Ted 1 - Deans 0
I'll write a few words later when I have calmed down and stopped crying tears of joy. Well done you mighty All Blacks. Bloody well done!
What Stephen Jones said...
Showing posts with label Israel Dagg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Israel Dagg. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 October 2011
All Blacks book their place into the RWC 2011 final (it's been a long time coming)
I'll write a few words later when I have calmed down and stopped crying tears of joy. Well done you mighty All Blacks. Bloody well done!
What Stephen Jones said...
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Pool A: New Zealand 37 - France 17
A Statement of Intent
When Daniel Carter lined up for a drop goal into the second half, neatly slotting the ball through the posts, he told the world: "We've learned our lessons from 2007 - beware."
This game was highly emotional. I was blubbing like a baby during the national anthems (which incidentally are so beautiful with that gorgeous voiced RWC choir). The stadium looked amazing. It was our stadium of four million to say: ‘our time is now’.
As usual, the incredible centre pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu (who is rapidly becoming my player of the tournament) were at the heart of things, with Smith tackling everything that dared move and Nonu cutting apart a flappy French defence.
Israel Dagg showed why he was picked over Mils at 15. The man makes magic from nothing. I hope his injury is nothing worse than a niggle, because we need him. In saying that, we have a more than worthy backup in Muliaina and I do hope that the veteran will be allowed at some point to finish his All Black career with two more caps.
France started so well and I really thought after the first half that if they had scored first we might have been in for shades of 1999 again. Alas for France, it wasn't to be this time, on a highly emotional night for an All Black team seeking revenge and celebration for their centurion captain.
And what of Richie McCaw? Well any talk of him losing his form is complete cobblers. The man was everywhere tonight, and that is why we love you so Richie. You fight and graft until the death. You wear your rugby heart on your sleeve and it has been an honour to watch you over these years, and to have you in the team that we support. We are blessed and you are bloody magnificent. And was that a tear in his eye when he received his 100th cap from Jock Hobbs? Our captain cries on cue too. Is there anything he can't do?
As for Lievremont and his team in white. They showed some spirit to come back in that second half and will they be too worried about going into the northern hemisphere side of the draw? Still, maybe the French didn't really want to throw this one either. An angry French fan had words with Lievremont after the test where the French coach, character to the end, gave it back. In the end it was reported a security guard had to step in.
My honourable mentions tonight: Nonu, Weepu (how good was he tonight, I take it all back Piri), Dan the man, McCaw, Smith, Kaino, Whitelock and SBW.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Ferdy's round up - first weekend of RWC 2011
Here are my thoughts on the dramatic opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2011.
Opening ceremony: Made me homesick for New Zillunt. It was beautiful. Glad it wasn't blowing a gale (I don't know why but I've become a nanna and keep praying that the tournament will have nice weather). Loving the anthems too with the NZSO backing tracks. But ITV doesn't focus on the choir singing which is a shame, I want to see whether I know anyone.
Opening game Tonga V NZ highlights: A first half try fest. Sonny Bill Williams for that *ahem* shirt change. No major injuries to any key players. Baby blacks Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui - will they or won't they usurp the old guard?
Opening game Tonga V NZ lowlights: The second half with the wheels falling off some rusty All Black forwards. Too many penalties, too many unforced errors. But credit to Tonga, they lifted their game and in hindsight, NZ did not do too badly. I am unhappy about our halfbacks.
England v Argentina highlights: The atmosphere in Dunedin's new stadium seemed electric. Hopefully this will shut people up who moan on about New Zealand rugby stadia lacking atmosphere. An Argentinian streaker cheekily winking at Jonny Wilkinson. Even though the skills on show were at best average and at worst dire, this was still a fantastic game to watch. Loved every minute of it. (Also, can't help it, I love Martin Johnson wearing his big gruff heart on his sleeve).
England V Argentina lowlights: The England all black kit malfunctioned in every way possible - from the players wearing the shirts to the numbers falling off them. I never thought I'd watch a rugby team in black have such trouble trying to find the tryline. Maybe swap back to white next time boys - eh?
