1. Wallabies. Is there anything more predictable than a Wallabies loss to New Zealand? The inept first half display was staggering. The defence is atrocious and the will to win seems vacant. The affection for the jersey and its tradition sadly seems to be fading under the weight of money internationally and locally for this group of players...I am seeing a pattern from cricket to rugby league as well. Are we becoming a greedy nation where rewards need to be twice as much as effort?
Surely there needs to be some serious surgery here. Chieka...can he stay? Surely not.
2. NRL. The Melbourne farm system of player development is superb. Why does this club get it so right when so many others fail? If you are a CEO, the future of your club needs to be richly invested around Cameron Smith as your coach. That is where future success lies, but I suspect melbourne have already got him signed up for life!
Canberra gone. North QLD and St George are on a thread. Manly have been a major disappointment of late too. Brisbane and Cronulla may trouble The Storm for a short period of a semi, but it all looks like a purple shower of glory in 2017. Eels have over achieved. I had them for spoon winners early, but a terrific 10 point Origin stretch got them into the box seat. They will need a huge replacement for Semi when he moves on.
It could be a busy week for the Bulldogs at the stationery store, buying lots of paper for release forms and signing agreements to shed excess players. Pens too. Mbye is super over paid.
3. Alistair Cook scores 243 with the coloured cricket ball in their test v West Indies. His form over many, many years has been super impressive. Especially given he has survived for so long. The top order of the English is a worry, but no less than our worries...The bangers may really trouble us this week.
4. ManU looking very sharp and positive early in the EPL season. Chelsea and Liverpool too. Great to see Mooy score the first goal for Huddersfield in the EPL for a million years.
5. Nick Kyrgios. A solid performance in Cincinnatti v Nadal and Ferrer. A final in an ATP event...and a crushing loss. We are dreaming but maybe Nick may in fact get it before too much longer.
6. Swans. The win away at Adelaide on the weekend was incredibly tough and well earned. No contract offer to McVeigh for next year is a de-stabiliser as his composure is so important. I suspect that Jack may be the man to fall on a sword. Richmond may be seeing some light this year, but they have been inconsistent at times in a year of major inconsistency across all teams.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Wrap - Piercing Performance
1. Sally Pearson. The self-coached Sally Pearson is an intense athlete. But how impressive is she? So focused and determined and has screamed back to the peak of her powers once more. An incredible effort from a driven and determined athlete. An exceptional highlight of the weekend. Dual world champion.
2. Usain Bolt. A sad way to end. He looked cooked to me at any rate, but the injury will be debated. Was he pulling a school athletics carnival fake trick? Why was the race starting so late? I was watching it live and the high jump presentation did drag on, but it was outstanding. Maybe Usain should have left after the last Olympics. A shame the winners were not given the glory.
3. Mo Farah. No go for the Mo 5K/ 10K distance running double this time but is he the world's best athlete outside of Bolt? He now turns his attention to the marathon...watch out!
4. The Swans' demolition of Fremantle was immense on the weekend. They monstered them early and were relentless, chalking up a few more points in their percentages. They look sharp, but I still think others can get them in the end. It has been some sort of fabulous effort to get this far. A huge test v Adelaide coming up. Geelong look there or there abouts and GWS seem to have it, if they can keep their discipline and intensity across four quarters,
5. Brad Haddin. A champion bloke by all reports, kind hearted, competitive...but fielding coach? That is hard to buy. With respect, what does he know about throwing and proper fielding? A silly appointment of looking after an ex-player who is not "ex" enough.
6. NRL. In the tight game, the Storm rarely lose. The Roosters pressed and pressured, but could not hang on...the QLD origin effect. Parramatta absolutely horrible last weekend (they could not win two games three years back to make the semis...is this happening again?) and the effort of the Titans was pathetic again. Jarryd Hayne could be in rugby by the end of the month! Canberra getting on a roll, but could be too late. Manly getting the hippee, hippee shakes!
7. Are the Tigers kidding? They have signed Josh Reynolds and Lolohea and have Brooks. Now they want Marshall? Next thing we'll have Benji up on top of that crowded scoreboard at Leichhardt. What a backward step. And there was Cleary offering hope. He has really only offered a chance of a wooden spoon so far.
8. Jason Day. Seen better days... a terrible end to his PGA round. Pampling's Happy Gilmore shot to speed things up for his playing partners is worth watching: https://www.sbnation.com/golf/2017/8/12/16137994/rod-pampling-drive-2017-pga-championship
9. Bledisloe Cup. The scoreboard attendant has been in the gym all week. His arm is warmed up and ready to go. It should be being played at the SCG.
10. EPL. What a crazy start to the campaign. Chelsea got smashed. That competition is stunning. majestic. Good to see Rooney score for his new (and old) club, Everton. The sooner this show gets back to its rightful home on Fox, the better.
2. Usain Bolt. A sad way to end. He looked cooked to me at any rate, but the injury will be debated. Was he pulling a school athletics carnival fake trick? Why was the race starting so late? I was watching it live and the high jump presentation did drag on, but it was outstanding. Maybe Usain should have left after the last Olympics. A shame the winners were not given the glory.
