Rugby!

[Havak]

who misuses the word "fulsome" as he does in the fifth paragraph

I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out.

cheap journalistic trick by including unsubstantiated speculation

Bad wasn't it - and he writes for a 'quality' paper - the Sunday Times (mind you thats a Murdoch rag).

when someone suggested locking the Lions supporters out of the ground.

You might as well have done so Don't you think making our entire allocations at either end of the field keeping us totally away from the actual playing was a little naughty? I've been closer to Twickenham's ptich whilst sat in the bar at the Stoop.

Australian sporting crowds are legendary for supporting an underdog team against their own team.

I take your word for it. How do they treat teams that are a real threat to the green and gold?

The Irish and Australians have much in common

You both hate Poms?

Socially I agree - very welcoming people both. Outside the grounds I had no aggro whatsoever in Aus - even in rough local bars. The same holds true for my times in Ireland (in fact I'm doing Dublin again next six nations).

But okay I've got side-tracked. I said I'd give my verdict on the guy.

Okay - he is Welsh right, Xenophobia aside, and he seems to have a problem with we Anglo's. He has never had a good word to say about England or Tigers, or any other English champion club side.

His current tactic is to build up the English club Sale (a minor Manchester side receiving massive funding from the RFU and a sugar daddy - it's in League heartland) as the 'virtuous' team to topple Tigers. He can be merciless against the WRU (who deserve it frankly) but will also big up minor Welsh sides beyond all reason (Llanelli who?).

He gloats when France beat England

In short he is what we refer to here as a **** stirrer.

I don't dismiss everything he says, sometimes he strikes on valid points, but I always approach him with a pinch of salt handy.

Bizarrely I prefer Eddie Butler as a columnist - but you might not like them as he was the ghost writer behind the comments a certain mouthy English back made last year. ;-)

My god - it's almost a year since the Melbourne test!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak

Um, nope. It was marketed by the Australian Union as this. Here it was only ever marketed as a “supreme challenge”. In all the domestic marketing here the Wallabies were afforded total respect. Compare that to the press the Lions received down thereeven before landing perhaps?

Whatever the tour was called - in promotion terms - it amounted to the same thing. And I don't read the tabloid press, so I have no idea how they handled the Lions before or after they arrived. I can assure you that the broadsheets - well, broadsheet, there's only one in Sydney - were perfectly reasonable. And remained so.

You know I can never accept that. It was the AUSTRALIAN game plan from the Western Australia game on to cripple the tour party. No Lions tour has ever suffered so much malicious injury. It’s a real black mark against your Union and it serves no purpose to maintain the ARU line that “it was all the Lions” – that’s bull pure and simple. Two teams take to a field every time. And the final point is had the Lions intended to physically destroy your minor sides they would have achieved it I can assure you. They actually set out to play open attractive rugby - albeit with Henry's weird obsession with patterns?

Funny isn't it how the "violent Lions" clamour only became really prominent after Brisbane?

I know I don’t read the game as well as you, we have adequate proof of that is the threads I can tell who throws a first punch (or knee etc) though and I know who started the majority of aggro on the tour, where I saw every single game. If there were punches outside the grounds however I will accept your judgment that the Lions were at fault. In essence your provincial boys tried to rough it with the cream of International NH forwards during this tour (missing only France) and that was an insane game plan. It has led to persistent bad blood. The Lions may never return (which would be a real shame?).

Gee, I was much less than precise. The "aggro" I was referring to was verbal. In fact, I had to go back and check my post to see what you were actually talking about. Christ, if I get any less precise, call me Stephen Jones and pack me off to Coventry. And I've been there, I know why the expression exists.

The Lions may never return? I find that incredibly difficult to believe.

I hope and I trust however that our fans behaved impeccably, even under the kind of provocation I received walking out at Sydney (“go home you ******* pussies” – charming stuff). And please keep in mind we have returned to both RSA and NZ after losing tours – so don’t dismiss it as (just) sour grapes.

