Scrumtime - for Rugby Tragics
• 23/8/2007 - IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN - AND THE WALLABIES SNEAK INTO TOWN (VIA PORTUGAL)
I've been surfing around the various blogs and websites, many of which are springing up just in time for the World Cup.
The theme is - the All Blacks are going to choke (everyone's getting on that particular bandwagon) and why not?
Then there is the old stuff the Poms are spruiking about the 'defence" of their God given title - I don't think they are on the same planet as everyone else to be honest. With all of the numbers, money and resources that they should have at their disposal, they are doing the English thing - when the going gets tough bring in the old blokes. It might work in Cricket, but this is Rugby
The French think that because they are hosts, they are a shoe in. The rest all think they have a rough chance.
The French who beat the Poms, who beat the Welsh who beat the Argies all think they are a chance...etc etc...not much of a form guide, if you look at it.
....but the really interesting thing is that no one is really talking much about the Boks or the Wallabies.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies quietly arrive in town, not in any particular frame by the bookies and we know that they will quietly go about their business... which is exactly the space that they would want to be in..
The All Blacks are doing their usual sullen, superior thing of being aloof and unapproachable, no sex, no rock and roll, no enjoyment of the moment - after all, how can they, when they are carrying the weight of 20 years of failure and the expectation of their nation.. it's no wonder so many of them are giving up and going to play somewhere else after the tournament!
What we are seeing with the Wallabies is a team that is well balanced, well composed, together and with a quiet resolve to get on with the job.
And let;s not forget, when the Wallabies play the All Blacks there is no home ground advantage, and I reckon that that will work in the Wallabies favour, as I don't think that the AB's play with the same confidence away from NZ.
Bring it on. I can't wait and I think we are going to see some special moments in this World Cup. |
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• 24/8/2007 - IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN - AND THE WALLABIES SNEAK INTO TOWN (VIA PORTUGAL)
Firstly, yes I have to agree with whats been said. The AB's do have 20 years of failure weighing on their shoulders, and theres no denying that. However, as Henry so recently stated, "pressure is a privilege", and if you cant handle it do something else. Hey, we'll see how we go and if we stuff up...yes there will be the usual nation in mourning, and bring on the next four years.
Where I was merrily laughing was around the comments of sullen, aloof, and cant win away from home.
I think you should look at recent history, if you are looking at all. The AB's have won 30 odd matches from around the last 35 ( Imight be doing us an injustice approximating). Somehow I dont think these games were all played in NZ. Does the writer also forget Australias recent poor performace, where they had there worse losing streak in years, and are still finding it difficult to win away from home?
Hmmmm...accuracy, you have to wonder.
As for the aloofness of the AB's, yes agreed, not so far in the distant past, the AB's could rightly be accused of this. Again though, it is something that they have over recent years worked on, being accutely aware of this. Perhaps the writer is not aware of the last Grandslam tour the AB's did with all the PR activity surrounding them or pervious tours under Henrys tenure.
All in good fun of course; it is WC year. I only wonder if this is some dredged up, rehashed article that was first written in the early 2000's, with a couple of new lines thrown in between.
Let the WC begin and good luck to all.