Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The big hits from the Blues vs Crusaders classic
It was built up to be the match up of the weekend, and fans weren't let down as those at the stadium, a healthy 32 000 plus, and those at home watched a thrilling contest between the two New Zealand heavyweights.
Goal kicking wasn't great, but aside from that the match had everything, with a few stand out players making powerful charges, tackle breaking runs, and of course big hits.
This short video features some of the rough stuff from the game, with guys like Rene Ranger of the Blues brushing off tackles but also taking a few big ones. Jerome Kaino was also sensational, tackling everything that moved and showing why he's rated so highly.
Some of the notable hits could easily be featured here as stand alone clips, namely Isaia Toeava's big tackle early in the game, Corey Flynn's on Ranger, and Anthony Boric's huge tackle on Israel Dagg. There's one of two bumps and charges that are worth seeing too, so it's all included.
Tries from this game will be featured in another compilation sometime this week if all goes well. For now, hopefully this gives you an idea of the level of physicality of this particular match-up.
Time: 02:43
Music: Dutchies by Shapeshifter
Posted at 5:28 pm | 70 comments
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Viewing 70 comments
Anonymous February 23, 2011 4:56 pm
To all those who think tackling is cr*p in the S14, THIS IS YOUR WAKEUP CALL........ there are enough monster hits in this one game for an awesome highlight reel.
Booyaa!
Booyaa!
Von February 23, 2011 5:06 pm
Awesome. Some lovely hits in there. Toeava's was an absolute beauty.
orange February 23, 2011 5:10 pm
That one-armed tackle/grab by Toeava was incredible...
I don't get to see much Super Rugby, so cheers RD!
I don't get to see much Super Rugby, so cheers RD!
Anonymous February 23, 2011 5:16 pm
To the "booyaa" guy, a) grow up and b) despite some great hits, there's also some terrible missed tackles / bounces / technique in there too. Suspect that vid isn't the "proof" you were looking for!
Some cracking tackles nevertheless!!
Some cracking tackles nevertheless!!
Anonymous February 23, 2011 5:26 pm
Excuse any NH ignorance of mine, I don't have a huge amount of knowledge regarding transfers in the SH, but do the Crusaders just keep buying the latest NZ sensations every year? Dagg and Whitelock stood out there, and i'm fairly sure they've done it a few more times in recent years.
Irishman February 23, 2011 5:27 pm
Haha rugby in the SH i really shit. Poor attacking will always make the defense look good!
You want good rugby, watch Aironi vs Exeter now that is world class!
You want good rugby, watch Aironi vs Exeter now that is world class!
Anonymous February 23, 2011 5:30 pm
Super Rugby is the forefront in the evolution of rugby and is by far the highest quality played on the planet.
You really think any Aviva/ Magners team could touch the blues? not in a lifetime...
You really think any Aviva/ Magners team could touch the blues? not in a lifetime...
Greiffel February 23, 2011 5:35 pm
And we're off. First one to make a valid point wins first prize.
Anonymous February 23, 2011 5:35 pm
To the 'terrible missed tackles / bounces / technique in there too' guy...... total balls, that was test match intensity ferociousness.
Booyaa, go change your nappy and stop whining
Booyaa, go change your nappy and stop whining
Tom February 23, 2011 5:53 pm
This is why super rugby is better than any other competition in the world!!! No other competition has tackles like these!!! And as usual it's a a formation of the best 3 teams in the world (the super rugby, not this clip)
Anonymous February 23, 2011 5:55 pm
wow. you won't see benson stanley and ranger charged on their ass down... impressive stuff
FP February 23, 2011 6:00 pm
Anonymous: The song is called Dutchies and it's by the kiwi artist Shapeshifter. Absolute tunnneee
Anonymous February 23, 2011 6:17 pm
These guys look very powerful after pre-season training.
Will they be the same when the world cup comes along?
Will they be the same when the world cup comes along?
orange February 23, 2011 6:29 pm
If that prize is a trip to Dublin to see Ire v. England in March, then try on this little number:
"The Prince of Tides is neither about a prince nor tides. Discuss."
