Official British Lions Tour 05 thread - Page 3

**Team Sheep** · 06-27-2005, 07:10 PM

Lol, you guys should have seen the Wales on Sunday newspaper that we get here in Wales this morning. Like, 10 straight pages of Woodward bashing. I couldn't agree more with what they were saying either to be honest.

Woodward wanted to beat New Zealand with his beloved English guys again, but he just can't do it, he needs to learn that. A lot has happened in the world of English rugby since 2003 Clive.

**Wengerland** · 06-27-2005, 08:10 PM

I'm not going to say the O'Driscoll thing has cost us the series, or even that test because he wouldn't have made that much difference, it wasn't good enough. I'm not sure it was a spear tackle myself but O'Driscoll was just as outraged as Woodward and looking at the replays it could have broken his neck.

It's just a shame really, would put a dampener on New Zealand's inevitable series victory for me.

**Rob** · 06-27-2005, 08:10 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if half of his world cup team was playing for Southampton next season.

Aside from his kicking, there is no reason why Johnny Wilkinson should be in ahead of Gavin Henson.

**Bad Company** · 06-27-2005, 08:33 PM

Yeah, having Wilkinson in the side means he has to be the number 10, he did make the most tackles for a lions player on the night, but a number 10/12 shouldn't be doing that! The Lions loose forwards need to pick up their game, and they really need to work on their lineouts, it was a disgrace!

**Bad Company** · 06-27-2005, 10:03 PM

If anyone's interested in reading more about the games/analysis here are a bunch of NZ news sites that are updated regularly, considering how fanatical we are about the game

http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby
http://stuff.co.nz/lions_tour.html

**Wengerland** · 06-28-2005, 09:32 AM

Well Jason Robinson and Martin Corry start for the game on Tuesday, though Woodward has said this time that it doesn't necessarily mean they're not in the Test side. Would be somewhat harsh on Corry if he's left out. Neil Back is on the bench for Tuesday, it will be a chance to judge him and Martyn Williams against the same opposition i suppose.

Also, Henson is not in the side or on the bench (i think) so it looks like he'll be in the 22 for Saturday.

**Wengerland** · 06-28-2005, 11:04 AM

won 109-6, which should give a bit of confidence. Shane Williams has to start in the Test match.

I thought it was a good win until i remembered that this was a mainly amateur side, and the All Blacks almost got that against one of the top 12 (at a guess) nations in the world recently in the form of Fiji.

**Bad Company** · 06-28-2005, 06:07 PM

i didn't see the game, but good on the lions for putting that many points up. They would be disappointed if they didn't, and this should do a bit for their confidence.
There are shitloads of lions supporters in town for the game this weekend! I'm certainly looking forward to going! Whoever wins... It's gonna be a huge piss up in town!

The All Blacks Team for this weeks game is as follows:
1-Tony Woodcock, 2-Keven Mealamu, 3-Carl Hayman, 4-Chris Jack, 5-Ali Williams, 6-Jerry Collins, 7-Richie McCaw, 8-Rodney So'oialo, 9-Byron Kelleher, 10-Dan Carter, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12-Aaron Mauger, 13-Tana Umaga (Captain), 14-Rico Gear, 15-Mils Muliaina

Reserves: 16-Derren Witcombe, 17-Greg Somerville, 18-Jono Gibbes, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Justin Marshall, 21-Ma'a Nonu, 22-Leon MacDonald

**Rob** · 06-28-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wengerland

Shane Williams has to start in the Test match.

Which automatically means he isn't.

I'm just hoping that Woodward doesn't use all his subs in the first 83 seconds.

**Bad Company** · 06-28-2005, 10:24 PM

Here's hoping he doesn't need to

**Wengerland** · 06-29-2005, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

Which automatically means he isn't.

Woodward rings changes for Lions

Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward has drafted in seven new players for Saturday's make-or-break second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington.

British & Irish Lions: Josh Lewsey; Jason Robinson, Gareth Thomas (captain,), Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; Jonny Wilkinson, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Steve Thompson, Julian White; Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan; Simon Easterby, Lewis Moody, Ryan Jones.
Replacements: Shane Byrne, Graham Rowntree, Martin Corry, Martyn Williams, Matt Dawson, Stephen Jones, Shane Horgan.

