Rugby - Truck and Trailer!

[Havak]

Nice play on words Finbar.

During his 'retirement' up here he would still have ousted the incumbents. Some players remain International class to the day they stop altogether - Ian Jones is another one who springs to mind.

When you consider sex, the problem is that you also have to endure the girlfriend coming with it.

My experience of France suggests every city has areas where that is not true.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
My experience of France suggests every city has areas where that is not true.

I guess all the cities throughout the world have such places where man of good repute (and I am among them in spite of the rumors coming from the antipodes) are not going at night.

[Havak]

I'm sure you don't worry about antipodean slurs on your good name?

My own good repute nearly went to pot in March when we inadertently stumbled through such an area in broad daylight at 10am. Careful which way you turn out of the Gare Du Nord when looking for the Frog and Rosbiff...

And of course Sydney itself has areas of thriving 'night life' that Finbar will never have been anywhere near?

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
I'm sure you don't worry about antipodean slurs on your good name?

Not at all, of course...

My own good repute nearly went to pot in March when we inadertently stumbled through such an area in broad daylight at 10am. Careful which way you turn out of the Gare Du Nord when looking for the Frog and Rosbiff...

I am just coming back from the Frog&Rosbiff that lies a few yards away from my appartment and crawling to bed after a few pints... This is the pub you are supposed to share a drink with me the day the Tigers will be good enough again to deserve a game against the Stade Toulousain.

And of course Sydney itself has areas of thriving 'night life' that Finbar will never have been anywhere near?

Needless to say so!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin


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.

Well, there is another option, as Mam'zelle Labit has proved.

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.

I only saw a bit of it so I don't even know who made it. It just struck me that their lifestyle habits might appeal to you.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
During his 'retirement' up here he would still have ousted the incumbents. Some players remain International class to the day they stop altogether - Ian Jones is another one who springs to mind.

And if Joe Roff retires as he says he's going to, the same would apply. Which only underlines my oroginal point - Australian rugby doesn't suffer from not choosing overseas-based players. The only ones who go are players who have realised they won't make the Wallaby team, and players who have opted to retire from international rugby.

Wallabies 29 -d- Pacific Islands 14

Wallabies too professional, too disciplined in very wet, slippery conditions. Lost some concentration early in the second half, but reapplied themselves when the P.I. got within 7. Larkham had a wonderful match, and his tactical field kicking was immaculate and a pleasure to see. The pack was under pressure all night, but the Wallaby forwards drove some splendid rolling mauls, one resulting in a try, and another one should have, except stupid Jeremy Paul grounded the ball just short of the line.

Some very ugly off the ball incidents that will, hopefully, see a couple of P.I. players cited. Early on, Rathbone was felled with a forearm to the head well after he'd disposed of the ball. He was jogging along watching the ball's progress further along the field when he was felled. In the second half, Gregan was dumped in a dangerous spear tackle after he'd disposed of the ball, injuring his neck. Pity the P.I.s have to do that sort of thing. Joe Roff seems to have injured his knee, hopefully not seriously.

Seru Rabeni played the last 20 minutes. Only received the ball once in any position to do anything with it. Coughed it up badly, unfortunately. But he has courage. He stood in the path of Rathbone in full flight. Tried to tackle him, but there was an ugly - accidental - head clash. The ref warned Rabeni for a dangerous tackle. Unfairly, I thought. Seemed to me he planned to use his arms before the heads clashed. After his earlier off-the-ball hammering, Rathbone, probably concussed, retired. Rabeni walked away unscathed.

The Wallabies will need all of the two weeks till they meet the ABs to recover from tonight's pounding. Next week, of course, it's the ABs' turn to be pounded.

EDIT. Things become clearer this morning. Gregan out for at least 2 or 3 weeks with a neck injury and his tackler has been cited. Roff out for 6 weeks. Rathbone cleared of facial bone damage, but the player who chopped him down late seems not - yet - to have been cited. And Eddie's edict about coaches not criticising refs lasted all of one week. He has laid into ref Andre Watson for lax refereeing - not policing the high and dangerous tackles - in a huge way.

