BS: Rugby Union 2010

Subject: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:07 PM

England are playing well.

I hope they win all the matches.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: skipy
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:10 PM

So do I & your point is?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:12 PM

Just started the thread because the other thread was not encompassing the other teams.
So no point, just a new thread,

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:57 PM

Ta Les.

I hope England don't win all their matches.

If Andy Robinson is picking Dan Parks then he must have given up on the season, so I'll be supporting Scotland from behind the sofa, but I can still hope.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:58 PM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 06:51 PM

Erin go Bragh!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 06:58 PM

Alba gu brath!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Gurney
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:19 PM

All-Blacks go hard!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 03:22 AM

England are hard

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: goatfell
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:05 AM

i hope that that Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy do well and England not so well, but at the end of the day the best country wins.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:21 AM

Well, despite being a supporter of the Ireland team I was disappointed with the lads' performance last weekend. The England match had a lot more energy.

Seems to me that, on reflection, Ireland are a responsive/reactive side rather than a pro-active team.
In other words, it they meet tough opposition they'll rise to the occasion and often win (often enough to take championships anyway!).

But if they meet a mediocre side that's how they respond, too.

Are we perhaps too shy or lacking in national confidence? Is it a cultural thing? National embarassment? Or am i just talking a load of bo%%*cks?
Dáithí

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:01 AM

just talking a load of bo%%*cks LOL

Get back to the lecturing :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:51 AM

I just wish they'd run the ball and stop this kicking-tennis malarkey. Ruination of The Second-Best Game In The World (close runner-up to Cricket).

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 10:01 AM

I see Graham Henry is winging about having to play rugby rather than an indoor sport. When I played at school, we used to hate it when matches were cancelled because the pitches were frozen or too muddy. We also hated it when the temperature rose into the 50s (Fahrenheit) and they made us play when we reckoned it was too hot for rugby.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 10:03 AM

sorry, whingeing.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 12:46 PM

Hopefully the initial "First match nerves" will have been banished, and we can all enjoy some good running and passing rugby this weekend.....no matter who we support!

looking forward to it!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 03:41 AM

Wales U20 v Scotland U20 on BBC2 Wales tonight. Possible future stars in action.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 04:29 AM

Hope to be able to watch the Italy England match, before watching the Villa match on TV

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 06:12 AM

Hi backwoodsman

I agree with you about the yoyo kicking game that has emmerged relatively recently.

It is ironic that this should have evolved.

When I first played rugby it was in the rules.....oooops sorry they are called laws in Rugby Union....lol - that you could kick for touch from anywhere and the ground gained was won by the kicker.

So some thirty or more years ago they changed this law so that you could only gain ground if you kicked from inside your own 25.

After some confusion the game got used to this and the style of the rugby became more attacking with less kicking

But then the game went professional and a different attitude appeared. Thou shalt not lose......this is now the first commandment in the game.

Now the game is all about possession and territory and so this kicking infield for territory has emerged.There is more kicking than ever and much of it is just downright poor.

So foward domination and kicking for position is the order of the day.

Not pretty but effective.

I will be watching as much of the rugby as possible but at this stage not sure how much I will be able to take in.

Good luck to all teams and their supporters and hopes for some exciting and running rugby.

I don't think we will see much of it from England - but I live in hope - Scotland will have to rely on Patterson's boot. Wales will run given the possession.

On paper Ireland v France would appear to be the game for good open running as both teams have excellent backs.....but they will probably cancel each other out.

May the best teams win and I will go for these being England, Wales and Ireland.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 10:26 AM

I played rugby in those days. After a tackle, the ball had to be played with the foot before it could be picked up (and a tackle was complete as soon as the player was held. They changed those laws to speed the game up, and we ended up with the rolling maul!

I also think a goal could only be allowed if the ball hadn't been touched in flight.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 10:42 AM

I quite like watching the rolling maul.England used to use it to great effect. I'm relieved that the ELV allowing it to be collapsed was thrown in the bin.What an incredibly dangerous experiment!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:20 AM

Hi dave

You are right. There were also some technical changes in the line-outs too.

I was captain of our club when those law changes came in. On the first day of that season when the changes were to to first used the referee took me and the captain of the other team at one side and asked if we understood the new laws. Mischieviously I shook my head.

He said "would you like me to run through them for you?".

" No " I said. " I have played for 25 years without understanding them, why should I start now? I'll just be guided by your whistle".

Still don't understand all of them.

Cheers

Mike L2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 12:23 PM

Another thing I remember was, if you asked the referee why a penalty was given, you'd get marched back 10 yards for not knowing the laws.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 12:26 PM

WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?



         Pot? ... Kettle? ... Gamesmanship!!!




          Come on Ireland!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 02:52 PM

hi dave

They sure did....I think that should be introduced in football(soccer).

