Sunday, November 23, 2008
Rugby League World Cup Final: Rigged
Someone has to say it. The Aussies played with such apathy, you could almost suggest the game was rigged (although the sort of money that could be won without raising suspicion, divided by 18 or even 40 people, might not we worth the humiliation and risk).
One New Zealand try came from a five metre knock-on that somehow the video ref didn't notice, two tries were due to Australia putting in pathetically weak tackles, and another arose from an Aussie (Slater) amazingly throwing the ball over his own try line for a Kiwi to pounce on.
For something promoted as akin to a State of Origin game, there was no intensity in tackling. Compared to NZ's 2 games against the Poms, it was very, very weak.
The scoreline achieved was valued at 55-1 at BetFair, so it is not outside the realms of possibility. Thankfully union has not succumbed to WWF mentality.
UPDATE: I noticed TAB Sportsbet being quoted on how much money they made from losing bets on Australia, but not how much they lost on NZ winning...
Also, the Herald Sun said "Uncharacteristic errors, poor discipline, lazy defence and a number of unlucky calls all counted against Australia". Lazy defence? Not something you'd associate with a World Cup final in any sport. Uncharacteristic errors? Perhaps deliberate errors is what they could have written?
The last time there was a similar upset was when NZ beat the Aussies in the 2005 Tri-Nations final 24-0, when Wayne Bennett coached the Aussies (and subsequently resigned). And on Saturday he was the assistant coach for the Kiwis. This came out just before he resigned as Broncos coach:
The Aussie Captain, Darren Lockyer, played for the Broncos.
STILL MORE:
In case anyone actually reads this, I should point out I am a Kiwi, support the Kiwis, and wanted them to win - just not like that.
One New Zealand try came from a five metre knock-on that somehow the video ref didn't notice, two tries were due to Australia putting in pathetically weak tackles, and another arose from an Aussie (Slater) amazingly throwing the ball over his own try line for a Kiwi to pounce on.
For something promoted as akin to a State of Origin game, there was no intensity in tackling. Compared to NZ's 2 games against the Poms, it was very, very weak.
The scoreline achieved was valued at 55-1 at BetFair, so it is not outside the realms of possibility. Thankfully union has not succumbed to WWF mentality.
UPDATE: I noticed TAB Sportsbet being quoted on how much money they made from losing bets on Australia, but not how much they lost on NZ winning...
Also, the Herald Sun said "Uncharacteristic errors, poor discipline, lazy defence and a number of unlucky calls all counted against Australia". Lazy defence? Not something you'd associate with a World Cup final in any sport. Uncharacteristic errors? Perhaps deliberate errors is what they could have written?
The last time there was a similar upset was when NZ beat the Aussies in the 2005 Tri-Nations final 24-0, when Wayne Bennett coached the Aussies (and subsequently resigned). And on Saturday he was the assistant coach for the Kiwis. This came out just before he resigned as Broncos coach:
The Telegraph reports mining magnate Ken Talbot has been injecting $100,000 a year into a family trust, claiming it's to help Bennett’s two disabled children.
Talbot has already been charged with corruptly paying $300,000 to a former Queensland minister and will face court on a number of charges next year.
http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2007/12/09/Broncos_coach_embroiled_in_political_scandal_
The Aussie Captain, Darren Lockyer, played for the Broncos.
STILL MORE:
Lock Paul Gallen claimed the Australians were "stitched up", while others were highly critical of the controversial penalty try ruling by video referee Steve Ganson that took the game away from the Kangaroos.
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/shocker-roos-point-finger-at-referee/2008/11/23/1227375062524.html
Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart was so incensed by the shock loss of his team to New Zealand in Saturday night's World Cup final he verbally attacked ARL chief executive and close friend Geoff Carr, alleging a conspiracy by tournament organisers.
Stuart is understood to have taken particular exception to a number of refereeing decisions that proved costly to his team and made accusations that an Australian loss suited the organisers and the future of the World Cup.
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/australia-stitched-up/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html
In case anyone actually reads this, I should point out I am a Kiwi, support the Kiwis, and wanted them to win - just not like that.
Labels: rugby league
