Once again, Jeff Wilson is confusing correlation with causation.
Granted, for the past 7 years, the Crusaders have been sensational and the AB's have been less so.
Perhaps that's not because the Crusaders being good causes the AB's to be mud or vice versa, perhaps the correlation is because the best coach in the country has been coaching one and not the other?
On the flip side to that, it'll be interesting to see whether Sam Whitelock just sacrificed his All Black season for the Super Rugby final, and what impact that will have on the RWC....
I was disappointed in both the crowd reaction and hearing neither Cane or Weber turned up to the press conference. Yep losing sucks but sometimes you have a responsibility you have to fulfill whether you like it or not. Whilst there were some ref decisions I didn't agree with (was Taylors first try legit as they had detached from the maul?) the Chiefs just didn't play good enough to win. You need a full team to beat the crusaders. I agree with Detchon about why that 10m is even a law.
I'll eat some humble pie here and based on reports it appears Cane wasn't aware of the decision for him not to go to press conference so would've gone if he could've ( more questions raised but giving him the benefit of the doubt and points for backing the ref).
Hello Dylan. Your comments, at least those you attributed to a professional coach, on the reasons for Lydia Ko's current struggles - more younger competitors who drive the ball further - do not account for her poor performance. Last year was a standout year for Lydia. Her 2022 stats reveal her driving averaged 255.34 yards (233m), 93rd amongst players on tour, Mexican Maria Fassi (279.25 yards) topped the list, while world No 3 Nelly Korda (272.28) ranked 10th. Driving accuracy? She hit 778 out of 1171 fairways, her 66.6% strike rate resulted in an accuracy rating of 145! So, she ranked 93rd for length and 145th for accuracy yet still managed: Scoring average: 68.98 (1st). Putting average: 28.61 (2nd). Putts per greens in regulation: 1.72 (1st). Sand saves: 66.25% (1st). Rounds under par: 65 (1st). Birdies: 383 (3rd). Rounds in the 60s: 49 (1st). Prize money: US$4,364,403 (1st). There is no secret to her success. When she is on, there is no better golfer, of either sex, from 100 yards out. Period. She is currently not "on". Yes, the US Open at Pebble Beach will suit her better. Let's hope she manages to switch "on" again.
As someone who doesn't watch a lot of rugby anymore I'm often mystified when I do. Why is the law that McKenzie infringed even a thing? The play doesn't transgress any key rugby principle, ie. Ball didn't go forward, he was behind it when he started, just like in a backline move where the fullback charges onto a flat pass. I get defences having to stand 10 back by why the attackers? Maybe I watch too much American football these days but moves like that should be encouraged in my view. As for rolling mauls, any historians know what the laws were in the 80s (when I started watching)? I don't recall it being an issue then, why is it now? Were teams allowed to collapse them back then or something and turn it into a ruck?
That's a good question re: mauling history. I will try to find out. The one thing to remeber is you didn't get the ball back for the throw even on your penalty, so you couldn't kick for the corner then get the throw-in.
Hi Dylan, reality was I was surprised the Anton LB wasn’t red carded at the time of the incident. We all know that head on head is now Red. So Chiefs had the benefit of him returning to the field. Imagine if they were down to 13 men for any part of the game.
I think Crusaders winning the title again - much as I might have preferred someone else to win - is good for NZR and the ABs, backing up their decision to appoint the new ABs coach early and hopefully draw a line under that whole mess, and also giving Scott Robertson a fresh start in the role, as well as coming off another successful season.
OK Dyls, I know you pressed me earlier in the year but here goes. The Warriors can win it all in 2023. As a Day 1 supporter, my head says they probably won't. But they can.
Unlike previous years, there's no stand out performer. The Panthers aren't what they were. South's, Rosters, Storm, Bronco's - there's plenty of solid teams but no one to fear. On our day, we have everyone's measure.
There's an urgency in our D and the team has faith in the Coaches game plan. If the ball bounces our way, we're a chance.
Once again, Jeff Wilson is confusing correlation with causation.
