TN#4 Wallabies v. All Blacks at Etihard to play Melbourne

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

This from stuff this afo.......

Barnes, Moore step up for Wallabies                                              By MARC HINTON

Berrick Barnes slots in for the suspended Quade Cooper and Stephen Moore returns at hooker in the only two changes to Robbie Deans' Wallabies lineup to face the All Blacks in Melbourne on Saturday.

On the back of last week's 30-13 victory over the Springboks to open their Tri-Nations campaign, Deans was never going to tinker too much with a team that got the job done for the most part impressively in Brisbane.

With Cooper out suspended for a fortnight - under appeal by the Wallabies - Barnes was the obvious replacement, with the versatile Matt Giteau moving in to the flyhalf's role and Barnes starting outside him at No 12.

It will be the first time they've been paired in the five-eighths this year, though they have joined together for 15 of Australia's last 33 tests.

Though Giteau has started his previous four tests this year at inside centre, he has plenty of experience in the pivot.

Only Stephen Larkham (87) and Michael Lynagh (64) have appeared mores times as a flyhalf for Australia than has Giteau, who has played 39 of his 82 tests in the position.

Barnes has played 17 of his previous 23 tests as an inside centre, replacing Giteau in that position for the final eight minutes of last Saturday's Brisbane match.

Experienced Brumbies hooker Moore was always going to regain the No. 2 jersey after working his way back to full fitness after a broken jaw. He takes over from Saia Faingaa who drops to the bench.

Moore played 25 minutes off the bench in Brisbane last Saturday to earn his 47th test cap and should further solidify the Wallaby scrum in what's expected to be a big test against the All Blacks eight.

Saia's twin brother Anthony will join him on the bench, promoted for the first time to reserves duty. They are set to become the 40th set of brothers to have appeared in a test for the Wallabies if they both take the field.

Matt Hodgson also returns to the Australian bench after he was a late withdrawal from the Boks test with a groin strain.

Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe will tie John Eales' record for the most caps by a Wallabies second-rower, with his 84th test appearance on Saturday night.

The Wallabies will be attempting to halt a seven-match losing skid at the All Blacks' hands, with the test the fourth Bledisloe to have been played in Melbourne, but the first under the roof at Etihad Stadium.

Wallabies: 15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia; 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (capt), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
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Reserves: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Kurtley Beale


Changes a no-brainer!   Will have a better handle on respective progress after this humdinger.     Jury is still out (for now  ) on Wobbly tight five. Saw enough of loosioes & backs to suggest a tighter contest though

Cheers,
Baz 

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Cowan back in the All Blacks                                                                           Marc Hinton

This will not go down well in the capital. Graham Henry has bucked form and popular opinion and restored Jimmy Cowan as his starting halfback for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Melbourne.

That it's come at the expense of an in-form and seemingly superior Piri Weepu will have some pundits questioning Henry's logic.

Cowan for Weepu is one of two changes from the XV that started the 31-17 victory over the Springboks in Wellington a fortnight ago, with a fit-again Joe Rokocoko - set to become the most capped All Black wing of all time - the other.

But it is Cowan's preference ahead of Weepu to face the Wallabies that's sure to be the chief talking point out of an otherwise predictable All Blacks selection.

Weepu, starting his first test since November 2008, was outstanding for the All Blacks in Wellington and many thought his performance had taken him ahead of Cowan in the pecking order.

The Southlander had been decidedly scratchy in the All Blacks' big win to open the Tri-Nations at Eden Park, and Weepu's elevation for his home test in Wellington was applauded as a just reward for the slicker and quicker No 9.

Weepu then responded beautifully with Henry afterwards acknowledging him as the outstanding All Black on the park in his 40th test outing.

But Henry has long regarded Cowan as his top halfback and Weepu as his ideal impact man off the bench, and has gone back to that way of thinking for what will be a big test at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

It's been an emotional week for Weepu already, with the Wellington halfback welcoming his first baby, daughter Keira, into the world on Sunday before rushing to join his team-mates in Melbourne for the test buildup.

It's to be hoped this has not counted against him as Henry has made his only real tough call in an in-form squad that otherwise picks itself.

