Thursday, December 02, 2010
Andy Powell hit on IRB Player of the Year 2010, Richie McCaw

Since the weekend we've learnt two things. One is that Richie McCaw has been named IRB Player of the Year again, and the second is that Welsh flanker Andy Powell was not cited for his high shot on the All Blacks captain.
The latter has surprised many as it looked by all accounts to be somewhat of cheapshot, a swinging arm that connected with McCaws jaw, flooring him unceremoniously. Somehow the ref and his two assistants missed the incident, as did the citing officer.
McCaw, clearly shaken, took a while but shrugged off the knock in typical fashion before giving Powell a bit of a death stare. If you look carefully you can see Powell indicating that it wasnt high, but the video seems to indicate otherwise.
As brought up by New Zealand commentator Grant Nisbett, a year ago Dan Carter made a tackle against Wales that wasnt quite as bad, but he was treated like a criminal, booed by the fans at the Millennium Stadium and vilified in the press afterwards.
Powell dodged a bullet on this one somehow, with referee Alan Lewis only signalling a scrum for the McCaw knock-on as he dropped the ball in the hit.
The consummate professional that he is, the All Black captain got on with things, leading his side to the Grand Slam win and since having taken a well deserved IRB Player of the Year award. He probably shouldn't have got it last year, but this time around there arent too many other players who can rightly challenge for the honour.
Do you agree with the award, and what are your thoughts on the tackle going unpunished?
All Blacks pushed by Wales but end with another Grand Slam (Nov 2010)
Three high tackles, Three entirely different outcomes (Nov 2009)
Wales fail to capitalise on chances as All Blacks triumph (Nov 2009)
Andy Powell huge hit on Duane Vermeulen (June 2009)
Time: 01:23
Posted at 9:46 am | 320 comments
Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play
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Viewing 320 comments
RD December 02, 2010 12:38 pm

RD December 02, 2010 12:38 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:40 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:40 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:43 pm

as for mccaw's player of the year, just as bullshit as last year. Yes, he's the greatest 7 to have ever played the game, but he's not been the standout player from the past two years.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:43 pm

as for mccaw's player of the year, just as bullshit as last year. Yes, he's the greatest 7 to have ever played the game, but he's not been the standout player from the past two years.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:45 pm

"The IRB and the ABs sitting in a tree...K.I.S.S.I.N.G...First comes love (Richie)...then comes Marriage (Paddy O'Brian)...then comes the William Webb Ellis Trophy...MuhHahahahaaahaaa!!"
Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:45 pm

"The IRB and the ABs sitting in a tree...K.I.S.S.I.N.G...First comes love (Richie)...then comes Marriage (Paddy O'Brian)...then comes the William Webb Ellis Trophy...MuhHahahahaaahaaa!!"
Laz December 02, 2010 12:49 pm

Laz December 02, 2010 12:49 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:49 pm

POB: Sorry ma booi but you might have to suck this one up. Along with all the protection i've afforded you and all the IRB awards nominations...I'm getting a bit concerned that people are catching on the fact that your my illegitimate son...
Richie: Wait WHAT!?!?
POB: Oh! Sorry...did i say that out aloud?...Well..I...I...thought you had an inkling already...I mean all these years i've been looking out for you...sniff...like a father! I was going to wait and tell you when you took your rightful place among the world cup winning captains of all time and lifted the WC trophy...but...what the hell...Yes, Richie...I am YOUR FAAAASHER!
Richie: (dialing cellphone and running out office) Yeah..Graham...it's me. Listen, that idiot Paddy just dropped a bomb shell on me...So i'm on my way over...Can you ask your wife to sleep in the guest room again...I really need a snuggle and a shoulder to cry on...and make sure my bunny foo foo is there! ...... Screw YOU Andy Powell...Screw You!!
Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:49 pm

POB: Sorry ma booi but you might have to suck this one up. Along with all the protection i've afforded you and all the IRB awards nominations...I'm getting a bit concerned that people are catching on the fact that your my illegitimate son...
Richie: Wait WHAT!?!?
POB: Oh! Sorry...did i say that out aloud?...Well..I...I...thought you had an inkling already...I mean all these years i've been looking out for you...sniff...like a father! I was going to wait and tell you when you took your rightful place among the world cup winning captains of all time and lifted the WC trophy...but...what the hell...Yes, Richie...I am YOUR FAAAASHER!
Richie: (dialing cellphone and running out office) Yeah..Graham...it's me. Listen, that idiot Paddy just dropped a bomb shell on me...So i'm on my way over...Can you ask your wife to sleep in the guest room again...I really need a snuggle and a shoulder to cry on...and make sure my bunny foo foo is there! ...... Screw YOU Andy Powell...Screw You!!
Luxi December 02, 2010 12:51 pm

Luxi December 02, 2010 12:51 pm

granite December 02, 2010 12:57 pm

granite December 02, 2010 12:57 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:58 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 12:58 pm

creggs08 December 02, 2010 1:01 pm

creggs08 December 02, 2010 1:01 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:01 pm

Does anyone know who won try of the year?
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:01 pm

Does anyone know who won try of the year?
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:02 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:02 pm

murph December 02, 2010 1:06 pm

murph December 02, 2010 1:06 pm

Alexander December 02, 2010 1:06 pm

Alexander December 02, 2010 1:06 pm

jm December 02, 2010 1:11 pm

McCaw also deserved it for cheating generally...in mitigation
jm December 02, 2010 1:11 pm

McCaw also deserved it for cheating generally...in mitigation
ieu December 02, 2010 1:13 pm

I am as surprised that Powell hasn't been cited as the O'Driscoll spear tackle.
ieu December 02, 2010 1:13 pm

I am as surprised that Powell hasn't been cited as the O'Driscoll spear tackle.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:14 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:14 pm

Bradders December 02, 2010 1:15 pm

Richie McCaw - awesome player but couldn't have happened to a nicer guy - although he doesn't do anything of that nature - he bends the rules round corners.
Bradders December 02, 2010 1:15 pm

Richie McCaw - awesome player but couldn't have happened to a nicer guy - although he doesn't do anything of that nature - he bends the rules round corners.
jono December 02, 2010 1:15 pm

jono December 02, 2010 1:15 pm

Jack December 02, 2010 1:16 pm

If Quade Cooper had carried his super 14 form into both the tri nations and autumn internationals he might have been in with a shout as he was one of the very few that have been outstanding in club rugby this year. But he didn't and his teams didn't win anything.
Jack December 02, 2010 1:16 pm

If Quade Cooper had carried his super 14 form into both the tri nations and autumn internationals he might have been in with a shout as he was one of the very few that have been outstanding in club rugby this year. But he didn't and his teams didn't win anything.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:18 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:18 pm

ChinUp December 02, 2010 1:19 pm

ChinUp December 02, 2010 1:19 pm

Adrian December 02, 2010 1:20 pm

Just to clarify how this works for you. The two incidents are completely unrelated. Appraise each incident on its own merits. You know, like a grown up.
Adrian December 02, 2010 1:20 pm

Just to clarify how this works for you. The two incidents are completely unrelated. Appraise each incident on its own merits. You know, like a grown up.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:24 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:24 pm

God December 02, 2010 1:25 pm

2) Dan Carter's tackle last time killed the attacking chance for wales and should have been a yellow card etc. He didn't get sin binned. Shit happens.
3) The Kiwi's consider themselves to be untouchable. If something happens to your players don't go pontificating this and that. Learn to live with things not going your way, it happens every four years anyway.
4) You can tell that a person from the southern hemisphere runs this website. He is so biased it's repulsive
God December 02, 2010 1:25 pm

