By the way, bad luck about the rugby!

[MarkHM]

:mad:

[Tumbo]

great game- the last 10 minutes were tense; Elsom can play but if he doesn't pull his head in soon Australia stands no chance of winning an International against a team like the All Blacks- where did he learn the rules of the breakdown from a cereal box :rolleyes:

[MarkHM]

I can't believe that Tuqiri (spelling) wasn't sent off, great game otherwise

[singer]

Always next time

[Holden2003]

At least the Wallabies have improved. Last year they looked hopeless. This year they looked like they could win and play better.

[MarkHM]

unfortunately, our silver ferns could beat them

[BATHURSTFAN]

Considering the status of Rugby Union in Australia we do quite well. You have to remember that only two states (NSW & Qld) play Rugby at a high level.

The 4th Super 14 team is stocked with players from Qld, NSW (& ACT). Even then it is not what you would call the number one sport in either of those states. You could even argue that Rugby Union is 3rd place behind League and AFL -even in NSW & Qld.

Rugby League dominates NSW & Qld whilst Australian Rules is the game in Victoria, South & West Aus.

Most Australians outside of Qld & NSW get league and union mixed up. Many times I've heard reporters from those states referring to a rugby league player as a rugby union player

Australian Rugby Union has suffered all these years with players converting to league for the money but the tide is now turning with league players being attracted to union.

I have never met anyone who has attended a Rugby Union club match. They only go to the Super14 and International games.

[Tumbo]

I would strongly disagree with that post. In the ACT Rugby is exceptionally big at the grass-roots level: for example Gregan, Henjack, Giteu and Larkham are all from the immediate area and Campese was like Larkham hailed from just over the boarder (but in areas that claim to be part of the ACT).

And just because outside Qld and NSW it isn't big doesn't mean that we are at any disadvantage- the numbers of ppl living in the 2 States and 1 territory which play Rugby easily match the numbers who play in places like NZ- yet they have no problems- the money in the sport is bigger than any of the other codes- Giteu has a new contract worth more than any previous AFL, NRL or Super Rugby contract offered; Australia has a longer history in Rugby than in either league or AFL................we just have so many sports on offer that our national talent pool is more greatly diminished than other countries

[Holden2003]

I'd agree with Tumbo. New Zealands 2 biggest sporting icons are the All Blacks and Greg Murphy. Have a look at the amount of sports we excel in. We have good swimmers, hockey players, rowers, tennis players, netballers, some good basketball players as well as Rugby league and union, footy, soccer and cricket players. Also don't forget drivers.

Rugby is strong in the Eastern States, but it will develop long term in the West.

I think we need to get rid of Gregan. If you can't finish every game without going to the bench while being captain, you shouldn't been there. Hes one of the all time greats but he has had his time. The new coach has been great. Australia's play hasn't seemed to be so predictable as it was last year. Give them time and Aus will get back to their former glory.

[Tumbo]

Gregan is more often than not pulled so that we can give the other half-backs time on the field; i still think his experience sees him deserving his spot- larkham though worryingly has done his bit i feel

[BATHURSTFAN]

Tumbo

I didn't say we were disadvantaged, I said Australia did quite well (in my opening line) considering the status of Rugby Union in Australia behind League and AFL.

I was also pointing out the fact that the whole nation does not provide players for international rugby.

If Rugby did grow in the other states then imagine the team we could put up against NZ & SA.