Went out to the hallowed turf of Ballymore last night to watch E Jones' first outing as coach of the mighty Queensland Reds. They played Fiji in the rain, and whilst that made conditions fairly difficult for the players it was still a pretty good performance.
The first thing I noticed was the STUNNING performance of Caleb Brown- once again he grabbed multiple tries and every time he touched the ball he looked dangerous- in the mold of the great Cullen. He is a real up and comer- watch for him to be in the worlds cup squad this time next year. He could eventually give Rodzilla a run for his money in being the name of this blog.
The Reds played as you would expect an Eddie Jones coached team to perform- big concentration on holding onto the ball and then swinging it wide after a large number of phases. Now of course I'm not the biggest supporter of the Jones way of playing the game- but this young side does need to learn to hold onto the ball (see the crusaders game last year).
Hynes had a run at five eigth- and he was all right - but when Andrew Brown got on the pitch he was really good- I love him as an inside centre for the Super 14- on that note I'm not at all convinced about Loyd Johannson- he can't catch, can't pass- but he can run- would possibly be good as a late replacement to try and make something happen. But of course when you consider that Ryan Nicholoas and Schcoffski (no idea) are still to arrive I can't see where there could be room for him. (although I hear that Berrick is back to kicking practice all ready- so we may not have a need for schcoffski anyways...)
The other good part of the night was Ed Odonagahue - with Cam Tralor in the second row with him and Mitch Chapman at number 6 they were quite good. When you add the mighty Hugh Mcmenimen to that mix as well as Will Caldwell all of a sudden we have some depth. Same with the front row- Herman Hunt had an impressive run, so there is starting to get some depth in behind our Wallaby superstars.
So really all of a sudden there is a strong shadow 15 behind the top 15 giving QLD some good depth- the problem still exists if we get two injuries in the same position (e.g. half back or five eigth) then were stuffed.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Bledisloe 2 2006
So we lost - its all over for another year. I am currently working on my hangover after a massive night at the stadium watching the mighty Wallabies (and Mark Gerrad) do everything but score a try in being beaten by Richie McCaw (and the rest of his All Black friends) but mainly by Richie.
Was a great match, no kiwi will ever admit it but it was a tussle from start to finish.
The fastest match I think I have ever watched, it was 30 minutes in before I even really started to get a feal for the rythm. The first half wasn't flash- really just notable by the NZ props fucking with our man Rodney and Homles GD. and Rockocko (no idea on the spelling) s great pace.
The second half was a cracker, the aussie line out got on top so we had all sorts of ball and our outside backs were looking dangerous. The NZ defence was supurb, Larkham and Giteau had no time all day (although at the same time neither did Carter). Mortlock was probably the best back on the field, his burst to nearly break the game open was excellent. Latho, and Macdonald probably shared the points, Rockocko was the best wing, Larkham and Carter and Grogan and Kehlleher all sort of cancelled each other out. So the difference was the fact that tiquri and gerrard just are not up to it. I don't know what the go is with Tiquiri I hope he finds some form next year. But we just have to get rid of Gerrard, first he didn't have the gas to finish off the break of the match by Mortlock, then he droped one cold with a REALLY good chance of getting over. Both moments really could have grabbed us a win.
I don't know what the solution is, perhaps its time to stop the two big wingers policy and bring in an Ioane or Mitchell, guys with genuine pace who are slippery enough to get around gaps... the Australian big is better policy doesnt appear to be working. I like the idea of a balance, one big guy and one whippet fast guy. Kind of like the Robinson/Cohen match that won the last worlds cup.
Despite this chat its really just taking away from what the real story of the match was- Ritchie McCaw- he was awesome - I just watched the replay and he deserved his man of the match award. He was a line out option, tackled his little heart out, and stole heaps of our ball - the count was 8-1 in about the 70th minute mark.
In Australia we talk up George Smith so much, but really I have never seen him have that impact on a game like Ritchie and Schalk can. Its so heart breaking Shalk is out because the prospect of this All Black side playing a stronger Saffie's side on the High Vedlt would be very, very good.
Was a great match, no kiwi will ever admit it but it was a tussle from start to finish.
The fastest match I think I have ever watched, it was 30 minutes in before I even really started to get a feal for the rythm. The first half wasn't flash- really just notable by the NZ props fucking with our man Rodney and Homles GD. and Rockocko (no idea on the spelling) s great pace.
