The All Blacks road to the 2015 Rugby World Cup begins with a test against Samoa in Apia and won comprehensively 25 - 16 just days after the Super Rugby final when the Highlanders became the eighth team to win a Super Rugby title, beating my beloved Hurricanes that I was so disappointed, 21 - 14 (Including that game winning drop goal scored by Highlanders first five Marty Banks which proved to be the turning point).
And yes I was at Uncle Bryan's watching the Samoa - All Blacks test there so in all of a sudden, Nan and Pops took me there to watch the game and after the game, we went and had dinner at Breakers Café and Bar where I had a burrito there but 1 week later, I returned but this time I had the monster burger before our quiz started and I did enjoy that experience, then the next morning, Jansen and I went to the splash center before we were going to kebabholik but it was closed so we went to Jabies Doner Kebab instead for lunch and I also did enjoy that experience but the rest is history here and now.
And the next morning, I made 4 meals in all of a sudden such as pumpkin soup, curry, pasta/stir fry combination and a bacon and egg pie.
And then, the rugby was on as the All Blacks comfortably beat Argentina 39 - 18 in the Rugby Championship opener with Waisake Naholo and Codie Taylor (Who scored on debut + other try scorers including captain Richie McCaw, veteran Ma'a Nonu, experienced number 8 Kieran Read and winger Charles Piutau) making their test debuts but unfortunately for Naholo as he picked up a broken leg, ruling him out of the World Cup.
And then a week later (On Thursday I had scotch eggs with salad for a memorable lunch at Nan & Pops), the All Blacks faced the Springboks at Ellis Park (Making their test debuts for the All Blacks are James Broadhurst & Lima Sopoaga (Sopoaga's test debut was quite memorable) in which they won comfortably 27 - 20 (With tries scored by Ben Smith, Dane Coles & Richie McCaw who provided the match winner) but I had to switch off after the 70th minute because I was worried we were going to lose this game but no, we instead won with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw scoring an all important match winning try (Which I thought that it was an illegal manuever).
So tonight's dinner will be pasta made yesterday by myself.
Monday, 27 July 2015
Friday, 19 June 2015
Thunderstruck: The Coromandel Trip Review
So, after missing out on bringing home the Cricket World Cup against the Aussies (Who had Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc (Known as the modern day version of famous Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram & an apparent heir of Brett Lee (Who was Australia's fastest bowler since the good old days of Dennis Lillee & Geoff Thomson) because Starc knows how to bowl that fast) easily bowled New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum out which proved to be the game changer of the final (And I mean what went wrong for New Zealand to lose a final like this? Because of Starc knocking over Baz with the match ended in a one sided affair therefore that goes to say that the Cricket World Cup returns to Australia (After India (They beat Australia in the quarterfinal, traditional rivals Pakistan in the semifinal & Sri Lanka in the final then 4 years later they qualified on top of Group B but they easily beat Bangladesh (Who famously beat England in Adelaide to book a place in the quarterfinal) in the quarterfinal in Melbourne before losing to the eventual champions Australia in the semifinal in Sydney) won it in 2011 (4 years after Australia last won the Cricket World Cup way back in 2007) against Sri Lanka in the final with a match winning six by captain & man of the match MS Dhoni but it was either Steve Smith or Shane Watson who have scored the winning runs to win by 7 wickets while all rounder James Faulkner was awarded man of the match in the final because he had a brilliant game & it was a fitting farewell for the Australian cricket captain in the form of Michael Clarke as he becomes the 4th different Australian captain to lift the Cricket World Cup trophy after Allan Border (In 1987 (When they beat Ashes rivals England in the final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata (Known as Calcutta at the time) in India including Mike Gatting attempting a sweep shot but he was out caught behind by wicket keeper Greg Dyer off the bowling of the Australian skipper known by his playing nickname of AB which proved to be the turning point), Steve Waugh (1999 in which they demolished Pakistan at Lord's in London in England) & Ricky Ponting (2003 (In which they defeated the Indians at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in South Africa) & 2007 (It was revenge of 1996 in which they put Sri Lanka aside at the Kensington Oval in Barbados which is part of the West Indies) & 1 of 3 players to have won the Cricket World Cup 3 times along with Adam Gilchrist & Glenn McGrath) twice) in Melbourne), Nan, Pops and I headed over to the Coromandel for a holiday but 1st we headed over to Rotorua for the night, by staying at Sport of Kings motel and going to Leonardo's Italian for dinner and I had a Carbonara as well as a Tiramisu.
And after spending the night in Rotorua, it was time for us to head over to the Coromandel (Nan took a photo of Wairere falls), when we headed over to Miner's Cottage, our base until ANZAC day but we had a few exciting things over in the Coromandel, including going on a train at Driving Creek with me taking photos during the course of the trip as well as taking a view from the Eyeful Tower, as well as having great lunches over at Umu (I had a satay chicken pizza over there as well as having either French Toast or Pancakes for breakfast) and the Tavern (Where I had pasta which I labeled it as a 5 star meal), but we did take a look at Kennedy Bay including the beach and Marae as well as going to the Coromandel Museum as well as having a look at beach houses and well, I even took a photo of Pops at the old house as well as having a picnic there at either Oamaru or Waitete Bay.
So ANZAC day was upon us so we decided to leave Coromandel by heading over to Taupo for the duration of ANZAC day so we were in Thames because Nan wanted to take a picture of Mural by John Hovell at the back of the hospital before we had lunch at Matamata so off we go again, decided to stop at Tokoroa were we had to fill up the gas before reaching Taupo so here we are because we had to go to the motel which is Catelli's so we had a swim there at the AC Baths so we were confident we had a ANZAC day dinner at Master of Indian restaurant where I had a Tandoori Chicken there then we headed back to our hotel, by watching a Super Rugby game.
So it was our last day here in Taupo because we went to Huka falls by taking so many photos there then had a walk downtown before saying goodbye to Taupo so we headed our way back home via Desert Road because the rest was history.
P.S. Just turned 24 recently, finally got my birthday present from Trade Me so the rest was also history (Although I did not go to Visions for a Scottish meal because I had food poisoning although I only went for a Chinese meal before Nan and Pops went to a funeral).
And after spending the night in Rotorua, it was time for us to head over to the Coromandel (Nan took a photo of Wairere falls), when we headed over to Miner's Cottage, our base until ANZAC day but we had a few exciting things over in the Coromandel, including going on a train at Driving Creek with me taking photos during the course of the trip as well as taking a view from the Eyeful Tower, as well as having great lunches over at Umu (I had a satay chicken pizza over there as well as having either French Toast or Pancakes for breakfast) and the Tavern (Where I had pasta which I labeled it as a 5 star meal), but we did take a look at Kennedy Bay including the beach and Marae as well as going to the Coromandel Museum as well as having a look at beach houses and well, I even took a photo of Pops at the old house as well as having a picnic there at either Oamaru or Waitete Bay.
So ANZAC day was upon us so we decided to leave Coromandel by heading over to Taupo for the duration of ANZAC day so we were in Thames because Nan wanted to take a picture of Mural by John Hovell at the back of the hospital before we had lunch at Matamata so off we go again, decided to stop at Tokoroa were we had to fill up the gas before reaching Taupo so here we are because we had to go to the motel which is Catelli's so we had a swim there at the AC Baths so we were confident we had a ANZAC day dinner at Master of Indian restaurant where I had a Tandoori Chicken there then we headed back to our hotel, by watching a Super Rugby game.
So it was our last day here in Taupo because we went to Huka falls by taking so many photos there then had a walk downtown before saying goodbye to Taupo so we headed our way back home via Desert Road because the rest was history.
P.S. Just turned 24 recently, finally got my birthday present from Trade Me so the rest was also history (Although I did not go to Visions for a Scottish meal because I had food poisoning although I only went for a Chinese meal before Nan and Pops went to a funeral).
