FOSTER - NOW GONE 🎉 - congrats kiwis

[Grandpa]

Ardie isn't listening to you guys telling him to keep quiet:

The All Black loose forward (Ardie) said that the review during the week highlighted just where they could improve and find opportunities after ‘being suffocated’ at Mbombela Stadium last week.

“It was amazing, last week it felt like we were suffocated, it felt like a brick wall,” he said.

“When we actually reviewed the clips, our coach Foz identified a few critical things that we needed to work on.

“When we saw it, it was actually quite evident. There was some of it that we executed today. That’s a big ups to the people who are sorting that out.”

You do wonder about some of these players... that what is self evident to us... they need a coach to point it out to them... though why Fozzie waited until this match to do it... only he knows...

[Gumboot]

You do wonder about some of these players... that what is self evident to us... they need a coach to point it out to them...

Maybe that's the difference between inside noise and outside noise.

[Guy Smiley]

You do wonder about some of these players... that what is self evident to us... they need a coach to point it out to them...

Maybe that's the difference between inside noise and outside noise.

Fozzie's in Saigon and Charlie' out there

gettin' stronger.

[Grandpa]

You do wonder about some of these players... that what is self evident to us... they need a coach to point it out to them...

Maybe that's the difference between inside noise and outside noise.

I can understand that in a week... from one game to the next... but when it's gone on for years? The same issue?

This is the first time under Foster I have seen it addressed to any degree on the field... I wonder if Ryan stood up to Foster and said... "FFS mate it's pretty obvious what's wrong... do you want to keep your job or not?"

[Ymx]

The way I look at it is as follows

The whole team have been under fierce criticism from the outside and they have sheltered and supported each other together. So they built this result for each other and no doubt have built a bond over it.

However, I really think the players shouldn’t comment about the coach in public for the simple reasons

1) they can’t be critical as it will affect their selection. And it won’t look impartial. I’m thinking as an example, that English scrum half brown nosing Eddie Jones.

2) they may have another coach next week and it would portray the message badly - not joined up with the company line etc. They need to be outwardly professional. Also, we don’t want them doubling down over this. That would look terrible.

3) I really really don’t want them to influence the board to keep that fat useless cvnt.

[Grandpa]

The way I look at it is as follows

The whole team have been under fierce criticism from the outside and they have sheltered and supported each other together. So they built this result for each other and no doubt have built a bond over it.

However, I really think the players shouldn’t comment about the coach in public for the simple reasons

1) they can’t be critical as it will affect their selection. And it won’t look impartial. I’m thinking as an example, that English scrum half brown nosing Eddie Jones.

2) they may have another coach next week and it would portray the message badly - not joined up with the company line etc. They need to be outwardly professional. Also, we don’t want them doubling down over this. That would look terrible.

3) I really really don’t want them to influence the board to keep that fat useless cvnt.

I agree... and just because they like the coach doesn't mean he's any good...

[convoluted]

Show me a team that doesn't stand behind their coach...
As for Foster and his expectations... I expect to win Lotto every time I buy a ticket. So what.

A widespread belief after the first Bok test was that Foster had 'lost the change room'.
But seems not so.

And your closing sentence is just silly.
Foster is currently the coach. You are not currently holding winning ticket after winning ticket.

If Robertson has not already signed a contract to take over as soon as the first Argie game, then yes, Foster will obviously take the team through the entire Championship, just as he stated.

As we know nothing at all about any NZRU-Robertson discussions, we can only speculate.
Maybe Robertson specified that he would wait for the end of year tour so that he could have the squad that he wanted and not one that he inherited.

If they've even spoken to him at all, that is!

[Guy Smiley]

It’s not Robinson’s decision to make though. He can only report to the board.

[convoluted]

Many of us would have gladly had Rennie instead of Foster, but Australia had already grabbed him.

Rennie's Wallabies got thumped on Saturday, the Argies putting almost 50 points on his team.
That has been quietly overlooked on this thread.

[Snooze]

Many of us would have gladly had Rennie instead of Foster, but Australia had already grabbed him.

Rennie's Wallabies got thumped on Saturday, the Argies putting almost 50 points on his team.
That has been quietly overlooked on this thread.

It's a Foster thread.

[Ymx]

Many of us would have gladly had Rennie instead of Foster, but Australia had already grabbed him.

