Rugby - Who? Me, Sir? Offside?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Caligastia
Ok, heres my attempt at redemption. Australia didnt deserve to win their home game against NZ because the ref should have ended the game earlier. Time was up! Time was up as soon as NZ scored their last 3 points! Also the bloody touch judges are blind! Burke missed that last kick! He should have been sent off for being a smartarse anyway!

Phew! Welcome back!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Consider yourself redeemed.

Somehow I think all three of us might be in Finbar's sights now.

I reiterate - ducks in barrels are no challenge at all.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar


It's not Canberra - the city - but the Brumbies. They thrive on their (as it were) isolation, building a "them and us" attitude, using it for motivation. It can manifest as pure arrogance.

Arrogance being displayed by Australian rugby players? Quite frankly, I find that hard to believe.

What you say about the ACT team attitude is true though. Gregan is one of the most arrogant players Ive ever seen, and there are several in the ACT pack who are like that.

[Havak]

Quality usually isn't as far as the oppo's concerned.

As we can see from your going into denial about that Luger try.

He couldn't get a real job?

He is a Pilot.

Nice to see you solidly behind NSW.

I’m glad you like quality rugby. Before long we will have you admit you have seen England play some!

I reiterate - ducks in barrels are no challenge at all.

I’m not sure we have seen you hit one yet even so.

[LDiCesare]

Personally I always found Rory Underwood?s record far more impressive as he never played in the quality of international side Campo did

Yes, the fact that Rory Underwood managed to score tries while playing outside Will Carling is a real feat. Carling is the kind of center who never made a pass... I also think I remember seeing Rory wear a striped jersey with letters in the back, not unlike those worn by a certain club Havak is familiar with. Am I mistaken? Or is it pure coincidence that Underwood was good and played in that club?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Caligastia
What you say about the ACT team attitude is true though. Gregan is one of the most arrogant players Ive ever seen, and there are several in the ACT pack who are like that.

Gregan, Joe Roff, the list goes on. There was the incident of appalling behaviour on tour in South Africa two years ago. Several players - including Joe Roff, and, from memory, Rod Kafer now of Leicester - were out on the town and drunk. They hailed a cab, abused the driver, tore the Taxi sign from the roof of his cab. When the media reported it here, the Brumbies were outraged. They had already dealt with the matter in-house, they said, and it was no one else's business.

[Bearcat]

Apparently Romania has earned itself a berth in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, by defeating Spain 67-6. Apparently they'll be pooled with Australia, Ireland, Argentina, and either Namibia or Tunisia. What do you think the Oaks chances are at RWC 2003 in a pool like that?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
As we can see from your going into denial about that Luger try.

Quality fraud? Yes, I acknowlege same.

He is a Pilot.

RyanAir?

Nice to see you solidly behind NSW.

I'm glad to see them finally overcoming decades of administrative incompetence. The Brumbies fed off NSW's inability to spot developing talent for their first couple of years. The crap that went on at Waratah HQ was criminal - in fact, in one case, literally, and the guy ended up in gaol. There were pockets of personal fifedom left over from the shamateur days that took too long to be eradicated. The ARU stepped in in the end.

Frankly, I suspect my allegiance is to Australian rugby.

I’m glad you like quality rugby. Before long we will have you admit you have seen England play some!

Yes, I've added seeing England playing quality rugby to my very long-term wish list along with celebrating my hundred and twenty seventh birthday.

I’m not sure we have seen you hit one yet even so.

I have the sautee pan warming ready for your left breast as we speak.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Bearcat
Apparently Romania has earned itself a berth in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, by defeating Spain 67-6. Apparently they'll be pooled with Australia, Ireland, Argentina, and either Namibia or Tunisia. What do you think the Oaks chances are at RWC 2003 in a pool like that?

Not great. I suspect Ireland is the (as it were) unknown quantity. If they get it right, they'll go through with Australia. With no disrespect to the others, I hope they do.

[Havak]

Am I mistaken? Or is it pure coincidence that Underwood was good and played in that club?

No you are absolutely right that he played for Tigers for well over a decade. I am capable, Finbar banter aside, of being slightly objective though and the guy was pure class outside the terms of my club preference. One of my favourite flankers of all time was Mike Teague for example, and he played for Gloucester.

Underwood also finished his career with Bedford for three seasons and played against us and I still cheered him on as he was a class act. As you say to play for years with Carling and Guscott (ball hogs) inside him and yet still get his 49 tries – pure quality.

Apparently Romania has earned itself a berth in the 2003 Rugby World Cup

You have to feel sorry for them. Last November an England second XV beat them 134-0. It’s not beyond the realms Australia might put 50 points on them therefore.

Quality fraud? Yes, I acknowlege same.

The only fraud I saw was the Aussies fullback claiming it hadn’t been grounded.

I think Rory may still be active RAF – his brother Tony is definitely a commercial pilot though – it might be Ryanair.

Frankly, I suspect my allegiance is to Australian rugby.

Surely not!!!

We’ve discussed before but few Englishmen would understand that – our culture is very much club AND country – you need the former first.

I had no idea the NSW history had been quite so troubled. I do have time for Bob but sometimes he makes awful calls – like defending the little assassin last year for example. Ones things for sure if things go pear shaped Bob won’t compromise – NSW will have to sack him first?

Yes, I've added seeing England playing quality rugby to my very long-term wish list along with celebrating my hundred and twenty seventh birthday.

Are you perchance 127 on November 15th this year?

Your love of cooking shows through – it took me a few moments to connect the sauté and the ducks in the barrel.

I suspect Ireland is the (as it were) unknown quantity. If they get it right, they'll go through with Australia. With no disrespect to the others, I hope they do.

