BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012

Subject: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 06:02 AM

Okay, first weekend over, and a good start to the competition.
France 30 V Italy 12 went as expected. Italy appeared to start well, but fizzled out.
Scotland 6 v England 13. Decent, predictable rugby.
Ireland 21 v Wales 23. To my mind the match of the weekend. Full-on edge of the seat stuff. (I'm Welsh, I admit I may show a slight bias)

All the matches were shown on BBC1 so should be available to view on iPlayer.

Next Saturday:
Italy v England
France v Ireland

Next Sunday:
Wales v Scotland

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 06:24 AM

Hi Nigel

I agree with your comments but do not share your "slight" Welsh bias. lol

The Wales v Ireland game was a very good one to watch with the final result always in doubt - Wales just about earned their win. The Welsh backs always looked more penetrative and only some great cover play and tackling by the Irish kept them at bay.

Wales too had some magnificent cover defence with some really physical tackling.

Scotland v England was not as high a standard as the other game but was none-the-less exciting in it's own way. Scotland had the best of the game but could not convert that into tries. England for it's part defended valiantly and particularly in the second half showed some glimpses of attacking flair. The inexperienced England side will only improve IMHO but both these teams will struggle to win another game unless they do.

Both sides lack a class fly half to dictate play and create opportunities for their three-quarters.

As it was a bad week-end for weather I did not go to London to watch Man United at Chelsea so I watched all three games which I enjoyed.

It speaks volumes for the Welsh/Ireland game that I chose to watch the end of it in preference to switching to the Chelsea/Man U game!!! - Mind you I did have it being recorded live as I watched the rugby.

I look forward to the coming games and think that the Championship is going to a close thing between France/Wales and Ireland.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 08:16 AM

The Wales-Ireland match was a brilliant game of end-to-end rugby, with particularly the Welsh build up where the pick and drive was sterling work. Ireland have to take care with spoiling the rucks though. If Priestland had got his early kicks in the game would have never been in doubt.

As for Scotland, words fail me, how can you have over 70% of possession and 3 good breaks and come away without a score? By committing stupid errors repeatedly, not least passing back to Parks on the goal line instead of first reciever clearing. I feel another season of frustration coming on

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 11:20 AM

"how can you have over 70% of possession and 3 good breaks and come away without a score?"

Simple - have Parks at No 10. He's reverting to his old habits of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. He's not even the Blues' furst choice kicker nowadays, and while he may be a really nice guy who gives 110% for the team, what really matters is the ability to control the game. Apart from anything else, he has a tendency to go for the drop goal as soon as he gets in range rather than waiting until it's obvious that a try isn't going to be scored.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Raedwulf
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 12:41 PM

The English beat the Horrible Scots. Does anything else matter?

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 01:45 PM

I'm glad you qualified the Six Nations title. I thought you were talking about the Huron-Iroquis-Onedaga-etc. alliance.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 01:48 PM

"how can you have over 70% of possession and 3 good breaks and come away without a score?"

Because you are not good enough.

Come on England.

I am not biased :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Les from Hull
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 02:29 PM

Muddied Oafs!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 05:29 PM

England didn't exactly create any chances either, but Farrell reminds me a lot of his Dad (I used to have to climb over Andy at lunchtime - Wigan's a small town). Wales would have won earlier if they'd let Halfpenny take all the kicks, though Ireland, especially with Tommy Bowe, are always a threat.

Anybody else notice that Stuart Lancaster is the spitting image of Mikael Birkkjaer (the Killing II & Borgen)?

