The All Blacks with a side of Stephen Donald

[Gibbo89]

I thought about posting this thread for a while as I do not like blaming one player for a teams loss but I thought I should open this up to the geniuses that are KiwiBiker's.

Here is an article I think to be fairly honest:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/best-of-sport-analysis/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502180&objectid=10684469

The only things on here I don't really agree with are Alby Mathewson being useless and Nonu's ability to leak penalties.

Regarding Stephen Donald, I believe he can be a pretty good player at the lower levels, especially when his team is giving him 'front foot ball'. In the article it calls him a 'two trick pony' (or something) and this seems to be a pretty good assessment.

In my opinion the end of year tour is a great chance for new players to get some experience under their belts without the intensity of the Tri Nations.

I believe Robbie Fruean got a bit shafted with the selections, but in saying that Sonny Bill has to be tested at the top level and they aren't going to leave out Nonu or Smith are they?

Some back up first five options should be players like Colin Slade or Mike Delany.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitching because of the fact that we lost (I think that losses leading up to a World Cup are needed so we do not peak too early), but more the fact of how we lost.

What are your guys and gals opinions on this?

Feel free to talk about other players that you think are questionable in this team or other players you think should be in the team for this current tour or next years All Black squad.

[MIXONE]

I heard that Stephen Donald has a back injury.
Caused by everyone sticking knives in it...

[Jizah]

Rokocoko needs to go.

[DMNTD]

I did a mean arse wheelie today!

[ellipsis]

....Donald has shown himself a real flash and switched on player on so many occasions in provincial and super rugby that it seemed like he could go all the way.....on the big occasions he has had, and there have been a few, he hasnt stepped up I reckon...he looks good going forward with a team behind him...but only if it works...its not a position we can afford to fuck with really....

[Hitcher]

Things always fall to a low ebb in the All Blacks when Waikato fans demand representation in the national team.

[JimO]

bring back buck

[tri boy]

Things always fall to a low ebb in the All Blacks when Waikato fans demand representation in the national team.

Oi!
Actually, thinking bout it.
Dammit.

[Gibbo89]

....Donald has shown himself a real flash and switched on player on so many occasions in provincial and super rugby that it seemed like he could go all the way.....on the big occasions he has had, and there have been a few, he hasnt stepped up I reckon...he looks good going forward with a team behind him...but only if it works...its not a position we can afford to fuck with really....

Yip, pretty much nailed it on the head I reckon.

[Gibbo89]

Rokocoko needs to go.

he seems to have lost his sting as a winger, but his defensive play and other aspects are pretty good. But no more do we see him do the Rokocoko 'spin' and dominate.

Will be good to see Gear on the wing as Jane has been ruled out.

[oldrider]

Yip, pretty much nailed it on the head I reckon.

Yep! Donald and Henry both tarred with the same brush! :shifty:

[BuzzardNZ]

Felt a bit sorry for Stephen Donald, but seriously, he lost last Saturdays Aussie vs All Blacks test for us. All the stupid arsehole had to do was kick it out and the game was ours :facepalm:. Only the flip side, I think a lose now and then keeps the AB on their toes. Still SD is better than Carlos Spencer ever was.

[Murray]

Rutledge should have gone on tour!!! He probably would have done a better job closing out the game than Stephen Donald did!!

[98tls]

Felt a bit sorry for Stephen Donald, but seriously, he lost last Saturdays Aussie vs All Blacks test for us. All the stupid arsehole had to do was kick it out and the game was ours :facepalm:. Only the flip side, I think a lose now and then keeps the AB on their toes. Still SD is better than Carlos Spencer ever was.

Really,if Donald had kicked it out there still would have been time for a line out so whos to say the Aussies wouldnt have scored anyway.The All Blacks lost that test because they let a try in simple as that.

[MisterD]

Some back up first five options should be players like Colin Slade or Mike Delany.


Delanywas unlucky to get injured just as he made the AB's last year, he probably hasn't had enough rugby to justify his recall yet. Slade looks like a steady pair of hands to close out a game as a backup to Carter, but I don't see him as fantastic player to start with.

If the NZRFU had only put half as much effort into getting Nick Evans to come home as they put into SBW...shit, they couldn't even manage one "How about it Nick?" phone call.

[Mully]

I disagree that Stephen Donald cost us the match.

Yes, that kick was a shocker (as was the penalty he missed, but Carter missed penalties too), but the Aussies had the wood on the ABs for the first 30 minutes and the last 20 minutes of that game.

When the ABs were firing (which was only about 30 minutes), we put 24 unanswered points on them. Ultimately, you can't play less than half the game well and expect to win.

I don't mind that we lost, TBH - I would rather the coaches said "Sod it, let's blood some new players (or combinations) in a dead rubber" and put as many new guys on the field as they could.

[Oscar]

Things always fall to a low ebb in the All Blacks when Waikato fans demand representation in the national team.

If Ma Nonu spent less time on his make up and more time at tackle practice, things wouldn't be at a low ebb - he was directly responsible for the first Aussie try.

Wellington Rugby firsts:

1. First Representative Rugby Player in pantyhose
2. First Representative Rugby Player in makeup
3. First Representative Rugby Player to urinate live on National TV


Did I miss anything?

[98tls]

I disagree that Stephen Donald cost us the match.

Yes, that kick was a shocker (as was the penalty he missed, but Carter missed penalties too), but the Aussies had the wood on the ABs for the first 30 minutes and the last 20 minutes of that game.

When the ABs were firing (which was only about 30 minutes), we put 24 unanswered points on them. Ultimately, you can't play less than half the game well and expect to win.