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Cricket World Cup 2015 Shorts (My 1st blog of MMXV)
It is the ICC Cricket World Cup of 2015 and it is the Black Caps of New Zealand are through to our 1st ever final with a superb batting performance from South African born Grant Elliott, unbeaten on 84 to defeat his country of birth South Africa in the semi-final when he hit the match winning six just like Kane Williamson did against Australia with only 2 balls to spare and win by 4 wickets under the Duckworth/Lewis method but the Black Caps rocky road to the final began when they beat Sri Lanka in the opener and Scotland then victories over high profile teams such as England (With Tim Southee picking up 7 wickets during the match & where Brendon McCullum got his batting mojo going) and Australia (When Kane Williamson hit a six out of the ground to win it) have proved them too much, then it was Afghanistan and Bangladesh where Martin Guptill got a ton and then it is the quarters against the West Indies when Guptill backed it up when he became New Zealand's highest run scorer of 237 not out and then things get too good when veteran Daniel Vettori took a superb one handed catch to settle the score to earn a place in the semi-final with a 143 run victory, but who will take on the Black Caps in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, Australia or India: all will be revealed.
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
The Biggest & Longest Blog Ever! Stuff that I have missed during the September - December Period
Well, talk about the pet hate, Nana O & Poppa K are back in action here in New Zealand after a grueling 7 week holiday in Argentina & Uruguay, but 1st off: the absolute amateur stuff that I've enitrely missed during the September to Movember (Now december) period.
Yep 1st off, the almighty All Blacks of New Zealand clinch another Rugby Championship title with a resounding 34 - 13 victory over Argentina in La Plata (The place were O & K have been) but unfortunately for the AB's as lock Brodie Retallick (Who was officially crowned World Rugby's (Formerly IRB) Player of the Year honours) is expected to miss the final round against South Africa due to concussion but NZ were in danger as Duane Vermeulen (Who is SA's danger man) was injured in his side's win over the Wallabies in Cape Town, but however, Vermeulen was declared fit so the All Blacks travelled to South Africa but eventually were on the losing side as our 22 match unbeaten run, has been conquered by the South Africans after Liam Messam copped a high tackle awarding SA the penalty (I mean that was shocking, literally meaning that we blown our chances to win that) before Patrick 'Pat' Lambie nailed the penalty shot replicated by Bernard Foley in the Super Rugby final and then, heartbreak for the AB's as they concede the penalty for not releasing the ball meaning that SA have replicated England's 2012 heroics over New Zealand at Twickenham (AKA Twickers).
And then, onto the 3rd & final Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane where the All Blacks, (Who are avenging their Ellis Park demons), face the Aussies who are all sorts of trouble as Kurtley Beale missed a flight then sent an offensive txt message to the team's business manager Di Patston before being disciplined and then, losing the game to Argentina who finally managed to pull off their 1st win (Compared to the AB's 1st defeat) in the Rugby Championship after 2 years of get rich & die trying since they have joined but Australia's coach Ewen McKenzie's job is on the line, meaning that they must ensure a victory if he wanted to keep it but hell no, you are fired (That is, due to the job security, so Mckenzie is an absolute goner) as the All Blacks run in with a close finish by a Malakai Fekitoa try and then the match winning conversion by Colin Slade (Although Slade was dropped by the selectors meaning that this was his last act in that famous Black jersey, although due to the injury by Cory Jane, Colin Slade returns on behalf of his 2nd chance).
And after the Brisbane test, the All Blacks have named a squad to tour the USA (United States of America) & United Kingdom featuring the unexpected returnee of Sonny...Bill...WILLIAMS!!!
Yes, that is right, SBW's back in town with the AB's after 2 comeback seasons in the NRL (He won a premiership with both the Bulldogs in 2004 & the Roosters last year) & also Daniel...CARTER!!! After a long injury layoff (His last game in the famous Black jersey was last year in his 100th test at Twickenham where we gained revenge over the English), but 1st off, the historic 1st test @ Soldier Field (Which is an American Football/Gridiron venue) in Chicago, Illinois (Home of the Bears (National Football League/NFL), Blackhawks (National Hockey League/NHL), Bulls (National Basketball Association/NBA), Cubs & White Sox (Both from Major League Baseball/the MLB) against the last Olympic Rugby champions, the USA Eagles.
But in the end, the AB's proved way too strong against the United States as they took a resounding victory 74 - 6 with tries by hooker, Nathan Harris (Who unfortunately got injured, with James Parsons slotted in as replacement hooker), right winger Cory Jane (Also got injured as well), lock Patrick Tuipulotu, as well as the returning Sonny Bill (Who got it twice, not once), left winger Charles Piutau, reserve wing Julian Savea (He did get 2, just like Williams did), prop Joe Moody, then the returning first five-eighth Aaron Cruden (Who had been in trouble after getting drunk & missing the flight to Buenos Aires before the Argentina - All Blacks encounter in La Plata), fullback Izzy Dagg & openside Sam Cane with conversions by Cruden who got 4 out of 9 & also, the returning world's test points scoring fly-half of Dan Carter who bagged 3 out of 3.
And, after the victory in Chicago as the AB's head over to London as they take on the hosts of next year's Rugby World Cup, England at Twickenham (Which will host the final in 2015) by launching a brand new outfit dubbed as the blackest ever (With the trademark white collar gone as well as white being replaced by gun metal silver for the jersey numbers & logos as well as the shirt, it has been specially designed by both the forwards & the backs rather than design, fabric or colour (Improvements made to the forwards jersey such as better rucking, mauling & scrummaging as well as for the backs, they are designed to make it more difficult to grab hold of), but will this blackest jersey be better than the old one?) but what a start by the home team as Jonny May had just scored a sensational try! In the 3rd minute. Then 10 minutes later, Cruden had just scored as well but not able to add the extras before the All Blacks got penalised twice as Owen Farrell nailed 2 penalty goals in succession, then New Zealand gained the upper hand as Cruden also nailed 2 penalty goals just like Farrell then NZ conceded the penalty before halftime as Farrell able to land the penalty shot at goal.
As the second half got underway in the 45th minute, the All Black captain of Richie McCaw has scored a brilliant try as he goes over while England's debutant of Semesa Rokoduguni (Born in Fiji serving for the British Army) attempted to defend a three on one overlap, but however Dane Coles gets sent to the bin for 10 after lashing out a boot to Kiwi born English hooker Dylan Hartley but still England were unable to escape the fate of their own half but it was the only matter of time when England's line was cracked once more before reserve Prop Charlie Faumuina who knocked over after waves of attacks, scoring his 1st try in a test match...oh, hang on, what da hell is dis as Welsh referee Nigel Owens make a TMO decision after awarding the try? (Wait, this certainly isn't Rugby's version of Cricket's Umpire Decision Review System as the batsman does require a review after originally being given out caught behind or lbw (Leg before wicket) Oh, you have gotta be kidding me, well that was...a comedy of errors not only because the Sky Sport rugby commentators label Owens as a stand up comedian, oh my god! But in the end, the TMO thinks that he tells the ref that he already has awarded it but that's the rule, you can't change decisions after the try has scored, and then all of a sudden, with England having the last laugh as the penalty try was given after New Zealand pulled down a maul, but the All Blacks held on comfortably to a 3 point victory over the Red Roses.
And yes, the highly anticipated return of Nan & Pops from Argentina/Uruguay was upon us for me last week as I went with him to Pak'n'save (Their motto: Our policy, NZ's lowest food prices) for the food supply after that grueling 7 week trip before having our own lunch since their return B4 we played our 1st test match of the brand new Aramoho Series Cricket season of 2014/15 with a record of 20 games following the success of the inaugural/1st ever 2014 season which consisted only 8 games, and guess what, I was the winner of the 1st test match of 20 by 36 runs as I managed only 6 in the 1st innings and 63 in the 2nd innings as I was dismissed in both innings when Poppa K managed to trap me out lbw twice then I had him out run out 1st innings & finally in the 2nd innings, I was overwhelmingly dominant by bowling him out, effectively ending the match with me leading 1 - 0 in the series.