Favourite tweet: 'Overheard Martin Johnson say 'i think i'm going to puma pants'
France V Japan: I didn't see the whole game, but until the last ten minutes, it was close with excellent Japanese defence - and a try. The minnows are roaring in NZ! JK is doing good work, will he be the next AB coach I wonder? French backline looked dangerous (gulp).
Australia V Italy: avoided watching this as couldn't bear to witness an Australian backline cut shreds into the Italians. The less I see of Quade Cooper, the better at the moment.
Ireland V USA: Missed this too but it sounded like the crowd was amazing (my home turf) if not the actual rugby. Loved Paul Emerick's intercept try for the US in the dying seconds. The eagle has landed.
South Africa V Wales: the game of the tournament thus far. What is it with Wales always in the most dramatic games at RWCs? They were so unlucky with Wayne Barnes yet again orchestrating controversy with a missed penalty goal (this will become stuff of legend). We know how you feel Wales, we know how you feel.
This morning's Wikipedia page on Wayne Barnes that was quickly edited after five minutes: Wayne Barnes is an English international rugby referee who has his eyes painted on
Conspiracy theory of the week: The kickers are struggling with these special IRB balls for this world cup. Maybe they've been especially engineered to deter too many drop goal attempts? Hope so. Loved the way everyone in Wellington booed when Morne Steyn tried for a droppie.
Annoying journalism: I don't want to read any more pompous articles in England about how New Zealand fans should behave. Likewise anything about rugby player WAGs - this isn't football (or tiddly winks). And if I had a ten cent coin for every article about the All Blacks that mentions choking, I'd be a kazillionaire by now. Boring, lazy journalism. Where's the originality?
Is it just me or has the rugby this weekend been brilliant? Anything to do with maybe the tournament coming back to its spiritual home and bringing out the best in everyone?
The ruggerblogger cup: Results are out. I'm middling to bottom of the table. Shit. Must do better (it's tough being a coach).
Miss a game and don't have time to watch the replay? All you need to do is log onto ruggerblogger and take a glance at Slugo's incredible rugby infographics which will tell you exactly how the game panned out. Amazing. The man is a living legend attempting to put up graphics of all 48 games. Plus - he has designed some fantastic mobile phone apps. Check them out, they're wicked.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
South Africa 18 - New Zealand 5. Tri Nations 2011
Tri Nations 2011
Port Elizabeth.
Reading Duncan Johnston's article in Stuff this morning, one might have been forgiven for thinking that the All Blacks had won today's match against a fired up Bok team. Johnston writes:
Wings Hosea Gear and Isaia Toeava were lively when they got a sniff, there was more to centre Kahui's game than just his powerful finish for the try and Sonny Bill Williams put in some big hits in defence.Colin Slade took a while to get into the game but grew in confidence though, but two missed goal kicks were disappointing when New Zealand were so desperate for points.Liam Messam and Adam Thomson had big defensive games and crucially looshead prop Tony Woodcock got through 70 minutes
I think on this article, Johnston, like a fair few representing the All Blacks on the field today, should be fired from his day job.
No self respecting NZ rugbyhead should be celebrating any All Blacks in a team that only managed to put five points on the scoreboard (never before in my lifetime!)
The blessing in disguise is hopefully we've been able to sort the wheat from the chaff in this incredibly frustrating and quite torturous match (particularly the second half, what a load of pants). Sure, NZ crossed the chalk which was more than an impassioned South Africa managed to do. But our execution was sloppy and so frustrating.
In my opinion there are several journeymen that should be ejected from the team now and a few that shouldn't have any more second chances.
I'm tired of Liam Messam. His posturing before the game but his complete lack of anything else during the game. Likewise Adam Thompson - I keep waiting for him to be as good as the hype that surrounds him. Jimmy Cowan had the speed of an old lady on a zimmer frame (as evidenced by the opening minute try that got away). Andy Ellis is no great shakes. Toeava made some breaks but he fluffs his lines constantly in the test arena and how many chances does he get? Ali Williams is not the player of old. John Afoa seems a nice guy, but we want more on the rugby field. And Sonny Bill Williams. Well, we all desperately want him to be the player we've heard he is, but where is he in these games? I haven't seen him yet and I think the clock is ticking.
