Have you been watching the autumn internationals?
They have been outstanding. Dramatic. Nail-biting. Intense. Close. Hard-fought. All of the standard clichés. And all true.
I’ve just watched Australia and Ireland. Can a more dramatic, close, intense match be imagined? Rob Kearney’s drop-goal attempt has to be the metaphor for the entire series of autumn internations: massive, brilliant, audacious and oh so close! Just off the right upright from something like 45-50 meters.
The majority of the games have been like that. France-Australia. Italy-Argentina. Wales-Australia. All matches that still hung in the balance at the final whistle.
And, you’ve got to love it on television. The close-ups of the players. The emotions and drama displayed. Real joy, pain, determination and chagrin. Is this not a fabulous spectator sport?
What’s not to love?
It bodes well for the upcoming World Cup!
I would have loved to be in Chicago for the AB’s vs USA, The atmosphere must have been great. Do not forget that all NZ team have been playing the game since they were Four or Five years old. It will take time but it will happen for the USA if the progress made is maintained. Awareness on the field is a must. Anticipation is a big part of the of the AB’s game and the lack of mistakes made at crucial times is a factor. Support,support and when you get sick of that support some more. Remember Rugby is the last true game that you have to think things out for yourself and make it work with no instructions from the sideline. It is a great leveller and it does not matter who you are you must work together to make it happen for the team. A champion team will always beat a team of champions. Keep going you are getting there !!
Duncan Rossiter
Thanks Duncan. We keep trying.
More and more I think it is the level of competition. You rise to that. France was nothing until they got into the Five Nations competition. Look how Italy has improved since joining and making it the Six Nations. Now Argentina is striding forward by leaps and bounds since joining the Rugby Championship.
The USA needs to stop doing the same old things and start setting some seriously stretch goals.
Maybe we can get there some day!
Cheers.