Rugby 2009-2010 Thread

[Bad Company]

So given we don't have a rugby thread here, we can use this thread to discuss all rugby. Much like the Americans have with their threads.

So, as far as Southern hemisphere rugby goes. We're about to come into the second to final week of super 14. If you miss the Hurricanes Chiefs game, you're a mug. Chiefs are 3rd and Hurricanes are 1st on the super 14 table. But besides that, it's been such a close competition that at least 6 sides are still in contention, including the defending champions the crusaders, and the original competition leaders the sharks, along with South Africa's traditionally strong side, the bulls.

Today is a great day to post this thread.

As far as NH rugby goes, I saw a kick-off in finals rugby, which disgusted me. Can the NH save itself from my opinion with some input from Teem Sheep, or another knowledgeable rugby fan from the NH?

[Team Sheep]

The Cardiff vs Leicester semi final on Sunday was amazing. Leicester up 26-12, pretty much controlling the game, then in the space of a couple of minutes, Cardiff score 2 converted tries in the corner, and sends the game to extra time and then the place kick shoot out which was absolutely gutting for Martin Williams and Cardiff. But hey, you've gotta decide a winner somehow. That thing probably won't happen again for another 10+ years so they're not going to change the rules on it.

Looking forward to the Lions tour now. Don't know what to expect really.

[Bad Company]

Golden point extra time works for me. Or just extra time, it's what they've decided World Cups with.
Yeah the Lions tour should be interesting, I can't see the Lions coming through with it though. I think their backs are a bit weak. O'Driscoll and Williams can't carry the lot of them.

Mind you, the South Africans are old, and their coach is shit. So who knows.

[Mike the Metal Ed]

I don't care about rugby, even the Tigers, but it was on and yes, the ending to the Cardiff v Leicester match was epic. This should be my last post in this thread. Toodle pipski.

[Team Sheep]

Golden point extra time works for me. Or just extra time, it's what they've decided World Cups with.
Yeah the Lions tour should be interesting, I can't see the Lions coming through with it though. I think their backs are a bit weak. O'Driscoll and Williams can't carry the lot of them.

Mind you, the South Africans are old, and their coach is shit. So who knows.

They did go to extra time for 20 minutes but still no team scored. I agree it's a bit silly when you've got forwards kicking, and flankers missing a penalty to mess it up for the team. But then again a golden point extra time could go on forever, with both teams not having the bollocks to go forward.

I think the Lions will lose 2-1. You just don't know though really, they could gel straight away and be magnificent or just be and absolute flop. New Zealand 2005 was just outstanding :shifty:

[Team Sheep]

Tom Shanklin is now a doubt for the tour so that's a big blow.

[Bad Company]

Final week of the super 14, with 7 sides still in the running for the semis!
Bulls are top of the table, Chiefs second, followed by the Hurricanes and Crusaders. Bloody amazing the Crusaders have been able to fight back like this after their terrible start to the season, and losing so many players.
Big games this weekend, I'll def be watching the Chiefs/Brumbies, Crusaders/Blues, Reds/Hurricanes, Highlanders/Force. Bulls/Sharks is a HUGE one as well.

WEEK 14
85.Friday 15 May Chiefs v Brumbies Hamilton 19:35
86. Friday 15 May Lions v Waratahs Johannesburg 19:10
87. Saturday 16 May Blues v Crusaders Auckland 19:35
88. Saturday 16 May Reds v Hurricanes Brisbane 19:40
89. Saturday 16 May W Force v Highlanders Perth 19:45
90. Saturday 16 May Cheetahs v Stormers Bloemfontein 16:00
91. Saturday 16 May Sharks v Bulls Durban 18:05

[SammyG]

this thread is primed for success.

[Bad Company]

Super 14 semi finals have been decided after an exciting weekend of rugby, with a lot games being decided in the final moments.

Chiefs are playing Hurricanes in Hamilton
Bulls are playing Crusaders in Pretoria

I think the Chiefs will pick up another victory over the Canes, but who really knows with either side.
If anyone is going to beat the Bulls, it's the Crusaders, but I don't think they have the firepower this season.

[Team Sheep]

this thread is primed for success.

Just like the Rams.

[Bad Company]

In contract news.

WILKINSON SIGNS FOR TOULON

England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has joined Toulon from the Newcastle Falcons, the French club said on its website.
Wilkinson, 29, has suffered a succession of injuries since kicking the winning drop goal for England against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final.
He has been sidelined for five months after dislocating his left kneecap during a game with his club.
Toulon have already signed Argentina flyhalf Felipe Contepomi for next season, when they will be coached by former France international Philippe Saint-Andre.
The French club did not elaborate on Wilkinson's contract details.
Club president Mourad Boudjellal has attracted several internationals, including South Africa lock Victor Matfield and former Australia scrumhalf George Gregan, for short spells at the club in recent years.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga coaches Toulon's backs.
Wilkinson is one of 16 new signings by Toulon, who made sure they would still play in the French top flight next season by finishing ninth in the Top 14 this year.
Other signings incluse Scotland wing/fullback Rory Lamont and Contepomi, as well as experienced French scrumhalf Pierre Mignoni and hooker Sebastien Bruno


-------------------


Well, if he can stay fit, he'll certainly do wonders for Toulon, but I can't see him staying fit unfortunately :(


Also


JACK SIGNS FOR WESTERN PROVINCE TO PLAY IN CURRIE CUP


Former Crusaders and All Blacks lock Chris Jack will play in South Africa before he returns to the New Zealand scene.
Jack is taking the long way home after negotiating a new Kiwi deal when his stint with English club Saracens turned sour.
The club has been taken over by South Africans and while he fell out of favour there he has used the South African connections to stitch together a deal that will see him reportedly play the Currie Cup there rather than the Air New Zealand Cup with Canterbury or Tasman.
WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd managing director Rob Wagner confirmed a deal had been negotiated for Jack to be a Western Province player from July 1 until October 31.
Western Province are keen to tap into Jack's vast knowledge sustained from an All Blacks career that brought 67 tests between 2001 and 2007 when he left after the World Cup disaster that year.
"It's very good for us because Chris has a lot of Test and Super 14 experience. He is a very good lock," Wagner told South African media.
"We hope he can perform a similar role as Federico Mendez (former Argentina front-ranker) and Tony Brown (former All Black flyhalf) by helping younger players. We were also looking at it from that angle."
Western Province are looking to increase their depth at lock because they expect to have Andries Bekker on test duties with the Springboks during the Currie Cup and Adriaan Fondse is injured.
Veteran AJ Venter retired after last weekend's Super 14 finished.
"It's wonderful that we are getting Jack," Stormers and WP senior professional coach Rassie Erasmus said.
"We're losing AJ and I think he was a much bigger asset than a lot of people realise. We are replacing him with a quality player and then still have Hilton Lobberts and Martin Muller.
"Jack will not be available for us in next year's Super 14, but we really want to do well in the Currie Cup."
At 30 Jack is still in his prime by tight five standards but he faces a real challenge to reignite his test career.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the 2.02m and 115kg Jack would have to prove himself back home to come into consideration again.
That means he will have to force his way into the 2010 Crusaders on the back of playing for a South African provincial team.
Jack is a Crusaders stalwart, having played 89 games for the red and blacks from 1999 and was a key element in their Super Rugby dominance.
His test tally makes him New Zealand's second most-capped lock behind Ian Jones.
The Crusaders have Brad Thorn as their top lock and have rapidly developed Isaac Ross into a highly talented second rower.
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But they are losing Ross Filipo to a Japanese contract after this year's Super 14.




------------------------


Guess that means I'll actually be watching some Currie Cup this year :D

[Team Sheep]

Wilkinson :nono: He's had about 20 comebacks since 2003. I don't understand why any club would fork out for him now either.

Also, did you hear about Jerry Collins signing for the Neath-Swansea Ospreys. They seriously need to get their act together next season, their squad on paper should be winning Heineken cups.

[Bad Company]

Nah, I hadn't heard about that, but it's good to see him moving on from Toulon. They are shithouse. And he's only 28.
Him and Marty Hollah in the loose would be devastating.

[Bad Company]

Super 14 Final tomorrow morning. Bulls v Chiefs in Pretoria, will be an epic match. But the Bulls are gonna be almost impossible to beat at home.

[Team Sheep]

It's actually on at a normal time over here so I might watch it. Lions kick off their tour in just over an hour. Will be interesting to see how the team gel from the off.

[Ogen]

Feckers mixing the lions game with the fa cup final

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah that's a pain in the arse. I thought the Lions game was 1pm.

[Team Sheep]

Well Keith Earls is test bound.

[Team Sheep]

Super 14 final is a blowout.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

That match was ridiculous, the bulls were unstoppable. My man Bakkies was a force... nevermind Du Preez who just dominated along with Habana... but it's impossible to really single people out because from 1-15 to even the guys who came off the bench it was an all around awesome performance.


Also, the Lions almost shit the bed in their first match in SA, managed to sneak it out in the final 15 (didn't see the game though)

[Bad Company]

Was a shocker. Bulls smashed them. They spent a lot of time offside, but completely outplayed em. I stopped watching it and watched the baa baa's vs england.