The second half was a cracker, the aussie line out got on top so we had all sorts of ball and our outside backs were looking dangerous. The NZ defence was supurb, Larkham and Giteau had no time all day (although at the same time neither did Carter). Mortlock was probably the best back on the field, his burst to nearly break the game open was excellent. Latho, and Macdonald probably shared the points, Rockocko was the best wing, Larkham and Carter and Grogan and Kehlleher all sort of cancelled each other out. So the difference was the fact that tiquri and gerrard just are not up to it. I don't know what the go is with Tiquiri I hope he finds some form next year. But we just have to get rid of Gerrard, first he didn't have the gas to finish off the break of the match by Mortlock, then he droped one cold with a REALLY good chance of getting over. Both moments really could have grabbed us a win.
I don't know what the solution is, perhaps its time to stop the two big wingers policy and bring in an Ioane or Mitchell, guys with genuine pace who are slippery enough to get around gaps... the Australian big is better policy doesnt appear to be working. I like the idea of a balance, one big guy and one whippet fast guy. Kind of like the Robinson/Cohen match that won the last worlds cup.
Despite this chat its really just taking away from what the real story of the match was- Ritchie McCaw- he was awesome - I just watched the replay and he deserved his man of the match award. He was a line out option, tackled his little heart out, and stole heaps of our ball - the count was 8-1 in about the 70th minute mark.
In Australia we talk up George Smith so much, but really I have never seen him have that impact on a game like Ritchie and Schalk can. Its so heart breaking Shalk is out because the prospect of this All Black side playing a stronger Saffie's side on the High Vedlt would be very, very good.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
We Need Rod, We Need Hugh, and We NEED TUNE
Right, so haven't been posting much lately - and their is a reason, the rugby has sucked and Rod has been injured.
Last week against the All Blacks we were quite terrible in patches- and I think we all know why.
We Need Rod
Shepardson is a good super 14 prop - but this is the big dance and we need our best Dancers - look no further then Rod Blake, unfortunatly this injury is not going away fast enough, but hopefully the Zone is back on deck for the Bledisloe in Bris Vegas in a fortnight - then in the Couldron we will see what those dirty Kiwi's are made of. Its been ten years since fucking Frank Bunce stole the game from us (with one of the best tries this blogger has ever seen) and it will be time for revenge.
We Need Hugh
Okay - so I agree with the whole four big line out jumpers thing, but you need the right personel. And we don't have it at the moment. Elsom is good, but patchy. Fava is solid at best, and chisholm is a second rower - no question. We need McMennimen from the Reddies- of course he is injured but when he comes good we need him as soon as possible. Just imagine a Smith, Roe/Elsom, McMennimen back row, with Heenan and Waugh on the bench to cover both the row and the loose trio - would be golden. It will come for the back five- they just need time.
We NEED TUNE
Who the fuck is Mark Gerrard???? Sure he can kick knuckles but who cares - get Tune out on the pitch, we need match winners, not solid finsihers. We have the most over rated man in rugby out in number 11 to finsih tries for us, we need our other two back three members (thanks the lord for Latham) to be create opurtunities. Look at Rupeni, Rockcokko (Two years ago), Gear and Sivavtu (You could throw Robinson, and Lomu in their if you want a bit of history to flavour it) the great wings aren't finishers- they create oppurtunities for themselves. Gerrard and Tiquiri never seem to create something out of nothing (despite what the press will say - Come up with something original Jim Tucker), and that's fine, but you can only afford to have one of those.
Last week against the All Blacks we were quite terrible in patches- and I think we all know why.
We Need Rod
Shepardson is a good super 14 prop - but this is the big dance and we need our best Dancers - look no further then Rod Blake, unfortunatly this injury is not going away fast enough, but hopefully the Zone is back on deck for the Bledisloe in Bris Vegas in a fortnight - then in the Couldron we will see what those dirty Kiwi's are made of. Its been ten years since fucking Frank Bunce stole the game from us (with one of the best tries this blogger has ever seen) and it will be time for revenge.
