Stop it

It has happened again.

Adam Thomson is the one who has not been able to behave. And he is not guiltier than many others.

I am seriously considering changing my 2009 Highlanders allegiance if nothing changes or this goes on.

Please stop it.

Heineken Cup hangover

Ironically, the day that Daniel Carter started his season in the northern hemisphere, the best player of the day was in another match.

If you ask me why I like Evans so much, why I consider him most unfortunate for the focus always being on the cantabrian (not that I don't like him a lot), just watch the (at times) best first five in the world in action.

Dan Carter at Perpignan

If we are to pay attention to all that speak about rugby, the 7-month sabbatical that Daniel Carter is taking in Perpignan is going to change the face of rugby world.

You can see it in most blogs and newspapers' webs. They are all awaiting the kick-off of the first Carter's game for Perpignan (against Leicester Tigers).

Is it deserved? Can Carter bring the first title to a club that has always been there but never crossed the goal line in first position? It is not going to be easy for the man from Canterbury. The biggest thing of the northern hemisphere rugby is that there are thousands of competitors; it is true at domestic competitions, but especially at the global competitions such as the Heineken Cup. I am no clairvoyant and therefore, I cannot tell the future. But I find Carter has what is needed; Carter could be the man, yes. No matter how difficult it can be, he has got it, and will take Perpignan, if not to the heavens of the Heineken Cup, to be the reference team in Europe, and of course, in France.

The never-ending stare and the game that witnessed two hakas

The never-ending stare


The game that witnessed two hakas

Dan Carter at home

You know I like to from time to time post something less relevant. This time is about Dan Carter. Do you know why is he one of the best kickers?



I wonder if his house in Perpignan does have one of these.

A last word on the November Tour

There is one last thing I would like to say about the November tour.

The prospect of facing the All Blacks has led to a lot of addo in every country, a lot of talking about the haka, about the kiwi arrogance and a lot of media talking up the chances of any national side or talking down the greatness of an All Blacks team that had a lot to prove after a horrendous World Cup Campaign.

The plain truth is that every national side is under pressure when playing the All Blacks at home.

On the other hand, the best game of the tour has not been a test. Munster, by heart, by will, have undoubtedly been the best opposition the All Blacks have faced. No pressure at all for Munster when playing the All Blacks, and a great privilege for the players. And even nowadays, when players are paid millions to play rugby, passion and will are the most dreadful weapons. Wayne Smith, All Blacks backs coach said it best: "We have seen teams go out and just about die for a cause on this tour. I have never seen a team like Munster so beaten up after a game."

A good reason for longer tours, is it not?

My 2009 super 14 franchise

So sorry, but I couldn't stand watching yesterday games at the HC. I tried to watch the Stade Français vs Harlequins and it was boring. But afterwards I made a major mistake in the Leicester Tigers vs Perpignan. Horrible.

Therefore I turn back again my face to southern rugby and I am chosing my franchise for the 2009 Super 14.

Last year I picked both Hurricanes and Blues. The Hurricanes did well, but the Blues were simply too irregular after a bludgeoning start and despite a wonderful last rounds.

This year, I am switching totally my allegiance. I will, as usual, cheer all kiwi sides, but my priorities will be on the southernmost side of the country. This season I will follow the Highlanders.

I feel that, given the current status of New Zealand rugby, the great improvers of this 2009 will be the Highlanders and that's why I want to be the first to say: I already foresaw it!!!!

So, go Highlanders!!!!!!!!!!!

News Salad

Here you have a brief mix of the relevant news in the last hours

• The Wallabies beat the BaaBaas 18-11: Take this as an example of what Deans' teams do when it matters most. These wallabies have talent on the pool and will grow up quicker than any other nation during 2009
• Carl Hayman is keen to stay in England: So rumours that he could be coming back to NZ should not be heard. Should they?
• The Pacific Islanders want to join in the 3N: Yeah, they have got almost the same chance than I have of being included.
• Leon MacDonald shall play next season: This is the best news of the month. Too bad Julian Huxley won't be playing, too.
• Johnson' project is a long-term on: When did Brian Ashton know his was a short-term one?
• George Gregan is still the best aussie scrumhalf: (no printed source, but just watch the game)
  

All Blacks vs Irish and British Lions

November tour players and ratings: New Zealand

Outside backs

Mils Muliaina: He's in the form of his life. 10/10

Isaia Toeava: As a fullback, much better than elsewhere. 8/10

Cory Jane: Promising, but not enough game time to tell.

Anthony Tuitavake: Improving, a regular in the All Blacks from now on. 7/10

Hosea Gear: Needs more test time but still, not enough games to tell.