_________________________

I'm not sure about Moody really, he gives away a few penalties each match, but in saying that, he chases kick-offs brilliantly and his prescence means a good mix in the back row, Corry is a tad unlucky though.

Has Gareth Thomas even played at centre in the last few years though? I'd have thought Ollie Smith had an outside chance, he's been good allround on the tour, can create and score tries himself. Shane Williams and Robinson in the same team doesn't look great defensively, but i suppose it's an attacking back three for a match we have to win, so fair play to Woodward for that.

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 06-29-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I wouldn't be surprised if half of his world cup team was playing for Southampton next season.

Aside from his kicking, there is no reason why Johnny Wilkinson should be in ahead of Gavin Henson.

But he should be in ahead of Stephen Jones at fly.

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 06-29-2005, 01:53 PM

I saw the first test yesterday, I think the biggest problem with the Lions is they kick the fucking ball too much. I understand it needs to be done at certain points, but every time you touch the ball, kicking it when you're 21-0 down doesn't bode well. Especially when your hooker is incapable of throwing the ball into the lineout. Terrible strategic play from the Lions.

Wilkinson was incredible defensively, so to reem on him is absolutely ridiculous. Though he should have been playing fly and Henson should have been at #12, Stephen Jones did absolute dickall.

This new side looks good though, I don't know why Ryan Jones didn't start in the first place.

And also, Mealamu and Umaga attacked big Bryan off the ball, absolutely fucking ridiculous, if Grewcock got cited, so should they have been.

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 06-29-2005, 01:54 PM

Oh yeah, and Chris Jack is the fucking man. LOL, I just saw him get the absolute shit kleeted out of him, to the point that his shirt got ripped, and he just got up like nothing even happened and went into the next scrum.

**Bad Company** · 06-29-2005, 06:13 PM

but it was a game of rugby newstead, you should know better than anyone that off ball play happens, and for all Mealamu and Umaga knew the ball could of still been there, he just landed badly.
Yes, Chris Jack is the man, but when you look at that rucking and where the position of the ball was on relation to him, it's pretty bullshit.

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 06-29-2005, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Company

but it was a game of rugby newstead, you should know better than anyone that off ball play happens, and for all Mealamu and Umaga knew the ball could of still been there, he just landed badly.
Yes, Chris Jack is the man, but when you look at that rucking and where the position of the ball was on relation to him, it's pretty bullshit.

No way man...O'Driscoll was posted up, he was running to the next phase of play. Look all I'm saying is this...if Grewcock got cited then so should have those 2 hard maorie bastards.

I think the thing with Jack was that the Lions were pretty fucking pissed off at him for taking someone out in the air in a lineout, and I think he understood that, so he just laughed it off. I don't think he feels pain though.

**Bad Company** · 06-30-2005, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash Bang Newstead

No way man...O'Driscoll was posted up, he was running to the next phase of play. Look all I'm saying is this...if Grewcock got cited then so should have those 2 hard maorie bastards.

I think the thing with Jack was that the Lions were pretty fucking pissed off at him for taking someone out in the air in a lineout, and I think he understood that, so he just laughed it off. I don't think he feels pain though.

There was no way he was running to the next play, he was still involved in the previous phases' ruck, which is why he was pushed out of the way. He needs to stop being such a whiny bitch about it and move on, accidents happen, and while I realise he must be gutted and is a fine player, I really expected more from him. He was complaing Tana didn't come over and see how he was? Cry about it, Justin Marshall came over and saw how he was while he was being carried off, but noone has commented on that. You have been fooled by a typical Clive Woodward PR spin to try and avoid the fact the Lions got their asses kicked 2 ways from Sunday.
Tana isn't and never has been a dirty player, in fact he was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy for Fair Play after Attending to Colin Charvis when he was ko'd.
Also, it's spelt Maori, and Tana is actually samoan

**Bad Company** · 06-30-2005, 12:47 AM

also.
The All Blacks have suffered a setback ahead of Saturday night's second test against the British and Irish Lions, with powerful tighthead prop Carl Hayman ruled out of the match.

Experienced Crusaders tighthead Greg Somerville will now start in the No 3 jersey against the Lions in the sold-out clash at Westpac Stadium in the capital.

Credit xtramsn.co.nz

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 06-30-2005, 12:03 PM

Somerville is equally as useful.

I still stand by my point that if Grewcock got sited so should have those 2.

