1. Australian Cricket Cheats. Waking up on Sunday to the news that we tried to cheat through using a piece of yellow tape with small hard rocks on it to rub against the ball - and that a whole leadership group - presuming Smith, Warner, Lehmann, Saker - were behind it was staggering. What gets into their brains? What a dumb arse plan with walkie talkies. They should have tied a piece of string to two empty cans and listened down the line. Rank amateurs.
Now the fall out. All the regular Twitter wisdom - Pietersen, Vaughan, Hussein, Steyn, Rodney Hogg, AB, Clarke...on it goes. Tim Paine as skipper...please. What about Nathan Lyon (or is he part of the dopey plan?), Khawaja (or is his spot on the line for Handscomb?). Bancroft will be barred and with him will be Smith.
Our whining, whinging and pathetic behaviour on these overseas trips has gotten worse with Lehmann. Langer to take the coaching reins...or Ponting?
2. Australian Batsmen Problems. Our batting woes also continue. We simply do not have enough excellent batting options in domestic cricket – or in the national team for sustained Test success. The Marsh brothers are going back to their bad ways. Khawaja may not tour England with his lumbering, lazy dismissals. Steve Smith has been tested on those quicker, less predictable decks in South Africa and is no Bradman all of a sudden.
When Matthew Wade is one of your best domestic batsmen (108 in this weekend's Shield Final v QLD), you are in trouble. There does not seem to be any new young guns coming through...that spells an entrenched problem for the future. Is the modern young cricketer a different breed not prepared to do the hard yards?
3. Nathan Lyon. He continues to disappoint on this tour of South Africa, while Cummins leaps ahead. Lyon got runs finally, but wickets are scarce outside of numbers 10 and 11. He needs to stand up or we will be struggling to win anything.
4. NRL Refereeing. This nitpicking start to 2018 is boring and dumb. Raking the ball back with the foot in the play the ball is excellent, preventing ‘touch football’ tempo; so too the sin binning of repeat infringers in their own red zone; but the penalty blown by Ashley Klein (Clown), in Tigers v Broncos, was awful. It was typical Klein grandstanding and attention seeking refereeing. He seems to bring this nonsense out when refereeing the Broncos in particular. Always trying to be in the limelight of the game. He needs to back down and let the players showcase their skill – not him.
How many penalty goals are being kicked? How few tries are being scored in some games too? This is why rugby union is on the nose as a viewing sport. Greenberg is not very smart unfortunately. However, missing conversions these days is more costly than ever before.
5. NRL. Manly. Crushed Parramatta last week and this week nothing. Souths looked sharper. Warriors look smarter and tougher. Like the Raiders the Eels are rooted - to the bottom of the table. Panthers have a bad early attitude and Cleary’s loss spells danger! Sharks and Tigers look like they cannot score points. Loved the Dragons work against the woeful Titans. Roosters starting to click.
6. AFL. Collingwood look ordinary again. Surely the coach, Nathan Buckley, is on borrowed time. Geelong look strong. The Demons may finally have some steel. Carlton no good again either. The Western Bulldogs were horrible and the Giants again dominated...but will lose in the semis again no doubt!
7. A-League. Interesting to see Paul Okon leave the Central Coast Mariners. Will not be missed. Played his favourites, ignored others and lost the dressing room. A few fresh faces arrived from the reserves on Saturday night and what do you know... 1-2 v the likely premiers, Sydney FC, after being 1-1 for a long time.
8. Winx. Brilliant as usual. What a horse! A world record number of Group 1 winners. Meanwhile Chautauqua, who has won more money than Black Caviar, refuses to move out of the starting gates at any barrier trials - in Sydney, Melbourne or anywhere else. Stubborn!
9. Socceroos. Losing 4-1 to Norway who are not in the World Cup is terrible. A straight sets exit from the World Cup lies ahead for us on this count.
10. Super 15 Rugby. The Rebels win again and it must be said...our quality of rugby across three teams is definitely stronger without the Western Force.
11. Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton could just about be the best ever, despite his shock loss to Vettel. On 62 wins, he trails Schumacher on 91 wins.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Wrap - Payne Seeks Release
1. NRL I. Beating the Melbourne Storm these days is like winning the comp - especially in Melbourne! The Tigers are showing some newfound steel in their defence and did really well to win. Comps are not won in March however.
Refereeing. The absolute obsession with silly penalties and nitpicking is making the game look stupid. Penalty goals are not great entertainment.
