Rugby - Who? Me, Sir? Offside?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
The Stade Toulousain has won its first match away from home against the neighbours Montauban 42-6 after a great second period.

This victory is important but is not a surprise, it was even expected, as Montauban was playing in Pro D2 (second division) last year.

Now I just have to get Gloucester over the line for a perfect weekend for my teams!

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by LDiCesare
Hey Tamerlin, how was the first row?

I haven't seen the match but I have read that the scrum has behaved adequately and has dominated its rival. I will learn more on this monday with the "Midi Olympique".

On the bad side, as last week, the rear lines have been rather clumsy. According to the newspaper, the score is not really reflecting Mont-de-Marsan's performance as they could have scored two tries during the first period.

[LDiCesare]

I wouldn't worry too much about the backs. It takes more time to get back moves working properly than to incorporate a new prop. They can only get better as the season advances, and Toulouse still has very good backs. They just have to "trouver leurs marques" (sorry, I can't think of an English translation now but Tamerlin will understand).

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by LDiCesare
..."trouver leurs marques" (sorry, I can't think of an English translation now but Tamerlin will understand).

You are right but this is becoming a kind of chronical problem for the Stade Toulousain. Last year, important games were lost because of the clumsiness of the rear lines and their inability to find a solution. Wait and see...

[finbar]

Originally posted by LDiCesare
They just have to "trouver leurs marques" (sorry, I can't think of an English translation now but Tamerlin will understand).

That's an interesting one. In English, literally, it means "to find their marks". Figuratively, I imagine it could mean "to find their feet" or "to find their way" in the sense that they will "settle down and come good". Or, even more figuratively, it could mean "find their range" or "get their eyes in".

[finbar]

My weekend was made complete by Gloucester's 22-19 win over Newcastle. Narrower than I'd've liked, but a win is a win. Even if I have to thank a Kiwi - Henry Paul - for the win.

Cal - I actually listened to some of the match. If you're interested, you can access BBC local radio coverage of the English matches via this page. All you need is the fixture and scheduled kick-off times, which you'll find here.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar
Very true. And it's a culture they seek to impose on others. That's the big problem. With the bigger problem being that no one has the economic or military clout to stop them.

Unfortunately this part of the american culture is in some measure what has made america so successful. While the selfish profit motive is morally repugnant, I dont think it would be wise to discard it entirely at this stage of human development.

This quote from the Urantia Book sums it up for me:

Present-day profit-motivated economics is doomed unless profit motives can be augmented by service motives. Ruthless competition based on narrow-minded self-interest is ultimately destructive of even those things which it seeks to maintain. Exclusive and self-serving profit motivation is incompatible with Christian ideals--much more incompatible with the teachings of Jesus.

In economics, profit motivation is to service motivation what fear is to love in religion. But the profit motive must not be suddenly destroyed or removed; it keeps many otherwise slothful mortals hard at work. It is not necessary, however, that this social energy arouser be forever selfish in its objectives.

The profit motive of economic activities is altogether base and wholly unworthy of an advanced order of society; nevertheless, it is an indispensable factor throughout the earlier phases of civilization. Profit motivation must not be taken away from men until they have firmly possessed themselves of superior types of nonprofit motives for economic striving and social serving--the transcendent urges of superlative wisdom, intriguing brotherhood, and excellency of spiritual attainment.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar
Cal - I actually listened to some of the match. If you're interested, you can access BBC local radio coverage of the English matches via this page. All you need is the fixture and scheduled kick-off times, which you'll find here.

Thanks for the links, I will give them a listen if I cant get any games on Fox Sports World.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Caligastia

Unfortunately this part of the american culture is in some measure what has made america so successful. While the selfish profit motive is morally repugnant, I dont think it would be wise to discard it entirely at this stage of human development.

If people want to follow a path, that's fine. That's their choice. My problem is (a) when it is foisted onto others; and (b) others are raped and pillaged in the process.

Back on topic. Where's Havak? Surely he wouldn't take two losses in three games that badly?

[Caligastia]

Yeah, whats up with those Tigers Havak?

[finbar]

You'd be looking for another English team to support, wouldn't you, Cal? Might I suggest my team? Gloucester?

*finbar remains fully aware that this will all come back to bite him on his flabby derrière.*

[Caligastia]

Hmmmmm...well they are at the top of the table right now....perhaps I should support them for the sake of trans-tasman camaraderie.

[finbar]

Leeds is having a handy start to the season, too.

But where's Havak? Has his bad back struck again?

[Caligastia]

Auckland vs Canterbury tonight

Go Auckland!!

[Caligastia]

The first NZ RWC match is New Zealand v Europe 2

What is europe 2?