.....and we had to call the referee "Sir" when we wished to speak to him !!!!!

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 08:52 AM

Nearly time to get behind the sofa. Hope I'm wrong about Parks. Did anybody else watch last night's U20? Good win for Wales, but is Tom Brown a future Scottish fullback?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 09:53 AM

Just to clarify my least post,here's a quote from the link:

"France's Morgan Parra says Irish 'cheat every weekend'"


As far as I'm concerned, for the last few years now, the team who have occupied the top slot in the "who we really want to stuff the most" tables has been france.

Of course we can't allow the English to win, but I would rather see England beat france these days than the other way round.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 10:58 AM

Hi Everyone

Happy Birthday Wales !!!!!!!!

This time it was Wales to receive a birthday present - actually it was all their birthdays rolled into one.

Very exciting game with a twist right to the end.

Scotland committed suicide after looking confident of a victory for 90% of the game.

They did win The Man of the Match Award though - yes Dave Dan Parks !!

Pheeeeeeeeeeeew close one !!

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 11:10 AM

No arguments, Mike. My apologies and congratulations to Dan Parks. Was Godman suffering from concussion? He looked not quite with it when he came on the field? At least I can just enjoy the rugby for the rest of the weekend.

Going back to the U20, that French referee seemed to confuse the captains with his English - a bit like a conversation between Manuel and Basil Fawlty.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 11:16 AM

Wow! What a game!
I wouldn't like to be either of the two Scottish sinners!I am not too sure about the "Extra time" at the end though. Sort of leaves a bitter taste somehow , and I'm an England supporter.Dan Parks had a great game and thoroughly deserved MOTM.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 12:12 PM

Certainly was exciting at the end, but...

Poem 99 of 230: ONE RUGBY?

With sixth-tackle, knock-on and touch-line hand-over -
    No scrums, line-outs, rucks or mauls;
The rest (the best of both codes) would hardly alter -
    And no splits, due to two calls.

(C) David Franks 2003
From WalkaboutsVerse

Also, I think the I.R.B. should change the rule such that managers can only comptete for their OWN nation.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 12:35 PM

Watching Ireland v France.

Mortified!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 01:40 PM

Just heard the news about Thom Evans' back injury. I hope the lad is ok.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 02:23 PM

hi Dave

No sweat mate.

Yea Godman didn't look sprightly at all.

Don't get rid of that sofa yet !!! When they play England I might be behind it with you....lol

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 02:29 PM

Hi

Just watched France v Ireland.....France played very well and deserved to win. This was not the Ireland we have come to know and love.

But once again as in the previous two matches the sin bin offence changed the match. I wasn't sure that this was a sin bin offence but then moments later Flannery should have been sent off !! So I guess honours were even on that score.

Fashion note -: Did anyone notice that one of the French team was wearing PINK underpants under his shorts ??? !!!   ooooooh la la

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 02:33 PM

Paula T, I am not too sure about the "Extra time" at the end though. Sort of leaves a bitter taste somehow
What 'extra time'?
If the ball is out of play and time is still running, then it needs to be brought back into play. The Scots had to restart the game, but after that the first time the ball went out of play, time would be signalled. The restart kicker could have booted it straight for touch & settled for a draw. Possibly he thought that by kicing the ball normally at the restart his team might get up on it and get a last minute score. He obviously didn't expect the Welsh team to be able to make 70 yards & score.

But yes, it was a thrilling last ten minutes!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 03:01 PM

Hi Nigel,

Yes, I understand that - although time had run out by the time they were ready to kick, and it doesn't stop me for really sympathising with the Scots. (I'm an England supporter). I agree that the kicker should have tried for touch (although it would have had to bounce in first) or perhaps kicked it very low at them and hoped they knocked on. That last one would have been risky though.

What a spectacle that game was! I have to admit that I switched off for much of France v Ireland. Spoilt eh?

Paula

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 03:14 PM

Great to see Les Tricoleurs back in the Six Nations. Les Bleus never really fitted in. And I noticed the French Knickers too!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 05:47 AM

hi

I see that Tom Evans has a suspected broken neck. I know everyone will join me in wishing Tom a speedy and total recovery from this tragic accident.

It just shows how the fickle hand of fate is omni-present. This was not as a result of foul play but a freak accident.

Regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 06:22 AM

Is there any more room back there behind the sofa?

I may have to spend the rest of the tournament back there ...

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 10:05 AM

And Patterson's out for 10 weeks with damaged kidneys!

At least the Italian national anthem's there to cheer us all up (or a bit of opera, as the commentary team described it).

