Rugby World Cup 10 October 2011
October 10th, 2011 at 8:17 am by David FarrarWow that first half against Argentina had me worried. The final score was somewhat generous to us. Kudos to Argentina for a great game, and exposing the areas where the All Blacks need to close their vulnerabilities.
The atmosphere for the All Blacks v Wallabies semi-final will I am sure be every part as intense as the actual final.
For the other semi-final I imagine there will be 50,000 or so Kiwis who discover some distant Welsh ancestry and cheer them on against France.
The hopeful and likely final is New Zealand vs France. In one sense a nightmare as we have often crashed at their hands in the RWC, but on the other hand we thrashed them in pool play, and have shown we can have their measure.
Related posts:
- Rugby World Cup 9 October 2011
- Rugby World Cup 23 October 2011
- Rugby World Cup 16 October 2011
- Rugby World Cup 17 September 2011
October 10th, 2011 at 8:29 am
3 out of 4 semi finalists were deserving. One, Australia was aided by a Mr. Bryce Lawrence, did he receive a mineral deposit plot in Nth Queensland as a back hander?
A dingo definately stole a baby and got away with it.
Whatever the result from now, we are all guaranteed that a NZ born coach will be there at the final!
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 8:30 am
I cannot see France beating Wales. Gatland has the boyos playing above their ability. I have never seen a fitter Wales team. As to the Pumas, defence wise they were great but the picture would have been different in the first half if Owen was not so lenient at the breakdown. All Blacks recycled ball was repeatedly slowed down illegally.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Didn’t go to the game in Auckland (Bathurst, of course!) but at our gathering to watch the ‘sports feast’ yesterday, there was a collective sigh of relief when Aaron Cruden came on after 34 minutes.
And so it proved…
Whilst Carter is a massive gap to try and fill, Cruden is the next best option for the ABs – especially as it is now obvious that he’d play alongside Weepu, Nonu and Smith (Wellington / Hurricanes). Cruden isn’t Carter, but at least he can catch and pass the ball / he can tackle / he can kick off both feet / he can run / he can make a break and can even kick goals.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Nonu: Don’t kick the ball. Low percentage play, just gives away possession.
Forwards: When you get fast ball, don’t waste it by taking it back into the ruck.
Read: Work on your tackling technique.
Franks: If you can’t catch the ball, stay out of the backline.
Mils: You’re too old.
Slade: You’re not good enough.
Well played the wingers, the locks and the halfback and the hooker and the flankers.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Trout, slowing down the ball at the break-down is what the Argies do. Good practice for the AB’s to figure out how to deal with it.
Vote:I just wish Weepu would pull finger and do something rather than survey the options as he does, frequently.
October 10th, 2011 at 8:49 am
I think we took control in the second half. As far as the score being flattering – remember we were inches short of two tries and the 7 penalties reflected the Argies’ detertmination to slow the game down and kill quick ball. They should have had more than one yellow. Cruden looked good. He had them wondering what he would do next. Slade was too nervous and ponderous. Book Cruden in for Saturday. I think he will step up. I am worried about Cowan’s passing. He throws some wild ones and, as shown against Canada, it only takes one of these to drop 7 point. Weepu should be there for 80 minutes with Ellis as the cover.
Vote:Aussie will be a damn tough nut to crack.
October 10th, 2011 at 8:50 am
Read gave away the Argies try as their loose forward came inside him.
Ian Jones said he attacked the wrong shoulder and in doing so went a bit far which opened up the channel.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 8:52 am
Scott Chris
Vote:If Nonu could unload like SBW he would be a worldbeater. Unfortunately he dies with the ball – usually a long way from anyone because they don’t know where he is going. A bit like Walter Little.Very rarely do you see him go into a tackle with a view to the offload.
October 10th, 2011 at 8:58 am
The hopeful final involves France? No way, they have had their chances to win the world cup and blown it, besides, Wales is playing beautifully. They will romp home against a very inconsistent side.
Vote:And lets just get it out on the table now, the Aussies might win. They probably wont, Cooper is surprisingly bad given the hype around him, but we should be prepared just in case there is an upset.
October 10th, 2011 at 8:59 am
If Corey Jane plays like that after a bender during the week, I think the AB coaching staff should let him out this Wednesday as well.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:00 am
I’ll be at Eden Park cheering the Welsh on against France – it wouldn’t really bother me if France get through but on current form I rate Wales to do it.
