Waikato vs. Bay of Plenty - Aftermath

Waikato seemed destined to have a tough season. A defeat to Southland, a close victory over Manawatu, a hiding of epic proportions to Canterbury and now defeat to our Chiefs franchise partners the 'mighty' Bay of Plenty Steamers. The game today at Bay Park Stadium (which is a converted Speedway track, with no big screen) was another lost opportunity which save for Counties Manukau will see Waikato proping up the bottom of the table.

What went wrong? We were beaten in the breakdown by a hungry steams pack. Mike Delaney was devasting with his kicking, including a penalty that he struck from half way. We made crucial handling errors and the Waikato line out is a shambles. As we have said for much of the season Callum Bruce operating from first five does not seem to have the quality required. His goal kicking again was poor.

What about the referee? Again crucial decisions at crucila times went against us. At one point when the Bay of Plenty lead was still only seven points at the 70 minute mark the referee called advantage to Waikato, then allowed Bay of Plenty to receive a penalty immediatley afterwards. That allowed Bay of Plenty an easy penatly to take a ten point lead. Where o where Bryce Lawrence was the advantage in that?

What positives can we take from the game? The backs at points looked sharp for a change. Liam Messam made some good meters but too often was let down by support play

Where to next for the Mooloo Men? Our next game at Counties Manukau should see us move off the bottom of the table. There's surely no chance of us losing that. Following that we play our bogey team of the last two seasons Hawkes Bay at home. Vital games where we need to take full advantge and gain bonus points.

What's Wrong with the Air New Zealand Cup?

1 - The top four teams are not automatically relegated. No decision on this will be made until after the competition closes. A complex formula is being devised to determine the four teams to go down. In a nutshell even if Auckland finishes dead last this year, as would appear certain, they wont go down based on player base, economic criteria and past records. Goodbye then to Manawatu, Counties Manukau, Northland and Tasman.
2 - Bay of Plenty lead the competition. Nothing more likely to undermine the credibility of a competition by having struggling teams at the wrong end of the competition. The Bay who are without a coach, who have a poor ground (more about that in our match report), and some dubious fans, are currently the best team in the county? Come on!
3 - TMO's are not in place as a cost cutting measure. Utterly ridiculous. Crucial decisions are going missing, errors are blighting the competition and the NZRU did it to save a few bucks.
4 - Not all teams are at full strength - Wellington will not play their All Blacks as its been disruptive to their team. Daniel Carter, supreme mincer departs for the All Blacks. Most of the Waikato back line are called up for All Black duty and not released...
5 - Thursday night rugby - this is just shit.

Waikato Vs. Canterbury 2009 - Match Prediciton

The Prediction: Lets not beat around the bush. Canterbury have a win against Auckland last week and an opening round loss to North Harbour. Both unconvincing. Waikato has a lost to one of the unbeaten teams, ahem - Southland, and a scrappy win against Manawatu. The NZ TAB (betting agency) says that we have no chance. We are loyal, die hard supporters but surely if there was one game this year we'd struggle. Therefore we've gone for a draw.
The Opposition: 2008 Champions Canterbury. Larry the Lamb is the the mascot. Notable players include one 'D Carter' winning of the 2009 Supreme Mincer Award from this site.
Mooloo Money: Following our Liam Messam strike last week we're currently at $50 in credit were putting it all on Tim Mikkelson, Waikato winger and sevens player to score a try at $3.00. It should be an open flowing game, we'll have the match report tomorrow.

Waikato Vs. Canterbury 2009 - Latest Odds

Winning Team & Margin - Canterbury v Waikato
1 Canterbury by 13 & Over $2.25
2 Canterbury by 12 & Under $2.70
3 Draw $30.00
4 Waikato by 12 & Under $4.50
5 Waikato by 13 & Over $10.00
Canterbury v Waikato
1 Canterbury/Canterbury $1.67
2 Canterbury/Waikato $9.00
3 Waikato/Canterbury $6.25
4 Waikato/Waikato $5.00
5 Draw Half &/Or Full Time $9.50
Canterbury v Waikato
1 Canterbury -10.5 $2.00
2 Canterbury -8.5 $1.87
3 Waikato +8.5 $1.87
4 Waikato +6.5 $2.00

Waikato Vs. Canterbury 2009

Waikato takes on Canterbury in week three of the Air New Zealand Cup at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday 14 August. Kick off is 7.35pm.

The Waikato team is:

1. Hikairo Forbes
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Ben May
4. Romana Graham
5. Toby Lynn
6. Jordan Smiler
7. Jack Lam
8. Liam Messam
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Roimata Hansell-Pune
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi

Reserves:
16. Ole Avei
17. Nathan White
18. Kevin O'Neill
19. Ray Allen
20. David Bason
21. Trent Renata
22. Save Tokula.

TAB Odds for Air New Zealand Cup 2009

Tournament Winner - 2009 Air NZ Cup - New Zealand Closes 19:35 on 13 Aug 2009
1 Canterbury $3.25
2 Wellington $3.00
3 Auckland $12.00
4 Waikato $8.00
5 Hawkes Bay $6.50
6 Bay of Plenty $25.00
7 North Harbour $25.00
8 Southland $10.00
9 Otago $30.00
10 Taranaki $40.00
11 Northland $80.00
12 Tasman $200.00
13 Counties Manukau $500.00
14 Manawatu $200.00

Sitiveni Sivivatu Signs with WRU until 2011

12th August 2009 12:59PM

The Waikato Rugby Union is pleased to announce that speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu re-signed with the Union yesterday.

Sivivatu is one of a number of key players who have recently re-signed with the WRU. Others include centre Richard Kahui, first five-eighth Stephen Donald, loose forward Liam Messam, hooker Aled de Malmanche and locks Toby Lynn and Romana Graham. Earlier in the year the WRU also re-signed fullback Mils Muliaina.

All of the above mentioned players have signed contracts until the end of 2011.

Waikato Rugby Union Chief Executive Graham Bowen said: "it is great news for our province to have key players staying in the region. We are a provincial union that prides itself on nurturing its players and progressing their rugby careers to the highest levels."

"This group of players is critical to Waikato rugby, the Chiefs and the New Zealand Rugby Union. It is pleasing to see a number of them having come through the Waikato academy and talent identification programmes."

[Sourced from Mooloo.co.nz]

Round 2 - Air New Zealand Cup Highlights

Waikato Vs. Manawatu - 2009 Result

Waikato defeated Manawatu 30-22 at Waikato Stadium today. Tries to Liam Messam and Sione Lauki in the first half saw Waikato take a 12-7 lead into half time. In the second half Sam Christie grabbed a try and Soseni Anesi scored his first try in what seemed like forever to seal a bonus point win for the Mooloo's.

Match Review: We led at half time and full time, the forwards looked mostly superior, the backs at times were a little lacking in punch. A half time lead was followed by a victory at full time and an all important bonus points with only three unbeaten teams in a competition lead by Bay of Plenty things are sure to balance themselves out over time. Callum Bruce missed four shots at goal in the first half including one my dead grandmother could have tapped over. There were periods when it looked like Manawatu were dangerous.

