QUESTIONS
After all the sporting drama over the weekend, which has sent fans and sporting scribes into complete confusion, I felt compelled to crouch, touch , pause and engage in a series of very pertinent questions which need to be answered and yet ironically the answers, after last weekend's sporting debacle can only be found within the sportsmen themselves in the coming weeks and months of 2008.
Question: Are the New Zealand S14 sides as strong as we assumed the were after the first 3 rounds?...........
Question: Are the Blues about to choke again after a very strong start? Ryan Dube your thoughts?............
Question: Who had the better game DC or Matt Giteau?
Question: is it just me or is DC playing some pretty average ( by his standards of course) footy?......
Question: Are the Highlanders going to lose every game by a bonus point margin?....
Question: What are the chances of Wales completing the Grand Slam?.....
Question: Should Rio Ferdinand be considered for the position of Goalie for Man U after he correctly geussed and made a reasonable attempt at saving that penalty?.....
Question: Whats happened to Mens tennis as a global game?........
Question: Does USA need a new basketball hero because it seems every other nationality is muscling in on their marketing turf?.......
Question: Finally, Ryan Dube you thoughts on Tiger completing the Grand Slam of golf this year and if not, who will stop him?........
Ponder away me lads but like I said only time will tell!
Monday, March 10, 2008
My Shocker of a weekend!!!
It all started on Saturday morning watching the Cheetahs rattle the cage of the Chiefs in the Super 14 by going 17 - 0 up at half time. They ended up losing 22 - 20 but it was much closer than expected. I should have known then that there were some upsets on the horizon. Switching codes I decided to watch the soccer and as the time ticked on and both Manchester United and Chelsea missed chance after chance, and calls for penalties in both games that could have gone either way were turned down, they were both knocked out of the F.A Cup by unfavoured Portsmouth (1 - 0)and the so called 'Giant Killers', division one Barnsely (1 - 0) respectively.
To my disbelief Middelsborough were also booted out by Cardiff and Westbrom are through to the semi-finals after thumping Bristol 5 - 1. This leaves Portsmouth as hot favourites for the F.A Cup, I must it is a nice surprise for the minnows and I guess thats what the F.A Cup is all about good for them.
Back to my Saturday afternoon and switching back to rugby my eyes almost popped out when the Auckland Blues were down 19 - 0 at half time and we all know that the Shark tank has become some what of a fortress and they are one side who have mastered the art of defending their lead. Although the Blues had their chances, they struggled to convert and could not adapt to the humidty of Durban and their sweaty palms as well as the Sharks defence forced error after error Sharks taking it 22 - 17.
By now my heart is in overload with all the adreline and axcitement of all these close encouters, and i am thinking to myslef this kind of entertainment compete's with any thriller I have watched. Their were so many shocks on Saturday and by the time the evening came it was calming to watch a bit of golf and see Stewart Cink take a four shot lead at the Tampa Bay Championship in Florida.
Nice early Sunday morning still recovering from a pulsating Saturday in sport and it was like deja vu when I saw relative newcomers the Western Force stun 6 time Super rugby Champions the Cantebury Crusaders, in the final Super 14 fixtures, with some enterprizing rugby and creative interplay to take a 12pt lead in the match. The Crusaders were eventual winners (29 - 24) in game that went to the wire and the Force were always in it.
Another mid-morning thriller leaving me in a state and as slouched on the couch and watched Arsenal take on Wigan in the Premier League. I had no idea that I would be on the edge of me seat again in the dying minutes as Arsenal scrambled for a winner but failed (0 - 0) and ended up reliquishing a chance to go five clear of Manchester United in a race for the title...remember I asked 'Who is it going to be?'.
Right all done enough before I have a slight heart attack no more shocks please...but then as I was falling asleep watching golf the it started all over again. Stewart Cink gave up his four shot lead which I had seen him with on Saturday to Stumbling to a six-way tie for second place. Nick O'hair who was three shots back of Cink at the start of the final day won the Championship by two shots.
And finally my SHOCKER of a weekend was over.
To my disbelief Middelsborough were also booted out by Cardiff and Westbrom are through to the semi-finals after thumping Bristol 5 - 1. This leaves Portsmouth as hot favourites for the F.A Cup, I must it is a nice surprise for the minnows and I guess thats what the F.A Cup is all about good for them.
