Really want to hear what you say now. Come now let us hear your assessment. Particularly like to hear about Louw - whos should according to Saffex be replaced by Brussow - is that still necessry? What do you think of Goosen was he better than you expected Mozart? Also about Pienaar? Come now - admit you have to eat your words after today.
Thought the Boks were very impressive today, esp at the break down - however a slight reality check, this was an injury ravaged Oz outfit even before kick off - the Boks also played 1/4 of the game against 14 men...
Sorry pol-e - it was onkly for the last 6 minutes. Seriously now - I think there is a real problem for players not used to playing that high above sea level - the air contains less oxyfen than it does on sea level, which couldaccount for more injuries to players not used to it - especilly muscular injuries can be affected under such conditions.
Yes it was a team without some of their best players - and I myself forecasted a win of 20+ points. However, the Springboks in two tests scored six tries against them - the All Blacks only managed 3. We shall all see next week what is going toi happen - I still believe the Springboks will beat the All Blacks by 10+ points.
And the sin bin Mike? did you even watch the match? And since when did the number of tries scored against an opponent indicate who will win a test the following week? 4 of the tries you scored against OZ were in a team missing the following players..
JOC
Genia
Pocock
Moore
Cooper
Higgenbotham
Oz finished the match without
AAC
Berrick Barnes
Samo
TPN
Without those players on the pitch the Wallabies were never going to be a contenter but if you want to get carried away feel free - might be worth while remembering what happened the last time the AB's met the Boks at Soccer City.
Eat which words? These?
"The good news is Alberts and Goosen should have a field day running in 10 channel."
At th previous game you referred to we had a hoker as a coach and Morne Steyn at flyhalf. The situation is somewhat different now, I am sure about one thing though and that I have stated repeatedly on this site - there is something amiss in the All Blacks team - but the New Zealanders obviously never wants to hear that.
Allow me to summarize some of the problems:-
* Some of the All Black players are past their prime. I would say that evenb McCaw and Carter is noit the same level of performance that they maintained up to two years ago. Some older players get injured more easily and tend to take longer to recover and that is a fact also applicable to McCaw and Carter.
* Some of the top players are in fact past there sell-by dte and here I include Weepu and Hore.
* The All Black forward pack shows signs of deteriroration in performances. If the All Blacks can with realtive ease be pushed cack 30 meters plus in a maul - there are indeed serious problems.
* I love the entertaining and vry good backline play of the All Blacks. However, it is not applied perfctly and there are too many knock-ons and poor passes in evidence as well.
* Finally in matches where players need to be replaced the younger replacing players lack the competency of the players they replace. An excellent example is Cruden - not really upo to standard when under pressure.
I am normally quite near in my forecasts. In the first test against Australia I forecasted a win by 14 + points by the Australians. In the Dunedin test I forecast a huge win by the All Blacks - to be precise by 20+ points - I evidently over-rated the All Blacks and under-rated the Springbos/ In todays test I said the Springboks by 20 + points. My advice to you in respect of the next test is a win for the Springboks by 10+ points
At th previous game you referred to we had a hoker as a coach and Morne Steyn at flyhalf. The situation is somewhat different now, I am sure about one thing though and that I have stated repeatedly on this site - there is something amiss in the All Blacks team - but the New Zealanders obviously never wants to hear that.
Allow me to summarize some of the problems:-
* Some of the All Black players are past their prime. I would say that evenb McCaw and Carter is noit the same level of performance that they maintained up to two years ago. Some older players get injured more easily and tend to take longer to recover and that is a fact also applicable to McCaw and Carter.
* Some of the top players are in fact past there sell-by dte and here I include Weepu and Hore.
* The All Black forward pack shows signs of deteriroration in performances. If the All Blacks can with realtive ease be pushed cack 30 meters plus in a maul - there are indeed serious problems.
* I love the entertaining and vry good backline play of the All Blacks. However, it is not applied perfctly and there are too many knock-ons and poor passes in evidence as well.
* Finally in matches where players need to be replaced the younger replacing players lack the competency of the players they replace. An excellent example is Cruden - not really upo to standard when under pressure.
I am normally quite near in my forecasts. In the first test against Australia I forecasted a win by 14 + points by the Australians. In the Dunedin test I forecast a huge win by the All Blacks - to be precise by 20+ points - I evidently over-rated the All Blacks and under-rated the Springbos/ In todays test I said the Springboks by 20 + points. My advice to you in respect of the next test is a win for the Springboks by 10+ points
Mozart
Sorry - but I was playing the fool when I made that posting - mainly aimed at Saffex though. As far as I recollect you did cast a little bit of doubt on the expected performance of Goosen - did you not? I always rate your contributions hijhly and would like to hear from you about what you think of the performance today,
Or perhaps these words
"Unfortunately right now Pienaar is our only international level pro. Hougaard is a great rugby player, but so much more expressive on the wing. The rest are nowhere"
I would say, apart from my agnosticism about Taute, my calls were pretty much spot on. And even there I said I haven't seen enough of him at centre....which frankly is still the case. But already he showed us he can do one thing Fury never could.....make a good low tackle.
