Personally Willy, I tend to agree with the opinion that after the Ireland debacle, the players and coaching staff (let's not forget, it's a team, not just Robbie) got caught in two minds.
You see, in the past, we've been pilloried for not being able to play stodgy, kick and chase rugby which is what apparently wins world cups. e.g the last two cups being won by England and S. Africa respectfully as a case in point. When our game plan of expansive, running rugby hit the green wall of the Irish, we suddenly thought we'd better start playing that safe, kick for territory style because that's what seems to work. Unfortunately, we hadn't really had much practice at it and it all became a bit of a mish-mash.
We also lost important players at inopportune times. We simply do not have the depth at that level that NZ do.
In any event, I really don't get all the wailing and gnashing of teeth. We lost a semi-final to the All Blacks in Auckland FFS! They're the number one side in the world. At home. Am I disappointed? Yes. Am I ready to string the guys up? No. I said after the Ireland game we would not win the cup and so it was thus. It's a young side in many areas and I still have concerns about their mental strength more than anything else. The real mark of Robbie as a coach will be what happens in the next couple of years. Win back the Bled and beat the Lions in 2013. That's the true test.
Get over it people. After the earthquake, the mine disaster and the recent environmental mess with the stricken ship, I certainly don't begrudge the Kiwis a little success. Fair play to them. :good:
