England to whitewash Australia
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Actually just looking at Tamou's wiki page. He played for NZ Moari, and also in Kiwi training squads in the years before switching to Roos. Hence the antipathy, fair enough then I suppose.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MajorRage" data-cid="585433" data-time="1465267731">
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<p>Wasn't Tamou boo'd as he was in an NZ squad (which he wanted to be) but then chose Australia solely so he could play Origin?</p>
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<p>The reason <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/james-tamou-has-turned-his-back-on-the-kiwis-and-declared-he-wants-to-represent-nsw-in-origin/story-fnbgtxvf-1226320055379'>Tamou was booed</a> was because he treated his national allegiance like a club selection. To be fair though I don't think this was his intent.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><br><p>The rampaging Tamou made the Kiwi train-on squad last year for the Four Nations and as late as Monday night was still talking about his dream of breaking into New Zealand's Test team.</p>
<p>He said <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/game?matchid=NRL20120508'>after the Cowboys' win over Canberra</a>: "I'll be honest, it's in the back of my mind (selection for the April 20 Test in Auckland). I've thought about it and I would be upset if I wasn't picked (for New Zealand).''<br><br>
But yesterday he explained how the change of heart came about.</p>
<p>"The situation is Ricky Stuart rang me last year and asked if I was available,'' Tamou added. "At the time I said thanks for the call but I want to play for the Kiwis.</p>
<p>"Anyway, Ricky rang me again a couple of weeks ago and said; 'Mate, do you want to play Origin?'</p>
<p>"This time I really had a good think about it and I got some advice.</p>
<p>"Something that astood out was when my manager Sam Ayoub said it's not every day the NSW coach rings you and asks if you're available.</p>
<p>"Everyone knows Origin is centre stage for the world of rugby league. I grew up watching it with a passion and admiring the players who play in it.</p>
<p>"I was asked and I decided I wanted to have a go at Origin.''</p>
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<p>Tamou was booed because he was on the record wanting to play for NZ and got sweet talked by Ricky Stuart (aside from being genuinely unlikable remember post the '08 World Cup final) to sell out his country. Gallen was also mentioned at the time having tempted him also.</p>
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<p>Also there is a genuine frustration that Aussie use Origin as a lure for otherwise Kiwi players - Karmichael having set the table to for that.</p> -
<p>Anyway, back to Australian matters: Benn Robinson has been forced to retire after copping a poke in the eye against the Brumbies a few weeks ago. Can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for an undetermined period, or risks losing vision in that eye permanently. </p>
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<p>One of our best props to never go to a RWC. Bummer. Highest capped Waratah, 72 caps for the Wallabies. Just look at this beast:</p>
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<p><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-makes-a-break-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXuvkWhJPeXz4wBdXaoePzRC%2F%2Bp5IXburJsyNeLZI5v%2BkwHHDypMMlqJCQRQSlptxTA%3D%3D" alt="92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-make"></p> -
<p>Meanwhile, speculation about the Aussie team - which could all be smoke screens by Cheika - says there might be 1 or 3 bolters in there: Rory Arnold for the 2nd row alongside Simmons, Haylett-Petty at 15, and maybe Reece Hodge at 12 if Lilo isn't able to train with the team in time.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585437" data-time="1465268661">
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<p>Anyway, back to Australian matters: Benn Robinson has been forced to retire after copping a poke in the eye against the Brumbies a few weeks ago. Can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for an undetermined period, or risks losing vision in that eye permanently. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of our best props to never go to a RWC. Bummer. Highest capped Waratah, 72 caps for the Wallabies. Just look at this beast:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-makes-a-break-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXuvkWhJPeXz4wBdXaoePzRC%2F%2Bp5IXburJsyNeLZI5v%2BkwHHDypMMlqJCQRQSlptxTA%3D%3D" alt="92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-make"></p>
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<p>I haven't seen a Wallaby front rower that cute and cuddly since Tony Daly.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585437" data-time="1465268661"><p>
Anyway, back to Australian matters: Benn Robinson has been forced to retire after copping a poke in the eye against the Brumbies a few weeks ago. Can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for an undetermined period, or risks losing vision in that eye permanently. <br><br>