3. Mo Farah. No go for the Mo 5K/ 10K distance running double this time but is he the world's best athlete outside of Bolt? He now turns his attention to the marathon...watch out!
4. The Swans' demolition of Fremantle was immense on the weekend. They monstered them early and were relentless, chalking up a few more points in their percentages. They look sharp, but I still think others can get them in the end. It has been some sort of fabulous effort to get this far. A huge test v Adelaide coming up. Geelong look there or there abouts and GWS seem to have it, if they can keep their discipline and intensity across four quarters,
5. Brad Haddin. A champion bloke by all reports, kind hearted, competitive...but fielding coach? That is hard to buy. With respect, what does he know about throwing and proper fielding? A silly appointment of looking after an ex-player who is not "ex" enough.
6. NRL. In the tight game, the Storm rarely lose. The Roosters pressed and pressured, but could not hang on...the QLD origin effect. Parramatta absolutely horrible last weekend (they could not win two games three years back to make the semis...is this happening again?) and the effort of the Titans was pathetic again. Jarryd Hayne could be in rugby by the end of the month! Canberra getting on a roll, but could be too late. Manly getting the hippee, hippee shakes!
7. Are the Tigers kidding? They have signed Josh Reynolds and Lolohea and have Brooks. Now they want Marshall? Next thing we'll have Benji up on top of that crowded scoreboard at Leichhardt. What a backward step. And there was Cleary offering hope. He has really only offered a chance of a wooden spoon so far.
8. Jason Day. Seen better days... a terrible end to his PGA round. Pampling's Happy Gilmore shot to speed things up for his playing partners is worth watching: https://www.sbnation.com/golf/2017/8/12/16137994/rod-pampling-drive-2017-pga-championship
9. Bledisloe Cup. The scoreboard attendant has been in the gym all week. His arm is warmed up and ready to go. It should be being played at the SCG.
10. EPL. What a crazy start to the campaign. Chelsea got smashed. That competition is stunning. majestic. Good to see Rooney score for his new (and old) club, Everton. The sooner this show gets back to its rightful home on Fox, the better.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Wrap - Mo Go Bolt
1. NRL. A few NRL teams have almost given up. Surely the decline of the Warriors under Steve Kearney has to be arrested. Steve seems like a lovely fellow but has an awful coaching record. He has to go to a place where the trees sway and not a lot happens.
2. Ashley Clown. I noticed that the world's worst ref, Ashley Clown, is up to his usual standard. Paul Green will pay his $10K and nothing will change. He might win the penalties next week though.
3. NRL Violence. How that Ofehengaue was not sent off for the Broncos late v Gold Coast I'll never know. May not play again this year once the judiciary get hold of him with their lettuce leaf treatment package. Terrible, terrible tackle. League has violence issues and a send off would have delivered a powerful message. Mums everywhere that were watching (rare) may just have decided this will be their son's last season of rugby league.
4. Pujara and Pommie Power. I noticed the Poo Jar - Pujara scored another first innings ton v Sri Lanka. He is prodigious. Unbelievable focus and an unbelievable resilience level. So too are the whole Indian cricket team.
The Titans were pathetic. A 54-0 loss is a 'coach ender'. It is an embarrassment to every bloke who walked on that field in their jersey. Where has Hayne's pace gone? Left it in San Fran? I wonder how much impact Hayne has had on the attitude and culture of that team. Is League on the Gold Coast ever going to work? Coach Henry will be on the scrap heap soon enough too.
The Dragons were terrible in their last ten minutes and seem like they have had enough. No desperation or energy to win. Bulldogs are keen to show their coach up too. They are done. Des will struggle to stay. James Graham needs to move on. I like how Newcastle are playing for their contractual lives too...plenty of new signings for 2018+ has woken a few up.
2. Ashley Clown. I noticed that the world's worst ref, Ashley Clown, is up to his usual standard. Paul Green will pay his $10K and nothing will change. He might win the penalties next week though.
3. NRL Violence. How that Ofehengaue was not sent off for the Broncos late v Gold Coast I'll never know. May not play again this year once the judiciary get hold of him with their lettuce leaf treatment package. Terrible, terrible tackle. League has violence issues and a send off would have delivered a powerful message. Mums everywhere that were watching (rare) may just have decided this will be their son's last season of rugby league.
4. Pujara and Pommie Power. I noticed the Poo Jar - Pujara scored another first innings ton v Sri Lanka. He is prodigious. Unbelievable focus and an unbelievable resilience level. So too are the whole Indian cricket team.
England have South Africa cooked too. 2-1 up in the series and getting plenty of wickets through Jimmy Anderson and Broad. Batting on English decks in overcast conditions is one of the toughest assignments in world cricket. Tougher than India these days with IPL exposure giving world players a lot more experience on their dusty decks. Tough County cricket import rules in England are closing off exposure there too.
Moeen Ali continues to impress...a hat trick to end and win the third test. A very, very handy cricketer. He will torment and triumph in the Ashes.
