Rugby - Autumn Beckons!

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar


Yes, the bonus point system can lead to positive rugby. Its downside is that it can encourage all out try fests, with other aspects of the game neglected.

I think that the bonus point when you lose by less than seven point, also in effect this year, is a good counterbalance.

[finbar]

True. But the problem here, evident in S12, is that the 4-try bonus point has encouraged all-out attack. Which is entertaining to watch, but is no preparation for Test rugby. Thus S12 and Test rugby are almost two different games.

[Tamerlin]

For the whole thing to be balanced, the victory is worth 4 points. Along with the different culture I think it can help things not to degenerate into the hodge podge you are usually watching in the Super 12.

[finbar]

You couldn't resist! You have no will power!

[Tamerlin]

Yep!

[Havak]

Sadly work seems determined to keep me busy right now. Never the less I did find this in the BBCs Derek 'Robbo' Robson sports humour column and thought Finbar might like it.

[article]
Clive Woodward's analysis of the club v country problems of professional rugby was pretty juvenile, I reckon.

As Graeme Cattermole put it, "professional rugby is still in its infancy". He might have added that Sir Clive is still in its infancy too.

I never heard a pram being emptied of toys so quickly in all my life. It was a great achievement winning the World Cup, but it doesn't mean that from now on 'til the end of your days everyone's going to let you do what you damn well please.

Apart from possibly Rupert Lowe.

Any road, Woodward's apologised because he wants to be the first double-knighted team coach with the Lions and there's no way that place in history can be cemented if he's trying to negotiate with a bunch of "strange characters".

Maybe you'll be shuffling into the likes of Wasps and Saracens on your knees for a few weeks, you great pillock. Then we still might hear the words, 'Arise Sir Sir Clive'.
[ends]

Rupert Lowe is the chairman of Southampton Soccer club incidentally.

[finbar]

By the by, I've just come home from a meeting on the children's feature film I'm writing. Conference call with the Channel 5 end of the co-production. Last time Mr Channel 5 was out here, I determined that he was a s***** man rather than a follower of a real game. I slagged him for it, as is my wont. Luckily he has a sense of humour. Anyway, tonight on the phone, I discovered he's a keen Southampton supporter. I slagged him mercilessly about Clive. Funnily enough, he thinks Clive should go for a long walk on a short jetty.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
Yep!

I shall refrain from commenting. One of us has willpower!

[Havak]

My sympathies for:

a) dealing with a Soccer fan
b) having to deal with one as masochistic as to support Soton.

Still I am sure he has some redeeming qualities. Unlike Clive.

[finbar]

I'll reserve judgement on that till I get his feedback on the script.

[Havak]

I look forward to guessing what his feedback was after reading said judgment.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar

I shall refrain from commenting. One of us has willpower!

I have a motto: "never miss an opportunity to tease someone".

[Caligastia]

Has anyone else caught any NPC games yet? Auckland v Wellington should be good this weekend. Hopefully Auckland will have their All Blacks back.

[finbar]

There was another NPC match on FoxSports late last night. Waikato -v- Someone. The problem is they're on so late! But I shall make an effort this week.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin


I have a motto: "never miss an opportunity to tease someone".

Mmmm. In our venacular, you're a "blowie". Havak might have come across the occasional "blowie" in his visit here. Persistent, annoying, never stopping in the one spot long enough to be swatted, and eyes in the back of your head to spot the swat coming anyway.