Rugby,The Media.the AI`s and every thing

My bonafides for my opinions are well known here so I won`t re-iterate them,New Zealand have by the Record the best team on the Planet.
But also some of the worst media Fans too [this board excepted]this year the All Blacks have to date built on there RWC success.They have
replaced more or less successfully Kaino,Thorn,Cowan and Muliana and to date are unbeaten.The current side is a good one,good setpiece,goalkickers,Defence,Backs,depth.All the building blocks to become a great team,they are not there yet,certainly not the greatest ever.Nz Media is a mixed bunch but tend to be one eyed,ignorant and arrogant,mostly or at least that is how they come across to me.I make
no bones about it I am a great AllBlack fan,but try to be objective in my comments about them.Before brisbane I warned of a banana skin as i`ve seen it all before,BUT the outpouring in the press was over the top.Inept yes,mistakes yes,maybe getting the worst of the Ref [debatable]BUT you`d think they had been thrashed instead of a well fought draw by both sides.For the media to say for example the records gone so the AI`s are now pointless is the height of arrogance.As is the presumption they will field weaker teams versus Scotland and Italy McCaw may well be rested for one of those but that is about it.The All Black squad is named Monday,the current 28 are expected to be picked plus either Hika Elliott or Dane Coles.Ali Williams or Callum Clarke or Hoerta,Beauden Barrett,and Kerr-Barlow.The only other speculation is whether Thomson will be picked or Ellis will replace Weepu both seem unlikely.
The Ai`s from the NH point of view is either outright optmism or pessism depending what you read it is Winter and looks to be cold and wet.
NH sides should say we can WIN instead of thinking CAN WE there has to be first for everything BUT don`t think because it is the end of
long season.The SH sides are there for the taking they are battle hardened and will be as hard to beat as ever Australia now have what looks like most of there first class forwards.Which is very underated especially the Scrum,there backs are always good whoever and they now have consistent Goal kickers.The Boks are now very solid as always forward,and there backs are looking to play a more fluid game 9/10 is key area.
England especially have a very hard program 3 wins from 4 would probly get them a top IRB seeding 2/4 less likely 4/4 certainly that needs to be there bench mark.Wales were the form side 2011 but a 3-0 loss to OZ would indicate there hopes of a clean sweep maybe premature.Ireland as ever will play with Dog and Scotland/Italy you take lightly at your peril.

More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

Why would a non Kiwi worry himself about that?

Risca Rev wrote:

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

Why would a non Kiwi worry himself about that?

He's a closet kiwi.

Risca Rev wrote:

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

Why would a non Kiwi worry himself about that?

It's all part of the fascinating rich tapestry of the games well established folklore RR - it's like asking when the first newspaper headline using a bad Lion simile will be produced prior to next years Lions tour.

It should be of interest to any rugby fan! Not just Kiwis or Brits.

Biltong wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

Why would a non Kiwi worry himself about that?

He's a closet kiwi.

Hang on AWOP admitted to being kiwi a few times now, why are we denying it today???

thebluesmancometh wrote:Hang on AWOP admitted to being kiwi a few times now, why are we denying it today???

Cause today he is incognito.

Defuser extrordanair...

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

awop

Do you want to ban the haka? the only reson i asked is that you are the only one too mention it.

majesticimperialman wrote:

anotherworldofpain wrote:More to the point, which day this week will we see a bitter and angry anti-Haka tirade first appear in a British newspaper's rugby section?

awop

Do you want to ban the haka? the only reson i asked is that you are the only one too mention it.

It should definitely be banned. Dreadful pre-match commerical pantomime that is tolerated each season by all the Tier One nations. The AIGs don't need it - they'll win anyway.

Alan you didnt 'warn about Brisbane'. As usual you sat on the fence and then claimed to have warned it afterwards so nothing surprising about that. For me the ABS were too hot and cold to be feeling too good about the AIs. Sure they won but if the Ozzies and Boks werent so injury ridden the results would have been different. We wont get that sort of advantage again with both sides probably only getting better.

The plus is weve brought in new players and that needs to continue. Still think a side like England, who have made unspectacular yet steady progress, have an eager to learn coach, and dont seem to have the injury woes weve come to expect from some sides, can knock us off.

Wales I think have gone slightly past their best and are at best levelling out. The others will be a little light weight for this side, even on an off day.

Somethings not clicking with this AB side and by the Oz match they should have been humming, distractions aside.

"Still think a side like England, who have made unspectacular yet steady progress, have an eager to learn coach, and dont seem to have the injury woes weve come to expect from some sides, can knock us off.

Wales I think have gone slightly past their best and are at best levelling out. The others will be a little light weight for this side, even on an off day."

Hands down the best assesment of the AI's Ive heard, hope we're both wrong though

Oh but I did Taylorman,said that it would be close with players coming back for Oz,it could be another Hong Kong or 3Ns.I did`nt buy into the walk in the park bit to old for that.True I expected them to win but hardly sitting on the fence.England have yet to discover there best side,Wales will always be triers I wonder how the law variations will effect things.Many of the expected current
AB squad won`t have played under them.The 5 second law at the breakdown especially,a pet hate of mine the 9 taking hours to clear it.

"I expect an AB win but always nervous of Oz in Oz"

That prediction covers every potential score-in other words...fence sitting. You gave reasons for either side to win, yet wouldnt make an exact prediction...then claim you predicted it...please...