[Team Sheep]

Also, the Lions almost shit the bed in their first match in SA, managed to sneak it out in the final 15 (didn't see the game though)

Lee Byrne practically carried the other 14 men to that victory. Pretty embarrassing but I guess it was the first game, and the players have only been together a week. O'Gara is a pussy and Keith Earls should be back in Ireland by now.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Lee Byrne practically carried the other 14 men to that victory. Pretty embarrassing but I guess it was the first game, and the players have only been together a week. O'Gara is a pussy and Keith Earls should be back in Ireland by now.

Poor Keith Earls :( lol

Hopefully they can pull their shit together... I'm a Springbok fan til the death, but noone wants to see a blowout.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Earls hasn't even played a proper test for Ireland really, I am guessing it was mainly nerves at getting a Lions run out.

Lee Byrne was class on Saturday. He and Tommy Bowe have to be starting the tests. I thought O'Gara did pretty well as far as his kicking was concerned.

Shane Williams was poops and hasn't played well in a while, I think Luke Fitzgerald should see his place as up for grabs after the season he has had.

[Bad Company]

The number 7 for the Lions had a strong game.

[Team Sheep]

Martyn Williams never has a bad game, he's a fucking machine.

[WestNZ]

what a bummer aboout the chioefs in the Super 14 final, they got their arses handed to them. but congrats to the Bulls, well played and deserved winners tghey were

[Downunder]

Habana is a pussy, he wears more padding than the Dallas Cowboys.

[WestNZ]

it was sad to see a number 8 outrun a winger to score,

[Bad Company]

Aussie vs Barbarians this weekend, will be fucking sweet.

Not sure about the Aussies but the baa baa's squad is.



Backs: Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & NZ), Doug Howlett (Munster & NZ), Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish & Samoa), Luke McAlister (Sale Sharks & NZ), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps & England), Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers & Ireland), Ian Balshaw (Gloucester & England), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland), Ratu Nasiganiyavi (Waratahs), Justin Marshall (Saracens & NZ), Chris Whitaker (Leinster & Australia)

Forwards: Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks & France), Schalk Brits (Stormers & SA), Clarke Dermody (London Irish & NZ), Greg Somerville (Gloucester & NZ), B J Botha (Ulster & SA), Chris Jack (Saracens & NZ), Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers & England), Jerry Collins (Toulon & NZ), Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia), Serge Betsen (London Wasps & France), Phil Waugh (Waratahs & Australia)

Heaps of great players in there, and a good few kiwis too :D

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

it was sad to see a number 8 outrun a winger to score,

Pierre Spies has legendary speed though, there's no shame in any player getting outrun by him.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And Martyn Williams is indeed a fucking animal.

Also the Lions are LUCKY they are not playing Bulls, it'd be a bad fucking night for them, if they weren't demoralized enough, that'd put a nail in their coffin.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I don't think Martyn Williams played well on Saturday. Not many Lions did really. He and Wallace can and need to play much better.

[Pete Cash]

The biggest interest in that barbarian game is to see if some deranged person (eggbert spam comes to mind) charges onto the field to stab Sonny Bill Williams.

[Team Sheep]

I don't think Martyn Williams played well on Saturday. Not many Lions did really. He and Wallace can and need to play much better.

His work on the floor alone is worth having him on the field.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Not suggesting he should be dropped, just that he must play better than he did on Saturday.

[Team Sheep]

I don't think he played badly, just didn't do much in a poor team performance. Can't wait for tomorrow's game to see if they've settled a bit. It's an exciting team. Hope Heaslip has a strong game.

I just remembered James Hook is on the tour, why? :nono:

[El Capitano Gatisto]

O'Discroll is in for tomorrow night so I think things will automatically be better. Everyone was writing him off in January before the 6 Nations started but he has been absolutely enormous for Ireland and Leinster. Everything so far has just seemed like "his year" and winning a Lions tour would be the hat-trick. Dirty South Africans will probably try to cripple him.

[Team Sheep]

I thought O'Driscoll was past it at the start of the year too after a quiet couple of years but his performances in the Heineken Cup and 6 Nations proved he's still got it. I'm looking forward to Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones as halfbacks, should give the rest of the backs a better platform.

The front row destroyed Royal XV on Saturday but way too many turnovers at the break down. Hopefully they're all acclimatised by now and no doubt Heaslip and Jenkins will play out of their skins.

[Bad Company]

The biggest interest in that barbarian game is to see if some deranged person (eggbert spam comes to mind) charges onto the field to stab Sonny Bill Williams.
Fuck off. Sonny Bill is the man.

[WestNZ]

Pierre Spies has legendary speed though, there's no shame in any player getting outrun by him.

that may be so, but if i were a winger, id feel pretty stink if a big bulky forward out sprinted me, :lol:

[Team Sheep]

Well that performance proved any doubters wrong. What a brilliant all round team performance by the Lions.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah that was a demolition. The play between O'Driscoll, Roberts, Jones and Bowe was lovely. Kearney did well but isn't putting any pressure on Lee Byrne. Good to see Ferris get a try at the end.

[Team Sheep]

Lol I was screaming at Ferris to go all the way, didn't think he was gonna make it. The forwards were awesome, the turnovers at the breakdown were almost non existent and the set plays were smooth. Heaslip and Jenkins tore it up as I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised with James Hook when he came on.

[WestNZ]

Good to see the liions kills the lions, what a match, couldnt take my eyes off the screen

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It was a completely different lineup too. I was happy to see Tom Croft in there.

O'Driscoll made a massive difference from what I saw of the match.

[Bad Company]

Aussie vs Baa Baa's tonight, gonna be an amazing game.

[Bad Company]

And Aussie destroyed them. They look sharp for the first game of the season. Robbie had them really well drilled.

[Sting Fan]

Havent seen it yet BC, any influence on the game from SBW?

The little I saw of him in the Top 14 didnt impress tbh.

[Bad Company]

I'd give him a pass mark, but he's got a long way to go.

[Sting Fan]

I think the whole make him and AB by world cup time movement need to sit down and STFU though.

Hes got some serious competition. Nonu is in great form and has learned to kick, Kahui is solid, Conrad Smith is brilliant and so under rated by the masses because he doesnt just run over people.

If he wants to be in ABs frame by world cup time he really needs to get his ass into an NZ team and put a hit (the mob kind) out on one of those guys at least.

[Bad Company]

So the lions beat a the Sharks B side. Woohoo?

Richard Kahui has been injured in training, and Luke Mccalister has been called in, it'll be interesting to see how he goes given he hasn't played any rugby in NZ for 18 Months.
Rudi Wulf has been injured too, Masanga has been called in, which is freaking sweet, as he had an amazing Super 14, and is an exciting talent.

FRANCE: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Cedric Heymans, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Vincent Clerc, 11 Damien Traille, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Julien Dupuy, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Sylvain Marconnet, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella. Reserves: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Thomas Domingo, 19 Sebastien Chabal, 20 Remy Martin, 21 Julien Puricelli, 22 Dimitri Yachvili, 23 Yannick Jauzion, 24 Alexis Palisson (two to be omitted).

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Lelia Masaga, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 John Afoa, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Cory Jane.

[Team Sheep]

Well you only beat what's put in front of you. Lions dominated from start to finish, they just couldn't finish anything in the first half. Made up for that in the second though. Mike Philips' solo try was awesome. I think McGeechan knows most of his test side now. Hope Roberts' strapping of the shoulder when he came off was just precautionary.

[Sting Fan]

I think the Boks will be to strong for the lions.

I just look at the way the Bulls dominated the S14 final, then add more talent and I know S14 form doesnt always translate but they are just a weel sorted outfit all round.

Good players, decent depth, plenty of hardnosed pack experience with some amazing finishers. Its hard to go past them being the dominant force in World rugby this year. And possibly into the next world cup if most of there older heads last that long.

The only issue could be PDV, that guys absolute nutso I think.

[Bad Company]

The only reason the boks could lose is because of PDV, he's absolute shit.
NZ France tonight, fucken pumped. France doesn't stand a chance. :mad:

[Team Sheep]

NZ France tonight, fucken pumped. France doesn't stand a chance. :mad:

:shifty:

[Sting Fan]

Rough game. And I see people are already jumping off the Mc Allistar bandwagon (I was never on it)

That said I dont think we should rubbish the guy for one screw up, he did ok other than the pass.

TBH if anything I think the fault lies with the Pack tonight. Mealamu, Woodcock, Messam and to a smaller degree Thorn showed up to play, the rest backed down to that French pack.

I say sacrifice some skill in the back row of the pack and put a monster in there (who isnt named Lauaki) Im not a fan of the biff but someone who isnt afraid to get involved and sow a bit of niggle. I didnt see a lot of S14 this year but theres always one bruiser in the squads, surely we have someone there???

I played forward all my time as a player and we all know if the forwards arent moving forward the backs dont stand a chance.

Oh and in the midst of that loss how good is Corey Jane, legend.

p.s. someone shoot Toeava, FFS how hard must he be sucking Henrys Wang to keep his spot???

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Tommy Bowe is the fucking best. Love him.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Williams is playing class as well. Has to be Williams, Heaslip and Wallace next week.

