The Tinman & Shabs squared off at the Coral Cove Bar for another installment of The S Files. Unlike Brazil in the World Cup though, we perform well at our home ground.
The NRL is back under way with the State of Origin series over, but there are still plenty of talking points in the game.
The Boston 13's are back in action this week but we didn't have any results through in time for the recording.
The World Cup is at it's climax and with Brazil being humiliated again, it is now down to Argentina v Germany.
The Waratards have finished the regular season with a win over the hapless Reds, but will they get any beneficial treatment once they start playing NZ & South African teams in the finals? As for the Reds, it is a season they will be glad to see the back of. We are looking forward to a good international season though.
The Shabs managed to watch a bit of Calypso Twenty20 cricket and had a few thoughts to share about Gayle.
The awards wrap it up and a song that is climbing up the charts by Carl Wockner closes it out.
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
The S Files: Episode 68
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| Thanks for the memories Guilio. |
The Tinman & Shabs got together again and we joined for the last time by our special guest from Roma, Guilio.
There is no surprise that we started off talking about the NRL, especially with Brisbane faltering to a Cronulla Sharks team with a player that we took "The piss" out of for most of the pubcast.
Although reports have since come out that Carney has been sacked, expect us next week to lay into Andrew Johns after he has come out on the grubs defence. But did you expect less?
The mid pubcast song got stuck into Carney again and after that we talk the Shab's favourite game, rugby.
Although he was quiet to start with, once we get onto the World Cup, Guilio wakes from his slumber and even when we get into the awards he is still wanting to talk about "The Bite".
We always have awards, but for the first time in memory an award goes to a Bundaberg team. The Alloway FC U12's, were deserved recipients on the Stubbystrip award and considering most of these kids are 10 years old, expect a lot from them in the future.
We yet again want to thank Guilio for joining in on occasions for the S Files, and he will always be a welcome guest anytime he is in Australia.
Sunday, 22 June 2014
The S Files : Episode 67
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| An Emotional Letter from an Italian Supporter |
It's been a few days since Origin and the Tinman & Shabs have settled down and pretty much gotten over it. To be honest we are pretty much over how the NRL is run and the approach the administration and media take to the game.
The fallout from game 2 has been a very high injury toll, a season ending & possibly career ending injury for Brent Tate. Also Matt Scott's season may be over after he suffered a fractured eye socket in a tackle that somehow Channel 9 has no footage of. Also of question is why the NRL scheduled byes for New Zealand during Origin and gives them a run of 3 home games as well. Add to that the Brisbane Broncos also have to back up from Origin, fly across the Tasman and face a side full of Kiwis coming off a break?
The Boston 13's are going well in the USARL. After a surprise defeat in round 2 to the Brooklyn Kings 24-26, the 13's bounced back with a good win in a sometimes spiteful match against the Rhode Island Rebellion, 68-18. This placed the 13's at the top of the North East Conference. Unfortunately the 13's lost overnight to the undefeated DC Slayers. We are also proud to report our sponsored player, AJ Mudford, played his first game for the season last week and opened up his try scoring account.
The Rugby International calender is well under way and the Aussies are on a very good run after another victory over France last week and wrapping up the series 3-0 just after we recorded this episode. The real test for the Aussies will be in 8 weeks when they take on the Kiwis but the signs are a lot better now we have an Aussie in charge. Why there is an 8 week break is strange but obviously there was a reason.
The World Cup is in full swing now and even though the Aussies are going home early, they have impressed. Unlike a few countries that were expected to at least win a game by now. There has been some very entertaining games and as always some controversy along the way. The Tinman has been getting a bit of stick from our Italian special guest of late but it seems he is in hiding after Italy lost to Costa Rica.
We wish the Queensland Firebirds the best of luck in the ANZ Championship today and will be reporting on that next week.
The awards are always good and this week we have to great StubbyStrip nominations to give out. Patty Mills and Tim Cahill are in the news for all the right reasons and are flying the Aussie flag proudly.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
The S Files : Episode 65
After a couple of weeks of missed chances to record, the Tinman & Shabs managed to catch up and get this surprise episode out.
We still had to catch up on the fall out for Origin 1 and of course action in the NRL always has talking points. Have we changed our tune on the Reynolds incident? And after the Knights have blown up about a certain Rooster player, maybe people are starting to see what we have always seen in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
It was great to finally bring some updates on the Boston 13's but apologies for the short coverage. We will be bring a more detailed coverage from next episode when the Tinman makes sure he has his notes with him.
International Rugby is back and the Shabs is always happy to talk about it. Australia got off to a winning start against France and look a totally different team with an Aussie coaching again.
The World Cup is on and after Brazil won the opening game it rightly has Shabs stating that Brazil are like New Zealand in a Rugby World Cup. Play it on home soil and everything goes your way.
Sorry about the short write up but with so much football on the Tinman has had little sleep.
Next episode should be a cracker with Origin 2 coming up and plenty more World Cup games to reflect on.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
The S Files : Episode 57
The S Files recorded at a new venue this week. We decided to try out The Spotted Dog Tavern and hope you enjoy the episode as much as we liked this venue. The Tinman & Shabs were joined by Guillio and covered the big issues for the week. Next visit to the Spotted Dog & we will need to secure the Corona Corner.
The NRL was hot topic to start proceedings and there are plenty of issues. We weighed in with our thoughts about the McKinnon tackle but also in how the media & ex-players are handling the fallout. Is the game being made so fast that we will see more injuries like this? Should it be taken back to 5 metres? The NRL really needs to think about where they are taking the game.
The Rugby is kicking along as it normally does, bias/incompetent referees, catering to the South African & New Zealand game and Australia just limps along and accepts it.
The Twenty20 Cricket World Cup is on and it wasn't hard to fire up more than the Australian Cricket Team. The selectors definitely got it wrong & it is no surprise that a few of the older players didn't perform. The first lost was appalling and it looked like a few players have gone for a swansong rather than to win.