It really bothers me that you are condemning so many for the actions of some idiots, drunken or otherwise. Surely you get idiots over there? Well, I have a lot of friends over there and some of them are idiots so I know you have them there.

I do feel the approach to marketing from your Union is wrong however – I know the double jeopardy it faces in competing with Aussie Rules and League – the latter being proof some of your countrymen are insane just like mine? but Xenophobia is not the way to go – real problems for you down the line if visiting teams refuse to tour?

I agree the marketing approach is wrong. I thought I made that clear in my post. As I've said before - to Caligastia's chagrin - this country is, in many, many ways, f*cked. OTOH, I don't think anyone is going to refuse to tour.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out.

He's not the only one who misuses "fulsome". Just about everyone does. I have no idea why.

Don't you think making our entire allocations at either end of the field keeping us totally away from the actual playing was a little naughty? I've been closer to Twickenham's ptich whilst sat in the bar at the Stoop.

I actually suggested to the ARU that the Lions' tickets for the Brisbane Test should be in the front stalls in Perth but they didn't take me seriously.

I take your word for it. How do they treat teams that are a real threat to the green and gold?

Genuine Australian sports fans are always very well educated about their sports. Obviously they want Australia to win, but they always recognise quality performances. In that very narrow Wallaby loss to the ABs last year in a very high quality game, there was high praise for the ABs.

You both hate Poms?

More than that. There's a stubbornness, perversity and contrariness.

I don't dismiss everything he says, sometimes he strikes on valid points, but I always approach him with a pinch of salt handy.

The problem with bias in journalism - any sort - is predictability and lack of credibility. In his case, you can add the problem of illiteracy.

On a completely unrelated matter, I heard tonight that former Wallaby prop Andrew Blades is heading off to coach Newcastle over there. Are they in against your mob? Are they any good?

[Havak]

The "aggro" I was referring to was verbal.

I got it wrong again then

There were some regrettable verbals coming out the BI camp yes. Whatever got the boys riled up to do such silly things is not really relevant I guess – the verbals were unnecessary agitation to a highly competitive tour.

I had to go back and check my post to see what you were actually talking about.

If it makes you feel better as I wrote my reply I had to alter it as, on re-reading your post I found myself saying exactly what you were saying yourself most of the time. Does that make sense?

The Lions may never return? I find that incredibly difficult to believe.

You are right of course – the moral is for me to engage brain before speaking.

It’s probably just a small number of people venting frustration – that was not based on any official position of theirs just on club based gossip sessions.

The Lions are unusual though in that they have no national Union involved with them. They make their own decisions. England of course would never refuse to tour regardless of circumstance – just look at that shambolic 98 “tour of death” when they arrived without any senior players at all and got whipped – they should have cancelled that rank stupidity.

that you are condemning so many for the actions of some idiots

Did it come over as condemning the whole crowd? My apologies if so. I was not wishing to suggest that. I was trying to say there was a significant element, more significant than I am used to anyway, at each game and that I found the atmosphere uncomfortable at times because of it. The majority of Wallaby watching fans are stand up folks – my own experience does confirm that – but I’ve never experienced such a unique atmosphere – highly charged but with underlying aggression not excitement?

I guess the whole verbal war thing affected the crowds too?

Surely you get idiots over there? Well, I have a lot of friends over there and some of them are idiots so I know you have them there.

More than our share yes indeed – though we try to keep them at Soccer games. But yes I have seen idiots at twickers and Welford Road and every other ground I have been. I would say I think our crowds police themselves a little better – a nutter spouting venom at opposing fans amongst us would be politely handled at Welford Road, and at Twickers I think the stewards would intervene more at verbal flashpoints than was the case with the Lions last year – but you only ever get to see the small part of the ground you are in really I guess?

Again your point that Rugby is thoroughly established here may well account for that?

I thought I made that clear in my post

You did yep, but see my point above about revising my reply – I guess I still missed redundant parts.