Credit to South Africa and their committed defence. They were more passionate. But will their win have done them and their delusional coach many favours in the long run. I don't mean to be ungracious (but basically, I'm hurting and as this is a NZ blog, I shall have a wee moan). We had the possession, we had the territory. We got over the gain line. It was our execution that let us down poorly and Morne Steyn's boot. But our execution. Egad. So annoying. It was more than annoying. It was crap! Five points!?
One last thing. I can't put the boot into Colin Slade. I felt sorry for the guy. It would be awful if the whole country turned on him two weeks out, like they've done in the past with Stephen Donald. Truth was, Slade made lots of mistakes. I don't know why he continuously kicked the ball back to the Boks (and in our very own half too half the time!) But I want to give him another chance. After all. We don't have another back up this late in the game. He needs confidence. We need to start praying.
Ending on a positive. Israel Dagg. He made a few terrible errors, but he has to be in the RWC squad.
Five points!?!? Five points?
five points
Port Elizabeth.
Reading Duncan Johnston's article in Stuff this morning, one might have been forgiven for thinking that the All Blacks had won today's match against a fired up Bok team. Johnston writes:
Wings Hosea Gear and Isaia Toeava were lively when they got a sniff, there was more to centre Kahui's game than just his powerful finish for the try and Sonny Bill Williams put in some big hits in defence.Colin Slade took a while to get into the game but grew in confidence though, but two missed goal kicks were disappointing when New Zealand were so desperate for points.Liam Messam and Adam Thomson had big defensive games and crucially looshead prop Tony Woodcock got through 70 minutes
I think on this article, Johnston, like a fair few representing the All Blacks on the field today, should be fired from his day job.
No self respecting NZ rugbyhead should be celebrating any All Blacks in a team that only managed to put five points on the scoreboard (never before in my lifetime!)
The blessing in disguise is hopefully we've been able to sort the wheat from the chaff in this incredibly frustrating and quite torturous match (particularly the second half, what a load of pants). Sure, NZ crossed the chalk which was more than an impassioned South Africa managed to do. But our execution was sloppy and so frustrating.
In my opinion there are several journeymen that should be ejected from the team now and a few that shouldn't have any more second chances.
I'm tired of Liam Messam. His posturing before the game but his complete lack of anything else during the game. Likewise Adam Thompson - I keep waiting for him to be as good as the hype that surrounds him. Jimmy Cowan had the speed of an old lady on a zimmer frame (as evidenced by the opening minute try that got away). Andy Ellis is no great shakes. Toeava made some breaks but he fluffs his lines constantly in the test arena and how many chances does he get? Ali Williams is not the player of old. John Afoa seems a nice guy, but we want more on the rugby field. And Sonny Bill Williams. Well, we all desperately want him to be the player we've heard he is, but where is he in these games? I haven't seen him yet and I think the clock is ticking.
Credit to South Africa and their committed defence. They were more passionate. But will their win have done them and their delusional coach many favours in the long run. I don't mean to be ungracious (but basically, I'm hurting and as this is a NZ blog, I shall have a wee moan). We had the possession, we had the territory. We got over the gain line. It was our execution that let us down poorly and Morne Steyn's boot. But our execution. Egad. So annoying. It was more than annoying. It was crap! Five points!?
One last thing. I can't put the boot into Colin Slade. I felt sorry for the guy. It would be awful if the whole country turned on him two weeks out, like they've done in the past with Stephen Donald. Truth was, Slade made lots of mistakes. I don't know why he continuously kicked the ball back to the Boks (and in our very own half too half the time!) But I want to give him another chance. After all. We don't have another back up this late in the game. He needs confidence. We need to start praying.
Ending on a positive. Israel Dagg. He made a few terrible errors, but he has to be in the RWC squad.
