Maybe 3? Pretty sure Farrell or Sexton missed one or two as well.It doesnt matter anyway.Nothing he did lead to the Lions outscoring the All Blacks in that last 20 minutes.Was Dagg tackling Faletau over the sideline (before scoring) Barretts fault?Was Ardie Savea and Perenara letting Murray through a HUGE gap at the ruck to score Barretts fault?Was Faumuinas losing penalty Barretts fault?I think SBWs red card AND Hansens choice to play one short in the forwards (replacing Kaino for Laumape when SBW went off) had more to do with the loss than Beaudens game. He wasnt perfect, but he wasnt to blame for the loss.
Stop blaming Beauden for that loss against the Lions. It should count more towards Cruden than Barrett.When Barrett was replaced for Cruden, the All Blacks were ahead by 9 points. Its not Beaudens fault the All Blacks were outscored 15-3 in the last 20 minutes. He wasnt on the field.
I think the All Blacks are just missing that power midfielder.Whether its to give more space to Beauden/Mounga at first receiver or to create space outside, that crash ball, line-breaking midfielder is needed. Laumape seems to be the best option for that at the moment but has to work on his communication in order to be truly effective.Overall, they arent far off and almost beat an outstanding Irish outfit. Im confident that theyll be right before the RWC next year.
Warriors need to move on from Shaun Johnson.I prefer Lino over SJ. Lino may not be as exciting as SJ but SJs disappearing act when times get tough is the most consistent thing about his game. Its been happening for years. I hoped this year might be different because he was actually touching the ball a lot more earlier in the tackle counts (earlier in the season at least), but I guess hes just not the one to step up when they need him.Send him to an English club.
Mounga is the better passer out of him and Beauden Barrett.I think he has a lot of potential and definitely should be in the All Blacks.However, he was in the environment last year and played well against the All Blacks for the Barbarians so i thought hed be better than he was.Id never seen the All Blacks hide someone on defence as much they did with Mounga. To me, thats his biggest weakness. Beauden righted his tackling pretty quickly and hopefully Mounga will do the same.
Does the union provide some suggestions/solutions to their demands?Eg. Reduce class ratio to 1:29As far as I know, it takes at least 4 years to become a teacher. So are they demanding to import hundreds of overseas teachers? How do they think that is achievable? Or are they just making blind demands?
Its both.NMS should have trusted his inside man. But Mounga is the cover defence for those situations.Moungas positioning was pretty average in that moment. He put himself in probably the most vulnerable position to cover that break which is square on with the winger (on his heels), which is why he was beaten so embarrassingly.
McKenzie isnt working out as fullback. Hes unfortunately just too small.Id like to see Bridge take the right wing spot and Ben Smith back at fullback.Or, Mounga could start at 10 with Beauden at 15. Eventually, Id prefer that but Im still unsure of Moungas defensive capability at test level.
This particular matchup will be decided by the forwards and McKenzie has the advantage in that respect. Whichever pack is dominating, their 10 will look better. It is (part of) the reason why Mounga (and almost every Crusader 10) looks so good at Super Rugby level. Their forward pack is BY FAR the best in the competition.Mounga is actually good though but I dont think hed LOOK as good behind the Canes pack.
Barrett reads the game perfectly. Its how hes usually in the right place at the right time. Mounga will get his time. He still needs to come off the bench for a while like every AB first five. Its not like Mounga is perfect. He has deficiencies too.
Beauden didnt have a great night goal kicking. Ive always thought that if there is another goal kicker on the field (McKenzie or Jordie or Mounga) then Beauden shouldnt kick goals. Its no secret that its his biggest weakness. The 10 doesnt have to be the goal kicker.Harsh saying that the second wingers try was his fault but he did miss a tough tackle.Jordie Barrett on the other hand... Needs to come off the bench and not start. Hes young and needs more experience. He could be how Beauden was in his super-sub days. McKenzie can start at fullback and interchange nicely with Beauden between 10 and 15. I think Jordie has a lot of potential but is just forcing way too much.
