Pool A - Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga - Page 2

HeathDavisSpeed · 09-09-2011, 04:28 AM

I picked the All Blacks to win 42 - 12 in our work comp. Not far off.

centurymaker · 09-09-2011, 04:31 AM

ABs could've done better

_Ed_ · 09-09-2011, 05:40 AM

Probably safe to say we're not peaking in the pool stage this time. Some room for improvement there. But it was an impressive first half. Kahui was excellent.

The opening ceremony was fantastic.

James · 09-09-2011, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ed_

The opening ceremony was fantastic.

Looked good from the TV as well, although I was disappointed Hayley Westenra wasn't the one signing World in Union.

Somerset · 09-09-2011, 08:51 AM

Firstly, I thought the fireworks were great.

Ok now my complaints. I thought the Queens Wharf/Quay Street gathering to watch the match on big screens, the haka, performers, etc. was a great idea on paper, but even I was questioning how they were going to fit such large crowd numbers into what is a relatively small area. I actually was wondering on the day why Aotea Square, Albert Park, or even out by Albany or Mt. Smart Stadium there weren't other big screens to disperse some of the crowd numbers. I didn't get there early enough to get into Queens Wharf - apparently the 12,000 capacity was reached by 3.20pm - and so had to settle for the action on big screens on Quay Street. I hardly saw anything from 4-5pm and with only Dave Dobyn and the Finn brothers performances before 7.30pm went to get some dinner. I returned at around 7pm and had a reasonable though not brilliant position on Quay Street. Saw most of the opening ceremony and had a good view of the fireworks over the harbour. Thought was transpired after that was absolutely ridiculous.

I don't possess the physique of SBW but I'm not what you'd call tiny. I honestly was scared with the amount of pushing and crowd movement. Almost got trampled on and nearly had my cap knocked off about three times. The AB flag I had acquired got bent in half. Seriously, at least where I was positioned, it was like a mosh pit at a concert, but from my perspective anyway far more dangerous. The cafes on Quay Street still had chairs and tables out, and glass railings. At that point (less than 5 minutes into the match) I decided that the best option was to leave the area and find a bar to watch the game in. It took about another 5 minutes to actually get off Quay Street, which involved basically getting driven into an icecream store, before being able to do so. It was an absolute joke. I really fear for the people that decided to bring children along - it was hard enough to look after myself so for parents with younger children to care for, I can't imagine how scary it might've been if they were in the same position as I was.

I also hear that the trains broke down and were delayed by up to an hour. Absolutely typical. All while Len Brown arrives at Eden Park via car. Speaking of cars, it was unbelievable that more roads weren't closed. I hear that people were hit by a bus, and I'm not surprised. In fact I'm a little shocked more people weren't hit by vehicles. People were walking down streets not closed off from vehicles as if they owned the place. I bet we'll be hearing of the amazing fireworks and fancy lighting show, but really I think these sorts of issues should be highlighted. Queen Street (and I assume Quay Street) were also disgusting by the end of the night - New Zealand clean and green, yeah right. Be interesting to hear what Ed has to say.

As for the match itself, I missed the opening 25 minutes (although I have the build-up and match recorded so I'll catch up eventually). Dagg looked good and went some way to confirming my prediction that he'll be one of the stars of the tournament. Thought Tonga contained us well in the second half, and I question why Taumalolo didn't start - he was very impressive after coming from the bench. Hoping that Fotuali'i can have just as big an impact in helping Samoa achieve some good results throughout the tournament.

Samuel_Vimes · 09-09-2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ed_

Kahui was excellent.

So many shrugged tackles.

Shame to hear that the party got a bit out of hand though...

Hurricane · 09-09-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somerset

Firstly, I thought the fireworks were great.

Ok now my complaints. I thought the Queens Wharf/Quay Street gathering to watch the match on big screens, the haka, performers, etc. was a great idea on paper, but even I was questioning how they were going to fit such large crowd numbers into what is a relatively small area. I actually was wondering on the day why Aotea Square, Albert Park, or even out by Albany or Mt. Smart Stadium there weren't other big screens to disperse some of the crowd numbers. I didn't get there early enough to get into Queens Wharf - apparently the 12,000 capacity was reached by 3.20pm - and so had to settle for the action on big screens on Quay Street. I hardly saw anything from 4-5pm and with only Dave Dobyn and the Finn brothers performances before 7.30pm went to get some dinner. I returned at around 7pm and had a reasonable though not brilliant position on Quay Street. Saw most of the opening ceremony and had a good view of the fireworks over the harbour. Thought was transpired after that was absolutely ridiculous.