Rokocoko missed the Wellington test with a hamstring strain, but was an automatic selection after Henry did not even bring backup wing Rene Ranger across the Tasman.

The test - the first Bledisloe at the Melbourne roofed stadium - will be a special one for the Auckland speedster as he earns his 64th test cap.

That takes him past All Black greats John Kirwan and Jonah Lomu as the most capped wing of all time.

The match will also feature a milestone for veteran prop Tony Woodcock who is part of an unchanged - and in-form - forward pack.
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It will be Woodcock's 66th test, taking him alongside former team-mate Greg Somerville as the most capped prop in All Blacks history.

There is one change on the bench, with Wellington's Victor Vito replacing Liam Messam as the loose forward cover.

The All Blacks side is certainly not short on experience, with 700 caps in the starting XV, led by captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina - celebrating his 30th birthday on Saturday - who will be playing their 86th tests.

"We will need all our experience up against what is a very good Wallabies side," said Henry. "We have had a good start to the Tri-Nations with the two wins over South Africa but there is no room for complacency.

"We are playing our oldest rivals for one of our most prized trophies, the Bledisloe Cup, and both sides will come out firing."

The All Blacks were outstanding in despatching the Springboks with back-to-back bonus point wins to open the Tri-Nations.

But the Wallabies responded in kind in Brisbane on Saturday when they thumped the defending champions 30-13 to signal their readiness for what shapes as another Bledisloe classic.

The All Blacks have won their last seven tests against the Wallabies, but may have to be near their best to extend that margin against a side that will have gained a lot of confidence last weekend.

The match kicks off at 10pm (NZ time) on Saturday night.

All Blacks: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.

700+ caps ! WOW Just imagine Sivivatu. Williams & Hore at least back next year....keeping a eye on used by dates of course!

Cheers,
Baz 

[Teach]

Well everyone knows how keen I am about Rokocoko these days  so I won't bother talking about that.

As for Cowan.. I'm a Southlander too, so he's the one 

..  seriously I still don't think either of them is particularly special, but Cowan seem to be more hated on the overseas discussion boards - so that has to count in his favour 

My pick is AB's by 14,  with only 45% of the possession.

Wallabies would need 65%+ possession to win.

[Geeves]

A few things.

1. Why the #### would you put Giteau at 10. He is a 12.  I will not go on about it again.  But 10 and 12 are in the wrong spots.  No doubt they will work as dual playmakers, something that shits me.

2. They are playing at the round stadium with a crappy surface.  Not the new square one that was built for rugby like I thought they would be.  I know the round one holds more but shit wrong choice there.

3.  The ABs now have to redo their game plans as some news twat took a photo of the plans.  Okay that's one thing.  Then to publish them!  WTF.  Most pundits here are asking what are the wallaby attack tactics without Cooper and Iaone.

4. I have no idea how this one is going to turn out.  You would have to expect the wallabies to put in a shit poor effort this week as last week they played solid rugby.  If its one thing these wallabies are consistent at backing up good games with piss poor efforts the next week.  But then again hey might be able to back up.

5. Wallabies reserve backs are a funny mix.  Although I'm looking forward to A. Faingaa getting some game time and hopefully at IC so we can stop the dual play making role.

6. Could be a good game but I'm expecting AB dominance in the scrums could be crucial to the final outcome.  While failing to exploit the opportunities the wallabies make might cost them in the end.  Although I'll bet on the wallabies by 3.

[DH]

A few things.

1. Why the #### would you put Giteau at 10. He is a 12.  I will not go on about it again.  But 10 and 12 are in the wrong spots.  No doubt they will work as dual playmakers, something that shits me.

2. They are playing at the round stadium with a crappy surface.  Not the new square one that was built for rugby like I thought they would be.  I know the round one holds more but shit wrong choice there.

3.  The ABs now have to redo their game plans as some news twat took a photo of the plans.  Okay that's one thing.  Then to publish them!  WTF.  Most pundits here are asking what are the wallaby attack tactics without Cooper and Iaone.

