PLYMOUTH, MA – Since it’s Thanksgiving here in the United States, we thought it would be apropos to stick with the “turkey” theme and bring you a pertinent post… The Turkeys Of Rugby. What defines a “turkey?” Glad you asked. A “turkey,” for our purposes, meets all or parts of the following criteria:
1) They must have negatively impacted their team
2) They must be repeat offenders
3) They likely have frequent Sin Bin visits
4) They are likely unapologetic
5) They have underperformed
So, without further ado, let’s get down to 2012’s Turkeys of Rugby!
Rob Howley: He did not won once in 5 attempts as Wales Interim Manager and the last two weeks sickened and depressed most Welsh fans. Warren Gatland couldn’t have come back any sooner.
Ricardo Loubscher: Outside of Kick -n- Chase, the Springbok’s backline coach really looks bereft of ideas. He’s turning a running flyhalf like Pat Lambie into a kicker and have him standing way too deep.
Declan Kidney: Horrible selections + Horrible game plan = Crap results. 60-0 versus New Zealand says it all. Gobble, gobble.
Fiji: This is a Tough Turkey Call because they are a small nation. BUT… fellow Pacific Island nations Samoa and the even smaller Tonga continue to improve and punch above their weight. Fiji Rugby seems rudderless – or flightless.
Nick Deluca: I can’t tell you the amount of planned backline plays for Scotland that have died with the ball in his hands!
Ronan O’Gara: Retire. Just set off into the sunset. You are only half decent at Heineken Cup level rugby now. And by the way, nice form with the Queen.
Gordon D’Arcy: Same as ROG, please just retire.
Quade Cooper & the Australian Rugby Union: Quade should have kept his mouth shut and not been a petulant child. The ARU should have taken the high ground but that rookie contract offer is a joke. The ARU also needs to get Robbie Deans an attack coach or at least find out what direction he is taking the team.
Marc Lièvremont: T
he former French national team coach was known for odd selections and favoritism helming Les Bleus. However, given the performance of Yannick Nyanga, (not to mention how he cried during the National Anthem), it makes you wonder why he was just left out in the wilderness for so long.
Sam Warburton: I have never seen a player, let alone team captain, lose form so quickly and drastically. Sam is not himself and he has not been himself since the Red Card in RWC 2011. When Wales won the 6 Nations this year, it had more to do with him being hurt and unavailable. helping them bring in more in-form players.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
P.s… Tune in tomorrow for our weekend preview.
