Sbw

[Guest Quarter horse]

Boy have I been reading, and listening to, some dribble about this guy's 'alleged' abilities on the footy field lately.

SBW is, in cricket terms, a flat-track bully.

Take your minds back to the last AB's Test of 2010 against Wales. Prior to that Test (the one against Scotland), SBW had been superb. History should tell us that Scotland isn't the greatest measuring stick. I recall one Marc Ellis being touted as the 'next biggest thing' after starring at first-five against the Scots in '93. So SBW got to start the Wales Test ahead of Nonu and was lergely anonymous for the 50-or-so minutes he was on the field. Then Nonu came on and showed SBW how it was done by getting involved in everything, and playing that 'link' role better than anyone else possibly can.

Now SBW is again starring in a star-studded team and people can't figure out the connection. Though I did watch on with amusement at the loss the Crusaders suffered in Nelson a few weeks back. SBW came off the bench...he was without his AB 'Greats'...and he failed to fire a single shot. In fact, all he did was stand at first receiver and fire out passes!

I say the man is a myth: and if you're banking on him winning a World Cup for the AB's then you're dreaming!

[Goodlobster 0]

Boy have I been reading, and listening to, some dribble about this guy's 'alleged' abilities on the footy field lately.

SBW is, in cricket terms, a flat-track bully.

Take your minds back to the last AB's Test of 2010 against Wales. Prior to that Test (the one against Scotland), SBW had been superb. History should tell us that Scotland isn't the greatest measuring stick. I recall one Marc Ellis being touted as the 'next biggest thing' after starring at first-five against the Scots in '93. So SBW got to start the Wales Test ahead of Nonu and was lergely anonymous for the 50-or-so minutes he was on the field. Then Nonu came on and showed SBW how it was done by getting involved in everything, and playing that 'link' role better than anyone else possibly can.

Now SBW is again starring in a star-studded team and people can't figure out the connection. Though I did watch on with amusement at the loss the Crusaders suffered in Nelson a few weeks back. SBW came off the bench...he was without his AB 'Greats'...and he failed to fire a single shot. In fact, all he did was stand at first receiver and fire out passes!

I say the man is a myth: and if you're banking on him winning a World Cup for the AB's then you're dreaming!

On Nonu not getting a yellow card in an important game and possibly costing us The World Cup then your not the sharpest pencil in the box either.....maybe if he had a kicking game that would offset his brain explosions

Ho Ho Ho

[Rizzactor 0]

Sonny Bill Williams has been playing union for about 2 years. Why take a performance from 2010? Why not take his last 5 performances from the super 15 into your arguement? Half of the teams the crusaders play could probably beat Wales and Scotland anyway.

[Rooboy 1]

Of course 1/4 horse, Sonny Bill Williams biggest flaw is that he didn't attend Rongatai College.

Seriously though, Nonu has risen to the occasion for the All Blacks over the past few seasons and must be given his chance as the incumbent. However I see SBW as having improved a long way since last years northern tour. He's no myth.

[Rogue 4]

I think being with the Crusaders has sharpened his skills more since he left league.

[Guest Quarter horse]

As expected, you have all failed to see the point I am making...which is not surprising, as this site is devoid of any real, analytic intellect.

Question: How well do you think SBW would perform if he was playing for the Canes? or the Chiefs?

There is a reason he went down to Chch...but yet most of you can't figure that out.

Some clown mentioned about Nonu's propensity to collect yellow cards...can that clown please tell everyone when wa s the last time Nonu cost the AB's a win by being in the bin!

Super Rugby is several cogs down from Test Rugby. Nonu's performances in the Black Jersey will see him start as the No 1, no 12!

Suck it up!

[Goodlobster 0]

As expected, you have all failed to see the point I am making...which is not surprising, as this site is devoid of any real, analytic intellect.

Question: How well do you think SBW would perform if he was playing for the Canes? or the Chiefs?

There is a reason he went down to Chch...but yet most of you can't figure that out.

Some clown mentioned about Nonu's propensity to collect yellow cards...can that clown please tell everyone when wa s the last time Nonu cost the AB's a win by being in the bin!

Super Rugby is several cogs down from Test Rugby. Nonu's performances in the Black Jersey will see him start as the No 1, no 12!

Suck it up!

About who would wear the #12 jersey at a World Cup.....I said Aaron Mauger would start in the big games at the last World Cup and I was wrong....McAlister started....got put in the bin and we lost the game and were Goooooone

I admitted to that idiot I was wrong as I will to you if Ma'a(scara) starts ahead of SBW .... personally I would have Nonu running hard at a tired defence in the last 20 mins, but hey you are the expert so I may be wrong...

Super Rugby is also several Cogs down from the NRL where SBW was awesome

[Guest Quarter horse]

About who would wear the #12 jersey at a World Cup.....I said Aaron Mauger would start in the big games at the last World Cup and I was wrong....McAlister started....got put in the bin and we lost the game and were Goooooone

I admitted to that idiot I was wrong as I will to you if Ma'a(scara) starts ahead of SBW .... personally I would have Nonu running hard at a tired defence in the last 20 mins, but hey you are the expert so I may be wrong...

Super Rugby is also several Cogs down from the NRL where SBW was awesome

Yep, you are wrong...again.

This "last 20 minutes" theory is usually trotted out by idiots who engage their keyboards before engaging their brain.

Has it ever occurred to you that the opposition also have the option of sending on fresh legs to negate the effect of what you're suggesting? Nope...thought not.

SBW is going to be saved the ignominy of missing out on a place in the WC squad due to the current injury crisis.

In a perfect world, the AB selectors would have gone with a 17/13 split. They would have chosen 3 halfbacks: that leaves 10 spots, of which 6 are automatically taken.

Just to explain (because I realise most of you can't work it out), a 'perfect world' situation would have seen Cowan, Weepu, and A.Nother as the halfbacks. The 'six automatics' are the incumbents: Carter, Nonu, Smith, Gear, Toeava, and Mils. The other 4 spots would have gone to McAlister (1st five + 2nd five); Kahui (2nd five, centre and wing); Dagg(fullback and wing); and Sivivatu.

Thus there would have been no reason to include SBW as he can only play ONE position at TEST LEVEL.

As for the McAlister sin-binning, I think anyone with half a clue would acknowledge that he was harshly dealt with: in fact, I think that point has been acknowledged on here on many an occasion.

[Lenny Looney 0]

Quarter horse, you sound like a "know all who knows f#%^ all" and your spouting earns you no friends.

As for SBW he has proven himself already as the best #12 we have. Quarter horse forgot the Stormers game where he had no Ellis or Carter inside him yet still managed a man of the match performance

[Guest Quarter horse]

Quarter horse, you sound like a "know all who knows f#%^ all" and your spouting earns you no friends.

As for SBW he has proven himself already as the best #12 we have. Quarter horse forgot the Stormers game where he had no Ellis or Carter inside him yet still managed a man of the match performance

You've certainly changed your tune Cat!

What ever happened to your 'ideal midfield pairing' of McAlister & SBW (at 13)? At least I've been consistent in always pushing Nonu's case.

You, on the other hand, are a typical fair-weather supporter who seems to change your opinion as often as you change your user-name!

As for SBW getting named man of the match against the Stormers...wow! that's a mighty achievement...man of the match against a team that went on to also lose to the Chiefs...yep, that's compelling evidence of his ability to foot it with the best at Test level alright.

You got any other pearlers you want me to disect?

[optimist 1]

and observe the opposition sending 3 to him to shut him down, even then he wades in the middle of them still looking to offload.

He must be a bloody dream to play outside off, all you have to do is hit the hole and turn on the turbo's!

[bblunt 334]

Can't see Nonu playing too much more rugby in the black if any. Though may be worth a game just to wind up SBW to keep him hungry. Poor ol Ma'a will be watching SBW kiss the World Cup on one of the 20 different little screens at the King's Arms

[THE TORCH 670]

These two can both do the damage IF the rules are adhered to. Far too often we see test referees be inconsistent, especially with trying to keep defensive lines on-side. Their efforts in this area are often pathetic. Of course teams are going to push this to the limit against us. Whether it be Carter,Nonu, or SBW they face it wont matter - the tactics will still be the same: lets see what we can get away with and then milk it some more. Lets hope Wayne Barnes doesnt get appointed to our games. The fact is defence processes are so effective today that any backline is going to struggle if the "gap" isnt policed to perfection. We see it in at least 2 tests every year. Lets hope Paddy O'Brien and his clowns can sort this out come the World Cup or we might be all as frustrated as SBW and Nonu.

[Guest Quarter horse]

and observe the opposition sending 3 to him to shut him down, even then he wades in the middle of them still looking to offload.

He must be a bloody dream to play outside off, all you have to do is hit the hole and turn on the turbo's!

Wow! They send 3 players to shut him down! Ma'a must lie awake at night dreaming of having that happen to him one of these days.

The facts are this: Nonu has been the standout no12 in world rugby for the past 2 years; he has the runs on the board; he has shown SBW up at Test level when they have come up against a team of reasonable quality; he has an established combination with Carter and Smith; he has been playing rugby all his life and knows INSTINCTIVELY what to do; and finally, he has a superior kicking game.

[Lenny Looney 0]

You've certainly changed your tune Cat!

