You have to admire the All Black. Through gritted teeth, perhaps, but they can be the most obdurate of teams, albeit when it matters least. Last night’s victory over a hapless Australian side, shorn of it’s inspirational leader Mortlock, and during the match of most of it’s quality backs, was not a pretty affair. Nor was it compelling for any reason other than its closeness.
The delight on the faces of both players and coaching team spoke volumes. The great escape had nothing on this. Inept handling, forward passing en masse, and a clear lack of game plan made for a messy spectacle. The northern hemisphere teams must be licking their lips in anticipation of a reverse grand slam come the end of season tour at this rate.
Am I alone in being sick to the gills of the sight of Riche McCaught-Cheating bleating at the referee? We all know that every match played by the ABs is against 16 men, the opposition ranks being swelled by the ref, but there must come a point when the IRB put in their false teeth and outlaw this soccer style interrogation of every decision.
For those of us privileged enough to enjoy the kiwi commentators, each blast of the whistle is accompanies by a post mortem, which generally finds in favour of pro All Black decisions, but opposes those which themselves oppose their team. It’s great fun to listen to – we play a game where you have to take a drink each time the ref gets it wrong – usually most of us are unconscious well before half time.
Which means we don’t have to listen to them for all that long!
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Who would guess that you are a pom, whinge whinge whinge, no wonder you have taken to blogging your whinges as I am sure anyone who actually listened to this would soon be looking for a peice of rope. Poms that live in the southern hemisphere are the worst, wonder what keeps them here? they should do everyone a favour ...........
ReplyDeleteGeez Jerry: "The northern hemisphere teams must be licking their lips in anticipation of a reverse grand slam".
ReplyDeleteHaving watched it (with Aussie commentary: as 'bad' as the Kiwi one you've mentioned) I thought both sides played some dumbass footy at times but a reverse grand slam? Based on what? You're either having a windup or you're still drunk on the Ashes excitement - and therefore have lost your faculties - or ... what the last guy said...
Also, any recent international no.7 who wasn't accused of being a cheat by international opponents and fans tends to be one that isn't an international for very long. Of the ones that have the staying power: McCaw, George Smith, anyone-in-a-Bok-shirt, not to mention your saintly Martyn Williams - mate, they're all 'cheats'. It ain't just McCaw.
Always entertaining though Flay...