5. Speaking of Poo...what gives with Tennis brats and their parents as coaches? This week Poo's father is arrested for a despicable child-related crime...John Tomic continues to look more and more like Damir Dokic. Kgyrios makes a fool of himself yet again at the Washington Open, not understanding that his trashed reputation in the USA will hurt him in the pocket...speak to Anthony Mundane.
All the while, Thanasi Kokannakis reaches his first ATP final in Los Cabos, Mexico and arranges an autograph session to thank his fans. he beat Tomas Berdych to make the final. Not a bad effort.
5. Cashola. Thank goodness all Australian cricketers will continue to get lots of cash. We can all rest easy now.
5. Cashola. Thank goodness all Australian cricketers will continue to get lots of cash. We can all rest easy now.
6. James Pattinson has pulled out of the Australian cricket team tour to Bangladesh with yet another injury after a huge county cricket season. Hopefully with plenty of treatment he'll be ready for next year's very important English county season. Joke.
7. AFL. That win by the Swans over Geelong down there was outstanding. What a performance. Exceptional. I watched the North-Collingwood clash on Saturday night. What a bumbling klutz of a game. Hopeless. What does Nathan Buckley do all week? Skills were awful.
8. Super 15 Final - Crusaders Eight Time Winners. And there it was... the reason for the ordinary nature of Super 15s...midnight plus time scheduling for us to access games in South Africa. Can any Australian bear that? The break dancing of the winning coach, Scott Robertson, was outstanding. Sounds like a top bloke and doesn't take himself too seriously. That might just be the best thing that has happened in the game all season! Maybe that is why they won!
9. Bolt. Beaten by Gatlin, the multiple drug cheat. The crowd hated him and the International Athletics Federation of Fools should not have had him on the track. A disgrace, but Bolt was not making excuses. he struggled most of the week. Mo Farah didn't though...what a drug free legend he is. Ten successive wins on a highly competitive world stage. Amazing.
We might struggle to beat the Bangers over there too. They can play these days and we are typical big heads with little respect...this can cost you in the sub-continent. Now that would be a wake up call to our team and the embarrassing administration of the game. Cricket may just have set itself back many years over these past six months.
7. AFL. That win by the Swans over Geelong down there was outstanding. What a performance. Exceptional. I watched the North-Collingwood clash on Saturday night. What a bumbling klutz of a game. Hopeless. What does Nathan Buckley do all week? Skills were awful.
8. Super 15 Final - Crusaders Eight Time Winners. And there it was... the reason for the ordinary nature of Super 15s...midnight plus time scheduling for us to access games in South Africa. Can any Australian bear that? The break dancing of the winning coach, Scott Robertson, was outstanding. Sounds like a top bloke and doesn't take himself too seriously. That might just be the best thing that has happened in the game all season! Maybe that is why they won!
9. Bolt. Beaten by Gatlin, the multiple drug cheat. The crowd hated him and the International Athletics Federation of Fools should not have had him on the track. A disgrace, but Bolt was not making excuses. he struggled most of the week. Mo Farah didn't though...what a drug free legend he is. Ten successive wins on a highly competitive world stage. Amazing.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Wrap - Storm Clouds
1. NRL. Let's give the comp to the Storm already. They have been outstanding again this year. What about Cameron Smith? 350 games and another 100 in him! He has set every longevity record in the game - NRL, Origin and Kangaroos. A true great of the game. Terrible displays by the Titans, Rabbits and Saints. Souths done for the year and the Dogs (although I suspect the Eels might struggle to beat them this week coming). Saints were awful losing unexpectedly to the Knights too. Eels a surprise and Manly soft. Manly are leaking a lot of points of late and have fallen in a heap. Broncos will not enjoy no McCullough for the rest of the season.
Whether the Eels can make the semis is another point. Moses looks slick and sensible. Kenny Edwards has unfortunately become a complete goose. Two or three seasons back Parramatta required ONE win to make the semis three weeks out - and failed. They now require two wins to seal it. Surely...
2. Cricket I. India have annihilated Sri Lanka. Kohli yet another ton. The work of Cheteshwar Pujara is amazing. He has chalked up yet another first innings ton. He has twelve tons from 49 tests at 52.18. His concentration is immense. He meditates at the crease and simply cannot be removed. Sheer talent.
3. Cricket II. The continued blitz of South Africa by England has continued. Jimmy Anderson is outstanding, but South Africa has been found out with the bat in hand. They have crumbled like the Australians do in England. Meanwhile England have the hippy hippy shakes with their top three bats. They simply cannot find a number 3.
4. Super Rugby. Has anyone any idea where this comp is at? Who won the semis? How poorly promoted are the semis. What a schemozzle! For the record the Lions play the crusaders in South Africa. A great reward for the Crusaders after NZ smashed all teams all year!
5. AFL. Hawthorn could do a lot of damage in the finals if they can get there. They have the absolute wood on the Swans. Play on a big field like the MCG and they win. Geelong are looking sharp. Adelaide need to pick things up away from home and were super lucky to draw v Collingwood after the siren. Western Bulldogs could surprise again from lower in the semi final mix.