The World Game of Football is getting to the pointy end of the season and as we recorded this Brisbane Roar showed that even with a controversial send off and only 10 men, they can make any team look ordinary. There is some good baneter between Guillio & The Tinman as we discuss the Premier League. Can LFC win the title & just how does Moyes hold his job. As long as he keeps it, supporters of all teams will be happy.
The awards always wrap it up and the Tinman really fires up here. He gives a serve to southern media who have hit some new lows and he really gets stuck in, even the Shabs was a little caught out.
Sunday, 23 March 2014
The S Files : Episode 56
At our usual Sunday Session recording venue at Coral Cove Bar & Function Centre the Tinman & Shabs bring another edition with special guests Guillio & Ferris as we cover the issues for the week.
The world game starts things off as we are all enjoying Brisbane Roar sealing the Premiership with 3 rounds still to play. The Tinman is allowed to talk a little LFC and manages to get a good dig in at Man U at the same time.
The Twenty/20 World Cup is under way and what a great concept to have the minnows play first for spots before the main event gets under way. Hats off to Netherlands for a surprise win.
We even talked a little baseball this week with the Major League in Sydney.
There is plenty going on in NRL and it in't all good for the Queensland teams, the Broncos stuttered, the Cowboys have a 9's hangover and have not performed to the standard they should and the Titans really are showing that Cartwright must be the luckiest coach in the world to still have a job. Still backing on of the coaches from these teams to be sacked this year.
The NRL has also said that expansion & relocation are off the table in the same week we here crowd numbers are falling, ratings are dropping & clubs are struggling financially. When will they pull their heads out and realise that Sydney is the problem.
It is Ripped Off Reds in the Rugby as yet again there are dubious happenings by SANZAR. The Shabs fires up and the Tinman can't see the point of watching with the current standard of bias officials.
The awards always wrap it up as we finish off with a song from local Bundy band ET & the Alien.
The world game starts things off as we are all enjoying Brisbane Roar sealing the Premiership with 3 rounds still to play. The Tinman is allowed to talk a little LFC and manages to get a good dig in at Man U at the same time.
The Twenty/20 World Cup is under way and what a great concept to have the minnows play first for spots before the main event gets under way. Hats off to Netherlands for a surprise win.
We even talked a little baseball this week with the Major League in Sydney.
There is plenty going on in NRL and it in't all good for the Queensland teams, the Broncos stuttered, the Cowboys have a 9's hangover and have not performed to the standard they should and the Titans really are showing that Cartwright must be the luckiest coach in the world to still have a job. Still backing on of the coaches from these teams to be sacked this year.
The NRL has also said that expansion & relocation are off the table in the same week we here crowd numbers are falling, ratings are dropping & clubs are struggling financially. When will they pull their heads out and realise that Sydney is the problem.
It is Ripped Off Reds in the Rugby as yet again there are dubious happenings by SANZAR. The Shabs fires up and the Tinman can't see the point of watching with the current standard of bias officials.
The awards always wrap it up as we finish off with a song from local Bundy band ET & the Alien.
Saturday, 11 January 2014
Podcast Episode 46
The Tinman & Shabs bring you this episode from the Coral Cove Bar to cover the on goings in sport during the week. As always we look at the issues that excite us, rile us, piss us off or just generally tweak our interest and we don't hold back or hide our Queensland & Australian slant on events.
They say the Tinman needs a heart but the English cricket team are definitely lacking one and it is the Ashes that kicks off this episode. Australia may have won easy but that doesn't mean the whole team is performing well. Just who did we have in the firing line?
The Big Bash is kicking along & after recently saying that he had almost given up on the Heat, Shabs may be back on board after there win during the week & hopefully a good win this weekend. If Cutting still comes in low in the order expect a spray towards the coach next week.
Does anyone know what is happening with the supposed match fixing allegations involving former NZ cricket players? Shabs would like to know & gets on his soapbox before we look at the debacle that is FIFA & their handling of the World Cup in Brazil & Qatar. This seems to be an issue that will get worse before it is fixed if anything is done at all.
There is always time to let the Tinman look at the EPL & in particular Liverpool FC and it seems he is reveling in the standing of Manchester United at the moment.
The Brisbane Roar just keep strolling along which isn't bad for a team that isn't from Sydney or Melbourne where all the focus seems to be in a code that wants it's game to be the top sport in the country. Once the FFA get their focus further than just NSW & VIC maybe the game will take off bigger & better.
Then it is time to talk NRL & the James Packer jailing. The Newcastle Knights & Wayne Bennett in particular cop a blasting here. While talking league the change of captaincy at the Broncos is also on the agenda.
The Awards always wrap it up each week & there shouldn't be any surprises this week.
They say the Tinman needs a heart but the English cricket team are definitely lacking one and it is the Ashes that kicks off this episode. Australia may have won easy but that doesn't mean the whole team is performing well. Just who did we have in the firing line?
The Big Bash is kicking along & after recently saying that he had almost given up on the Heat, Shabs may be back on board after there win during the week & hopefully a good win this weekend. If Cutting still comes in low in the order expect a spray towards the coach next week.
Does anyone know what is happening with the supposed match fixing allegations involving former NZ cricket players? Shabs would like to know & gets on his soapbox before we look at the debacle that is FIFA & their handling of the World Cup in Brazil & Qatar. This seems to be an issue that will get worse before it is fixed if anything is done at all.
There is always time to let the Tinman look at the EPL & in particular Liverpool FC and it seems he is reveling in the standing of Manchester United at the moment.
The Brisbane Roar just keep strolling along which isn't bad for a team that isn't from Sydney or Melbourne where all the focus seems to be in a code that wants it's game to be the top sport in the country. Once the FFA get their focus further than just NSW & VIC maybe the game will take off bigger & better.
Then it is time to talk NRL & the James Packer jailing. The Newcastle Knights & Wayne Bennett in particular cop a blasting here. While talking league the change of captaincy at the Broncos is also on the agenda.
