Field Theory: All Misty-Eyed
38 Responses
First ←Older Page 1 2 Newer→ Last
-
I haven't seen the papers or listened to the news, so I have no idea what the reaction to the Hurricanes was/is but from my viewing of the game they didn't deserve to win. It's not that they played particularly badly, it's just that the Cheifs were better. Every time they had the ball you sensed that something could happen. With the Hurricanes, Vito excepted, you didn't feel that at all.
I disagree that Lauaki looked awesome. That try was a great run, but he also lost the ball in a contact/ruck situation a couple of times and was driven backwards in others. Please, please, please don't let him get picked for the All Blacks again. -
I disagree that Lauaki looked awesome. That try was a great run, but he also lost the ball in a contact/ruck situation a couple of times and was driven backwards in others.
But that is an awesome game for Lauaki.
And hopefully Vito makes the All Blacks this year (he was in last year wasn't he?)
-
I thought Vito had a bit of a Lauaki-like game.
Some good breaks but went missing a bit too.
Gee NZ is weak at #8 at the moment.
PS: Go the Bulls.
-
Just been sent an email by Dom at the Dropkicks. He's angry at the Bulls use of the dropkick (yes, irony, I know).
The Bulls scored 12 points from dropgoals including one from halfway (or thereabouts). How the hell do you defend against that?
-
Towards the end of the Crusaders-Bulls game, I remarked to my partner that the Crusaders were playing like the Hurricanes had on Friday: when they had the ball, you didn't really feel like they were going to score.
I can't see the Chiefs beating the Bulls, particularly not at Loftus, but my heart will still be backing them. Will they have Kahui back?
-
The Bulls scored 12 points from dropgoals including one from halfway (or thereabouts). How the hell do you defend against that?
Ask the French.
-
I think I'd prefer to see Kieran Reed over Vito this year.
I thought Vito had a bit of a Lauaki-like game.
He went missing because the Hurricanes kicked the ball away rather than having him and Nonu run at players.
-
I really, really, really support having 3-point drop goals in rugby.
Aren't team sports about utilising the best players? Why make all of LeBron's points be worth 1/2? How about adding an extra 500kg to Loeb's car? Make Nadal/Federer play with an eye patch? Give Tiger a putter for every shot?
The fact is is that Morne Steyn is a freak. He's nailed a 60 metre drop goal in the warmup at the caketin before. But why does this mean that we should go along and change the rules as soon as the Bulls have an edge over other teams? [Oh, wait, rugby+rule changes are hand in hand...]
It is possible to defend against a drop goal, it's just not common.
-
Points:
It's a very South African thing to go drop-goal crazy, innit? See also Janie de Beer v the poms in 1999.
The Chiefs are up against it alright, let's home that playing in bright sunshine instead of a wet / dark Waikato stadium doesn't stuff them up too much. They've been underdogs, well, ever since week three, so no difference there.
Messam may be the answer at #8. Luaki is stopping him playing there for the Chiefs. He scored a nice try on Friday, alright, but I'm still not convinced.
And yes, the strategy is to keep drinking Hadyn. Maybe start a bit later than normal, though.
-
The Bulls scored 12 points from dropgoals including one from halfway (or thereabouts). How the hell do you defend against that?
Start kicking them yourself?
-
It's a very South African thing to go drop-goal crazy, innit? See also Janie de Beer v the poms in 1999.
If the other team can't stop you, then do it til they can. Seems like a good strategy to me, even if it is a bit dull in this case.
Messam may be the answer at #8. Luaki is stopping him playing there for the Chiefs.
If you can't force your way into a position for your Super 14 side surely that says you may not be the best person for that position in the All Blacks? I agree that we are light at #8 and think that So'oialo will get it by default but I don't think you give it to a guy who hasn't played there all season. I t has to be said that the quality of the South African #8's is scary.
And yes, the strategy is to keep drinking Hadyn.
But not so much that you fall asleep beofre the end of the game. This has happened to me a few times sitting around with my football team waiting to watch the FA Cup final.
-
I t has to be said that the quality of the South African #8's is scary.
I'm even more scared to learn that they've only just started to build more academies in the republic, after seeing our one in Palmy.
-
after seeing our one in Palmy
Headline: Palmerston North inspires something other than ennui.
-
If you can't force your way into a position for your Super 14 side surely that says you may not be the best person for that position in the All Blacks?
See however, Weepu. Covers 10 a fair bit for Hurricanes and Wellington, will never force Carter out of that spot for the ABs. Fine halfback though, and should play for ABs again this season as a #9.
Provincial/super sides will have a different mix and so might do something different. If Lauaki doesn't get picked for the ABs, then Messam might be the best #8 after So'oialo. I can't imagine he'll make it in at #6, Thomson will back up there surely.
-
The best way to stop a drop kick specialist is to ruthlessly flatten then trample him in the first ten minutes. He'll spend the rest of the game partially in tweety land and "have an off day with the boot."
-
The best way to stop a drop kick specialist is to ruthlessly flatten then trample him in the first ten minutes.
Or get him with a few late hits, after that only the best will stay fresh and accurate
-
See however, Weepu.
When the crunch came he was starting games for the Hurricanes at 9. He was the best player the 'canes had at that position, or at least that's what they thought. It's obvious the chiefs didn't think that about Messam at 8
-
Or get him with a few late hits...
Forbid that our boys would indulge in such base endeavours! It was purely an accident, clearly late but with absolutely no malice intended!
-
Stuart, it seems to me that Messsam is more 8 than 6, but as Foster is determined to include Luaki, he makes way. I reckon he'd (Messam) would go very well from the back of the scrum.
And yes, FA Cup finals are a nightmare to stay awake for, with late start time, drinking, NZ 'experts' live in the studio, cagey play from the teams and / or extra time all factors.
-
I wonder if Messam would be as totally over-rated at 8 as he is at 6.
-
Richard, I do think Messam could be a good 8 but we've never really had the chance to see him there against top class opposition. Mind you the first test is against France B so that could be a chance maybe.
Wait, I said top class opposition didn't I? May have punctured my own argument there!
-
I am a bit worried about the form of both Brad Thorn and Rodney So'oialo. Both are looking like we've seen the best of them. Ali Williams is starting to pick up the injuries a lot as well, although the Blues are such a hopeless bunch of losers I wonder if he just couldn't be bothered being associated with them to much.
The All Blacks will be soundly beaten by the Boks this year.
-
Kahui travelled and the coach was saying yesterday medical staff expect him to be right for the final.
Bugger about Sivivatu!
The Canes had the wrong game plan, the Chiefs nicked theirs so they used an old one from, oh, I dunno, the Crusaders? Without the awesome defence required...
-
Kahui travelled and the coach was saying yesterday medical staff expect him to be right for the final.
To be fair, according to Twitter he may be on a plane to Vanuatu with me and Megan and Jo. I'm just sayin'.
-
Speaking of dropkicks, the Herald actually proved useful for once
Post your response…
This topic is closed.