And yes no national Union will refuse to tour. The Lions worry me slightly because, with no Union behind them, as soon as things get difficult or touring becomes un-enjoyable where is the incentive to carry on?

It’s rhetorical really – money. The Lions are now a money making machine for both the Lions organisation itself and the destination economy?

I have no idea why.

Very few people use an extended vocabulary effectively. Myself whilst on tour is a good case in point.

I actually suggested to the ARU that the Lions' tickets for the Brisbane Test should be in the front stalls in Perth but they didn't take me seriously.

Did it lose by one vote then?

In that very narrow Wallaby loss to the ABs last year in a very high quality game, there was high praise for the ABs.

It’s good to hear that. But did you time that example deliberately for when you knew Caligastia would miss it? Pure class.

There's a stubbornness, perversity and contrariness.

Your words not mine! It’s not for an Englishman to disagree with you.

In his case, you can add the problem of illiteracy.

A fatal flaw for a journo. Hints of Xenophobia don’t help either when you write on International matters?

Are they in against your mob? Are they any good?

To answer those in turn yes they are, and they should be – but they are strictly average.

There’s some real talent on their books, and they won the title in 98 when John Hall (of Newcastle soccer) was still bank rolling them, but they have fallen away into ‘average’ territory since (I think they won the elimination cup the season before last too). They were sixth in the League in this season just gone. Blades may bring juts the approach they need to achieve more.

What they are most notable for is their Director of Rugby, the former England Fly Half Rob Andrew – he of the Wallaby downing drop goal in RWC 95. Rob is a controversial figure these days, as he suffers from verbal diarrhoea – this season just finished he got banned from Gloucester ground for accusing one of their players (a coloured Frenchman) of being racist!

Last season he accused Tigers of ‘excessively watering the pitch’ to suit us after we put 50 points on them.

He can seriously be quite embarrassing so I wish Blades well!

Oh by the way Ian Bothams son Liam plays for Newcastle - at wing or fullback.

[Andydog]

Cheers for the welcome dudes. Finbar I took your advice and read the entire 15 pages. I must admit I found the discussion most interesting. You all made some quality points about many different aspects of rugby, and I like how you all take the piss out of each other.

I must admit that my rugby knowledge pales in comparison to you blokes, but I certainly enjoy the game thoroughly and follow it when I can. I've actually fired this page over to a Saffie mate - he has a head full of rugby facts so maybe he'll join us and explain why his boys are playing crap rugby at the moment.

Caligastia - we must keep Finbar in check. He seems to have a tongue on him longer than a Doc Martin boot. Speaking of Docs, Havak you wouldn't happen to own a special drinking pair that you wear to the games? It's just that you sound like the rowdy type being a gnarly bitter drinker and that. Grolsh happens to be my poison btw, although at the moment I happen to be drinking a can of imported Holsten Pils. Cheers to that.

But did you know New Zealand invented the paper clip?

I didn't know that one. Did you know that NZ invented the electric fence? What has Australia invented apart from that hat with the dangling corks?

We're starting a rugby betting pool for the coming international season. It's mentioned in the last couple of pages. Care to join in?

I predict that the ABs will win the first tri nations test against the Wallabies in a close intensely physical game by 5 points, and am prepared to bet Civ gold on it!

cheers! (again)

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak

The Lions are unusual though in that they have no national Union involved with them. They make their own decisions.

This is something that has puzzled me for a while. And you referred to the Lions organisation again later in the post. I should probably know this, but who are "The Lions"? I mean, I know how the team is made up, but who makes up the organisation behind "The Lions"? And what the *uck do they do between tours?

It’s good to hear that. But did you time that example deliberately for when you knew Caligastia would miss it? Pure class.

What is the secret to a quality performance if not timing? I just hope to hell that Caligastia - in the bosom of the missus' clan in Cleveland - doesn't have an internet connection. Cleveland's in the backwoods, isn't it?

Oh, and yes, Rob Andrew has made the sports pages here with his apparently uncontrollable tongue. Pity his right foot hadn't suffered the same urges all those years ago.