**Bad Company** · 06-30-2005, 05:08 PM

I disagree, but each to their own. Biting is one of the worst things in the game.

**Bad Company** · 07-01-2005, 10:31 PM

Right, counting down to the big game in Wellington tonight! I've got my ticket

**Team Sheep** · 07-02-2005, 06:50 AM

You must have had a great time then.

**Wengerland** · 07-02-2005, 09:05 AM

Well it was a better performance to be fair, New Zealand were just awesome and Dan Carter's was possibly the best allround fly half, if not any individual, performance i've ever seen.

Wasn't really impressed by the ref or some cynical play by the All Blacks, but they still deserved it.

**El Capitano Gatisto** · 07-02-2005, 11:56 AM

Dan Carter was incredible.

**Bad Company** · 07-02-2005, 07:23 PM

Wow, it was an awesome game and an awesome result, I'm stoked, just got home... 10am

Carter had a stunner, he's a real asset to NZ rugby. What a good game, I'm going to bed

**Wengerland** · 07-09-2005, 08:05 AM

Well it's been a whitewash. For the money spent on this tour it's been a disgrace, there's probably a maximum of half a dozen Lions players who can come out of that with dignity in terms of performances. Woodward's been poor and long may it continue with Southampton, and whoever the defence and attack coaches, or whatever the equivalent is, are terrible, though the buck stops with the players.

I feel sorry for the fans who travelled really.

**Bad Company** · 07-10-2005, 06:26 PM

Good win by the All Blacks on Saturday... I thought kaplan and dickheadson had good games for the lions. But besides the refereeing I enjoyed the game.
3-0 and Woodward can't shutup about how it's irrelivent until the All Blacks win another World Cup. I spose when you're only going to be remembered in a positive light over 1 thing, then you'd better milk it.

**Team Sheep** · 07-10-2005, 06:32 PM

I can't wait for the autumn internationals now. Wales will give you tough bastards a better game just you watch

**Bad Company** · 07-10-2005, 06:36 PM

They are the only team I'm worried about, and god help the All Blacks if they lose!

**Team Sheep** · 07-10-2005, 06:43 PM

Nah can't see them loosing. But it could be similar to the match the two teams had last Autumn were we lost by a point. Granted it was a weaker New Zealand side then, but we've won the Grand Slam since, beating teams we could only dream of beating a year ago. Anyway here's the schedule for this Autumn

:

Saturday 5th November 2005
Wales v New Zealand Millennium Stadium

Friday 11th November 2005
Wales v Fiji Millennium Stadium

Saturday 19th November 2005
Wales v South Africa Millennium Stadium

Saturday 26th November 2005
Wales v Australia Millennium Stadium

**Bad Company** · 07-10-2005, 07:03 PM

Now for the All Blacks Remaining games of the season

07 Aug South Africa v New Zealand Cape Town
13 Aug Australia v New Zealand Sydney
27 Aug New Zealand v South Africa Dunedin
03 Sep New Zealand v Australia Auckland
05 Nov New Zealand v Wales Cardiff
12 Nov New Zealand v Ireland Dublin
19 Nov New Zealand v England London
26 Nov New Zealand v Scotland Edinburgh

Plenty of good rugby ahead!

**Team Sheep** · 07-10-2005, 07:11 PM

Tasty fixtures there

I'll be watching The Tri Nations as always on good old Sky Sports, with their superb coverage of worldwide rugby. I can't see anything but New Zealand to win it to be honest. I've been watching Australia and South Africa play lately (against eachother and their games with France), and neither have impressed me too much. As Stuart Barnes would say, something very special's going on in New Zealand. Your youth set up must be immense.

**Bad Company** · 07-10-2005, 07:27 PM

Well rugby is like a religion here, you really don't understand what it's like unless your here, we are fanatical about the game. I've played my whole life, and I'd only be considered an Average at best player, and I'm not that bad!

We usually get the jitters when we play Australia, they are our bogey team

**Team Sheep** · 07-10-2005, 07:37 PM

I've been playing rugby my whole life (I'm only 14 though) but the rugby set up here in Wales is pretty basic. I mean, we have plenty of clubs everywhere, but it's just the funding. I play for a club in Pontypool, South Wales. We're like one of the best in the region, but the facilities are awful. We have a few tackle bags and pads and that's pretty much it.

