Rugby - Hands Off Green!

[Caligastia]

Did you guys see how that center was penalized? Analyze the replay for yourself! It's one to add to his catalog of offences, for which he has no defense!

[finbar]

Of greater concern is the fact that the last thread attracted over 3,800 views. Gee, there are some sickos in the world.

[Havak]

Um – what CENTRE are we talking about?

I can't say I've noticed a trend in this regard. Swinging arms are penalized if spotted by a ref or touch judge.

Not the officials I am criticising – rather the coaches and the executive of the NZRFU. And it is not the penalising on the field I am critiquing either – but rather the comments made by NZRFU executives and employees in the wake of foul play by ABs. There is a ‘see no evil’ tendency to their reactions – if left unchecked it could harm NZ rugby down the line. Hansens comments were plain wrong – and very unhelpful. Had the fixture ben in Dublin and the comment made by Eddie O’Sulliovan about an AB I suspect there would have been a bigger media reaction.

Which is where England seems to be falling down.

Much as it pains me you are dead right. I am certain England could field the same players and make a more competitive showing if they had a different coach. One that taught heads up rugby instead of over drilling them on set plays and patterns for example. They do look over coached for me – which is why the back play is so predictable and why they fail to capitalise on unexpected opportunities (over coached).

[finbar]

Mmmm. Last point is an interesting one. It was argued that Eddie was stifling creativity in the Wallaby backs with too much formula. Certainly, the backs have seemed more potent this time around. It's hard to know with England. I didn't think they were up to speed in either the halves or centres. On that basis, the entire backline has to struggle, regardless.

[Havak]

That is certainly true. Although I didn't think Richards the scrummy was particularly deficient (maybe took two steps a little too often?). Had he used the tour to play the younger centre partnerships the fans wanted to see - Abbott and Tait (or Smith) - then it would have been a more positive step as a back line of them outside a first choice set of halves would be nice to see.

J**** is currently in China of all places - Tigers business as it happens. The English media grabbed the chance to question him about England of course - you can find the report on the BBC Sport side. It's typical pragmatic stuff - the main giste being he doesn't think they will dismiss Robinson as they had the chance to in the recent clearout and didn't. He also confirms he would like to be involved with England coaching in the future but that now "is not the right time".

Glad he is back with Tigers in some capacity after his sabbatical - hope he can whip our squad into a big game side again. And his involvement in England cannot come soon enough for me.

[Solly]

Big test on Tuesday. Reckon the Kiwis will be able to hold on against Fielden & co?

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
Um – what CENTRE are we talking about?

I'm practicing my Americanisms...

Not the officials I am criticising – rather the coaches and the executive of the NZRFU. And it is not the penalising on the field I am critiquing either – but rather the comments made by NZRFU executives and employees in the wake of foul play by ABs. There is a ‘see no evil’ tendency to their reactions – if left unchecked it could harm NZ rugby down the line. Hansens comments were plain wrong – and very unhelpful. Had the fixture ben in Dublin and the comment made by Eddie O’Sulliovan about an AB I suspect there would have been a bigger media reaction.

To be honest I can't comment on that aspect. I barely have enough time to watch the actual games, let alone listen to after-match comments and controversies. You're a fair-minded bloke, so I reckon your criticsm is probably warranted.

By the way...after posting this thread I realised that finbar was wrong about White not having a turn. We had a thread of the same title before the last one.

[finbar]

By the way...after posting this thread I realised that finbar was wrong about White not having a turn. We had a thread of the same title before the last one.

Ooops! I just checked. You're right. How could I have been blind to England colours? Um, that's "colors" in your neck of the woods, Cal. Maybe we should scrap this thread and try again? We haven't pinged the Paddys yet. How about Rugby - Hands off Green!?

That is certainly true. Although I didn't think Richards the scrummy was particularly deficient (maybe took two steps a little too often?).

In a nutshell. Too slow overall for my liking.

It's typical pragmatic stuff - the main giste being he doesn't think they will dismiss Robinson as they had the chance to in the recent clearout and didn't.

He's right. It really does point to the golden parachute. Which is a shame, if true.

STOP PRESS. Just saw a report on the SMH rugby page. Eddie is one of four on a shortlist for the newly-created King of English rugby job.

[Caligastia]

No need to scrap the thread, just change the title.

[Havak]

You're a fair-minded bloke, so I reckon your criticism is probably warranted.

That’s one of the nicest things ever said about me in these threads thanks.

Even if I struggled to recognise myself from it.

The thing with that BOD incident is that both camps behaved a bit childishly to be honest. On the field BOD recovered after treatment, Flavell apologised and the game went on. After the match BOD refused an interview to Sky at pitchside (apparently he went straight for more treatment), Sky then refused additional TV footage to the Irish and the citing official and the citing official therefore did not have all the footage of the incident – no citings were made base don what he did have.

As a result of all this Eddie O’Sullivan, who has been known to throw a rattle or two out the pram, used the press to attack both the ABs and Sky – Hansen was caught out with that comment he made in response. Eddie was in the wrong – but Hansens flippant response was also very wrong.

Given the Irish fans seem to expect their side to wallop Australia it will be interesting to see how the Irish camps behaves if the Wallabies upset them.

Eddie is one of four on a shortlist for the newly-created King of English rugby job.

Eddie had a turbulent relationship with the ARU – the RFU is even more conservative and inflexible I suggest. In a way I hope he gets the post. He would cut through all the bull certainly – and maybe arrive at a few painful truths.

An ‘outside’ man has many advantages – no baggage being the chief one. Plus I think Eddie would manage to get turnip out by hook or by crook – trust a cunning little hooker.

The best thing about this weekend coming up is - England cannot lose another Test!

[finbar]

The reported short list is Eddie, Clive, Nick Mallett and Nigel Melville. Apart from Melville, it sounds like the same old names bandied around. I would bet some money on Clive's return. Which would be foolish of him.

[Havak]

I think you may be correct - on both counts.

A backwards step is typically RFU after all.

[Solly]

Can't believe Fielden's gone to Wigan

[Havak]

Good to see you are still trying PA - very trying some might say.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Havak
The thing with that BOD incident is that both camps behaved a bit childishly to be honest. On the field BOD recovered after treatment, Flavell apologised and the game went on. After the match BOD refused an interview to Sky at pitchside (apparently he went straight for more treatment), Sky then refused additional TV footage to the Irish and the citing official and the citing official therefore did not have all the footage of the incident – no citings were made base don what he did have.

I think it would make sense for there to be an agreement between Sky and participating unions in which Sky is obligated to provide footage of contentious incidents. It just doesn't seem right or fair that they can arbitrarily influence the discipline process like that.

As a result of all this Eddie O’Sullivan, who has been known to throw a rattle or two out the pram, used the press to attack both the ABs and Sky – Hansen was caught out with that comment he made in response. Eddie was in the wrong – but Hansens flippant response was also very wrong.

Given the Irish fans seem to expect their side to wallop Australia it will be interesting to see how the Irish camps behaves if the Wallabies upset them.

I think it's terribly presumptious of the Irish if that is what they are saying. They seem to be employing the opposite strategy to England, who tend to talk up the opposition. Not sure how well that will work out for them.