1. What about these Melbourne AFL clubs. Some need to be axed. For Melbourne to lose by 180 points is a disgrace. The coach should walk and so should the captain. That is either the worst AFL 'tanking' episode in the game's history - or a club that has had enough. The North Sydney Bears did less and were extinguished. AFL is dying in Adelaide too.
2. St George Illawarra losing to Souths. That is a bad sign. Gus reckons Saints are a lay down misere. I see plenty of skill but they look more and more like the team that Parramatta dusted two years ago. Melbourne by 40 on Monday night.
3. The great bore with a bat - Dravid - keeps piling on the runs. Another hundred. No one can dispute his concentration or resolve. A fair comeback from Stuart Broad who jagged a half century and a hat trick. He can swing the ball. England are the best in the world. Would like to see them win in India however on low dry decks. The Indians have never been good with a swinging ball.
4. Did anyone notice the bloke who has been sacked as a coach more times than anyone ever before him - Peter Sharp - has been sacked again. This time at Parramatta. Kearney needs to be careful sacking assistant coaches. He is next. Good to see Rocket Reddy go. What are his achievements?
5. All Blacks too dominant for any visitor to their shores. When was the last time they lost a night test match on home soil. They have some considerable depth.
6. The crowds being pulled for friendlies in the USA are something else. Man U v Barcelona drew 80,000! The USA will be the making of football world wide - even allowing for the corruption of FIFA.
7. Am I missing something? Is the Twenty Twenty domestic season at Christmas? Why is it the toast of the town with media photo opportunities, etc now? Hard to fathom. I'm officially calling it "Turncoat$ and Tightar$e$ Twenty Twenty". The cash is God. The crowds won't be fooled.
8. World Championship Swimming Medals are not easily earned. However when you win one like James Magnussen , the last thing you need is for a journalist to ask you whether Olympic Gold is the dream. "No, not really...never crossed my mind". Stephanie Rice needs to cook up something special. She is more rice pudding than risotto so far.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Wrap - Low Tide and Princess Highway
1. Cadel Evans. Doubted last week but superb in the time trial last night. A mammoth achievement. He is an intriguing character. Wide mouth frog smile, a temper like McEnroe and a heart like Fiona Coote. The vision from France at this time of the year will make the travel agents busy.
2. On doubters, Mark Webber. Pole position in Germany. Surely he has a win in him. Vettel to win again I believe.
3. Western Bulldogs. They are terrible. Talk of a mid season comeback was quashed with their appalling display again v Sydney. Weak and lily livered. But for the boot of Hall it should have been an eighty - hundred point game. Rodney Eade needs to go quickly and that club needs to get their act together or move to Tasmania.
4. Parramatta. It has become a weekly treat. Wait till five minutes to go and watch what next numbnut is able to do something dumb and cost them the game. Again, Hayne failed. Robson (gone to the Sharks TG) gives away a stripping penalty (akin to putting water in your petrol bowser at the service station), then Hayne gets cute with his kicks and gives away field position before the Dogs (ex Eel Hodkinson) boot a field goal. Parramatta's stupidity and lack of smart game leadership under pressure (and that is Hindmarsh mostly - as good a defender as he may be) is not to be helped with the signing of old mate Tautai, who returns from Cronulla for next year to the Pacific Islander Parrots. Not much good comes out of Cronulla - usually low tide is about it.
5. The most boring batsman since Chris Tavare, Raul Dravid hit a century overnight. Again, not about the team, about HIM. Gets the not out at 105, but runs for the team post century as the tail whimpered around him. He has traded on the 'I got a century, I am a cleanskin' mentality, but he is not interested in team success. A draw is his aim - and another century.
6. "Ban Bin Hammmam from all football leadership, admin and involvement for life" says FIFA. "That way, our corruption can only be blamed on him". What a farce.