2. Eels. Well the curse of Hayne may just strike Brad Arthur yet. A 54-0 smashing is a complete embarrassment for a team who were 'training all the winter...and there is not a team that's fitter". 54-0 speaks of massive attitude problems. I suspect they need a clean out already. Hayne is done and I am tipping that he may get an early release soon. Who would have thought that they would fold in a heap with all those poor decision makers in their team? This broken record is finished with them. They are barred from The Wrap until they next win three straight.
3. NRL II. Conversely, Penrith comebacks in the heat continue (down 14 as well this week), with them capitalising on the oppressive western heat that they are well used to in those parts. I noticed Robbie Farah is stirring up again being on the bench and not playing. I wonder if they are getting the ladder ready at Redfern Oval for Robbie to sit on the old scoreboard and attract further sympathy. The Tigers look like they have moved on.
The Broncos played strongly and were beaten but for a last minute tackle by the goalposts. No Michael Morgan in that North QLD team changes them big time.
The Warriors look at lot sharper (especially Tuivasa Sheck), but got a bit lucky with the video referee. There are some big blokes in that team and no Simon Mannering yet either. Great start, but they have not played the top teams yet.
Billy Slater is a class act. 300 games and still as fit, skillful and slick as ever. Genius.
4. Newcastle Jets. A tremendous turn around this season in the A League by Ernie Merrick to ignite the fans up the M1. Sydney FC losing to Brisbane again opens the door. Ever since Graham Arnold has announced his Socceroos intentions, the wheels have fallen off. Can't believe reports that David Carney got in the car and went home after being subbed off. Surely the petulance of soccer players does not extend that far.
5. About Time. Heard the most important improvement in high levels of junior rep soccer. The sin bin for players arguing with the referee. Who would have thought? Long overdue. Now for it to appear in the top leagues and the game will be striding ahead.
6. Rugby. Australian team dominance over the South African teams continues. Brumbies back in the winners list. Beating the New Zealand teams is the next challenge. The Waratahs 51 point defeat of the Rebels was pretty awesome too. Ireland also won the six nations Grand Slam on St Patrick's Day! Top effort that! Eddie Jones is on the skids...great and surprising while it lasted. He would be hard to cop after a while I suspect.
7. Cricket. The demise of NSW cricket is extraordinary and generally, the standard of Shield cricket has slipped massively. The absolute absence of batsmen who have steel and character is further evidence that batting in Australian national teams will remain a huge problem for some time to come. It makes being the world's number one team impossible long term. When Hilton Cartwright is the leading run scorer, you are in trouble.
8. Golden Slipper Next Week. 'Sunlight' first and daylight second....
9. PGA Golf. Tiger's resurgence is heating up nicely for The Masters. Dipped a little in the second round at the Bayhill but is five shots off the lead in tenth...can he do it?
Refereeing. The absolute obsession with silly penalties and nitpicking is making the game look stupid. Penalty goals are not great entertainment.
2. Eels. Well the curse of Hayne may just strike Brad Arthur yet. A 54-0 smashing is a complete embarrassment for a team who were 'training all the winter...and there is not a team that's fitter". 54-0 speaks of massive attitude problems. I suspect they need a clean out already. Hayne is done and I am tipping that he may get an early release soon. Who would have thought that they would fold in a heap with all those poor decision makers in their team? This broken record is finished with them. They are barred from The Wrap until they next win three straight.
3. NRL II. Conversely, Penrith comebacks in the heat continue (down 14 as well this week), with them capitalising on the oppressive western heat that they are well used to in those parts. I noticed Robbie Farah is stirring up again being on the bench and not playing. I wonder if they are getting the ladder ready at Redfern Oval for Robbie to sit on the old scoreboard and attract further sympathy. The Tigers look like they have moved on.
The Broncos played strongly and were beaten but for a last minute tackle by the goalposts. No Michael Morgan in that North QLD team changes them big time.
The Warriors look at lot sharper (especially Tuivasa Sheck), but got a bit lucky with the video referee. There are some big blokes in that team and no Simon Mannering yet either. Great start, but they have not played the top teams yet.
Billy Slater is a class act. 300 games and still as fit, skillful and slick as ever. Genius.
4. Newcastle Jets. A tremendous turn around this season in the A League by Ernie Merrick to ignite the fans up the M1. Sydney FC losing to Brisbane again opens the door. Ever since Graham Arnold has announced his Socceroos intentions, the wheels have fallen off. Can't believe reports that David Carney got in the car and went home after being subbed off. Surely the petulance of soccer players does not extend that far.
5. About Time. Heard the most important improvement in high levels of junior rep soccer. The sin bin for players arguing with the referee. Who would have thought? Long overdue. Now for it to appear in the top leagues and the game will be striding ahead.