It’s not entirely certain you will beat them yourselves. On their day they can beat any team in the world. They normally do so at home but if they get their heads right it could be interesting indeed. You will at least get the chance to see the lad I rate as the best hooker in the world – Woods. Make sure your lads don’t kick off – the Irish forwards can hold their own trust me – even with Galway and Clohessy retired.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Underwood also finished his career with Bedford for three seasons and played against us and I still cheered him on as he was a class act. As you say to play for years with Carling and Guscott (ball hogs) inside him and yet still get his 49 tries – pure quality.

Wasn't one of those blokes meant to have doofed Princess Fruit Loop? Before that ginger-haired Army chap - who patently obviously fathered Charles' youngest son - climbed into the, um, saddle?

The only fraud I saw was the Aussies fullback claiming it hadn’t been grounded.

Not to mention the question of whether he was inside the field of play. The fraud was monumental in its magnitude.

I think Rory may still be active RAF –

Good grief. Hope he doesn't end up over that oil-rich country that the Yanks are currently seeking to call their own personal petrol bowser.

We’ve discussed before but few Englishmen would understand that – our culture is very much club AND country – you need the former first.

Interesting, isn't it? I have no statistical proof, obviously, but I suspect most Australian rugby people follow my line. Of course, many of them are passionate about their respective state team - a whole lot more than I am - but the Wallabies would rank higher for them. I suppose it's the fact that it's the pinnacle.

I had no idea the NSW history had been quite so troubled. I do have time for Bob but sometimes he makes awful calls – like defending the little assassin last year for example. Ones things for sure if things go pear shaped Bob won’t compromise – NSW will have to sack him first?

Troubled? As I said, the ARU had to step in. It's the reason why the Waratahs were non-existent in S12 until last year. They were (literally) bankrupt, spending vast amounts on a white elephant of a stadium miles from the game's fan base. Promising talent was neglected, the team (in fact, the whole organisation) was factionalised.

Bob Dwyer has his faults - mainly oral - but he's a top coach. Last year's S12 squad was little different to that of the year before and he took them a long way before the shallowness of the talent pool caught up. He instills confidence. And, as you say, he doesn't take s*it.

Are you perchance 127 on November 15th this year?

Dream on.

Your love of cooking shows through – it took me a few moments to connect the sauté and the ducks in the barrel.

I thought it time you did a bit of work. And if I sense the breast is on the tough side - tight-head, et al - I have a fine marinade.

It’s not entirely certain you will beat them yourselves. On their day they can beat any team in the world.

If we don't, we're in trouble. But who knows?

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
We’ve discussed before but few Englishmen would understand that – our culture is very much club AND country – you need the former first.

It goes the same way here in France, the club first then the national team.

[Havak]

Wasn't one of those blokes meant to have doofed Princess Fruit Loop?

The man in question was the one raised by LDiCesare. Mr Carling. Prize chump.

The fraud was monumental in its magnitude

Having trouble letting go of this are we?

Good grief. Hope he doesn't end up over that oil-rich country that the Yanks are currently seeking to call their own personal petrol bowser.

They will still be talking about this in ten years the way it’s going.

but the Wallabies would rank higher for them. I suppose it's the fact that it's the pinnacle.

Ah, tricky this. You have to get inside our minds. We ALL rank England higher in terms of importance – it’s the semi-pinnacle followed by the Lions right at the top. But the club foundation has to be there before you may take that national stake. The concept of an England supporter with no grass roots club they support devotedly is quite alien. Almost as bad as corporate junket types who take all the best boxes at twickers then ask why the ball is “that shape”.

He instills confidence. And, as you say, he doesn't take s*it.

Nicely put. Also to his credit he detests Malcolm Pierce (the Bristol owner) which makes him all right in my book. He also hates Lippy “Oz” which should further endear him to you?

Dream on

Early morning on the 16th?

I have a fine marinade.

Yes but have you got the time it would need???

If we don't, we're in trouble. But who knows?

Banter aside you are very clear favourites in the fixture. But they are a weird, weird team at times. They have the skill and firepower to do it – strong forwards, mercurial centres, speedy wings. It is not beyond the realms.

After all the Wallabies know all about “In B.O.D we trust” – Brian O’Driscoll is a super player and central to how they perform.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
The man in question was the one raised by LDiCesare. Mr Carling. Prize chump.

Anyone dipping the wick in that puddle of psychosis needs their head read.

Having trouble letting go of this are we?

It's keeping me amused until something better comes along.

Ah, tricky this. You have to get inside our minds.

Um ... pass. Though I take the point you made. Tradition. And we've been down that motorway before.

Nicely put. Also to his credit he detests Malcolm Pierce (the Bristol owner) which makes him all right in my book. He also hates Lippy “Oz” which should further endear him to you?

He hates a few people. Man after my own heart.

[Havak]

The gentleman needed his head read from an early age as it happens. But he did provoke the very necessary change of English rugby from old boys network to professional sport so I have to say on that one point I respect him.

It's keeping me amused until something better comes along.

Four or Five ‘fraudulent’ English tries next month should do that.

Tradition. And we've been down that motorway before.

Indeed. To summarise – you have either got it or you haven’t.

He hates a few people. Man after my own heart.

And without fear or favour – he had the barny with Laurie Mains last season didn’t he?
Bless the chap – even I could tell him trying to force Dean Richards out of my club would result in Bob going rather than Dean – but I doubt Bob asked anyone else’s opinion – he just went for it.
Stephen Jones latest column on PR is worth a read – it will be enormously interesting to Tamerlin and LdiCesare I think. It’s also truly remarkable in that, at one point, he almost says something nice about Leicester.

Check it out


here