[Sting Fan]

Havent caught any Lions play yet other than highlights but it should be an interesting first game thats for sure.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Wondering whether Kearney could get a place on the wing too after today, he was played well. Shane Williams has been poor for a while now and he doesn't look like coming out of it any time soon. Tommy Bowe and Lee Byrne are certainties, Kearney for the other wing spot maybe. O'Driscoll and Roberts at centre seem certain as well.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Of course Kearney goes off injured as I post that.

[Team Sheep]

I'd like to see Monye, Byrne and Bowe next week. Shane Williams has been shit all season and I think he was just picked in hope that he could come out of his funk on the tour, you couldn't not take him really. Stephen Jones didn't have one of his best games today but I'd still pick him over O'Gara any day. Phillips scrum half, and Roberts and O'Driscall in the centre.

Martyn Williams was amazing today. Powell was much more disciplined as well and didn't just run around and smash into people and lose the ball like a caveman, but Heaslip's got that spot tied up already I think.

[Bad Company]

Fuck

[Sting Fan]

Fuck


ROFL that pretty much sums the game up better than I did.

Lots of whiny bitch syndrome over it though, the same wankers sucking henrys knob last week are now calling for his head. And the Mc Allistar bandwagon looks like it got hit by a scud its so empty.

Fucking winning only supporters. Dont get me wrong I hate to see the ABs lose but the amount of dummy spitting going on from fans is screwed up.

[Bad Company]

Yup, we were just fully outplayed. Game is shit without the ELVs though, fucking Northern Hemisphere.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Province did well against the onslaught all afternoon.

It's really hard to tell how strong the Lions are going to be against the Boks.

[Team Sheep]

Yup, we were just fully outplayed. Game is shit without the ELVs though, fucking Northern Hemisphere.

Can't believe France outplaying New Zealand in New Zealand. Seriously if you guys don't win the next world cup you'll be on the brink of a civil war :$

[Team Sheep]

Province did well against the onslaught all afternoon.

It's really hard to tell how strong the Lions are going to be against the Boks.

People are so quick to bash the Lions saying they don't have a chance of beating the Springboks if they're only beating the provincial teams by a couple of points and whatnot. But the whole starting test team have yet to play together yet, it's all half and half at the moment really. That's the beauty of the tour I guess. Saturday will be very interesting.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah I think that's the whole point, to be honest. It's a quick tour, 2 games per week, so the Test combinations have been tried out and every position is up for grabs but the South Africans don't know exactly what's coming until the Test side is actually named.

[Sting Fan]

That has to be a little concerning though, surely you would want your test team to have a hit out as a group somewhere along the line.

If I was a Lions supporter I wouldnt be worrying about lack of talent more lack of a hit out as a top unit. If they take 20 minutes to get into the game and strike up some good combos SA could and I stress could put 20 Points on them in that time.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah lots of talent, it's just a matter of how they all mesh. The Roberts/O'Driscoll combo is something that needs to be there.

They could come out there and destroy, or they could get completely destroyed.

[Team Sheep]

Yeah they could have all the talent in the world but it all depends on how they gel. 2005 was abysmal, didn't click at all (mostly due to Woodward's fetish with his washed up World cup team).

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

New Zealand seemed shell shocked against France btw. A definite lack of fire power for whatever reason. Really strange to see.

Awesome Haka tho :p

[Sting Fan]

I see they added Kaino and Smith to the team for the 2nd test.

Smith should add a little deception to the backline I think, and he seems to improve nonus game also.

Im not a big Kaino fan but he is a big boy who brings some serious power to the mix. So long as he picks his nuts up and does the hard work he should add to the mix really well. Rather him than Lauaki anyway.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Southern Kings vs. Lions was an absolutely awesome game. Probably the most physical game I've seen in a few years. Great to see some added piss and vinegar in a rugby match like that.

[Team Sheep]

They really took the game to the Lions, I dunno though I thought it was terrible tbh.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

They really took the game to the Lions, I dunno though I thought it was terrible tbh.

Well you were going for the Lions obviously so naturally you'd be disappointed. It was cool to see a South African underdog not back down to a team of what is supposed to be superstars. I mean really, they had no business being in that game at all... but really, the just smashed their way into it... and as a second row forward I love that shit.

I love how Andy Powell is supposed to be a hardman, as far as I'm concerned he's a lot of talk, because he spent most of the game getting fucking flattened. Fuckin douchebag

[Team Sheep]

Yeah it was disappointing as a Lions fan but really I thought it was a scrappy game when both sides had the ball. Physical as fuck though, you're right they were in that game based on grit and intensity.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah it was disappointing as a Lions fan but really I thought it was a scrappy game when both sides had the ball. Physical as fuck though, you're right they were in that game based on grit and intensity.

No doubt it was scrappy. But when the physicallity takes over like that, the game is going to be scrappy.

There were odd flashes of brilliance... Mpho Mbyozo or whatever the fuck his name is looks to be a brand new threat that could be a prospective springbok... Francois Hougard (the scrummy) made some noise as a prospect as well (not for the boks but just as a threat in general).

Keith Earls stepped it up BIG time for the Lions, had some great runs. Ronan O'Gara managed to keep a cool head in the madness. You can't really take too much out of the scrums, the Kings clearly were outweighed by about 200 pounds, and clearly just outclassed. The ref was a big douche about it too.

Also, you had to like Wilie Human's big tackle followed by the mean mug of the century, followed by asking for his asthma puffer (you probably got different feed of the match I dunno lol).

[Team Sheep]

Yeah I thought Nigel Owens had a bad game as ref. The poofter's usually pretty decent.

[Bad Company]

Stoked we beat the French, shit match though.

[Sting Fan]

Stoked we beat the French, shit match though.


But still the crying continues about how close it was etc.

My god some people in this country need to have a nice refreshing glass of harden the fuck up. Its pro sport and yet we lose one game and people are calling for Henrys head, even after this win people still are crying.

We are turning into a nation of whinging little bitches.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

wow Boks vs. Lions turned into a nail biter. Adam Jones is definitely going to be starting at prop now and that is a worry, as soon as he came in, there was a big difference in the scrums.

Other than that, Peter De Villiers is a fucking idiot. He subbed about every single possible player on the field and almost blew the game. He's lucky they were able to get Smit back on the field to rally the troops.

Great game, great win for the Boks... great 2 way refereeing by Bryce Lawrence, and I was expecting much, much worse from him.

[Sting Fan]

Was a great end to the Lions game I agree.

Was hard for me, didnt know who to root for. Usualy I take the Boks after the ABs but PDV is such a tool it makes me want to see them lose.

[Bad Company]

Now we've gone back to the old rules around scrummaging it's almost ruined the game.
There's no reason for collapsed scrums and incorrect binds to be a penalty, the free kick system was great. Although it's great that the NH sides were the ones who didn't want to play them. And those rules pretty much cost the lions the match.

[Bad Company]

NZ FUCK YEAH!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/2521772/French-player-Mathieu-Bastareaud-bashed

Fucking morons, hope they find them and string them up.

[Sting Fan]

Pretty fucking sad. It really does go hand in hand with the whiny penis attitude we are starting to have to losing however.

Also BC did you see Zac Guilfords dad died at the u20 WC final? Pretty sad story really even though they won.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Great job by emergin boks. Not a good game to watch aesthetically but still some thunderous tackling and test match intensity... just awful fucking conditions.

Vermuillen, Daisel and Potgeiter all made cases for themselves to be definite future Boks, and I'd go as far as to say they should already be on the squad.

[Bad Company]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/2537865/Mathieu-Bastareaud-lied-about-Wellington-attack

Fucking pussy.

[Sting Fan]

I cant beleive that shit, hopefully it comes out one of the girls smacked him and broke his eye socket.

[Team Sheep]

Lol my mate told me this earlier. What a twat. Fucking pussy French.

[Team Sheep]

God what a game.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Ubelievable test. Total war. Good on the Lions for bring it to the Boks, tough luck. I'm happy though lol.

Peter De Villiers is a twat. So is Schalk Burger, I love the guy and all, but what a fucking asshole.

[Team Sheep]

Adam Jones had "The Beast" in his pocket all afternoon. Fucking heartbreaking way to lose, when Jenkins and Jones went off that was where it started to go wrong as we had the South Africans totally rattled up front, the uncontested scrums was a blessing for them. You could tell they weren't happy at all until about the final quarter, the injuries were ridiculous! That game had everything though and the Lions definitely won a lot of respect after last week. Fucking shame we couldn't have salvaged something to make next week mean something though, damn you Ronan O'Gara!! :P

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Adam Jones had "The Beast" in his pocket all afternoon. Fucking heartbreaking way to lose, when Jenkins and Jones went off that was where it started to go wrong as we had the South Africans totally rattled up front, the uncontested scrums was a blessing for them. You could tell they weren't happy at all until about the final quarter, the injuries were ridiculous! That game had everything though and the Lions definitely won a lot of respect after last week. Fucking shame we couldn't have salvaged something to make next week mean something though, damn you Ronan O'Gara!! :P

I wouldn't say Adam Jones dominated the Beast though. I mean he got the one penalty on him but other than that they were fairly even. Adam Jones is a quality scrummager though, probably tops in the world. Woulda loved to see him go up against a prime Os Du Randt (who was actually his best in the latter stages of his career). Credit Botha though for taking him out of the game, because as you said the game changed around when him and Jenkins came off. Botha NAILED him in a ruck, and for once it was clean (lol I love Bakkies more than my family but he's known to dabble on wrong side of the law from time to time :p)

lol there's a reason the injuries piled up though, it was a physical match, and even though the Boks were rattled, they were up to the challenge. Jon Smit is a great leader and he managed to keep the lads togehter.

