Keep Jamie Joseph
There has been a lot of talk recently over as to what the fate of Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph should be. Inevitably when a team underperforms, the default reaction is to point the finger at the coach and hold him accountable.
But getting rid of Joseph is not the answer, not yet anyway. Yes he has made a few mistakes with his selections, but he deserves a chance to show that he has learnt from these.
Six years ago Graham Henry was given that chance in a controversial move, but no-one could question the outcome when four years later he coached the All Blacks to World Cup glory.
If he continues to make the same mistakes then questions should be asked. But for now Joseph deserves another chance. He has proven his ability, revitalising the Highlanders in 2011 and 2012, which has to count for something. And besides, how many candidates are around to replace him anyway?
This season has seen the TMOs granted more powers as to what they are able to rule on and when they are able to do so.
In theory the idea seems like a good one, and at first glance the increased use of technology has led to more right decisions being made. Certainly there have been
a handful of close games where the TMO has been influential in ensuring the correct decision was made.
My main gripe is this: this season there seem to have been far more offences let go in general play by the referee. Offside lines are being policed more loosely, while forward passes and knock-ons seem to be called less and less.
Is it possible that knowing they can go upstairs, the referees have become inclined to let a marginal infringement go, knowing that if it results in a try they can refer it?
Of course this also relies on the thinking that if a try does not come of it, it does not matter, or that a try will come within two phases of the offence, both of which disadvantage the team offended against.
It may be that interpretations in general are just looser this year, but it does not seem far-fetched to suggest that this could be a reason.
With injuries to Nasi Manu and Mose Tuialii, the Highlanders are down to their third-string No 8. The problem is no-one is too sure exactly who the third-string No 8 is.
Jake Parangatai was tried and failed to make an impact, Elliot Dixon has both his pros and cons, while TJ Ioane did well in the weekend but may be better in the No 6 jersey.
So with no-one really putting their hand up to take the jersey, you have to wonder why Paul Grant has not been looked at. His form for Otago last year was outstanding prior to injury, while he has been one of the standout players in club rugby thus far this year.
After eight losses, it is not as if things can get much worse, so surely he is worth a try. If not, what else does he have to do to warrant a chance?
After being dubbed the easy-beats of the competition, the Australian teams have had a clear dominance over their New Zealand counterparts so far in 2013.
Their forwards have been bullying the New Zealand packs, especially in the cases of the Reds and the Brumbies, something that has long been associated as the weakness of Australian teams. They look more committed and are playing a smarter brand of rugby. In contrast, the New Zealand teams are making too many mistakes and throwing away games that should be won.
With a Lions tour imminent, there is certainly a feeling of more urgency from their teams. Everyone is playing for a spot in the Wallabies to take the tourists from Britain in what is in most cases a once-in-a-career opportunity. Consequently, we are seeing some quality coming out of Australia that is not being seen across the board in New Zealand at the moment.
While it is concerning that the Australians are getting one over the New Zealand teams in the Super 15, they will still rate as underdogs when they come up against the All Blacks.
The urgency being shown from the Australians at the moment will be seen more clearly from the New Zealanders once they pull on a black jersey and start hitting top form.
The All Blacks brings out the best in many players and by the time they get the best of the best in the country on the field together you can be assured they will be tough to beat. So maybe panic, but do not panic too much, as for now the Bledisloe Cup is still under control.