2) Dan Carter's tackle last time killed the attacking chance for wales and should have been a yellow card etc. He didn't get sin binned. Shit happens.
3) The Kiwi's consider themselves to be untouchable. If something happens to your players don't go pontificating this and that. Learn to live with things not going your way, it happens every four years anyway.
4) You can tell that a person from the southern hemisphere runs this website. He is so biased it's repulsive
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:30 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:30 pm

Adrian December 02, 2010 1:31 pm

curious what terrible bits of foul play would you be meaning (apart form BOD of course).
Are you referring to
Grewcock kicking Dan Carter in the head
or
Grewcock kicking Anton Oliver in the head twice
or
Grewcock biting
or
Shaw punching Mealamu in the head (15 stitches)
or
Hartley elbowing McCaw in the face
or
Johnson clouting Justin Marshall
or (going back a bit further)
Dean Richards stomping on Frank Bunce's face (48 stitches, promoted to captain for the next match)
The All Blacks do not have a monopoly on dirt. There is plenty to go around.
Adrian December 02, 2010 1:31 pm

curious what terrible bits of foul play would you be meaning (apart form BOD of course).
Are you referring to
Grewcock kicking Dan Carter in the head
or
Grewcock kicking Anton Oliver in the head twice
or
Grewcock biting
or
Shaw punching Mealamu in the head (15 stitches)
or
Hartley elbowing McCaw in the face
or
Johnson clouting Justin Marshall
or (going back a bit further)
Dean Richards stomping on Frank Bunce's face (48 stitches, promoted to captain for the next match)
The All Blacks do not have a monopoly on dirt. There is plenty to go around.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:33 pm

On another note keiran reid was my pick for player of the year, he took his game to a completely new level, getting around the field like a 7 whilst running like a 8.
Had my doubts when he first started playing at 8 as my thoughts were that a 8 should be more of a jerome kaino, jerry collins type but reid has changed my mind on the matter.
And to the guy thinking carters was worse, you are out of your mind, carters went in hard and happened to clip a man who was already on his way down, nothing at all malicious in it.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:33 pm

On another note keiran reid was my pick for player of the year, he took his game to a completely new level, getting around the field like a 7 whilst running like a 8.
Had my doubts when he first started playing at 8 as my thoughts were that a 8 should be more of a jerome kaino, jerry collins type but reid has changed my mind on the matter.
And to the guy thinking carters was worse, you are out of your mind, carters went in hard and happened to clip a man who was already on his way down, nothing at all malicious in it.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:33 pm

"A blatant bit of foul play which was ignored by officials... now the All Blacks fan can get a feel for what the rest of us have had to put up with."
Well said man! very well said!
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:33 pm

"A blatant bit of foul play which was ignored by officials... now the All Blacks fan can get a feel for what the rest of us have had to put up with."
Well said man! very well said!
David December 02, 2010 1:34 pm

David December 02, 2010 1:34 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:36 pm

Citing shouldn't come into this, its not an eye rake or stamping on somebodies head (which might get missed by the ref). People are all too keen to call for the citing commissioner, let's keep it for the really dangerious incidents, otherwise, what's the point?!
As for Richie winning, I agree with that, he's been very impressive this year (once again) and I can't really think of anybody else who deserves it - as a Scot I would say Dan Parks but if I were being serious I wouldnt even be able to look at myself in the mirror!
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:36 pm

Citing shouldn't come into this, its not an eye rake or stamping on somebodies head (which might get missed by the ref). People are all too keen to call for the citing commissioner, let's keep it for the really dangerious incidents, otherwise, what's the point?!
As for Richie winning, I agree with that, he's been very impressive this year (once again) and I can't really think of anybody else who deserves it - as a Scot I would say Dan Parks but if I were being serious I wouldnt even be able to look at myself in the mirror!
David December 02, 2010 1:37 pm

(we could actually score tries last year, WOW i know!)
David December 02, 2010 1:37 pm

(we could actually score tries last year, WOW i know!)
your nan December 02, 2010 1:38 pm

your nan December 02, 2010 1:38 pm

Bakkies Botha December 02, 2010 1:41 pm

Bakkies Botha December 02, 2010 1:41 pm

Flooz December 02, 2010 1:43 pm

Concerning the IRB award, i'm a bit surprised.
Mac Caw is a wonderful player and captain who have lead AB's to many victories this year.
But i would have given it to Harinordoquy who have been just absolutely enormous during the 9 first months with France and Biarritz.
I think the french crash against australia and the AB's slam have decided the award..
Flooz December 02, 2010 1:43 pm

Concerning the IRB award, i'm a bit surprised.
Mac Caw is a wonderful player and captain who have lead AB's to many victories this year.
But i would have given it to Harinordoquy who have been just absolutely enormous during the 9 first months with France and Biarritz.
I think the french crash against australia and the AB's slam have decided the award..
Flooz December 02, 2010 1:45 pm

Flooz December 02, 2010 1:45 pm

Bas Horneman December 02, 2010 1:48 pm

Bas Horneman December 02, 2010 1:48 pm

Adrian December 02, 2010 1:50 pm

You should have heard what Jonathan Davies had to say about it
Adrian December 02, 2010 1:50 pm

You should have heard what Jonathan Davies had to say about it
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:52 pm

lean year for bakkies though - all the suspensions meant he only had time put in two flying headbutts this season
Anonymous December 02, 2010 1:52 pm

lean year for bakkies though - all the suspensions meant he only had time put in two flying headbutts this season
NiWiTa December 02, 2010 1:57 pm

But seriously it looked pretty malicious to me so he should be cited. On a seperate note and I say this as an England supporter, the Carter tackle was a professional foul and had a major impact on the result. I would like to have seen both players yellow carded and Powell getting a couple of weeks to sit on the bench and contemplate his stupidity thereafter.
McCaw player of the year - last year I thought he was underserving. This year maybe although Pocock has been excellent and Quade Cooper oustanding too (much as I hate to day it). How about young player of the year? For England it would have to be Ben Youngs...
What about young player of the year for the other international teams?
NiWiTa December 02, 2010 1:57 pm

But seriously it looked pretty malicious to me so he should be cited. On a seperate note and I say this as an England supporter, the Carter tackle was a professional foul and had a major impact on the result. I would like to have seen both players yellow carded and Powell getting a couple of weeks to sit on the bench and contemplate his stupidity thereafter.
McCaw player of the year - last year I thought he was underserving. This year maybe although Pocock has been excellent and Quade Cooper oustanding too (much as I hate to day it). How about young player of the year? For England it would have to be Ben Youngs...
What about young player of the year for the other international teams?
edbok December 02, 2010 1:57 pm

Nisbo and friends got a bit excited by the hit, but it was high and dangerous and should have been a penalty. That said, high shots haven't been routinely cited recently, Delon Armitage got away with a bad one in the England-NZ game, I guess the IRB has its reasons but as ever they are making a rod for their own back.
edbok December 02, 2010 1:57 pm

Nisbo and friends got a bit excited by the hit, but it was high and dangerous and should have been a penalty. That said, high shots haven't been routinely cited recently, Delon Armitage got away with a bad one in the England-NZ game, I guess the IRB has its reasons but as ever they are making a rod for their own back.
Third Centre December 02, 2010 2:00 pm

I don't know if he deserved World player award this year but some of the performances i saw by him were class.
However after winning it last year i thought they'd have given it to someone like Lewis Moody or Mick O'Driscoll or Allan Jacobsen or Bryan Habana or someone else who didn't do anything majorly impressive during the year.....
Third Centre December 02, 2010 2:00 pm

I don't know if he deserved World player award this year but some of the performances i saw by him were class.
However after winning it last year i thought they'd have given it to someone like Lewis Moody or Mick O'Driscoll or Allan Jacobsen or Bryan Habana or someone else who didn't do anything majorly impressive during the year.....
Copperhead December 02, 2010 2:01 pm

Dont care much for McCaw but this should have baan cited atleast. Dont know if malice was intended. This type of thing happens in a rugby game.
This puts a dent in my wholIRB All Blacks are in cahoots story. Then again the 5th anonymous comment explained the reason behind the non citing perfectly.
Copperhead December 02, 2010 2:01 pm

Dont care much for McCaw but this should have baan cited atleast. Dont know if malice was intended. This type of thing happens in a rugby game.
This puts a dent in my wholIRB All Blacks are in cahoots story. Then again the 5th anonymous comment explained the reason behind the non citing perfectly.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 2:09 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 2:09 pm

Douglas December 02, 2010 2:20 pm

Douglas December 02, 2010 2:20 pm

KG December 02, 2010 2:26 pm

Gotta commend Richie for how he acts after.
KG December 02, 2010 2:26 pm

Gotta commend Richie for how he acts after.
mat December 02, 2010 2:48 pm

in the wales fiji game there were about 10 high shots like this that went unpunished.
no argueing that he is a great player, and deserves an award for getting away with so much.
mat December 02, 2010 2:48 pm

in the wales fiji game there were about 10 high shots like this that went unpunished.
no argueing that he is a great player, and deserves an award for getting away with so much.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 2:59 pm

Pathetic people one here who probably don't play rugby.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 2:59 pm

Pathetic people one here who probably don't play rugby.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 3:16 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 3:16 pm

oneeyedcanessupprter December 02, 2010 3:17 pm

oneeyedcanessupprter December 02, 2010 3:17 pm

mike December 02, 2010 3:25 pm

Have you ever heard a more biased bunch of whingers....and they can tell form the tackle that there was intent, malice and no remorse! Talented fellows...
mike December 02, 2010 3:25 pm

Have you ever heard a more biased bunch of whingers....and they can tell form the tackle that there was intent, malice and no remorse! Talented fellows...
good grief December 02, 2010 3:27 pm

Ridiculous.
Matfield really stood out this year, I felt. And I don't even like the Boks...
Kieran Read was also up there.
good grief December 02, 2010 3:27 pm

Ridiculous.
Matfield really stood out this year, I felt. And I don't even like the Boks...
Kieran Read was also up there.
Laz December 02, 2010 3:29 pm

Laz December 02, 2010 3:29 pm

Adakins December 02, 2010 3:49 pm

Ok now get over it.
Guess what in life as in sports shit happens, pick your self up and move on. Do you see McCaw complaining about it?? No.
I read the comments on here and sometimes and wonder if you are all adults or 5 year old kids, bringing up incidents that happened years ago.
Its RUGBY grow some f'n balls people.
Adakins December 02, 2010 3:49 pm

Ok now get over it.
Guess what in life as in sports shit happens, pick your self up and move on. Do you see McCaw complaining about it?? No.
I read the comments on here and sometimes and wonder if you are all adults or 5 year old kids, bringing up incidents that happened years ago.
Its RUGBY grow some f'n balls people.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 3:56 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 3:56 pm

(u-p)rick December 02, 2010 4:08 pm

The first mention of the BOD spear incident was by an 'Anonymous'
The next mention of BOD if i saw correctly, was in regard to IRB player of the year 2009 and 'how du preez or bod didnt get it in 2009 is beyond me' (or words to that effect)
As for IRB POTY 2010 i saw only 1 name mentioned for 2010 (Pocock) before someone said 'the names flying around for 2010 award are hilarious...)
There was ONE NAME mentioned....
So anyway, onto this....I'd agree Richie deserved it this year...(both the award and the hit) :P
But with many others im lost to why he got it last year...
Honestly though as for the hit, it was ridiculous, i think everyone here, welsh or otherwise can agree powell deserved a yellow minimum and as for lack of citing its awful...
However....how mealamu got a reduced sentence is also beyond me....
All in all i'd say anyone who says different is a troll...i dont believe opinions can vary on this whole incident (obviously IRB awards will vary greatly)
(u-p)rick December 02, 2010 4:08 pm

The first mention of the BOD spear incident was by an 'Anonymous'
The next mention of BOD if i saw correctly, was in regard to IRB player of the year 2009 and 'how du preez or bod didnt get it in 2009 is beyond me' (or words to that effect)
As for IRB POTY 2010 i saw only 1 name mentioned for 2010 (Pocock) before someone said 'the names flying around for 2010 award are hilarious...)
There was ONE NAME mentioned....
So anyway, onto this....I'd agree Richie deserved it this year...(both the award and the hit) :P
But with many others im lost to why he got it last year...
Honestly though as for the hit, it was ridiculous, i think everyone here, welsh or otherwise can agree powell deserved a yellow minimum and as for lack of citing its awful...
However....how mealamu got a reduced sentence is also beyond me....
All in all i'd say anyone who says different is a troll...i dont believe opinions can vary on this whole incident (obviously IRB awards will vary greatly)
Dalma December 02, 2010 4:36 pm

Did Burger and Dylan Hartley get a life ban? No. Did they get a much lighter ban than some French players for the same offence? Yes.
Thanks, 'night.
Dalma December 02, 2010 4:36 pm

Did Burger and Dylan Hartley get a life ban? No. Did they get a much lighter ban than some French players for the same offence? Yes.
Thanks, 'night.
jamie stothard December 02, 2010 4:42 pm

jamie stothard December 02, 2010 4:42 pm

Sander December 02, 2010 4:56 pm

That tackle should've been cited and even though Mealamu's ban should not have been reduced, two wrongs do not make one right.
As Jonathan Davies said, it was a cheap shot and there's no place for it in the game. Look at the size of those professionals these days. I was amazed to see McCaw get up and get on with it.
That there would be a heated debate on the IRB POTY, was to be expected. But for so many people, who claim to love rugby (why else would you be on this site) to act like this towards one of the best players ever, is downright sad.
Sander December 02, 2010 4:56 pm

That tackle should've been cited and even though Mealamu's ban should not have been reduced, two wrongs do not make one right.
As Jonathan Davies said, it was a cheap shot and there's no place for it in the game. Look at the size of those professionals these days. I was amazed to see McCaw get up and get on with it.
That there would be a heated debate on the IRB POTY, was to be expected. But for so many people, who claim to love rugby (why else would you be on this site) to act like this towards one of the best players ever, is downright sad.
owen December 02, 2010 5:03 pm

owen December 02, 2010 5:03 pm

KG December 02, 2010 5:03 pm

If you want a place on a National side you can't just let your defense go in the last few minutes, particularly when the game is that close.
"KG whats your point? I'd have thought the nickname would give away 'trollin' the fact you had to point it out doesnt do your intellect much good........as for scotland...yeup they are/were down in the dumps...they have never won a 6 nations...which came in 10 years ago, however every other year there is a bit of an improvement, and have won a few 5 nations tournaments (6N predecessor).....So like I said if Arg>Sco but Sco>SA then Arg>SA therefore they should be in the 3N... :)However....to not be a troll for once, one up point about including Arg in the 3N is that there will be no 'rest' period for certain teams...every year there is 1 team which has a series of games, whilst another has a big rest to recouperate...however if arg are included then we'll see 2 games in 1 weekend, followed by 2 games the next weekend...etc.."
Sometimes you post seriously (this post for example), sometimes you don't. Sometimes you make stupid posts which could be good trolling or stupid posting. Whatever my intellect, pointing something out wouldn't actually make my intellect better or worse.
The argument isn't really about Scotland. I am just saying that Argentina would be better able to compete in the 6 Nations.
I do see your point. There would be disadvantages and advantages obviously. I just think that Argentina would be better able to develop by playing teams closer to their level. By playing in the 6 Nations they would have teams below, at and above (some further above than others, but this varies greatly from year to year) their current level instead of playing 3 oppositions way above their current level. And I don't like seeing whipping boys in tournaments. Italy are the current whipping boys in the 6N and Argentina would be the whipping boys in the 3N.
Ire>Arg but SA>Ire then SA>Arg... :)
KG December 02, 2010 5:03 pm

