White Ferns ponder what might have been

From the Hip

It had all been going so well for the White Ferns . . . until the final.

The world Twenty20 cricket championship decider was all over after eight overs with New Zealand in the mire at 23-4 against England.

Dismissed for 85 in a woeful batting display, the White Ferns were always going to struggle. And they did, with England, helped by the White Ferns going on the defensive instead of attacking, cruising through to win the title.

The lacklustre batting effort undid all New Zealand's good work to gain a spot in the final and the players can only ponder just what might have been.

THERE'S some talent coming through the New Zealand rugby ranks.

That's obvious after watching the New Zealand under-20 side triumph over England in the final of the under- 20 world championship in Japan on Sunday night.

Five-eighths Aaron Cruden and Shaun Treeby, along with fullback Robbie Robinson, are players who will go on to represent New Zealand at higher levels. Cruden, in particular, is a real talent.

However, it was the size of the England forwards that amazed me. The tight forwards were massive and would easily front up against some of the top provincial packs in New Zealand.

CALL ME old fashioned, but I'm a believer that rugby players should be playing.

Sure Super 14 players deserve a break after their season, but how long? Take Taranaki's six Super 14 players, they should all be playing now, except Andrew Hore and Scott Waldrom, who can be excused because of injury.

Jason Eaton and Craig Clarke are both playing with the Junior All Blacks and Jayden Hayward is back playing club rugby.

But why isn't Willie Ripia? He's not injured and he's in Taranaki. The word from Taranaki coach Adrian Kennedy is that Ripia is playing this Saturday. Who for is another question.

Coastal is the club Ripia was heading for last season, but never made it. The word is there's a push for Ripia to play for Spotswood United - that may be the stalling point.

TARANAKI will be under the gun from the start in this year's Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition.

Away wins against Tasman and Northland to start the season will be crucial, as next follows a home match against Hawke's Bay. If Taranaki harbours any thoughts of being in the top 10 next year, two wins from the first three weeks is a must.

If not, it's going to be a long season and coach Adrian Kennedy and his players will be in the firing line.

STEPHEN DONALD was on radio on Sunday admitting he hadn't had the best of nights against the French in the test in Wellington on Saturday.

He was right about that. His tactical kicking was awful and some of his option taking was just as bad.

But Donald was hopeful of getting another chance against Italy in Christchurch this Saturday. Fair call, you have to back yourself.

Then All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith is on air later in the afternoon saying Donald had a hamstring injury and was only a 40 per cent chance of starting against Italy. If that's not setting up Donald for the chop, nothing is.

- © Fairfax NZ News