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 11:36 AM

Interesting game from Rome. It's good to see Italy doing well (so long as they don't beat Scotland again. Jonathan Davies seems to think a lot of England's problems stem from fly-half. They were saying that Wilkinson hadn't missed a Six Nations kick since 2007 (?), but I'm trying to remember how much he's missed through injury.

England, though, played like an old-fashioned England team, ie stick a white shirt on and switch off your brain. At least you won.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 12:52 PM

Phew! That was a bit close!

Not the most scintillating game today.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 01:45 PM

hi dave

I agree with your comments entirely.

England were ever so slightly the better of two very poor rugby sides.

I am glad that I did not have to pay to see this rubbish. I would rather watch my eight yar old grandson play for the school.

You are right England seemed totally bemused by the fact that they were on the pitch. Their tactics ( I think they were tactics) of kicking the ball right back to Italy when having been presented with the ball worries me.
What worries me more is that the tactics did not change after half-time.

Italy are a difficult team to play rugby against as they try to spoil all the time....that is not an excuse for England's sorry performance.

It was difficult to see where the problems stemmed fron because I can't remember one good performance from and England player.


The half-backs didn't look as they had ever played together before.

Jonathan Davies always thinks anyones' problems start at fly half. Mind you he was one of the best ever.

On this performance I can't see England beating anyone.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 01:47 PM

Hi paula

That is an understatement if ever I heard one !!!

Never mind it can only get better.........can't it??

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST,suzi
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 02:43 PM

Im with the Villan on this one....come on England... I just luv rugby, union or league....cum on u u'll. x

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: oggie
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 03:58 PM

Scotland v Wales - a poor match but gripping
France v Ireland - a poor mis-match
Italy v England - A poor match, period!

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MartinRyan
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 04:05 PM

France v Ireland - a poor mis-match

Bit harsh? A couple of moments of madness from us Irish rather gave the game away, so to speak?

A team which can deprive France of possession in the lineouts (which Ireland did, in general) AND limit their scrum/ruck control (which Ireland didn't) should be able to beat them - even in Paris.

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 05:28 PM

Same old problem. You play a weak team and you under perform as did England today. You just do enough to win.

Bring the next one on. Come on England.

Sorry to hear about the Scottish player. I do hope he will be OK.

Good on yer Suzi :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 05:53 PM

Going back to Jonathan Davies, he knows an awful lot about both codes of rugby (apart from the scrum) but can be very negative. I remember one match on Scrum V Live where he spent the first half pointing out all the mistakes, missed overlaps etc of the Welsh team, then at half time proclaimed they'd played a perfect game! Strange man.

Next up, we've got the well known banana skins in Rome. Hopefully Parks will keep up yesterday's form and reach his 50 caps, Godwin will develop into a world class player, and some youngsters will start to come through. I was never sure about Townsend at no 10. Sometimes it felt a bit like playing Russian Roulette with a single-barrelled shotgun!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 04:16 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Paul Burke
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 05:01 PM

There seems to be a strange set of priorities in refereeing. Castrogiovanni was sinbinned for a technical infringement, but Moody was merely penalised for taking out McLean, in the air, by the neck, which could have seriously injured him.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 05:25 PM

Thugs

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 05:55 AM

hi Paul

The Italians had been warned about deliberately holding on to the ball in the rucks. The referee had made it clear that the next offence would be sin-binned.

In fact Castrogiovanni committed THREE offences in tyhat ruck. He was offside, came in from the side and lay over the ball preventing the opposition from playing it. So I dopn't think he could have any complaints.

As for Moody's offence although you are right it could cause injury, according to the laws of the game is was not a sending off offence.

We saw from the Scotland game very graphically that serious injury can occur in apparently safe circumstances. I am pleased to see that Tom Evans is responding well to treatment and I wish him a speedy and total recovery.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 06:14 AM

As for Moody's offence although you are right it could cause injury, according to the laws of the game is was not a sending off offence.

Pulling down a player who is in the air after he has caught the ball can always be penalised by a sending off. It is not a compulsory punishment, but it is suitable for dangerous play.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 06:42 AM

Hi Nigel

I was only passing on the views of the pundits who discussed it on the radio.

It does seem to be a grey area though.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 02:03 PM

I think Moody got the benefit of the doubt. Watching the replay, he was committed to going for the ball, and he had obviously realised what he had done, because he released the guy quickly.Not quite the Moody of old who semmed to play the game in a state of "red mist". He's actually become one of my favourite England players at the moment. He chases everything and is constantly rallying and encouraging his team mates. I hate the high tackle and any bringing down of a player in the air, but in this case I believe the ref made the right decision not to get out the yellow card.I would feel the same way if it had been an Italian player who had made the error.

