Rugby - Truck and Trailer!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin

That does not look like a tough pool actually.

A mob of bagpipe players with impenetrable accents, a bunch of underachieving Poms, and a ragtag tribe of Celts. What more could you want?

[Tamerlin]

In my opinion the main opponent is, of course, Northampton. Though the English XV is out of shape the English Premiership teams should not be underestimated. The English Championship is tough and the level of play is high.

[Havak]

Now we're getting down to it. Okay, scrub Newcastle from my list. Mmmm. This is going to take some thought.

You could plump for the classic underdog – Worcester.

And of course Connelly is still helming Bath (*spit*). Who won nothing last year in the end.

Hewitt nicked a set on a tie break btw but was pretty easily beaten in the end. Not as easily as Henman capitulated to a non seed of course.

And in cricket now the test side has finally become a little competitive the one day side has become dire.

I thought Tindall looked old and fat. Maybe he was just worn out.

The second and third points maybe – but if he is 25 it is only just.

All our boys are tired – it’s not an excuse. We should be able to mix it with NZ and Australia anytime.

I also can't imagine why he sacked someone like Back in front of someone like Catt.

It’s because, and you may quote me on this, he does not know as much as he thinks he does. Anyone who plays Hill at 7 over Backy – and says in public Joe Worseley is also ahead of him in that position (Joe plays 6/8 in club rugger just like Hilly) is a total d*ck. If Moody ever gets over the foot fracture he will reclaim the seven shirt – and it cannot happen soon enough!

pulling it out covered with what we call "farmer's friends"

You know I am sure they are called the same here.

Better still, show the girlies the video of Joe Roff orchestrating some moves last Saturday night.

I’m not sure who the current backs coach is – but I suspect they are under the microscope right now. But lets leave Pat Howard where he is for now – Tigers first this season after we won the RWC for England then got treated like sh*t for it.

I notice Eddie has frowned on the Pacific Islands combined team concept. He's right, in the long term.

I agree with him. NZ hardly need this shop window to decide who to make a Kiwi next after all.

However our new Winger is on the bench for them so I need to catch the game if possible. Must look up the where and when.

The reason given by the French Rugby authorities is that the French team is sent there in order to convert the North American heathens to the true and only game.

The same reason our A side plays the Churchill cup every year. And whilst we are both doing this what are the southern sides doing? Playing a constructed team so they can choose the best players from it.

Too heavy handed to keep mentioning that is it?

That pool Tamerlin – you say it is not tough but it has Llanelli. Stradey Park. It’s a horrible place to visit. Far more intimidating than anywhere else you will ever have been. You have to play the crowd as well as the team. It’s a tough call. They even beat Tigers down there at the peak of our powers – their home record is superb. Saints are very unpredictable – they should not trouble you in Toulouse. Glasgow are terrible.

Though the English XV is out of shape the English Premiership teams should not be underestimated. The English Championship is tough and the level of play is high.

Very kind of you to say so.

I am sure there are a few Kiwis/Aussies out there now totally writing off English national and club rugby – and probably French too. That would be daft – our club sides are not picked by Clive after all and contain the best of both worlds – Brits and antipodeans in useful mixes (Brit forwards, tourist backs). Wasps can hang with any side in the world including S12 champs – Tigers and Toulouse are of course better still.

I can see Finbar reaching for his sick bucket right now.

Is Ravagon right about the margin – 25 to the Pacific Islanders?

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
Very kind of you to say so.

I will send the invoice at the usual address.

[Havak]

I have some old Francs I need to get rid of.

*edit* the Fun Bus (Jason Leonard) has been offered a coaching role with the England set-up (to look after the front row). He is undecided whether to take it (still a little annoyed at how he was treated post RWC perhaps?)

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
The English Championship is tough and the level of play is high.

Get some of 'em into the England team immediately!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
You could plump for the classic underdog – Worcester.

My charity doesn't extend that far!

Hewitt nicked a set on a tie break btw but was pretty easily beaten in the end. Not as easily as Henman capitulated to a non seed of course.

Hewitt was predictable, but I turned on the TV just as Super Tim was sinking in the third set against the unseeded Eastern European! If he's looking for a new coach, Clive can tell him all about losing without dignity.

And in cricket now the test side has finally become a little competitive the one day side has become dire.

The series is on cable here. I tuned in early last night and they were doing all right. Open the paper this morning and they rolled over. It's catching!

The second and third points maybe – but if he is 25 it is only just.

How old is he? Truthfully?

You know I am sure they are called the same here.

Well, Dermott is attracted to them like bees to the proverbial! And they're a bastard to comb out!

However our new Winger is on the bench for them so I need to catch the game if possible. Must look up the where and when.

Next Saturday in Adelaide. 7pm, I think. I don't know whether that's Sydney time or Adelaide time.

I can see Finbar reaching for his sick bucket right now.

I had a brown chicken stock simmering on the stove and you curdled it!

Is Ravagon right about the margin – 25 to the Pacific Islanders?

It was his suggestion. I have no idea what will happen in the game. The PIs slaughtered Reds and Waratahs, but they were far from full strength outfits. Apparently they were sensational against the Waratahs, something like four tries in the first half hour. Solid structure and strong defence usually brings them unstuck. But I wouldn't be surprised if they frightened - or even beat - us.

