Yep, as I said at the time, I think the Super 12 was decided on that night. I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, because I'd like to see an Aussie side win it, especially on NZ soil. Just can't see it though.

Mr J,

Love ya, spent too many years pokin' trucks round your great country not ta respect ya....married ta one of ya too ************-it....the more ******** I chuck at ya the more I expect back....love to be in the stand with ya on Saturdee ta have a few beers, I'd win that one too....wheres that Kenchar.

Lets hope for a good one mate.

Cheers

Yeh I'm hopin that we at least put up a fight (if we don't win that is), that way I can walk out proud with my tahs jersey. I give NSW a 30% chance to win it, but I'm 100% confident that 30% chance will hit

"I'd like to see an Aussie side win it, especially on NZ soil. Just can't see it though."

Yeh, not getting the bonus point really makes it tough. Not like the crusaders aren't hard enough in sydney, but jade? Ouch. But if we do win (there's always a chance even though some people don't think it's much of a chance), it's a classic. Against all odds, vs the mighty and evil crusaders...win or lose it's gonna be a long night and a long trip home. If we lose it'll be a long week. Mourning until the tri-nations. The AB selectors better pick the players that deserve it, and not just use the blues backline.

Well, Rokocoko has been awful this season, and howlett not far behind him. Muliaina has been great though, so he plays fullback. Umaga at inside, but where does that leave Nonu? Play him on the wing and leave out douggy or Joe, with Conrad Smith at OC or have him at Outside and let Gear, Rokocoko and Howlett fighting for the wing spots?

MY All Black Team:

15. Muliaina
14. Howlett/Gear
13. Nonu
12. Umaga
11. Rokocoko/Gear
10. Carter
9. Marshall
8. Rush
7. MaCaw
6. Collins/Holah
5. Gibbes
4. Jack
3. Hayman
2. Mealamu
1. Meuwws

Ummm, what's going on? Have Mr J and Chuck switched camps and decided to go for the All Blacks now???

Hope its a great day for you Mr J and that you receive plenty of good old kiwi hospitality!

Personally Im not sure how the game will go- cos Ive been downplaying the Warratahs all season and they are still there (stubborn as a Kalgoorlie fly on a 40 degree day)...Ewen McKenzie, for my money, is this years 'Coach of the Super 12' competition and has definitely been underrated (by me at least lol)...

One thing's for sure, if they play wide (on top of maintaining their great defensive structure- Grey keeping the backs d line fronting up) and use their strong running backs as much as possible (Turinui and Tuqiri are natural line runners and should have lots more support) and get in behind the Crusaders (with a few of those great well timed chip kicks) and keep the forward momentum going (Lyons pounding it up the middle) they will have a great chance...I have always rated the back line and they are really producing on top of a solid forward foundation and great option taking by their halves (who have also been underrated this season- again by me hehe)...

Its difficult trying to win in a conservative point for point encounter with the Crusaders...got to go for the knock out blow early and run for the rest of the match hahahaha!!! Have to show a lot of heart and confidence and express their creative talents (theres plenty there) and I think NSW will do the Aussies proud win or lose!!!

The Crusaders are champions and have been at the top for a long time!!! Memories of last years game loss might be motivation enough...never been a Justin Marshall fan but he is playing out of his skin and expect him to have a big one...nothing more need be said of their forwards and the great R McCaw...the Brumbies showed the way last year how to win and win well so theres a starting point for Ewen...just hope its not a dusting by the mainlanders cos that would be the last thing NSW rugby needs or deserves...

Anyway, good luck and hope you drink your share before Squirt sucks the stadium dry of all the Macs gold lol!!! Going to be a great day either way!!!!

Have one for me!!!

__________________
Why waste money on education when you can gamble it away on the horses? Its more fun when youre doing it and you learn quickly...esp when you lose...

Desi Desi Desi too much Emu.

Crikey mate I think those Perth nurses have got into your brain....Mac's Gold mate!! ya gotta strain that through last weeks socks to give it some taste....wouldn't even present that to Mr J as he'd think we're still making beer in the washing machine.

'Ranfurly' these days, giant 440 ml can....mothers milk ole son.

Hooray.

Chuck....Desi,

If ya interested in the complete teams for the A/B trials on Friday go to this address.

[url]www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3291092a10295,00.html

Chuck,

Meuws is playing in Europe somewhere, Rush is not required (going to Wales) and Rokocoko banashed to the 7's team to smarten up his form.
Keep ya eye on this joker for fullback, Sosene Anesi, and Muliaina into center....you may see a couple of bolters into the AB's this year.

Cheers

"Ewen McKenzie, for my money, is this years 'Coach of the Super 12' competition"

Yeh this is one reason I don't like people saying the 'tahs are out of form. It's just that their gameplan has changed. He keeps telling the media he's not telling them to play pretty, but how to win. And he's done just that.

"got to go for the knock out blow early and run for the rest of the match hahahaha!!!"

Like the brumbies TRIED to do last year? Either way this will be an 80 minute match.

"never been a Justin Marshall fan but he is playing out of his skin and expect him to have a big one..."

Yeh solid game last week. Crusaders can attack from any position. A bit like NSW

Couldn't have asked for a better match up this year. Will be one of the best games to watch this year, if not THE best. If this was in NSW I couldn't imagine us losing. Jade makes this a battle. If Rogers has a magical game, NSW to win by 4 or 5.

Hell no

Yeh I like anesi and muli both. Rico definately starts for me. BTW, is Hosea his brother? Noone likes Sivivatu? I'd get rid of Howlett and Roko altogether and put Sivivatu at least on the bench. Can't leave out Nonu, I like tacklebreakers at centers and flyers on the wing. Conrad Smith on the bench.

So:

9. Marshell
10. Carter
11. Sivivatu
12. Umaga
13. Nonu
14. Gear
15. Anesi

How's that for speed on the outside?