Oh by the way Ian Bothams son Liam plays for Newcastle - at wing or fullback.

Mmmm. If he's anything like his old man, I imagine the onfield team's IQ average doubles as soon as he goes off for a break.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog
Cheers for the welcome dudes. Finbar I took your advice and read the entire 15 pages. I must admit I found the discussion most interesting. You all made some quality points about many different aspects of rugby, and I like how you all take the piss out of each other.

We're basically just a bunch of squabbling children. The challenge for Caligastia and me is to provoke Havak to the point where he hurls his rattle out of his pram.

I must admit that my rugby knowledge pales in comparison to you blokes

It's called bluff!

but I certainly enjoy the game thoroughly and follow it when I can. I've actually fired this page over to a Saffie mate - he has a head full of rugby facts so maybe he'll join us and explain why his boys are playing crap rugby at the moment.

I actually caught quite a bit of the U-21 World Cup final replayed on Cable TV. The Baby Boks looked very good beating the Baby Wallabies. The BWs definitely had their chances and probably should have won - missing a dead easy drop goal and penalty kick - but there's some real skill amongst the BBs. And rugby, unlike a lot of other sports, tends to see promising youth continue on to success at higher levels. So the future could be bright for our friends across the Ocean.

OTOH, I notice Bobby Skinstaad has been in trouble again, brawling outside a club. Or protecting his brother in a brawl. Or somesuch.

Caligastia - we must keep Finbar in check. He seems to have a tongue on him longer than a Doc Martin boot.

You should be aware that your sole Kiwi compatriot, Caligastia, lives, in fact, in New York. I mention that only in passing, for your information. If anyone were to draw any conclusion to the effect that Caligastia saw sense and fled New Zealand - well, don't hold me responsible for other people's common sense.

Speaking of Docs, Havak you wouldn't happen to own a special drinking pair that you wear to the games?

Size 17s. For when he can't get his hands on a glass.

It's just that you sound like the rowdy type being a gnarly bitter drinker and that.

Got him in one!

Grolsh happens to be my poison btw

I've dislocated too many fingers trying to get the frigging bits of wire off those things. Why should you need a pair of bolt cutters handy before you can enjoy a beer?

I didn't know that one. Did you know that NZ invented the electric fence? What has Australia invented apart from that hat with the dangling corks?

There's probably a line about sheep farmers with too much time on their hands being the only people on earth likely to come up with the notion of plugging a fence into a power point ... but I'll pass up the chance for a cheap shot.

What have we invented? As one of my Oz compatriots posted in another thread recently, we invented the wine cask. Which just about sums up this anti-intellectual, phillistine rathole of a place under our current government. You should be aware, Andydog, that Caligastia, token moderator of this thread because he's the only mature one amongst us, has banned politics from this thread. Well, he's away for a week celebrating July 4th, so bugger him. Unless, of course, he has internet connection - in which case, Caligastia, sorry, the political reference just slipped out.

I predict that the ABs will win the first tri nations test against the Wallabies in a close intensely physical game by 5 points, and am prepared to bet Civ gold on it!

That's the spirit! Okay, we need to get some order into this betting competition. Should we make it straight out betting or introduce a points spread? Straight out is much easier to administer, but points spread can add some spice. For the TriNations and Bledisloe Cup we would need an independent points estimator and Havak fits the bill.

You interested in trying to gauge a points spread for the Wallabies -v- ABs, Havak? Or aren't you familiar enough with the teams?

[Havak]

but who are "The Lions"?

Well any inaccuracies here are my own fault – but in essence the British Lions are a limited company in this Professional era (British Lions ltd). They are run like a business with players from all four home Unions being individually contracted to the Lions tour on a strict fixed term basis (sub-contracted away from their Union and clubs if you like).

Between tours they do very, very little that I am aware of. I believe the Barbarians are now very similar – a limited company with an executive board that, like the Lions, is called a committee as homage to the amateur days?

