D-Day for Henry

Evening. Well we are 48 hrs out from a big game of Tri Nations rugby down in Auckland between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. If the Abs lose it will be three losses on the bounce. Is this acceptable? Simply no. Graham Henry who in my opinion should not have retained his coaching status needs to come up with a game plan  to counter Robbie Deans. However you need brains in your team to do that and I don’t think that there are any on the New Zealand team. They were out coached and out thought in Sydney and I can see this happening again at Eden Park.

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3562_3890013,00.html

How the hell can Siviatu still be in that team? He is a disgrace! As for Lauaki well the less said the better. How can the Blacks win this one? Let Dan Carter run the ship and perhaps when passing by pass Nonu and go to Smith. Nonu while impressing is a three good games, one bad. No consistency. McCaw back will be a big help but I still feel that Robbie will have a game plan and lets hope that the Blacks actually stick to theirs (if there is one) and not be sucked into playing the other teams., ala Cardiff 2007, Twickers 1999, Sydney 2008.

My pick, ABs by 2.

Man in the Stand

 

20/20

Saw quite a bit of the 20/20 finals day yesterday and while I was impressed with the action feel that the cricket world is getting caught up in a frenzy.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/countycricket2008/engine/current/match/320192.html

While I agree that the game needed a shakeup and the IPL has done that I believe that we must not forget the rest of the game. Lets face it, would Tyrone Henderson make a test team? I think not. Surely this is what happened when Packer took the game by storm in the 70s and bought one day cricket to the fore. I am also concerned about the power that the Indian Board has. There steadfast refusal to allow ICL players play in the Champions League is ridiculous and I hope that this is not allowed.

As for the Champions Trophy being moved from Pakistan in October well I agree. Why on earth is the ICC even considering allowing it to go on. It clearly is not safe and should be moved. The ICC needs to move quickly on this.

Lastly, big game of cricket on Wednesday when SA and Eng begin the 3rd test. Steyn out for SA and that will be a big loss. However, with Nel coming in it will be great to see his histronics and how he goes. As for England, Mickey V needs a score and they must play Harmy. His pace is much needed. Looking forward to it immensley and can see a England win here to level the series.

Man in the Stand

 

Chokers

Have just watched the tri nations rugby test between the Wallabies and the Chokers. My lord, have the chokers not learnt anything? When the heat goes on the All Blacks fold like a pack of cards.

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3868759,00.html

Siviatu is a disgrace and after the world cup should never have been picked again anyway. A esential component of rugby is the ability to catch and he can’t. As for Lauki, he is a waste of space. Again, he can’t catch. I think the chokers are in a lot of trouble as for Rodney’s captainency, well the less said the better..

Have been on holiday thus the lack of blogging but back now with plenty to say.

Man in the Stand

 

Monty

Yeah, a little confused as to why Monty could not a wicket in the second innings at Lords in the recently completed test. If he is as many say, the best left arm spinner in the world then to not get a single wicket is beyond me. However, I don’t think he is the best left armer playing and rate Vetorri and even Michael Clark as better then him.  Monty has no variation. He needs to mix it up far more then he does. He also needs to stop the appealing every second ball. 60 overs without a wicket on that deck is a joke.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvrsa/engine/current/match/296909.html

Another annoying thing I noticed is Tim Abmroses ahhing and ohhing every f**king ball like it has got a wicket. Why on earth would you go ohhh when Smith hits a four? Not impressed and he is not the best keeper round either. As much as Prior is a puller he should be there. At least he has some presence and can actually bat unlike the ohhhher and ahhhherr.

Will be interresting to see who makes way for Freddie. My pick is Colly. Got a shocking decision but looks like a dead man walking.

Man in the Stand

 

Rugby

Well, SA to good in the end for the blacks. Good game and a fair result. In case you missed it check out the reports;

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3821_3813534,00.html

Interesting to see the age old NZ tradtion of having a pop at the referee. Dreaming. Ok he was tough in the first half he did not miss much. Also, Ricky Januaries brillant solo try with 4 mins to go sealed the deal anyway. Also opens up the tournament. Cannot see the Aussies getting past SA next week in Perth.

