Rugby World Cup 2003 - Crunch Time!

[Andydog]

Originally posted by finbar
BTW. The only way I can access this thread now is via the little envelope on the LHS of the thread title. That takes me to the first page of the thread, from where I jump to the last page. Very odd.

Same with me. I have to open the thread header, then jump to the last page. This opens the last page up as a jumbled mess, so I press back, then forward, and it comes right somewhat. I wonder what on earth has happened.

I see the AB's have taken Ali Williams with them!! His foot is healing nicely, and they hope to play him in the last of the pool games.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
*Edit* Pleased to see that wlell regarded Frenchman Tony Marsh has been recalled after beating cancer. France definitely look better wioth him in the side.

I think Tamerlin will confirm that M'sieur Marsh was, in fact, born M'sieur Marais, in Carcasonne, and only anglicised his name while holidaying in New Zealand.

*Havak scrambles for his French dictionary*

I also look forward to Finbar turning a wry on on todays news that the England Georgia game is only half sold so far. Apparently the organisers in Perth claim they are fighting the inertia of a public perception that the games were sold out long ago.

Mmmmm. Might have something to do with the cricket. The first Australia -v- Zimbabwe Test starts tomorrow. OTOH, it will probably be all over by the time the rugby starts. Once they know there are tickets available, the tickets will go. Sh*tloads of Poms and Boks in Perth. Not to mention ravagon.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog


Same with me. I have to open the thread header, then jump to the last page. This opens the last page up as a jumbled mess, so I press back, then forward, and it comes right somewhat. I wonder what on earth has happened.

This site has been riddled with faults since they went to a brand new, supposedly crash hot, all-problems-solved server. They also seem to run into problems with some of the organisations to whom they rent ad space, who, in turn, sub-let it to undesirables who infect the place with goodness knows what.

There's also, of course, the possibility that Tamerlin's self-indulgent over-use of his s has somehow buggered the system.

I see the AB's have taken Ali Williams with them!! His foot is healing nicely, and they hope to play him in the last of the pool games.

Yes, with Big Norm as cover for him.

[Havak]

Best find a Druid here to rain on the Witch Doctor’s parade then.

And the qualification will be judged to be prescience when you dip out in the QFs.

The favourite opponents for us to meet at QF stage is either Wales or NZ. So we can’t go out before the SF with France now can we?

(note to Kiwi guys – that was sarcasm)

And I use Mozilla, with pop ups blocked, so I never see those things.

I must get around to setting up an alternative browser myself.

*Havak begins to twitch uncontrollably knowing his lads are now going to have to stand up to the reputation he has bestowed upon them*

Have I oversold them? I don’t think so. It’s the best equiped England team ever to leave our shores and fully capable of beating absolutely anyone else in the tournament. But I’ve been around long enough to know ‘many a slip twixt cup and lip’ is a saying based in fact.
I see Michael Jones has now praised England as one of the most technically proficient formidable packs ever (according to him second to his 96 outfit, according to ME even better!) but still picked NZ with his heart.

What price Italy an upset in the opening game? Long odds I suspect.

*Havak scrambles for his French dictionary*

I actually speak French fluently. At an 18 month old level.

Australia-Zimbabwe? Something of a mismatch methinks!

Isn’t there going to be a delicious irony in Tamerlin using by the bucket load when reacting to the suggestion his use of by that bucketload is causing problems? Or is it just me?

Williams, if fit, seems to be the best option open to the ABs. Lets see if his foot holds in full contact gameplay. And lets hope the injury to it stops him pumping it up and down on another players head again perhaps?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
I must get around to setting up an alternative browser myself.

Mozilla's a corker, I reckon. Along with Safari, but being a Bill Gates acolyte, you can't use Safari!

But I’ve been around long enough to know ‘many a slip twixt cup and lip’ is a saying based in fact.

I've got the witch doctor working on that one too!

I see Michael Jones has now praised England as one of the most technically proficient formidable packs ever (according to him second to his 96 outfit, according to ME even better!) but still picked NZ with his heart.

I'm with Jones on the pack situation. Most of all, they didn't rely on one man to the extent that yours does.