Five points!?!? Five points?
five points
Sunday, 12 September 2010
The wheat from the chaff
All Blacks 23 - Wallabies 22
Sydney
The Wallabies had everything to play for after their energising victory in South Africa a week earlier. Sure, they would be tired but at home, playing against a Carterless New Zealand outfit that had the Tri Nations in the bag, this test was always going to be a good chance for them.
And for a long time in this match it really looked like they were going to do it. With stars like Kurtley Beale and Lachie Turner in the Australian backline, the green and golds looked the more threatening team with ball in hand in the first half. They were assisted by an All Black side that was playing at its worst. Errant lobbing passes, butter fingered passing, wayward kicking. It just wasn't clicking for us.
For New Zealand there was also no rub of the green in this test. I'm sure Australian rugby supporters would disagree with me, but it appeared that Mark Lawrence missed an awful lot and the bounce of the ball was definitely going Australia's way. And incidentally, who else isn't tired of the merciless hate campaign being waged against Richie McCaw. It seems that now whenever the All Blacks win, it's all down to McCaw getting away with murder. Well here's a note to all the McCaw knockers. It's not the case. Our number 7 is simply streets better than your number 7 so nya nya nya nya nya. Stick that one up your jumper and please stop moaning!
Cruden's first start has been heavily criticised. An altogether smaller guy than anyone else on the pitch, he was bullied heavily by the Ozzies off the ball. I think he showed some nice touches however and showed some resilience. Colin Slade coming on in the last twenty injected a new dimension and I'm glad he shone. I've often wondered why he hasn't been selected before.
There were plenty of All Blacks last night that didn't put their names up for honour. There are some that I'm finding myself wondering why they're even in the team. Corey Flynn of course is the main culprit. I could only groan when Mealamu limped off the field knowing it was now going to be an even harder night at the office. Thank God Flynn didn't score a flukey try (you know, one of those ones where he often finds himself on the wing) and we had to witness his arrogant little chicken 'I've scored a try' dance. That would have been more than I could take.
Muliaina butchered a try by - you guessed it - not passing. He seems to have a resistance to passing to his teammates - although he is rather fond of the hospial pass. I feel like I'm the only All Black supporter in the world that is getting more and more annoyed with him. Please next game, watch him and see what I mean.
Speaking of overrated - what must the Ozzies be thinking of Matt Giteau at the moment? The most expensive player, I don't think I've ever seen a game where he lives up to his press. Whatever way, the Wallabies need to find a new kicker, and pronto too.
We missed Joe believe it or not. Izzy Dagg has star quality, but defensively he was found wanting on the flanks.
Kaino is the most underrated All Black. As far as I'm concerned, he came off the bench and helped save the game for us.
So well done to the ABs and well done to the Wallabies. It was yet another thrilling game of rugby that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Sorry to Oz that we beat you again, for the 10th time. (But really, I"m sorry but I'm not that sorry).
Sydney
The Wallabies had everything to play for after their energising victory in South Africa a week earlier. Sure, they would be tired but at home, playing against a Carterless New Zealand outfit that had the Tri Nations in the bag, this test was always going to be a good chance for them.
And for a long time in this match it really looked like they were going to do it. With stars like Kurtley Beale and Lachie Turner in the Australian backline, the green and golds looked the more threatening team with ball in hand in the first half. They were assisted by an All Black side that was playing at its worst. Errant lobbing passes, butter fingered passing, wayward kicking. It just wasn't clicking for us.
For New Zealand there was also no rub of the green in this test. I'm sure Australian rugby supporters would disagree with me, but it appeared that Mark Lawrence missed an awful lot and the bounce of the ball was definitely going Australia's way. And incidentally, who else isn't tired of the merciless hate campaign being waged against Richie McCaw. It seems that now whenever the All Blacks win, it's all down to McCaw getting away with murder. Well here's a note to all the McCaw knockers. It's not the case. Our number 7 is simply streets better than your number 7 so nya nya nya nya nya. Stick that one up your jumper and please stop moaning!
Cruden's first start has been heavily criticised. An altogether smaller guy than anyone else on the pitch, he was bullied heavily by the Ozzies off the ball. I think he showed some nice touches however and showed some resilience. Colin Slade coming on in the last twenty injected a new dimension and I'm glad he shone. I've often wondered why he hasn't been selected before.
