What made me laugh was the woman doing the sports slot on the BBC news channel saying that we've only got to win one match now to reach the final! The difference between the standard of last night's game and the dross that we get served up with in the average 'Super' League game was frightening. Looking forward to the re-match in a fortnight's time.

"Top o' the league, you're 'avin' a laugh, top o' the league, you're 'avin' a laugh"

It was an awesome game, but to compare a match between the two top RL sides in the world and an 'average' SL game ( Harlequins v Castleford, for instance ) is hardly being comparing like-with-like.

This game has been good for RL in general from so many different points of view.

NZ obviously felt very much disrespected by the lead up, the press and the betting odds. That an understrength NZ could do this to a very much overhyped Aussie side shows some good lessons.

1) NZ do not respect the aussies
2) NZ do not fear the aussies
3) NZ have massive pride and passion regards wearing the black shirt.
4) NZ can get in their faces and stay there for 80 mins
5) NZ can resist build up of pressure for sustained periods
6) Some of the Aussies do doubt themselves when things go wrong (I thought slater was going to burst into tears at one stage)
7) The experienced aussies never say die
Aussie fans wear silly little bobble hats and behave like kids that have been at mums sherry (oh sorry they are )

Wow.....New Zealand makes you feel good about yourself dont they. Imagine if you actually were one of them, and not just some stupid pom.

The Convicts rely on a well briefed homer ref to win, didnt get that last night.

Do they?
Ganson had an ok game last night but he thinks he is the centre of attention instead of the game.
Lost control of the game at times and looked weak.

True. I fully expect Australia to put England to the sword. If they get in front early doors it could be embarrassing.

The point of my post is that with a lesser team on paper NZ have found a way to contest on equal terms on the pitch.

Tell you what.

The next time BOTH teams play by the rules, don't knock on, give forward passes, tackle high, be offside etc etc then you will not know the ref was there!

A long time though before it happens, if ever!!!

An OK game?


He was f***ed!


Also, I'll just not that the 30 years of complete domination Australia had up until the Kiwi's joined us as an elite nation was down to Australian refs.

Glad that has been cleared up.