peewee2 says...

Why did SA not select the best team in the Tri Nations whereas OZ did?

Where was SA sportsmanship then?

Will SA sportsmanship be evident in the RC?

Posted 14:35 04th July 2012

peewee2 says...

There is a pronounced absence of comment from South African supporters on this thread. I suspect a very strong sign of guilt. Why do you not send these signs to your administrators? Rugby supporters do not want to see a repeat of the South African approach to rugby ever again.

Posted 13:52 04th July 2012

Jivinjeff says...

Pocock played 4 tooth and nail internationals in 3 weeks, one in appalling conditions. I'm not surprised he's picked up an injury. I doubt with all the hype about Hooper and Gill he wants to be sitting out games.

Beale likewise won't want to be missing any games. Competition among wallaby backs is fierce at the moment, especially with Beale, Barnes, O'Connor and Cooper all wanting to play 10. He'd just about nailed down the flyhalf position with the Rebs in O'Connor's absence before his injury. Now he may be back to square one. Then there's Drew Mitchell returning, who was probably the best winger in the world before getting injured.

Beale, O'Connor and Cooper all have a lot to prove ahead of the RC, and even then it may not be enough given Deans' idiosyncratic and highly mysterious selection criteria.

The saffas on the other hand weren't even subtle about undermining the 3N, and in doing so broke their explicit promises to their broadcasters. So don't try to tar us with your brush.

Posted 09:47 04th July 2012

peewee2 says...

There is a big difference between player withdrawal due to injury and one due to resting players for tactical reasons. The first is normal practice for player welfare in a contact sport. The second is not acceptable in rugby and South African supporters should be ashamed of their administrators for doing it. I trust this sort of thing never cheapens the game of rugby ever again. More rank and file supporters need to speak up and we will be heard.

Posted 07:47 04th July 2012

schalkthehulk says...

little bit suss that the top 4 wallabies players who won't be playing finals in super rugby are all "injured" smells a little bit like the boks pre world cup "injuries", don;t see anyone whinging this time...oh, that's because only australians whinge about tactical player management when it's other teams doing it.

Posted 05:00 04th July 2012

kpe12 says...

A good test for the tier 2 Wannabies, Beale is a class act on the field (not sure about off it considering his choice in drinking buddies). Hope he gets better cause its no fun putting 30+ points on a weak ozzie team.

Posted 23:39 03rd July 2012