6. Swimming World Championships. One world championship swimming medal for Emily Sehbohm - and no one else (?). What is going on in that sport?
Whether the Eels can make the semis is another point. Moses looks slick and sensible. Kenny Edwards has unfortunately become a complete goose. Two or three seasons back Parramatta required ONE win to make the semis three weeks out - and failed. They now require two wins to seal it. Surely...
2. Cricket I. India have annihilated Sri Lanka. Kohli yet another ton. The work of Cheteshwar Pujara is amazing. He has chalked up yet another first innings ton. He has twelve tons from 49 tests at 52.18. His concentration is immense. He meditates at the crease and simply cannot be removed. Sheer talent.
3. Cricket II. The continued blitz of South Africa by England has continued. Jimmy Anderson is outstanding, but South Africa has been found out with the bat in hand. They have crumbled like the Australians do in England. Meanwhile England have the hippy hippy shakes with their top three bats. They simply cannot find a number 3.
4. Super Rugby. Has anyone any idea where this comp is at? Who won the semis? How poorly promoted are the semis. What a schemozzle! For the record the Lions play the crusaders in South Africa. A great reward for the Crusaders after NZ smashed all teams all year!
5. AFL. Hawthorn could do a lot of damage in the finals if they can get there. They have the absolute wood on the Swans. Play on a big field like the MCG and they win. Geelong are looking sharp. Adelaide need to pick things up away from home and were super lucky to draw v Collingwood after the siren. Western Bulldogs could surprise again from lower in the semi final mix.
6. Swimming World Championships. One world championship swimming medal for Emily Sehbohm - and no one else (?). What is going on in that sport?
7. Sport Rort. I get the distinct impression that in Australia, everyone in sport is trying too hard to be greedy in and around sport. (eg. Cricket, NRL, SANZAR....on it goes). At the local level, sports management and high performance hangers on are being funded heavily by parents. It starts at the junior level where rego fees are a joke. Everyone is trying to screw over the parent or the participant and accumulate funding for their opulent specialist coaches and directors of duds. Time for an absolute clear out.
8. How about this for an injury in sport? Baseball pitcher, Robbie Ray (AZ Diamondbacks) copped one this week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kdm4BcZeJ8
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Wrap - Narcissus Norman
1. British Open Golf. Speith is a genius. Down to earth, solid, seemingly a top bloke and a two time golf major winner. Maybe three? Compare him to another two time golf major winner in Greg Norman whose supplies of lakes and mirrors at an age makes him an avid fan of himself. Tremendous physique, but he is sadly and desperately out of touch. Very sad for a bloke who did so much in the game. Humility and judgement seem to have gone south. Extremely hard to like. Who posts a photo of themselves like this? Greg, you are fair dinkum kidding mate.
"Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus lost his will to live. He stared at his reflection until he died. Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself and one's physical appearance and/or public perception"
2. AFL. Adelaide look like they will smash most comers in 2017. They have a clear break now. Their swarming defence is outstanding. They absolutely overwhelmed Geelong. Precision, but I worry about them in the wet. Essendon it must be said have really excelled after a bad drugs related year in 2016. GWS have hit the wall. They need to seriously regroup or they will not figure.
The rise of the Swans has been impressive. Kurt Tippett is finished. Earning a motza, but unable to crack it back into the team. Attitude. Great win by Richmond as well. Their terrible tide may be turning.
3. Cricket. This whole charade is a very, very boring joke. $200K for a Shield cricketer? That is a healthy earn for a zero crowd pulling player. The Ashes are probably under genuine threat, but these blokes are not putting their bodies on the line each week. Physicality is not taking a toll on their futures. They are very fortunate to be in an era of immense cricketing wealth. This summer may see the rise of the women's game instead. Fewer whingers, despite the World Cup exit.
4. NRL. How bad are the Bulldogs? Jackson, Morris x2, Klemmer, Hopoate, Reynolds, Mbye...surely they should win more than this. Stranded on 18 points and feeling like Parramatta fans. Des Hasler has stacked on the beef of late. Maybe they are all getting a little too indulged. Time for a clean out. Foran and Aaron Woods to come in? Not sure that will cure it. Watch Kasiano become an absolute powerhouse at Melbourne.
I noticed Cronulla have signed Aaron Gray from Souths. A talent. They may be worried re Dugan, but St George look like they may have made a very good decision. Widdop is possibly the best pivot in the comp at present. Cowboys doing really well without Thurston and Manly...an awful loss.
5. Parramatta keep winning ugly and are the only top eight team with a negative point differential. Good luck to them. They need the hard headed Beau Scott back on the run into the semis. The first bloke I would sign for them would be Simon Mannering from the Warriors. What a week in-week out champion he is in a dud team. Unfortunately, The Eels simply cannot beat a top four team - Storm, Roosters, Broncos or Sharks. It won't happen. The Storm are a mile in front in July...but September is when the sun shines.