Rennie's Wallabies got thumped on Saturday, the Argies putting almost 50 points on his team.
That has been quietly overlooked on this thread.

It's a Foster thread.

Yeah, I was thinking the same.

And in particular it’s a Foster OUT thread.

[Guy Smiley]

He’s weaving an intricate web here guys that ties Graham Henry into the failings of Fozzie.

[Dan54]

Mate if players can't talk about coach whether for or against, surely they can't talk about anything to do with game.

They can and they do. Nobody's gagging them.

Dan, can you see the distinction between that, and the entire squad attending Foster's post-match press conference in a show of support?

They didn't attend Foster's post-match conference did they? Actually what Kiwias is saying they can talk about anything but the coach, surely that is gagging them. Would he mind if some came out and said we don't like coach? I suspect not. We all for free speech if they agree with our opinion, then they are either idiots or should shut up.

[Guy Smiley]

Mate if players can't talk about coach whether for or against, surely they can't talk about anything to do with game.

They can and they do. Nobody's gagging them.

Dan, can you see the distinction between that, and the entire squad attending Foster's post-match press conference in a show of support?

They didn't attend Foster's post-match conference did they? Actually what Kiwias is saying they can talk about anything but the coach, surely that is gagging them. Would he mind if some came out and said we don't like coach? I suspect not. We all for free speech if they agree with our opinion, then they are either idiots or should shut up.

FFS... no player is going to come out and say he / she doesn't like their coach or coaching method. That would be career suicide.

Negative comments usually appear in the retired player's autobiography or post career interviews.

[lemonhead]

2) they may have another coach next week and it would portray the message badly - not joined up with the company line etc. They need to be outwardly professional. Also, we don’t want them doubling down over this. That would look terrible.

Can't see them coming over any worse than the numerous lines the company have spat out on this one.

Besides the death of 1000 reviews was Robinson really holding that Zoom conference from the same hotel the team were staying? Not his finest half hour of PR either way.

[convoluted]

Many of us would have gladly had Rennie instead of Foster, but Australia had already grabbed him.

Rennie's Wallabies got thumped on Saturday, the Argies putting almost 50 points on his team.
That has been quietly overlooked on this thread.

It's a Foster thread.

Yeah, I was thinking the same.

And in particular it’s a Foster OUT thread.

I think it's entirely relevant.
We (and I include myself) are all here pontificating that we know best as to who the coach should be, and I'm suggesting we would all have much preferred Rennie to Foster had that been the toss up. I know I would have.

But Rennie's team has just been annihilated, and even well before that weren't the Aussies already contemplating his replacement with a local?

I'm opining that maybe we don't know SFA about coaches, whereas this thread is all about how we know best.

Yes, I attribute the Ellis Park win to Ryan's transformation of the forward pack, and it was Robertson who had the judgement to pluck Ryan from obscurity and give him a shot at elite level.
And yes, Foster has baffled me with his stubborness on Beaudy at first five; with his reluctance to immediately get Sami on as hooker after we scored our first try in Paris; that Sami wasn't even on the bench for the final Irish test; with those horrifying and inexplicable Smith box kicks at the very start of Tests 2 and 3 against Ireland etc.etc.
So yes, from the start I wanted Robertson and I've been in angst for the last two seasons.

But it seems the players disagree with us. And they are on the inside, and remain insistent.
My impression is that they are commenting voluntarily. Surely a reporter wouldn't have the insolent temerity to pop the actual question to them.
Re Guy Smiley's scorn that players are not going to speak out against a coach, that is illogical because Sam Whitelock and David Havili are two who have come forward on their own account to endorse Foster. Is GS suggesting that those two consequently have no future with the Crusaders should Razor be the Saders' coach next year because they expressed their preference for Foz over Razor for the ABs?

[Deepsouth]

Many of us would have gladly had Rennie instead of Foster, but Australia had already grabbed him.

Rennie's Wallabies got thumped on Saturday, the Argies putting almost 50 points on his team.
That has been quietly overlooked on this thread.

Australia had 17 players unavailable for selection. Considering we have minimal depth to start with the Argue result was not unexpected.

[Kiwias]

Mate if players can't talk about coach whether for or against, surely they can't talk about anything to do with game.

