Comments on: Hello … remember the Tri-Nations? There is a game to be played on Saturday.

By: Martin

Martin — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 06:53:03 +0000

Great game. Did you see Francois Steyns drop goal. Wow!!! What needs to happen in order for Western Province to reach the final?

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By: Tony McKeever

Tony McKeever — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:44:26 +0000

MARTIN - What a fantastic game of rugby between the AB’s and Wallabies. Excellent display.

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By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:22:53 +0000

Agreed, but pointless up and unders did cause us to turn over possession and allow the opposite side to score. Mainly long kicks straight upfield by our fullback. `Would it not have been better for us kick the ball out and compete in a line-out in the oppositions half? I just think we gave them too much space and time to build up steam and run hard at us. I think we have a strong team playing with wrong tactics.

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By: Tony McKeever

Tony McKeever — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:16:24 +0000

MARTIN - There is a subtlety that Deans uses which is to get Giteau to kick the ball so that it land just outside the oppositions 25 putting all 14 of the players in front of the catcher offside with options to kick only and that is where they collect their possession and then launch a counter strike.

Watch this being used skillfully today.

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By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:24:17 +0000

Also would like to add that in my opinion the team that will not kick away posession is the team that will triumph. I think defensively All Blacks have the upperhand. Australia will miss Barnes in their defensive line. Gitteaux is a class player, but doesnt enjoy a tight game when all he has to do is defend. Australia need a Jean de Villiers like player in the backs. Jean de Villiers is probably the most versatile player in world rugby.

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By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:03:23 +0000

I think any team kicking up and unders these days are turning over posession. A terrible tactic to adopt against either New Zealand or Australia. One of the main reasons SA is out of the Tri-Nations. Apart from a good game against Australia two weeks ago, Conrad Jantjes probably cost us the tournament. The All Blacks and Wallabies love to run from deep as this affords them space to move and use their skillfull runners in the backline.

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By: Tony McKeever

Tony McKeever — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:05:44 +0000

BRENT - As will I - it will be great to see Deans deliver a counter to the All Blacks strategy. Expect a sophisticated aerial assault from Giteau to place a high ball outside the AB’s 25 to put the AB’s offside forcing them to kick another high ball which will be met with a well organised attck strategy.

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By: Brent

Brent — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:38:18 +0000

Agree your diving point, if i was a coach would fine/censure any player who dived without reason. (in cricket would hang the players who throw the ball up as soon as a catch is made) However thought Nokwe’s 1st try deserved a dive as he nearly had the ball knocked from his grasp.

Sat 1200 will be glued to the tv to see the absorbing Tri Nations final.

Brent

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