If you want a place on a National side you can't just let your defense go in the last few minutes, particularly when the game is that close.
"KG whats your point? I'd have thought the nickname would give away 'trollin' the fact you had to point it out doesnt do your intellect much good........as for scotland...yeup they are/were down in the dumps...they have never won a 6 nations...which came in 10 years ago, however every other year there is a bit of an improvement, and have won a few 5 nations tournaments (6N predecessor).....So like I said if Arg>Sco but Sco>SA then Arg>SA therefore they should be in the 3N... :)However....to not be a troll for once, one up point about including Arg in the 3N is that there will be no 'rest' period for certain teams...every year there is 1 team which has a series of games, whilst another has a big rest to recouperate...however if arg are included then we'll see 2 games in 1 weekend, followed by 2 games the next weekend...etc.."
Sometimes you post seriously (this post for example), sometimes you don't. Sometimes you make stupid posts which could be good trolling or stupid posting. Whatever my intellect, pointing something out wouldn't actually make my intellect better or worse.
The argument isn't really about Scotland. I am just saying that Argentina would be better able to compete in the 6 Nations.
I do see your point. There would be disadvantages and advantages obviously. I just think that Argentina would be better able to develop by playing teams closer to their level. By playing in the 6 Nations they would have teams below, at and above (some further above than others, but this varies greatly from year to year) their current level instead of playing 3 oppositions way above their current level. And I don't like seeing whipping boys in tournaments. Italy are the current whipping boys in the 6N and Argentina would be the whipping boys in the 3N.
Ire>Arg but SA>Ire then SA>Arg... :)
Kearney for tests December 02, 2010 5:20 pm

Although it's a bit rich for the New Zealand commentators to make a big deal out of it.
Deserving player of the year by the way, but after last year's idiotic decision, I don't have much faith in that award.
Kearney for tests December 02, 2010 5:20 pm

Although it's a bit rich for the New Zealand commentators to make a big deal out of it.
Deserving player of the year by the way, but after last year's idiotic decision, I don't have much faith in that award.
KG December 02, 2010 5:21 pm

Thanks, 'night."
It isn't as simple as finger touches eye = X week ban. There is a difference between trying to pop a players eyeball (Attoub) and sticking your fingers in the eye, although both are disgraceful. As for Depuy, he went once for Ferris' eyes, looked for the referee and then tried again once he knew the referee couldn't see (when Ferris was in a weakened position). Complete cowardice and thuggery. Both Depuy and Attoub should be out of the game for life.
What's also disgraceful is how the Stade Francais staff spat on the photographer who captured Attoub's gouge. Not only that, they claimed he doctored the pictures. That had the potential to severely damage that man's career. Luckily, the IRB had the photos examined.
I'm not going to try and change your opinion because if you can't tell the difference between the cases, clearly your bias overpowers your common sense.
KG December 02, 2010 5:21 pm

Thanks, 'night."
It isn't as simple as finger touches eye = X week ban. There is a difference between trying to pop a players eyeball (Attoub) and sticking your fingers in the eye, although both are disgraceful. As for Depuy, he went once for Ferris' eyes, looked for the referee and then tried again once he knew the referee couldn't see (when Ferris was in a weakened position). Complete cowardice and thuggery. Both Depuy and Attoub should be out of the game for life.
What's also disgraceful is how the Stade Francais staff spat on the photographer who captured Attoub's gouge. Not only that, they claimed he doctored the pictures. That had the potential to severely damage that man's career. Luckily, the IRB had the photos examined.
I'm not going to try and change your opinion because if you can't tell the difference between the cases, clearly your bias overpowers your common sense.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 5:31 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 5:31 pm

Ben December 02, 2010 5:42 pm

Oh yeah, the panel selecting IRB player of the year consisted of: Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales.
You bitches doubting the award think your opinion is more important than their collective one??
No, didn't think so.
Ben December 02, 2010 5:42 pm

Oh yeah, the panel selecting IRB player of the year consisted of: Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales.
You bitches doubting the award think your opinion is more important than their collective one??
No, didn't think so.
Lucas December 02, 2010 5:43 pm

Lucas December 02, 2010 5:43 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:07 pm

Can't believe BOD didn't play on with that dislocated shoulder. What a bitch.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:07 pm

Can't believe BOD didn't play on with that dislocated shoulder. What a bitch.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:30 pm

You idiots clearly know nothing about rugby if you think the newbie Pocock had a better year than McCaw.
fools.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:30 pm

You idiots clearly know nothing about rugby if you think the newbie Pocock had a better year than McCaw.
fools.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:35 pm

I didnt hear one single word the commentators made about that cheapshot that was biased or wrong.
They called it exactly as it was.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 6:35 pm

I didnt hear one single word the commentators made about that cheapshot that was biased or wrong.
They called it exactly as it was.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:08 pm

I didnt hear one single word the commentators made about that cheapshot that was biased or wrong.
They called it exactly as it was."
Only because it was their beloved Richie taking the hit. Wonder if their commentary disagreed with every penalty given against McCaw and other such incidents? Probably.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:08 pm

I didnt hear one single word the commentators made about that cheapshot that was biased or wrong.
They called it exactly as it was."
Only because it was their beloved Richie taking the hit. Wonder if their commentary disagreed with every penalty given against McCaw and other such incidents? Probably.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:21 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:21 pm

olwakachangchang December 02, 2010 7:38 pm

olwakachangchang December 02, 2010 7:38 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:43 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:43 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:53 pm

Grow a pair.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 7:53 pm

Grow a pair.
NPT rugby league December 02, 2010 7:54 pm

NPT rugby league December 02, 2010 7:54 pm

geordie December 02, 2010 9:01 pm

geordie December 02, 2010 9:01 pm

Benson December 02, 2010 9:17 pm

FYI - refs are there to make sure players dont 'cheat'. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Wonderful rugby player, and excellent leader. Would be an honour to have him on my team.
Benson December 02, 2010 9:17 pm

FYI - refs are there to make sure players dont 'cheat'. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Wonderful rugby player, and excellent leader. Would be an honour to have him on my team.
TheMightyAB's December 02, 2010 9:26 pm

Your not Rugby supporters your just a bunch of punks who have No honour or morals !!
Richie McCaw embodies wot it is to be a rugby Player, He took it on the chin like a Man he didnt bicth like some of you punks would. He got on and played hard. This autumn Richies had cheap shot, accused of cheating by inferior fools who do not understand the rules of the breakdown, but yet he puts his body on the line game after game and Im proud that he leads my Country.
To say Richie didn't deserve to be Number 1 player and he cheated his way to the top, wot does that say about the great players who choose him? like
Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales they are from your country s. All I can say is grow up and learn the game.
TheMightyAB's December 02, 2010 9:26 pm