They can and they do. Nobody's gagging them.

Dan, can you see the distinction between that, and the entire squad attending Foster's post-match press conference in a show of support?

They didn't attend Foster's post-match conference did they? Actually what Kiwias is saying they can talk about anything but the coach, surely that is gagging them. Would he mind if some came out and said we don't like coach? I suspect not. We all for free speech if they agree with our opinion, then they are either idiots or should shut up.

No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying that no player would ever say anything critical of the current coach as he is interested in maintaining his place in the squad, so the media should stop asking players their view of the current coach. If I were a player, my automatic response to any such question would be "No comment. Let's talk about the game".

[Dan54]

They can and they do. Nobody's gagging them.

Dan, can you see the distinction between that, and the entire squad attending Foster's post-match press conference in a show of support?

They didn't attend Foster's post-match conference did they? Actually what Kiwias is saying they can talk about anything but the coach, surely that is gagging them. Would he mind if some came out and said we don't like coach? I suspect not. We all for free speech if they agree with our opinion, then they are either idiots or should shut up.

FFS... no player is going to come out and say he / she doesn't like their coach or coaching method. That would be career suicide.

Negative comments usually appear in the retired player's autobiography or post career interviews.

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

[Kiwias]

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

Being asked by senior management about your work circumstances, including the performance of your direct manager, would presumably be in confidence, hardly the same as being asked about your boss by the media, by nature not a confidential discussion.

[Certain Navigator]

It's a Foster thread.

Yeah, I was thinking the same.

And in particular it’s a Foster OUT thread.

I think it's entirely relevant.
We (and I include myself) are all here pontificating that we know best as to who the coach should be, and I'm suggesting we would all have much preferred Rennie to Foster had that been the toss up. I know I would have.

But Rennie's team has just been annihilated, and even well before that weren't the Aussies already contemplating his replacement with a local?

I'm opining that maybe we don't know SFA about coaches, whereas this thread is all about how we know best.

Yes, I attribute the Ellis Park win to Ryan's transformation of the forward pack, and it was Robertson who had the judgement to pluck Ryan from obscurity and give him a shot at elite level.
And yes, Foster has baffled me with his stubborness on Beaudy at first five; with his reluctance to immediately get Sami on as hooker after we scored our first try in Paris; that Sami wasn't even on the bench for the final Irish test; with those horrifying and inexplicable Smith box kicks at the very start of Tests 2 and 3 against Ireland etc.etc.
So yes, from the start I wanted Robertson and I've been in angst for the last two seasons.

But it seems the players disagree with us. And they are on the inside, and remain insistent.
My impression is that they are commenting voluntarily. Surely a reporter wouldn't have the insolent temerity to pop the actual question to them.
Re Guy Smiley's scorn that players are not going to speak out against a coach, that is illogical because Sam Whitelock and David Havili are two who have come forward on their own account to endorse Foster. Is GS suggesting that those two consequently have no future with the Crusaders should Razor be the Saders' coach next year because they expressed their preference for Foz over Razor for the ABs?

Whitelock and Havili said no such thing, not least because they were never asked that question. All they did was indicate support for Foster, which as many others have pointed out is not exactly surprising.

[Certain Navigator]

I stand to be corrected, but I think Whitelock is the only current AB who's ever been in an AB team that didn't have Foster as part of the coaching group. So he's become like their mother, and they're always going to publicly support him.

That aside, what the players think is largely irrelevant. As well paid employees, their job is to perform on the field, not take on the role of a collective shop steward. By all means seek their views (privately), but if those views appear divorced from reality then the Board should ignore them.

[Ymx]

Agree with you there CN.

At the end of the day, it’s the results which matter.

I heard the Sam Whitelock interview and I agree he did his best to avoid backing Foster. Instead he was very diplomatic. Unlike Cane.



This also backs up how much they had to put in to this game as an exception. Comparisons to 2013 game. Shattered after 10 minutes, …

[Grandpa]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

[Grandpa]

They didn't attend Foster's post-match conference did they? Actually what Kiwias is saying they can talk about anything but the coach, surely that is gagging them. Would he mind if some came out and said we don't like coach? I suspect not. We all for free speech if they agree with our opinion, then they are either idiots or should shut up.

FFS... no player is going to come out and say he / she doesn't like their coach or coaching method. That would be career suicide.