4. I have no idea how this one is going to turn out.  You would have to expect the wallabies to put in a shit poor effort this week as last week they played solid rugby.  If its one thing these wallabies are consistent at backing up good games with piss poor efforts the next week.  But then again hey might be able to back up.

5. Wallabies reserve backs are a funny mix.  Although I'm looking forward to A. Faingaa getting some game time and hopefully at IC so we can stop the dual play making role.

6. Could be a good game but I'm expecting AB dominance in the scrums could be crucial to the final outcome.  While failing to exploit the opportunities the wallabies make might cost them in the end.  Although I'll bet on the wallabies by 3.

Yeah, the new Melbourne Storm stadium looks fantastic! Only 30k? But looks perfect size for football.

I remember going to the Olympic Stadium in Sydney a few years back to watch Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta - after initally being blown away by the shear size, it dawned on me as a viewing stadium its awful.

Your obviously biased Geeves, but I reckon Suncorp would be the best football stadium in Australasia by a long way.

I think the AB's will win, but not by much! Wallabies are building nicely. With scant resources Deans is doing a good job.

cheers
DH

[Geeves]

Yeah, the new Melbourne Storm stadium looks fantastic! Only 30k? But looks perfect size for football.

I remember going to the Olympic Stadium in Sydney a few years back to watch Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta - after initally being blown away by the shear size, it dawned on me as a viewing stadium its awful.

Your obviously biased Geeves, but I reckon Suncorp would be the best football stadium in Australasia by a long way.

Yes, Yes I am.  Lang Park is very good but I do have a soft spot for Ballymore.  Although it does resemble a faded whore these days.  Hopefully the proposed redevelopment will do more than simply whack on an inch think layer of makeup.

I'm looking forward to checking out the new Melbourne stadium myself next year.

I think the AB's will win, but not by much! Wallabies are building nicely. With scant resources Deans is doing a good job.

cheers
DH

Yes injuries are robbing the wallabies of their full potential but some of the young emerging talent will continue to develop the depth. Its breaking the motto of brilliant one day crap the next that the players are cemented in.  In part the players know they can get away with the odd crap game due to the depth issue.  I'm praying for an injury and suspension free year during the RWC.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Thought I'd take the Preview from the observers....South Africa....rugby 365!

What a prospect this match is! Miss it and spend the rest of your rugby days regretting it. It just could be greatest match of all time. If you look at the three Tri-Nations matches this year, it suggests that this will be a miraculous match between two evenly-matched, skilful and adventurous teams.

Apart from pride and the sheer thrill of playing there is a lot at stake.

Win this and the All Blacks will be near to certain of winning the Tri-Nations Cup - and then there is Lord Bledisloe's big cup which New Zealand would prefer to hang onto.

The sides look even, judging by the way both dynamited the Springboks and left them wrecked. Both sides played a high-intensity, fast, skilled, thrilling brand of rugby. If they replicate this in Melbourne we could see the greatest collisions ever in a Test match, the most adventurous running ever - a thrill a minute, a match you will want to treasure.

Both sides have the backs to thrill, though it is so sad that Quade Cooper will not be there with his dancing feet, confidence and derring-do.

If, as they did against South Africa, both sides prefer handling to kicking, using feet for running only, it could just be the fastest match ever played. Both sides have the forwards to destroy and create, to win first-phase ball and tackle ball. The contest at the tackle where fearless pack drives in at fearless pack, where turnovers will be of split-second timing, will be fierce.

The only possible blight on the game could be the falling Australian scrum. That's the only foreseeable brake on the game. Mind you the return of bulky Stephen Moore beefs up the Wallaby front row.

Compare individuals and units and there is not much in the game. Only in the front row do the All Blacks seem to have an edge. But then the Wallaby line-out looks better. The All Blacks centres look more likely to create holes but then remember the way Rob Horne tackled in Brisbane and Berrick Barnes is clever. The two sets of halfbacks look evenly-matched, especially if Matt Giteau can enhance his improved form of last weekend.

Kicking could count. Here the Wallabies seem to have more and greater variety, but then we imagine that there will be little kicking. There is not much to choose between the goal-kickers if Giteau stays on form.