I have no problem being taken to task for things Mike.....but not for things I never said. Perhaps you might care to front up and say you are sorry?
Okay Mike....no worries. Let me be clear on Goosen....I have always rated the lad. But I wasn't sure he had played enough senior rugby. His play off the bench a few weeks back convinced me.
That said Pienaar did a masterful job of never putting him into trouble. And I wouldn't want him taking a match winning kick just yet.....understandable fragility from such a young player.
Okay Mike....no worries. Let me be clear on Goosen....I have always rated the lad. But I wasn't sure he had played enough senior rugby. His play off the bench a few weeks back convinced me.
That said Pienaar did a masterful job of never putting him into trouble. And I wouldn't want him taking a match winning kick just yet.....understandable fragility from such a young player.
Wow Mike - you have a comvincing win at home against a massively understrength Australia and now you predict a 10+ point win against the team favoured to take the RC this evening...I love your writing off the AB's, so many players past their prime etc etc, yet these past their prime players still put two tries past you Dunedin minus Dan Carter and Richie outplayed each of the Bok loosies that played so effectively today,
I wasn't stupid enough to predict a win for the AB's when they faced the Boks in NZ given what SA can do on any given game day, you'd better hope the Boks back up your prediction or you'll look quite the drop kick wont you.
Like I said feel free to get carried away...Oh I forgot, Drew Mitchell was another front line player not available today..
pol-e
May i ask a question - are you as beautiful as shown on your avatar?
No my comments as listed above are not based on todays game - or being carried away about it. I always try and analyze things objectively and what I wrote above - I clearly stated omany times in the past - that is before todays game - on this site.
The above issues played a role in virtually all games played by the All Blacks this year and in my honest opinion affected games played by them. Even though they won all the tests I felt that there issues that need to be critically evalued by the New Zeland Rugby authorities. Let me explain further that I admire the All Black team and the players - but I do have a tendency to try objective criticism as well. I said in the past that what I have seen - there is not enough objective criticism and assessment of players in New Zealand at present. For instance after the Dunedin test there was no real assessment on the Re-Union programme - even though I sensed tht the panel was really rlelieved by the outcome. That is to my mind a mistake.
You should have seen what i said in the past about the Springbok team - my criticism was relentless and hard - bu, I believe, also based on fact.
As to the game today - I fully realize that the team was not the best Australia has and I also realize that Super 15 showed deficiencies in Aussie rugby - but it is still a very good team they fielded. I also believe that the team will recover and be more competitive in future.
Be it as it may - I also admit that I was surprised by the game played by the Springboks today. It was to my mind a much improved format of play - which I would like to see repeated. If they manage to do that - there will be major problems for all opposing teams - also for the All Blacks.
My assessmentof the outcome of next weeks test was done on thursday and i stick with it - a win by 10+ points by the Springboks. After todays game I am not so sure though - it may be more, LOL
Sorry but I don't think you have been objective, you keep saying for example Richie McCaw is past it yet when Sasue posted stats from the Springbok test stating McCaw clearly outplaying each of the Bok loosies you went missing. For the record you have given the AB's very little credit, any credit you do give is back handed. For all of their perceived defeciencies they are believe it or not, the only unbeaten side in the competition.
I think next weeks test is too close to call, I didn't see enough from phase play to suggest this is a new bok outfit, Goosen controlled things well that said. The back row was very good although I felt they got a lot of lattitude at the break down from Allain Rolland, if that was an All Black game you and Retardcat would've been screaming blue murder.
As for my Avatar, it might surprise you but an Avatar often doesn't reflect what a person looks like in real life, unless you really are a dude in a storm trooper outfit taking a dump.
ouch!
@Poi-e,
Sorry double posted read post below
@Poi-e,
@Poi-e,
One thing that Mike has always been is consistent in his approach and he deserves credit for that. I predicted a win but not by 23 points, mine was by 7 and under. The Boks won this on forward domination and I can hear it already (beens power pack about to be shoved down everyones throat) hehe.
Nonetheless, Goosen had a good break and really should have scored and for but a little inexperience he would have. He done the simple things very very well and I "tip my hat" to him. Less kicking and a simple passing to hand saw the ball get to Habana and hey presto 3 tries.
Another important point that we need to take into account for our backline was thefact that JDV was closer top the action and it appeared he revelled on being back at where his specialised position is - I hope HM takes note?
Louw, Bekker, all the Front row in aprticualr stood out for me and this in its sense gave us the solid platform we needed. What is critical is that we created so much more scoring opportunities and we managed to generate these into points. Nonetheless, we also are mindful that we probably left as many still uncoverted.