Maybe but I did`nt do the we will blow this lot away like many did.Also if you are fair to me and have read ALL my posts you will see that I did`nt get carried away by the hype.True I said that they could break records they still can but i also said they were inconsistent.I try to be objective in all my posts and mostly have my views arn`t yours or anyone elses but no less valid for that.I also stated that at full strength there was little to choose between the SH sides.I don`t come here expecting people to agree with me but to debate which i enjoy.My ideas on selection of certain players differs from others here also think certain players were dumped on it happens.THAT was the reason for this thread not to be sidetracked about Haka`s and AWOP.
IF all here are fair NZ have been team building to rotating players sometimes it worked sometimes not just like in Ted`s days 2006.
IF you look overall Smith at 9 has been a success,Cruden at 10,Savea,at times,both the new locks RM has been outstanding as player and skipper.DC is still a big part.The defence has been awesome and they`ve only failed to score a try in a 100 odd matches .Also if you went by the screen I watched Conrad Smith DID score,harris failed to touch down BUT it was`nt given.
The side is good maybe verging on great but that is what have been saying all year.
The tinkering has mean`t inconsistencies because ALL the combinations are not there yet.
All right this time I will stick my neck out THEY will win all 4 tests,there will be some.Fresh faces versus Scotland,a B side more or less versus Italy with Read taking over as captain and RM rested.Wales will be the biggest challenge under a closed roof,England will try hard but after 3 big games may not have enough for the 4th.Especially if some players arn`t released by there French clubs .

You have great clarity of vision and knowledge for someone who admittedly starting watching rugby so recently emack! You are obviously a quick learner!

Extract the urine all you wish my opinion is as valid as yours or anyone elses ,me I don`t do WUMS!! unlike some

Extract the urine all you wish my opinion is as valid as yours or anyone elses ,me I don`t do WUMS!! unlike some

The ability to laugh at ourselves is the greatest virtue of all.

Squad annouced i`m right on the money exactly as expected Weepu gets his last chance.Sadly no Ellis tho he deserves a chance over Weepu the rest as expected.

Ellis was written off here. Theres no point going backwards. If he was never first choice at his best why would he be now.

Weepus in the same role as Williams- experience and tutoring. Williams must have something over the selectors- hasnt even played a match in months- let alone played well in years- most ridiculous AB selection Ive seen in years. I mean how much babying do our locks really need?

Dane Coles could double at Centre if hes required, getting out there often enough, one time with such a deft chip through looks like he was made for the role. One of the most mobile hookers I've ever seen.

Pretty predictable- not hard to be on the money with this side. Will be hard for Hansen to return to the Nh as head coach while he's obviously still grieving. The Welsh could make it a little uncomfortable for him but here's hoping not.

Alan. I think your comments could be about any press, or any group of fans. I think there's a couple of things going on here. The AB's have historically done well against the likes of Scotland and Italy and there is an expectation the AB's will win (even though the chances are we will lose one day and that day could be in a few weeks). To a lesser extent the same can be said for Wales and England. In other words the press is going to be arrogant.

The test selection of understrength sides and an expectation of a win is based on recent history. It's how the AB's have operated in the northern hemisphere since at least 2004. Hanson has been indicating a settled team with no surprises for a while. You have to develop talent and you have to motivate the teams and give players an opportunity to make the top grade. So it's not rocket science.

In terms of the Australian game. There has been some discussion during the year about intensity and fronting up on the night. We;ve struggled a couple of times in the past 12 months. It's often been put down to those vital inches, that come with intensity and concentration. Given that the team has a good record against Australia and their team was shriven by injuries the press is going to be optimistic. Doesn't mean the rest of us aren't guarded though.

The fall out with the refereeing is always going to be there. When you win, you don't speak up, when you lose or draw, they are there. In this case there's the McCaw factor. It's unfortunately the latest in series of head related incidents this year, he is our captain and one of the key players. It's going to be commentated on.

I listed to ex AB's slector P Thorburn today. He had an interesting angle on Weepu and picked him based on ability.

Ability to what? even Auks didnt want him citing team familiarisation. Bet if it were A Harris theyd have jumped at it. Goal kicking is no longer a reason in that there are 3 just as good and have had more practice behind them this year and at least one of DC, Cruden or Bartlett will be on the field at any one time on tour.

The Haka?

Dunno...Just think his presence as baby sitter undermines the confidence the selectors have in the new guys. Same with Ali... I mean what can Whitlock still be learning from Williams after 35 tests? Doesnt make sense.

Question Taylorman,what happened to Josh Barkhuis think that`s how you spell it.He was considered a contender a little while ago is he long term injured?

The argument for weepu as a utility to cover 9/10 and a kicking option seems a weak one now there is have a plethora of contenders in both slots. Dagg is a handy back up kicking option. So I don't get It.

emack2 wrote:Nz Media is a mixed bunch but tend to be one eyed,ignorant and arrogant,mostly or at least that is how they come across to me.

The dross that passes as 'media' these day, especially the mediocrity that is most of our mainstrem news is not limited to the Kiwi press. I think the UK still has the biggest load of hacks, WUM's and failures writing the press. Even our much vaunted BBC pours out complete dribble as often as not in regard to our beloved sport.

I would much rather hear the opinion of 'true' rugby fans on boards like these than consume a lot of the BBC (unless i had a mountain of salt).

Why Ellis over Weepu because he is STILL one of the top 3 SH`s in NZ and has been tested at Test Level.He is in form at both ITM and Super level the same standard Smith and Kerr -Barlow are.Weepu isn`t and non starter bit applies to Weepu too as Cowan a very average 9 was the preferred starter.Taylorman you yourself said he deserved to be picked before Weepu and at least he can go a full 80 minutes if required.Apparently he is still on the radar if he maintains form 2013 he is afterall only 28.

Perhaps, but it makes neither here nor there. Ellis has been ok behind the Crusaders and Canterbury but thats been the same ever since he started. Agree I'd rather Ellis than Weepu but its still the marginally better of two short straws.

In fact theres more value in Weepu to save us getting embarrassed in the haka, even though Ellison could do it just as well.