The bench could make a difference and here the All Blacks seem to have the impact players rather than just replacements - Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden and outrageous Israel Dagg. It is a bench that could make a difference, change the course of a game.

Players to Watch: Hard to choose because every back has the potential to catch the eye and so do loose forwards like David Pocock and Rocky Elsom, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read - and so do Stephen Moore, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and the Franks brothers - and the All Blacks bench. But if a choice must be made, there are always Will Genia and Cory Jane to delight.

Head to Head: The one everybody wants to see is David Pocock against Richie McCaw at the breakdown, the young pretender against the 'King of the Tackle'. McCaw may run better, Pocock may tackle better but it is the squabble for the tackled ball that people want to see.

Daniel Carter and Matt Giteau will resume their battle of verve and skill, and then there are clever-footed James O'Connor against long-striding Joe Rokocoko, strong Drew Mitchell against clever Cory Jane, two players who can make so much out of so little, strong, instinctive Will Genia against combative Jimmy Cowan.

In the front rows there could be an interesting tussle between awkward Benn Robinson and unbowed Owen Franks. In the centre there is a competition which also could be decisive - bustling Ma'a Nonu against Berrick Barnes who looks too fragile to handle the burly All Black and willowy Conrad Smith against determined Rob Horne.

In the end, however, the Head to Head is Australia against New Zealand.

Results this century:
2009: New Zealand won 32-19 at Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
2009: New Zealand won 33-6 at Westpac Trust, Wellington
2009: New Zealand won 19-18 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2009: New Zealand won 22-16 at Eden Park, Auckland
2008: New Zealand won 19-14 at Hong Kong Stadium
2008: New Zealand won 28-24 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
2008: New Zealand won 39-10 at Eden Park, Auckland
2008: Australia won 34-19 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2007: New Zealand won 26-12 at Eden Park, Auckland
2007: Australia won 20-15 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
2006: New Zealand won 34-27 at Eden Park, Auckland
2006: New Zealand won 13-9 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
2006: New Zealand won 32-12 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch
2005: New Zealand won 34-24 at Eden Park, Auckland
2005: New Zealand won 30-13 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2004: Australia won 23-10 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2004: New Zealand won 16-7 at Westpac Trust, Wellington
2003: Australia won 22-10 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2003: New Zealand won 21-17 at Eden Park, Auckland
2003: New Zealand won 50-21 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2002: Australia won 16-14 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2002: New Zealand won 12-6 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch
2001: Australia won 29-26 at Stadium Australia, Sydney
2001: Australia won 23-15 at Carisbrook, Dunedin

rugby365.com Prediction: Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were a match so thrilling that it did not matter who won. It may be a thrilling match but winning is going to matter and we predict that the All Blacks will win by more than five points.

      Even the BOKS believe we'll WIN FitzSimons!

The teams:

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Kurtley Beale.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.

Date: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Kick-off: 20.00 (10.00 GMT)
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Expected weather conditions: Scattered clouds with a 30% chance of rain, a high of 15°C, dropping to 7°C and a wind from the north of 14 km/h - not that will affect the game with the roof closed.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

Can't wait ....especially after the next post....Peter FitzSimons at his stirring best ...I don't think even HE believes it! 

Cheers,
Baz 

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Read this drivel.....or is it dribble!

Ten reasons why the Wallabies will beat the ABs

OPINION: Peter FitzSimons has the distinction of being the only Wallaby ever sent off against the All Blacks - something of which he is absurdly and tragically proud. Here, he tells us why Australia will topple New Zealand at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne tonight.

1 It's about bloody time. The Wallabies are too good a side, with too good a coach, to lose against the All Blacks EIGHT times in a row. It is against the natural order of things for a group of New Zealanders to beat a group of Australians at anything even once, and when it comes to losing at rugby that many times, surely the heavens themselves will revolt, the seas will rise, the sky fall in, before it will happen.