And then on Saturday night, the Kiwis rugby league side have done it by winning the 4 nations at home in the nation's capital of the windy city of Wellington (or Welly/Wellywood), New Zealand. As they held on to beat the Kangaroos 22 - 18, a few weeks after thrashing the Aussies in the opener at Brisbane (And for 61 years that New Zealand have last tasted victory twice & for 11 years since they have last won in NZ against Australia) + some wonderful tries by star men Shaun Johnson (Hailed as the new Benji Marshall who recieved his player of the game honours twice in both the opener & final) & Manu Vatuvei (He is da beast who got it twice because he is now New Zealand's all time try-scorer with 20) as well as Jason Nightingale (Born in Australia but he is the tournament's top try scorer with 5), but moving on as we switch gears on both sides of the rugby code from the Cake Tin to Murrayfield in Edinburgh where the All Blacks take on the last flower of Scotland (The country who had desired/embroiled to become independent but however have elected to remain part of the United Kingdom) coached by New Zealander ''Big'' Vern Cotter as well as containing 2 NZ players playing against their country of birth such as Blair Cowan & Quade Cooper's cousin Sean Maitland AKA Mitchell Johnson, the Aussie cricketer because of his lookalike compared to Poppa's Sean Connery sans the skin colour & Dad's Daniel Vettori.
But the match started as Victor Vito gave his team the early lead before TROUBLE!!! THEY WON'T CATCH HIM!!! As Tommy Seymour crosses over for the try which gave the delighted hosts an immediate response but kickers Dan Carter and Grieg Laidlaw kept the score close with three penalties apiece but a successful effort from the boot of Colin Slade nudged New Zealand in front but the AB's were way too strong in the end as they defeated the Scots 24 - 16 after a Jeremy Thrush try & Colin Slade conversion in the 73rd & 74th minute.
And now...onto the All Blacks last test match of the year 2014, against WALES! (Led by Sam Warburton) That's right, the Valley Boys over at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. And how about Richard Hugh ''Richie'' McCaw, celebrating 100 tests as skipper after a decade on when he 1st became captain of the AB's. As the match got well underway as Wales kick the ball off and soon have a ball thanks to a terrific grab from Jamie Roberts.
6 MINUTES LATER
Well there's more ground made in the All Blacks' 22 and New Zealand are penalised for hands in the ruck. It's in front of the posts, and there is no way that the Valley Boys aren't taking the points from there. (Wales lead 3 - 0)
26 MINUTES LATER
Wales collapse the scrum yet again, again it is Paul James. He is failing to adapt, the Welsh prop, against that AB's pack. Penalty at halfway, and Beauden Barrett will try again. Hefty boot from Beaudy and it clears the bar by a couple of feet. We're all tied at 3-3.
18 MINUTES LATER
New dad/father SBW knocks it on, Wales have thrown the ball around to see if they can get anything, but it all comes to nothing. Half-time, Wales 3-3 New Zealand. Fierce, absolute fierce stuff in the 1st half, but the teams are back out on the field - the All Blacks will kick off.
And we are underway again because there is a slight tension settling on the Cardiff crowd not only they are realising their team really does have a better chance here.
2 MINUTES LATER
And then just like dat - it is a try! Julian Savea gets the ball out wide after Wales turn the ball over in their own 22, and it's Savea versus Dan Biggar. Only one winner, Savea slipping out of the tackle and in at the corner. New Zealand really know how to start a perfect 2nd half but Barrett lands the conversion from out wide & a huge burst of air has just been let out of the Millennium Stadium.
ANOTHER 2 MINUTES LATER
And then all of a sudden...try 2 Wales! Excellent response after falling behind. Perfectly offloaded by Taulupe Faletau (Formerly Toby) and Rhys Webb is in beside the bar! But Leigh Halfpenny able to add the extras - it is level once more.
5 MINUTES LATER
Another penalty to da Welsh, this time in NZ half, for Sam Whitelock who didn't rolling away. Halfpenny to kick at goal for what would put Wales in the lead. Through it goes. The Millennium Stadium is on its feet.
12 MINUTES LATER
The New Zealand captain of Richie McCaw is closing in on the try-line! Could he score on this landmark occasion? I don't think so, not quite. He is held up but the ball is switched across flanks by a superb cross-field kick and then it is reached inside and Jerome Kaino is over for the All Black's 2nd try of the game, as Barrett's conversion goes the same way as a previous penalty - wide right. George North is going off injured, blood streaming from his head, possibly sustained in that McCaw burst before the try & Penalty against...of all people, it's McCaw, what for? Side entry to the ruck but Leigh Halfpenny will have a chance to restore the Welsh lead & It is up, it is all good - Wales lead & then in all of a sudden, just like that - try to NEW ZEALAND! And that is one very fortunate bounce in the favour of Beaudy Barrett. It is just a reward for his own inventiveness, but Halfpenny is gonna see dat bounce every damn time he attempts to close his eyes and G.T.S. tonight. Agonising, very very Agonising indeed and it is Colin Slade who converts this time.
NEK MINNIT
It is becoming very, very open indeed as Wales seek to get back into dis, because dey need a try & conversion required to take da lead again, but dey are leaving demselves open in defence as a result, but it is another try for the AB's, who have - in just 3 minutes - shown why it is so, so hardcore to defeat them. Kieran Read is the beneficiary of a charge down, but to make your own luck as a virtual silence in the Millennium Stadium, which was threatening to combust just 5 minutes ago before Colin Slade slots a beauty of a kick from the touchline to add the extras. That is pure insult to injury, right there.
2 MINUTES LATER
"This ends now, or he's dismissed the field of play," says Wayne Barnes to Sam Warburton. It seems that Alun-Wyn Jones is the culprit. Frustrations beginning to show and NEK MINNIT, Leigh Halfpenny knocks the ball on or should I say, loses the ball forward...FORWARD (Well that's the issue) in his own 22, trying to break from deep. The game is an absolute goner for Wales, now but it has all Torn Sky Blast apart for the Welsh. Another X-Field kick, a terrific knockdown and Barrett is over for his 2nd of the game. It has becoming emphatic, but it does not flatter the All Blacks without a paddle, given how strongly they have played in this last 1/4 but unfortunate for Slade as he misses the conversion, yet again from the touchline, by a whisker but a knock on by the AB's as they throw it around for fun on halfway & another knock on ends the match but it took a patient, determined, relentless performance from New Zealand - but no side is equipped to produce just that quite like they are. 13 minutes of utter sheer brilliance was the ultimate difference, and Sam Warburton's knowing smile on his face as he shakes hands with his opposite number says it all. Wales were not too well beaten, but they were defeated as well.
And finally in this report, the world of Cricket was in mourning last week as Philip Hughes tragically killed during a Cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after being struck in the head by a lethal bouncer from pace bowler Sean Abbott...how sad, RIP Phil (1988 - 2014)...but the Black Caps have also paid tribute to the fallen cricketer as they took victory against Pakistan in Sharjah during the 3rd test meaning that the test series had been drawn after losing the 1st test & drawing in the 2nd test, but the 1st test between Australia & India will take place at the Adelaide Oval due to rescheduling as the Brisbane test was postponed due to Hughesy's death (And I also paid tribute to Phil Hughes as I overcame the demons from last week's loss during the 4th Aramoho Series Cricket test which I labelled as game of the year (And I mean, after today's greatest lunch hits we had at the new Cafe Anatolia facility which was open alongside the new BP near the Splash Centre), by scoring (U guessed it) back 2 back centuries on both innings as my batting powers were fully restored (Last week it was woeful but this week it looks like I had a doner kebab for lunch which got my batting mojo back so I used a different bat, codenamed Memphis instead, rather than the Robin, which is a yellow bat that I am no longer using when I got 107 not out during the 2nd test match in the 2nd innings which I won) as I scored 136 (I was out LBW, which is my highest score of this series) & 104 not out & hell yes, that is a beauty (Although my back shoulder is a bit sore because of da batting (So perhaps I am sporting battle scars in all of a sudden), but today's test match of da year was even perhaps, da one 2 remember 4 me, so sit back & enjoy because I am going 2 remember dis, 4 a long, long time (Perhaps, the best cricket match of the decade (2010s) or the century!).