Man in the Stand

 

Weekend of Sport

Well the cricket has been a success for England to date.  Superb batting from messers Bell, KP, Broad and Cook. However how bad have SA bowled? Steyn has been a joke and lets face it the majority of his wickets have been against crap opposition. Harris is on a par with Gilo for rubbish left arm bowling. In fact, Gilo is better. Why did SA not play Nel? Some experience and aggression at least. Insipid captaincy from Smith as well. All to play for and only one team can win this test and it ain’t SA!

Now for the rugby in Dunedin tomorrow. What a humdinger that will be. With all the moaning from the world champs this week http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3821_3800771,00.html it should be a cracker. My pick is another win to the ABs followed by another week of moaning from the world champs.

Lasly, Nasri signing for the Arsenal. Yeah, great but we need experience Mr Wenger. Surely after last year and the self destruction you would think experience would be first on the shopping list.

Man in the Stand

 

Nadal…

Yes, I got it wrong. Very badly in fact.  What a game although I am not sure it was the greatest match ever. What about Sampras v Muster US Open when Pete had been told his old coach had died. He was playing with tears. Went to 5 as I recall and he won. That was emotion. However, I still agree that Nadal v Roger was a brillant game. It really felt that Nadal was always going to win for some reason. If it had not rained surely it would have been over in 3 sets.  I am not sure Roger can win the US Open in Sep and I think there will a new number 1….this being Nadal.

Cricket starts this Thursday. Lots of yap I see from Smith. Interesting as I feel the yap fires KP up but I guess Smith cannot help himself. Will be interesting to see how the SA quicks go at Lord. The wet weather this week will make it a seaming deck. This will also help the England quicks as my gut feel is that the SA batting lineup has not been tested on a greentop.  My prediction for what it is worth is a draw. The rain will play a part.

Man in the Stand

 

Finals Day

Fellow stand members. First of all, good game of rugby in Wellington yesterday between the ‘world champs’ and the chokers. Good result for world rugby I thought as the ‘champs’ are a one dimensional outfit that are very cynical off the ball and use the smash approach. Further showed that Butch James is a joke at flyhalf and Steyn surely has to come in for next weekend. As for the chokers, they did well. They more then matched the ‘champs’ up front and also in the loose. However they lose Brad Thorn for next week due to his alledged spear tackle on Smit. Not sure who will come in but next week again be close but the ABs should make it number 31 wins at home on the bounce. Shame they can’t win a world cup!

Big game of tennis this afternoon weather permitting. My Nadal and no final prediction has been blown to pieces. Perhaps is Murray had shown some heart he could have derailed him but in all honesty the two best players are playing the final. My pick is Roger. Class is permanent, form is temporary.

Looking ahead this week the first test at Lords begins. Will be interesting however with the grey weather that has hit London England they should be worried. Messers Steyn and Co will be loving the seam and swing. Will also be good for Siddo and Jimmy. Will Micky Vaughn get some runs? Will KP be able to keep his mouth shut in the build up? Who knows but looking forward to seeing some quality test cricket.

Man in the Stand

 

Rugby

Evening all.  Not going to talk about the tennis tonight as I quite clearly have had a shocker. Big game of rugby on Saturday morning. SA v All Blacks in Wellington. Schalk Burger back for the Saffas and no McCaw to play the offside rule to the limit for the Blacks. My pick is a ABs win over the World Champs by 5 points. I think it will be a battle of the forwards but think home difference will get the ABs though.

Re Johnnos first squad, I am surprised no Easter or Worsley. Both in my opinion good players who at least show some desire unlike some of the other chumps that have worn the jersey. Also, feel it is tough for Borthwick to carry the can for the disaster in NZ.

SA cricket team looking strong in their warm up. I think the England top six will be in for a work out care of Steyn, Morkel and Ntini. Lack of a quality spinner could be a issue though. Paul Harris is a muppet who could not turn the door handle let alone a cricket ball.

Will set up the Betfair online account tomorrow and get into it.

Man in the Stand

 

Tennis…

Well, the pirate is looking fairly handy it has to be said. Did not see the match as was out but by all accounts it took a very short time…I also see he will be playing some further cannon fodder in the semi. Prehaps time to revise my predication although Roger F is looking good and hopefully will be to strong for the pirate on Sunday’s final.

Man in the Stand

PS – I will get the betfair account open this week and start making some beats!