We Need Hugh
Okay - so I agree with the whole four big line out jumpers thing, but you need the right personel. And we don't have it at the moment. Elsom is good, but patchy. Fava is solid at best, and chisholm is a second rower - no question. We need McMennimen from the Reddies- of course he is injured but when he comes good we need him as soon as possible. Just imagine a Smith, Roe/Elsom, McMennimen back row, with Heenan and Waugh on the bench to cover both the row and the loose trio - would be golden. It will come for the back five- they just need time.
We NEED TUNE
Who the fuck is Mark Gerrard???? Sure he can kick knuckles but who cares - get Tune out on the pitch, we need match winners, not solid finsihers. We have the most over rated man in rugby out in number 11 to finsih tries for us, we need our other two back three members (thanks the lord for Latham) to be create opurtunities. Look at Rupeni, Rockcokko (Two years ago), Gear and Sivavtu (You could throw Robinson, and Lomu in their if you want a bit of history to flavour it) the great wings aren't finishers- they create oppurtunities for themselves. Gerrard and Tiquiri never seem to create something out of nothing (despite what the press will say - Come up with something original Jim Tucker), and that's fine, but you can only afford to have one of those.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Kalac's Shame
Intent to build himself into our hearts by turning our socceroos into the best football team in the world, Gus must have decided that a few of us were getting a bit confident about our boys. So he decided to remind us that we were vunerable. He selected Kalac to be goalie against Croatia... What was he thinking? wasn't he watching against Urugay? Scwharzer is the man.
Our fears were realised when "The Spider" put on a anti-Goal Keeping clinic. Lucikly eventually late in the second half the Duke went down and had a word to him "You do know your allowed to use your hands don't you?" it was like a veil being lifted from his eyes. Finally Kalac at least started stopping a few, but the damage had been done.
I personally feel it may have been another master stroke by Gus. He talked during the week about going after the game, but in real terms the boys would have been thinking draw. But then he pulled a swifty on them and ran Kalac out their - all of a sudden they would have known that they had no decent back stop, they had to score goals or would miss the second round. History will show that his theory worked, God Bless Harry Kewel.
In other Socceroos reports - I am a little disapointed for old Emerton, he may not be the super star of the team, but I have played in enough sports sides to know that, that kind of super fit, super quick work horse is the back bone of a side. Just look at any Rugby flanker. Emo will be missed.
Moore's goals was sensational - love a good spot kick, but I have to say I want Aloisi on the pitch, but at the same time I like Kennedy on the pitch, maybe start with Aloisi and then bring Kennedy on for the last twenty minutes. And start with Breciano (no idea on the spelling) he is the best corner kicker we've got.
BUT most importantly don't start with Kalac.
Go you Socceroos, And thankyou Gus.
P.S. At the moment (a day before the round of sixteen) I am picking Spain and Argentina to win the thing.
Our fears were realised when "The Spider" put on a anti-Goal Keeping clinic. Lucikly eventually late in the second half the Duke went down and had a word to him "You do know your allowed to use your hands don't you?" it was like a veil being lifted from his eyes. Finally Kalac at least started stopping a few, but the damage had been done.
I personally feel it may have been another master stroke by Gus. He talked during the week about going after the game, but in real terms the boys would have been thinking draw. But then he pulled a swifty on them and ran Kalac out their - all of a sudden they would have known that they had no decent back stop, they had to score goals or would miss the second round. History will show that his theory worked, God Bless Harry Kewel.
In other Socceroos reports - I am a little disapointed for old Emerton, he may not be the super star of the team, but I have played in enough sports sides to know that, that kind of super fit, super quick work horse is the back bone of a side. Just look at any Rugby flanker. Emo will be missed.
Moore's goals was sensational - love a good spot kick, but I have to say I want Aloisi on the pitch, but at the same time I like Kennedy on the pitch, maybe start with Aloisi and then bring Kennedy on for the last twenty minutes. And start with Breciano (no idea on the spelling) he is the best corner kicker we've got.
BUT most importantly don't start with Kalac.
Go you Socceroos, And thankyou Gus.
P.S. At the moment (a day before the round of sixteen) I am picking Spain and Argentina to win the thing.
Monday, June 19, 2006
The Lions Suck
No posts this week out of protest over the slightly pointless rugby tests we had to put up with.