I hope young Thom Evans makes a full recovery. He was having an immense game before he went off. A huge price to pay for playing a game.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 11:19 AM

9 days to go to the next match Six Nations
This is 'refresh' number one!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 05:33 PM

Living just over the border from Wales, I've got three games televised this weekend!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 08:22 PM

I've just been reading Martin Johnson's reaction to criticism of Jonny Wilkinson. There's nothing new about it. Back in 2003, the consensus was that he had a bad World Cup, and that it was Mike Catt who was the actual playmaker. Wilko wasn't much more than an NFL style kicker. I've had much more to say about other stand-offs, and if I'm wrong I'll apologize, but I think in this case Johno's in denial.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 10:09 PM

Flannery Shmannery!

stompstompgrumblemoangripestampstomp ....

... a little black cloud has been following me around!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:52 AM

My predictions for the next 3 matches

England to beat Ireland in a very tough tight game.

France to beat Wales

Italy to beat Scotland by a single point.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 09:49 AM

Hi dave

I live just over the border from Wales too !!!!

As for Johnny Wilkinson I agree that he had a poor game last week-end. It was reported afterwards that he was down with some virus but played anyway.

What a lot of people don't realise is that Johnny is played as much for his defefensive play as for his place kicking which as we know is World class by any definition.

Also he brings a stability and a sense of quiet authority which gives the team confidence.

We have tried several fly halves in the last few years, none of whom have looked suitable to replace a fully fit Wilkinson. Charlie Hodgson from Sale always looked in club rugby to be an obvious choice as an attacking fly half to get the England backs playing just never clicked in Internationals.

Cipriani looked promising but hasn't lived up to it on the field. Only this week Will Carling , who had offed to mentor Cipriani and spent six weeks with him, had to call it off saying that Cipriani doesn't have the necessary drive and belief to be an international fly half.

So while I have to agree that Johnny may not be the best attacking fly half in the six nations he is the best we have in England at the moment.

I believe it is the same with Chris Patterson nowadays with Scotland. He is there for his reliability with the boot and is not the best choice for a place these days if he wasn't probably the best kicker in the World.

He has been one of my favourite players over the years and had he played for another nation he would have been better recognised.
He is a wonderful servant to Scottish rugby and has helped them enormously by being able to play in almost any position outside the scrum. A wonderful ambassador for Scotland and for Rugby Union.

I am sad to hear that he is injured and may not play any further part in the Six Nations this year.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:51 AM

Hi Mike.

I always felt that one of Wilkinson's problems was that he tackled harder than his body could take, hence the injury problems. On the other hand I remember a certain South African stand-off who was reputed never to have made a tackle in his life.

Charlie Hodgson's main problem seemed to be that he wasn't Wilkinson, so he could have played fly-half in an England team with a 100% record for the next ten years, picking up man of the match award every game, and still not been accepted.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 06:19 AM

Hi Dave

You are right about Wilkinson taking too much with the result of much injury during his career.

I agree about Hodgson too except that he didn't really perform in the Internationals as well as I had hoped.

Of course some of this was that he was instructed to play as Winkinson played and Hodgson is a completely different style of player.

While talking of Sale I see that Wales have brought Dwayne Peel back into the squad.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 11:40 PM

At least Queensland beat Canterbury last night. First time since about 1998.

When they play in Brisbane in February, I'm glad I've retired.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Hrothgar
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 01:47 AM

Oops! Guest was me. Didn't realise my cookie had gone a-wandering.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 09:32 AM

So Charlie Hodgson's back in the England squad. Hope he does well.

And Sexton's taken over the Irish number 10 jersey. Not surprising after last weekend's "seren y gem" performance.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:58 AM

hi dave

Yes I hope that Charlie gets a chance to show his club form. I have watched him play a few times this year and his form has been brilliant. Unfortunately the team has been poor by their own standards so Charlie's performances have not really been noticed.

I don't think he will play. He has been brought in as "reserve substitute" in case Johnny Wilkinson's " muscle tightness " turns out to be something more. Flood wil play if Wilkinson doesn't.

Whatever the media says about Wilko the fact is that he is still a matchwinner even though he maybe doesn't lead the line as well as he used to.

Mind you according to Matt Dawson ( today's Daily Express) Wilko never did lead the line, he - Dawson - did !!

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:08 PM

According to today's Independent: "I never made any decisions either," said (Martin) Johnson, who led that side. "They were all made by Matt Dawson."

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:41 PM

hi dave

I think that report missed out from Johnson's quote..." according to Dawson".

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:34 AM

It's a bit of a side-step, but I've just had the pleasure of being in Wellington when the Sevens were on.
Highlight apart from the party atmosphere? Seeing the England team arising wet and glistening from a swim in the lagoon on the Waterfront! Pity they didn't get to the finals, though.