Negative comments usually appear in the retired player's autobiography or post career interviews.

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

Dan... who is Link McKenzie? Is Link a nickname for Ewan?

[Ymx]

Yeah it was Ewen “Link” McKenzie

[average joe]

Now known as "the missing link"

[Guy Smiley]

I can’t remember the details offhand but the McKenzie situation isn’t a good example to use in this argument, he was compromised by an affair within the touring group… I think he was involved with a team doctor or something like that.

Hardly a performance issue, anyway.

Our personal experiences in our workplace likewise is irrelevant. We are not contracted to deliver team leading strategies and performance in a high performance environment.

[convoluted]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

Oh my goodness. Presumably (and hopefully) true then, which would elevate the current Clown Show to Utter Farce.
Today is going to be one almighty fun day.

As an aside, at least one foreign observer is not impressed with the likes of us on this thread:
"Look, the New Zealand media and the general rugby public have been vile. And I choose to use that word. They've been unfair and they've attacked the players and the staff personally – even attacked the way they look, their physical appearance. It's just been horrific."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-bl ... P5NQ2DL3E/
He might have a point.

[Dan54]

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

Being asked by senior management about your work circumstances, including the performance of your direct manager, would presumably be in confidence, hardly the same as being asked about your boss by the media, by nature not a confidential discussion.

Honest truth in same situation, if I didn't support him or something, I would simply say , it's not up to me to make those decisions and stay neutral. Don't all the end of season reviews etc done in confidence anyway, I would be very very surprised if they weren't and the NZPA would allow any different. These playes have a union as such just like everyone else.

[Dan54]

FFS... no player is going to come out and say he / she doesn't like their coach or coaching method. That would be career suicide.

Negative comments usually appear in the retired player's autobiography or post career interviews.

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

Dan... who is Link McKenzie? Is Link a nickname for Ewan?

Sorry mate, yep Ewan, I was so used to calling him Link when I was in Aus, kind of forget his real name. Mate he was dealt to big time by players I thought, Hooper sat next to him in a press conference and manged to not support hin without actually calling for him to go!

[Ymx]

Presumably today is the key day today?

Though I’m assuming we might not hear anything for a couple of days? Suggestion that players may be involved in the chats.

I’m actually really starting to feel sorry for Foster. A pretty shitty limbo to be in. I know there is plenty of blame being aimed at Robinson, but for whatever reason it’s not his decision alone. I guess it’s down to the board needing to sign off on costs exceeding a certain value ie severance offer/new offer, if this is applicable.

[Dan54]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

While I very happy if NZR have offered them the job, that post concerns me, if Rangi and Razor have been offered the job verbally, and I would assume in cinfidence it worries me they have then let it be known to someone who has a loose connection to family? One of them has loose lips if true.

[Grandpa]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

While I very happy if NZR have offered them the job, that post concerns me, if Rangi and Razor have been offered the job verbally, and I would assume in cinfidence it worries me they have then let it be known to someone who has a loose connection to family? One of them has loose lips if true.

Rangi's son... he has to go!

[Grandpa]

Bollocks, do you think players are going to actually stand up for coaches they have no time for. They don't have to actually bag him, just not actively support him. Did you not see Wallabies shafting Link MacKenzie, not one lost theor position. I don't actually think the players are liars, and as I said it simple to just not say anything, Havili seemed to just go on camera to say he was a Foster man after test on Saturday etc, same as Mounga last week. How many have got up in arms with cane saying how bloody good he thinks Jason Ryan has been, just stripping it back and making it simple.
I keep saying I don't care who is AB coach, but don't make your players think they have no right to an opinion etc, or makes it too hard for next coach.

I think just perhaps maybe I think a bit more of the players as people than a few of you, and I don't have a problem with that. I was in a job where I was called in to ask my opinion on how my manager was performing and he knew I was been asked, I gave my honest opinion, I understand that you may of been a bit untruthful9To cover your backside, and fair enough), but just not me, especially as I saw it affecting my workmates etc.

Dan... who is Link McKenzie? Is Link a nickname for Ewan?

Sorry mate, yep Ewan, I was so used to calling him Link when I was in Aus, kind of forget his real name. Mate he was dealt to big time by players I thought, Hooper sat next to him in a press conference and manged to not support hin without actually calling for him to go!