Stadium Report: There were 11,500 supporters at this afternoon game. While this sounds great it should be pointed out that it was the Waikato Rugby Club's supporters day and all the juniors from Waikato Rugby got a free ticket.
What it costs us to support Waikato: $13 for admittance to the Green Zone, three Waikato Beers at $5.50 each, a cup of chips for $4.
Total Spend: $33.50.
Red Badge Security at the Stadium - the stars on display:
1) had to radio check our supporters flag as it constituted a security risk.
2) told a patron that they could not take water into the stadium, when the bottle was tipped out and they were asked where it could be filled up they were told "the toilets". This is not actually correct as there are various taps located within the stadium to do this.
Mooloo Money: We collected $70 for our $20 on Liam Messam to score making it $50 up at this point in the season.
Where to from here:
An unconvincing win frankly, with Sione Lauki injured and Callum Bruce desperately needs to improve his kicking. Victory against Canterbury next week seems a long way off...

Waikato Vs. Manawatu - Total Victory!

Nothing short of a bonus point victory tomorrow. No excuses if Waikato wants to be taken seriously. Everything indicates that not only will we win tomorrow, but we have to win tomorrow. We have a full strength team including Brendon Leonard back, who will make a difference. The game will be in the afternoon so there's no problem with a greasy ball - weather forecast is great. All in all it points to the Manawatu Turbo's having a tough time of it. Next year baring miracles of a divine nature or another u-turn from Steve "Benedict Arnold' Tew Manawatu surely will be doomed for relegation down to the first division. This is there swansong in the competition and this makes them somewhat dangerous, we managed to get a 38 draw last year in Palmerston North. But simply tomorrow, in a game we'll be covering in full, including the complete Waikato Stadium experience, there must be total and complete victory.

The Opponents: Take a good look at this individual to your left Waikato Fans - its 'Dangerous' Dave Rennie, you may have seen him on Police Ten - Seven in a wanted case but be warned he is no mug and will be desperate to prove a point. Fan's of the 'Turbo's are famed for wearing a green plastic bucket on their heads. They have an official website for their team which you can click on by doing so here. Palmerston North is the home town, and that loyal readers is a complete crap hole. Ever driven around the square? Enough said...

Waikato Uber Alles Verdict: Sione Lauki back, at virtually full strength. A must win game and a must win with a bonus point game. Home support, afternoon game. It all points to one thing - total Mooloo Victory. Waikato by 13+

Mooloo Money: Currently we're $20 in deficit following our first half/second half double against Southland. This time to make it back were taking $20 on a try to Liam Messam. Our Captain will have a point to prove to those who deserted him and cast him adrift, plus he will want to atone and lead the team to victory after last week.

Waikato Vs. Manawatu 2009

Waikato takes on Manawatu in week two of the Air New Zealand Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday 8 August. Kick off is 2.35pm.

The Waikato team is:

1. Hikairo Forbes
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Ben May
4. Toby Lynn
5. Romana Graham
6. Liam Messam (captain)
7. Jack Lam
8. Sione Lauaki
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Roimata Hansell-Pune
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi

Reserves:
16. Ole Avei
17. Kieran Ramage
18. Kent Fife
19. Jordan Smiler
20. David Bason
21. Trent Renata
22. Save Tokula.

Waikato Vs. Manawatu Odds

Waikato v Manawatu - Hamilton Closes 14:35 on 08 Aug 2009
1 Waikato $1.18
2 Manawatu $4.50

Option 73 Winning Team & Margin -
1 Waikato by 13 & Over $1.80
2 Waikato by 12 & Under $2.80
3 Draw $40.00
4 Manawatu by 12 & Under $5.75
5 Manawatu by 13 & Over $15.00

Option 74 Half/Full Time Double -
Waikato v Manawatu -
Hamilton Closes 14:35 on 08 Aug 2009
1 Waikato/Waikato $1.40
2 Waikato/Manawatu $14.00
3 Manawatu/Waikato $6.75
4 Manawatu/Manawatu $6.50
5 Draw Half &/Or Full Time $12.00

Air New Zealand Cup Round 1 Highlights

Updated Air New Zealand Cup Odds

Tournament Winner - 2009 Air NZ Cup - New Zealand Closes 19:35 on 06 Aug 2009
1 Canterbury $3.50
2 Wellington $4.00
3 Auckland $9.00
4 Waikato $7.00
5 Hawkes Bay $4.50
6 Bay of Plenty $25.00
7 North Harbour $16.00
8 Southland $16.00
9 Otago $25.00
10 Taranaki $20.00
11 Northland $150.00
12 Tasman $250.00
13 Counties Manukau $250.00
14 Manawatu $250.00

Auckland drop from third favourite ($4.00) to no-hopers at $9.00... Waikato maintain fourth spot despite the loss to Southland so hopefully better times ahead and whose f&^*king idea is it to place Hawkes Bay at $4.50 after a single game? Surely the TAB jests....

Waikato Vs. Southland 2009 - Aftermath

The Waikato Rugby team have started off 2009 with a defeat, going down 6-16 to Southland in Invercargill. The first loss to Southland since 2003. The game was tied 3-3 at half time, the only try of the second half coming to Southland after 54 minutes to Pehi Te Whare. Callum Bruce scored two penalties to be the leading Waikato points scorer of 2009.

What we thought: The mongrel attacks and smothering defence of Southland, aided by the venue and intimidation, including a night game meant the result was tight and wasn't really decided until five minutes to go when Waikato seemed incapable of breaking the Southland defence. In other related results Canterbury also lost 19-22 to North Harbour and Hawkes Bay lead the competition after thumping Auckland 47-13.

Where we went wrong: Despite plenty of play and ball we couldn't make it count. In the first half we should have score more points than three - and in the end some of the players looked stifled by the Southland defence. Callum Bruce looked out of his depth on numerous occasions.

What about the referee: Completely out of his depth allowing Southland to be offside at practically every opportunity. The absence of the TMO this year while speeding the games up will also mean that many important decisions are missed. There's not going to be many teams to make the trip down South and play in that atmosphere and come away with points.

Where to from here: We absolutely must win against Manawatu and win with authority. Nothing less than a bonus point try and a decent points hall against Manawatu will do. We will be there in force on Saturday for the first home game of the season.

Waikato Uber Alles - Now Open!

Glitter Text Generator

Waikato Vs. Southland - Match Prediction

No this isn't a police wanted poster - although its possible that when Taxi assaulting All Black pictured here needed to be identified maybe this is the picture that they used. So tonight it all begins as the mighty Waikato take on a Southland team in the first game of the Air New Zealand Cup.

The Opponents: The Southland Stags. Mascot is a Stage who ruts supporters in the stands during the game. Home ground is Southland Park - a premium ticket to home games cost $25 to$15 for the terraces. You wouldn't think they'd have the internet in Invercargill but they must do as you can visit their teams site here.