6. NRL Referees. A weekly refereeing wrap surely is not too much to ask from the NRL. A published sheet to the papers - or an appearance by Tony Archer on NRL360 or similar. I wonder whether Tony Archer has counted more than five errors by referees in 2017 after their remarkable numbers in 2016? The first bloke sacked needs to be Ashley Clown. This business of
7. Brumbies. As the top ranked Australian team, they sunk to a dismal exit Friday night. A deserved thrashing for Australian rugby. They don't get much right rugby. Even their GPS Sydney heartland are giving the game the flick. Crusaders to win it again for mine.
8. Federer. Legend. Unbelievable finesse and power for a bloke of his age and experience. He must enjoy smashing the younger Tomic/ Kgyrios type brigade.
9. Origin. Blame Dugan and Ferguson? What about just applauding the greatest team since St George in the 1950/60 era. Phenomenal spirit and skill.
"Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus lost his will to live. He stared at his reflection until he died. Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself and one's physical appearance and/or public perception"
2. AFL. Adelaide look like they will smash most comers in 2017. They have a clear break now. Their swarming defence is outstanding. They absolutely overwhelmed Geelong. Precision, but I worry about them in the wet. Essendon it must be said have really excelled after a bad drugs related year in 2016. GWS have hit the wall. They need to seriously regroup or they will not figure.
The rise of the Swans has been impressive. Kurt Tippett is finished. Earning a motza, but unable to crack it back into the team. Attitude. Great win by Richmond as well. Their terrible tide may be turning.
3. Cricket. This whole charade is a very, very boring joke. $200K for a Shield cricketer? That is a healthy earn for a zero crowd pulling player. The Ashes are probably under genuine threat, but these blokes are not putting their bodies on the line each week. Physicality is not taking a toll on their futures. They are very fortunate to be in an era of immense cricketing wealth. This summer may see the rise of the women's game instead. Fewer whingers, despite the World Cup exit.
4. NRL. How bad are the Bulldogs? Jackson, Morris x2, Klemmer, Hopoate, Reynolds, Mbye...surely they should win more than this. Stranded on 18 points and feeling like Parramatta fans. Des Hasler has stacked on the beef of late. Maybe they are all getting a little too indulged. Time for a clean out. Foran and Aaron Woods to come in? Not sure that will cure it. Watch Kasiano become an absolute powerhouse at Melbourne.
I noticed Cronulla have signed Aaron Gray from Souths. A talent. They may be worried re Dugan, but St George look like they may have made a very good decision. Widdop is possibly the best pivot in the comp at present. Cowboys doing really well without Thurston and Manly...an awful loss.
5. Parramatta keep winning ugly and are the only top eight team with a negative point differential. Good luck to them. They need the hard headed Beau Scott back on the run into the semis. The first bloke I would sign for them would be Simon Mannering from the Warriors. What a week in-week out champion he is in a dud team. Unfortunately, The Eels simply cannot beat a top four team - Storm, Roosters, Broncos or Sharks. It won't happen. The Storm are a mile in front in July...but September is when the sun shines.
6. NRL Referees. A weekly refereeing wrap surely is not too much to ask from the NRL. A published sheet to the papers - or an appearance by Tony Archer on NRL360 or similar. I wonder whether Tony Archer has counted more than five errors by referees in 2017 after their remarkable numbers in 2016? The first bloke sacked needs to be Ashley Clown. This business of
7. Brumbies. As the top ranked Australian team, they sunk to a dismal exit Friday night. A deserved thrashing for Australian rugby. They don't get much right rugby. Even their GPS Sydney heartland are giving the game the flick. Crusaders to win it again for mine.
8. Federer. Legend. Unbelievable finesse and power for a bloke of his age and experience. He must enjoy smashing the younger Tomic/ Kgyrios type brigade.
9. Origin. Blame Dugan and Ferguson? What about just applauding the greatest team since St George in the 1950/60 era. Phenomenal spirit and skill.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Wrap - Mount Midoriyama Globetrotters
1. Origin Washup. Surely Aaron Woods, despite the media attention, has become the most overrated forward in the game. The Bulldogs will be worried. Where did NSW go wrong? As predicted:
i. No second phase ball and no width. Ferguson and Brett Morris only got the ball twice each. Morris has retired in seeming protest.
ii. Horrible kicking game. Only hit the grass once.
iii. Slow defensive line speed as opposed the to rapid fire surging defence from OLD. Lazy forwards who do not want it enough.
iv. Lack of 'bend' in their defence (bar 15 minutes at the start of the second half). QLD landed on stomachs all night and had much quicker play the balls.
v. Nathan Peats is a great defender with a strong pass, but no zip from dummy half is a problem. Too predictable. No creativity.
vi. Lack of halves that have creativity and penetration.
vii. No grind in tough moments by NSW. They prefer the miracle low percentage play. QLD are just simply too good in the grind.
viii. Lack of leadership.
2. Origin Discards - Gone and not to return: Hayne, Morris, Pearce, Woods, Peats. Klemmer was outstanding. Melbourne Storm have an awesome impact every week and in Origin. The Smith defence, the Cronk kick, the Slater yards......on it goes. Tough and resolute under pressure.