There were plenty of All Blacks last night that didn't put their names up for honour. There are some that I'm finding myself wondering why they're even in the team. Corey Flynn of course is the main culprit. I could only groan when Mealamu limped off the field knowing it was now going to be an even harder night at the office. Thank God Flynn didn't score a flukey try (you know, one of those ones where he often finds himself on the wing) and we had to witness his arrogant little chicken 'I've scored a try' dance. That would have been more than I could take.
Muliaina butchered a try by - you guessed it - not passing. He seems to have a resistance to passing to his teammates - although he is rather fond of the hospial pass. I feel like I'm the only All Black supporter in the world that is getting more and more annoyed with him. Please next game, watch him and see what I mean.
Speaking of overrated - what must the Ozzies be thinking of Matt Giteau at the moment? The most expensive player, I don't think I've ever seen a game where he lives up to his press. Whatever way, the Wallabies need to find a new kicker, and pronto too.
We missed Joe believe it or not. Izzy Dagg has star quality, but defensively he was found wanting on the flanks.
Kaino is the most underrated All Black. As far as I'm concerned, he came off the bench and helped save the game for us.
So well done to the ABs and well done to the Wallabies. It was yet another thrilling game of rugby that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Sorry to Oz that we beat you again, for the 10th time. (But really, I"m sorry but I'm not that sorry).
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Oarsome
South Africa 22 - All Blacks 29 (Tri Nations 2010, Soweto)
Ferdy from London
I didn't see the match. Staying with family in Scotland, it was decided instead to take a walk to the Loch Katrine which was well worth it and so beautiful. I did utter a silent prayer in my heart that I wouldn't be missing the match of the century. Chances were it wouldn't happen, but Murphy's Law dictated otherwise.
I can't comment on the match. I've learnt about it through friends and through internet feeds. But what I can glean about it safely is this:
Ferdy from London
I didn't see the match. Staying with family in Scotland, it was decided instead to take a walk to the Loch Katrine which was well worth it and so beautiful. I did utter a silent prayer in my heart that I wouldn't be missing the match of the century. Chances were it wouldn't happen, but Murphy's Law dictated otherwise.
I can't comment on the match. I've learnt about it through friends and through internet feeds. But what I can glean about it safely is this:
- 90,000+ people were in support for South Africa at Soweto
- John Smit's celebrations before the match ended in great discomfort for him
- Dan Carter became the greatest ever points scorer in international rugby
- Dan Carter had an off night with the boot but that's ok because since then we've found out he was playing with a broken foot (dan always gets away with it after all)
- Richie McCaw is a bloody legend stealing a try at the death
- Izzy Dagg is not far behind him, as is Thorne, Nonu, Smith, Weepu, Jane and of course Mealamu
- The Boks played with passion and were not too far off the speed, and I know they'll be fine and threatening come 2011
- For now NZ is number 1 in the world and tri nation holders, once again
Firstly - South Africa and Australia have to now fight it out for bragging rights. Secondly - NZ has to try and beat Oz Carterless. Now is the time for Cruden to step up - but can he do it? Thirdy - Richie McCaw is under the international spotlight from bloggers, media, coaches and referees alike for alleged 'cheating'. Or is is it just alleged 'being too good and clever for any other rugger player on the planet?' Because this is a NZ rugby blog, you probably know what part of the fence I'm sitting on.
Meanwhile, up North, there's other fish to fry. Stephen Jones of the Times in London, that great Lord Sphincter of them all, managed to damn the ABs with faint praise and accusations of offside (richie again - what's not to expect of course). But through gritted teeth, even he had to conlude NZ was indeed streets ahead of the opposition.
Most of the media in northern hemisphere climes in fact have been very subdued about the sensational season the All Blacks have had. If they're not wittering on about Richie - they're still stuck in the (only) English victory against Australia on Australian soil since 2003 (which incidentally is seven years ago - a whole life cycle done and dusted) when the red roses managed to beat the Wallabies. By one point, or so.