Your not Rugby supporters your just a bunch of punks who have No honour or morals !!
Richie McCaw embodies wot it is to be a rugby Player, He took it on the chin like a Man he didnt bicth like some of you punks would. He got on and played hard. This autumn Richies had cheap shot, accused of cheating by inferior fools who do not understand the rules of the breakdown, but yet he puts his body on the line game after game and Im proud that he leads my Country.
To say Richie didn't deserve to be Number 1 player and he cheated his way to the top, wot does that say about the great players who choose him? like
Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales they are from your country s. All I can say is grow up and learn the game.
TheMightyAB's December 02, 2010 9:26 pm

Your not Rugby supporters your just a bunch of punks who have No honour or morals !!
Richie McCaw embodies wot it is to be a rugby Player, He took it on the chin like a Man he didnt bicth like some of you punks would. He got on and played hard. This autumn Richies had cheap shot, accused of cheating by inferior fools who do not understand the rules of the breakdown, but yet he puts his body on the line game after game and Im proud that he leads my Country.
To say Richie didn't deserve to be Number 1 player and he cheated his way to the top, wot does that say about the great players who choose him? like
Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales they are from your country s. All I can say is grow up and learn the game.
TheMightyAB's December 02, 2010 9:26 pm

Your not Rugby supporters your just a bunch of punks who have No honour or morals !!
Richie McCaw embodies wot it is to be a rugby Player, He took it on the chin like a Man he didnt bicth like some of you punks would. He got on and played hard. This autumn Richies had cheap shot, accused of cheating by inferior fools who do not understand the rules of the breakdown, but yet he puts his body on the line game after game and Im proud that he leads my Country.
To say Richie didn't deserve to be Number 1 player and he cheated his way to the top, wot does that say about the great players who choose him? like
Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales they are from your country s. All I can say is grow up and learn the game.
Bronson December 02, 2010 9:32 pm

That team sure as hell isn't the All Blacks. They are by far the dirtiest team I've seen, and it gives me a great sense of schauden freude to see their fans get all uptight when referees or citing commissions get lenient on other teams for a change. After watching the Tri Nations this year (first time with full games) I'm beginning to think that referees come quite cheap, and wonder why no one else bothers to pay them. OH WAIT, it's probably because they'd like to win without having to resort to something like that.
I should say that in no way am I condoning what Powell did, and even I feel a citing should've arisen, if not an on-the-spot card. But he's an idiot anyway. I mean, Google a picture of him; does he look like an intelligent man? Remember Duane Vermeulen? Somehow Andy gets away with things too.
As for player of the year, Read deserved it more. But I can think of a bunch of people who certainly deserve it, like Drew Mitchell or Dan Parks (who really manned-up recently), or even Matfield, etc. And what the hell was with last year?
Bronson December 02, 2010 9:32 pm

That team sure as hell isn't the All Blacks. They are by far the dirtiest team I've seen, and it gives me a great sense of schauden freude to see their fans get all uptight when referees or citing commissions get lenient on other teams for a change. After watching the Tri Nations this year (first time with full games) I'm beginning to think that referees come quite cheap, and wonder why no one else bothers to pay them. OH WAIT, it's probably because they'd like to win without having to resort to something like that.
I should say that in no way am I condoning what Powell did, and even I feel a citing should've arisen, if not an on-the-spot card. But he's an idiot anyway. I mean, Google a picture of him; does he look like an intelligent man? Remember Duane Vermeulen? Somehow Andy gets away with things too.
As for player of the year, Read deserved it more. But I can think of a bunch of people who certainly deserve it, like Drew Mitchell or Dan Parks (who really manned-up recently), or even Matfield, etc. And what the hell was with last year?
Anonymous December 02, 2010 9:46 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 9:46 pm

(u-p)rick December 02, 2010 9:48 pm

I was going to reply to above, until I saw this:
'Can't believe BOD didn't play on with that dislocated shoulder. What a bitch.'
As for:
'Haha whinging Northern Hemishpere supporters.....oh no little old New Zealand beat us again, lets bitch about them.....waa waa waa.
Grow a pair.'
Interesting 'Anonymous,' your comment doesn't quite follow suit with what anyone has said....I don't think anyone has justified Powells hit (apart from I think 1 person) and generally there are a lot of potential grudge holders against the AB's not just the NH teams....
(u-p)rick December 02, 2010 9:48 pm

I was going to reply to above, until I saw this:
'Can't believe BOD didn't play on with that dislocated shoulder. What a bitch.'
As for:
'Haha whinging Northern Hemishpere supporters.....oh no little old New Zealand beat us again, lets bitch about them.....waa waa waa.
Grow a pair.'
Interesting 'Anonymous,' your comment doesn't quite follow suit with what anyone has said....I don't think anyone has justified Powells hit (apart from I think 1 person) and generally there are a lot of potential grudge holders against the AB's not just the NH teams....
Anonymous December 02, 2010 9:54 pm

Last year he shouldnt even have been nominated,this year he played good but not the best.
My bet was on Pocock or Matfield.
Matfield was terrific all year with a struggling team.His line-outs was great as expected but he scored some marvelous tries aswell.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 9:54 pm

Last year he shouldnt even have been nominated,this year he played good but not the best.
My bet was on Pocock or Matfield.
Matfield was terrific all year with a struggling team.His line-outs was great as expected but he scored some marvelous tries aswell.
Resident Troll December 02, 2010 9:56 pm

.....therefore....a paradox?
Resident Troll December 02, 2010 9:56 pm

.....therefore....a paradox?
mupee December 02, 2010 9:56 pm

mupee December 02, 2010 9:56 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 10:36 pm

The home nations get a free ride when it comes to suspensions.
You can bet if Mccaw did this to Powell there'd be hell to pay. The uk media would be hysterical and the cicting commision would ban him for weeks.
A joke.
No consistency in the citing process, the citing process is officially broken and makes no sense at all.
The IRB is a joke.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 10:36 pm

The home nations get a free ride when it comes to suspensions.
You can bet if Mccaw did this to Powell there'd be hell to pay. The uk media would be hysterical and the cicting commision would ban him for weeks.
A joke.
No consistency in the citing process, the citing process is officially broken and makes no sense at all.
The IRB is a joke.
Tom December 02, 2010 10:37 pm

Tom December 02, 2010 10:37 pm

Cheating Europeans. December 02, 2010 10:44 pm

Suck it up, you pack of princesses.
NZ win cuz they are better than you, not cuz they cheat, you myopic, terrible losers.
Try to lsoe with dignity.
For you to try to justify this is indicitive of your shitty attitude to fair play.
This deserved a citing, if the situationw as reversed you'd expect nothing less, in fact you lot would be rabid and hysterical about it.
Your rugby is worse than Nz's so you justify cheap shots and illegal play.
Learn to lose with dignity.
From an Australian supporter.
Cheating Europeans. December 02, 2010 10:44 pm

Suck it up, you pack of princesses.
NZ win cuz they are better than you, not cuz they cheat, you myopic, terrible losers.
Try to lsoe with dignity.
For you to try to justify this is indicitive of your shitty attitude to fair play.
This deserved a citing, if the situationw as reversed you'd expect nothing less, in fact you lot would be rabid and hysterical about it.
Your rugby is worse than Nz's so you justify cheap shots and illegal play.
Learn to lose with dignity.
From an Australian supporter.
secondfive December 02, 2010 10:49 pm

Powell's action was obviously illegal and intentional and no bleating on about commentators or anything else can change that. Powell's pleading that it wasn't high when the replay shows it was means he knew exactly what he'd done and that he would be in trouble, or so everybody including the Welsh commentary thought. It is astonishing that he was not cited. True rugby fans know that, the rest of you are kidding yourselves.
secondfive December 02, 2010 10:49 pm