Well it has been a absolutely fabulous blog that has gone in development hell, but remember folks, it is only 3 weeks left till the real thing, which is...JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS.
P.S. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there. With open arms and open eyes yeah. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there.
Yep 1st off, the almighty All Blacks of New Zealand clinch another Rugby Championship title with a resounding 34 - 13 victory over Argentina in La Plata (The place were O & K have been) but unfortunately for the AB's as lock Brodie Retallick (Who was officially crowned World Rugby's (Formerly IRB) Player of the Year honours) is expected to miss the final round against South Africa due to concussion but NZ were in danger as Duane Vermeulen (Who is SA's danger man) was injured in his side's win over the Wallabies in Cape Town, but however, Vermeulen was declared fit so the All Blacks travelled to South Africa but eventually were on the losing side as our 22 match unbeaten run, has been conquered by the South Africans after Liam Messam copped a high tackle awarding SA the penalty (I mean that was shocking, literally meaning that we blown our chances to win that) before Patrick 'Pat' Lambie nailed the penalty shot replicated by Bernard Foley in the Super Rugby final and then, heartbreak for the AB's as they concede the penalty for not releasing the ball meaning that SA have replicated England's 2012 heroics over New Zealand at Twickenham (AKA Twickers).
And then, onto the 3rd & final Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane where the All Blacks, (Who are avenging their Ellis Park demons), face the Aussies who are all sorts of trouble as Kurtley Beale missed a flight then sent an offensive txt message to the team's business manager Di Patston before being disciplined and then, losing the game to Argentina who finally managed to pull off their 1st win (Compared to the AB's 1st defeat) in the Rugby Championship after 2 years of get rich & die trying since they have joined but Australia's coach Ewen McKenzie's job is on the line, meaning that they must ensure a victory if he wanted to keep it but hell no, you are fired (That is, due to the job security, so Mckenzie is an absolute goner) as the All Blacks run in with a close finish by a Malakai Fekitoa try and then the match winning conversion by Colin Slade (Although Slade was dropped by the selectors meaning that this was his last act in that famous Black jersey, although due to the injury by Cory Jane, Colin Slade returns on behalf of his 2nd chance).
And after the Brisbane test, the All Blacks have named a squad to tour the USA (United States of America) & United Kingdom featuring the unexpected returnee of Sonny...Bill...WILLIAMS!!!
Yes, that is right, SBW's back in town with the AB's after 2 comeback seasons in the NRL (He won a premiership with both the Bulldogs in 2004 & the Roosters last year) & also Daniel...CARTER!!! After a long injury layoff (His last game in the famous Black jersey was last year in his 100th test at Twickenham where we gained revenge over the English), but 1st off, the historic 1st test @ Soldier Field (Which is an American Football/Gridiron venue) in Chicago, Illinois (Home of the Bears (National Football League/NFL), Blackhawks (National Hockey League/NHL), Bulls (National Basketball Association/NBA), Cubs & White Sox (Both from Major League Baseball/the MLB) against the last Olympic Rugby champions, the USA Eagles.
But in the end, the AB's proved way too strong against the United States as they took a resounding victory 74 - 6 with tries by hooker, Nathan Harris (Who unfortunately got injured, with James Parsons slotted in as replacement hooker), right winger Cory Jane (Also got injured as well), lock Patrick Tuipulotu, as well as the returning Sonny Bill (Who got it twice, not once), left winger Charles Piutau, reserve wing Julian Savea (He did get 2, just like Williams did), prop Joe Moody, then the returning first five-eighth Aaron Cruden (Who had been in trouble after getting drunk & missing the flight to Buenos Aires before the Argentina - All Blacks encounter in La Plata), fullback Izzy Dagg & openside Sam Cane with conversions by Cruden who got 4 out of 9 & also, the returning world's test points scoring fly-half of Dan Carter who bagged 3 out of 3.
And, after the victory in Chicago as the AB's head over to London as they take on the hosts of next year's Rugby World Cup, England at Twickenham (Which will host the final in 2015) by launching a brand new outfit dubbed as the blackest ever (With the trademark white collar gone as well as white being replaced by gun metal silver for the jersey numbers & logos as well as the shirt, it has been specially designed by both the forwards & the backs rather than design, fabric or colour (Improvements made to the forwards jersey such as better rucking, mauling & scrummaging as well as for the backs, they are designed to make it more difficult to grab hold of), but will this blackest jersey be better than the old one?) but what a start by the home team as Jonny May had just scored a sensational try! In the 3rd minute. Then 10 minutes later, Cruden had just scored as well but not able to add the extras before the All Blacks got penalised twice as Owen Farrell nailed 2 penalty goals in succession, then New Zealand gained the upper hand as Cruden also nailed 2 penalty goals just like Farrell then NZ conceded the penalty before halftime as Farrell able to land the penalty shot at goal.
As the second half got underway in the 45th minute, the All Black captain of Richie McCaw has scored a brilliant try as he goes over while England's debutant of Semesa Rokoduguni (Born in Fiji serving for the British Army) attempted to defend a three on one overlap, but however Dane Coles gets sent to the bin for 10 after lashing out a boot to Kiwi born English hooker Dylan Hartley but still England were unable to escape the fate of their own half but it was the only matter of time when England's line was cracked once more before reserve Prop Charlie Faumuina who knocked over after waves of attacks, scoring his 1st try in a test match...oh, hang on, what da hell is dis as Welsh referee Nigel Owens make a TMO decision after awarding the try? (Wait, this certainly isn't Rugby's version of Cricket's Umpire Decision Review System as the batsman does require a review after originally being given out caught behind or lbw (Leg before wicket) Oh, you have gotta be kidding me, well that was...a comedy of errors not only because the Sky Sport rugby commentators label Owens as a stand up comedian, oh my god! But in the end, the TMO thinks that he tells the ref that he already has awarded it but that's the rule, you can't change decisions after the try has scored, and then all of a sudden, with England having the last laugh as the penalty try was given after New Zealand pulled down a maul, but the All Blacks held on comfortably to a 3 point victory over the Red Roses.
And yes, the highly anticipated return of Nan & Pops from Argentina/Uruguay was upon us for me last week as I went with him to Pak'n'save (Their motto: Our policy, NZ's lowest food prices) for the food supply after that grueling 7 week trip before having our own lunch since their return B4 we played our 1st test match of the brand new Aramoho Series Cricket season of 2014/15 with a record of 20 games following the success of the inaugural/1st ever 2014 season which consisted only 8 games, and guess what, I was the winner of the 1st test match of 20 by 36 runs as I managed only 6 in the 1st innings and 63 in the 2nd innings as I was dismissed in both innings when Poppa K managed to trap me out lbw twice then I had him out run out 1st innings & finally in the 2nd innings, I was overwhelmingly dominant by bowling him out, effectively ending the match with me leading 1 - 0 in the series.