FURTHER EDIT. Just saw a replay of Rabeni's tackle on Rathbone. He was using his arms when the accidental head clash happened. In no way was the tackle dangerous. Intentionally, anyway. I missed the replay of the opening where Rathbone was chopped down off the ball so I don't know who did it.

[finbar]

Dean Richards gets profound:

"It's a slightly different kettle of fish altogether being a coach over in France because they have a slightly warped view on the way the game is played and also how it's run," said Richards.

"But I'm not saying that in a derogatory way at all. It's quite a nice view they have of the game."

Presumably somone nudged him to say the second bit after they heard him say the first bit.

Oh, and he said all that after mentioning there were some people at Leicester he wouldn't care if he never spoke to again.

[ravagon]

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

Originally posted by Havak the very next bleeping sentence!
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.

A bit ahead of time yet but Rugby - Pots and Kettles is looking more and more appropriate?

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.

You had me right up to the last sentence. I was about to object to the categorisation until I realised you were joking. Very droll.

Incidentally, Clive now seems to be going back on some words he may have uttered last year ...
*One can hear a pin drop in the shocked silence thereafter*
What does Havak think of this?

http://www.planetrugby.com/Tournaments/British_Irish_Lions/story_37063.shtml

[Edit: Missed the Aus-PacIs match sadly. It looks as though the USA-French 2nd XV would have been a good game to see too. France behind by 4 at the half and scraping a narrow win 39-31. Good game Eagles.
One of their chaps though, Fifita Mo'unga, sounds suspiciously, er, 'Southern Texan'?
Actually a native Hawaiian I imagine?]

[Havak]

This is the pub you are supposed to share a drink with me the day the Tigers will be good enough again to deserve a game against the Stade Toulousain.

The Quarter finals this year then?

The only ones who go are players who have realised they won't make the Wallaby team, and players who have opted to retire from international rugby.

That’s true – but rather obvious given it covers all bases. We have had guys up here who would still have been Wallabies had they chosen to be (Wilson and Horan the main candidates I guess). Once they sign up here the ARU generally announces they were surplus to requirements anyway.

I only caught bits and pieces of the PI game due to a dreaded factor known as ‘sister visiting’ on Saturday morning.

It was clear the spirit in which the game was being played was a little askew – and the butchers bill for the Aussies is bad news for the tri-nations that’s for sure. Could be fun next weekend (wonder if Robinson will see red? If he lies on the wrong side some huge Samoan is going to step through him?)

Joe Roff seems to have injured his knee, hopefully not seriously.

Six weeks. That effectively ends his Wallaby career? Shame – he has never been in better form?

Seemed to me he planned to use his arms before the heads clashed

The only site I registered of him was when he was storming into rucks doing a flankers job. That alone means he will be well received at Welford Road.

I saw the replay of the clash with Rathbone – and ‘ouch’ seems appropriate.

the player who chopped him down late seems not - yet - to have been cited.

Too late to do so now?

And is anyone really surprised Eddie did a turnabout on the officials?

That Watson eh – what a terrible ref? After all he cost Eddie the WE trophy did he not?

In no way was the tackle dangerous. Intentionally, anyway.

I’m very pleased by that. We like hard tackling Islanders – but the one we just shipped out to Cardiff (Freddie Tuilagi) whilst a great lad had a tendency towards spear tackles (as in the wrestling move) without using his arms.

Initial signs are Rabeni may fit in then…

Oh, and he said all that after mentioning there were some people at Leicester he wouldn't care if he never spoke to again.

Yes I saw that. My guess is it would be the Peters – Peter Tom and Peter Wheeler (Chairman and Chief Exec/Director).

I hope Tamerlin doesn’t get too upset – Richards loves France since he played there as a 16 year old. He was speaking out of love for the way of life and thinking.

A bit ahead of time yet but Rugby - Pots and Kettles is looking more and more appropriate?

