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Geeves
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« on: September 06, 2011, 01:01:50 PM » |
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Alright lets put some big predictions on the line here and predict which newbie (5 tests or less) that will set the RWC on fire and the veteran that has the least impact.
I'll start off with Australia's A.Faingaa making big headlines in the backs.
While SA John Smit having the least impact when it really counts.
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Qld, Western Force and Wallaby supporter
QLD 2011 Super 15 Champions!!!!!
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megweya
International Rep
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Flawed 6N - like the old days, just beat Eng!
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« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2011, 08:25:47 PM » |
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I've high hopes (as you all know, I always have high hopes) of Connor Murray, the young (even by Irish standards) scrumhalf - age 22, just 2 caps - off the bench (both in the last month). He seems unfazed by the international stage, he's 1.85m / 6'1" and 84kg, he's got a good break and he has what all good 9s must have - good hands, fast hands. After seeing O'Leary's bulldozer shovel too many times from the base (although a bulldozer might be faster & more accurate), coach Kidney dropped O'Leary from the squad - a tough call as he had been his coach as far back as O'Leary's school days. Murray could be one of those rare 'bolters' who come from nowhere to instantly establish himself. 12 months ago he said he hoped in a year to have a senior contract with his province Munster. It will be a big call to pick him against Australia, given Genia's form/ability/experience, but sport is all about getting the right option for the "what if?" questions, both before & during the game. He already looks well-suited to a red shirt - expect to see him start for the Lions in Australia in 2 years.  Cheers Megweya |
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« Last Edit: September 10, 2011, 12:51:25 AM by megweya »
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Donnacha: "God grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change . . ."
Reflecting later: "It meant the world to me, but I took no satisfaction from the way we won it.
I would have rather been on our own line, defending like dogs. I didn't want to celebrate Stephen Jones missing a kick"
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Teach
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Joining the new era of full disclosure...
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« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2011, 11:00:58 PM » |
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Dagg doesn't qualify I know - (he had 6 tests before the RWC). He's off to good start though with two tries in his 7th test tonight  |
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All Blacks, Southland, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Lions (Wgtn and PI but not British!  ) |
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Geeves
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« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2011, 08:52:07 AM » |
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After last nights efforts with the boot Wilkinson gets a nomination
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Qld, Western Force and Wallaby supporter
QLD 2011 Super 15 Champions!!!!!
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ruggerfan
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I'm a winner - I support Canterbury
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« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2011, 02:57:37 PM » |
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Sonny Bill or Kahui (our team has a very long apprenticeship) Dare I say it - Richard McCaw!
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Ellesmere!
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tuohyred
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« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2011, 11:36:06 PM » |
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Faingaa stiff today - hope Robbie just giving slow/small/tactically unaware A A-C chance to reinforce inept 1st 1/2 performance. As an ANZAC, I'd hope to beside Faingaa!
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JPL
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swiss toni
First Fifteen
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« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2011, 02:39:10 AM » |
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Toby faletau 4 caps definitely one to watch. On the way down, each and every member of the england squad.  |
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Geeves
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« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2011, 10:37:28 AM » |
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Toby faletau 4 caps definitely one to watch. On the way down, each and every member of the england squad. Swiss toni the number of times you keep dropping the boot into the poms reminds me of QLD v NSW commentary. |
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Qld, Western Force and Wallaby supporter
QLD 2011 Super 15 Champions!!!!!
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Hamish
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It's all fun until someone gets hurt
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« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2011, 12:21:00 PM » |
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Not having seen them play before....I was hugely impressed with the entire loose forward trio for Wales
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a supporter of Heartland rugby - Hawkes Bay, as well as the Canes and of course the ABs.
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BallBoy
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« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2011, 07:46:45 PM » |
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me too. don't know them and saw them for first time on Sun. Their problem is that they are now known and will be analysed. lets see how they go in next few games...
here's to the renaissance of Wales
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swiss toni
First Fifteen
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« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2011, 12:56:23 AM » |
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Toby faletau 4 caps definitely one to watch. On the way down, each and every member of the england squad. Swiss toni the number of times you keep dropping the boot into the poms reminds me of QLD v NSW commentary. I know, I find it difficult to pass up an opportunity and I should really focus on the subject. I should also remember they were bad in 07' and look what happened, england winning would easily be in the top 10 of Worst days of my life , can't see it though (chuckles to himself). |
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Geeves
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« Reply #11 on: September 14, 2011, 04:23:53 PM » |
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With Bryan Habana now injured and lets face it playing like crap he might find himself struggling to make the run on side like his skipper.
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Qld, Western Force and Wallaby supporter
QLD 2011 Super 15 Champions!!!!!
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megweya
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Posts: 519
Flawed 6N - like the old days, just beat Eng!
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« Reply #12 on: September 14, 2011, 11:36:41 PM » |
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I'm not quite at the stage of condeming Paul O'Connell into the same category as John Smit, but by POC's previous standards, he is in a run that does not show him at his best. He had a long period out last year with a debilitating infection around bone following an injury complication, but he has had a basic amount of game-time on/off over the last 6 months, so the long layoff should not still be a factor. Here's an article that expresses it far better than I can: Demented Mole rugby blogMaybe if the Irish backs do what they are capable of at their best (though that may be a distant past for D'Arcy and an unreached future for Earls), then the opposition defences will be more scrambled and POC will be more effective once again around the fringes. For the Aus game... Hopes, but fears (confidence deflating slowly, but hope springs eternal) Megweya |
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Donnacha: "God grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change . . ."
Reflecting later: "It meant the world to me, but I took no satisfaction from the way we won it.
I would have rather been on our own line, defending like dogs. I didn't want to celebrate Stephen Jones missing a kick"
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Teach
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Joining the new era of full disclosure...
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« Reply #13 on: October 09, 2011, 04:56:44 PM » |
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Time to revive this thread. Tonight the real Colin Slade steps up (gawd I hope so anyway). (After the game) Crap. That was the worst prediction ever Dan Carter went from getting injured after 50 min of QF in 2007, to getting injured in practice after just 2 pool games in 2011. Is that a drop off? |
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« Last Edit: October 09, 2011, 10:38:24 PM by Teach »
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All Blacks, Southland, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Lions (Wgtn and PI but not British! ) |
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Teach
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Joining the new era of full disclosure...
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« Reply #14 on: October 09, 2011, 08:01:07 PM » |
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The biggest backward step for SA is not Smit (although the need to give Bismark a lot more time). No.. the biggest backward step for them was Habana - he is really a shadow of what he used to be.
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All Blacks, Southland, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Lions (Wgtn and PI but not British! ) |
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