"The Prince of Tides is neither about a prince nor tides. Discuss."
Babby February 23, 2011 6:52 pm
Nothing special here, NH still superior in all aspects of club rugby.
Anonymous February 23, 2011 6:54 pm
SH players come to the NH to experience the true home of brilliant rugby. NH players never go to the SH because they play inferior rugby.
King February 23, 2011 6:57 pm
Well i'm English and therefore from the NH hemishere and I loved watching that. Great commitment and tempo. It could have been a compilation video yet it was all from one match. Am enjoying watching the S15 more and more, I admit I used to slate it a bit but I realise it's just a different game, much more pace, alot of skill and good to watch.
There is no better or worse defence in either hemisphere, it's a pointless argument. There is however different styles, due probably to playing conditions.
There is no better or worse defence in either hemisphere, it's a pointless argument. There is however different styles, due probably to playing conditions.
KB February 23, 2011 7:37 pm
Whilst I'm sure the defence against trolls mechanism will kick in, I urge any SH supporter to ignore the comments above regarding NH being better or worse, and concentrate on the video...
No doubt most of those comments were written by the same person who truly cares little for rugby!
No doubt most of those comments were written by the same person who truly cares little for rugby!
Anonymous February 23, 2011 7:50 pm
"SH players come to the NH to experience the true home of brilliant rugby."
Hmmm... Nah I think it's actually because of the money.
Hmmm... Nah I think it's actually because of the money.
Denominator February 23, 2011 8:28 pm
Man - this is almost Heineken cup standard rugby!!
Darren February 23, 2011 8:38 pm
I'm a Munster man, and I don't give a fuck what anyone says, every one of those 30 players on that field would walk onto any Henieken Cup team. Why? Because most of those guys are either All Blacks, were All Blacks, or will be. When players like Israel Dagg blend in to look like regular players, you know what you are watching is the highest form of rugby.
Whoever said that tacklers bounce off due to bad technique, you just proved to me that you tackled like a pussy all your life. I discovered what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Time travel. As in when you snap out of it, you're at the bar a few hours later having scoupes. Whoever compared Arioni V Exeter to The Blues V the Reds. You're a funny mofo Irishman.
Any Kiwis out there, hope you and yours stayed well away from any suffering due to the earthquake. I'm heading down your way for the world cup, I hope that tragedy doesn't mess anything up for you guys. Now your boyz have something to win for. God bless.
Whoever said that tacklers bounce off due to bad technique, you just proved to me that you tackled like a pussy all your life. I discovered what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Time travel. As in when you snap out of it, you're at the bar a few hours later having scoupes. Whoever compared Arioni V Exeter to The Blues V the Reds. You're a funny mofo Irishman.
Any Kiwis out there, hope you and yours stayed well away from any suffering due to the earthquake. I'm heading down your way for the world cup, I hope that tragedy doesn't mess anything up for you guys. Now your boyz have something to win for. God bless.
Anonymous February 23, 2011 9:00 pm
^^^^
Yes Darren.....because the all blacks didn't have anything to win for before the earthquake struck....
Geez talk about having quite a good point then shooting yourself in the foot....
Do you really think the person posing as Irishman was actually Irish? Or actually said what he said with any sense of sincerity.... Clown...
Yes Darren.....because the all blacks didn't have anything to win for before the earthquake struck....
Geez talk about having quite a good point then shooting yourself in the foot....
Do you really think the person posing as Irishman was actually Irish? Or actually said what he said with any sense of sincerity.... Clown...
Anonymous February 23, 2011 9:04 pm
Good tackling. Good defence. Good flowing rugby AND a good turnout....... Um...... The NH players are better looking!
Darren February 23, 2011 9:22 pm
"Yes Darren.....because the all blacks didn't have anything to win for before the earthquake struck...."
Firstly, of course they wanted to win, but it's a massive incentive to do something great as a nation when said nation has experienced something traumatic. It lights a fire in the players soul. You think it won't make a difference, ya and I'm the clown.