Instead I went to see the Brisbane Lions play. Now I am as likely as the next man to get on a bandwagon- and like all good Brisbaneites will also get off the bandwagon very quickly, and as such I havne't actually watched any lions games this year- as they aren't winning.
I went to see them on saturday night (in a corporate box no less) and was very disapointed with their performance. Everyone keeps on saying that they are rebuilding and are young, but to my eyes they weren't great. The Bulldogs players were getting around unmarked all night- it should be the first rule of AFL if your defending get on your man - it doesn't matter how old you are.
On a higher note, my old school captain Chelsea was solid behind the goals - although I do ahve to wonder do you really need to wear footy boots if your a Goal Umpire?
In other news this week- I thought the Argentinians were great in the soccer, 6-0. They face the Netherlands in a couple of days which should be the best match of the cup. I was also impressed by Beckham, and Christian Ronaldo. The Aussies fought on bravely and were unlucky to lose.
Geoff Ogivily also won the US open - which is huge, I was watching all weekend (no sleep) and i didn't think it was much of a tournament. Truely great championships are run on courses that capture the imagination- after watching a few rounds you should know the course well. Know the money holes and know the hard holes - but this stupid winged foot was just rediculous. However, Ogivily is a champ and a solid Aussie. Two huge wins now this year - hopefully he can also win a British Open or a PGA and get a really solid spot in the history of golf.
Go you good thing.
Instead I went to see the Brisbane Lions play. Now I am as likely as the next man to get on a bandwagon- and like all good Brisbaneites will also get off the bandwagon very quickly, and as such I havne't actually watched any lions games this year- as they aren't winning.
I went to see them on saturday night (in a corporate box no less) and was very disapointed with their performance. Everyone keeps on saying that they are rebuilding and are young, but to my eyes they weren't great. The Bulldogs players were getting around unmarked all night- it should be the first rule of AFL if your defending get on your man - it doesn't matter how old you are.
On a higher note, my old school captain Chelsea was solid behind the goals - although I do ahve to wonder do you really need to wear footy boots if your a Goal Umpire?
In other news this week- I thought the Argentinians were great in the soccer, 6-0. They face the Netherlands in a couple of days which should be the best match of the cup. I was also impressed by Beckham, and Christian Ronaldo. The Aussies fought on bravely and were unlucky to lose.
Geoff Ogivily also won the US open - which is huge, I was watching all weekend (no sleep) and i didn't think it was much of a tournament. Truely great championships are run on courses that capture the imagination- after watching a few rounds you should know the course well. Know the money holes and know the hard holes - but this stupid winged foot was just rediculous. However, Ogivily is a champ and a solid Aussie. Two huge wins now this year - hopefully he can also win a British Open or a PGA and get a really solid spot in the history of golf.
Go you good thing.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Its Socceroo Time
So we're three nights into the world cup - and so far all I can really say is I am tired.
Germany vs Costa Rica was a very exciting game, but really even I can tell that if Germany doesnt learn to defend then they are no hopers. The other games I have watched, the England, Argentina, Portugal, and Dutch games and none have been particulary exciting. Sure the last 10 minutes of Argentina's game when were great after drogba scored - but come on lets score some goals you soccer fucks.
Hopefully the Socceroo's will do the job for us tonight, really a win here is what we need to keep the rest of the world cup exciting. If Australia gets three points here, and Brazil take the points against Croatia you have to assume that around 4 points would be close to getting us through to the next round.
Germany vs Costa Rica was a very exciting game, but really even I can tell that if Germany doesnt learn to defend then they are no hopers. The other games I have watched, the England, Argentina, Portugal, and Dutch games and none have been particulary exciting. Sure the last 10 minutes of Argentina's game when were great after drogba scored - but come on lets score some goals you soccer fucks.
Hopefully the Socceroo's will do the job for us tonight, really a win here is what we need to keep the rest of the world cup exciting. If Australia gets three points here, and Brazil take the points against Croatia you have to assume that around 4 points would be close to getting us through to the next round.
Silverstone GP
A yawn fest at Silverstone
unfortunatley for all the hype last night failed to live up to expectations. Alonso was simply too good, and Michael spent too much time behind Kimi to have any chance of pushing him at all.
Of the start the front three looked like they would give us one of the great races, running nose to tail. Then Ralf Schumacher had an off, taking out Aussie Mark (the poor bastard must have broken a mirror at some point) and bringing out the Saftey Car.