I'm intending to go to the Wales v Scotland U20 on Friday - hopefully Duncan Weir will be playing, though if he's not it'll probably because he's been promoted in place of Parks!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 03:40 AM

Of course, with 6 teams it's now a case that a team gets 3 Home games & 2 Away games (or vice versa) on alternating years.
Wales have started with an Away win against Ireland & have 3 Homes & 1 Away left to play.
Optimism abounds!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 07:16 AM

Aye with Scotland's only other home game being against France then I feel we really need to win that. Don't fancy them having to win in Italy to avoid the wooden spoon! Still as well as suffering with my own team I have Wales (many a Borderers second choice team)to shout on too!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 10:37 AM

Bad news for Sunday - Ruairidh Jackson is back and playing for Glasgow, so we're going into the Millenium Stadium with Cardiff's second (or is that third now Ben Blair's back for the Blues) string kicker!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 08 Feb 12 - 07:52 AM

Hasn't Parks announced his retirement? (I presume at the end of the 6 nations - missed the beginning of the report on the TV)

In a way the Scotland England game reminded me ot the 1990 match - England were by far the better of the two teams but on the day could not find a way to win.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Feb 12 - 09:11 AM

"I presume at the end of the 6 nations" He's retired with immediate effect.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 08 Feb 12 - 09:28 AM

'Scotland have made two changes to their starting line-up and a further three on the bench for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales in Cardiff.

The alterations in the starting team following last weekend's Calcutta Cup defeat see a first start for Edinburgh Rugby captain Greig Laidlaw in the number ten shirt, replacing Dan Parks, while his club mate Geoff Cross comes in at tight-head prop for the unavailable Euan Murray.

On the bench, three uncapped players have been called-up, all rewarded for recent form in the colours of both Glasgow Warriors and Scotland A – prop Ed Kalman, 20-year-old stand-off Duncan Weir and 19-year-old full-back Stuart Hogg. Weir and Hogg both scored fine individual tries in Scotland A's 35-0 win against their English counterparts last week.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "Congratulations to Greig on his first start. He is a gifted footballer who is acclimatising very well to the differing demands of the stand-off position from having spent most of his career at scrum-half.

"Having lost last weekend, I believe the time is right to move on and look to develop our emerging talent at stand-off.

"I've always stressed the importance of the A team and the part that both Duncan Weir and Stuart Hogg played in the game at Netherdale last week is another reason for my continued excitement and belief in Scottish rugby."

Laidlaw, 26, nephew of another of Jed-Forest's favourite sons, the former Scotland and Lions scrum-half, Roy Laidlaw, has also graduated from the ranks of Scotland A and Scotland 7s.

In the pack, Geoff Cross, who made his debut against Wales three years ago, is promoted from the bench and given the opportunity to display the form that has been such a part of Edinburgh's run to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.


Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Sunday 12 February, kick-off 3pm

15 Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 27 caps, 6 tries, 30 points

14 Lee Jones (Edinburgh Rugby) 1 cap
13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 61 caps, 8 tries, 40 points
11 Max Evans (Castres) 25 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

10 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 3 caps
9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 56 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby) 61 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 9 caps
4 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 17 caps
5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 35 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) 24 caps, 1 try, 5 points
7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 12 caps
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps

Substitutes

16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 30 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
17 Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped
18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 37 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby) 76 caps, 7 tries, 35 points
21 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped
22 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped

Referee: Romain Poite (France). Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon and Simon McDowell (both Ireland). TMO: Giulio de Santis (Italy)'

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 10 Feb 12 - 07:01 AM

Okay, getting the beers in ready for the weekend.
Saturday:
BBC1 16:00 Italy v England
BBC1 20:00 France v Ireland
Sunday:
BBC1 15:00 Wales v Scotland.

Note, Times given are times of the Kick-off (give or take 2 minutes) TV programmes normally start 1/2 hour before.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: paula t
Date: 10 Feb 12 - 03:02 PM

Some very interesting matches coming up this weekend!I'm not on top form at the moment, so I'll enjoy curling up in front of the telly with a "hot drink" (Purely for medicinal purposes of course!) and watching them all!Fantastic!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Micca
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 08:04 AM

Nigel, The France V Ireland Game is on BBC2!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 12:32 PM

SOBs!!! I have been waiting to watch IRE v FRA all week... instead, I get USA Sevens...   grrrr

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 01:33 PM

Well done England in what can be considered not very good conditions. Surprised there weren't more injuries.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 01:46 PM

FOUND IT! On a French channel. Gotta be better than the Newcastle U stomping I stopped watching.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: David C. Carter
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 01:56 PM

gnu-France/Ireland is on:france 2 at 20.50 French Time.