Actually I have strong Welsh ancestry but have never had a strong affinity with Wales, just a curiosity.
If the ABs don’t duff it they should be able to beat the Wallabies. Cruden’s on the up, and Cooper is on a downer but the busienss will be done in the forwards. It may depend on who is reffing the breakdowns in the semi. Wayne Barnes let the Aussies away with heaps in Brisbance in the Tri-nations.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Nookin – “Nonu ….usually a long way from anyone”
Yes I agree. His big side-step and ability to break the line often isolates him, and his barrel like chest and stumpy arms prevent him from off-loading.
Would make a great league center though.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:10 am
If we’d played against any other quarter finalist except Argentina I think we would have lost.
Someone tell Graham Henry to do some passing drills. Balls arriving at the receiver at or above their head, and so far back the receiver has to stop running to catch it isn’t good enough. You compare that to the passing in the Wales/Ireland game and the difference is stark.
And saying we’ll beat France because of the pool game result is nonsense. France played at a completely different level last weekend and probably would have beaten the All Blacks the way they played.
Nonu rarely threatened the line, and didn’t bring 2 or more defenders in to make space for a runner. Jane/Williams did much better there.
I’ll say it again. Passion wins tight games and the All Blacks aren’t showing passion. Argentina threatened until late because of passion. Wales won because of passion. Comparing the Australia/SA game with the AB/Argentina game is like comparing Super 15 with age-grade rugby. Corey Jane showed passion.
AB’s need to lift significantly if they want to beat Australia, and will need to lift again to beat Wales/France.
Go the Blacks!
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Yes yes Pete- The referee is the ONLY reason the All Blacks ever lose. (And Saint McCaw is the only openside in World rugby who NEVER infringes at the breakdown…)
Love the arrogance and rubbishing of the Aussies win (Melody Robinson couldn’t even pretend to hide her hatred and contempt after the game) – there’s no way this ever could come back to bite NZ..
I’m picking two absolute crackers next week- Wales to narrowly get up over France and the other match is too close to call…Can’t wait!
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Argy Cap was very magnanimous. Regardless of whether we win or lose Cup, the 4 Nations with Argentina is going to be great; and they deserve regular top level rugby. Arg is gonna become another SA, which is just fantastic for S. Hem rug. Come on over Pumas!
Vote:Samoa and Tonga to an American school (Canada, Uruguay, USA, Arg.) for their own off season comp.s
October 10th, 2011 at 9:12 am
The AB against the Wallabies will be a 50-50% game. Let the best attacking team prevail!
Vote:Go the All Blacks.
October 10th, 2011 at 9:18 am
South Africans blame the ref – according to them, ref Bryce Lawrence was wrong when he pinged Rossouw for taking out the legs of Radike Samo in the lineout.
Only if South Africa / Rossouw play under different rules…
http://www.sportlive.co.za/rugby/boks/2011/10/09/ref-got-it-all-wrong-says-rossouw
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:20 am
The Aussies don’t have a show of beating the AB’s next week, as long as there’s a referee who makes them release the tackled player and respect the offside line. Bryce Lawrence, once again, was utterly utterly useless.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Longknives – I wasn’t blaming the referee, but the referee can have a significant impact on how the game is played, and the team that takes advantage of that the most will often win. The best teams adapt to whatever is whistled.
Fortunately in the Wallaby/Springbok game the decisive penalty was open and obvious, no one can complain about that.
Plenty of time for the All Blacks to build their passion. I’d rather see ruthlessness in the semi and save the best of their passion for the final.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Robbie Deans said the four most attacking teams are through to the semi – that’s a bit ironic after the Wallaby effort yesterday, it was 99% defence.
I think the South Africans relied too much on their percentage game believing that’s the approach that wins World Cups. Not enough creativity and maybe a bit of arrogance and a belief they just need to plug away to deserve a win.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Pete George 9:29 am
At least the Aussies scored a try. You can only attack if you can win the ball, but the Aussie lineout was a shambles yesterday evening. Let’s hope for more of the same next weekend.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:02 am
I think the South Africans relied too much on the idea that the breakdown rules would be enforced. What a shambles. So many times the Australians went in with hands after the ruck had formed, not once were they penalised.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:33 am
As with DPF I had that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that if we didn’t lift our effort Argentina could sneak in. Thankfully that didn’t materialise, however full credit to Argentina for competing and taking the game to the AB’s.
