboks through any indiscretions with a "good do better" verbal commentary. Perhaps he felt that after letting Luke Whitelock off with what looked like a Warburton-inspired hit on his opposite number, that he'd done NZ enough favours...

The game also left any spectator once again wondering if the Springboks put too much emphasis on brawn and not nearly enough on brains. With the Springboks needing tries to win and Israel Dagg the latest victim of Rolland's wrath for ball-stealing during a ruck the Springboks found themselves with a one man advantage in the backs. This was just the motivation the Boks needed to switch to a tight game, taking the backs out of it. Cue rolling mauls, bizarre delaying tactics behind the ruck and generally kicking the ball aimlessly.

Another crucial chapter in the game was the inexplicable way that the normally animated Heneke Meyer allowed the clearly injured Goosen to limp around as a liability in defense whilst clearly injured, yielding a crucial try that clearly changed the momentum in favour of New Zealand.

A gripping match at a great stadium that was unfortunately quarter empty as the starting whistle blew, and half empty when the final whistle sounded.

If this is a rebirth of SA rugby, then the baby is premature and needs an incubator...

As for NZ, well they are perilously close to taking the all time record for consecutive victories, meaning many in the NH are desperately searching for a way to pencil in a mid-week match against Leinster before they reach the magical 18th win...

Actually I thought Rolland was the best Ive ever seen him, and the kiwis were so dull at the breakdown and set peice...

Lucky not to get a red card after a few minutes!!

But as you said English is not your first language and rugby isn't really your game, and this article highlights both.

If the NH refs are so bad, why aren't the SH refs doing these games?

I suspect because the only Australian referee is a Kiwi, and they have a policy of using neutral referees?

I wish they had that policy during the WC...

Only big mistake i saw was when the kiwi 5 tackled in a "Warberton-esq" fashion and not even a card was shown.

Inconsistent by Mr Rolland to say the least.

The All Blacks love open play and we gave them nice loopy kicks to attack from.

Our defence was very poor, strangely Meyer changed the defensive tactics and it didn't work. Usually we will rush in and drift out, tonight we spread and left huge gaps that the AB's could run onto and the defenders simply didn't mark their targets, so they were caught on the weak shoulder every time and didn't tackle effectively.

On attack we dudn't have enough patience to break their defence. Even though we tried to attack more, eventually it ended with one off runners and no interplay.

Simply not good enough to challenge the AB's

In all seriousness though. NZ will have to re-examine how they manage to earn the ire of Rolland so badly and cop a 13-3 penalty deficit that was 12-0 until SA really started chasing the game late on.

With the AIs nearly upon us NZ will have learn and adapt to the "different" way that things are viewed here.

Give it up AWOP.
Sure we copped a lot of penalties and they didn't but I don't think the count was that far wrong. SA were discplined early on and we got a called for a few marginal ones. Nothing to talk about really. We were lucky to get away with Sam's tackle and unlucky to get Dagg carded.

NZ were simply dull.

The 'tip' early on was a huge call, Dagg had to go for that!

Give me dull as dishwater any day then.

I was pretty tense for the first 40 minutes. Not too dull for me.

Didnt think the tip was that bad, similar to Sams. The thing that stood out to me was the forward passes. Letting marginal ones go is fine but some NFL QBs would be proud of some of those.
Anyway well done NZ(as usual). Obviously the South Africans wont be happy with a loss but I think they have improved a lot aswell.

On a side note, where is Jaque Fourie these days, has he retired?

In Japan kingjohn and without JP Pietersen, experience is missing in the centres. JDV isn't the player he used to be.

I said before the game Rolland was pedantic,niggly with penalties and a Homer .It gives me no pleasure to be proved right,if 4 tries to one is dull i`ll take it every time.Boks are not far away from a very good team but Meyer wants to finesse his tactics more.IF the AB`s get chances out wide they will score all day.

mcCaw said himself the ABs were starved of the ball and got pinged trying to get their hands on the 50/50's.

From the drop goal on the match was over. Once again early fire and brimstone was repelled and the fitness, composure and finishing ability came through.

Read particularly impressed again I thought, doing the work in defence and in a couple of the tries.

Overall, this side is now too good for anyone it has to be said. The ability to absorb the inevitable early pressure and remain patient, composed and then turn it around is eerie. Aftermatch comments belief reflected a strong reflected a strong belief system within the team and it shows, week after week.

thebluesmancometh wrote:NZ were simply dull.

The 'tip' early on was a huge call, Dagg had to go for that!

There. Got that for you bluesman...just wiped up the envy dripping off the screen...

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:In Japan kingjohn and without JP Pietersen, experience is missing in the centres. JDV isn't the player he used to be.

Agree, has he retired from Internationals then?

Effectively, yes. Like Jermome Kaino hasn't retired from rugby either, he cannot be picked playing rugby in Japan.

Taylorman wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:NZ were simply dull.

The 'tip' early on was a huge call, Dagg had to go for that!

There. Got that for you bluesman...just wiped up the envy dripping off the screen...

Bluesman has a new theory that the full back should always be sent off when a lock executes a tackle...