I lived rural for about 10 years. I dont see what that has to do with anything though.I just dont understand why theres so much outrage over a $2 bus fare is all. Yeah, it sucks that they dont get on for free but thats just bad luck. Its not like there arent any other alternatives for them.Its great NZ777 and the company pick up the kids for free anyway but its not the solution in my opinion.
Yeah it depends on the team though.Last few years the Warriors have been VERY one dimensional.This year theyve definitely added a little variety to their attack.
I dislike these types of opinion pieces.Genders/sexes should be treated equal and have equal opportunity, yes.They dont need to behave and act the same though.
TheWarriors need tactical kickers. The Panthers showed the value of having two great tactical kickers.SJ has a really good (well... maybe just high), bomb and thats about it. Their best kicker right now is probably Luke.
Hurricanes are still well and 1ly in the competition! Dont be so quick to write them off.Sure, they lost their last three but I reckon only the Brumbies game was a disappointment but the Canes would have learned a lot from that game. The Crusaders are favourites against any opposition and the Highlanders seem to always have the Hurricanes measure in recent seasons. Two games left until playoffs so still time for the forwards to steel themselves!Lets go Hurricanes!
Ive used the parents rooms there to change nappies and take my daughter to the kids toilet.The upstairs room has curtains for the breastfeeding cubicles.I cant remember the downstairs one but youd think theyd also have curtains too.
Why Japan and Samoa? Pretty sure Fiji has a higher ranking than both?It might be good for Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Japan and possibly USA (and I suppose Tonga) have their own tournament. We are trying to grow the game in the US so they need to be brought into some kind of tournament.I would like to see the Tri-nations return with a guest European country (England, Wales, France, Ireland, or Scotland) rotated every year with the guest team always playing away so no travel to Europe.
At the start he was rested a bit but then the inuries happened.- NMS was out for more than half the season- Proctor got injured- Aso got injured- Goosen missed a few games with a broken jawHe is an All Black too. You want your best players playing in your biggest games and in Super Rugby, thats the local derbies and of course the knockout games.
I know Julian was too slow with that second intercept BUT that intercept was a game changer and he deserves a lot of credit for that.The first intercept was great of course but when he got that second one, the Chiefs had to rethink their attack and as Sam Cane said afterwards, they ran out of options.So yeah, he may be slow but he is still a game influencing player.
Aaron Crudens starting stats are inflated by Beauden coming off the bench and carving up.Meanwhile, when Cruden came off the bench against the Lions, they outscored the All Blacks 15-3 or something in that second game. Still, Barrett gets the blame for that loss.
You just cant defend that held ball call. It wasnt 3 seconds. I havent timed it but I dont think anybody watching (other than that ref) thought it was 3 seconds. The ref got it wrong and it pretty much decided the match. Thats the worst way for a team to lose a game because they werent at fault.
Below par for everyone except Joe Moody, Jordie Barrett and Ben Smith for me.Was disappointed mostly with McKenzie. He was handed a golden opportunity to silence all his critics against a fullback-less French team but managed the opposite.Will be interesting if Beauden is not available next week.
The Hurricanes can still turn it around. They may have lost to the second string Chiefs team (ignoring that the Canes were also under-strength) but the Chiefs first string team already lost to the Canes in April. They EARNED second place on the standings. Theyve had a better regular season overall than all other teams except the Crusaders.They have a home quarter final.The Hurricanes have not been beaten at home this season.Stop writing them off so early.Bring on the Chiefs!
I think Mounga getting a 9 is a little generous. He was good but not the best on the park.Coles 8 rating is generous too. Was good to see him in black and put in a solid performance though. I thought Hemopo had a blinder.
Money is not the only answer. I doubt many teachers take pay into much consideration anyway.I fully support the more resources, lower teacher-student ratios and some other demands that make them more effective. Higher pay does not make them more effective in my opinion and I would rather that extra money be put to more/better resourcing.
How was Beauden Barretts first start for the All Blacks worse?If I recall correctly, it was the Napier game against Argentina in 2014? Yeah, he had a bad day with kicking goals (his not so secret weakness) but he had a hand in almost every try while on the field. Had a at least one line break and 2 or 3 try assists in tougher conditions.Interesting as it is the same game, 4 years ago, 1 year out from the World Cup.