Vote:Cory Jane looked exciting every time he touched the ball, Ma’a Nonu kept smashing away in the centre but we were’nt able to capitalise on that, and Jerome Kano had another stand out game taking the ball up.
Warhorse Brad Thorne deservedly scored from broken play, and Piri Weepu was my player of the day. Aaron Cruden added some spark to the attack and deserves to be in the starting 15 against Australia, Aaron’s performance albeit limited in time was easily of better quality than Quade Cooper.
October 10th, 2011 at 10:34 am
To put it mildly. In fact I would bet a weeks wages that people are damned worried about the All Blacks/Wallabies game. I know I am.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Aussie could easily beat us on the day.
There is not a lot to differentiate the top teams . In fact, they are so close that a single player boozing it up 3 day before the game could cause a loss.
The Argentinian game was very disappointing— I was even contemplating a loss at half time. The final score flattered the all blacks.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:49 am
I can’t see France playing against form again like that. I predicted they’d win on a rebound from the Tongan loss. Never play a top team that’s wounded an expect to win in a knockout game. I expect Wales to win comfortably, they’re the form team this tournament.
Fortunately Australia got an undeserving win, if they play like that against the ABs, we should have them. I agree with John Smit’s sentiment that he’s never won a game on the stats sheet and not on the scoreboard. That Pocock was quite sensational though and lets hope the good Cooper doesn’t turn up again.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:51 am
The Pumas defence was excellent through out the game, not only good strong committed tackling but well organized and responsive, and I’m pleased the All Blacks had to confront it in the quarter final. An easy game before the biggest match of the year would have done them no favours.
Six months ago I had no worries, but recently it seems the Wallabies will be a bigger challenge than it looked then. I agree with Mark Ellis who opined on The Crowd Goes Wild that Australia is a bigger threat than South Africa because they can deliver either 60% or 120% where the Boks always deliver the same solid opposition and if we’re unklucky it’ll be 120% on the night, especially with so many injuries disrupting plans (Slade worries me, thank heaven Weepu is on top form – I’ve always liked him and reckon if he’d been picked last time they’d have bought that cup back).
Thankfully our long ago inserted mole in Australian rugby, Quade Cooper, will be activated (his mecurial abilities simply mask his long standing loyalty to his place of birth) and we’ll see many apparent ‘fumbles’ and ‘errors’ from him.
I’d rather see Wales in the final because I think it’d be nice for them. A pleasant little benefit for some old friends as a farewell for their trip home.
Next week is the real final as we’ve known for years (only for a while it looked like it should have been the Springboks, but thanks Ireland for arranging that we only have to beat one of them).
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 11:00 am
That game could have gone either way and in the end it was decided on the kicking. On any other night the Boks might very well have made on of the two they missed.
This is why I’m glad Weepu is on form and we don’t have to rely solely on Slades unproven kicking because these World Cup finals are so often decided by one penalties margin.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 11:03 am
Hear, hear. I remember enjoying watching the Pumas decades ago and we need more varietyt in our competitions.
Especially given that South Africa has strong economic incentives to switch to playing with the Europeans (they’re in similar time zones and Eurpoean nations are purposefully making it easy for South Africans to work, commute or live to work in Europe to entice them) and one day we might lose them from the tri-nations.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 11:04 am
Now wouldn’t that be a turn up for the books, France beat us in the final at Home.
Rape crisis and woman’s refuge won’t like it though.
I’d love Wales to win against France but doubt it.
Vote:We could lose against the Aussies it is not a done deal.
Go Piri Weepu definately man of the match after Pocock.
October 10th, 2011 at 11:04 am
The problem with playing tight percentage games like the Spingboks – and not scoring many points – is it can only take one slip and you’re out. It may a stroke of luck, bounce of ball or which way the whistle goes, doesn’t matter, if you don’t chance your arm and go for decisive you take a huge risk.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
“James Stephenson (634) Says:
October 10th, 2011 at 9:20 am
The Aussies don’t have a show of beating the AB’s next week, as long as there’s a referee who makes them release the tackled player and respect the offside line. Bryce Lawrence, once again, was utterly utterly useless.”
