^ James O'Conner FTW :D

itxtme:

 

^ James O'Conner FTW :D

 

THAT's the guy I was trying to remember the name for. This is, on the field he was pretty good, but off the field, apparently a complete nightmare. 

I think things would have been very different for him if he had been in the AB's camp, but having said that we had Zac Zuildford who had plenty of structure in the Crusaders and AB's. I feel sorry for this guys who are clearly tormented by their demons.

Unfortunately Australia has no depth in their national team. They have 16, maybe 17 on a good day, players that are really good. The next few are all average ... so they may keep up for 60 minutes if everyone is fit, then lose in the last 20. If someone is not fit, then bye bye.

Batman:

 

Unfortunately Australia has no depth in their national team. They have 16, maybe 17 on a good day, players that are really good. The next few are all average ... so they may keep up for 60 minutes if everyone is fit, then lose in the last 20. If someone is not fit, then bye bye.

 

Not sure I'd agree it's quite that bad. The ARU has long allowed key players to dictate terms, and that somewhat stopped under Ewen McKenzie, but he didn't have enough say and ultimately the ARU threw him under a bus. Chieka agreed to take the job on agreement of complete control and he is slowly instilling a better culture in the national team, but its not in my opinion being supported very well at a lower level. Their lack of national competitions below Super Rugby is a contributing factor.

Skills execution under pressure is a major issue for them, and it stifles their game plans, something I expect will hopefully improve sometime soon, though sometimes, like with Sport in general, to improve you go backward first and this is what I believe is happening. 

I believe a plan was put in place and agreed by the super rugby coaches which weren't followed, to improve fitness in the preseason. This sort of thing can be catastrophic to a season as I am sure you will understand. 

It doesn't help that the ARU is failing financially and that their chief doesn't really "get" what is required to fix it, and that they have at least 40 players potentially facing not having a Super Rugby team next season. It's not great for Morale and affects not only those teams who are potentially being cut.

networkn:

 

Batman:

 

Unfortunately Australia has no depth in their national team. They have 16, maybe 17 on a good day, players that are really good. The next few are all average ... so they may keep up for 60 minutes if everyone is fit, then lose in the last 20. If someone is not fit, then bye bye.

 

 

 

 

Not sure I'd agree it's quite that bad. The ARU has long allowed key players to dictate terms, and that somewhat stopped under Ewen McKenzie, but he didn't have enough say and ultimately the ARU threw him under a bus. Chieka agreed to take the job on agreement of complete control and he is slowly instilling a better culture in the national team, but its not in my opinion being supported very well at a lower level. Their lack of national competitions below Super Rugby is a contributing factor.

 

Skills execution under pressure is a major issue for them, and it stifles their game plans, something I expect will hopefully improve sometime soon, though sometimes, like with Sport in general, to improve you go backward first and this is what I believe is happening. 

 

I believe a plan was put in place and agreed by the super rugby coaches which weren't followed, to improve fitness in the preseason. This sort of thing can be catastrophic to a season as I am sure you will understand. 

 

It doesn't help that the ARU is failing financially and that their chief doesn't really "get" what is required to fix it, and that they have at least 40 players potentially facing not having a Super Rugby team next season. It's not great for Morale and affects not only those teams who are potentially being cut.

 

 

 

I think one of Australia biggest problems is that they have diluted NSW and Queensland for the sake of the Rebels and Force.

When they had 3 teams NSW and Queensland had back up players to cover for injuries and fatigue etc. Now they only have a starting 15 if lucky and no depth to cover.

Just think how much better NSW would be if they could have the top Rebels and Force players who come from there in their team.

I feel the rules around suspension need to be fixed. SBW earned 4 weeks during a test match and whilst I understand it wasn't intentional, and whilst I feel it would be good for him to be in the squad at least, I am not that happy he has managed to skirt the suspension, by missing 1 test, 1 SR and 2 counties games. It's rubbish. I say that as a fan of his.

Both the Highlanders and Crusaders have named first choice full strength sides. Havilli back at 15, which I think is excellent despite Dagg being a great FullBack. 

I just really hope the ref doesn't ruin the game.

networkn:

Both the Highlanders and Crusaders have named first choice full strength sides. Havilli back at 15, which I think is excellent despite Dagg being a great FullBack. 

I just really hope the ref doesn't ruin the game.

I hope it will be one hell of a match, but without injuries for the winning team. We live in hope.

Batman:

 

I hope it will be one hell of a match, but without injuries for the winning team. We live in hope.

 

So it's ok if the losing team is injured ? :) 

they don't have another game or 2 to play?

Batman:

 

they don't have another game or 2 to play?

 

Heh, well I assume you know these guys are also largely All Blacks too ? 

Either way, surely neither team should be injured ideally ?)

ideally yes

Well, Fekitoa has confirmed his move to Toulon.