As predicted, Munster did the business - no need for DCE and an excellent selection.
3. Stuart Broad. Like him or hate him, Broad (373 Test wickets) has been a dominant force in world cricket for a long time. His combination with Jimmy Anderson (475 Test wickets) has been immense for a long time. They are almost unplayable in England as well on those seaming decks. They are going to absolutely carve us up if there are overcast conditions. South Africa's Vernon Philander would be the world's best bowler if he could stay fit. Awesome on English decks. They are missing Dale Steyn who has a stunning record...a mirror of Richard Hadlee.
Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath is also a Test phenonemon. 382 wickets...in 81 Tests (better than Marshall and Akram). Why he is not playing ODIs for them is beyond me. They just lost to Zimbabwe!
4. Wimbledon - Garbine Muguruza - Roger Federer Double? Federer is simply outstanding. 11 Wimbledon finals! His character, skill and class is spectacular. We have been privileged to see one of the all time greats. Cilic is no pushover. He has aggression and a pacy serve - if he lands it consistently. He is like Stan the man. A "lights out" player - if the coal powered electricity has not been wiped out.
Muguruza smashed Venus Williams it must be said. She hits with power. A good time to load up on Grand Slam titles with Serena having a baby. Neither would have a chance if she was fit and well. Venus looks like the classic older sister who has had so much expectation on her and little chance to live her life. She did wonderfully well, but there is simply not enough power in her game - a career long flaw. Hopefully she can retire soon and enjoy life.
5. AFL. Geelong defeated Hawthorn in a tight one on Saturday (loss by three points), but were impressive. 'Danger' was a strength despite injury. The Hawks have had a some narrow wins beating Melbourne (3 points) and Swans (6 points), but they may be in trouble now for semis. Adelaide looks favourites for some GF representation while GWS-Swans was a cracker! Swans on an absolute march, but cannot afford to drop a game. St Kilda v. disappointing!
6. Mayweather. I get the sneaky suspicion that 'Money' Mayweather may absolutely smash Connor McGregor. As a boxing bout, McGregor will not aim up, but as Horn proved, strange things can happen. I note Mayweather was polite but definite - no money for Horn. I also noticed that McGregor is a showboating, loud mouth who may soon be a rich showboating, loud mouth.
7. Arsenal. Their flying visit to play in front of 80,000 twice, is a handy little pre-season earner for the club. They made Sydney FC look like those hapless mobs that the Harlem Globetrotters used to belt. The Western Sydney Wanderers would want to improve too. Their goal counted, but was comical. Clearly our mid fielders are simply not quick enough or skilful enough to compete on the world stage. Their pace was blinding. Ours...? Well...
8. Rugby. The NZ domination continues. We cannot match them and are simply not as good - like NSW in the Origin. The Waratahs' 41 point loss caps off a dismal year of embarrassment. Surely the coach must go. Hooper's reign as a skipper has also been terrible.
i. No second phase ball and no width. Ferguson and Brett Morris only got the ball twice each. Morris has retired in seeming protest.
ii. Horrible kicking game. Only hit the grass once.
iii. Slow defensive line speed as opposed the to rapid fire surging defence from OLD. Lazy forwards who do not want it enough.
iv. Lack of 'bend' in their defence (bar 15 minutes at the start of the second half). QLD landed on stomachs all night and had much quicker play the balls.
v. Nathan Peats is a great defender with a strong pass, but no zip from dummy half is a problem. Too predictable. No creativity.
vi. Lack of halves that have creativity and penetration.
vii. No grind in tough moments by NSW. They prefer the miracle low percentage play. QLD are just simply too good in the grind.
viii. Lack of leadership.
2. Origin Discards - Gone and not to return: Hayne, Morris, Pearce, Woods, Peats. Klemmer was outstanding. Melbourne Storm have an awesome impact every week and in Origin. The Smith defence, the Cronk kick, the Slater yards......on it goes. Tough and resolute under pressure.
As predicted, Munster did the business - no need for DCE and an excellent selection.
3. Stuart Broad. Like him or hate him, Broad (373 Test wickets) has been a dominant force in world cricket for a long time. His combination with Jimmy Anderson (475 Test wickets) has been immense for a long time. They are almost unplayable in England as well on those seaming decks. They are going to absolutely carve us up if there are overcast conditions. South Africa's Vernon Philander would be the world's best bowler if he could stay fit. Awesome on English decks. They are missing Dale Steyn who has a stunning record...a mirror of Richard Hadlee.
Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath is also a Test phenonemon. 382 wickets...in 81 Tests (better than Marshall and Akram). Why he is not playing ODIs for them is beyond me. They just lost to Zimbabwe!
4. Wimbledon - Garbine Muguruza - Roger Federer Double? Federer is simply outstanding. 11 Wimbledon finals! His character, skill and class is spectacular. We have been privileged to see one of the all time greats. Cilic is no pushover. He has aggression and a pacy serve - if he lands it consistently. He is like Stan the man. A "lights out" player - if the coal powered electricity has not been wiped out.
