It has been interesting how Labour have been quick to jump into the ring for their man Len Brown when the government has taken over the waterfront in order to make the ‘party central’ idea work. It is fair enough that Murray McCully and John Key have made this decision. Len Brown and his subordinates at the Auckland Transport CCO  had years to plan and organise the party that they ‘invited the world’ to last Friday. If they didn’t have the contingency plans to cope with the numbers that responded to their invitation it is their responsibility to take the criticism on the chin and get on with the job to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The transport system of Auckland is their responsibility and with the chaos that was caused by a lack of planning and unimpressive system implementation by the council they need to man up. Labour is digging itself into even more of a hole just a few weeks out from the election. Defending the people who were obviously unable to cope with the huge crowds last Friday and criticizing the Government for taking over the waterfront in order to help bring the situation under control is just plain irresponsible. We need to work together in order to help showcase our nation to the world in a positive light for the good of our people and economy. Phil Goff has got to the point of desperation with polls showing him light-years behind John Key who had managed some very smart politics in putting the election straight after the RWC.

My predictions for this election at this stage will be John Key to lead National straight into government again with a very good chance of being able to govern alone and Labour to be severely punished by the electorate for their lack of vision, inspiration and style. The swing voters will largely vote for National but the traditional lefties will vote Greens instead of Labour with the people who traditionally vote Green but who are more radical shifting to the far left and voting Mana. I can see John Key working with other parties even if he doesn’t have to but the question is just who will those parties be??? Well if Labour and Mana aren’t successful enough in the Maori Seats then the Maori Party may hold on to its current electorate seats and be able to work with National if the Maori electorate likes the idea of them working with a centre-right government again. Act has a very delicate chance of making it back. Their hopes rest almost solely on John Banks personal popularity in the Epsom area.

It will be interesting however it turns out I am sure!!!

Backs

Mils Muliaina
Israel Dagg
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Conrad Smith
Ma’a Nonu
Piri Weepu
Daniel Carter
Jimmy Cowan
Richard Kahui
Hosea Gear
Aaron Cruden
Cory Jane
Zac Guildford

 Forwards

Wyatt Crockett
Kevin Mealamu
Owen Franks
Andrew Hore
Ben Franks
Brad Thorn
Sam Whitelock
Jerome Kaino
Kieran Reid
Adam Thomson
Richie McCaw
Tony Woodcock
Anthony Boric
John Afoa
Corey Flynn
Victor Vito
Liam Messam

Comment: In the backs the obvious omission is SBW but really is it that surprising? When has he ever played a match of rugby at anywhere near the standard of Conrad Smith or Ma’a Nonu? Why is he even there now? Because he is a highly paid ex-league player who has to be picked because of the price the NZRU paid for him. He has shown no long term commitment to rugby and has proven this by stating that he will not announce his future until after the Tri Nations, in other words, “when the RWC2o11 squad is announced”. For these reasons I believe he should not be included but please feel free to state your views in the comments section below if you disagree. I do rate Piri Weepu as a viable back up to Dan Carter but he also provides a back up if Aaron Cruden is selected and is unable to perform to standard. Colin Slade cannot perform to standard against quality opposition it appears and therefore should not be selected. Cruden is likewise not proven but is in form and can kick goals so I have named him in my squad. The other selections are relatively self-explanatory.
Forwards: I think that the top two locks despite my personal liking for Ali Williams, are most definitely Sam Whitelock and Brad Thorn. Adam Thomson should be in the starting line up because of his high work rate and excellent ball carrying ability.  Tony Woodcock is there courtesy of the extra forward place in the squad. If he can get fit again he could be potent but at the moment the Franks brothers are the form props. Andrew Hore and Kevin Mealamu are both exceptional hookers and are virtually interchangeable at the moment in my opinion with Corey Flynn as back up. John Afoa is unlikely to have a major involvement but is there based on experience. Jerome Kaino is a class performer and will play a key part though his place in the line up is uncertain at the moment with Adam Thompson also a class act.

Tomorrow will tell who will carry the hopes of our nation in one months time on the quest for the ultimate challenge that our national sport has to offer! Debate on the squad from readers would be welcome!!!

by J.E (aka summersailor)

What a guitar,

the Stratocaster.

With it’s wonderful sound,

round and solid wood body,

how could anybody,

except perhaps the tree,

not see,

the beauty,

in how it smartly picks itself up

and flicks it’s amazing sound

out and around,

throughout the great resound

of the globe,

only to reach my ears?

It clearly appears,

that through all the years

this instrument has been just the thing,

for Clapton and Hendrix

as well as the licks of today.

So as you can see,

the Strat is clearly the thing,

for every musician to play.

Poetic or not? What do you think?

Get your finals tickets quick!!

What do you think?

To read the report on the awards click here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/4847419/Breakers-have-reason-to-feel-aggrieved.

If you enjoy reading about the ANBL I can highly recommend this blog: lobpasstoabercrombie.com

We are praying for you Christchurch!