POLL: Rugby 2004

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The Aussies always turn it up when playing us though. Remember all those last minute kicks that have cost us the Bledisloe Cup over the last few years. Grrrrr.

Our defence was cut to ribbons at times by the Pacific Islanders, especially on counter-attack when our backline was up. Muliaina will have to be looking sharp on cover defence, especially being psychic about where Larkham will kick to. The Wallaby wings are as fast as ours and are great finishers. I think it will be a tough one.

 

Yup, we need to tighten up that defence. Or hit hard in the tackle (read: Jerry Collins). Australia's kicking game has always been pretty dangerous so Mils (who I thought was pretty average against the PI) will have to shape up. Heard Richie McCaw is still 50-50.

 

Despite being sharp on attack, Mils is not a complete fullback (like Jeff Wilson or Joe Roff) so I'm sure the Aussies will look to exploit that. If Richie doesn't play, that will be a huge factor because he continues to be unbelievably good (no offence to Marty Holah who is a superb replacement).

 

Well that was the best forward performance yet by the All Blacks in what was a great water polo match. We retain the Bledisloe Cup!!!

 

Yeah, what a game. Go the All Blacks! The absence of George Gregan turned out to be a big factor. Larkham without Gregan was like bread without butter.

[ July 19, 2004, 02:47: Message edited by: Harbourboy ]

 

Superb performance by the Springboks against the All Blacks! It's great to see them back in form. I think Australia are going to get suffocated this weekend if they lose the battle at the breakdown. The Boks loose trio are simply outstanding. I also like how AB-Bok test matches are always fiercely contested but fair. Both sides have the utmost respect for each other and that is evident even from the pre/postmatch interviews, which is good to see. Looking forward to the next game.

 

Yep, that was the first game without too much biffo. Not like the English who resorted to punchups at every opportunity.

That Springbok defence was rock-solid. It'll be interesting to see how the Wallabies shape up with Gregan back on board.

 

Never got to watch it. Freeking assignments.

 

You missed a heartstopper.

 

I KNOW! Shut up! ARAGAH!!

 

Richie McCaw is now out for the rest of the Tri-Nations. Those away games will be tough.

 

Yes, Richie is such a great player. No point playing him if he is not 100% though. Holah while superb does not dominate the breakdown like Richie can. I still wonder whether Xavier can step up another gear. This will lift the pressure off Holah if Gibbes is still unfit. Collins may be our most destructive forward, but he isn't as adept at the groundwork. If you look at both matches against Aussie and SA, we dominated territory and possession so our forwards are actually conquering all even without Gibbes, McCaw and Robinson. Maybe our backs need to step up.