I've now got to play catch-up and get my brain back into the 6 Nations etc.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:50 AM

Were they skinny dipping Andrea!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:15 PM

No, unfortunately, but my daughter in law and I were supping coffee nearby when they arose wet and toned from the lagoon and walked right past us to the end of the path and put on their red shirts. Seriously nice butts on those guys!

They did get a streaker during the tournament who ran right through a game. That usually results in a lifetime ban from the Westpac. One of the most bizarre fancy dress get ups I saw was a Maori in Morris kit! I actually asked him if he was for real, it was that good. It wasn't till you got right close that you saw his home made badge, and that his bells were more like budgie bells! He really did look the part!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:52 PM

We are playing at our village pub on Saturday night - after the rugby has been the main feature on the TV there during the day.Could be interesting!
I'm a bit worried, because tradition dictates that I have a pint of Guiness either during or before the match. The only times I have broken that tradition, England have lost. I don't drink when we have a gig............

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 06:44 AM

Hi Paula

I think that as England are playing Ireland a pint of Guinness before your gig would be appropriate.....lol

Best of luck with your gig and if England lose I will blame you....lol

Regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 07:14 AM

Paula,

We're depending on you!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 07:56 AM

OK,
I'll try to make that sacrifice and have a small Guinness. (Sigh ....I love my country)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 09:23 AM

Thats the spirit!

There'll be a statue of you pushing a cart or sitting in a jacuzzi before the year is out!

Any songsmiths around to celebrate Paula's courage and indefatigability.

(please don't try and say that after a few drinks, and if you do, don't come moaning to me afterwards!)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 05:29 PM

>>Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: The Villan - PM
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 06:52 AM

My predictions for the next 3 matches

England to beat Ireland in a very tough tight game.

France to beat Wales

Italy to beat Scotland by a single point. <<

Well I got one right so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 05:38 PM

England nd Ireland will be a tough game alright.

Both slightly below par, full of potential and with a point to prove.

I think Ireland have the edge though.

But that could be the blood talking ...

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 06:53 PM

Nah. Italy aren't going to beat Scotland. We'll quite happily beat ourselves.

Dave (from behind the sofa)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:04 AM

LOL Dave. And there was me thinking that it was always Scotland The Brave :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 04:42 AM

You don't realise how much it takes just to switch the telly on sometimes.

Then again, we're not the only ones making things difficult for ourselves. Two interception tries gifted to France last night by Wales!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 05:53 AM

hi

Phew another nailbiter from woobly Wales.

They contrived yesterday once again to throw away a lead to the opposition but this time they could escape.

France on this showing don't hold any threats in my mind when they play England.

I take Scotland to beat Italy. Could be a forward slog with two teams that really don't easily score tries.

England v Ireland........it's going to be close and I just take England but only because they are at Twickenham.

Both teams have something to prove but Ireland need to prove that they are still a good side.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 10:19 AM

I was wrong. Italy won.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:20 PM

What the hell was that reverse penalty to Ireland?

Ireland were clearly preventing England getting on with the game. OK teh English player shouldn't have retaliated, however, I think the penalty should have been to England. Changed the game.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:23 PM

Wow 61 minutes and all square 13 all. Very exciting.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:33 PM

I hope O'Driscoll will be Ok. That was sheer bad luck. Fancy your own player kneeing you in the head.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:37 PM

70 mins 16 - 13 to England :-) Good dropped goal.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:42 PM

Unbeleivable - a try for Ireland 20 - 16 to Ireland :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 12:49 PM

What a great game. Congratulations to Ireland.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:32 PM

Hi Villan

Yes I watched with bated breath. I couldn't understand a couple of the ref's key decisions. But Ireland though territorily outplayed took their chances and that is what sport is all about.

I fear that this match will bring out more concerns about Johnny Wilkinson's position. I still feel that he is the best we have at the moment but now that we are out of the running for either the Grand Slam or The Triple Crown it would be a good time to try to blood a younger promising player....but do we have any ????

So congratulations to Ireland.

I am pleased to say that it appears that O'Driscoll has recovered and there is no sign of any serious damage. I suspect that the headache he will undoubtably have in the morning will be as much from Guinness as from that sickening blow.

Best wishes for the match tomorrow and may it be a great game and the best team wins.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:42 PM

I only had a half!Sorry!

I thought Wilkinson made more ground than the other backs. Much faster ball from the breakdown today, and it made a difference.We just didn't seem able to finish off our chances. Much better performance, although our centres were very quiet.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:58 PM

hi paula

A half.....hic

You will be slurring tonight....lol

Good luck at the gig

Me ......I have drawn the short straw ....My wife and I are baby sitting one of our grandsons....looks like the heady delights of curling for us. And only that after seeing Toy Story " for the 58th time....lol

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 09:09 PM

Thanks Paula.