Back to my Saturday afternoon and switching back to rugby my eyes almost popped out when the Auckland Blues were down 19 - 0 at half time and we all know that the Shark tank has become some what of a fortress and they are one side who have mastered the art of defending their lead. Although the Blues had their chances, they struggled to convert and could not adapt to the humidty of Durban and their sweaty palms as well as the Sharks defence forced error after error Sharks taking it 22 - 17.
By now my heart is in overload with all the adreline and axcitement of all these close encouters, and i am thinking to myslef this kind of entertainment compete's with any thriller I have watched. Their were so many shocks on Saturday and by the time the evening came it was calming to watch a bit of golf and see Stewart Cink take a four shot lead at the Tampa Bay Championship in Florida.
Nice early Sunday morning still recovering from a pulsating Saturday in sport and it was like deja vu when I saw relative newcomers the Western Force stun 6 time Super rugby Champions the Cantebury Crusaders, in the final Super 14 fixtures, with some enterprizing rugby and creative interplay to take a 12pt lead in the match. The Crusaders were eventual winners (29 - 24) in game that went to the wire and the Force were always in it.
Another mid-morning thriller leaving me in a state and as slouched on the couch and watched Arsenal take on Wigan in the Premier League. I had no idea that I would be on the edge of me seat again in the dying minutes as Arsenal scrambled for a winner but failed (0 - 0) and ended up reliquishing a chance to go five clear of Manchester United in a race for the title...remember I asked 'Who is it going to be?'.
Right all done enough before I have a slight heart attack no more shocks please...but then as I was falling asleep watching golf the it started all over again. Stewart Cink gave up his four shot lead which I had seen him with on Saturday to Stumbling to a six-way tie for second place. Nick O'hair who was three shots back of Cink at the start of the final day won the Championship by two shots.
And finally my SHOCKER of a weekend was over.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Who is it going to be??
After an exciting weekend of sport last weekend that gave me a serious high, I was still coming down on Monday and hence there was no story. It was incredible and I must say the Super 14 is looking good for a couple of New Zealand sides and very ominous for the SA sides with the Aussies rebuilding and floating around the middle as they do.
Moving away from rugby this week we take a look into the world of soccer. And the big question is who is it going to be? In the Premier League the men have made a clear break-away from the boys and its race to the title for Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. The question I pose once again is who is it going to be, I am not referring to which team will take the lead and snatch the title I am referring to which team is going to choke and slip up in the last 10 games of the season.
We have not had a title race like this in some years now and it has been two teams battling it out and then one runs away with it. But the way the top 3 sides are playing and the hunger and determination for success shown by all three teams I can see this one going to the wire with all three clubs and the league will be decided by in the fixtures where they meet each other.
The FA Cup is coming to a close and after Manchester United handed Arsenal a serious drubbing of a lesson on BMT I can only see them and Chelsea as hot favourites but don't count out the others as weirder things have happened. The Champions League is also getting rid of the pretenders and the next round looks set up for all four sides from England to be there, pending Liverpool vs Inter next week, but if they (Liverpool) can't seal the deal there then they really need to consider Benitez's tactics but my money is on them to win next week.
Its all very exciting right now and I must say this is why we watch the beautiful game.
Moving away from rugby this week we take a look into the world of soccer. And the big question is who is it going to be? In the Premier League the men have made a clear break-away from the boys and its race to the title for Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. The question I pose once again is who is it going to be, I am not referring to which team will take the lead and snatch the title I am referring to which team is going to choke and slip up in the last 10 games of the season.
We have not had a title race like this in some years now and it has been two teams battling it out and then one runs away with it. But the way the top 3 sides are playing and the hunger and determination for success shown by all three teams I can see this one going to the wire with all three clubs and the league will be decided by in the fixtures where they meet each other.
The FA Cup is coming to a close and after Manchester United handed Arsenal a serious drubbing of a lesson on BMT I can only see them and Chelsea as hot favourites but don't count out the others as weirder things have happened. The Champions League is also getting rid of the pretenders and the next round looks set up for all four sides from England to be there, pending Liverpool vs Inter next week, but if they (Liverpool) can't seal the deal there then they really need to consider Benitez's tactics but my money is on them to win next week.