[Havak]

Get some of 'em into the England team immediately!

You mean notable Englishmen like Reihana and Blowers?

If he's looking for a new coach, Clive can tell him all about losing without dignity.

Tennis does not allow such tings old boy – you shake hands and then at the press conference ignore how well your opponent played and prattle on about injuries, how you will be back and how unfair life is.

Oh – I see your point!

Open the paper this morning and they rolled over. It's catching!

Classic disappearing middle order and tail – when Jones went they were like dominoes. Currently have Windies 62-4 after 18 – they must make something of that…

How old is he? Truthfully?

I was only (accidentally - forgot how long ago RWC actually was) slightly untruthful. He is 25. 26 in October. Must have had a hard life?

Well, Dermott is attracted to them like bees to the proverbial!

The hairier the dog the greater the attraction to unsuitable objects.

Cheers for the game time – hope it is Sydney time as that’s a civilised watch over a late breakfast.

But I wouldn't be surprised if they frightened - or even beat - us.

Coming off the back of a handsome victory against the ‘world chumps’ and you are wavering like that?

*edit* Good grief - England's most capped fullback, and the lad I said i would like to see back in that position, Matt Perry is only just turned 27. Bye bye Lewsey.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


You mean notable Englishmen like Reihana and Blowers?

Why not? Alongside the notable Englishmen like Abbott and Lipman? And that van Whats-it next season.

Classic disappearing middle order and tail – when Jones went they were like dominoes. Currently have Windies 62-4 after 18 – they must make something of that…

Looks like they did.

I was only (accidentally - forgot how long ago RWC actually was) slightly untruthful. He is 25. 26 in October. Must have had a hard life?

Cripes, he looked about 35 recently.

Cheers for the game time – hope it is Sydney time as that’s a civilised watch over a late breakfast.

In this morning's paper it says 8pm Sydney time. That would be kick off, I'd assume. Broadcasts seem to like to start half an hour early for lots of waffle and ads. Anyway, you could probably call the bacon and eggs and blood pudding brunch!

Coming off the back of a handsome victory against the ‘world chumps’ and you are wavering like that?

Given our history of lifting for big ones and playing like woolly woofters in the lesser games?

*edit* Good grief - England's most capped fullback, and the lad I said i would like to see back in that position, Matt Perry is only just turned 27. Bye bye Lewsey.

Gee, a teenager in England rugby terms.

[finbar]

Hey Tamerlin. I caught the end of a doco on the History Channel this afternoon. It was about the Cathars down in Languedoc in the 13th century. They were vegetarians, gave all their money to the church, and gave up sex. You're not thinking of reviving the movement, are you?

[Havak]

Why not? Alongside the notable Englishmen like Abbott and Lipman? And that van Whats-it next season.

Because its not the answer. The answer is more Tigers lads being picked. Our boys bleed red and white.

Besides it is fun watching Union that makes anyone it fancies a Kiwi telling two real Kiwis they cannot be considered for the ABs in summer 2005 because they won’t have played Super 12. Both Reihana and Blowers are returning the NZ next summer because Saints can’t afford to renew their silly money contracts. If they are in better form than the incumbents then you play them surely (and Henry wanted them available). Forget this silly protectionism your unions build around S12 – look at how much better the boks are now exiles can play again.

Looks like they did.

Yes. Still requires ‘Encore une fois’ of course.

Cripes, he looked about 35 recently.

Always looked like he was running for the bus and it suddenly braked to me.

Anyway, you could probably call the bacon and eggs and blood pudding brunch!

A slow walk to the bakery down my road and two Full English breakfast baps may well be in order.

Keep you eye out for our new signing – I want to know if he is any good.

Given our history of lifting for big ones and playing like woolly woofters in the lesser games?

True. The only team that even runs you close on that is Ireland.

Gee, a teenager in England rugby terms.

A good lad, plagued by injuries since the Lions tour. Finally looks to be free from them. Not favoured by Clive because he lacks pace – but great vision, good hands and very solid under the high ball. An old fashioned defensive fullback. The only black mark – plays for Baaath.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak

Forget this silly protectionism your unions build around S12 – look at how much better the boks are now exiles can play again.

It doesn't affect us. The only players who leave here for overseas are either never weres or past their use-by date.

Keep you eye out for our new signing – I want to know if he is any good.

What's his name again? They all sound alike to me.

[Havak]

Seru Rabeni. Hope he looks the part.

And there is no way Finbar you will ever convince me that Timmy Horan would not have worn wattle on merit right up to the day he retired?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Seru Rabeni. Hope he looks the part.

I knew one of his names had to end in i!

And there is no way Finbar you will ever convince me that Timmy Horan would not have worn wattle on merit right up to the day he retired?

Yes, but that's the point. He'd retired. That's why he went.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar
Hey Tamerlin. I caught the end of a doco on the History Channel this afternoon. It was about the Cathars down in Languedoc in the 13th century. They were vegetarians, gave all their money to the church, and gave up sex. You're not thinking of reviving the movement, are you?

Not a chance, at least as far as the church and vegetarian parts are concerned. When you consider sex, the problem is that you also have to endure the girlfriend coming with it.



Be careful with the Cathars, there are many misconceptions about them and many docos are not really up to date, including some French ones. Those produced by ARTE (the only intelligent channel in France) though should be of great quality.