Bloody hell! I can think of a long list of painful things I would be prepared to endure as an alternative to beig kneed in the head by Paul O'Connell running at full tilt.

I liked Sexton, thought he was a cool head in a scrappy game. Bowe was on fire!

It was a competition of fly halves, and O'Gara had a hard act to follow, but the kick to touch that set up the last try was superb.

I feel sorry for Wilko, I didn't think he was the worst player in the England squad, though he did make a couple of bizarre errors.

Triple crown for Ireland?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 06:40 AM

hi lox

<" triple crown for Ireland?">

I can't see why not. England played much better against Ireland and lost than they did against Wales when they won.

And ( sorry Dave ) I can't see Scotland stopping them.

I agree that the England v Ireland game was a bit scrappy but it was played in a downpour which made running and handling very difficult. At least we didn't see the ping-pong kicking that IMHO has ruinously entered the game recently.

The Irish have always been difficult to play against in wet muddy conditions as I know to my own personal experiences. I still have nightmares thinking about having to contend with having to stop fierce Irish foot rushes in boggy conditions......!!

I always loved playing against Irish sides and players. They brought a mixture of passion and humour at the same time to the games.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 10:19 AM

No apologies needed, Mike. I think we'll probably hold our line for over 70 minutes in both the remaining games, but our failure to take our chances will prove the difference yet again.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 02:39 PM

Reading the conversation about Scotland made me want to find out how young Thom Evans was getting on. It sounds as though he had a very lucky escape.
I hope he makes a full recovery and then makes a sensible and informed decision about his future.I was really impressed by his attitude to the game. Always willing to get across the gain line and very quick thinking.An exciting young player to watch. It would be a huge loss to the game if he was to retire, but needs to be sure that ha makes the right decision for himself and only returns to the game if it is safe for him to do so. I wish him well.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 03:12 PM

Agreed and 100 :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Lox
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:38 PM

Dave,

If scotland can get it together for France and England I reckon all will be forgiven.

(nothing to do with it working in Irelands favour of course ...)

Come on you Scots!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 08:00 AM

According to the BBC, Thom Evans had two operations on his cervical spine, he has movement in arms and legs and there is hope for his full recovery. He is lucky to be alive and credit to the attendants at the game who were able to protect his neck and get him off the field. I know from my own playing days that rugby is a rough old game but the number of injuries and collapsing scrums in that game suggest poor control by the officials.

Thoms absence and that of Patterson were clear in Scotlands poor play on Saturday, though the Italians repatedly coming round or over rucks in attempts to take out Cussiter were not helping (and should have resulted in a yellow card just before half-time).

Holding out a last hope that at least we give England a scare in the Calcutta Cup (again).

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 01:30 PM

A Wandering Minstrel,

Yes, Thom Evans was lucky that a skilled team removed him from the pitch.Let's hope he is OK.

The breakdown reffing does seem to have been a problem in some games. The referee and linesmen do not always seem to spot the offside players, or the ones taking out players at the side of(unconnected to) the rucks. The ref for the England/ Ireland game filled me with hope at first, because he pinged a player from each side for being offside -next to the ruck - even though they "didn't interfere" directly with play (just "cut the options" for clearing the ball out).However, he then seemed not to be so interested and a number of players got away with it,especially at the end of the match.Incidentally,the Welsh number 3 is very good at this! He is usually to be seen wandering about slowly on the wrong side, looking earnestly as though he is trying to get back onside.I find myself looking for him at every ruck. Try it. It's entertaining!

Paula

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 02:23 PM

Hi mistrel

Great news about Thom Evans. I hope that he is able to recover. Like Paula I think he will be well advised to take a long look at the options if he is declared fit enough to play again. I wish him all the best in whatever he decides.

Now for the serious bit......lol

We here in England don't need you highlanders providing us with any more shocks....we get get enough as it is.....lol

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 02:37 PM

hi paula

I agree with you entirely about the different interpretations of the rucks and mauls by the referees.

Italy are the worst offenders but seem to be protected by the officials.
It was more blatant on Saturday against Scotland but it was happening all the time against England as well.

As for Adam Jones and his "meandering" around the rucks not appearring to know whether he is onside, offside or just on his side.

He has the look of a bewildered scarecrow that doesn't know what field he should be in.

I think the refs must just think he is harmless and they just let him enjoy himself....bless him....lol

The Irish too are very good at being offside but not being spotted.....but they have been doing it for years and so have perfected it.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 03:04 PM

hi MikeL2,

Your point about officials reffing Italy at the breakdown was interesting . I wonder if it stems from allowances being made when Italy first entered the competition? They were seen as an amateur team ( and still are by many) and I believe refs often gave them the benefit of the doubt to "keep the game moving".Allowances are still made at times, even though many of their players now play in top teams and know exactly what they are doing. Still, serves us all right for patronising and underestimating them eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 03:14 PM

hi paula

You may have a good point there.