The Lions hold a special place in fans hearts up here, as it’s the only example of the home nations coming together as one cause. Did you know they never play at home (because the venue would necessarily be partisan amongst the home nations)? I don’t think they play France either, at least not in recent history, and that is perhaps something we should correct? The unique composition is also why emotions ran so high when they got embroiled in a contentious tour last year – Lions tours are meant to be fun and to promote the game first and foremost.

I would also really like to see them stick with British and Irish coaches in future – no offence to SH coaches, most of whom I’m sure are much better than Henry proved to be, but it’s the B&I Lions right? I think the players need a B&I connection to the coaches?

Cleveland's in the backwoods, isn't it?

Fingers crossed it is anyway.

Pity his right foot hadn't suffered the same urges all those years ago.

That kick made him. I’m sure it led to him getting the Newcastle job in fact. A great player in his time he is now almost universally reviled outside of his own club for his lack of diplomatic grace.

I imagine the on field team's IQ average doubles as soon as he goes off for a break.

I think Liam has some smarts – he gave cricket up when he realised rugger payed more. He is not a bad player but he isn’t quite International class. You can never say never though? On the flip side his old man watches him at home games so I guess you can join me in disliking Newcastle now?

The challenge for Caligastia and me is to provoke Havak to the point where he hurls his rattle out of his pram.

It’s not much of a challenge for them. My rattle flies about freely.

Size 17s. For when he can't get his hands on a glass.

Very useful for getting near the bar at Welford Road.

In actual fact I’m a really nice bloke Andydog – honest. Just the odd anger management problem related to my low tolerance for idiots – particularly when they get near rugger grounds

By the way Finbar I am referring mainly to Welford Road not certain tours, where a soccer element is creeping in as the nearby soccer club plummet down the Leagues – I hate success groupies, I was at Welford road during the “dark years” (when we used to finish as low as fourth)

Got him in one!

Heh I object, I could never drink ‘gnarly’ bitter

Why should you need a pair of bolt cutters handy before you can enjoy a beer?

It’s good beer and worth the effort. It’s too expensive in bottled form here now for many places to hold it – you can easily pay the equivalent of $10 Aus for it.

we invented the wine cask

Is this true? Do the French know?

You interested in trying to gauge a points spread for the Wallabies -v- ABs, Havak? Or aren't you familiar enough with the teams?

It’s awkward for me as I’m much more familiar with the Wallaby squad – I simply see more of you. I know the AB backs reasonably but their forwards are an unknown quantity for me, and without that knowledge my spread estimate is pretty useless? I could make a statistical estimate based on your last ten games and factored against the official world rankings – or is that over egging the pudding?

[ravagon]

Originally posted by Andydog

Caligastia - we must keep Finbar in check. He seems to have a tongue on him longer than a Doc Martin boot.

Sadly this has been a task beyond the ken of all who have made the attempt - to date. Should you succeed your username will go down in history.
He wasn't entirely correct about the bungee being invented in NZ, as the Hacketts nicked the concept from a tribe in NZ Samoa IIRC, but thats been about it. Very slim pickings.

I predict that the ABs will win the first tri nations test against the Wallabies in a close intensely physical game by 5 points, and am prepared to bet Civ gold on it!

Pitifully, I can contibute little as the rugby coverage in WA is mediocre at best. The only bright spot being that the ARL coverage isn't too good either.

[finbar]

The Lions thing is now a bit clearer. Where do the profits go?

Lions tours are meant to be fun and to promote the game first and foremost.

Truly? Really and truly? I thought that was the role of the Baa-Baas. I don't think anyone in the SH has ever thought a Lions tour was for fun and to promote the game.

I would also really like to see them stick with British and Irish coaches in future – no offence to SH coaches, most of whom I’m sure are much better than Henry proved to be, but it’s the B&I Lions right? I think the players need a B&I connection to the coaches?

Couldn't agree more. It's a British institution.

On the flip side his old man watches him at home games so I guess you can join me in disliking Newcastle now?