Muguruza smashed Venus Williams it must be said. She hits with power. A good time to load up on Grand Slam titles with Serena having a baby. Neither would have a chance if she was fit and well. Venus looks like the classic older sister who has had so much expectation on her and little chance to live her life. She did wonderfully well, but there is simply not enough power in her game - a career long flaw. Hopefully she can retire soon and enjoy life.
5. AFL. Geelong defeated Hawthorn in a tight one on Saturday (loss by three points), but were impressive. 'Danger' was a strength despite injury. The Hawks have had a some narrow wins beating Melbourne (3 points) and Swans (6 points), but they may be in trouble now for semis. Adelaide looks favourites for some GF representation while GWS-Swans was a cracker! Swans on an absolute march, but cannot afford to drop a game. St Kilda v. disappointing!
6. Mayweather. I get the sneaky suspicion that 'Money' Mayweather may absolutely smash Connor McGregor. As a boxing bout, McGregor will not aim up, but as Horn proved, strange things can happen. I note Mayweather was polite but definite - no money for Horn. I also noticed that McGregor is a showboating, loud mouth who may soon be a rich showboating, loud mouth.
7. Arsenal. Their flying visit to play in front of 80,000 twice, is a handy little pre-season earner for the club. They made Sydney FC look like those hapless mobs that the Harlem Globetrotters used to belt. The Western Sydney Wanderers would want to improve too. Their goal counted, but was comical. Clearly our mid fielders are simply not quick enough or skilful enough to compete on the world stage. Their pace was blinding. Ours...? Well...
8. Rugby. The NZ domination continues. We cannot match them and are simply not as good - like NSW in the Origin. The Waratahs' 41 point loss caps off a dismal year of embarrassment. Surely the coach must go. Hooper's reign as a skipper has also been terrible.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Wrap - Ninja Bullies
1. Bullies. Not sure if it is possible to find a sportsman who WASN'T bullied as a child - yet still succeeded! Most contestants on The Voice would agree. Here's hoping we can move beyond this and read of some men and women in sport who just worked hard and persevered...forging their name through excellence, dedication and passion for success.
2. Ninja Warrior...anyone of the contestants bullied there in the past? Rare that this fine sport would be mentioned in this blog, but there is some outstanding work there. The aim is to get to the top of Mount Midoriama - on Ninja Island. Apparently free midori for life. Brilliant work - "Jack has lots of guts"..."tougher than the Olympics"...some minor exaggerations. Love the replays and the analysis. Gold! Everyday blokes and women...who train 20 hours each day on their six packs...
2. Origin III. How busy is the bloke at Queensland Origin training on the golf buggy. Weaving in an out of broken and busted Queenslanders lying on the deck after yet another bruising training session against the Burleigh Bisons... hauling them off to the waiting media to trumpet how they are underdogs. With Thurston out it was a tough decision as to who should do it this time...winner, winner chicken dinner: Billy Slater.
How can anyone with football brains dispute Cherry-Evans being overlooked for Queensland;s team in Origin III. They needed a five eight - not a half back. Why would he be considered? Really... Trent Barrett should know better. Now, if he was overlooked for halfback, that would be a different story. Game 3 in Brisbane...NSW will struggle for mine yet again. Unless their forwards keep second phase ball coming through sensible offloads, they will be run off the park. While a great defender, Nathan Peats lacks critical speed and spark from dummy half for mine that cannot counter the rapid line speed of the Queensland defence.
3. Cricket. Would a year of no Australian cricket worry too many? I must say the stupidity of both parties is breathtaking. It will give many of the top players time to count their IPL rupees.
2. Ninja Warrior...anyone of the contestants bullied there in the past? Rare that this fine sport would be mentioned in this blog, but there is some outstanding work there. The aim is to get to the top of Mount Midoriama - on Ninja Island. Apparently free midori for life. Brilliant work - "Jack has lots of guts"..."tougher than the Olympics"...some minor exaggerations. Love the replays and the analysis. Gold! Everyday blokes and women...who train 20 hours each day on their six packs...
2. Origin III. How busy is the bloke at Queensland Origin training on the golf buggy. Weaving in an out of broken and busted Queenslanders lying on the deck after yet another bruising training session against the Burleigh Bisons... hauling them off to the waiting media to trumpet how they are underdogs. With Thurston out it was a tough decision as to who should do it this time...winner, winner chicken dinner: Billy Slater.
How can anyone with football brains dispute Cherry-Evans being overlooked for Queensland;s team in Origin III. They needed a five eight - not a half back. Why would he be considered? Really... Trent Barrett should know better. Now, if he was overlooked for halfback, that would be a different story. Game 3 in Brisbane...NSW will struggle for mine yet again. Unless their forwards keep second phase ball coming through sensible offloads, they will be run off the park. While a great defender, Nathan Peats lacks critical speed and spark from dummy half for mine that cannot counter the rapid line speed of the Queensland defence.
3. Cricket. Would a year of no Australian cricket worry too many? I must say the stupidity of both parties is breathtaking. It will give many of the top players time to count their IPL rupees.