The Waikato Uber Alles Verdict: A dangerous game first up for the Mooloo men - conditions down there are liable to be appalling as the game will take place at 7:35pm New Zealand time and Invercargill is the southern most city in New Zealand - (latitude 46o 42')
the crowd is liable to be drunk, abusive and feral and while in some cities that would probably make you the mayor it means that referee Kane McBride may be placed under huge pressure. Having said all that its simply a game that we must win. The TAB says that we'll win and its important to start the season well. WUA final verdict: Waikato by 13 and Under.
Mooloo Money: $20 on Waikato/Waikato Full and Half Time Double

Waikato Air New Zealand Cup 2009 Predictions - Part 1

Round One - Waikato Vs. Southland (Away). A dangerous opponent to start the competition against in probably one of the two worst venues in New Zealand (Eden Park of course being the other). A night game in possibly sub-zero temperatures against a desperate team who will be hugely concerned with the four team cut from the the first divison.
Waikato Uber Alles Verdict: Waikato Under 13

Round Two - Waikato Vs. Manawatu (Home) A last chance to laugh at the supporters with Buckets on their heads before the Turbo's demise? We think so although few can forget the pain of last years 38-38 all draw. First home game and a afternoon match - perfect conditions if there ever were them. Goodbye Turbo's - hello oblivion.
Waikato Uber Alles Verdict: Waikato By 13 Plus

Round Three - Waikato Vs. Canterbury (Away) Hopefully by this stage Daniel Carters hamstring will have given out again, if not we could be in for a torrid time, although the amount of Canterbury supporters at the game will be in question as it would appear that no-body cares. A tough game on paper if there's ever likely to be one this season.
Waikato Uber Alles Verdict - Draw

Round Four - Waikato Vs. Bay of Plenty (Away). Bragging rights for the Chiefs will not be up for grabs in this game as we all know that without Waikato the Chiefs would amount to nothing, and Bay of Plenty and in the process of sacking their coach, they also have a dreadful stadium for their games which is a converted speedway. And Hori BOP ill fated politically incorrect mascot. Surely if there's a game that will be a one sided punishment its this. Bay of Plenty's last match against Waikato for the forseeable future? Possibly...
Waikato Under Alles Verdict - Waikato by 13 Plus.

Round Five - Waikato Vs. Counties Manukat (Away). Steely Dan - a dildo from a Clockwork Orange and for a long time children and fans of the Steelers had their photo taken with him without the awareness of the shadowy overtones of depravity. And a depraved desperate team on the field surely heading for oblivion. Finacially bankrupt off the field, morally bankrupt on the field, like two desperate partners locked in a dance with out knowing the other will be dumped shortly never to be heard from again.
Waikato Under Alles Verdict - Waikato by 13 Plus.

Round Six - Waikato Vs. Hawkes Bay (Home)
If there's a grudge to settle its with the Magpies. Defeating us for the last two years has been a hard cross to bear and left a bitter taste in the mouth. However these crucial games have been down in Hawkes Bay - where the sheep and livestock are nervous, where the women are of dubious reputation, the beer is poor and its legal to marry your first cousin. Home advantage should surely tip in our favour as we cheer the boys onto victory.
Waikato Under Alles Verdict - Waikato by 13 and Under

Waikato Vs. Southland - Full Teams/Update

Southland: Robbie Robinson, Pehi Te Whare, Kenny Lynn, Jason Kawau, Matt Saunders/Tony Koonwaiyou, James Wilson, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh (c). Res: Jason Rutledge, Fai Mika, Dave Gannon, Dion Bates, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Tony Koonwaiyou/Seminar Manu, Mark Wells.

Waikato: Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Sam Christie, David Bason, Liam Messam (c), Jack Lam, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Kent Fife, Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Ole Avei, Ben May. Res: Vern Kamo, Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham, Jordan Smiler, Josh Sutherland, Trent Renata, Save Tokula.

Referee: Kane McBride.

Kickoff: 7.35pm tonight, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill.

TAB Odds Waikato Vs. Southland

Head to Head-Live betting -
Southland v Waikato - Invercargill Closes 19:35 on 01 Aug 2009
1 Southland $2.20
2 Waikato $1.60

Option 142 Winning Team & Margin -
Southland v Waikato - Invercargill Closes 19:35 on 01 Aug 2009
1 Southland by 13 & Over $5.75
2 Southland by 12 & Under $3.25
3 Draw $28.00
4 Waikato by 12 & Under $2.80
5 Waikato by 13 & Over $3.30

Pick the Score Opt 11
Option 143 Half/Full Time Double -
Southland v Waikato - Invercargill Closes 19:35 on 01 Aug 2009
1 Southland/Southland $3.50
2 Southland/Waikato $5.75
3 Waikato/Southland $6.50
4 Waikato/Waikato $2.25
5 Draw Half &/Or Full Time $8.25

Option 144 Points Start -
Southland v Waikato - Invercargill Closes 19:35 on 01 Aug 2009
1 Southland +4.5 $1.87
2 Waikato -4.5 $1.87

Waikato Team Vs. Southland 2009

The Waikato team is

1. Ben May
2. Ole Avei
3. Nathan White
4. Toby Lynn
5. Kent Fife
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Jack Lam
8. Liam Messam (captain)
9. David Bason
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Roimata Hansell-Pune
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi

Reserves:

16. Vern Kamo
17. Hikairo Forbes
18. Romana Graham
19. Jordan Smiler
20. Josh Sutherland
21. Trent Renata
22. Save Tokula.

Footnotes:
1. Centre Jackson Willison has been ruled out for the season after suffering a broken hand following the Waikato v Taranaki preseason in Hamilton last Friday afternoon.
2. Waikato lock Kevin O'Neill is progressing well following a rib injury sustained early in the preseason.[Source Mooloo.co.nz]

Latest Odds on Southland Vs. Waikato

1 Southland $2.20
2 Waikato $1.60

The New Zealand betting agency the TAB won't be releasing the odds on this game, possibly not in full until Saturday, which will make our "Mooloo Money" predictions being very close to the start line.... Invercargill is a dangerous place for any team to visit and first up we're hoping that the weather holds (its a 7:35pm game so it will be freezing)... so we'll keep you updated as closely as we can... shortly we also have to post our guide to Waikato in the ANZC with our predictions for the season... At this stage we're thinking our Mooloo Money will go on a Waikato first/second half double but depends what the TAB finally go for...

Mooloo Open Day at Waikato Stadium!

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1 $3.00 Canterbury
2 $4.25 Wellington
3 $4.50 Auckland
4 $4.50 Waikato
5 $9.00 Hawkes Bay
6 $25.00 Bay of Plenty
7 $25.00 North Harbour
8 $25.00 Southland
9 $25.00 Otago
10 $25.00 Taranaki
11 $100.00 Northland
12 $100.00 Tasman
13 $150.00 Counties Manukau
14 $150.00 Manawatu

While its early days yet and these are bound to change once we have the start of the competition we thought we'd update you with what the latest TAB offerings are. This year in our Mooloo Money column not only will be advising you on what bets to take we'll have our pool going of funds invested in the team we believe in!