"Do you really think the person posing as Irishman was actually Irish? Or actually said what he said with any sense of sincerity.... Clown..."
Do you really think I give a fuck where he's from, that's his name. And I called him a funny mofo. Ya Arioni are on a par with Super 15 rugby, sincerely. Gobshite.
Firstly, of course they wanted to win, but it's a massive incentive to do something great as a nation when said nation has experienced something traumatic. It lights a fire in the players soul. You think it won't make a difference, ya and I'm the clown.
"Do you really think the person posing as Irishman was actually Irish? Or actually said what he said with any sense of sincerity.... Clown..."
Do you really think I give a fuck where he's from, that's his name. And I called him a funny mofo. Ya Arioni are on a par with Super 15 rugby, sincerely. Gobshite.
Darren February 23, 2011 9:26 pm
Oh wait, I'm sorry anonymous, are you the pussy I was referring too?
ElTigre February 23, 2011 9:37 pm
Not quite as intense as the premiership but they can try I suppose.
Faceman February 23, 2011 9:59 pm
LOL. Why does the NH trolling seem particularly bad this year?
Show them attacking highlights they complain about the defense, show defensive highlights they complain about the attack wtf?
Surely these guys aren't serious and are just shit stirring for reactions.
Show them attacking highlights they complain about the defense, show defensive highlights they complain about the attack wtf?
Surely these guys aren't serious and are just shit stirring for reactions.
Anonymous February 23, 2011 10:12 pm
You can tell the author of the article is from the SH, he's bigging up the attendance to almost double what it actually was.
19 February 2011
Blues 24 22 Crusaders
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 32,700
32,700 a bit different to 52,000 ;)
19 February 2011
Blues 24 22 Crusaders
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 32,700
32,700 a bit different to 52,000 ;)
Anonymous February 23, 2011 10:28 pm
Stop the facking discussion about SH, NH. It's Rugby the beautifull game to watch and everybody loves it! Their are culture differences in sport and life! Let the RWC dicde whoes best!
Jono February 23, 2011 11:16 pm
Pretty sure there's just one retard who posts things to start arguments.
I'm guessing he's a fat arse 30 year old who got bulleyed at school and has no girlfriend, so he comes on here and starts shit.
This was a great game.
Very, very high quality rugby.
There were 22 All Blacks in the starting teams.
That's as close to international rugby as it gets outside of test matches.
I'm guessing he's a fat arse 30 year old who got bulleyed at school and has no girlfriend, so he comes on here and starts shit.
This was a great game.
Very, very high quality rugby.
There were 22 All Blacks in the starting teams.
That's as close to international rugby as it gets outside of test matches.
RugbyFan February 23, 2011 11:32 pm
Vicious defense!!! Mealamu is a BEAST, and an excellent run by Rokocoko at the start beating 4 defenders with brute strength.
Herp February 23, 2011 11:42 pm
@Faceman well said. They must be having a laugh.
I think everyones (including our NH friends) happy super rugby is back on showcasing some actual skill.
I think everyones (including our NH friends) happy super rugby is back on showcasing some actual skill.
mise February 23, 2011 11:51 pm
while the NH SH thing can get interesting and funny occasionally, on balance, it is destroying the comments here on the site.
Basically, its not worth it.
1 liner comments designed to wind things up in a NH SH way - forget them. Don't reply. Don't interact.
And in general, unless there's sth interesting and specific in NH-SH terms (e.g. how a specific player got on differently in both hemis in different seasons) it just ain't worth it.
Basically, its not worth it.
1 liner comments designed to wind things up in a NH SH way - forget them. Don't reply. Don't interact.
And in general, unless there's sth interesting and specific in NH-SH terms (e.g. how a specific player got on differently in both hemis in different seasons) it just ain't worth it.
Anonymous February 24, 2011 12:35 am
Umm Darren:
'Now your boyz have something to win for'
....like I said, Clown
'Now your boyz have something to win for'
....like I said, Clown
Lay off. February 24, 2011 12:45 am
Jesus, his intentions were good, he meant well, how does that make him a clown?