Oh ok, they could probably do with him though. Have a good weekend guys, just going to watch the Blues get spanked

You too mate. If it's any consolation the SH Blues were probably poorer this year.

but next year...

taylorman, AWOP

What are you two talking about?

NZ were dull (less than smart) at the tackle area and pinged a lot.

Dagg had to go for the breakdown avoidance to steal the ball from the back because of the dangerous situation NZ were in.

And the tackle early on was a lift and non return safely.

Anyone disagree?

PS where is this envy coming from?

thebluesmancometh wrote:
PS where is this envy coming from?

Well, it's got to be either size or potency? But if you tell us which it will help us help you...

Bluesman dull had connotations of boring hence it was ambiguous. Dumb I think is a better adjective-and I agree with you to an extent. We lacked discipline in the first half.

If it was balanced with what went well then fine.

Just comes across as envy to me. Particularly when it accompanies a Wales will beat NZ blah blah blah post immediately afterwards.

Some people have just gotta get on and get rid of that annoying itch... as awop says...

Taylorman wrote:
Some people have just gotta get on and get rid of that annoying itch... as awop says...

Penicillin.

Ok enough of the personal slants. NZ were dull and Wales are going to beat us in the AI's...point well made.

Can we keep bluesmans personality disorders to his thread on how Wales will beat NZ? THis thread humours my personality disorders in irrationally attacking referees.

Thanks.

I have finally watched the match in detail and am somewhat confused.Firstly although being the cynical person I am,Goosen was maybe not 100% but given goal kicking duties.Pianaar had been practicing all week and according to Planet rugby ready to kick.So why not give him first crack,All Blacks started slowly maybe due to travel weariness.But Rolland at least in the first half gave the Boks a lot of penalties/freekicks and scrums.Many of the calls were 50/50 and the breakdown was`nt policed hardly at all.Penalties could have been given either way at most of them.The Boks had a 75 kgs advantage at the Scrum but seldom made it tell.Messam was penalised for breaking early with the Bok Scrum staying bound.In the second half The AllBlacks did the same and the Bok 8 was at the base of the AB scrum no penalty?6 scrum collapses no penalties at least 3 were caused by Boks diving in.Early second half Goosen limping heavily it took 4 minutes to get Jantges on why?ABs down to 14 men Bok mauling close to the line pick and goes when a wide pass would probably have been a score.
The AllBlacks absorbed the pressure incredible defence and clinical finishing especially wide out.Boks played well forwards but were distictly short of ideas behind .Thoroughly enjoyed the game which frankly I expected the Boks to win[on Home Advantage].When is the OZ match anyone?

Oz won earlier today 25-19 by making the most of the chances they had. Both sides made many errors but Oz got a good try through Ioane and Arg got an excellent pressure try through the forwards.

Meyer said Goosen had come right, that kicking goals is part of the growing confidence of a 10 and I tend to agree with the principle. Goosen just wasnt prepared mentally or physically for this series let alone against this side.

What we saw today was the difference betwee,n a well established side with a well established and rehearsed gameplan vs one that is growing, changing, coming to grips with the retirement of several career players, a new coach and hopefully a new gameplan.

By trying to take NZ on in the attacking game like Argie last week they forgot their defensive patterns and focus, allowing the AB's to test them out wide. I believe the try game them the same false confidence it did Argie last week, who also forgot their defences.

That was it really. ABs scored some brilliant tries of a sniff and this time the backs really did make the real difference.

Couldnt see SA winning this one despite last week which we'll have to put down to a poor Oz. The altitude I believe favoured the Abs being the fitter side so we can put that myth to sleep.

Both sides have just had rotten luck, rotten preparation while the AB's have been fine tuning at a higher level all year. 16 on the hop with Oz and Scotland to go for the 18 and who knows from there. Oz have a chance to do a Hong Kong in Brisbane but this match represents revenge for the 3N loss there last year so theres ample motivation for that match.

thebluesmancometh wrote:NZ were simply dull.

The 'tip' early on was a huge call, Dagg had to go for that!

If New Zealand were simply dull, then what do you call Wales??

The difference was the All Blacks were a team,the Boks a team of individuals the first half was incredible.BOTH sides were doing the same thing at Scrum,Lineout,and Breakdown but only the AB`s were pinged 10 penalties,numerous freekicks and scrums.Not a single penalty went the AB`s way that was bizarre both sides were at it only one pinged.Don`t blame the Refs blame the IRB for such a complex set of laws that are ambiguos.In NH,Currie Cup,and S15/Tests there are several sets of laws being used.The IRB are a pain the Scrum dance is a mess,tinkering around the edges won`t fix it.I may not be a Ref but the tricks of the Front Row Mafia dark arts are well known to me.Kobus Visagie picked it why can`t an ex Scrum Half.Before people get carried away,given the way the game was Reffed,with the Boks usual goal kicking standards.THAT was a 3 point game on Saturday,a yellow card is supposedly worth 10 points.It is one thing fielding a pack of elephants,you need a pack of fit elephants. 75 Kgs advantage at the Scrum and forwards blowing at the 60 minutes stage.Discounting the injuries the Boks have looked awesome for periods in a game but not sustained it for the full 80.No team is unbeatable BUT to beat this AB side you have to play the full 80 + and that has always been the way.WHEN they put it together and get there injured players back they will be the side I hate and fear The Boks.When I say hate ,I mean hate to face but what is this about Lambie?He is young can run a game,kick goals,is versatile.Meyer seems to hate him is he another Lilian Camberero just there to carry the tackle bags?

aucklandlaurie wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:NZ were simply dull.