Im still a Canes fan and as a fan, I STILL believe they can win this competition. Sure, a few bad games but if they are far from out of contention. Hopefully, they will learn a lot from the weekend and turn it around it the next couple of weeks! Theyve got a good couple of games ahead to build for the playoffs!Lets do this Hurricanes!
The different looking attack was a weaker one. All Blacks didnt score in the final quarter of the game against the tired Canadians.Weber had a better pass but thats it. TJ created a lot more havoc for the Canadians.
The penalty count shouldve been pretty even but the Pulse had more than 30 more penalties against them compared to Steel. Steel got away with so much more.
Maybe the Pulse did give as good as they got but I dont think the Steel were pulled up for it as much at all.Evidenced in the video with the elbow after the last missed shot but before final whistle.
Mounga was good but apart from the dominant pack, Crotty and Goodhue outside him also make his job easy.Its the reason why I dont like Laumape for All Blacks. Hes silent. He runs hard but he has to be told what to do and doesnt offer any info to Beauden on his inside or to whoever is on his outside. You see Jordie barking from centre but Laumape is just silent.I really do think Jordie should be trialled at 12 for Canes (with Proctor, Aso or Goosen at 13) and have Laumape off the bench.
First off, Im surprised he made 9 tackles. I suspect the stats guys had him confused with someone else. If not, I wonder if many of those were one on one tackles because he was defending on the wing or as cover.Maybe that one where he got completely skinned didnt count then. Yeah, NMS made a bad decision to go inside BUT Moungas positioning was terrible. He was supposed to show the winger the sideline. He ended up being square in front and thats exactly why he got skinned.The problem with him defensively, is that he cant defend his position. I think every defensive set piece, he defended on the farthest position. The All Blacks had to try hide him in defence. He was pushed to wing and interchanged from fullback but hardly defended in his proper position.Im not a fan of backline reshuffling for defence at test level. At test level, especially for the All Blacks, he should be able to defend in his position.
I understand the rule was stupid but nevertheless players chose to abide by it for the Silver Ferns.You dont think ANY other Silver Fern would have jumped at the chance to play in the Aussie comp?They chose to stay in NZ and play for the Silver Fern instead.Netball NZ can always go back on that rule for next season allowing others to also play in Australia and THEN pick the best for Silver Ferns. I just think letting her back in straight away shows a lack of appreciation for all the others who didnt ditch the NZ comp.
Was I the only one who thought that the Pulse were playing against at least one of the refs today?Steel shooter bumping into that Pulse defender all game. Pulse shooter is picked up (on a very gentle nudge by comparison) at the other end.There was also the two out calls that both went against the Pulse. In both instances, the defenders were standing their ground and the attacking players werent able to gather the passes that ended up going out. But the Pulse defender was pulled up for... something (?) while the Steel player didnt get pulled up for anything.Then theres that decisive held ball call which eventuated in giving the Steel the lead in that last minute...
So gutted Richie Mounga didnt live up to his hype. I honestly think 5 is generous for him. Was the weakest link on the field.He proved that Beauden is the outright 10 in the ABs and validated McKenzie always being on the bench too.He was the weakest link defensively and on attack he didnt offer much at all. I dont think he had any involvement in any of the tries tonight which is very rare for a 10 when his team racks up over 40. ALB, Smith and Goodhue were better at creating opportunities at first receiver tonight.Im gutted. Had such high hopes for him. Hopefully hell get better and have more opportunities.
I think itll be unfair on those who chose to stay in NZ to play for the Silver Ferns to select Langman who in all honesty, turned her back on the Silver Ferns.It doesnt sit right with me.
Was I the only one sick of hearing Justin Marshall talk up EVRY Canterbury/Crusader on the field?Mounga was good. But his try was just bad tackling from Japan. Pushing up on defence when defending your tryline is like basic rugby but according to JM, Japan only did it because of Moungas supernatural ability to draw defenders.Firstly, that kick/chase and tackle from Bridge was EXCELLENT. However, it is something weve seen Ben Smith do on PLENTY of occasions as well as others. Apparently, it was some kind of miracle tackle to JM though.Speaking of miracles, how about that miracle grubber kick and chase from Bridge that no other winger in the world is skilful enough to pull off?Bridge played well. Mounga was pretty good. JM overreacting to everything they did and giving them way too much credit than they deserve for things was starting to make me not like them.