Powell's action was obviously illegal and intentional and no bleating on about commentators or anything else can change that. Powell's pleading that it wasn't high when the replay shows it was means he knew exactly what he'd done and that he would be in trouble, or so everybody including the Welsh commentary thought. It is astonishing that he was not cited. True rugby fans know that, the rest of you are kidding yourselves.
Anonymous December 02, 2010 11:38 pm

Anonymous December 02, 2010 11:38 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 12:37 am

Anonymous December 03, 2010 12:37 am

F u all December 03, 2010 12:45 am

F u all December 03, 2010 12:45 am

F off bad losers December 03, 2010 1:01 am

That's such bullshit, what does that shit have to do with guys like Tovea, SBW and Gear running over the top of dozens of shitty tacklers to score tries.
That's why they win, they score more tries, you wankers.
F off bad losers December 03, 2010 1:01 am

That's such bullshit, what does that shit have to do with guys like Tovea, SBW and Gear running over the top of dozens of shitty tacklers to score tries.
That's why they win, they score more tries, you wankers.
(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 1:42 am

there have ofcourse been 'ABs are no choir boys/saints etc etc' kind of comments, which dont assume is an insult, those comments stick to any professional team....
So where has all this 'hate' come from....as stated above somewhere, people have said McCaw perhaps was not deserved of IRB POTY LAST YEAR but was this year....
And as for 'losing graciously' so what...everyone has lost to the AB's recently....the only team to beat them was Australia....and that was after an ass kicking in the tri nations....so im pretty sure NONE of the NH fans were expecting a win...more of damage control....as for the rest of the NH v SH games, well they didnt go all that well for the SH who are generally 'greater than' the NH....
(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 1:42 am

there have ofcourse been 'ABs are no choir boys/saints etc etc' kind of comments, which dont assume is an insult, those comments stick to any professional team....
So where has all this 'hate' come from....as stated above somewhere, people have said McCaw perhaps was not deserved of IRB POTY LAST YEAR but was this year....
And as for 'losing graciously' so what...everyone has lost to the AB's recently....the only team to beat them was Australia....and that was after an ass kicking in the tri nations....so im pretty sure NONE of the NH fans were expecting a win...more of damage control....as for the rest of the NH v SH games, well they didnt go all that well for the SH who are generally 'greater than' the NH....
Mr Lif December 03, 2010 1:52 am

There were three incidents of foul play in that match that deserved yellow cards and a citing.
Two of them were committed by NZ players and one by a Welsh player.
Mr Lif December 03, 2010 1:52 am

There were three incidents of foul play in that match that deserved yellow cards and a citing.
Two of them were committed by NZ players and one by a Welsh player.
Rolly December 03, 2010 2:28 am

That team sure as hell isn't the All Blacks. They are by far the dirtiest team I've seen.
bollocks
RD have plenty of room so give some evidence of your opinion and how other teams are so different. Don't bother you've got nothing.
Rolly December 03, 2010 2:28 am

That team sure as hell isn't the All Blacks. They are by far the dirtiest team I've seen.
bollocks
RD have plenty of room so give some evidence of your opinion and how other teams are so different. Don't bother you've got nothing.
NH players suck ass December 03, 2010 2:33 am

NH players suck ass December 03, 2010 2:33 am

Bill December 03, 2010 3:02 am

People turn on them, say they cheat, that they don't deserve to win awards, etc.
It's a shame people can't be gracious and give credit where it's due.
The All Blacks are curently far and away the best team in the world. They are so because of the ability and skill of their players, which is currently unmatched by any other team. They go to be the best thru hard work and ability.
Mccaw is one of the greatest players to grace the rugby field and deserves all the plaudits he gets.
He does not deserve to have lesser players like Powell head highing him.
So there, at least one person who's team has been flogged by the All Blacks this year can give credit where it is due. Anyone else want to join me?
Bill December 03, 2010 3:02 am

People turn on them, say they cheat, that they don't deserve to win awards, etc.
It's a shame people can't be gracious and give credit where it's due.
The All Blacks are curently far and away the best team in the world. They are so because of the ability and skill of their players, which is currently unmatched by any other team. They go to be the best thru hard work and ability.
Mccaw is one of the greatest players to grace the rugby field and deserves all the plaudits he gets.
He does not deserve to have lesser players like Powell head highing him.
So there, at least one person who's team has been flogged by the All Blacks this year can give credit where it is due. Anyone else want to join me?
Real rugby fan!! December 03, 2010 3:39 am

Real rugby fan!! December 03, 2010 3:39 am

(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 4:37 am

...however a lot of 'cheat' comments are used with 'yes this was bad by powell but dont act like you guys have never committed any such crimes'
Which in my eyes is totally fair enough, we've all seen AB's get away with different incidents and recently mealamu getting a reduced sentence...i mean i dont know what he was hoping to achieve if a headbutt was not his primary goal...
HOWEVER, No one as yet has stated that powell 'DIDNT' deserve to get cited....INCLUDING welsh fans...
like I said earlier it appears that one little boy is making a huge trolling effort and causing reasonable posters to start going for each others throats...
(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 4:37 am

...however a lot of 'cheat' comments are used with 'yes this was bad by powell but dont act like you guys have never committed any such crimes'
Which in my eyes is totally fair enough, we've all seen AB's get away with different incidents and recently mealamu getting a reduced sentence...i mean i dont know what he was hoping to achieve if a headbutt was not his primary goal...
HOWEVER, No one as yet has stated that powell 'DIDNT' deserve to get cited....INCLUDING welsh fans...
like I said earlier it appears that one little boy is making a huge trolling effort and causing reasonable posters to start going for each others throats...
Anonymous December 03, 2010 4:54 am

Anonymous December 03, 2010 4:54 am

Bill December 03, 2010 4:55 am

The All Blacks don't cheat that much though.
At the end of the day, it shouldn't matter anyway.
It's no jsutificationa t all for Powell's actions, none at all.
It shouldn't even be mentioned, particularly as what might amount to fair critisism, revolves around a theory that NZ gives away alot of technical type, ruck penalties near their goal line.
What that has to do with blatantly illegal, potentially dangerous foul play is completely beyond me.
Anyway the point is this was bad, that's all that needs to be said, and it deserves a citing.
The citing process is broken.
Bill December 03, 2010 4:55 am

The All Blacks don't cheat that much though.
At the end of the day, it shouldn't matter anyway.
It's no jsutificationa t all for Powell's actions, none at all.
It shouldn't even be mentioned, particularly as what might amount to fair critisism, revolves around a theory that NZ gives away alot of technical type, ruck penalties near their goal line.
What that has to do with blatantly illegal, potentially dangerous foul play is completely beyond me.
Anyway the point is this was bad, that's all that needs to be said, and it deserves a citing.
The citing process is broken.
Simon December 03, 2010 4:59 am

Who are we to argue with some of the top players ever of this game we love on this award? surely they have a better knowledge and understanding of the game then us couch potatoes? Can anyone say they know what it feels like to be at the bottom of a ruck or lineout or maul in a test match and knows what it takes - I'm almost certain Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and John Eales do!Surely they have a better idea then us mortals?
Simon December 03, 2010 4:59 am

Who are we to argue with some of the top players ever of this game we love on this award? surely they have a better knowledge and understanding of the game then us couch potatoes? Can anyone say they know what it feels like to be at the bottom of a ruck or lineout or maul in a test match and knows what it takes - I'm almost certain Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphal Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and John Eales do!Surely they have a better idea then us mortals?
(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 5:53 am