One Week Until this Site Launches!

Glitter Text Generator

Waikato Pre Season Game Three Result

24th July 2009 01:56PM

Waikato had their first win of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup season in a preseason clash against Taranaki.

The Mooloo Men had a strong first half with tries from Sosene Anesi and Jackson Willison which were both successfully converted by Callum Bruce.

In the second half Taranaki fought back but with another try from Anesi and two successful penalty kicks from Callum Bruce the Mooloo Men held on to their fist win this season.

Waikato had numerous new Waikato caps today against Taranaki including Ben May, Dominiko Waqaniburotu Keiran Ramage and Jack Lam.

First Half:

Tries: Sosene Anesi and Jackson Willison.

Conversion: Callum Bruce (2).

Penalties:Callum Bruce.

Half Time Score: Waikato 17 - 10 Taranaki

Second Half:

Tries: Sosene Anesi.

Conversion:

Penalties: Callum Bruce (2).

Full Time Score: Waikato 28 - 24 Taranaki

The Waikato team was:

1.Ben May
2.Vern Kamo
3.Nathan White
4.Toby Lynn
5.Kent Fife
6.Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7.Jordan Smiler
8.Liam Messam (captain)
9.David Bason
10.Sam Christie
11.Dwayne Sweeney
12.Callum Bruce
13.Jackson Willison
14.Tim Mikkelson
15.Sosene Anesi

Reserves:

16. Ole Avei (for Vern Kamo)
17. Keiran Ramage (for Ben May)
18. Romana Graham (for Toby Lynn)
19. Jack Lam (for Jordan Smiler)
20. Josh Sutherland (for David Bason)
21. Trent Renata (for Sam Christie)
22. Roimata Hansell-Pune (for Jackson Willison)
[Sourced from Mooloo.co.nz]

Waikato Pre Season Game Three

Mooloo Men Set For Final Preseason Clash

23rd July 2009 10:37AM

Prop Ben May and loose forward Dominiko Waqaniburotu are set to earn their first Waikato caps this Friday afternoon when the Mooloos take on Taranaki in their final preseason match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

May, who transferred from Tasman, is an experienced Air New Zealand Cup campaigner having played 33 games at this level of rugby. He starts at loosehead prop, joined by Vern Kamo at hooker and Nathan White at prop.

Waqaniburotu, 23, has been a Waikato Development player for the past two years and will start at blindside flanker, combining with Jordan Smiler on the openside, and captain Liam Messam at number eight.

Meanwhile, prop Nathan White makes a welcome return to wearing the red, yellow and black jersey having last played for Waikato in a first-class game back in September 2007 in the round robin of the Air New Zealand Cup. White has spent the past two years recovering from a back injury.

In the backs Sam Christie will start at number 10 for the Mooloos. Despite six Waikato games to his name, it will be Christie's first start for his province. He will combine with Callum Bruce at second five-eighth and Jackson Willison at centre.

Walkato coach Chris Gibbes said: "there has been a lot of learning and growing this week within our squad. Friday is an important preseason match in terms of preparing our players for the opening round game against Southland in the Air New Zealand Cup next week."

"The guys have trained hard this week and are looking forward to the intensity this game will bring."

"For the guys that will have the opportunity to wear the colours for the first time it will be a proud moment and that alone will mean a lot to them."

The two teams will be playing for the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy on Friday. The trophy, in memory of former Waikato and Taranaki rugby player Ryan Wheeler, is up for contention every time Waikato and Taranaki meet in a first class match. Waikato currently holds the trophy.

Waikato takes on Taranaki in their final preseason fixture at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Friday 24 July. Kick off is 3.00pm. Gates open at 2.30pm and entry is only through gates 3 and 4.

General admission applies. Tickets are $10 for adults, children get free entry and Season Members receive complimentary entry upon display of their card.



The Waikato team is:

1.Ben May
2.Vern Kamo
3.Nathan White
4.Toby Lynn
5.Kent Fife
6.Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7.Jordan Smiler
8.Liam Messam (captain)
9.David Bason
10.Sam Christie
11.Dwayne Sweeney
12.Callum Bruce
13.Jackson Willison
14.Tim Mikkelson
15.Sosene Anesi

Reserves: 16. Ole Avei, 17. Keiran Ramage, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Jack Lam, 20. Josh Sutherland, 21. Trent Renata, 22. Roimata Hansell-Pune

[Source: This is sourced from Mooloo.co.nz]

Waikato Air New Zealand Cup 2009

The 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad is:

Forwards:

Ole Avei (Hautapu)
Vern Kamo (Fraser Tech)
Hikairo Forbes (Hautapu)
Ben May (University)
Kieran Ramage (Te Awamutu Sports)
Nathan White (Te Awamutu Sports)
Kent Fife (Hautapu)
Romana Graham (Hautapu)
Toby Lynn (Te Rapa)
Kevin O'Neill (Hamilton Marist)
Ray Allen (Hamilton Marist)
Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)
Sione Lauaki (Morrinsville Sports)
Liam Messam (Hautapu) - Captain
Jordan Smiler (Hautapu)
Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Fraser Tech)

Backs:

David Bason (Hautapu)
Josh Sutherland (Hamilton Marist)
Sam Christie (Fraser Tech)
Trent Renata (Hamilton Marist)
Callum Bruce (Hamilton Marist)
Roimata Hansell-Pune (Fraser Tech)
Jackson Willison (Hautapu)
Tim Mikkelson (University)
Henry Speight (Hamilton Old Boys)
Dwayne Sweeney (Morrinsville Sports)
Savenaca Tokula (Fraser Tech)
Sosene Anesi (Hamilton Marist)

Car Parking in Hamilton

When visiting Hamilton to support Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup we suggest you park in the friendly streets. Never-mind Auckland with its $4 an hour charges check these out...

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Buy that man a drink - Peter Williams

He's got it right. Dead right. Veteran New Zealand sports caster Peter Williams in an article published in today's New Zealand Herald on Sunday has criticised the form of the Air New Zealand Cup (14 teams too many) and said that the four teams most in financial strife should take the bullet and leave. In our opinion it ends discussion on the matter.

This is a quote from some of his article:

Has there really been a benefit to rugby in Nelson, Blenheim, Whangarei, Palmerston North and Pukekohe just because there's an (uncompetitive) first division team based there?

'The most successful format was that which ran from 1992 to 2005. There were three divisions. Each played a round robin, the top four teams from each went to the semifinals and the winners of those matches played the division grand finals. The best system was an even split of nine teams per division across the 27 provincial unions, which ended in 1998. The 11-week competition finished at Labour Weekend.

