BS: Rugby World Cup

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 07:43 AM

I was rather looking forward to see how the would be like if they had to settle the game with drop goals. But it would have been cruel, this seemed a fair enough result.

It was good seeing how the two sets of supporters didn't have to be segregated from each other with heavy security. Keep the violence on the pitch, that's the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 07:37 AM

Brilliant game. nailbiting. Maybe boring if you were a neutral, but stunningly exciting if you wanted someone to win!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 06:50 AM

Well, the better team won on the night, no doubt of that. We lost too many lineouts and were under pressure in the scrum all night.

Thought we were totally gone when England scored their try, so full marks to our blokes for struggling back. Now, if only Mat Rogers hadn't kicked for touch at the end, we could have denied England the ball ..... If wishes were horses ...

Full credit to Wilkinson, too - for a bloke with a reputation as just a miraculous kicker, he played a bloody good game of rugby.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 06:35 AM

Gallant effort from the Aussies, but Johnny Wilko done it again, overall the wet conditions dictated, to the neutral it was a bore, the closeness of the scoring in the second half and in extra time kept it intersting.
Hello RTE, I will be tuning in for a long time. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Bassic
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 06:33 AM

Well done lads, awesome!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 05:58 AM

As I said, wrong again, still fancy England in extra time, SEE YOU. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 05:13 AM

Englan home and wet, too good for Australia, match over at half time, but not without and amazing spot by the panel on RTE, Martin Johnson communacating with Coach Woodward through a hidden mike in a Water Bottle, this happened during an injury stoppage, amazing but true, we will wait and see the outcome. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 02:05 AM

The Australian team can go for quality points today - I trust that the England team will go for quantity.....................

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 07:26 PM

Nah, no real heavies.

We go for quality, not quantity.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 02:05 PM

As I said, not a lot. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Terry K
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 07:51 AM

Aussie boxers, let me see.

There was Peter Jackson who fought a draw with Gentleman Jim Corbett, the fight being stopped in the 61st round.

There was Bill Squires, knocked out three times by World Heavyweight Champ Tommy Burns. And Bill Lang.

More recently they had a useful light-heavy, Tony Mundine, who was always worth the ticket price.

So on the whole, not a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 05:51 AM

Dai, Two mighty names, I think God would have trouble locating them. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 03:49 AM

Hmm, boxing's not my game Ard - A Google(TM) search for 'australian heavyweight boxer' finds Kali Checkmate Meehan, fine name that, and Dick McRedmond, amongst many others. Stands to reason there must be Aussie boxers... but maybe with the convict heritage, the Marquess of Queensberry rules don't sit too well with their style (BG)

Shambles, you put your finger on it. And Teribus, just to say that I don't think it's a bad thing to 'plan to win', at all. What I was actually trying to get across was what Shamb said so succinctly...

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 03:40 PM

Very strange Dai with all of that Aussie posturing and mouthing they never ever had a decent boxer, I can only think of Linoel Rose and Jimmy Carruthers both in the Fly or Bantam class.

Can someone enlighten me with the names of a few good Aussie Heavyweights, [And for Gods sake not Joe Bugner], roll them out. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The Shambles
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 01:36 PM

I feel rather sorry for the poor chaps in the England team. They can't really win - even if they are the best team on the day and go on to win the game and the World Cup. For a win will just be put down to the weather or boring tactics or whatever...........

And should England lose ( no matter how poorly Australia may play and should Australia win on kicks only ) - all the critics and 'told you so-ers' will have an absolute field day.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 01:14 PM

70% chance of rain predicted for the final.

Dai,
Rain , or no rain, England will stick to the plan - that plan is to win - the tactics and line-up required to accomplish that will be sized up and selected on the day.