Just shut up anon, darren actually made a constructive post, and your giving him a hard time for it.
Just shut up anon, darren actually made a constructive post, and your giving him a hard time for it.
Anonymous February 24, 2011 12:47 am
Nobody cares about rugby anyway, it's small fry in the world of sport.
It should pick up once it goes professional.
It should pick up once it goes professional.
Anonymous February 24, 2011 1:16 am
Guy responding to booya guy come on man its a kick start for super rugby respect and just enjoy the clip... reply positive comments ... You must have nothing but negative stuff ... Respect and enjoy the video .
Alexander February 24, 2011 1:38 am
Great vid. Good rugby on show here. Sorry deluded NH fans, take from another NHer, the Super 15 is super classy. Different to NH competitions. Superior? Well, tough to call, but I'd say yes. After all, Super 15 is VERY entertaining, as well as the highest standard in all departments of the game. Personally, its the saffa sides that impress me most. Such skill and mongrel up front, and v tactical too! But for me, fav match of year is always blues v crusaders!
Tui February 24, 2011 1:55 am
^^^ Actually Im sick of the saffa's riding off our back, as well as the Aussie's.
How well did you guys do in the Autumn internationals? win them all?
Yet you have the audacity to spout this 'SH' crap.
We (NZ) are the only team to go undefeated in the Autumn internationals, yet you lot start this whole 'we SH'ers are unbeatable etc'
Australia, you lost to a ropey mish mash england team.. and South Africa you lost to a team we beat by 46 points.....
In all fairness i think the equation here is:
NZ> Saffa's and OZ =/> NH
You guys are riding par with the NH in some big let down games, so how about sticking to your own team and not riding off our success!
How well did you guys do in the Autumn internationals? win them all?
Yet you have the audacity to spout this 'SH' crap.
We (NZ) are the only team to go undefeated in the Autumn internationals, yet you lot start this whole 'we SH'ers are unbeatable etc'
Australia, you lost to a ropey mish mash england team.. and South Africa you lost to a team we beat by 46 points.....
In all fairness i think the equation here is:
NZ> Saffa's and OZ =/> NH
You guys are riding par with the NH in some big let down games, so how about sticking to your own team and not riding off our success!
Tui February 24, 2011 1:56 am
p.s Great match for Superugby here (i know its the saffas) so good work, nice to see the hits coming in!
Jono February 24, 2011 2:03 am
"Excuse any NH ignorance of mine, I don't have a huge amount of knowledge regarding transfers in the SH, but do the Crusaders just keep buying the latest NZ sensations every year? Dagg and Whitelock stood out there, and i'm fairly sure they've done it a few more times in recent years."
It doesn't really work that way.
These are provincial teams, drawn from ITM Cup teams (NZ's domestic competition).
It's complicated but Canterbury basically develops these players from a young age with the help of ITM Cup teams and different regional youth teams and acadmeies. 80-90% anyway, some players move from other provinces and stuff and there's the odd league player like SBW or Thorn, but largely they are developed by the Crusaders.
It doesn't really work that way.
These are provincial teams, drawn from ITM Cup teams (NZ's domestic competition).
It's complicated but Canterbury basically develops these players from a young age with the help of ITM Cup teams and different regional youth teams and acadmeies. 80-90% anyway, some players move from other provinces and stuff and there's the odd league player like SBW or Thorn, but largely they are developed by the Crusaders.
Jono February 24, 2011 2:09 am
Tui, I don't think anyone thinks that NZ aren't the best, but South Africa and Australia are also ahead of the NH and play a different style. Faster, more highly skilled.
And in case you forgot, it was only a year or so ago that South Africa was beating the shit out of NZ, so try to rein it in a little eh?
And in case you forgot, it was only a year or so ago that South Africa was beating the shit out of NZ, so try to rein it in a little eh?
