Rugby - Running Out of Titles

[Havak]

Heh Finbar the RFU never even charged Grewcock in the end. He didn't meet the criteria apparently (last name was not 'Johnson').

[finbar]

He should be red carded every week for having a rude name!

*twiddling thumbs, awaiting the 6N carnage - Scotland stuffing France, Wales stuffing England - on the weekend*

[ravagon]

Twiddle your thumbs for that long and you may not have any left by the time it actually happens.
Many speculate that the opposable thumb is indeed overrated but not many go so far as to test it out.


There's some speculation in the All-Blacks camp atm about including a little side trip to Wales during their November tour - after they annihilate the rest of the British Isles.
Apparently the Welsh have a hole in their schedule giving NZ a small opening to slaughter yet another NH minnow.

Totally unrelated to this I just noticed a page or so back that West Australian residents, much to my surprise, are apparently 'practically English'. I may have to put a little consideration into who I'm supporting this year. Could be a tough one. Hmmm.

Speaking of tough ones - Anybody want to take a guess on the possibility of a Leicester-Toulouse matchup in the next round of the HC?
The Waterloo of the rugby thread?


One rather pleasant thing I've found about working for a couple of hell-weeks is that it's a little easier to get annual leave afterwards.
With a little luck I'll probably see you all in another couple of weeks.

[Havak]

We will have to play a lot better against Leinster than we did against Quins to make that tie a reality.

And I look forward to NZ visiting Cardiff - I recall they had a truly thumping victory there last time right?

If Ireland are on that schedule as well they will certainly lose one game I suspect. The Lions tour will tell us all we need to know.

England have agreed a light Autumn schedule - Australia, NZ and Samoa in that order. Whats going on? Thats the second time is three years NZ are heading to twickers - have they lost count or something and think it's seven?

[ravagon]

I'd forgotten about the result the last time we played in Wales.
Now I'm inclined to forget it again.


We grace you with our august presence at your little ground for the second time in 3 years and you poke fun?
Shame.
Count your blessings laddie.

[finbar]

Two Poms going at each other. Saves me the trouble.

[Havak]

Blessings counted - banter thoroughly enjoyed. And that game far better forgotten. Remember Paris instead.

Oh sorry Finbar was I supposed to carry on with it?

Tigers just signed a NZ born prop - that should keep Ravagon smiling for a while? More so the fact that I really don't have any idea what type of England side NZ will face in the autumn. There is a whole team out injured almost. Aspects of Saturdays side look really strong on paper - but that midfield gamble is worrying me more as the days pass.

[finbar]

I just realised that your Great White Hope opening bat, Mr Strauss, is South African-born. As is the chap who smashed a ton for you in the latest one day match over there. Ah well. If you can't breed 'em, import 'em.

[ravagon]

Originally posted by finbar
Two Poms going at each other. Saves me the trouble.

I guess we'll find out in the next few months whether or not the old saying is true. You might be able to take the man out of Australia but you can never take the Australian out of the man.


[Edit: Hmmm. I read that France has apparently 'dropped' Michalak for their 6N opener against the Scots? A little over-confident perhaps?]

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by ravagon



I guess we'll find out in the next few months whether or not the old saying is true. You might be able to take the man out of Australia but you can never take the Australian out of the man.

You would be well advised to have a good lawyer...

[Edit: Hmmm. I read that France has apparently 'dropped' Michalak for their 6N opener against the Scots? A little over-confident perhaps?]

You seem to be better informed than me on this ground, the latest information I had was that Frédéric Michalack was selected as fly-half as a possible replacement of Yann Delaigue.



You should have noted that I am not appearing here as often as I did before. One of the reasons is that I don't understand at all the policy of the French staff (and Mister Bernard Laporte in particular) and that I have consequently partially lost interest in the international level of the game of Rugby (another reason is that I don't have access to the Super12 and most of the Tri-Nation because it is broadcasted on private channels). How can brilliant players be so dull when they play in the French XV if not because they are forced to play in a way that don't fit them. What have you done of the "French flair" Mister Laporte? It seems that you killed it...

[ravagon]

Originally posted by Tamerlin

You would be well advised to have a good lawyer...

No need for that. I am, however, becoming more proficient at screening my mail for explosive devices.

You seem to be better informed than me on this ground, the latest information I had was that Frédéric Michalack was selected as fly-half as a possible replacement of Yann Delaigue.

Actually it seems that you are better informed than both the articles author and myself.
I didn't realise Yann was already expected to start. Michalak had supposedly been 'dropped' to the bench - something I find rather odd as I've always regarded him as one of Frances best.

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by ravagon


No need for that. I am, however, becoming more proficient at screening my mail for explosive devices.

You should...

Actually it seems that you are better informed than both the articles author and myself.
I didn't realise Yann was already expected to start. Michalak had supposedly been 'dropped' to the bench - something I find rather odd as I've always regarded him as one of Frances best.

I agree with you, Frédéric Michalack is certainly one of the most talented player of its generation though he has not always been able to express his full skill in the Laporte's system.

His performance against Béziers last week-end has been outstanding. A reason that would explain why he is not playing could be that he is coming back fron an injury and that the French staff would like to keep him for the "big" games to come.

[Havak]

I just realised that your Great White Hope opening bat, Mr Strauss, is South African-born

Yes both he and Pieterson are. The clue is in the surname perhaps? Although both have English mothers and one was entirely raised here I believe.

But what can I say – after all the debates we have had on the subject you have converted me. Make the world English I say.

Our next step to world domination is North Auckland – after all Fijians are British anyway and the Kiwis only get them through residence.

France can do what they like against Scotland – the Scottish skipper is talking of targeting two wins (Italy and Wales) which is just the kind of defeatist nonsense that has made them so woeful. A third string French outfit would beat them. Even with the traditional raise of their game against the ‘auld enemy’ Scotland is one game I expect England to win comfortably.

I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

But then I’m probably just building atmosphere ahead of that potential Tigers clash with some French side whose name escapes me…

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

Defence is exactly the area in which Frédéric Michalack has been very strong the last week-end, he has been very impressive indeed. The real "black point", as we say in France, are his kickings (though not the penalties and transformations).

But then I’m probably just building atmosphere ahead of that potential Tigers clash with some French side whose name escapes me…

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
But what can I say – after all the debates we have had on the subject you have converted me.

I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

Dunno about his defence, but he sure as hell can't kick. Conversions aside. As Tamerlin observed.