Rugbology Sept 22 2023

Quick taps : Wellington still unbeaten : Is Dupont gone ? : Will Rassie outsmart himself? : how long will Blackadder last? : Sonny Bill - RWC junkie !

RWC.

Apologies for break in transmission, I had been trying to process the loss against the Frogs even though we pretty much all knew it was coming but once again it’s a bitter pill. Not really because clearly the Frogs are better than us at the mo, it’s more about why we can’t mount a decent account of ourselves. Once again we spluttered a bit, did some good things, added in some stupid moments (kicked a lot?) and fell away in the last quarter as the Frogs lifted. We just don’t look right.

To be honest, we all know the AB engine has been running a bit rough for a while now both up the front and out the back plus we are continuing to land on the wrong side of the guy with the whistle (De Groot a tad unlucky but he’s a bit headstrong too). The head mechanics just can’t seem to sort it and I’m starting to believe the coaching team is either at odds or in denial as the players look a bit confused tactically and things ain’t improving.

Jase the hobbit has a well-earned reputation for cranking out highly effective, accurate and hard working forward packs but I’m starting to wonder if Fuzzy has been poking his head into places he shouldn’t. Admittedly our pack power and depth isn’t what it should be but there’s no excuse for a lack of effort and not getting stuck in. I guess this is why Ethan Blackadder has been injected as he will be encouraged to slip his collar and give it heaps which of course he’s famous for before he breaks. It’s a pity he’s not a bit taller as our loosies ain’t the biggest although Frizzell has the right dimensions, but then again which combination will be preferred ? 2 months ago the Cane, Ardie, Frizz trio was a lock in so where does Blackadder fit - bench maybe ?

Speaking of the bench, DMac has to be on it, as does Roigard and Leicester not. Namibia obviously wasn’t going to iron out any of the ABs issues as above but was a useful run for some especially the 3 players just mentioned. We have Italy next after a bye (what the hell is a bye week doing in an RWC?) and to be honest, the ABS need to roll out the 1stXV and produce a clinical and powerful performance. Hopefully Frizzell will be back although a cold start (fingers crossed he recaptures his early season form although some comfort with Ethan Breakadder on the bench!), plus Lomax and Jordie. These returning players desperately need a good run before the Quarters.

Another player who needs to fire is Beauden who seems to have gone from the running Prince to Sir Kickalot. Is he confused, lost a yard or just trying to farm rather than hunt ? Regardless we need more attack from the back - Will Jordan anyone ??

Anyway Fuzzy and the boys have another week to plot …………. hmmmmm.

Meanwhile this weekend is the blockbuster between the Paddys and the Boks. 1 plays 2, beasts v robots, soldiers v mercenaries, 13 forwards v 15 - regardless, it’s a mouth-waterer that I just hope isn’t unduly influenced or decided by cards. Almost impossible to pick a winner although I just wonder if the Irish will successfully pressure the Boks inexperienced 10, Libbok. All else looks even to me although big risk for Boks with 7-1 bench if a back or two go down and the forward battle is even - I have a feeling this will bite Rassie hard !

The other game of real interest is Wales v Australia - crucial because a loss for either could spell a pool stage exit given how well the Fijians are going and how poorly Eddies mob is performing. Fijis win finally gave the tournament an upset in terms of the traditional order of things and some real interest as most results thus far too predictable. If the Bula boys can keep it going through Georgia and Portugal they should make the quarters.

Personally I hope the Leekeaters beat the Wallys and Eddie is fully exposed as the Egomaniac he’s become and chokes on a large serving of humble pie following a press and social media roasting. Eddie “I’ll prove you wrong’ Jones has had a shocker, is out of control but will survive as the ARU boss McLennan not only put him in charge but displays all the same personality attributes. One player I really feel for is young 10 Carter Gordon - full of promise but hurled in the deep end without an experienced Quade Cooper of Bernard Foley for him to lean on. Madness.

NPC.

Taking a bit of a backseat during the RWC but Wellington still unbeaten after 8 rounds and worthily so. The rest are all having moments of glory and none more so than Counties who went toe to toe with Canterbury at the hayshed in Puke last week and courtesy of an 82nd sideline conversion from their 3rd ranked goalkicker, got home by a point !! The finish and kick of the year and Cantabs 3rd loss in 4 games. The only team that hasn’t shared in this years results lolly scramble are the Penguinrooters who have been their usual gutsy selves but remain winless.

That’s enough for now ……….. as always pass it on to others !

Cheers and …….UP THE WAHS !!!!

Rod