Posts by Paul Williams
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Go the Pumas!
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When I worked at the NZ High Commission in London, I got regular requests for a translation of the words to Ka Mate. Needless to say the words are pretty underwhelming in English, as is the back story (Te Rauparaha hiding from his pursuers). Like our National Anthem, it is *much* better in Maori.
As a pretty obvious rugby fanatic living in exile, I get this same request often and have likewise noticed how underwhelming the translation is today. Makes Kapo O Pango all the more meaningful to me.
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me three
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Apparently prayers lodged with publicaddress will be answered!
Oh, and Free Sione!
Done.
Paul Rowe's selection for the game against the Wallabies will provide a great basis for comparison. I also think Mauger (not because McAlister missed Mortlock's inside break - has anyone ever seen him beat a man on the outside) is the man for this game, possibly Conrad Smith too. Jack for Robinson I agree but not Mealamu - I think Oliver will start this game to ensure the Wallabies apparently improving scrum is tested (to destruction).
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Howlett's playing the best football of his career. He's even breaking tackles. I'd be bloody surprised if he's not starting for the rest of the tournament ahead of one of Joe or Sivi.
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I agree with Kyle's summary. McDonald is almost never out of position and kicks well. He doesn't pose as much of a threat in lose play himself but is just as good at putting people in space as Mils if not better. LegBreak's comment about Evans is interesting but; Evans has been my player of the tournament.
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Brilliant breakdown dropkicks - Ms Nelson must be anxious about her well deserved spot at the top of the empirical pile.
That said, I'm committed to not doubting this time... last time, well last time I didn't doubt despite having my doubts. Particularly, doubts that is not times, about players playing out of position like MacDonald at Centre rather than Muliaina for instance... all seems too familiar. But hey, I'm with the optimist's who say past events do not influence future ones (bombs on planes or some such). The All Blacks are the best side in the competition - no-one doubts or questions this - and the best team wins right?
Besides, not insides, I'm going to bravely go to the same pub as last time - the Dolphin on Crown St - stand where I did last time - alone - and cheer like I did last time - strangulated groan (hot on attack, inside the Australia 22 and Mealamu throws to the middle to Williams, Williams palms down to McCaw, McCaw into the breakdown and now Marshall to Spencer and Spencer to... the Evil Wizard Gargamel... try)
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I thought that's what we were doing?
Ditto.
I understand that Craig's also saying that there's more to NZ that defines/inspires us. I agree with this too - I'm actually damn proud to share some whakapapa with Teddy Tahu Rhodes (who's all over the Australian press at the moment) and have tickets to see Dead Man Walking however I have to say I suspect he'll be spuiking Lexus soon enough (or whatever else Mosman desperate housewives drive...).
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OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG Squee!
Sorry, I just wet myself a lot about the Arcade Fire.
Likewise. Thank god they're playing Sydney too! I've been hanging out to see them for ages.
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But something that give me's joy is knowing that if the AB's lose somewhere you lot could be having a bad day.
Hmmm, I thought you had a fair if not over-stated point earlier but now I'm not so sure. Its one thing to thing NZers go a bit gaga about rugby and quite another to revel in others' disappointment. I barrack for Australia in every contest when NZ isn't a competitor; in my experience most Australian return the courtesy.