Rugby - Hemisphere Wars!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
I need to avoid defending us when there is no need to do so

Precisely. Just an alcoholic's first step to recovery is to admit the existence of the problem, a rugby supporter sharing a national lack of self esteem must admit the lack of self esteem exists. Only then can the problem be addressed. Via therapy.

[finbar]

Originally posted by LDiCesare
I am afraid that the tournament this year will look like 2 3 nations tournaments considering the level of play shown by Welsh and Scots (Italy is actually playing better than ever but they are still not up there I think).

But, in recent memory anyway, hasn't it really only ever been a 2 or 3 Nations tournament? Or, to put it another way, when was the last time it was a bone fide 5 Nations tournament? I exclude Italy for obvious reasons.

[Caligastia]

After today, our computers at work are all going to be locked down with proxy settings, and all use will be monitored. So I guess I will only be able to post from home on the weekend. I'll definitely be posting after super 12 games!

Oh well, I can still go to tech-related websites, so I will probably make better use of my down-time at work and start studying for certifications or something.

[Havak]

Or, to put it another way, when was the last time it was a bone fide 5 Nations tournament?

1999. When ScoTland edged it from England on points difference and France finished last. Yes, seriously!

After today, our computers at work are all going to be locked down with proxy settings, and all use will be monitored

Seriously bad news. Unfortunately web control is the next big thing in Systems Management at the moment and lots of places are doing this. What surprises me is that you are a Kiwi in the NH and you are not either playing or coaching Union Professionally.

[Havak]

I'd like you advice please Finbar - are we looking at a good one here?

Tigers hunt an 'Irish' player to add to the squad

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
I'd like you advice please Finbar - are we looking at a good one here?

Tigers hunt an 'Irish' player to add to the squad

You've probably seen enough of him with the Wallabies to judge for yourself. He's been a regular selection for a couple of years. He's quick and strong, his skills are good. He was close to being dropped last season but turned in a couple of good games that saved him. Some people thought he was lucky to make the last NH tour, and that he made it largely because of injuries to younger, longer-term possibilities with more variety to their game. Which is his major drawback at the highest level. As a centre, which is the only position he can play, he's too one-dimensional. He hits it up. That said, he hits it up very powerfully and, if he makes a break, his speed makes him very hard to stop. He's scored his share of tries for the Wallabies. If that's what you're looking for, he will serve you well.

I'm not surprised he's looking to the NH. I think he knew his days were numbered. One only hopes that the knee injury isn't too serious.

[Tamerlin]

Sad news Caligastia, you are catch again by Big Brother. I Hope you will take some time to keep in touch with us the week-end.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak


1999. When ScoTland edged it from England on points difference and France finished last. Yes, seriously!

Okay, apart from that obviously one-off occasion?

Seriously bad news. Unfortunately web control is the next big thing in Systems Management at the moment and lots of places are doing this.

There's an obvious answer - work from home!

What surprises me is that you are a Kiwi in the NH and you are not either playing or coaching Union Professionally.

He's turned down numerous offers, apparently, including one from Leicester.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
Sad news Caligastia, you are catch again by Big Brother. I Hope you will take some time to keep in touch with us the week-end.

OTOH, Tamerlin, we can wreak havoc here during the week without a moderator!

[Tamerlin]

You are a very naughty boy Finbar... when do we start?

[finbar]

We already have!

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Unfortunately web control is the next big thing in Systems Management at the moment and lots of places are doing this.

Spoken like a Systems Manager! Which explains why he's the only one in his business happily posting from work!

[Havak]

If that's what you're looking for, he will serve you well.

I’m quite happy if we sign him. That aspect of play will serve us well. It’s almost certainly a signing that looks to cover the absence of Ollie Smith for RWC duty and to give him two Aussie veterans to learn from for a prolonged period. Tug Boat has good ball skills and solid vision but he lacks in ‘hitting’ it up – doesn’t break the line with any regularity. I suspect Kafer has one more season in him with us – I’d be surprised if they signed this chap for less than two seasons first up. It should help Smith come into his own at just 21.

One only hopes that the knee injury isn't too serious.

Whatever his career plans I echo that sentiment.

Healey may be fit in two weeks apparently. I’m sure you wanted to know?

I Hope you will take some time to keep in touch with us the week-end.

On the plus side he will not have to suffer too many ‘hooks’ from me as I struggle with my 56k weekend link. And who will start the threads if we fill them up during the week?

Okay, apart from that obviously one-off occasion?

Well Wales won it using mathematical guile in 94?

Seriously Finbar it’s been a fairly two horse race since the late 80s in actual fact. The shake up of English rugby commenced in 1988 and I think I’m right when I say I think we have only finished as low as third once since then. When Wales and Scotland got those maths based wins it was England they pipped to the posts.

There's an obvious answer - work from home!

I chose the wrong type of career path – but I still suggest this occasionally!

He's turned down numerous offers, apparently, including one from Leicester.

The Leicester Lions are a very strong side within the county – he would have done them proud I don’t doubt.

Spoken like a Systems Manager! Which explains why he's the only one in his business happily posting from work!

Ssshhh!!!! Someone might hear you.

I disagree with it actually, and it hasn’t been implemented here as yet. There is pressure - but I will resist any moves to do so. Happy staff are staff you treat like adults to my mind.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Tug Boat has good ball skills and solid vision but he lacks in ?hitting? it up ? doesn?t break the line with any regularity.

That was never his go, though he was capable of it. He organised others to do the hard work. Sensible chap.

Healey may be fit in two weeks apparently. I?m sure you wanted to know?

Must mean I have a dental appointment in two weeks. They say disappointment travels in pairs.

On the plus side he will not have to suffer too many ?hooks? from me as I struggle with my 56k weekend link. And who will start the threads if we fill them up during the week?

Looks like the baton will have to pass. I can hear Tamerlin cranking up from here.

Seriously Finbar it?s been a fairly two horse race since the late 80s in actual fact.

That's what I meant. So presumably, prior to then, things were relatively equal? Or, in fact, I'd imagine Wales might have been a strength back in their halcyon days?

I chose the wrong type of career path ? but I still suggest this occasionally!

One simple tip - start your own business.

I disagree with it actually, and it hasn?t been implemented here as yet. There is pressure - but I will resist any moves to do so. Happy staff are staff you treat like adults to my mind.

Look at Alexander's Horse. He has managed to go way beyond Deity level around here - including his myriad post count reductions for misbehaviour - while posting from work without interfering with his work. OTOH, there will always be some idiot who abuses the system, but they can usually be sorted out. I'd go mad without this place to escape to!

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
Seriously bad news. Unfortunately web control is the next big thing in Systems Management at the moment and lots of places are doing this. What surprises me is that you are a Kiwi in the NH and you are not either playing or coaching Union Professionally.

Well, I certainly would be more involved if I had the time. Last year I was playing on and off in a club here in NYC, but since going back to school I just haven't had the time.

The reason for this policy at my work is because of the abuses of the internet outside my department (the IT dept). Hopefully when it has been proven that we are not a part of the problem, things will go back to normal. Being in the IT dept means that I have certain skills of course, and I could easily bypass the proxy server, but I don't feel like risking my job just at the moment.