The fifteen guys out on that field on Saturday ALL want to win - what it is like from the spectators point of view is completely immaterial and nothing will be further from the players minds - you are watching a sporting event at the highest level attainable in the world of Rugby Union - don't confuse that with there being any compunction on the part of the players to "entertain" the crowd, that's not what this is about at all.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 11:35 AM

The forecast is for rain, of course... If the weather does pan out as predicted, then England shoudl, of course, stick to the plan and kick themselves to victory. Still think it's a shame purely from a spectator's point of view, but then again at least it's not still 1976 when forwards were all immobile tubs of lard and played little part in the game...

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 11:22 AM

New Zealand in Third Place and France in Fourth

Looking forward to Saturday and the game between England and Australia.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 04:05 AM

I quote a colleague of mine here, *ahem*

"I was telling my Aussie friend (an ex-pat) about the newspaper poll thing, and how we think they're a load of whingers ........ and got this reply. Its quite a good insight into the thing they call 'sledging' down under, and why the English shouldn't take any notice of it.

"Presumably, when you are doing real sledging you have to keep your arms by your side and shift your weight from left to right to steer. So it looks like these guys are on a sledge when the roll around bumping into each other.

-------------

"As for the Aussies adopting a whingeing Pom approach – you and the English team have fallen for the biggest Aussie sporting trick in the book. Its called sledging – and strangely enough its an Aussie tradition from AFL where before the siren goes (not a whistle) players will physically shoulder each other and generally behave like two drunks at a bar taking a hostile stance but being unable to throw a punch. During this interchange (very common – just look for it) – you'll see a lot of talk going on. It's usually runs along the lines of "I slept with your missus on your wedding night and boy did she give good head" or something along those lines. They do it to rile the other side so that they lose focus. That is much like the HAKA is supposed to do isn't it?

"So doesn't surprise me in the least that Aussies would be verbally "picking on" the English team well in advance to engage them in a distracting verbal battle –and when they get a response out of their opponents – they succeed! And they love sucking their opponents in. Now what really worries the Aussies – is when there is No response. It gets up their nose that they can't psyche their opponents out of the game.


"And if you think I'm less than serious here. You'd be wrong. I've even seen littlies in little league do it! Its in the national psyche to sledge opponents verbally.


"Actually, I gather the Aussies are telling the English that they play "boring rugby" – rather than criticising them for being whingers. Rather clever if you ask me – as they're obviously trying to get the English team to break out of their strong systematic game where they are unlikely to be make mistakes for the opportunistic aussies to capitalise on. I'm glad to see the English coach on the news last night saying calmly – well we're happy playing boring games – and in fact, we'll be the most boring we can be for them". Hope the team listen to the coach not the sledging – because your coach is quite correct.

"If they stick to being boring (which has been so terribly successful hasn't it :-) ) then they won't be drawn to make ill considered moves and rash mistakes.

"The aussies will give lots of verbal stick because to them its part of any game to square up and do a lot of posturing – after all, its taught to them at school. They're outgoing and aggressive because its in their genes. And if you think about it, it is this quality that has made them aspire harder and win more in sport – out of all proportion to their resources, population and support.

"I reckon you should get in touch with the English coach and tell him all this straight away. He might have a chance of convincing those pea-brain, bull necked, stomping machines to stick to their boring systematic game. Anything else will be a crack in their defence which an enterprising and maverick Aussie will go to town on."

Quote ends - - - Just thought it was an interesting perspective.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 02:46 AM

Don't let the truth spoil a good story, Teribus.

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 07:56 AM

The Bookmakers are making England strong favourites here, 7/4 on is the best you can get, Australia at 11/10 against, could there be another upset?,. With our bookies having three traps paying in and only one paying out they are nearly always right.
It looks like RTE viewing for a long while. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 07:38 AM

Forgot to mention France - number of tries 28 (Average 4.67 per game) against very poor opposition (Scotland; Japan; USA & Fiiji who were missing a large number of their best players), 21 penalties converted can't remember the number of drop goals - but, oh yes, they were the great open, running, try scoring side with more flair and elan than you could shake limp dick at. Unfortunately that is not what the analysis shows.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 07:32 AM

Regarding England - Lets lay the try thing to rest.