The Awards always wrap it up each week & there shouldn't be any surprises this week.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Podcast Episode 42
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| Great to see Shabs having a great time afterwards with the Birthday girl. (Would you believe he sang ABBA?) |
The Ashes are all but won by the Aussies & the English press are baying for blood. The Tinman & Shabadoo are back with another installment after failing to locate last weeks recording. We settled in at the Coral Cove Bar for what turned out to be a great night. You will notice we changed the intro music for this recording as we allowed the birthday girl (Caitlyn) on karaoke to bring us in. Let us know if you like a mix up of intros or keep it the same every week.
While competing with the Karaoke we had a couple of drop visitors drop in for a story about a dangerous palm tree on the golf course before we looked at the Ashes series so far. How good is Mitch Johnson going? Even though Australia have been very dominant there are still frailties in the top order & a couple of batsmen should be very worried about their place in the team. The biggest mistake Australia can make is to keep picking the same squad while they are winning & allowing out of form players to remain in the team.
It isn't just the Ashes that is going on & we never miss a chance to look at how Queensland is going. With the Big bash starting soon expect plenty more cricket talk.
The A-League is going great and it is even better if you are a Brisbane Roar supporter. Berisha is on fire & it must be really hurting the southerners that Brisbane are doing so well. Shabs doesn't miss a chance to switch the talk to Liverpool FC & all the talk is about how Suarez is the form striker in the World. Just not sure if the Tinman needed to quite describe it how he did. We like the enthusiasm though.
The mid cast song which allows us to top up the beer supply is something a little different with the Christmas season in full swing now. With Walking Dead being such a popular show we couldn't go past MXPX's Christmas Night of Zombies.
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| Tinman's wife won't let him do karaoke but you can't keep a Big Dogg down as he gave Ferris moral support. |
After the break the topic is still football as we look at the World Cup. We felt like we covered this last week but the recording is still missing. If found please let us know & send it bank, thanks.
Rugby is next on the agenda as the Shabs is definitely a rugby fanatic & with a break until next year he deserved to give them the credit they deserved.
ASADA. Or as we like to say Assholada. It seems to just keep going and going with lots of talk & little actual action. The Tinman lets loose on a rant with the AFL & Essendon showing what little regard they have for actually being tough on those who are caught. If you are an AFL fan this is the last time you will ever hear us talk about the game. Essendon in their actions have sent a message to kids that it is ok to do drugs & cheat.
The awards always wrap it up & the Bryce went to very worthy recipients. The Shabs stuck by his vilification of a rugby referee & the Tinman couldn't go past the Ashes umpires & in particular the crooked umpire from NZ.
The Marto followed in the same vane but it looks like the Wide World of Sports commentary team are going to be a regular this summer.
The SSO Fail was a mixed bag with the WWOS doing a segment that still has people cringing & from left field there is a deaf interpreter that is a worthy recipient.
The closing song is another Christmas ditty by The A.K.A.'s - Christmas in Hollies.
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Pubcast Episode 26
With all mic's switched on and a thorough testing of the equipment done, The Tinman & Johnnyjojoshabadoo settled in at Coral Cove Bar & Bistro to record the 26th installment of Sporting Sport Opinions Pubcast.
A slight change in format tonight sees the insertion of a song mid recording but as NRL & Origin kicked off the conversation it seemed only fitting to have a song that we dedicate to Paul Gallen. We cover the changes in the teams and a few other issues in the game.
With the Wallabies about to take on the Lions, we have a dig at the selectors who seem to think that NSW are the best team in Australia and therefor should make up the majority of the starting team.
The Socceroos are off to the World Cup and we take time to give them the credit they deserve. After that it is all negative though as we take another dig at Cricket Australia and the very ordinary performances of the Australian side.
The awards as always wrap it up and we sign of with the Australian song of the moment. A little gem from Peter Allen that we will all be sick of by the time the World Cup kicks off.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
This Week In History
A bit delayed but here is some history to sit back and reminisce about...
1991 - Magic Johnson announces he has HIV virus & retires from LA Lakers - This announcement shook up the sporting world and forever led to a change whenever a sportsman started bleeding.
1987 - Australia beat England by 7 runs to win Cricket World Cup - No minor achievement as this team was written off before they even started the tournament.
1961 - PGA eliminates caucasians only rule
1991 - South Africa's 1st cricket international since 1970 - one-day v India.
November 7
1991 - Magic Johnson announces he has HIV virus & retires from LA Lakers - This announcement shook up the sporting world and forever led to a change whenever a sportsman started bleeding.
November 8
1987 - Australia beat England by 7 runs to win Cricket World Cup - No minor achievement as this team was written off before they even started the tournament.
November 9
1961 - PGA eliminates caucasians only rule
November 10
1991 - South Africa's 1st cricket international since 1970 - one-day v India.
Friday, 28 October 2011
SBS and the World Game
SBS must be congratulated on gaining the Australian Broadcasting rights to the FIFA World Cup for 2018 & 2022.
With SBS also having the rights to 2014 fans of Football will be happy to know that they will get to see quality coverage on free to air TV. SBS have been excellent in providing football coverage for about 30 years now and it is good to see that they will be the ongoing broadcaster. SBS do what no other commercial station seems to be able to do when they host big sporting events and that is to show the whole game and at a later time repeat the game. They do not feel the need to go to an ad break everytime their is a break in play or ten minutes has passed. They do not feel the need to prattle on about sponsors products during a match or tell all the viewers their thoughts on upcoming TV shows. They do what is needed. I still find it amazing that the likes of Channel 9 are not able to show 40 minutes of live Rugby League or Union and not go to an ad break. On top of that SBS will also show every game of a World Cup. Not just from the Quarter-finals on and any game involving Australia. They show every game, and if two games are on at the same time, not a problem they will replay the other game.
All SBS need to do now is somehow get rights to show A-league games live, even it is only one game a week. Not everyone has Pay TV and not everyone lives in a town that has a team, Football Australia needs to realise that the best way to open their market up is to get their product to more people. The NRL have worked out how to do this with Pay TV and Free to Air, so why not the A-League.