Mark Reason: Beauden's razzle-dazzle can blind All Black fans
Maybe 3? Pretty sure Farrell or Sexton missed one or two as well.It doesnt matter anyway.Nothing he did lead to the Lions outscoring the All Blacks in that last 20 minutes.Was Dagg tackling Faletau over the sideline (before scoring) Barretts fault?Was Ardie Savea and Perenara letting Murray through a HUGE gap at the ruck to score Barretts fault?Was Faumuinas losing penalty Barretts fault?I think SBWs red card AND Hansens choice to play one short in the forwards (replacing Kaino for Laumape when SBW went off) had more to do with the loss than Beaudens game. He wasnt perfect, but he wasnt to blame for the loss.
Mark Reason: Beauden's razzle-dazzle can blind All Black fans
Stop blaming Beauden for that loss against the Lions. It should count more towards Cruden than Barrett.When Barrett was replaced for Cruden, the All Blacks were ahead by 9 points. Its not Beaudens fault the All Blacks were outscored 15-3 in the last 20 minutes. He wasnt on the field.
All Blacks find themselves caught in a conflict between instinct and structure
I think the All Blacks are just missing that power midfielder.Whether its to give more space to Beauden/Mounga at first receiver or to create space outside, that crash ball, line-breaking midfielder is needed. Laumape seems to be the best option for that at the moment but has to work on his communication in order to be truly effective.Overall, they arent far off and almost beat an outstanding Irish outfit. Im confident that theyll be right before the RWC next year.
Warriors player ratings in season-ending NRL loss to Penrith
Warriors need to move on from Shaun Johnson.I prefer Lino over SJ. Lino may not be as exciting as SJ but SJs disappearing act when times get tough is the most consistent thing about his game. Its been happening for years. I hoped this year might be different because he was actually touching the ball a lot more earlier in the tackle counts (earlier in the season at least), but I guess hes just not the one to step up when they need him.Send him to an English club.
All Blacks' golden generation can take the world by storm: Mark Reason
Mounga is the better passer out of him and Beauden Barrett.I think he has a lot of potential and definitely should be in the All Blacks.However, he was in the environment last year and played well against the All Blacks for the Barbarians so i thought hed be better than he was.Id never seen the All Blacks hide someone on defence as much they did with Mounga. To me, thats his biggest weakness. Beauden righted his tackling pretty quickly and hopefully Mounga will do the same.
Primary teachers and principals strike for first time since 1994
Does the union provide some suggestions/solutions to their demands?Eg. Reduce class ratio to 1:29As far as I know, it takes at least 4 years to become a teacher. So are they demanding to import hundreds of overseas teachers? How do they think that is achievable? Or are they just making blind demands?
All Blacks' golden generation can take the world by storm: Mark Reason
Its both.NMS should have trusted his inside man. But Mounga is the cover defence for those situations.Moungas positioning was pretty average in that moment. He put himself in probably the most vulnerable position to cover that break which is square on with the winger (on his heels), which is why he was beaten so embarrassingly.
How the All Blacks players rated against Ireland in Dublin
McKenzie isnt working out as fullback. Hes unfortunately just too small.Id like to see Bridge take the right wing spot and Ben Smith back at fullback.Or, Mounga could start at 10 with Beauden at 15. Eventually, Id prefer that but Im still unsure of Moungas defensive capability at test level.
Damian McKenzie excited about 'cool challenge' of Beauden Barrett
This particular matchup will be decided by the forwards and McKenzie has the advantage in that respect. Whichever pack is dominating, their 10 will look better. It is (part of) the reason why Mounga (and almost every Crusader 10) looks so good at Super Rugby level. Their forward pack is BY FAR the best in the competition.Mounga is actually good though but I dont think hed LOOK as good behind the Canes pack.
Beauden Barrett now prepared to hand over goalkicking tee more regularly
Barrett reads the game perfectly. Its how hes usually in the right place at the right time. Mounga will get his time. He still needs to come off the bench for a while like every AB first five. Its not like Mounga is perfect. He has deficiencies too.
