Jude to miss first test. Crouchie doubtful

[NMWBloods]

I think this game is a ridiculous waste of time!

[OldE]

I was totally hooked last night. I had an essay to do, but couldn't bare to turn the TV off. Despite Australia's thrashing, it was great to watch. I don't entirely understand the appeal, particularly as the players themselves seem a little hazy on the rules, but it was definitely enjoyable.

I was, however embarassed, at Eddie's parochial commentary. Only downside of the night (that and the fact I now have a late penalty on my essay).

Erin

[liz]

Originally posted by eirinn


I was, however embarassed, at Eddie's parochial commentary. Only downside of the night (that and the fact I now have a late penalty on my essay).

Erin

He should take a leaf out of his Irish counterpart whose knowledge of the Australian players is pretty good. I know he must have a cheat sheet in front of him but his comments on them, and instant recognition during play, indicate that he did his homework well before the game.

[peterh_oz]

Originally posted by eirinn
I was totally hooked last night. I had an essay to do, but couldn't bare to turn the TV off. Despite Australia's thrashing, it was great to watch. I don't entirely understand the appeal, particularly as the players themselves seem a little hazy on the rules, but it was definitely enjoyable.

It wasn't the rules that let us down, it was the fact we couldn't run or kick. It is usually a fantastic fast open-running sport (remember the Perth test last year?). Unfortunately last night was a one-sided bore (as most one-sided games are!).

I thought we really missed some "big" men, like Bazza etc (who rules himself out). BTW he's travelling in Europe ATM and "may" be called up to play LINK. Of course no-one can or would force someone to play.

[peterh_oz]

Originally posted by Snowy
Problem is most of the All-Australians didn't play.

All-Australians are picked for football, this is like football but isn't. It would be like picking someone like Willie Mason for Sevens. A good big forward but useless for that "version" of the game. We missed some genuine toughness though. Then again every time we tried we got penalised.

Were the umps trying to stop things before the fights started? Or was McBurney trying so hard to be unbiased that he was actually biased against us? It happens - not deliberately but it happens).

[robbieando]

We were done for pace, thus unable to use our size advantage to pressure the Irish into mistakes and tire them out for the last quarter like we have done in the past.

[j s]

Originally posted by Foreign Legion
You honestly didn't think Crouchy would miss did you?!?!.

He WILL miss game 2! He has a broken collarbone!

Means he'll start the pre-season a bit late but fitness has NEVER been a problem for Crouch

[j s]

Originally posted by robbieando
We were done for pace, thus unable to use our size advantage to pressure the Irish into mistakes and tire them out for the last quarter like we have done in the past.

I think it was the kicking that did us. (Tadhg sais this too in the post-game interview). The misskicking meant that ourrun could never get going. Even if the ball didn't go staright to the opposition, having to turn back to get the ball (because of a bad pass to you) meant teammates could never predict where you would go and hence couldn't start their run.

A running game requires certainty on what your team mates will do.

[caj23]

i was there and they were terrible (hird, kirk & brown aside)

the whisper around dublin is that the aussie team were out a club until 2 am the night before the game - disappointing if true

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by peterh_oz

Were the umps trying to stop things before the fights started? Or was McBurney trying so hard to be unbiased that he was actually biased against us? It happens - not deliberately but it happens).

Oh, absolutely it happens. There was always one judge I dreaded marking our equipment (fire brigade competitions) and he was from OUR brigade. He would always swing on the couplings to mark them. Anything even remotely close to a 1/4 " loose was rubbed out. Grr I hated him

Why am I telling you all this?

[ROK Lobster]

Originally posted by Tooth Fairy
Oh, absolutely it happens. There was always one judge I dreaded marking our equipment (fire brigade competitions) and he was from OUR brigade. He would always swing on the couplings to mark them. Anything even remotely close to a 1/4 " loose was rubbed out. Grr I hated him

Why am I telling you all this?

Dunno, but keep going. It is the off season. Everyone seems a little bored. I wouldn't mind hearing a little bit more about fire brigade competitions...