A friend of mine had to work with Papa Botham on a couple of projects. Said a more boorish individual had never walked the earth.

It’s awkward for me as I’m much more familiar with the Wallaby squad – I simply see more of you. I know the AB backs reasonably but their forwards are an unknown quantity for me, and without that knowledge my spread estimate is pretty useless? I could make a statistical estimate based on your last ten games and factored against the official world rankings – or is that over egging the pudding?

Finally! A culinary reference. You're now party to my two great passions - cooking and rugby. Anyway, I'd just go for it. Give it a burl, as the saying goes. The factors you indicate are probably the factors the bookies use anyway.

[finbar]

Originally posted by ravagon
Sadly this has been a task beyond the ken of all who have made the attempt - to date. Should you succeed your username will go down in history.

Turn it up, ravagon, Havak reckons he's got my number. Little does he know I'm lulling into another false sense of security - by which I mean, the one after England beat Wales.

He wasn't entirely correct about the bungee being invented in NZ, as the Hacketts nicked the concept from a tribe in NZ Samoa IIRC, but thats been about it. Very slim pickings.

One 3rd World country thieving from another?

Pitifully, I can contibute little as the rugby coverage in WA is mediocre at best. The only bright spot being that the ARL coverage isn't too good either.

Rugby seems to have gone ahead in leaps and bounds over there. They were even talking about inserting the new S12 team there. Anyway, regardless of the rugby coverage over there, I need you on my side in this thread. Caligastia's now got another Kiwi; Havak's got his two French chums - cross-Channel rivalries being set aside when it comes to taking on the Southern Hemisphere - and I'm on my lonesome. So stick around!

One tip, though. If a post of Havak's doesn't mention either English skipper Jonno or Havak's beloved club, Leicester Tigers, it's only because he's forgotten. Please remind him of his forgetfulness.

[Havak]

Where do the profits go?

No one seems entirely sure, though it’s a fair bet the Unions take a reasonable slice for allowing players to be sub-contracted. The players are now well paid too of course.

I don't think anyone in the SH has ever thought a Lions tour was for fun and to promote the game

Whoops, did it again there. I was referring only to the Home nations viewpoint. The SH are meant to see it as a truly frightening chance to see how a bunch of knackered NH players can step up and perform at the end of an 11 month season up here.

Couldn't agree more. It's a British institution.

I’m going to frame this – overtly agreeing without any counter debate – it’s almost unprecedented.

Said a more boorish individual had never walked the earth.

I’m not ducking this one but I honestly don’t know the guy, so I can’t confirm or deny that.

You're now party to my two great passions - cooking and rugby.

Almost – I love food but hate cooking. ;-)

Okay I did a basic analysis of the last ten matches between you and weighted it by the current rankings. The result is the Wallabies should get a six point start, this despite the fact you have had the upper hand in the last two Tri-nations. Does that sound reasonable? Okay the brain is now on Friday afternoon overload but does this mean that yourself and Caligastia (and all others welcome) bet on the point difference once this spread is taken into account?

Havak reckons he's got my number

Far from it in fact.

it's only because he's forgotten. Please remind him of his forgetfulness.

With the possible exception of Tamerlin I am without doubt the most 'partisan' club supporter here – go Tigers . But that’s mainly the longstanding club rivalry here rather than my own natural proclivity (anyone buying that?)

I do also defend Jonno on occasion – I think he gets a very bad press when they guy is one of the very best rugby players I have ever seen.

Thanks Finbar for allowing me to work both references in on a slim pretext again.

I wonder when Tamerlin might drop by – I have just realised I’ve not asked him how he rates the prop Tournaire whom we have just signed from Toulouse?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
I’m going to frame this – overtly agreeing without any counter debate – it’s almost unprecedented.

Well, I'm a traditionalist in many ways. It seems ridiculous for a unit like the Lions - set up for the purposes it is - to use an outside coach. Of course it depends how purist you want to be. In this regard, I am.

I’m not ducking this one but I honestly don’t know the guy, so I can’t confirm or deny that.