Stats from this world show the following with 6 games played:

New Zealand - top try scorers with 46 (Average 7.67 per game), they successfully converted 76% of those, converted 6 penalty kicks and kicked 1 drop goal.

Australia - second for tries with 42 (Average 7 per game), they too successfully converted 76% of those, converted 17 penalty kicks and kicked 1 drop goal.

England - In third place with regard to tries with 35 (Average 5.83 per game), from which they succeeded in converting 77% of those, converted 19 penalty kicks and kicked 7 drop goals.

From the pool matches, England had the only group where two "big name" sides played against each other (England & South Africa). The others played opposition that tended to fold at half time, so it became that much easier to rack up a score, tries were easier to score.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 04:00 AM

On the other hand:

The seven dwarfs went off to work in the mine one day, leaving Snow White to do the housework and prepare their lunches. When she got to the mine with their lunches, she found there had been a terrible cave-in and no sign of life. Tearfully, she shouted into the mine, "Hello. Is anyone there?. Can anyone hear me?"

A voice floated up from the depths of the mine, "Australia will win the World Cup"

"Thank goodness", said Snow White, "At least Dopey is still alive"

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 03:53 AM

Now, Brett, talk to Sandra about my opinion of that.


A guy walks into a bar with a dachshund under his arm. The dog is wearing an England rugby jersey and is festooned with England pom-poms.

The bartender says, "Hey! No pets are allowed! You'll have to leave." The guy begs him, "Look, I'm desperate! We're both big fans, the TV's broken at home, and this is the only place around where we can see the game."

After securing a promise that the dog will behave, and warning him that he and the dog will be thrown out if there's any trouble, the bartender relents and allows them to stay in the bar and watch the game. The big game begins with the Poms receiving the kickoff. They march down field, get stopped at the 22, and kick a penalty goal.

Suddenly, the dog jumps up on the bar and begins walking up and down the bar giving high-fives to everyone. The bartender says, "Wow, that is the most amazing thing I've seen! What does the dog do if they score a try?"

The owner replies, "I don't know, I've only had him for three years."

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 08:18 PM

Now look! All this rugby stuff is fine for you locals here in Oz. But I want some attention while down under too. Rugby is always available but I may only visit Australia once.

So on the 22nd I expect you in Sydney to leave your televisions and come out to the Loaded Dog to show me how the locals enjoy music.

*Grin*

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The Shambles
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 06:13 PM

Australian newspapers complain that Jonny Wilkinson is boring!

I suppose this means that in order to be considered as exciting - it is required that a place-kicker miss their kicks..........

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Gareth
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:51 PM

Help - Request from the's lad down in the Royal Oak.

Where cab d a tape/CD of Oz Drinking Songs for Sarerday ???

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:47 PM

Oh merde! (Gallic shrug - c'est la vie, hein?)
OK, England got the points, but where were the tries and where would they be without sole scorer JW??

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 07:57 AM

Sorry, that last Guest posting was mine which seems to have crossed with AM's last.

Couldn't agree more about next Saturday's match being a good one.

Also forgot to mention to Hrothgar - loved the one liner LOL!!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 07:53 AM

AM,
I said the conditions were the same for both sides, not that they didn't apply. England adapted to the conditions on the day, I can remember an occasion against Scotland at Murrayfield in the not too distant past when they didn't. England going for the triple crown and Grand Slam, up against a Scottish side trying to avoid the whitewash and the wooden spoon, the weather was absolutely horrendous - Scotland won, because England stuck to their original game plan.

Do you honestly believe that the French cannot play in the rain - I can certainly remember occasions where they have ripped their opposition apart in very similar conditions to the ones they played in last Sunday.

Also if memory serves me correctly Englands try scoring record over the past twenty or so games is not too shoddy - are you trying to tell me that none of those matches were against strong opposition? Let's see All Blacks, Australia, Springboks, France, Argentine, Scotland, Ireland, Wales .......