I don't possess the physique of SBW but I'm not what you'd call tiny. I honestly was scared with the amount of pushing and crowd movement. Almost got trampled on and nearly had my cap knocked off about three times. The AB flag I had acquired got bent in half. Seriously, at least where I was positioned, it was like a mosh pit at a concert, but from my perspective anyway far more dangerous. The cafes on Quay Street still had chairs and tables out, and glass railings. At that point (less than 5 minutes into the match) I decided that the best option was to leave the area and find a bar to watch the game in. It took about another 5 minutes to actually get off Quay Street, which involved basically getting driven into an icecream store, before being able to do so. It was an absolute joke. I really fear for the people that decided to bring children along - it was hard enough to look after myself so for parents with younger children to care for, I can't imagine how scary it might've been if they were in the same position as I was.

I also hear that the trains broke down and were delayed by up to an hour. Absolutely typical. All while Len Brown arrives at Eden Park via car. Speaking of cars, it was unbelievable that more roads weren't closed. I hear that people were hit by a bus, and I'm not surprised. In fact I'm a little shocked more people weren't hit by vehicles. People were walking down streets not closed off from vehicles as if they owned the place. I bet we'll be hearing of the amazing fireworks and fancy lighting show, but really I think these sorts of issues should be highlighted. Queen Street (and I assume Quay Street) were also disgusting by the end of the night - New Zealand clean and green, yeah right. Be interesting to hear what Ed has to say.

As for the match itself, I missed the opening 25 minutes (although I have the build-up and match recorded so I'll catch up eventually). Dagg looked good and went some way to confirming my prediction that he'll be one of the stars of the tournament. Thought Tonga contained us well in the second half, and I question why Taumalolo didn't start - he was very impressive after coming from the bench. Hoping that Fotuali'i can have just as big an impact in helping Samoa achieve some good results throughout the tournament.

Sorry for this Somers. In Vancouver there was a riot after Vancouver lost the Stanley cup do you fear for any unrest if New Zealand lose the final (or win it)

Hurricane · 09-09-2011, 01:51 PM

On the Nonu try I was in love with the way he (Nonu) in the build up drew a player by jinking to the left before passing to the right. Just a simple play but he did it so well.

HeathDavisSpeed · 09-09-2011, 03:38 PM

Auckland in infrastructure failure shocker.

Gives tourists a good "she'll be right" experience at least.

And I thought the opening ceremony was an absolute pile of wanky toss. Mind you, I find all opening ceremonies to be risible.

BoyBrumby · 10-09-2011, 12:07 AM

Early signs are that it'll be a long day at the office for Japan. French cutting through them at will currently.

Fair few ringers for the Brave Blossoms tho; amusing how a NZder called James Arlidge who plays for Nottingham up here ends up in their national side.

Hurricane · 10-09-2011, 12:10 AM

I think with all international sports only 30% of your team should be foreign born - otherwise you get situations like the Canadian cricket team where everyone grew up in India.

BoyBrumby · 10-09-2011, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane

I think with all international sports only 30% of your team should be foreign born - otherwise you get situations like the Canadian cricket team where everyone grew up in India.

Agree it does get farcical sometimes (GB won the ice hockey gold in the 1936 Olympics with a team composed entirely of Canadian born or raised players with Brit parents or grandparents) but "foreign born" is too blunt a tool to measure IMHO.

Andrew Mehrtens was born in SA, after all and it'd be madness to say he wasn't a Kiwi.

I think upbringing is more important than birth.

Man, the Japanese look tiny in the line out. It's like a "masters v pupils" games.

Hurricane · 10-09-2011, 12:30 AM

What time is it in the UK?

BoyBrumby · 10-09-2011, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane

What time is it in the UK?

7.34am.

Go the Nips! Hint of spawn about Arlidge's try with the rebound, but they're giving it a crack.

Hurricane · 10-09-2011, 12:42 AM

Not impressed with Arlidge's play making skills - he carries the ball to the line and then gives a pass to the guy next to him instants before that guy is tackled.

He is trying too hard to make it happen himself instead of shovelling it on to his centres.

10-09-2011, 12:07 AM	#25 (permalink)
BoyBrumby Englishman Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Doing the stance Posts: 42,629	Early signs are that it'll be a long day at the office for Japan. French cutting through them at will currently. Fair few ringers for the Brave Blossoms tho; amusing how a NZder called James Arlidge who plays for Nottingham up here ends up in their national side. __________________ *- As featured in The Independent.* "This is not the time for namby-pamby promising youngsters who might just do something; not the time for building for the future. Pragmatism rules and they don't come more pragmatic than Rogers." - Victor Marks makes the case for stiff-legged and stiff-armed 35 year old left-handers in Ashes squads

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09-09-2011, 04:31 AM	#17 (permalink)
centurymaker International Vice-Captain Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,253	ABs could've done better

09-09-2011, 05:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
_Ed_ Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Auckland, Aotearoa Posts: 19,109	Probably safe to say we're not peaking in the pool stage this time. Some room for improvement there. But it was an impressive first half. Kahui was excellent. The opening ceremony was fantastic.