Not knowing anyone has never stopped me slagging them off. Nor should you feel constrained. All part of your education process.

Almost – I love food but hate cooking. ;-)

Heretic. It's the great, great interest in my life.

The result is the Wallabies should get a six point start, this despite the fact you have had the upper hand in the last two Tri-nations. Does that sound reasonable? Okay the brain is now on Friday afternoon overload but does this mean that yourself and Caligastia (and all others welcome) bet on the point difference once this spread is taken into account?

Frankly, I think six points is a pretty reasonable figure taking into account recent events. I mean, internationally; leaving aside the S12. The Wallabies have played tougher opponents than the ABs and have won by less. I don't have a problem with six points.

It means that if you back the Wallabies, they have to win by 6 or more. If you back the ABs, they can lose by 6 or fewer.

I think I'll commit for 20 Civ Gold on the Wallabies to win by 6 or more.

PS. Tamerlin went on two weeks holiday on the coast down around Carcasonne, from memory. Lucky vache. Should be back this Sunday or Monday, I think.

[Andydog]

… sheep farmers…

Ah yes I always knew this would come up fairly early on. All I have to say at this stage Finbar is you send me your address and I’ll have a pair of velcro gloves posted to you. I’m sure you’ll figure out what to do with them.

… Heh I object, I could never drink ‘gnarly’ bitter…

Havak we all know that there doesn’t exist a bitter that isn’t gnarly. Bitter beers are the pits. They are cloudy and can’t seem to chill down. And there is often so much sediment left over in your glass you could snort it. I should know - it was my unfortunate challenge to drink nothing but the local bitters on tour when we all followed the ABs around the UK during the last world cup.

Which is why I’m not speaking to those French dudes.

Anyway, I’ll make what can only be described as a ‘sure fire no worries easy peasy piss in the hand’ type bet and put 20 gold on the ABs. Finbar you mentioned you’re into food. Well I’m looking forward to watching the ABs mash up the Auzzies into wallaby stew in the cooking pot that is Jade Stadium. Now there’s a tasty dish.

Btw, what way do you think Lote Tuqiri will go? If he does go union, I’ll be watching him. It seems the consensus in Australia is that he’s the most talented thing since sliced bread. (to go with my wallaby stew)

(edit spelling)

[finbar]

Originally posted by Andydog

Ah yes I always knew this would come up fairly early on.

I thought I'd keep it nice and simple for you to begin with. Let me know if I'm typing too quickly for you.

Havak we all know that there doesn’t exist a bitter that isn’t gnarly. Bitter beers are the pits. They are cloudy and can’t seem to chill down. And there is often so much sediment left over in your glass you could snort it. I should know - it was my unfortunate challenge to drink nothing but the local bitters on tour when we all followed the ABs around the UK during the last world cup.

Yeah, come on, Havak, justify yourself - and your lousy cloudy bitter - to my very best friend Andydog!

Anyway, I’ll make what can only be described as a ‘sure fire no worries easy peasy piss in the hand’ type bet and put 20 gold on the ABs. Finbar you mentioned you’re into food. Well I’m looking forward to watching the ABs mash up the Auzzies into wallaby stew in the cooking pot that is Jade Stadium. Now there’s a tasty dish.

Sorry, Ad, I neither cook nor eat anything but Italian.

Btw, what way do you think Lote Tuqiri will go? If he does go union, I’ll be watching him. It seems the consensus in Australia is that he’s the most talented thing since sliced bread. (to go with my wallaby stew)

No one seems to know which way he'll jump. Brisbane have offered him a massive one-season deal, the ARU have offered him a lot - but quite a bit less than Brisbane - for (I think) three seasons. The ARU have extended his decision-making deadline. Apparently the Brumbies are very keen to get him, they're dangling the bait of linking up with Gregan, Larkham, et al. I have a feeling he'll come across. The bottom line for the RL people is that their game doesn't feature on the world stage. Only with Union can they represent their country in a meaningful way.