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“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996
Dingbatt: I assume you are referring to the squad named for the Rugby Championship?
I'm a bit surprised they have named Kerr-Barlow at halfback. I was under the impression that people leaving were on the outer (Fekitoa for example). Could have been the opportunity to start blooding the next generation of halfbacks.
From the tone of the announcement I would suggest Todd not go whitebaiting, as he would appear to be the next cab off the rank in the loose forwards.
I think the ultimate thumbing of the nose at world rugby would be if SBW was left out of the game against Australia. He's allowed to play, but we don't actually need him! I would choose Crotty ahead of him to start anyway.
LOL Yeah. I didn't see TKB in the squad. I thought he was leaving for the Wasps or something post haste. I am surprised as well. Though to be fair I can't think of many half backs that haven't been named that have been outstanding. Bryn Hall has been fantastic for the Crusaders, and Pulu for the Blues hasn't been too bad either. Pulu was previously at Test level for a game or two. Drummond was probably slightly better last year, but solid this year.
My choice of 12/13 would also be Crotty/ALB with SBW on the bench.
I would play Laumape if we had the series sown up early, to see what he can do. I am not as blown away by Laumape as some. A lot of his tries he just had to run straight to the line. I watched a meddly of his tries this season and a lot of them a 1 legged cat could score. I am not saying he hasn't got any talent, but like Fekitoa I feel he is a *little* overhyped.
networkn:
I would play Laumape if we had the series sown up early, to see what he can do. I am not as blown away by Laumape as some. A lot of his tries he just had to run straight to the line. I watched a meddly of his tries this season and a lot of them a 1 legged cat could score. I am not saying he hasn't got any talent, but like Fekitoa I feel he is a *little* overhyped.
Why not watch one of the many Ngani Laumape highlight videos that show much more than just the tries? His line breaks and runs, for example, lead to several tries by other players like Vince Aso.
Hammerer:
networkn:
It's for me, a little frustrating that any NZ team that does well gets massive Kudos, except the Crusaders, who are indisputably the most successful SR team in history. Maybe people just don't like that
I like that Crusaders are the most successful team.
...
I don't like watching the Crusader forwards grind down other teams. That's why I'd rather watch the Blues lose than the Crusaders win.
Well done to the Crusaders. I really enjoyed watching them win. I'm glad that I stayed up to watch the game. They never really seemed to dominate but they often appeared to play smarter than the Lions who really blew too many chances.
They've raised the bar yet again and I expect that they would have won even without the red card. That appeared to take some wind out of their sails - they probably commiserated with the Lions on that.
I have untold respect for Steve Hansen. I really love how he manages his players. The comments made by him re Savea were quite insightful. Knowing that telling a player he won't be in the team and not staying on the phone trying to give him a lot of information to absorb, and instead scheduling a meeting later in the week to pass those messages on, it's outstanding people management. I like how SH never closes the door on players, even when for some, it seems a long road back.
The Crusaders winning now means they have won an away final in Australia and South Africa. Can't see much chance for a final in Japan or Argentina though.
They have been in 12 finals of which 8 were away from home. Winning 4 of those away finals. The only other teams to win an away final are the Highlanders and Bulls
The other interesting fact is that there is only 3 teams that have been in finals and never won one, all South African. The Stormers, Sharks and Lions.
Wow Jordie Barrett out for the Season! Poor guy just when he was making inroads. Great news and a well-deserved reward for David Havilli who was outstanding for the Crusaders at Full Back. Happy for ID to be on the wing next season for the Crusaders.
Good bye Western Force. You have shown some periods of great Rugby but ultimately not consistently enough.
Bill Pulver Stands down as CEO of Australian Rugby and it's LONG overdue, maybe 2 years. I wonder who will take over?
All Blacks have signed a contract with Amazon for an 8 part doco.
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/blacks-major-content-deal-us-tech-giant-amazon?utm_source=Inf&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Inf_News_Link&utm_term=11-08-17
I bet that will send a cold shiver down John Fellets Spine.
I am not sure that Sky would survive if the people only with Sky for Rugby, were able to get the AB's games elsewhere in real time.
Amazon could be pretty mercenary here and say to Sky NZ, sell to us, or we will take Rugby at the next contract Negotiation regardless of what it costs and put you out of business.
networkn:
Good bye Western Force. You have shown some periods of great Rugby but ultimately not consistently enough.
That's a huge shame and a big backward step for Australian rugby.
The Rebels needed to go and the ARU have made the decision based on which is going to be cheapest to pay out or when the court battle is finished.
The Western Force had one of the best junior and club rugby scenes in Australia and were not constantly competing with AFL, league and soccer for support. They could have built a strong parochial following.
ARU too scared of the private ownership of the Rebels. Rugby is (at best) the fourth ranked sport in Melbourne after the above sports, and won't make any headway into any of those for some time (if ever with the disfunction of the ARU).
Coles out for another week. Precautionary. Starting to look a little thin on hookers. (don't worry Chiefs we will sort some for your end of season Celebrations!) :)
Not a big fan of Steve Hansens new Arnotts ad's.
networkn:
I bet that will send a cold shiver down John Fellets Spine.
I am not sure that Sky would survive if the people only with Sky for Rugby, were able to get the AB's games elsewhere in real time.
Amazon could be pretty mercenary here and say to Sky NZ, sell to us, or we will take Rugby at the next contract Negotiation regardless of what it costs and put you out of business.
Another step on the way to pay per view? $19.99 a test match?
Jas777:
networkn:
I bet that will send a cold shiver down John Fellets Spine.
I am not sure that Sky would survive if the people only with Sky for Rugby, were able to get the AB's games elsewhere in real time.
Amazon could be pretty mercenary here and say to Sky NZ, sell to us, or we will take Rugby at the next contract Negotiation regardless of what it costs and put you out of business.
Another step on the way to pay per view? $19.99 a test match?
I hope not. Paying per time makes you think about whether you want to watch it that much or not.
Me too hope. $19.99 is probably too much for, more like $9.99
Could also see them do a Bein Sports and offer it for less in the first year and then whack the prices up 25% the next year.
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