How good is Elyse Perry, Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healey and their team? Perry/ Lanning in particular are stars who deserve more money than most male cricketers.
4. Joe Root pulled out a tremendous 190 v South Africa in the first test at Lords. Under pressure and first innings runs. I continue to marvel at the work of Moeen Ali. His batting rarely fails and he takes wickets. He is a pressure player. Outstanding and possibly in the top five most influential Test cricketers worldwide for the last two or three years.
4. Joe Root pulled out a tremendous 190 v South Africa in the first test at Lords. Under pressure and first innings runs. I continue to marvel at the work of Moeen Ali. His batting rarely fails and he takes wickets. He is a pressure player. Outstanding and possibly in the top five most influential Test cricketers worldwide for the last two or three years.
With the power of Stokes and add the brilliance of Broad and Anderson, they will crush us in the Ashes....again!
Quentin de Kock is some sort of talent. He can really dominate an attack. He has the full range of shots. Where are de Villiers and Steyn? Not sure they have retired from Test Cricket just yet.
5. Waratahs. What an appalling team they are in 2017. Down 25-3 against the Jaguarians after 30 minutes. Wallabies galore too. An utter disgrace. They do not defend but have been able to attract an amazing number of fans (maybe 30,000-35,000) who wear blank blue seat outfits. Great fancy dress. 40-27 full time?....That coach Gibson needs to be ended. Chieka has him on his payroll...incredible. Time for him to share his excellence elsewhere. First loss ever at home to the Jaguarians in front of one of the worst ever crowds!
6. Lions v All Blacks. A strong end to an entertaining series. Special talent on show but really hard not to think that it takes the best from multiple rugby nations to DRAW at Eden Park against the All Blacks. What hope does Australia have? Zip. There needs to be a stat held on the referee's whistle in this game - and the number of game changing penalties in the last three minutes of a rugby game. QLD beat the Brumbies in these exact circumstances this weekend too. At least the Lions TMO had the sense to stop the series being decided by a ridiculous call.
7. Swans. A tremendous turn around in a year where the lid has been kept on the highest flyers. Their mids are finally stepping up. Keiran Jack is playing like a man whose contract is up. Parker has been helped by the pace and skill of Rohan and especially Lloyd and Zac Jones.
Quentin de Kock is some sort of talent. He can really dominate an attack. He has the full range of shots. Where are de Villiers and Steyn? Not sure they have retired from Test Cricket just yet.
5. Waratahs. What an appalling team they are in 2017. Down 25-3 against the Jaguarians after 30 minutes. Wallabies galore too. An utter disgrace. They do not defend but have been able to attract an amazing number of fans (maybe 30,000-35,000) who wear blank blue seat outfits. Great fancy dress. 40-27 full time?....That coach Gibson needs to be ended. Chieka has him on his payroll...incredible. Time for him to share his excellence elsewhere. First loss ever at home to the Jaguarians in front of one of the worst ever crowds!
6. Lions v All Blacks. A strong end to an entertaining series. Special talent on show but really hard not to think that it takes the best from multiple rugby nations to DRAW at Eden Park against the All Blacks. What hope does Australia have? Zip. There needs to be a stat held on the referee's whistle in this game - and the number of game changing penalties in the last three minutes of a rugby game. QLD beat the Brumbies in these exact circumstances this weekend too. At least the Lions TMO had the sense to stop the series being decided by a ridiculous call.
7. Swans. A tremendous turn around in a year where the lid has been kept on the highest flyers. Their mids are finally stepping up. Keiran Jack is playing like a man whose contract is up. Parker has been helped by the pace and skill of Rohan and especially Lloyd and Zac Jones.
GWS have to be hurting. Lots of injuries, but two draws in back to back weeks (Geelong and Hawthorn) continues to teach them a lesson about September footy. Don't think it is over. I thought they had gotten through this with some tight wins in 2017, but the lessons dealt to them by the Western Bulldogs late in the 2016 semi seem to be fading at the wrong end of the season. This year GWS have beaten Western Bulldogs (by 2), Collingwood (by 3), Richmond (by 3) and West Coast (by 8) and lost to Carlton (by 1). These results can turn a season...both ways.
That last bounce v Hawthorn was pretty unbelievable however. Western Bulldogs could be just about finished based on their effort v Adelaide. Poor. Not as bad as Richmond who are heading a familiar way (south) yet again. Geelong still the team to beat I suspect. Adelaide look sharp too. The resurgence of St Kilda, Melbourne and Carlton - and even Essendon - is giving hope to Melburninans.
8. Wimbledon. Hard to imagine Roger Federer won't be there at the end, but with the heat in London, look for those with the booming serve to dominate - and surprise in week two. The whinging of tennis players is something else. Tomic aside...Kygrios aside (they know how to party at least, but how embarrassing - they should be banned by Wimbledon for a year each)...the rest of those bagging the courts and grounds staff for uneven surfaces or quick courts....please. The only voices not bagging them? Djokovic, Murray, Rafa and Roger. Now who will make those men's semis?
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