With SBS also having the rights to 2014 fans of Football will be happy to know that they will get to see quality coverage on free to air TV. SBS have been excellent in providing football coverage for about 30 years now and it is good to see that they will be the ongoing broadcaster. SBS do what no other commercial station seems to be able to do when they host big sporting events and that is to show the whole game and at a later time repeat the game. They do not feel the need to go to an ad break everytime their is a break in play or ten minutes has passed. They do not feel the need to prattle on about sponsors products during a match or tell all the viewers their thoughts on upcoming TV shows. They do what is needed. I still find it amazing that the likes of Channel 9 are not able to show 40 minutes of live Rugby League or Union and not go to an ad break. On top of that SBS will also show every game of a World Cup. Not just from the Quarter-finals on and any game involving Australia. They show every game, and if two games are on at the same time, not a problem they will replay the other game.
All SBS need to do now is somehow get rights to show A-league games live, even it is only one game a week. Not everyone has Pay TV and not everyone lives in a town that has a team, Football Australia needs to realise that the best way to open their market up is to get their product to more people. The NRL have worked out how to do this with Pay TV and Free to Air, so why not the A-League.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Rugby Disgrace
So France did want fans of sport have been asking for since the haka has been allowed before any sporting game featuring New Zealand.
A right of reply.
And what was the response from the IRB. To fine France 2,500 Pounds. It was rumoured the fine would be as much as 10,000. All this for simply for holding hands and walking to the half way line towards the kiwis. Admittedly they went over the half way line but at no stage did they approach close enough for there to be a possible confrontation. Opposition teams are always to stand on the 10 metre mark and stand still showing respect. The haka is also to be done behind the 10 metre line and not to encroach over that mark
This is where the IRB is farcical in it's handling of the haka. Everytime New Zealand perform the haka you can guarantee that at least one player crosses the 10 metre line. If it is good enough to fine France then why is New Zealand never fined for breaking the guidelines doing the haka. Is New Zealand untouchable in rugby? Is everyone scared of upsetting this island nation? Not me. For too long have we listened to the whinging everytime something does not go there way. Just mention cricket and the under arm incident still gets an ear battering for hours on end.
Now that the IRB has fined France it is in their best interest to fine New Zealand everytime they encroach over the ten metre line.
As I have said before and I will say again, the haka is a ceremonial warcry, therefor opponents have the right to respond. If they are not allowed to respond then New Zealand should be given a choice, perform the haka or play the national anthem not both. Why should one team get twice as much time on the field before the game to lift their spirits and get the adrenalin pumping.
Maybe the FUNZ response as mentioned in an earlier post could become the response performed by all opponents of New Zealand. We have had a World Cup where everything was done to keep the New Zealanders happy and we will have to listen to their gloating for 4 years but that doesn't mean we should take it sitting down. If they are as good as they say then they are big enough to handle it.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Weekend Wrap
Rugby World Cup
The World Cup has come to a close and it all went according to a well written script. New Zealand can now say the are the World Champions. I would say rightful, but when certain points that were pointed out by my sideline reporter in a previous post, it is hard to do so. Here all I can simply do is quote my well versed reporter: "This whole tournament was designed to give the ABs the victory. Home soil, easiest pool, compliant local media, sympathetic referees - you name it; they got it - so its no wonder they actually won the thing."
I will even go as far to say that their home crowd are the most unsporting of all crowds. It is not gallant sportsmanship to boo a player every time he touches the ball yet applaud when he comes off injured with a serious injury. Yes it is tradition to applaude when an injury player leaves the field, but when you have booed him the whole tournament it does not come across as a respectful sentiment. The kiwis approach to Cooper even had his own mother ashamed to be a Kiwi. Says something.
Man United Get Thumped
It is not every day you see Manchester get their pants pulled down and cop a good rogering and Manchester City are now able to say they have given Sir Alex Ferguson the biggest defeat in his 54 year career. To lose 6-1 when you consider yourself to be one of the top two teams is very embarrassing indeed.
Unfortunately I cannot say Liverpool had a win but a draw will do. This team is making all the chances but cannot convert It seems the killer instinct is not there at the moment. With Chelsea also losing Liverpool are missing great chances to make good ground on the front runners.
Australia Crash
Australia could not carry on from the last game and were very disappointing. I watched the first 20odd overs and the bowling was very ordinary. Not sure if it was the pitch or not but they cannot blame the pitch for bowling on the legs too often. The batsmen failed and the bowlers let the South Africans score over 300 not a good overall performance. With Watson going down injured whilst bowling may have had a large impact on the result but this is what happens when Australia keeps rushing players back from injury. Surely Watson is more important to the Test match series then to risk on a one dayer.
Not A Good Week For Motor Racing
Motor sport has unfortunately been in the news for reasons one never wants to read. Firstly a serious crash in Indycar Series saw the death of two time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Wheldon had 16 wins, was the 2005 Indycar Series Champion and 2003 Rookie of the year.
Yesterday saw horrific crash in the MotoGp which saw the untimely death of the talented Italian Marco Simoncelli. The officials called off the race after the crash which is one the smartest moves in racing for a long time.
Both of these crashes were horrific to watch unfold and left that uneasy feeling in you stomach. What has to be remembered though is the nature of Motor Sport Racing. It is a high speed, dangerous sport. Their are safety precautions and lots of safety gear but things can still go wrong. There are always close calls in almost every race, unfortunately for these two racers their time came. Remember their good racing not their final race.
Keep reading, keep commenting and pass the word.
The World Cup has come to a close and it all went according to a well written script. New Zealand can now say the are the World Champions. I would say rightful, but when certain points that were pointed out by my sideline reporter in a previous post, it is hard to do so. Here all I can simply do is quote my well versed reporter: "This whole tournament was designed to give the ABs the victory. Home soil, easiest pool, compliant local media, sympathetic referees - you name it; they got it - so its no wonder they actually won the thing."