As the north gears up for the beginning of its domestic season, there is another important tournament going on. The Women's Rugby World Cup is currently being held in London. England Expects (as usual). They beat Kazakhstan (poor Borat) today by 80 points and Ireland previously - so maybe they are right to think they're top seed. (Cue a Tui billboard here).
The Black Ferns of NZ have had it 'easier', dismissing South Africa and Australia comfortably. Wales on Friday for the Ferns. I hope to get along there and proivde a match report - so watch this space.
In the mean time, good luck to them and thank you to Father Ted and his All Blacks. If you're a true rugby supporter, you take these moments because you never know where it's going in sport and what will happen tomorrow. For now, today will do. I just hope next time, I'll be able to see it with my own eyes.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
All Blacks V Ireland 2010 - after match comment
This was yet another test match ruined once again by the whiste happy world cup blower Wayne Barnes. I know – it was really Jamie Heaslip’s fault, but could you have sent the errant knee offender off with a yellow instead of a red Wayne Barnes? Surely the judiciary could have sorted out the rest the next day? The match was over after fifteen minutes ruining it for the paying spectators as well as the television watchers dotted throughout the world. Thankfully there were some salvageable things to come out of the match.
The new boys in black are looking good
I was particularly excited about the baby blacks coming through for the first test of the season against the Irish and the new boys didn’t disappoint. Particularly Israel Dagg who looks like a big star of the future with his darting counter attacking run and silky skills. Already he seems to have built up some kind of psychic understanding with Cory Jane where they ran some slicing lines off each other.
The thoughtful Benson Stanley provided the base for his outsides Carter and Smith to shine. I like the look of this guy, he offers difference and altogether something a bit more steady than the erratic Nonu. The gritty Franks brothers too seem like good prospects for the future and I would pick either of them any day to prop the scrum over the normal incumbent Tialata - even at this point.
With the New Zealanders playing a white hot game in the first half and springing out to a 38 point lead by half time, the three wise men thought it right to empty their bench giving the rest of the 22 a run out. Cruden and Vito didn’t have much time to shine although for now I think Carter and Kaino don’t have too much to worry about. Cruden for me just seems too small at this stage and what is the point of having a first five eight who can’t kick goals.
The pluck of the Irish
The Irish of course put up a plucky defence (how condescending were we all?) in the second half which was admirable. But the ABs had taken their foot off the gas by then (they always seem to when they’re far in the lead). I think the All Blacks would have been quite disgusted at themselves to leak four trys on their line, particularly when the Irish were playing with 14 men. Actually, I was a bit disgusted at them too. So to quote Fitzy, they’ll have to go back to the drawing board about that.
The new boys in black are looking good
I was particularly excited about the baby blacks coming through for the first test of the season against the Irish and the new boys didn’t disappoint. Particularly Israel Dagg who looks like a big star of the future with his darting counter attacking run and silky skills. Already he seems to have built up some kind of psychic understanding with Cory Jane where they ran some slicing lines off each other.
The thoughtful Benson Stanley provided the base for his outsides Carter and Smith to shine. I like the look of this guy, he offers difference and altogether something a bit more steady than the erratic Nonu. The gritty Franks brothers too seem like good prospects for the future and I would pick either of them any day to prop the scrum over the normal incumbent Tialata - even at this point.
With the New Zealanders playing a white hot game in the first half and springing out to a 38 point lead by half time, the three wise men thought it right to empty their bench giving the rest of the 22 a run out. Cruden and Vito didn’t have much time to shine although for now I think Carter and Kaino don’t have too much to worry about. Cruden for me just seems too small at this stage and what is the point of having a first five eight who can’t kick goals.
The pluck of the Irish
The Irish of course put up a plucky defence (how condescending were we all?) in the second half which was admirable. But the ABs had taken their foot off the gas by then (they always seem to when they’re far in the lead). I think the All Blacks would have been quite disgusted at themselves to leak four trys on their line, particularly when the Irish were playing with 14 men. Actually, I was a bit disgusted at them too. So to quote Fitzy, they’ll have to go back to the drawing board about that.
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