Tui February 24, 2011 3:13 am
Jonno, um when was that? Before or after the Tri nations? Only which position did SA come in that?
I'm aware generally Oz and SA rugby is better than NH, but how many times do I hear about the 'unbeatable boks being part of the mighty SH' ? I couldn't give 2 f*cks if the bold beat a NH side, I only care if NZ win their matches. I enjoy all rugby but as a NZ go proudly supports a pretty unbeatable team (for the time being) I am sick of hearing about the 'SH'.... It's every team for their own....
You think if Australia or SA beat a NH team I'm going to say 'haha silly little NH! come here my SH brothers, let's all have a big hug because we live in te same hemisphere...' ? NO because next week we will be playing SA or Oz then it's all eyes on that result. We can all fart and tickle each other in the pub afterwards, but I'm hardly going to be thrilled at another teams result if I lost matches (ala SA-scot and Oz-England)
I'm aware generally Oz and SA rugby is better than NH, but how many times do I hear about the 'unbeatable boks being part of the mighty SH' ? I couldn't give 2 f*cks if the bold beat a NH side, I only care if NZ win their matches. I enjoy all rugby but as a NZ go proudly supports a pretty unbeatable team (for the time being) I am sick of hearing about the 'SH'.... It's every team for their own....
You think if Australia or SA beat a NH team I'm going to say 'haha silly little NH! come here my SH brothers, let's all have a big hug because we live in te same hemisphere...' ? NO because next week we will be playing SA or Oz then it's all eyes on that result. We can all fart and tickle each other in the pub afterwards, but I'm hardly going to be thrilled at another teams result if I lost matches (ala SA-scot and Oz-England)
Tui February 24, 2011 3:14 am
Just to add, if anything I'd rather a NH side beat my neighbours rather than live in this little united hemisphere front.... at least it could increase the banter...
Jono February 24, 2011 3:26 am
Fair enough mate, I can understand that, who wants to share their glory?
I guess it's more in teh context of defending the Super 15 that we have alot of these debates, so it becomes a SH/NH thing.
Which is often a bit stupid anyway.
And I was refering to the 2009 tri-nations, by the way, it wasn't that long ago SA was top of the pile.
Been a while since Aus was though... sigh.
I guess it's more in teh context of defending the Super 15 that we have alot of these debates, so it becomes a SH/NH thing.
Which is often a bit stupid anyway.
And I was refering to the 2009 tri-nations, by the way, it wasn't that long ago SA was top of the pile.
Been a while since Aus was though... sigh.
Rocky February 24, 2011 3:49 am
Tui... Please shutup. You're making the rest of us kiwis sound like dickheads. 95% of kiwis enjoy NH rugby. Clown!
Rocky February 24, 2011 3:49 am
Tui... Please shutup. You're making the rest of us kiwis sound like dickheads. 95% of kiwis enjoy NH rugby. Clown!
Rocky February 24, 2011 3:52 am
** and we also love coming up against our south african and ozzie brothers!
Jono February 24, 2011 3:52 am
He didn't have a go at NH rugby.
He was quite reasonable.
Maybe you should take your own advice.
He was quite reasonable.
Maybe you should take your own advice.
Rocky February 24, 2011 4:05 am
I know he wasnt talking about the NH. I was talking about him having a go at the saffas and the ozzies. But hey if you wanna kiss his arse go ahead.
Douglas February 24, 2011 4:33 am
Any chance we can get a video of some of Ranger's runs in this game? He's still prone to silly errors, but when Ranger gets a quality in ball in space, good god, so dangerous. For a winger, he's also not afraid to have a go at it, pretty physical guy. Someone who will benefit immensely as he continues to get better coaching.
Re: Toeava, just an incredibly skilled player, but I think his best position is #15, which is tough, because NZ already have Muliana/Dagg/Jane at that position, which is why he's used on the wing by the ABs.
Re: Toeava, just an incredibly skilled player, but I think his best position is #15, which is tough, because NZ already have Muliana/Dagg/Jane at that position, which is why he's used on the wing by the ABs.
