Rugby - The game they play in heaven

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Caligastia
Kelleher definitely would have made a difference IMO, but I guess Mitchell is striving for cohesiveness over creativity. What do you think of Kelleher?

I have not seen Kelleher playing for a long time. As far as I can remember he is more enterprising than marshall. He has a more NH style as he is not reducing its role to picking the ball in order to handle it to the Flyhalf and as he is often running with the ball to provoke the defensive line of its opponents.

He is definitively more creative than Marshall, I suspect this kind of play does not suit Merthens and thus the AB coach.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
That was the main course.

The entree was "the astounding Rugby knowledge of the average Wallaby fan".

And pud?

You are exempt from that as you are clearly a spiritual Pom.

Well, a spiritual NH-ite. Jeez, how I wish my great great grandfather - the Dutch ship's engineer who jumped ship in Adelaide in the 1860s - hadn't! Not, of course, that I particularly want to be Dutch. With the utmost respect to the Dutch, it's not a terribly interesting country, with, arguably, the world's second ugliest-sounding language.

[finbar]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Rugby - The Game They Play In Heaven - Bank A/c at 11/8/02

Originally posted by Tamerlin
I guess the NH referees operating in the SH are somehow briefed and encouraged to helm the game in a more SH way, this could explain many terrific performances of NH referees in the SH (at least in our standards).

Interesting observation by one of the local rugby writers this morning. He suggested that the penishead who attacked McHugh actually did the Boks a disservice on the basis that Chris White - of whom the rugby writer is a big fan - policed the breakdown differently to McHugh.

His observation was that McHugh wasn't insisting on the tackler immediately releasing the tackled player when they were on the ground, with the result that the ABs were being penalised after taking the ball into rucks and malls. Later, he suggests, Chris White was insisting on the tackled player being immediately released, allowing more (and here comes that dreaded word) continuity of play. Which favoured the ABs with their more structured play.

All I can say is that the rugby writer's eyesight is better than mine. I wish I could see through the tangles of arms and legs and torsos as well as he can.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Caligastia
but IMO a try was definitely a "probability". I guess we wont come to an agreement on this one...

Since when has that ever stopped us?

If he was down, how could he have been high-tackled...?

He was gang-tackled!

I agree. When Marshall first came on the scene in 96/97, I was a big fan of his, but in 98 and 99 he was dismal, and despite recent improvement he still isnt back to his best form.

To be honest, I don't know what Marshall's doing in the team. I haven't seen anything from him of real quality for a long time. I suspect it's the Mehrtens/Canterbury connection that's keeping him there.

I also would have liked more replacements towards the end of that game in general. The Boks replaced several players, and I reckon the All blacks could have done with a few more fresh players too.

It was a puzzle, wasn't it? It was also particularly interesting that Jonah didn't get a run. If ever there were a game that suited his style, that was it.

Yep, it will be nothing short of a miracle if the Wallabies win the Tri-nations. If they do, even I will call them #1!

It will be the miracle of all times. But one thing's for sure - with that many points required, it's going to make for an entertaining match. Death or glory.

Ravagon and Neostar, I dont know whats worse, discussing league or soccer here, (actually I do, league is always the worst) but both at the same time...

It's okay, Cal, I called them out and gave them a stern lecture. They're aware that, next time, it's a card.

I reckon a 10-point start for the Boks is fair.

Mmmm. It's hard to know how much to factor in the fact that the Wallabies need all those points. And they're going to be trying for them, of that there's no doubt.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Just curious but did you mean terrible rather than terrific? Finbar will be all over that like a rash as it suggests SH reffing standards are ‘better’.

I've already noted Tamerlin's later clarification. I'd also already assumed he'd erred. I let it pass. I'm a big person.

Noooooo! Do not tempt fate with things like this. Rugby needs NZ to win the Tri-nations at least once before RWC or we’ll never hear the end of it?

I'll also let that pass. My pity for the disadvantaged is legendary.

Sadly I have no chance of so doing. Sky shows the game live here but all the rugger magazine shows are off the air as it’s close season. I’ll take a sight-unseen risk and say I’m happy it was a penalty try

You're not ducking it that easily! There will be a replay here. I'll tape it and send it to you.

*finbar awaits Havak's post to the effect that: "Sorry, I'm the last chap in the universe with a Beta VCR"*

Surely the Boks must be favourites?

Gee, my pity for the disadvantaged knows no bounds.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
He is definitively more creative than Marshall, I suspect this kind of play does not suit Merthens and thus the AB coach.

I think you've put your finger on it, Tamerlin. Mehrtens is the general. It's a pity, because the Gregan/Larkham combination proves that generalship can be shared.

