Rugby - See You In Ten!

[ravagon]

I'm tempted to strongly back Les Bleus tomorrow but with Havak not around that would be totally wasted.

For once it seems that good sense has prevailed in the upper echelon of the IRB.
Yes indeed, that does mean that the public at large will not, in fact, be subjected to the performance of such abominations as "Waltzing Matilda".

http://www.planetrugby.com/LATEST_NEWS/story_30284.shtml

The haka, of course is still in. I have no idea about the Boks Zulu war dance though. Hopefully it will remain.

[finbar]

Oh, look out. It's Friday again.

Has anyone ever heard anything as idiotic as trying to stop them singing the song? I think singing it's puke-making, m'self, but the IRB has now guaranteed the crowd will sing it, even without someone leading them with a guitar.

[ravagon]

Originally posted by finbar
Oh, look out. It's Friday again.

Why so it is. Entirely coincidental of course.

I doubt the intent was to actually prevent the crowd from singing, rather just to limit the extent to which every individual Tom, **** and Harry National Union can try and one-up every other. If every team had a cultural folk song in addition to the national anthem before the start of every match it would start to get a little ... well, now they won't anyway.
The Welsh are about the only crowd I can think of able to carry a tune without being led and, um, not to be overly critical but they need all the help they can get.

[Andydog]

As I observed once before, Mitchell has gambled, chosing Carlos' capacity for inspirational play but dodgy goal kicking in front of Mehrtens' solid, more predictable style and immaculate goal kicking. If Carlos' goal kicking costs them in a vital match, Mitchell will suffer the consequences.

I agree with you big fella. I would have thought that Mitchell could have used Mehrts to give the ABs another game plan - we could then play a territory game and a running game. Against England's forwards I'd much rather have Merhts kicking for territory, not to mention the sticks for those vital penalties. And should Spencer get injured, what then? Mauger may be able to do it, who knows.

Mitchell seems to want players who he can control totally - and it appears that Mehrts is too much of an individual for him. Robbie Deans hasn't started him much for Canterbury this season either. He obviously doesn't fit into Mitchell's plan but it's still hard to see how there isn't room for him in the 30 man squad.

One of the Bok players - Kronje, now there's a name to conjure with - booted out of the WRC squad because he wouldn't room with a black player. Old habits die hard over there.

What a stupid tw*t he is. I've read some reports that all this was hushed up by Straeuli & Co for ages, and other reports that this has caused a deep rift within the team. It's a shame because it's the last thing SA needed at the moment, It's an embarrassment for the team and an embarrassment for SA.

[Andydog]

I doubt the intent was to actually prevent the crowd from singing, rather just to limit the extent to which every individual Tom, **** and Harry National Union can try and one-up every other.

he he he, I can just imagine the Aussies, not to be out done by the Kiwis, calling up Rolf complete with his saw or wobble board or fence or whatever the hell he uses to lead a full on assault of Waltzing Matilda vs the Haka in the semi. How's that for a clash of cultures?

[Havak]

Not around much - but not totally missing. First time i have found the site up however.

I'm glad AndyDog added the "IMO" part to his outrageous claim that NZ play better rugby though.

An England second XV just destroyed Wales in their own country (not the confortable partisan surroundings NZ enjoyed in June) and anyone who actually saw the performance of our second string forwards is fearing for the Kiwi pack against such strength in depth.

It's a must win game for France tomorrow as there are third line elements in the 'BADS'. France simpy have to win and win well or it's bye bye RWC chances.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar


They do so! They're called stowaways!

Yes I know but I have heard that there are only low passage tickets with very bad accomodations and harsh to deal with captains...

I think the RWC can wait until 2007...

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by ravagon
The Welsh are about the only crowd I can think of able to carry a tune without being led and, um, not to be overly critical but they need all the help they can get.

You forgot the Irish... and the English.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
It's a must win game for France tomorrow as there are third line elements in the 'BADS'. France simpy have to win and win well or it's bye bye RWC chances.

Hi, Havak! Already back to work!!!!

My two cents of a € opinion: I don't think they will beat England tomorrow, they are not ready at all. IMO again, this will not be a good game to watch as the French players will be mishandling the ball most of the times.

I only hope Mr Lawrence won't beat its own record...

[Havak]

Accessing it from home Tamerlin - no work for Havak until Monday.

It's a strong side you have picked - no easy job for us up front. Given that we are fielding very much an under strength side I feel we will be lucky to take this one even if the Fench are rusty.

Plus we have a rusty scrum half (healey) and a veteran Stand off (Grayson) from the Mehrts mould more than the Spencer one - good boot but not sure about the rest of his game.

Plenty of Tigers taking part though - including the entire front row and both flankers as well as scrummy and the outside centre.

[LDiCesare]

It will be an interesting game to watch tomorrow, but in fact, France will be under a lot of pressure. The team is about the best we can get today, so they expect to win, whereas many English players aren't the top guns (for instance there isn't a certain lock playing, and the 9 and 10 aren't England first choices) and thus will try to show the best game they can in order to prove they should be in the first team and in Australia.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog
I would have thought that Mitchell could have used Mehrts to give the ABs another game plan - we could then play a territory game and a running game. Against England's forwards I'd much rather have Merhts kicking for territory, not to mention the sticks for those vital penalties. And should Spencer get injured, what then? Mauger may be able to do it, who knows.

Yes, therein lies the big weakness, I fear. The ABs have only one game plan, as devastating as it can be when it works.

Mitchell seems to want players who he can control totally - and it appears that Mehrts is too much of an individual for him. Robbie Deans hasn't started him much for Canterbury this season either. He obviously doesn't fit into Mitchell's plan but it's still hard to see how there isn't room for him in the 30 man squad.

Mehrtens has fallen out with Deans, over what I'm not sure.

What a stupid tw*t he is. I've read some reports that all this was hushed up by Straeuli & Co for ages, and other reports that this has caused a deep rift within the team. It's a shame because it's the last thing SA needed at the moment, It's an embarrassment for the team and an embarrassment for SA.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin


Yes I know but I have heard that there are only low passage tickets with very bad accomodations and harsh to deal with captains...

*Fearless Napoleon rolls over in his grave*

I think the RWC can wait until 2007...

Still, I'm hoping to get over there later in the year. Mrs finbar won't make it because she has a TV movie to produce from October onwards.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Not around much - but not totally missing. First time i have found the site up however.

They've added some RAM to the server, apparently. Not before time.

I'm glad AndyDog added the "IMO" part to his outrageous claim that NZ play better rugby though.

The bait that lured you back!

It's a must win game for France tomorrow as there are third line elements in the 'BADS'. France simpy have to win and win well or it's bye bye RWC chances.

Twaddle.

[Alexander's Horse]

The Waltzing Matilda thing is a crude plot to reclaim a Scottish tune.