6. Rugby. Australian team dominance over the South African teams continues. Brumbies back in the winners list. Beating the New Zealand teams is the next challenge. The Waratahs 51 point defeat of the Rebels was pretty awesome too. Ireland also won the six nations Grand Slam on St Patrick's Day! Top effort that! Eddie Jones is on the skids...great and surprising while it lasted. He would be hard to cop after a while I suspect.
7. Cricket. The demise of NSW cricket is extraordinary and generally, the standard of Shield cricket has slipped massively. The absolute absence of batsmen who have steel and character is further evidence that batting in Australian national teams will remain a huge problem for some time to come. It makes being the world's number one team impossible long term. When Hilton Cartwright is the leading run scorer, you are in trouble.
8. Golden Slipper Next Week. 'Sunlight' first and daylight second....
9. PGA Golf. Tiger's resurgence is heating up nicely for The Masters. Dipped a little in the second round at the Bayhill but is five shots off the lead in tenth...can he do it?
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Wrap - Warnings and Vets
1. Australian
Cricket. Nathan Lyon needs to step up. He is never going to get a million wickets every innings he bowls of course, but no wickets in the second innings of the First Test was quietly left alone by the media. He only picked up one on Day Two, but as the GOAT, more is expected. He needs to lift if we are to win. Maharaj has more wickets than him. These South African decks are probably the fairest in the world for bat and ball. Steve Smith is certainly finding it harder to play there too. His technique is being tested and he is no longer having the ridiculous Bradman parallels flowing his way. His LBW dismissal was ugly.
AB De Villiers is a champion. We have really struggled to make an impression on him barring that crazy run out in the second innings of the First Test.
AB De Villiers is a champion. We have really struggled to make an impression on him barring that crazy run out in the second innings of the First Test.
2. Dave Warner. When Dave Warner
is roused, he becomes a dangerous power and batted brilliantly at a tough time. Those SBW masks are a pathetic South African ribbing, devoid of what it means. Fancy your cricket officials posing next to them thinking that was a good idea.
There is an unfortunate "outward looking" surveillance culture in South Africa where they love a scandal (as most countries do...England, Australia), almost delighting in what they can unearth about others - except of course if it affects one of their own players. A little like India, without their respect. They are 'ten mile toughies' in many respects and when cornered, bleat and plead their innocence. Unfortunately the Warner ball tampering accusation is exactly the poorest side of the South African spirit - nitpicking claims against others - coupled with support of players whose faults they are blind to. A shame they did not offer the same scrutiny to Hansie Cronje all those years ago. Maybe they need to sort their crime ridden country out first, deal with the absence of water for their people and eliminate the racism that lingers in the joint first. Check your own backyard as well for weeds.
3. NRL. Fantastic to see the NRL back. Some great games: a golden point thriller with Newcastle v Manly; a sideline conversion to win in Tigers v Roosters... great crowd enthusiasm. Very impressed with the Warriors too on a fast deck. They could be a force on their home decks this year too. They certainly looked fitter. The Tigers will become sharper, but had the right attitude. Eels lazy late, but the heat is an unfamiliar foe in the NRL. Most games are at night. The Panthers hyphenated surnamed players are big in name and big in size. They did better in the heat.
Amazing how the salary cap may just be continuing to even out the player talent more and more.
St. George looked sharp too, but how often have Saints roared ahead in recent years across the early rounds only to fall in a heap? Widdop looks much better outside Hunt. The Broncos look a bit old. Bennett may need to lead the retirements and hand it all over to Kevin Walters sooner than he thinks. Souths were terrible. Roosters disorganised. Storm were superb as usual. Nothing stops them.
4. Matt
Lodge. How was it decided that of the $1.6 million he 'owed', that he ever going to pay
it back? Or is that the point? Grind him into bankruptcy and cash in? Odd logic. Terror of the example.
5. NRL Press Conference. Is the NRL
press conference the ultimate in amateur hour? Cranky coaches, a cosmetic player in shellshock and questions you cannot hear unless you are a Port Elizabeth groundsman. Need to give a microphone to the media. It’s
like listening to a dying man.
6. Tiger Woods. Roaring back into some ominous form and hoping to live the dream. Golf diehards love an 'old' name on the leaderboards...and elderly winner. The nostalgia of the game perhaps shines through at these times. Former champions remain champions in their eyes. Maybe Tiger's form at Copperhead may be the sign of imminent major success.
