It must be a difficult question because you apparently can't answer it. All bluster, mouth and no trousers.Originally Posted by can123
And clearly you don't quite know how rugby works and how a team can be greater than the sum of its constituent parts.
You strike me as some Johnny-come-lately bandwagoning rugby newb.
Try telling that to Keith Murdoch. Crashed into him shoulder to shoulder on the steps of the Angel Hotel in Cardiff. The whole foyer fell silent expecting mayhem but we both apologised and he walked down the steps as I climbed up to go to the toilet. I am not new, I'm bloody old.
Originally Posted by can123
Nice story.
For that most assuredly is what it is, a story.
It's true but you seeking to doubt it makes you a twat. My tale gave you an understanding of how old I am, if you have ever heard of Keith Murdoch, that is. They were good days and Black supporters showed respect for the opposition. They don't anymore.
Or you a confabulist or given to tall tales and flights of fancy.Originally Posted by can123
I suppose one could ask Murdoch to confirm or deny but he is a famously reticent interviewee and particularly around events concerning the Angel Hotel. Plus of course he's also very much dead. But hey you just keep telling your story if it makes you happy. It is a good story.
You needn't have bothered. I'd already guessed from your ranting and apparent senile agitation.Originally Posted by can123
You are a fool. My story is true. Bye.
To answer the OP question and that is PASSION.
The All Blacks bring that passion not only to every game but even when they are training. in fact most Kiwi Boys are born with passion for the game and dream of playing for the Blacks.
Most of their competitors, and for example Australia, Rugby Union is the 3rd or 4th favourite Code of Sport played by kids there.
And at present they are far and away the best coached team.
Expected "red" duly received from the childish Mr Robertson. I am not a liar.
I'm not so sure about that. I think it's not nice to say any team playing for their country lacks passion, even when training. I would also say that I don't reckon Hanson is the best coach either. Not that long ago that Kiwi press were asking if he had been around too long and time for a change.
Granted, but are you saying that the Aussie players lack passion?
No, not for a second but ...
... the difference, an ALL BLACKS game, any game, is a 'Game that stops a Nation'. They are immensely proud
of their National RU Team. My KIWI mate has ALLBLACK as his license plate in Australia.
I went to a game between the Wallabies and the All Blacks @ Lang Park a few years back.
The All Black chant got up ... on an Australian ground.
Sit in Eden Park and, at best, you might get a sprinkling of Gold Shirts, everyone else are dressed in all black.
If you were to ask the Aussies what their 'National Team' is and up to a year ago, the common answer might
have been their Cricket Team. Now, post 'the tamper', maybe the Soccerroos.
I like to watch both teams play and have a deep respect for the All Blacks.
In the Wallabies, I can only identify with Hooper, Pocock and Folau.
Like the Cricket Team, many Aussies have little time for the Wallabies and a lot of that probably stem from their
lack of ability to regain the Bledisloe Cup.
Win that and the Wallabies might win back some hearts and minds.
IMHO
The ABs are a good team and have a good chance of winning the WC in Japan.
But, there are other good teams, and it will be quite an open WC.
Imho, if Brodie Retalick gets injured then the ABs will not win the WC. The ABs have weaknesses at centre and loose forward combinations which haven't been so obvious for a long long time.
Cycling should be banned!!!
The RWC gets bigger and better every 4 years. Kiwi consistency makes them favourite. Ireland are nearly there now, but they will go at least one more tournament before they have the same levels of belief in themselves that the All Blacks have now.
In the past, ABs had consistency but faltered due to self doubt. They’ve had reminders recently that they are vulnerable. Self belief will get them through.
The other indicator is the availability of depth in key positions. ABs have this one locked up at 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15. Those are the areas wher the most damage can be done.
As an England supporter, I worry that we have too many utility players and not enough genuine depth in the same places.
Imagine what Ireland would be like without Sexton and Murray?
Dod I neglect the forwards? Sorry, all those backs do need someone to win or steal the ball before they can operate. Again we have some utility available, but locks and back row constantly switching to establish were people fit in?
I can only hope that Sir Eddie has a cunning plan.lol
Nonu and Smith are just better players than anything the ABs have available now. &, the ABs have not settled on a midfield combination although there are a lot of decent players to choose from, none with the skills and experience of the two starters for the 2015 final listed above. News Details | allblacks.com
Read is not performing at the levels he has in the past; he is getting older, still very good but no longer dominant. McCaw simply can't be replaced.
The ABs are the number 1 team in the world, no doubt, but England and Ireland are not afraid of them and will feel they can beat them. Wales, Australia, definitely South Africa and also Scotland would go into a game against the ABs with a decent level of confidence. I'd say the ABs have a 40-50% chance of winning the 2019 WC, and the other teams combined have a similar chance. Let's imagine the AB's have to play (and I'm guessing here, obviously...) England, Ireland and South Africa in 3 straight games, I can't see them winning all of them (and Wales are also at the same level as England for sure).
The ABs do have a front row that can pass and offload like half backs. It does give them serious potential in attack.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)