David

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 03:23 PM

SOBs 2!. It ain't rugby... it's commercial fishing in the far east even tho the guide says rugby. And, now... oh, nevermind.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 03:24 PM

Oh, yeah... thanks for your time, help and concern, Dave. Rather ungentlemanly of me not to ackowledge your post and your PM.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 05:10 PM

I hope the 80000 get theri money back

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 05:28 PM

We got 'Country Music at the BBC' followed bu a documentary about Pompeii, so I went on the iPlayer and watched last night's game between Edinburgh and the Ospreys in Gaelic. I'd already watched the Wales Scoland Under 20 twice - once live (I'm the guy with a very prominent St Andrew's Cross on my chest just to the right of the stand), then again this morning in Welsh! At least tomorrow the roof'll be closed in Cardiff, and we've got neither Parks nor Godman at No 10, so we've got a chance!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 09:03 PM

Postponed? Is that what P - P means? What happened?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 09:52 AM

It's a couple of degrees colder in Paris than it is in London, and seeing it's not Green Bay and they don't wear padding, the referee called the game off on safety grounds - some parts of the ground were rock hard.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: David C. Carter
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:05 AM

Wales 10-3 Scotland.

No problem gnu.

David

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:29 AM

Quarterback sneak to Greg Laidlaw!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 03:21 PM

Knock on or not?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 07:10 PM

Now I am REALLY POd. I decided to watch the USA Sevens and force myself to get into it. I did. I was walking on my treadmill and yelling at great plays and not so great plays. Watched two games in a row. I was getting into it. Looking forward to the final. Done. Over. No championship game on TV. ?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 07:43 AM

Laidlaw (try, conv, 2 pens) had a good game at least. I will draw a veil over the first 15 minutes of the second half. Otherwise a good 55 minutes with some brilliant defensive play on both sides. Wales looked very sharp with ball in hand and must now fancy the triple crown.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 09:18 AM

Hi

I was out all week-end watching football matches so I missed the rugby live.

Just watched on my recordings -:

England v Italy game I found entertaining in an odd curious way !!
As expected Italy were very strong in the scrums and at first England struggled here. As the game progressed England began to get better ball from the set pieces but failed to put it to any constructive use.

A mad few minutes just before half time we gifted the Italians two tries.

Two substitutions including the hapless Ben Youngs improved the speed and penetration in the second half. I think England just about deserved to win despite Italy missing some easy penalty chances.

The test will come in a fortnight with Wales at Twickers.

Wales V Scotland

A good game to watch - in the first half with both sides trying to attack but both defences very sound it was very even but the Welsh three-quarters always looking more dangerous.

Two sin-bins made the difference when Wales punished Scotland heavily for their misdomeanours.

To their credit Scotland did not cave in and even managed a try and were still threatening at the end.

I have watched the "knock-on try" many times in slo-mo and I can't agree with the TV referees. That was a try !! When even the usually biased Johnathon Davies says it was a try then it must have been !!

It looks as though the Scotland v Italy game will determine the wooden spoon but I can't decide at this stage who will be Champions.

Cheers

Mike

PS By the way Arthur all the players afterwards said that the Italian pitch was perfectly playable even in the "snowy" areas. Soft under foot with no frost there.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Feb 12 - 08:42 AM

Feb 14 (Reuters) - The French federation (FFR) and the Six Nations Committee have disagreed over a new date for the France-Ireland Six Nations game called off minutes before kickoff last Saturday because of a frozen pitch.

The FFR want the game to be played next season because of a French league fixtures congestion in March while the Six Nations committee would like the match to go ahead on Saturday, March 3 at 1700 GMT or Sunday, March 4 at 1515.

