ruckingkiwi says...

pog_mahone, your argument is kinda invalid when I've played and watched rugby in 15 countries and yours is the only one where race has been an issue.. take a step back d1ck.

Posted 14:47 22nd June 2012

sandal says...

@pog_mahone

You say: ""will we have more whistling and booing for the visiting kicker this week? Classy.""

I spotted this late, or would have commented sooner. I hate booing too, especially in NZ, where I glare at my neighbours in the stands if they do it. Not only is it rude, it's counter-productive.

But I think it's a bit rich, an Irishman complaining about other people booing. Ireland has always been among the worst places for booing, and if you've recently cleaned up your act, don't come all holier than thou.

I still recall a sound bite from a radio commentary I listened to in the eighties, when the All Blacks were in Ireland:

"And Fox has this lined up. He moves in ..."

-- "Fox, you lemon!" --

(Thud of boot on ball.)

"And it's there."

I have always thought that was immaculate, perfectly timed interference.

Posted 08:36 22nd June 2012

sandal says...

@Trader2

I do worry. Sorry.

But I see such blythe confidence from my countrymen.

Posted 04:40 22nd June 2012

Stellenbosched2 says...

Congrats Cruden. As I have said before, he is the most intelligent fly half playing at the moment. He just always seems to do the right thing and creates space both for himself and others around him.

To the Irish fans, I know it's not much concellation but your team earned massive respect last Saturday. You must be very proud of them.

Posted 14:07 21st June 2012

fattysock says...

@Pekinggunther

Sharpe has STARTED only 97 tests. The rest have been off the bench.

That's what Richie's doing this week - starting his 100th. He's up to 104 (Sat will be 105) in total including subs appearances.

Posted 12:01 21st June 2012

kpe12 says...

Not sure why people don't like Richie at 8. He has played more and more like an 8 over the last 2-3 years than a 7. Cane will be hungry at 7 but won't have the "name protection" of Richie so he may have to start out with legit steals (shouldn't be a problem because he'll be international player of the year in the next 5 years).

Messam should be happy to be at 6 too.

The loose forwards will determine who wins this last test. Should be a cracker!

Posted 09:34 21st June 2012

pog_mahone says...

jonesy2 and all - will we have more whistling and booing for the visiting kicker this week? Classy. Make sure to watch the return dame during the November series and the Irish will show you how to behave.

Posted 08:46 21st June 2012

kiwieire02 says...

Carter out and McCaw at 8 not 6 or 7, I think we are going to see history made....

Posted 06:27 21st June 2012

sandal says...

Will you look at the number of past (5) and present (2) Hurricanes in the side? Even Aaron Smith is from the Manawatu and Israel Dagg from Hawkes Bay.

We can add, from earlier in the series, Vito, Savea and Guildford.

A 13th, Waldrom, discovered he had an English grandmother and could also get a game this weekend.

Posted 06:17 21st June 2012

sandal says...

This must be the most under-strength loose-forward trio the ABs have fielded in a while. No Read, no Kaino, no Vito, Thomson bruised and battered and on the bench and McCaw out of position at No 8.

McCaw has played there occasionally for the Crusaders and has finished a few tests at No 8, but to my mind he has never looked international class there, or even competent as a scrummaging No 8. Though the ABs are fortunate to have a player of Liam Messam's calibre to step in, this area is a major weakness.

Add the absence of Jane, Kahui, Carter and Toeava, and Ireland will get few better chances to break their duck. Imagine what might happen if Cruden or Whitelock goes off early; the All Blacks could get bossed around.

Posted 05:18 21st June 2012