Mind you when I played it was the opposite way around. The refs all seemed to favour the top sides.

But I think that was politics at works. Because the top sides had more representation on the referees panels than they do now.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 12:56 PM

Well hello. Is there any ruggers on this weekend?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Newport Boy
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 01:02 PM

Sure is - Ireland are playing Wales, and there's a couple of other matches as well!

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 01:05 PM

Nothing important then :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 01:44 PM

Who are England playing?

Anybody hiding behind the couch then?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:28 PM

hi villan

England play Scotland. Not a happy hunting-ground for England recently.
In this match the form book seems to get torn up.

Mind you England with two wins have not set the World on fire.

I see that tomorrow England are fielding a big but slow back row that contains 3 No 8's and no wing forwards. Scotland surely will use this to get to the loose ball first.

Dave has saved me a place behind his sofa....lol

I'll take England (just), Ireland and France ( does anyone fancy Italy here??

Have a great week-end

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:36 PM

I think the England vs Scotland game could be interesting! Both teams usually raise their game for this one. The Guinness awaits!( I think we could need it!)

Paula

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 04:38 PM

It's a bugger becuase I can't watch England. I have to run my concert Venue and need to be there for 5pm. Mind you live music beats anything :-) Well doesn't it.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:28 PM

hi everyone

Phew.......!!!!

That was close England !!!

Not a good game of rugby but finally exciting for all that.
Although I think that Scotland were slightly the better team I think that a draw was a fair result because neither side really deserved to win.

The game was marred too by some nasty looking injuries. I have heard yet how they have fared but I wish them all well.

Ireland were too good for Wales and won easily enough althoug were beaten both territorily and for possession.

So I think it is back to the drawing board for England.

Also I think that it is time that Johnny Wilkinson is replaced, not that I think he was to blame for the sad performance.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: paula t
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 04:08 PM

I agree about the score, MikeL2. If Flood had managed that drop goal at the end , I think it would have been an unjust result.

I've been struggling to work out where Martin Johnson starts here. I find it hard to pin down one particular area as the "weakest" or to blame for the performance.

We are still getting slow ball from the breakdown, and then the pass is being telegraphed to the defenders by Danny Care's little shuffle towards the team mate he intends to send the ball to. We have been lucky not to have had more interceptions.

The centres are quite often too far back , leaving the fly half isolated.

There didn't seem to be any energy to chase the ball, until Foden and Moody came on.Foden did a few shaky things ,but settled down well and at least tried to run the ball. I suspect he'll start the next match, and I feel really sorry for Armitage. He seems to have developed a few nerves.I hope he can overcome them because he's a huge talent.Someone in the England camp needs to give him some support and help him to sort the "block."

I didn't think our forwards had a great match. They didn't seem to be working as a unit. I worry about Dylan Hartley. He is so easily riled. He was a lucky boy not to be sent off or to at least have caused the penalty to be reversed.

There are bound to be the usual calls for heads to roll,but I don't know if this is the right thing to do really. Which players.......and, more importantly, who do you replace them with?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 06:05 AM

hi paula

You called it about right.

If we had other players of the right calibre we should make changes.....but we don't appear to have them.

I am concerned about the absolute basics that the England backs appear to have forgotten.

The lining up at set pieces is ragged and the result is confusion. The defensive line up is not controlled and this led to several missed tackles.

In attack nobody appeared to be calling the shots and the resultant moves were haphazard and the player with the ball had no-one to pass to.

My fear of England picking a big slow back row showed because Scotland were first to almost every loose ball and they tackled England's backs mercilessly on the few occasions when England got a reasonable ball.

You are right about Care. He is good in the open play but he should be providing speedy long ball out to the backs. At times to me he looks more like a Rugby League scrum half, except that he can't get to play the ball for five tackles in Union. Surely we must have a couple of scrum halves that can at least pass.???!!!

But knowing England they will probably go out and beat France and make us all wonder what the hell is going on....lol

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 01:10 PM

Hi everybody - just out from behind the couch. No I was down in Putney for my daughter's wedding, then they kicked us out so that some people could mess around inb boats. I've got lots and lots of rugby on my hard disk (five games), so I'm going to sit down now and find out what really happened. I caught a few minutes in the hotel room. It looked like the English backs were confused when Flood replaced Wilkinson - didn't know what to do behind a no 10 who wanted to play some rugby! I also don't know why Lawson came on for Ford in a close game. Robinson should know by now that he always gives away silly penalties! I'll probably have more to say when I know what I'm talking about.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Rasener
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 03:37 PM

Didn't get to see anything, what with running Faldingworth Live yesterday and going out for Mothering Sunday today.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 05:04 PM

Watched France v Italy. Italy only scored one try against Scotland! Reasons to be cheerful, part ........