On the day, as Bill Maclaren would have said, they did the needful - there was absolutely no need for them to do more.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 07:46 AM

Listening this morning to BBC Radio 5`s Rugby Correspondent Ian Robertson he described the conditions during the England v France game as atrocious, not made for the French style of play, and England adopted to the conditions which suited a powerful pack and with the greatest goal kicker of all time, they went on to win with ease.
I am not taking away anything from this England side they are in the Final on merit, sure they don`t take chances against strong opposition, why should they when they have an artist like Johnny Wilkinson.

Australia will have to change tatics against this England pack there is no way they will boss them like they did the All Blacks, it all adds up to a very intresting Final. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:28 PM

Be nice, Shambles/Teribus - that video ref on Sunday wss (still is, for that matter) a Brisbane boy, so he must be good.

It wasn't him on Saturday night - it was a Pom, Tony Spreadbury - not that I'm particularly impressed by him as a referee.

Ard macha, if Ireland had that pack, they wouldn't need Wilkinson, except to convert all BOD's tries.

What is the difference between the Ol Blecks and a teabag?

The teabag stays in the Cup longer.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 12:48 PM

So the conditions don`t apply,Teribus your comments on Rugby are becoming as silly as your political garbage, all of the experts I listened to were of the of the opinion that the pouring rain suited the English.
You ought to know that tries are a rare commodity with this English side against strong opposition, and the wet conditions are not suited to team that prefers to pass the ball. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Phot
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 12:40 PM

Start crying Aus, we are going to whip your ass!

Wassail!

Chris.    ...........But it should have been Wales!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Teribus
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 10:43 AM

Shambles it was very close to call - if the same guy looked at the the Kiwi's first crossing of Australia's line yesterday then that would have been awarded as a try.

Ard Mhacha - the conditions were the same for both teams - absolute nonsense to say they suited one side more than the other - they all play in each others respective seasons and by this stage of the competition you are looking at the best in the world. The only thing that will count at the end of the competition will be "how much" - not "how".

One thing is for certain, Eddie Jones, the Aussie coach, knows his team cannot afford to give away anything in their own half.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 08:43 AM

I assume that the video judge called on to establish if the French player had 'grounded' the ball had the same evidence as we did - if this is so - it is rather hard to see how he could have awarded the try. I also understand that this judge was Australian................

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:54 AM

England with the perfect winning formula, dour but very effective.
Big pack, throw it back, give it a hack, three in the sack, now if Ireland had the same pack and Jhonny Wilko, I wouldn`t be the least crictical, winning is the be all and end all.
But hell it`s England and they own the Media and if they beat Australia our TV will be strickly honed on to RTE.

The conditions were made for them, the wet ball and surface were not suited to French flair and with a goal kicker taking the day off, France were a well beaten team at the finish.

Don`t bet against England having a repeat performance against the Aussies. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Teribus
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:45 AM

England V Australia in the Final - looking forward to it.

My prediction is that England will win - provided they get their bloody line-out sorted out.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Cllr
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:21 AM

I read somewhere that the playoff for third place was a bit like two bald men fighting for a comb. Roll on Saturday Cllr Altogether now Swing low sweet...

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:06 AM

Well, after watching England do the Frogs in the rain, I hope it's fine next week. I know that at 10 o'clock last night, after the game in Sydney, we passed a weather indicator near the ground that showed the temperature as 28 Celsius. If it's like that next week, the Poms will probably melt into little spots of grease. I just hope the Australians recover from it - it must have taken a lot out of them.

The third place playoff between NZ and France looks less and less inviting, somehow. It will be a match betwwen two teams that were just shut out in the semis, and it must be terribly hard for them to pick themselves up, physically and mentally. Somebody has to consider repacing the 3 v 4 playoff with a Barbarians-type game between the stars of the teams who did not make the semis.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Hrothgar
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 09:46 PM

Just arrived home from watching the game in Sydney. As I said, if Australia play the way we should, we win by a few points. Mind you, if the Ol Blecks had tightened up their lieouts, they would have been a lot better - but that Australian defence was tremendous.