TJ Perenara says the All Blacks set for a dropped goal but thought better of it
Beauden didnt have a great night goal kicking. Ive always thought that if there is another goal kicker on the field (McKenzie or Jordie or Mounga) then Beauden shouldnt kick goals. Its no secret that its his biggest weakness. The 10 doesnt have to be the goal kicker.Harsh saying that the second wingers try was his fault but he did miss a tough tackle.Jordie Barrett on the other hand... Needs to come off the bench and not start. Hes young and needs more experience. He could be how Beauden was in his super-sub days. McKenzie can start at fullback and interchange nicely with Beauden between 10 and 15. I think Jordie has a lot of potential but is just forcing way too much.
The kids who live too close to get the 'half-empty' school bus
$1,600 / 2 (kids) / 2 (directions) / ~200 (days of school) = ~$2 a trip per kid.It doesnt really seem like much to pay to be honest.
The kids who live too close to get the 'half-empty' school bus
I lived rural for about 10 years. I dont see what that has to do with anything though.I just dont understand why theres so much outrage over a $2 bus fare is all. Yeah, it sucks that they dont get on for free but thats just bad luck. Its not like there arent any other alternatives for them.Its great NZ777 and the company pick up the kids for free anyway but its not the solution in my opinion.
The Kiwi sporting conundrum: to tune in to the wild Warriors or awesome All Blacks?
Yeah it depends on the team though.Last few years the Warriors have been VERY one dimensional.This year theyve definitely added a little variety to their attack.
Verity Johnson: I love it when middle-aged white men just wanna have fun
I dislike these types of opinion pieces.Genders/sexes should be treated equal and have equal opportunity, yes.They dont need to behave and act the same though.
Warriors player ratings in season-ending NRL loss to Penrith
TheWarriors need tactical kickers. The Panthers showed the value of having two great tactical kickers.SJ has a really good (well... maybe just high), bomb and thats about it. Their best kicker right now is probably Luke.
Super Rugby losing streak not denting the Hurricanes' confidence
Hurricanes are still well and 1ly in the competition! Dont be so quick to write them off.Sure, they lost their last three but I reckon only the Brumbies game was a disappointment but the Canes would have learned a lot from that game. The Crusaders are favourites against any opposition and the Highlanders seem to always have the Hurricanes measure in recent seasons. Two games left until playoffs so still time for the forwards to steel themselves!Lets go Hurricanes!
Wellington dad barred from parents' room at Queensgate Mall by another parent
Ive used the parents rooms there to change nappies and take my daughter to the kids toilet.The upstairs room has curtains for the breastfeeding cubicles.I cant remember the downstairs one but youd think theyd also have curtains too.
Jordie Barrett will play his 10th Kiwi derby in semifinal - and it's too much
Why Japan and Samoa? Pretty sure Fiji has a higher ranking than both?It might be good for Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Japan and possibly USA (and I suppose Tonga) have their own tournament. We are trying to grow the game in the US so they need to be brought into some kind of tournament.I would like to see the Tri-nations return with a guest European country (England, Wales, France, Ireland, or Scotland) rotated every year with the guest team always playing away so no travel to Europe.
Jordie Barrett will play his 10th Kiwi derby in semifinal - and it's too much
At the start he was rested a bit but then the inuries happened.- NMS was out for more than half the season- Proctor got injured- Aso got injured- Goosen missed a few games with a broken jawHe is an All Black too. You want your best players playing in your biggest games and in Super Rugby, thats the local derbies and of course the knockout games.
The best of the 2018 Hurricanes is yet to come, coach claims
I know Julian was too slow with that second intercept BUT that intercept was a game changer and he deserves a lot of credit for that.The first intercept was great of course but when he got that second one, the Chiefs had to rethink their attack and as Sam Cane said afterwards, they ran out of options.So yeah, he may be slow but he is still a game influencing player.
Mark Reason: Strengths and weaknesses of the All Blacks first-five contenders
Aaron Crudens starting stats are inflated by Beauden coming off the bench and carving up.Meanwhile, when Cruden came off the bench against the Lions, they outscored the All Blacks 15-3 or something in that second game. Still, Barrett gets the blame for that loss.