"It's a proposal that comes from the Six Nations Committee and from the broadcasters," Jacky Laurans, the French represetnative on the Six Nations committee, told reporters on Tuesday. "The French federation's proposal is to postpone it until early next season

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Feb 12 - 08:51 AM

My opinion?
If the French Federation (FFR) can't provide a venue for a home match within the period of the competition, and at a date suitable to their opponents, they should forfeit the match.
The FFR were, arguably, the best placed to know whether an evening kick-off in February was likely to be a suitable proposition. They were also the ones who should have started preventative action as soon as they had any idea that the weather was turning.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Feb 12 - 05:54 AM

The postponed Six Nations game between France and Ireland has been rescheduled for Sunday, 4 March (1500 GMT).

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 04:29 PM

All gone silent? England should have been awarded a try in the dying seconds, with a difficult kick to level the game. But shouldn't they have been a man down after that pulling- down in the lineout?

And France against Scotland- how could they have lost against such generous visitors?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 04:53 PM

Mistakes. Mistakes. Mistakes. It was exciting but exhausting. Drat!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 05:04 PM

Strettle may have thought he felt the ball touching the ground, but there was obviously at least one arm underneath it, so the first time it touched the ground was after it had been returned to the field of play. I thought it was one of Steve Welsh's better games, though that's not saying much. As for the refereeing of Scotland v France, 'Scotland on Sunday' had a feature this morning on Wayne Barnes' Greatest Mistakes!

I thought Scotland's defence played magnificently for most of the game, and the rookies added a spark to their play. Again it was errors in finishing that let us down.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 05:13 PM

I totally agree on your points re SCO-FRA, Dave. But, ya gotta hand it to France to capitalize on ALL the errors and put points on the board. in any case, I was thrilled to get to see some rugby. Scarce on TV here in Atlantic Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 07:59 PM

Strettle may have thought he felt the ball touching the ground, but there was obviously at least one arm underneath it,
From what I could see (on the TV replays) one of the arms beneath the ball was Strettle's own. The ball (if it touched down over the line at all) was supported by Strettle's wrist, making it very difficult to assert that he was 'applying downward pressure' to the ball.
As to whether England could have equalised, if the try had been awarded, Law 5.7 (f) states that: "If time expires after a try has been scored the referee allows time for the conversion kick to
be taken." Quite clearly, the try (if allowed) would have been after time had already expired, so the game would have ended with England still two points behind.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Newport Boy
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 07:04 AM

I don't think that interpretation is right. 5.7(f) is only a clarification - the main rule is that the game comes to an end when the ball becomes dead after time has expired. "After a try is scored" is not included in the list of circumstances when the ball is dead.

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 11:15 AM

Hi

After a "sporting week-end" in London - I was at Twickenham on Saturday and at Carrow Road Norwich on Sunday (watching Man United )I have viewed the recordings I made of all of the rugby matches.

1. England V Wales. This was not the game that we all thought we would see. We all went to see England's young inexperienced side be slaughtered by the Welsh. Not so!! England mustn't have read the script.!!
Wales's much vaunted giant backs were almost completely tackled out of the game. The " New Sensation" Priestland was completely invisible apart from having his kick charged down and getting sin-binned for playing the ball from an outrageously off-side position. From the stand we all thought that this should have been a penalty try( but we are biased !!LOL).

Both teams tackled magnificently and the result was in doubt until the last whistle.....literally.

Wales just about deserved to win if only for the terrific way in which they closed England out during the time they were a man short.
And by nature of a brilliantly opportunistic try by Williams.

With regard to the "Strettle Incident", certainly we in the crowd could not see whether it was a try or not. Even viewing it on the large screens at the ground gave us no further clue. In that respect "No Try" was the right decision.

As to whether had a try been awarded, would the referee have allowed the kick to be taken?? With Steve Walsh who knows!! ...but it would have had to have been a magnificent kick to have converted it.