Anonymous February 24, 2011 6:01 am
Tui ,,,, you a such a boci bro!! we love rugby NH or SH yeah bro all blacks is on top flight at the moment but come on relax mada boci!
Jono February 24, 2011 6:01 am
Just trying not have another argument where people call each other names.
It'd be nice to just have a normal conversation.
Something about the internet everyone forgets their manners.
It'd be nice to just have a normal conversation.
Something about the internet everyone forgets their manners.
Colombes February 24, 2011 9:27 am
Just a compilation of good and crunchy hits here. don't understand why people having a go about the NH/SH thing.
Maybe the Super 15 defences are a bit more "elastic" than in NH, but the attacking show is great to see.
i think france-england will reserve some huge shocks. can't wait saturday..
Maybe the Super 15 defences are a bit more "elastic" than in NH, but the attacking show is great to see.
i think france-england will reserve some huge shocks. can't wait saturday..
Anonymous February 24, 2011 11:38 am
England vs Top 3
New Zealand won 6, lost 27, draw 1
Australia won 16, lost 23, draw 1
South Africa won 12, lost 19, draw 1
Ireland vs top 3
New Zealand won 0, lost 23, draw 1
Australia won 8, lost 20, draw 1
South Africa won 4, lost 15, draw 1
Scotland vs top 3
New Zealand won 0, lost 26, draw 2
Australia won 8, lost 18, draw 0
South Africa won 5, lost 16, draw 0
Wales vs top 3
New Zealand won 3, lost 25, draw 0
Australia won 10, lost 19, draw 1
South Africa won 1, lost 23, draw 1
France vs top 3
New Zealand won 12, lost 36, draw 1
Australia won 16, lost 23, draw 1
South Africa won 11, lost 21, draw 6
These are just facts (and Im from the north)
Now stop bitching and watch the amazing Rugbydump has to offer.
You can check this at rugbydata.com
Filipe
New Zealand won 6, lost 27, draw 1
Australia won 16, lost 23, draw 1
South Africa won 12, lost 19, draw 1
Ireland vs top 3
New Zealand won 0, lost 23, draw 1
Australia won 8, lost 20, draw 1
South Africa won 4, lost 15, draw 1
Scotland vs top 3
New Zealand won 0, lost 26, draw 2
Australia won 8, lost 18, draw 0
South Africa won 5, lost 16, draw 0
Wales vs top 3
New Zealand won 3, lost 25, draw 0
Australia won 10, lost 19, draw 1
South Africa won 1, lost 23, draw 1
France vs top 3
New Zealand won 12, lost 36, draw 1
Australia won 16, lost 23, draw 1
South Africa won 11, lost 21, draw 6
These are just facts (and Im from the north)
Now stop bitching and watch the amazing Rugbydump has to offer.
You can check this at rugbydata.com
Filipe
tb February 24, 2011 11:59 am
Is Anthony Boric a Croatian-New Zealander? Croataians are the best!
Anonymous February 24, 2011 12:02 pm
it was quite a good game and those hits are quality :)
No.7 February 24, 2011 12:03 pm
those facts...whilst i do not dispute them show throughout how many years?
What would be more interesting is to see how things are related more recently....
Its hard because teams ebb and flow all the time...i.e england were pretty much right at the top of the cliff in 2003 wc...then they fell off the edge when they ran out of electrical tape to hold the ageing players together (i.e 2004/05/06 etc...) Only recently have they seemed to gel a bit better (however its early days)
Ireland seemed to be on the way up, but then never quite reached their potential and now appear to be on the way down (and up, and down and up)
Scotland are similar in a sense to france...I mean that in the sense that, It depends whether they actually turn up...We have seen scotland get ruined by NZ in the last Autumn series, then have a fantastic game against SA...and this has happened time and time again....(but more so, they have a great game against one hard team, then some how seem to be amateurs against a relatively easy team...)
France, (see above) seem to behave in a similar fashion, dont turn up sometimes...