As we prepare to stumble into the fourth year of the expensive and top-heavy Air New Zealand Cup don't you yearn for something as straightforward as that? Restrict contracted players to the first division. Encourage the fiercely competitive play that was such a feature of the old second and third divisions.

The NZRU seems constantly scared of upsetting its constituent unions. It shouldn't. Sometimes looking backwards is a good way to learn the way forward.'

The full article from the Herald on Sunday can be located by clicking here.

Waikato Air New Zealand Cup Winners 2006

Waikato Pre Season Game Two

Preseason 2 - Waikato v Auckland

17th July 2009 03:40PM

Waikato narrowly went down to Auckland at Waitakere Stadium in their second preseason game of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup.

Result

First Half:

Tries: Toby Lynn, David Bason

Conversion: Sam Christie

Half Time Score: Waikato 12 - 14 Auckland

Second Half: no points for Waikato

Full Time Score: Waikato 12 - 17 Auckland

The Waikato team was:

1. Keiran Ramage
2. Ole Avei
3. Nathan White
4. Toby Lynn
5. Mark Burman
6. Jordan Smiler
7. Ray Allen
8. Jack Lam
9. David Bason
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Roimata Hansell-Pune
13. Jackson Willison
14. Sosene Anesi
15. Tim Mikkelson

Reserves: Vern Kamo, Latu Talakai, Kent Fife, Dominko Waqaniburotu, Matt Blain, Alex Bradley, Josh Sutherland, Maurice Stone, Glen Robertson, Eddie Uele, Frank Halai.

[Sourced from Mooloo.co.nz]

Waikato Preseason Game Two

Waikato Team Named for Second Pre-season Game Against Auckland

15th July 2009 03:21PM

The Waikato team to play Auckland in their second preseason encounter at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland on Friday afternoon has been named.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said: "this second pre-season match is important to put some new combinations to the test. There are a number of guys who didn't turn out for last week's North Harbour preseason who will get a run this Friday. It is another key game to help determine who we will select for the Waikato squad next week."

Waikato takes on Auckland at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland on Friday 17 July. Kick off is at 3.00pm. (Please note this time has changed from 3.30pm to 3.00pm due to fading daylight).

The Waikato team is

1. Keiran Ramage
2. Ole Avei
3. Nathan White
4. Toby Lynn
5. Mark Burman
6. Jordan Smiler
7. Ray Allen
8. Jack Lam
9. David Bason
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Roimata Hansell-Pune
13. Jackson Willison
14. Sosene Anesi
15. Tim Mikkelson

Reserves: Vern Kamo, Latu Talakai, Kent Fife, Dominko Waqaniburotu, Matt Blain, Alex Bradley, Josh Sutherland, Maurice Stone, Glen Robertson, Eddie Uele, Frank Halai.

Note: Results of this preseason match will be posted on www.mooloo.co.nz on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup Squad will be named at 9.30am on Tuesday 21 July.

[Credit: This was taken from The Official Waikato Rugby Union Site]

Is Steve Tew F****ng Mad ?!?!?!?

Voluntary leaving of the First Division to move to the second.

Now lets just think about that for the moment. The head of New Zealand Rugby, Steve Tew has stated that four teams have to go from the Air New Zealand Cup to make it a ten team competition from 2010. We're fine with that but what the brains trust haven't made clear is how this process is being carried out or attempted. Well on Sunday Steve "Alcatraz" Tew revealed that information - it will be voluntary and he's hoping the unions who want to be demoted will nominate themselves.

Pardon us?

Tuesday week there was a NZRU meeting in Wellington. At that meeting all the unions were asked to consider jumping ship and joining the reformed second division. The SST states that 'Unions such as Tasman and Counties have been vigouroulsy lobbying to keep the competition in its present state'. However the NZRU has yet to come up with a plan B, that is that there is currently no viable alternative involving a second division.

We just can't believe this! Why on earth would a team nominate itself for relegation from the premiere New Zealand domestic competition! Voluntarily?!?!??! Where dear god is the sense in this? Even though we have Unions that are Bankrupt (Hello Counties Manukau) even they won't voluntarily go down. No exposure on television apart from that awful Heartland Rugby Program, limited corperate and sponsorship opportunities, smaller crowds, less money? Does any of these seem viable and something that a team would voluntarilty want?

What's scarely as plausiable is the fact that there is no plan 'B'. We have stated this before and at length, Steve Tew needs to make a decisive decision here and cull the chaff.

Here's your plan Steve, the one that you need to keep your job and we wont even charge you for using it: Goodbye Northland, Goodbye Tasman, Goodbye Counites Manukau, and goodbye to Auckland. Make a decision Steve and be decisive. Also bring back the Magnum PI.

Museum of Mooloo - 1993 Club Rugby Newsletter

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Where were you in 1993? We found this gem in a second hand store in Wellington of all places. It cost us $2.50! Bargain. What ever happened to Adrian Mowat, Mr New Zealand 1993 and his strip act? Was that really 'that' Dobbo at The Breeze? Noted competitors in Waikato Primary School Rugby Roller Mills 1993 - Regan King from Cambridge, Issac 'Bas' from Tokoroa and a girl. Really. In the main event of Senior 1st Division Freeman's Hamilton Marist took on Oxford Pies Fraser Tech notable players in that game - Brent Anderson, Matt Cooper and Todd Miller for Marist, David Briggs and one John Mitchell played for Fraser Tech!

Whats Wrong With Auckland?

What's wrong with Auckland. We don't hate Auckland here at Waikato Uber Alles. But lets face it, its a horrible, horrible place. Here's our top reasons that Auckland's so awful.

Queen Streets an Awful place. Public urination, homeless people living freely on the streets, buskers, beggars, all manner of street crime, scum and villianly. We're not talking about the third world here we're describing just an average day in Queen Street, Auckland. Never mind night time when darkness allows the evilness of the city to seep into its own. Terrible. One of the dangerous places in the world, truly. The suburbs are just as bad, not a patch on the urban sophistication of Frankton you have awful places like Ponsonby, Parnell and Mangere.

Look at this image to the left, why is it allowed to blight our biggest city? A super city? It's the shame of New Zealand as far as were concerned. Give us Victoria Street, Hamilton any time of day. Rubbish collection is not free in the city you have to pay the council to take your garbage away. As a result scenes like the one left are common.

Water rates. If you don't live in Auckland you probably don't know what they are. These are charged by the council and for renters they are a curse. You can pay up to $1,000 a year just so Johnnie Banks the mayor can continue living the high life. Awful. Auckland also has the most expensive rates out of anywhere in New Zealand. The highest cost of living.



Auckland its no surprise is the most polluted city in New Zealand. Living in Auckland actually reduces your life expectancy. Auckland has one of the highest rates of Asthma anywhere in the world.
There's nearly 500 pollution related deaths in the city each year according to the Auckland City Council. Brown Haze, a condition that is graphically illustrated by the picture to the left is common in Auckland most days. What a horrible vista (for those of you not from Hamilton vista means picture).

