You and I feel the same way about NZ rugby Ides. They are streets ahead of everyone else on the planet right now. And it seems their youth team play the same way as their Senior team so the future looks all black. B Barrett has really come into his own. In addition to what you mention, the ball-handling is on a different level, not only are all players looking to take the tackle (and draw in a second man) and offload, but the precision in offloads from hooker to centre is astonishing. They do everything they can to create the overlap, that's how they make it look so simple. The support runs (when someone picks the correct line and breaks through, they often have at least 2 or 3 options - one either side to pass to for a simple 2v1), are better than everyone else. They are just better than everyone in terms of skill, tactics, clinical finishing and probably fitness, but the pace at which they play is something we (anyone in Northern Hemisphere) will never be able to match. They do have weak areas, but as you say, they force the game so that it is extremely hard to take advantage of this before they have ripped you to shreds in other ways.
Absolutely spot on and great analysis VVD. Weak areas? The Lions may have a slightly bigger pack and try to win it by keeping it tight in the front five, but for 80 minutes that is a tall order. Another area where they could be penalised is straying offside and the use of the high tackle. Other than that, NZ should be a delight to watch.
Tiger Woods gone into rehab after his recent run in with the police. I noted in an article about Ant McPartlin's addiction to strong painkillers that 6% of all patients become addicted after such treatment. That's frightening. Feel for Woods....he has missed so much of what could have been his prime.
Murray to give his winnings at Queen's to the tower block fire victims....last year he gave his winnings to the Royal Marsden.
Murray gone out in first round at Queen's to an Australian who replaced an injured Bedene. Also out are Wawrinka and Roanic. Bit of a shock for the tournament organisers.
First test this weekend. Gatland has some big decisions to make, does he go for his Welsh players who are starting to look 'past it', or go aggressive with a combo of English and Irish. Liam Williams looked a bit cagey but I don't think that would put him out of contention.
Where did that come from? Deep inside Lions territory. Seems a breathtaking try. Will have to watch the match on YouTube later.