So long as the ref pings the ABs for going offisde at the breakdown and not releasing the ball after the tackle. Take the eye patch off.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
It is all a win win for us..if the All Blacks don’t win the final , the election will be that much more interesting.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@snice – what eyepatch? I’m a pom and I’m calling this from a completely neutral – aside from an absolute sick-to-the-back-teethness of Bryce Lawrence – POV.
If Lawrence had applied the laws to Aussie yesterday, like he applied them to England against Argentina the ‘Boks would have won easy.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
All Blacks are not going to win this RWC. Not in their depleted state, against two proper nemesis-type opponents.
/downer…
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
snice1- How dare you cast aspersions on Saint McCaw!! Do you not realise that David Pocock is the biggest cheating 7 in World rugby and the ‘Holier than Thou’ All Blacks are the only team who play by the rule book??
My good mate from South Africa told me once “The day that a referee finally has the balls to give McCaw the card he deserves is the day that NZ rugby will come down to earth with a thud”
As a former loose forward who watches the game with both eyes open I sometimes find it hard to disagree…
Watch the NZ media vilify David Pocock this week…a sign that (despite the rubbishing of the Aussies and arrogant bravado) New Zealanders are in fact slightly nervous about this match….
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
My complaints aside, I do believe the All Blacks play what I would describe as a football fan “Total Rugby” and and are also on the whole (with the odd exception) ambassadors for both the sport and NZ. It’s just a shame that some members of the media and fans cannot also demonstrate the humility of the team and seem to take every opportunity to snipe.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
The point about Richie is not that he gets away with stuff because he’s Richie McCaw, it’s that he’s a great player because he manages to get away with stuff. Pocock seems to have the same ability but whichever of those players is in the final, they’ll be given a workout by Warburton.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
The argies played a very defensive game at the risk of penalties. I guess they gambled that Weepu would not kick the goals. Well he did superbly. On goal kicking weepu is as good as if not better than Carter. Cater’s form was not that flash in some of the pool matches. But it is that behind the scenes stuff which I know nothing about that perhaps Carter is missed. But then we do have Richie macaw. So I am optimistic especially as weep cam kick those goals.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
The odd thing about those amping France is that with a little more accuracy from the English, they (the English) could well have won, and yet they weren’t that great. My read is that there were two factors, France was committed (for a change), but the English were very average, in fact they played the same as they had all tournament. If there’s a player at this tournament past his use by date, it’s Wilkinson.
Australia obviously defended well, but the Boks were so very one dimensional, they didn’t seem to be able to vary their tactics which does make it easier, and yes, I think they got away with a hell of lot in the tackled ball area particularly compared to the England – France match.
Wales did look pretty good, but Ireland weren’t that good and I didn’t see the whole match so I’m a little unsure of how good Wales really are. Unless the French come out on fire again though I’ll be backing Wales to make their first final.
All Blacks, well, I was disappointed at their angles and at how they slowed the game down at times, but make no mistake, they were the better team and although it took an age to score a try the kicks were all from pressure and the Pumas infringed a lot around the tackled ball area. I for one thought the yellow card was fair, and by the end the ref was ready to hand out another. I was looking for a few more chip kicks, a rush defense always has the weakness of the gap behind, if you can hit it. Impressed with Cruden, Jane was active, Weepu good, Sonny Bill isn’t really a winger though.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
The Telegraph on Bryce Lawrence’s pisspoor performance:
But unless the IRB’s refs get a grip we are going to have some really dull semi-finals. Hopefully the guys who can really get a grip at the breakdown – the South Africans and the Northern Hemisphere refs – will be put in charge of the final four matches.
If we let a Kiwi near the games, then it will be more mayhem. South Africa will feel cheated. And they have every right to complain.
The Aussies have already made one New Zealand ref – Steve Walsh – one of their own. Lawrence could well be next in line for honorary citizenship.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/8816349/Rugby-World-Cup-2011-Bryce-Lawrence-reduced-breakdown-to-a-farce-in-Australias-win-over-South-Africa.html
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Interesting from the Herald:
The All Blacks are the only pool winners in RWC 2011 to proceed through to the semi finals, with the other three teams all being the runner-ups in their respective pools.