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:36 PM

Munster v Scarlets (in green) was on earlier, and I was struck by the fact that although the game was played in Cork, Guinness was the only beer advert I could make out. Whatever happened to Beamish and Murphy's?

Going back to last weekend, I thought it was non-discretionary that throwing a punch was carded. And I know I'm Scottish (my wife reckons that nobody needs reminded of the fact), but 2 of the photos of the game in "Scotland on Sunday" showed

1 Max Evans being tackled Steve Borthwick who is holding Evans' head in two hands and his left thumb looks very, very near Evans' eye.

2 Ross Ford with middle finger stuck in his left eye.

If I were French or South African I would be rather upset.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 11:02 AM

Hi dave

Steve Borthwick wasn't trying to gouge, was was merely helping Evans with his contact lens....lol

If he was gouging then he should be banned.....no defence for that.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 11:19 AM

I hope Wales don't need a second-half comeback this week!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST,oggie
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 06:19 PM

Problem seems to be they're all using Rugby League defences without the RL style attack. The ball (in most cases) is taking forever to come back into play by which time the defence is all set again. Rolling mauls are fine from five yards out but otherwise they just give time for the defence to reset itself. The essence of RL attack is the quick play-the-ball.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Paul Burke
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 09:44 PM

Ireland defeated: by not playing like Ireland.

France scraped through: France played like England, England played rugby.

Oggie/ Steve has a good point. A lot of RU supporters can't see the skills that of RL.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 07:05 AM

hi

Dave you can chop up that sofa now.....lol

Scotland beat Ireland and were the better team on the day.

England played the best they have played for two years and lost - the ref was not a lover of the English scrummaging !!

Wales thrashed Italy and looked sharp and could improve now that they seem to have sorted themselves out.

Oggie - you are right about the Union supporters not appreciating League skills. Some of this is snobbery - as remnants of the old " upper-class" Union syndrome still exists but is reducing year on year.

I played my rugby in the North West and we lived hand in glove with League players. As juniors some of us all played together in both codes.

Not many League players have transferred to Union successfully. Whereas there have been several exceptional players gone "the other way". It shows that the skills are different and the tactics and pressures too.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 12:16 PM

Don't blame everything on the refs - the IRB (and Jonathan Davies) don't understand the scrum either!

I was interested in what Ste Andre had to say about Wilkinson as a playmaker. The difference seems to be that in France, he has players around him who're helping to create the opportunities, while in the England set-up he's expected to do it all on his own.

I saw Alfie's League debut on Friday - ok so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 02:25 PM

hi Dave

I agree - I don't understand the scrummaging laws.....but then I never did when I was a player !! Mind you I didn't play in the pack.

I didn't hear St Andre but he usually makes sense. Wilko is still a great player - maybe not as good in some ways but he still reads the game well and he still has that magic boot !!!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 07:14 PM

Saint-Andre was being quoted extensively in "The Times" on Saturday regarding "Le Wilko", Ben Foden and the forthcoming game in general.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 08:21 PM

Just a few thoughts.

Why, if Croke Park is a full-size Gaelic pitch (160 yards), did the IRFU have short in-goal areas while they were playing there?

Why do all player's shirts (I refuse to call those things rugby jerseys) have short sleeves, when most of the backs nowadays wear co-ordinated long-sleeve t-shirts underneath?

Why doesn't the IRB adopt the League 40-20 rule? We should see less aerial ping-pong if backs realized they could be conceding an attacking line-out 20 yards behind them if they kick aimlessly upfield.

How can refs tell that a player's off his feet when most of the players with single-digit jerseys look like they're lying on the ground anyway?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 07:47 PM

Not a good weekend for officials. The Ospreys seem to be justifiably agrieved that George Clancy blew for time when everybody else believed that advantage was being played for a deliberate knock-on, so the lick should have given.

And in the Neath/Newport game the ref awarded a try when the scoring player had clearly lost the ball before the line, then the touch-judges awarded the conversion even though the ball looked at least a foot outside the posts, though this one didn't affect the outcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST,Allan Connochie
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 04:01 AM

"Not a good weekend for officials"

And at the Melrose Sevens the ref disallowed a winning try for Melrose at the end of the tie against the eventual tournament winners Hamilton (from South Africs) which TV replays showed was a good try. Just about everyone if the crowd apparently could see it was a try apart from the ref and his linesman. What makes it worse here was the the two officials were apparantly from Hawick and Gala respectively who are Melrose's two main local rivals.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby Union 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 04:50 PM

Queensland are up to fifth on the Super 14 ladder - a vast improvement on recent seasons.