7. Apparently Jarryd Hayne was in Kings Cross looking for a few competition points on the black market.
8. Wallabies were alive and kicking on Saturday night. Must say that at the ground, the standard of our defence was pretty strong by and large. The Springbox were ordinary and were more box than spring with many stars left out. What price is on a national rugby jersey these days? Seems as though a bench of 10 all get on...not like the old days.
2. On doubters, Mark Webber. Pole position in Germany. Surely he has a win in him. Vettel to win again I believe.
3. Western Bulldogs. They are terrible. Talk of a mid season comeback was quashed with their appalling display again v Sydney. Weak and lily livered. But for the boot of Hall it should have been an eighty - hundred point game. Rodney Eade needs to go quickly and that club needs to get their act together or move to Tasmania.
4. Parramatta. It has become a weekly treat. Wait till five minutes to go and watch what next numbnut is able to do something dumb and cost them the game. Again, Hayne failed. Robson (gone to the Sharks TG) gives away a stripping penalty (akin to putting water in your petrol bowser at the service station), then Hayne gets cute with his kicks and gives away field position before the Dogs (ex Eel Hodkinson) boot a field goal. Parramatta's stupidity and lack of smart game leadership under pressure (and that is Hindmarsh mostly - as good a defender as he may be) is not to be helped with the signing of old mate Tautai, who returns from Cronulla for next year to the Pacific Islander Parrots. Not much good comes out of Cronulla - usually low tide is about it.
5. The most boring batsman since Chris Tavare, Raul Dravid hit a century overnight. Again, not about the team, about HIM. Gets the not out at 105, but runs for the team post century as the tail whimpered around him. He has traded on the 'I got a century, I am a cleanskin' mentality, but he is not interested in team success. A draw is his aim - and another century.
6. "Ban Bin Hammmam from all football leadership, admin and involvement for life" says FIFA. "That way, our corruption can only be blamed on him". What a farce.
7. Apparently Jarryd Hayne was in Kings Cross looking for a few competition points on the black market.
8. Wallabies were alive and kicking on Saturday night. Must say that at the ground, the standard of our defence was pretty strong by and large. The Springbox were ordinary and were more box than spring with many stars left out. What price is on a national rugby jersey these days? Seems as though a bench of 10 all get on...not like the old days.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Wrap - A Peloton of Fools
1. Is there a more powerful instrument than the media for making a goose of someone? Mal Meninga has had a bad brain snap. Can't disagree with the right to bag them, but it was a poor call. Bagging the press amounts to nil. They always have the last word. Bagging everyone, he'll get a start on The Wrap soon.
2. NRL. Starting to see the champions rising. Melbourne will be hard to toss. Slater is the best fullback of our time. His resilience is unbelievable for a small bloke. V. Tough, but advertising Suzuki products will not help his cause. Duffie is something special too.
Manly are firing too with both teams having very few injuries at this stage. It can change quickly. Broncos will be there at the end too. Dragons favourites. Tigers still dangerous for mine but a number consigned to the dustbin (Titans, Roosters, Canberra, Eels, Dogs, Bunnies, Knights even). Injuries can change things big time. eg. Thurston.
3. Parramatta. The performance at Penrith defies belief. This comes after the capitulation a few weeks ago against Manly. They are simply a lazy football side. They do not compete for each other, rather leaving it for others. The kick inside..if you get a look at it, Moi Moi, Morgan and others...all walking. Next year they will be heaps better - a team of all highly focused and highly committed Pacific Islanders (Hayne, Uaisele, Loko,W. Tonga, E.Tonga, Roberts, Moi Moi, Lasalo, Horo, Maitua) plus Mannah and Sandow.
The performance of Jarrod Maxwell (looks like Tim the Toolman) with time off with a second to go is one of the worst home town decisions we have seen in a long, long time. Surely this was out of line but he seems to be getting defended as usual.
