Rugby - The Ball's Out!

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar
Because sport is sport is sport. Rugby is a game.

Once again I agree with Finbar.

Beware, from now on I will be biased against something or someone ! Thanks for the correction Caligastia.

[Havak]

Late in today. Something to do with having to watch Finbar’s adopted mob stuff us tonight.

If your backs were organised enough to run decoys, you might have scored more!

Know any good backs coaches going out there?

I honestly don't remember.

As far as the tries go neither do I – that’s why I passed the buck. I saw it happen outside of the scoring phases.

Nuh. Kiss of Death Campo strikes again.

I am now officially worried!

I love Eddie's quote: "Mate, England are the best side in the world, so they know how to do everything."

It did make me laugh, putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of that gentleman saying such a thing.

Its easy to shoot your mouth off when there are thousands of mile between you and the person you're insulting. Kind of like on Apolyton.

How about dropping Healey and Mehrts in a sound proof room instead?

I find it ridiculous to pretend an international-level hooker couldn't play prop

Now both you guys have clarified this I agree – pure scam by the Boks.

Is he lacking fair play ?

He just seems to have it in his head that English = p*****.

To the extent he confuses us with the Welsh.

I can’t believe Caligastia corrected your English like that – shame on him.

In fact, I'm sure Havak is waiting with bated breath to regale us with stories of how he was summoned from the bench to lead the pack to glory in a time of dire emergency.

Or indeed summoned from the bench to be mauled all around the park as was more usually the case.

Is the "Guardian" known for such articles by any chance?

The British press as a whole is known for putting ‘off the record’ stuff ‘on the record’ sadly.

I just can't seem to visualize any NH supporter saying such a thing

It was the English coach – and he pointed out the use of said runners and asked for IRB clarifcation on the situation. He didn’t criticise the use of them as such, and he sure did not bad mouth NZ rugby in any way.

Because sport is sport is sport. Rugby is a game.

Andrew Mehrtens is famous for his boorish outbursts. He's the Kiwi David Campese. Though much less talented in the rugby department.

Which is why Satruday will be interesting indeed. I have heard that Gelez is a raw but real talent so we may see Mehrtens out done?

Regardless, Eddie says the entire backline will be given free rein to go where they like and do what they like. All of which - if it comes off - should make for a very entertaining game.

Please put a word in asking them to aim solidly for our pack?

The front row has also been strengthened with Bill Young and Jeremy Paul's return - providing Paul is 100% fit

The Paul-Thompson clash looks tasty indeed. Leonard is back in for Woodman who is injured. Jason is of course very solid but Woodman the more mobile.

Harrison-Ackerman against Johnson-Kay. That is what they call an acid test all right.

(and yes naturally I meant for our boys)

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by Havak
I can’t believe Caligastia corrected your English like that – shame on him.

OK, it's a bit embarassing for me, I don't like to make mistakes especially when words and grammar are concerned (be it in french or in english which explains why I always have one or two dictionnary on my desk Finbar) but this is one of the better way to improve. Keep on pointing at my english mistakes !

Which is why Saturday will be interesting indeed. I have heard that Gelez is a raw but real talent so we may see Mehrtens out done?

Gelez is one of the great hope of our Rugby though he is still lacking experience at the higher level, the game to come will be a test of its real value under pressure.

[Havak]

Whoa there! We have a writer on this thread - don't ask for your grammar to be corrected or Finbar will have a field day.

Seriously - the way you can communicate so well given that English is not your native tongue puts the likes of myself to shame. Getting the odd definitive wrong is quite acceptable.

Thats the great thing about these autumn tests - so many quality fixtures AND the chance for coaches to experiment with new talent. I hope Gelez shines through.

The Zurich computer picks NZ by two points and England by eight. What do we make of that?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Know any good backs coaches going out there?

The Brumbies seem to have had access to the best of them for some reason. Not just for the decoy runner stuff but for the whole gamut of backline moves. I remember one classic backline scenario a couple of years ago where the entire backline lined up behind the scrum. They went every-which-way. Of course it relied on them winning the scrum but they did.

It did make me laugh, putting aside the blatant hypocrisy of that gentleman saying such a thing.

Hypocrisy?

How about dropping Healey and Mehrts in a sound proof room instead?

I'd vote a bottomless pit.

I can’t believe Caligastia corrected your English like that – shame on him.

Particularly when he has probably succumbed to dropping the letter "u" from words like "colour".

The British press as a whole is known for putting ‘off the record’ stuff ‘on the record’ sadly.

That might well be the general case, but in Mehrtens' case he just opens his bucket mouth knowing exactly what will happen. His slagging of the referee this season - that cost him the fine - was to a Kiwi newspaper. Journos love bucket mouths like him. Just as they love Campo. One prod and the journo has a headline.

It was the English coach – and he pointed out the use of said runners and asked for IRB clarifcation on the situation. He didn’t criticise the use of them as such, and he sure did not bad mouth NZ rugby in any way.

What a gentle interpretation.

Jason is of course very solid but Woodman the more mobile.

I don't know who's propping against whom but Bill Young - yet another one to fly home and back for childbirth reasons! - returns for his mobility. He only missed the Irish game for the baby thing. Frankly, I cannot understand this fascination with flying halfway around the world to witness the birth of a child. Can't they re-enact the moment when they get back with a doll and some strawberry jam?

Harrison-Ackerman against Johnson-Kay. That is what they call an acid test all right.

(and yes naturally I meant for our boys)

Well, it's up to Justin to show what he's got. Vickerman will learn an awful lot from the experience.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Whoa there! We have a writer on this thread - don't ask for your grammar to be corrected or Finbar will have a field day.

I generally only pick on people for whom English is obviously a first language. Which is why I give you such an easy ride.

The Zurich computer picks NZ by two points and England by eight. What do we make of that?

I just wish I'd seen some of the French-Boks match. Apart from that dubious off-side try! Though our amis seemed to think it wasn't much of a spectacle or guide thanks to the Boks. I suppose - guessing - I'd have to think the ABs - if they play up to last week's form - might win by 5. Should be a ripper game, though. But I won't see it! I get Scotland -v- Springboks live!

My thoughts on the other game are well known. I'm hoping that the stated Wallaby intentions to go for it and throw it around will at least help to lift the quality of their work. Of course it might all backfire, but I'd rather see them go down gloriously than keeping turning it back inside all day and running into lantern-jawed brick walls. So, on the basis of their stated intentions - and with fingers mightily crossed - I'd say England by 8 is probably fair enough.

[Havak]

The Brumbies seem to have had access to the best of them for some reason

Well there is Kafer of course. The Tigers back line is more organised than England. But then our centres are any two from four – two Englishmen, a Bok and a Aussie.

One of the English lads, Ollie Smith, has a real chance to break through into the Senior England squad. In many ways I would take him over Tindall now (coincidence here that Tindall sports Bath colours).

Hypocrisy?

Meaning only that win or lose Eddie is always happy to tell us how things should be done.

I'd vote a bottomless pit.

Of course being a Tigers man Austin would kick his ****

Particularly when he has probably succumbed to dropping the letter "u" from words like "colour".

Phonetic spelling. Deliciously lazy stuff. How long before the humble phone becomes the ‘fone’. Mind you were all live in societies where ‘Television’ is considered a long and unwieldy word and shortened to TV. There is no hope for us really?

One prod and the journo has a headline.

The thing is I can understand it if it’s right after the game. Adrenaline and disappointment is a powerful mix. But he goes away, calms down, thinks about it and still launches wild flurries…

What a gentle interpretation.

I’m a very gentle chap.

And not partisan. No sir.

Can't they re-enact the moment when they get back with a doll and some strawberry jam?

Happily I am childless (and happily childless at that). I am assured by friends ‘blessed’ with children that it is something the woman looks back on (once the pain has faded from memory) with some affection and the man with total revulsion (though he seldom admits it to the partner).

Give me the fifties where the man did his bit pacing up and down outside the delivery room.

On the rugger front Leonard is loose and Vickery tighthead. Noriega is tight head right?

Well, it's up to Justin to show what he's got. Vickerman will learn an awful lot from the experience.

I’ve got “Ackerman” so firmly in my head that even though I know it’s “Vickerman” my fingers have a will of their own when I come to type it.

If the lad wears five he will be jumping against Kay. That will certainly test his lineout skills.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Meaning only that win or lose Eddie is always happy to tell us how things should be done.

Once a hooker, et cetera. Or "etc", as the Americans would, no doubt, have it.

Phonetic spelling. Deliciously lazy stuff. How long before the humble phone becomes the ‘fone’. Mind you were all live in societies where ‘Television’ is considered a long and unwieldy word and shortened to TV. There is no hope for us really?

I once saw a documentary about the development - some would say bastardisation - of American spelling with all sorts of alternative spellings that Mr Webster had proposed. I've forgotten them now, unfortunately, but there were some thoroughly incredible gems. They weren't accepted. Actually, I must hunt out the topic on the internet because I'm sure I'll find them.

The thing is I can understand it if it’s right after the game. Adrenaline and disappointment is a powerful mix. But he goes away, calms down, thinks about it and still launches wild flurries…

I suspect he's just an unpleasant person.

Happily I am childless (and happily childless at that). I am assured by friends ‘blessed’ with children that it is something the woman looks back on (once the pain has faded from memory) with some affection and the man with total revulsion (though he seldom admits it to the partner).

I was always too selfish to have children. I wanted - and still want - to pop off overseas when I feel like it. Or whatever. My sister-in-law - well, now ex-sister-in-law, thank God - once told me I wouldn't feel fulfilled until I had children. Bint.

Give me the fifties where the man did his bit pacing up and down outside the delivery room.

Give me the 1890s when the man received a note in his armchair in front of the fire at his club.

On the rugger front Leonard is loose and Vickery tighthead. Noriega is tight head right?

Indubitably. Or "ya" as the Americans might say.

If the lad wears five he will be jumping against Kay. That will certainly test his lineout skills.

He can jump. Whether well enough is another matter. Very mobile around the place though.

Now I am definitely going to bed! I knew I shouldn't have checked my Tomato Growers forum on another site and come back here for a quick look before bed. Get back to work!

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
Beware, from now on I will be biased against something or someone ! Thanks for the correction Caligastia.

No worries.

I didn't mean to make you feel bad about it, I only corrected you because I thought you would like to know your mistake. If I was speaking french I would want you to correct me...

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by finbar
I just wish I'd seen some of the French-Boks match. Apart from that dubious off-side try! Though our amis seemed to think it wasn't much of a spectacle or guide thanks to the Boks. I suppose - guessing - I'd have to think the ABs - if they play up to last week's form - might win by 5. Should be a ripper game, though. But I won't see it! I get Scotland -v- Springboks live!

Its actually going to be impossible for me to see the NZ - France game. Not even the pub with the satellite dish can get it!

I could go see the Wallabies play England though...the question is, will it be worth $20?

[Havak]

Once a hooker, et cetera. Or "etc", as the Americans would, no doubt, have it.

I suspect he's just an unpleasant person.

What I like about Union is that this remains the exception rather than the rule. We are therefore surprised when we find a rugby player who isn’t a ‘nice guy’ off the field.

I was always too selfish to have children. I wanted - and still want - to pop off overseas when I feel like it. Or whatever. My sister-in-law - well, now ex-sister-in-law, thank God - once told me I wouldn't feel fulfilled until I had children. Bint.

We have a similar outlook. It is amazing however that all couples with children seem driven to coerce everyone they know to follow the example. My theory on this is firmly that they want everyone else to be as thoroughly miserable as they are.

Another valid point is the incredible well being they feel as they doze with their child on their lap is a purely instinctive (and largely brain chemistry led) reaction to touch and smell stimuli. I can get this from alcohol and the alcohol doesn’t need changing and feeding in the morning or, apart from a small vestige in the blood stream, carrying around all day.

Having said that all power to those happily settled with kiddies – to each their own and all that.

I think too much for an ex-front rower sometimes.

Give me the 1890s when the man received a note in his armchair in front of the fire at his club.

On further reflection I would heartily agree.

Indubitably. Or "ya" as the Americans might say.

It looks a more powerful tight five, ya? Whether it will be powerful enough…

He can jump. Whether well enough is another matter. Very mobile around the place though.

They sound an interesting match, as of course are the main man and Justin. Bring on tomorrow.

Now I am definitely going to bed! I knew I shouldn't have checked my Tomato Growers forum on another site and come back here for a quick look before bed. Get back to work!

Happy dreams. I genuinely hope for a great contest tomorrow.

Okay without betting, to add a little spice, I will be backing the following teams to win:

England (surprise!)
France (sorry Caligastia)
Canada (stuff Wales boys)
Scotland (what the heck, I like Scotland)
Ireland (though calling up Murphy before the Gloucester clash has annoyed me immensely you swines!)

I’ll try to drop by Sunday to take it on the chin or ‘gloat’ as appropriate.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
We have a similar outlook. It is amazing however that all couples with children seem driven to coerce everyone they know to follow the example. My theory on this is firmly that they want everyone else to be as thoroughly miserable as they are.

Another valid point is the incredible well being they feel as they doze with their child on their lap is a purely instinctive (and largely brain chemistry led) reaction to touch and smell stimuli. I can get this from alcohol and the alcohol doesn’t need changing and feeding in the morning or, apart from a small vestige in the blood stream, carrying around all day.

My wife and I definitely want kids. Personally, I think its the greatest experience anyone can have in this life. Without this experience I would feel like I missed out. Also I think raising good kids is the most important job on the planet. Lord knows we could do with a few more good people on this world.

Each to his own though. Probably the worst thing you could do is have kids when you don't want them.

[Havak]

Without this experience I would feel like I missed out

Thats quite normal. It's a basic biological imperative to pass on one's genes. Finbar and I are the exception here not the rule.

Good luck to you both.

You other point is spot on - we need more good people bringing up good people in this world. It's sadly true that those who should breed the least in fact reproduce the most.

To prove that wrong I trust we can expect a Rugby side from yourselves?

Each to his own though. Probably the worst thing you could do is have kids when you don't want them.

Spot on again. I actually love kids but prefer being the uncle who can hand them back to my sisters when they get cranky.

By a strange coincidence it is children in need day on the BBC check here

I always support this and expect to be 'mugged' for a note or too at the ground tonight.

On which note - Come on you TIGERS!!! Shoot down Finbar's pretenders (please?).

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak


Thats quite normal. It's a basic biological imperative to pass on one's genes. Finbar and I are the exception here not the rule.

Good luck to you both.

Thanks.

You other point is spot on - we need more good people bringing up good people in this world. It's sadly true that those who should breed the least in fact reproduce the most.

To prove that wrong I trust we can expect a Rugby side from yourselves?

That would be nice, but I doubt we can afford more than 2 or 3. In other words, an american rugby team.

[Havak]

Great line there.