Andrew Sheridan vs. Bakkies Botha all game was fun to watch, and you could tell they were both enjoying themselves, it's always great to see that kind of stuff.

Heinrich Broussouw was UNBELIEVABLE. He did more in 20 minutes than the Bok loose forwards (apart from Spies) did all fucking game. How he a) wasn't starting and b) had Dani Roussouw come off the bench ahead of him is beyond me. Peter De Villiers is a complete hack. I hate him.

Brian O'Driscoll is pure class and tough as nails, some of the tackles he made today were awe inspiring. He took out Roussouw, offside or not, it says a lot for a center to take out a lock/flank like that.

Jamie Roberts however was a little quiet. The Boks managed to shut him up.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

oops, I guess some people didn't think botha's hit on jones was legal... he got cited. Meh, it's bullshit, it's a ruck in a rugby match not a tickling competition.

[Team Sheep]

Yeah they were doubling up on Roberts all game this week as the Boks were cut open a few times in the center last week. Kearney was class. Glad that dirty cunt Burger was spotted. Gotta say though I do love seeing South African players and fans get riled up when things aren't going their way :p both the team and the fans were throwing their dummies out the pram a few times :lol: They really hate when their "untouchable" status is threatened, it's a religion to those people. But nah I'm just being a petty fan, all credit to them for ultimately coming back and winning as a lot of teams would have just folded, just fucking gutted really. The injuries killed us in the end. Won't forget that game for a long time.

[Team Sheep]

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said not only should Burger not have been sent off but he should not have been shown a card of any colour.

"I don't think it should have been a card at all," De Villiers said.

"For me and for everybody, this is sport. This is what it is all about. This is great if everything is clear cut in this environment we are in we shouldn't try to prepare even.

"What people think and what people say to us is their opinion and we honour their opinion but it doesn't mean we all agree with it."



:wtf: Off his head that guy.

[Bad Company]

lol, de villiers is a nut.
Amazing game though. Better than NZ anyway :|

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Incredible match yesterday. Hard to criticise anyone really, except for O'Gara who is a knob. He was a little bit unlucky to gett done for taking the man out but then why didn't he just jump? If he'd jumped as well it would have been ok.

Rob Kearney was a machine. That's the best performance I've ever seen from him. He looked world class.

[Team Sheep]

I know I don't get why he just stood there. No idea what he was playing at really. Not gonna go and say that he cost us the game but fucking hell. I think he's past it at international level now tbh, he's so weak in defence too. That Sexston should come through as the Irish fly half, he was quality for Leinster this season.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah he got clobbered when missing the tackle for SA's 3rd try. Not happy with him, he's a different player for Munster and I've never really trusted him for Ireland. Sexton has been impressive, really glad he stepped up in the latter stages of the Heineken Cup and was probably MoM in the final. Shows he has guts, something I think O'Gara has always lacked.

[Sting Fan]

Im with ECG and think he was a bit hard done by tbh, wasnt like he really made any great effort to hurt the jumper.

But I think he (Ref) gave out a few like that didnt he? So at least it was consistent that if you infringe in the slightest on the jumping player you know your gonna get done.

I was more impressed with the Boks kicking tbh, I know they missed a couple early but my god some of those shots were monsters.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Pienaar's kicking was absolutely shit yesterday. I'd have taken him off and just told Du Preezs to do fly and scrum half, pretty much was anyway.

[Bad Company]

Jonah Lomu to sign with Marseille Vitrolles.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10581331

Well, I thought the big guy was done. Welcome back, again.

[Team Sheep]

Might sell a few shirts for the minnow I guess.

[Bad Company]

He should play in the loose forwards.

[Bad Company]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/2549082/Banned-Burger-to-miss-Tri-Nations-games

Burger banned for 8 weeks. Serves him right. PDV should be banned as well for supporting it.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Pienaar's kicking was absolutely shit yesterday. I'd have taken him off and just told Du Preezs to do fly and scrum half, pretty much was anyway.

Morne Steyn will do just fine in the position. Never mind his kicking against the Lions, He kicked 4 drop goals in the super 14 semi finals. He's unreal.

[Downunder]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/2549082/Banned-Burger-to-miss-Tri-Nations-games

Burger banned for 8 weeks. Serves him right. PDV should be banned as well for supporting it.

Fucking right too the dirty cunt.

[Team Sheep]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/2549082/Banned-Burger-to-miss-Tri-Nations-games

Burger banned for 8 weeks. Serves him right. PDV should be banned as well for supporting it.

Damn right. Though I don't understand why Quinlan got 12 weeks and Burger gets off with 8. :?:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Damn right. Though I don't understand why Quinlan got 12 weeks and Burger gets off with 8. :?:

Yeah I'm a little confused by that myself.

What's confusing me even more is how Botha got 2 weeks for a clean ruck. :?:

[El Capitano Gatisto]

With Quinlan too I think Leo Cullen even came out and said he thought it was accidental. I didn't see the incident, so can't comment. Is a bit strange.

[Team Sheep]

I think Burger's gouge looked much worse too, for what it's worth.

Just saw the Botha hit again and I gotta admit that is harsh. Can't see much wrong with it tbh, it's a ruck so you don't have to wrap your arms around like you're making a tackle right? Is he appealing?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The Boks are thinking about appealing. But really, he's only going to miss the last test against the Lions, which he should probably not play anyway. So it'd be pointless... it's more the principle of the matter.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

If Botha got cited for that why not O'Driscoll for his hit on Rousso.

[Team Sheep]

Haha yeah. Some fucked up stuff this is. And who was the fella who went for someone's balls? Can't remember now.

[Bad Company]

Sheridan,
Parisse (Italian skipper) got banned for 8 weeks for eye gouging vs the All Blacks.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10581242

Also. Whiny Penis attempts suicide.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/2551506/Bastareaud-attempted-suicide-reports

[Team Sheep]

This eye gouging shit is getting pretty sick. If all these pro's are doing it then amateurs are going to follow as it's gotta be easy as fuck to get away with on the park on a Saturday afternoon at the bottom of a ruck.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Bastereaud is in a mental hospital lol, what an idiot

[WestNZ]

Sad that that ass Frog player had to lie like that, what sort of a reputation did he give the New Zealand public after a stunt like that

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

LOL man I hate Peter De Villiers as a coach, and even kind of as a person. But I will say one thing about him, he is a funny (unintentionally so) fucker

credit this to rugbyrugby.com

Rugby Rugby's Jan de Koning takes a look at the strained relationship between Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and the media, as well as his often used muddled and synesthetic metaphors.

Love him or hate him, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is a colourful character. At Monday's media gathering at the South African team's hotel the Bok coach was at his most entertaining (or irritating, depending on your view) best.

There is no doubt De Villiers has a strained relationship with the media and, despite his public utterances to the contrary, he does read and care what they say about him.

How else would you explain his numerous public and private run-ins with members of the media.

It is a fact that De Villiers declined the opportunity for 'media training' and elocution lessons - which could smooth over his relationship with the media.

He has also declined to have a translator at his side at media gatherings, which would allow him to speak in his first language - Afrikaans. This is common practice for many teams - like the French and Argentineans.

Having had the 'privilege' to be at a media conference conducted mainly in Afrikaans, it is easy to see how much more comfortable he is when speaking in his first language. The same applies when you have a one-on-one interview with him.

You sometimes get the idea that De Villiers deliberately provokes the media with his muddled speech. He appears to enjoy the attention and the reaction he gets.

He is fond of his metaphors, but as members of the press corps have suggested, you often need to decipher De Villiers.

However, this week he will have to explain himself in a private conversation with South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins - the very man that once famously said De Villiers was appointed for "reasons other than rugby".

It has been suggested that this conversation, between Hoskins and De Villiers, will not be a serious ticking off, maybe just a quiet chat to pull the Bok mentor back in line and give him some "guidance".

The sad part is that the South African media has not been nearly as brutal in portraying De Villiers in a bad light as has been the case with the international media - especially this week when they have jumped at the opportunity to portray him as a person who condones eye-gouging.

The problem is that, because of his limited linguistics skills when speaking English, he fails to get his message across to members of the international media - who don't have the same insight into his confused grammatical ways. I know, as an Afrikaans speaking person, exactly how easy it is to get it wrong.

But it is De Villiers's choice to decline training and, as a result, he must bear the consequences.

But back to Monday's comedy show - or media ruck - when the British and Irish press tried their utmost to provoke the Bok mentor. At times they succeeded.

You can't recreate the atmosphere and the buzz every time De Villiers said something strange or confusing.

What we will do is put in print a few of his best metaphoric attempts at answering media questions and hopefully the readers will also be entertained - or irritated, again depending on your view.

Here are a few of De Villiers' most entertaining answers:

Asked about the prevalence and increased incidents of eye gouging around the world:
De Villiers: "I'm against anything that's not in the spirit of the game, anything. We won't go to that lows of being negative, in such a positive game that we have. We've got brilliant players in this country, they are world class, most of them. To try and even prepare them to do little small things that belong outside in the Bushveld - if we want eye gouge any Lion we will go down to the Bushveld, then we eye gouge them and see if we can outrun them or they haul us in. But we will never, never encourage anybody to be part of negative or anything that brings the game into disrepute."

