Good bye, McLinden

Brisbane Reds are a Super 14 franchise full of talent; Ioane, Cooper, MacMeniman, McLinden, Barnes, Horwill...

It is beyond my understanding how they have systematically been at the bottom of the table and the worst-performing of the aussie franchises. I always said and I'll say it again: I like the Reds.

But it is awful news that Mark McLinden has announced his retirement. He's a great player, very experienced, and the Reds are surely going to miss him, especially since this has been only year two after Chris Latham left to England.

Sad news for the Reds and sad news for Australia.

The fact that he's quitted due to health issues makes it sadder. I remember Julian Huxley who's also got to quit.

Best of lucks for Mark in the future.

Gatland is only doing his job

Warren Gatland complaining at the referee is not something that should surprise anybody. The fact that at least two tries were denied to the All Blacks is something that he was always going to "forget" in his criticism to the referee.

Just exactly when was a scored try much more important than a clearly-unintentional high tackle?

The plain truth is that whereas the All Blacks did never show more skill than the willing Welsh (except when it comes down to tackle, especially with their flambuoyant left winger), physically they were a level above. And the game was always going to be Black.

But Warren Gatland has sworn he'll get them to the promise land, and now he's just trying to convince them he's leading them there.

Congratulations, Can'bury

A final with a lot of starring players.

Brett, phenomenal with his boot, for once.
Alby Mathewson, the smartest guy in NZ?
Victor Vito, skill and power.
George Whitelock, growing and growing and growing.

But above all, one who shut them all. Despite being sin-binned, despite being intercepted in the Lions first try, Colin Slade was the main figure of the match. He was all around, intercepting, catching the high ball, giving counter-attack chances, and scoring.

Congratulations, Can'bury, and congratulations, Slade.

Quade Cooper

Yes! Yes!

I don't exactly like Australia, but Quade Cooper is my man. I like him ever since the first time I saw him. It is not really a coincidence that he is a born-kiwi, is it?

He has had limited opportunities at the Wallabies, but he's always performed,I think. I don't see the need of moving Ashley-Cooper to 2nd five eighth, when he's available.

Robbie, please consider using Gits and Quade Cooper. Or Quade Cooper and Barnes. He's not the best defender, but he's got skill and speed and is a great player.

Not that Carlos Spencer was the best man to outplay him, though.

Air New Zealand Cup semifinals

Canterbury came back in fashion from their Ranfurly Shield defeat against a willing Hawke's Bay side who made a few too many errors. If only two weeks ago the Magpies were denied a chance to draw the game by the lack of a TMO in the ruling of the final action, on Friday they had none. Canterbury played a semifinal with the aim to host the final, and it showed.

Isaac Ross was impressive, just like Stephen Brett was. George Whitelock drew his series against Lowe after a clear sweep by the black and white seven two weeks ago. The whole team stepped up and Rob Penney must surely feel confident.

The most entertaining game, both before and during the game was the one played in Wellington. The Stags must call themselves unlucky that Wellington rediscovered the magic in time for the semifinal. The second half of that game is a must-see. Running rugby, going from coast to coast and tons of quality in both sides. I could give you a few names who were worth to see playing: Scott Cowan, Jason Kawau, Hosea Gear, Victor Vito, David Smith, Josh Bekhuis...

A really exciting game in which the better team won. Wellington Lions may well be this year ready to secure the title that they just let slip last year.

Where the fifteenth franchise?

Eastern Cape or Melbourne?

Well, I don't know what would be best in terms of rugby, I know what would be best for SA, and I know what would be best for Australia.
David Kirk and a retired NZ High Court Judge will determine where the fifteenth franchise goes.

Something tells me that Eastern Cape have no choice. They already have 5 franchises and I don't see kiwis accepting so easily super rugby growing in SA. If we add to this that the conference system forces the new franchise shall play in the AU conference, it means there are hundreds of reasons that can be used in order to justify the election of Melbourne.

So, I don't know what is best, although I have a certain soft spot for the Eastern Cape proposal, but I'm sure of one thing: the franchise goes to Melbourne. It is two kiwis who will have the last word, remember.

Journos asking the impossible

Now there's this Marc Hinton asking silly things again.

Yes, he's done it here. He's asking 5 things to the All Blacks coaches, among them, two pearls:

-use the kick and chase that SA have use to good effect.
-make the game appealing.

Yes, both at the same time.
You are a genious, Marc.