I will even go as far to say that their home crowd are the most unsporting of all crowds. It is not gallant sportsmanship to boo a player every time he touches the ball yet applaud when he comes off injured with a serious injury. Yes it is tradition to applaude when an injury player leaves the field, but when you have booed him the whole tournament it does not come across as a respectful sentiment. The kiwis approach to Cooper even had his own mother ashamed to be a Kiwi. Says something.
Man United Get Thumped
It is not every day you see Manchester get their pants pulled down and cop a good rogering and Manchester City are now able to say they have given Sir Alex Ferguson the biggest defeat in his 54 year career. To lose 6-1 when you consider yourself to be one of the top two teams is very embarrassing indeed.
Unfortunately I cannot say Liverpool had a win but a draw will do. This team is making all the chances but cannot convert It seems the killer instinct is not there at the moment. With Chelsea also losing Liverpool are missing great chances to make good ground on the front runners.
Australia Crash
Australia could not carry on from the last game and were very disappointing. I watched the first 20odd overs and the bowling was very ordinary. Not sure if it was the pitch or not but they cannot blame the pitch for bowling on the legs too often. The batsmen failed and the bowlers let the South Africans score over 300 not a good overall performance. With Watson going down injured whilst bowling may have had a large impact on the result but this is what happens when Australia keeps rushing players back from injury. Surely Watson is more important to the Test match series then to risk on a one dayer.
Not A Good Week For Motor Racing
Motor sport has unfortunately been in the news for reasons one never wants to read. Firstly a serious crash in Indycar Series saw the death of two time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Wheldon had 16 wins, was the 2005 Indycar Series Champion and 2003 Rookie of the year.
Yesterday saw horrific crash in the MotoGp which saw the untimely death of the talented Italian Marco Simoncelli. The officials called off the race after the crash which is one the smartest moves in racing for a long time.
Both of these crashes were horrific to watch unfold and left that uneasy feeling in you stomach. What has to be remembered though is the nature of Motor Sport Racing. It is a high speed, dangerous sport. Their are safety precautions and lots of safety gear but things can still go wrong. There are always close calls in almost every race, unfortunately for these two racers their time came. Remember their good racing not their final race.
Keep reading, keep commenting and pass the word.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Oh well
Here I was just a few hours ago hoping that I would be able to write about a great French victory over the Kiwis. But as everyone who knows a kiwi will probably know by now, that is not what panned out.
Overall I think the French were unlucky not to win. They played the better rugby and were the better team to watch with the ball in hand. Maybe if a few calls went there way it might have been a different story.
Unfortunately though, all we will hear for the next four years from across the Tasman and every city in Australia that is home to the kiwis who love their country so much they live here in Australia, is how the All Blacks are the World Champions.
They have finally broken the hoodoo, or have they. Since the First World Cup held in New Zealand they have been favourites to win so many but always came up short. Now they have won it again with it being back on their own soil. Maybe this will only confirm that they can win a World Cup at home but not on foreign soil. The true test of a champion team is winning everywhere, not just at home. Let's see how they go in four years.
On a side note from the game it was nice to finally see a team stand up to the haka and respond. Running forward holding hands though was not quite what I expected but I impressed nonetheless.
In the end congratulations must be given to New Zealand but greater plaudits must be given to France who were written off by everyone before the game. Vive Le Francais.
Friday, 21 October 2011
Australia win 3rd Place
Australia are to be congratulated for winning a third place playoff at the Rugby World Cup. After such a disappointing performance during the World Cup it was good to see them turn up and play hard.
From the start they looked sharp but with early injuries to Beale and Cooper it was not looking good. Sad to see Cooper out of the Cup in such a way as for the short time on the field he was looking the best he had all tournament. Let's hope his knee injury is not too serious.
Berrick Barnes played well and was a well deserved man of the match. Although I do not like it when they keep announcing the man of the match before the game is over. When it was announced Wales were still in a position to win. I also thought that Slipper had a great game.
Overall watching the game it seemed like more of the same, the ref cannot see what one team does and Australia were on the wrong end of many decisions. A blatant forward pass that leads to a try and it also looked like an offside in the same passage. Many a knock-on was missed among many indiscretions in the ruck. On that though Wales were pathetic in attack and never looked like being able to score through general play.
Maybe if Australia played with this much mongrel in defence last week it might have been a different story.
From the start they looked sharp but with early injuries to Beale and Cooper it was not looking good. Sad to see Cooper out of the Cup in such a way as for the short time on the field he was looking the best he had all tournament. Let's hope his knee injury is not too serious.
Berrick Barnes played well and was a well deserved man of the match. Although I do not like it when they keep announcing the man of the match before the game is over. When it was announced Wales were still in a position to win. I also thought that Slipper had a great game.
Overall watching the game it seemed like more of the same, the ref cannot see what one team does and Australia were on the wrong end of many decisions. A blatant forward pass that leads to a try and it also looked like an offside in the same passage. Many a knock-on was missed among many indiscretions in the ruck. On that though Wales were pathetic in attack and never looked like being able to score through general play.
Maybe if Australia played with this much mongrel in defence last week it might have been a different story.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Weekend Wrap
What a weekend of sport. Lots of action around the world and plenty of talking points.
Australia vs New Zealand (League)
This was another dominating display by Australia and Man of the Match Lockyer. If anything Australia should have put more on the board. New Zealand just never looked like being competitive enough and where found wanting in too many areas, maybe the need to be told that cheap shots don't win a game. If New Zealand focused on playing as much as rattling the opposition they might win more often. The main issue out of this game occurred in the opening minutes and that was the deliberate elbow by Packer on Lockyer. Surely he has to get a few weeks rest for this one.