One of our best props to never go to a RWC. Bummer. Highest capped Waratah, 72 caps for the Wallabies. Just look at this beast:<br><br><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-makes-a-break-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXuvkWhJPeXz4wBdXaoePzRC%2F%2Bp5IXburJsyNeLZI5v%2BkwHHDypMMlqJCQRQSlptxTA%3D%3D" alt="92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-make"></p></blockquote>
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That is a tough break! Feel for him. -
<p>Robinson had 148 NSW caps - pissed off not to hit the 150 I'll bet.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="585439" data-time="1465268936">
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<p>I haven't seen a Wallaby front rower that cute and cuddly since Tony Daly.</p>
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<p>Tony Daly is a raging fucking c**tard. He's a fluffybunny to play against - never shuts up - and there are a trail of people he's pissed off in Australian rugby, particularly in the amateur ranks where he sells himself as a supercoach and is just a fucking dodgy prick.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585446" data-time="1465270355">
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<p>Tony Daly is a raging fucking c**tard. He's a fluffybunny to play against - never shuts up - and there are a trail of people he's pissed off in Australian rugby, particularly in the amateur ranks where he sells himself as a supercoach and is just a fucking dodgy prick.</p>
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<p>Classic :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585437" data-time="1465268661">
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<p>Anyway, back to Australian matters: Benn Robinson has been forced to retire after copping a poke in the eye against the Brumbies a few weeks ago. Can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for an undetermined period, or risks losing vision in that eye permanently. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of our best props to never go to a RWC. Bummer. Highest capped Waratah, 72 caps for the Wallabies. Just look at this beast:</p>
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<p><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-makes-a-break-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXuvkWhJPeXz4wBdXaoePzRC%2F%2Bp5IXburJsyNeLZI5v%2BkwHHDypMMlqJCQRQSlptxTA%3D%3D" alt="92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-make"></p>
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<p>Anyone else do a double take on that photo as Benn evades the tackle from the Wallaby 6 (who is that btw, Rocky?)</p>
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<p>Bad luck for Benn and the Ozzies - a good prop </p> -
<p>Looks like he's done the English 12 for pace.</p>
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<p>Even the SBW haters on here would have to give him credit for turning down Origin to play for NZ, he was the biggest name in the game to the point where Gould etc wanted the rules changed to allow NZers to play. </p>
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<p>This years ANZAC test aside, where he had by far his best game against us, he probably would have struggled to make a starting side for the Kiwis (the coach's feuds with certain players would likely have got him a bench spot) so arguably he made the right decision. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585457" data-time="1465272353">
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<p>Borthwick almost looks as if he's laughing.</p>
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<p>I think fat guys always rely on that when running the ball....it's how Thomas Waldrom was so good at beating defenders.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585437" data-time="1465268661">
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<p>Anyway, back to Australian matters: Benn Robinson has been forced to retire after copping a poke in the eye against the Brumbies a few weeks ago. Can't engage in any strenuous physical activity for an undetermined period, or risks losing vision in that eye permanently. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of our best props to never go to a RWC. Bummer. Highest capped Waratah, 72 caps for the Wallabies. Just look at this beast:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-makes-a-break-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=X7WJLa88Cweo9HktRLaNXuvkWhJPeXz4wBdXaoePzRC%2F%2Bp5IXburJsyNeLZI5v%2BkwHHDypMMlqJCQRQSlptxTA%3D%3D" alt="92877507-benn-robinson-of-australia-make"></p>
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<p>The England 12 has quite clearly been taken out off the ball by the Aussie 6. I demand a SANZAR sanction.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585457" data-time="1465272353"><p>Borthwick almost looks as if he's laughing.</p></blockquote>
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That's the "delusional-England-skipper-WTF?!-was-he-watching-the-same-game-as-me?!" version of Borthwick. He's getting the laughs out of the way early so he can keep a straight face whilst focusing on "the positives" in the post match interview. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="585457" data-time="1465272353"><p>Borthwick almost looks as if he's laughing.</p></blockquote>
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Even though he knows his team is shit, he's just noticed Geraghty is playing and can't quite believe it.