4. AFL. Collingwood too good. Richmond are finished too. They are the AFL Parramatta, this time losing to the Gold Coast who were down by about 50 at one stage. Third win for Gold Coast is extraordinary. Swans will be lucky to make the eight. Their SCG form is poor.
5. Despite rumours, I have not been hacking the phones of NRL and Super 15 coaches....Brumbies' Andy Friend, Matthew Elliott, Kevin Moore. All gone. I am hearing Steve Kearney is not safe after June/ July next year if he doesn't make some changes to the team's toughness under pressure.
6. As rare as an honest snow report from Thredbo (even the bloody sun is brighter than normal - and of course, more snow is expected THIS weekend...of was that NEXT weekend. It does not snow mid week of course), Samoa had a Rugby victory, but is this not the best demonstration of the arrogance of Robbie Deans/ Wallabies? No respect for the opposition and a squad of 40 blokes!!! 40 blokes...sounds like a wedding, not a rugby team.
7. Why is the British Open so boring on television? Sounds like the Ashes cricket coverage when they had one camera from one end. Appalling.
8. Is Cadel Evans slipping into a permanent third or fourth spot? When it is all said and done, he is a long way off the pace in bicycling parlance. The performance of the French film crew's car swerving into the peloton was magnificent!
2. NRL. Starting to see the champions rising. Melbourne will be hard to toss. Slater is the best fullback of our time. His resilience is unbelievable for a small bloke. V. Tough, but advertising Suzuki products will not help his cause. Duffie is something special too.
Manly are firing too with both teams having very few injuries at this stage. It can change quickly. Broncos will be there at the end too. Dragons favourites. Tigers still dangerous for mine but a number consigned to the dustbin (Titans, Roosters, Canberra, Eels, Dogs, Bunnies, Knights even). Injuries can change things big time. eg. Thurston.
3. Parramatta. The performance at Penrith defies belief. This comes after the capitulation a few weeks ago against Manly. They are simply a lazy football side. They do not compete for each other, rather leaving it for others. The kick inside..if you get a look at it, Moi Moi, Morgan and others...all walking. Next year they will be heaps better - a team of all highly focused and highly committed Pacific Islanders (Hayne, Uaisele, Loko,W. Tonga, E.Tonga, Roberts, Moi Moi, Lasalo, Horo, Maitua) plus Mannah and Sandow.
The performance of Jarrod Maxwell (looks like Tim the Toolman) with time off with a second to go is one of the worst home town decisions we have seen in a long, long time. Surely this was out of line but he seems to be getting defended as usual.
4. AFL. Collingwood too good. Richmond are finished too. They are the AFL Parramatta, this time losing to the Gold Coast who were down by about 50 at one stage. Third win for Gold Coast is extraordinary. Swans will be lucky to make the eight. Their SCG form is poor.
5. Despite rumours, I have not been hacking the phones of NRL and Super 15 coaches....Brumbies' Andy Friend, Matthew Elliott, Kevin Moore. All gone. I am hearing Steve Kearney is not safe after June/ July next year if he doesn't make some changes to the team's toughness under pressure.
6. As rare as an honest snow report from Thredbo (even the bloody sun is brighter than normal - and of course, more snow is expected THIS weekend...of was that NEXT weekend. It does not snow mid week of course), Samoa had a Rugby victory, but is this not the best demonstration of the arrogance of Robbie Deans/ Wallabies? No respect for the opposition and a squad of 40 blokes!!! 40 blokes...sounds like a wedding, not a rugby team.
7. Why is the British Open so boring on television? Sounds like the Ashes cricket coverage when they had one camera from one end. Appalling.
8. Is Cadel Evans slipping into a permanent third or fourth spot? When it is all said and done, he is a long way off the pace in bicycling parlance. The performance of the French film crew's car swerving into the peloton was magnificent!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Penalties hit
1. Is it just me or is there something very odd about our state cricketers playing for different states in this much hyped 20-20 comp around Christmas (a different state to the one they have represented up to Christmas!). Fancy Hauritz going back to play in Brisbane? (Some would say go further north to Bangladesh). What about South Aussie giving the Vics Tait - or Callam Ferguson going to play in Hobart. We are in more trouble than we think in world cricket.
