Saturday night I sat amongst some Irish fans with my Granddaughter Ella, which was pretty cool. I asked a young Irish Guy who he thought would win - he thought a 50/50 chance for Ireland.I told him he was more confident than myself. One of the poorest AB games I have ever seen. Total lack of leadership with no idea how to implement or even ascertain if there was another plan. The Irish were all over us in pretty much every facet. What really got me was in the area of broken play/breakdowns - the AB's would have anything from two to five Guys on the deck with the Irish seemingly having a maximum of two, and the odd occasion, three. They were constantly in a defensive pattern, ready to go. If Ardie had not been on board ..... who knows what could have happened? 

On a positive note, Wayne Barnes (to my mind) showed that he is a Referee light years ahead in terms of how to deal with a collision. Pity he was not there for Angus Ta'avau and his accidental collision. Not for one minute do I condone intentional collisions, but there has to be an "accidental" basis to these tackles. On Sunday I watched the replay (I know, a tiger for punishment) and listened to Nesbo & Marshy carry on about last week versus this week's collision with emphasis on the Red Card. Well, as we all know, Barnesy was vindicated. From a Purist perspective, I think the (Northern Hemisphere) Authorities have to find a better way to deal with these incidents, after all, who wants to see 15 vs 14/13? There have to be Rules, but do not forget the Paying Public. Put on Report - perhaps?

So, on to Fozzie. Mark Robinson spoke up brave, but not to deep down, we knew nothing would change. Dont forget, Robinson sold us to some American financial outfit. Do not be surprised when in a few years we belong to some Russian Oligarch - you read it here first. If Robbo & Fozzie were real brave they would change the Captain.

On a positive note, Scott Dixon won the latest IndyCar race on Monday morning. This took Dixon to tie  with Mario Andretti as to the second most wins in IndyCar with 52 each. Both are behind A J Foyt with 67 wins. 

You will recall the inside info I gave about Matt Payne last week, well Matt has a seat in SuperCars for next season with Grove Racing.

Congratulations to the following Tawa players and coach who have been named in the 2022 Wellington Samoan Squad. 

Wellington Samoans

Tito Ioane

Western Sao

Kalim Kelemete

Lumafale Lualua

Mika Finau

Mofate Siupolu

Mona Uelese

Swayde Brightwell

Steve So'oialo   Head Coach