(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 5:53 am

secondfive December 03, 2010 5:54 am

cheater got what he deserved
they are by far the dirtiest team
its nice to see the all blacks on the end of a cheap shot
McCaw is a cunt
etc
Why do you see someone criticizing those comments as "hating the UK", isn't it just hating stupidity?
And we know that if the hit was the other way round the same people saying "get over it NZ" would be screaming blue murder. Like I said, hypocrisy and stupidity.
As you point out there are plenty of people who aren't idiots, I never said otherwise.
secondfive December 03, 2010 5:54 am

cheater got what he deserved
they are by far the dirtiest team
its nice to see the all blacks on the end of a cheap shot
McCaw is a cunt
etc
Why do you see someone criticizing those comments as "hating the UK", isn't it just hating stupidity?
And we know that if the hit was the other way round the same people saying "get over it NZ" would be screaming blue murder. Like I said, hypocrisy and stupidity.
As you point out there are plenty of people who aren't idiots, I never said otherwise.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 6:14 am

And the brad thorn tackle is not even close to being similar to this tackle. Thorn was off balance and stuck out a arm which deservedly got penalised.
Powell put his whole body into that his and copped him straight on the chin
Anonymous December 03, 2010 6:14 am

And the brad thorn tackle is not even close to being similar to this tackle. Thorn was off balance and stuck out a arm which deservedly got penalised.
Powell put his whole body into that his and copped him straight on the chin
JDG December 03, 2010 6:36 am

However, all I have seen is childish behaviour bordering on racism coming from all sides.
Sorry guys, not interested in taking part if thats how you want to talk.
JDG December 03, 2010 6:36 am

However, all I have seen is childish behaviour bordering on racism coming from all sides.
Sorry guys, not interested in taking part if thats how you want to talk.
Resident Troll December 03, 2010 6:46 am

rarely is there a topic where people can 'agree' or at least disagree with a healthy reason....
whilst RD is a fantastic site for videos and is a very well run site, the folloing is borderline soccer players....MY TEAM IS BETTER THAN YOUR TEAM,
EVEN YOUR BEST PLAYER WOULDN'T GET TO BE FRIENDS WITH MYYY TEAM....
THAT TRY WAS SH*T, IT WOULD BE AMAZING IF IT WAS MY TEAM, BUT ITS NOT SO ITS SH*T
...oh and recently there have been a few 'RD This is pointless get it off' kind of comments...which is rich considering its a free site (for us lot viewing!)
(also rich that all the above just came from me..)
Resident Troll December 03, 2010 6:46 am

rarely is there a topic where people can 'agree' or at least disagree with a healthy reason....
whilst RD is a fantastic site for videos and is a very well run site, the folloing is borderline soccer players....MY TEAM IS BETTER THAN YOUR TEAM,
EVEN YOUR BEST PLAYER WOULDN'T GET TO BE FRIENDS WITH MYYY TEAM....
THAT TRY WAS SH*T, IT WOULD BE AMAZING IF IT WAS MY TEAM, BUT ITS NOT SO ITS SH*T
...oh and recently there have been a few 'RD This is pointless get it off' kind of comments...which is rich considering its a free site (for us lot viewing!)
(also rich that all the above just came from me..)
TFlood December 03, 2010 6:56 am

TFlood December 03, 2010 6:56 am

Jeremy December 03, 2010 7:47 am

Jeremy December 03, 2010 7:47 am

Thailandrugbyfan December 03, 2010 7:51 am

The Gutless Award 2010. Congratulations folks; you must be so proud.
Thailandrugbyfan December 03, 2010 7:51 am

The Gutless Award 2010. Congratulations folks; you must be so proud.
Simon7 December 03, 2010 8:27 am

For me first and foremost I love the sport of rugby and enjoy seeing it played well regardless of what nationality they may be.
Simon7 December 03, 2010 8:27 am

For me first and foremost I love the sport of rugby and enjoy seeing it played well regardless of what nationality they may be.
Adrian December 03, 2010 10:17 am

This incident is utterly unrelated to things that have happened in the past or to accusations of cheating.
Its a basic ethical principle in a modern society that every incident should be treated on its own merits. Grown-ups don't place petty national allegiances and bigotry before that.
This was a bad one - it takes a lot of force to knock a 110 kg running man 2m sideways. Real rugby fans should despise this, as the should hate Hartley's elbow, Mealamu's headbutt and so on.
Welsh great Jonathan Davies has a greater emotional stake in this game than anyone posting here and he was clearly disgusted by Powell. Incidentally, his loudest exclamation of the night was for Kaino's monster tackle. Now that is a true rugby fan - just loving the game.
Adrian December 03, 2010 10:17 am

This incident is utterly unrelated to things that have happened in the past or to accusations of cheating.
Its a basic ethical principle in a modern society that every incident should be treated on its own merits. Grown-ups don't place petty national allegiances and bigotry before that.
This was a bad one - it takes a lot of force to knock a 110 kg running man 2m sideways. Real rugby fans should despise this, as the should hate Hartley's elbow, Mealamu's headbutt and so on.
Welsh great Jonathan Davies has a greater emotional stake in this game than anyone posting here and he was clearly disgusted by Powell. Incidentally, his loudest exclamation of the night was for Kaino's monster tackle. Now that is a true rugby fan - just loving the game.
Dub in Oz December 03, 2010 11:04 am

Dub in Oz December 03, 2010 11:04 am

Madflyhalf December 03, 2010 11:31 am

Move on!
btw
I think Andy while tackling also said:
"BRING!!!!!!"
:D
Madflyhalf December 03, 2010 11:31 am

Move on!
btw
I think Andy while tackling also said:
"BRING!!!!!!"
:D
Mike December 03, 2010 11:38 am

Mike December 03, 2010 11:38 am

Anonymous December 03, 2010 12:44 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 12:44 pm

Maui December 03, 2010 12:54 pm

I'm an NH coward who supports a shit team and I make up for it by throwing my pompous 2 cents into other peoples discussions and feeling smug with myself by thinking they care.
Obviously not (u-p)rick posting there but even as a SH fan, I don't find his posts remotely pompous. Quite even handed actually.
Maui December 03, 2010 12:54 pm

I'm an NH coward who supports a shit team and I make up for it by throwing my pompous 2 cents into other peoples discussions and feeling smug with myself by thinking they care.
Obviously not (u-p)rick posting there but even as a SH fan, I don't find his posts remotely pompous. Quite even handed actually.
KG December 03, 2010 12:59 pm

I agree. I like his style of play. Pure brute force and aggression. Very entertaining. Unfortunately, there's not much else to it and that in itself can be a liability.
KG December 03, 2010 12:59 pm

I agree. I like his style of play. Pure brute force and aggression. Very entertaining. Unfortunately, there's not much else to it and that in itself can be a liability.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 2:42 pm

Powell wants to stamp his presence on the game, so he cheaply throws an intentional swinging arm at McCaw.
That says all you need to know about those 2 guys.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 2:42 pm

Powell wants to stamp his presence on the game, so he cheaply throws an intentional swinging arm at McCaw.
That says all you need to know about those 2 guys.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 3:13 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 3:13 pm

Stubby December 03, 2010 3:30 pm

what else would you call a tackle where powell came in SWINGING his arm. You can see him wind up and swing for McCaw's face. McCaw didn't duck into it. Malice! Actions do sometimes speak louder than words.
Most of us can agree this should have been cited regardless of the people/teams involved.
Stubby December 03, 2010 3:30 pm

what else would you call a tackle where powell came in SWINGING his arm. You can see him wind up and swing for McCaw's face. McCaw didn't duck into it. Malice! Actions do sometimes speak louder than words.
Most of us can agree this should have been cited regardless of the people/teams involved.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 3:40 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 3:40 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 5:07 pm