What ever happened to your 'ideal midfield pairing' of McAlister & SBW (at 13)? At least I've been consistent in always pushing Nonu's case.

You, on the other hand, are a typical fair-weather supporter who seems to change your opinion as often as you change your user-name!

As for SBW getting named man of the match against the Stormers...wow! that's a mighty achievement...man of the match against a team that went on to also lose to the Chiefs...yep, that's compelling evidence of his ability to foot it with the best at Test level alright.

You got any other pearlers you want me to disect?

What the hell are you on about??

You seem rather confused but looking back at your posts its not surprising.

So what makes you think that McAlister is a 12?At best he MAY be a backup 10.SBW is a 12 and not a 13 in my opinion.He lacks the genuine pace for a 3/4 and is suited to the confrontation at 12.

Nonu will be in the World Cup squad at this stage but if his form continues to drop off I wouldnt be surprised if he is given the boot.Speaking of boots,does Nonu have one?Most bizarre thing I have heard is quarter horse saying Nonu has a kicking game!

[bblunt 334]

Most bizarre thing I have heard is quarter horse saying Nonu has a kicking game!

It was :tcheek:

[Guest Quarter horse]

It was :tcheek:

Not as bad as the loon spelling "it's" as "its".

You'd think someone with a doctorate would know better! (though it's not a real doctorate...as it's only a 'chiropractic' doctorate...which, as anyone who watches 'two and a half men' will tell you, is regarded as a bit of a joke among the medical profession).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk5ja0pSdHU

[bblunt 334]

you missed my point - that i assumed you were speaking with tongue in cheek. though to be fair it is the worst smiley ever

[Goodlobster 0]

Yep, you are wrong...again.

This "last 20 minutes" theory is usually trotted out by idiots who engage their keyboards before engaging their brain.

Has it ever occurred to you that the opposition also have the option of sending on fresh legs to negate the effect of what you're suggesting? Nope...thought not.

SBW is going to be saved the ignominy of missing out on a place in the WC squad due to the current injury crisis.

In a perfect world, the AB selectors would have gone with a 17/13 split. They would have chosen 3 halfbacks: that leaves 10 spots, of which 6 are automatically taken.

Just to explain (because I realise most of you can't work it out), a 'perfect world' situation would have seen Cowan, Weepu, and A.Nother as the halfbacks. The 'six automatics' are the incumbents: Carter, Nonu, Smith, Gear, Toeava, and Mils. The other 4 spots would have gone to McAlister (1st five + 2nd five)]

Is there 15 substitutes made with 20 mins to go ???....and you say I need to engage my brain.

Toeava incumbent....that is hilarious, he has started in less than 20 tests in a career that has dragged on for over 6 years....and Gear....6 tests (the finisher who doesn't look for work).

SBW will not only play in the World Cup he will star (and possibly be the player of the tournament)

BOOYAH

[Guest Quarter horse]

Toeava incumbent....that is hilarious, he has started in less than 20 tests in a career that has dragged on for over 6 years....and Gear....6 tests (the finisher who doesn't look for work).

Incumbent. Do you know what that means Einstein? The incumbent, in this sense, is the player who started in a particular position in the last AB's Test of 2010.

Here is the AB's starting XV for that particular Test v Wales.

Starting XV

1. Tony Woodcock (73)

2. Keven Mealamu (82)

3. Owen Franks (21)

4. Brad Thorn (49)

5. Sam Whitelock (12)

6. Jerome Kaino (37)

7. Richie McCaw

[Goodlobster 0]

Incumbent. Do you know what that means Einstein? The incumbent, in this sense, is the player who started in a particular position in the last AB's Test of 2010.

Here is the AB's starting XV for that particular Test v Wales.

Starting XV

1. Tony Woodcock (73)

2. Keven Mealamu (82)

3. Owen Franks (21)

4. Brad Thorn (49)

5. Sam Whitelock (12)

6. Jerome Kaino (37)

7. Richie McCaw

[Guest Quarter horse]

So why are the incumbents (apart from SBW) "automatic" selections.

I mean surely a player who has one test double (against Romania) and has played a full test 10 times....isn't an automatic selection...

And most intelligent people talk about playing specialists in their positions yet you want versatile people that can play more than one position.....

I think SBW could be the difference in us getting Old Bill back in the trophy cabinet

I love it when you stick your chin out like this.

The incumbents are automatic because they're the best players in those positions.

I won't even bother justifying the selection of Ma'a, Smith, and Mils, as they are regarded as being beyond reproach by most intelligent analysts (not that you'll find any on RaceCafe, apart from my goodself).