And then on Saturday night, the Kiwis rugby league side have done it by winning the 4 nations at home in the nation's capital of the windy city of Wellington (or Welly/Wellywood), New Zealand. As they held on to beat the Kangaroos 22 - 18, a few weeks after thrashing the Aussies in the opener at Brisbane (And for 61 years that New Zealand have last tasted victory twice & for 11 years since they have last won in NZ against Australia) + some wonderful tries by star men Shaun Johnson (Hailed as the new Benji Marshall who recieved his player of the game honours twice in both the opener & final) & Manu Vatuvei (He is da beast who got it twice because he is now New Zealand's all time try-scorer with 20) as well as Jason Nightingale (Born in Australia but he is the tournament's top try scorer with 5), but moving on as we switch gears on both sides of the rugby code from the Cake Tin to Murrayfield in Edinburgh where the All Blacks take on the last flower of Scotland (The country who had desired/embroiled to become independent but however have elected to remain part of the United Kingdom) coached by New Zealander ''Big'' Vern Cotter as well as containing 2 NZ players playing against their country of birth such as Blair Cowan & Quade Cooper's cousin Sean Maitland AKA Mitchell Johnson, the Aussie cricketer because of his lookalike compared to Poppa's Sean Connery sans the skin colour & Dad's Daniel Vettori.
But the match started as Victor Vito gave his team the early lead before TROUBLE!!! THEY WON'T CATCH HIM!!! As Tommy Seymour crosses over for the try which gave the delighted hosts an immediate response but kickers Dan Carter and Grieg Laidlaw kept the score close with three penalties apiece but a successful effort from the boot of Colin Slade nudged New Zealand in front but the AB's were way too strong in the end as they defeated the Scots 24 - 16 after a Jeremy Thrush try & Colin Slade conversion in the 73rd & 74th minute.
And now...onto the All Blacks last test match of the year 2014, against WALES! (Led by Sam Warburton) That's right, the Valley Boys over at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. And how about Richard Hugh ''Richie'' McCaw, celebrating 100 tests as skipper after a decade on when he 1st became captain of the AB's. As the match got well underway as Wales kick the ball off and soon have a ball thanks to a terrific grab from Jamie Roberts.
6 MINUTES LATER
Well there's more ground made in the All Blacks' 22 and New Zealand are penalised for hands in the ruck. It's in front of the posts, and there is no way that the Valley Boys aren't taking the points from there. (Wales lead 3 - 0)
26 MINUTES LATER
Wales collapse the scrum yet again, again it is Paul James. He is failing to adapt, the Welsh prop, against that AB's pack. Penalty at halfway, and Beauden Barrett will try again. Hefty boot from Beaudy and it clears the bar by a couple of feet. We're all tied at 3-3.
18 MINUTES LATER
New dad/father SBW knocks it on, Wales have thrown the ball around to see if they can get anything, but it all comes to nothing. Half-time, Wales 3-3 New Zealand. Fierce, absolute fierce stuff in the 1st half, but the teams are back out on the field - the All Blacks will kick off.
And we are underway again because there is a slight tension settling on the Cardiff crowd not only they are realising their team really does have a better chance here.
2 MINUTES LATER
And then just like dat - it is a try! Julian Savea gets the ball out wide after Wales turn the ball over in their own 22, and it's Savea versus Dan Biggar. Only one winner, Savea slipping out of the tackle and in at the corner. New Zealand really know how to start a perfect 2nd half but Barrett lands the conversion from out wide & a huge burst of air has just been let out of the Millennium Stadium.
ANOTHER 2 MINUTES LATER
And then all of a sudden...try 2 Wales! Excellent response after falling behind. Perfectly offloaded by Taulupe Faletau (Formerly Toby) and Rhys Webb is in beside the bar! But Leigh Halfpenny able to add the extras - it is level once more.
5 MINUTES LATER
Another penalty to da Welsh, this time in NZ half, for Sam Whitelock who didn't rolling away. Halfpenny to kick at goal for what would put Wales in the lead. Through it goes. The Millennium Stadium is on its feet.
12 MINUTES LATER
The New Zealand captain of Richie McCaw is closing in on the try-line! Could he score on this landmark occasion? I don't think so, not quite. He is held up but the ball is switched across flanks by a superb cross-field kick and then it is reached inside and Jerome Kaino is over for the All Black's 2nd try of the game, as Barrett's conversion goes the same way as a previous penalty - wide right. George North is going off injured, blood streaming from his head, possibly sustained in that McCaw burst before the try & Penalty against...of all people, it's McCaw, what for? Side entry to the ruck but Leigh Halfpenny will have a chance to restore the Welsh lead & It is up, it is all good - Wales lead & then in all of a sudden, just like that - try to NEW ZEALAND! And that is one very fortunate bounce in the favour of Beaudy Barrett. It is just a reward for his own inventiveness, but Halfpenny is gonna see dat bounce every damn time he attempts to close his eyes and G.T.S. tonight. Agonising, very very Agonising indeed and it is Colin Slade who converts this time.
NEK MINNIT
It is becoming very, very open indeed as Wales seek to get back into dis, because dey need a try & conversion required to take da lead again, but dey are leaving demselves open in defence as a result, but it is another try for the AB's, who have - in just 3 minutes - shown why it is so, so hardcore to defeat them. Kieran Read is the beneficiary of a charge down, but to make your own luck as a virtual silence in the Millennium Stadium, which was threatening to combust just 5 minutes ago before Colin Slade slots a beauty of a kick from the touchline to add the extras. That is pure insult to injury, right there.
2 MINUTES LATER
"This ends now, or he's dismissed the field of play," says Wayne Barnes to Sam Warburton. It seems that Alun-Wyn Jones is the culprit. Frustrations beginning to show and NEK MINNIT, Leigh Halfpenny knocks the ball on or should I say, loses the ball forward...FORWARD (Well that's the issue) in his own 22, trying to break from deep. The game is an absolute goner for Wales, now but it has all Torn Sky Blast apart for the Welsh. Another X-Field kick, a terrific knockdown and Barrett is over for his 2nd of the game. It has becoming emphatic, but it does not flatter the All Blacks without a paddle, given how strongly they have played in this last 1/4 but unfortunate for Slade as he misses the conversion, yet again from the touchline, by a whisker but a knock on by the AB's as they throw it around for fun on halfway & another knock on ends the match but it took a patient, determined, relentless performance from New Zealand - but no side is equipped to produce just that quite like they are. 13 minutes of utter sheer brilliance was the ultimate difference, and Sam Warburton's knowing smile on his face as he shakes hands with his opposite number says it all. Wales were not too well beaten, but they were defeated as well.
And finally in this report, the world of Cricket was in mourning last week as Philip Hughes tragically killed during a Cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after being struck in the head by a lethal bouncer from pace bowler Sean Abbott...how sad, RIP Phil (1988 - 2014)...but the Black Caps have also paid tribute to the fallen cricketer as they took victory against Pakistan in Sharjah during the 3rd test meaning that the test series had been drawn after losing the 1st test & drawing in the 2nd test, but the 1st test between Australia & India will take place at the Adelaide Oval due to rescheduling as the Brisbane test was postponed due to Hughesy's death (And I also paid tribute to Phil Hughes as I overcame the demons from last week's loss during the 4th Aramoho Series Cricket test which I labelled as game of the year (And I mean, after today's greatest lunch hits we had at the new Cafe Anatolia facility which was open alongside the new BP near the Splash Centre), by scoring (U guessed it) back 2 back centuries on both innings as my batting powers were fully restored (Last week it was woeful but this week it looks like I had a doner kebab for lunch which got my batting mojo back so I used a different bat, codenamed Memphis instead, rather than the Robin, which is a yellow bat that I am no longer using when I got 107 not out during the 2nd test match in the 2nd innings which I won) as I scored 136 (I was out LBW, which is my highest score of this series) & 104 not out & hell yes, that is a beauty (Although my back shoulder is a bit sore because of da batting (So perhaps I am sporting battle scars in all of a sudden), but today's test match of da year was even perhaps, da one 2 remember 4 me, so sit back & enjoy because I am going 2 remember dis, 4 a long, long time (Perhaps, the best cricket match of the decade (2010s) or the century!).
Well it has been a absolutely fabulous blog that has gone in development hell, but remember folks, it is only 3 weeks left till the real thing, which is...JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS.
