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The Roar

Geoff Parkes

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Joined October 2012

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Geoff is a Melbourne based sports fanatic and writer, who started contributing to The Roar in 2012, originally under the pen name Allanthus. His first book, A World in Conflict; the Global Battle For Rugby Supremacy was released in Dec 2017 to critical acclaim. For details on the book visit www.geoffparkes.com Meanwhile, his twin goals of achieving a single figure golf handicap and owning a fast racehorse remain tantalisingly out of reach.

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Thanks for the perspective, JN.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Thanks for the post, Sunny. Let’s hope our fears about the TMO/video influence are unfounded.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Understand exactly what you’re getting at JN, and unfortunately, I expect you’re pretty close to the mark.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

😂

RWC News: Star claims Eddie was 'like a horny teenager' asking about his sex life, Andy Farrell's epic ABs rant

Didn’t know you were a ‘wee jimmy’, BF.
Thanks for sharing those memories.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Thanks for the post, Bokkabies. Re that 2007 forward pass, what I like most about that is how Wayne Barnes moved on from it, and became the world’s best referee. And, as it turns out, he’s probably the best at balancing the use of the TMO as an assistant, whilst still backing his own judgment.

Most Kiwis (eventually) moved on as well. It’s still mentioned of course, but mostly without bitterness.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

A good quality gold watch never goes astray, RH…

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Who needs a TMO RH, when you’ve got Buck to sort things out on the pitch?

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Those Uni kids in the zoo aren’t too bad, Ken.
They’re more worried about capturing the moment they boo Quade, in a Tik Tok video.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

😂

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Bang on, CW. It’s a terrific first round of matches.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

While we’re quick to criticise World Rugby, and there is a downside in that the tournament now stretched to 7 weeks, one thing they have got right Rob, is to change the schedule so that the 2nd tier nations get a fair chance to prepare properly, as the 1st tier nations do.

As you say for Japan and others, the way it was previously was blatantly unfair.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Cheers, ORF. Hope you enjoy the next few weeks.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Terrific mention about that match against Wales, BS.

The Wallabies had no right to get through that, and while Wales didn’t help themselves, that was some of the most committed defence you’ll ever see.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Some of these World Cup games start at 9pm France time.
Allowing for that kind of run time, then press conferences, commute etc… there’s going to be a few late nights.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Lomu was certainly something else, Muzzo.
Great choice of photo by the sub-editor for this article.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

You’re right to elevate that Brighton match, Rob, because even though there’d been a sense of developing nations ‘closing the gap’ over the years (Samoa beating Wales, Argentina’s confirmation as a tier 1 nation), this was the result that really spelled it out.

That Japan then went on to beat Ireland and Scotland as well, at the next Cup, was illustrative of how important that Brighton win was.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

I know it’s not possible or easy for people to travel to World Cups, but yes, they are special events, RahRah. For everyone still at home in Australia this time, at least they can all look forward to being a big part of the next one.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Terrific post, mz. Interesting what you saw about Pocock’s hands. That was the most imposing feature of Colin Meads, the size and power of his hands.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Have never seen a match quite like that France v NZ semi-final, ATW. I’m sure everyone who was there that day would say the same thing.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Cheers Lukas. I think that for most people, 2007 would rate as the least favourite World Cup.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

I was trying to be gentle, not naming any names, but you’ve blown my cover, OM!

One thing that can be said about Trevor is that he wasn’t one of those politicians attaching himself to sports events when they plainly know nothing about sport. He was a teacher at my high school and a very keen rugby man.

He took it upon himself to captain/coach a lower-grade rugby side comprised a lot of the disadvantaged young men in the district, including some patched gang members. He would get them to training and focused on a game every weekend.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

The timing around Sexton is crucial, isn’t it? Has his body got enough left to get through this WC? He’s clearly pivotal for Ireland’s prospects.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

This isn’t meant to be South Africa bashing, scrum, but I’ve got no doubt that the kind of scrutiny and challenging of referees – all done in the name of ‘helping the become better’ – has had an adverse effect, by normalising and validating the idea that it is ok to break down a match decision by decision, and seek retribution for any perceived or actual wrongs against your side.

Of course we all want officials to get their calls right, but what gets lost is perspective, and the truth that in rugby, many calls are of a subjective, 50/50 nature. I’m not hopeful, but fingers crossed we don’t see TMO’s spooked into too much intervention in this WC.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

Great call on Pocock, Chop. All of the focus in that match fell on Bryce Lawrence, but the reality is that it wasn’t all down to him – as per Barnes and the AB’s 2007 loss to France.

Australia still had to win the match, and Pocock was a man possessed that day.

The Wrap: Magical World Cup moments and memories that left an indelible mark, and the promise of so much more

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