De Villiers was asked, repeatedly, whether he still feels that flank Schalk Burger was not guilty of eye gouging. He was also asked if he had seen the TV evidence:
De Villiers: "Schalk's nature and character is - if you know the man like I know him - he won't ever ... he is too physical, he is more physical than any player in the world - to go to that kind of message to show he is the boss on the rugby field. He will never, ever do it and I don't think he did it, but we stand and abide by what's happened there [at the judiciary]. So eye gouging is something that we as a team, and especially me, will definitely - as biting, as head butting, as spear tackling, all those things that don't belong in the game. We want to promote this game amongst our youth, we want everybody to see how passionate we are about this game and we want to bring that passion about in our country. We want this game to be the biggest nation-building tool that there ever can be and by encouraging stuff like that we will be fighting a lost cause - so, I will never, ever be part of something like that. I'm telling you, I watched the TV footage, I'm not saying anything - because it is against what we decided as a team. I watched the TV footage and I am still convinced there was nothing that he went on purpose - when he saw the footage it was something that he was 'yoh' [taken aback], but he never meant to go into anybody's eye. I abide by what we said and will wait for the report."

Asked if he thought stiffer penalties will discourage acts like these - also spear tackling:
De Villiers: "I'm part of this lovely game and I'm very honoured to be part of this lovely game and there are some things I will enhance while I'm part of this lovely game - negativity is not one of those things. I don't make the laws, I don't write the books, about [the length of] sentences, I only abide by them. I don't appoint judicial officers, I don't always agree with them, but then again I'm part of the system and if you can't work within the system, if you want to have your own system, create your own world. So, there's a lot of things that I don't like in life, but while I'm part of this world I have to adjust to make it work."

Asked how he thought Burger's fingers make contact with Fitzgerald's eye:
De Villiers: "Some of us have a hearing problem. I said, that we stand as a group by what the team said - we are waiting for report and if the report comes out and by any means says that Schalk is guilty of eye gouging then we just have to abide by that. I believe it won't be the case, but we stand by that. We are waiting for the report and then I can answer your questions, I can't give you any answer without the report. [It was then suggested he was ducking the issue]: I'm not ducking the issue. It is just that I am working in the system, I'm not like you [the media] that have no system, you can work wherever you want to work. We are working in a system where we wait until the report has been tabled, then we will react. We are waiting for the report se we can dissect it word for word and then come to you with an informed answer and then we don't misunderstand each other again."

Asked if he had spoken to Burger about the incident:
De Villiers: "We are not cross with each other. We sat down at breakfast this morning, we sat down last night until 12.12 [just after midnight Sunday] waiting for them to finish [at the hearing]. So, ja, I have spoken to him and as I expected, he is an honourable man. If you take him way from rugby he will be the best person to have him around you."

Asked, based on his statement that Burger is an honourable man, if he felt that would be strong enough to overturn an appeal:
De Villiers: "What we must understand here, very, very clearly, is rugby is a contact sport and so is dancing. So guys who can't take it, make the decision. If you guys are really clued up with this game, there was so much incidents that we can say we want to cite this guy for maliciously jumping into a guy's face with his shoulder and stuff like that ... why didn't we do it? The reason why we don't do stuff like that is this game will always be a game to us and sometimes you get away with things that you don't even mean - sometimes you make decisions that's right and wrong and you get away with it and we are so part, and honoured to be part of it. If we are going to win games in boardrooms and in front of television cameras like this and think we should go shop and say to ourselves, do we really respect this game that we really honour so much and the passion we have for it - do we really want to be part of it. And if this case that we are going on now, why don't we all go to the nearest ballet shop, get some nice tutus, get a great dancing show going on - no eye gouging, no tackling, no nothing and then we'll enjoy it. But in this game there will be collisions and the guy who wins the collision the hardest, that's the guy we will always select. And if we are going to make it soft and we won a Test series and people don't like it, I can't do anything about it."

Asked about criticism from the South African media and suggestions that he (De Villiers) is the weakest link in the Bok team:
De Villiers: "I'm not disappointed with them [the media]. Everybody in life has an opinion. I don't react to opinions, I react on fact. If people think I am the weakest link, then we are bloody strong! I didn't know about the perception, and I do not even have time to think about it. I know myself that I am a God-given talent. I am the best ever that I can be, so whatever you think about me doesn't bother me. I know what I am, and I don't give a damn."

On the suggestion - from the Lions management - that the Springboks were lucky to win the first two Tests:
De Villiers: "I always describe lucky as getting into a bar and somebody hits you and misses, that's lucky. But if there's 80 minutes to play a game in and you at the end of the day look at the scoreboard and you are ahead, I think that is character more than luck. So people would say that our luck gives a new dimension to character."

[Bad Company]

lol fuck he's an idiot.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

"I know myself that I am a god given talent".

I'll say one thing, at least he'll be one of Rugby's unique characters, to say the least. Too bad he doesn't know how to coach in a game.

Also, shouldn't Heiny Brussouw be starting over Burger anyways, regardless of eye gouge or not. And shouldn't Dewald Potgeiter be starting? I don't get it. I mean an international squad should be a team of players who are on form, not players who are of the old guard, just because they've been there. Dewald Potgeiter right now, is a better flank than Juan Smith, and Heinrich Brussouw is better than Schalk Burger.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The thing is with Potgeiter and Brussouw are those are two guys who don't focus on all that filthy bullshit that a Schalk Burger does. I'll never doubt Schalky's commitment but he is just too focusd on being "That" goon. It takes away from his game. Also, the physical style he plays has cuahgt up to him if you ask me. He's still a workhorse and he's still phenomenal but there's no doubt he's lost a step and doesn't QUITE have the same impact he used to.

In Potgeiter and Brussouw you have two guys that can flatout CHANGE a match. If you don't belive me, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Brussouw has 3 performances against the lions already where he essentially dominated them. Turnover ball all game. He almost got the cheetahs a win, in the first test the boks weren't the same when he came off, and when he came on in the last 20 minutes with Morne Steyn, the entire match changed. He got 3 KEY turnovers in 20 minutes, it was un fucking believable.

As far as Potgeiter, the guy is just unreal. Not the biggest (much like Broussouw) even though he's about 220 pounds. He is however the definition of workhorse, he's all over the field, he makes try saving tackles, he takes ANYONE on, he's a natural born leader. The effort he put in against the chiefs in the S14 finals was unholy. As far as I was concerned he deserved a spot on the Boks after that match. And then the Emerging Boks drawing the lions was another story. He completely led his team from the front. It was unbelievable, I don't there was a passage of 1 minute where you didn't see him involved.

Now Heiny's got a start pending, and Dewald is on the bench for the Boks. Both should have been starting in the first place. I'm hoping Dewald gets in and steals the show like he can. Guys like these 2 are great for the game. Classy and hardworking. They are the future of rugby and South African rugby.

[Bad Company]

Lions really kept SA shut out in that match, thought SA might have got back into it before that intercept. But that was it.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Good series, good match for the Lions to end on. It was closely fought and 3 great games to watch.

Unlike the NZ series which was abysmal.

[Bad Company]

Fuck yeah, absolutely horrible rugby. Pretty happy we've got mccaw, soialo, sivivatu back for the tri-nations. But still missing a decent 10.

[Sting Fan]

Not a bad Lions tour I feel.

However a few brits talking up the Lions now and havent they only won 2 tests in the last 3 tours?

Not knocking them but the writers, I even saw a pommie column claiming the lions were more relevant to world rugby than any national team.

[Team Sheep]

Watched the Lions game in Tenerife, and what a great performance. A very enjoyable tour over all, and definetely brought some pride back to the jersey after the New Zealand debacle.

[WestNZ]

That stupid SAF coach, sayiong that eye gouging was a part of a contact sport. I feel like going up to that stupid fuck and raking his eyes and we will see if he is still saying that afterwards.

[Sting Fan]

That stupid SAF coach, sayiong that eye gouging was a part of a contact sport. I feel like going up to that stupid fuck and raking his eyes and we will see if he is still saying that afterwards.

I always pictured you as a bit of an eye gougher mark, anything to get the job done lol :D

[Gray]

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Ow?

[Bad Company]

Huge test match tonight. NZ vs Aus, NZ has been doing it tough in their last 3 matches, while the aussies have looked well structured, but certainly not their best form.
NZ hasn't lost to Aus at Eden park since the 80s, so would be nice to keep that record up.
I say NZ by 2.

[Team Sheep]

I hate Australian commentators, adding their sound effects to everything. It's like listening to fan zone.

[Team Sheep]

Huge test match tonight. NZ vs Aus, NZ has been doing it tough in their last 3 matches, while the aussies have looked well structured, but certainly not their best form.
NZ hasn't lost to Aus at Eden park since the 80s, so would be nice to keep that record up.
I say NZ by 2.

Be interesting to see if NZ can keep it together. Should be a hell of a game.

[Bad Company]

Owned em, especially around the ruck and maul.

Richie McCaw is GOD.

[Bad Company]

Fucking pathetic, I'm looking at you Jason Eaton, go back to club rugby.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Heinrich Brussouw is THE NEXT BIG THING w00t

[Team Sheep]

England get the 2015 World Cup and Japan get 2019.