Australia vs New Zealand (RWC2011)
Realistically Australia never had a chance to beat the All Blacks at Eden park. Australia lacked the mongrel and hunger to overcome a New Zealand team that knew the South African ref was always going to turn a blind eye to all of there indiscretions. Australia though made too many crucial errors. Surely next World Cup we will not leave game winners like Beau Robinson at home. What I cannot stand though is how quickly the sharpened knives have been put into Quade Cooper by the media. In a team game I find it amazing how they always blame one bloke. Our scrum fails, not Coopers fault, our rucking fails, not Coopers fault. Yes he made errors but so did every other player in the team. Australia need to start playing harder. Now the world cup is almost over it is time to get an Australian coach and the best coach in the country is Ewen McKenzie. Look at what he has achieved with the Reds and it is not hard to imagine he as the ability to make our Wallabies a much stronger team.
The Roar Keep Roaring
I was unable to watch this game but have caught higlights. ( Actually missed most sport this weekend but the wedding of my Sister was always going to come first). How good are the Roar and how much better can they get. It is now 30 games in a row undefeated in the A-League and they are not playing at there best yet. It is only early in the season but the Roar are looking the goods for back to back titles. And if they can keep this style of play going a dynasty is in the making.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
A draw is better than a loss and from what I am hearing and reading Liverpool should have put this game away. Manchester United are considered to be a superior team to Liverpool yet were not the better team on the day. If Liverpool can match it with Man U then they should be winning more games on a consistant basis. The big talking point from this game which has overshadowed the the dominance of Liverpool is the Racial Abuse claim by Evra. Without knowing all the details it is hard to comment but if you are going to make a claim and vilify a player publicly then come out and say what was said. Don't leave it to guessing. Guilty or not if you throw mud some of it sticks. If the claims are correct then the EFA will handle it accordingly.
But I cannot abide by what Evra has stated:
"I won't repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more than ten times.
"He tried to wind me up. I won't make a huge deal out of it, but it's very upsetting and disappointing."
Too late, you have made a big deal of it. If you won't repeat it how can anyone make judgement on it.
I have also read Suarez's comments on twitter:
"I'm upset by the acusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts."
Well said and let's hope he has not said anything of the racial nature. Definitely more to come on this issue.
Plenty of other sporting news to catch up on but I will keep you updated on any issues that are raised during the week. Big news on Atomic Force could be coming soon. Will keep you posted.
 |
| Didn't miss him. |
Australia vs New Zealand (League)
This was another dominating display by Australia and Man of the Match Lockyer. If anything Australia should have put more on the board. New Zealand just never looked like being competitive enough and where found wanting in too many areas, maybe the need to be told that cheap shots don't win a game. If New Zealand focused on playing as much as rattling the opposition they might win more often. The main issue out of this game occurred in the opening minutes and that was the deliberate elbow by Packer on Lockyer. Surely he has to get a few weeks rest for this one.
 |
| Not to be |
Australia vs New Zealand (RWC2011)
Realistically Australia never had a chance to beat the All Blacks at Eden park. Australia lacked the mongrel and hunger to overcome a New Zealand team that knew the South African ref was always going to turn a blind eye to all of there indiscretions. Australia though made too many crucial errors. Surely next World Cup we will not leave game winners like Beau Robinson at home. What I cannot stand though is how quickly the sharpened knives have been put into Quade Cooper by the media. In a team game I find it amazing how they always blame one bloke. Our scrum fails, not Coopers fault, our rucking fails, not Coopers fault. Yes he made errors but so did every other player in the team. Australia need to start playing harder. Now the world cup is almost over it is time to get an Australian coach and the best coach in the country is Ewen McKenzie. Look at what he has achieved with the Reds and it is not hard to imagine he as the ability to make our Wallabies a much stronger team.
The Roar Keep Roaring
I was unable to watch this game but have caught higlights. ( Actually missed most sport this weekend but the wedding of my Sister was always going to come first). How good are the Roar and how much better can they get. It is now 30 games in a row undefeated in the A-League and they are not playing at there best yet. It is only early in the season but the Roar are looking the goods for back to back titles. And if they can keep this style of play going a dynasty is in the making.
 |
| Next clash will be interesting |
Liverpool vs Manchester United
A draw is better than a loss and from what I am hearing and reading Liverpool should have put this game away. Manchester United are considered to be a superior team to Liverpool yet were not the better team on the day. If Liverpool can match it with Man U then they should be winning more games on a consistant basis. The big talking point from this game which has overshadowed the the dominance of Liverpool is the Racial Abuse claim by Evra. Without knowing all the details it is hard to comment but if you are going to make a claim and vilify a player publicly then come out and say what was said. Don't leave it to guessing. Guilty or not if you throw mud some of it sticks. If the claims are correct then the EFA will handle it accordingly.
But I cannot abide by what Evra has stated:
"I won't repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more than ten times.
"He tried to wind me up. I won't make a huge deal out of it, but it's very upsetting and disappointing."
Too late, you have made a big deal of it. If you won't repeat it how can anyone make judgement on it.
I have also read Suarez's comments on twitter:
"I'm upset by the acusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts."
Well said and let's hope he has not said anything of the racial nature. Definitely more to come on this issue.
Plenty of other sporting news to catch up on but I will keep you updated on any issues that are raised during the week. Big news on Atomic Force could be coming soon. Will keep you posted.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Australia vs New Zealand
This weekend sees Australia play New Zealand in Rugby League and Rugby Union. My heart will always say Australia is going to win both games but my head is not so sure.
Why? Well lets start with the game of League.
This will be Lockyers last game on Australian soil. Australia have a very imposing record over New Zealand and only for the odd game have New Zealand beaten Australia. I am not totally convinced Australia have picked their best team with what is available but it should still be able to close this game out easily. Let's break it down firstly with the key positions.
Five-eighth: Lockyer vs Marshall. For me Marshall is never going to be a the level of Lockyer, he hides in defence and goes missing too many times in a game and has a high error rate. The kicking game is an important factor and it is not just about the short kicking game, Lockyer has Marshall covered here.
Halfback: Thurston vs Foran. Foran has the Premiership ring but Thurston has the big game experience. Nothing is bigger than Origin and Thurston has shown his credentials at state and national level many a time. Thurston has the ability to keep the ball on a string and should dominate this battle.
