Just a quick note to say I'm not playing either the Friday night Super 12 match between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs or the AFL clash between the Kangaroos and Richmond. Was tempted to play the Chiefs at +11.5 (opening line); then tempted today by the Canes at -9.5 - a middle?! Should be a huge clash; do-or-die for both teams with the added spice of both sides keen for the bonus point for four tries. That's one factor that has seen me sit it out - could result in a late, possibly undeserved cover for either side if the ball is thrown about in sevens-style desperation. Chiefs are coming off a short prep - only arrived back from SA on Monday. Beaten by the Stormers but dominated possession and territory and were killed by turnovers. I expect better ball retention and defence tonight in Wellington. 'Canes are the hot side coming off a drubbing of the Waratahs, despite being error-ridden in the first half. Can pour on points at will through Cullen, Lomu while Holwell and Spice are an excellent scrumhalf combo. Will enoy just watching.
Tend to side with those AFL whizzes playing Richmond tonight - should cover but I'm a little wary to see how a wounded Roos team responds to the absence (again) of Carey and the criticism they've copped. Good luck to you guys on the Tigers; hoping you collect.
Will have to set the video for the rugby as I'm covering the opening match of the NZ national basketball league tonight in Hamilton - Waikato Titans v Wellington Saints. If anyone else has a NZ TAB a/c, the visitors offer good value @ +150 ($2.50). My home team are much hyped after signing Tall Black regular Pero Cameron but still don't have a dominant shot-blocking/rebounding centre, while the Saints have useful big men in Peter Pokai, Malcolm Opie and Kenny Perkins. Waikato have also lost big scorers (25 ppg) in shooting guard Tony Brown and small forward Darryl Johnson and will rely a lot on long-range bombs from guards Chris Tupu and Prem Krishna. Brown has joined the Saints and will be keen to shine in front of his old fans while Terrence Lewis could easily combine with Brown for 55-60 points. Shot clock in NZ now reduced to 24 secs, which helps the Titans run-and-gun and press style, but I believe they lack a big man to open up the three-point shooters on the perimeter so am playing one unit on the road dogs. GL to me
Will be back tomorrow with Sat Super 12 and AFL picks.
Tend to side with those AFL whizzes playing Richmond tonight - should cover but I'm a little wary to see how a wounded Roos team responds to the absence (again) of Carey and the criticism they've copped. Good luck to you guys on the Tigers; hoping you collect.
Will have to set the video for the rugby as I'm covering the opening match of the NZ national basketball league tonight in Hamilton - Waikato Titans v Wellington Saints. If anyone else has a NZ TAB a/c, the visitors offer good value @ +150 ($2.50). My home team are much hyped after signing Tall Black regular Pero Cameron but still don't have a dominant shot-blocking/rebounding centre, while the Saints have useful big men in Peter Pokai, Malcolm Opie and Kenny Perkins. Waikato have also lost big scorers (25 ppg) in shooting guard Tony Brown and small forward Darryl Johnson and will rely a lot on long-range bombs from guards Chris Tupu and Prem Krishna. Brown has joined the Saints and will be keen to shine in front of his old fans while Terrence Lewis could easily combine with Brown for 55-60 points. Shot clock in NZ now reduced to 24 secs, which helps the Titans run-and-gun and press style, but I believe they lack a big man to open up the three-point shooters on the perimeter so am playing one unit on the road dogs. GL to me
Will be back tomorrow with Sat Super 12 and AFL picks.