7. Sheffield Shield. What a great time to be a batsman. How much easier can it be to make Australian international teams? Not since Dav Whatmore, Jeff Moss, John Maclean and David Ogilvie played for Australia in the late 1970s has it been better. I note Matt Renshaw has now scored three successive tons, but too late. Cameron Bancroft has shown some steel and determination in South Africa against some of the best bowlers in the world. That NSW top six are some of the greatest under performers in Australian cricket ever. Peter Nevill just quietly has been awful all summer with the bat too. He may never play Test cricket again.
8. Chautauqua. This great grey horse may never run again. It apparently will not jump from the starting gates anymore. It is jacking up something chronic. Like trying to get the dog out of the car at the vet.
9. Super 15 Rugby - The
Melbourne Rebels. Three from three. On fire and carving it up really. Cannot fathom the fall in the Brumbies' stocks however. They have rarely if ever looked so bad. The Reds have also won again v the Bulls. Coach Brad Thorn is one of the 'winningest' blokes in all forms of NRL/ Rugby as a player and coach that we have come across in our lives. He has already done more than his predecessor.
10. NFL. What about the Cleveland Browns? Fresh from a 0-16 NFL year, they are securing trades left right and centre. Surely you trade nearly everything for the best quarterback in the business?
11. A-League. This is the comp that never ends. Western Sydney Wanderers have made a strong late charge, but the impressive form of the Jets under the journeyman coach Ernie Merrick is the story of the year. Both Melbourne teams are in the mix, but Sydney FCs disastrous Asian League efforts show they just may be overcooked and ready to be defeated at the business end of the season. The hopes of the other sides is growing by the week.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Wrap - Winx Jinx
1. Australian Test Cricketers in South Africa. A cracking start by our boys, but we do have a track record of struggling to defend big totals in South Africa. Hopefully not in this test.
I must say that the Marsh boys at the crease have become a formidable alliance. Shaun's clever blade work on tricky decks is impressive. He looks to attack and refuses to be bogged down. Mitchell's power has been awesome. However, media calls for Mitchell Marsh as captain one day are way off beam. Ridiculous.
I really liked Warner's first session of the first day's work (albeit a lazy late out brought him undone). These tricky decks unpick techniques. Ask Khawaja who will struggle to retain his spot again abroad. Bancroft's first innings dismissal was terrible...walking across the crease to nick one. His 'bounce back' half century in the second innings was a lot stronger. Smith looks like he is in two minds half the time and has hit reality after a mighty run.
Nathan Lyon's turn/ guile/ deception and the stunning bowling of Starc and Cummins will put plenty of pressure on them. Hazelwood needs to bowl quicker than he did in the first innings. He was an uncharacteristic pop gun pace then.
2. Nathan Lyon. Troubling to see the ex-wife set up a blog to haunt him. Whether he has made a wise decision is for them to work out, but his bowling is certainly getting better. He is on 293 going in to the second innings at Durban and has just passed Craig McDermott (291) and is closing in on 300 test wickets...then Brett Lee (310) and Mitchell Johnson (313). That will only leave DK (355), McGrath (563) and Warne (708) in front. Incredible for an offie really.
3. NRL Kickoff. This Thursday it is all underway. Thankfully no more trials and talk. Matt Lodge will enjoy getting out to play a game without the media. His NRL inclusion - and not Carney's - is perplexing...even Russell packer's is more brutal. That footage of Lodge's rage is unbelievable. Does anyone know why he was in that house - or was it a case of mistaken identity? Tipping a Storm v Cowboys Grand Final.
4. Commonwealth Swimming Trials. All the usual names and suspects will again compete for us in a swimming meet which is surely one of the weakest worldwide. The incredible thing is how many of the team train and prepare in Queensland. Sure, longer daylight saving time, warmer weather, but their coaching programs must be so superior - or the intensity of their swimmers' preparation. Fast pools, down hill pools might help, but ultimately it is the same water and distance. Nothing else explains the massive gap to the rest of the nation.
5. Winx. Can it get any better? An absolute thumping was handed out to its rivals on the weekend. Not sure it needs to race at Ascot or in Europe. The slower tracks will do it no favours, but money and fame talks. It needs to race in dry fast conditions in the USA perhaps. Most Group 1 wins ever in Australia...closing in on the 25 straight wins of Black Caviar.
6. A League. Newcastle Jets getting the jump on Sydney FC 2-1 was unusual for its precision and power. Maybe the 'stainless steel dunny seat' premiership trophy is not a foregone conclusion yet.
7. Waratahs. Time to applaud a comeback draw in South Africa. Foley is a matchwinner. Looking a more composed and complete team, although Beale's injury may test them next game.