But what you're getting at is why is Gear an automatic choice? I agree that he's not as creative as say a Sivivatu is, but as a pure finisher then he's the best we've got. If you had actually watched those Tests with youy eyes open, then you'd have seen the benefit in having a physically powerful winger on the end of the chain. Sivi wouldn't have scored the tries that Gear did. Quite simple really.

As for Toeava, well, who did he replace? Cory Jane, that's who. A guy who had played all of his rugby at fullback until the AB selectors put him on the wing. So he's no specialist winger either. Toeava showed what a bit of extra power can do out wide, in much the same way Gear has.

As for your point about why do I want guys who can cover many positions ...dear oh dear, oh how we're all laughing at that one.

I know you don't do a lot of thinking Jezza, so I'll help you out. It's a World Cup. You can only name 30 players. Hence, versatility is a key, especially amongst the backup players. It's also the reason why I wouldn't have Williams if everyone is fit. Ma'a starts at 12. If he goes down, then you could turn to Luke (who is the backup 10, but capable of playing 12)]http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/games-results.php

...about halfway down the page you'll see Ma'a Nonu kicked a penalty goal for Ories in their loss to Norths.

Case closed!

[Goodlobster 0]

I love it when you stick your chin out like this.

The incumbents are automatic because they're the best players in those positions.

I won't even bother justifying the selection of Ma'a, Smith, and Mils, as they are regarded as being beyond reproach by most intelligent analysts (not that you'll find any on RaceCafe, apart from my goodself).

But what you're getting at is why is Gear an automatic choice? I agree that he's not as creative as say a Sivivatu is, but as a pure finisher then he's the best we've got. If you had actually watched those Tests with youy eyes open, then you'd have seen the benefit in having a physically powerful winger on the end of the chain. Sivi wouldn't have scored the tries that Gear did. Quite simple really.

As for Toeava, well, who did he replace? Cory Jane, that's who. A guy who had played all of his rugby at fullback until the AB selectors put him on the wing. So he's no specialist winger either. Toeava showed what a bit of extra power can do out wide, in much the same way Gear has.

As for your point about why do I want guys who can cover many positions ...dear oh dear, oh how we're all laughing at that one.

I know you don't do a lot of thinking Jezza, so I'll help you out. It's a World Cup. You can only name 30 players. Hence, versatility is a key, especially amongst the backup players. It's also the reason why I wouldn't have Williams if everyone is fit. Ma'a starts at 12. If he goes down, then you could turn to Luke (who is the backup 10, but capable of playing 12)]http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/games-results.php

...about halfway down the page you'll see Ma'a Nonu kicked a penalty goal for Ories in their loss to Norths.

Case closed!

You say you are "ONLY" allowed 30 players....."ONLY" 30 (bearing in mind you are allowed to replace players injured and unable to play the rest of the tournament).

Last World Cup we played 4 games in the space of 4 weeks....why do you need a lot of versatile players because you "ONLY" are allowed 30 players....Oh how I laughed....

PS I think Weepu will be the back up #10 if Carter gets injured as if he is on the bench he can cover #9 and #10 so there is no need for Luke to be on the bench....and then they can put 5 forwards on with 20 mins to go so oppositions can't use the "impact player running at tired defenders" plan like the AB's will use Nonu

"ONLY" 30 players for a maximum of 6 games played over more than 6 weeks is why we need players that can cover a lot of positions.....Ho Ho Ho, sounds like a Tui Billboard....

Thank You Umpire, Thank You Ballboys

PS Which of your personalities told me it was ridiculous for me to think Ma'a needed a kicking game at all ????

[tasman man 742]

.....joined there was an Rugby expert on here by the name of Chris Taylor , also from Wellington , you may know him.

I see on your club rugby link that the Tawa # 15 and 14 , RBishop and RTaurima were young players in the Wellington Saints in recent seasons.

Both Mana College lads.

As for Maaaaa I did advise these pages 2 years ago he would need to improve.

And as for Sonny Bill , you make some valid points but he's a money man , a brand .....more than just a player.....you need to get your molars around that ..

[Guest Quarter horse]

PS I think Weepu will be the back up #10 if Carter gets injured as if he is on the bench he can cover #9 and #10 so there is no need for Luke to be on the bench....and then they can put 5 forwards on with 20 mins to go so oppositions can't use the "impact player running at tired defenders" plan like the AB's will use Nonu

I refuse to be drawn into a Rugby debate with an intellectual lighweight who proposes that the AB's should only have two back reserves.

What are you thinking?

Your post shows a total lack of lateral thinking towards the consequences of what you are suggesting.

You offer nothing.

You have nothing to offer.

And if you were a 'Treaty', one Prendergast CJ would indeed have described you as a "nullity!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Prendergast_(judge)

And just for TM, I am well aware of the 'brand' that is SBW: for it is only through the brand that he is where he is today.