2 The Wallabies are rising fast. George Bernard Shaw once said: "Wagner has some wonderful moments ... but some terrible half hours!" and the same may be said of the Wallabies in the latter part of last year, and a couple of their early Tests this year. But on their last outing, against the Springboks last week, the Wallabies had a couple of wonderful half hours and only a few terrible moments. They're on the run-in to the World Cup now, and it was always going to be around now that it all started coming together. The signs are that it is happening!

3 The All Blacks are starting to fall away. How do I know that? Because there is no way they can possibly play better, ever, than they did against the Springboks in their past two Tests. Yes, of course they were completely devastating in those matches: rolling thunder in the forwards, lightning in the backs, all put together making a perfect storm that blew the South Africans away. But think of it mathematically. This year the All Blacks were always going to play "X" minutes of absolutely stupendous rugby. Now, we meet them at a time when there is only ''X less 320'' minutes of perfect rugby left in them! There has to be some dud rugby ahead from them!

4 Our forward pack is getting better. And I know that from similar reasoning to that above. It was not so long ago that with a collapsing scrum and a dud lineout, they simply couldn't get any worse, meaning the only way was up - and so it has proved. In the past two Tests, particularly, the Wallabies forwards have not only been competent, they have very nearly been bloody good!

5 Our depth. What does it say to you when we lose a player like Quade Cooper at five-eighth, and you not only have a genius the calibre of Matt Giteau to move into that position, but you get a refreshed Berrick Barnes coming off the bench?

6 Will Genia. The halfback was a revelation for Queensland this year, the heart and soul of the side, and he was sorely missed by the Wallabies when absent through injury at the start of the season. But he's baaaaaaaack! He demonstrated last week just how good he is and, with that run under his belt, this week he can make a statement to take his place on the Rugby Rushmore of the Halfback Greats, beside the likes of Ken Catchpole, Nick Farr-Jones and George Gregan.
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7 We have their plans! After that photo of the piece of paper with a couple of the All Blacks moves on it was published, Robbie Deans has been no doubt up all night all week with a magnifying glass decoding the whole thing, before distributing it to the Wallabies. We'll know what they're going to do before they do! (Not really. That whole notion is absurd. But the more we play it up big, the more it plays with their minds.)

8 With victory, the Wallabies will be ''moving Australia forward'' and ''taking real action'' all in one, so you know it's a good idea!

9 David Bloody Pocock. He belted the bejeesus out of the Springboks' back row last weekend up in Brisbane and now it is the All Blacks' turn to get their medicine. Hold still, Richie, this won't hurt a bit. Not much, anyway.

10 It's simple. We're Australians. They're Kiwis. We're better than they are!

Thanks PETE! GH will only have to read this out ONCE to his team before they run inside to the GAME tonight! 

Cheers,
Baz 

[jules]

OK, All Blacks. 3 Classic wins in a row is enough to get me back on Rugbyheads! 

What a thrilling game tonight, won handsomely by the Blacks 49-28 but the Wallabies never gave up, even down to 14 men after Mr Mitchell copped a red card for the team for continuing to slow down the game by slapping the ball away from the AB player after the Ref warned them about it.

I know the Wallabies and their fans will be very dark about that, but guys it was 32-14 at half-time, even with 15 men you weren't going to win this one.

Great play all over the park by the All Blacks, Richie Mccaw playing better than ever and all in all things looking very good indeed, it must be one of those years between world cups or something.

Millions of us AB fans will go to bed happy tonight, looking forward to the next on in Chch next weekend.

Jules

[Geeves]

The slaughter at Etihad beach.

Damn but did the ABs make that look effortless.

the title brings back stories of vickers machine gun being used on a peasant uprising.  Win a game against the Boks and think you are good well think again.

Once again a beautiful game by the ABs.

[Teach]

First, I will acknowledge a better game from Rokocoko. Not enough yet to justify the guaranteed spot that he seems to have, but at least he showed he is still one of the better wing options we have after Cory Jane.

CORY JANE Genius twice last night leading to two first half tries.

The kick dropped from one hand while being bundled into touch - I was amazed, but then he topped it with his score in the corner. I thought Weepu & Thorn had butchered that one leaving him no space and no chance. Unbelievable finishing.

Pocock is a great poacher, better at it than McCaw, but I think that's all he's doing - McCaw was better around the field.

