Couldn't pick his nose
This was a poor, disjointed and very disappointing match. As unlikely as it may have seemed, everything that Peter Bilge blustered about came to pass. Continue reading
J’Accuse: New Zealand v France Review
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Tag Archives: All Blacks
Match Preview: NZ v Japan
Happier times in Cardiff
Mole’s greatest concern about hosting the RWC in NZ is: what happens if the All Blacks lose? A fanatical rugby public expects nothing less than victory. Anton Oliver compared last tournament’s exit to Passchendaele*. “It feels desolate, decay, the putrid smell of, I don’t know, death.” Steady on, old boy. What a cocktail for a good time! Continue reading
Match Review: New Zealand 41 – 10 Tonga
In what was a classic example of a game of two halves, New Zealand lurched past an overawed Tongan team 41-10 in Eden Park, Auckland. Continue reading
New Zealand v Tonga
The Tongan gameplan
New Zealand and Tonga kick off the 2011 World Cup. It’s customary for NZ to pummel the other teams in their group and this match shouldn’t be much different. Tonga will be out to level a few big names – I’m looking at you Sunny Bull – and Tonga’uiha is a giant who destroyed some big names during the Northern Hemisphere season. Continue reading
One To Watch: Israel Dagg [New Zealand]
Israel and Mils in happier times
Thank you, Graham Henry. The charismatic Kiwi funny-man [que?] made the Mole’s mind up for him, dropping 98-cap Kiwi legend Mils Muliaina from the starting line-up of the New Zealand team that faces Tonga in the opening match of RWC11. Continue reading
Australia v New Zealand Review
Big Kev Knows ... How To Win 'Em.
James Horwill has long been a focal point for any team he is a member of. His appointment as captain of Australia’s World Cup squad confirmed his leadership role. His influence was immediate as a confident Australia got stuck into New Zealand from the first whistle and showed no respect for reputation. Horwill has already captained Queensland to the Super 15 title this season and this victory meant that his team won the Tri Nations title for the first time in a decade. Continue reading
Australia v New Zealand Preview
The Tri Nations will be decided this weekend in Brisbane. Australia and New Zealand enter level on points after three games. New Zealand won the teams’ earlier encounter. Continue reading
Boks Club Baby Blacks: SA vs NZ Match Report
Fleshlumpeater and Gizzardgulper share moment, lunch
Boks Club Baby Blacks; Eat Bones
South Africa sent a largely back-up team to Wellington under a vastly experienced hooker three weeks ago, and New Zealand returned the compliment yesterday. Kevin Mealamu captained a half-strength side missing a wealth of stars: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn and Mils Muliaina, the established spine of the side, were all left cooling their heels back in New Zealand. It’s a cliche in rugby circles that there is no such thing as a bad All Blacks side, and though any team would miss players of the calibre of those listed above, Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ali Williams and Jerome Kaino, all front-rank forwards, were present and correct. Continue reading
South Africa v New Zealand Preview
New Zealand can put one hand on the Tri Nations trophy this weekend by winning in Port Elizabeth.
Pieter De Villiers’ term has been marked by eccentric and controversial comments. He has kept the bulk of Jake White’s 2007 team rather than putting his own stamp on things by introducing a new generation of players. If his team wins the World Cup, all of this will be glossed over. South Africa’s tour at the beginning of the tournament put paid to any chances they had of winning the Tri-Nations as de Villiers sent over his B team. This weekend, he goes with the big guns. Continue reading
Digging Like a Demented Mole 