Certainly is. Just look at Saturday’s game. The PI blindside enters a ruck full steam and the Aussie commentator says “no wonder he is being lined up to be an All Black”.

I guess the PI side is not representative then? So we should stop using the expression Tests for the games with them?

North Auckland, South texas and for us of course it is ‘south of the river’ for the odd Bok or two.

I’m pleased you linked to that Lions rumour. Scuttlebut here is that Clive actually approached Martin to return to England in the autumn to help stabilise the sinking ship – but Martin said no. He is apparently really tempted by the Lions though - if his body holds up this season.

Needless to say I am praying he makes the tour (as skipper).

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
That’s true – but rather obvious given it covers all bases. We have had guys up here who would still have been Wallabies had they chosen to be (Wilson and Horan the main candidates I guess). Once they sign up here the ARU generally announces they were surplus to requirements anyway.

I'll just reiterate - they retire and head overseas for superannuation.

I only caught bits and pieces of the PI game due to a dreaded factor known as ‘sister visiting’ on Saturday morning.

Don't you know to lock the door and pull the blinds!

It was clear the spirit in which the game was being played was a little askew – and the butchers bill for the Aussies is bad news for the tri-nations that’s for sure. Could be fun next weekend (wonder if Robinson will see red? If he lies on the wrong side some huge Samoan is going to step through him?)

Mmm. It will be interesting to see what happens next weekend. They were, um, vigorous in the clean out. They don't seem to bother about rucking, just pick you up and toss you aside like a rag doll.

Six weeks. That effectively ends his Wallaby career? Shame – he has never been in better form?

Peak of his powers. I don't know whether it ends the career. It hasn't been called that here. He said this is his last season, meaning the tour to the NH might see him out.

The only site I registered of him was when he was storming into rucks doing a flankers job.

I saw one example of that.

I saw the replay of the clash with Rathbone – and ‘ouch’ seems appropriate.

Rabeni and Rathbone? It was just bad luck. Rabeni had semi crouched. As he lifted for the tackle, the heads collided. Apparently it was the P.I. skipper who chopped down Rathbone off the ball early in the match. I'm astonished nothing has come of it.

Initial signs are Rabeni may fit in then…

You mean receive the ball once in space for the game and immediately cough it up?

I hope Tamerlin doesn’t get too upset – Richards loves France since he played there as a 16 year old. He was speaking out of love for the way of life and thinking.

You can see his thought process, though. He says the first bit. Stops and thinks. Mmmm. That didn't come out the right way. Better clean it up.

I guess the PI side is not representative then? So we should stop using the expression Tests for the games with them?

Interesting question. It was called a Test match. Stats from the match will be called Test stats. Sets a bit of a precedent.

I’m pleased you linked to that Lions rumour. Scuttlebut here is that Clive actually approached Martin to return to England in the autumn to help stabilise the sinking ship – but Martin said no. He is apparently really tempted by the Lions though - if his body holds up this season.

Needless to say I am praying he makes the tour (as skipper).

It would be good to see him back, but cripes! What does it say about the up and comers?

[finbar]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/3867633.stm

Clive dumps on Graham Henry. Presumably the next England coach will reveal detail of the discontent expressed by the players against Clive's methods in New Zealand recently. What goes around, comes around, Clive.

[Havak]

Whatever Clive does or does not do to upset players it doesn't alter the fact that you will struggle to find a Lions 2001 tour member with a good word about Henry - and you will not find a Taff with one.

Don't let the honeymoon start fool you - he hasn't put his ABs up against a credible threat yet.

In time that old Henry man management magic will shine through.

[Havak]

I'll just reiterate - they retire and head overseas for superannuation.

I think you mean they reach a stage in their career where they feel the need to test themselves in the best club leagues in the world?

Don't you know to lock the door and pull the blinds!

In an inspired moment of madness I gave both my sisters keys. I still cannot recall the reasoning behind that…

They were, um, vigorous in the clean out. They don't seem to bother about rucking, just pick you up and toss you aside like a rag doll.