Wales are just wales, relatively boring team on paper that suddenly produces a great game. or a relatively interesting team that produce a crap game....or somewhere inbetween...
The big 'issue' here, is that Rugby down south is running rugby....im not saying forward play doesnt happen, but predominantly we see running rugby...which is why, imo, SA are the most dangerous generally, because they have the forwards to play just forward rugby, and potentially outclass any 'forwards only team' and the backs which can potentially outclass any 'backs only team'
NZ follows closely behind IMO, i dont 'not' rate their forwards, however I don't hold them in such high regard as SA. however NZ backs I class as the best (as a team, not necessarily individually) right now....
Australia, I dont see playing often enough...But recently their forwards looked to have stepped up their game. After some poor performances recently.
I think NH rugby is picking up on the running rugby style, whilst generally focussing on predominantly forward play... I (having played in both hemispheres) put this down to pitch conditions. Ofcourse NH gets dry weather (sometimes) but generally long passes on a windy sh*tty game don't happen. Games where you cannot tell which team is which from the mud tend to be low scoring slow, painful, and inch by inch rugby...
I think this is why you see more 'flair' with the French, the better weather in France gives you more to play with. (ofcourse adaptation is the key here!)
What would be more interesting is to see how things are related more recently....
Its hard because teams ebb and flow all the time...i.e england were pretty much right at the top of the cliff in 2003 wc...then they fell off the edge when they ran out of electrical tape to hold the ageing players together (i.e 2004/05/06 etc...) Only recently have they seemed to gel a bit better (however its early days)
Ireland seemed to be on the way up, but then never quite reached their potential and now appear to be on the way down (and up, and down and up)
Scotland are similar in a sense to france...I mean that in the sense that, It depends whether they actually turn up...We have seen scotland get ruined by NZ in the last Autumn series, then have a fantastic game against SA...and this has happened time and time again....(but more so, they have a great game against one hard team, then some how seem to be amateurs against a relatively easy team...)
France, (see above) seem to behave in a similar fashion, dont turn up sometimes...
Wales are just wales, relatively boring team on paper that suddenly produces a great game. or a relatively interesting team that produce a crap game....or somewhere inbetween...
The big 'issue' here, is that Rugby down south is running rugby....im not saying forward play doesnt happen, but predominantly we see running rugby...which is why, imo, SA are the most dangerous generally, because they have the forwards to play just forward rugby, and potentially outclass any 'forwards only team' and the backs which can potentially outclass any 'backs only team'
NZ follows closely behind IMO, i dont 'not' rate their forwards, however I don't hold them in such high regard as SA. however NZ backs I class as the best (as a team, not necessarily individually) right now....
Australia, I dont see playing often enough...But recently their forwards looked to have stepped up their game. After some poor performances recently.
I think NH rugby is picking up on the running rugby style, whilst generally focussing on predominantly forward play... I (having played in both hemispheres) put this down to pitch conditions. Ofcourse NH gets dry weather (sometimes) but generally long passes on a windy sh*tty game don't happen. Games where you cannot tell which team is which from the mud tend to be low scoring slow, painful, and inch by inch rugby...
I think this is why you see more 'flair' with the French, the better weather in France gives you more to play with. (ofcourse adaptation is the key here!)
Anonymous February 24, 2011 12:04 pm
Filipe > Brazil and Argenina have better records vs England and Spain in football too but their domestic leagues still suck.
RD February 24, 2011 12:06 pm
It looks as though many of you don't appreciate this video or the good intentions behind it, so for now commenting will be disabled.
I simply don't have time to trawl through the rubbish and remove all the childish comments. That valuable time (not to mention the time spent creating this post) could be spent improving other aspects of the site, or generating extra content.
If you fancy saying anything positive, feel free to get in touch via email.
Cheers
I simply don't have time to trawl through the rubbish and remove all the childish comments. That valuable time (not to mention the time spent creating this post) could be spent improving other aspects of the site, or generating extra content.
If you fancy saying anything positive, feel free to get in touch via email.
Cheers
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