What price Italy an upset in the opening game? Long odds I suspect.

I liked the coach's line this morning. He wants the Italians to play the way Italians drive.

Isn’t there going to be a delicious irony in Tamerlin using by the bucket load when reacting to the suggestion his use of by that bucketload is causing problems? Or is it just me?

No, it's not just you. Presumably it will be like a dam of s bursting -

etc.

Williams, if fit, seems to be the best option open to the ABs. Lets see if his foot holds in full contact gameplay. And lets hope the injury to it stops him pumping it up and down on another players head again perhaps?

Young and all as he is, I still don't think he's good enough around the ground.

[Havak]

Mozilla's a corker, I reckon. Along with Safari, but being a Bill Gates acolyte, you can't use Safari!

I’ve got Mozilla downloaded – just need to get my act in gear with using it. I’m no Acolyte – but the reality of my working life is having to use MS stuff so one just has to get on with it really.

I'm with Jones on the pack situation. Most of all, they didn't rely on one man to the extent that yours does.

The intensity may not be quite the same level without him I guess. Any pack that still figures Hill-Back-Dallaglio can’t be too shabby though – and Kay and Grewcock can hold their own in the second row. Our current front row is as young and powerful as any in world rugby. I can’t really pick out any huge weakness there if the main man is missing.

I liked the coach's line this morning. He wants the Italians to play the way Italians drive.

It’s a wonderful line all right. If they do there will be 22 dented ABs after the 80 minutes that’s for sure.

I have never seen driving like I saw in Rome – and that includes the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (which has to be seen to be believed itself).

Young and all as he is, I still don't think he's good enough around the ground.

Well I think it’s been well enough documented that he didn’t impress me much – but he is still probably their best option?

No sign of Mr yet. Of course he keeps rather nocturnal hours doesn’t he – a bit early for him yet?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
The intensity may not be quite the same level without him I guess. Any pack that still figures Hill-Back-Dallaglio can’t be too shabby though – and Kay and Grewcock can hold their own in the second row. Our current front row is as young and powerful as any in world rugby. I can’t really pick out any huge weakness there if the main man is missing.

Without doubt, yours is a very, very good pack. Except the pack Mr Jones talked about didn't rely on one man to the extent that yours does. I'd also probably back that AB back row against yours, too. Oh, and your current hooker possibly qualifies to clean Fitzy's boots, but barely.

I have never seen driving like I saw in Rome – and that includes the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (which has to be seen to be believed itself).

I've driven a lot in Italy. Into and out of and around Florence many times. It's actually not all that scary after the first ten minutes adjustment. You just have to go with the flow. If you want to change lanes, put on the blinker and go. Hesitation is what causes problems. And, for all the supposed reputation, I've rarely seen accidents.

No sign of Mr yet. Of course he keeps rather nocturnal hours doesn’t he – a bit early for him yet?

Down at the factory supervising his latest batch. Or, more likely, checking out his hydroponic set up to make sure he's got a supply to get him through the next few - for him, frustrating - weeks.

[Havak]

Oh, and your current hooker possibly qualifies to clean Fitzy's boots, but barely.

Did you notice how I only mentioned their age and gave a context of reference to current opponents only? I’ve been privileged in the build up to RWC to catch some highlights of Fitzy and I think the term ‘fierce competitor’ may have been made for him.

As for that back row, nope sorry. One legend from that era plies his trade in Leicester and as good as he undoubtedly is (and was) he is simply not Neil Back. And he is still three years younger than Neil - head to head at respective peaks Neil takes it by a KO. And Richard Hill is one of the best blind sides ever (he must be - TV pundits keep telling me depsite my olnly thinking him a hard grafter). Zinny over Dally? Yep, you get that one without argument!

If you want to change lanes, put on the blinker and go. Hesitation is what causes problems.

Obeying traffic laws generally is what causes problems there – it catches the locals off guard as you suggest.

checking out his hydroponic set up to make sure he's got a supply to get him through the next few - for him, frustrating - weeks.

If the closing remark in that sentence doesn’t generate a few I don’t know what will.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
Nice one Caligastia It’s a shame I cannot see the image you put up as the new replica shirt actually has a huge O2 sponsors logo in the middle. Being the RFU they have done various special shirts as well of course – may be one of those.