Now, tonight - I'd really like England to lose, just to really upset Clive Woodward. On the other hand, I don't like the French, and I'd really like Australia to have another opportunity to flog the Poms, so maybe England better win.

One of the really good things about last night's game was when the very large body of England supporters started singing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" - the Australian and New Zealand supporters united in booing them!

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 02:32 PM

Sooz said - "noticed that the Australian team sang their National anthem with great passion while the All Blacks stood stony faced. Is this significant?"

Yes it is - NZ 's laws have to respect the Treaty (between the British colonists & Maori), so half the National Anthem is sung in Maori - unfortunately few people (Maori/Pakeha) know the words!

Well done Oz - a hard game well played....but then your population is huge compared to NZ!!!....some of the "little countries" (Wales, Pacific Islands) can be very proud of themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 09:37 AM

So could be a re-run of the 1999 final? Vive la France, I say!
Re: surprise results. I woz there at the 1986 Scottish Grand Slam (ah to see grown men cry!) and in 1999 at the sleet-and-mud bath that deprived England of their dead-cert Grand Slam and gave the Scots the last ever 5 Nations championship: both tremendous days.
My husband and son were at the last RWC Final in Cardiff, a truly memorable day for them.
Tattie B

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Gurney
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 07:10 AM

Ard Mhacha, I wouldn't say the score flattered the AB's. Since Oz had most of the possession, but most of the game was played in the OZ half, and most of the OZ score came from (technical, not foul) penalty kicks, and that Aussie try came entirely from a (lucky/brilliantly judged) ball interception, unlike the AB one, I'd say our side just made too many errors on the day.
What you see depends on what colour your face is painted, doesn't it.
As I said above, kicking makes too much difference nowadays.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Sooz
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 06:57 AM

I noticed that the Australian team sang their National anthem with great passion while the All Blacks stood stony faced. Is this significant?
By the way, does anyone agree that the England team should dance a Sword Dance before their games? I'm sure that many Morris Teams would be available for coaching. When the swords are all entwined at the end, what better way to show the team spirit? Why should NZ have all the fun?

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Teribus
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 06:50 AM

In answer to your question Wolfgang:

"Please correct me, but my impression is that unlike in football the number of surprises is extremely low. This time so far the only surprises have been how close a game was and not who has won. Is it always like that in rugby?"

Australia 22 : New Zealand 10 - Biggest surprise this compatition

Australia played brilliantly and thoroughly deserved the win, in a match that many, self included, thought would be a foregone conclusion.

Looking forward to England v France tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 06:17 AM

All predicitions down the tubes, the Aussies were complete masters from the kick oFf to the end, the score really flattered NZ.

I hope Mortlock recovers for the final, he was brilliant, as was all of this Aussie side.

Wolfgang`s question on surprise results in Rugby once again answered, NZ were priced at 4 to 1 on in our bookies and you could have had the Aussies with a 12 points start at evens, sport with it`s great uncertainy is the Bookmakers friend. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: Gurney
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 06:08 AM

Damn! Oz 22, NZ 10. Damn.
They deserved the win, though, holding most of the possession.

Good luck in the final, you deserve to be there.





Wish it was us, though.
Thats us, not US.

Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup
From: ard mhacha
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 05:43 AM

I was working in England when England won the World Cup [Soccer], and they worked it so that every game they played was at Wembley, they were down to play Portugal at Old Trafford but by wheeling and dealing the game was played at Wembley.
I remember Rattin of Argentina being sent off for shrugging his shoulders at the Ref, well he couldnt understand a word he said, and then there was that"goal" in the Final, and yes, we are still seeing Bobby Moore on TV holding the Trophy. Sorry for drifting but it is relevant, what we will have to suffer if England win the rugger cup. Ard Mhacha