Henry

[Hitcher]

Rumour has it, the NZRU wanted to send a message that the world cup isn't the be all and and end all.

Really? What else is there? Boring-as-pig-shit tri-nations "tests" and similarly yawnish matches against Canada or France B doesn't really leave much to look forward to. And this year's planned test match between Australia and NZ in Hong Kong is the beginning of the end, as increasing numbers of tests played in large foreign stadiums will become the norm. It's hard to see how NZ can retain talented players to the big money on offer from European clubs, given that players place no status on the Black jersey.

Rugby Union is a sport that while we may be good at it, New Zealand can no longer afford to pay for it.

[PuppetMaster]

I suspect there will be no reconditioning, and less rotation from now on.

Can you blame players for going to europe to make a buck ?
especially those fringe players.

[enigma51]

So when the AB's beat the Aussies in the Tri-Nations....Whos the better coach ?

J Burgess.!

[Finn]

I think he rides a honda

Couldn't do. Even Honda's win sometimes.

[Dave-]

brilliant.

now we get to keep deans for the super 14!

[Pwalo]

I think they should have picked the Aussie netball coach - she scares the hell out of me.

I think there are long memories at the NZRFU. They're still twitching over the Mitchell-Deans era.

[98tls]

So when the AB's beat the Aussies in the Tri-Nations....Whos the better coach ?

As hitcher said.Still wondering why Deans isnt qualified to coach the All Blacks?

[enigma51]

Couldn't do. Even Honda's win sometimes.

So did he ...... or so i get told everytime i bring up the world cup.

[enigma51]

As hitcher said.Still wondering why Deans isnt qualified to coach the All Blacks?

He did not want to bend over and take one for the team like all the other rugby players and coaches

[98tls]

brilliant.

now we get to keep deans for the super 14!

Yea there is that,as long as Mr Auckland keeps his ideas to himself and the best players are allowed to play.God knows whats going through his shifty little mind now he back in business.

[enigma51]

I think they should have picked the Aussie netball coach - she scares the hell out of me.

I think there are long memories at the NZRFU. They're still twitching over the Mitchell-Deans era.

they rugby players they dont think about anything for longer that 20s

[Hitcher]

Can you blame players for going to europe to make a buck ?
especially those fringe players.

No I can't. They are professionals. Their loyalty is, undertandably, to the dollar and to their future earnings. Being an All Black is only a means to an end with most of them -- it's the highest-paying role for rugby players in New Zealand and a great showcase for their talents internationally.

Sadly rugby is now all about the money, rather than any of the "tradition" that the NZRU wants to exploit for financial advantage. Even worse, the NZRU want to cash in on that "tradition", one that past players built for no financial reward.

It's not "our game" anymore. That right has been sold to commercial sponsors.

Me? I've always been a Phoenix fan.

[skelstar]

Me? I've always been a Phoenix fan.

Bet you've never watched a last game of the season!

Theres been the odd Rugby player that has stayed in NZ aside from short stints OS because they want to give something back... and they are regarded highly as a result.

[Mully]

Really? What else is there? Boring-as-pig-shit tri-nations "tests" and similarly yawnish matches against Canada or France B doesn't really leave much to look forward to. And this year's planned test match between Australia and NZ in Hong Kong is the beginning of the end, as increasing numbers of tests played in large foreign stadiums will become the norm. It's hard to see how NZ can retain talented players to the big money on offer from European clubs, given that players place no status on the Black jersey.

Rugby Union is a sport that while we may be good at it, New Zealand can no longer afford to pay for it.

This is my point, if NZ held the Cup, but were ranked, say 5th in the world as a team, the marketing would be impossible. The NZRU wouldn't be able to organise these games in vast stadiums overseas. They wouldn't sell as many AB jerseys overseas as they do in NZ.

All about the money. Had to be really, cos league was too. We either lose our top rugby players to overseas or league.

Maybe they should make it that overseas based players can play for the ABs. But then, that would kill local grassroots rugby....

It's a quandry, but from this point of view, has little to do with Graham Henry (or Robbie Deans for that matter)

[Skyryder]

Fucking dumb keeping Henry. I'm changing codes in protest.

Skyryder