[Team Sheep]

England will be using Anfield, Old Trafford, St James' Park, St Mary's and the Emirates stadiums among others. That's pretty cool.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

All Blacks= outclassed? I think so.

[Bad Company]

We can't even pass, catch, and kick the ball.
lol @ 8 penalties though, bring back the ELVs

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

We can't even pass, catch, and kick the ball.
lol @ 8 penalties though, bring back the ELVs

Sour grapes. the penalties came from pressure.

[Team Sheep]

Fucking hell New Zealand.

South Africans are the best chasers in the world.

[Sting Fan]

Gotta hand it to the Boks they are getting the wins, and at the end of the day thats what counts.

Lots of talent in that ABs squad but fuck all composure atm. Wallabies vs. Boks will be interesting.

I havent seen Fixtures for the Tri nations this year, are the Boks coming to NZ? Because away games are the ones you gotta win to win the comp.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Gotta hand it to the Boks they are getting the wins, and at the end of the day thats what counts.

Lots of talent in that ABs squad but fuck all composure atm. Wallabies vs. Boks will be interesting.

I havent seen Fixtures for the Tri nations this year, are the Boks coming to NZ? Because away games are the ones you gotta win to win the comp.

They'll be away from home. I agree with what you're saying but at the same time they prevented New Zealand from getting any bonus points, so all they'll need is to lose within 7 and not allow NZ to score 4 tries in a win, and they have it won. In saying that, the Boks still have to deal with the Wallabies.

[Sting Fan]

Yeah watching the news tonight amongst all the fire henry crap I had a quiet thought to myself about bonus points.

Even one point from the republic tour might have made a massive difference.

A bit of emotion behind Aus to with Deans dad dying, might hurt them disrupted buildup etc, or it might stiffen there resolve a bit.

You can never tell with the bloody aussies.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Dusted them Aussies, good times :cool:

[Bad Company]

So boring, you guys remind me of the 2003 English side.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

So boring, you guys remind me of the 2003 English side.

And you remind me of any poor NZ side... a bunch of whiney p33ns. :p

Gameplans are gameplans man. They put pressure on the opposition defensively, they force them to make errors, they dominate posession and lineouts and they take their points.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And I don't know maybe it's the tight forward in me, but I see nothing wrong with winning based on raw physicallity.

[Bad Company]

Boring

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

pwnage

[Sting Fan]

It is boring as bat shit, but winning is winning.

Cant deny that.

[Team Sheep]

This Tri Nations has been boring as fuck as a neutral. But credit to SA, they know how to win games. It's weird, they just sort of run away with games without you even noticing. You just know after about 20 minutes in they're not going to lose.

[Bad Company]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/2735985/Dan-Carter-rejoins-All-Blacks

Carter back for NZ

Also, his girlfriend Honor Dillon is smokin'

[Sting Fan]

I dont know if he will make that much of a difference, although he had a few good dabs for the Cantabs the other night.

Just seems like theres to much other stuff were not doing right. However sometimes one thing going right that wasnt has a flow on effect.

And like the guy or not (I dont) hes got ice in his veins, maybe that coolness under pressure will rub off on a few others.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, we need new coaches, but it's too late now, we gave our best coach to Aussie.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It's magical for South Africans tho :D

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The Lions Tests were mroe exciting though. Because they actually played with some piss and vinegar.

[Sting Fan]

Yeah, we need new coaches, but it's too late now, we gave our best coach to Aussie.


He isnt exactly destroying the Rugby world from Aus.

I think people need to stop sucking Deans nuts until he actualy wins a few games.

I think its amazing we lose because our coaches suck, yet when Deans loses the players didnt try hard enough. Would we be ok with Deans losing all the time if he was ABs coach? Or would all the knucle draggers be calling for his head to?

No Offense BC just really sick of all the negative BS when we lose a few. We are such bad sports.

[Bad Company]

I just think our game plan is too predictable, and they're worring too much about attacking rather than territory, kicking, and our hands. We need to start doing those right, and the gameplan doesn't currently allow for that.

[Sting Fan]

I agree, but at some point you have to say the players arent implementing the game plan as well.

Surely the plan wasnt to attack from inside our own half and run the ball every time we had it. I just dont beleive a coach would use that plan against SA. And I dont believe players would follow that without question.

Were taking poor options. As isay im not a Carter fan but he is cool under pressure and takes good options. He might well have a great effect on all this.

[Bad Company]

Oh yeah, I mean we lost all over the park, I think the luxury of halfbacks is a joke, as neither cowan nor leonard have fired, and you know it's dodgy when Weepu is your best option, despite the fact Henry isn't bothered playing him.
Nonu has been quiet, mostly because the halves haven't been distributing the ball, and his kicking game isn't up to it at the moment, and I think we need that kicking game at 2nd five. Smith has been great though.

[Sting Fan]

Yeah Smith is brilliant. I cant believe there are still dropkicks out there calling for him to be dropped.

Nonu could do with some bench time to show him hes not irreplacable but he hasnt looked bad. It was invitable defences would find ways to shut him down and the fact hes such a threat is often what gives Smith his room I feel.

I dont understand why Weepu is a specialist bench player yet Henry pretty much acknowledges hes the best we have at the moment.

And WTF is Joe Rockokoko and Toeava doing near an ABs jersey at all.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Sivivatu has been shit as well. Brad Thorne was totally quiet in both tests against the Boks... he's been out gunned by Botha and obviously Isaac Ross is not ready to deal with Mr. Matfield in the lineouts. Rockocoko is lost out there, not a brain in his fucking head. Nonu's been figured out.

The one thing that the NZ boys have been very good at is the scrums and they should really expose the Boks in that department. But I feel as though the Boks know that the scrum is their weakness and are prepared to deal with the consequences. But Woodcock is a great scrummager and so is Owen Franks who I think earned himself a spot in the losing efforts. A shame to lose Mealamu because Hore has been fucking terrible, it's not that I think he's a bad player, more, his confidence is just totally shot.

What shocked me was how Brussow outplayed McCaw AND George Smith. We'll see how he does on the road, but I remember watching something on Youtube about he he's been giving McCaw a run for his money even since the Super 14 this year. Spies outplayed Soia'alo (pardon the spelling :p), dunno if it was because Spies played well or Rodney was shite. Kaino is kind of just there filling space, Juan Smith is much better than him.

Also I must agree with you guys, Conrad Smith is shit hot, a massive threat, he made the Boks look retarded on that one try he scored.

Weepu should definitely be started but I feel as though his fitness is in question? He seems a little pudgey... correct me if I'm wrong?

However it's going to be a different story when the Boks are travelling. The ABs are goin to have the home field advantage and their going to be blood thirsty, and these "new improved" Boks are untested on the road. So we must wait and see.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Actually has Sivivatu even been playing because I get him confused with Big Joe all the fucking time.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, Sivivatu has been playing, and everyone thinks he's shit, but I rate him, and think he looks fucking dangerous every time he has the ball. Too bad he's a one man band at the moment.

[Sting Fan]

Sivi has been pretty good IMO, always looks dangerous and breaks the first tackle but never seems to have any support lately.

I dont think Fitness is an issue for Weepu GDN, hes always been a bit pudgy but his workrate doesnt seem to drop over a full 80 at provincial and S14 level. I know International is faster paced but its the only comparison I can make.

Thorne did ok IMO, but once again hes bloody lonely as far as bruisers go. And Soialo (sp?) is not in his best form. Even if he was though Spies is a monster, probably the best 8 getting around in world rugby IMO.

Kaino is very hit and miss, some days super physical and perfect back up to Thorne, other days he doesnt exist. I think they should put Read there just because hes consistent if not amazing every time. TBH the AB loose trio still has a long way to go. They look far from there imposing best and a lot of the teams performances come back to that I feel.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

At the same time though I think the Boks must be credited for their performances, clinical and disciplined.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

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:D

[Bad Company]

What a game!
Now that's how you play rugby. Aussie and NZ, though they were gonna win at half time, 12-3 up, pretty much equal as fuck till the last moment. Awesome. Fucking Carter is the man. So is Sivivatu, Ross, Thorne, Mccalister, they all had an awesome game too. Cowan picked it up in the 2nd half, awesome footy.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

What a game!
Now that's how you play rugby. Aussie and NZ, though they were gonna win at half time, 12-3 up, pretty much equal as fuck till the last moment. Awesome. Fucking Carter is the man. So is Sivivatu, Ross, Thorne, Mccalister, they all had an awesome game too. Cowan picked it up in the 2nd half, awesome footy.

It was exciting but not awesome. Neither team played well. Both put in massive efforts but neither did anything awe inspiring.

[Bad Company]

South Africa plays boring shit rugby. That was a fucking rollercoaster. What a match.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

South Africa plays boring shit rugby. That was a fucking rollercoaster. What a match.

Yeah I guess it does suck when you're losing

[Sting Fan]

How have the last ten years been for you as an SA Fan?

(seeing as were gonna drag this into petty crap)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Meh I'm fine with it, but my main man James (Whom I heart dearly) is being a prick :p.