Actually, Carter was cited and received a ban for a high covering tackle, from the side/back, on a small guy who was falling. Clumsy rather than malicious, and rightfully punished.
Powell however received no citing or ban for a controlled swinging arm into an upright (and tall) players neck directly from in front.
Given the factors, two very different tackles.
Anonymous December 03, 2010 5:07 pm

Actually, Carter was cited and received a ban for a high covering tackle, from the side/back, on a small guy who was falling. Clumsy rather than malicious, and rightfully punished.
Powell however received no citing or ban for a controlled swinging arm into an upright (and tall) players neck directly from in front.
Given the factors, two very different tackles.
JD Ref December 03, 2010 6:02 pm

JD Ref December 03, 2010 6:02 pm

JD Ref December 03, 2010 6:02 pm

JD Ref December 03, 2010 6:02 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 6:24 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 6:24 pm

TheMightyAB's December 03, 2010 6:45 pm

TheMightyAB's December 03, 2010 6:45 pm

(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 8:29 pm

sorry about that...
(u-p)rick December 03, 2010 8:29 pm

sorry about that...
PB December 03, 2010 8:40 pm

Was it high? Yes
Should it be cited? Yes
Where the commentators a little over excited? Yeah Sure
As for bringing up the BOD incident??
Did BOD get a raw deal? Yes
Was it soooo long ago, it's probably time to LET IT GO? Yes
Pockock for POTY? Was that serious?
Sure he had a great Tri-Nations and effected a lot of turnovers but McCaw topped the tackle count in the Tr-Nations, (like he always does) - The guys everywhere, he's a machine! That coupled with the fact he also captained a side that won everything on offer that year probably tipped things in his favour.
Basically; When Powell did that dirty cheap shot on him. I yelled "Don't you hurt him" and sniffed as a tear ran down my cheek.
Go the AB's!
PB December 03, 2010 8:40 pm

Was it high? Yes
Should it be cited? Yes
Where the commentators a little over excited? Yeah Sure
As for bringing up the BOD incident??
Did BOD get a raw deal? Yes
Was it soooo long ago, it's probably time to LET IT GO? Yes
Pockock for POTY? Was that serious?
Sure he had a great Tri-Nations and effected a lot of turnovers but McCaw topped the tackle count in the Tr-Nations, (like he always does) - The guys everywhere, he's a machine! That coupled with the fact he also captained a side that won everything on offer that year probably tipped things in his favour.
Basically; When Powell did that dirty cheap shot on him. I yelled "Don't you hurt him" and sniffed as a tear ran down my cheek.
Go the AB's!
Anonymous December 03, 2010 9:54 pm

Anonymous December 03, 2010 9:54 pm

Rolly December 03, 2010 11:32 pm

By looking at the replay, like everybody else.
Rolly December 03, 2010 11:32 pm

By looking at the replay, like everybody else.
TheMightAB's mother December 03, 2010 11:39 pm

Rugby Dump, please tighten up on who post on the blogs."
Yes, those with a painfully poor grasp on the English language with no excuse as to why should be the first to get the boot.
TheMightAB's mother December 03, 2010 11:39 pm

Rugby Dump, please tighten up on who post on the blogs."
Yes, those with a painfully poor grasp on the English language with no excuse as to why should be the first to get the boot.
Anonymous December 04, 2010 12:51 am

Anonymous December 04, 2010 12:51 am

Isaac December 04, 2010 1:38 am

Isaac December 04, 2010 1:38 am

I wish ABs did cheat December 04, 2010 8:37 am

I wish ABs did cheat December 04, 2010 8:37 am

Anonymous December 04, 2010 11:53 am

Anonymous December 04, 2010 11:53 am

Anonymous December 05, 2010 2:04 am

Anonymous December 05, 2010 2:04 am

Jono December 05, 2010 3:26 am

It's a dog act, the act of a low coward.
It should have been cited. Powell is a failry average player, illegally tackling a much, much better player.
Jono December 05, 2010 3:26 am

It's a dog act, the act of a low coward.
It should have been cited. Powell is a failry average player, illegally tackling a much, much better player.
edward December 05, 2010 8:34 am

Stephen Ferris - excellent cheater
David Pocock - wonderful cheater
Victor Matfield - superb cheater
Lewis Moody - fantastic cheater
Martyn Williams - outstanding cheater
Dimitri Szarzewski - incredible cheater
Richie McCaw - the best of them all...it still amazes me that people complain about cheating - one corner of winning rugby is cheating and anyone that has ever played any kind of winning rugby will know that...one thing that does annoy me here though is people implying that Mccaw deserved that tackle because he cheats - no one deserves to be hit like that...certainly high, dangerous and deserving of at least 2 weeks
edward December 05, 2010 8:34 am

Stephen Ferris - excellent cheater
David Pocock - wonderful cheater
Victor Matfield - superb cheater
Lewis Moody - fantastic cheater
Martyn Williams - outstanding cheater
Dimitri Szarzewski - incredible cheater
Richie McCaw - the best of them all...it still amazes me that people complain about cheating - one corner of winning rugby is cheating and anyone that has ever played any kind of winning rugby will know that...one thing that does annoy me here though is people implying that Mccaw deserved that tackle because he cheats - no one deserves to be hit like that...certainly high, dangerous and deserving of at least 2 weeks
TheMightyAB'sDaddy December 05, 2010 4:51 pm

"TheMightyAB's said...
Rugby Dump, please tighten up on who post on the blogs."
Yes, those with a painfully poor grasp on the English language with no excuse as to why should be the first to get the boot.
Whats wrong with my English Punk !! just cos I didn't go to a private school and spend my childhood picking up the soap !!
TheMightyAB'sDaddy December 05, 2010 4:51 pm

"TheMightyAB's said...
Rugby Dump, please tighten up on who post on the blogs."
Yes, those with a painfully poor grasp on the English language with no excuse as to why should be the first to get the boot.
Whats wrong with my English Punk !! just cos I didn't go to a private school and spend my childhood picking up the soap !!
David December 05, 2010 6:16 pm

David December 05, 2010 6:16 pm

Jono December 06, 2010 3:56 am

Killing the ball in your 22? You mean like every single team does from time to time?
Something that is not dangerous in any way? You don't cite players for that, jesus, make some sense.
Jono December 06, 2010 3:56 am

Killing the ball in your 22? You mean like every single team does from time to time?
Something that is not dangerous in any way? You don't cite players for that, jesus, make some sense.
Anonymous December 06, 2010 11:27 pm

Suck shit and enjoy reflecting on having your arses handed to you.
McCaw you are a legend!!
Anonymous December 06, 2010 11:27 pm

Suck shit and enjoy reflecting on having your arses handed to you.
McCaw you are a legend!!
:-) December 06, 2010 11:31 pm

McCaw must be made of steel.
No citing = Typical NH tour for the AB's, all their teams get away with murder.
What a joke.
:-) December 06, 2010 11:31 pm

McCaw must be made of steel.
No citing = Typical NH tour for the AB's, all their teams get away with murder.
What a joke.
Anonymous December 07, 2010 5:25 am

Anonymous December 07, 2010 5:25 am

Nicko December 07, 2010 11:28 pm

Andy Powell is a big unit.. If he'd gone a few inches lower it would have been one of the hits of the year.
A bit strange he didn't get cited though... It looks pretty bad in replay.
Nicko December 07, 2010 11:28 pm

Andy Powell is a big unit.. If he'd gone a few inches lower it would have been one of the hits of the year.
A bit strange he didn't get cited though... It looks pretty bad in replay.















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