Thread: Tri Nations 2009

12 penalties and only two tries in the game......for those who value such stats.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

12 penalties and only two tries in the game......for those who value such stats.

Who was this? England v Scotland?

Originally Posted by Bobcock

12 penalties and only two tries in the game......for those who value such stats.

I do. You lot can quibble about the reffing and so forth, but heres something that should be of more concern to a Union fan.

First, brief background. I've played both Union and League in the Oz Navy, admittedly League at a higher level. I enjoy both games, I'm not partisan- but traditionally, I thought a good game of Union was the more entertaining spectacle.

At it's best, I still think so. But, on average, I now think League has surpassed Union as a good game to watch. Too many Refs whistles & stoppages, too many Penalties, not enough Tries. Just review last weekends NRL games in Oz, and compare them to the last three Tri-nations tests. With the possible exception of the first half of Oz/Blacks, League has been the better game.

I ain't no rugby fundi, but League must be one of the most boring games on the planet. Reminds me a lot of Curling.

The Blacks really looked rattled yesterday. Towards the end they actually seemed desperate, in a panic. Never seen that before from a NZ team. What's up.

Sabang

That's just the Tri Nations, the Six nations was full of tries and entertaining stuff.

Just ask loy toy, he watches all the games.

Originally Posted by FlyFree

The Blacks really looked rattled yesterday. Towards the end they actually seemed desperate, in a panic. Never seen that before from a NZ team. What's up.

Damn! Looks like I missed a good game after all. Where's that fluffer, Chuchok?

The Blacks really looked rattled yesterday. Towards the end they actually seemed desperate, in a panic. Never seen that before from a NZ team. What's up.

I have, several times.

I was there in 1999 RWC Semi Final.

They looked rattled at last years RWC in the QF.

They just don't seem to be able to handle it when their devine right to win isn't as devine as they thought....supporters too.

Heh. Schadenfreude, anyone?

Tha All Blacks looked weak against the French and were lucky to draw their series at home.

Australia threw away what should of been a comfortable win against the Blacks through inexperience and lack of discipline.

Last nights game was very hard and tough and yes it seemed the Blacks did panic and the Springboks beat them with composure across the park.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Damn! Looks like I missed a good game after all.

hmmm, I'd venture to suggest it was more of a boring game.

tough, grinding, well won by Saffa, but boring for the spectators nonetheless.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

How shit were New Zealand?....no sorry, how shit was the referee?......snigger

both were ordinary.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

You are right, New Zealand played error free dynamic rugby and lost because of the referee.

on a more sensible note, the AB were shit form about the 10th minute in, their first and only try was about the only good thing about their game.

Were their mistakes, (knock ons, cheap penalties, poor passing, missed tackles) a result of how crap they are right now or a results of the pressure the SA seem to be able to apply to an opposition's game plan ?

Whats happened to the All Blacks I've never seen then look so clueless.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by FlyFree

The Blacks really looked rattled yesterday. Towards the end they actually seemed desperate, in a panic. Never seen that before from a NZ team. What's up.

Damn! Looks like I missed a good game after all. Where's that fluffer, Chuchok?

Right here old bean.We was robbed!!!

Funny, they didn't even do as well as a scratch team who only met a month before...

^ Funny indeed.

Originally Posted by kingwilly

Were their mistakes, (knock ons, cheap penalties, poor passing, missed tackles) a result of how crap they are right now or a results of the pressure the SA seem to be able to apply to an opposition's game plan ?

Absolutely. Every time one of the back three was lining up a ball there was a Saffa in the air contesting or flying in to make a tackle. The accuracy of the bombs Morne put up and the follow through by the runners was relentless. Created hugh pressure. What were the ABs gonna do? Kick for touch, then lose the lineout and have the ball returned with interest? Saffas played to their strengths and had the winning game plan. They looked fairly ordinary with the ball in hand, and quite often went backwards or nowhere, but their defence was just good enough stop the ABs when they broke out .Brussow(sp) is the new McCaw (for now).

It's a simple game and the AB coaches are trying to make it difficult.Plus...the cupboard is a bit thin on the player front.....

Originally Posted by kingwilly

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Damn! Looks like I missed a good game after all.

hmmm, I'd venture to suggest it was more of a boring game.

tough, grinding, well won by Saffa, but boring for the spectators nonetheless.

Marmers and the NH crowd love those boring games...

Originally Posted by Little Chuchok

Marmers and the NH crowd love those boring games...

Indeed. I do like a physical, forward dominated game.

Although I am a Sharks supporter, I have to say that with the current game SA are playing, Morne is the man. Ruan will be good for the more looser games but for the time being will have to be content at sitting on the bench and covering both 9 & 10. Damn, that shifts the starting line-up from 6/5 to 5/6 in favour of the Bulls!

It's been a bit quiet on this thread this week, are there no Aussies in the house? Today SA try to make it 3 in a row. They have stuck with the winning team from last week and will stick to the same tactics of kick and chase to put pressure on the Aussie back 3. It. Will be interesting to see if the Aussies have come up with a way to counter this.

^
I think they'll be more up to it than the Blacks were. Plus they have some kicking ability. And ability to compete in the line.

I'm here!

Whats the weather forecast in Capetown apart from windy?

Unfortunately it is sunny with 0% chance of rain forcast. That must favour the Aussies with their more dangerous running backs.

I'm looking forward to the game.

If the aussies do not give away cheap possession & cheap penalties then I think that they can overcome their Forward weakness- even against the Boks, and they will win. But can they? Enough ball in hand, their backs will seal it. Starved of possession, the Boks will keep it safe and beyond dispute.