After the SC Kimi was right on Alonso again, but tried to make his move in sector one, when he should have wated to later in the lap... His move allowed Schumi to get close enough to have a go later in the lap and they went side to side heading into (i think) stowe) but Michael had to concede and the race as a racing contest was over.
Alonso proceded to drive away with it, with Michael sitting a second to a second and a half of Kimi.
Michael pitted on 19, Kimi on 20, and they returned to what they were doing before the pit stops. Alonso went 4-5 laps further and showed his dominance.
The second time around Michael once again pitted a lap before Kimi, but Ferrari where up to the challange and got him out in less then 7 seconds, Kimi stopped for 8.5 seconds and the positions where swapped.
They held station to the end.
Perhaps the most disapointing thing was that their wasn't a heap of action down the field either - normally you would expect some fairly cool passing moves at silverstone but no.
Is the championship over? only mechanical failures in the next couple of fly aways can really open this title back up (Michael can easily win the next two, he is traditionally good at these circuts).
unfortunatley for all the hype last night failed to live up to expectations. Alonso was simply too good, and Michael spent too much time behind Kimi to have any chance of pushing him at all.
Of the start the front three looked like they would give us one of the great races, running nose to tail. Then Ralf Schumacher had an off, taking out Aussie Mark (the poor bastard must have broken a mirror at some point) and bringing out the Saftey Car.
After the SC Kimi was right on Alonso again, but tried to make his move in sector one, when he should have wated to later in the lap... His move allowed Schumi to get close enough to have a go later in the lap and they went side to side heading into (i think) stowe) but Michael had to concede and the race as a racing contest was over.
Alonso proceded to drive away with it, with Michael sitting a second to a second and a half of Kimi.
Michael pitted on 19, Kimi on 20, and they returned to what they were doing before the pit stops. Alonso went 4-5 laps further and showed his dominance.
The second time around Michael once again pitted a lap before Kimi, but Ferrari where up to the challange and got him out in less then 7 seconds, Kimi stopped for 8.5 seconds and the positions where swapped.
They held station to the end.
Perhaps the most disapointing thing was that their wasn't a heap of action down the field either - normally you would expect some fairly cool passing moves at silverstone but no.
Is the championship over? only mechanical failures in the next couple of fly aways can really open this title back up (Michael can easily win the next two, he is traditionally good at these circuts).
International Rugby Review
Just a quick summary of the first weekend of Internationals. New Zealand squeezed out a victory over the Irish, the Wallabies smashed the English, the Boks did the Scotts, the Argies did the Welsh, - Basically it was a great weekend for Southern Hempishphere rugby- the problem, all the games were at home - could be a different story if all the games where in the UK (or more specifically France).
Didn't see the Argentina game, and only parts of the Boks game - but as normal Percy Montgomery scored the majority of points. Once Habana returns they might be a little more dynamic.
The Wallabies England first half was a great game of football - big forward clashes, and ugly backs play- just how I like it. Old Varndelle looks the goods, but came up with some rediculous plays to ruin moves that showed a lot of promise. Bernie Larkham kept Australia in the game by being the puppet master.
The second half Enlgand lost its impetus - the Wallabies tackled their little hearts out and then super Chris Latham finished the game off nicely. In the end I think the only thing we will remember from this game was Rodzilla's debut. Look out this week for Cordingley starting the test- could spell the end for one G Gregan.
Tbe Irish were damm good last weekend, and the Blacks were quite terrible. I can't understand the Luke Mcallister thing - don't New Zealanders want to win the World Cup? They have Gopperth in the wings - come on.
The biggest thing to take away from this game was Odriscol - OMG - he is still the best. I haven't seen him play since the world cup, but he was perfect on Saturday. every touch he made a break/something happen. Its a shame he isn't chiming into the Wallabies backline in a world cup winning team.
I think the Blacks will distroy the Irish this week - which is a pity, cause they were so solid last week.
Didn't see the Argentina game, and only parts of the Boks game - but as normal Percy Montgomery scored the majority of points. Once Habana returns they might be a little more dynamic.