09-09-2011, 08:51 AM	#20 (permalink)
Somerset Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 9,863	Firstly, I thought the fireworks were great. Ok now my complaints. I thought the Queens Wharf/Quay Street gathering to watch the match on big screens, the haka, performers, etc. was a great idea on paper, but even I was questioning how they were going to fit such large crowd numbers into what is a relatively small area. I actually was wondering on the day why Aotea Square, Albert Park, or even out by Albany or Mt. Smart Stadium there weren't other big screens to disperse some of the crowd numbers. I didn't get there early enough to get into Queens Wharf - apparently the 12,000 capacity was reached by 3.20pm - and so had to settle for the action on big screens on Quay Street. I hardly saw anything from 4-5pm and with only Dave Dobyn and the Finn brothers performances before 7.30pm went to get some dinner. I returned at around 7pm and had a reasonable though not brilliant position on Quay Street. Saw most of the opening ceremony and had a good view of the fireworks over the harbour. Thought was transpired after that was absolutely ridiculous. I don't possess the physique of SBW but I'm not what you'd call tiny. I honestly was scared with the amount of pushing and crowd movement. Almost got trampled on and nearly had my cap knocked off about three times. The AB flag I had acquired got bent in half. Seriously, at least where I was positioned, it was like a mosh pit at a concert, but from my perspective anyway far more dangerous. The cafes on Quay Street still had chairs and tables out, and glass railings. At that point (less than 5 minutes into the match) I decided that the best option was to leave the area and find a bar to watch the game in. It took about another 5 minutes to actually get off Quay Street, which involved basically getting driven into an icecream store, before being able to do so. It was an absolute joke. I really fear for the people that decided to bring children along - it was hard enough to look after myself so for parents with younger children to care for, I can't imagine how scary it might've been if they were in the same position as I was. I also hear that the trains broke down and were delayed by up to an hour. Absolutely typical. All while Len Brown arrives at Eden Park via car. Speaking of cars, it was unbelievable that more roads weren't closed. I hear that people were hit by a bus, and I'm not surprised. In fact I'm a little shocked more people weren't hit by vehicles. People were walking down streets not closed off from vehicles as if they owned the place. I bet we'll be hearing of the amazing fireworks and fancy lighting show, but really I think these sorts of issues should be highlighted. Queen Street (and I assume Quay Street) were also disgusting by the end of the night - New Zealand clean and green, yeah right. Be interesting to hear what Ed has to say. As for the match itself, I missed the opening 25 minutes (although I have the build-up and match recorded so I'll catch up eventually). Dagg looked good and went some way to confirming my prediction that he'll be one of the stars of the tournament. Thought Tonga contained us well in the second half, and I question why Taumalolo didn't start - he was very impressive after coming from the bench. Hoping that Fotuali'i can have just as big an impact in helping Samoa achieve some good results throughout the tournament.

09-09-2011, 01:51 PM	#23 (permalink)
Hurricane International Captain Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wellington Posts: 7,359	On the Nonu try I was in love with the way he (Nonu) in the build up drew a player by jinking to the left before passing to the right. Just a simple play but he did it so well.

09-09-2011, 03:38 PM	#24 (permalink)
HeathDavisSpeed International Coach Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rummaging through Iain O'Brien's dustbins. Posts: 12,899	Auckland in infrastructure failure shocker. Gives tourists a good "she'll be right" experience at least. And I thought the opening ceremony was an absolute pile of wanky toss. Mind you, I find all opening ceremonies to be risible.

10-09-2011, 12:10 AM	#26 (permalink)
Hurricane International Captain Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wellington Posts: 7,359	I think with all international sports only 30% of your team should be foreign born - otherwise you get situations like the Canadian cricket team where everyone grew up in India.

10-09-2011, 12:30 AM	#28 (permalink)
Hurricane International Captain Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wellington Posts: 7,359	What time is it in the UK?

10-09-2011, 12:42 AM	#30 (permalink)
Hurricane International Captain Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wellington Posts: 7,359	Not impressed with Arlidge's play making skills - he carries the ball to the line and then gives a pass to the guy next to him instants before that guy is tackled. He is trying too hard to make it happen himself instead of shovelling it on to his centres.

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