Great game to watch - on the edge of our seats the whole time.

Well done to Wales and let's hope they can go further and win the Six nations trophy. Maybe next year England??

2. Scotland v France

Another nail biter. Scotland were the better side in most respects but France knew how to take their chances.

In all three games that I have watched Scotland they have suffered from the same problem. Converting half-breaks and breaks into tries. OK they did get over the line yesterday but they had many more chances. They don't appear to be able to be in position to back up the players who make the breaks. Is it that the breaks are not planned or are the support players just not fast enough to be able to take that vital final pass

Scotland look as though they have a find at full back. He defended well and in attack looked dangerous every time, and he took his try well. The pack played magnificently throughout

Great game - wrong result.

3. Ireland v Italy

Ireland ran out easy winners after a difficult first half. Some lovely movements creating several tries. But could have been different if Italy had a goal kicker. With the two that they had Ireland knew that they could take chances of conceding penalties in the scrums and line-outs without suffering to badly.

All in all a good set of games.

And Man United won.....juuuuuuust !!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 01:23 PM

The " New Sensation" Priestland was .... sin-binned for playing the ball from an outrageously off-side position

It seems to be much easier to be sin-binned for technical infringements that for dangerous play.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 02:37 PM

Hi Paul

That's refereeing for you !!!

The Southern Hemisphere referees are much keener in certain areas than ours here in 6 Nations.

Steve Walsh is well known for his "flashy" refereeing style and "showboating " manner.

England feel that over the years SW has not been very kind to them and he has had his critics from other Nations too.

IMHO I did not feel that the line out incident was dangerous. Like deliberate offside to prevent a score it is a technical offence.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 12:05 PM

That looked like fun in Paris - two Tommy Bowe tries ( and another couple of near misses). A draw was probably the fairest outcome as neither side could fully take advantage.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 12:12 PM

PS: "I spoke to an international coach last week ans asked him about Barnes. His reply? 'There are three certainties in life. Death, taxes, and at some point in your life, getting shafted by Wayne f****** Barnes! Every coach gets it. You just live with it.'"

At least they had Dave Pearson this afternoon.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST,vectis at work
Date: 05 Mar 12 - 09:52 AM

The Irish had several chances to kick for points in the second half but no-one even tried. Poor decision making on behalf of the captain IMHO

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 09:29 AM

hi

I had to laugh during the France v Ireland game.

As time had expired and France had the put in to (what would be) the last scrum, the Irish guy helping with the commentary said that "all Ireland have to do is to kick the ball straight thru the scrum".

As the French scrum-half put the ball directly into the back row the Irish hooker would have needed elastic legs.

I know that the referees now apply a certain amount of leniency in this law,but this was the most obvious "not straight " put in I have seen lately ( and I watch Rugby League too !!!).

Didn't affect the result of what was an entertaining game.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 03:43 PM

Just watching the Wales v Italy Under 20 from Colwyn Bay. I decided not to go as my dentist took out a root this morning, but it looks like Italy have a kicker coming through with the accuracy they've been lacking since Dominguez retiredl.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 04:04 PM

For those of us who don't follow rugby..is it always the same six nations? I have stumbled upon games on you tube because I love to watch national anthems being sung in sports situations..espeically Wales of course...have not figured out what Ireland's anthem is exactly...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 04:53 PM

Ireland have two - The Soldier's Song for games in the Republic only, and another one for all games. Personally I like Italy's - was it written by Verdi? England use the UK Royal Anthem. And yes, they're always the same Six Nations - England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 05:25 PM

I get to see ENG - FRA this weekend... I HOPE!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 07:56 PM

It's the same Six Nations because it useded to be the Four Nations- England, Ireland, the Other Two Buggers.

Then we let the French join for a bit of light entertainment. Till the sods beat us, but it wasn't fair.

