New Zealand

turmeric says...

@Trinats2 - I second what kiwilad had to say. NZ half backs have been inferior to the worlds best half backs since Graham Bachop (IMO) and that way way back in 1995 if my memory serves me right!! Genia is amazing and Smith has a way to go to get to his level but I think he can do it. Mind you he has the massive advantage of being behind a dominant pack and is passing to backs who actually use the ball to score tries, BUT, this kid is all class. If you havent already, take the time to see him playing for Manawatu and you will see him excel in a team without the relative strengths the ABs have. I am convinced this kid will be the worlds #1 halfback within the next couple years.

Posted 00:55 28th August 2012

cmarshment says...

It seems this Planet Rugby commentator is rewarding points on the flashy stuff only ie. line breaks. This All Black pack smashed the ozzies all around the park, it's hard to believe that the entire tight five were't awarded 9 out of 10. They were let down with some sloppy finishing in the backline but what more could the pack do. They were monstrous from 1-8 in my opinion.

Also amazed by the low score for Aaron Smith. If he continues with that kind of performance people will be rating him as number in the world before long. Not since the young Gregan have I seen a halfback clear the ball so quick.

Posted 05:58 27th August 2012

turmeric says...

@jonesy2 Spot on mate - Maybe it's just your comments on the OZ teams which are misguided ;) This AB team is so dominant right now, they could easily have put 40 - 50 on the board on Saturday. IMO these guys will get better and better over the next 2 years. There are so many guys that are only just getting started (Romano, Retalick, Cane, A. Smith, Cruden, Savea, Dagg) and a heap of senior players who are arguably the best in the world (Mealamu, Read, McCaw, Carter, Nonu, C Smith, Jane) and many many more coming through the ranks to push the guys who are already there!!

My prediction is you can lock up the Rugby Championship and the World cup in the AB cabinet right through till 2015!!

Posted 00:28 27th August 2012

sandal says...

Well, someone (I don't know who, because at the time of writing this there is no byline on this article) at PR doesn't think much of this All Blacks pack. Of the eight starters and three rated substitutes, only Kieran Read scores better than a six. Why, even the beaten Aussie pack manages a couple of sevens.

Now, I consider a six to be the minimum standard. If I were rating players, a run of sixes by any individual would be unacceptable and would suggest they weren't up to standard. Unlike PR, however, I consider this to be a very good All Blacks pack -- sevens and above all round on Saturday's performance. And I am sure most Aussie supporters would have swapped their pack on Saturday for the bunch of PR fives and PR sixes above.

Posted 06:59 26th August 2012

passtheball says...

Hayj05 -- Spot on with your comments.

SBW was worth at least 9 /10. By contrast Dagg's ego is a problem, like SA's Fran Steyn - although he is maturing. Yes they are talented but there are 15 players in a team. Messam, once labeled a show pony, did all the donkey work so he must have satisfied those who don't like to see loose forwards being loose. He worked well with McCaw and they never wavered from the game plan.

Posted 02:35 26th August 2012

hayj05 says...

Lol if you compared this weeks AB's ratings to last week you could be forgiven for thinking that they actually played better in Sydney. Don't be fooled by their missed opportunities, a lot of it was down to desperate Australian defense.

They completely dominated the 2nd ranked team in the world, the Wallabies rarely got out of their own half or touched the ball for the last 60 minutes.

The All Blacks were awesome around the park, the quick, clean ball they produced at the breakdown & their slick backline is a thing of beauty & "atm" no team in world Rugby is close to playing at that level.

@Bokbevok, did you watch the Sydney replay by mistake or something? SBW had a huge involvement with the ball in hand. I would say it was his best performance in the black jersey.

Posted 23:12 25th August 2012

Ferdie says...

bokbevok - sbw not really that involved? according to oz stats (must be right!) he made the most runs of any player in the match; he, gear and carter made the most run metres. Isn't that what you'd like from the backs? He made twice the runs, and almost twice the metres, as ioane top for oz

Posted 13:19 25th August 2012

georgesmith says...

SBW stole the show. This player has class and is a legend. S. Timani nailed him nicely once.

Posted 12:30 25th August 2012

Ferdie says...

overgenerous in every case.don't disagree with them relative to each other but a far from perfect performance by the team, knock one of everyone. if they had scored not bumbled those 4-5 'lost tries' and hit 50 then i'd agree with those ranks. as it is 'not good enough' in too many aspects. interesting what you say about my man Horey - i thought that at a late stage the 'no tries to opposition, keep them scoreless' attitude may have been the aim, cut down on risks even when they knew they had it won.

Posted 12:12 25th August 2012