Southern Steel last-quarter fightback stuns Central Pulse
You just cant defend that held ball call. It wasnt 3 seconds. I havent timed it but I dont think anybody watching (other than that ref) thought it was 3 seconds. The ref got it wrong and it pretty much decided the match. Thats the worst way for a team to lose a game because they werent at fault.
How the All Blacks players rated in the second test against France in Wellington
Below par for everyone except Joe Moody, Jordie Barrett and Ben Smith for me.Was disappointed mostly with McKenzie. He was handed a golden opportunity to silence all his critics against a fullback-less French team but managed the opposite.Will be interesting if Beauden is not available next week.
Super Rugby losing streak not denting the Hurricanes' confidence
When you say Blues by -12 it looks like youre saying theyll lose by 12.
Rugby has got issues if social media reaction becomes more relevant than the game itself
The Hurricanes can still turn it around. They may have lost to the second string Chiefs team (ignoring that the Canes were also under-strength) but the Chiefs first string team already lost to the Canes in April. They EARNED second place on the standings. Theyve had a better regular season overall than all other teams except the Crusaders.They have a home quarter final.The Hurricanes have not been beaten at home this season.Stop writing them off so early.Bring on the Chiefs!
How Steve Hansens inexperienced All Blacks rated against Japan in Tokyo test
I think Mounga getting a 9 is a little generous. He was good but not the best on the park.Coles 8 rating is generous too. Was good to see him in black and put in a solid performance though. I thought Hemopo had a blinder.
Nearly 30,000 teachers set to walk in first strike in 24 years
Money is not the only answer. I doubt many teachers take pay into much consideration anyway.I fully support the more resources, lower teacher-student ratios and some other demands that make them more effective. Higher pay does not make them more effective in my opinion and I would rather that extra money be put to more/better resourcing.
How the All Blacks players rated against Argentina in Nelson
How was Beauden Barretts first start for the All Blacks worse?If I recall correctly, it was the Napier game against Argentina in 2014? Yeah, he had a bad day with kicking goals (his not so secret weakness) but he had a hand in almost every try while on the field. Had a at least one line break and 2 or 3 try assists in tougher conditions.Interesting as it is the same game, 4 years ago, 1 year out from the World Cup.
Super Rugby losing streak not denting the Hurricanes' confidence
Enough of the current players will know how to win. Most of them were around two years ago.
Jordie Barrett will play his 10th Kiwi derby in semifinal - and it's too much
That Blues stat cant be right...
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd laments a 'flat and poor' night in Canberra
Im still a Canes fan and as a fan, I STILL believe they can win this competition. Sure, a few bad games but if they are far from out of contention. Hopefully, they will learn a lot from the weekend and turn it around it the next couple of weeks! Theyve got a good couple of games ahead to build for the playoffs!Lets do this Hurricanes!
All Blacks TJ Perenara told Canadian hooker to play fair in Rugby World Cup win
The different looking attack was a weaker one. All Blacks didnt score in the final quarter of the game against the tired Canadians.Weber had a better pass but thats it. TJ created a lot more havoc for the Canadians.
Nearly 30,000 teachers set to walk in first strike in 24 years
I have reservations about minimum wage going up all the time too. I dont think it addresses the actual issue but thats a separate topic.
Southern Steel last-quarter fightback stuns Central Pulse
Also, check out the elbow after Ekenasios miss but before the final whistle. Should have been a penalty shot right under the posts.
Southern Steel last-quarter fightback stuns Central Pulse
The penalty count shouldve been pretty even but the Pulse had more than 30 more penalties against them compared to Steel. Steel got away with so much more.
Southern Steel last-quarter fightback stuns Central Pulse
Maybe the Pulse did give as good as they got but I dont think the Steel were pulled up for it as much at all.Evidenced in the video with the elbow after the last missed shot but before final whistle.
Richie Mo'unga makes it another unhappy night for Beauden Barrett in Christchurch
Mounga was good but apart from the dominant pack, Crotty and Goodhue outside him also make his job easy.Its the reason why I dont like Laumape for All Blacks. Hes silent. He runs hard but he has to be told what to do and doesnt offer any info to Beauden on his inside or to whoever is on his outside. You see Jordie barking from centre but Laumape is just silent.I really do think Jordie should be trialled at 12 for Canes (with Proctor, Aso or Goosen at 13) and have Laumape off the bench.