(France was in the same pool as NZ so one pool isn’t represented in the semis).
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Mark Reason is a Pom living in NZ. Consider those comments a glowing endorsement of Bryce’s performance.
here’s some more enlightened commentary from the same pommy ponce.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/our-experts/5535927/A-word-on-the-All-Blacks-play-Cheats
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I thought Weepu did well on the kicking, but didn’t do better than average as halfback. If someone else was doing the kicking you wouldn’t have heard much said about Weepu – he did the job but not fantastically IMO. Too slow on many occasions when fast ball was needed. Don’t assess 12399 options all the time – fast ball is important particularly when the opposition is trying to slow you down.
Slade wasn’t particularly convincing but then again didn’t really have much chance to be so – one slipup early on isn’t enough to judge. I’m not sure Cruden is ready for starting at 10, but the one advantage he has is gametime with pretty much all the rest of the backs (Hurricanes). Leave Weepu at halfback to handle kicking duties.
Am picking either NZ or Wales to win the cup this year, with the former being more likely after last nights effort – NZ controlled the game well, particularly when the defense from the Argies was strong – calm heads resulted in the eventual score difference.
Either way, France is going home this weekend – Wales will be too much for them.
Let’s hope the ref doesn’t get in the way in the remaining games: South Africa has some things to complain about in that department, but it was far more their own fault for not converting the opportunities they had (and they had a whole heap) than the refs fault – if just one of their attempts had come off they wouldn’t be heading home.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
– if just one of their attempts had come off they wouldn’t be heading home.
That’s a key point. They have much better control over their own performance than the referee’s, and they weren’t good enough.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Dean – yes, Reason rips into Bryce for not controlling the breakdown – but I hope he’s not suggesting Barnes for a semi, he’s a free for all enabler.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Slade and Muliania ruled out – not unexpected.
But in comes Hosea Gear and ………….. Steven Donald! Noooooooooooooo…. [splutter].
Gear was unlucky in the first place, but bloody hell – I thought we’d learnt our lesson with Donald. I genuinely cringe with the thought he may be sent onto the field again in the AB jersey.
Best we all start praying for Aaron Cruden to stay fit.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Breaking news! Stephen Donald has been called into the All Black squad….
Picture this All Black fans- Time is up on the clock and the Wallabies lead by one point. The much-maligned Stephen ‘Donald Duck’ wanders up to the kicking tee to take the 50 metre penalty shot from the sideline! Spine tingling stuff indeed….
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Donald fucking duck has been called up. Cruden to play 160 minutes!
Was surprised that Pocock didnt dominate with Brussow off the park.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
If Union weren’t such stubborn dickheads and the Kiwis weren’t playing, we could have called up Benji Marshall.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Elaycee
Vote:With Gear in the squad we now have one fit specialist winger! Jane probably secured the number 14 jersey with yesterday’s performance. I do not think that SBW secured the number 11. I do not think that we can risk Kahui. I do not know enough about Dagg’s injury. If it is an ongoing niggle, we cannot afford him in the squad. I think they have to take the approach that each member of the squad (playing 15 and bench) must be sufficiently fit for the selectors to know that they will all get through 80 min of rugby. Otherwise, forget them. I see a distinct possibility of Jane at full-back, SBW and Gear on the wings and Toeava as the replacement. Donald (heaven forbid) and Ellis on the bench.
October 10th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@nookin
Injuries are anyone’s guess but if there are none, my backs would be Dagg at 15, Jane and Gear on the wings, Smith, Nonu, Cruden and Weepu. Reserves – SBW, Ellis and Toeava. (If Cruden was injured, move Weepu out and bring Ellis on). If Donald is required, we are in trouble….
Time will tell – I think the AB side is to be named on Thursday.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
And please let Richie’s foot be okay…
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
David
Vote:You must remember – the performance of the All Black (TM) team in the RWC (TM) has nothing to do with you.
You are not on the field. You have had no direct mentor or performance influence (like a parent) over those who are.
Your best hope is to be able to bask in the glory of “Other People’s” (TM NH) achievements, and likely blame “Them/They” on failure.
It is so sad that so many people are prepared to invest time, money and emotional energy in an activty where they have no influence or control over the outcome.