The Wallabies England first half was a great game of football - big forward clashes, and ugly backs play- just how I like it. Old Varndelle looks the goods, but came up with some rediculous plays to ruin moves that showed a lot of promise. Bernie Larkham kept Australia in the game by being the puppet master.
The second half Enlgand lost its impetus - the Wallabies tackled their little hearts out and then super Chris Latham finished the game off nicely. In the end I think the only thing we will remember from this game was Rodzilla's debut. Look out this week for Cordingley starting the test- could spell the end for one G Gregan.
Tbe Irish were damm good last weekend, and the Blacks were quite terrible. I can't understand the Luke Mcallister thing - don't New Zealanders want to win the World Cup? They have Gopperth in the wings - come on.
The biggest thing to take away from this game was Odriscol - OMG - he is still the best. I haven't seen him play since the world cup, but he was perfect on Saturday. every touch he made a break/something happen. Its a shame he isn't chiming into the Wallabies backline in a world cup winning team.
I think the Blacks will distroy the Irish this week - which is a pity, cause they were so solid last week.
Rodzilla for PM
A try on debut? and standing at outside centre to score it? Could anyone have asked for any thing more.
Rod Blake had a spectacular begining to his test career tonight. Clearly the highlight of a fairly dour affair. The scrum was a contest, probably just a passing mark, but his work in attack, and surprisingly his work in defence (I had him with two tackles, AND three turnovers/penalties won for holding on) was fantastic.
The test as a whole was fairly boring - the Poms were good with the ball in the first half, and can take some things away from the game. But eventually the Australian defence and the brilliance of Latham was enough to squeeze England out of the game.
For Australia I liked the front row, and the whole forward pack in general (almost every ruck and mall was a contest, very physical) the running of Larkham - when he hits the line at full pace he is the best there is, and Latham.
For England I liked their back row, their half back and out centre, and there is something special about that Varndelle. If a few things had been a little less rushed the English could have scored two tries in the first half.
I didn't think Rogers played very well. For the Waratahs he works as a first five eigth cause he has a genuine ball distributor in Norton Knight outside him, tonight I thought his pass was a little suspect from left to right. He's a bit like Nathan Grey in that respect but doesn't have the size to run a crash ball when the ball is going to his weak side. I also think we need to do something about Gerrard - sure he is in the team becasue Knuckles wants a huge kicking game - but Super Clyde was awesome when he got on (so much pace) or Hewat would be a much better option as place kicker then Mortlock.
On the whole it was a good start on the road to the world cup. Of the top of my head there must be around 20 tests left before the worlds cup - so if Rodzilla, Friers, Holmes, Elsom, and Hewat can get 15+ tests under their belts by then we will be looking real good come September next year.
Has their been a better Wallabies debut in recent memory? I think not.
Rod Blake had a spectacular begining to his test career tonight. Clearly the highlight of a fairly dour affair. The scrum was a contest, probably just a passing mark, but his work in attack, and surprisingly his work in defence (I had him with two tackles, AND three turnovers/penalties won for holding on) was fantastic.
The test as a whole was fairly boring - the Poms were good with the ball in the first half, and can take some things away from the game. But eventually the Australian defence and the brilliance of Latham was enough to squeeze England out of the game.
For Australia I liked the front row, and the whole forward pack in general (almost every ruck and mall was a contest, very physical) the running of Larkham - when he hits the line at full pace he is the best there is, and Latham.
For England I liked their back row, their half back and out centre, and there is something special about that Varndelle. If a few things had been a little less rushed the English could have scored two tries in the first half.
I didn't think Rogers played very well. For the Waratahs he works as a first five eigth cause he has a genuine ball distributor in Norton Knight outside him, tonight I thought his pass was a little suspect from left to right. He's a bit like Nathan Grey in that respect but doesn't have the size to run a crash ball when the ball is going to his weak side. I also think we need to do something about Gerrard - sure he is in the team becasue Knuckles wants a huge kicking game - but Super Clyde was awesome when he got on (so much pace) or Hewat would be a much better option as place kicker then Mortlock.
On the whole it was a good start on the road to the world cup. Of the top of my head there must be around 20 tests left before the worlds cup - so if Rodzilla, Friers, Holmes, Elsom, and Hewat can get 15+ tests under their belts by then we will be looking real good come September next year.
Has their been a better Wallabies debut in recent memory? I think not.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
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