We have regional teams also, which as you'd imagine consist of the best players from around the region. I'm privilidged enough to be a part of that team

Next Ritchie McCaw right here

.

I remember the World Cup mate, Australia had been pretty average throughout the tournament, New Zealand at their best. They meet in the semi's, and the Ausse's pull a win out of their asses. I see what you mean by them being you're bogey side.

**Wengerland** · 07-10-2005, 08:33 PM

I'll watch some of the Tri-Nations, but i'm mainly just waiting for the club season to start now, as long as England keep Robinson in charge there's no chance, always been a club before country person anyway.

Actually i think you're in our group for this new Anglo-Welsh cup, Haz. Then we've got The Ospreys, Stade Francais and Clermont (Stephen Jones' side) in the Heineken, should be tough.

**Bad Company** · 07-10-2005, 10:09 PM

All Blacks squad for the Tri Nations:

Forwards: John Afoa (Auckland), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Carl Hayman (Otago), Marty Holah (Waikato), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), James Ryan (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Ali Williams (Auckland), Derren Witcombe (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Dan Carter (Canterbury), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (Wellington, captain), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

**Ol Dirty Dastard** · 07-11-2005, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Company

Well rugby is like a religion here, you really don't understand what it's like unless your here, we are fanatical about the game. I've played my whole life, and I'd only be considered an Average at best player, and I'm not that bad!

We usually get the jitters when we play Australia, they are our bogey team

Rugby is religion in South Africa as well...they are just far more stupid than New Zealanders

.

**Team Sheep** · 07-11-2005, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wengerland

Actually i think you're in our group for this new Anglo-Welsh cup, Haz. Then we've got The Ospreys, Stade Francais and Clermont (Stephen Jones' side) in the Heineken, should be tough.

Yeah, here are the pools:

Pool One: Bath Rugby, Ospreys, Gloucester, Bristol Shoguns
Pool Two: London Irish, London Wasps, Cardiff Blues, Saracens
Pool Three: Leeds Tykes, Newcastle Falcons, Llanelli Scarlets, Sale Sharks
Pool Four: Newport-Gwent Dragons, Leicester Tigers, Worcester Warriors, Northampton Saints

Got my season ticket ready for the new season. I only really get pumped up for the Heineken cup games, the Celtic League just doesn't really cut it for me, I go and watch those games just in a friendly attitude, it seems so pointless when the Irish teams just field weak teams every week, like you'd see Borders beating Leinster or something. I'd love to be in the Zurich Premiership, or whatever it's called now (Guiness?) This Anglo-Welsh thing looks good though

Come on the Dragons!!

06-27-2005, 07:10 PM	#81
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	Lol, you guys should have seen the Wales on Sunday newspaper that we get here in Wales this morning. Like, 10 straight pages of Woodward bashing. I couldn't agree more with what they were saying either to be honest. Woodward wanted to beat New Zealand with his beloved English guys again, but he just can't do it, he needs to learn that. A lot has happened in the world of English rugby since 2003 Clive.

06-27-2005, 08:10 PM	#82
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	I'm not going to say the O'Driscoll thing has cost us the series, or even that test because he wouldn't have made that much difference, it wasn't good enough. I'm not sure it was a spear tackle myself but O'Driscoll was just as outraged as Woodward and looking at the replays it could have broken his neck. It's just a shame really, would put a dampener on New Zealand's inevitable series victory for me.

06-27-2005, 08:10 PM	#83
Rob Part time poster Posts: 22,963	I wouldn't be surprised if half of his world cup team was playing for Southampton next season. Aside from his kicking, there is no reason why Johnny Wilkinson should be in ahead of Gavin Henson.

06-27-2005, 08:33 PM	#84
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Yeah, having Wilkinson in the side means he has to be the number 10, he did make the most tackles for a lions player on the night, but a number 10/12 shouldn't be doing that! The Lions loose forwards need to pick up their game, and they really need to work on their lineouts, it was a disgrace!

06-27-2005, 10:03 PM	#85
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	If anyone's interested in reading more about the games/analysis here are a bunch of NZ news sites that are updated regularly, considering how fanatical we are about the game http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby http://stuff.co.nz/lions_tour.html

06-28-2005, 09:32 AM	#86
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	Well Jason Robinson and Martin Corry start for the game on Tuesday, though Woodward has said this time that it doesn't necessarily mean they're not in the Test side. Would be somewhat harsh on Corry if he's left out. Neil Back is on the bench for Tuesday, it will be a chance to judge him and Martyn Williams against the same opposition i suppose. Also, Henson is not in the side or on the bench (i think) so it looks like he'll be in the 22 for Saturday.