Crime. It goes without saying the most dangerous place in New Zealand to live is Auckland. Auckland tops New Zealand in ALL the crime statistics. Yes, that's right. Auckland maybe not number one for rugby but they are proudly number one for violence, grievous assaults, robbery, sexual offences, drug offences, dishonesty, property damage and property abuse. Nobody even comes close!

Mooloo Song -

This is our awesome song, as sung by Midge Marsden!

Waikato Air New Zealand Cup Draw 2009

Waikato Draw 2009

WEEK	OPPOSITION	VENUE	DATE	TIME
Preseason 1	North Harbour	Moire Park, North Shore	Wed 8 July	3.00pm
Preseason 2	Auckland	Waitakere	Fri 17 July	3.30pm
Preseason 3	Taranaki	Hamilton	Fri 24 July	3.00pm
Week 1	Southland	Invercargill	Sat 1 Aug	7.35pm
Week 2	Manawatu	Hamilton	Sat 8 Aug	2.35pm
Week 3	Canterbury	Christchurch	Fri 14 Aug	7.35pm
Week 4	Bay of Plenty	Tauranga	Sat 22 Aug	2.35pm
Week 5	Counties-Manukau	Pukekohe	Sat 29 Aug	2.35pm
Week 6	Hawke's Bay	Hamilton	Sat 5 Sept	7.35pm
Week 7	Tasman	Blenheim	Fri 11 Sept	7.35pm
Week 8	Wellington	Hamilton	Fri 18 Sept	7.35pm
Week 9	Taranaki	New Plymouth	Fri 25 Sept	7.35pm
Week 10	North Harbour	Hamilton	Thurs 1 Oct	7.35pm
Week 11	Otago	Dunedin	Sat 10 Oct	2.35pm
Week 12	Northland	Hamilton	Sat 17 Oct	7.35pm
Week 13	Auckland	Hamilton	Sat 24 Oct	7.35pm
Semi Final	TBC	TBC	31 Oct - 1 Nov
Final	TBC	TBC	Sat 7 Nov	7.35pm

Waipa Delta - In Auckland.

As of today this Billboard was still in plain view. Traitor. A reminder we're not opening officially until the 1st of August when the mighty Waikato take to the field for the first game!

Waikato Pre Season Games

Note: This site opens on 1st August - we are NOT attending the 2009 Waikato Pre-Season Games. These results are cut and past jobs verbatim from the Waikato Rugby Union Official Site Mooloo.co.nz (what you didn't think we weren't an official site?)

8th July 2009 03:30PM

Waikato narrowly went down to North Harbour in their first preseason fixture at Moire Park in Massey on Wednesday 8 July.

Result

First Half:

Tries: Dominiko Waqaniburotu

Half Time Score: Waikato 5 - 3 North Harbour

Second Half:

Tries: Glen Robertson

Penalty: Sam Christie

Full Time Score: Waikato 13 - 16 North Harbour

The Waikato team was

1. Latu Talakai
2. Ole Avei
3. Nathan White
4. Kent Fife
5. Mark Burman
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Matt Blain
8. Alex Bradley
9. Josh Sutherland
10. Sam Christie
11. Glen Robertson
12. Roimata Hansell-Pune
13. Jackson Willison
14. Henry Speight
15. Sosene Anesi

Reserves: Nick Seymour, Kieran Ramage, Mike Moore, Kevin O'Neill, Jordan Smiler, Jack Lam, David Bason, Maurice Stone, Frank Halai.

Players not considered for selection for this preseason fixture following Junior All Blacks and All Blacks duties include Callum Bruce, Sione Lauaki and Liam Messam.

Liam Messam - Shafted by Graham Henry

You play one test match as an All Black out of position, and you don't have your best game ever, that's true but it seems incredibly that while some incredibly mediocre All Black talent has been retained for the Tri-Nations Liam Messam has paid the price for not performing too well against the French.

Good job, we're glad he's been dropped.

Good job we say because when we support the best team in the world its not going to be cheering on the All Blacks in another meaningless tri-nations game. Good job because we certainly wont be supporting the All Blacks in a revenue gaining game in Japan which is an opportunity for Steve "Shylock" Tew to line the coffers. We are supporters of rugby - homicidal dedicated supporters of rugby and Waikato Rugby in particular. The supporters of the greatest team in the world, who play the best rugby in the most wonderful stadium. Waikato Uber Alles! But Liam Messam was taken away from us by someone who made the decision to select him. Play him out of position and then dump him for the tri-nations. Supporting Waikato is a wonderful thing, but supporting the All Blacks at times is hard to do. Particuarly now with a test calendar filled with meaningless tests against mediocre opposition, with the domestic game is treated as a joke. Liam Messam would have been missing from our Air New Zealand Cup Games instead warming the bench for mediocre tests in a boring Tri-Nations. He may have even been to Japan to play in a dead rubber test that is simply a money grubbing opportunity for the rugby union.

Thats just shit.

Now thanks to Liam Messam being dropped we have him back. We have him available to play for us again, and we have a chance to cheer him on again. We will be proudly at Waikato Stadium supporting the greatest team in the world for their pre-season game against Taranaki on the 22nd. We wont all be going down to horrible Southland for the first game of the Air New Zealand Cup but we will support OUR team with a fevour.

Liam Messam will be a part of that.

He will be running out for Waikato for a team that inspires us for a team that deserves respect and a team that we are proud of. And while Messam's All Black career is on hold who wants to be part of a team that may well finish the Tri-Nations last this year. While your at it Graham Henry how back also giving us back Steven Donald as well? And thanks for leaving your hands off Sione Lauaki you Mincer!

Ritchie McCaw is a Mincer - McCaw Vs. Shaving Cream

This is what we think of Richie McCaw in Hamilton. This is Richie McCaw vs. Shaving Cream. Here's your Richie McCaw useless fact - his name is actually Richard and his middle name is Hugh. Ha ha ha.


A reminder that this site officially opens 1st August 2009.

An Open Letter to Steve Tew

Dear Steve 'The Mongoose' Tew.
New Zealand Rugby Union HQ & Brains Trust.

Currently the format of the Air New Zealand Cup, the premier New Zealand rugby competition in New Zealand is under review. You in your wisdom as the most powerful administrator in New Zealand have put the format up for revision.

We would like to suggest that you reshape the competition by the removing the following teams:
* Northland - Whangarei is a horrible, dangerous place. Its not safe and there's not a fan base to support a decent team. Fans in the area are not passionate. People don't care. The team is more famous for its two year losing streak when its only win was the promotion relegation farce against the best team from the Heartland Championship.
* Counties - Manukau - they are bankrupt as you as the businessman that you are know that you've had to underwrite them last year and this year as well. They have a mascot that's named after a Dildo from a Clockwork Orange. What example does that set for kids, Stevie. They have a massive player base but no-body wants to watch them play and last year they were the worst team in the competition - and they still beat Auckland.
* Tasman. Nelson is not a very nice place and its certainly not a first division standard ground. I dont think that you should eat the pies there Steve. Struggling for identity they would make a great Hearland Championship Rugby Team.
* Auckland - Supporters not up to it, a apathetic place which is dangerous. Eden Park is barely functional as a location - the local crowds are invariably out numbered by Away supporters. A miserable place. Steve in Auckland people randomly spit on you on the street, Steve in Auckland there's home less people and street crime, armed robbery, parking is expensive. Steve people don't care, they're apathetic and need to go. Its for the good of the game Steve.