It will also be interesting because there has been a line up of kiwis defending them for it in the media. Lets see if that survives them snapping a few AB knees?

He said this is his last season, meaning the tour to the NH might see him out.

Good point – forgot you are heading up here. Presumably his post grad course commences before November though? The tests will need to fit in with his studies (and his meetings with Tigers?)

Apparently it was the P.I. skipper who chopped down Rathbone off the ball early in the match. I'm astonished nothing has come of it.

Inconsistency is not limited to referees.

You mean receive the ball once in space for the game and immediately cough it up?

We are used to that – you should have to watch a young man called Leon Lloyd week in week out.

He says the first bit. Stops and thinks. Mmmm. That didn't come out the right way. Better clean it up.

Well – he used to be a Policeman so foot in mouth is an occupational hazard.

Sets a bit of a precedent.

It further confuses an already confused area. Still NZ will argue vigourously that PI players are in fact Auckland residents – the territorial city line of which ends just south of Hong Kong?

It would be good to see him back, but cripes! What does it say about the up and comers?

That very question concerns me. Deacon and Brown are certainly ready to make the step. I do not understand Clive’s reluctance to try them. At the same time I fully understand his desire to have J back marshalling troops on the field. However manful Dally is with his own efforts he seems to lack the ability to galvanise others.

There is no real prospect of an England return – but I think the Lions will tempt him. He will almost certainly be heading down there for it (kiwi wife as you will recall) so why not get the air fare paid?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Whatever Clive does or does not do to upset players it doesn't alter the fact that you will struggle to find a Lions 2001 tour member with a good word about Henry - and you will not find a Taff with one.

Don't let the honeymoon start fool you - he hasn't put his ABs up against a credible threat yet.

In time that old Henry man management magic will shine through.

I'm well aware of the problems of the 2001 Lions tour. I also have no great faith in G. Henry's coaching and/or people skills abilities. Frankly, they're irrelevant in this matter. I think Clive resurrecting things - with quotes - is ordinaire in the extreme, but I have come to expect that sort of thing from him. It might also come back to bite him. I hope it does.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


I think you mean they reach a stage in their career where they feel the need to test themselves in the best club leagues in the world?

But of course.

In an inspired moment of madness I gave both my sisters keys. I still cannot recall the reasoning behind that…

In case you roll home too p*ssed to get the key in the door, I expect. I'm still trying to get the wicked step daughter's key back from her! Walks in here like she used to live here or something!

It will also be interesting because there has been a line up of kiwis defending them for it in the media. Lets see if that survives them snapping a few AB knees?

Yes, let's see what happens when Carlos' head is bouncing up the steps past row 17.

Good point – forgot you are heading up here. Presumably his post grad course commences before November though? The tests will need to fit in with his studies (and his meetings with Tigers?)

On the basis that there's been absolutely no mention of it finishing his Wallaby career, I can only assume he'll be touring. Something to the contrary might surface. In fact, as soon as I finish typing this and go and check the rugby sites, I'll probably discover something to the contrary!

Well – he used to be a Policeman so foot in mouth is an occupational hazard.

I can just imagine him in France - "Right, you're nicked, lumière du soleil!"

It further confuses an already confused area. Still NZ will argue vigourously that PI players are in fact Auckland residents – the territorial city line of which ends just south of Hong Kong?

And yours extends to Cape Town and Sydney? Actually, after I posed the question this morning, it occurred to me that the Lions are the precedent - a collection of nations.

That very question concerns me. Deacon and Brown are certainly ready to make the step. I do not understand Clive’s reluctance to try them. At the same time I fully understand his desire to have J back marshalling troops on the field. However manful Dally is with his own efforts he seems to lack the ability to galvanise others.

There is no real prospect of an England return – but I think the Lions will tempt him. He will almost certainly be heading down there for it (kiwi wife as you will recall) so why not get the air fare paid?

And if the Lions lose? What will it have achieved? Having already said it would be good to see him again, which it would.