Weird.. I have never come across the name Link for McKenzie... I knew all about the supposed affair and Beale etc.. but never heard that name... why did they call him "Link"? Presumably not "Missing Link" as per Average Joe's post?

[Grandpa]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

Oh my goodness. Presumably (and hopefully) true then, which would elevate the current Clown Show to Utter Farce.
Today is going to be one almighty fun day.

As an aside, at least one foreign observer is not impressed with the likes of us on this thread:
"Look, the New Zealand media and the general rugby public have been vile. And I choose to use that word. They've been unfair and they've attacked the players and the staff personally – even attacked the way they look, their physical appearance. It's just been horrific."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-bl ... P5NQ2DL3E/
He might have a point.

Apart from the personal stuff... I don't mind the attacks at all... the NZ media and public are pretty tame compared to the UK media/public... I think he has got off lightly... I mean how many death threats has he had? That Anderson of Crystal Palace had 400 death threats overnight, just because Nunez was sent off for headbutting him!

[Snooze]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

But will the NZ Rugby board endorse it on Wednesday.. as presumably Mark Robinson has done this off his own back?

Oh my goodness. Presumably (and hopefully) true then, which would elevate the current Clown Show to Utter Farce.
Today is going to be one almighty fun day.

As an aside, at least one foreign observer is not impressed with the likes of us on this thread:
"Look, the New Zealand media and the general rugby public have been vile. And I choose to use that word. They've been unfair and they've attacked the players and the staff personally – even attacked the way they look, their physical appearance. It's just been horrific."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-bl ... P5NQ2DL3E/
He might have a point.

Apart from the personal stuff... I don't mind the attacks at all... the NZ media and public are pretty tame compared to the UK media/public... I think he has got off lightly... I mean how many death threats has he had? That Anderson of Crystal Palace had 400 death threats overnight, just because Nunez was sent off for headbutting him!

Yeah but they're 'Pool supporters. Different breed up there.

I sincerely hope the Kiwi public have not gone that far - haven't heard of any but there are always some loony bins out there. I'm with you, he get's paid well to be part of a winning team and the public expect it. Hockey here (ice) is the same way. Extremely passionate people with very little room for bad results - even in a shithouse hockey town like Vancouver.

[Grandpa]

Oh my goodness. Presumably (and hopefully) true then, which would elevate the current Clown Show to Utter Farce.
Today is going to be one almighty fun day.

As an aside, at least one foreign observer is not impressed with the likes of us on this thread:
"Look, the New Zealand media and the general rugby public have been vile. And I choose to use that word. They've been unfair and they've attacked the players and the staff personally – even attacked the way they look, their physical appearance. It's just been horrific."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/all-bl ... P5NQ2DL3E/
He might have a point.

Apart from the personal stuff... I don't mind the attacks at all... the NZ media and public are pretty tame compared to the UK media/public... I think he has got off lightly... I mean how many death threats has he had? That Anderson of Crystal Palace had 400 death threats overnight, just because Nunez was sent off for headbutting him!

Yeah but they're 'Pool supporters. Different breed up there.

I sincerely hope the Kiwi public have not gone that far - haven't heard of any but there are always some loony bins out there. I'm with you, he get's paid well to be part of a winning team and the public expect it. Hockey here (ice) is the same way. Extremely passionate people with very little room for bad results - even in a shithouse hockey town like Vancouver.

You live in Vancouver? You lucky bugger... love that place.

NZ Rugby / Mark Robinson have not handled the whole soap opera well though... lets hope they do the right thing this week and put the poor guy out of his misery.. he was saved by the Crusaders at the weekend... but enough is enough...

[Snooze]

You live in Vancouver? You lucky bugger... love that place.

NZ Rugby / Mark Robinson have not handled the whole soap opera well though... lets hope they do the right thing this week and put the poor guy out of his misery.. he was saved by the Crusaders at the weekend... but enough is enough...

Agreed.

Lived in London for 5 years but that got tiring. Been here 25+ but winters getting to me. Portugal may be next stop. Although still haven't ruled Mangawhai out.

[Gumboot]

From PR.. Bungle has a loose connection to Leon McDonald's son.. who says Razor and McDonald have already been offered the job... presumably verbally...

Please let it be true!