BS: Rugby Union 2010

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 :-)