Wrap - ManTherapy

1. The Auckland 9's. Great to see Willie Tonga make his debut for Parramatta. Almost fell over when I saw him in the squad. Not a bad way to earn cash...not play for two years...must be near the end of his contract. How many talented Pacific Islander players can one team have playing at one time before there is a complete lack of leadership or ownership? To see players run over the sideline from a kickoff, fail to aim up in defence, rush out of the line and come up empty, drop cut out passes not intended for that player...are these the things of nines and pre-season or other factors?

Methinks there is a fundamental and cataclysmic culture of latent laissez-faire which engulfs a team without the hard nose diversity in their leadership. The sympathetic and unfashionably trendy 'leadership group' groups actually diminish the team's strength - especially if cultural nuances are not observed. The risk taking is loaded with blame and the fear of failure paralyses. Deeper than Doctor Brian Ironwood's voice on those mantherapy adverts.

2. Well first up, Shaun Marsh has over achieved. No one would have predicted him getting near enough to 200 runs in the First Test and a first innings ton. Good on him and good on us.

Johnson has again blitzed them. Imagine how many Test wickets he'd have if Craig McDermott had been the bowling coach through the miserable Micky Arthur years - and not losing his cash on failed property deals and dealing with sex tape extortion matters? McDermott has made a huge difference. I must admit the last time I enjoyed watching a bowler deliver his art more than this, was when the great Warnie was in his prime. 254 wickets and fast approaching DK Lillee at 355. Warnie will never be beaten in the 700's!

Fancy winning the toss and showing the Aussies you feared Johnson on that deck? South Africa through Kepler, Hansie, the Kirstens and now Smith...too negative. However I like the fight in Smith.

3. Can I throw one out there and argue that Watson does not automatically return to the team? Rest him and tell him he needs to get fit as there are blokes capable of doing more than him at Number 3. The batting (scrapping and focus) and catching of Doolan was something else. Warner bowled some handy medium pacers - Ponting or Hussey style. As I have argued many times over, Watson needs to know he does not play the tune..he dances to it.

By the way, Warner is fast becoming the most hated man in world cricket, but he carries it well. Peeling off the tons this season. He hit three before the Ashes in the Ryobi fiasco, a couple in the Ashes and one now. Prolific. he loves delivering a send off.

4. Australia's next captain, Steve Smith batted unbelievably too. He is a first innings run machine. Highly composed and more talented than most. Suddenly everyone can see why he played in the Ashes a few years back before he was ready. He scores in all conditions.

5. Looking forward to the first person who tells us that this form positions a team for NRL excellence. Give us a break! Gus Gould's decision to axe Lachlan Coote for his 'fragility' has lasted one Auckland 9's game. A soothsayer. Some bad injuries there.

6. Frank Farina. A 2-1 win might put the sign into the car boot, but it will re-appear. Frank has a shocking record. He's been sacked more often than most...maybe not Phil Hughes however.

7. Jose Mourinho has labeled Arsne Wenger "a specialist in failure". Great theatre and very true. Wenger does not get the tactics. Arsenal are the pre Christmas experts.