How the All Blacks players rated against Argentina in Nelson
First off, Im surprised he made 9 tackles. I suspect the stats guys had him confused with someone else. If not, I wonder if many of those were one on one tackles because he was defending on the wing or as cover.Maybe that one where he got completely skinned didnt count then. Yeah, NMS made a bad decision to go inside BUT Moungas positioning was terrible. He was supposed to show the winger the sideline. He ended up being square in front and thats exactly why he got skinned.The problem with him defensively, is that he cant defend his position. I think every defensive set piece, he defended on the farthest position. The All Blacks had to try hide him in defence. He was pushed to wing and interchanged from fullback but hardly defended in his proper position.Im not a fan of backline reshuffling for defence at test level. At test level, especially for the All Blacks, he should be able to defend in his position.
Laura Langman, Casey Kopua recalls set to headline Silver Ferns squad announcement
I understand the rule was stupid but nevertheless players chose to abide by it for the Silver Ferns.You dont think ANY other Silver Fern would have jumped at the chance to play in the Aussie comp?They chose to stay in NZ and play for the Silver Fern instead.Netball NZ can always go back on that rule for next season allowing others to also play in Australia and THEN pick the best for Silver Ferns. I just think letting her back in straight away shows a lack of appreciation for all the others who didnt ditch the NZ comp.
Government commits $24m to rebuilding rundown Wainuiomata High School
I definitely am happy to pay more tax for better education.If only there were tax categories we could choose to send our taxes towards specifically.
Government commits $24m to rebuilding rundown Wainuiomata High School
Question: Are you willing to pay more taxes for better state education for kids in NZ?
Southern Steel last-quarter fightback stuns Central Pulse
Was I the only one who thought that the Pulse were playing against at least one of the refs today?Steel shooter bumping into that Pulse defender all game. Pulse shooter is picked up (on a very gentle nudge by comparison) at the other end.There was also the two out calls that both went against the Pulse. In both instances, the defenders were standing their ground and the attacking players werent able to gather the passes that ended up going out. But the Pulse defender was pulled up for... something (?) while the Steel player didnt get pulled up for anything.Then theres that decisive held ball call which eventuated in giving the Steel the lead in that last minute...
How the All Blacks players rated against Argentina in Nelson
So gutted Richie Mounga didnt live up to his hype. I honestly think 5 is generous for him. Was the weakest link on the field.He proved that Beauden is the outright 10 in the ABs and validated McKenzie always being on the bench too.He was the weakest link defensively and on attack he didnt offer much at all. I dont think he had any involvement in any of the tries tonight which is very rare for a 10 when his team racks up over 40. ALB, Smith and Goodhue were better at creating opportunities at first receiver tonight.Im gutted. Had such high hopes for him. Hopefully hell get better and have more opportunities.
Laura Langman, Casey Kopua recalls set to headline Silver Ferns squad announcement
I think itll be unfair on those who chose to stay in NZ to play for the Silver Ferns to select Langman who in all honesty, turned her back on the Silver Ferns.It doesnt sit right with me.
All Blacks No 10 Richie Mounga again shows his class in Tokyo
Was I the only one sick of hearing Justin Marshall talk up EVRY Canterbury/Crusader on the field?Mounga was good. But his try was just bad tackling from Japan. Pushing up on defence when defending your tryline is like basic rugby but according to JM, Japan only did it because of Moungas supernatural ability to draw defenders.Firstly, that kick/chase and tackle from Bridge was EXCELLENT. However, it is something weve seen Ben Smith do on PLENTY of occasions as well as others. Apparently, it was some kind of miracle tackle to JM though.Speaking of miracles, how about that miracle grubber kick and chase from Bridge that no other winger in the world is skilful enough to pull off?Bridge played well. Mounga was pretty good. JM overreacting to everything they did and giving them way too much credit than they deserve for things was starting to make me not like them.
Free speech group raises $50k to challenge Auckland Council over far-Right speaker ban
Free speech is stupid.