P.S. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there. With open arms and open eyes yeah. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there.
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
The Last Flower of Scotland: Into the Superunknown (2014 NZ General Election special + AB's Vs SA Review)
It is decision time whether Scotland will become an independent country or else, remain part of the United Kingdom (Although I would like the Great Britain Table Hockey team to pull out of the TBO World Cup if Scotland becomes independent) as many people want to say yes or no about the country at all costs, but all eyes on the general election in New Zealand to vote for which party or politician to be part of a parliament seat just because their will never be a new Prime Minister as the country's leader, John Key is the most popular PM, just scampers ahead of the leader of the opposition, David Cunliffe as well as John Key's political party, National, is dead set ahead of Labour (The party that I will be voting + Poppa's long standing supporting political party since ages ago and guess what, Hamish McDouall is ahead of Chester Burrows in the Wanganui seat so he might even make it to the Beehive post-election) in the fair-dinkum department matey (sic) as the most popular party according to the Colmar Brunton poll.
And in sport, the All Blacks had just drilled the mighty South Africans (Led by Jean de Villiers in his unprecedented 100th rugby test) in last weekend's TRC encounter, winning by just 4 points as the score was 14 - 10, and in the 1st half, the AB's led at 3 - 0, as South Africa were on lineout mode as Adriaan Strauss throws the ball, goes to the back, gives the ball to winger Cornal Hendricks, and he SCORES!! Giving SA the lead 5 - 3 (Now 7 - 3 with a successful kick to come by Handre Pollard) and when I reacted to the try when I was like, really! REALLY!! Oh, come on! this isn't fair! What is my major malfunction, BROTHER!! And in the 2nd half (Aw, bad news from the New Zealand camp as Ma'a Nonu broke a forearm because he is gone for the season), things have been settled as the All Blacks trail by a point (The returning Aaron Cruden has managed to cut the deficit in the 1st half as South Africa held on 7 - 6 at halftime), as SA win the scrum under pressure only metres from their line and clear it downfield to the halfway but a strong rolling maul has put the All Blacks on the front foot and given that Julian Savea had some open space to make a strong run but the South African defence remains powerful despite being a man down injured, and then all of a sudden, Watch THIS!! As Cruden pops a cross-field kick (Like a voodoo doll, leave this to me), giving it to Kieran Read, then passes the ball to the captain of Richie McCaw and WHAM!!! It is try-time, baby! And YES YES YES MAN!!! UNREAL!! What an effort. Way 2 go Richie as da referee has 2 go upstairs 2 have a look, but no further problems at all by da TMO so da try has been given (AB's lead, 11 - 7) but unfortunate there 4 Aaron Cruden as he isn't able to add the extras before several minutes later, the fans begin to boo as Pollard slots in a successful drop goal attempt as the ref blows the whistle as the ball sails down over the posts from a long-range sweeping distance effort.
SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
The All Blacks put the pressure on as they win the ball back from their 22-drop out and make easy metres to the SA 22-metre but lose the ball yet again but another error at the lineout from South Africa sees Savea make a huge run down the sideline and the AB's are now on the front foot and are putting plenty of pressure on the defence before the All Blacks have won ourselves a penalty within the Springboks 22-metre giving Beaudy Barrett his first chance at the posts before he nails the shot and pushes the lead 14 - 10 over SA so let's see how it unfolds in the dying 10 minutes in the nail-biting test match:
70TH MINUTE: Willie le Roux has cleared the ball down field and put Savea under pressure b4 his South African teammates arrive and win a turnover and scrum within the All Blacks half containing pests...boundaries.
72ND MINUTE: Both sides continue to give away the ball at the ruck and SA are lucky to win the ball and relieve some pressure within their half of our souls.
73RD MINUTE: South Africa push forward with a rolling maul and have won the advantage, but lose the ball once they try to spread it wide as Pollard puts it out 5-metres from the AB's lineout and have what is sure to be their best chance to take the lead without one Licence to Thrill, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
74TH MINUTE: SA set up another rolling maul by pushing it forward and win another penalty advantage b4 collapsing as they start to spread it wide and da All Blacks rush up in defence in order to shut down da South African attack, But South Africa head back for their penalty by a bunch of crutches.
76TH MINUTE: SA have gone for another lineout and may have won it but it's messy as South Africa did their best to go hard and get within the 10-metre striking jaw distance.
77TH MINUTE: South Africa have their best chance as they make it several metres to the line but an obstruction call made by the referee has ruined their chance of picking up a worthy 5 pointer more like the road to nowhere at the Devil's Triangle (But it only takes 2 to tango, dude).
78TH MINUTE: AB's have the scrum feed several metres from their line and the South African resistance have stolen it but they are rewarded with a scrum 5-metres, but what a shove from SA rewarding their final chance of winning the game, but remember guys, the South Africans have to ensure that they must put the All Blacks out of their reach and to our misery, and I mean for Jean de Villiers in his 100th test, but can SA stun the All Blacks with a win? I don't think so.
79TH MINUTE: South Africa win the scrum and Duane Vermeulen makes a quick run to the line but they send it to the short side and go out but nek minnit: AB's win lineout as Aaron Smith kicks the ball into touch without wasting any time, effectively ending the cliffhanging, blockbuster encounter & maximising their machines by holding on to a 14 - 10 victory to retain the Freedom Cup & remain on top of the Rugby Championship standings, bye for now.
P.S. Went to Splash Centre today for our routine swim before going to Colombian Cafe at Trafalgar Square near the Warehouse rather than having pasta here for lunch & so here I am, my 31st blog (It is blog number XXXI) that I am doing at the moment but good luck to my beloved Nan & Pops because they are heading off on an embarking expedition to Argentina on Monday, told ya so.
And in sport, the All Blacks had just drilled the mighty South Africans (Led by Jean de Villiers in his unprecedented 100th rugby test) in last weekend's TRC encounter, winning by just 4 points as the score was 14 - 10, and in the 1st half, the AB's led at 3 - 0, as South Africa were on lineout mode as Adriaan Strauss throws the ball, goes to the back, gives the ball to winger Cornal Hendricks, and he SCORES!! Giving SA the lead 5 - 3 (Now 7 - 3 with a successful kick to come by Handre Pollard) and when I reacted to the try when I was like, really! REALLY!! Oh, come on! this isn't fair! What is my major malfunction, BROTHER!! And in the 2nd half (Aw, bad news from the New Zealand camp as Ma'a Nonu broke a forearm because he is gone for the season), things have been settled as the All Blacks trail by a point (The returning Aaron Cruden has managed to cut the deficit in the 1st half as South Africa held on 7 - 6 at halftime), as SA win the scrum under pressure only metres from their line and clear it downfield to the halfway but a strong rolling maul has put the All Blacks on the front foot and given that Julian Savea had some open space to make a strong run but the South African defence remains powerful despite being a man down injured, and then all of a sudden, Watch THIS!! As Cruden pops a cross-field kick (Like a voodoo doll, leave this to me), giving it to Kieran Read, then passes the ball to the captain of Richie McCaw and WHAM!!! It is try-time, baby! And YES YES YES MAN!!! UNREAL!! What an effort. Way 2 go Richie as da referee has 2 go upstairs 2 have a look, but no further problems at all by da TMO so da try has been given (AB's lead, 11 - 7) but unfortunate there 4 Aaron Cruden as he isn't able to add the extras before several minutes later, the fans begin to boo as Pollard slots in a successful drop goal attempt as the ref blows the whistle as the ball sails down over the posts from a long-range sweeping distance effort.
SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
The All Blacks put the pressure on as they win the ball back from their 22-drop out and make easy metres to the SA 22-metre but lose the ball yet again but another error at the lineout from South Africa sees Savea make a huge run down the sideline and the AB's are now on the front foot and are putting plenty of pressure on the defence before the All Blacks have won ourselves a penalty within the Springboks 22-metre giving Beaudy Barrett his first chance at the posts before he nails the shot and pushes the lead 14 - 10 over SA so let's see how it unfolds in the dying 10 minutes in the nail-biting test match:
70TH MINUTE: Willie le Roux has cleared the ball down field and put Savea under pressure b4 his South African teammates arrive and win a turnover and scrum within the All Blacks half containing pests...boundaries.