After that we let the Italians in for cheap points and to fill out the telly slots. The ineffable swine beat proper rugby playing nations now and again.

When will the World Series get another "nation"?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 08:24 PM

Paul:
Never mind the 'World Series' getting another nation. The 'Six Nations' could do with another Northern Hemisphere (European?) team. At present it is a little unfair that each season three of the teams get the advantage of playing at 'home' 3 times while the other 3 teams only get two 'home' games.
Maybe, if we can't find a seventh nation, things should be evened up by playing two home games, two away games, and one at a neutral venue!

Cheers
Nigel

Cymru am byth!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST,Scrumhead
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 02:51 PM

Shoulder Pads !!!???

bloody great big jessy shoulder pads !!!!????????

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 01:02 PM

Well Done England!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:16 PM

Bloody great Brian. Time you visited Faldingworth Live. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:54 PM

Oo err . . . busted. You get Martyn back, or Mr Conolly and I'll be over like a shot.

In reality, I've been elsewhere (usually Scotland with my youngest) on 'the' night.

What a great game of rugby though, lots of scoring and it wasn't just a kick-fest. Well done Wales, looks like they'll get the Triple Crown, good to see Welsh rugby coming up again.

Hope this finds you well Les.

Best wishes, from Sheena and I.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 04:18 PM

Can't put them on all the time Brian. However lots of good concerts in 2012. Have a look for yourself. http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 04:45 PM

Just watched ENG-FRA which I had to record. What a great nail biter! I must admit that I was screaming mad at the English mistakesss and admired the French for taking great advantage of those mistakes. That drop goal attempt had my heart in my throat. I would echo "Well Done England!!!" but I think the reality is, yer damn lucky you didn't make one MORE mistake. I expect the players will be spending MUCH more time in practice watching footage and the coaches will be hoarse.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 04:56 PM

Brian:
Well done Wales, looks like they'll get the Triple Crown, good to see Welsh rugby coming up again.

We've already got the Triple Crown (We beat the other three 'Home Nations' on the first three weekends)
What is still at question is whether we win the Championship (A draw next weekend would secure it, but if we lose & England win with a massive points advantage, then England get the championship).
Also at question next weekend is whether Wales can secure the Grand Slam (by beating all the other five teams in the competition).

I thought the France England game today could go either way. Just like in the World Cup semi-final last year, it seems strange that the IRB continue to pick Alain Rowland (An Irish ref living in France, with a French father) to referee important French matches!


Cheers
Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 07:36 AM

hi

Having been at Old Trafford for the Man United v West Brom game I too watched the France v England game game on my recording with bated breath.

Pheeeeeew!!! They just about made it, but I believe that they just deserved to to win.

I believe that the "sin bin that never was" made the England side disjointed and though they held out with one man down, France had got on top and they attacked the stubborn but tiring England defence.

Full marks to both teams for a thoroughly entertaining game.

Three months ago who would have given England a hope of beating France on their own soil and still having a chance to win the Championship ( albeit a remote one ). I do not fancy them against the Irish,especially on St Patrick's day!!

Wales accomplished another win but not with the style and creativity that some thought they would. Still a win is a win and they will be up for the France game.

Alas the Scots again showed promise but once again seemed not to be able to convert their authority into tries.

Again I wonder about the the way the backs line up when they have the ball in the scrums and line-outs. Several forward passes when in possible scoring positions indicate to me that something is wrong.

Ireland played some enterprising rugby and showed that they know where the try line is. Bexton is improving with every game and his place kicking is top class.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 09:15 AM

Another round over, and a few thoughts - 'Sin-binning' is part of the game, and you just have to accept it whether you think it's justified or not - just ask Lee Halfpenny. England played like 'Les Tricolores' and 'Les Bleus' played like England. Owen Farrell is his father's son. Scotland need a No 12 whoever plays at 10. Tommy Bowe is still one of most entertaining finishers around. And we've got the well-known banana skin in Rome next week!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 02:34 PM

I don't think it should have been a penalty, let alone a yellow card. Attempts at interception should be encouraged; the opportunistic breakaway against the run of play is one of the glories of the game. I remember Martin Offiah doing it in a Wigan (RL) game- from practically on the tryline- suicide if he'd missed- he took the ball the full length of the pitch to score. The only man anywhere near him was the ref- and he'd run backwards most of the way.