[ravagon]

Originally posted by Caligastia

Ravagon and Neostar, I dont know whats worse, discussing league or soccer here, (actually I do, league is always the worst) but both at the same time...

Geez... Lectured twice for the same offense. And I was only responding. Oh, the injustice of it all.

Much as I hate to say this I'd give the Aussies a better margin vs the Boks than the AB's had, simply because they probably will be going all out.
Maybe 12-14 points at a guess?

[The Rusty Gamer]

Just keep the Boks away from the tea and coffee. We don't want one of them dropping something in and poisoning their opponents yet again - how many times have there been reported of poisoning before a game againsts the Boks now? The All Blacks have gone down at least twice because of this.

[ravagon]

[Edited before finbar sees it ]

[finbar]

Originally posted by ravagon

Geez... Lectured twice for the same offense. And I was only responding. Oh, the injustice of it all.

As you well know, ravagon, retaliation (or at least provocation) is no excuse on the rugby field.

Much as I hate to say this I'd give the Aussies a better margin vs the Boks than the AB's had, simply because they probably will be going all out.
Maybe 12-14 points at a guess?

Fair point. But this is the trouble with trying to anticipate the game. While the Wallabies will obviously go all out, what effect will that have on their defence? It could turn into a try-scoring orgy. Or, the Boks could just decide to stuff it up the for the Wallabies and come out aggro and biffo as they did last time.

[finbar]

Originally posted by ravagon
[Edited before finbar sees it ]

My tiny mind is boggling.

(There's one for the opera buffs! )

[NeoStar]

Well Tune is definately able to play in the upcoming game.

I read in the paper today the mad supporter who tackled McHugh is getting quite a bit of support from people. It seems even a SA law firm is offerring to defend him in court for no fee

But note that this is from the Telegraph.

While the Wallabies will obviously go all out, what effect will that have on their defence? It could turn into a try-scoring orgy. Or, the Boks could just decide to stuff it up the for the Wallabies and come out aggro and biffo as they did last time.

Absolutely. Dont put Australia as favourites, they will be aiming for points galore (25+ in fact) so a couple of errors and anything can happen. Open game.

Besides, Im betting on them

[finbar]

Originally posted by NeoStar
Well Tune is definately able to play in the upcoming game.

Well, it was inevitable that he'd be found guilty but not suspended. He was, after all, the least culpable in the whole scenario. The incompetents who (a) administered the medication without first checking its legitimacy; and (b) later tried to cover it all up are the ones who should have been on trial.

The matter still has to go in front of the IRB, though.

I read in the paper today the mad supporter who tackled McHugh is getting quite a bit of support from people. It seems even a SA law firm is offerring to defend him in court for no fee

I'm not in the least bit surprised. The attitudes are reminiscent of those you strike in that very large state immediately north of New South Wales.

Dont put Australia as favourites, they will be aiming for points galore (25+ in fact) so a couple of errors and anything can happen. Open game.

Therein lies the conundrum.

[NeoStar]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Rugby - The Game They Play In Heaven - Bank A/c at 11/8/02

Originally posted by Tamerlin


Sorry, I have not seen the match, my access to the Tri-Nations matches is disrupted for a while.

I can imagine. Just how is the rugby union coverage for Euorpeans with all the other sports around?

Jeez, how I wish my great great grandfather - the Dutch ship's engineer who jumped ship in Adelaide in the 1860s - hadn't!

Well thats a surprise. I thought you had Italien background because the flag you selected.

I was happy to see Kelleher on for the last 10 minutes or so, but I would have liked to see him come on a bit earlier as Marshall was visibly struggling. I also would have liked more replacements towards the end of that game in general.

At least one should have happened. Sometimes it seemed the coach was off in Disneyland - but then again this happens a fair bit when the game gets intense. It's always a gamble...

The matter still has to go in front of the IRB, though.

Yeah - he wont be sleeping peacefully just yet

I'm not in the least bit surprised. The attitudes are reminiscent of those you strike in that very large state immediately north of New South Wales.

Havak lives there, doesn't he?

Therein lies the conundrum.

And what a conundrum! Better check Sportstab...

[finbar]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Rugby - The Game They Play In Heaven - Bank A/c at 11/8/02

Originally posted by NeoStar
Well thats a surprise. I thought you had Italien background because the flag you selected.

Nuh. Italy's just my spiritual home.

Now come on, NeoStar, have a crack at the opera reference in my earlier post. What line am I paraphrasing and from which opera? In fact, I'll throw this open to everyone! 10 Civ Gold to the first with the correct answer!