Rugby Union

[aussie1st]

No mucking around with a B team from the Aussies. It's a full strength side with Shepherdson to make his debut.

AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain); Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Mark Chisholm; Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe; Guy Shepherdson, Tai McIsaac, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Clyde Rathbone, Cameron Shepherd.

 

[IloveGilly]

Jeez, thought they would try a few new combinations and players...

 

[aussie1st]

We can't take Ireland lightly like the ABs did. I don't know if we can beat them by doing that. We were meant to experiment for the 2nd English test aka a new 5/8 but clearly that didn't happen.

 

[aussie1st]

Looks like some star 5/8s of the future will be touring in the End of Year tour. Barnes, Beale and Norton Knight likely to be taken to tour. Gerrard also mentioned as a backp to Larkham. All would be great back ups to Larkham. Beale is really something special, even better than Wilko and Carter from the sounds of things.

 

[IloveGilly]

Certainly would love to see Norton Knight get to play more international games

So far 11-3 at half-time to Australia and Rogers played really well surprisingly until he got injured. Let's hope not.

Shaping up to be a good game though.

Strong win for Australia. AGAIN, they just run away with the game. Holmes try was one of the best so far

 

[aussie1st]

Once the Wallabies got into gear it was bye bye Ireland. Tuqiri is really killing the opposition with his defence and that Holmes try was a crack up. He was looking both ways 5 times, I thought he was going to get pulled down cause he had to run so far

 

[IloveGilly]

It was a tight first half, but still Australia dominated making line-breaks, playing really fast from the ruck and had a more controlled kicking game. Ireland should have considered themselves lucky at half-time.

But this is the perfect way to start the season off especially when we have to verse New Zealand!

 

[moza1]

I had excellent seats to the game, despite being surrounded by Irish.
The Wallabies played pretty well except for some unforced errors.
Our Back-line was very good again and our forwards are improving every week.
I still think we are gonna have to be better then that though to beat New Zealand.

 

[genghis_khan]

god i love Stephen Larkham...easily Australia's most underrated elite athlete.

i must admit i was surprised to hear that he was playing on this international season and planning on taking part in the 07 WC...but if his body holds up like it has been (which i doubt ) then he is more than capable of leading the Wallabies backline next year aswell.

Can't wait for the Tri-Nations

 

[aussie1st]

Thats why we need suitable backups for him. Barnes is a real talent and hes got the size of Larkham. Sam Norton Knight is also capable. Beale only age is his problem. Gerrard slotted well in there scoring a try when he did. So we got backups for Larkham and they are much better than our usual backup 5/8s.

 

[genghis_khan]

is that Kirtley Beale?...the schoolboy player?............ive heard some fantastic things about that boy....how old is he?

 

[aussie1st]

Yep thats the boy. 17 years old finishing off high school. Every game he plays there is always something good about him. Hes dam tall too and bulky plus got the usual 5/8 games. Hes got an awesome pass, good kicking and very good vision.

 

[James219]

Yeah, Glen Ella spotted him four years ago and he was given a sporting scholarship at St Joey's, Hunter's Hill (one of the best, or most prestigous, schools in Sydney)- he's been working with him on developing his game for some time now, I read in the paper, and believes him to be the next big thing. Apparently he's just one of those REALLY gifted players who can create something from nothing, and obviously has all the quality on-field, and off-field, attributes to suceed. That's no mean feat if it's coming from one of the Ella brothers, either....

 

[aussie1st]

Hes definitely got huge wraps, hes even tipped to be our 5/8 ahead of Barnes. Now that is some feat as Barnes is right up there with the best potential in both codes.

Poor Sam Norton Knight, looks like he'll be playing from the bench in the future as 5/8 will be between Barnes and Beale and Giteau has the 12 wrapped up.

Here is out team for the big clash on Sat.

NEW ZEALAND: Leon MacDonald; Rico Gear, Mils Muliaina, Aaron Mauger, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins; Jason Eaton, Chris Jack; Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Piri Weepu, Chris Masoe, Ali Williams, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore.

AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham; Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain); Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Mark Chisholm; Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe; Guy Shepherdson, Tai McIsaac, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Scott Fava, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ben Tune, Matt Giteau.

 

[w3lshrugby]

The really annoying thing is that the Tri-Nations is on the insanely uncontollable Sky Stwats (oops...sports...i mean :P). This means I cannot witness this truly historical event *cough* and I'm ashamed at Rupert Murdoch and will actually personally give him a piece of my mind. I'm having the brain op tomorrow!