Well, I was wrong... but not by much. My Dean Mumm pick turned out to be a bust, but at least Berrick Barnes came through for me, so it was all worth it in the end. Only twenty points behind, and I blame the ref for Australia's loss. Al Baxter was consistently, and unfairly, penalized at scrum-time, when it was clear he was the one binding and New Zealand were the collapsers! Several penalties here turned the game around. But no sour grapes...
I have already picked several South Africans, and their prize is rising (I'm up $600,000 in profit thanks to early selling and buying). I bought Bismark, Spies, Matfield, De Villiers and Steyn to fill out my team already. They're sure starters (with the exception of Pienaar), but it could be I've wasted some transfers -- but the extra cash will be worth it is later rounds.
In other news, New Zealand announced their touring squad for their two South African games. No surprises, except the ommission of Franks and Gear for budgetary reasons. Apparently even sports teams are suffering through the global recession.
New Zealand – Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Tamati Ellison, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu, Rodney So’oialo, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Tanerau Latimer, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche
Edit -- Apologies to anyone who bought Jean De Villiers (like me). He is expected to be warming the bench, unless Adi Jacobs fails a fitness test. Jacque Fourie looks like the better bet at the moment for SA centers, though he is nursing a quad injury... so, take your pick -- maybe you just want to stick with Kiwis for now.
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