: Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:26 pm  

DABHAND wrote:

My sentiments as well.It will all be forgotten while the next time.The funny thing about it is that some of our so called top players are are on bigger contracts than some of the Aussies who would walk into any S.L.side.Reading the Aussie press and the contracts offered to their players,they are not as much as we would imagine.I could scream every time our so called experts say we are not far from the Aussie,s.Non so blind than those who don't want to see.

That about sums it up then. One other person can see through the bullshit and hype and recognise that the game is going backwards. Never mind children, it will all go away if you just close your eyes and dream of next season!

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:57 pm  

Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts?

Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts?

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:16 pm  

Standee wrote: Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts? Not sure Smith knows his best back line yet, so not surprised, would have had McGuire on bench though, tough call .

Standee wrote: Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts? Not sure Smith knows his best back line yet, so not surprised, would have had McGuire on bench though, tough call .

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:33 pm  

I only saw the highlights against Australia, but from that McGuire's removal would seem right to me. He looked very lazy, which is unacceptable IMO even if the game was already gone.

Gardner I don't know. I think the right hand side has been weak no matter who's been on the wing so far, the problem seems to maybe be further infield to me, around the centre and 2nd row.

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:41 pm  

Standee wrote: Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts? Is interesting, McGuire and Gardner still may get brought in though as Wellens and Pryce aren't fully fit yet and could miss out.

Standee wrote: Gardner & McGuire omitted thoughts? Is interesting, McGuire and Gardner still may get brought in though as Wellens and Pryce aren't fully fit yet and could miss out.

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 4:45 pm  

McGuire and Gardner can't complain, Smith and Calderwood have been better than AG and Danny has doe nothing either. I know Pryce has not done much aswell but for me Pryce would get the nod and sacrifice DM bench spot to the second hooker.

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:34 pm  

Our problem is that the British game is so different to the Austalian game.

We select players that are masters of our version and ask them to go play against the Aussies at their version.

A class examples of this are Wellens and Sinfield. Fantastic players in the Super League but at International level the game is different and they're just not good enough.

I'd have taken these two out of the squad to play NZ. Pryce for Full Back which for me is his ideal position. McGuire & Burrow for Half Backs and Purdham or Ellis for Loose Forward depending on the game plan.

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:50 pm  

KNOCK OFF NIGEL wrote:

We select players that are masters of our version and ask them to go play against the Aussies at their version.

That is something that really pi55es me off, it's the same sport, there should be no "versions".

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:02 pm  

Standee wrote:

That is something that really pi55es me off, it's the same sport, there should be no "versions".

Its not different versions as such, the fact is teams in SL adopt a lightening ptb and dummy half running to create tries and once that fails then we have no plan b. The moment Australia or NZ slow us down we have no creativity when faced with a set defence. Thats where dummy runners and pace into the line comes into the equation, we struggle then.

: Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:07 pm  

PAUL M wrote:

Its not different versions as such, the fact is teams in SL adopt a lightening ptb and dummy half running to create tries and once that fails then we have no plan b. The moment Australia or NZ slow us down we have no creativity when faced with a set defence. Thats where dummy runners and pace into the line comes into the equation, we struggle then.

Coupled with an absolutely atrocious kicking game.

A half decent kicking game would at the very least give the Aussies something to think about when moving up quickly in defence.