06-28-2005, 11:04 AM	#87
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	won 109-6, which should give a bit of confidence. Shane Williams has to start in the Test match. I thought it was a good win until i remembered that this was a mainly amateur side, and the All Blacks almost got that against one of the top 12 (at a guess) nations in the world recently in the form of Fiji.

06-28-2005, 06:07 PM	#88
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	i didn't see the game, but good on the lions for putting that many points up. They would be disappointed if they didn't, and this should do a bit for their confidence. There are shitloads of lions supporters in town for the game this weekend! I'm certainly looking forward to going! Whoever wins... It's gonna be a huge piss up in town! The All Blacks Team for this weeks game is as follows: 1-Tony Woodcock, 2-Keven Mealamu, 3-Carl Hayman, 4-Chris Jack, 5-Ali Williams, 6-Jerry Collins, 7-Richie McCaw, 8-Rodney So'oialo, 9-Byron Kelleher, 10-Dan Carter, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12-Aaron Mauger, 13-Tana Umaga (Captain), 14-Rico Gear, 15-Mils Muliaina Reserves: 16-Derren Witcombe, 17-Greg Somerville, 18-Jono Gibbes, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Justin Marshall, 21-Ma'a Nonu, 22-Leon MacDonald

06-28-2005, 10:24 PM	#90
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Here's hoping he doesn't need to

06-29-2005, 01:53 PM	#93
Ol Dirty Dastard boop/bop/beep Posts: 38,453	I saw the first test yesterday, I think the biggest problem with the Lions is they kick the fucking ball too much. I understand it needs to be done at certain points, but every time you touch the ball, kicking it when you're 21-0 down doesn't bode well. Especially when your hooker is incapable of throwing the ball into the lineout. Terrible strategic play from the Lions. Wilkinson was incredible defensively, so to reem on him is absolutely ridiculous. Though he should have been playing fly and Henson should have been at #12, Stephen Jones did absolute dickall. This new side looks good though, I don't know why Ryan Jones didn't start in the first place. And also, Mealamu and Umaga attacked big Bryan off the ball, absolutely fucking ridiculous, if Grewcock got cited, so should they have been.

06-29-2005, 01:54 PM	#94
Ol Dirty Dastard boop/bop/beep Posts: 38,453	Oh yeah, and Chris Jack is the fucking man. LOL, I just saw him get the absolute shit kleeted out of him, to the point that his shirt got ripped, and he just got up like nothing even happened and went into the next scrum.

06-29-2005, 06:13 PM	#95
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	but it was a game of rugby newstead, you should know better than anyone that off ball play happens, and for all Mealamu and Umaga knew the ball could of still been there, he just landed badly. Yes, Chris Jack is the man, but when you look at that rucking and where the position of the ball was on relation to him, it's pretty bullshit.

06-30-2005, 12:47 AM	#98
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	also. The All Blacks have suffered a setback ahead of Saturday night's second test against the British and Irish Lions, with powerful tighthead prop Carl Hayman ruled out of the match. Experienced Crusaders tighthead Greg Somerville will now start in the No 3 jersey against the Lions in the sold-out clash at Westpac Stadium in the capital. Credit xtramsn.co.nz

06-30-2005, 12:03 PM	#99
Ol Dirty Dastard boop/bop/beep Posts: 38,453	Somerville is equally as useful. I still stand by my point that if Grewcock got sited so should have those 2.

06-30-2005, 05:08 PM	#100
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	I disagree, but each to their own. Biting is one of the worst things in the game.

07-01-2005, 10:31 PM	#101
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Right, counting down to the big game in Wellington tonight! I've got my ticket

07-02-2005, 06:50 AM	#102
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	You must have had a great time then.

07-02-2005, 09:05 AM	#103
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	Well it was a better performance to be fair, New Zealand were just awesome and Dan Carter's was possibly the best allround fly half, if not any individual, performance i've ever seen. Wasn't really impressed by the ref or some cynical play by the All Blacks, but they still deserved it.

07-02-2005, 11:56 AM	#104
El Capitano Gatisto World Class Raconteur Posts: 29,478	Dan Carter was incredible.