Hooker: Smith vs Fien The worlds best hooker against an Aussie that turned his back on his country just to make a rep team, Smith dominates all over here. Too much experience at the top level here and Smith very rarely has a bad game.
Fullback: Slater vs Locke. There is daylight and second here. Slater is the fullback any team would gladly have. Locke may be quick and has had a good year but Slater is no slouch either and just seems to be getting better and better. Look for nerves to hurt Locke, even if Slater makes a couple of mistakes which he is capable of he will still have a big game.
The fowards: Too many class forwards for Australia. Big games are won up front and I can't see how New Zealand will put this Australian team on the back foot. Most of Australia's starting pack are capable of eighty minute games and all of them hit hard.
I won't put it past the kiwis to try a few cheap shots in early in this game. Australia should win easily here.
Rugby Union Semi-final
I think if Australia can get a ref that actually understands the rules of the game and is consistent then they are capable of beating the All Blacks. So far in this competition Australia have not hit their straps but are still there. The kiwis won't have to look back too far to see that they are not as good as they think. They can make up all the excuses they want but they lost the Tri-Nations and the Crusaders are not the Super Rugby Champions. And when it comes to World Cups there is one thing New Zealand are good at, failure. New Zealand are rated every year as being the best team in the world but have not been World Champions since 1987. Since then they have only made the final once. This is a very poor record for a team that is so cocky about their ability in Union.
All the pressure is on New Zealand in this game. Most have written off Australia and Aussies love being an underdog and don't expect Cooper to have another poor game. New Zealand on the other hand are playing at home so the support will be all for them. The media have had New Zealand winning the Cup since day one and most are too scared to say anything negative about the New Zealand team. Hopefully this is a team that just thinks they need to turn up.
They are missing one of there best players in Carter though and McCaw is under an injury cloud. They have plenty of good players but the pressure of a big game and it could all unravel. If Australia can defend like the did against South Africa but get 50% of the possession they will press New Zealand and should came away victorious.
Why? Well lets start with the game of League.
This will be Lockyers last game on Australian soil. Australia have a very imposing record over New Zealand and only for the odd game have New Zealand beaten Australia. I am not totally convinced Australia have picked their best team with what is available but it should still be able to close this game out easily. Let's break it down firstly with the key positions.
Five-eighth: Lockyer vs Marshall. For me Marshall is never going to be a the level of Lockyer, he hides in defence and goes missing too many times in a game and has a high error rate. The kicking game is an important factor and it is not just about the short kicking game, Lockyer has Marshall covered here.
Halfback: Thurston vs Foran. Foran has the Premiership ring but Thurston has the big game experience. Nothing is bigger than Origin and Thurston has shown his credentials at state and national level many a time. Thurston has the ability to keep the ball on a string and should dominate this battle.
Hooker: Smith vs Fien The worlds best hooker against an Aussie that turned his back on his country just to make a rep team, Smith dominates all over here. Too much experience at the top level here and Smith very rarely has a bad game.
Fullback: Slater vs Locke. There is daylight and second here. Slater is the fullback any team would gladly have. Locke may be quick and has had a good year but Slater is no slouch either and just seems to be getting better and better. Look for nerves to hurt Locke, even if Slater makes a couple of mistakes which he is capable of he will still have a big game.
The fowards: Too many class forwards for Australia. Big games are won up front and I can't see how New Zealand will put this Australian team on the back foot. Most of Australia's starting pack are capable of eighty minute games and all of them hit hard.
I won't put it past the kiwis to try a few cheap shots in early in this game. Australia should win easily here.
Rugby Union Semi-final
I think if Australia can get a ref that actually understands the rules of the game and is consistent then they are capable of beating the All Blacks. So far in this competition Australia have not hit their straps but are still there. The kiwis won't have to look back too far to see that they are not as good as they think. They can make up all the excuses they want but they lost the Tri-Nations and the Crusaders are not the Super Rugby Champions. And when it comes to World Cups there is one thing New Zealand are good at, failure. New Zealand are rated every year as being the best team in the world but have not been World Champions since 1987. Since then they have only made the final once. This is a very poor record for a team that is so cocky about their ability in Union.
All the pressure is on New Zealand in this game. Most have written off Australia and Aussies love being an underdog and don't expect Cooper to have another poor game. New Zealand on the other hand are playing at home so the support will be all for them. The media have had New Zealand winning the Cup since day one and most are too scared to say anything negative about the New Zealand team. Hopefully this is a team that just thinks they need to turn up.
They are missing one of there best players in Carter though and McCaw is under an injury cloud. They have plenty of good players but the pressure of a big game and it could all unravel. If Australia can defend like the did against South Africa but get 50% of the possession they will press New Zealand and should came away victorious.
Monday, 10 October 2011
The New Chant
It is time that Australia starts all games they play vs New Zealand with a chant of their own. For too long we have had to put up with the haka and not be able to respond in kind. If Australia does not stand still and watch without making any gestures they are ridiculed and reprimanded. The haka is a traditional war cry/challenge. And there is the key word, challenge. If you challenge someone they have the right of reply. As Australians, and especially after putting up with the disgraceful cheating Bryce Lawrence who has tried as much as possible for Australia to be knocked out of the world cup, the time for an Australian Repsonse to the challenge is needed.
F.U.N.Z.. Simple as that. This great chant was given to me by my Sideline Reporter after watching the quarter-final. This response does not require tongues wagging like a thirsty dog or thigh slapping spirit fingers. It is a short sweet extension of the right arm as you stop its progress upwards with a grab of the elbow with your left hand whilst shouting F.U.N.Z. Quick and simple.
I think Australians should rally together and get momentum on this project.
An airing before the semi-final on New Zealand soil would be perfect.