Steve as our greatest administrator were asking you to take a stand for the good of the game.

Nobody likes a hero Steve but you can be a hero to the Rugby public of New Zealand. Children would look up to you for generations to come. Auckland sits like a bloated leech on New Zealand draining us of resources and spreading its poison far and wide. Take a stand now Steve.
Make Auckland one of the four.

Its New Zealand vs. Italy

I mean who really cares about this game? After two so-so performances against an average French team, which includes their best player inventing being beaten up following the game? Michael Jackson would be rolling in his grave.

Italy. That strength of world rugby, that bastion of credible performances. No way is this a cash cow for the NZRU to milk. Horse shit. We at Waikato Uber Alles are suggesting that we won't even watch the game.

Lets all get our calendars out and mark the 1st of August. That marks the first game of this years Air New Zealand Cup. In it our mighty Waikato will travel to Invercargill and take on a Southland team who at home, should be dangerous. That's a game that we can put passion into. That's a game that we can feel proud about. That's when the good folk of the Waikato will dust off their flags, clean the cobwebs off our Mooloo Bells and support our team with passion. Who cares about an expanded tri-nations and a one off extra Bledisloe test which is a revenue earner?

Make Auckland One of the Four!

Our site has not yet officially launched - but we will be soon and our first campaign will be to Make Auckland One of the the Four! As you should know Steve 'The Mantis' Tew has announced that the Air New Zealand Cup from 2011 at the latest will be reduced to 10 teams, that means of the existing competition of 14 four must go, hence we're nominating the four teams to go as: Counties Manukau (bankrupt last year, $300,000 in debt before this season begins and the only first division team whose mascot is named after a Dildo!), Northland (have you ever been to Whangarei? Enough said), Tasman (yes really that is supposed to be a first division ground in Nelson) and Auckland.

Auckland - home of the depraved where people spit at you on the street, where you can't walk down Queen Street because of all the homeless people and nobody cares about the rugby. Home to 86% of this years violent robberies in New Zealand and a bunch of supporters unable to rouse themselves for anything. Home of indifference and a rugby team that each year barely scrapes by, home to random violence high prices and a bunch of mincers. Home to without a shadow of doubt the worst stadium in New Zealand.

We here at Waikato Uber Alles have decided to be proactive about it. We will be organising an online petition to have Auckland removed from the first division, we will be contacting Steve Tew and the NZRU in writing, and we will need your help to make it so. No-one cares about Auckland, no-one wants them stinking out the competition for another year join with us on our journey to make Auckland One of the Four!

1980-1 Ranfurly Shield Mooloo Mug

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As part of our continued research and promotion of all things Waikato we currently have operatives scouring the Waikato Region for items of interest relating to the most important team in the country, and the most powerful force in the universe. This Mug, which was located at a Charity Shop Celebrates Waikato's Ranfurly Shield Reign from 1980-1. It was brought for $2 and is absolutely priceless.

Daniel Carter is a Supreme Mincer

Well it seems official - if the Herald on Sunday is to believed, and lets face it since its journalism in New Zealand they must be 100% accurate, Dan Carter is signed, sealed and shortly will be delivered to the Blues. The Sunday Papers were all over it here, and while in possibly the most non-committal press conference ever Dan Carter earlier the week didn't admit it he also didn't deny it either. I want to make this quite clear - anyone from Canterbury or Christchurch isn't up to much and is likely to be a blood relative of their immediate family and has a high probability of also being linked by marriage. Six fingers are common for the area.

But just as we wouldn't be rushing to buy Steve Walsh a drink at the bar, or we'd watch out for the door frame if we were Adam Thompsons Missues Dan Carter's a massive mincer if he's signing for the Blues. No one in New Zealand is worth $400,000 let alone some judas deserting his province. Lets have a look at some other who've done the same: Nick Evans lasted just over 12 months and never set anything on fire. Auckland maybe also looking to poach Jimmy Cowan as well, although Taxi Drivers at Co-Op Taxis can breathe a sigh of relief as that may be just wishful thinking. Lets look at some quotes from the press conference:

"Christchurch is still my home and it is the place closet to my heart" (I'll move if the money's right, please don't be angry Canterbury fan's despite the fact I dumped you for the Franc)

"I am living here in Auckland but Canterbury has given me so much when it comes to Rugby"
(As above- but you moron but why take a sabbatical to stab them in the back?)

"It wouldn't be easy" he said asked if it would be hard to leave Canterbury "I'm where I am now because of the opportunities that they've given me" (No shit).

"I'm off contract for Canterbury but have not thought about it much while in France. I haven't talked to my management team about it yet". (You have to talk to your management team before you sign a contract? Where do you want to play you fool?)

"Although Auckland is a soul destroying place I would move and play for them (the Blues) if the money was right."

"Eden Park would likely be empty for most games, this is true, but I'd be getting 400k so I wouldn't really give a shit to be honest."

"Blues supporters don't know much about rugby and are not passionate but that's okay, the moneys good bro"

Well you get our point. Dismal. Todd Blackadder Crusaders Coach was supposedly to mount a mercy dash to 'save' Carter - but didn't go. And good on him. In the old days if you deserted your team they used to shoot you, professional rugby may not be as strict but sure as hell if Carter ends up on the bottom of a Mooloo Ruck come 24th October at Waikato Stadium justice will be done.

The fact is that without an effective back line, without a decent coach (hello Pat Lamb watch out for those Reds, they're REAL dangerous away from home) and the likelihood of injury (yes that's right Dan Carter managed five games for Perpignan) the money is surely a huge gamble, one that the desperate Blues shouldn't do.

Our Waikato Uber Alles Supreme Mincer of 2009 Award, before a game is played, before the season even begins goes to Dan Carter.

Daniel Carter is a Mincer

Well, well well. New Zealands most hyped player returns to New Zealand and has a press conference being vague about who is going to be playing for in domestic New Zealand rugby. So you own two homes in New Zealand Mincer Carter? Show some civic pride for gods sake you turd, if you owned a batch in Marton would you be turning out for the Manawatu Turbos? Shame on you!

Simply flaming the rumours of an imminent switch to the Blues is utterly ridiculous. Shame on you TVNZ for putting this up on your website, shame on you Dan Carter for this whole charade.