07-02-2005, 07:23 PM	#105
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Wow, it was an awesome game and an awesome result, I'm stoked, just got home... 10am Carter had a stunner, he's a real asset to NZ rugby. What a good game, I'm going to bed

07-09-2005, 08:05 AM	#106
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	Well it's been a whitewash. For the money spent on this tour it's been a disgrace, there's probably a maximum of half a dozen Lions players who can come out of that with dignity in terms of performances. Woodward's been poor and long may it continue with Southampton, and whoever the defence and attack coaches, or whatever the equivalent is, are terrible, though the buck stops with the players. I feel sorry for the fans who travelled really.

07-10-2005, 06:26 PM	#107
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Good win by the All Blacks on Saturday... I thought kaplan and dickheadson had good games for the lions. But besides the refereeing I enjoyed the game. 3-0 and Woodward can't shutup about how it's irrelivent until the All Blacks win another World Cup. I spose when you're only going to be remembered in a positive light over 1 thing, then you'd better milk it.

07-10-2005, 06:32 PM	#108
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	I can't wait for the autumn internationals now. Wales will give you tough bastards a better game just you watch

07-10-2005, 06:36 PM	#109
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	They are the only team I'm worried about, and god help the All Blacks if they lose!

07-10-2005, 06:43 PM	#110
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	Nah can't see them loosing. But it could be similar to the match the two teams had last Autumn were we lost by a point. Granted it was a weaker New Zealand side then, but we've won the Grand Slam since, beating teams we could only dream of beating a year ago. Anyway here's the schedule for this Autumn : Saturday 5th November 2005 Wales v New Zealand Millennium Stadium Friday 11th November 2005 Wales v Fiji Millennium Stadium Saturday 19th November 2005 Wales v South Africa Millennium Stadium Saturday 26th November 2005 Wales v Australia Millennium Stadium

07-10-2005, 07:03 PM	#111
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Now for the All Blacks Remaining games of the season 07 Aug South Africa v New Zealand Cape Town 13 Aug Australia v New Zealand Sydney 27 Aug New Zealand v South Africa Dunedin 03 Sep New Zealand v Australia Auckland 05 Nov New Zealand v Wales Cardiff 12 Nov New Zealand v Ireland Dublin 19 Nov New Zealand v England London 26 Nov New Zealand v Scotland Edinburgh Plenty of good rugby ahead!

07-10-2005, 07:11 PM	#112
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	Tasty fixtures there I'll be watching The Tri Nations as always on good old Sky Sports, with their superb coverage of worldwide rugby. I can't see anything but New Zealand to win it to be honest. I've been watching Australia and South Africa play lately (against eachother and their games with France), and neither have impressed me too much. As Stuart Barnes would say, something very special's going on in New Zealand. Your youth set up must be immense.

07-10-2005, 07:27 PM	#113
Bad Company Mad Posts: 26,228	Well rugby is like a religion here, you really don't understand what it's like unless your here, we are fanatical about the game. I've played my whole life, and I'd only be considered an Average at best player, and I'm not that bad! We usually get the jitters when we play Australia, they are our bogey team

07-10-2005, 07:37 PM	#114
Team Sheep T�m Defaid Posts: 6,646	I've been playing rugby my whole life (I'm only 14 though) but the rugby set up here in Wales is pretty basic. I mean, we have plenty of clubs everywhere, but it's just the funding. I play for a club in Pontypool, South Wales. We're like one of the best in the region, but the facilities are awful. We have a few tackle bags and pads and that's pretty much it. We have regional teams also, which as you'd imagine consist of the best players from around the region. I'm privilidged enough to be a part of that team Next Ritchie McCaw right here . I remember the World Cup mate, Australia had been pretty average throughout the tournament, New Zealand at their best. They meet in the semi's, and the Ausse's pull a win out of their asses. I see what you mean by them being you're bogey side.

07-10-2005, 08:33 PM	#115
Wengerland Theo Zagorakis Posts: 7,148	I'll watch some of the Tri-Nations, but i'm mainly just waiting for the club season to start now, as long as England keep Robinson in charge there's no chance, always been a club before country person anyway. Actually i think you're in our group for this new Anglo-Welsh cup, Haz. Then we've got The Ospreys, Stade Francais and Clermont (Stephen Jones' side) in the Heineken, should be tough.