The past ten years have actually been fun, I've watched a team grow a great deal. Ups and downs, getting stuck by the ABs and wallabies, sometimes sticking it to the wallabies and ABs, I love the rivalries personally, it's what sports are all about. I stuck out watching the fucking atrocious Rudey Strauli Boks and then saw how much better (yet still developing) they became under Jake White.

However now SA is winning in James is being a suck and not acknowledging how well the Boks are playing. When Aussie and NZ were sticking it to the Boks I never complained about how Aussie and NZ played, I took my lumps and watched it, and blamed the Boks for losing. I didn't piss and moan about Aussie or NZ winning like someone is doing about the Boks.

Fact is they're playing efficient rugby, they can win without the ball and they have unbelievable defense and are superior to both the Wallabies and the ABs in the lineout and in the breakdown and under the high ball. In can all change in an instant but at the end of it I'm not gonna whinge like you boys :p

Fact remains, I enjoyed watching Aussies and NZ but they were 2 VERY vulnerable teams playing one another. There were holes all over the place in both sides. Australia was ill-disciplined, New Zealands handling and timing was fucking terrible, there was a lot of pointless fucking kicking and the lineouts were scrappy.

I will never say it was a bad game, it wasn't. I respect all those players and everyone on the field showed courage and heart. Stephen Moore showed me a hell of a lot, I gained tons of respect for him. Rocky Elsom although kind of an idiot with his bad discipline showed why he is one of the top tough guys in the game, and showed balls of steal. Mils Muliaina was fucking fantastic, Isaac Ross is developing quite well, McCaw is losing a few steps but he still is extremely courageous, as is Dan Carter who I think is pure class.

I can see this shit fairly objectively especially considering I bleed green and gold, I think it was a good game but neither team played well at all. The way I can relate it, is kind of like Griffin vs. Bonnar in the UFC when they fought for the first time. Neither guy brought their 'a' game, there wasn't top skill in that fight but it was still a brutal brawl and still blood and guts, neither guy had any skills other than hear that were impressive it was just the will to compete.

When it comes down to it right now, the Boks are better than both these teams and in saying that I realize they can totally fuck up and lose on the road, but if they play like they have (their boring shit terrible rugby that keeps winning games) they're going to keep winning. The fucked up thing is they have played nowhere close to their potential, they have not played their best and have coasted to fairly comfortable victories.

[Bad Company]

I agree, and yeah, it is nicer when you win. Boks still suck. :p

[Sting Fan]

Cmon GDN thatys not fun dude :p

But seriously your right, the Boks are a step ahead, im not gonna deny that.

I just wish they would play a little more openly at times. I dont want them to turn into England.

That said winning is winning and they have done a good job of convertain back to this style of rugby after the ELVs something Aus and NZ havent done well.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

One man's crap rugby is another man's entertaining rugby. There's no use in playing expansive rugby against teams whose defenses can handle any bit of rugby you try to play. Instead they are able to win the match without a ton of ball but purely based on defense and territory. I don't view myself as a purest or anything, but I find their tireless work at the breakdown and their undying effort in defense very entertaining. They all hit insanely hard, and now they have brussow who's been outgunning Smith and McCaw in at being a fetcher. He doesn't get penalized nearly as much as his Australasian counterparts (at least so far).

Their lineouts are un fucking believable, and Fourie Du Preez is the best scrum half in the game and his box kick is sickitating. The reason I find it entertaining is because the Boks actually efficiently execute their gameplan whereas right now, Aussie and NZ just seem lost out there, which is so strange especially from the all blacks.

Also, that try Smit set matfield up with was a thing of beauty, so it's not like they can't play expansive rugby, they are just conservative with picking their spots.

[Bad Company]

One mans conservative is another mans boring :)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

But if NZ were doing it you wouldn't complain ;)

[Sting Fan]

I was a prop dude, played a lot of 1st 15 at Highschool and a little rep rugby, dont get me wrong I appreciate a bit of forward argy bargy.

I just think with some of the best attacking backs in the world at there disposal they surely could run it a little more.

But I guess no ones going to change anyones opinion.

I think once again it points out how annoying NZ fans are though, if we were winning like that the rpess would be slamming the ABs for boring rugby. At least SA fans can appreciate a win is a win.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The problem with the Boks right now is they have a very defensive minded structure, they want to suffocate teams with it, so in doing that it's robbing them of being able to have good offensive spacing. Much of their strategy is the kick and chase, and I think their spacing is based on doing that as opposed to moving the ball and playing risky rugby.

I mean it's not like South Africans can't play that kind of rugby, just watch what the Bulls did to the Chiefs in the S14 finals... but what they're doing right now is working. They are able to keep calm under pressure and they have the best pack in the world (aside from scrummaging). Habana and Pieterson right now are being used for the chase as opposed to finding space and it's working... why stop it?

[Team Sheep]

I said Ireland played boring rugby when they won the 6 Nations and ECG bit my head off. I thought it was a compliment :$ All that matters is winning. Smash mouth rugby is where it's at if you want to be successful. Pretty shit usually gets you nowhere (NZ failing to win World Cups, Ireland not winning a 6 Nations for years, etc). South Africa just simply tick over the points by sheer physicality and pressure, and it's amazing.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Another big win for the Boks. It'd be great to see them truly click on all cylinders though.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

:( Bakkies might miss the next test, huge blow to the pack :'(

[Sting Fan]

Was good to see them throw the ball about, glad to see it.

Now not to knock that but I wonder if perhaps it was because they dont see Aus as a threat, or is this a new gameplan. I somehow doubt they will adopt a similar running approach against the ABs.

Then again if they beat Aus again and secure the Tri nations they have nothing to lose, perhaps they will.

A free flowing SA backline against a free flowing (for the first time this year) AB backline would be something to behold.

Also when does everyone get off the Deans bandwagon? I see finaly a few kiwis have STFU about "make him ABs coach or we quit the country". I say fuck off then tbh.

[Bad Company]

Good win by Aussie, Boks acted like they didn't want to play tonight. Especially at scrum time. Aussies held onto possession and really took it to them.
Bring on next week!

[Team Sheep]

Yeah real off day for the Springboks today. Sets next week up quite nicely. It's a long shot but at least it's still alive.

[Bad Company]

They looked tired, that Brisbane heat is notorious for visiting sides.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

:cool:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

www.rugbyrugby.com

The New Zealand judiciary, in the guise of a SANZAR disciplinary committee, had the last say against the victorious Springbok team of John Smit.

SANZAR Judicial Officer Paul Tully saw fit to ban Springbok centre Jaque Fourie for four weeks for a 'dangerous tackle' in the closing stages of the Boks' 32-29 Tri-Nations clinching Test victory against the All Blacks.

Fourie appeared before Tully at a hearing held in Hamilton on Sunday, after being cited by Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland for a tackle in breach of law 10.4 (i), on All Blacks player Ma'a Nonu in the 70th minute of the match.

Tully rejected Fourie's plea that the tackle was 'reckless' rather than 'intentional' and should be viewed at the lower end of the penalty scale.

"There was a reckless lifting tackle which was clearly dangerous and placed the player in a vulnerable position when he landed on his neck and shoulder," Tully said in his judgment after viewing video evidence.

Fourie indicated that for recovery reasons he would not be available for South Africa's Currie Cup competition next week and the suspension would begin the following week - from September 26/27.

He has thus been suspended up to, and including, 19 October.

The ban comes in the wake of the enormous outcry in South Africa about the gross inconsistencies in these judicial hearings, especially when New Zealand and Australian teams and officials are involved.

It resulted in protest action by the Springboks in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions, when they wore white armbands with the words 'Justice 4' - in support of Springbok lock Bakkies Botha, who had a two-week ban slapped on him for clearing out a ruck.

The South African Rugby Union, Bok captain John Smit and the players were all fined by the IRB for their actions.

But it did serve to highlight the fact that there is some truth in the suggestion by the world's top-ranked team that their are unfairly being targeted.

This will also be borne out by the fact that none of the All Black players were cited for some of the disgraceful behaviour they were guilty of.

All Black wing Joe Rokocoko was penalised - but not carded or cited - for an air tackle on a Springbok, which caused injury. The Kiwi clearly had no intention of going for the ball and the South African player also landed dangerously on his head.

New Zealand No.8 Kieran Read was penalised - but again not carded or cited - for a late shoulder charge on a Springbok, long after the whistle had gone.

While there may be some argument that neither player heard the whistle, and thus continued playing, Read's illegal actions - which also falls in the law 10.4 (i), category - certainly warranted further action, as he too caused harm to the Bok player.

However, hiding behind the tags 'SANZAR' and 'independent', the judiciary cited and banned only Fourie.

No doubt, there will be another outcry about this inconsistency

[Sting Fan]

The whole game was like that though, continuous off the ball shit from both sides.

It was scrappy, tough and confrontational. Hes probably been a little hard done by but the tackle did look bad, especialy in slow mo when you see his knee on Nonus face. Rockoko was a bit of nothing i reckon, no malice just bad timing.

Reed is another story, silly, and he probably should have been at least sited.

Was interesting to see the ABs take it to the Boks at the breakdown, hell I would say the ABs won the breakdown. Just goes to show how important a bit of kicking can be, my god what a boot on Steyn.

Well done to the Boks on winning the Tri Nations.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The ABs were the better team at the breakdown for the majority of the match, while the Boks were the better team at the breakdown when it really counted, if that makes sense.