8. Shield Cricket. The run of poor batting - especially in NSW - continues. Sean Abbott is having no luck and hit young Will Pucovski in the head to send him into the turf. A tough memory. Good to see the ICC have raced to implement world wide reform with helmets. There should be a crackdown at every level of cricket with every club/ association required to provide two per kit. No excuses.
9. A League. Sadly it is in free fall at present. Crowds are getting smaller. The WSW 'Bloc' are sooking as well. The organisation is having its usual tantrums and soccer/ football problems. Most Australians are over it. They need to put away the flares, get rid of the politics and stretchers and bring in some big names.
10. Surfing - Nazare, Portugal. The footage of Ross Clarke-Jones riding the huge waves there - and almost dying - are amazing. Not sure why you do that at 52 years of age, but there you go. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6wTno4tp4 . Alongside me, he could just be one of the ugliest men alive.
I must say that the Marsh boys at the crease have become a formidable alliance. Shaun's clever blade work on tricky decks is impressive. He looks to attack and refuses to be bogged down. Mitchell's power has been awesome. However, media calls for Mitchell Marsh as captain one day are way off beam. Ridiculous.
I really liked Warner's first session of the first day's work (albeit a lazy late out brought him undone). These tricky decks unpick techniques. Ask Khawaja who will struggle to retain his spot again abroad. Bancroft's first innings dismissal was terrible...walking across the crease to nick one. His 'bounce back' half century in the second innings was a lot stronger. Smith looks like he is in two minds half the time and has hit reality after a mighty run.
Nathan Lyon's turn/ guile/ deception and the stunning bowling of Starc and Cummins will put plenty of pressure on them. Hazelwood needs to bowl quicker than he did in the first innings. He was an uncharacteristic pop gun pace then.
2. Nathan Lyon. Troubling to see the ex-wife set up a blog to haunt him. Whether he has made a wise decision is for them to work out, but his bowling is certainly getting better. He is on 293 going in to the second innings at Durban and has just passed Craig McDermott (291) and is closing in on 300 test wickets...then Brett Lee (310) and Mitchell Johnson (313). That will only leave DK (355), McGrath (563) and Warne (708) in front. Incredible for an offie really.
3. NRL Kickoff. This Thursday it is all underway. Thankfully no more trials and talk. Matt Lodge will enjoy getting out to play a game without the media. His NRL inclusion - and not Carney's - is perplexing...even Russell packer's is more brutal. That footage of Lodge's rage is unbelievable. Does anyone know why he was in that house - or was it a case of mistaken identity? Tipping a Storm v Cowboys Grand Final.
4. Commonwealth Swimming Trials. All the usual names and suspects will again compete for us in a swimming meet which is surely one of the weakest worldwide. The incredible thing is how many of the team train and prepare in Queensland. Sure, longer daylight saving time, warmer weather, but their coaching programs must be so superior - or the intensity of their swimmers' preparation. Fast pools, down hill pools might help, but ultimately it is the same water and distance. Nothing else explains the massive gap to the rest of the nation.
5. Winx. Can it get any better? An absolute thumping was handed out to its rivals on the weekend. Not sure it needs to race at Ascot or in Europe. The slower tracks will do it no favours, but money and fame talks. It needs to race in dry fast conditions in the USA perhaps. Most Group 1 wins ever in Australia...closing in on the 25 straight wins of Black Caviar.
6. A League. Newcastle Jets getting the jump on Sydney FC 2-1 was unusual for its precision and power. Maybe the 'stainless steel dunny seat' premiership trophy is not a foregone conclusion yet.
7. Waratahs. Time to applaud a comeback draw in South Africa. Foley is a matchwinner. Looking a more composed and complete team, although Beale's injury may test them next game.
8. Shield Cricket. The run of poor batting - especially in NSW - continues. Sean Abbott is having no luck and hit young Will Pucovski in the head to send him into the turf. A tough memory. Good to see the ICC have raced to implement world wide reform with helmets. There should be a crackdown at every level of cricket with every club/ association required to provide two per kit. No excuses.
9. A League. Sadly it is in free fall at present. Crowds are getting smaller. The WSW 'Bloc' are sooking as well. The organisation is having its usual tantrums and soccer/ football problems. Most Australians are over it. They need to put away the flares, get rid of the politics and stretchers and bring in some big names.
10. Surfing - Nazare, Portugal. The footage of Ross Clarke-Jones riding the huge waves there - and almost dying - are amazing. Not sure why you do that at 52 years of age, but there you go. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6wTno4tp4 . Alongside me, he could just be one of the ugliest men alive.
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