The 'tip' early on was a huge call, Dagg had to go for that!

If New Zealand were simply dull, then what do you call Wales??

It has already been explained that he meant dumb (at the breakdown) - which other NZ posters agree was the case. No need to get precious or antagonistic about what was basicly poor use of English.

Basically, I think you're spot on londontiger.

I think he's taken on the meaning of dull and there for the taking.

I think bluesman was on the winduP and rightly called out for it.

I'm amazed by you all, why are you all being so touchy that I used the word dull to call the NZ team ill disciplined and not very smart.

Are we all not multinational, I explained what I meant by dull yet you all seem to struggle to let it go...

And I don't even want to touch the problems you all have conceding that Wales may just beat NZ in the Autumn, but by the reactions of some people on here when I predicted other shocks this seem to resemble that.

Just for the record...

dull (dl)
adj. dull·er, dull·est
1. Intellectually weak or obtuse; stupid.
2. Lacking responsiveness or alertness; insensitive.
3. Dispirited; depressed.
4. Not brisk or rapid; sluggish: Business is dull.
5. Not having a sharp edge or point; blunt: a dull knife.
6. Not intensely or keenly felt: a dull ache.
7. Arousing no interest or curiosity; boring: a dull play.
8. Not bright or vivid. Used of a color: a dull brown.
9. Cloudy or overcast: a dull sky.
10. Not clear or resonant: a dull thud.

I will take apologies regarding this subject below...

Yes all ten of those seem to apply to this AB team who have won the world cup, rugby championship, bledisloe cup, multiple consecutive NH grandslams, gone through a NH tour without conceding a try in an international, and are on the verge of the all time record for consecutive wins.

So sorry, yes, you are clearly correct, and not at all dripping jealous and on the wind up...

Point eight is especially cogent: NZ's colour-scheme is very dull...(All black indeed...how about a little splash of colour)

You can't blame the ref for pinging your team unfairly then jump on a guy who calls them dull and the ref was correct.

When youve shown yourself up resort too 'well my teams better ner ner ner ner ner'

"erratic home-oriented performance with the whistle by Allan Rolland who relentlessly niggled the All Blacks with technical set piece infringements"

Your words, we are not discussing NZ's accomplishments, but their getting picked on by a useless NH ref.

It's like humiliating the highschool bully and he grins and smiles not realising... come on dude make it a challenge!

Yeah, 7 penalties to nil up in the first 20 minutes. Must have nothing to do with the All Blacks because they never commit a foul.

Point eight is especially cogent: NZ's colour-scheme is very dull...(All black indeed...how about a little splash of colour)

Oh fishpaste, now it's just getting a little sad, are you really thinking the colour black applies here you need to rethink... My car is black but not dull!!

Silver is a colour is it not?

Not really, it is more like invisible black.

It depends on your viewpoint linebreaker, some believe it's metallic grey or a shade of grey.

Apparently there are 50 shades of grey!

Dull as in Blunt or Stupid? interesting appellations for the AllBlacks currently.
New Zealand rugby at any level is very simple executing the Basic skills accurately at pace.
They have good core skills,extreme fitness,and this AB side currently. The ability
to modify there game to what is in front of them as opposed to a fixed gameplan.
They do have the confidence when they go behind to be patient,take the right
options most of the time.Then up the tempo force errors,create chances and more than most take them.
Is that stupid?any team can beat them IF they get and take more chances than the AB`s.It is fine to say France could have won the RWC,Ireland in the second test,SA in Dunedin.They could have they did`nt the run will end maybe Australia in the next match,or Wales,Ireland,Scotland or England.
Who knows one game at a time Stupid this team is not,Blunt no side currently is less so.
A couple of years ago the Bulls with Matfield and Co. at the helm had a fearsome weapon the Rolling Maul from the Lineout.They met the Blues who negated that weapon and inflicted a rare loss on them.The ABs adopted the
same methods the Rolling Maul is no longer a threat.
A team will beat them,BUT that team will need to handle both forwards and backs for a full 80 minutes.THAT has not as yet happened this year Good Luck to Wales think yhey will needit
.

Does anyone have 'number of tries' stats for each NH/SH team since summer series? You'd expect a dull side to flounder a bit in that stats table.

As an aside, most of the AB tries in the last two games have been examples of fluid backline play and Velcro mitts. They've clicked finally and it was clear to see. Scored a try against SA 40 secs into second half, simply brilliant.

50 shades of Stephen Jones?

He must be turning a whiter shade of pink by now.