Joe Rokocoko: He's taking his time. 7/10

Sitiveni Sivivatu: Much better under the high ball. 8/10

Midfield

Richard Kahui: He's been excellent, even tired as he was. 8/10

Conrad Smith: Outstanding. Always the best choice. 9/10

Ma'a Nonu: The player of the tour. 10/10

Halfbacks

Stephen Donald: Work in progress. But needs to improve. 7/10

Dan Carter: At his best. 9/10

Jimmy Cowan: One good and one bad, but I like him. 7/10

Piri Weepu: The same can be said about him. Much better as a replacement. 7/10

Andy Ellis: Not enough games to tell.

Third Row

Liam Messam: Not much time, but he was unbelievable in the number 8 jersey. 8/10

Kieran Read: He has moved past Thomson. Excellent choice by Henry. 8/10

Adam Thomson: How did he manage to get there? 6/10

Scott Waldrom: He needs more game time. 6/10

Jerome Kaino: Getting more and more consistent after every game. 8/10

Richie McCaw: As good as ever. 8/10

Rodney So'oialo: The silent worker. I like him more than ever. Always winning meters in his runs. 8/10

Second Row

Jason Eaton: Needs more game time. Not enough games to tell

Ross Filipo: Not enough games to tell.

Anthony Boric: Outstanding against Wales. 8/10

Brad Thorn: A bit tired, but a force. 8/10

Ali Williams: Superb: 9/10

First Row

Neemia Tialata: the best option at scrum-time. 8/10

John Afoa: the best running prop in the world (with permission of Tony Woodcock). Just needs a bit more consistency at the scrum. 8/10

Ben Franks: Not enough games to tell.

Corey Flynn: Too bad he got injured again.

Keven Mealamu: More than a decent cover. Hore or Mealamu? Cannot tell. 9/10

Jamie Mackintosh: The young giant gets better and better. Give him more time. 7/10

Tony Woodcock: He was called Myth and showed he's the best 1 in the world. Please, keep calling him names. 10/10

November tests

Now the tours are over. With fourteen games played (NZ 4, AUS 4, SA 3, ARG 3), eleven of them have been wins for the southern teams and just three wins have been chalked up by the northerners (FRA-ARG, IRE-ARG, WAL-AUS).

Actually, France should have beaten Australia, too, and only Skrela's erratic kicking saved the aussies.

Leaving the aussies apart, both NZ and SA have fared too high for the Home Nations. They have not got the resources to match either of the big two. Nor will they for long years. Only Wales and Ireland seemed able to give them a game but they are still behind. Of course, England and France are different and they have the pool to build a brand new generation of players but, will they find the right men? I don't like Lievremont or Johnson, to begin with.

Australia is, to my eyes, building some depth that was lost after 2007, and their below par performance during this tour is less relevant as much of Deans work shall produce results not sooner than 2009. Deans has worked hard in order to find a competent forward pack, and when he ticks that box, Australia will be as strong as the other two (at the very least).

Argentina is in a highly unenviable position. They have been the admiration of rugby world for long years but after 2007 they need to replace some players and still be on top. This is what makes the difference between an outstanding generation of players and a rugby legacy.

NZRU: How to destroy a franchise

Say you have the most successful franchise in history. Say that, for whatever reason, you want to destroy it. What steps would you take?

First, the coach should leave. Leave no chance to your coach to stay in your franchise.

Second, give your star player a year off.

Third, cut one of the two provincial unions that feed this franchise off so you drain the flow of players into the franchise.

Can Canterbury face Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatu and Hawkes Bay at the same time? I guess next season I will be cheering the Crusaders more than ever.

On Sonny Bill Williams

Even if you are not a NRL expert you may still have once or twice the name of Sonny Bill Williams two months ago when NZRU had an eye on him when he was considering a change of codes.

Now, I don't know what part has the NZRU played in the late decisions this 23 yo guy has taken, but I would not be surprised if they were tuiting the convert. Putting him under Tana Umaga's orders is not such a bad move.

Everything would be fine in the NZRU considering a "special project" for this guy, should he not have broken a NRL contract. The truth is that this guy has already started Toulon' pre-season where, funnily, he's been sinbinned due to a charge.

Today the boy says he's eyeing 2011 RWC and he's also willing to become the best centre in the world so... who could say NZRU is not behind all this mess?

Now understand what I mean: I don't care if league disappears. I just don't like league, but as long as a player has a contract, he should respect it. I don't like rugby players breaking their contracts for more profitable ones, either. It is interesting what he has said about the matter: Why can I as an IT professional break my contract but he as a professional sportsman cannot? The difference is in the contract. How many IT professionals are and how many professional league players are there? That is paid in €, AU$ or pounds and he has earned them.

SBW is eyeing money and All Blacks glory at the RWC 2011 and the NZRU is desperately looking forward to end this RWC draught so... who could think they are not partners?

Back. Angrily back, but back after all.

Hi. I am back. I am angry at MediaZone, angry at All Blacks and angry at Henry but I am back after all.