Granted, for the past 7 years, the Crusaders have been sensational and the AB's have been less so.
Perhaps that's not because the Crusaders being good causes the AB's to be mud or vice versa, perhaps the correlation is because the best coach in the country has been coaching one and not the other?
On the flip side to that, it'll be interesting to see whether Sam Whitelock just sacrificed his All Black season for the Super Rugby final, and what impact that will have on the RWC....
Cheers
I was disappointed in both the crowd reaction and hearing neither Cane or Weber turned up to the press conference. Yep losing sucks but sometimes you have a responsibility you have to fulfill whether you like it or not. Whilst there were some ref decisions I didn't agree with (was Taylors first try legit as they had detached from the maul?) the Chiefs just didn't play good enough to win. You need a full team to beat the crusaders. I agree with Detchon about why that 10m is even a law.
I'll eat some humble pie here and based on reports it appears Cane wasn't aware of the decision for him not to go to press conference so would've gone if he could've ( more questions raised but giving him the benefit of the doubt and points for backing the ref).
Hello Dylan. Your comments, at least those you attributed to a professional coach, on the reasons for Lydia Ko's current struggles - more younger competitors who drive the ball further - do not account for her poor performance. Last year was a standout year for Lydia. Her 2022 stats reveal her driving averaged 255.34 yards (233m), 93rd amongst players on tour, Mexican Maria Fassi (279.25 yards) topped the list, while world No 3 Nelly Korda (272.28) ranked 10th. Driving accuracy? She hit 778 out of 1171 fairways, her 66.6% strike rate resulted in an accuracy rating of 145! So, she ranked 93rd for length and 145th for accuracy yet still managed: Scoring average: 68.98 (1st). Putting average: 28.61 (2nd). Putts per greens in regulation: 1.72 (1st). Sand saves: 66.25% (1st). Rounds under par: 65 (1st). Birdies: 383 (3rd). Rounds in the 60s: 49 (1st). Prize money: US$4,364,403 (1st). There is no secret to her success. When she is on, there is no better golfer, of either sex, from 100 yards out. Period. She is currently not "on". Yes, the US Open at Pebble Beach will suit her better. Let's hope she manages to switch "on" again.
As someone who doesn't watch a lot of rugby anymore I'm often mystified when I do. Why is the law that McKenzie infringed even a thing? The play doesn't transgress any key rugby principle, ie. Ball didn't go forward, he was behind it when he started, just like in a backline move where the fullback charges onto a flat pass. I get defences having to stand 10 back by why the attackers? Maybe I watch too much American football these days but moves like that should be encouraged in my view. As for rolling mauls, any historians know what the laws were in the 80s (when I started watching)? I don't recall it being an issue then, why is it now? Were teams allowed to collapse them back then or something and turn it into a ruck?
That's a good question re: mauling history. I will try to find out. The one thing to remeber is you didn't get the ball back for the throw even on your penalty, so you couldn't kick for the corner then get the throw-in.
Hi Dylan, reality was I was surprised the Anton LB wasn’t red carded at the time of the incident. We all know that head on head is now Red. So Chiefs had the benefit of him returning to the field. Imagine if they were down to 13 men for any part of the game.
For the record, I wanted a Chiefs win
I think Crusaders winning the title again - much as I might have preferred someone else to win - is good for NZR and the ABs, backing up their decision to appoint the new ABs coach early and hopefully draw a line under that whole mess, and also giving Scott Robertson a fresh start in the role, as well as coming off another successful season.
OK Dyls, I know you pressed me earlier in the year but here goes. The Warriors can win it all in 2023. As a Day 1 supporter, my head says they probably won't. But they can.
Unlike previous years, there's no stand out performer. The Panthers aren't what they were. South's, Rosters, Storm, Bronco's - there's plenty of solid teams but no one to fear. On our day, we have everyone's measure.
There's an urgency in our D and the team has faith in the Coaches game plan. If the ball bounces our way, we're a chance.
Jeepers Macca, I'm now counting on you to host the Grand Final party.