Carpelone says...

ruckingkiwi

Let's hope that he does not take the cup for a profiterol pie. We want the cup back integer in 2015.

Posted 11:44 02nd August 2012

marzie says...

'The recently split group Chumbawamba's famous tune 'Tubthumping''. Split up? Jesus, who knew!

Posted 10:06 02nd August 2012

ruckingkiwi says...

Carpelone, it's rumoured he likes to polish the world cup so they reward him with the odd test now and then.

wooden_spoon, I wish the Sharks the best and wouldn't ever begrudge them a title, however they are 0-3 in finals and I cannot really remember when their "stars" last turned it on on the "big stage".

Who in their team has won a Currie cup, World Cup, Trinations, U20s title, Super rugby title recently? It's not a slight against the Sharks as I appreciate their work (and had thought the NZRU missed a trick by not reappointing Plumtree to the Canes last year), ... but I'd be genuinely interested to know?

I have always appreciated the Sharks willingness to have a foreigner or two in the operation, Freddie and obviously Gregor, I wish more NZ teams would do the same but I guess Durban is a slightly better prospect than a winter in Hamilton or whatever.

As a side note, the Chiefs have done well for a team which had no starting All Blacks at the start of the season (and maybe 1 now) but plenty of U20 stars, which bodes very well for the future.

Awesome and may the best team win.

Posted 01:59 02nd August 2012

wooden_spoon says...

Sharks by 8. They are generally one of the most consistent teams in Super Rugby both home and away.

When the big stage counts, none of the Chiefs and truly know how to stand up. Sharks have enough stars to turn it on when it matters.

Posted 17:29 01st August 2012

abfixit says...

Freddie M was great. AC also played over Dan C but everyone is allowed an off-day. Try keeping it up for more than 1 or 2 consecutive seasons at that level before a player can be considered for rugby royalty status.

Posted 12:08 01st August 2012

darthbok says...

this final will beat the olympics -- rowing or archery anybody? cruden vs mitchelac -- traumalowlow vs the beast -- kill bill vs pieterson -- bring it on

Posted 11:42 01st August 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

as a NH neutral, I'm looking forward to seeing Ker-Barlow in the rugby championship very exciting player with a decent service too. I can name 3 NH no.9's who are dangerous around the ruck but none of them can produce quick ball to save their lives. for me, that means they are usless because you're basically playing with 9 players and the tenth man gets man and ball at the same time. bye bye attack. I wish people up here would just watch what NZ are doing and learn some hints. The inventive and high work rate loose play is complimented by solid bread and butter forward play and the best rucking game on the planet. They play 15 man rugby the way its suposed to be played. Forwards executing their roles and setting the platform for the backs to play off. its not basketball rugby, it's total rugby. No extremes therefore no glaring weaknesses, straight down the middle, BALANCE. perfection. Anyway, looking forward to Saturday. Also like the Sharks style too. They do the basics well too and have a wicked off loading / support game.

Posted 10:33 01st August 2012

AWEBLAX says...

@porridge absolutely agree with your comments about Cruden I'm a Dan Carter fan but this year I enjoyed watching Cruden more he had a hell of alot of memorable games in this tournament and he is my pick for player of the tournament, Michalaks come right at the business end and so has JP Pieterson but Crudens been fantastic right through.......

Posted 07:57 01st August 2012

porridge_time says...

Michalak played extremely well, but to suggest that Cruden was average is stupidity and shows a lack of knowledge of the game. Aaron Cruden has been consitently the best ten in the competition in my opinion and is certainly breathing down the neck of Carter for the AB's.

Posted 03:45 01st August 2012

kiwilad says...

New_j4a, your comment almost implies that you believe the Sharks will win this weekend.

I admire your confidence, do you not feel the travel could hinder them???

Are you dismissing the Chiefs as a chance??

Very Brave

Posted 02:24 01st August 2012