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!