This England side is full of promise- three tries in one game is as many as they were scoring in a couple of seasons not long ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 09:00 AM

We've already got the Triple Crown (We beat the other three 'Home Nations' on the first three weekends)

Err, a good point well made Nigel. I was full of bon hommie and not thinking straight after the win over France - I'm glad there was no injury time . . .

Having seen the Welsh fans so dejected whenever their team don't do well and in the last millenium they'd had a bit of practice at that. Also being a fan of Max Boyce, it's good to see.

I'll be humming Flower of Scotland next . . .

Have fun

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:23 PM

There was plenty of injury time GUEST, they stop the clock these days...

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:28 PM

Paul... and it's FAR better way time the game. The players and spectators know when the whistle will blow.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 08:27 PM

I suppose it's back behind the sofa on Saturday. I was just watching the 1994 Wales v France from the 'old' Cardiff Arms Park. Some things haven't changed, though Neil Jenkins only comes on the pitch when Wales have a kick at goal nowadays, and he had hair then!
England v Ireland could have been a season decider, but has been overtaken by events, though might still be, depending on the previous game - a bit like the old MNF choices, and last year's Colts games!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 08:30 PM

Actually, I'm away for the weekend, so I'll be catching up (starting with Friday night's Wales v France U20) from Monday night onwards.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 06:38 AM

Some things haven't changed, though Neil Jenkins only comes on the pitch when Wales have a kick at goal nowadays

You make it sound like American Football.

Maybe we should make it clear that he doesn't actually take the kicks these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 03:43 PM

Wales v France is the only game on TV here this weekend... on a French channel. Bastard English TV here won't show rugby games. Can't advertise enough. Even when "soccer" started to be aired some years back, they would show a small picture-in-picture of the game and show adverts on the larger portion of the screen to generate revenue. At least we do get a couple of live football games on Sat and there are no split-screen adverts.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 11:45 AM

GRAND SLAM , that's what I meant . . . not Triple Crown

Oh dear, where's my tablets?

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: scouse
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 07:55 AM

GNU go download "expat shield," set it up on the 'puter. Then use bbc iPlayer to watch all the matches. You better be quick!!!!

As Aye,

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 12:31 PM

Congratulations Wales - Grand Slam winners . . . what a match!!

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:50 PM

Well done England . . . stunning result, a complete rout. Had a bit of sympathy with the Irish considering it's St. Patrick's Day too.

Great competition - the RBS finally got SOMETHING right.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 06:27 PM

Enjoyed the Wales win. Sad to hear Ireland lost with a "complete rout".

I'll check that out, scouse.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 06:51 PM

On Paddy's Day of all days, the Irish pack simply weren't there. They were completely humiliated, pushed off the field, dissolving in chaos. But I really like this new England side, positive and adventurous, and apparently driven by simple enthusiasm for playing well rather than pseudopsychological management theory.

Wales? well done, but not classic. Grand slam, but rather scrambled at times.

And Scotland.... oh dear.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 02:10 PM

"scouse"? I don't know either.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Brian May
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 02:13 PM

gnu

I did wonder, thought it might be code . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 06:17 AM

I no longer avidly follow Rugby , except to support ANYONE who is V France , but admit to a level of pleasure that , apart from beating France , Wales achieved the Grand Slam the day after 'Merv The Swerve'
died .

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 08:29 AM

Yep, they mentioned that during the coverage - a nice touch.

Subject: RE: BS: Six Nations (Rugby) 2012
From: gnu
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 01:59 PM

Brian... it was the beer! I was thanking scouse for his post but completely forgot about it.