Was nice to see Jon Smit get his revenge on Mr. Thorne via smashing the shit out of him.

[Sting Fan]

It kind of does, but if anything that game showed the importance of a superboot in your team. Even when your on the backfoot you can tick up points and thats important.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The thing is, SA have 2 super boots, I fail to see how in all of New Zealand they can't match. This is the fucking all blacks for christ's sake. Last I checked it's the same team that has Dan Carter, who is not exactly a slouch with the boot. Problem is, the big dumb island boys (see: Sivivatu and Rockococo) get confused as shit under the high ball. They don't know what to do when they don't have an opposition who isn't at all afraid of them. I think they are both class players, but jesus they don't have brains, and they don't have the nerves.

[Sting Fan]

Not a fan of Rockoko, Sivi is ok but very hot and cold. I dont understand how Corey Jane gets left on the bench, hes such a good player who has an eye for a gap on the outside and is an even better fullback.

As for kickers it kind of goes in Cycles, teams have great kickers and then go through bad patches with less kickers. And lets be honest Francois Steyn is something else, I dont think I have ever seen someone line up a 60 Metre conversion with no wind in NZ and hit it.

The Boks are just a great team atm, they have all the components. In fact they are where the ABs usualy are 2 years out from a world cup, im not sure thats a good thing for them come cup time.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

theyre losing a lot of players for the next couple of years who are all prolly gonna try come back for the cup. but the good news for you guys is it could be a couple of easy tri nations.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Also the New Zealand commentating was fantastic. About as straight down the middle as any team can get. The Bok commentating is okay but still too one sided, and the Aussie commentators just whine.

[Sting Fan]

Yeah agreed I do enjoy the NZ commentating much more. Although sometimes they say a few silly things and miss a few details. But overall the better of the 3 countrys I feel.

And tbh listening to the Aussies when there losing is gold.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The Aussies make Bob Skinstad and Hugh Bladen look like unbiased straight shooters.


PS. Hugh Bladen is possibly the biggest knob ever.

[Team Sheep]

Was walking on campus at Swansea university the other day and Jerry Collins walked past :lol:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

is he as terrifying in person as he is on t.v?

[Team Sheep]

Tbh he looked nothing like the beast he was 2-3 years ago. I had third row lower tier tickets for Wales vs New Zealand in 2006 so I was right up close, and god was he an animal.

[Bad Company]

So the All Blacks v Wallabies in Tokyo is tomorrow night. Will be a good game.

[Downunder]

Dead rubber tho mate, the cup is safe.

Still pissed off the cunts play in Tokyo and have never played in Perth.

[Bad Company]

Right Wales, you're next!

[Bad Company]

Also, talking trash is a bad idea.

[Bad Company]

YOU CAN'T BOO DAN CARTER

[Downunder]

Wales are still hanging on to their last victory over the All Blacks - 1953 :lol:

[Bad Company]

Aussie with a good bounce back against England too.

[Team Sheep]

When will we beat New Zealand!! Knew we wouldn't win Saturday though, we're lacking cutting edge in the final third at the moment. If Alun Wynn-Jones had looked LEFT on his interception run then we may have scored to tie the game but there we are. One of these days...

[Team Sheep]

Wales edge past Samoa :roll:

[Team Sheep]

Lol Australia.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, LOL AUSTRALIA.

[Team Sheep]

Good win for Ireland. South Africa just couldn't kick, or play, in that weather. They looked pretty burnt out.

[Downunder]

LOL Wales

[Team Sheep]

I don't care if you put 100 points on us, that still doesn't make up for losing to Scotland. :shifty:

[Bad Company]

Damn, you guys got flogged. But not as bad as the French ;)

Still, was nice to see some running rugby.

[Team Sheep]

Aye we were shit. We need a new game plan and fast, it's so predictable. Losing the ball ridiculously at the breakdown too. Things may improve a little when guys like Mike Phillips, Adam Jones and Shane Williams return, but this Autumn's been pretty horrible and Gatland and Edwards need to completely overhaul our game before February.

[Downunder]

I don't care if you put 100 points on us, that still doesn't make up for losing to Scotland. :shifty:

We didn't.

The Wallabies did

[Bad Company]

NZ v BaaBaas this weekend, will be a good watch. Hopefully we field a strong side.

[Team Sheep]

Thought I'd revive this for the 6 Nations. Ireland are currently beating Italy 13-3, England vs Wales later, and Scotland vs France tomorrow.

Not optimistic about today to be honest. Unless Gatland has some master plan and has overhauled our game, we'll just be conservative and predictable as usual and won't win at Twickenham. Plus with Gethin Jenkins out I think our front row is fucked.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Dreadful game yesterday. Italy are awful and Ireland played right into their hands. Terrible match. France will trounce us next week if there's more of that.

There should be a time limit in the ruck before the ball is in free play again to stop the sort of shit witnessed yesterday.

England weren't very impressive in winning, it's France's year I think.

[Bad Company]

I haven't caught any 6N yet, but the super 14 starts this weekend with the Hurricanes v Blues game.

I'm picking the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Buils and perhaps the Blues or Brumbies into the Semis this year.

While the big talking points round the watercooler are Ali Williams tearing his Achilles again, 3mins into his comeback warm up game. Sending him out again this season.
How Aaron Cruden will do as Hurricanes 1st five after an amazing NPC.
Chris Jack's return to the Crusaders.
Dan Kirkpatrick, Stephen Brett and Alby Mathewson's transfer to the Blues, finally giving them some talanted halves.
And Carlos Spencer playing for the Lions.

[Team Sheep]

Holy fucking shit, Wales :eek:

[Londoner]

Innit.:eek: lol@scotland

[Team Sheep]

Never a dull moment with us is there :'(

[Team Sheep]

Ireland getting whooped in Paris yet again.

[Downunder]

Well we started this super 14 season the same way we started all the rest :(

[El Capitano Gatisto]

That was a disgrace yesterday. Awful discipline, terrible handling. Got the beating we deserved.

Wales v. Scotland was a great game, even if it was more ill-discipline that cost Scotland the game. Can't believe they let Wales off the hook, they're just not used to winning games.

[Team Sheep]

Wales were shit and have been predictable since 2008. Don't know how we won that game, but somehow we did. Like Shane said at the end though if there's anything that can turn us around, it was a win like that. Two weeks now to get ready for France and if we can win that one on a Friday night in Cardiff, we'll have a huge Ireland/Wales showdown at Croke Park.

Someone needs to beat England though ;)

[Londoner]

17-12 england, pathetic scoreline for us but we won atleast, all that matters.

[Bad Company]

Well we started this super 14 season the same way we started all the rest :(

Yeah, you fuckers lost me $4,500 on a multi, I got every game except that one. Fuckkkkkkkkkkkkk

[Team Sheep]

Ugh Wales are odd. Let's give France a 20 point lead before we start playing eh. They didn't even score any offensive tries. We know we've got the talent, it's just when we get a few injuries we're fucked. No strength in depth what so ever. No Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Mike Phillips, Tom Shanklin, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, etc. Just too much for us. The plus side to it is that heading into a World Cup year, guys like Deiniol Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris and Sam Warburton are gaining experience. As we all know, it's a squad game these days.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Ireland do have good squad depth now, which is weird. A couple of years ago it was hard to see where the players were coming from, now there'a a good mix of youngsters and experience. Next year will be the last season for O'Gara, O'Driscoll, Hayes etc. I expect.

[Team Sheep]

When Ireland won only 2/5 in the 6 Nations 2 years ago I thought that was the start of a tough few years for the team, but fair play they're arguably the best now than they have been the past decade.

[Londoner]

I've always thought Ireland had potential to do well in 6 nations so always seem to fear them.

[Team Sheep]

Yeah they always do well, just up until last year they were complete chokers for over 20 years.

Whilst Wales either win it or finish in the bottom 2 or 3 :roll:

[Londoner]

Yeah they always do well, just up until last year they were complete chokers for over 20 years.

Whilst Wales either win it or finish in the bottom 2 or 3 :roll:

Love how welsh people always hype up their teams chances to the point of complete delusion, and then get their hopes crushed(not saying you do this, just ones i've seen say stupid shit), has happened with cardiff to(again). :lol:

[Team Sheep]

Yeah Welsh rugby fans are mostly idiots. So much pressure and expectation it's unbelievable. Everyone around here thought I was stupid when I said we'd lose to England and have a close game with Scotland.

[Londoner]

Yeah Welsh rugby fans are mostly idiots. So much pressure and expectation it's unbelievable. Everyone around here thought I was stupid when I said we'd lose to England and have a close game with Scotland.

:D

They can't stand realism. After there 3-0 win over scotland(football) recently in a fucking friendly they were going on about how it could be 'the turning point in their history'. :rofl:

[El Capitano Gatisto]

To be fair Wales could/should have a very decent football team pretty soon, though that's been dealt a huge blow with Aaron Ramsay's injury.

[Londoner]

They'll never get anywhere, we'll make sure they don't get to the euro's.:cool:

[Team Sheep]

We're getting better. I think Toshack deserves some more credit than he gets, it's been tough to coach Wales the last five years. The next generation of talent is coming through gradually. Anyway, this is the rugby thread. I'll just say I can't wait for games against England :P And Ramsey better be back fit and healthy for one of the games at least!