Its all very exciting right now and I must say this is why we watch the beautiful game.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
St Elmo's Fire
Dear Highlanders
Ever since making my way to this part of the world, I have been persistent in my idignation towards you as I felt you never ever lived up to the expectations that a crazed rugby head like me would, in a moment of buffoonery pledge their undying and unconditional support to you. For years you have implored me to give you the time and attention you so badly craved for, and yet I spurned you. You begged us to " surround the enemy so you could put them to the sword," but I turned away refusing to pay homage to your gobble de gook.
For years I felt ashamed as I watched your progressive demise which was eating away at your very core like an uncontrollable cancer. At a time when all New Zealand sides were exhuberant and bursting at the seams with talent, you lagged behind and stuck out like a sore thumb as you continously showed a propensity for lack of innovation. Week in and out , you played the same old, pedantic and almost robotic style of rugby, which was sorely attributing to your degeneration.
We stopped coming to the 'Brook in our droves as you refused to listen to our pleas for change. You remained steadfast in your resistance to our pleas for change, yet it was we the fans who had made you and the 'Brook a household name affectinately known as the "House of Pain!"
If the last two S14 rounds are anything to go by, it appears you have finally heeded our calls this year with change even going as far as the very echelons of administration in the Highlanders. Coach Moore (who we all new was a fantastic coach) has been lingering in the coaching doldrums of division 2 rugby,has taken the bull by the horns. His brand is exciting, enterprising and showing signs of innovation. With a bit of North Island flair to boot we could be on to a winner. Our old school style rugby has never excited in defeat or in victory and yet the last 2 games, although we lost , I felt proud to be a fan and relished the thought of yous playing in your first home game at the "Brook tonight.
I am sure I and many others come rain or sunshine(the forecast is for rain) will make my 15 minute pilgrimage to the Mecca we call the "House of Pain" surround those so called Waratahs while you put them to the sword!!!!!!!!!!!! Win or lose as long as you display the courage, tenacity and expanisve rugby which you have fearlessly showed in the last 2 weeks, we will stand proud!
So I say to the Waratahs, beware the Ides of March, for cometh the Highlanders and so too cometh the fans tonight at the "House of Pain"
Your Prodigal Fan
St Elmo's Fire
Ever since making my way to this part of the world, I have been persistent in my idignation towards you as I felt you never ever lived up to the expectations that a crazed rugby head like me would, in a moment of buffoonery pledge their undying and unconditional support to you. For years you have implored me to give you the time and attention you so badly craved for, and yet I spurned you. You begged us to " surround the enemy so you could put them to the sword," but I turned away refusing to pay homage to your gobble de gook.
For years I felt ashamed as I watched your progressive demise which was eating away at your very core like an uncontrollable cancer. At a time when all New Zealand sides were exhuberant and bursting at the seams with talent, you lagged behind and stuck out like a sore thumb as you continously showed a propensity for lack of innovation. Week in and out , you played the same old, pedantic and almost robotic style of rugby, which was sorely attributing to your degeneration.
We stopped coming to the 'Brook in our droves as you refused to listen to our pleas for change. You remained steadfast in your resistance to our pleas for change, yet it was we the fans who had made you and the 'Brook a household name affectinately known as the "House of Pain!"
If the last two S14 rounds are anything to go by, it appears you have finally heeded our calls this year with change even going as far as the very echelons of administration in the Highlanders. Coach Moore (who we all new was a fantastic coach) has been lingering in the coaching doldrums of division 2 rugby,has taken the bull by the horns. His brand is exciting, enterprising and showing signs of innovation. With a bit of North Island flair to boot we could be on to a winner. Our old school style rugby has never excited in defeat or in victory and yet the last 2 games, although we lost , I felt proud to be a fan and relished the thought of yous playing in your first home game at the "Brook tonight.
I am sure I and many others come rain or sunshine(the forecast is for rain) will make my 15 minute pilgrimage to the Mecca we call the "House of Pain" surround those so called Waratahs while you put them to the sword!!!!!!!!!!!! Win or lose as long as you display the courage, tenacity and expanisve rugby which you have fearlessly showed in the last 2 weeks, we will stand proud!
So I say to the Waratahs, beware the Ides of March, for cometh the Highlanders and so too cometh the fans tonight at the "House of Pain"
Your Prodigal Fan
St Elmo's Fire
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