1. I am first of all, angry at MediaZone, madly angry at them, as I can't watch any rugby games despite I have contributed with the required amount of $. Their response is: get another computer. Wonderful.
   
2. I am angry at the All Blacks for losing the way they lost to the Wallabies in Perth. I don't know what went on as I have not been able to watch the game (despite the fact that I paid)
3. I am somewhat relieved that the All Blacks convincingly defeated the Wallabies back just a few minutes ago but I won't be able to watch this game either, even though I have paid.
4. I am angry at Henry for such nonsense. Blaming onto the ELVs for losing? Smith saying he was outsmarted in the backs? What the hell? Why Does Deans always show common-sense and why can't our coaches show it too?
   
5. I am angry at the fact that we shall not win the Tri Nations. With two games won and two more lost, the remaining two games are away while the Wallabies have the same amount of victories but have still one more game to go.

But, for now, let me just enjoy the quality players in New Zealand.

Quick and without time

With no time to write properly, these are some of the things that trouble rugby today as I see them:

• Chris Masoe leaves for Castres: You cannot miss the Hurricanes fighting to avoid the last place alongside Lions and Cheetahs next year with no Collins and no Masoe.
• Mortlock takes the Wallabies to victory: He fighted hard against Luke Burgess who was trying to help the Springboks get their first important win on the road this season.
• Keo says the Springboks are favourites for the 3N: And Schalk Burger is favourite to be named Mr Universe, too.
• McCaw targets playing at Sydney: He is desperate to be used as an excuse for the poor play the All Blacks will display in Australia.
• de Villiers blamed the referee for SA loss: Indeed? You are not surely going to tell me the Wallabies are scrumming illegally, are you?
  

How many players can you name?

ELVs schism

According to Rugbyheaven, IRB and John O'Neill, the situation is (near to) dramatic. IRFU, WRU and a third union whose name I can't remember could provoke a(nother one) schism in rugby by not accepting any of the ELVs to be trialled within their competitions.

While these news have bothered me for a few days ever since it appeared p(osted)rinted inRugbyHeaven and I have much more hated the POMS phlegm since, it seems that common sense will prevail and you won't have three codes of rugby playing at least for the next years. WRU has released some tension by allowing 13 ELVs to be trialled.

That leaves Ireland and another country quite alone. In fact, it leaves the other country quite alone, as Ireland is but a puppet.

I hope they will come to terms, but a lot of harm is already done: some country still thinks they can rule things in rugby their way just because they are big and rich. More than ever it is needed that they lose every single game, every singe poll, every single fight, so they are forced to release some of the power they have gathered. If only a bit.

The game belongs to all.

Brave behaviour

Nicely done, kids.

Just when you are number 1 and number 2 in the world. Reigning World Champion and Reigning Tri Nations Champion. Just when you set the standard of world rugby for others to follow and no match is like a match between All Blacks and Springboks...

Then you start showing that astounding lack of manners.
"You Racist"
"You Puppet"
"Stupid!"
"You try to influence umpires!"
"Cheater!"

Guys, the world is looking at you... And it is not nice what you are showing. You seem 2 kids having arguments. Just think about it.

Air New Zealand Cup (NPC)

The Air New Zealand Cup pre-season matches start tomorrow, and by the time the season officially starts we'll already know who's able to win the 3N and who is not. What is certain is that there are a number of provinces who can consider themselves "cheated". What would you think if you were an Auckland supporter and realise that you will not get Evans or Nacewa to play for your team? I mean, they are not selected for the Internationals. Players playing for the All Blacks won't play the NPC and Canterbury fans well do know it but, what happens with people like the former two?

Let's forget those fair or unfair issues as the NPC is interesting in itself (same as the Currie Cup is). This year the team to beat should be Auckland as well. Despite losing Nacewa and not lining up Evans, and despite Hawke's Bay feeling confident with some Super 14 efforts by certain players like Latimer. The question is, who shall be fighting with the Aucklanders? What will Canterbury show? Can Wellington pose a threat to the reigning champions? Will this be the year of Waikato?

As usual, I have to choose my favourites and I don't really know where to start. I must support Auckland, if you forgive me, for I very much want Taniela Moa and Lachie Munro to play strong and be selected as Super 14 regular starters (by the man who will replace Nucifora who's no other than Pat Lam). I must also support Bay of Plenty and Waikato but, as happens to me with Blues and Hurricanes in the Super 14, don't ask me exactly why.


Let's see what the NPC unfolds and let's also wait for which All Blacks are released after the 3N. Some of them, like Mealamu, do always love playing big for their provincial teams.

The best game of the season

The All Blacks and the Springboks played today the best game of the season so far. The score pleased the kiwis 19 - 8 in a night whose crowned kings were the All Blacks forwards.

Both sides have reasons to be pleased, as they played a great great rugby, with the All Blacks playing their good old-fashioned attacking rugby and the Springboks playing their good old-fashioned deffending rugby.