So desperate for attention that you announce a press conference to say nothing? If you had a shred of pride if you have civic decency you'd end this hopeless speculation and declare your allegiance, but then who should you be playing for, a union that has nurtured you has raised you through the ranks has given you a break at NPC, Super Rugby and positioned you to be playing for the All Blacks, or the enemy of Rugby in New Zealand the bloated, stinking mass that is the Auckland Blues.

Why on earth do you want to turn out for team that plays in a soulless environment, at a half empty stadium to an apathetic crowd whose mascot is a comedy pirate!

You'd think it would be simple but then Dan Carter - you are a mincer.

Virtual Tour of Grey Street Bridge, Hamilton

Location: At the Southern end of time linking Hamilton East to the City.
Cost: None - its just a bridge, there's no charge for traffic.
Estimated Time - four minutes to walk the length.
Details - Hamilton is known as the city of five bridges. This is one of the five bridges.
Interesting Fact - Well if you really want to find out the bridge you can click here. The bridge is illuminated in the evening (if your from Auckland this means "lit up").
Safety Level - The bridge links the city to Hamilton East, that's where the University is so at the weekend and in the evenings there's all manner of flotsam and jetsam heading in both directions.

Virtual Tour of Grey Street Bridge, Hamilton

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Pat Lam - Just Bloody Useless

According to the New Zealand Herald Sport Section Today 7/6/09 a story have former All Black and Blues CEO Andy Dalton "squaring off" with Pat Lam about the direction of the Blues for 2010 and the performance this year.

Where to start.

The Auckland Blues year were abysmal. A travesty of the competition. They received numerous hidings throughout the competition, primarily from us at Waikato Stadium 63-34, but also got rolled by the Reds at home 24-31, lost to the Hurricanes 45-27, lost to Canterybury at home 13-15, lost to the Brumbies 37-15, lost to the Warratahs at home 22-27. Just shameful.

Pat Lam, you as the coach you and you alone are ultimately responsible, where's your pride in the jersey and the job that you've done? Where's your sense of honour to say to Andy Dalton - 'I'm out of my depth and I don't know what I am doing?' At what point do you say, it was my choice to play Toeava at fullback? Lead by example - give up. A mediocre NPC win does not make you qualified for the Super 14 and look at how out of depth you were.

And the problem with the team is the assistant coaches? What about Kevin Mealamu's speeches after the game if any things criminal after the Chiefs had wiped the floor with the hapless Blues he stood at Waikato Stadium and told the baying crowd that they'd played well all up and just had one or two areas to work on - try your defence judas. Shane Howarth may well be an Auckland mincer from way back but how can he be held responsible for the awfulness of the team?

The truth is the apathetic Auckland public are the one's to blame. There is no passion from supporters of the Auckland Blues. Apathy from the supporters spills onto the players who realise that no-body cares what they do, and lo and behold its okay to lose at home to the Queensland Reds in pool play, oh how Bluebeard the pirate and his mates wished that those lights had stayed off, and should have stayed off for good.

Pat Lam for the good of New Zealand Rugby do us a favour and fall on your sword.

Good Riddance to the Waipa Delta

Here's a fact as we consider the departure of the Waipa Delta - the people of Auckland don't care so its doomed to failure on the Waitemata Harbour. Here's your second fact about the paddle steamer - the paddles on the boat are actually fake, they don't actual paddle the boat and it was only ever for show.

Last week we at WUA were busy completing a photo-essay on the Grey Street Bridge. It so happened that our expedition coincided with the final day of the Waipa Delta in Hamilton. It was literally below us within spitting distance. Won't go over the too-ing and fro-ing between the owner Mark Goudie and the City Council, couldn't care less, but if there's one thing that we are sure of its the people of Auckland wont care at all.

The boats licensed for inland waters only, that means it has to have a coast on both sides. The boat will now be based at the Auckland Maritime Museum at the Viaduct Basin. Ugh. Ugly. Down town Auckland's bad enough during the day but the Viaduct at night would have to be one of the most awful places in the civilised world. Public drunkenness, people urinating on each other, fighting, violence, oppression, random acts of stupidity and that's just what goes on inside some of the bars.

I can imagine the commentary now "here we are travelling along the Auckland Waterfront to our right we have extensive tagging and vandalism, there's currently street crime in progress over there, to your left you can see a group of homeless people who for warmth appear to be setting on fire one of their group..."

The Waipa Delta in Hamilton positioned itself uniquely and made a statement by voyaging to the city of the damned its reduced itself to a sideshow in a freak location. Now it will reside in a cheesy location (Bluebeard the pirate didn't really die in the 18th Century, no he leads the School holiday program at the museum.) How on earth will it survive?

Rocky Horror Picture Show Statue - Hamilton

Location: Victoria Street, Hamilton. Between the Victoria Street Dairy and Master Kong Restaurant.
Cost: None! Its a statue so you can walk around it.
Estimated Time: 35 seconds to walk around, although you can spend time reading the inscription.
Details: To celebrate Richard O'Brien who created the Rocky Horror Picture Show and his work at the Embassy Theatre that was in Victoria Street until it was demolished in 1994.
Interesting Facts: Did you know he wrote a sequel to the RHPS called Shock Treatment, although no-body really cares.
Safety Level: Takapuna - its in the main street next to public toilets though so if you go in the evening the danger level would be Kingsland. If you there past midnight it would be bordering Manurewa.

Virtual Tour of Hamilton City, Waikato 1

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Coming to Hamilton for a game in 2009? Never mind if you are a supporter of Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, North Harbour, Northland or Auckland... leave it to your friends from Waikato Uber Alles to point you in the direction of all the cultural experiences that you need in our great fair and wonderful city!

Farewell to the Chiefs (Reprise)

Farewell to another season of the Super 14... now the real business begins. After a season that relatively promised so much, after the first three games where it seemed like business as usual before that incredible run to the semi-finals... what price now a single point out of the first three games? A home final instead of the bloodbath that was Pretoria? A bonus point loss to the Crusaders seemed on the face of it a great result until the rest of the Crusaders results proved what a spent force that they were. Dropped balls cost us the Warratahs in Sydney, but the game that we should have received more was the home game against the Sharks.

Kevin O'Neil dropping the ball when unopposed while crossing the try line, right in front of the Green Zone... Brendon Leonard dropping the ball when switching between hands when about to score in the same corner... then to top it all off attacking the Sharks line repeatedly on full time only to be denied time and time again, phase after phase. A converted try at that point should have been enough to secure us top spot - but it was not to be.

And what of the fans? The early games were testament to the hard year of neglect and failure - not even half decent crowds for the opening games against the Sharks and Force , then suddenly a decent run and everyone in H-Towns a fan. Sold out crowds against the Hurricanes, terrible conditions and a near sell out against the Brumbies and a vital win, then the last hurrah against the Hurricanes again. Who cares if half the crowd were confused and ringing Cow bells at a Chiefs game?

Now the real business begins with the premiere competition in New Zealand- the Air New Zealand Cup and we can't wait. Mark 1st August in your diaries - the date we take on Southland in Invercargill.