India could kill us by mercy rule this summer.
2. State of Origin. Rick Stuart has something about him that makes New South Welshmen even hate him. If he was so overwhelmed by the moment of the series loss that he waited in the dressing room for so long he missed Lockyer's presentation....he has issues which make him a liability. Maybe Gould was right. Is player loyalty to Ricky simply a ticket to future Origin games?
3. If any one saw Parramatta's mediocre win on Friday night, they must have faith that the Tigers may now be one of the worst teams in the NRL.
4. Many would not have seen it, but baseballer Derek Jeter (2) hit his 3,000th hit for the New York Yankees on the weekend. An incredible feat.
5. Can anyone explain the stupidity of AFL players who hit opponents before the first centre bounce of a game - and give away a penalty? I am a big believer that those who give away penalties in any code are not worth selecting long term. Too risky and there is always an equivalent player of equal ability - but better temperament. The best players never seem to be that person.
6. Reds. A grand performance under pressure - and despite the ever increasing stupidity of Stu 'I want my face on TV' Dickinson, the ref had a decent game. The speed of rugby needs to be heightened however. It can never be a mainstream sport until the governing bods accept this.
QLD now hold national titles in A League, Super 15, Origin...their AFL is terrible and so is their cricket team. Doing well however.
7. The ARU World Cup Squad. Let's name 40 - FORTY - players and then cut it to 30 - THIRTY! Robbie Deans is kidding surely. Ewan Mackenzie should be measured up right now with a coach's blazer.
Can't wait for a carbon tax, pokies tax and a mining tax. Hopefully Gillard will shut up, stump up,and give up.
India could kill us by mercy rule this summer.
2. State of Origin. Rick Stuart has something about him that makes New South Welshmen even hate him. If he was so overwhelmed by the moment of the series loss that he waited in the dressing room for so long he missed Lockyer's presentation....he has issues which make him a liability. Maybe Gould was right. Is player loyalty to Ricky simply a ticket to future Origin games?
3. If any one saw Parramatta's mediocre win on Friday night, they must have faith that the Tigers may now be one of the worst teams in the NRL.
4. Many would not have seen it, but baseballer Derek Jeter (2) hit his 3,000th hit for the New York Yankees on the weekend. An incredible feat.
5. Can anyone explain the stupidity of AFL players who hit opponents before the first centre bounce of a game - and give away a penalty? I am a big believer that those who give away penalties in any code are not worth selecting long term. Too risky and there is always an equivalent player of equal ability - but better temperament. The best players never seem to be that person.
6. Reds. A grand performance under pressure - and despite the ever increasing stupidity of Stu 'I want my face on TV' Dickinson, the ref had a decent game. The speed of rugby needs to be heightened however. It can never be a mainstream sport until the governing bods accept this.
QLD now hold national titles in A League, Super 15, Origin...their AFL is terrible and so is their cricket team. Doing well however.
7. The ARU World Cup Squad. Let's name 40 - FORTY - players and then cut it to 30 - THIRTY! Robbie Deans is kidding surely. Ewan Mackenzie should be measured up right now with a coach's blazer.
Can't wait for a carbon tax, pokies tax and a mining tax. Hopefully Gillard will shut up, stump up,and give up.
Wrapova
1. AFL Weekend of Upsets. An unbeaten Geelong losing to a fading Essendon was a shock. Nothing compared to Sydney's incompetent kicking display v Adelaide. Carlton surging and Richmond capitulating. Collingwood still flag favourites. Brisbane finally win something (Broncos, Reds, Roar are lapping this mob who have lost their stars).