I don't mind that we lost, TBH - I would rather the coaches said "Sod it, let's blood some new players (or combinations) in a dead rubber" and put as many new guys on the field as they could.

Lets not forget the Aussies missed 4 in the first 20 minutes,personally i was glad of the Aussie win and being a Deans fan hope they do it again next year in the final,if thats what it takes to be rid of Henry so be it.That game reeked of the All Blacks loss to France in the 1/4s last world cup ie a predetermined game plan that he wouldnt change,Carter could/should have played the whole game and to take him off at 60 minutes shows Henrys arrogance once again.

[jim.cox]

The Man From Waiuku River – an Ode to Stephen Donald

There was movement on the sidelines, for the word had got around
Replacement fly-half Stephen Donald was soon to take the ground

The game was all-but over, the Darkness held the lead
The Wallabies were clearly shagged, it was time to about concede.

The Men-in-Gold were down by 12 and it had all been seen before
Sookface had just come on, as Gits was shown the door.

But just when all seemed hopeless and the only outcome was defeat
The Man from Waiuku River rose ungainly to his feet.

His warm-up on the sideline was something of a farce
He’s not very good at kicking, and he can hardly fucking pass

When Smug Ted dragged Dan Carter, ‘cause his ankle was near shot
The look on Richie’s face said “Ol’ Ted’s lost the fucking plot”

For DC on one leg is a better bet than Waiuku River’s two
Anyone who’d seen him butcher things for Mooloo, knew what he would do

So the Man from Waiuku River did stumble on into the line
And it was only seconds later, the sun began to shine

Gilbert ran the Gilbert with style, poise and grace
He timed a sweet ball to Shmoo, who had far too much pace

It was 24-19 as the conversion sailed over from near the 3rd row
Rocky gathered the boys’ round “With Donald on lads, we’ve got a fucking show!”

On the Man from Waiuku River did bungle, not stopping to draw breath
He even had a chance at a penalty goal to win it at the death.

But for those who know him best, it was always going to shank
He’s just so God-damn gawky; he’s like a fucking plank.

But still our Man kept plodding, he wasn’t done with yet
There was still one more balls-up, as bad as it could get

For the Man from Waiuku River, again had the ball in his hands
And to win the game he had to only kick it to the stands

But alas he stuffed the kick and downfield the ball did soar
You could almost hear JOC shout “Fuck me dead, I reckon I’m gonna score!”

And so he did just that, young JOC was now the hero
On the other side The Man from Waiuku River, a freshly minted zero

The Wallabies went wild, and the crowd they pissed it up
“Stick the 10 straight up your arse”, they screamed – they even won a Cup

And down by Waiuku Riverside, where the youngsters dream of greatness
They should remember their Stephen Donald, is completely fucking hopeless

[98tls]

Tad harsh but bloody well done all the same.

[Hoon]

3. First Representative Rugby Player to urinate live on National TV

Not him, was Jerry Collins...

Overall not too fussed about the outcome of that game. After all, it was a dead rubber so Carter was always going to come off after 60. Also good that Donald was exposed now rather than in the RWC finals. Toeva needed some game time so better to give it to him in this game rather than contest with SBW come EOY tour.

Happy Robbie Deans got some reprive as kind of feel sorry for him. Sure he is the Aussie coach but one day he will also be the AB coach.

Nonu keeps the opposition backline defense in check. He and SBW will be devasting tomorrow night as the poms can't cover both of them.

SMASH THE POMS!!!!

[Gibbo89]

Some pretty good opinions here I feel.

Re. Jason Rutledge (might be misspelled) he was a shafted yes. he was man of the match in a lot of ways with southland defending the ranfurly shield for most of the season. the shield being down there did way more for them than any big union having it.

That final kick into touch was a big fail yes, but that wasn't the only thing Donald failed to do. The kick he missed was pretty standard, and if memory serves me right most kicks previously missed were quite a bit harder. But the fact that he keeps having these wee 'dabs', where he just grubbers the ball in behind the defensive line seems to just be his 'go to' move and that just doesn't work in international rugby.

[MisterD]

Nonu keeps the opposition backline defense in check. He and SBW will be devasting tomorrow night as the poms can't cover both of them.

SMASH THE POMS!!!!

It's not like their opposite numbers are small blokes...Mike Tindall will be the smallest bloke in the midfield at 102kg!.

I'm sure this match must set the record for the heaviest midfield ever?

[Gibbo89]

It's not like their opposite numbers are small blokes...Mike Tindall will be the smallest bloke in the midfield at 102kg!.

I'm sure this match must set the record for the heaviest midfield ever?

I am guessing some samoa/tongan/fijian teams produce some fast as big boys. but it will be up there :yes:

[White trash]

I did a mean arse wheelie today!

Pics or it didn't happen.

[jim.cox]

I did a mean arse wheelie today!

What's an "arse wheelie" ?

[ellipsis]

What's an "arse wheelie" ?

.....putting Donald in the AB's is a bit of an arse wheelie...I think....(sometimes).....

[Oscar]

Not him, was Jerry Collins...

Overall not too fussed about the outcome of that game. After all, it was a dead rubber so Carter was always going to come off after 60. Also good that Donald was exposed now rather than in the RWC finals. Toeva needed some game time so better to give it to him in this game rather than contest with SBW come EOY tour.

Happy Robbie Deans got some reprive as kind of feel sorry for him. Sure he is the Aussie coach but one day he will also be the AB coach.

Nonu keeps the opposition backline defense in check. He and SBW will be devasting tomorrow night as the poms can't cover both of them.

SMASH THE POMS!!!!

I was talking about three Wellington players - Hewson, Collins and Nonu.