I was seriously disappointed about the red card, and both yellows actually. Franks was surprised by Brown and got hit in the chest by the attacking player. He was bounced off before he could effect a tackle. If that's a yellow then AAC should have had a yellow when he was flattened by (not sure who..). Ridiculous. As for Mitchell's "no arms tackle".. well I still haven't seen it but I expect it wasn't much either. Maybe just a backlash on Ranger non-event against JDV that caused those yellow cards.

But Mitchell was bloody stupid leaving Joubert no choice after a clear warning on preventing quick play. 2nd yellow and gone. Probably helped the Wallabies ironically, cos the ABs played a lot of flighty rubbish after the pressure was off - nearly allowing the 4-try bonus pt.

Finally Genia. He might be OK on attack. but he's no George Gregan yet. Gregan would have stopped at least two of our tries (just ask Goldie about Gregan) Genia looked uncommitted when it was time for desperation.

One hand on the Bledisloe Cup
Two hands on the TN Trophy
And when you are still getting better with every game... that's not "peaking"   

[Geeves]

Dodgy Aussie ref denied a great headline

Despite the loss Pocock still scored between McCaws legs

[Teach]

  yeah good line.

But I was convinced that Pocock was bluffing with his "celebration"

Clearly held up initially and then sudenly he goes "YEAH!" even though there was no movement and no indication that he had managed to shift the ball at all. Guess we'll never know for sure.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

+1k for the headline of the season Geeves. .

Tried to give myself a smite for starting two threads on this topic.....oblivious of the real facts...could someone (just ONE oblige!)......talk about senile dementia!

Yes, the world has become a MUCH better place in the last month with three bonus point wins. Pity about Peter FitzSimons rant.....guess he's  into his lemon juice this morning!

I saw enough in that second half resolve of 14 brave men to think that AMI stadium will not be the walk in the park that some would think so long as Dingo's men use the 8-peat as a positive and turn up at the START instead of easing off after ONE charge-down try!

Mils is a Machine. Cory is a Magician. Snake is a Mambo. Ma'a is Magnificent. Josevata is Miraculous. Izzy is Mercurial.  DC is an autoMaton. Aaron is Maturing. Jimmy is a Matauran like Meg Marshall. Piri IS a Mega-starter this week.

Kieran is Mindblowing. Ritchie is a Maestro. Jerome is a Mauler. Victor is Monstrous.Tom is a towering Minaret. Brad is Monolithic . Sam is Meticulous. Tony is  Machiavellian.  Ben is imMovable. Owen is Multifarious .   Keven is Masterful. Corey is a Mischievious.

What a METAMORPHOSIS from the despair of last year!

Cheers,
Baz 

[BT]

Tried to give myself a smite for starting two threads on this topic.....oblivious of the real facts...could someone (just ONE oblige!)......talk about senile dementia!
Mils is a Machine. Cory is a Magician. Snake is a Mambo. Ma'a is Magnificent. Josevata is Miraculous. Izzy is Mercurial.  DC is an autoMaton. Aaron is Maturing. Jimmy is a Matauran like Meg Marshall. Piri IS a Mega-starter this week.

Kieran is Mindblowing. Ritchie is a Maestro. Jerome is a Mauler. Victor is Monstrous.Tom is a towering Minaret. Brad is Monolithic . Sam is Meticulous. Tony is  Machiavellian.  Ben is imMovable. Owen is Multifarious .   Keven is Masterful. Corey is a Mischievious.

What a METAMORPHOSIS from the despair of last year!

Sheesh Baz, how long did it take you to come up with that one?!? 

Such man-love is a bit of a concern I would have to say, maybe you do deserve a senile dementia smite. Not that you are alone with such lapses, I've spent that last few months posting my insightful rugby thoughts on http://www.pistonheads.com/ by mistake. I wondered where you fellas had gone! 

As always, I blame Jules, I'm sure he changed the bookmarks on my browser. 

Anyway, as I said on the front page, the ABs are looking very good, I'm surprised the Boks and Wobblies even want to play any more games. Just give us the trophies guys, it will be less embarrassing.

BT