F.U.N.Z.. Simple as that. This great chant was given to me by my Sideline Reporter after watching the quarter-final. This response does not require tongues wagging like a thirsty dog or thigh slapping spirit fingers. It is a short sweet extension of the right arm as you stop its progress upwards with a grab of the elbow with your left hand whilst shouting F.U.N.Z. Quick and simple.
I think Australians should rally together and get momentum on this project.
An airing before the semi-final on New Zealand soil would be perfect.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Rugby Quarter-Finals
The quarter final stage of the Rugby World Cup is under way and the results were no surprise to me.
Ireland found out what it was like to play a game o rugby without a an extra player on the field (The ref). By the end of the game the Irish look clueless in attack and the Welsh deserved their victory. It will be interesting to see how wales go against a more potent attack though. Didn't get to watch the whole game but what I did see was entertaining.
In the second game the French totally out played England in the First half and the end result seemed a formality from there. England are no longer the power they think they are and it is about time that Wilko retired. He is definitely not up to standard at this level. Would have preferred it if France played like this against the Kiwis though.
Looking forward to my Sideline Commentators report on these games.
Tomorrow I will hopefully be enjoying a Bok bashing by the Wallabies and then I want to enjoy seeing the Pumas eat some Kiwis.
UPDATE:
Games three and four have been played and there were no surprises.
Australia overcame a Springbok team and Bryce Lawrence to progress to the Semi. Look at the game in detail and one knows that the South Africans have a lot of work to do. With 70+% of the ball and no ability to score a try is why this team is packing their bags. Not to mention every assistance from a ref that is way to blatant in his disregard for the Australian team is why Australia should hold their head high. I cannot understand how the IRB can sit back and let this tool of a ref ever get close to a game of such importance. The only thing as bad as the ref is the pathetic commentary by the Fox team. You are not commentating if you can not see and say what is really happening on the field. And writing an article about it three days later will not make up for the fact. All said and done a good win by Australia and hopefully Bryce Lawrences last ever game as a ref.
In the other game every one knew that the Pumas never had a chance to beat a team that can do no wrong this world cup. Although the Kiwis really weren't that convincing and hopefully a repeat of Lang Park and the Tri-nations final happens in the semi.Face the fact if the Kiwis were given the same treatment as the Australian team we would here the winging this side of the Tasman. All I ask for is that a game if officiated in a consistent manner. One can only dream.
Ireland found out what it was like to play a game o rugby without a an extra player on the field (The ref). By the end of the game the Irish look clueless in attack and the Welsh deserved their victory. It will be interesting to see how wales go against a more potent attack though. Didn't get to watch the whole game but what I did see was entertaining.
In the second game the French totally out played England in the First half and the end result seemed a formality from there. England are no longer the power they think they are and it is about time that Wilko retired. He is definitely not up to standard at this level. Would have preferred it if France played like this against the Kiwis though.
Looking forward to my Sideline Commentators report on these games.
Tomorrow I will hopefully be enjoying a Bok bashing by the Wallabies and then I want to enjoy seeing the Pumas eat some Kiwis.
UPDATE:
Games three and four have been played and there were no surprises.
Australia overcame a Springbok team and Bryce Lawrence to progress to the Semi. Look at the game in detail and one knows that the South Africans have a lot of work to do. With 70+% of the ball and no ability to score a try is why this team is packing their bags. Not to mention every assistance from a ref that is way to blatant in his disregard for the Australian team is why Australia should hold their head high. I cannot understand how the IRB can sit back and let this tool of a ref ever get close to a game of such importance. The only thing as bad as the ref is the pathetic commentary by the Fox team. You are not commentating if you can not see and say what is really happening on the field. And writing an article about it three days later will not make up for the fact. All said and done a good win by Australia and hopefully Bryce Lawrences last ever game as a ref.
In the other game every one knew that the Pumas never had a chance to beat a team that can do no wrong this world cup. Although the Kiwis really weren't that convincing and hopefully a repeat of Lang Park and the Tri-nations final happens in the semi.Face the fact if the Kiwis were given the same treatment as the Australian team we would here the winging this side of the Tasman. All I ask for is that a game if officiated in a consistent manner. One can only dream.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Whoops.
Sorry folks but someone (Head bowed in shame) in my household overdid our download limit which kept me out of business for a week.
Not that the NRL grand final was all that great to report about. Well done to Manly though. With whinging Des jumping ship to the doggies after next year, they might be on their way down the ladder with St George. And with Hopoate signing with the Eels after his return from missionary work in Brisbane, (Watch out Brisbane more door knockers are coming you way. Start baking the cookies), I think the Eels need their Salary cap investigated.
This weekend sees the start of the serious part of the Rugby World Cup and lets hope that the ref gets it right for Australia, For more details on his record check out this Great Site.
Also Football Australia get their comeptition under way and all being well the Brisbane Roar will continue on from last season and show that they are bigger and better. Who needs marquee signings when you can play at Lang park every second week.
Lastly I will be starting a list soon of name in sport that get a good laugh when you are watching with your mates. Send in your suggestions and why. Maybe they will make the list. For example Albert Johncock for the Adelaide Crows gets someone I know to crack up.
Stay tuned and pass the word.
Not that the NRL grand final was all that great to report about. Well done to Manly though. With whinging Des jumping ship to the doggies after next year, they might be on their way down the ladder with St George. And with Hopoate signing with the Eels after his return from missionary work in Brisbane, (Watch out Brisbane more door knockers are coming you way. Start baking the cookies), I think the Eels need their Salary cap investigated.
This weekend sees the start of the serious part of the Rugby World Cup and lets hope that the ref gets it right for Australia, For more details on his record check out this Great Site.
Also Football Australia get their comeptition under way and all being well the Brisbane Roar will continue on from last season and show that they are bigger and better. Who needs marquee signings when you can play at Lang park every second week.
Lastly I will be starting a list soon of name in sport that get a good laugh when you are watching with your mates. Send in your suggestions and why. Maybe they will make the list. For example Albert Johncock for the Adelaide Crows gets someone I know to crack up.
Stay tuned and pass the word.
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