2. NRL. What a horrible weekend of league. Parramatta confirmed their wooden spooner favouritism. I can exclusively reveal they have also signed Junior Paulo - yet another Islander. BIG news for the future demise of the club. Tautai from Cronulla looks likely to return to the club. They are travelling like Tiger airlines. Steve Kearney is under pressure. All the cheap imitations who feel they have once rubbed shoulders with Bellamy have all been duds. Look out Souths. Bellamy himself was an Origin coaching failure too.
The only clubs who are thriving are the Penrith Panthers (amazing what an axe over your head does for effort) and the Sharks and Knights. Can't wait for Ivan Cleary to arrive there. No personality whatsoever. Suits Gus' ego perhaps.
3. Kitova. Wins Wimbledon against Sharapova who is sadly getting a choking reputation the envy of Jana Novotna. Djokovic will be dismantled. He even struggled against Tomic. If your name does not end in 'c' or with an 'ova' retire now.
4. Reds won, but will be no match for the Crusaders who won on the road all year (earthquake inspired). They will take the Reds apart on Saturday as well.
5. Vetell. He is operating at an infinitely superior level to all other drivers. His record is near perfect, matched only by Casey Stoner. Could be one of the best ever.
6. Did anyone notice Australia's Marcus Ambrose carving them up in Daytona? No? Watch Cars 2 in the holidays with the kids to pick up the ending.
7. The West Indies look to be clawing their way back without Chris Gayle who is chasing $$ worldwide with his brand of power and care free looseness. Interesting that they are unveiling some new stars without the histrionics. Their wickets never turn and never get worse. Shocking from Day One.
8. Good to see So You Think's trainer talking of a return to Australia. Will be interesting to see how it fares in France. Shades of Phar Lap.
9. The Annual Tour La Needle festival is on again. Cadel Evans is possibly the crankiest man in world sport. Ricky Stuart, Allan Border, Mick Malthouse and Kevin Moore (giving him two weeks before the axe) are in the finals with him.
2. NRL. What a horrible weekend of league. Parramatta confirmed their wooden spooner favouritism. I can exclusively reveal they have also signed Junior Paulo - yet another Islander. BIG news for the future demise of the club. Tautai from Cronulla looks likely to return to the club. They are travelling like Tiger airlines. Steve Kearney is under pressure. All the cheap imitations who feel they have once rubbed shoulders with Bellamy have all been duds. Look out Souths. Bellamy himself was an Origin coaching failure too.
The only clubs who are thriving are the Penrith Panthers (amazing what an axe over your head does for effort) and the Sharks and Knights. Can't wait for Ivan Cleary to arrive there. No personality whatsoever. Suits Gus' ego perhaps.
3. Kitova. Wins Wimbledon against Sharapova who is sadly getting a choking reputation the envy of Jana Novotna. Djokovic will be dismantled. He even struggled against Tomic. If your name does not end in 'c' or with an 'ova' retire now.
4. Reds won, but will be no match for the Crusaders who won on the road all year (earthquake inspired). They will take the Reds apart on Saturday as well.
5. Vetell. He is operating at an infinitely superior level to all other drivers. His record is near perfect, matched only by Casey Stoner. Could be one of the best ever.
6. Did anyone notice Australia's Marcus Ambrose carving them up in Daytona? No? Watch Cars 2 in the holidays with the kids to pick up the ending.
7. The West Indies look to be clawing their way back without Chris Gayle who is chasing $$ worldwide with his brand of power and care free looseness. Interesting that they are unveiling some new stars without the histrionics. Their wickets never turn and never get worse. Shocking from Day One.
8. Good to see So You Think's trainer talking of a return to Australia. Will be interesting to see how it fares in France. Shades of Phar Lap.
9. The Annual Tour La Needle festival is on again. Cadel Evans is possibly the crankiest man in world sport. Ricky Stuart, Allan Border, Mick Malthouse and Kevin Moore (giving him two weeks before the axe) are in the finals with him.
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