Confidence is a key component coming into any game you play against the AB's and we have certainly done that. We wont have the advantage of the Highveldt but we still have home advantage and a lot of pride to play for.
The Boks smashed the Wallabies and you really doubt whether the have any more depth with so many frontline players out. No doubt losing so many players through this game did make a difference but the Boks had already one this game by halftime.
Robbie Deans I am afraid if he loses against the Argies next week will be going back to NZ.
Poi-e
Sorry - but I never said anywhere that McCaw uis past it. What I did say was remains a fact - McCaw is not the GREAT player he was two years ago - at present he is a good player. There is a big difference between that and saying he is past it. May I add - I do not believe that McCaw should sty in the picture for the 2015 WC, At 36 years of age he will definitely be past it.
I know that McCaw is an idol i New Zealand and absoluely above and beyond criticism - but I believe that New Zealand should start looking for his replacement in the team by 2014. However, before you say I am saying that for any ulterier reson - let me add that I sincerely believe that to be in the broader interest of All Black rugby. You may differ from me in that - but that will not change my mind on the issue.
Sorry - but none of my comments are back-handed insofar as All Black rugby is comcermed - I do believe they have a wonderful team - with some minor niggles in thir performances. That may not be liked by New Zealnd supporters - but what I said is not intended to be negative, but sincerely what I believe is necessary in the interest of All Black rugby. .
Poi-e
Sorry - but I never said anywhere that McCaw uis past it. What I did say was remains a fact - McCaw is not the GREAT player he was two years ago - at present he is a good player. There is a big difference between that and saying he is past it. May I add - I do not believe that McCaw should sty in the picture for the 2015 WC, At 36 years of age he will definitely be past it.
I know that McCaw is an idol i New Zealand and absoluely above and beyond criticism - but I believe that New Zealand should start looking for his replacement in the team by 2014. However, before you say I am saying that for any ulterier reson - let me add that I sincerely believe that to be in the broader interest of All Black rugby. You may differ from me in that - but that will not change my mind on the issue.
Sorry - but none of my comments are back-handed insofar as All Black rugby is comcermed - I do believe they have a wonderful team - with some minor niggles in thir performances. That may not be liked by New Zealnd supporters - but what I said is not intended to be negative, but sincerely what I believe is necessary in the interest of All Black rugby. .
Mike,
I the Boks have set the challenge by getting the bonus and if the Argies do us the favour against the AB's and stop them getting any points then we can challenge the AB's for the title and TBH thats will be amazing considering where we were two weeks ago.
However, I dont think the AB's will lose or if they do they wont lose by 7 or over
*Sigh* Mike - have you heard of Sam Cane? Nominated for under 20 player of the year 2011? Current All Black? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Cane
poi-e
Sure I have of Cade and have been following him carefully in Super 15 and when he came of the bench for the All Blacks. A vrey good player - but not a present or future rugby great/ . Let me tell you something else. A year before Mc Caw was first selected as a All Black I wrote on another forum that he is going to be a great player - and some New Zeland supporters wrote I am wrong. I now say that Cade is going to be a good player - but I do believe there are better ones around.
OK we'll see...btw you said..."Yes it was a team without some of their best players - and I myself forecasted a win of 20+ points. However, the Springboks in two tests scored six tries against them - the All Blacks only managed 3"
Given your try scoring comparison above what's your opinion given the number of tries the Springboks managed against Argentina in 2 tests compared with the All Blacks...a bit silly to make that comparison Mike
Poi-e, why cant you give credit where it is due? The team that started the match for Australia was pretty strong. Its not our fault our pack smashed them.
If you wana talk injuries to frontline players, make sure you see both sides. Sure Genia, Horwill, Mitchell (bench usually), Cooper, Pocock (not better than Hooper) are players that will be missed but do you think the Boks dont miss Schalk, Bismarck, Juan Smith, Spies, Du Preez, JP Pietersen and the likes.
You are right, the Boks can terrorise any team on their day but they can also misfire badly but if the play as they have since their trip to Australasia, I see the AB's posing little threat. I mean, we left 44 points on the park and that was in Dunedin. Today we won 31 - 8 but still our goal kicking woes continued and we butchered a good few tries. SA could easily have put 50 points on Aus today but never mind that, Boks will take time to adjust to "new" running style! Lets hope the adjustment happens next week then the AB's are in for kak!
Umm I think you'll find I have praised the Boks, Goosen and your back row, forgive me for adding a dose of realism - that thing that makes me laugh with some Bok supporters is that you have a good day at the office then suddenly you're going to Snotklap the best team in the world the following week - we have our fair share of delusional supporters but so do you.
Even though we scored twice as many tries in one game as the Boks could manage in two against a full strength Argentina side I still wouldn't be so bold to predict an AB victory next week...I'm happy you saw enough in a game where you effectively beat up a guy in a wheelchair that you do. Good luck for next week.