72ND MINUTE: Both sides continue to give away the ball at the ruck and SA are lucky to win the ball and relieve some pressure within their half of our souls.
73RD MINUTE: South Africa push forward with a rolling maul and have won the advantage, but lose the ball once they try to spread it wide as Pollard puts it out 5-metres from the AB's lineout and have what is sure to be their best chance to take the lead without one Licence to Thrill, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
74TH MINUTE: SA set up another rolling maul by pushing it forward and win another penalty advantage b4 collapsing as they start to spread it wide and da All Blacks rush up in defence in order to shut down da South African attack, But South Africa head back for their penalty by a bunch of crutches.
76TH MINUTE: SA have gone for another lineout and may have won it but it's messy as South Africa did their best to go hard and get within the 10-metre striking jaw distance.
77TH MINUTE: South Africa have their best chance as they make it several metres to the line but an obstruction call made by the referee has ruined their chance of picking up a worthy 5 pointer more like the road to nowhere at the Devil's Triangle (But it only takes 2 to tango, dude).
78TH MINUTE: AB's have the scrum feed several metres from their line and the South African resistance have stolen it but they are rewarded with a scrum 5-metres, but what a shove from SA rewarding their final chance of winning the game, but remember guys, the South Africans have to ensure that they must put the All Blacks out of their reach and to our misery, and I mean for Jean de Villiers in his 100th test, but can SA stun the All Blacks with a win? I don't think so.
79TH MINUTE: South Africa win the scrum and Duane Vermeulen makes a quick run to the line but they send it to the short side and go out but nek minnit: AB's win lineout as Aaron Smith kicks the ball into touch without wasting any time, effectively ending the cliffhanging, blockbuster encounter & maximising their machines by holding on to a 14 - 10 victory to retain the Freedom Cup & remain on top of the Rugby Championship standings, bye for now.
P.S. Went to Splash Centre today for our routine swim before going to Colombian Cafe at Trafalgar Square near the Warehouse rather than having pasta here for lunch & so here I am, my 31st blog (It is blog number XXXI) that I am doing at the moment but good luck to my beloved Nan & Pops because they are heading off on an embarking expedition to Argentina on Monday, told ya so.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Shosholoza: Tackling the South Africans in Welly
It's Round 4 of this epic #2014rugbychampionship between #NZallblacks (Home of the All Blacks, the Maori culture/tribe such as the Haka & Middle Earth, where the Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit was filmed here directed by none other than Sir Peter Jackson) & the beasts of the Republic, #southafrica (Home of the late 1st black President Nelson Mandela (Who was behind bars at Robben Island during the Apartheid era before being released & ran for Presidency successfully), the Braai & of course the Vuvuzela instrument which made an impact during the 2010 FIFA World Cup) for the last Aotearoa test of 2014 at the Cake Tin of Westpac Stadium in the nation's capital: the windy city of Wellington from McLean Park where New Zealand proved too strong & powerful to defeat the argy-bargies 28 - 9 (With such good tries from Julian ''Big Bus'' Savea who got it twice including a try from outta nowhere during the 1st half, Liam Messam (Scored, but however...ended up on the recieving end of a self-inflicted All Black injury crisis, joining the likes of Sam Whitelock) & that lil' halfback, Aaron Smith).
The starting lineup was revealed for the All Blacks as Steven Luatua has slotted in at blindside flanker to replace the injured Liam Messam to join the openside flanker/number 8 pair of Captain @rhmccaw & @kieranread, then Jeremy Thrush comes in for Sam Whitelock who is out due to a rib issue so Patrick Tuipulotu starts from the bench along with Cory Jane who replaces Malakai Fekitoa, & South Africa will use an unchanged lineup except for the brand new, young 20 year old up & coming but raw talented player & rising star of Handre Pollard, who makes way for Morne Steyn as he makes his return to New Zealand again because his 1st foray to NZ was representing his country in the Junior World Championships in which his team go down to England in the final as well as the SA team captain @jeandevilliers, who will celebrate his 100th test match joining the likes of 2007 RWC winning captain John Smit & player Percy Montgomery + veterans @victormatfield & @bryanhabana (Who got yellow carded for that high tackle allowing the Wallabies to open the door for victory over in Perth at the expense of a late comeback from a try by Rob Horne & that successful, match winning conversion by Bernard Foley, meaning that the AB's now go on top of the Rugby Championship standings and I mean, how would Dad have to back the Wallabies to defeat South Africa, get real because I think I label my dear father as a traitor, nuff said).
And finally in this report, Argentina, fresh from the defeat at Napier, will take on the @michaelhooper led Wallabies over on the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium (Once known as Skilled Park) as they seek their 1st victory of the Rugby Championship after numerous defeats + a draw in 2012.
And that is it, I will see you next time, fingers crossed this weekend on Saturday, ready your breakfast & eat hearty, for tonight, we dine...in HELL!
P.S. Went to that Heartland Rugby game sponsored by Pink Batts last Saturday, 1st win of the new season, knocking over traditional rivals North Otago by holding on to a comprehensive 20 to 15 victory & today, we went to that restaurant thing called La Strada and it was a good meal that I had such as spaghetti with meatballs & that gelato for dessert so it was a perfect 10 for me & it rocked hard before we played cricket, had a game of both cards & checkers as well as I really did enjoy Nan's 68th birthday celebrations last night but my main highlight would be the starters, the cheese course & the dessert that we have + Uncle Bryan Christie has totally agreed to compete for Great Britain (But I don't really know that Bryan is of English & Scottish descent but he is clearly Scottish but we are of course indeed of English & Scottish descent) in that possible TBO World Cup joining the likes of New Zealand (Which is me, I am the star, I am Whetu) & Denmark (Competing for that country is the great Danish Terminator of Hanne Benbaruk) + Noel Leeming has been given the extreme makeover due to the rebranding since the Warehouse acquired Noel Leeming 2 years ago (Although in February/March last year, Bond & Bond had to close it's doors due to the merger with Noel Leeming, much more like Telecom became Spark, Telstraclear became Vodafone, the National Bank became ANZ & Shell became Z) not only because I think I'm a fan of Noel Leeming, a fanatic, but of course, I feel a bit nostalgic like the Trafalgar Square shopping centre which features the Warehouse, Countdown & EB Games (Formerly the Gamesman) because there was once a Kmart store before it became the Warehouse & once a Noel Leeming store before it moved to Victoria Avenue right next to both KFC & Harvey Norman.
The starting lineup was revealed for the All Blacks as Steven Luatua has slotted in at blindside flanker to replace the injured Liam Messam to join the openside flanker/number 8 pair of Captain @rhmccaw & @kieranread, then Jeremy Thrush comes in for Sam Whitelock who is out due to a rib issue so Patrick Tuipulotu starts from the bench along with Cory Jane who replaces Malakai Fekitoa, & South Africa will use an unchanged lineup except for the brand new, young 20 year old up & coming but raw talented player & rising star of Handre Pollard, who makes way for Morne Steyn as he makes his return to New Zealand again because his 1st foray to NZ was representing his country in the Junior World Championships in which his team go down to England in the final as well as the SA team captain @jeandevilliers, who will celebrate his 100th test match joining the likes of 2007 RWC winning captain John Smit & player Percy Montgomery + veterans @victormatfield & @bryanhabana (Who got yellow carded for that high tackle allowing the Wallabies to open the door for victory over in Perth at the expense of a late comeback from a try by Rob Horne & that successful, match winning conversion by Bernard Foley, meaning that the AB's now go on top of the Rugby Championship standings and I mean, how would Dad have to back the Wallabies to defeat South Africa, get real because I think I label my dear father as a traitor, nuff said).