Must be. The lack of a dirty great sponsor's logo is my main reason for getting it. Here's a link so you can check it out:

http://www.worldrugbyshop.com/shop/product_detail.asp?ProductGroupID=1060&Department=6

[Havak]

I see what you mean - it looks a lot better sans the O2.

If it's the official RWC 03 shirt I wonder if the tournament has 'banned' shirt front logos - in which case perhaps there is a similar AB one?

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
I see what you mean - it looks a lot better sans the O2.

If it's the official RWC 03 shirt I wonder if the tournament has 'banned' shirt front logos - in which case perhaps there is a similar AB one?

If you look at the other ones on the site, you'll notice that all the national team jerseys for the 2003 RWC are without huge logos on the front. The AB jersey has never had a massive logo on the front anyway. I already have an AB jersey though - the old style one made by Canterbury with the white collar.

[finbar]

All jersey sponsorship logos went out the window as part of the overall advertising signage clear out. Good thing too.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


Did you notice how I only mentioned their age and gave a context of reference to current opponents only? I’ve been privileged in the build up to RWC to catch some highlights of Fitzy and I think the term ‘fierce competitor’ may have been made for him.

As for that back row, nope sorry. One legend from that era plies his trade in Leicester and as good as he undoubtedly is (and was) he is simply not Neil Back. And he is still three years younger than Neil - head to head at respective peaks Neil takes it by a KO. And Richard Hill is one of the best blind sides ever (he must be - TV pundits keep telling me depsite my olnly thinking him a hard grafter). Zinny over Dally? Yep, you get that one without argument!

Prop - Olo Brown
Hooker - Sean Fitzpatrick (c)
Prop - Craig Dowd
Lock - Robin Brooke
Lock - Ian Jones
Flanker - Michael Jones
Flanker - Josh Kronfeld
No.8 - Zinzan Brooke

Sorry. Kronfeld and Back might, at their respective peaks, be on a par. Richard Hill one of the best blindsides ever? Someone's been at Tamerlin's hydroponic crop, methinks. J**** would obviously earn a spot in the above pack. His locking partner wouldn't. I'd back the above pack against your current pack. It also, obviously, goes without saying that I'd back their lineout against yours.

If the closing remark in that sentence doesn’t generate a few I don’t know what will.

Mmmm. As every day passes without one of his s, I fear the size of the avalanche of them when he reappears.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar
All jersey sponsorship logos went out the window as part of the overall advertising signage clear out. Good thing too.

Is this just for the RWC or will it continue afterwards?

[finbar]

Just for the RWC. In order to satisfy the official sponsors of the World Cup, the IRB required that all ground ad signage - and jersey ad logos - be removed for the duration of the tournament so that the official sponsors wouldn't have any advertising competition.

This is what led to New Zealand losing the co-hosting role. The NZRFU, in its wisdom, refused to agree to remove the ad signage at their grounds. They decided, in their wisdom, that the ad revenue their clubs received from their signage was far more beneficial than the multi-millions the RWC would bring. They even went as far as to say that the NPC was more important to Kiwis than the RWC anyway.

Thus, as soon as the NZRFU lost the co-hosting gig, a broom was put through the NZRFU hierarchy and some people with brains were installed in place of the idiots. Just a bit too late, unfortunately.

On another, brighter note. I've just looked at the schedule for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow night, of course, I have Australia -v- Argentina to watch. On Saturday, I have NZ -v- Italy at 2pm, followed by France -v- Fiji at 7.30pm, followed by South Africa -v- Uruguay at 10pm. With highlights of Ireland -v- Romania on another channel at 9.30pm.

On Sunday, I have to make do with Scotland -v- Japan at 8.30pm, England -v- Georgia at 10pm, and the highlights of Wales -v- Canada at midnight.

You will, no doubt, understand why I've instructed Mrs finbar not to agree to any social engagements for the next month or so. Well, to be truthful, I told her she could, on her behalf, but that she should tell everyone I was unavailable on account of I'd died suddenly.