Especially when this activity encouarges the belief that it is just as valid to stop the other guys from achieving (goals) as it is to achieve yourself.
Not the sort of thing we should be teaching our kids – eh?
October 10th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
valeriusterminus – “Not the sort of thing we should be teaching our kids – eh?”
Vicariousness and competitive tribalism are part of our culture.
I take it you think inculcating children with combative rituals is a bad thing?
Sounds like a mediocre idea to me. We can’t all win if there’s no one to beat.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
My kids have been taught to achieve – not win.
Vote:Winning is merely achievement with relativity.
Picture this;
Two kids with a Gilbert ball in a grassy backyard – (classic 1200 sqm!)
One says – “I bet I can kick this ball higher than you”
The other says – ‘I wonder if I can kick the ball higher than the tree?”
Methinks the “Tree kid” will coach the other – fail or not.
Sure as hell wouldn’t trust the “Higher kid”.
We have progressed beyond tribalism – at least I hope most of us have?
October 10th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Phew, Donald Duck….oh well, will have the fingers crossed our Manawatu boy will be tough enough to never let Donald in. I’m sure he will be, his father & uncle were hard players. He seems to be a chip off the old block. Cruden seems to have the ability to get in behind the defensive line & is a snappier passer than Slade. He seems to have more self belief too.
All those saying that Piri should’ve quickly chucked the ball out willy nilly have no idea. The ball gets slowed at every opportunity so it’s really only a matter of restarting the go-forward process again if the ball is not delivered cleanly to the half back.
On Sundays games, Bryce Lawrence refereed well & the yarpies only had themselves to blame by not controlling the ball & being terribly and unsurprisingly unimaginitive. Oz didn’t have to play any footie, just hang in, knowing the yarpies were not going to chance their arm (thus negating their advantages).
The AB’s were up against an Argentinian team only too content to go from set piece to set piece, slowing opposition ball & thus able to control the pace of the game at times. Problem was, the AB’s ended up being better at the collision game at ruck & maul. Bashed them into submission, at least fitness wise, so to speak…..
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
valeriusterminus – “We have progressed beyond tribalism – at least I hope most of us have?”
Nice ideal, but I don’t think it works in practice, for two reasons.
1) Our environment is inherently meritocratic and hierarchical.
2) We have evolved to be competitive naturally. The strongest competers survive. I bet you and your partner have little power struggles. What is that if it’s not competitiveness. I bet your kids compete for attention as well.
Hard to go against nature.
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
SC
Vote:So sad that you perceive our environment as meritocratic and hierarchical – it is fulfilled for you as you see it thus.
My kids do otherwise.
The goal is formulated at pursued – relativity is not relevant. (let no national standard or previous achievement be a limiting factor)
Best in genre – best in year – best in institution – best in nation – yes it happened – but was not the goal. The tree was always high enough.
Free yourself from the limitations of other peoples “best”
October 10th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
valeriusterminus
So you and I are not competing here? I certainly am. My inner child insists.
Why? Because it’s fun. If you beat me, then I have to think harder.
Goal orientation is all very well, but how do we measure our worth as humans other than comparing ourselves with other humans? How do you know how well your kids are achieving, or that the goals you set them are not too low, without some form of relative measure?
Vote:October 10th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
SC
Vote:I endeavour progress our lot through the reproduction of mutated ideas.
No competition ! – just Evolution 101 ( Julian Huxley variant)
The ideas will prevail – or be mutated.
You should be able to see your own worth – no need for other peoples eyes.
October 11th, 2011 at 8:42 am
valeriusterminus, I tend not to play in team sports because I enjoy firearms and the use of same greatly and this tends not to blend well with a bunch of chaps running toward me. So, I choose to support the mightly All Blacks in a very one eyed fashion.
Scott Chris, “So you and I are not competing here? I certainly am. My inner child insists.” good line
But onto serious matters, Dagg and Kahui are fit and IMHO will start with Jane on other wing. SBW on bench with Duck and Cowan.
TAB has us as $1.30 to $3.30 faves, which I struggle with. More $1.50 to $2.20 I would have thought.
Vote:October 12th, 2011 at 11:43 am
David, I disagree strongly with your statement that we (i.e., the All Blacks) “have shown we can have their measure.”
Did you fail to notice that the French were not trying particularly hard on September 24th?
Vote: