Rugby - Hands Off Green!

[Havak]

If that is how you choose to take it then who am I to argue - after all they are not entirely mis-matches matches surely? After a purple patch last year Mr Larkham again looks on his way down the slope - when he reaches the bottom tell him to say hello to Charlie Hodgson (then dig through to the pits of hell and wave at the total turnip whose name you also mentioned).

Interestingly I watched Charlie's debut cap again over Xmas - the 2001 'test' against Romania. The reason he flattered to deceive for so long was this match - he does look imperious against an outfit who can apply absolutely no pressure to him at all.

Then this morning I choked again as the BBC Feedback has a poster claiming the solution to England's fly half problem is not the youngsters Flood, Geragthy or Lamb but is in fact the Centre Olly Barkely from Bath. Do these Bath Muppets have no memory - Olly was tried there a fair bit in 2004-2005 and the results were not exactly stellar. A decent club 12 - but an international 10???

[finbar]

Yes, well, C. Hodgson wouldn't be the first to live off a good showing against crap oppo.

Sale did well last night. Outplayed in the first half, victims of a blatant M. Tindall forward pass in the Glos try, but they fought back well. Wigglesworth has a decent old boot on him.

EDIT. Gee, just saw the Leicester final score. Bit of a turnaround from when I checked earlier in the match.

[Havak]

Yes you could say that.

Something of a virtuoso perfomance from one Toby Flood did the main damage - but Tigers did miss several chances to wrap it up.

This season is proving to be the most open the League has been in many years.

Warney has offered to coach England's bowlers - I do like the lads sense or ironic humour at times.

You will have noticed the power play no doubt - a freshly fit Vaughan has reclaimed his armband immediately.

And I've just seen Latham has blown both his AC and Medial ligaments and will miss the whole S14 - that is a huge blow for the Wallabies, especially given the recent troubles at the training camp (players dismissed for failing fitness tests?).

It's almost as if fate is conspiring to make the RWC easy for the All Blacks?

[finbar]

He'll miss the S14, back for the important part of the season. Knuckles is p*ssed off. Latham, just back from the Wallaby camp, was supposed not to be involved in contact sessions. Yes, Lote Tuquiri, amongst others, was sent home. Tuquiri is trying a lot of people's patience. Humming and hawing about contracts, blathering a lot, obviously not putting in the hard work.

I was interested to see J. Robinson with Sale on the weekend. His contribution throughout the match:

1. Take the ball.
2. Run a little bit.
3. Jig a lot.
3. Kick it straight to the oppo.

[Havak]

Sounds like an absolute shoe-in for the opening test against Scotland then?

[ravagon]

I was interested to see J. Robinson with Sale on the weekend. His contribution throughout the match:

1. Take the ball.
2. Run a little bit.
3. Jig a lot.
3. Kick it straight to the oppo.

Well it's good to see that not all England Internationals have suffered form slumps.

[Havak]

You do know it is all to lull you into a false sense of security for the RWC yes? Come France next year the master plan will be unveiled (we plan to re-use an old tactic and slip our own chef into the NZ hotel).

Latest rumour last weekend links not just Mauger but also McCaw to Tigers after the RWC. Admittedly I started it myself out of sheer mischief but you know how these things can gain a life of their own.

A more serious rumour has linked Jake White with us again for after the RWC - with Finbars old mucker Patty Howard heading back to the culturally bereft wilderness Jake White is clear favourite to take over at Welford Road.

[finbar]

Nice line, ravagon. Less is better. I've taught you well.

Who does the forgotten full back M. Perry play for?

[Havak]

Bath

[Caligastia]

Mediazone are showing Heineken Cup matches this year. Which team should I support?

[Havak]

That is a Rhetorical question surely?

[finbar]

I'd suggest he support an English team without any foreign imports.

[Havak]

Exactly. Although I don't think sides from National League One actually get to enter the cup.

If you want to support the side that routinely fields the most Englishmen then Tigers fit the bill nicely I think?

[finbar]

He lives in Western Australia. Isn't that enough grief?

[Havak]

Not sure - I only ever visited the East of the country (and that left a lasting impression on me).

Following Tigers post 2002 is like supporting the ABs in World Cups - regular doses of delightful dominant rugby followed by massive side orders of choking on the big occassions. Surely Cal will lap it up?