And finally in this report, Argentina, fresh from the defeat at Napier, will take on the @michaelhooper led Wallabies over on the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium (Once known as Skilled Park) as they seek their 1st victory of the Rugby Championship after numerous defeats + a draw in 2012.
And that is it, I will see you next time, fingers crossed this weekend on Saturday, ready your breakfast & eat hearty, for tonight, we dine...in HELL!
P.S. Went to that Heartland Rugby game sponsored by Pink Batts last Saturday, 1st win of the new season, knocking over traditional rivals North Otago by holding on to a comprehensive 20 to 15 victory & today, we went to that restaurant thing called La Strada and it was a good meal that I had such as spaghetti with meatballs & that gelato for dessert so it was a perfect 10 for me & it rocked hard before we played cricket, had a game of both cards & checkers as well as I really did enjoy Nan's 68th birthday celebrations last night but my main highlight would be the starters, the cheese course & the dessert that we have + Uncle Bryan Christie has totally agreed to compete for Great Britain (But I don't really know that Bryan is of English & Scottish descent but he is clearly Scottish but we are of course indeed of English & Scottish descent) in that possible TBO World Cup joining the likes of New Zealand (Which is me, I am the star, I am Whetu) & Denmark (Competing for that country is the great Danish Terminator of Hanne Benbaruk) + Noel Leeming has been given the extreme makeover due to the rebranding since the Warehouse acquired Noel Leeming 2 years ago (Although in February/March last year, Bond & Bond had to close it's doors due to the merger with Noel Leeming, much more like Telecom became Spark, Telstraclear became Vodafone, the National Bank became ANZ & Shell became Z) not only because I think I'm a fan of Noel Leeming, a fanatic, but of course, I feel a bit nostalgic like the Trafalgar Square shopping centre which features the Warehouse, Countdown & EB Games (Formerly the Gamesman) because there was once a Kmart store before it became the Warehouse & once a Noel Leeming store before it moved to Victoria Avenue right next to both KFC & Harvey Norman.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
#allblacksstories4: The 2014 Rugby Championship Season
Well, I have not written a blog lately so Kelly Harrison urged me to do this one, like for today so she can impress.
But things have gone well for the All Blacks after winning the test series (A stunning clean sweep) against England 3 - 0 & missing out on beating the Wallabies by getting that 18th straight test victory in Sydney which ended in a draw before overcoming that result to defeat Australia 51 - 20 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe once more (Although the Wallabies have lost Pat McCabe due to a really serious neck injury, by forcing into retirement mode, and I mean he could be paralyzed or especially dead if he ever played again but never due to the high amount of risk that's all according to the doctor's orders) but the AB's will have to focus on now what has been a highly anticipated showdown with Argentina (The Argentine front row had been devastating by overpowering the South African pack until it had been fallen when they brought on fresh new replacements + the country that Nan & Pop's will visit) in Napier (+ after the All Blacks/Argentina one, the Wallabies face South Africa in Perth and if Australia win, South Africa will fall down into the pecking order on top of the Rugby Championship standings).
But the team naming was revealed for the AB's this morning to play against Argentina, with the unchanged lineup from the previous test set to take the field except a few changes, with Beaudy Barrett taking over the 1st 5 duties from Aaron Cruden, as well as the return of Izzy Dagg (Who helped Hawke's Bay win the Ranfurly Shield back from the Tana Umaga coached Counties Manukau) at fullback, elevating Ben Smith from the right wing position with Cory Jane unavailable and of course, changes were made in the reserves bench, such as Charlie Faumuina being dropped in favour of Joe Moody due to a lack of form required to do them properly, while Jeremy Thrush replaces Steven Luatua (Who now has his 1st test try against Australia in Auckland) & of course, Colin Slade being brought in to start at the number 22 jersey but don't worry, it looks like weather conditions say that it will be wet weather this Saturday over at McLean Park (The 2nd time that the All Blacks will play at the city beacuse their 1st test match in Napier was in 1996 against Samoa + I saw that temporary seating during Hawke's Bay's ITM Cup home game in time for the test).
And we went to that fabulous Cooks Gardens to see Wanganui play our 1st game of the brand new Heartland Rugby Championship against Horowhenua-Kapiti who donned their new rugby kit, and then all of a sudden, another defeat had to occur for Wanganui, they had got beaten, victimized against the opposition because the pressure was too much by scoring a lot of tries, awarding penalties, on & on & on (+ I'm attempting to organise the TBO (stands for Table Hockey Order because I named the sport's governing body after the Jedi Order from the Star Wars franchise) World Cup because only 2 countries have signed up for it: Denmark (Hanne Benbaruk-Jakobsen, the great Danish Terminator) & hosts, New Zealand (which is me, Whetu Ngapo AKA Chris 'Hunter' Fallon).
And that is we have got time for, see you next time, and oh btw, fingers crossed ftw by our beloved AB's.
P.S. Can you take it all away, can you take it all away, well ya shoved it in my face, this pain you gave to me.
But things have gone well for the All Blacks after winning the test series (A stunning clean sweep) against England 3 - 0 & missing out on beating the Wallabies by getting that 18th straight test victory in Sydney which ended in a draw before overcoming that result to defeat Australia 51 - 20 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe once more (Although the Wallabies have lost Pat McCabe due to a really serious neck injury, by forcing into retirement mode, and I mean he could be paralyzed or especially dead if he ever played again but never due to the high amount of risk that's all according to the doctor's orders) but the AB's will have to focus on now what has been a highly anticipated showdown with Argentina (The Argentine front row had been devastating by overpowering the South African pack until it had been fallen when they brought on fresh new replacements + the country that Nan & Pop's will visit) in Napier (+ after the All Blacks/Argentina one, the Wallabies face South Africa in Perth and if Australia win, South Africa will fall down into the pecking order on top of the Rugby Championship standings).
But the team naming was revealed for the AB's this morning to play against Argentina, with the unchanged lineup from the previous test set to take the field except a few changes, with Beaudy Barrett taking over the 1st 5 duties from Aaron Cruden, as well as the return of Izzy Dagg (Who helped Hawke's Bay win the Ranfurly Shield back from the Tana Umaga coached Counties Manukau) at fullback, elevating Ben Smith from the right wing position with Cory Jane unavailable and of course, changes were made in the reserves bench, such as Charlie Faumuina being dropped in favour of Joe Moody due to a lack of form required to do them properly, while Jeremy Thrush replaces Steven Luatua (Who now has his 1st test try against Australia in Auckland) & of course, Colin Slade being brought in to start at the number 22 jersey but don't worry, it looks like weather conditions say that it will be wet weather this Saturday over at McLean Park (The 2nd time that the All Blacks will play at the city beacuse their 1st test match in Napier was in 1996 against Samoa + I saw that temporary seating during Hawke's Bay's ITM Cup home game in time for the test).
And we went to that fabulous Cooks Gardens to see Wanganui play our 1st game of the brand new Heartland Rugby Championship against Horowhenua-Kapiti who donned their new rugby kit, and then all of a sudden, another defeat had to occur for Wanganui, they had got beaten, victimized against the opposition because the pressure was too much by scoring a lot of tries, awarding penalties, on & on & on (+ I'm attempting to organise the TBO (stands for Table Hockey Order because I named the sport's governing body after the Jedi Order from the Star Wars franchise) World Cup because only 2 countries have signed up for it: Denmark (Hanne Benbaruk-Jakobsen, the great Danish Terminator) & hosts, New Zealand (which is me, Whetu Ngapo AKA Chris 'Hunter' Fallon).
And that is we have got time for, see you next time, and oh btw, fingers crossed ftw by our beloved AB's.
P.S. Can you take it all away, can you take it all away, well ya shoved it in my face, this pain you gave to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)